"Tweek," his mother's voice startled him. He didn't expect to see her in the shop today. She took that tuesday off to run some errands, it worked out since that week was her sunday to work. Looking up from the counter he was cleaning his mother smiled at him and continued, "you'll never guess who I saw today."

Tilting his head, the blonde cocked an eyebrow. "Who?"

"Craig!" Thin arms shot out from her sides in excitement.

"Craig? Where uh where did you see him at?"

Bringing her hands down she brushed off the front of her pale yellow dress. "At the Photo Dojo. I went to make an appointment to take your senior photos and he was in there just working away."

Tweek gave her a slow blink. Craig had a job? At the Photo Dojo? How did he not know about that? And why did his mom want him to take senior pictures? She knew he hated having his photo taken. "Okay?"

"Well, when he saw me he came to say hi. He's such sweet boy." Brushing her hair behind her ear, she gave her son a smile. "Anyways I invited him to dinner on sunday."

Tweek basically threw himself across the counter. Slamming flat palms on the wooden surface of the counter he placed over half his torso on the cool surface. "WHAT?!" His eyes almost popped out hif skull they were so wide. "MOMpleasetellmeyoudidn't" His words gushed out so fast they couldn't be picked apart. This wasn't good. Tweek's dad wouldn't be happy and the last time his father and Craig were in the same room Craig was trying very hard to keep his mouth shut.

His mom calmly walked over to him and patted his head. "Sweetheart, you know I can't understand you when you rush your words. And get off the counter please."

The blonde puff of hair sitting on the back of his head swung from side to side as his head shook back and forth. "This is a bad idea mom! We Ah!" Reaching up he pulled his ponytail holder out and yanked at his hair. Strands ripped from his head and curled around shivering fingers. "We have to cancel!"

Moving swiftly behind the counter his mother poured him a cup of coffee and handed it to him. "We aren't going to cancel Tweek. Craig clearly means a lot to you and we have to do what we can to make sure he and your father get along."

Mindlessly he grabbed the hot cup and brought the liquid to his lips. She was serious and when his mother's heart is set on something there is no changing her mind.

"Let's just hope your little love mark clears up by then." She said nonchalantly pouring herself a cup of coffee.

Tweek choked on his coffee. "What?"

Tapping her fingers on her mug she gave her son a knowing look. "Well, while we were talking his jacket shifted and I noticed a fairly sized red mark on his neck." Biting his lips Tweek looked at the ground. This couldn't be happening. "You are his boyfriend, so that would mean you are responsible for that right?"

His mouth dropped in surprise as he slowly lifted his head to look back at his mother who was smiling away. "Wait. How- how do you know that?"

"Oh sweetie, you aren't doing a very good of hiding it." She patted his head. "So, on sunday, your boyfriend will be attending dinner and we will have a nice time alright? Don't worry, I won't say anything to your father about it until the two of you are ready." She reassured him.

Giving her a nod Tweek took another drink of his coffee trying to calm his nerves. This was so surreal. His mom knew he was dating Craig, and she knew that he had given him a hickey, yet she wasn't upset. If anything, she almost seemed glad.

"Oh!" Perking up she smiled at him. "He'll also be doing your pictures on sunday. I'm going to go buy you an outfit for it. Is there anything you'd like?"

"I don't want my picture taken!" He yelled in protest.

"Nownow, Tweek there is no reason to yell. You such a handsome young man and I would like pictures of my baby in his last year of highschool." Placing her cup on the counter she cupped his cheek. "Please Tweek?"

His cheeks puffed up with his pout. Craig did just take pictures of him a few days ago and he was fine with that, but those were for Craig's eyes and Craig's eyes only. Getting his senior photos done meant that everyone could see them, but Craig wouldn't print something if Tweek didn't want him to right? "Fine."

His answer was rewarded with a kiss on the cheek. "Oh, my baby is going to look so cute. What do you want to wear?"

Looking down at his clothes he ran his fingers through his wild hair. He didn't see why he would need a new outfit. His mother normally brought him nice clothes, sure, they weren't the nicest, but they were still nicer than he gave them credit for. "I don't- I don't really know."

"That's okay. I'll pick something nice out. I love you baby." She gave him another kiss on the cheek before she finished her cup of coffee. "I'll see you home." She told him on her way out the shop. Tweek just stared at the door trying to process the events that just unfolded in front of him.

"Ugh! I look ridiculous! Craig! Please don't take my picture in this!" Tweek groaned tossing his head and holding his hands to his forehead.

Craig placed a hand on his back, his eyes never leaving the camera he had gotten from work. "Tweek, honey, you look fine." He lowered the camera to show Tweek the picture of him sitting on a bench, his arms wrapped around one leg while the other hung off. "In fact, I think you look spectacular."

Tweek looked at the photo again and turned his head away quickly. "I look like a fucking pansy! Why did my mom pick this fucking outfit out! God!" Looking down at his clothes he sighed. His mom had brought him a lilac button up a size too big and a mint green sweater vest to go over it. The button up tucked into a pair of tan slacks that were held up by a dark brown belt. The color combination was nice, but sweater vests are stupid and created more layers than he was comfortable with.

"Do you want to wear something else? We can always do this another day."

"No." Tweek answered almost to quickly. "My mom wants me to wear this. Just take some more pictures to get this over with."

"Okay," Craig smirked. "Go sit next to the pond." His finger pointed towards the edge of the frozen water. "Cross your legs, put your elbows on your knees and try to look like your lost in thought. But happy thoughts."

Tweek did as he said and looked back at the boy who was already snapping a picture. "Like this?"

Humming Craig took another photo. "Think about the makeout session I plan on giving to you after this." A blush sprinkled across Tweeks cheeks as he looked back towards the icy pond. "Perfect. You are so perfect." Mumbled Craig as the camera snapped again.

Rolling his eyes Tweek sighed. "Are you done?"

"Yeah, just a few more okay." Walking over to him Craig helped him up. "These will be easy, all I need you to do is smile."

"Come on I hate my smile." His thin hand circled around in the air. "Can't we just take some more of those lost in thought pictures?"

Craig shook his head as he grabbed the hand that danced around in the cool air. "Nope, now come on." He started off towards the path and headed towards the tree that he carved their initials into. "Lean against the tree and just smile."

Huffing Tweek listened to him, and gave Craig is best fake smile. He found it pretty hard to smile when doing something he didn't want to do, even if Craig was with him while he did it. "Come on babe. Smile for real please?"

Crossing his arms he bounced slightly. "I-I don't want to do this Craig."

Signaling him to go back to how he was posing Craig raised his camera. "I want you to think about things that make you happy." He suggested. "Like the two of us spending our lives together."

Rounded cheeks raised to his thinned out eyes as his face beamed. He could hear the clicking of the camera, but his smile remained. Craig just told him to imagine spending the rest of their lives together. That had to mean something good right? Maybe Craig pictured that too. Maybe Craig loved him.

"That's the million dollar photo right there babe." He said putting his camera back into the bag. "I think we'll all done."

"Gah!" Tweek snapped out of his wandering thoughts. "Good!" Well, not good. Now that they were done they were going to have to go to Tweek's for dinner and that was going to be far worse worse than this was.

An elbow hit his ribcage and when he looked at his boyfriend the black hair boy tossed his head back towards his truck. "Come on, we still got a few hours before your mom wants us over for dinner."

Nodding Tweek let the anxiety he was feeling fall down his throat with a gulp. He could get through this. He just needed to keep his mind off it until it was happening and then it would happen and it would end and it would be okay. "Why didn't you tell me you had a job?" Inquired the blonde.

"Didn't think it mattered." Craig answered bluntly as he shifted the bag he was carrying on his shoulder.

"Why not?"

Craig's face shifted in thought. "I don't know. Just didn't" He finally answered.

Looking around to make sure the coast was clear Tweek reached down and grabbed Craig's hand. Pulling it up to his mouth he placed a kiss on the back of it. "I don't want you to feel like that." He let Craig's hand go and bit at his finger. "Unless- unless you don't want to tell me things! That's okay too!"

Chuckling Craig pulled Tweek's hand away from his mouth and wrapped his fingers around Tweek's. "It's okay. I should have said something. I owe it to you to be honest."

Blushing Tweek nodded. It was really nice to know that his own honesty made Craig feel like he could answer any of Tweek's questions. Oh! Now he could ask why Craig didn't want to date Kenny. He had been wondering that, but that would be weird. Who would ask their boyfriend why they didn't want to date someone else? "Okay," Tweek finally said. "If I have anything to ask I'll let you know."

Pulling down the sun visor in Craig's truck Tweek fixed his hair in the mirror. There was no way he was going to be handle dinner if his parents started asking questions about what he and Craig had been doing. Hell, he wasn't sure if he was going to be able to dinner anyways.

"Babe," Craig started, "you don't have to worry. I know your dad and I got off on the wrong foot, but it's not like we can't get past that." Tweek smiled at his effort but Craig didn't know his father. If he felt like something was a threat to the shop there was no fixing it. And Craig spending time with his son, taking his focus off his job, was just as bad of a threat as any.

"Just, don't-" Tweek pushed the visor back up and turned his attention to his boyfriend. "Don't take anything he says seriously. He means the best. Even-" he let out a heavy sigh, "even if he says things that hurt."

Craig's hand found its way to Tweek's back and circled around his vertebrae. "I'll be on my best behavior."

"Okay." Tweek took a deep breath through his nose and let it come out slowly through his mouth. "Let's go."

The two of them got out of the truck and headed for the front door. Tweek paused for a second as his eye had a spasm but opened the door as soon it disappeared.

An aroma of pot roast filled the air of the house. Not that it was shocking, it had been cooking since Tweek left this morning. His mother said that since she had to work that the slow cooker was the to go. "Hi baby! Hi Craig!" The cheerful woman shouted from the kitchen. "I'm just finishing the potatoes and then we can have dinner!"

Tweek lead Craig towards the kitchen, waving at his mom as the two of them entered.

"Hey Mrs. Tweek. How have you been today?" Craig asked going to stand next to her, watching as she stirred the potatoes.

"I've been just fantastic. I'm so happy that you are here dear." Setting down her spoon, she placed a manicured hand on Craig's shoulder. "Thank you for coming."

Craig smiled at her and rubbed the back of his neck. "It's not a problem. Thank you for having me. Do you need any help with anything?" He asked her.

Her hand patted his shoulder before she turned back to her potatoes. "Would you be a dear and take the pot roast to the table? Tweek? Sweetheart? Get your father, he's just upstairs in the room."

Biting down into his lip Tweek nodded as he left the room and headed for the stairs. Every step was him getting closer and closer to the impending doom that this night was sure to become. His body tightened with the last step and released itself with a quick yelp. The sound of the door opening caused the blonde to flinch. "Tweek, you know you have to try and control your outburst." His father said exiting the bedroom.

Tweek kept his eyes on the ground. "I'm sorry dad. Uh- mom- mom wanted me to come get you for dinner."

"With your friend correct?" He questioned, his voice filled with a false happiness.

"Ye-yes."

His father's hand found its way on Tweek's back as he passed him to head down the stairs. "Let's go son, we wouldn't want to be rude to our guest."

Nodding again Tweek followed him down the stairs and to the kitchen. "Hello there Craig." An empty smile washed across the man's features as he held out a hand for Craig to shake.

Taking up the offer Craig offered the older man his best attempt at a genuine smile. "Nice to see you again sir."

"As to you." He said before looking over at Tweek, disappointment in his eyes. Looking down Tweek kicked softly at the floor. His dad wasn't going to outright say it, at least, not in front of Craig, but he was mad that Tweek was still hanging around the boy who he had considered a delinquent.

A clap got everyone's attention. "Alright, let's sit boys." His mother sing songy voice broke through the awkward tension as she sat at the table.

"Oh, yes." Richard said taking the seat opposite of his wife. "Dinner with family and friends makes for good bonds in the end."

Craig sat down in between the two of them, thanking them again for inviting him over for dinner as Tweek sat across from him. It was quiet and weird. His family never ate at the table, even when they were all home. That stopped when Tweek first started middle school. Why, he didn't know, but their first family dinner in years with Tweek's boyfriend didn't help make it any less uncomfortable.

"So, Richard. Craig was kind enough to take Tweek's senior pictures. Isn't that nice of him?" Of course, leave it to his mother to try to butter up her son's boyfriend to his dad.

"Is that right?" Reaching forward he grabbed the pot roast and served himself before passing the dish to Craig to do the same. "I would have never pegged you for a photographer."

The black haired boy's jaw line tightened, his lips shifting around trying to hide his irritation. "Yes sir, I like to think I'm pretty good at it." Serving himself he passed the dish of roast beef to Mrs. Tweek.

The eerie smile his father gave Craig made Tweek wonder if he was the only one who could see it. His mom definitely couldn't, or maybe she could and just never said anything. Grabbing the potatoes the man served himself passing them to Craig. "So do you just take pictures, or do you have a job?" His voice was light, but it didn't mask the venom in his father's words.

"I work at the Photo Dojo after school and on saturdays." Craig answered calmly taking the bowl and scooping some on his plate. "Best of both worlds I get to do something I love and get paid for it." He passed the bowl off to Mrs. Tweek and turned back to Richard with an eyebrow cocked. "You of all people should know how amazing that is."

Tweek closed his eyes and leaned back over his chair. This was the worst. This was a mistake. Oh god, Tweek was really never going to be able to see Craig again. "Yes, but in this day in age, people, more than ever enjoy a fresh cup of coffee. Those cups that are made locally with the love and care you would give a young child really show the world how much you care. Caring about what you do is important, but caring isn't enough. You have to give a product that people want." His father said, the creepy smile never leaving his face.

Smiling back a false smile at the man Craig brushed his hair out of his face. "Well, sir, pictures do last forever."

"Yes, I suppose they do." Richard said grabbing the last dish filled with an array of vegetables.

The table went mute after that. The only noise were the sounds of the final dish being passed around the clinking of the spoon as it put the food on the plates. Once everyone's plates were full Tweek's mom smiled at the boys who surrounded her. "Okay, let's eat." She said cheerfully picking up her silverware. As everyone started to eat the overly cheerful woman looked at her son flashing him a smile. "So, Tweek, how is school going for you dear?"

"Ah! Uh, it's- it's going okay. Most of my classes are really easy." He answered nervously. He did not like the attention being on him, not that he wanted it to be on Craig either.

"That's good." She hummed. "And Craig? How is school for you?"

Holding out a hand to let he know he had to finish chewing his food he swallowed. "It's going well. I have a few classes that are pretty difficult, but they put me in advance classes, so that's why."

"Oh! You must be really smart then. Tweek is so lucky to have such a smart boyfriend." Her hand shot up to her lips as her eyes went wide. Regret, all over her thin face. Her husband's eyebrows lifted as he looked between the two boys sitting besides him. Craig, kept his composure, but Tweek on the other hand, went pale. The heavy gaze of his fathers eyes made his stomach churn in a familiar discomfort. His jaw went numb as his teeth clenched together in his dried mouth. He wanted to run. God! He wanted to run and hide from this shitty dinner, but if he did then Craig would be left to deal with this horrible night alone and he couldn't do that to him.

His father's smile widened, gums peeking from thinned lip's. "Boyfriend?" He questioned, his deep brown eyes watching his son curiously. "Tweek, do you think having a boyfriend is really the right choice?" Paying no attention to the other two people in the room he continued. "You know what could happen if news of you being a homosexual got out. Our business could suffer."

The scoff coming from Craig snapped Richards focus from the blonde. "You're fucking joking right?" Two sets of green eyes went wide as Craig spoke. "How does your son being gay affect your business in anyway?"

Calmly letting out a deep breath Tweek's father tangled his fingers together. "Tell me Craig how does your family feel about you being gay?"

The black haired teens jaw shifted as his thinned eyes glared at the older man. "My family wouldn't stop going to a damn coffee shop if they knew the owners son was gay if that's what you're implying."

"No no. I want an answer, because as I seem to recall, your father wasn't too pleased when he found my son sleeping in your room. Now, I am very happy that my child is able to accept who he is, but we live in a world with people, like your father, and I only wish to keep my son, and my business, safe." His voice was gentle, as if he was talking to a toddler.

"Don't act like you give a fuck about Tweek." Craig hissed standing up from the table. "You guilt him into thinking he is the breaking factor in your stupid coffee shop. You make him feel shitty for trying to have friends, and now, in front of his fucking boyfriend, you ask him if he thinks it's a good idea?" He pointed a finger at the man whose smile never left his face. "At least my dad gives a fuck about me."

Digging his nails into his palms Tweek took a deep breath. His gaze darted between Craig and his dad. "Stop." He pleaded under his breath, the two men unable to hear him. "STOP!" He cried out shooting up from his seat. Tears pressed at his eyes, the salt from his tears burning as he refused to let them fall. "Craig, dad, just stop." Turning to his mom bit his lip. "I told you not to invite him mom. I knew- AH! I knew this would happen, but does anyone ever listen to me?!" Tweek threw his arms aimlessly in the air. "NO! And why is that? BECAUSE EVERYONE THINKS I'M INCAPABLE OF DOING SHIT FOR MYSELF!" Running his hands over his tightly wound hair he grabbed at the ponytail and pulled it down. "Craig," He huffed, his gaze shifting back to him. "Go home. I'm going to bed." Clenching his teeth he left the room and headed towards his room.

He didn't Craig to defend him. He didn't need his mother to try to make everything right for him. He didn't need his father telling him whether or not what he was doing was the right choice. What he needed was for people to let him think for himself, and it was high time that they learned that.

A/n:
Ah! Okay so this chapter was really hard to write. Not in the sense of it made me feel discomfort or anything of that nature, just hard in general. I had so many different ideas where to take this and honestly, the way this one ended was not at all one of the ways I had planned. Though, I do think that this will work best for what I have planned next! Which is going to be the chapter I have been so so so excited to write. Please, stick around because it will be worth it once I get it out. I just have a few more details I want to figure out before I start it! As always thank you guys for reading. Let me know what you thought and remember I love you all so much!