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Tweek Tweak knows he was a mess during his elementary school days. Everyone could see it, if the unapproving eyes that befell him everywhere he went wasn’t enough to tell the story. He was the weird mentally unstable kid who had a very small group of friends that at the time, he doubted were real or not.
Tweek also knows it hasn’t been that long since he engaged in self care and started to not only be physically better but both mentally and emotionally too. Ever since senior high school, he has kept the coffee intake at a minimum, without the harmful contents of course. For someone who got used to drinking them an unhealthy amount of times a day (without knowing), it was definitely difficult at first but slowly as time flew by, it got more manageable and easier.
Amidst all the other important stuff he improved on, he’s most proud to say he learned to properly button his shirts. Even so, they took time so he opted for wearing inner t-shirts and wearing green flannels over them instead—unbuttoned.
So yes, he did change a lot. Change is a constant thing, an inevitable force everyone has to experience. He’s happy he’s changed for the better, familiar faces point out his progress and he guesses it’s because all his efforts have not gone to waste and is reflecting on his demeanor. The validation’s not all that bad.
Oh and his and Craig’s relationship has also changed. If back then, they were awkward, doubtful, pressured into a relationship—eased into it but still unsure how it worked. Now that they are in college, have clear goals, and increased in maturity too, they’ve gotten closer, more comfortable with outwardly displaying affection. So yes, that has reflected on both their demeanors too.
So why are their old schoolmates so insistent on denying that one factor about him? Their 4th grade gay relationship used to be the talk of the town, compliments here and there for being so brave and open at such a young age. And now that they’re more serious about it, suddenly it was just a “child's act,” a bit from the past and a topic of humor.
The thing is, Tweek doesn’t really care what the others think of his relationship with Craig. He can live his entire life not caring, really, that makes him sound like his boyfriend, but it’s true. He’s happy and in love and other people’s opinions are not of much value.
But when you spend everyday with your boyfriend at the same college with most of the same schoolmates back in elementary, it’s not a surprise that he mentions and hangs out with Craig a lot. The surprise is, they are all so accepting of his personal changes yet somehow, doubtful of what did retain about him—Craig Tucker being his boyfriend. As if their daily proximity isn’t enough to prove his point, apparently they’re just ‘homiesexual’ or whatever the word is.
Wendy rolls her eyes, talking loudly enough in the hallways to drown out the noise of college students rushing outside for lunch. “For the last time, can you guys stop betting on this? They’re together, they kiss in empty classrooms for god sake! Are you all blind?” The ravenette throws her hands up in the air and raises her eyebrows. She narrows her eyes at the two guys in front of her, one ginger, another with blonde highlights.
Tweek sputters at being caught, searching Wendy’s gaze for some kind of explanation. When? How many times have you seen us? Before recalling the point she was trying to make and sighing in exasperation, Well at least you see it.
Stan hums in mock contemplation, “Yes, maybe.” He looks over to Kyle who has the most bored look on his face, “What do you think dude?”
The ginger turns to look at his best friend in the face and shakes his head, “No, we’re not blind. I can clearly see them when they walk together in the hallways and attend English Communication class, stay overtime till it’s empty and hang out like..” Kyle suddenly snaps his head at Wendy, “like what platonic bros do! You’re reading too much into it man!”
Stan nods his head in agreement, closing his eyes like it’s the end of discussion and he and Kyle won a fulfilling debate. “10 dollars for Tweek and Craig having kissed once and that was back in elementary and they’ve never done it again because they aren’t dating. At all.”
Wendy furrows her brows before resigning in defeat, not because she doesn’t have any more retorts to prove them wrong but because she knows it’ll just be a waste of time. She pats Tweek in the back twice with an apologetic smile.
“10 dollars for Tweek and Craig going on a total of 2 dates once they reached high school and breaking up because they realized the hype was over.” Kyle raised a challenging brow at Stan, holding a hand out as if waiting for the other to shake it.
Before Stan could take his hand, Tweek intervenes, “Okay stop, stop! Just stop. Why do you guys even care if we’re still dating or not? Also, we are–”
“You’re funny, Tweek.” says Stan.
“No look, I’m not joking. But it doesn’t matter because are you guys so bored you’re all up in our ass and betting money over this? What’s worse is why don’t you believe what I say? It’s coming from me, Tweek!” He twitches a bit as he finishes talking and feels a looming presence as the ginger steps one foot closer.
Kyle rests a hand on his shoulder, it was probably meant to be reassuring but he still flinches a bit. “Tweek listen, gay relationships are like.. More accepted now. They aren’t a grand flex like they used to be so you don’t have to keep lying to us in an attempt to be cooler. You’re already cool! I just want Stan’s 10 dollars dude.”
He almost forgot about Wendy until she spoke up, “He is not indulging your stupid bets. Why don’t you use those 10 dollars and buy yourselves some food so you won’t spout nonsense, likely due to the lack of food in both your stomachs?” She crosses her arms and glares at the two, hard.
Stan relents first, “Okay fine, geez. Kyle let’s go. I am kinda hungry.”
“Kinda? Your stomach’s been growling and gurgling since Electives class dude.” Kyle points out.
Stan readjusts his sweater at the front as if it’ll drown out any future noises. “Shut up, don't embarrass me man.” He tugs at Kyle’s hat (which amazes Tweek at how similar the style is from his elementary hat, the only difference would be the size) and turns around.
“Whatever. This isn’t over Tweek, I’m sure we’re right. You’ll admit to the truth eventually, me, a pre-law major senses it!” Kyle calls over as the distance between the two pairs grows larger. He looks over his shoulder and throws a childish grin before continuing on their merry way.
Tweek can finally get a breath of air, his shoulders slump and he fumbles with the buttons of his flannel. “Thank you Wendy, if it weren’t for you I would have probably exploded from their stubborness.”
The other giggles and walks forward from where she stood beside him, “No worries Tweek, if they bother you or Craig again, I’m just one call away. The trick is to treat them both as the 4th graders they once were with some logic here and there.” She winks at him before waving and shifting back on her foot. “I’ll go eat lunch now, you should too!”
Tweek nods, wanting to say the same yet his mouth has a mind of its own and doesn’t move. Once Wendy’s far enough, he pulls out his phone to text his first contact.
Hey dude
We meet at the cafeteria?
no way we’re eating there. i'll treat you outside
Oh okay, I’ll wait for you on the main gate then
Thanks Craig
cool, see you hon
The blond smiles softly and makes his way to their meeting place. Adjusting and readjusting his collar, the cuffs of his sleeves, his baggy jeans, his backpack slung over one shoulder, and his hair that has strands sticking out over every possible angle.
He fortunately outgrew his bald spot that he kept getting teased about back then but if there’s one thing that he didn’t outgrow, it would be his bird's nest of a hair. Tweek doesn’t know what causes it—he swears he’s tried every possible hair care product that could tame it but he thinks it’s just something about his hairline or maybe it’s a genetic thing (that’s an excuse, his parents have perfectly normal hair).
Still, he can’t help but feel a little bit self conscious. Sure, he’s come far since elementary but everyone goes through puberty, everyone glows up as they learn more about themselves, he’s just one of those people. Unfortunately, Craig is also one of those people.
This means that he’s the walking definition of tall, dark (tan), and handsome. A living epitome of every girl’s dream. He can’t recall the amount—countless women using him to hit the other up, not knowing they’re in a relationship. He always just settles for a firm: sorry as far as I know, he’s dating someone. It’s funny but when Tweek thinks too much about it like he’s doing right now, he can’t help but feel a deep unease churning within him, green and unwelcome–
“Babe?” A raspy but deep–timbred voice calls out from beside him.
His heart jumps out of his chest, he thankfully doesn’t recoil like he used to but his shoulders are embarrassingly raised far too high. “Ah! Craig, hey man.” As if proving his earlier thought, once he locks eyes with the other, he can’t help but appreciate the half American half Peruvian man’s beauty. Craig’s amber eyes glow under the sunlight, painting them two shades lighter and if Tweek looks hard enough, he can make out the faint lines on his pupils.
As usual, if not wearing just a black t-shirt with a NASA print on it, then it’d be some stylish plain tee under his navy blue jacket that has a NASA print, which is what he’s wearing right now. And of course, his signature hat, him and Kyle are similar in a way that they’re capable of finding hidden gems, replicas of their elementary hats but more appropriate looking for their age. Tweek silently applauds them both.
Still, the end thought is, Craig is attractive, a slightly chiseled face with defined features and hooded eyes that make him all the more charming. He carries himself high with that unique nose bridge, differing from his own button one and thin slightly chapped lips that frame his angular jaw well. If Tweek continues observing him he knows he might crash out because no one should be allowed to look that fine.
So he doesn’t, he puts both his hands down from where they’re resting on his head and stomach. “How was Astrophysics class?” He clears his throat, hoping his pitch isn’t too awkwardly high.
Craig hooks a pinky finger around his and shrugs, “Mediocre and unchallenging. We might tackle a more complex lesson tomorrow though.” He stares down at the blonde for a second, not breaking eye contact, Tweek shifts from where he’s standing.
“So handsome,” He starts, Tweek rolls his eyes at that, “You have anything in mind you want to eat?”
He hums, searching the back of his head if he had been craving something the entire day and forgot (it’s happened before and he got frustrated when he ate something his taste buds didn’t actually want). “I just honestly want coffee right now. I’m not that hungry.” He chews on his bottom lip, knowing Craig never approves of him not eating a full meal.
The taller sighs, giving him a look before breaking eye contact. “Fine, we’ll go to Tweek Bros. but only if you order actual food along with the coffee.” He tugs at the blonde’s pinky finger before holding his entire hand and tucking it into the pocket of his jacket.
Tweek slightly flushes, he remembers turning as red as a tomato when Craig first did it. He guesses he’s slowly getting accustomed to the other’s romantic advances, good, so his heart should beat a little slower every time too. It doesn’t. “Fine dude but y’know, it’s not like I’d starve myself to death. I do eat in class when I’m hungry, our instructor doesn’t mind.” They start walking farther from the campus, strides having the same rhythm.
“Sure honey, and then you complain about how they taste like paint.” Craig responds smoothly, Tweek twitches at that.
“Okay that’s! Well yeah but I mean..” He stares at the pavement, wanting to put up a good fight and defend himself, he can do this. “Paint tastes good anyway so it’s o–”
He looks up and the taller is already sending a questionable look his way, one brow raised, as if silently communicating—really now?
The blond throws his hands, his only free one, up in the air and slightly raises his voice (he hopes it’s not full on screaming for other people). “GAH! Whatever dude. You eat enough for the both of us.”
“Yeah but if you think about it that actually doesn’t make any sense because we’re too separate biological beings and me digesting food doesn’t actually affect your–”
“Craig.” Tweek warns, “Shut up.”
Having finally sat at the coffee shop, they put down both their bags and settle at a cozy corner. Craig orders for the both of them and Tweek doesn’t fail to notice the way his parents’ eyes light up. He just prays and hopes they kept their remarks at bay, which is unlikely due to the shine on both their eyes.
His parents never once doubted their relationship would last, maybe because they were there when Tweek went over to sleep at Craig’s house and vice versa for the past years. They saw him when he was a confused mess, not knowing how relationships work, and why he’s feeling this and that. Still, Tweek’s pretty sure his friend group also knows these facts—so why is it so hard for them to believe it?
He watches as Craig, exuding poise and flawlessness, holds the food tray with both hands, making his way to their table in confident strides. Is it his nonchalance that makes him look so good doing everything and nothing or simply because he’s Craig Tucker? Tweek still doesn’t have an answer. The guy used to not have that much aura radiating from him back then.
“Your parents said you looked bothered this morning and thought it was because we had an argument.” He carefully sets their drinks and pastries before sliding the tray to an empty table. Craig sits down and tries to meet his eyes as he looks everywhere but the raven-haired, “Did something happen, honey?”
Tweek exhales upon hearing the pet name—nerves automatically calming down, he doesn’t move his down-turned head but lifts meadow green eyes to meet amber ones. “It’s about.. Us.”
Craig blinks a few times, straightening his posture, “What about– what about us?”
“Look Craig, I don’t know why but haven’t you noticed how–”
“Please don’t break up with me.” The raven-haired interrupts, tone deadpan and final. There’s a slight crease to his eyebrows and his lips are etched into a thin line.
Tweek twitches twice at that and tilts his head disbelievingly, “What? Oh my god, I’m not breaking up with you!” He shakes his head furiously before slowing down to take a good look at the other’s expression, a few seconds tick by before he dissolves into a fit of laughter.
“Why are you laughing.”
“Your face!” Tweek clutches his stomach, “You look like a wounded puppy dude!”
Craig sighs and leans back into his chair, “Alright babe, I seriously thought this was about to be something else. You cannot make fun of me for worrying.” When he doesn’t stop giggling—the taller rolls his eyes (not without a soft smile plastered), “Tweek, lock in, what haven’t I noticed?”
The blonde calms himself down, taking deep breaths and wiping the tears on the corner of his eyes threatening to fall. “About how nobody, absolutely nobody, well except for Wendy, believes that we’re still dating.” He raises both eyebrows at that, expecting Craig to be as baffled.
He was wrong, he should’ve known, Craig is and has always been unbothered when it came to others (anyone that wasn’t Tweek or Stripe). “So? It doesn’t affect us.”
“Well it affects me! Do you know how many times Stan’s gang approached me trying to get me to admit the ‘truth’ about how we were only friends and we only dated for the ‘hype’? What’s worse is they’re like the voice of the entire school! Everyone thinks so as well.” Tweek takes a sip of his coffee to calm the brewing storm from inside.
He hears the clinking of utensils as Craig takes a bite of his mac and cheese, even as he mumbles the words, Tweek understands him clearly, “Then just ignore them, if you already told them a bunch of times that we are dating and they still don’t believe you, that’s just their idiocy in action.”
Tweek twitches and silently growls, “Grgah, it’s not that easy man. The more I thought about it, the more I realized they’re also reducing our relationship to something of less value. Something in the past, something that wasn’t real! That’s frustrating to me, I can’t ignore it no matter how hard I try.”
The other nods at his words, resting his hand on the table and opening his palm. “I hear you honey. What do you want to do about it?”
“I–I don’t know! I was hoping you had an idea.” As if on instinct, he places his hand on top of Craig’s open palm. It doesn’t take long before his entire hand is engulfed in the other’s own warm one.
Craig hums, “I do.”
He perks up at that, “What is it?”
“Nothing your pretty little head should worry about. Just keep eating babe, I’ll take care of it.”
Tweek furrows his brows, “What? No, tell me! And it better not involve getting into physical fights man. We aren’t that immature anymore.”
The raven-haired only smiles at him, braces glinting as they peek out, he nibbles on the straw of his drink, “Don’t worry, it’s totally harmless.”
If Tweek really wanted to and he could, he would punch that lopsided grin off his face and maybe slip a kiss, a small peck even. He wouldn’t though because Craig looks so sure and confident of himself that even he’s scared of what’s to come. Ugh, why can’t he just tell him? Stupid Craig.
ACT I.
The first time it happened, Tweek thought it wasn’t intentional and didn’t read too much into it. He was sitting in the cafeteria with three other people discussing a project that Kenny needed their talents and manpower for.
“I mean I would totally be down to help you man! Ya know I like you a lot and we’re friends and friends help each other.” Butters, ever so cheerful and kind, pats Kenny on the back and beams at the taller.
“Gee, you just want to suck his dick, don’t you Butters.” Cartman speaks at the side of his mouth as if that distinct voice could come from anyone but him. Butters stutters and frowns at that. The brunet's only here because he was persistent on accompanying Kenny in the ‘talk of the blondes’ as he called it, he was weirdly excited about having the only different hair color in the group.
Kenny sighs and elbows Cartman gently, “Shut up Cartman. Thank you Butters, I appreciate it. And you, Tweek?”
Tweek flinches slightly and raises a hand to rub his nape nervously, “Hm.. I’m not so sure dude. It seems like a lot of work, engineering and all that. Plus, I’ve been busy because Craig actually has something coming up and he also needs my help so–”
Cartman yells and throws his hands up in the air, attracting the attention of a few tables near them. Tweek wants to cover his face but settles for subtly wrapping his arms around himself. “Craig? As in Craig Tucker? Oh my god. No. Way. You guys still hang out? I thought once you guys stopped fake dating, you’d stop talking too! That’s awesome man, the sheer dedication.”
Butters smiles at the sudden topic shift and tilts his head to face Tweek who’s sitting beside him—he doesn’t look back, “I remember ya’ll being real close back in elementary! You guys stayed connected? That’s unexpected but really coolio!”
“Nobody says coolio Butters, stop it.” Cartman interjects.
“Oh okay.” Butters resigns himself.
Tweek’s approximately two millimeters close to popping a migraine. How is it that no matter what they’re talking about, no matter how far it is from his and Craig’s relationship, they still somehow get to this topic?
Kenny watches the two converse before eyeing him, silently pleading for Tweek to accept his request. In a way, those eyes remind him of when Craig pulls out his own puppy ones (Craig argues that he isn’t trying to be a dog and is strictly of ‘pure human bloodline’). Still, it always works because Tweek is in love and a sucker for the guy.
He sighs in defeat. “Alright Kenny, I’ll—I’ll see what I can do dude. Just text me the schedule, where you want to meet up, and I’ll pitch my ideas.”
Kenny jumps from his seat and punches a fist up in the air as if he’s fist bumping the sky. Though you can’t see much of his smile due to his classic orange hooded parka (again, where do they find these sized up outfits?), the crease of his eyes are enough to convey the message. “Woohoo! Thanks so much man. You’re the bes–”
“Hey babe.” A familiar voice sends tingles to his ears from behind and he almost falls off his seat from surprise—GAH!. “Woah, easy.” Craig rests a hand on his back and smiles down at him.
“Well well well, if it isn’t the Craig Fucker.” Cartman greets, always the seeker of conflict.
“Hello to you too, Eric Fatman.” The raven-haired quickly diverts his attention from the group towards Tweek, not paying the others and Cartman’s annoyed hey! any mind.
“Same time today at my house, right? You’re really of great help for my presentation, honey.” As if to prove his point, he leans down to softly kiss Tweek’s forehead, brushing his hair aside in the process. Tweek could only nod, twitching a few times.
“Woah.” Kenny whispers, almost amused.
Butters starts clapping enthusiastically, as if all the tables within the five meter radius aren’t already staring in shock. “Aww how sweet!”
Cartman rolls his eyes, “Damn attention-seeking homosexuals.”
Craig leans back and straightens his posture. “I know he doesn’t sit with you often but try not to influence Tweek with your bad eating habits.” He narrows his eyes at the brunet with a piercing gaze and despite looking up at the raven-haired, Cartman replicates the veracity of the eye-contact.
Craig breaks it first but everyone can see how that wasn’t defeat at all, “Bye babe.” He rubs Tweek’s shoulder with one hand and then walks away. Tucking his hands back into his pockets and turning his back on them as if he never did anything close to one of the school’s minor offenses—Public Display of Affection.
“That was so intense, fellas.” Butters commented. Tweek thinks he wasn’t breathing at all until the blonde said that.
ACT II.
The second time it happened, Tweek’s sure it was intentional and he doesn’t know how much more he can handle. When Craig had said he had a ‘plan’, he didn’t know it would be this unhinged.
“So let me get this straight, you’re throwing a party where only couples are allowed?” Bebe raises a brow at Tolkien, a smile on her face as she imagines all the different types of scenarios that may go down. And all the social popularity she can gain in the process.
Tolkien chuckles, “Mhm. Obviously, you and Clyde are invited. You guys can invite other couples you know as well. Stan and Wendy–”
“Kyle’s definitely coming with both of them.” Clyde nods at his own words with a smile.
Tolkien ponders, “Okay, I guess he counts.” A few moments of silence pass by before the blonde man raises his head and notices their collective gazes at him, as if waiting for him to say something.
“Um, should I get going?” To be frank, Tweek doesn’t know why he’s here, he only hangs out with Craig’s friend group when Craig’s there with them but he isn’t and he feels just a tad bit awkward being in this line–up.
“No, Tweek. We need you to convince Craig to go. He’s a total downer when it comes to parties and always opts to just stay at home and watch whatever racing show’s on TV, fast and furious or whatever.” Tolkien softly shakes his head in both amusement and disappointment. Yeah, he watches them with me while you guys get drunk and go home the next dawn.
“Why me?” Tweek twitches.
Clyde looks at him in disbelief, “Are you serious? Why not you? You guys are like– attached at the hip.” Tweek widens his eyes in full agreement, Does this mean Clyde isn’t denying their relationship? For once, maybe someone other than Wendy can see it.
The brunet continues, “Best of bros, partners in crime.. or in nerdy stuff I guess, no offense though because that’s cute. And also, brother-in-arms, the inseparable homies, the list goes on and on.”
Bebe rolls her eyes, “I think he gets your point, Clyde.”
Yes, he does and he wishes he didn’t. Tweek tries not to show his frustration.
Tolkien adds, “Exactly, you’re the only one who can get through to that guy. Maybe if you could persuade him enough, he’d even bring a plus one. His secret girlfriend,” Tolkien pauses for a moment, “or boyfriend that he’s been hiding from us.”
Tweek twitches more frequently upon hearing that, the recurring unpleasant feeling bubbling up deep inside him slowly rising to his gut and to his throat. “Wh– what do I get out of it?” He figures correcting them about him being the said boyfriend would be pointless. So instead, he plays with the cuffs of his flannel in an attempt to comfort himself.
Bebe smiles, “Straight to the point, I like it.”
“I’ll pay you whatever amount you want.” Tolkien proposes.
Tweek doesn’t care much for money, well he does but it’s the least of his concerns right now as his mood continues to worsen. “I don’t know dude… I– ack– can’t say for sure if I’ll be able to do it or not.”
Clyde reaches out to pat Tweek’s head before stopping once he sees his expression. “Hey that’s okay man, what’s important is that you try your best, right Tolkien?”
Tolkien nods, offering the blonde man his gentlest smile, “Yeah. Just text me the amount Tweek, if you can’t think of any then don’t worry, I’ll pay you more than enough.”
Bebe clears her throat, “Well, why do you guys badly want Craig to be in this party anyway?”
The brunet next to her furrows his brows as if that was the dumbest question he’d ever hear his girlfriend say, “Maybe because he’s one of the most attractive guys in this entire school?” He squeezes her hand, “Do you not know the amount of people that would come if they found out he was attending? Let me tell you, a lot.”
She digests his words for a solid one minute before lighting up, “And that’ll gain us more recognition as the best couple! And we’d be closer to winning prom queen and prom king! That’s perfect.” Bebe snaps her head at Tweek, “Make sure to do your best, Tweek.”
Tweek shrugs his shoulders, “Ngh– Okay.”
Footsteps, rhythmic ones with a familiar beat, confident strides and fast approaching, whoever this is has long legs. Whoever this.. He knows who this is.
Suddenly, there's a hand cupping his ass, albeit only lasting for a few seconds. “See you later, babe. Love you.” Craig walks past him and throws a wink over his shoulder.
Tweek could only stare in shock as his bottom tingles from the raven-haired’s warm touch. Subconsciously feeling up his own ass cheek to confirm whether that really happened or not.
None of them were able to call out to the astronomy major, too stunned from his stunt. Once they regained their senses, Craig was already too far.
After a split second, he fully registers what the taller did, Tweek can’t help but blurt out a furious, “What?!” Shaking and not even noticing how the word had escaped his thought.
“That was so gay of him.” Clyde babbled, his jaw still slack and wide open.
Bebe’s own eyes are wide but she looks more composed, she looks away from Craig’s retreating figure and closes Clyde’s jaw with her pointer finger. “That was fire.”
Tolkien looks back at Tweek with a brow raised, a silent question on his tongue. Tweek could only run a hand through his messy (and greasy, it’s been a stressful day) hair. “Y–yes, yeah.”
Walking hurriedly on the sidewalk, Tweek’s fingers tap furiously against his screen. He’s not mad because of the touching, he’s mad because Craig did it in front of people. Typos emerging here and there from his sheer adrenaline.
WHAT the FK man?!
I’m nogt even goig to ur house 2nigt??
Craig WHAT are you on abt?? Whyd u do that??
chill, honey
are you on your way home? get off your phone
NO!! u keep pulling ts and u woNT have any1 over this w3ekend
hey you can’t do that
i told you i had a plan to make them believe were tgt
thIS? Is your plan??
it works babe, trust me
we can talk later once you’re home
i’ll call you
please look straight at where you’re going
Whatever dude
Attend Tolkien’s party 2morrow on your own
He said he’d pay me if you went and I need that money for coffee
sure hon, anything for you
Tweek shuts his phone off and stops walking, he estimates that he’s only a mere 5 minutes away from his house and looks around if there’s anyone nearby. Once he’s on the clear, he lets out the loudest scream he’s ever vocalized since elementary, twitching a few times after and continuing his walk in silence.
ACT III.
“No the fuck way.” It’s the next evening and the clock reads 8:00 pm, Tweek gives a lifeless stare at Craig Tucker, standing in front of his doorway with flowers in hand, a black tee on that says, ‘no women, i’m gay, no men, i’m taken’ in white and his signature NASA jacket on the other hand—held out for the blonde to wear.
Craig manages his best ever puppy eyes yet and a lopsided smile, “You want your money right? If you’re not going, I’m not going.”
Tweek wants to rip all of his hair off, he doesn’t mind getting another bald spot if only it would save him from this predicament. Craig is devilishly cute and handsome and hot and everything at once and the blonde’s heart can only take so much.
“Tweek! Is that Craig?” His parents call over from the kitchen, he turns around in an attempt to respond, yet the words only get caught in his throat. So instead, he looks back at the raven-haired, who is still holding the same damn expression.
Furrowing his brows and turning around.. and back, around and back, the time bomb inside of him counts the final three seconds and there it is—his explosion, “GAH! You’re insufferable! You all are! Fine!” And he yanks Craig by the collar to pull him inside.
It’s his defeat, Tweek admits, if the smug grin on his boyfriend’s face is anything to go by.
There’s an array of loud noises and blasting disco music on the other side of Tolkien’s fancy door. Craig has a hand hooked around the door handle but he isn’t twisting it just yet, he’s studying Tweek’s face and waiting for the blonde’s approval.
Tweek, on the other hand, is still trying to calm his nerves and heart going at 200 bps (that’s an exaggeration) by absorbing all the sounds, smell, feeling, and all the other external factors his senses are sending. It is only his second party after all and the first one was hardly anywhere near an actual party.
Craig’s jacket wrapped around him helped him feel better during their walk towards Tolkien’s house but now that they’re actually here, he doesn’t know what to do, how to breathe, how to act, nor how to carry himself. What would he say when he enters that door? They’d question why he’s there with Craig and even if he explained himself, ‘oh yeah I’m his boyfriend’, they’d just laugh at him wouldn’t they? “Tweek.”
Of course they will, as they always have every time he’s tried to get it through their thick skulls. “Tweek, honey.” He understands, he knows he’s basically no one, a mess compared to Craig but.. he’s improved hasn’t he? He cares more about his appearance, his image, and his inner peace. So why’s it still so hard for them to. Just. Believe–
“Tweek Tweak!”
The blonde snaps out of his trance, looking up at the other.
He gets lost within Craig’s eyes—the same color of sunsets. He hasn’t realized it until the raven-haired reaches out his unoccupied hand to wipe Tweek’s tears off, a soft smile plastered on his face. “Babe, if you don’t want to go through with this, you know it’s more than okay. I’ll give you twice as much money as Tolkien would have, okay?” He cups Tweek’s cheek and strokes it gently. “I love you and I never want you to do something you don’t want to do.”
Tweek leans in on the other’s warm hand and nods, “I want to.” He closes his eyes and takes slow consecutive breaths—one, two, one, two. “Let’s go, Craig.”
His boyfriend’s smile grows bigger, other people wouldn’t be able to tell the difference but Tweek can, and he thinks it’ll be that way for as long as they’re together.
“Aw fellas, ya’ll almost made me cry!” Butters calls out from behind them, a hand hooked around Kenny’s own. Kenny smiles at them and raises a thumbs up. He’s still wearing his orange pants but without the orange hoodie, instead opting for a plain white t-shirt. This time, Tweek can actually see his smile, it’s a bit crooked and wide, but kind and charming.
Tweek blushes. “Oh hey butters.. Kenny. H–how long have you guys been standing there?”
Kenny shrugs, “Not long, just 30 minutes or so.”
Tweek grimaces. “Sorry.”
“Hey no worries dude!” Butters reassures.
Craig sighs and nods at the pair before swinging the door open and leading both of them inside. The other two blondes follow with matched enthusiasm, contrasting his own hesitant steps and Craig’s unbothered—teetering bored ones.
Stan and Kyle catch sight of them first, loudly announcing their arrival. “Guys! It’s Tweek and Craig!”
Cartman, from somewhere inside the room, calls out only seconds after, “Noo way, the two love birds actually made it guys. This might turn into an org–”
Tweek guesses it might have been Heidi who says, “Shut the fuck up Eric or I’ll leave this party and you'll be kicked out as well.”
Other than those distinct voices, the disco music pauses and the scattered disembodied voices of people talking all at once quiets down just slightly, causing Tweek to become hyperaware of all the eyes on him.
What the fuck is that print on Craig’s shirt? Probably just some trendy joke. About being gay and having a boyfriend? Yeah, that’s like not even a big deal, he’s got some humor, that guy. Why’s that shorter guy wearing Craig’s jacket? They’re best friends bro. Oh my god is that Craig Tucker? He’s hot as hell. And the blonde guy next to him is kinda cute too. How is that Tucker dude so popular? Isn’t he just a space nerd or something? Well you can’t lie man, you have eyes, it’s clearly because he’s handsome. My friends told me they would have come if Craig came, I gotta tell them about this bro. You’re right! Me too man.
He stares at no one and nowhere but the floor, trying to drown out their judgmental comments, he swears he wouldn’t care this much on a normal day, but with his near panic attack earlier, he guesses he’s a little sensitive right now.
That is until Craig slips his blue hat on Tweek, leaning down so he makes eye contact with him. “Better? I like this hat because not only does it keep me warm, it’s like a volume stabilizer too. Listen, not that loud anymore, right?”
Tweek smiles just faintly, adjusting the hat so it doesn’t fall past his eyelids. He feels like he’s cosplaying his boyfriend with the hat and the jacket but he still appreciates the gesture. “Thanks, Craig.”
“Of course, honey. Keep your eyes on me tonight, yeah?”
Wendy and Bebe’s voices cut through the murmuring crowd, “What are you all doing? We should be dancing right now! Get over here and move your hips, bitches!”
Kenny responds with a “hell yeah!” and drags Butters to the dance floor (Tolkien’s living room), the shorter blonde yelping but not protesting, he bumps Tweek and sends an apologetic smile. Tweek’s heart warms at their dynamic, the engineering major has always loved dancing since elementary and he knows Butters is the perfect candidate to be influenced by that passion.
The blasting music unpauses and Ma Meilleure Enemie starts to play at a more regulated volume, likely toned down by Tolkien taking over control of the speaker.
Craig checks up on him and raises a brow, “Care to dance, honey?”
Tweek looks at his boyfriend as if he’s lost it, “Dude what? You know I’m not good at danci– Craig!”
Hand in hand, the taller leads him past sweaty bodies and tangled perfumes of both weak and too strong. The final straw was the smell of alcohol and beer, much too different from the addicting scent of coffee. Tweek pinches his nose and squeezes his boyfriend’s hand just a little tighter for comfort.
Craig picks a spot in the middle, smiling down at Tweek with his teeth out, he sways his body with the rhythm of the song and guides the blonde. Hand on his waist and another holding Tweek’s hand, the raven-haired spins him around a few times and soon, Tweek is dissolving into giggles and bubbly laughter.
Sure, the flashing and interchanging color of lights may be straining his eyes a little and his nose is still suffering from the whiffs of diverse scents he inhaled earlier but when Craig pulls him closer and laughs into his ear, he thinks he’ll be alright.
He hasn’t seen him this deep into euphoria in a while but seeing the love of his life like this, Tweek knows it’s healing parts of him. So fully releasing all doubts, he lets himself be swayed and spun and held by Craig, not only are their bodies moving in sync but the beating of their hearts as well.
Tweek gets lost at the surreal feeling of it all, this seems like a scene he’d never want to find himself in. Surrounded by more than 10 people with music above his maximum volume of 15 and his feet having a mind of their own, carrying him everywhere and nowhere. But what makes it more than tolerable is definitely the amber-eyed man before him.
Craig looks gorgeous, ethereal even, out of this world under all the lights. His dashing smile blinds Tweek and no, it’s not because of his silver braces, but because of his mere beauty. Tweek knew at that exact moment in his life, he’d never forget Craig Tucker, 19 years old, an astronomy major because of his passionate love for the night sky and space, owner of a guinea pig named Stripe that he loves so much, an apathetic realist with a soft heart and his boyfriend since elementary.
Tweek notices Craig make a gesture with his hand, averting his eyes from Tweek to someone else in the room—he doesn’t care though because soon enough, his full attention’s back on the blonde. His smile that faded is visible once more and he’s looking at him with so much love and care, Tweek’s sure he would be bawling his eyes out if they were alone.
The second chorus of the song comes on, “Mais ma meilleure ennemie, c'est toi
Fuis-moi, le pire, c'est toi et moi…”
Craig searches his eyes like a mermaid searching for the prettiest most precious pearl on the depths of the sea. Except his, as Craig had said before, are “Green like meadows, like emeralds, like jade succulents, like the Aurora Borealis, and the real optical phenomenon that happens just as the Sun sets or rises.”
Tweek closes his eyes, a silent agreement of what amber eyes’ loving gaze implied, and Craig lifts both hands to wrap just below his cheeks—tilting his head up and sideward to finally meet his lips. It’s soft, it’s passionate, he doesn’t make any further advances, just revels in the feeling and taste of Tweek’s lips. Tweek does the same, holding Craig’s forearms all the while, and never moving a single muscle.
They stay like this for a while, everything else is drowned out, it’s just Tweek and Craig taking in each other’s presence, warmth, and familiarity.
Once his breath starts to run out, he giggles against Craig’s lips, gently tapping the other’s chest. Craig gets the signal and pulls back. When Tweek finally opens his eyes, there are lights on them, yes there were lights on everyone, but now all of those lights are centered on them. He doesn't know how long it had been like that but he figures long enough for everyone to have stopped dancing and stare at them—mouths agape.
Tolkien lowers the volume of the music and picks up a microphone, “Well there you have it ladies and gentlemen, if Craig’s shirt wasn’t enough to convince you, surely that has. Tweek Tweak and Craig Tucker are lovers and they have been for a while. It’s not a joke, not a past bit, and no they are not homiesexual–” Tolkien glares at Stan and Kyle.
“Aw dude! I’m never getting those 10 dollars.” Stan exclaims, he earns a whack to the head from Wendy. “Ouch! Hey..”
Tweek looks back at his boyfriend, who tilts his head innocently at him, “You–”
“So please refrain from making bets about the two and denying their relationship. They are happily and contentedly in love and as a matter of fact, this shouldn’t even be any of your businesses but here we are! Once again, this is Tolkien Black speaking, have a good rest of your night and enjoy the party. Peace out.” And just like that, the music gains its initial volume, the people around them remain standing for a few seconds before going back to swaying hips and conversing.
“Tolkien was in on it? This entire– this entire party was for this?” Tweek asks, out of breath from the unexpected series of events.
“Well I did tell you I had a plan, babe.”
Tweek gasps, “Craig Tucker!”
“Honey,” Craig holds both his hands reassuringly, “They won’t doubt us anymore nor invalidate our relationship, we should celebrate, don’t you think?”
He does have a point, the blonde clicks his tongue and looks away.
After a few beats, the raven-haired gently raises his chin to face him. “Babe? I love you.”
Tweek sighs softly, despite it all, he’s grateful. “I love you too. Thank you, Craig.” And they both know those words aren’t enough to convey the deep emotions and commitment they feel for each other so as if second nature, their lips meet once more in a beautiful dance.