So I was going to write this chapter sooner, but then I discovered Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation which is a BL manga, which lead to my obsession of watching the anime seven times, to then needing to read the book or else life didn't matter. So as I was reading this story, I wondered how a story so beautiful was thought up—which made me think about my stories. Then I went into a writing hole lol, after some time I realized that I am just so grateful that there was a story out there that I can set as my bar. This experience also made me feel really thankful that my story is enjoyed by you guys too. So I may have a long way to go writing wise, but I'll get there someday. THANK YOU all for reading my work—makes me so happy. :heart:

Tweek

Tweek's body still quivered after their shower, as he could still feel Craig inside of him. Everywhere Craig touched, kiss, held there was still reminisce of him left. Tweek's heart was pounding as he watched Craig adorably go into serious intimidation mode when he realized his action might have caused them to be late for class.

Moreover, his inability to just throw on anything to wear made getting dress and running out take longer. Craig's behavior in a state of panic was so adorable to watch. Craig even picked up a shirt that needed to be iron, and he debated ironing it. Tweek who was dressed just viewed him from the side by the closet door, using his fist to cover his smile that he didn't want Craig to see. When Craig was finally ready, strangely more handsome than ever, his eyes rested on Tweek for a bit before Craig approached him. He rested his hand on Tweek's waist and pulled him close, kissing the top of his forehead not once but twice.

Tweek embraced him as well, shut his eyes when the coolness of his lips sent shivers throughout his body. Nothing he did could tame his butterflies that went out of control. Tweek was surprised at how different Craig was fro his only other experience. With Craig, Tweek didn't have to beg for affection without first giving something in return. Craig was just a natural, and it made Tweek think 'wow, is this what it feels like to have your feelings genuinely returned?' Thinking about it made Tweek feel emotional.

"I need to plan this better," Craig spoke into his ears, as he released him. When he looked down and saw that his eyes were glossy, he hugged him again. "Are you ok?" Craig asked.

The sound of Craig's concern voice was so warm and caring that Tweek was afraid to respond with words. So he just nodded. Craig kissed him again before pulling away and taking his hand. They walked holding hands to the door and only separated when putting on outerwear.

"So we can grab breakfast and be very late, or skip breakfast until after the first class and grab breakfast afterward?" Craig asked as he pulled down Tweek's hat and zipped up Tweek's jacket.

"Afterwards," Tweek suggested, knowing Craig will eventually feel terrible about his lateness.

"Ok. Hmm..., I don't know how I'll make it without coffee," Craig muttered walking out the door.

Tweek smiled. When everything went to hell for him, he seriously didn't think he wouldn't be able to survive without coffee, but he did. Craig however, yawned 5 times since walking out the door so he may not.

"Phone, money, keys?" Craig asked, pushing the elevator button?

Tweek nodded.

It was so cold out, Tweek thought, looking at the sky that was gray as if about to snow. Although Craig held his hands as they walked to the car, somehow Tweek felt a step behind him, as if watching him through camera lens. Tweek felt happy, so freaking happy but it was scary. Craig opened the door for him first, and his heart started racing as he realized he had been opening the door for him as a lover would from the beginning.

Even when they got into the car Craig drove with one hand, so that's he didn't have to let Tweek's hand go. Tweek reflected on last night and this morning and how gentle their intersection was and how Craig made him feel needed and worthy something he never felt before especially after sex.

Before Tweek didn't have much but his parent's interaction to compare his relationship with Bradley to. Now, Tweek could honestly say that his relationship with Bradley was a toxic one.

Before this fantastic week, Tweek hated Mondays and Thursdays because he has a few classes with Craig and it was hard for him to watch Craig enjoy life while he lived miserably longing for something from him. Back then all Tweek wanted was some form of acknowledgment, for Craig to see him even if no one else did. Craig never saw him, or maybe Tweek never noticed when Craig did. Now that so many things have changed, he looked forward to their classes together but still couldn't remove invisible wall between them when they are outside of the apartment.

When they got out of the car, and despite being 20 minutes late, Craig took his time. Tweek had shoved both his hand into his jacket pocket because he didn't want Craig to feel uncomfortable debating whether to hold it in public or not. Still, from the corner of his eyes, Tweek could see Craig looking at his pockets. Before they entered the classroom, Craig tugged his jacket pocket pulling him backward.

"One thing... Don't freak out," Craig started. Hearing Craig say those words caused a slight panic within him. When Craig saw Tweek do exactly what he asked him not to do he chuckled. "I said don't freak out. Look, I confess to the guys last night about my feelings for you. Sorry," Craig said, his tense expression changed and he wore an adorable smile.

Tweek was shocked. Tweek couldn't process Craig's words the way he wished he could have had they had more time before class, so he felt like his existence was about to explode that very moment. Handsome, extremely popular Craig told his friends that he like him--a nobody. Tweek couldn't believe it.

"I'll explain later, ok?" Craig said tucking Tweek's hair behind his ears before opening the door and entering.

Tweek followed once he got over the shock.

Craig

"Tucker, Tweak, you're both late," the professor said in a surprised tone.

"Sorry, had a few friends over last night for football, and they left a huge mess for me to clean," Craig replied in a disappointed tone looking at his friends with condemning eyes knowing they weren't the only reason why he was late.

"Perhaps no more football parties," the professor said heading to his desk to mark them in.

Craig glanced at the row where he usually sat around Stan, Clyde, Token and his other friends that he made on campus. When the professor turned around to resume writing his lecture on the whiteboard, his friends smiled and started coughing the word, "late' one after the other and then pretending to be typing notes into their laptops when the professor turned to them. If he weren't in such a good mood, he'd curse them the fuck out.

As Craig naturally made his way to them, he turned and noticed Tweek had gone to his seat in the back of the class. Craig very existence became alarmed. In his head, he thought Tweek would join him, but he underestimated Tweek shyness. When he glanced back, Tweek smiled sweetly before turning to his bag to take out his notebook.

Craig heard 'pay attention,' before he felt a crumbled piece of paper hit him. He turned to Clyde, and all he could do is smile rather than reach over and strangle him. Craig's head was full of thoughts, and he couldn't focus. Nor did Craig put effort into focusing. He knew he would be able to get the notes from someone later. Still, all he could think about was the guy who sat far in the back of him and how this distance between them was not going to work.

Craig wanted to glance back and look at Tweek, but he didn't want to distract him, and towards the end of the class, he really want to text him but reframed from doing so. Craig couldn't understand why he was dealing with separation anxiety— something he has never dealt with before. When class was finally over, Craig had blocked out everything everyone had said to him at the same time.

"Dude why were you late? You're never late?"

"Didn't I say why when I entered earlier?" Craig said his thumb pointing back to the door.

"It wasn't bad when we left, so stop it," Token replied.

Craig smiled. "I overslept," Craig replied, turning around to see where Tweek was. Tweek had just finished zipping his backpack when Craig turned to him.

"Shit are you blushing?" Token said pointing to his cheek.

Craig pushed Token's hand away and turned around before his face really became red.

"Tweek and I are going to grab breakfast before the next class, will catch up with you guys in a bit," Craig told them. For the first time, he could feel his face heating around his cheek area.

"Wait, what makes you think that we don't need breakfast?" Clyde said irritatedly.

Craig felt himself becoming annoyed, then he remembered Clyde's sad expression yesterday and sighed.

"Who else missed breakfast for some unknown reason?" Craig said annoyed deep down wanting to spend this time with just Tweek.

When each of them, even Stan who usually got breakfast made by Wendy, raised a hand. Craig hissed turning to head out the door. He waited for Tweek to join them and when he did Tweek's eyes instantly found the floors.

"Morning Tweek," Token and Stan spoke.

Tweek quickly looked up and greeted them good morning before revisiting the floors. Craig wanted to hug him but refrained from doing so. Before class, he told Tweek he had confessed to those around him, and now Tweek has to be around them. So Craig can understand why Tweek might feel a bit more uncomfortable.

"Maybe we should grab something on campus," Craig replied.

"Why did you have something fancy in mind before we interrupt?" Clyde said with his right eyebrow raised.

Craig licked his lips before cracking into a smile, he really, really wanted to strangle his best friend that very moment. Clyde sensed it, so he slightly stepped away laughing.

"I'll take anything right now," Token muttered.

"Do you mind?" Craig asked Tweek. Tweek shook his head before lifting it so that his eyes could meet his. Tweek's hair fell into his eyes and Craig couldn't resist brushing the strands aside. When his touch caused Tweek to shudder, Craig's heart started pounding.

"Geez, do you two need a room?!" Clyde muttered.

"Jelly?" Craig asked, biting his lips.

"Nope," Clyde's replied.

"Sounds like you are," Token teased.

"Fuck you!" Clyde muttered.

"So are you two like a thing now?" Stan asked, watching them curiously.

"To be continued," Craig said not answering him. The honest question would be yes, but he and Tweek had never discussed what it was that was going on between them. They've done everything that couples do, and their feeling for each other he was sure was the same, yet he didn't want to put a label on it without actually knowing Tweek's thoughts.

At the cafeteria, Tweek and Craig navigated to the coffee first, before picking up breakfast sandwiches. When they sat down to eat Craig sat next to Tweek whom he felt sorry for, Tweek was so shy. Time alone had made him this way because Craig doesn't remember him being so when they were younger. Craig noticed him listen to their conversation but never chimed in.

"So, Tweek when do you start working at your job? Do you have a schedule?" Token asked.

Craig paused before taking a sip of his coffee. He totally forgot about that damn job, the job Bradley lived by so, of course, he suddenly felt irritated. When he glanced at Tweek, Tweek's eyes slightly widened almost as if he sensed Craig's mood change. Not wanting to make him feel any more out of place Craig took a deep breath.

"What's your work schedule?" Craig asked, in his monotone voice.

Tweek hesitated before taking out his phone to check for accuracy. "Monday, Thursday, Sunday."

Craig reached for his phone, and Tweek handed it to him. As Craig looked at the time, it seemed as if Tweek would need to be there by 3 and leave at 8 for both weekdays and on Sunday from noon to 5 pm. After their first two morning classes together he wasn't sure what or how many courses Tweek had during the week.

As irritated as Craig soul was with the idea of not having those 15 hours with Tweek, he knew making a big deal about it would make him possessive.

"I am sharing your calendar," Craig told him and Tweek nodded.

"Wait, how are you getting to work? Craig last class is at three?" Token asked after glancing at the schedule.

Craig looked at Tweek before handing him his phone. Tweek looked at Craig and everyone around the table.

"I was planning to walk," Tweek replied, shyly.

"To the towers?" Stan asked, shocked.

Tweek nodded. "I've done it many times before."

Craig heard walk, and all he could remember was Tweek nearly lost in the snow storm and how that experience caused him to be bedridden the next day.

"That's not going to be smart since it will snow all this week," Stan replied.

"Can you drive?" Craig asked Tweek.

Tweek paused, before nodded.

"Ok, then you take the car, and I'll ride back with Token," Craig responded without a second thought.

"Sound good with me," Token replied.

Tweek was shocked and didn't know how to respond.

"Wait, what did I just hear?" Clyde began his tantrum when he did everyone around him sighed.

"Clyde do you want a car for your birthday? Cause I'll get you a car, I just can't deal with your emotional shit right now," Craig snapped before holding his forehead. Clyde was about to respond harshly, then the words set in and he smiled.

"I will be sending you a few options," Clyde replied, sweetly.

"I'm sure you will," Craig replied turning to Tweek.

Tweek tugged his sleeves under the table and shook his head. "I promise it fine. I've walked before,"

"And I'm telling you it's fine to take the car," Craig replied holding his hand. When he noticed how soft Tweek's expression was Craig's heart melted and he wanted everyone around the table to temporarily turn to ash to give him and Tweek some private time.

Tweek

After their last morning class together, Craig handed Tweek his car keys before heading off to his next lecture. For Tweek watching Craig leave with his friends was like watching something so important blow away to a place he couldn't reach. Tweek was so happy from the moment his eyes open this morning until that very moment where he couldn't see Craig when he turned around. It was then that his emotions took a severe nosedive.

Thinking back, Tweek has never felt this anxious whenever Bradley left. He missed him of course and long for his attention when they were not behind four walls. However, with Craig, every part of him ached like he was dealing with withdrawal.

To Tweek's surprised, Craig laid his heart on the table and told his friends of his feelings which still made Tweek anxious because he wasn't sure if they would genuinely respect Craig's feelings. At the same time, knowing that he told them made Tweek feel so alive. That he didn't have to pretend that nothing was going on and if he stared a Craig just a moment too long he didn't have to worry about being scrutinized or teased, most importantly, Tweek knew that he couldn't handle being stored aside again like a thing to do on a rainy day.

So Tweek struggled with the fear that this happiness was the beginning of his unhappiness. Still, if he was given the option to opt out of dealing with the future unknown, Tweek wouldn't take it. Tweek was willing to ride this journey no matter how painful it becomes because the present was better than the past and what could be later in the future.

Tweek thought of his parents especially his mom, if she knew that he and Craig were at this place in their lives she would cry not because she was sad but because she knew in her heart that one day Craig would come around again and Tweek would be happy. She used to tell him, be patient that Craig would realize his mistakes and will apologize. Tweek's eyes felt warmer, and Tweek knew they were turning red as he fought back the tears, Tweek felt vulnerable and hated that he had become someone quick to cry when he felt overwhelmed, but Tweek couldn't help it.

He took a deep breath before entering his next classroom, when he felt Craig's car key in his coat pocket he squeezed it gently. Tweek remembered Craig's smile when he handed him the keys with no regrets in his eyes. It was all it took to reassure Tweek that what he was feeling with Craig was real and the invisible brick that was crushing his chest moments ago had lifted.

As Tweek left his final class of the day his heart rate gradually increased as he headed to the parking lot to find Craig's car. As he was doing so out of the corner of his eyes, he noticed Bradley walking to his car that was parked a distance away.

Tweek knew nothing of Bradley's schedule. Still, it was surprising to see him leaving without any of his friends or his girlfriend. Since it did not seem like Bradley noticed him, Tweek unlocked the car door and quickly got inside.

Tweek buckled his car seat and felt guilty adjusting Craig's mirrors, knowing Craig's type of response to readjusting them could depend on his mood. When Tweek was ready, he didn't leave right away. He waited so that Bradley could go first since the only way to exist was first to pass his car.

Ten minutes later, Bradley never started the car, which Tweek thought was so odd. After waiting another 15 minutes, Tweek knew he had to leave if he wanted to park the car at home before heading to work. So Tweek took a deep breath, started the car and drove off. Tweek made no attempt to look at Bradley as he drove by him, but the minute he could see Bradley's front bumper from the rearview mirror, Bradley's car light cut on.

Trying not to panic, Tweek took a deep breath and continued to drive away. When he glanced out the rear mirror and didn't see Bradley behind him, he felt relieved, loosening the tight grip he had on the steering wheel and drove home. When he got to the garage, he parked the car in Craig's space before texting him to let him know that his car was back and safe.

As Tweek left the garage to head off to work, his phone alerted him that he received a message. Seeing Craig's name caused his heart to react and when he read Craig's, "thanks, but you're more important than the car, glad you made it safely." Tweek's butterflies scattered and his fingers tremble as he wrote his reply.

"Thanks. Counting down the minutes till I see you," Tweek responded. It was cheesy but it all he could think about that very moment after reading his words.

"My countdown started much earlier than yours. Bring me back something sweet! :-)"

Gosh, I love this guy, Tweek thought as he put his phone to sleep. A snowflake landed on his phone, and he lightly brushed it away before staring up at the sky. Days ago he thought he would hate snow, but now seeing it reminded him of Craig every time.

When Tweek got to work, he was welcomed warmly by both Wren and her daughter Aspen and even the few customers who remembered him from yesterday. Something about being there continued his ever growing high of happiness. The smell of the coffee, the soft music playing in the background and people chatting and working—the ambiance felt right, and it continued to until the door opened and Bradley entered.

Tweek couldn't believe his eyes. While a few women around the cafe seem to be stuck by Bradley's good looks, Tweek fell into a silent panic. Coffee shops just weren't Bradley's thing. Bradley's face was soft, smooth and unapologetic when he approached the register. By the way Bradley behaved, no one would guess they knew each other. He brushed his blond strands out of his eyes before looking at the menu behind Tweek.

Maybe he will order and go, Tweek thought unable to open his mouth to ask him what he would like.

"I'd like the chocolate croissants and an earl gray tea," Bradley spoke, staring directly into Tweek's eyes. You don't enjoy sweet food, Tweek thought.

Tweek swallowed the knot that has been growing in his throat the moment Bradley approached him. Tweek cleared his throat before asking, "is this to stay or to go?" Tweek's heart was pounding outside of his chest as he waited for Bradley to reply.

Bradley replied, "It's to stay, but I'd like everything package just in case I decide not to stay."

While Aspen gathered Bradley's ordered, Tweek totaled the cost for him. Bradley handed him $20 for an order that cost $4 bucks and walked away. Tweek called him back to collect his change.

Bradley turned around almost as if he was checked-out mentally, he took the $16 change and shoved it into the top tip jar and walked away. When Aspen gushed at how generous she thought he was, Tweek didn't share in her excitement. Tweek knew Bradley better than Bradley knew himself. Bradley's action was not a matter of whether he was generous or not, but more so the reason why he was there wasn't to buy anything at all. There were very few people Tweek knew growing up who had money to blow at their disposable effortlessly, his spoiled ex was one of them, and Bradley had no problem wasting his parent's money to get whatever he wanted no matter the cost.

Bradley took a seat parallel from where Tweek worked the register. The few ladies around him blushed while they admired him. Charming Bradley is, he smiled to those his eyes made contact with as he set up his computer to work.

This image of him sitting across reminded Tweek of the night he gave him his confession note. The only difference was instead of sitting and staring at him like an anti-sociopath, Bradley's eyes were glued to his computer screen.

Bradley sat in the same spot for the duration of Tweek's shift. Not once did he attempt to eat the Croissant he order or did he take a sip of his drink. Worst of all, the whole time Tweek's anxiety never settled. When it was time for Tweek to leave, only then did he see Bradley pack up his things? Tweek said his goodbye to Wren and Aspen and tried to hurry out before Bradley had finished, but they ended up walking out together. When they were outside Bradley reached over and touched Tweek's wrist.

"I really want to talk to you. Can we talk in my apartment?" Bradley asked.

Tweek stiffened. "I don't think that would be a good idea," Tweek replied.

Bradley smiled, "Why are you afraid you'll end up staying over?"

Tweek frowned.

"I would love for you to stay over, but I would never force you too. I just want to talk and apologize for the past."

"You don't need to," Tweek said turning to walk away.

"So it easy for you to forgive Craig but you can't even take a minute to talk to me, your partner?" Bradley said finally upset

Tweek froze trying to put together a response. "We are not together. You made that very clear. Also, Craig never hurt me the way you did. Why can't you see that it's different?" Tweek said, his voice trembling.

"I want to start over, but first I want to apologize and make it up to you," Bradley said, closing the distance. "Please?"

Tweek felt like he was suffocating. "C..can I think about it?" Tweek asked. Tweek's heart was racing so fast that he was afraid it would stop. He felt strangely trapped, and he wished Craig was around.

"Of course," Bradley replied. He looked so satisfied with the answer that he backed up giving Tweek space.

When Tweek caught a glimpse of a familiar car stopping, Tweek exhaled, his heartbeat regulating, and he didn't realize that he had smiled until he looked at Bradley who looked angry. When the car was in park, hatless Craig stepped out of the car, resting one hand on the door and another on the hood of the car staring at them. Craig expression was just, "..." he was neither angry or confused.

"Bradley, you are a coffee shop person now?" Craig asked, there were humor and irritation in his voice.

Bradley softened his face before turning to answer Craig. It was almost scary to watch the tension between the two.

"Never said I didn't enjoy coffee shops. It's amazing how everyone seems to think they know so much about me," Bradley replied.

"Well as long as you are not there to bother Tweek, I don't care where you choose to patronize," Craig said, his tone harsh.

"No, I don't go around making life hell for people," Bradley countered, with a direct jab while wearing a fake smile.

"And I don't go around living a double life—just too much work," Craig said smiling. Craig's smile wasn't forced, it was Craig letting Bradley know he knew something.

Bradley's fingers ever so lightly curled into a fist and Tweek step in front of him block the two before telling Bradley good night.

It was the first time Tweek was afraid for Bradley. Bradley was not a fighter; he was a pretty boy—a charmer. Craig was the opposite, he was a fighter that happens to be a beautiful guy, and the fact that his face was never injured was a testament to the extent of his fighting capabilities. When Tweek walked towards the car, it took a few second for Craig to turn from Bradley to him.

"You came to get me?" Tweek said shyly.

Craig anger subsided, and his cheeks flushed red. "Are you getting in or have I spoiled you?" Craig asked walking around the car to open the door for him.

Tweek smiled biting his lips. The moment he did, he noticed Craig expression changed as he paused and then reached over to touch his chin. It was such a bad habit, but Tweek loved what it did to Craig's composer. It was all Craig could focus on at that moment.

When Tweek got into the car, he looked out the window and only then did Bradley begin to head home. Tweek took out the car key Craig had given him earlier and passed it to him when Craig got into the car. Craig took the copy out of the ignition and gave it to Tweek taking his original key back.

"The copy is yours to hold on to; also, I'd like to have that conversation when we get in."

Tweek nodded, squeezing the keys in his hand.