(I will definitely edit this chapter. Right now, my eyes are done.)
Craig
Craig rested his hand on his chin, he could still feel where Tweek's hand touched like his fingers were still there. Silky and warm unlike anything he has felt before.
Craig was worried, he no longer understood himself. Everything he thought he knew, left him, the very moment his heart unraveled when Tweek disappeared to his bedroom.
He turned to Red who watched him quietly from the kitchen, as if she was trying to read him. He ignored her stares and went to sit in front of the tv, clicking through channels in hopes of finding something that will catch his attention.
When Red joined him, still quiet, despite her being so close he felt alone. Like things we're out of place again. When he couldn't find anything to watch, he handed the remote to Red who decided on Family Guy. (Hahaha!) Craig closed his eyes and thought back to when he first met Tweek. He doesn't know why their first encounters were the memories he thought to think about but they were and they weighed heavily in his chest.
They met for the first time in kindergarten. Craig couldn't tell if Tweek was a boy or girl, but he knew Tweek was pretty all the same. Tweek's expression now was true to his nature, because Craig always thought he looked sad back then. Tweek was the kid who played alone in the corner with styrofoam blocks. No matter how many times Eric and Kenny would knock his building down, he would look up at them and give such sad smile and then start rebuilding again.
Craig never spoke to him in kindergarten, he had met Clyde and that was all the friend he needed. But looking back he doesn't think Tweek made any friend till late in elementary school. Then it hit him, before the 3 grade Tweek was mostly alone, but you would always find Bradley somewhere close by to him even though they never spoke to each other.
'Coincidence?' Craig thought. In high school there was a rumor that Tweek was secretly in love with Bradley. Craig never thought much about it and Bradley always dismissed the topic before it even escalated. However, today, Craig sense the two had secrets that only they knew about.
And Tweek was easy to read, his face for a second revealed a mirror into his soul and it was clear that he was heartbroken. Something went on between them, and Tweek was the only one suffering.
Now the real problem began, Craig was unsure how he felt about it. He was afraid to admit that what he was feeling was possibly jealousy. If he accepted that knowledge, then he'd have to also remember how he pretty much set Tweek's world a blaze years ago for similar reasons.
Still, Craig was curious to know if Tweek was actually attracted to guys. And if his own heart was a hypocrite to think that there was something between them that was more than just causal interaction. And would he be ok with that? Thinking back again, Craig had the biggest crush on Tweek in kindergarten before learning he was a boy. That silly crush might have never went away.
When Red giggled, resting her head on his shoulders, Craig felt so down and could not remember the last time he felt like this. Something was definitely wrong, everything was out of place and the wrong person was resting next to him.
Tweek
Tweek, for the first time locked his room door immediately after entering. He was anxious which made taking step towards his bed impossible. He sat on the floor by the door with his back pressed against the wall and he listened for any argument that may spring up between the two. To Tweek's surprise it was quiet, only the tv made sounds.
He looked at his hand and realized that he crossed the line by touching Craig. Hell, he didn't know what came over him but knew it was the butterflies to blame. Still, Tweek knew Craig and the invisible line he drew between them. Craig wasn't gay, Tweek learned that years ago, why else would he react so terrible to him back then? Tweek was very worried that his moment of bad judgement may have caused Craig discomfort.
Frustrated with himself, Tweek wondered how long he had with Craig, rather than how long will he have a place to stay.
For a long time Tweek allowed himself to still develop feelings for Craig, despite knowing those feeling will never be returned. Tweek was prepared to live with his feeling for as long as he could. However, Tweek never anticipated ever living with him, which made hiding his desires difficult.
Everyone deserves to be cared for deeply and to be touch, even if it's the slightly gesture. Touching reminds Tweek that he is alive because of the warmth he feels. He knows first hand that when someone is dead their cold.
Tweek looked at his fingers and remember the feeling he had the first time he held someone's hand. The fire, something so simple, lit inside of him.
"Why did everything have to turn out this way? Why couldn't good feelings stay," Tweek whispered, inhaling deeply.
When he started high school, his mom was so worried, worried that the kids would continue to be mean to him. To Tweek's surprised no one spoke to him. Of course he had a few encounters with Eric Cartman, but nothing too tragic. He was finally invisible to Craig's and his followers and invisible to every other student that didn't know him.
After awhile, his heart started to feel invisible as well and it was the worst kind of silent pain. Waking up to go to school and only having the sound of natures speak to him until he got home was making him feel crazy.
It was tough to look around at his peers and see that everyone was surrounded by their forever friends. Then one summer day, Bradley came into his coffee shop and sat in the corner for hours. Tweek was certain at the time he was waiting to kill him—there was simply no other reason for him to be there. No one he knew from school has ever stepped foot into their shop, anxious Tweek kept his distance.
When Bradley finally stood up to leave, he approach Tweek and handed him a note and left without saying a word. It took Tweek 3 days to read it. He was afraid that it was a note that would tell him when and how he was going to die.
After gaining the courage to open it, the words Bradley had wrote, Tweek would never forget. He wrote in the most beautiful handwriting, "Tweek, I think, I've loved you since first grade. And for the first time in a long time Tweek felt visible again.
Tweek woke up to a slightly light sky. He had fallen asleep on the floor, resting against the wall, something he body was still used to doing before Craig invited him to stay. He stood up and stretch before checking his phone for the exact time. 5:15am. He unlocked the door and peeked into the living room. He was surprised to find the tv on but was extremely low.
When Tweek went to turn it off, he was shocked to see that Craig was sleeping on the couch and Red was nowhere to be seen. When he took a second glimpse around, he spotted Red's phone on the charger so she was definitely still around.
Tweek wondered why Craig wasn't in the room sleeping with her. He also wondered if they had a fight again.
Tweek quietly walked to the tv and turned it off, then he turned to a sleeping Craig to watch him for a few seconds before grabbing the blanket from the next sofa to cover him.
As much as Tweek wished he could go back to the morning they laid together, Tweek realized that maybe he could settle on moments like this where he could watch Craig sleep. Tweek smiled and walked towards his room.
"Why did you lock your door?" Tweek froze when he heard Craig's voice. Tweek was in the middle of taking a step when he turned back to Craig and noticed Craig's eyes were open.
"Sorry," Tweek said walking backwards till he was in front of him. Tweek's heart was pounding as his sat on the floor, his back turned to Craig's Head.
"After dinner I was certain she would kill me in my sleep," Tweek replied.
Craig laughed softly, Tweek could feel him shifting around on the couch till he sat up.
"She is leaving by the afternoon. If not, we are going to say we are visiting my parents to force the separation,"
"You know Craig, you are a terrible boyfriend," Tweek said unable to stop the words from slipping.
"For a shy, antisocial guy you are too honest for your own good," Craig replied.
"We gain nothing from lying, my mom use to say." Tweek replied, unable to look at him. Still, he wished he had the courage to.
"True, but in this case, I'll gain a piece of mind and you can worry less on whether or not she is going to kill you."
Tweek laughed turning his head towards her room door. When he felt a hand on his shoulder he turned to Craig, and froze.
Craig face was soft, so handsome and unbothered. It took everything in Tweek not to each over and touch his face.
"Coffee?" Craig asked. Tweek who forgotten how to breathe nodded.
When Craig stood, Tweek could feel his heart melting.
"Can I make it?" Tweek gathered the courage to say as he stood up.
"Don't like my coffee?" Craig teased.
Tweek smiled, scratching his head, "I do, could be a little darker though…"
Craig laughed. "Wow, look at you expressing thoughts," Craig replied biting his lower lip.
Every time Craig bit his lip, new butterflies were being born inside Tweek.
"Do you know if Red drinks coffee?" Tweek asked.
"I um don't know," Craig said sitting at the bar seat and yawning.
Tweek chuckled, as much as he loved him, it was obvious that Craig would make a terrible partner.
"What's so funny," Craig asked.
Tweek turned to him and shook his head.
"You wouldn't have laughed if you didn't find something funny," Craig replied with a grin.
"I was just wondering what you knew about your girlfriend," Tweek told him.
"Hmm… I know her name, her friends—"
"—and?" Tweek asked.
Craig laughed and Tweek melted, he was so handsome and adorable, his wall completely down and even Tweek felt at ease with him.
"In my defense we only started seeing each other this week," Craig replied.
Tweek was shocked by the knowledge, and in a way very happy about it. He figured that was why Craig was so dismissive towards her because there wasn't any foundation to beginning with. It also made sense why Tweek being around was frustrating for her, during this crucial time she had to share Craig's attention.
At the rate the two were going, Tweek wondered what Red might do to him if Craig ever broke up with her. Red would definitely put the blame on Tweek.
"You're quiet," Craig said his face serious again.
"Sorry, was just thinking of ways she would blame me if you guys broke up," Tweek said turning to fill the coffee maker with water.
"Yes, it would totally be your fault," Craig said low, biting his lip.
"Huh?" Tweek said.
Craig
Craig smiled, and shook his head. He wasn't sure why he said it but it wasn't entirely a lie. If he broke up with Red it would simple be because of Tweek.
Craig couldn't put together his feelings, but he knew that at that very moment being alone with Tweek felt like pure happiness—despite how scary his thinking was and how unknown his emotional territory was.
Craig had dated several women and not one of them had made his heart ache the way it did as he watched this shy guy add coffee into the machine. He smiled as he watched Tweek add more than the recommended amount.
"If I made the coffee it would be done by now," Craig said playfully. When Craig heard Tweek chuckle, he felt his heart tightening.
"No... it'll just be water," Tweek replied turning the machine on.
"Why?" Craig thought but it came out as a whisper. Tweek turned to him but then quickly looked at his hand. All Craig could think about was how handsome and innocent Tweek was and why those thoughts scared him.
If Tweek were Red, the way Craig was feeling at that moment, he was certain they would be in his bedroom right now. However, Red Tweek wasn't which was maddening. Despite feeling as though he would explode, Craig couldn't convince himself to walk away from him.
"Are you ok?" Tweek asked him. Craig notice Tweek's mood changes like he was worried about something.
"Yeah, I'm just tired," Craig spoke, he heart beating outside of his chest when he watch Tweek walk around the island to sit next to him.
"I take it this is early for you," Tweek said.
"Very," Craig replied and yawned.
"Why were you sleeping on the couch?"
Craig glanced at Tweek then at the coffee machine that was filling with fresh coffee. Craig wanted to say that it felt lonely in his bedroom but instead said, "I guess I fell asleep on the couch."
"Makes sense," Tweek replied getting up to serve him coffee. When Tweek sat the black coffee in front of him Craig, wanted to ask for cream but decided to try it Tweek's way.
When Tweek took a sip of his coffee, he smiled after and it caused Craig heart rate to speed up again. Tweek made it seem like he was drinking something sweet and delicious. Craig gave Tweek's way a try but cringe at the bitterness.
"Nope!" he uttered before getting up to add his own cream. He could see Tweek's confused eyes follow him to the fridge.
"I'm sorry I didn't ask if you wanted cream,"
"It's fine. Cream, no sugar,"
"I will remember that for next time," Tweek said.
When Craig sat down, he turned and watched Tweek drink. Everything felt right that very moment. Tweek was not a talker, so he wasn't the best company when you want an intense dialogue, but he was the right company in a sense that Craig thought he just loved being around him. Like he did back then before he let his insecurities draw a line between then.
As Craig stared at Tweek's profile, he couldn't find a single thing that change other than his height. Tweek was still shy, hair still golden, his bright eyes still looked lonely, his lips pinker than his sisters when she wears makeup and he was still very pretty to look at. When Tweek turned to glance at him, Craig realized he had stared to long.
Feeling insecure for the first time ever, Craig turned away and stared at his mug as if it was his first time seeing it.
When they heard movement, Craig watched as Tweek tensed up. Tweek drank the rest of his hot coffee and stood up. Craig knew Tweek was trying to avoid Red by hurrying into his room, but Craig wasn't ready to let's him vanish yet.
Craig reached over and grabbed his hand stopping him. Tweek paused, he looked down at his hand and then to Craig.
"This was it," Craig thought thinking that at any moment now his heart would run into wall and give out.
Craig refused to let go of Tweek's hand despite feeling like he was going to die and Tweek who has been staring at their hands never pulled away. When Tweek's fingers slipped between Craig's, that very moment Craig realized something that he avoided for many years. He realized that deep down he might have been in love him, why else would this feel right.
"You are right, I'm a terrible boyfriend. Probably always will be but you are stuck with me till she leaves," Craig finally spoke.
Tweek nodded, his eyes were focused on the empty mug. Craig could feel Tweek trembling, despite the nerves Tweek never once pulled his hand away. When Tweek took a deep breath Craig realized he needed to do so too.
When they heard Red yawning, as she walked down the hall, Tweek released Craig's hand and pulled away. Sad, it took Craig a second to pull his hand back but he understood why it was necessary. When Tweek stood to go pour himself another cup of coffee, Red who only said good morning to Craig sat where Tweek was sitting.
"Would you like coffee? Tweek asked her.
Red turned to him and nodded.
"How do you like it?" Tweek asked, Craig could see that Tweek was nervous.
"That's right, your parents owned a coffee shop so this is like your thing," Red replied in a hoarse voice. "Lots of cream and plenty of sugar."
Craig watched Tweek prepare her coffee. Instead of mixing it for her, Tweek handed Red the milk and sugar to do herself.
"Isn't that something that you do," Red replied.
Tweek smiled, "If I know the customer well, yes. I wouldn't know how much milk or sugar you like until I've seen you make it."
Red sighed. "This much," she said, mixing her coffee.
Craig laughed when he noticed Tweek's confused face as he watch Red turned the black coffee into a milkshake with too much milk and sugar.
"What's so funny?" Red asked him.
"I think we can all agree that you are not a coffee drinker?" Craig replied, slightly disgusted by her sugar milk concoction.
"I drink coffee,"
"No you don't," Craig replied, seriously.
"So what's for breakfast?" Red asked.
"Who know," Craig said stretching.
"You can cook right Tweek?"
Tweek nodded.
"Thought that much, Bebe mentioned it once," she yawned again.
"How would Bebe know what?" Craig asked, annoyed with her questions. She was sucking away all the happiness in the air.
"Umm... I believe it was something Bradley had told her. He was after all the only person that spoke to Tweek in high school," Red said proudly.
Craig felt angry at the mention of his friend's name, but that anger turned into confusing when he saw how upset Tweek seemed.
"Oh geez, was I wrong for bringing him up? I heard you guys stop talking because you had a crush on him. Tweek are you gay?" She said almost disgusted with the words.
When Tweek's eyes looked shiny, Craig turned Red's chair to face him. Red looked confused and didn't seem to realize she had hurt Tweek's feelings. She was like a sociopath.
"Tweek doesn't have to answer any of your questions, so I suggest you stop. It's too early for your shit."
Red sighed. "Okay, maybe the last question was personal. However, if you are into guys. I know gay guys that I can hook you up with—just joking don't know any gay guys," she said and then laughed.
Craig sighed. "Red, I can tell you right now you and I are not going to workout. So tell me what you want for breakfast, so I can take you home."
"What do you mean?" Red asked, confused.
"This isn't going to work. There can't be two assholes in a relationship." Craig said sternly.
"Wait… your serious?" She said shocked.
When Craig didn't respond she slapped her hand on the island. "What…. the…. fuck?" Red growled.
Craig stared at Tweek who look surprised. He watched as Tweek then glanced at Red before backing away from the island as if he felt that Red would jump over and stab him.
"Are you serious?" She said angry and sad at the same time.
Craig nodded and stood. "So toast with eggs, what is it?"
"You're so fucked up!" She cried but there was no tears, just shock as she made her way around the island towards Tweek. "You ending is over this piece of shit?" She screamed with her fist balled. Craig quickly picked her up and turned her to face the living room.
"It's 6:30 in the morning, please don't wake up my only neighbor," Craig said holding her to keep her from Tweek.
"Babe I'm sorry," Red said angry.
"What would you like to eat, or should I just drop you home?" Craig asked.
Tweek
Tweek watched, still in the shock by it all, as Red wiggled out of Craig's hold to then turned around and slap him. The slap was so loud it cut through the air. Since Craig's back was turned to him, he didn't have a reaction that Tweek could see, but he stayed cool his hand to the side of him.
"I am so sorry," She cried, finally with real tears
"Go get your stuff so I can take you home," Craig said, his voice shaking and Tweek could tell he was furious.
"Asshole!" She screamed going to gather her things.
When Craig turned towards him, Tweek could feel the anger gushing from him—despite how calm he appeared. Tweek felt so guilty as he watched him unsure what to do. When Tweek saw the red handprint on the side of Craig's face, his heart started to tighten.
Craig picked up her mug and threw it into the sink, breaking it. When Craig grab his mug next, Tweek grab his hand and took the mug away from him.
"I am sorry," Tweek said truly sorry.
When Craig pressed his hand against Tweek's chest, backing him into the refrigerator behind him, Tweek felt faint.
Tweek watched Craig stare at his own hand, and wondered if Craig felt how rough his heart was beating. When Craig finally looked into Tweek's eyes, Tweek bit his lips and shyly looked away.
Tweek rested his hands on top of Craig's. He swelled with so much emotion that his eyes started to water. When Craig saw the tears, he pulled away.
"You say sorry too often. Stop," Craig said and walked away towards his room, leaving Tweek more confused than he has ever been in his whole life.