Creek
Obviously Oblivious
A/N: The idea's pool for this story has run dry, so it'll probably finish within a few chapters. I'm struggling to find anything to write about in this chapter, and I feel like I built up something at the end of the last one, so I apologise if it's not up to par.
He was beginning to understand why it was a good thing to cut off his emotions. The pain, fear and anger were overwhelming. There was only one image in his mind, a face, and it blew away all other emotions he should be feeling: gratitude, love, and freedom. None of them mattered, he wasn't happy, he wasn't optimistic. All he could think about was revenge on the man who took his family away. Took his life away. He tossed and turned, sinking down into a pit of despair and regret, a damp darkness surrounding him.
Craig!
He felt tears start to roll down his cheeks as he felt the memory of glass shattering against his skull. As he heard the sounds of his parents screaming across the room at each other, staring at them from behind a door. As he smelt the lingering scent of alcohol and sex seeping from his parent's room.
Craig, wake up!
All the time wasted cleaning up after his parents, hours pointlessly in the counsellor's office trying to find the source of his problems, days spent in detention writing lines and picking chewing gum off the tables, weeks dedicated to hiding his sister from the crushing pollution of their house, months that vanished while acting as if he had plenty of food to spare for himself and his sister. The years that flashed by for the young boy in his memory that destroyed his every fibre.
It's just a nightmare!
Dreams, hopes, innocence lost and shattered by the opinions and way of thinking he was taught, needing and wanting to suppress any form of human emotion and build a constant state of contentment or irritation to stop-
"Jesus Christ its cold!" Craig screamed, bolting up right as he was drowned in freezing water, gasping for breath and desperately grabbing onto the sheets and pillows around him, finding an arm and clutching to it, looking up through his clouded vision at a tall black man. "The fuck—Rubes?"
"No," came a deep voice. "It's Token."
Craig gasped in a large breath and held it, blinking several times before regaining his sight, calming down and running a hand through his wet hair. "Why am I wet?"
"Tweek's downstairs, I told him I'd come get you. I couldn't let him see you as you were, drenched in sweat and whimpering, so I poured a cup of cold water on your face. Sorry," Token explained, face remaining as passive as always. "I couldn't let him see you like this."
Craig huffed slightly, shaking his head and getting some water on Token, sighing. "Yeah, whatever," he muttered, looking at the boy thankfully. It was true, Tweek would freak out if he saw Craig having a nightmare. Nodding silently, Token stood and strode out the room with the same grace he always held. Craig sat in the same position for a while, resting back on his hands and staring at the quilt, deep in thought. He sniffed at his underarms, cringing at the stench of sweat, before looking behind him and seeing the cold water splash above a mark that looked like his back. Pushing the covers to the side, he left the bed and picked up yesterday's shirt from the floor, tugging it over his head and started to search for his jeans. There was a slight knock on the door and he looked up as he pushed a leg through the trousers.
"Come in," he called, seeing a mess of blond creep into the room, a pink face flush red and honey brown eyes widen slightly as they took in the sight of his unready form. "Tweek."
"Hi Cr-Craig, uhm," Tweek cleared his throat, looking away as the taller boy fastened his jeans. "Wondering how you-you were holding up."
Craig ran a hand through his hair once again, encountering a knot and cringing as he yanked it. "Fine," he muttered, rubbing his head.
"He-here, I'll do it," the blond said, shuffling over to where Craig was and pulling his head down, stretching up with both hands to get rid of the tangles in the black hair. Craig's hazel eyes gazed at the boy, watching him silently, making him jump when Tweek finally noticed. "S-sorry."
"Thanks," Craig said, taking the shaking hands and kissing them. Tweek smiled slightly, calming before throwing his arms around the taller boy.
"I was so-so worried that you weren't going to-to get on with Token and-and that you were going to-to kill yourself or something because that's what depressed people do and-!"
"I'm fine, Tweek," Craig said loudly, trying to drown the boy out. "Don't worry so much, I'm fine," he said with a smirk, snaking his own arms round the boy's waist, pecking a kiss on his nose.
The blond flustered lightly with a smile. "I'm glad," the arms round his waist tightened, pulling their bodies against each other. "I-I think Clyde and R-Red are on their way s-so-!" Craig smirked, kissing the blond lightly, before leading him further to the large bed. "We-Well, I-I suppose we-we should g-go downstairs an-and-!" he let out a small whimper as Craig's lips found their way to his neck, spinning him round and pushing him back into pillows and quilt.
"Cr-Craig!" Tweek squeaked. "Why-why is the bed wet?"
There was a long, drawn out groan from the door. "The pain!"
Looking up, Craig saw a brunet standing in the doorway, his eyes squeezed shut. "I really didn't want to see that."
"Then you shouldn't have come looking for me," Craig spat, flipping his best friend off. The boy glanced down at the blushing blond, who was furiously pushing at his chest in an attempt to free himself. Sighing in annoyance, the boy got up, grabbing his hat from his bedside table and yanking it onto his head. "What?"
"We've come to help with your situation," Clyde said, energy regained. "Find you a job; go get your stuff, all that jazz!"
Craig folded his arms across his chest, puffing it out. "Why are you up so early?"
"I'm not," Clyde said with a proud smile. "You're up late."
Glowering, Craig took Tweek's hand and Clyde led them back downstairs where Token and Red waited patiently in the living room, Token on a single chair and Red perched on the side of the couch. Red started to chatter as soon as they'd all sat down, informing Craig of the plan as Tweek nervously pulled at his shirt, a habit he'd broken out of a long time ago.
"Clyde and I will go to your house to pick up your things while our father's are at the bar, so your father won't know we're there, and if he comes back early then he won't be too upset, and then today we can start job hunting for you, or go buy you some new clothes for today. Is there anything else-oh, how long can he stay with you, Token?"
"He can stay for as long as he needs," came a soft voice from the door. Standing there was Token's mother, a plate of sandwiches in her hands. "Or at least until he's able to make his own way in life."
Craig thanked the woman, snatching a sandwich for his empty stomach. The woman rolled her eyes and placed the plate in the middle of the table.
"I'd rather go get my things myself," Craig said, causing the air in the room to still. "I want to see my mum and sister."
"Oh-okay," Red cleared her throat, looking cautious. "Are you sure that's-?"
"Yes."
Tweek bit his lip before bursting. "I got you a job but you have to start today," he said quickly, his eyes shut tight. He opened one to see everyone looking at him questioningly. "I-I-well, my mother, she-she convinced my dad to-to give you my shifts at the shop."
"But, what about you?" Craig asked. "Isn't that your wages?"
Tweek frowned. "No, I don't get paid for-for working at the shop. I-I do it for fun."
"Does that mean you two would be working together?" Red asked, trying to hold back her excitement. "That would be so cute!"
"N-no," Tweek corrected. "I would pr-probably only tr-train Craig. Not work w-with him."
Red pouted slightly, slumping back in the chair.
As the girl started talking about what time would be best to get Craig to his house to get his things, and Clyde derailed the subject for their sanity, Tweek rested his head against Craig's shoulders, remaining silent, and Craig linked his fingers with Tweek's, also remaining silent.
"So, Craig, have you ever worked in a coffee shop before?"
"No."
"Do you know how to work a coffee machine?"
"No."
"A cash register?"
"No."
Mr. Tweak sighed, shaking his head slightly and staring at the young boy standing in front of him wearing a Tweak & Bro's apron. Behind him slightly was the previous owner of the apron, who was tugging furiously at his hair, an insane, pleading look in his eyes. "I suppose I will keep Tweek on, at least for a little while, until you become accustomed to the machines and technology," he put a hand on Craig's shoulder. "Now, son, do you know what makes a perfect cup of coffee?"
"No."
"The perfect coffee beans, ground to perfection, and served in your local coffee bar. We believe that it's that local, homemade quality that makes Tweak Bro's coffee the best-!"
"Sweetie," floated a soft voice from the back room. "Can you come help me with these papers?"
The eldest male left, leaving the two young ones alone. Craig turned to Tweek, rubbing his neck awkwardly. The blond smiled encouragingly. "Shall we get st-started on the till? You-you're good at math, right?"
"No."
Craig sighed, resting his head on the glass as Kenny stood next to him, passing the cigarette between them. Tweek was inside, saying that it was time for Craig's break, and had almost thrown him out. Kenny had come round to give Kyle a nice cheep date, and had been dragged outside in the process.
"Have I ever told you, Kyle hates it when I give him smoke-kisses?" Kenny reminded.
"You don't need to have any of it."
Kenny grinned. "I have to if you're sharing."
"What am I going to do?" Craig whined. "All morning all my answers to any questions have been 'no'. I'm hopeless."
"Tweek clearly doesn't think so, or he wouldn't have helped you out this much," Kenny suggested. The two cringed as they remembered the enthusiasm Tweek had greeted the idea of Craig having breaks with. "Just keep at it; you'll get the hang of it eventually."
"I don't think so man, I mean; I don't care about this crap, why should I learn it?"
Kenny frowned, snatching the cigarette. "How about because Tweek stuck his neck out for you? That kid loves to make coffee, and agreed to give his work to you because he loves having you round more than coffee. Is that a reason to learn it?"
Craig hesitated as Kenny threw the finished cigarette on the floor, before marching back inside. He stared at the butt, feeling slightly ashamed at what he'd said. Token, Tweek, they'd both stuck their necks out so that he could stick around, and while Token probably did it more for Tweek than for him, Tweek did it for him. His heart swelled at the thought of the boy who had religiously drank coffee for all the time they knew each other had decided that he, a selfish asshole, was worth more than that.
Turning, he pushed the door open, the bell ringing above him. Kenny was sat back with Kyle, having managed to seduce the boy into a fluster already, and Tweek looked up, delighted face falling slightly. Craig paused for a split second before making his way behind the counter.
"Hey losers," he called, snapping Kyle out of his daze and causing a moan of irritation from Kenny. "Hurry up and order something else so I can learn how to work this fancy-pantsy coffee maker."
Kyle smiled, eagerly getting up to help and asking Tweek what most people ordered, while Kenny was slightly slower and flopped onto the counter, mumbling about ruined dates. Laughter and pride filled the honey brown eyes as Craig tried to make Kyle's drink perfectly, whining about why it couldn't be Kenny criticising him instead of the perfectionist.
Eventually, Red and Clyde came through the door, followed closely by Token, the girl jumping at the chance to order something obscure and demanding Craig made it, nattering away with Kyle about Craig's lack of coffee making skills. Tweek stood by him the whole time, his help being needed almost less and less throughout the day.
"I think your co-coffee's the best," the blond whispered, giving his boyfriend a large hug from behind. "No matter what K-Kyle says."
As soon as eight o'clock stroke on the dashboard of Token's car, Craig bid goodbye to Tweek and slid into the passenger's seat. Token was there in the driver's seat ready to go, and they set off. It was a short ride to the home of the Tuckers, and they soon found themselves parked outside the house they were at the evening before. Craig looked at Token, frowning to himself.
"We're here now," the darker boy said. "Might as well."
Craig opened the door, stepping outside to see a flicker of the curtain. He leisurely walked to the front door, knocking on the wood. A few moments later the door flew open and a small child attached herself to his stomach.
"I knew you wouldn't stay away!" the girl exclaimed, a large smile on her face. "I knew you would come back, no matter what daddy said!"
The tall boy felt his heart break a little.
"Rubes, step back a bit, I want to talk to you."
The girl did as he asked, smile leaving her face slowly.
"Daddy's right, I am leaving," he explained. "I'm going to stay at the William's house, see Token in the car?" he pointed the boy out. "He's letting me crash at his place. I don't know if I'm going to come back, but that means that you're the star of the house now, and I want you to know I love you. And just because I'm not there doesn't mean you can't ring me if anything goes wrong, okay? You need help, I'll be here in a flash, no matter what daddy says, you understand?"
The preteen nodded.
He patted his sister on the back. "Is dad home? I'm here to pick up my things."
A duffle bag was dropped on the floor beside Ruby, bursting at the rims.
"I know," a cracked voice. "I packed all the things you need this morning. You'll be back soon, you don't need it all."
Craig looked up at his teary-eyed mother, examining her face before pulling her into a tight hug. "It's okay ma, this is all I need."
"You'll be back soon," she whispered, clutching onto him.
"I best get out of here," Craig said, pulling back and picking up his duffle bag. "I'll ring you in a week or two, see how things are."
His mother nodded, too upset to speak, and Ruby took her hand. Craig turned, heading back to Token's car with a heavy heart, but a good feeling inside of him. Dumping his bag in the back seat, he slouched back into the chair, letting out a long breath.
"I told the others to meet us at my house, for movie night," Token explained, starting the engine and pulling out from the curb.
Craig turned to look at the boy. "Everyone's expecting us to screw this up you know?"
"I know," Token replied, eyes remaining on the road.
Craig persisted. "I can't promise I'll be easy to get on with."
"I know," Token said with a small smile, sending a fleeting glance at Craig.
The Tucker boy nodded, turning back to the window, feeling like he'd left himself enough wriggle room.
"And you know I'm doing this because you're my friend, not just for Tweek, right?" Token checked.
Craig snapped his head to the boy with a disbelieving glance.
"Sure, Tweek's thankful, and he is my best friend, but I'd do the same for any of you," Token expanded. "Which is why everyone's wrong when they expect us to screw up. Me and you, we're similar in different ways. Which is probably why the other two in our group are so different to us," he smirked at Craig's difficult expression. "But I trust that if something's wrong, you'll tell me. Just as how if you do something that irritates me, I'll tell you. I'm not one to argue, and you're too lazy."
Opening his mouth to object, Craig snapped it shut when he realised the boy was right.
"Trust me, Craig," Token said, straightening his back. "I wouldn't have let you come stay with me if I didn't think we'd get along fine. I'm not that nice."
Craig nodded as they pulled up outside Token's house, three teens standing outside. Tweek and Clyde rushed to the car as soon as they saw it, panicked expression on their faces drowned out by relief.
"I owe you one, dude," Craig said. Token nodded, saying nothing, getting out the car and walking to Red. Clyde gave Craig a large hug, Tweek grabbing the duffle bag and complaining about the worry and the pressure.
Kivea: The next chapter will probably be the last. I was going to put it in here, but I think it'd be better as an epilogue.
I'm kinda proud of this chapter ~
If there's anything you think I need to tie up before I finish the story, do tell me and I'll try finish it before the epilogue, or during.
Thank you for reading ~
Kivie