AN: This will be a two-shot, meaning it will contain two chapters only. Trigger warnings: teen dating violence, abusive partners and hints of sex later on.
Tweek was crying out in agony.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you upset! I never intended too!" His girlfriend must be hard of hearing or heartless because she grabbed Tweek by the arm and threw his whole body on the hard tile floor. Then she stomped on his back with the heel of her shoe. It was after school hours so no one was in the halls besides the couple and of course myself. I held my hand over my mouth and nose to stop my breathing so they wouldn't sense my presence. I calmly but quickly made my way to the nearest exit. The moment I'm outside, I let my breath out all at once and unfortunately, my tears as well.
How did it come to this? How did it come to be that Tweek is suffering and that girl is allowed to breathe? Why?
-*Background and Past Events*-
My name is Craig Tucker. I'm well known at South Park High School but I couldn't give a damn about my reputation at school or what others think about me. Because most of the time, when I'm not pulled into some crazy adventure by the main four or when the girls and the boys aren't divided, I'm with my best friends: Clyde Donovan, Token Black and Jimmy Valmer. They're the only people I can tolerate for more than ten minutes at this hell-hole. Well, them and Tweek Tweak.
Tweek falls into a different category in my life. I mean, we're not friends now but he doesn't make me want to reach up and snap his neck when he talks to me. Which is weird because he has that paranoid tone in his voice. I see him everyday at school and my friends like him and talk to him sometimes. Tweek likes them too, but he's like a supporting character in a play: he comes on stage, says a few lines to the leads (me and my friends) and walks off stage. Nothing more. Even if his part is small, it's still significant to the play as a whole. It's disappointing really because we have history.
In the 4th grade, Tweek and I had to be in a gay "relationship" to benefit our PC obsessed town. The choice wasn't even ours, it was by peer pressure and little Asian girls' fantasies. All we had to do is walk the streets hand in hand then appreciation and free money were thrown our way. It was ridiculous really. In our "relationship", Tweek and I have grown closer together. Going to each other's houses, hanging out with my friends, trusting each other with possessions (including my Stripe), and being the comfort and safety that the other desperately needed (that's me to Tweek anyway). We weren't close like "boyfriends" close but "really good friends" close. The farthest we ever went was holding hands in public; never kissed or even hugged. Mundane? Yes. But it made Tweek and I comfortable because we both knew this relationship was an act.
We kept this charade up until 10th grade. I finally got fed up with all the attention and admiration revolving around our fake love. By that time, I was 100% sure that I was not physically, emotionally, or sexually attracted to Tweek in anyway. I only saw him as a friend and I know he saw me as one too. On the last day of summer just before the first day of 10th grade, I told him to meet me at Stark's Pond for a serious talk. I was going over my dialogue in my head when I break it off with him. No crowds and no method acting. Should it really be a break up if we weren't an official couple in the first place?
Tweek came and sat down at the bench I was sitting on, trembling like a leaf. "Y-y-you wanted to see me?" He asked.
"Yeah, calm down. Look Tweek, you're really cool but we need to stop pretending. We're entering high school now, man and it's time to get serious. I want to live up to my own expectations instead of fulfilling others. Can we just be friends? I know we are but I mean just regular friends?" I asked in the most polite tone I can muster. All at once he stopped shaking and just looked at me with this blank expression on my face. The same expression I use to conceal my emotions.
Eventually he scooted closer, squeezed my hand with his right hand and patted my back with his left. "Take care, Craig." He said in a dull voice. He then got up and let go at the same time and left.
I stared until he was out of sight. What the hell? He didn't even say "Yes, we'll still be friends" or "I understand". What does it mean for us? Are we still cool or did I just lose one of my closest friends? I did soon enough.
On that first day of sophomore year, Tweek treated me how Butters treats Cartman: he acknowledges my existence but that doesn't necessarily mean that he enjoys it. Tweek nods and smiles my way then he gradually moves away from my circle. "Why isn't Tweek sitting with us?" Clyde asked. Tweek was sitting at a different lunch table on the other side of the cafeteria.
"We broke up." I replied.
"Oh no." Jimmy said.
"Wait, we're all still friends right?" Token asked.
"I don't know. He's taking this hard."
"Are you going to be ok, dude? You wanna get ice cream after school?"
"I'm not going to cry, Token. I'll take you up on that offer though."
Sophomore year was a really awkward time for me as my circle had to cope with four main people instead of five. The only interaction my friends and I got from Tweek is a simple "hi" or when we have to be in groups for class assignments together. Actually doing the assignment. I really did miss him. However, I didn't push questions on him like "why aren't you talking to me?" or "are we still friends?" None of that, I gave him space.
The summer after 10th grade is when things got more complicated. A new girl had moved in from neighboring Middle Park in June. Her name was Claire Robinson; an honor student, humble, a natural born leader and an animal lover. With dark hair, blue eyes, curves in the right places, and a beautiful complexion. Based on public opinion and her own personality, she was practically perfect. Just like her relationship with Tweek. She and Tweek really hit it off over the summer. You can rarely count on one hand the times you didn't see them together.
"Fellas! Have you heard Tweek's got a girlfriend?" Butters said, running up to us at the mall's food court.
"Yeah dude, Claire Robinson." I said calmly. I just witnessed Tweek walking with Claire ten minutes ago. He was holding her hand with one hand and holding all her shopping bags in the other. He was smiling at her. I wasn't jealous of Claire and I shouldn't be. If Tweek is happy, then I don't have a problem.
"Talk about HOT!" Clyde exclaimed.
"If only Craig can follow his e-e-example" Jimmy stuttered.
"Fuck off Jimmy!" I flipped him off.
"See what I mean? He needs to get l-laid."
"Well, only one thing matters, fellas." Butters smiled.
"What's that?" I asked.
"I fucking called it! I knew that Tweek was bisexual! He dated Craig and now he's with a chick! You owe me, Token!" Token crused under his breath and handed over a fifty dollar bill to the ecstatic blonde.
If that's not weird enough for you, look what happened on the first day of junior year. I was putting in the combination in my new locker when a familiar mess of blonde hair strolled up to the locker next to me. He put in the combination of the locker to my right and opened it.
I chuckled. "Looks like we're locker neigh- what the hell happened to you?!"
Tweek had a black eye. His right eye was a purplish color; a very ugly color on his pale complexion. Tweek dodged the question and smiled.
"Hey Craig! I was just in a fight."
"With who?"
"Some bitch from North Park. Although I wasn't the cause of it, it was self-defense." He slammed his locker door shut. "I have to go! Claire's waiting for me in the lobby. It was nice seeing you again Craig!" He ran off. Alright then, at least we're talking again.
That week, I noticed that Claire isn't as perfect as everyone assumed her to be. The honeymoon phase is over and now every time she's with Tweek, I see her bossing him around, insulting him, and not encouraging his opinions or choices (He quit Drama because Claire said they don't spend more time together because of it). She loves embarrassing Tweek too. Once, one of Claire's friends asked him, "Where did you get that shirt?"
"Probably from the trash." Claire had the damn nerve to say. "I told him I didn't like it. How is people going to take him seriously if he looks like he goes shopping in a dumpster?"
"Or worse, the Salvation Army!" Her friend retorted. They both laughed at the remark.
Tweek didn't defend himself! He responded with "I'll put it back in the trash".
I hated Claire! That skank does not deserve Tweek! Claire only had gotten worse as time progresses.
The following week, I decided to ask when we were at our lockers in the afternoon. "Tweek?"
"Yeah?"
"Are you ok?"
"Of-Of course! Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well lately, you don't look healthy. By your standards anyway. You're coming to school with bruises and I've seen how Claire is embarrassing you and insulting you. It's not fair."
"Embarrass and insult me? H-How?"
"Tweek, she once said you looked ugly in front of you and her friends in the cafeteria!"
"Oh that! Well… I was looking like shit that day. It's my fault."
"I don't think it's your- oh my God, Tweek, how did you get those marks on your neck?" I pointed to the red fingerprints and nail embedded prints. I had my assumptions but if Claire did that...
Tweek hands flew to his neck. "Nothing! You ask a lot of questions! It's too much pressure! Look, the final bell rang a long time ago! I have to go home!" He slowly backed away then jumped three feet in the air when a shrill voice called his name.
"TWEEK!"
Speak of the devil and the devil shall appear. Claire placed her hands on her curvy hips and glared at the doe eyed boy. "You know how I feel when you keep me waiting! And were you just talking to this basturd?!" She pointed a polished finger at me.
Tweek was stuttering "I-we-he just-"
Claire mimicked him. "Give me a straight answer!" She demanded.
I had to intervene. "Hey, back off! He always stutters and no one gives a fuck about it! And I was just having a civilized conversation with him before you came, screaming like a banshee!" The whole time Tweek kept making movements with his hand, motioning me to shut up.
Claire glared at me and huffed. "Tweek, can we talk in private?" She said in a soft yet serious voice. Tweek submissively followed her to an empty hallway at the end of the school.
I know it's not my business but I don't trust that girl. So I followed them and stayed a respectable distance from them behind a wall.
"Why are you always trying to make me pissed?!"
"I'm not-"
"Don't think I don't know about you and Craig! You guys are history! Why bother talking to him anymore?"
"It's not like that at all! He was just asking how I am! He wasn't flirting or anything. He was just being friendly."
"I don't care! I don't like that asshole! He's a bad influence anyway! With his "no fucks given" attitude, his carelessness and-"
"Maybe he's not the only bad influence in my life!"
Claire gasped dramatically. I soundlessly chuckled, thinking "oh damn".
Tweek slapped a hand over his mouth. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean-" he was cut off by Claire's hand smacking his face. The resonating sound echoing in the empty hallway made me winced.
"You don't ever - I mean ever!- talk to me like that! Who the fuck do you think you are?!" She smacked him again. "Don't you ever think your skinny, weak, crazy dumbass could stand up to me or anyone for that matter!" She punched his stomach.
Tweek was crying out in agony, pleading with her and saying he never intended to make her act like this. His girlfriend grabbed his arm and threw his whole body on the hard tile floor. Then cruelly stomped on his back. With my hand over my mouth and nose, I escaped to the nearest exit outside and let the waterworks happen.
-*Present time*-
Questions circled around my head as I walk away from the school. I feel extremely guilty for leaving Tweek alone with that monster but I don't think I could last another minute of that madness. I had to tell someone, I had to get help for Tweek. It's always best to report an heinous act than to just sit by and let it happen. As if by luck, I see my friends on the other side of the street, sitting at a table outside of a café. Jimmy was the first one to see me. "Hey Tucker!"
I hustle over there and sat across from them. "Have you been crying?" Clyde asks. I laid my fingertips on my still wet cheeks. No use lying about it.
"Yeah, it's a long, fucked-up story." I wipe my face with napkins on the table. I need to vent about what just happened. They need to know because Tweek is important to the guys too, even after Sophomore year.
"Did someone start something with you? Want me to finish it?" Token suggest as he crack his knuckles.
"It's not about me. It's about Tweek." The guys share a confused glance.
"What about Tweek?" Clyde asks.
I look around the area. The café was scarce; business doesn't really pick up until 4:00pm. "After school, I was talking to Tweek about how he's doing. Because he's changed a lot and has been getting hurt lately. Claire came and I saw her.." I take a deep breath. "I saw her beat Tweek to the floor."
"You're talking about Claire Robinson?" Jimmy questions.
"Yes! I saw everything! Claire's an abusive little skank and she doesn't care about Tweek. I don't think she ever did!"
The guys look at me and at each other, letting everything I just told them sink in. I wonder if they actually believe me. Suddenly, Clyde grins and snorts. "Yeah right!"
"Excuse me?"
"Craig, have you even met her? I don't think Claire's capable of thinking of harming another person. She's really sweet and loving and helpful. Hell, she helped me pass a quiz once."
"When's she not beating her boyfriend! Don't be so dense, man!"
Clyde continues. "Maybe that was just a one time thing. Maybe she wouldn't do it again. I don't know. But what you need to do is get out of your ex-boyfriend and his girlfriend's business." He put emphasis on the words "ex-boyfriend" and "girlfriend". Does he think I'm jealous?
I stand up. "How dare you think this about me? Tweek's in danger and you're implying that I'm jealous? Don't you care about him at all?"
Clyde stand up too so we're at eye level. "Of course I care! I'm saying you have no reason to be in his business like this! His happiness matters!"
"He's not happy!" Token put each of his hands on both of our chests and extend the space between us. "Alright! Alright! Calm down!"
"Yeah, if we're fighting, how do you expect for us to have a decent sleepover at Token's?" Jimmy said.
"I'm not letting you step one foot in my house if you guys are being bitches." Clyde and I both grunt and sat down. Only because sleeping over at Token's is always awesome.
A couple minutes later, we were all piled in Token's car. Clyde at the front with Token and I'm in the back with Jimmy. Ten minutes in on the twenty-minute drive was silent, until we reached Stark's Pond. "Isn't that Claire and Tweek over there?" Jimmy points at the window. Looking out the window, I could tell there's going to be another fight. I didn't want to witness this again but Clyde needs to learn the terrible truth.
"Slow down." I demand Token.
"Obsessed much?" Clyde sarcastically asks. Token slows down anyway. After a minute of yelling, Claire's hands were on Tweek's neck. Everyone in the car gasp in shock. Claire was yelling threats and insults at her victim; squeezing her hands tighter as Tweek's cries rang in my ears.
"Jesus tap-dancing Christ!" Jimmy said. "It makes no sense. Why Tweek?"
I half expected my friends to rush out of the car to gang up on Claire but Clyde said "Go before they see us!" Token step on the gas pedal with no hesitation. I left Tweek alone for a second time.
Silence once again filled the car. Jimmy's head was in his hands, I could see the worried look Token's eyes through the review mirror, and Clyde was holding back his tears. At a red light, Clyde turn around in his seat to face me. "I'm sorry I didn't believe you."
I nod. Tweek needs help and we're the only ones that can give it to him. I swear it to him.
AN: I put a lot of thought into this; it took three days to type. How's my writing? Please leave a comment and follow the story to stay updated.