It's my last day of school before the summer! In four and a half hours I'll be a free man, now I just have to find something to do all day. Do you guys have any plans?
This chapter took me all week to write so I didn't have much editing time, bear with me. But I hope you still enjoy, tell me what you think in the comments. And if you see any glaring discrepancies, tell me about them too!
Red and blue lights flashed, bathing the damp road in a sea of colorful reflections. A few police cars, an ambulance, and some very angry people filled the small street. A figure stood in the dark tree line, blending in perfectly aside from his glowing eyes. He fought the great urge inside of him to take a step forward, the arguing people wouldn't be able to see him in this form, but they weren't who he was interested i en. The blond boy on the stretcher, the one who had beeen hit by the red car was the one he was interested in. The one who had been able to see him, the one who had looked directly into his eyes.
He crouched silently as the ambulance moved quickly down the street, it's sirens blaring. The police stayed behind for a while longer interrogating a woman and young boy, but the figure took no interest in them, instead he stared after the ambulance until it was well out of sight.
He had been dreading his assignment in the mortal world, but now an interesting human had come into his line of sight. He stood and began walking down the street, Souteeereewth Park, his new home, wasn't far away. He had a town to explore, and many people to subdue.
The world was an inky black abyss, Tweek couldn't feel anything except a blissful silence that calmed his nerves and dispelled his anxiety. Faint images began to swim through Tweek's mind; a convulsing body, red eyes, glaring headlights. Tweek pushed them away in an attempt to go back to his restful sanctuary.
"Tweek?" A voice called out to him.
"Look, his eyes are opening!" Another exclaimed.
No, no. Tweek wanted to go back to the abyss, but his eyes did open as if by force. Fluorescent lighting blinded his sensitive eyes causing him to squeeze them shut again.
"It's about time, lazy bones." A familiar voice joked, but Tweek could hear the underlying tremble of relief.
"Kenny?" Tweek's voice sounded like sandpaper, he reopened his eyes and got a good look around the room. He was in a hospital bed, to his right a window was open letting sunlight shine in. Tweek could see dense clouds forming in the distance, another storm. He turned back to the three figures that clung to the various edges of his bed. "Mom, dad?'
"Oh Tweek!" Mrs. Tweak dove onto her son with hugs and kisses. "We were so worried when you didn't come home, no one at the library had seen you!"
Tweek moved an arm to pat her back, his mouth ran dry. He had betrayed his mom and been caught in the lie. His pale eyes flickered to his dad, then to Kenny.
Kenny's eyes fell to the floor and he rubbed the back of his neck as he stepped away from the bed. Tweek's parents didn't pay him any attention, they focused on Tweek.
"Son, what were you thinking! Running into the middle of the road like that." Mr. Tweak chastised him, but gave him a hug anyway. "Were you high, or drunk?"
Mrs. Tweak gave him a subtle, disapproving glare and soothed down Tweek's messy hair.
"I g-got hit by a car!?" Tweek exclaimed, the memory rushing back. His hands darted to his face, arms, and body looking for the casts he inevitably had. What if I never walk again, do I even have legs anymore!? Tweek's hands rushed down to his thighs.
"The car barely bumped you, sweetie." Mrs. Tweak held Tweek's face in her hands and searched his eyes. "The doctor said you fainted from shock afterwards."
"All you have is a wicked bruise." Kenny added and patted Tweek's side, pain immediately flared up.
"A-argh!" Tweek lifted his bed sheet and peeked under his thin gown. On the left side of his hip there was a large bruise, it was sickly green and looked like dead flesh. He fought the urge to poke it, all that would do is cause more pain.
A knock at the door pulled away everyone's attention. "Hello!" A muffled voice called out from the other side.
The doctor entered without waiting for a response. Tweek's eyes darted to her name tag.
Dr. Stephens, she had thick brown hair, deep green eyes, and a professional smile.
"Good morning, everybody." She chirped, her eyes met Tweek's. "Look who's up! You gave us quite a fright, Tweek."
Tweek couldn't return her smile, his eye twitched as she drew closer to the bed. She took a clipboard from under her arm and flipped through the pages. She found one she liked and her eyes scanned through the words.
"All the tests came back negative, Mr. Tweak." Dr. Stephens informed Mr. Tweak with a thin smile.
"T-Tests? What tests?" Tweek wasn't aware of any tests. He had been knocked out for however long he'd been at the hospital.
Dr. Stephens turned back to Tweek and gave him a sympathetic look. "After the ambulance picked you up and Liane explained that you just ran into the road, the police on scene wanted drug and alcohol tests ran. You're still a minor, so we got permission from your parents."
Tweek scratched at his left arm, the arm they most likely drew the blood from.
"I'm n-not on drugs!" Tweek exclaimed, his eyes moving wildly from his mom to his dad. Anxiety was boiling up in his stomach, but it wasn't because of the polices accusations. Liane, Tweek had heard that name before many times as a child. Liane Cartman, the mother of Eric Cartman. If Cartman had been in that car with her then Tweek would never hear the end of this at school. He looked to Kenny. Kenny met his eyes, by his sour expression it seemed he could tell what Tweek was thinking.
"You can be discharged immediately, Tweek! Isn't that great!" Dr. Stephens reached over and set a gentle hand on Tweek's shoulder. She gave it a soft squeeze and motioned for his parents to follow her out, presumably to sign papers.
Kenny tossed Tweek a spare pair of clothes from the hospital dresser as he was standing up from the soft bed. Tweek caught them with shaking arms. His legs felt weak and he leaned against the wall for support.
"Are… Are we g-going to talk about…" Tweek's voice trailed off. The forest, the monsters. Kenny hadn't seen the monsters, though.
"I didn't mean to leave you, you just disappeared!" Kenny's eyes shone with guilt. "I called the cops as soon as I got out, I told them I thought you were being attacked by a bear and when they arrived they arrested me." Kenny admitted with anger flaring through his eyes.
"They arrested you?" Tweek couldn't believe his ears.
Kenny just shrugged, but Tweek could still see anger in his eyes. "They thought I was high and playing a fucking prank. I'm a McCormick, after all."
Tweek didn't know how to respond, after a brief silence he moved himself into the small bathroom. The sickly smell of disinfectant and bleach flooded his nostrils. Tweek could understand why hospitals had to be sterile, but all the blinding white light and pungent chemicals made him feel like he was in a morgue.
His outfit was black jeans, a grey hoodie, and tennis shoes. Tweek pulled them on, thankful to be out of that disgusting, paper thin gown.
Tweek didn't know how long he'd been asleep, hopefully all week so he could go home and sleep without worrying about school tomorrow.
When Tweek came back out Kenny was sitting on one of the small chairs pushed under the window.
"What day is it?" Tweek asked with a swallow.
"It's Tuesday. You were only knocked out for most of the night and morning." Kenny replied as he typed something on his phone.
"Damn i-it!" An idle hand unconsciously reached up to Tweek's hair and held onto it.
"Don't freak out." Kenny went silent for a moment before frowning at Tweek. "Eric was with his mom, you should hear the shit he's saying."
Tweek groaned and tugged at his hair, pulling out a few strands.
"I just wanted to warn you." Kenny stood up and walked over to Tweek. "Hey, I gotta go. My parents think I'm at school and they're still pissed about the cops dragging me home last night. I'll see you late."
Tweek nodded and waved a shaky hand as Kenny headed to the door.
"W-wait!" Tweek shouted at the last moment. Kenny glanced at him from over his shoulder. "I'm not mad at you, I d-dove off the oath on purpose." Tweek admitted. He licked his lips nervously. "I s-saw something in those woods, I t-think we're all in danger!" Tweek's breathing picked up.
Kenny moved closer to the panicking boy, his phone buzzed drawing away his attention.
"Come find me after school, I'm sorry. I have to go." Kenny gave him a weak smile and rushed out the door.
It wooshed shut behind him leaving Tweek alone.
The sky outside rumbled. Tweek sighed at the familiar noise and headed to the lobby to find his parents.
The car drive home was disturbingly quiet despite the soft rumble of thunder in the distant and the oldies that played over the radio. Tweek curled up against his window and watched the quiet streets of South Park roll by. His bruised side was throbbing painfully in the background of his mind, his thoughts flashed to the bottle of ibuprofen he kept in his bedside drawer.
"So, Tweek… Do you want some lunch?" Mrs. Tweak turned around in her seat. "You must be starving."
Tweek's eyes pulled away from the small shops to meet his mom's.
"I-I'm not very hungry." Tweek responded. His stomach was roiling with anxiety and stress, he wouldn't be able to keep any food down.
"Okay honey, if you are I can make you a sandwich at home." Mrs. Tweak turned back to the front, her eyes unconsciously turned down.
His parents began small conversation, mostly gossip about the other parents and their children. Tweek turned to gaze out his window once again. They had left the main street and were heading down the suburbs to their home. Tweek recognized the street, he knew every street after all. This was where the Stoch's live, Tweek had visited Butter's home many times as a child and easily recognized his house.
"Mom, who moved next to B-butter's?" Tweek asked, his voice cracking with dreadful anticipation.
"Oh yes, I forgot about the new family moving in." Mrs. Tweak's eyes turned peer out the window. She didn't add, 'because my child disappeared into the forest and then got hit by a car.' "The Tuckers, wasn't it dear?" Mr. Tweak nodded.
"Should we stop in and say hi?" Mr. Tweak smiled warmly. "It's that red house right there." He pointed to the house left of Butter's. Slowly he pulled over to the curb and turned off the engine.
The house was as abandoned as ever. No lights shone out of the dark windows, there was no moving van or car in the driveway. The grass looked more faded than the neighbors houses; all the leaves from the tree had fallen into one massive heap as if the tree had suddenly decided it didn't want them anymore. Tweek frowned at the house and looked to his parents.
"That house is abandoned." Tweek interrupted with irritation lacing his voice. His anxiety amplified just looking at the house, he didn't want to stop here. He wished his parents didn't follow the social custom of being overly polite to your neighbors as most South park families did. Why bother when they invariably gossip and prattle on about you as soon as you turn your back.
Mrs. Tweak scoffed lightheartedly, "Did you hear that, Richard? Abandoned!" she chuckled, "I guess Tweek will forever been our little cynic. I do admire their patch of camellias, our garden would look amazing with some."
Tweek frowned even harder as his mom buzzed on about different types of flowers and gardening methods. Tweek was absolutely sure there was no camellias in the Tucker's garden, not that he knew what camellias looked like, but because there was no garden at all. After all these years his parents were the ones seeing things.
Their doors opened, pulling Tweek from his thoughts. Cold, invasive air flooded the car leaving Tweek shivering.
"Come on, son." Mr. Tweak ducked his head back in. "I heard they have a boy around your age, maybe you'll make a friend."
"I don't w-want new friends." Tweek wrinkled his nose. He wouldn't gain a new friend, he'd gain a new tormentor most likely.
Mr. Tweak chuckled at his sons pessimism and shut his door with a thud. Tweek reluctantly unbuckled his belt and threw open the door of their family sedan.
Together they walked up the path, Tweek trailing behind his parents. He avoided the dead grass and leaves, turning his nose up at them. The yard smelled of decay; wet leaves never smell good after a few days.
Mr. Tweak knocked at the door while Mrs. Tweak took a moment to fix her hair. Tweek tapped his foot vigorously and drew a hand up to his mouth. Nail biting was one of his bad habits, but he just couldn't seem to kick it.
No one answered, just as he suspected. His parents seemed undeterred, Mrs. Tweak ducked to look through one of the windows while Mr. Tweak knocked again.
"I told y-you! No ones here!" Tweek finally blurted out after a few minutes of fruitless knocking.
Mr. Tweak frowned at the door for a moment before starting back down the path. "Oh well."
"They must be out grocery shopping." Mrs. Tweak followed her husband.
Tweek stood for a second longer, growing at the dark windows. He could've sworn he saw pale eyes watching him from behind the panes of glass.
"Come on, Tweek!" Mr. Tweak added to the message by honking.
Tweek groaned and shuffled his way back to the car.
The rest of the car ride went smoothly. Their neighborhood exposed itself shortly after, and Tweek didn't hesitate to run up to his room. His fingertips felt like ice and he vigorously rubbed his hands together in an attempt for some warmth. It was nearly two in the afternoon, school would be letting out soon and he didn't want to be outside when the kids let out. He picked through his drawer with icy hands and pulled out his bottle of ibuprofen. He took a few, gulping down a whole bottle of water. His throat was dry and accepted the water with ravenous relief. Considering the bed was from his childhood, it was ill fitted for his long body; his feet poked out under the dinosaur print comforter if he didn't curl up into a ball, and if he did his knees nearly protruded over the edge of the bed. He found a comfortable enough position that, despite making him resemble a pretzel, allowed him to be completely on the bed. He buried his head into the green pillow as the pain medicine took effect. He let himself doze.
Tweek couldn't see anything. The world was pitch black, or maybe it wasn't there at all. The first sign that Tweek was dreaming was the way his body moved with a delay, if he tried to move his arm it won't actually move for a few seconds. The unsettling distortion of his motions wasn't the only indication that he was in a dream as objects materialized into view. Crooked poles that shot into the sky seemed to fade in from nowhere, Tweek realized they were mutilated versions of trees. The ground was covered in pure white snow, the sky became a cacophony of violent, dark colors. Tweek forced himself forward, the frustration of trying to move nearly distracted him from the sound of growls and snarls that echoed around him. Nervously, he continued on.
The noise came from a large courtyard, marble pillars covered in creeping dead vines and frost stood around the edges. Tweek stopped and hid behind a tree. The courtyard was full of monsters. Sure, pallid faces and creeping arms had haunted his dreams before, but this felt different. He felt like a witness, to what he couldn't tell.
Among the monsters were more imaginative creatures he had never seen before. Owls with human faces, dark horses with glowing amber eyes, large dogs with multiple heads that jumped in and out of the shadows, strangest of all were the people. They looked human enough, but their skin tones ran grey scale from pure white to pitch black, and every shade in-between. Their hair looked like ice stung into strands so thin and fragile a single movement could break them. A few were talking in hushed whispers, Tweek ears strained but he couldn't hear the words well enough to recognize if they were English. One turned and glanced behind their shoulder, Tweek caught a glimpse of their eyes. Pure white with icy blue irises.
Tweek didn't understand what he was seeing, he wanted desperately to pinch himself and wake up, but his arms wouldn't move anymore.
All the creatures were facing a huge, metal wall imbedded with shimmering jewels and intricate designs too small and elaborate for Tweek to get a good look at.
The ground rumbled, all the monsters went silent and looked to the wall. A crack appeared, so fine that Tweek wouldn't have been able to see it at all if a faint light hadn't glowed from within the door.
It opened fully, Tweek expected a giant beast to lumber from behind the metal, surely all these monsters worshipped a monster greater than themselves, but instead out walked a simple humanoid creature. Two to be exact. One was tall, Tweek could tell that from where he was standing, he must've been over seven feet. The smaller one was probably around six feet, an adolescent. Tweek recognized the smaller one, it was the creature he'd met in the woods.
The tall one stepped forward causing cheers, it smiled. A thin gap of sharp teeth.
It started talking, the words seemed to distort when they met Tweek's ears. He could hear the man talking, but as soon as he tried to comprehend the words they turned to mush in his ears. Whatever it was saying the crowd really seemed to like, the monsters grew agitated, frenzied. They started jumping wildly, a few pushed each other. This must be a war rally by the blood lust that emanated from the group.
The speech ended, leaving Tweek rattled, his heart pounding furiously in his ears. His body didn't feel real, like a ghostly mist as the monsters left the courtyard in swarming hoards heading right for Tweek. As invisible and phantasmal as Tweek felt, they monsters seemed to believe he was real enough. He urged his body to move, but his legs stayed firmly planted, his arms hanging docilely by his sides as a large dog ran ahead of the pack. The hounds heads snarled, it's multiple black eyes warming to a crimson red. Tweek screamed as the massive hound lunged, bringing its clawed paw right down on Tweek's head.
"Tweek!"
Tweek's eyes flew open as hands shook his shoulders. He had throw the covers off himself during his nap, his pillow was sliding off the bed. His eyes were unfocused
Kenny stood over his trembling form.
"K-kenny! My parents l-let you in?" Tweek's eyes darted to the door expecting his parents to come bursting in. Tweek's parents had never blandly expressed their disapproval of Kenny, but he'd heard them talking about the McCormick's plenty of times; their comments were rather unsavory.
Kenny frowned, his hoodie was drawn up and the thick fur that lined his hood hung over his eyebrows.
"I climbed in through the window." Kenny pointed to Tweek's open window.
"I l-live on the second floor!" Tweek sat up, if Kenny could get in so easily what was stopping other people from doing the same?
Kenny shrugged and stepped away from the bed, "I heard you screaming. Your parents aren't home, I knocked."
Tweek shivered and quickly shut the window beside his bed. If the neighbors had seen Kenny climbing in they probably would've called the cops. Tweek glared out at the now dark street, he didn't see any pedestrians and most of the houses nearby were dark.
Tweek sighed in relief briefly and turned to Kenny. He must've had a fairly good reason to actually visit Tweek's house. Tweek asked him in a curt voice, he was cranky after being awakened from his nap. The nagging sense of impending doom was also lurking at the back of his mind, he felt like it had something to do with his dream but he couldn't remember anything from it. He rubbed his forehead, it hurt trying to remember.
"I texted you a bunch." Kenny defended himself. "You didn't fucking respond so I came over." Kenny seemed agitated and paced across the room.
Tweek frowned, Kenny wasn't the one who's room had been invaded during the night and rudely awakened. If anyone should be upset it was Tweek.
"I lost my phone in the forest." Tweek had forgotten about that until now, his parents would be upset.
Kenny seemed to forgive Tweek for not responding; his face adopted that guilty look again.
"All the parents went over to the new guys house for some house warming party." Kenny spoke after a while. "The new kid stated today, Cartman instantly tried to pick on him like a jackass. The new kid didn't like that."
That wasn't news, Cartman jumped at any chance to make others feel insecure. Tweek was honestly glad he got what he deserved, that someone had the courage to fight back.
"They got into a fight, Cartman started crying before the new kid even threw a punch." Kenny started laughing despite his serious tone. Tweek chuckled, the thought of Cartman crying was too humerous to not. Kenny placed a hand over his stomach and slowly forced himself to stop laughing. "But honestly, that kid is scary. And when Cartman was spreading rumors about you he was super focused, like he recognized you. He started asking about you, that's when Cartman started up his tough guy bullshit."
"He was a-asking about me?" Tweek blurted out before Kenny's sentence was finished. "Why was he asking about me!" Tweek ground his teeth together. "Ahhg!"
"Chill, man. I'm sure he was just curious." Kenny shrugged and avoided Tweek's eyes. He didn't even believe himself. "Just be careful around him. I've got a bad feeling."
Kenny talked some more afterwards, but Tweek's mind was miles away so all he managed were agreeing grunts. Eventually Kenny left, either due to the late time or the fact that cars could been seen pulling into driveways outside. Tweek's parents would be home any second, and Kenny was the last person they wanted to see.
Tweek left his room to stretch his legs and find some water. He lumbered down the stairs one step at a time, moving his torso too much caused flares of pain. On the kitchen table was a note and a twenty dollar bill. Tweek picked up the note: Honey we'll be gone tonight, I left money for a pizza. If your pain gets worse call us! – Mom Dad.
Tweek moved to the sink and was on his second glass of water when the door unlocked.
"Oh, Tweek you're awake." Mrs. Tweak crossed the small space between the living and kitchen to join her son. Mr. Tweak took off his jacket and took a seat on the couch to relax from all the social interaction.
"Y-yeah. Just barely." Tweek handed the twenty dollars to his mom, he didn't have a need for money. After all the only thing he would buy is coffee, and his parents just happen to work at a coffee shop. On weekends he joins them and is free to drink all the coffee he can handle.
Mrs. Tweak reluctantly took the money, "Did you eat anything? You must be starving, you're a growing boy after all." She moved to the fridge, in the living room the TV flipped on.
Tweek wished he'd stop growing, wasn't coffee supposed to stunt growth? That must be a lie, otherwise Tweek would still be around four feet tall.
"A little, I guess." Tweek chewed at his lip. "I lost my p-phone in the forest, it fell out of my pocket. I'm sorry."
Mrs. Tweak had already guessed that and simply nodded as she opened the refrigerator and began pulling out sandwich meat.
Tweek remained silent, he didn't want to talk about what happened in the forest. His parents had irrefutable proof that Tweek wasn't drunk or high. It was normal for teenagers to go into the forest and do that kind of stuff and act like crazy idiots, but Tweek was sober. His sobriety just raises the question of what had happened, and Tweek couldn't tell them what happened because that would make him seem even more crazy. Small things like 'hallucinations', anxiety, and the occasional panic attack weren't enough for Tweek's parents to send him to a mental hospital, but disappearing into the woods for hours and running in front of cars might be.
Tweek held onto his silence and allowed his mom to place a ham sandwich in front of him; mayo, cheddar, ham, and tomatoes on wheat. Tweek's favorite. The usual feelings in his stomach persisted; dread, anxiety, the usual angst.
He picked at his sandwich, taking a small bite. Tweek could taste the cheese, meat, and bread. But that's all it was; it wasn't appetizing or fulfilling. He set the sandwich down and took another drink of water. His mom leaned by the fridge and watched him.
"Did y-you have a good time a-at the party." Tweek wanted to curse himself for being so nervous, his moved his hands to his lap so she couldn't see them shake. He really wanted to ask if the new kid had cornered them about their crazy son.
"Oh yes, they're very nice." Mrs. Tweak smiled softly. "They have a boy around your age, Craig I believe his name was."
"Did… did he ask about me?" Tweek quickly took another bite of his sandwich.
Mrs. Tweak tilted her head, "Strangely enough that's the only thing I remember him asking, if we had a son named Tweek. He probably recognized your name from school! After all it is such a unique name." Mrs. Tweak seemed pleased with her child's 'unique' name, Tweek Tweak.
Tweek groaned, he would never be able to fully comprehend why his parents had named him in such a way. But while Tweek wasn't the name he would've chosen, it fit his personality so well it's a little scary.
The anticipation and anxiety of waiting faded away, replaced by a solid feeling of dread. This new kid, Craig, was definitely searching for him. Tweek had a feeling the events in the forest and this new family were directly related.
The night passed slowly, Tweek often got little sleep but that night he got none at all. His eyes stayed wide open no matter how hard he tried to shut them; every small scratch, thump, or creak sent a pang of panic into Tweek's chest. More than once he got up to look out the window or check the locks on the front and back doors. His alarm was set for six a.m., by that time he was already dressed and sitting with his desk chair facing out the window. He had showered, made himself breakfast, and did all the homework he usually ignored, but somehow still managed to have plenty of time to sit and brood over the pending school day.
Tweek's dad knocked on his door, "You up? The bus is here."
Tweek threw a black hoodie over his green shirt and faded blue jeans before heading down to the bus. He muttered quick goodbyes to his parents and flipped his hood up. It was even chillier out than the day before and Tweek's breath hung in the air. The sky was heavy with clouds, and it looked like it was still nighttime. The driver opened the door for him and gave him a suspicious glance. No doubt she'd heard about what happened, all gossip in South Park traveled like a wild fire from one ear to the next. Tweek ignored her and slinked to his normal bus seat.
More kids piled onto the bus, with every stop Tweek fidgeted more and more. He couldn't keep his eyes down like normal, they examined every face that boarded the bus. Tweek knew that the new kid wouldn't get on until Butter's stop, but it didn't stop his brain from releasing adrenalin to run through his veins.
The dreaded stop came up all too soon, curse the small town and it's tiny population. Tweek leaned over and glanced out his window; his breath caused fog to condense, obscuring his vision. The doors shut, footsteps came down the aisle. Tweek's breathing picked up as he peaked his head up, his eyes tightly shut. He expected an angry, black shadow with fiery red eyes to be barreling towards him. Maybe the demon would have sharp claws, and razor like teeth to rip apart his flesh. Maybe no one would even notice Tweek's screams as he was torn apart and left to smell up the bus.
He snapped open his eyes, staring directly at him from the second row was a boy. Just a boy, not even that tall. Definitely not as tall as the creature in the woods had been, maybe 5'8. Raven black hair swept over his brow, the sides cut short. Tweek could see the tips of his ears behind his black hair, they ended in a small point. So, definitely not human. His thick eyebrows were pulled down in irritation, his mouth quirked into a frown. Tweek wouldn't have pinned the guy as evil, but certainly not friendly either. Tweek met his eyes and shivered, the cold blue disks seemed to pin Tweek down. Tweek held his breath in anticipation for an attack, surely this boy would attack him. The chilled eyes searched his face, and moved onto his hair, his torso.
"Oh god! He's seeing which part of me he wants to eat first!" Tweek slammed his head backwards, freeing himself from his fear. A few students glanced at him with tired annoyance.
"Hey now, it's not that hard to chose a seat, buddy." Butter's soft voice spoke up. Tweek hadn't even noticed the short, blond boy before he'd spoken. "I know you're new, why don't you sit by me. Gosh, it can be hard making friends in a new place." Butter's threw his bag into the empty row he'd been standing by and pulled Craig to sit next to him.
Tweek's heart pounded in his chest as the dull eyes left him, all he was left to stare at was the dark hair that peaked over the back of the seat many rows ahead. Had Butters really thought that Craig was simply searching for a seat? Had their death staring match not attracted any attention at all?
Tweek bit onto his sleeve as the bus creaked and began moving, his breathing was too fast. His skin was sickly pale, his whole body shook so badly he was scared the whole bus could feel it. He kept his head down, his stomach ached from the toast he'd eaten. More kids shuffled onto the bus, but Tweek ignored them.
"Oh, shhh, guys watch this." Tweek recognized that voice. "Hey, Tweek I ran into you the other night. You totally left a dent in my car. What were you running from, the boogie man?" Cartman snickered.
Tweek could hear students turning in their plastic seats to watch the drama. Cartman had spent the day before spreading rumors, now everyone was ready for a show.
Tweek groaned silently and continued to glare out the window, if he ignored them they'd leave.
"You know my mom said that you're gonna be shipped away, like anyone would want a freak for a son."
"Enough, dickless." A cold, slightly muffled, voice spoke up. Tweek glanced at Kenny, what is he doing? He was giving Cartman a glare so fierce Tweek had a feeling it was for all the malicious actions Cartman had ever done.
"Ohhh here comes poor boy to defend the freak!" Cartman feigned fear and glared at Kenny.
"Shut the fuck up, we all know the only way your mom knows anything is because she bangs everyone." Kenny shoved past Cartman and sat beside Tweek.
Cartman's face turned red, he blistered for a response. "A-AYE! You wanna fucking go? Today after school! Be there if you're not a pussy!"
Stan had already moved to the back to sit down, Kyle rolled his eyes and muttered something under his breath before joining him.
Kenny grinned, "I'll kick your ass."
"Sit down back there!" The bus driver flipped around and yelled, catching everyone's attention.
Cartman grumbled and moved to the back as the bus lurched on.
Tweek was silent for a moment, his heart was still pounding. Cartman could be heard in the back, making empty threats and boasting about himself.
"Y-you didn't have to do that." Tweek was already giving up on today, his eyes sagged and his head felt full of cotton while his heart pounded wildly. He felt like a drugged snail having a panic attack, and school hadn't even started yet.
"Yeah, I did." Kenny had a scarf positioned around his mouth, only his eyes were visible and they raged on. "Besides, he won't ever fight me."
Tweek smiled weakly, it was the best he could manage in his current state.
The school bus groaned up to the school, it sounded ready to fall apart. Kenny waited until everyone else was getting off to stand up.
"Are y-you skipping today?" Tweek asked in a hushed voice as they descended the metal beast.
Kenny shrugged, "I might. My parents have been trying to keep an eye on me, that'll stop in a few days. They'll lose interest."
"Can I skip w-with you?" Tweek looked up at the concrete school building and grimaced. He wouldn't last throughout the day in there.
"I'd usually say hell yes, but I think you should go through today. It'll be bad, but it won't go away. And ignoring it will only make it worse." Kenny sounded very reasonable, and Tweek cursed him for it. He sighed and slumped his shoulders before walking up the slippery steps.
His first class was algebra, the worst possible class. Not only was Cartman in that class, but Tweek had a hard time focusing and would often get called out for it. Taunting Tweek had become a way for students to interrupt class when it got too boring, the teacher rarely helped.
Tweek skipped going to his locker, there were too many people in the hallway, writhing like little bugs, so he went straight to class. He hadn't planned on taking notes anyways.
The classroom was empty of teenagers, even the teacher was nowhere to be seen. A few posters on the wall read silly slogans that often discouraged kids more than encouraged. Tweek frowned at them and headed back to his seat by the window.
His feet stuck to the ground, his body became still with his eyes wide open. He could've been mistook for a statue.
The new kid, Craig, was in his seat. He was so still and silent that Tweek hadn't even noticed him. His pale blue eyes were examining the room, but had focused on Tweek when he walked in. Tweek waited a heart beat, he could ask for his seat back or chose one of the ones that were usually empty. Tweek instead turned on his heel and took a step towards the door.
"Wait." Tweek assumed it was Craig speaking, but his voice was a lot different than he expected. He had expected a deep, thundering voice; but Craig sounded like a normal pubescent boy. His voice was slightly nasally, and definitely apathetic.
Tweek didn't wait, instead walking faster to the door.
"I said wait!" A hand grabbed Tweek's shoulder, stinging pain flared throughout where the hand had touched. Tweek gasped and pulled away thinking he'd been stabbed. He frantically turned around and touched his shoulder. There was no blood, but it was ice cold.
Craig's eyes were slightly wide, he moved his hand away. Tweek looked to them, expecting to see needle sharp nails or something capable of stabbing. His hands were empty, but his finger tips were covered in ice thin frost. Tweek frowned and squinted, not frost. Those icy patterns were as much a part of him as his skin.
Craig noticed his staring and buried his hands deep into the pockets of his blue hoodie.
"L-leave me a-alone!" Tweek's voice was airy, his head was swimming from all the fear rushing through his veins. Tweek couldn't meet Craig's eyes and looked to the floor. His shoulder was twitching, which only prompted his body to shake slightly. He took a step back and ground his teeth. People would start coming in any second, he had to get out of here
"Would you just listen to me!" Craig took a step forward, pulling his hands out of his pockets.
"Get a-away!" Tweek held up his hands, he heard murmurs from the hallway and swallowed.
Craig's eyes glanced to the doorway, he lowered his voice, "Come with me." He grabbed onto Tweek's forearm.
Tweek instinctively lashed out, pushing Craig away from him at the memory of the icy pain he'd felt a minute ago. Craig stumbled, obviously caught off guard, and rammed into one of the desks. Its metal legs screeched across the ground, Craig caught himself and glared at Tweek. His mouth twisted down into a scowl, showing off a few sharp teeth. His eyes seemed to grow faintly red as he scowled at Tweek.
"Fight! Fight! Fight!" There was chanting in the doorway, a few kids pushed through to see the brawl.
Craig stood up straight and balled his fists at his side, he lunged towards Tweek. Tweek didn't move in time, he fell to the ground in a painful heap. The bruise on his side screamed, increasing his pain tenfold. He curled up to cover his injured side, a string of curses flooded from his lips. The kids watching emitted various "oohs" and "ahhs". They believed Tweek's pain was solely from Craig's hit. Tears stung the edges of Tweek's eyes as the hot, searing flashes of pain subsided into piercing throbs. He realized he'd been holding his breath and took a heaving gulp of air. He glared up at Craig, and prepared to stand up.
"Stay down." Craig hissed under his breath, quietly enough so the other kids couldn't hear.
"Move it!" A teacher screeched from the doorway, pushing past kids. Mrs. Collins, followed by two men, forced her way in. The principle, who they all called PC principle, looked over both of them and decided that Craig was the biggest threat. He quickly went to stop the boy from attacking again.
Mr. Garrison sighed and went to Tweek.
"Why do I always get the crazies." He muttered under his breath. "Come on, Tweek." He directed at Tweek.
Tweek stood up, his legs felt weak and he set a hand on the teachers desk. He glowered at Craig, who was obviously ignoring PC principle's lecture on bullying. Craig glared back, his eyes were back to their normal cerulean blue, but that didn't stop him from being intimidating.
Tweek was pulled out of the classroom by Mr. Garrison, PC principle followed dragging Craig along.
The students had mostly disbanded, scared away by the threat of detention. The only ones who remained were waiting to get to their seats.
Tweek caught a glimpse of Cartman's smug smirk and frowned. Kyle gave him a sympathetic look, Stan just looked like he wanted to get to his seat.
In the counselor's office there was two hard chairs set in front of Mr. Mackey's desk. They were too small for anyone to be happy, and very uncomfortable. Craig sat with his arms by his sides, his eyes stared out the window, his mouth was pulled down in a small frown. He looked bored.
Meanwhile Tweek just couldn't sit still. He shifted around, attempting to find a comfortable position. He was twitching more than usual, his whole body looked like a jittery cartoon. The residue of pain that still haunted his side caused him more irritation.
Craig looked at him from the corner of his eyes, causing Tweek to make a strange noise.
The door opened. Mr. Mackey came around and sat in his desk chair. He sighed, setting his large head on a noodle arm. His thin frame reminded Tweek of a balloon. He began on a long, boring lecture about fighting at school and how "it's good for nothing".
"Now, boys. I need you to make up, M'kay?" His calm, counselor voice filled the room. "I don't want to get parents involved since you're new, Craig. But I will if I have to."
Craig finally moved his eyes from the window. Tweek shifted to lean away from him.
"So, what? You want us to apologize?" Craig scoffed, obviously irritated.
Mr. Mackey sat up and nodded, "Maybe you boys can become friends, M'kay. Now wouldn't that be nice?"
Craig rolled his eyes and turned to face Tweek. He gave Tweek a malicious grin, "I thought this would be easy, but it looks like you're going to be a pain in my ass. I'll have to fix that." Craig turned back to Mr. Mackey and brushed his onyx bangs back.
Tweek gaped at him.
"Mmm," Tweek turned to Mr. Mackey, expecting him to chew out Craig, "Good, Craig. Now you Tweek."
"W-what!" Tweek sat forward, he pulled at the buttons on his shirt. "Didn't you hear what he j-just said!"
"Now Tweek, that was a very nice apology." Mr. Mackey seemed complacent with Craig's apology, a smile was plastered across his face. "Craig is a very nice boy."
"N-no it wasn't! No h-he isn't, he's a monster!" Tweek stood up, pushing his chair back. "Oh, god! He's g-going to kill me!" Tweek backed up towards the wall.
Craig watched him with a faint smile, his eyes glimmered with malicious delectation. Tweek stared at him with wide eyes, he must've tricked Mackey. But how?
"Tweek, I'm gonna need you to calm down, M'kay?" Mr. Mackey remained seated, his hands inching towards the phone to call for help. If things escalated everyone would probably be able to hear it anyways, the school was so small.
Tweek curled his hand in his hair and pulled, the rise and fall of his chest sped up. In the window he could see boogies watching him, a crowd of cervine corpses staring with ashen eyes. They grinned, shrieking laughter filled Tweek's ears. Sharp and thin like ice shards.
"Pitiful humans… so easy…""The dark prince shows no mercy."
