NOTE: SURPISE! I managed to update one last time! This is officially the last time I will be able to update until probably the first or second of January! I hope everyone has a safe and happy holidays, and enjoy this super happy, fluffy chapter! :) Feel free to follow me on tumblr! My username is crowded-skies!
It wasn't Craig's intentions to fall asleep at the Tweak household, but when he woke up in the morning, it felt…right. He looked at the time and saw it was only seven thirty, so he slipped out of Tweek's bed quietly and started putting his shoes on. Tweek, due to the movement of the bed, woke up. He groaned and looked over at Craig, his cheek smushed up against his pillow.
"You really thought you would slip out of here that easily?" he mumbled, chuckling softly as Craig tucked him in.
"I wasn't finished putting my shoes on. Jesus, you're impatient," he kissed his forehead, smiling. "I'll see you later, yeah?" Tweek nodded.
"Mhm."
"My dad wanted me to invite you over for dinner."
"Alright. Sounds nice."
"See you." Craig grabbed his keys and phone, quietly making his way down the steps. He blushed as Mary Tweak was already sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee.
"Oh! Hello Craig. Merry Christmas!" she smiled, setting her book down.
"Morning Mrs. Tweak. Merry Christmas." She walked over, frowning.
"Quite the pair of shiners you got on your face there."
"Yeah it…it's a long story." She hummed.
"I…heard your conversation last night. I happened to be walking past and caught wind of it." Craig blushed, biting his lip.
"Sorry you had to hear it…"
"Don't apologize for that bastard." Craig's head turned to face her. He couldn't help but smile.
"I…yeah. You're right." She set her coffee down, walking to the kitchen and returning with a plate of scones.
"Would you give these to your family? I made them yesterday for the shop and we had plenty left over."
"I-I'll make sure they get to them. Thanks, Mrs. Tweak."
"Mary, sweetheart."
"Right…thank you, Mrs. Tw-Mary. I'll uh…see you later." He gave a small nod before ducking out, releasing the breath he didn't realize he was holding. He wasn't sure why talking to Mary Tweak was so difficult this morning. It might be because he wasn't planning on seeing her, especially after he spent the night uninvited. He let out a huff, carefully pulling a cigarette out and lighting it for the walk home. Once home, he smashed the cigarette with his foot outside on the step, walking into his house. His parents were downstairs having their morning coffee, Thomas being the first to look up.
"Hey, kiddo. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, dad." He kissed the top of his dad's head as he walked passed, setting the scones on the counter top.
"Are those…from…Mary Tweak?" Thomas practically sobbed as he rushed over to the counter. Craig snorted, wincing at the pain in his face.
"Yeah. She said Merry Christmas. They were left over from yesterday."
"I fucking love these scones." Thomas cheered, grabbing two and putting them on a plate. Laura couldn't help but laugh at how excited her husband was.
"Is Tweek coming over tonight?" she asked, walking to the fridge to grab her son a water to wash some pain killers down with.
"He said he'd love to come over." Craig happily accepted the pills and water, tossing them into his mouth and chasing them with water.
"Great! Maybe he can gift us his mother's scone recipe." Thomas said between mouthfuls of scone.
"Don't think he'll agree to that." Craig laughed, sitting on the couch. Tricia came rushing down the stairs, laying on the couch across Craig's lap.
"Merry Christmas!" she sang, her long red hair pulled into a pony tail.
"Merry Christmas, twerp." She rolled her eyes and flipped Craig off, who happily returned the gesture.
"Alright, I know Tricia is dying to open presents so go on ahead you two." Laura laughed, taking a seat next to Thomas on the love seat. Tricia practically dove to her side of the tree, their presents color coordinated just like every year. Tricia had the purple wrapping paper, and Craig had blue (their favorite colors). They spent the next half hour or so opening presents, Tricia getting the clothes, make up, and iPad she wanted, and Craig got a new hockey jersey, some University of Colorado apparel, and space themed products. Laura looked at Thomas with a grin.
"Craig, your mother and I got one more thing for you."
"How comes Craig gets one more?!" Tricia whined, fiddling with her iPad on the couch.
"It was last minute." Laura said as she returned with a rectangular, thin package. Craig looked at her and blinked, smiling.
"Oh…. thanks guys." He carefully unwrapped the gift, freezing as he tore the paper away. Underneath was another childhood photo. This time, it was from one of his hockey games where all his friends came along. He had a big grin on his face (he had braces at the time), Tweek and Clyde on either side of him with Token next to Tweek and Jimmy next to Clyde. Tweek was a bright red as he smiled and Clyde held up the sign they made for Craig that read "CRAIG TUCKER SUPPORT SQUAD" with his jersey number at the time (number thirteen, his lucky number). Craig just stared at it, swallowing the lump in his throat.
"I found it after you left that day to get that photo for Tweek blown up." She said, wiping a tear that feel from Craig's eye. He smiled, standing up and hugging his mom.
"Thank you." He whispered, walking over to then hug his dad.
"Love you, kiddo." He mumbled to him, kissing the top of his head. Craig turned back to look at the picture, letting out a laugh.
"Thank fucking God for puberty. Look at that brace face!"
"I love that brace face!" Laura teased, causing Tricia to laugh.
"It was a great look, Craig."
Tweek was nervous for the first time in a while. He's known the Tuckers for years! It's not like he hasn't met them before or been in their house! It's different now. Their son's dick has been inside of you, weirdo. Tweek blushed as he thought to himself, currently walking to Craig's house. He had a bottle of champagne and red wine in his hands (his mother bought it so he could give it to Laura and Thomas as a "gift" from him). He tucked one under his arm, a shaky hand reaching up to knock on the door. He blinked as Craig opened the door, some of his nerves floating away.
"Hey, babe." Tweek felt his heart flutter at the name. Craig wore a blue button down with a green University of Colorado sweatshirt over top, a pair of jeans, and a nice pair of skater shoes. Tweek smiled.
"Hey, handsome. You cleaned up nice."
"What, this? Pfft, I literally threw this together two minutes ago." Tweek let out a soft laugh, walking in. Thomas looked up from his recliner.
"Hey Tweek! Merry Christmas!"
"M-Merry Christmas, Mr. Tucker. Oh! These are for you." He held out the two bottles, Thomas smiling.
"My kind of gift! Thanks, kiddo!" He took the two bottles to the kitchen, Craig slinging an arm over Tweek's shoulders.
"You alright?" He whispered, noticing Tweek's shaking hands.
"Yeah just…n-nervous."
"Don't be. They love you."
"Yeah but…t-things are different now…you know since we…" Craig chuckled.
"Yeah…but it's fine. They're cool with it." Tweek's eyes widened.
"You told them?!" He hissed through his teeth, his cheeks as red as the stockings hanging from the fireplace.
"They figured it out! They were fine with it, okay? Just breathe, sweetheart." The use of pet names was easily calming Tweek down. They seemed to naturally flow from Craig's mouth, his heart leaping out of his chest every time he used one. Tweek sighed but nodded, leaning into Craig's embrace as they walked into the kitchen. They sat at the island, Laura turning as she put the ham in the oven.
"Hey, sweetheart! Merry Christmas!" She threw her arms around Tweek, causing the blonde to blush a bit. He happily returned the hug, smiling softly.
"M-Merry Christmas." He replied as she pulled away. She turned to start opening the bottle of champagne.
"Would you boys like a little champagne?" Tweek and Craig looked at each other.
"Yes please." They said at the same time. Laura chuckled, pouring them each a glass.
"So, Tweek, how was your Christmas Eve and Christmas?"
"Oh! It-it was really nice. My family from out of state came to visit last night. Aunts, uncles, cousins. We-we had way too many people in our house. They spent the night and left around nine this morning to continue on to the next family we have in the state over. W-We're not super close to them so…," He took a sip of champagne, trying to calm his nerves. "And-and then today it was just my parents and I. We-I opened presents and then we had lunch and spent some time together. Dad's been busy with the shop this past week so we haven't seen him really. He's gonna stay closed through the New Year so we can celebrate me committing to college."
"Oh, that's right! Congratulations!" Thomas called from the living room.
"Yes, congrats indeed! Temple University, right?" Laura asked, sipping from her champagne.
"Yeah! I just…love the city. Philadelphia wasn't as complicated to navigate as New York. I-I'm nervous to be in North Philadelphia since they're known for their crime and stuff but…as long as you're smart and don't travel alone…"
"Every college has areas like that. Don't be worried. Buy some pepper spray."
"My mom put some in my stocking this year." Craig let out a laugh as he set his now empty champagne glass on the counter.
"Jesus Christ Craig, you, like, chugged that!" Laura laughed, pouring him another glass.
"Sorry. I really like it." He said with a smirk. Laura rolled her eyes, filling Tweek's a little more.
"You'll have to thank your mom for the scones. Thomas over there ate about twelve."
"I love those scones!"
"Dad! We know!" Craig laughed. Tweek couldn't help but admire the way Craig laughed. He was always so stoic and reserved in school, especially when they were younger. Now that he's gotten older, he's learned to relax a little more and realized that it's okay to laugh and show emotion. But watching Craig in his house, it was like an entirely different person sometimes. Tricia came rushing down the steps, running over to hug Tweek.
"Hi Tweek!"
"Oh! Hey-hey Tricia!" he managed to get out, the crushing grip of Craig's fifteen-year-old sister making it hard to speak.
"Yo, get your own boyfriend! Don't fucking kill mine!" Craig pried her arms off Tweek, both Tucker siblings flipping each other off like clockwork. Tweek's cheeks turned a pretty shade of red again as he turned to Craig with a smile.
"…boyfriend, huh?" Craig blinked, realizing Tweek and him haven't officially had the conversation yet.
"Oh-fuck-yeah if…you're cool with that." Tweek couldn't help but smile, noticing the way Craig's ears turned red when he was nervous. He kissed his cheek, shrugging.
"I-I already assumed as well." He admitted, chuckling. Craig slouched in his seat, practically falling to the floor.
"Thank GOD!" he whined, tossing his arms in the air in celebration. Tweek let out a laugh, hiding his face in his hands.
"Don't make me regret this, Tucker!" He teased, causing Thomas to let out a hearty laugh in the living room.
"Might want to run now, Tweek!" He shouted.
"Dad don't be fucking rude!" Craig shouted back, causing Laura to laugh as she chopped vegetables. Craig puffed his cheeks out, wincing in pain. "Fuck! Man, fuck Uncle Charlie for breaking my nose!" He whined, Tweek frowning. He leaned over, placing a gentle kiss near his nose. Craig hummed, putting his arm back around Tweek. "Okay. It feels a little better."
About an hour later, the Tucker family plus Tweek sat down at the table for dinner. Craig and Thomas sat at the head of the table while Tricia and Tweek sat to the left of Craig and Laura was to the right of Craig. About five minutes into the dinner, Tricia turned to Tweek.
"Hey Tweek?"
"Yeah?"
"What made you and Craig hang out more these past few weeks?" Craig looked up at Tweek, seeing the gears working in his head. Tweek, in this moment, really wanted to share the real reason why Craig and him have been seeing each other more than usual. They're practically your second family now. It's okay to open up, Tweek. They like you.
"Well…to be honest," Craig's eyes widened. "I…snuck on to the ice rink he works on late at night."
"Why did you sneak on?" Laura asked, curious.
"I um…do…do you all promise not to tell anyone?" They all blinked, looking at each other before nodding. "I uh…I'm a figure skater," Craig grinned. "And-and I don't really want anyone to know. So… I snuck on after they closed to practice a routine for a competition I h-have coming up." Laura grinned at him.
"You skate?" Tweek nodded.
"Since I was five."
"Figure skating?" Thomas asked, sipping his wine.
"Yup! I'm, uh…I'm a state champion." Craig choked on his champagne.
"Wait! You didn't tell me any of this!" Tweek let out a laugh.
"I almost beat you up for spying on me! Why would I tell you?"
"You spied on him?" Thomas laughed, leaning back in his chair.
"Okay, I was staying late to do my homework that night and I heard his music! I-fuck-I was so entranced! He's so good!" Tricia was grinning next to Tweek.
"Can I see sometime?" Tweek blushed.
"Tricia, you can't be telling anyone! Plus, he might not want to perform for you." Laura scolded.
"No no, it's okay! I'll uh…I'm gonna need more opinions than just Craig and my parents on my routine for this competition. There's a cash prize."
"How much?" Thomas asked, sipping his wine.
"Ten thousand dollars." Thomas choked on his wine, sending him into a coughing fit.
"Huh. Like father like son." Craig said, laughing as his father flipped him off.
"I'll be honest! Super honest! I'm so honest!" Tricia said, beaming up at Tweek. Tweek couldn't help but grin, the support flowing from the Tucker's making him feel so…loved. He had always had nightmares about meeting his first boyfriend's parents. He never imagined it would be Craig, which makes the entire process much easier. However, he didn't imagine opening up about his secret life of figure skating so soon. Something about the Tucker family and how welcoming they were to him made him want to.
"I'll show you what I've been working on sometime. Without Craig. I finally chose a song I want to perform to and I want the song to be a surprise." Craig whined.
"No fair! What about Heat of the Moment?"
"I love it, but I found a better 80's song."
"Oh god, you let Craig influence you?" Laura grinned, chuckling at her son's face.
"Mom, you literally grew up in the 80's!"
"Don't remind me."
After dinner, Tweek and Craig helped Laura clean up before heading up to Craig's room, laying on his bed.
"What made you tell them everything?" Craig asked, tugging his sweatshirt off to take off his button up.
"I don't really know…they just…really welcomed me and I wanted to tell them." Craig tugged his sweatshirt back on once his button up was off. He laid down next to Tweek.
"I'm glad you felt welcomed enough to share," He turned to him. "Also, why didn't you tell me you were a fucking state champion?!" Tweek let out a laugh.
"I have to have some secrets!" Tweek blushed, biting his lip. "I uh…sorry to change the topic, but…I have something for you." Craig blinked.
"You do?" Tweek nodded, reaching into his pocket and holding out a little box.
"I uh…really wanted to pull you for Secret Santa, so I got this, like, a month ago. I was fine when I didn't get you, but then I was worried I wouldn't get to give this to you…but it makes a great Christmas gift." Craig blushed, sitting up. He unwrapped the packaging very carefully, opening the little box and smiling. Inside was a necklace with a phase of the moon on it. There was a date on the back of the pendant: 7/14/12.
"What's this date?"
"You remember when you gave me the image of me in your bed and you said that was the day I unknowingly became yours? Well…this date is when you unknowingly became mine. It was a pool party at Token's and I was having an anxiety attack over…something. You got out of the pool and started rubbing my back and talking to me until I calmed down. You offered to then swim with me and keep me company in case I started feeling bad again. The moon on the pendant is the moon phase from that night. The night you, Craig Tucker, unknowingly became mine." Craig let out a shaky breath, quickly clipping the necklace around his neck and gripping the pendant.
"T-Tweek…thank you. This-This means so much." Tweek reached out and wiped his cheek, placing a gentle kiss to his lips.
"You're welcome, Craig." He leaned his forehead against his, closing his eyes as Craig tugged him closer.
"You fucking ruined me." Craig whispered, a smile on his face.
"How so?"
"I'm so fucked for the rest of my life. No one will ever compare to you. You're incredible, Tweek Tweak."
"You're just saying that because you're my boyfriend."
"I always thought you were incredible."
"You're full of shit."
"Tweek, I'm serious." The tone of Craig's voice made Tweek open his eyes, that stoic look returning to his boyfriend's face. He blushed.
"Craig…"
"No, listen," He took Tweek's hands in his as he pulled away to look at his face. "You're so…brave. You're so talented and-and beautiful. You can bake such good cupcakes and-and you can skate so gracefully and-fuck! You just…you're capable of more than you think, Tweek. I can't wait to see what you do in college." Tweek sniffled, smiling.
"I'll have to come v-visit and watch you play at school."
"Will you wear my jersey all the way in Philly?"
"I wouldn't wear any other hockey jersey."
Thomas Tucker came upstairs to see where the boys have gone, knocking gently on Craig's door.
"Boys? You in here." He was returned with silence. He tested the door, finding it open. "Craig?" He pushed the door open, blinking. He chuckled, smiling softly. The sight before him made his heart swell. Both Tweek and Craig had fallen asleep, Tweek's head resting on Craig's chest. Craig was holding onto Tweek as if he would disappear if he didn't. He walked downstairs and called out to Laura, who followed him back upstairs. Laura grinned as she saw her son, a look of content on his face as he slept. She took a quick picture before shutting the door.
"He did good, Thomas." She whispered. Thomas kissed her forehead.
"Yeah…he really did."