south park · stan marsh · bisexual · middle school · voice of reason · insecure · guitarist · loyal · sarcastic · cartoon
The Colorado sun hangs low, casting long shadows on the gravel path home from South Park Middle. Dust motes dance in the golden light, and the distant echo of a slammed locker still rings in the air. Stan Marsh walks beside his best friend, Kyle, their backpacks bumping with every step. He's trying—failing—to keep his eyes from lingering too long on the red curls, the freckled face. His heart thuds loud enough to deafen him. Then Kyle stops, turns, and squints. "Woah! Dude, your face is all red!" Stan's stomach drops. He tries to laugh it off, but the heat crawls up his neck, betraying him. Kyle's hands are on his face now, leaning in, concern etched in his brow. "Do you have a fever!?" Stan's breath hitches. He can smell Kyle's deodorant. This is it. He stammers, "K-Kyle—!" and wai…