Happy New Year everyone! Sorry it's been a long time since I updated. I went back to see when I did last and realized the only update I've made was the new cover art for lifeline. Sorry.
I want to thank WickedInk for redirecting me back to the work. It's an investment to be dedicated and patient and I want to thank you all for that. Important thing to note. I plan to finish all of my work and also put out new work. However, I will make sure I complete any new work before posting. This way no one has to wait when things get hectic on my end.
Tweek
Tweek dried his hair to the best that he could and change into the comfy clothes Craig had brought into his room while he was showering. Just a regular graphic shirt and navy sweatpants. Tweek could hear the excitement going on outside his door and knew that Craig expected him to participate, but he couldn't find the courage to touch the doorknob let alone leave the room.
Tweek sighed, he loved football. He missed being able to watch it with his parents. This however was different, he would be watching it with Craig and his friends. The same people who were mean to him years ago.
Tweek sat on the bed and waited for the right moment to come. When that moment happened and he was almost at the door, everyone behind the wall burst into excitement because Bradley arrived. Tweek chocked on his saliva and sat back down. Even in the bedroom he wanted to disappear and die—screw the order.
Tweek sat back down and decided that Craig was just going to have to throw a tantrum later. He glanced at the time and realized he has been procrastinating in the room for a little over an hour and it was almost time for the game to start. Tweek was certain that once the game started no one will remember he agreed to join.
As Tweek laid on the bed, hoping that doing so would keep his chest from exploding, when he heard a knock on the door he froze. The knock was different from the way Craig knocked so he wondered who it was.
"Tweek, the game is starting are you coming?" He heard Token say.
Tweek sighed, he wondered if Craig put Token up to this. Telling by how quiet it became in the living room, Tweek figured they were listening for an answer.
"Tweek, are you alright?" Token asked, he sounded worried.
Damn Token, Tweek thought. Of everyone he knew that was currently in the next room, Token was the only one that stayed neutral to him. Token never had anything to say and never participated in humiliating him. For someone so rich, he was such a humbled, good guy. So Tweek could see why Craig might have sent him to call him. Taking a deep breath, Tweek walked and opened the door.
"Dude, were you sleeping?" Token asked. Tweek's hair was still damp so it looked a bit like bed hair.
"I wanted to," Tweek replied, low for just him to hear. Tweek took the hair band that was around his wrist to tie up his hair.
Token smiled handing Tweek a can of coke. As Tweek scanned the room, he was surprised that so many people came, even friends Craig made in college were there. There was only two apartments on this floor, so it was no surprise that it was a big space, but when he saw so many people in it, Tweek realize that it was a seriously big space.
As he skimmed the room, he spotted where Bradley sat. He was sitting beside Kenny and Butters on the couch on the right closest to the tv. When Tweek saw him staring he quickly searched for Craig who he found in the kitchen with Clyde, Stan and Kyle. Craig looked surprised to see him. Maybe he didn't expect Tweek to come out.
"Tweek," Craig called him over.
Tweek's eyes revisited the uniquely, stained floors as he walked into the kitchen and stood before the island. Tweek couldn't get himself to look at anyone. He felt so awkward.
"Hey Tweek," Kyle and Stan said in unison. They have been together too long, Tweek thought.
Tweek looked up and waved before taking a seat. He glanced at Craig who wore his poker face again. He didn't look angry, annoyed, happy or sad, his expression and frosted eyes was just—just.
"Would you like to pour that into a plastic cup?" Craig asked him. Craig's voice was so soft and caring that it helped relaxed him.
Tweek nodded handing Craig the can, Craig took it from him which for some strange reason upsetted Clyde.
"He can't walk around and pour it in a plastic cup himself?" Clyde asked Craig.
Tweek paused, confused. He wondered if he should have done it himself.
Craig chuckled, as he stared from his friend to Tweek. "I actually don't mind doing it, that's why I asked. Would you like me to pour yours into a plastic cup to?" Craig asked resting a hand on Clyde's shoulder.
"Fuck off," Clyde muttered, brushing his hand off. Craig's playfully smiled was so precious that Tweek's heart sped up and woke up his butterflies.
"Btw Tweek Congrats on findings a job," Stan told him.
Tweek was surprised he knew. "Thanks," Tweek replied afraid to looked at Craig who seem riled up whenever work was mention earlier.
"Wendy was so emotional when Bebe told her," Stan said taking a sip of his beer.
"Seems like Tweek's the topic of all the girls conversation these last few days," Kyle said, grinning. "I think Jesse has a crush."
"They can talk, but he is not available," Craig replied, with a teasing smile.
"Wait, huh?" Clyde said confused. "So all it took for Tweek to find a girl was to not be homeless? I highly doubt things happen so fast in one damn week,"
"I think anything possible, not everyone likes jerks," Craig replied, his tone harsh this time.
Tweek watched the two go back and forth, personality wise they were so much alike. How they manage to be friends for so long was a wonder.
"Speaking of girls and rumors—BRADLEY GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE!!!" Clyde yelled, his voice cutting through the noisy space.
So much for staying a distance from him, Tweek frowned. After a few minutes, Bradley appeared and with all the places around the island he could stand, of all the spaces around Clyde, who called him over, that he could be, Bradley who had managed to change out of his clothing from earlier back to his usual self decided to stand next to him. For a second there, Tweek worried he was going to sit down next to him but instead he choose to stand.
Tweek felt his stomach flipping as he looked at the marble slab as if it was his first time seeing it. Tweek took note of something, despite Bradley standing next to him, Bradley didn't say anything to Tweek. It was high school all over again.
"Yeah?" Bradley said looking at the one who called him.
"I hear you live in the neighborhood now," Clyde said, "what happened to the place you were closing on?"
Bradley grinned, glancing at Tweek before looking at the others. "Decided it was too far. Bebe would have a hard time visiting if I moved to Beaverton,"
"I thought you didn't care if she could visit at all," Stan said confused.
Bradley laughed, "Why wouldn't I care if my girlfriend can visit me?"
It was Tweek's first time hearing Bradley refer to Bebe as his girlfriend, and it left a sore taste in his mouth.
"Dude, because you said I don't care if she could visit me or not!" Stan said with an irritated laugh.
"Aren't you the one who said, I want a fresh start, and that you don't want to know your neighbors?" Kyle added.
Tweek watched Bradley from the corner of his eye, and could see Bradley's eyes so often looking down at him.
Bradley smiled, "I don't remember saying that, but to circle back to Clyde. I called their realtor, found out there was an apartment available, saw it, decided it was the best fit. Sent the information to my parents and it was done. I'm not fully moved in yet."
"Need any help?" Kyle asked.
"Thanks, but no worries. It's just a few things left but it's mainly just unpacking."
"So is Bebe moving in?" Token asked finally coming over. Token sat on the opposite side of Tweek.
"Not as of now, I really just want a space that's mine for a while with no restrictions," Bradley said. "You can't do certain things when you are living with family or roommates," he said smiling.
When Tweek felt like Bradley was standing to close, he crossed his arms and rested his head on it. Tweek heard Craig's voice say 'excuse me', so he lifted his head to see where Craig was going. Craig had walked around and got between him and Bradley, sitting on the other side of Tweek. Bradley walked around the island and stood in his place next to Clyde. When Tweek looked at Bradley, he looked annoyed.
When Tweek glanced at Craig, Craig had this smirk on his face that melted Tweek's heart. He want to say thank you but instead just smiled.
"Wow, you two got close again," Kyle said, unsure of what to make of Tweek and Craig's chemistry.
"Very close," Craig replied, and Tweek felt himself turning red.
Craig can be playful around his friends, still Tweek was worried that they would suspect more. Why wasn't Craig worried? Or did he not care what anymore thought.
Craig
Was Craig possessive by nature? No. Was he jealous by design probably not—at least he didn't think so. Still, watching Bradley stand so closely to Tweek was bothering the hell out of him.
The one thing Craig can say is that he was observant and there was definitely something going on between them. It was clear to Craig that Bradley was aware of his affect on Tweek based on the way he glanced down at him.
This was clear because the minute Craig interrupted Bradley by inserting himself between them, he instantly felt Bradley's mood change. Craig glanced at Bradley who was now beside the guys, his frustrated eyes drilled through him that Craig couldn't help but smile when normally he'd ask, 'the fucks wrong with you?'.
What was this feeling? Craig thought as he realized he enjoyed tormenting him.
"The game is starting," the guys called from the living room.
Craig glanced at Tweek tapping him to come on. When Tweek stood, Craig did as well. When he glanced at Bradley, his eyes were focus on Tweek which Craig thought was craaazy based on Bradley's past feelings towards him.
Craig lead the way, walking to the section of the couch that people avoided because they knew it is his spot. He let Tweek take the end because it was furthest from everyone, but most important from Bradley. Bradley returned to his seat which was a perfect angle to observe and to be seen by Tweek.
The Bradley who claimed to dislike Tweek's existence would have never shown up to a place where Tweek was staying. And he clearly would never watch him from a distance. This was strange. Craig glanced at Tweek who no matter how hard he tried he couldn't make himself disappear.
Craig felt bad for him, at the same time he couldn't help but think his awkwardness made him so adorable. When Tweek turned to Craig and realized he had been watching him. He shyly smiled and looked away. Craig grinned turning from Tweek to Bradley who looked angry before facing the television. Jealousy, Craig noted.
Halfway into the game, Craig couldn't take his eyes off of Tweek. It was so exciting to watch Tweek get so fired up, a side of him Craig hasn't seen since the fourth grade. When Tweek agreed to watch football, he imagine that halfway in he would have fallen asleep. No, Tweek was serious and called out plays that even they didn't think about. Game night Tweek was an adorable, ticking time bomb and it didn't help that the Broncos were losing.
Two minutes left to the game, Tweek leans into the cushion and muttered, "I'm fucking done!" Before covering his eyes. Craig laughed pulling his hands down.
"Don't give up. There's still two minutes," Token added sipping his beer.
"They are the Broncos—not the New York Giants. (My fellow giants' fans would get the joke! lol) A victory in 2 minutes isn't possible," Tweek said covering his eyes.
Craig and the guys started laughing. Craig turned his body to Tweek and tried to pull his hands down again but Tweek refused to look. When he saw a hint of a smile on Tweek's face, Craig's heart melted.
When the Broncos lost, Tweek looked extremely irritated. Craig smiled, unknowingly biting his lips. He couldn't get over the fact that Tweek was just so damn cute at that moment. There was so many things Craig wanted to do with this shy person, but he couldn't because there were people around.
"I'm hungry, and there's pizza, up for it?" Craig asked.
"Sure," Tweek said standing with him.
As they walked past the others who were standing and talking to one another, Craig felt the sudden need to look at Bradley. Bradley's expression confused him. At that moment Bradley looked so sad as if someone just died.
And as they walked Bradley's eyes followed them as if he no longer cared if they saw he was looking. Craig looked at Tweek, who stood shyly next to him and decided that when everyone left he would ask questions. He needed to know what he was dealing with and if he had to worry about his friendship with Bradley.
Craig watched as Tweek lifted the lids to the 4 remaining boxes of pizza. When he realized that pepperoni was all that was left, he grab a paper plate and served Craig a slice. He took a slice for himself, but picked all the pepperoni off.
Craig chucked, relieving him of the pepperonis he neatly pushed to the edge of his plate. Tweek reminded him of his sister who was a picky eater when she was younger. Watching Tweek eat from the corner of his eyes reminded Craig of what they did right before everyone entered. As he thought back, he felt his heart racing and his stomach twisting into a knots.
To Craig's surprise, he was full after a few bites. He wondered what Tweek was thinking about. If he was thinking about him, or their kiss. Craig realized that Tweek hasn't freaked out that they kissed earlier. So it lead him to wonder if Tweek was into guys and not girls. And if he was into guys, when did he know?
Craig thought back to the past, and how horrible he was to him. If Tweek was into guy, then Craig had hurt him the most. Craig's emotions were up and down that it showed on his face when Clyde approached him.
"Dude, you ok?"
"Yeah," Craig replied, lower than usual. He turned to Tweek who was staring as if he was trying to read his thoughts.
"Sure? Cause your pizza is still there."
"I'm full," Craig lied, rather he lost his appetite.
"Alright. Anyway come connect the PlayStation,"
"Huh?!" Craig said confused and irritated. "How do you still not know how to disconnect the Xbox and connect the PlayStation?!?"
"No one asked you to get a complicated ass television!" Clyde growled. "So come on, everyone waiting."
Craig sighed. "I'll be back," he told Tweek. Craig hoped that some distance between them would help him feel better.
As he walked towards the television, Bradley got up and left the space, Craig watched to see where he was going. When he entered the bathroom, Craig felt better and continued with Clyde to the TV to disconnect and reconnect the console.
Tweek
When Tweek saw Bradley walking out of the space, he felt his heart racing so fast that the sound around him started to fade out. When Bradley continued to pass him to the bathroom Tweek felt relieved, so relieved he gasped for air. He wasn't sure how he would respond if he came to him.
Tweek looked around a wondered if he should go into his room. The fear that Craig would be disappointed was what kept him glued to his seat. Still, he felt vulnerable to everyone who wasn't Craig. Tweek stared at his plate when Bradley left the bathroom, walking casually passed before stopping to turn to him.
It all happened so fast that Tweek choked on his saliva. Bradley walked around the island and stood directly in front of him. Both of Bradley's hands were on the island, one flat and the another in a fist as he tried to formulate whatever he was thinking into words. Bradley always thought before he spoke, so Tweek knew he was choosing his words carefully because he kept staring towards the living room as if he was watching out for someone.
Tweek sat straight, his nerves wild, as he watched him carefully. All the emotions he forced away was creeping back and Tweek felt angry.
"What's… what's going on between you two?" Bradley finally asked. He looked mad, and Tweek could feel his anger radiating from him.
Tweek stared, but didn't reply. He couldn't understand why Bradley cared, after everything he put him through in the past. After his disappearing act.
Bradley huffed. "You don't have to say it. I can tell something is going on. Don't forget what he put you through in elementary school."
"I won't, but I won't forget what you put me through either, it's far worse," Tweek replied, as he fought back the tears causing his eyes to turn red.
"That's not fair, everything I've done was for you," Bradley growled.
Upset, Tweek stood up, as he did Craig appeared his eyes looking from an upset Tweek to an upset Bradley.
"Is everything ok?" Craig asked, as Bradley and Tweek passed each other deadly glares.
Neither spoke.
"Tweek?" Craig tried again.
Tweek turned to him, looked at the floor and nodded. He then turned to the mess around the kitchen and started to clean up.
"What did I miss?" Craig asked Bradley.
"Nothing," Bradley replied, but he didn't move or leave.
Tweek went into frustrated cleaning mode. Consolidating the loose pizza slices into one box and preparing the other boxes to be disposed of. Along with cans and bottles and paper plates that people left around.
"Tweek, you don't have to worry about it," Craig told him.
When Tweek ignored him, Craig decided to help. As Tweek gathered the boxes to go out, his cleaning mode lead him around the counter by Bradley who stood watching him.
As Tweek was walking by Bradley, he stopped abruptly and looked at him. The moved surprised Bradley that he straightened up.
"Despite everything, I really thought you would have at least shown up to their funeral. My mom loved you," Tweek started to say as he fought back his emotions. "I guess it was wishful thinking," Tweek finished. He walked towards the door leaving Craig more confused and Bradley furious.
Tweek, who continued to fight back his pain took the boxes to incinerator room and returned out without locking himself out. Tweek could see that Craig was upset and knew it was his sporadic behavior that caused it. However, it was the only way he could stay in Craig's present and not cry.
Tweek's cleaning had become contagious with Token and a few others helping to gather the empty drinks around the space.
"I always wanted a housekeeper," Clyde said to Tweek all while not helping.
"Clyde fuck you, and clean up after yourself! Tweek is not your cleaner, same goes for all of you who aren't helping. Garbage into the trash, recycle in recycling bags," Craig said, releasing the anger that has been growing since he stumbled blind into Tweek and Bradley's tensions.
"Geez, it was a joke," Clyde replied, rolling his eyes. "Bradley you ok? You look like you are about to explode."
"I'm fine," he replied. Still standing where he was watching Tweek—not helping.
As Tweek passed Craig, Craig stopped him. "I'd like moment," Craig said walking to the dining room standing where they would be out of sight. Tweek put a bag down and followed him.
"Are you ok?" Craig asked when Tweek joined him.
Tweek nodded.
"You are lying," Craig replied, angry.
"Sorry," Tweek answered, wrapping his arms around himself.
Craig sighed. "Stop saying sorry, I just want to know why you are upset. You were fine when I left. Did Bradley say something that bothered you? Was it about your parents?"
Tweek stared at Craig, and knew for a fact that he was the guy he has loved privately for so many years, and it upsetted him that he was dealing with a heartache that he thought he buried years ago. He didn't understand it. Why was he still upset over what happened?
"Don't lie to me, but I know something is going on or went on between you and Bradley. Am I right?" Craig asked.
Tweek's chest was hurting and the tears felt warm as he tried to hide it from him.
"Hey, it's ok. You can talk to me," Craig replied. Tweek felt Craig's hands reach to touch his face.
Tweek rested his hands on top of Craig's squeezing it before backing away.
"Craig, I'm gay," Tweek said staring at him, his eyes red from an avalanche of tears that he couldn't fight back anymore. "Do I make you uncomfortable?"
Craig who kissed him back earlier looked so surprised. Craig grabbed his hand and walked him to his bed room closing the door. As Craig closed door behind him, Tweek could see that Clyde, Token and few of the guys who weren't playing video games were gathering in the kitchen to see what was going on.
Tweek looked around the room, remembering when he slept there with Craig. His heart was beating so loud he was convinced Craig could hear. He watched as Craig turn to him thinking of what to say.
"When did you know?" Craig asked.
Tweek took a deep breath. "I think I understood in Elementary School," Tweek replied.
Craig's expression became really sad. "I wasn't the nicest person to you back then huh? Tweek, I'm so sorry."
Tweek nodded. He didn't know how else to respond but his heart was happy because he knew Craig genuinely meant it. And Tweek couldn't grow to hate him because throughout the past years Craig always looked like he regrets what he did to him.
"Do you remember when we were in preschool? I thought you were a girl and I had the biggest crush on you," Craig said walking to the windows.
That news surprised Tweek, but a part of him was sad because Craig had thought Tweek was a girl.
"Even after I learned that you were a boy and that boys can't like other boys, I still thought you were pretty. It's weird, you're the only guy I think about in that way. So what I am, I'm still unsure," Craig confessed, leaning against the window. "Tweek, I'm not uncomfortable around you. I am ashamed that I put you through everything in the past and yet you can still smile at me. Why?"
Tweek who was moved by his words crossed the room to him. Craig's arms immediately open, wrapping them around him. Tweek felt warm and safe and happy. He could tell Craig was anxious, Tweek could feel him slightly trembling like he was cold.
Tweek reached up, cupped his face, and lightly kissed him. Craig's lips were warm and soft and Tweek thought he could just settle on kissing his lips over and over again. But that wasn't enough for Craig, he was eager to explore him so Tweek allowed him in.
Craig tasted sweet even after a combination of pizza, beer and sprite. Tweek couldn't believe this was happening even though this was their second kiss. Craig pulled away to kiss his neck, Tweek bite his lips to keep from moaning.
"Have you ever had sex with a…?" Craig asked, breathing heavily as he continued to kiss his neck.
Tweek nodded.
Craig didn't want to ruin the moment but he had to ask. "With Bradley?"
Tweek froze. He looked up at Craig who was desperate to know and pulled away.
"Yes," Tweek replied, feeling sick again. Craig wrapped his arm around him again but Tweek was still tensed.
"Was it a one time thing?" Craig asked.
Tweek shook his head. "We were a secret for a while. Please don't tell anyone. Bradley doesn't want anyone to know," Tweek replied, still protecting Bradley's selfish reality.
"I want to hear all about it when everyone is gone," Craig said kissing him till he relaxed again. Tweek who was out of breath pulled away, pressing his face into Craig's chest.
"Ok," Tweek replied.