One Year Later – Craig's Group
I'm going to try to get this out as soon as possible so you aren't all left in the dark. So this and Stan's version starts a year after the kidnappings when everything is (relatively) back to normal. But there are still things that need to be wrapped up and given closure with both groups. This is that.
Chapter 1
No one questioned Craig about why he seemed to not be friends with Clyde anymore. Of course they had theories, but no one wanted to ask Craig or Clyde directly. Craig was grateful for that. He didn't want to keep saying the same thing over and over.
Craig, Tweek, Jimmy, and Token still let Clyde hang out with them. But it was clear to everyone that there was tension in the group. Especially towards Clyde. Craig had heard one theory from some blockheads that Clyde had been the kidnapper all along. He quickly shut that down.
"Y-You know, y-you w-would think th-that p-people w-would st-stop t-talking about it b-by now," Jimmy sighed. They were at The Burger Place, enjoying an afternoon off. Well, trying to, anyway. The whisperings of the other patrons was throwing off the mood.
"Yeah," Token agreed, "I don't think the ones who went through it want to constantly listen to everyone's stupid conspiracy theories."
"One would think," Craig muttered.
Clyde and Tweek said nothing. Tweek clung to the thermos Craig had given him, twitching every so often. Clyde kept his head down, barely listening to anything.
"Hey Tweek," Token suddenly addressed the blond, "How did the support group meeting go last night?"
"Ah! It was fine," Tweek replied. He had jumped slightly when Token spoke to him.
"Sorry I couldn't be there," Token said, "Mom and dad wanted me to clean my room."
"Y-You d-don't clean y-y-your room?" Jimmy asked.
"I do," Token sighed, "But it's just so big, and sometimes it's easier to let things slide." He suddenly perked up and a sly look crossed his face. "Hey Clyde—"
"I'm not cleaning your room for you," Clyde shut him down immediately.
Token frowned. "I'll give you ten bucks," he offered.
"I'll do it!" Craig claimed.
"Yeah, sorry Craig. I've seen your room," Token said, "It's worse than mine."
"I could clean it if I wanted to," Craig muttered.
Tweek gave him a gentle shove, smiling sweetly at him. Before they could get too wrapped up in each other, though, Jimmy coughed.
"I h-hope K-Kyle is happier being home… home schooled," he said, "I w-wonder what hap-happened to him?"
"Not sure. He won't tell anyone," Clyde told him, "I think only Kenny and Stan know, but they won't say either."
"Well, as much as I want to know, I don't want to spread rumors either," Token warned, "Don't let everyone shift from us to them."
"Here's to that," Craig agreed, holding up his cup.
…
That night at Craig's house, Craig and Tweek were curled up on the couch watching television. They were waiting for the news to end so Red Racer would come on.
"I can't believe how long this show has gone on and I still love it," Craig mused as he wrapped them in an over-sized blanket.
"You're such a fanboy," Tweek giggled, "It's so cute."
"No! Don't call me cute!" Craig gasped, hiding under the blanket.
"Cutie-pie!" Tweek teased lovingly.
As the two wrestled beneath the blanket, the news wrapped up by talking about the sighting of a severely burnt person wandering around South Park. Tweek immediately froze.
"C-Craig! AH!" he shouted, pointing at the screen, "It's him! It's Jackson! He's alive! And he's after me!"
Tweek jumped up from the couch, but Craig was immediately there to grab and hold him.
"It's ok, Tweek!" Craig gasped, "It's ok! He's not going to get you! If he is out there, I won't let him get you! I promise!" He pulled Tweek close, and gently started stroking his hair. Gasping, Tweek buried his face in Craig's shoulder.
"Craig… please… I don't want him to get me…" he breathed. Craig gave him a squeeze.
"I won't," Craig whispered, "He'll never hurt you again."
I have to admit. I had no idea how to end this first part. The other one was easier.
Anyway, update on me. I meant to get this out sooner, but a few weeks ago I woke up with a huge blotch in my eyes that prevented me from seeing well. Turns out I have a rare auto-immune disease that causes swelling in the eyes and some other stuff. I've had to take steroids and they have been wrecking my body. I can see better now, but it's still a bit difficult. Sorry about how long I've been taking to get stuff out, but I promise I'll try to get chapters out faster.