Work Text:
“The Sun proposed to the Moon
& the Moon said,
“I don’t know,
I don’t know,
I don’t know,
Give me some time.”
~
☀️🌕
~
A being of light and warmth paced in his palace’s courtyard. Known by humans on Earth as the Sun God, but known among his neighboring planets and galaxies as Tweek Tweak, his incoherent hushed words were only heard by his nearby plants. His hands waved erratically in the air as one went to pull on a strand of bright, blond hair. His skin was pale but glimmered in the light. His suit was constantly changing in swirls of red and orange and with every move it left behind a trail of wispy smoke in the air. His cape fluttered behind him, a color of dark red. His face, however, was the most noticeable thing about him.
His eyes were colors of different shades of yellow that varied depending on his mood. On his forehead laid the symbol of the Sun and it glowed nonstop. As he moved back and forth, the plants in his courtyard swayed along with him. His palace was located on a large floating rock several light years away from Earth which was the exact problem Tweek was facing now.
The Moon God would be approaching soon, a fact that was not lost by the Sun God. In fact, Tweek was counting the days until their next meeting. However, they would only be in each other's company temporarily. It was frustrating as well as saddening. Tweek only wished to spend a bit more time with his lover and companion for eternity. But their existence would never allow it.
So these fleeting moments became precious between the two. As of recently, a growing need within Tweek began to haunt him. He has proposed to his lover for eons now only to be dismissed. Today would be the day that he would get an answer.
A shadow casted upon the courtyard and Tweek instinctively turned to the massive doors that flew open seconds later. A tall man entered with his head held high and broad shoulders back. He was known by many as the Moon God, but to Tweek he was Craig Tucker—his soulmate. His suit was pitch black with splattered white that moved and twinkled like the stars he loved and adored. His eyes were a white that could suck one in if gazed too long and his tan skin complimented the symbol of the Moon placed on his forehead.
Tweek’s anxiety quickly melted away and his shoulders sagged in relief as they met each other halfway. Their embrace was tight and lingering. They breathed each other's scent and took in their presence for who knew how long they had.
Which reminded Tweek of a certain question he needed an answer to.
He pulled back, lips parted to speak of his demand, when Craig leaned down and pressed a chaste kiss. Sparks flew and Tweek sighed, letting himself get pulled in their passion. He closed his eyes and felt Craig’s every breath and his lips pressed against his.
When they pulled back, Craig had a soft smile directed only to him and Tweek fell in love all over again.
“How’ve you been?” asked Craig and Tweek swooned at his timber voice. Music, something Tweek discovered by a contraption called “The Voyager”, was a melody that brought a sense of peace and happiness when Tweek first heard it. If he were to compare it to anything else, it would be Craig’s voice.
“Fine,” responded Tweek. “You?”
Craig sighed and pulled Tweek to their special bench underneath a growing tree. It was warm here, something Tweek had little control of, and Craig preferred the shade than standing in the heat.
“I accidentally caused many natural disasters on Earth.” Craig rubbed his forehead and his symbol shimmered. “Tolkien had a lot to say to me.”
Tolkien Black, otherwise known as the Earth God, was a dear friend of Craig’s and was in close proximity to him. Tweek envied him.
“How were the humans?” Tweek was always fascinated by them and Craig was the perfect link to gain more knowledge.
“Many died,” confessed Craig and winced at Tweek’s devastating look. “But Tolkien said that they were resilient and soon, they were back on their feet.”
Tweek nodded, expecting this. Humans were known for their indomitable spirit.
“Good,” whispered Tweek and Craig pressed a kiss on his cheek.
“You’re beautiful,” said Craig, his lips still pressed against Tweek’s skin.
The Sun God giggled and lightly pushed Craig away. “You always say that.”
“Because it’s true.” Craig smirked when Tweek blushed.
Which reminded him…
“Craig,” began Tweek, averting his gaze somewhere else, “I need to ask you something.”
The Moon God grabbed Tweek’s hand and kissed his knuckles. “Yes, my love?”
“Would you marry me?”
Craig was familiar with this dance of theirs. His thumb caressed Tweek’s knuckles before saying, “I don’t know.”
“What do you mean?!” shrieked Tweek, pulling away and resuming his pacing. His hair frizzled even more. “You’ve been saying the same thing for a long time now!” He paused and turned to Craig. His eyes glittered with unshed tears. “Do you…not love me?” he whispered, broken.
Craig’s heart stuttered; he was by Tweek’s side in an instant. “Yes, I—of course I do!”
“Then why!” yelled Tweek, fisting Craig’s shirt in a tight grip. “Please tell me why!”
Craig’s heart broke but he remained firm on his decision of withholding the reason behind his dismissive answer. He was suddenly made aware that his time here was ending soon and they both knew it. Tweek’s grip turned into steel and Craig placed his hand on top of his.
“I…cannot tell you,” said Craig, his figure slowly becoming transparent as the Moon began to pass the Sun.
“Why won’t you marry me?” asked Tweek, voice small.
“I—”
But Craig was gone and Tweek was all alone again.
He collapsed to his knees and cried, mourning the presence of his lover already.
~
☀️🌕
~
“He doesn’t understand,” said Craig, frustration laced in his words. He ran a hand through his short, black hair and sighed. “How could he ask for such a thing?”
“Well,” began Tolkien, a finger tapping his chin. His all blue suit was brilliant with a necktie displaying various clouds moving around. On his forehead rested the symbol of Earth and his chocolate, brown eyes narrowed in thought. “Maybe he cares little about the logistics and the impossibility of uniting you two in marriage.”
“He should,” huffed Craig.
They were located in the middle between the Earth and Moon. A small asteroid that posed no threat to either planet and that’s been a host of many conversations between the two Gods.
“Love can make you do outlandish things,” argued Tolkien. “I’ve seen humans act the same way.”
“He’s a God,” countered Craig, eyes glaring at Earth just behind Tolkien. “Not a human. His proposal makes no sense.”
Tolkien shrugged, used to the ranting at this point. “Have you ever considered looking through his perspective?”
“Yes.” Craig had done so many times before. But a union between the two was as far-fetched as their neighboring galaxies.
The two Gods sat in silence before Tolkien excused himself and Craig did the same. As he rested in his palace by his lonesome, Craig’s tormented mind replayed the last image of his lover. A devastated look of betrayal and heartbreak.
The only remedy was something he could not give.
~
☀️🌕
~
Tweek was out watering his plants when a knock resounded from his front door. He hardly had any visitors so his mind instantly played several scenarios of the most disastrous possibilities awaiting him outside. He waited for a time but no other knock came. He cautiously made his way to the front and slowly opened his door. He peeked his head out and saw no one besides the vastness of space and time.
He glanced down and saw a book with a note attached to it. In writing it said:
“May it be of use.”
When it came to human things, Tweek treasured them, especially the thing called books. It contained stories unlike anything he had ever heard of. Tales of heroism that slayed villains with courage and honor as their shield and sword. Universes that Tweek knew he could never reach. Of humans and their beliefs and emotions.
Craig had gifted him many books in the past—courtesy of Tolkien. Tweek couldn’t help but wonder if Craig planned to send this after his sudden departure as an apology.
Tweek settled comfortably in his makeshift library and with a snap of his fingers, fires were born on every candle and lit the room. He opened the book, curious, and read the first line:
To become mortal, one must be sincere with their wish.
For the rest of the night, Tweek read and discovered something—a solution, quite possibly, to their problem.
~
☀️🌕
~
The next time an eclipse happened, Tweek was ready for Craig. His lover found him in the dining hall with a magnificent feast awaiting him. Craig couldn’t help the smile that grew on his face and Tweek swore that new stars were born. They clashed into each other’s arms and kissed with a fire that Tweek knew his own flames could never replicate.
They parted and Craig took Tweek’s hand in his, eager to drown in his presence. They ate and talked, laughing and gasping at just the right moment. After the food was devoured and their bellies full, they made their way to Tweek’s garden.
Hand in hand, they let the silence between them fall into something comfortable and safe. Tweek, however, knew that the peace would be broken by none other than him.
“Craig,” he began and Craig knew what was coming. “Would you marry me?”
“I don’t know,” he responded, voice tight with an emotion he could not confess.
“Would you marry me…if we were humans?” asked Tweek, stopping and gazing up at his lover.
Craig, for his part, found words inaccessible. He opened his mouth, ready to retort such a ridiculous idea, but stopped. Mortality never crossed his mind. He simply accepted that his existence and purpose was to look over the Moon and forever spend long periods of time away from the one person he treasured most. The image of both Tweek and himself, living on Earth as humans, played in his mind and he couldn’t stop the hope building in his chest.
Tweek continued after the prolonged silence, voice frantic and shrill, “I-I couldn’t help but wonder, ngh.” Tweek twitched. “Wouldn’t it be nice?”
“I…” Craig wasn’t sure what to think, to be quite frank. Logically, the answer would be a resounding no. It made no sense to give up the title and benefits of a God to become a mere mortal human. Yet the emotions bubbling inside of him yelled out a deafening yes. To be together at last was a far better enjoyment than to be apart a second longer. “My love—”
His time was coming up and their eyes widened. Their grip on each other tightened and Tweek’s eyes filled with tears. Panic overwhelmed Craig and his lips parted, ready to give his answer. Logic be damned!
But the Moon passed the Sun like so many times before and Craig was gone before he knew it.
Tweek collapsed, heartbroken once more, and cried for a future he longed for.
~
☀️🌕
~
“Tell me about the humans,” demanded Craig.
Tolkien blinked. Craig’s sudden request to meet was bizarre in itself but Tolkien did not complain. Company was always welcoming.
“What do you want to know?”
Craig paused and his eyes flickered to Earth. “Their lives.”
Tolkien hummed and followed his friend’s gaze. “It’s limited. A short passage of time compared to our own immortal lives. Some die too young with dreams never achieved. Some are delivered to Death’s door personally by the hands of their neighbor. Famine plagues them and wars are started out of pride. It could be a horrible life to live.” Craig looked over to Tolkien and found himself blinking in surprise.
The Earth God held a fond smile on his face as he continued, “Yet, they persevere. Their fleeting lives are celebrated with every second spent with those they love and cherish. War brings unity and strength. Famine brings cures and hope. Never before had I ever seen such spirit. Humans are unique and I am blessed to be their caretaker until we take our very last breath together.”
Craig now understood Tweek’s curiosity for humans. Living with the restrictions from Life and Death by itself was unappealing. But if Tweek was there beside him, Life and Death painted an imagery of beauty and excitement.
His decision was made when Tweek proposed the idea, but this solidified that his emotions were not misplaced.
He stood suddenly and turned to the direction of the Sun. An eclipse wouldn’t be due until a long time from now, but it was enough for Craig to prepare for what was to come.
“I think,” began the Moon God, heart and soul calm and resolute, “living a short but celebrated life is appealing after all.”
Tolkien smiled brightly and his eyes twinkled, his plan a success. “I think so too, my friend.”
~
☀️🌕
~
As the Sun passed over the Moon, Tweek barged right into Craig’s palace. It was fascinating to the Sun God to see the vast differences between his home and his lover’s. Here, the colors were a monochrome shade and not much else. The only dazzling things about the palace were the small gifts Tweek had given Craig over the eternity they’ve known each other. Tweek was looking over the books his soulmate had when the doors opened.
He turned and his smile was bright and blinding. Despite their unions always ending bittersweet, the love Tweek had for Craig never dwindled or died. He knew that Craig meant no harm when he dismissed his proposal yet the hurt never truly left. A small part of Tweek couldn’t help but wonder if he was the reason Craig never accepted.
Craig dashed over to his lover and embraced him tightly. He was waiting for this moment since he was forcefully taken from Tweek’s side.
The Sun God opened his mouth, about to suggest taking a walk outside so Craig could point out all the stars he named over time, when his lover beat him to it.
“Your question,” began Craig but never continued. To any other God or Goddess, the lone statement would not be understood. To Tweek, however, the words and earnest look his Craig casted over him made the meaning of his statement loud and clear.
“W-,” Tweek stopped, unused to this dance. But there was a twinkle in Craig’s beautiful Moon white eyes and Tweek could not make him wait any longer. “Would you marry me?”
“Yes,” breathed Craig, bending down to graze his lips over Tweek’s frozen form. “Yes, yes, yes. For all eternity and beyond, yes.”
“C-C-C-,” Tweek hiccuped and tears formed in his beautiful Sunset yellow eyes. “Craig,” he whined, pressing his face against Craig’s chest.
“I mean it,” he continued, his hold tight and protective. “Let us live our lives as humans, my love, so we would never part again.”
Tweek pulled back with widened eyes. Surely he had heard wrong. Surely. “What?” he squeaked.
Craig smiled and his eyes softened, only for the man before him. He cupped his cheek and wiped away a stray tear. “You asked before if I would marry you if we were humans. Do not mistake that for my sudden change of heart.” He kissed Tweek’s forehead, right on the Sun symbol, softly and endearingly. “My heart has never changed since you asked my hand for marriage. The reason I never gave an answer was that I could not bear to be bound by you when our company would remain momentarily for the rest of our immortal lives. But I will make it known that I would gladly give up my Godhood if it meant that you will be the first one I will see every morning and you will be the last one I will see every night.”
Tweek let out a cry that came from his heart and soul. After all this time, Craig was trying to protect him—no, both of them. His lover was truly too kind to him. Finally, Tweek knew that Craig wanted to be with him as much as he wanted to be with Craig.
“Is this a dream?” asked Tweek, terrified that this would vanish at any moment.
Craig chuckled, fondness seeping into his voice as he said, “My sun, we do not sleep.”
“Oh,” whispered Tweek, cheeks flushing red.
Craig laughed and kissed Tweek deeply.
When they parted, Tweek gazed up at Craig with a smile. “Are you ready?”
Craig nodded. “It seems like you know what to do next.”
Tweek grabbed Craig’s hand tightly and he led them down the path to the balcony overlooking Earth. That would be their new home now. They both felt the Sun slowly making its way past the Moon. They had little time to think over their decision.
But Tweek couldn’t help himself. “Are you sure?” He looked at Craig.
The reassurance the Sun God was looking for was in the form of Craig giving him a smile that showed his teeth and his dimples. “As sure as when I knew I loved you.”
Tweek couldn’t help his own smile. “We need to give up our title as Gods and make a wish to be mortal.”
Craig couldn’t help but cock a brow. “Isn’t that cliché?”
The Sun was almost ready to move on.
“Well,” started Tweek, eyes twinkling with that look of giddiness that Craig fell in love with, “to wish for something you earnestly want, even if it is foolish and unattainable, is one of the traits of being human.”
“It is hope,” finished Craig, understanding what his lover was saying. Tolkien’s words resonated in his mind:
“Yet, they persevere.”
“I wish to be human,” said Craig, voice strong and determined.
“I wish to be human,” repeated Tweek, body light and heart steady.
They never looked away from each other as they felt their Godhood slip away from them. Their hands were locked tight as they fell forward. Even when their bodies became transparent and nothing was left of them but particles slowly making their way down to Earth. They lingered near each other before their consciousness drifted away and Life greeted them with a hearty,
“Welcome home.”
~
☀️🌕
~
“Welcome to preschool, children!” greeted the teacher, voice soft and kind.
The three- and four-year olds waddled around the carpet as they explored their new environment. Some gravitated towards the toys laid out while others stuck close to the only adults in the room.
A child with bright, yellow hair that was left untamed trembled as he pressed himself against the wall. His eyes flickered everywhere. He was looking for something. He wasn’t sure of what, though. A toy? The restroom?
Suddenly, a few kids shrieked with laughter and the bright haired boy snapped his attention to the noise. There was a boy already staring at him and the toy in his hand slipped to the floor. The anxious little boy suddenly felt his tremors subside and a warmth he only ever got from his mom and dad enveloped him. It felt like a hug.
It felt like home.
The boy, who wore a blue hat with a yellow puff ball on top, made his way over. He stopped, a small space between them, and looked at him intensely.
He smiled widely, missing teeth and dimples appearing, and asked, “‘eek?”
Tweek Tweak began to cry. He didn’t understand why he was crying but he knew it wasn’t sad tears. These were happy ones.
“‘Crai’!” yelled Tweek and flung himself into Craig Tucker’s awaiting arms.
They held each other close for the rest of the day and their parents struggled to separate them when pick up time rolled around. They exchanged numbers and promised the four-year olds that they would have a playdate soon.
When they were pulled apart, the only comfort they had was the lingering heat of the other’s hand on their own. Both children, in their parents’ respective cars, gazed at their open palms in wonder.
“So was that your new friend?” asked their parents at the same time as the cars drove in different directions.
Craig and Tweek looked out the window and said in unison, “Not friend.” And left it at that.
No, they were more than friends and somehow they knew it from the moment they finally found each other. Their wish came true, after all.
~☀️~
Fin
~🌕~