NOTE: Hey! Remember how I said I wanted to potentially make a spotify playlist? Well, I made one! Since links don't work, check out my playlist under the username "craigtuckeradvocate" (the same as here!) I will continue to add to it as the fic goes and I added songs I want to use or feel that Craig Tucker would listen to! Enjoy!

Things were slowly returning to normal, and Craig was happy to be in this boring town for once. There were no incidents over the next month, Craig even getting to return to hockey in that time frame. He was starting to feel suspicious due to the fact there were no incidents, but he dared not tell anyone about his paranoia. He mainly didn't tell Tweek, not wanting to set his boyfriend's anxiety off. The peaceful order of town had finally returned, and Craig was not about to jinx it. It was Tweek that had something happen to him. Nothing major, but he hasn't told Craig about it yet. It was at one of Craig's hockey games, the team having done somewhat well in his absence. He was there with Token, Jimmy, and Clyde (like usual) and South Park was up by one. It was a close game, the captain for the opposing team (almost) an equal match to Craig. There were ten minutes left in the third period when Tweek saw him standing in the entrance of the rink. He was watching Craig, but there was no anger on his face. It was almost…sad. It took Tweek a minute to pinpoint what it was, but Tweek realized, right then and there, that Eric Cartman, probably for the first time in his life, looked apologetic. Tweek excused himself from the guys, slowly making his way over to him. He wasn't sure why he even wanted to do this, but Tweek promised revenge on Eric after almost killing him on New Year's. He tugged on the sleeves of Craig's jersey, approaching him slowly.

"Eric?" The boy jumped, twisting his body around to see who spoke to him. He's panicking Tweek thought, recognizing a familiar flash of anxiety in his eyes.

"Oh…hey…" He breathed out, chewing on his bottom lip. Tweek pursed his lips, chewing on the inside of his cheek. You're bigger than him.

"Can…we talk?" He asked, furrowing his brows. He watched as Cartman's throat bobbed, the boy clearly trying to think of a way out of the inevitable conversation. Finally, after what felt like forever, he sighed.

"Um…yeah," Although there was no malice in his voice, Tweek still kept his guard up. What if this is a ploy? What if he's only looking like this so I came over? What if this is exactly what he wants? His anxiety flowed through his mind and veins, Tweek feeling his hands tremor as they walked outside. They plopped down on the curb, Cartman's leg bouncing as he tried to figure out the words to say. "How…are things?" It's a start.

"Fine…Craig's face is finally healing up." He saw Cartman flinch out of the corner of his eyes, the motion all too familiar.

"Yeah…I, uh, I saw…" Why does this have to be so awkward?

"How…are you…?" Tweek asked slowly, trying to find the right words. He didn't really want to be having this conversation, but…it's the right thing. And Tweek knows it's the right thing. There was a long pause.

"Honestly…horrible." Tweek blinked, not expecting Eric Cartman to be so honest so quickly. I don't have to pry for the answer? Really?

"Why?"

"For starters…I'm suspended and…my mom hasn't talked to me for a while…she…I think she reached her breaking point with me…," Tweek's heart twisted at his words. Don't fall for his shit, Tweek. It could be a ploy! What if he wants to kill you AGAIN?! Eric continued. "She…goes to work and comes home…and just…goes to bed. I don't…have any friends. Heidi Turner hasn't even looked my way once since dating Kyle. I…hurt people…I hurt…you," Tweek flinched, biting his lip as he closed his eyes. "And…I don't even know why you came over to me! I don't even know why I'm here! I…needed to just…see him…Craig, I mean…after everything with…his uncle…," Tweek could hear him struggling for the right words. "I think…something snapped in me, much like something snapped in my mom…"

"You…nearly had us both killed." Cartman sighed, tugging his hat off his head to dig his fingers into his scalp.

"I know and…I hate that…I did those things!" Tweek blinked, watching Eric's sleeves fall down. Bite marks…He quickly reached out, tugging Eric's sleeve up. He felt the boy tense under his grip, but heard him gasp as Tweek showed his arms. Maybe…we're not that different…

"Coping?" Cartman was silent for a moment, teeth nibbling on his lower lip. He nodded slowly.

"I…Tweek, I'm sorry." Tweek froze, not expecting for those to be the next words out of his mouth.

"W…What?" He breathed out, his hand still wrapped around his wrist. He could feel Cartman's pulse. It was speeding up. This is obviously hard for him.

"I-I'm sorry for trying to kill you and…and for seventh grade when I-I punched you! I…I realized I'm…alone and…that scares me. Everyone has such supportive families and my fucking dad walked out when I was two! He…picks and chooses when he wants to come and see us and all he fucking does is criticize me for everything I do! For-for my actions and my weight and my major in college!" Cartman stood abruptly, angry tears in his eyes. "He always said 'You know son, screen writing won't get you far in life. Why can't you do something more practical, like getting your doctorate or become a lawyer? Maybe then you could accomplish something in life instead of being a fat fuck!' I fucking hate him! Why does he get to pick and choose when he comes back?! He comes back and just yells and-and hits me! Says it's to smack some sense into me! Fuck him! I wish he'd just leave and stop tormenting me!" Tweek blinked, not expecting Eric Cartman of all people to open up to him. He stood, placing his hand gently on his shoulder. He jumped, quickly wiping the tears off his cheek. Tweek had to ask.

"Eric does…is your father abusive?" He whispered, watching the color drain from Eric's face. Tweek's heart broke at the way his face twisted up, a sob finally escaping his lips. He fell forward, crying into Tweek's shoulder. Tweek was stunned. Do something! He's clearly hurting! He wrapped his arms around him, rubbing small circles in his back. Just like Craig does. "Hey-Hey it's okay. He isn't here. You're safe." He cooed, trying to calm the obviously tormented soul in his arms. It took a while, but Cartman had fallen silent. He quickly pulled away, his cheeks as red as his jacket. He was clearly flustered.

"I…I-I don't know why I'm even t-telling you this shit…I never even told Heidi." Tweek hummed.

"I'm glad you told me, Eric…please know you can talk to me." Cartman's nose scrunched up a bit.

"I…um…p-please don't tell anyone I uh…cried…"

"You sound like Craig." Cartman blinked, looking up. Tweek was smiling at him.

"W-What?"

"He hates it when people know he's cried. He thinks it's a sign of weakness…it's okay to feel things, Eric…" He could see the gears twisting in Cartman's head, a frown forming on his face.

"I…that's the problem…I-I usually don't feel emotions…I-I'm…it's like I know I'm supposed to…but I feel numb…like I was dipped in cold water and-and everything is numb and tingling…," Tweek frowned, tugging the hat out of Eric's hands and tugging it over his ears. The action warmed Eric's heart. It was the first caring thing a male figure had ever done for him. He sniffled, looking down. "I'm s-scared of being alone…" It felt weird hearing those words escape his lips, but Cartman was glad he said it. Tweek gave his hand a squeeze.

"We're almost done school. I have no doubt you'll find someone at Tennessee. It's a new start for you. College is going to be a brand-new place for you to be free and not worry about your deadbeat dad," Tweek wasn't sure what compelled him to do it, but he knew Eric needed it. He placed a gentle kiss to his cheek, feeling the boy tense up and gasp. He placed his other hand on the other cheek, running his thumb over his cheek as he looked him in the eye. "Don't let him define your personality. You're not your father." Tweek watched Cartman's eyes widen, those impossibly dark brown eyes finally readable to him. He was thankful, and Tweek was happy he was the one to see it. Eric smiled a bit, swallowing hard.

"You…how can you even forgive me?" He whispered, Tweek pulling up both their sleeves again. He ran his thumb over one of the marks on Eric's arms gently.

"We all have our demons, Eric." He whispered. Tweek might not have gotten his revenge on Eric Cartman like he had planned, but he did get revenge. He killed him with kindness.

That night, Eric Cartman went to bed with a full heart, finally knowing what it felt like to be shown kindness from a man.

Tweek needed to talk to Craig about what happened. He knows he told Eric he wouldn't tell anyone he cried, but Craig was involved in this situation, too. The next day after school, Tweek was leaning next to Craig's locker as he grabbed what he needed. He chewed on his bottom lip, finally speaking.

"You...you don't have practice today, right?" Craig shook his head.

"No…why, what's up?" Tweek tugged on his sleeves (Craig knowing it was as tic he had when he was nervous).

"I um…I need to talk to you…" Craig's heart started pounding. Nothing has happened. What's going on?

"Oh…okay. You can come over." Tweek nodded, both boys kissing each other goodbye as they walked to their respective cars. The entire ride home, Craig's head wouldn't shut up. He kept assuming the worst. Tweek isn't going to break up with me, is he? Things were just finally starting to become somewhat normal! This isn't fair! Craig pulled into his driveway, Tweek pulling up to the curb as Craig stepped out of his car. They immediately went up to Craig's room, the taller boy having trouble focusing. Tweek sat on the edge of his bed, playing with his sleeves again as Craig shut the door.

"Um…I…," Tweek was struggling to find the right words. Here it comes. He's dumping you… "I spoke with Eric yesterday." Wait…WHAT?!

"You what?!" Craig yelled, his fear quickly changing to anger. How could he talk to that MONSTER?!

"He…showed up at your game."

"To what?! Sick my fucking uncle on me again?!"

"Please don't yell…"

"No! I'm angry! How could that fucking asshole show his face at one of my fucking hockey games?!" Tweek looked down, sighing.

"Please listen to me." Craig blinked, hearing how serious Tweek was. He doesn't look bruised… Craig grunted, walking over to feed Stripe #5.

"Fine…go on…" He mumbled, opening the cage.

"He…apologized." Craig snorted.

"Yeah, Eric Cartman apologizing. That's a good one."

"I'm serious, Craig," Craig tensed at that tone of voice. Tweek only spoke that way when he really needed Craig to listen to him. "He…had bite marks all over his arms. Like mine," Craig swallowed hard. Cartman doesn't have anxiety. It's probably make up. "He opened up to me, saying he was afraid of being alone and…that his dad keeps showing up lately," Craig closed up Stripe #5's cage after giving him a few gentle pats, turning slowly. "And…Craig, his dad is abusive. He told me the things he says and does to him and…he's hurting…just like me…" Craig pinched the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes.

"And…do you believe him?" He finally said, Tweek going still. It took a moment, but Tweek nodded.

"I-I do…I've seen that pain. It was…anxiety. He's hurting, Craig. And…he apologized and he really looked like he meant it. I…maybe if you talked to him." Craig looked at Tweek, his brows furrowed.

"Tweek, I love you, but there's no fucking way in hell will I ever speak to Eric Cartman!"

"Craig, he wants to apologize to you!"

"Do you hear how crazy you sound?! This is Eric Cartman! You know, the kid that punched you for coming out as gay! The kid that tormented you all through elementary school! The kid who is known for manipulating people! The kid that tried to kill you!" Tweek flinched as his words, knowing they were all, unfortunately, true. But he still felt like he needed to defend Cartman, especially after seeing that thankful look in his eyes. He stood, grabbing Craig's hand to stop his pacing.

"Please." He begged, looking up at him with big eye. Craig stared at him, sighing finally.

"Fine. But I'm doing it when I want to!" Tweek smiled a grateful smile, tossing his arms around Craig's neck. Jesus Christ, Tucker, what the fuck are you getting yourself into?

On Saturday morning, Laura asked Craig to go to the grocery store to pick up a few items for her that she forgot to get the day before. The drive to the grocery store had Craig feeling good. He was listening to good 80's music and snow was falling. He enjoyed the snow, especially right before spring. It was the last time they usually saw snow until September. He walked into the grocery store, listening to his snow boots clack against the linoleum floor. He was about half way through his list when he saw him. He was at the produce section, a glum look on his face. Craig froze when he raised his head, their eyes meeting. Cartman gave him a small wave, Craig unable to move. He finally turned, walking away.

"Shit, Craig!" He heard as he turned down a random aisle. He heard Cartman's foot steps behind him. He turned down another aisle, turning around and grabbing the boy by his jacket as he ran up to him.

"Give me one good reason as to why I shouldn't fucking kill you." He growled, noting the flash of fear that crossed Cartman's face.

"D-dude, peace! Draw! I'm-I'm here to apologize!"

"In a grocery store?!"

"I-I wasn't expecting to see you but…now that I did, yeah!" Craig grunted, letting his shirt go. He sighed. Now or never I guess…

"Walk with me." He mumbled, turning to continue the reason why he came here. Cartman was able to keep up with his strides, the boy falling quiet. This was so much easier with Tweek. He thought, chewing on the inside of his cheek.

"Um…you-you looked good…at-at the game!" Craig snorted, looking at the cans on the shelves before plucking one off.

"Uh huh." Eric tugged at his sleeves, Craig catching it out of the corner of his eyes. Don't do that. Tweek does that.

"I um…I-I'm…Craig, I'm sorry," Craig stopped walking, looking down at him. "I…shit, I'm sure Tweek fucking told you…"

"About what? How you don't want to be alone? How you're scared? How your dad is-"

"Don't." Craig blinked, seeing the shell of a man in front of him. This was not Eric Cartman, a young man about to graduate high school and go to college and be an adult. This was Eric Cartman, a young boy, afraid to even mention his father. Craig leaned against the shelf, tugging Cartman out of the way of an elderly woman.

"So…it's…?"

"Yeah…true…" He sighed, running a hand through his hair. Craig grabbed his wrists, feeling him tense under his grip. He slowly pushed his sleeve up, frowning as he saw the bite marks Tweek was talking about. He ran his thumb over one, testing to see if it was real. They are…

"How long?"

"Excuse me?"

"How long have you been biting yourself?" Eric blinked, clearing his throat.

"S-Sixth grade." Craig felt his chest twist. Why do you feel remorse for him?

"And you didn't stop to think that Tweek was doing this too? Because of you?" He hated how sad he looked. He didn't want to feel bad for Eric Cartman. He hated that he did, but Craig was a good guy. He was willing to talk this out.

"I…no…and…I-I feel really bad that…he probably did because of…me." He looked disgusted with himself, the sight tugging more at Craig's heart. It was when he saw those all too familiar angry tears in Eric's eyes that he finally let the tension go from his shoulders. He sighed.

"Come on…" He put a hand on the small of Cartman's back, keeping it there as they walked through the store to finish their shopping. He figured he'd try to offer some comfort to the obviously broken boy. They didn't talk the rest of their time there, the silence somehow…comfortable. After they paid and walked to their cars, Eric bit his lip.

"Craig?"

"Hm?" Eric hated that he couldn't read his face.

"Is there…can I talk to you both sometime…really burn any bridges that connect the past to now?" Craig was surprised at how articulate his question was. He thought a moment, nodding slowly.

"Sure, dude." He bit his lip to stop from smiling at the way Eric's face lit up.

"O-okay…yeah, uh, I'll, um…see you." Craig started walking, but stopped.

"Eric?" God his name sounds weird with your voice. He looked up. Craig cursed under his breath, writing his phone number on part of the receipt in his bag and handing it to him. "Um…you know…in case you have an anxiety attack…I often help Tweek through his and…it seems like you two have a lot of similar tics…so…text or call me, yeah?" Eric looked at him in disbelief, unable to fathom the fact someone cared about his anxiety. He pocketed the recipt, smiling a bit at him.

"Thanks…thanks, Craig." He blushed as he felt Craig press a quick kiss to his forehead, watching him hurry off to his car. Cartman slid into the driver's seat, sitting in the silence for a moment. Not only has Tweek showed him kindness, but Craig Tucker showed him kindness. It was sudden, but Eric had been expecting it. The bottle of emotions he had been hiding away for years finally broke free, breaking all over the floor. He started sobbing, unable to stop himself. Years of hidden tears fell down his cheeks, some were for his dad, his mom, his friends, but the newest ones were for everything he's done to Tweek and Craig. He dropped his head to the top of the steering wheel, his shoulders shaking as he cried. He took the receipt out, looking at Craig's messy writing. He felt his lips pull up into a smile as he looked below his number, seeing that Craig wrote something.

You don't have to fight these demons alone anymore.

NOTE:I had this idea of Cartman apologizing to Craig in the grocery store while I was at the grocery store today, and I knew I didn't want to solely make Cartman the villain of this fic! I have a soft spot for him, because even Eric Cartman has his flaws and demons! Hope you enjoyed and, as always, any and all feedback is appreciated!