Craig left the Tweek's a little bit after dinner the following day, Tweek's scrapbook of wonderful memories sitting on the passenger's seat. It was taunting him at this point, reminding him of the terrible thing he still has to tell him. It was breaking him, really, and it was taking everything in Craig's power not to turn the car around and tell Tweek. When he saw the Denver exit approaching, he knew it was too late. He needed to talk to someone, someone that wasn't his family. Glancing at the clock on the car radio, he grunted as he grabbed his phone, holding it to his ear.

"Hello?"

"Get the guys together, Token."

"Craig, what's-"

"I need to talk to you guys. It's a Code Red."

"…Did you say Code Red?"

"You heard me." There were a few moments of silence, a sigh from Token breaking Craig from his rapid thoughts.

"Meet us at our usual spot."

"Be there in twenty."

Craig sat with Token and Jimmy at a booth at a bar they frequent when they're all home in Denver, leg bouncing as he sipped at his rum and coke. He set the glass down, finger running around the rim of the glass as he kept glancing behind Token and Jimmy at the door.

"D-Dude, you're starting to-to freak me out." Jimmy said, Craig sighing.

"I'm sorry, I just-"

"I'm here! I'm here!" Clyde shouted as he burst through the doors, sliding into the booth next to Craig. Craig snapped his jaw shut, the muscles tightening as he tried to figure out what to say.

"Is this about the shit you told us on your birthday?" Token said finally, Craig's eyes flashing up towards him. Silently, he nodded, bringing the glass up to his lips once more. He ordered another drink when the waitress came around to get Clyde's order.

"I don't know how to tell him."

"Yeah...you're in quite the pickle," Clyde murmured, everyone slowly turning their gaze to him. He blinked, realizing they were now all staring at him. "What?"

"Quite…the pickle?" Token said slowly, eyebrows raised in question. Clyde scoffed.

"You mean to tell me you've never heard that phrase?"

"Oh no, we've heard of it, we just didn't expect an almost thirty year old man to say it." Craig said, punching him in the arm. Clyde winced a bit, glaring at Craig before turning his attention to his beer that was just dropped off.

"You all need to refresh your vocabulary." He murmured, Jimmy rolling his eyes.

"A-Anyways! Back-back to the issue a-at hand." He said, everyone grumbling in agreement.

"You haven't told him anything?" Token asked, trying to get all the pieces of the puzzle together.

"Nothing. I just-I didn't want to ruin his Christmas."

"Why didn't you say something earlier?"

"I couldn't bring myself to. Every time I look at the damn kid it's like a fucking punch in the gut. I'm constantly reminded that I need to tell him and I can't get the fucking words out because I don't want to have to do this, but I have to!" Craig groaned, taking a long sip of his drink. It's times like this he wished he still smoked, but he knew having to quit was for the better.

"Are you planning on telling him any time soon?" Clyde asked.

"I'm shooting for your New Year's Eve party." He said, motioning to Token. The man blinked, eyes widening.

"You're telling him at my party?!"

"He's coming into town for it anyways!"

"You'll ruin the damn party!"

"How will I ruin the damn party, Token?!"

"You'll bring the vibe down!"

"I'll tell him on the balcony!" Craig hissed, Token grumbling as he twirled his straw around his coke. He was designated driver for him and Jimmy (he picked him up along the way).

"W-What're you gonna-gonna do? Kiss h-h-him and then-then drop the news on him a-after midnight?" Jimmy asked, which caused Craig to bite his lip as he twirled the ice in his drink around with the stirring straw.

"I don't know…I don't even know if I'll tell him at the party, I just know I need to tell him soon."

"You're running out of time…" Clyde reminded him, Craig dropping his head to his hands with a sigh.

"Yeah…thanks for the reminder." Craig mumbled, downing the last of his drink.

"Dude, chill on the drinks." Token said, noticing Craig's face getting flushed. He hasn't drank really strong alcohol in a long time, let alone drink in a long time, due to his chemo treatment, so Token was sure the alcohol was going straight through him.

"'m fine, let me be." Craig mumbled, ordering another rum and coke. Token sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"If this is how you're going to act, maybe you shouldn't go through with this thing." Token said, dropping his hands to the table.

"No, I have to. I just…I've never felt so strongly about another person, okay? I'm afraid!" Craig admitted a little louder than he intended, the man sinking down in his seat as a few heads turned. Jimmy snickered, sipping at his beer.

"Y-You just have to d-do it, Craig. There really isn't m-much-much for us to tell y-you at this-this point." Jimmy explained, Clyde nodding.

"I mean, we'll obviously be here for you, but it's up to you at this point. We can't tell him for you, you have to tell him…and soon." Clyde added, Craig sighing sadly as his drink was dropped off. Moving the stirring straw around his drink, he eventually nodded, eyes dropping shut as he felt a wave of sadness consume him. Fuck.

New Year's Eve approached faster than Craig had anticipated, his ears ringing the second he woke up. Today was the day. Today was the day that he had to tell Tweek. He couldn't keep putting it off anymore. In order to distract himself, he offered his help at Token's with setting up for the party. Each year since their first year out of college, Token has thrown a New Year's Eve party, and they're always the talk of the town. It's a night full of casual drinking (well, when they were younger, it wasn't as casual), some delicious food, and an overall good night to reflect on the past year with friends and some family members. The only family that ever showed were just Craig, Clyde, Jimmy, and Token's immediate family. Sometimes Marcella Tucker would make an appearance, but she had already sent Token a fruit basket for the party with a card wishing him a Happy New Year, which meant she probably wouldn't show up this year. Craig was okay with that, considering the circumstances he was under. Around three o'clock, Token and him sat down on the couch, a beer in their hands as they finally finished setting up. They still had about four more hours before people started showing up.

"I hate seeing you like this, man." Token said, Craig sighing. He didn't really feel like talking about this now, but he figured it would prepare him for tonight.

"I hate feeling this way."

"It's going to suck, but you need to do this tonight." Token said, Craig snorting softly.

"I thought you didn't want me to tell him here."

"Well, I changed my mind. I think tonight is the best time for you since Clyde was right, you know."

"About what?" Craig asked, sipping his beer.

"You running out of time. Craig, you can't keep running from this. You're putting yourself in a corner, dude."

"I know! I…fuck, this is just really hard for me, okay?" Craig hissed, Token taking a moment before responding.

"I know Craig…I know this is hard for you, and like we said the other day, we'll be here for you, alright? We all know how much you really love this kid. I couldn't imagine having to do this, but you know you have to." Token explained, Craig letting out a shaky sigh as he ran his hands down his face.

"Yeah…I know…" He murmured, a knock coming from the door. Token stood up, leaving Craig to sip at his beer. However, Craig smiled a bit when he heard the familiar voice of Clyde at the door.

"Wassup party people?!" Clyde laughed, Token snorting.

"You're stuck in the eighties, Clyde."

"Well, my friend, I was born in eighty nine, so your argument is invalid."

"Clyde, we were all born in eighty nine."

"Not me." Craig snorted, Token rolling his eyes.

"Except for grandpa." He said, shutting the door as Clyde walked over to the fridge to grab a beer.

"Speaking of grandpa, how're you doing?" Clyde asked, walking over with a can of beer. Craig shrugged, pursing his lips as he did so.

"Could be better considering the circumstances of tonight."

"Wait, you're telling him?" Clyde asked, Craig nodding slowly as Token sat down.

"You were right…I'm running out of time." Craig said, pinching the bridge of his nose. Clyde glanced over to Token, biting his bottom lip before turning his attention back to Craig.

"Why don't we practice what you're going to say?" Clyde suggested, Craig shaking his head.

"I was just…going to wing it. Let it come from the heart, as clichéd as it sounds." He said, Token humming.

"That's probably the best…considering how much this hurts you." Token murmured, Craig sighing as he closed his eyes.

"Yeah…it'll hurt him more."

Tweek arrived at Token's around seven thirty, the party already hustling and bustling with people. A lot of people he didn't recognize, but he gravitated towards Tricia and Dan since he saw them first. Tricia grinned when she saw him, tossing her arms around him.

"Double T! Oh my god, I've missed you!" She laughed, pulling away and holding him by the shoulders. "You look so good!" She gasped, taking in Tweek's outfit. It's his typical mustard colored turtleneck, paired with black skinny jeans and a pair of red Doc Martins he got for Christmas.

"Thank you! I wanted to show off the new boots!" He laughed, sticking his leg out to emphasize his shoes. Tricia grinned, ducking down to look at them.

"Oh they're cute! From your parents?"

"Yup!" Tweek turned his attention to Dan, grinning. "Hello to you too!" He laughed, Dan grinning as he tugged Tweek into a tight embrace.

"Hey Tweek." Dan chuckled, the blonde pulling back.

"Are your parents here?" Tweek asked Tricia, the red head nodding.

"They're in the kitchen with Token and Craig!" Tricia explained, sipping at her own drink. Tweek nodded, bidding them goodbye for now before making his way into the kitchen. Laura saw him first, a grin crossing her face.

"Hello handsome." She chuckled, wrapping her arms around Tweek. When he couldn't see her face, she bit her lip, knowing full well that tonight would eventually turn against this poor boy. As she pulled away, the grin returned to her face.

"Hi Laura! Hi Thomas!" He said, shaking Thomas's hand. He yelped as he was tugged into a hug, but he accepted it. Thomas Tucker wasn't usually one for hugs, but he looked at his wife over Tweek's shoulder, a sad smile on his face. It turned happier once he pulled away.

"Good to see you could make it!" Thomas said, clapping his hand on Tweek's shoulder. The blonde hummed, grinning at Token.

"Hey! Thanks for having me." He said, Token opening his arms to welcome Tweek into a hug. As with the other two people who previously hugged him, he looked worried as he made eye contact with the Tucker's over his shoulder, not wanting to see this twenty one year old so sad later when he was so happy now. He smiled as he pulled away, chuckling.

"It's no problem, Tweek! Any friend of the Tucker's is a friend of mine."

"Need I remind you he's my boyfriend." Craig said, tugging Tweek to him to press a soft kiss to his lips. As he pulled away, Tweek leaned his back against Craig's chest, the taller man wrapping his arms around Tweek's waist and hooking his chin over his shoulder. Laura chuckled, twirling his cosmopolitan around its glass.

"How was your Christmas, kiddo? By the sound of it, Craig really enjoyed his time with your family."

"Oh it was wonderful! It's just been really nice relaxing instead of having to worry about a million things at once on top of working."

"Are you working over break?" Token asked, sipping at his beer.

"I've worked a few days at my family's coffee shop, but my parents want me to mainly take it easy." Tweek explained, everyone nodding.

"Can I get you a drink?" Laura asked, Tweek blushing a bit.

"Sure! A beer is fine, I still need to drive home later." He chuckled, Laura nodding as she walked over to the fridge, handing him a can of beer once she came back. Tweek thanked her, popping the can open and humming softly as he let himself relax in Craig's embrace. Everyone at that point started wandering, Tweek and Craig plopping down on the couch in the living room.

"You look so sexy." Craig murmured to him in his ear, Tweek blushing as he giggled a bit.

"I wear this outfit all the time."

"But those boots." Craig emphasized, Tweek tossing his head back as he laughed. Craig's smile faltered slightly as he saw Tweek laugh like that, his heart twisting painfully in his chest as he watched him. Suddenly, the couch dipped besides Tweek, the blonde yelping but then grinning as he saw it was Clyde.

"Hey!" Tweek said, sipping at his beer. Clyde gave a nod of his head, smiling.

"Good to see you, Tweek," He said, then bit his lip. "Hey, can I talk to Craig real quick?"

"Yeah! I'll go hang with Tricia and Dan." He said, giving Craig's cheek a few kisses before standing and walking over to where Tricia and Dan were. Once Clyde knew he was far enough away, he slid over so he was next to Craig, bringing their faces close together.

"You haven't told him yet."

"I'm waiting until after midnight."

"Craig, do you know how shitty that kind of is?"

"What? Why?" Craig hissed, grabbing a fistful of Clyde's shirt. He felt so sick to his stomach over the situation.

"Because you're gonna kiss the guy and drop the news, aren't you?" Clyde hissed back, Craig grunting.

"Clyde, I appreciate your concern, but I got this, okay?" He whispered, eyes softening a bit. Clyde searched those mismatched eyes for any inclination that Craig was going to tell him soon, but he wasn't. With a sigh, Clyde stood, gulping at his beer before speaking.

"Don't act so surprised if he gets angry."

It was about fifteen minutes until midnight at this point and Craig thought he was going to throw up. He rushed around the apartment, trying to find one of two blondes he needed to speak to tonight. He saw her from across the room, rushing over.

"Mom!" He called out, Laura turning. She saw the worried look in her son's eyes, a frown crossing her face.

"Come on, let's go to the balcony." She suggested as Craig got to her, her son nodding as he followed her. Once outside, Craig gripped the railing, squeezing his eyes shut as he felt Laura's hand rub up and down his back.

"I-I can't do it."

"Yes you can, Craig. You have-"

"I have to, I know!" He snapped, moving so his mother couldn't touch him. "Everyone keeps telling me I have to, but maybe I don't!"

"What, you're just going to let this go? Not tell this guy that you love, Craig? You're thirty years old, you can't run away from these kind of problems anymore!" Laura said, looking at her son's back. "If you truly love Tweek, Craig, then you know this is the right thing to do. Will it sting like a bitch? Absolutely. That's why they call it a crush, handsome…they hurt." Laura swallowed hard, glancing back into the party. People were starting to gather for the ball drop, a familiar head of blonde curls sticking out to her. She sighed, looking back at Craig as he spoke.

"That's why this hurts…because I love him more than I've ever loved anyone."

"I know, baby, I know…but it's the right thing to do." She whispered, placing a hand on her son's back. He was so tense under her touch. Sliding her arms around him from behind, Craig eventually turned, wrapping his arms around his mom. Closing his eyes, he let out a shaky breath.

"Do you have a cigarette?"

"I thought you quit?"

"I thought you did too." He teased, Laura chuckling. She knew he'd need one for this situation. Rummaging through her purse, she passed one over to him, flicking the lighter for him. Craig leaned forward, inhaling once the cigarette was in the flame. That burning sensation he missed so much filled his mouth and lungs, the raven haired man exhaling slowly as he looked out over the city of Denver.

"Want me to get him for you?" She whispered, Craig nodding without a word. Laura gave his hand one last squeeze, turning and walking towards the door.

"Hey mom?" Craig said suddenly, turning to look at Laura as he heard the sliding door open. She looked over her shoulder, Craig shooting her a weak smile. "Thanks."

"It's my job, baby boy." She chuckled, shutting the door behind her. Craig laughed softly, inhaling again on the cigarette as he turned to face the city, other hand in his pocket now. As he heard the sliding balcony door open, he closed his eyes as he exhaled, turning after a moment to look at the man walking towards him.

"Hey." Craig breathed out, Tweek smiling a bit.

"I thought you quit."

"You sound like my mother," Craig chuckled. "I did quit, I just needed one."

"Speaking of your mother, she said you needed to talk to me?" Tweek asked, leaning against the balcony railing. Craig let out a shaky breath, nodding. Here it goes.

"Yeah, um…I have something I need to tell you." He said slowly, Tweek blinking. God, don't look at me like that.

"Is everything okay?" Tweek asked, eyebrows furrowed. Craig opened his mouth to speak, but he heard people counting down from ten inside. Tweek froze, smiling a bit as he heard it too. As they hit one, Craig lurched forward, pressing his lips to Tweek's as he let the cigarette fall from his hand. Grabbing his face in his hands, Craig tried to get himself as close as possible to the blonde in front of him. He couldn't pull away. Craig wanted to be here forever, pressed against Tweek with his lips attached to his. But he couldn't. He knew that. As he pulled away, he swallowed hard. You're such a fucking dick, Craig.

"I-I'm not coming back next semester." He breathed out, Tweek blinking.

"You…what?"

"I have a friend named Dan." Tweek pointed towards inside.

"Different Dan than Dan in there?"

"Y-Yeah-Yes, different Dan," Craig said, running his hands down his face and then putting them behind his head. "He-We were friends in college. He's a few years older than me and we were in a band together. I left the band after he graduated because I was entering my junior year and really needed to focus on school. He continued on with the band and it exploded in popularity about five years ago. He contacted me earlier this month because they're going on tour and their drummer broke his arm in an accident and he asked me to be their drummer." Craig explained, hating the way Tweek grinned at him.

"Craig-that's-that's amazing! That's-oh my god!" He laughed, tossing his arms around Craig. However, he blinked when Craig didn't return the hug, Tweek slowly pulling away. "C-Craig?"

"I don't want you waiting for me." Craig breathed out, swallowing hard. Tweek tensed up, swallowing hard.

"What do you mean by that?" He whispered slowly, trying not to assume anything. Craig turned away, looking out at Denver.

"I'm going to be gone a long time…you're twenty one, you have so much to explore still. I don't want to be traveling the world and knowing I'm tying you down, ya know? I want you to venture off with Wendy, Stan, Kyle, Kenny, Butters, Bebe, hell, even Eric! I want you to have fun! I don't want you to have to worry about me while I'm away!" Craig laughed harshly at the end, his chest tightening as he heard Tweek speak.

"…A-Are you breaking up with me?" Tweek squeaked out, Craig already knowing the blonde had tears in his eyes. Craig gripped the railing before he turned to look at Tweek, swallowing hard.

"Y-Yeah…I…I am, kid," He breathed out, the words hurting him. He didn't want to, really, but he didn't have much of a choice. He wouldn't force Tweek into a long distance relationship. He was doing this because he loved Tweek so much. He wanted him to be happy, even if that meant Craig leaving him. The blonde's nostrils flared, arms wrapping around himself. "Tweek, I-"

"Don't," He hissed, Craig flinching a bit. "Y-You don't get to be nice right now," Tweek choked out, wiping the tears that fell with the palm of his hand. "Fuck, I'm so stupid!" He let out a bitter laugh, Craig frowning.

"It-It literally has nothing to do with you, kid."

"Don't fucking call me t-that anymore." Tweek sobbed, tangling his fingers into his hair. Craig felt his chest tighten at the sight.

"Tweek, I'm doing this for you! You don't deserve to be tied down by me while I'm off in Europe and Asia and god knows where!"

"W-when are you leaving?"

"Middle of January, before the semester starts."

"What about y-your CAT scans, huh? You just-gonna risk getting cancer again?!"

"Olivia said as long as I get checked every now and then while abroad, she's fine with me going." Craig explained, Tweek shaking his head as he smiled a bitter smile.

"We talked about having a home together less than a w-week ago!" Tweek yelled, marching up to Craig. "You-You got me this fucking necklace and you-now you're just breaking up with me in Denver at your friend's New Year's E-Eve party! You-You gave me a fucking New Year's kiss! Like-as if I meant something t-to you!" Craig grunted as Tweek brought his hand down hard across his face, but he expected it. "Do the p-past four months mean nothing to you?!"

"They mean everything to me, Tweek! That's why I'm doing this! Because I care about you so much!" Craig yelled back, the blonde rolling his eyes.

"Y-You have a funny way of showing you c-care," He scoffed, glaring at the raven haired man. "F-Fuck you, Craig, have fun on your fucking w-world tour or whatever. It was n-nice knowing you. Thanks for fucking me over." He hissed, turning and rushing inside. Keeping his head down, Tweek rushed towards the door, ignoring Tricia's voice, ignoring Clyde's voice, ignoring everything. He needed to leave. Now. Everything seemed to slow down for Craig. As he watched his now ex-boyfriend rush through the house, the sounds rang loud in his ears. The tears that had been threatening to spill finally fell as Tweek slammed the door shut, signifying that Tweek was now out of Craig's life. Closing his eyes, he focused on the music, ignoring Tricia as she walked onto the balcony, no doubt wanting to ask him about why the love of his life just ran out of the apartment in tears.

Once upon a time

Once when you were mine

I remember skies

Reflected in your eyes

I wonder where you are

I wonder if you think about me

Once upon a time

In your wildest dreams

NOTE: Whoops ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Hope you enjoyed, and, as always, any and all feedback is appreciated!

Song:

Your Wildest Dreams-The Moody Blues: watch?v=01lm2CWwsqA