This is almost 8,000 words worth of me being immature. Enjoy~
I'd also like to give a shout out to krmr-rkgk for the fanart she did for secret creek week. I friggin love your art, Satori! 3
Songs for this chapter:
"You're The One That I Want" by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
"Conga" by Miami Sound Machine
"Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat on the floor, hips distance apart. Bring your attention to your natural breath and just observe. Is it smooth and slow, or is it uneven and quick? Just observe for a few cycles."
Yoga mats in an assortment of colors were scattered in a grid across the sleek wood floor, bodies pressed against the thin cushions as their resting expressions softened with their breathing. The yoga instructor, Nichole Daniels, roamed around the studio as she examined her attendees, stopping before a particular blonde male student.
Well, the only male in her class.
Unaware of his own heart beating or the rise and fall of his chest, Tweek began to drift into a semi-consciousness. The drone of the cars outside was merely a lullaby, his own breathing a symphony. An essential oil diffuser shrouded the room in a thin veil of mist from a corner of the room, the scent of vanilla and lavender stimulating the blonde's nostrils as he practiced his slow breathing. He was so lost in thought that even the scalding chamomile tea in his thermos had long gone cold.
Tweek must've sensed his instructor's presence, for when he barely lifted his eyelids, a frizzy ebony bun and gold hoop earrings greeted him with a sincere smile. The blonde returned the black beauty's friendly gesture, jade eyes casting a warm glow towards hazel.
"Now I want you all to come into a comfortable seated position. Take a moment here to focus on your intention for today's practice."
As Tweek raised his back off the floor, he took a moment to reacquaint himself with his surroundings. He was reminded of the vast female audience that consumed the atmosphere, but he appreciated the neighborly femininity. He shot a glance towards Wendy and Bebe on either side of him before returning his gaze to the yoga teacher who was now at the front of the class. Nichole pushed the lilac bandana on her head aside to reveal a Bluetooth headset, her eyebrows knitted in frustration as she anxiously tapped the metallic bit burrowed in her ear. When her eyes captured Tweek's stare, the blonde instantly prepared to aid his teacher - no, friend - however he could as soon as she trotted over.
Nichole knelt down before the blonde, capturing his hands in her own as she brought her voice down to a whisper. "Tweek, I have to take a call. Do you think you could take over for me?" The instructor pleaded, to which Tweek responded with a nod as he rubbed gentle, reassuring circles into the palms of her hands.
"Thanks hun, you're America's sweetheart!" Nichole kissed Tweek's cheek with gratitude before rising to stand, straightening her posture as she clapped for the class' attention. "Alright, I will now be turning over to Tweek for the remainder of this class to shift over into yin yoga."
As soon as Nichole exited the studio, Tweek jogged up to the front and planted himself onto their previous instructor's mat.
"Hello everyone!" The blonde greeted, earning a dreamy "hi Tweek~" from all the women in the room. Tweek was well aware of his status as the girls' favorite, and he'd be lying if he admitted he didn't take pride in being the lone attractive gay man of the class.
"This yin yoga sequence will help you practice self-love." Murmurs were exchanged throughout the entire studio. "Now I'm sure you've all heard this before: that loving oneself is the most important thing. It's the first step to being able to love someone else and truly be happy." Tweek began wandering around the room, fingers laced together as he began preaching to his new disciples. "But how exactly do you do it? How do you stop all these nagging thoughts telling you that you are not good enough?"
Tweek halted right before Wendy and kneeled down, lightly placing his hand on her shoulder as though he were a motivational speaker. "The following sequence will help you to open your heart and release, because practicing yoga is releasing; it's peeling away all the emotions, fears and judgments you have buried deep inside yourself. It's connecting to what's really true. When we peel everything away, what are we left with is our true essence – love!"
Dramatic applause erupted throughout the entire studio. Wendy fluttered her eyes and sighed jokingly as she fanned herself, earning a wolf whistle from Bebe in response. Tweek couldn't help but chuckle towards the girls' enthusiasm as he returned to the yoga mat up front and dropped to his knees.
"First up is the Anahatasana."
As soon as the blonde lowered his head to the floor, a devilish grin spread across Bebe's lips. Wendy couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as she watched her best friend hop up from her mat.
"What are you doing?" Wendy questioned softly.
"I'm taking a 'water break.'" Bebe answered loud enough for Tweek to hear, gesturing with air quotes before lowering her own volume. "You'll see."
The raven girl could only nod with confusion as she watched the blonde retreat to the other side of the room, staring as she rummaged through her purse and yanked out her phone.
"Hey Craig, did you already check the beer taps?"
"Yeah, they're all good to go."
Red and Craig were the only individuals currently residing in the tavern, the lack of customers during the crack of dawn giving them ample time to check their stock and equipment. Their tasks were going by rather fluently and quietly until the redhead's phone began to buzz uncontrollably in her jean pocket.
"Christ, who is it at this hour?" Red growled with irritation, eyebrows curled with puzzlement as she checked the caller i.d. before picking up. "Bebe? What do you-"
"Do me a favor and hand the phone to Craig, quickly. I tried calling him, but I'm pretty sure that lanky bastard left his phone on silent."
"Why do you need Craig?-" Red began as she pulled the phone away from her ear, but instantly zipped her lips as soon as her eyes came in contact with the image on her screen. Cupping a hand over her mouth to stifle her obnoxious laughter, the redhead complied with Bebe's wishes and called back for her cousin.
"Oh Craig dear, could you take this call for me real quick?"
Craig emerged from the supply closet, eyebrows furrowed with suspicious curiosity as he approached Red. The redhead dangled the phone in a loose grip, to which her cousin reached out tentatively for. As soon as the mobile device was in the noirette's grasp, Red escaped the scene with a sly "appreciate it!~". Craig could only roll his eyes as he proceeded to raise the phone up to his ear, but not before being distracted by the image on the screen before him - Tweek on all fours, stomach pressed to the ground with his ass poking up high in the air.
He wheezed and almost choked on the air.
"This is a nice backbend for the upper and middle back that opens the shoulders and softens the heart. On your hands and knees, walk your hands forward, allowing your chest to drop towards the floor. Keep your hips right above your knees."
Saying Craig was just staring nonstop at the sight before him is an understatement. He was practically drooling; he had the attitude of a panting dog desperately in need of a pail of water. Before, Tweek was an epitome of radiance and grace that Craig admired. But after ogling at the provocative display before him, the raven could only groan helplessly in the back of his throat. How could such a beautiful man be capable of being so filthy and not even acknowledge it?
Craig could only gulp dryly as his eyes ravaged every detail on the screen. Tweek sported a turquoise longline tank-top that loosely fell down the blonde's stomach as he dipped down, revealing his ribcage and midriff. Tweek was always dressed in layers whenever Craig encountered him, so it was a pleasant change to experience just how slim and fit the blonde really is. The noirette even took note of Tweek's exposed arms, one of the toned limbs decorated with a tattoo sleeve. On it a ceramic mug of coffee was bubbling with steam, which morphed into sunflowers towards the top that danced along his shoulder; Craig couldn't take his eyes at the side of Tweek that expressed such artistic creativity. But then he was reminded of the gray yoga pants that were casting a spell on his di-
"You're staring, Tucker."
Craig was instantly snapped out of his stupor and narrowed his eyes accusingly at the camera.
"Why the fuck did you call in the first place?!"
"Well, you two haven't seen each other in almost two weeks, so I deemed it necessary to take the opportunity when available." Bebe purred, zooming in on Tweek's butt. "Speaking of which, just look at that ass! Isn't it perfect?"
Yes. Yes it was-fuck, it was such a nice ass. It was the definition of a perfect bubble butt; round and firm and muscular with a hint of a jiggly softness. The blonde's yoga pants left nothing to the imagination, outlining the gorgeous hump from the plump cheeks to the crack in the center. Craig could even see the indents of dimples through the fabric.
At this point, Craig didn't care that yoga was about seeking inner peace and shit. All that mattered was the pianist he had been obsessing over all week was bent over like he was begging to be rammed from behind, his ass on display like a freshly baked pastry. The noirette proceeded to slide down the wall in order to sit down, awkwardly folding his legs as Tweek continued to drone on in the video.
"Now let us shift into the sphinx pose. This will help stimulate-" a sharp inhale "-your sacral-lumbar arch and tone the spine. Lie down on your belly. Clasp your elbows with the opposite hands and move the elbows just ahead of your shoulders, propping yourself up. Notice how it feels in your lower back and adjust your position accordingly. If the sensations are too strong,-" a trembling exhale "-move your elbows further away from your body, lowering your chest closer to the floor."
Bebe must've read the viewing pleasure in Craig's intense gaze and lip chewing, for she switched to the front-view camera to reveal her shit-eating grin from a comedic angle below her chin.
"Hey, what the hell?!"
"He's about to do the child's pose. I figured that would be too boring for you."
"Are you kidding me?-" Craig spat before biting down on his tongue once he realized just how eager and impatient he sounded.
Bebe ignored Craig, staring ahead at the instructor that the raven could no longer see.
"Butterfly is next. That's a little better, but not too wild-"
"This is one of my favorite poses because it's such a great stretch for your hamstrings."
There was moment of silence until Bebe smacked her lips amusingly.
"...ok, maybe I was wrong."
Craig snapped. "BEBE."
However, Craig's outburst did not prepare him for Tweek's next choice of words.
"Next, we will be entering the straddle pose."
Oh no.
"This will open your hips, groin, and the back of your thighs."
Oh no.
"Now don't push yourself, only go as deep as what feels right for you. To get into this pose, spread your legs apart and fold forward, resting your weight on your hands or elbows."
FuckfuckfuckfuckfUCK
Bebe had Craig in a vice grip, and she was clearly aware of that. Switching the camera back, the blonde woman zoomed back onto Tweek as he began to extend both legs on either side of him. She scanned the pianist's pose painfully slow: the way he drifted towards the floor and tilted back up in one fluent motion, the way his back posture was curved like a cat, the way he leaned forward until he was literally straddling the floor, the way his eyes fluttered shut as he basked in the stretch of his horizontally prolonged legs, the way that one particular bead of sweat strolled down his temple and past his pretty pink lips, parted as he adjusted his breathing-
"Hnngh-!" Craig grunted as he chucked the phone across the room, gasping for air as he watched the device smack against the wall with a loud CRACK and drop to the floor afterwards. The noirette took a moment to catch his breath before he shot up from the ground to scoop up the phone, carefully inspecting it for any damage. Thank God for Otterboxes.
And thank God the session was ending.
"-and finally, we will end this exercise with the Shavasana."
Craig was an utter mess. The color that flushed in his cheeks rivaled that of a tomato; his entire face was tinted a cherry red while his cheeks were flooded with a deep maroon. The raven was panting, trembling, and grinding his teeth, both in anger and humiliation. He was incredibly embarrassed, and part of the blame was directed towards the raging boner that was bulging from his jeans.
Craig prayed to a higher power that Red didn't barge in at this exact moment. After all, he did chuck her prized possession into a fucking concrete wall. Unfortunately for him, that higher power didn't adhere to his prayers and decided it was the best time for Red to retreat from whatever rock she was buried under during the entire call.
"Jesus Craig, it's a phone not a dick so quit beating on it!" The redhead shouted menacingly from outside the closet. "If there's so much as a lick of splooge on it, I'll slice your nuts off and serve them to you in a martini glass!"
Sure, Red didn't walk in (hallelujah), but Craig was still completely petrified. He was absolutely horrified not by the fact that Red heard him launch her phone like a damn projectile, but that she basically called him out on sinking his head way too far into the gutter.
It certainly didn't help that Bebe was laughing violently on the other end.
"Damn Craig, you really need to squeeze one out that bad huh? You are such a dog!"
It was at that moment that both recipients were caught off guard. The other end went completely void of noise, except for the questioning tone of a particular pianist.
"Bebe?"
Oh shit.
"Busted!" Craig could hear Bebe admit defeat in a sing-song voice.
However, there was no anger or embarrassment on Tweek's behalf. Instead, Craig could hear the faint sound of the blonde bursting into laughter.
"What poor straight soul did you taint with my session this time?" Tweek snickered, and Craig could feel his heart lurch into his throat as he plucked Bebe's phone from her hand. "Please excuse my colleague, I promise she'll sleep with you as an apology-"
Bebe had switched the camera back to the front at the last possible second, so Craig had a perfect view of Tweek's face. As soon as both men made eye contact, Tweek had reciprocated Craig's previous reaction; his face was completely void of color until the red heat of embarrassment started to flood his cheeks, tinted a dark maroon as his eyes dilated with horror and his lips parted as he struggled to form any structure of a sentence. The friendly atmosphere that had once been established instantly shattered as everyone was speechless.
Then they shouted in unison.
"SHIT!"
The last thing Craig saw before he hung up was the screen shaking with a barrage of blurred colors as Tweek dropped the phone. Without another word Craig pocketed his cousin's phone, blinking repetitively as he coughed awkwardly. The raven took a moment to just sit in silence, contemplating over the previous event that had just occurred.
Well, more specifically, adding more to his list on what made Tweek the perfect human being.
Tweek did yoga. Tweek played the piano masterfully. Tweek did yoga. Tweek had the voice of an angel. Tweek did yoga. Tweek had the body of a goddess. Tweek did yoga. Tweek did yoga.
But the most important lesson learned today?
Tweek did yoga.
And yoga means flexibility. Craig thought, biting his lip as numerous dirty thoughts shrouded his mind's eye. Oh yeah, definitely remembering that.
"In the spirit of keeping our hearts open, I would like to share my intention with you today: to honor each woman in this room for sharing this experience with me. I have learned from all of you, and I am grateful for the gift of your presence as we all have grown and deepened our knowledge of yoga in its many forms."
Tweek pressed his palms together in the form of a prayer posed and bowed before his students, to which the women repeated. After bidding their farewells, the blonde sank to the ground and decided to meditate while everyone else packed up to leave. Bebe in particular tried to make a sneaky escape, but Tweek was faster at grabbing her ankle and tripping her in the process.
"You better have an explanation for earlier." He hissed without budging from his stance, opening one eye in the process to glare threateningly at the sly woman sprawled out on the floor. Wendy couldn't help but snicker towards the petty encounter.
"You're in for it now, Bebe."
"C'mon you guys, I do shit like this every other week!" Bebe pouted, propping her her elbows up so she could rest her chin in her hands. "What's the difference this time around?"
Wendy raised her hand slightly. "The guy you called has Tweek buckling at the knees?"
"Correction! The gay guy I called has Tweek buckling at the knees." Bebe revised with a satisfying smack of her lips.
Tweek could only scoff. "Pssh, yeah. Okay."
"Please, I knew that boy was gay that moment I showed him my boobs."
Both Wendy and Tweek slowly turned towards their blonde companion in unison, harsh judgement painted all over their faces.
"What? Oh come on!" Bebe flailed her arms around in the air defensively. "You guys know damn well that I'm a very simple creature with very simple tastes. If I see an attractive guy, you can bet I'm gonna to flip a titty to pique his interest."
When her two colleagues didn't appear to be phased, Bebe merely rolled her eyes. "Guys. Look at me. I'm smoking hot." The blonde gestured towards her curvaceous features pridefully. "If I couldn't get his attention, then no other female specimen on this fucking planet can. But you, Tweek…"
Bebe skipped over to Tweek and playfully smacked his behind, earning a snort from the blonde. "You're undeniably smokin', the poster boy for all twinks," she leaned in and added with a whisper, "and that got Craig muthafuckin' Tucker's attention."
Tweek only folded his arms, chewing on the inside of his cheek to prevent himself from expressing his amusement.
"Meaning…?"
"Tweek, I could hardly see his screen 'cuz he was drooling all over it!" Bebe shook the blonde male before her in an attempt at a wake up call before sighing knowingly. "What I'm saying is that the fine slice of ass known as Craig Tucker has a major boner for you, Tweek Tweak."
"As an expert on the male anatomy, I can guarantee you a boner is nothing serious." Tweek argued with a side smirk, the smug smile stuck on his face only further proving he couldn't mask all of his pride. "I can practically smell all the lady boners when I'm in the studio, let alone in public. After all, I am the perfect twink."
"So cocky and confident, I love it!" Wendy butted in, snaking an arm around to support her friend currently wheezing with laughter. "No wonder Craig has a crush on you."
"Hmm, I'm not so sure about that." Tweek denied with mock naivety. "You guys really think so?"
"Oh honey," Bebe sighed, casting a keen look as she rested her hand upon Tweek's shoulder. "Mama Stevens doesn't think. She knows."
Craig leaned against the brick wall, one hand clasping the toe of his worn down navy Converse. From his position he had a perfect view of the entrance, eyes trailing after strangers meandering idly by the bar. The raven let himself soak in the ambient music for a few moments, closing his eyes as he replayed the lyrics in his head while drinking in the fragranced air through flared nostrils.
It hadn't been long since Bebe texted the raven and he was already double checking his phone for the umpteenth time. The words "we're on our way" in bold print were enough to make Craig anxious. That one phrase could mean anything; sure, it could just be Bebe and Wendy, but there was high probability that Tweek was involved in the group. Based on their previous interaction, this future encounter possessed an unknown power that frightened Craig.
So there he sat, nonchalantly pressed against the wall doing absolutely nothing thanks to the bar being practically empty during morning hours, and he was nervous about some stupid text. As soon as his eyes opened, the maid of honor appeared in all of her glory. Bebe and Wendy exchanged a few words before the blonde nodded and headed inside, the noirette fleeing the scene with her phone pressed to her ear. Craig, however, wasn't paying attention to the woman currently shimmying out of her snow dusted turtleneck. Instead, his eyes were glued to the other blonde who had followed her into the bar.
Tweek was layered up for the single-digit figures outside, but Craig knew exactly what was underneath (courtesy of Bebe). He cursed under his breath towards the oversized pea coat that draped down to the top of the blonde's knees, completely masking his slender form. As soon as they made eye contact, the raven smiled warmly and waved them over. Tweek raised his eyebrows in what Craig prayed was a signal of pleasant surprise as he scurried from behind the bar counter to usher away any customers blocking his view. The two blondes graciously accepted the empty stools, Bebe hopping into her spot while Tweek sat with heavy awkwardness.
"Christ, quit molesting Tweek with your eyes." Bebe grumbled, snapping her fingers in command for a drink. Craig just rolled his eyes and scoffed, reaching under the counter for a bottle of schnapps and pouring both blondes a glass.
Despite Bebe's snarky remark, Craig couldn't pry his eyes away from Tweek. He could only continue to stare at the man who was currently looking away from him, taking in every little detail in his face while he was distracted. His cheekbones, his full lips, his pale skin, everything he didn't get a good glimpse of in the video… God, he just wanted to eat him up. There was just something so sexy in that vulnerable look of his… wait-
"Um, you're leaking…"
Craig didn't pay attention to Tweek's head turning back, green eyes following the movement to gaze towards the noirette, then down to his glass with a look of concern. The words didn't register in Craig's mind until he felt something drip onto his shoes. Both the blonde's words and the substance pooling by his feet caused heat to erupt in his cheeks, eyes dilated in horror as his mind once again plunged into the gutter. Peering down, he couldn't help but sigh when he spotted the schnapps overflowing in the second glass from his dumbass still pouring the bottle's contents into it. Thank fuck it wasn't something else…
Spewing obscenities, Craig retreated to the backt to fetch a towel and pat himself dry. When he returned, his flustered behavior returned when he spotted Tweek still burning holes into him with those green orbs of his. He shrugged off the embarrassment with a reassuring smile, but Tweek had noticed the shock register on Craig's face before he could hide it. It's silent for a moment; he's waiting for a response but the raven wasn't focusing on him anymore. As Craig blushed, Tweek's look of bafflement quickly phased into a shy smile; he must get this a lot.
Bebe could only laugh towards the exchange. "Oh my God, that was fucking hysterical! What is your superpower, Tweek?"
Tweek narrowed his eyes towards his companion, remembering exactly how and why the atmosphere between them was so awkward. Clearing his throat, Tweek proceeded to cast Craig an apologetic look.
"I guess I should apologize properly for my…-ahem- colleague-"
"No, I'm not going to sleep with her."
Now it was Tweek's turn to laugh. Cupping his hand over his face to muffle his snorts, he couldn't help but wheeze from the memory of what he said on Bebe's phone before acknowledging Craig's presence. Fuck, that was so embarrassing.
Craig let a few chuckles escape from his system as well. He couldn't resist; Tweek was one adorable motherfucker when he laughed. "No offense, though," Craig turned his attention towards Bebe, "it's just that I swing for the same team."
"HA! Told ya!" Bebe pointed at Tweek, her shoulders wiggling in victory. This earned a kick to the shin.
"Ow-fuck!" She whined. "C'mon, are you just cranky 'cuz my dick is bigger than yours?"
Another kick.
Now Craig was shaking with genuine laughter, teeth and gums showing and everything. The sight of Bebe pouting as Tweek glared at her like a rebellious child was pathetic yet oh so amusing. Oh Tweek, you just keep making me like you more and more.
Shaking his head, Craig handed the blondes their drinks before folding his arms. "All jokes aside, what brings you two here?"
"Hate to break it to ya, hotface, but I'm not here for you." Bebe replied, massaging her battle wounds. "Where's Daddy Donovan?"
As though on cue, Clyde's head popped out from behind the island in the back.
"Present!"
"Christ, you always-always respond to that fucking name." Craig muttered incredulously under his breath before returning his attention back to the two blondes before him. "Lucky for you, he just got in literally five minutes before you two walked in."
"Yippie!" Bebe chirped, clapping excitedly to herself. She proceeded to hop onto the counter and bat her eyelashes innocently, her sandals dangling from her feet as she rotated her ankles playfully. "Clyde, my sweet, won't you be a gentleman and treat a pretty lady to a night of karaoke?"
Going along with her act, Clyde took Bebe's hand in a polite fashion and kissed it. "It would be an honor, m'lady."
Tweek could only tilt his head with genuine curiosity. "Karaoke? Where?"
"Every other Friday, Red hosts a karaoke night here at the tavern." Craig informed. "If it gets crazy enough, she'll even throw in a dance-off for the hell of it."
Then, after a brief moment of word association, Bebe gasped. "Tweek! You love to dance!"
Tweek only shrugged, earning a scowl from his blonde companion.
"Don't give me that shit, you're going!" Bebe growled, whipping her head to face Craig. "Craig, you'll save a dance for our little lemon drop, right?"
Craig smirked, flashing a quick wink in Tweek's direction. "Only if he makes a reservation."
Tweek's eyes widened as a faint blush crept into his cheeks. This man was definitely flirting with him. Biting his lip, Tweek grabbed the napkin from under his drink and fished a pen out of Bebe's crossbody purse, all without breaking eye contact.
"Well, in that case…" The blonde hummed, scribbling onto the napkin before sliding it over to Craig. "I'll be there."
Bebe pumped her fist in the air victoriously before dragging Tweek out of the bar with her, leaving the two bartenders to gawk at the crumpled up napkin. Staring at the inscription, Clyde could only giggle as he watched Craig's jaw drop.
It was Tweek's number.
When it came to karaoke nights, the Red Rum Tavern is the stuff of legend. After all, they receive bonus points for being a karaoke bar without the word "karaoke" in its name. It doesn't heat up until well after midnight, but when things get going it makes for the perfect, cathartically hammered end to a night out. Performers sing on a real stage in front of real strangers, but the small, dark, and grungy space evokes an intimate experience, and a charismatic singer is capable of riling up support from a good-natured crowd. Perhaps this is why there's so many weekly regulars who, possibly in direct contradiction of the very ethos of karaoke, actually rehearse routines, complete with dance moves dedicated to those long instrumental breaks.
Red was proud of her setup and took pride in her abilities of going full out with the bar on these types of nights. The lobby is hued with the glow of purple black lights; it's an ideal space for those who are are prepared for the intensity that comes with belting out a song in front of strangers. The tavern was completely decked out: antique radios artfully arranged along its walls, fat binders full of every song imaginable, a state-of-the-art A/V setup, even little cloth condoms on the microphones so no one catches mouth herpes. It can get pricey, sure, but the longer someone stays, the greater their chances are of being smothered with a platter overflowing with delicious fried finger foods.
Craig was currently helping Scott Malkinson fill pints to the brim with foaming beer to pass out to parched customers, dehydrated from either having a go at karaoke, singing along with the current singer, cheering, or all of the above. Red bravely took on the role as the bar's designated bouncer, hauling ass if karaoke night didn't flow smoothly. One'll have to work hard to earn the respect of the salty bartender; Red is not shy about snatching the microphone away if someone is hogging the queue, taking too long to pick a song, or just bad.
Out of the corner of his eye, Craig spotted the current duo hogging the karaoke machine: Bebe and Clyde. The brunette had to beg Red to give him his break early so he could perform with the blonde beauty, and the way he was rubbing up against his partner proved that his attempts were rather successful. The two were currently belting out to "You're The One That I Want," poorly executing the dance from Grease due to their drunken haze. But that didn't stop them from having a good time, because tonight was a night where insecurity doesn't exist.
To be honest, there was something a bit strange and derivative about the mad desire to lip-synch along to pop songs and "be a star" for a transitory moment. Craig couldn't deny the peculiar melancholy of an oft-abused phenomenon, certainly in terms of adult participation. Though in his opinion, the best karaoke is the kind you don't remember. Because you're drunk. Real drunk. But the noirette was holding back on his alcohol consumption, because there was a particular blonde in his radar. Being sober was definitely going to improve his chances of not making himself out to be a total dumbass.
With a tray of white rum and two glasses, Craig slipped away from the bar and made his way towards the corner of the room where Tweek silently soaked in the pleasant atmosphere. He was sitting on an isolated couch rather poised, his posture perfect as per usual. The blonde's attention snapped towards Craig as he put down the tray, raising an inquiring eyebrow as the raven handed him a fancy glass containing yellow shaved ice and a mint garnish.
"Lemon daiquiri?"
"Well, I was just gonna give you a glass of plain ol' white rum," Craig explained, swirling the bottle of Bacardi around in his hand, "but then one moment I spot this giant nest of yellow from afar, and the next thing I know I'm pouring our entire stock of lemon juice into this one glass!"
"You're such an asshat. But I appreciate you thinking about me." Tweek purred as he took a sip of his beverage, only for his features to morph into one of distaste. "Shit, you really did use every lemon in this, didn't you? Needs more rum."
Craig's eyes widened as he watched Tweek uncap the bottle and dump more of the clear liquid into his glass. "Slow down, we've got all night."
"Aww, it's cute how you assume I'd be a lightweight." Tweek cooed, winking slyly as he took a refreshing gulp from his beverage. Craig just rolled his eyes and shrugged off the blonde's quirky remark.
The next hour of the night consisted of the two bonding over mindless small talk and copious amounts of white rum. Currently the two were sprawled out on the couch, Craig's arms encompassing the headrest while Tweek was flat on his back with his head resting in the noirette's lap.
"You're great on the piano and all, but," Craig said with a bit of a slur to his voice, "tell me more about the yoga."
Tweek rolled his eyes as he snickered; he should've expected this. "Yoga makes me feel so sexy. When I move into positions that open my mind and body in ways that I never imagined possible, I feel free."
Craig bit his lip as he nodded approvingly until Tweek reached up and flicked his nose. "Haha, I knew that's what you wanted to hear ya dork!"
Tweek ignored the way Craig puffed his cheeks out in a childish scowl. Instead, the blonde scrunched his body upwards so that he propped up against the armrest and continued.
"I guess… I took up on yoga because I wanted to experience another form of balance." Tweek spoke in a hushed voice, followed by a hiccup. "The word 'balance' seems almost overused these days, but it aptly describes that period of time when you're suspended in the moment. It's a state of harmony. It's trusting yourself… and that is a beautiful, pure place to be…"
Tweek tilted his head up to peer into Craig's eyes, his own green jewels glazed over with a veil of contemplation. The noirette could recognize the sincerity in his words, watching his gaze soften as he battled his intoxicated conscious over his sense of judgement. Craig couldn't help but feel flattered by the fact that Tweek was willing to spill something that was actually personal about himself, even if it was the alcohol talking.
"Creating this… harmony, this… clean state wasn't exactly easy for me, and it certainly didn't come naturally." Tweek sighed quietly, leaning in to the cushion so that he could rest his head in the crook of Craig's elbow. The raven's eyelids drooped as he continued to stare at the man now somewhat in his arms, completely mesmerized by the pensive glint in his eye. Without even knowing it himself, Craig's hand reached over and began to play with the loose strands of hair poking out from Tweek's bun. I wonder what he looks like with his hair down…
Tweek didn't seem to mind.
"Have you ever found it difficult to let something go," he muttered, "desperately clinging onto self control?"
Whether the question actually stumped him or the alcohol gushing through his veins robbed him of his voice, Craig found himself lacking an answer. He couldn't speak, remaining silent with his mouth slightly agape as he peered down at the man below him with anticipation gleaming in his eyes. He could only nod.
"Uh huh…"
"That was me before I began practicing piano, practicing yoga, practicing dance, practicing, well… assurance." Tweek continued, mindlessly beginning to trace Craig's jawline. "Both for others and myself."
Craig could only smile towards the blonde's words. Leaning back, the raven kept lowering himself until his back came in contact with the armrest, taking Tweek along with him. The pianist was now sandwiched between Craig's side and the couch cushion, his hand planted on the noirette's chest to prevent himself from sinking any further. Tweek gasped at the sudden change of position, blushing as he finally acknowledged the arm that had been cradled around him the entire time. Craig's smile only broadened, continuing to mess with Tweek's hair.
"We should do this more often."
Tweek returned his attention back to Craig before facing the dance floor, giggling foolishly to himself. "I agree, though next time I'd recommend a leash for those two-"
Using his unoccupied hand, Craig pinched Tweek's chin and tilted it up to face him rather aggressively. Tweek's breath hitched when the raven replied to him in a deep growl, his body shuddering towards the oceanic globes gazing so intensely into his soul.
"That's not what I meant."
With an awkward cough, Craig relaxed his dominant stance and offered a shy smile. "Do this. Just this, without them, just-" the raven released a breath he didn't realize he was holding, stroking Tweek's chin in the process. "Just… us."
Tweek was speechless. All the hollering and cheering that coarsed throughout the bar deafened as the blonde stared at the man hovering above him. The only sound that resonated in his ears was his own quickened heartbeat and the hoarse breathing both men exchanged. After a moment of allowing himself to be flustered, Tweek's eyes fluttered shut as a smile crept upon his lips. He continued to huddle closer to Craig, basking in the heat that enveloped around him.
"I'd like that."
The temperature in the room flourished immensely, a dense fog of heat blanketing the two men. Craig's breathing transformed into rapid puffs out of his nose, eyelids desperately quivering in an attempt to stay open. The hand that gripped Tweek's chin unraveled itself to tuck a loose hair behind his ear before sliding down to cup his cheek. The blonde's eyes shot open, his breathing beginning to mimic Craig's. The red gradient in his cheeks made his facial features stand out more; his eyes blazing suns and his freckles uncharted constellations. Unbeknownst to either of them, both men were gradually leaning closer, never breaking eye contact. Tweek's hand trembled as it glided up the expanse of Craig's chest, his luscious lips parting as he tilted his head-
"TWEEEEK!"
Of fucking course.
Here she comes, the queen herself.
Bebe jogged sluggishly up to the couch, her eyes round and filled with desperation. Thanks to her intoxicated state, she was completely oblivious to the intimate position both men were in.
"Red is about to start the dance off, but Clyde won't dance with meeeee!"
Utterly embarrassed, Tweek snapped out of his drunken haze and leapt off of Craig. He switched his gaze from both individuals before him, laughing frantically to himself as he rose shakily from the couch. "How could I say no to that face?"
Bebe squealed and hugged the other blonde. "D'aww, you are such a doll!"
Tweek cast one last longing look towards Craig before being whisked away by Bebe, trailing behind her and into the middle of the lobby. Once they were in their beginning stance, Red instantly played the music and the crowd began to swarm around the pair.
"Come on, shake your body baby, do the conga
I know you can't control yourself any longer
Come on, shake your body baby, do the conga
I know you can't control yourself any longer"
On time with the music, Tweek pressed Bebe close to him and began directing their footwork in perfect sync with the tempo. Their feet weaved together flawlessly across the wooden floor, their laced fingers gyrating their arms in unison to complete a well-orchestrated salsa dance. With a few twirls and shimmies thrown in, the audience was going nuts towards the intimate act that was displayed in their movements.
Craig… not so much.
The man was sulking, pissed that Tweek granted Bebe permission to just drag him away from him. With an aggravated huff, the raven snatched the platter and trudged back behind the bar. He uncapped the Bacardi and began to down the drink, ignoring both the harsh burn in his chest and Red's future scolding.
From his peripherals, Craig spotted Scott staring at him. Instead of being furious about his coworker abandoning him earlier, he only blinked with idle curiosity. His blank expression was beginning to grate on Craig.
"What?!"
"Did I justh watch Bebe Shthevens drag the pianisth onto the dancth floor?"
Before Craig could retort, he felt a gentle pat on his shoulder - unmistakably his cousin ready to belittle him.
"Funny, if Tweek's gay, then why is he on a date with Bebe?"
Craig gritted his teeth and glared at the redhead behind him. "Shut up."
Clyde accompanied the other side of Craig. "Wow, they're good."
Whipping his head towards the other employee, the raven shot him a nasty glare. "You're just gonna let her run off and dance with him?"
"I don't mind," Clyde shrugged, "I told her to do it."
"What? Why?!" Craig barked.
"I had to motivate you to get on the dance floor somehow." Clyde shot back, folding his arms as he stared at his mess of a friend. "You two lounging around isn't exactly going to make this night memorable."
Craig opened his mouth to argue back, but immediately found himself zipping his lips. Smirking, Clyde offered his hand, to which his raven companion peered down at questioningly..
"C'mon, let's dance."
"Huh?"
"Let's dance!"
"Let's not-"
Before Craig had a chance to back out, he felt a sharp heel dig into his back and shove him forward. Whirling around, he spotted none other than his persistent bitch of a cousin.
"For fucks sake, take your balls out of your purse or I'll do it myself and slap you square in the face with them!"
Grumbling in defeat, Craig pouted childishly but accepted Clyde's hand nonetheless. Red giggled to herself as the duo marched into the mini arena, quickly snatching a spare microphone to make an announcement.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have two new contenders!"
The crowd instantly burst into applause, cheering as the two bartenders made their way into the lobby. Unknown to Craig, Clyde caught Bebe's glance and delivered a knowing wink. She returned it, signalling the brunette to flip Craig around so that his back was against him. Burying his chin into the crook of the raven's neck, Clyde closed in to whisper into his ear.
"Have fun.~"
Before Craig could question his motives, both Clyde and Bebe twirled their partners around before giving them a forceful push forward and disappeared into the crowd. Desperately grasping for support, both men discovered wandering hands and pulled each other close; close enough to brush their noses together and drive the audience wild. Tweek's eyes widened with surprise but instantly softened at the sight of a familiar face.
"Well hello there."
Not even questioning the sudden outcome, Craig intertwined his fingers with Tweek's "May I?"
The blonde replied with a giggle, giving the hand in his own a reassuring squeeze. "Take it away."
"Feel the fire of desire, as you dance the night away
Cause tonight we're gonna party, 'til we see the break of day"
The music whirled around them, lifting the gravity away. Craig watched as Tweek's bun gradually unraveled in its band and bounced more with each movement. It was perfect. This was dancing and art coming to life. Strong pointed moves didn't matter here.
All that mattered was the person in front of you.
So they continued to dance and spin. The lights were twinkling with every step as Craig spun Tweek in delicate circles, the tail of the blonde's dress shirt billowing out. Tweek loved things like this; the pressure of a warm hand on his back and the feeling of his small agile feet gliding along the floor. He always felt like a small bird learning how to fly, flailing around and finally taking off with outstretched wings and wind swept feathers.
Then, after another twirl, Craig decided to play the bold card as he squeezed Tweek's thigh and yanked it upwards, hooking the blonde's leg around his waist. The crowd erupted into a series of whistles, gasps, and suggestive ooo's.
"My, my, Tucker." Tweek giggled, his heel playfully digging into the back of the raven's knee. "At least take me to dinner first."
It was as if the stars had aligned accordingly in Craig's favor. "Well, that was the plan."
"Oh? Enlighten me."
"You and me," he picked up Tweek, "dinner," spun him around in the air, "Friday night," flipped him over his back and between his legs, "6 o'clock," caught him in his arms and leaned him forward,"sharp."
Tweek laughed breathlessly as he dipped backwards and reclined back up, a lazy smile and hooded eyes plastered on his flushed face. He was in a complete trance.
"It's a date."
He couldn't explain it, but those words made it extremely difficult for Craig to swallow the large lump in his throat. Only one thought consumed his mind as he peered down at the expectant man in his arms: what am I doing?
Dating was crappy. Craig was sick of telling people about himself only for them to decide he wasn't what they were looking for. If he had to hear "it's not you, it's me" one more time, he was going to hurl. Dedication was always too much of a hassle for the raven, so he always resorted to one-night stands to experience some sort of comfort, even if it was temporary.
But as Craig locked eyes with the emerald jewels before him, it was game over. Tweek would forever be engraved in his mind. He wished this dance would never end; he wanted to hold the blonde just a little longer, stare into his eyes just a little longer, listen to his adorable laughter just a little longer, be with him just a little longer.
"Crush" was such an infantile word, one that must have been invented by older folks with an interest in belittling young love. A crush is nothing more than lusting for someone, and for once Craig hated it. No, he didn't have a fucking crush on Tweek; he was just the one, he knew it. He was all that was on the noirette's mind these past few weeks. Tomorrow Craig would find a way to talk to him, and then the next day, and then the next. Craig would keep finding ways to confront the blonde until he could finally suck it up and tell him how he felt, then he could crawl out of his emotionless shell for once in his monotonous life.
Sure, Tweek might as well be considered a "crush," but he could never belong to Craig. That much the raven already knew.
But fuck it.
Tweek had to be the one, he just had to be.
"Yeah… it's a date."
I'm so sorry this chapter took so long. School, work, STRESS, just all that crap in general. But the good news is that I've storyboarded all the other chapters up to chapter 16, so hopefully updates won't take too long! I'm aiming for AT LEAST a bi-weekly update schedule.
Other than that, thank you so much for everyone's support and patience, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter! :)
-Editing is underway, please excuse any errors you may come across-
