(A/N: Sorry for the wait. I've had to juggle school and getting out of writer's block. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the last chapter! ~Ellivia22~)

(A/N: I would like to thank my loyal reviewers especially: Shebeepup, Samathou, Meghan486, Meop, Jaziswhatyouwant, DarkSlayer18, and Shirbells Style Whitlock. You guys rock!)

Disclaimer: still not mine

Affliction

Chapter 12

Stan

Two months later

"Just take nice and easy steps," my physical therapist, Cole says, beckoning for me to come forward.

"You can do it, Stan," Kyle says, squeezing my hand in reassurance, then lets go.

I can do this I tell myself. I hand my crutches to Kyle, who takes them and moves to the other side of the room where the doctor is standing. I slowly get off the bed and on my feet. I stumble slightly from not putting weight on this foot for so long. After wobbling a little, I regain my balance and put one foot forward. I sigh in relief and continue to make my way towards Kyle. It feels so good to be on my feet again. After a month in the hospital, and another month on crutches, I'm almost fully healed. The only forms of abuse that I still have are the lashes on my skin from Shelley's whip. Unfortunately the doctor said that's never going to go away. I'm just going to have to learn to live with it. As long as I still have Kyle by my side I know I'll be fine.

Our relationship is everything I hoped it would be. He's so sweet and caring. He's supported me through everything, and I know he will always be there for me no matter what. I love him more than anything.

After a few more steps I finally make it to the other side of the room where Kyle and Cole are standing. "Great job!" Kyle says happily.

"I am very pleased with your speedy recovery," the young doctor comments, making notes on his clipboard. "And I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that you can get rid of those crutches. I just suggest you use the brace until our next appointment in two weeks."

Finally! I shake his hand. "Awesome! Thanks a lot for all your help."

He smiles. "No problem. See you in two weeks."

I hug Kyle briefly then we step out of the doctor's office. "I'm so glad you're getting better," Kyle says happily, squeezing me back tightly.

"Me too. I haven't been this happy in a long time."

"Same here." Kyle pauses. "There is one thing that would make me happier."

I look over at his serious face. "What's that?"

"If we came out."

I sigh. This is one of the rare fights that Kyle and I have been having since we've become a couple. He wants everyone to know about our relationship. I on the other hand am scared to death. What if everyone, especially my family, has the same reaction as Shelley did? "I know you want everyone to know about us, but you know why I am afraid to."

"Stan, just because your sister is a psycho homophobic bitch doesn't mean that everyone else is going to be. Besides, both of our parents are okay with Kenny and Butters' relationship. I just don't want there to be any more secrets."

My heart is thudding hard against my chest. He's right. I'm just so afraid. We sit outside the doctor's office. I refuse to look at him. I know keeping a secret this big is hurting him, and that's the last thing I'd ever want to do. I want to make him happy, and it looks like the only way I'll be able to do that is get over my fear.

I take a deep breath and look into his emerald eyes. "Okay, Kyle. If that's what will make you happy. We will come out."

A huge smile spreads across his face. "Thanks Stan. This means a lot to me. Everything will be okay. I promise."

I force myself to smile back. I sure hope so.

KSK

Ding Dong!

"Stanley, honey, could you get the door please," Mom says from the kitchen.

I get up from off the couch and move towards the door. After making the decision to come out to our parents, Kyle and I talked them into having dinner tonight. I straighten my blue shirt. It feels weird wearing a color other than black, but I'm glad. I've missed wearing my favorite color. Plus I figure if Kyle and I are going to come out to our parents then I should look decent. I take a deep breath and open the door. Standing right outside the door are Mr. and Mrs. Broflovski and most importantly Kyle. He looks so good that I'm fighting the urge to wrap my arms around him and kiss him.

"Hello Stanley," Mrs. Broflovski says. "How are you feeling?"

I smile back. "Much better, thanks. Come on in."

I step back and they enter the house. Shelia and Gerald go to the kitchen where my parents are cooking, leaving Kyle and I alone for the moment. I wrap my arms around him and hug him tightly. Our lips meet in a short, but passionate kiss.

"You ready?" Kyle asks after we pull apart.

I swallow the lump in my throat then nod. We pull away. "Let's get it over with," I say in a voice that isn't my own.

He squeezes my hand and we walk out of the living room to join our parents in the kitchen.

"Sorry Ike couldn't make it," Sheila says sitting at the table with my parents. "He already had plans with a friend."

"Oh it's all right." Mom says, handing her a glass of wine and Gerald a beer.

Dad must've noticed us. "Hey boys, what's with the serious faces?"

Kyle nudges me, indicating that I should go first. I take a deep, shuddering breath. "Mom, Dad, I have to tell you something."

"What is it, Stanley?" My mother asks.

I lose all my courage and look at the floor. I fiddle with the ring Kyle gave me for my birthday. Now that I'm safe I can wear it again. "The reason Shelley started to hurt me is because she found out that…I'm in love with Kyle."

A silence fills the room. "You're gay, Stan?" Dad asks.

I nod my head, still refusing to look at anyone. I feel Kyle grasp my hand. "Are you gay too, Kyle?" Sheila asks.

"Yes. I'm in love with Stan." Kyle answers boldly.

Another silence fills the room. Unable to stand the suspense any longer, I look up. Both mine and Kyle's parents don't look surprised. They look at each other, then back at us. "Thanks for telling us, boys, but we knew this was coming." Gerald says.

Kyle and I look at each other in shock. "You did?"

"Yes we've known for a long time. We've been waiting for you to tell us. And don't worry," my father gives us a reassuring smile. "It's okay with us. We still love you."

I feel as though a heavy burden has been lifted off my shoulders. I can't believe my parents knew that I was gay all along and are okay with it. Nothing could make my life better. Happily I wrap my arms around Kyle. "Thanks guys!"

I steer Kyle out of the room. "Dinner will be ready in five minutes!" Mom shouts after us.

We collapse on the sofa. I wrap my arms around Kyle. He snuggles into me. "Thank you so much."

I kiss him tenderly. "I'd do anything for you."

"I love you, Stan."

"I love you too, Kyle."

As we wait for dinner, I hold my boyfriend lovingly in my arms and sigh happily. I'm safe from my abusive sister, Kyle loves me, my parents accept me. Nothing can be better than this.

The End

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