Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Welcome to before the coffee gets cold

This was an interactive story with Tweek at the centre

How was this interactive you may ask?

People had choices to make throughout the story, choices that will be made via voting

They voted on these choices via the tumblr account for this story: before-the-coffee-gets-cold

Did they make good choices or bad choices?

You'll have to read to find out

Chapter Text

Seven a.m.

Monday morning.

The ninth of December 2024.

Tweek finally found the strength to get out of bed.

He hadn’t slept but he didn’t feel tired either. Hard to feel tired when you have a constant stream of coffee flowing inside of you.

Tweek’s parents had left about an hour ago.

‘Going to extend the family business’ they said.

That was a lie.

Tweek knew that.

His father had absolutely no interest in expanding the business. He made that clear. He’s the only one that can get it right. There are certain ingredients that aren’t as easy to get elsewhere as they are in South Park.

They did this every year. Go on a trip. Pretending to be off on business related reasons, whereas they were really just looking to get away from their son.

Do they really think Tweek still believes that lie anymore or do they really not give a single shit whether he believes it or not? 

Doesn’t matter.

Tweek got up and dressed, not caring about how messy his buttons looked and made his way down the stairs.

The house always felt so eerie without his parents. 

When the house was empty, it felt like something could pop out at him at any moment.

Like in the time that they left that suddenly all the criminals in town had managed to get into the house.

And he was going to die, oh god, this was it this time. He was dead, he was dead, he was dead. He was dying, he was dying, he was dying, he was dying, he was dying, he was dying.

He finally made it down the stairs.

Shakily, Tweek made his way to the kitchen. He had to make his lunch to take to school.

His parents didn’t have time to make it for him. But what they did have time to make and leave for him.

Was a big flask of coffee.

How nice.

Even in their absence, they can still nag at him to make sure to drink his coffee.

‘Helps calm him down.’ So, they say.

Tweek remembers Craig’s face when he told him that was their reasoning for giving him so much coffee.

“That’s bullshit.” Craig responded, same neutral expression on his face.

Was… Craig right?

No, he had to have been wrong. His parents cared. They were worried for him. That’s why they give him coffee.

Tweek stared at the flask of coffee.

Just a cup of coffee.

A cup of coffee.

Would you like to drink it?

Chapter Text

You have chosen to drink the coffee.

Tweek pours some of the coffee from the flask and drinks it.

Everytime the coffee made him feel weird.

His parents always tell him that it’s just the caffeine kicking in, Tweek Bros. Coffee is known for being high in caffeine, much higher than any other normal coffee. That’s what his dad is always saying anyway.

Stan’s gang never reacted this way to the coffee when they drank it though, and Tweek has seen many of his classmates chug around five energy drinks per day, and their caffeine highs never looked like his.

His caffeine highs made him feel like the room was closing in on him, like he couldn’t breath, like a hundred pairs of eyes were on him, he was trapped and he was going to suffocate.

Tweek grabbed at his chest, it felt like his heart was ready to rip free from his ribs and burst out from chest. His breathing was getting worse. He felt ready to collapse.

Why can’t he just calm the fuck down?!

He had to go to the bathroom, splashing water on his face sometimes helped.

He just had to move.

Just move.

It’s not that hard, please just move.

He was practically begging his body to just let him go to the bathroom.

He felt pathetic.

He was pathetic.

Come on. 

It’s not that hard.

Tweek gripped on to the wall and slowly started to practically drag himself to the bathroom. He finally reached the bottom of the stairs to go up, when there was a knock on the door. “Open up.” The voice on the other side called.

Tweek was on high alert. What if the voice on the other side had a gun and shot him? Just like his dad told him would happen.

“Go away! I won’t let you in, you’re just here to kill me, aren’t you?!” Tweek barked out.

“Dude, it’s me. Hurry up and open up.”

Craig.

Oops…

Tweek walked over to the door and unlocked-

His parents didn’t lock the door when they left…

What great parents.

Tweek opened the door for Craig, whose eyes were instantly studying Tweek the moment he laid eyes on him.

“S-Sorry about that… I, umm…” Tweek stuttered out, there was really no explanation that would make this okay. But they both already knew that Craig needed no explanation.

“It’s fine.” Craig stated.

Tweek was about to disagree but was caught off guard by Craig reaching forward and starting to fix the buttons of Tweek’s shirt.

“You.. don’t have to do this everytime, you know?” Tweek questioned, admittedly he was a little embarrassed that Craig had started to do this pretty much every morning.

“I know, but I want to.” Craig responded, finishing up fixing Tweek’s shirt. “It’s freezing here all the time, somebody has to stop you from freezing yourself to death.” He made his way to the kitchen, Tweek following close behind. “You made your lunch yet?”

“No.”

“That’s okay, we had extra so I brought some for you.” Craig handed Tweek a lunch box.

Well, that was one less thing to worry about.

Craig looked at the clock in the kitchen, the time read seven-thirty a.m. “We still have plenty of time before we have to go to school, let’s watch Red Racer.”

“Sure thing, you go put it on, I’ll be there in a second.”

Craig glanced at Tweek for a second, his eyes holding concern but he did what Tweek said and went into the living room.

Tweek took a look inside the lunch box, as usual it was full. A sandwich and an assortment of snacks, healthy and sweet.

He found himself smiling. 

He closed the box and joined Craig on the couch in the living room. Craig looked at Tweek when he entered, with just a silent glance he was able to convey, “You okay?”

Tweek nodded.

It wasn’t very often that Tweek and Craig were able to just chill out together in Tweek’s house. Craig didn’t come to Tweek’s place often, not when Tweek’s parents were there anyway. They were the reason he didn’t come around. He couldn’t explain why but he just felt so uncomfortable around them, and he’s gotten sick and tired of all the bullshit lies they feed Tweek.

When it was getting time to make their way to school, Tweek made sure to fill his flask up again. Craig just watched with a slight frown on his face, looking away when Tweek turned back around. “Ready?” He asked.

Tweek nodded, “Yeah, let’s go.”

God, Tweek could barely focus on this class.

Why would they put maths first thing in the morning?

That wasn’t the problem though.

Tweek was smart.

Really it was because of the state he was in.

So tired, yet so wide awake at the same time.

He was stuck staring down at the work in front of him, wanting to focus and do the work but struggling to do something so simple as to even think about picking up the pencil.

One of his hands found its way into his hair, gripping it, but not pulling it. Not yet anyway.

At lunchtime, Tweek was pretty much on autopilot, he was sitting with Craig, Tolkien, Jimmy and Clyde, and he was eating. But, that was it. It felt like he was sat in a trance. 

Clyde waved his hand in front of Tweek’s face, “Earth to Tweek? Heellooo? You doing okay, dude?”

Tweek grounded, coming out of the daze. God, why were the lights so bright? Were they always this bright? He rubbed his eyes. “I’m fine.” He finally responded.

“Y-You sure? You don’t s-s-s-seem fine.” Jimmy joined in.

“I said I’m fine.” Tweek groaned out, getting frustrated.

Craig wrapped an arm around Tweek, wordlessly trying to tell him to calm down. 

The others went back to their conversation, he wasn’t focusing on it but he picked up on certain details.

Clyde was talking about trying to get back with Bebe again, of course.

Jimmy was talking about his upcoming comedy show he somehow convinced PC Principal to let him do, seriously why?

Tolkien was talking about having a sleepover at his place at some point in the near future.

Craig was silent for the most part, a small argument with Clyde about the Bebe thing, if you can even call it that. Mainly just Craig trying to get him to drop it, not that he ever will.

Meanwhile, Tweek was trying to stop this splitting headache. Seriously, were the lights always this bright? They couldn’t have been, he would have noticed.

Something’s out to get him.

Tweek reached for his flask of coffee. That will fix everything.

He took a drink.

Why does it feel worse?

Tweek slammed his head to the table.

He didn’t mean to. But he couldn’t take the bright light anymore.

Craig and the others were all speaking panickedly and worriedly now. He could hear the whispers of the other students in the cafeteria now too.

“What’s happening over there?”

“Is Tweek okay?”

“Here we go again…”

What Tweek would give to just disappear right now.

Tweek wasn’t sure how it happened but Craig had helped him to his feet and was starting to lead him out of the cafeteria, Clyde and Tolkien to carry Tweek and Craig’s stuff between them, Jimmy following as Craig led them to the Nurse’s office.

He was then taken to one of the beds in the Nurse’s office. Jimmy, Clyde and Tolkien were told to leave but Craig was allowed to stay, even if he wasn’t, Craig would have found a way to stay.

“Tweek.. Honey, what’s going on?” Craig question, his voice laced with concern.

“Too bright..” Tweek responded, curling in on himself, trying to hide his face from the bright light. “It’s all too bright..”

Craig sat on the seat next to Tweek’s bed, placing a hand on his shoulder. There really wasn’t much Craig could say or do. But he could be there. And he would. He would always be there.

The nurse being the wonderful nurse that she is, did nothing except tell Tweek to get over it and that he would be fine. School nurses sure are something.

The next lesson and luckily the final lesson of the day was music. Tweek liked music, he loved playing the piano. And was good at it, it was a lesson where Tweek was actually left to his own devices. He had more work to do though, due to his talent on the piano the teacher suggested that he write a piece of his own to be played at a music festival. That is way too much pressure. But Craig managed to make it better. 

He and Craig work on it together after school, well, working on it means Tweek plays the piano, deciding what he likes and doesn’t like in the song, and Craig just listens the whole time. Listens to Tweek playing the piano and listens to Tweek as he rambles about how the piece is coming along. Craig keeps a picture of Tweek sitting at the piano on his phone, he’s considering making it his wallpaper. Tweek just looks so… beautiful when he’s sitting at the piano, totally focused and in the zone, hard-working. Just beautiful.

When class was finished Craig walked up to Tweek, helping him back away all his music sheet and notes. The sheets were crinkled from the amount of work that has been put into them. One of them had a tear right through it that was repaired with some tape, Craig remembered that.

The middle of the night.

September 18th 2024.

Craig had been messaging Tweek.

He had a piano recital the next night and was getting very nervous about it.

Craig was trying to reassure him that it would go well.

Then he got it.

‘I messed up. I can’t fucking do it. Please help.’

Craig practically bolted to Tweek’s house.

When he got there, he found Tweek crying on the floor, pulling out his hair. Torn up sheet music in front of him.

Craig carefully knelt in front of Tweek, gently taking his hands to get him to let go of his hair.

“Hey, hey… it’s all gonna be okay.. We’ll fix it, okay? Like we always do.”

The other bits of sheet music have a bunch of doodles on them. Doodles of stars, hearts and little motivational messages courtesy of Craig.

Tweek and Craig walked out of school, holding hands, what started out as a thing they did to appease the town became a comfort for both of them. 

“So, I was thinking, since your parents are out of town. Why don’t you come to my place for dinner? Better than going back to an empty house.” Craig suggested, smiling.

“I… can’t.” Tweek responded, disappointment evident in his voice,

“Why not?” Craig questioned.

“I have to work.” Tweek explained.

“Are you fucking serious?!” Craig snapped. “They left you on your own and they expect you to run that damn shop?!”

“I have to… we can’t… go out of business, you know?” Tweek tried to reason, and failed due to speaking very sadly, no conviction to his words at all.

“Tweek, honey, you are fifteen years old. Your concerns should not be about going out of business. Your concerns should be about school work not work work.” Craig kept a tight grip of Tweek’s hand. “I’m not gonna watch you work yourself to death. Come on, just come to my place. Please.”

What would you like to do?

Chapter Text

You have chosen to go to Craig’s house.

“Alright.. I suppose missing just one shift at work couldn’t hurt.”

As soon as the words left Tweek’s mouth, Craig grabbed his hand and started practically dragging him down the street before he could try to change his mind.

The two reached Craig’s doorstep when suddenly he stopped and turned around to look at Tweek. “Ah, I just remembered something important.” He spoke, “So.. We may have a surprise for you. I just wanna say there is absolutely no pressure for you to use it. Not now.. Not ever if you don’t feel you wanna.”

“What… are you talking about?” Tweek questioned, a puzzled look on his face.

“You’ll see.” Craig responded, blunt as ever.

Craig opened the door and that’s when Tweek saw it. A piano. Sitting in the living room.

“We all know how good you are on the piano, and that it’s something you’re passionate about. I’ve been talking about that song you’re writing often. So.. we all chipped in. Mom and Dad mainly… obviously…” Craig rubbed the back of his neck, glancing at Tweek who was stood just staring at the piano. “Do.. you not like it? Shit. I’m sorry this is my fault. Look, we can go upstairs now-”

Tweek quickly wrapped his arms around Craig tightly causing him to stumble back. “No, no, no.. I love it. Agh- Sorry I just… didn’t really know what to expect. But a whole piano certainly wasn’t on my mind at all.” Tweek walked over to the piano, examining it.

Craig smiled, he had been worried that his family getting Tweek a piano to play while at his house would backfire and Tweek would feel as though him and his family were pressuring him to play. But that did not appear to be the case, his boyfriend was happy, so he was happy. “I’m so happy you like it.”

“Mhm, this is much better than what I was anticipating.” Tweek responded, still examining the piano.

“What were you anticipating?” Craig asked.

“Oh, you know… A whole bunch of random things. Then my mind wandered and I started thinking maybe “gift” was a disguise for something really bad.” Tweek explained.

Craig shook his head, “You…”

“You know what I’m like.” Tweek turned back around, finishing his examination of the piano and walking back over to Craig.

“I do.” Craig wrapped an arm around Tweek. “And I wouldn’t change you even if I could. You may be an anxious wreck, but you’re my anxious wreck.” He stated proudly.

Tweek gave him a confused look, “Is.. that supposed to be a compliment?”

“Not necessarily, I’m just saying I love you no matter how much of a mess you are.” Craig smiled at him.

“Gee, thanks a lot.” Tweek gave him an annoyed look, attempting to shove him away.

Craig just clung on tighter as a result, “Come on.. You know what I mean.”

Between Tweek trying to shove Craig away and Craig clinging on tighter to Tweek, the two ended up falling on to the floor. They took a look at each other before bursting into laughter.

“I’m home.” Laura announced, walking through the front door, looking around to find Craig and Tweek on the floor. “Ah, you got Tweek to come for dinner! Wonderful!” She smiled.

“Wait… ‘got me to come?’” Tweek questioned.

“Yeah…” Craig chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “We discussed it this morning before I came to see you, that you should come here for dinner.” Craig got up off the floor, then helped Tweek up.

Laura walked over to the two, placing a hand on Tweek’s shoulder. “There’s always a seat at the table for you, Tweek.” She smiled at him before making her way to the kitchen. “You boys can help set up the table, then you can go upstairs while you wait for dinner to be ready.

The two got to work setting up the table together, Craig peering over as Laura started to get her ingredients for dinner out. “What are you making for dinner tonight, Mom?” Craig asked.

“Lentil soup.” Laura responded with a smile. 

“Eww.” Craig responded.

“If you don’t like it, you can just go without dinner.” Laura joked.

“Fine by me.” Craig joined in.

Laura flipped Craig off, Craig flipped her off back. The infamous Tucker family trademark.

Tweek felt two pairs of eyes on, looking at him expectantly. He sighed and quickly flipped both of them off. Craig gave him a small smile and Laura chuckled fondly. 

“We’ve finished setting up the table, mom. We’re going to go up the stairs now.” Craig spoke, taking Tweek’s hand to lead him up the stairs.

“Alright, I’ll call you down when dinner's ready.” Laura watched the two with a smile as they disappeared out the kitchen.

“So.. what do you wanna do?” Craig asked Tweek once they had made it to his bedroom.

“Hmm? I don’t know. I don’t really mind.” Tweek was sitting on Craig’s bed.

“Alright.” Craig joined him on his bed, “Do you wanna.. talk about earlier? TYou slamming your head on the table in the cafeteria and everything? You… really freaked me out when you did that, babe.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to slam my head on the table as such but… the cafeteria lights… they were just so bright, too bright, way brighter than usual. I just.. wanted the bright light to go away. I’m sorry for scaring you.” Tweek explained.

Craig pulled him into a side hug, “It’s okay, did it give you a headache?”

Tweek nodded, “One of the worst headaches I’ve ever had. I don’t understand why.”

“Other than the lunch I brought for you.. And the coffee… what have you had today?” Craig questioned.

“Nothing, my day always starts with coffee, my parents usually go out of their way to make sure I have coffee in the morning.” Tweek responded.

‘No surprise there.’ Craig thought to himself.

“That would explain it then, a lack of food and overconsumption of coffee on their own can cause headaches, but together it would be even worse. No wonder you ended up in such a state.” Craig explained, his voice sounding a little stern.

“O-Oops…” Tweek chuckled sheepishly. 

“You really need to take better care of yourself.” Craig sighed.

“I know.. and I will, I promise.” Tweek looked at Craig.

“Good, because I’m holding you to that promise now.” 

“Of course.” Tweek sighed. 

Craig kept Tweek close, he was deeply concerned for Tweek. It took him a while to truly understand Tweek, what made him tick, what helped him. But once he understood he did his best to always be there for him.

Tweek leaned into Craig, when he was with Craig it felt as though his mind finally stopped and he could truly relax. He was never as twitchy as normal around Craig, not that he never twitches around Craig, he does but not nearly as often. It’s nice for him, he can just exist around Craig.

“Tweek! Craig! Dinner’s ready!” Laura called from downstairs.

Tweek and Craig made their way down the stairs, Thomas and Tricia already at the table while Laura was getting the soup into bowls. 

“Hi, Tweek!” Tricia exclaimed.

“Hello, Tricia.” Tweek responded.

“Good to see you, kid.” Thomas greeted. 

“Thank you, sir.” Tweek responded.

“For crying out loud, there is no need to be so formal.” Thomas teased.

Craig took a seat at the table, Laura was starting to bring the bowls to the table. She had picked up two of the five bowls, Tweek had picked up the other three to bring to the table.

“Oh, sweetie, you don’t have to do that.” Laura smiled at Tweek. 

“I want to do this, it’s okay.” Tweek reassured her, carrying the bowls with ease, helping her sit them on the table.

“One of the benefits of working at your parents’ coffee shop, I suppose.” Thomas commented.

“How long have you worked for your parents anyway?” Laura asked.

Tweek didn’t know if he should give the real answer or not. The real answer was pretty much his entire life. Ever since his parents realised he could be of use to them in the coffee shop, they made him work. He didn’t think that’s information they should know.

“A few years or so.” Tweek gave as an answer.

Laura could sense Tweek wasn’t being entirely truthful, but she decided she didn’t want to pry. Not now.

Once everyone had finished dinner, Tweek picked up everyone’s bowls and the bread plate from the table, taking them to the sink to wash. Craig kept giving Tweek bread, trying to make sure he got enough food in him. Laura couldn’t help but tease the two for this.

“I can do the dishes, Tweek.” Laura spoke to him, smiling at how helpful he was being.

“I know but I want to do this, you are all so nice and welcoming, it’s the least I can do in return.” Tweek explained.

“Well… alright.” Laura started to tidy up the table, glancing over at Tweek. She noticed that Tweek had the tap for hot water on extremely hot, another habit he has from working at the coffee shop. Hygiene standards require making sure plates, cups and cutlery are immaculately clean. Still, she couldn’t help but worry that the boy has hurt himself in the past from doing this. 

Once Tweek was finished with the dishes he went into the living room. “So, what do you think of the piano?” Thomas spoke from his armchair.

“It’s amazing, thank you, Mr- I-I mean Thomas.” Tweek responded.

Thomas smiled. “Glad to hear it.”

Tricia rushed down the stairs, DVDs in hand. “Tweek, Tweek! Stay for a movie, won’t you?” She beamed up at him.

“I-I don’t know if that’s okay with-” 

“Of course it is, sit.” Tweek was cut off by Thomas, who was pointing to the couch.

Tricia grinned, taking Tweek’s hand and leading him to the couch.

During the movie Tweek had one of the Tucker siblings on both of his sides, Tricia holding on to his arm and Craig having arm around him. Tricia was starting to fall asleep towards the end of the movie. Laura noticed this and scooped her up, taking her up the stairs to her bed. Craig pulled Tweek closer for the rest of the movie.

Craig let out a yawn as the movie came to an end, getting up with a stretch.

“Tweek?” Laura called out from behind, “I was thinking… you’re not exactly going home to much, would be very lonely for you. So.. why don’t you stay the night?”

“I don’t wanna give you anymore trouble.” Tweek responded.

“You’re not giving me any trouble at all, dear, we’re all more than happy for you to stay the night so.. what do you say?”

Should Tweek stay the night?

Chapter Text

You have chosen to stay with the Tuckers.

“As long as you’re sure it’s not a problem.”

“It would never be a problem, let’s get you up the stairs.” Laura smiled at Tweek, placing a hand on his back and guiding upstairs. She opened the door to Craig’s room, “Craig, Tweek is going to stay the night.”

Craig was already wrapped up underneath the duvet, he was half asleep at this point but the words still registered in his head and he smiled sleepily, not that Tweek or Laura could see that. “That’s fine…” He responded, yawning.

Laura walked over to the dresser in Craig’s room, she pulled out a pair of pyjamas for Tweek, walked back over to him and handed them to him, ruffling his hair before leaving the room. “Goodnight, boys.”

Tweek got changed into the pyjamas and walked over to Craig’s bed, gingerly climbing into him, not wanting to disturb Craig. He found himself struggling to relax, God why was he like this? Then he looked up at the ceiling, the glow in the dark stars on the ceiling. Craig has had those ever since Tweek first started to hang out with Craig when they were kids, he would probably keep those on his ceiling his whole life. Looking at them helped to calm Tweek down and helped coax him to sleep.

Tweek got up and got out of bed. His body felt so heavy. He found himself breathing very heavily. 

He made his way down the stairs, gripping on to the banister, he felt like if he didn’t he would fall down the stairs. 

That feeling was back.

The feeling as though there were a thousand pairs of eyes on him. That the whoever or whatever was watching him was whispering. Planning to attack.

He gripped the wall and gripped at his chest. You need to calm down. A voice in his head spoke.

Tweek took in a deep breath. He continued to make his way to the kitchen. Eyes shut tight. If something was there. He didn’t want to know. He didn’t want to be met with the horrors of the night.

Once he made it into the kitchen, everything stopped. The heavy feeling of his body, the heavy breathing, the eyes, the voices. All of it. Gone.

All that was there now was. 

A cup of coffee.

In a Tweek Bros. Coffee mug.

He should drink the coffee.

It calms him down.

That’s what his parents tell him.

That’s why they give him so much coffee.

That’s why they give hims so much coffee to the point he nearly throws up.

But he doesn’t.

He hasn’t in years.

How could he be so wasteful?

So ungrateful to not keep down every single drop of coffee his parents give him?

Tweek approached the table. Ready to drink the coffee.

But the coffee…

It didn’t look right.

It was pitch black.

Tweek studied the coffee and that’s when he realised, the coffee was looking right back at him.

An eye, in the coffee, staring right back at him.

Then another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another and ano-

Tweek back away from the coffee, he needed to get out of here.

He turned to run but the coffee started to bubble and leak over, extending out and gripping on to his arms to pull him back. Tweek tried to fight it but he couldn’t fight it. The coffee had taken on the form of something, something that could not be put into words, something with multiple pairs of piercing eyes, all looking right at him. This thing had two sets of arms, one of those sets was keeping him right there, a grip so tight it was starting to bruise his arms. He wanted to cry, to scream but nothing would come out, there was nothing he could do.

The thing used one of its other arms to get a grip of Tweek’s face, gripping his jaw and forcing his mouth open. Then the thing started feeding itself into Tweek’s mouth, Tweek was shaking, gagging as tears slid down his face. Once it was done, Tweek fell backwards, a foul taste of coffee in his mouth and he was struggling to breath. He started to claw at his throat. 

He was coughing and choking and struggling to breath.

He was coughing up the black coffee like substance.

That thing was inside of him.

He needed it out.

He needed it out before he died.

He needed it out he needed it out he needed it out he needed it out he needed it out he needed it out he needed it out he needed it out he needed it out he needed it out he needed it out

Tweek’s eyes darted about the kitchen, looking for something, anything that could help him. He didn’t want to die, not like this.

He pulled himself up off the floor and saw it.

A kitchen knife on the counter. He grabbed it.

He brought it to his stomach, stabbing and dragging the knife down.

He had to empty himself of this thing.

As he sliced himself open, the thing started to leak out of him.

Tweek collapsed backwards, unable to stand from the pain of it all. 

He was sobbing, the sobbing caused more coughing and out came more of the thing.

He gagged on the taste of it, a mixture of coffee and blood. He threw up, more of the thing.

His body was shaking, he was hyperventilating. But he was empty. He was empty. He did not die from that thing. Was his last thought as he took his final breath.

Tweek woke up with a very loud scream. He immediately covered his mouth with his hands. He couldn’t be so loud. He was staying with the Tuckers for the night. He didn’t want to wake any of them up with his dumb problems. He was shaking and crying, he gripped at his hair, he needed to stop himself from hyperventilating, he needed to calm down, why couldn’t he just calm the fuck down?

Tweek could barely register the feeling of Craig’s hands on his, gently trying to get Tweek to let go of his hair before he ripped it out. Once he did, he put his hat on Tweek’s head. “There, pull on my hat all you want, you need to be careful, you need to stop doing that to yourself, honey.” Craig spoke in a hushed and gentle tone.”

Tweek was starting to shake and twitch more, gripping on to the hat now instead. He wanted to speak, to apologise to Craig for waking him up… again. But no words would come out, he felt as though he was frozen except for his twitching.

The two sat in silence for a few minutes, the only noise coming from Tweek as he tried to calm himself down enough to be able to at least speak.

“I- AGH- y-you can go back to sleep, Craig. I’m sorry for waking you up.” Tweek apologised, trying not to start crying again after he managed to get himself to stop.

Craig shook his head, “I’m not going to do that, you don’t need to feel guilty. I’d much rather be woken up by whatever is going on with you than have you suffering.”

Tweek looked down, his breath shuddering. It still baffled him how calm and understanding Craig was when it came to being woken in the middle of the night by Tweek. His parents had never been like this, they would just give him more coffee and tell him to go back to his room. 

“Can I touch you now?” Craig asked.

Tweek looked at Craig and nodded.

Craig slowly reached out and placed a hand on Tweek’s shoulder, gently rubbing circles into his shoulder with his thumb. Then he slowly pulled Tweek towards him, into a hug. 

After a beat, Tweek reciprocated the hug, lazily wrapping his arms around Craig. Craig reached a hand underneath the hat and started to soothingly play with Tweek’s hair. 

“I’ve got you.” Craig whispered.

Tweek let out a sigh, slowly starting to calm down more. Craig always knew what to do, if there was a problem, he would always do his best to find a way to solve.

“You can talk about it, if you want to.” Craig suggested.

Tweek thought about it, but he did not want to relive that nightmare by talking about it, let along thinking about it. “No, no I don’t wanna talk about that.”

Craig nodded, “Alright, then.. Just let me hold you and help you get back to sleep. I’ll always help you sleep when you can’t do it on your own.” He placed a kiss to Tweek’s temple. “I love you, honey.”

A small smile grew on Tweek’s face, “I.. love you too.”

It was eight a.m when Tweek next woke up. He could barely move from the hold Craig had on him.

“Craig, we need to get up.”

Craig grumbled, “Don’t wanna…”

“We can watch Red Racer together if you get up and get ready in time.” Tweek suggested, a smirk on his face.

Craig perked up at that. “Alright, I’m up.”

The two got ready, one getting dressed while the other brushed their teeth to make things fair.

When they got downstairs they found that Laura had already prepared both of their lunches for them. “Good morning, boys, sleep well?” She asked.

“For the most part.” Craig responded, while Tweek shifted uncomfortably behind him. Craig took Tweek’s hand to soothe him.

“Well, you have some time before I have to drive you both to school.” Laura smiled at the two.

Craig pulled Tweek into the living room, putting on the TV.

Once at school, Tweek and Craig walked through the halls, holding hands. 

“Can you believe we have maths first thing in the morning again? Who came up with this timetable?” Craig grounded.

Tweek nodded.

“Hey, you okay?” Craig questioned.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Why?” Tweek answered.

“You just.. seem quiet.” Craig looked over Tweek, trying to figure out if something was wrong.

“I’m fine.” Tweek insisted.

The ball rang.

“We have to get to class now, come on.”

Tweek was barely able to focus on his work any better than he did the previous morning.

He was answering some of the questions a bit easier but he still wasn’t focusing. What was wrong with him?

He had held his pencil to paper for too long, causing the led to snap.

“Shit.” He muttered.

Wendy, who was sitting next to him, handed him a pencil sharpener. 

“Thank you.” He whispered to her. 

Tweek was grateful that he was sat next to Wendy in class. She was smart and actually took the class seriously, made it easier to focus. Plus she was always willing to help him.

Wendy was to his left and to his right was Kyle, similarly Kyle was smart and did his best to take the class seriously, but the genius who made the setting plan put Cartman right behind him. Giving Cartman the perfect seat to annoy Kyle. Which has led to Kyle blowing up multiple times. And of course, Kyle is the one who gets sent out of class.

Tweek was actually able to enjoy his lunch this time, the lights weren’t blaring this time.

“S-So, Tw-Tweek. Not gonna-na sp-sp-spaz out on us this time, r-right?” Jimmy joked.

Craig glared at Jimmy for that comment, Tweek insisted it was fine. 

“No, unfortunately not. I feel a bit better today.” Tweek responded.

“‘A bit?’” Tolkien quoted. “So, you’re still not a hundred percent?”

“I-I don’t know.. I can still barely focus on class.” Tweek twitched slightly.

The guys looked at him with concern, Craig placed a hand on his shoulder. “We’re here for you.” 

Tweek nodded, giving Craig a somewhat forced smile before grabbing his bottle of water. Then he realised it.

This was the longest time in a long time that Tweek had gone without coffee. The last time he had drank coffee was this time yesterday, when he had drank his coffee at lunch. He felt a lot more tired than usual, was it because of the lack of caffeine?

“Are.. you gonna take a break?” Clyde asked.

Tweek had been so lost thought he didn’t realise he started downing the water. Now that he had he ended up choking on it, Craig patting his back to get him to stop.

“You good?” Craig asked.

“Yeah, yeah, don’t worry about it. I’m fine.” Tweek reassured him.

After lunch, Tweek was in gym class. They were playing dodgeball. The gym teacher was off sick, so the substitute decided on dodgeball. Thinking it was the easiest thing to go with. Clearly, this person has never been around a bunch of teenagers playing dodgeball before. 

Tweek was starting to act even more sluggish, panting and struggling to dodge. He nearly got hit clean in the face but Kyle grabbed him and pulled him out of the way.

“Careful, dude!” Kyle exclaimed at him.

Tweek nodded, “Thanks Kyle..” He got out between deep breaths.

Kyle looked over him, “You okay? You’re usually on the ball with this game.”

“I’m fine..” 

“You sure?” 

Tweek nodded.

“Alright well.. I’m here if you.. need anything?” Kyle tried to reassure him.

Somehow, Tweek managed to last the whole class without being knocked out by one of the balls being launched like they were made to kill. He was appointed to help put the equipment back in the cupboard.

“So… I don’t know where anything goes so.. Could you handle it on your own?” The substitute teacher asked, although Tweek knew it wasn’t a question. She was telling him he was going to handle it on his own.

Tweek nodded.

“Good boy.” She left Tweek in the cupboard, off to go do who knows what?

Tweek started putting the equipment away. Everything looked so blurry now. He really burned himself out participating in dodgeball. His body felt so heavy. He found himself on his knees.

He could lie down. He should. He has. His body needs to rest.

When Tweek woke up he was on one of the beds in the nurse’s office. Rather than Craig being beside him though he woke up to Kyle and Stan. That was new.

“Hey, dude.” Kyle spoke awkwardly.

“What happened?” Tweek asked.

“When I was leaving the locker room, I realised you hadn’t left the gym hall. So, I came to check on you and I found you passed out in the gym cupboard.” Kyle explained.

“I was waiting for Kyle to come to geography but then he came running with you, so I followed.” Stan explained.

“I see…” Tweek spoke, processing the information.

“Tweek… what's going on with you? You smacked your head off the table in the cafeteria yesterday, and today you looked like shit during gym class, then you pass out afterwards.” Kyle questioned. “And don’t you dare try and bullshit me and tell me you’re fine. You’re clearly not.”

“Why do you care?” Tweek questioned back.

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“Kyle come on, if he doesn’t wanna talk, he doesn’t wanna talk.” Stan placed a hand on Kyle’s shoulder.

Kyle sighed, “Alright. Take care of yourself.”

Kyle and Stan started to leave and as they did Craig entered the nurse’s office. 

“Tweek!” Craig exclaimed. “What the hell happened?”

“I.. passed out after gym class.” Tweek responded.

“I know that part already, dumbass, I mean why?” Craig spoke, clearly worried.

“I-I don’t know… ngh.” Tweek twitched.

“Sorry… I know this must be stressful for you.” Craig took a seat next to Tweek.

“Its fine, this isn’t exactly a picnic for you either. I can only imagine that when people saw Stan and Kyle rushing through the hallways with me that you must of been bombarded by people.” Tweek looked at him.

Craig shook his head, “You have no idea…” He chuckled.

Once the bell rang, signifying the end of the day, Craig helped Tweek to his feet. Grabbing Tweek’s bag along with his own and making his way to the exit with Tweek.

“So, babe, what do you wanna do at my house today?” Craig asked.

“I can’t… I have to go to work.” Tweek responded.

A dumbfounded expression washed over Craig’s face, “You are not seriously thinking of going to work when you passed out during school.”

“Of course I am, my dad’s business.”

“To hell, with your dad’s business. I cannot believe you are telling me that prioritize your dad’s business over your own damn health.” Craig snapped.

“Its not that easy, Craig, the business comes before all. That is something my dad taught me since I was young.” Tweek explained.

“That’s even worse!” Craig exclaimed, taking in a deep breath before continuing. “Your dad is not here… he is not going to be here… for an entire month. You have nothing to worry about.”

“Yes I do! Because I need to keep the business running while he’s away, because we can’t lose money because if we do then we run out of business and if we run out of business then we have no money and if we have no money then we have no food no house no anything and then my dad is going to-” Tweek stopped himself before he could get the last part out, slapping his hands over his mouth.

“Or your dad is going to… what?” Craig questioned, he didn’t know if he really wanted to know. He already had an uneasy feeling about Tweek’s parents as is, what else is there that Tweek is hiding about them?

“D-Don’t- Ah- worry about it.” Tweek was shaking, he nearly let something he really doesn’t want anyone to know slip out. And it was making him feel sick to his stomach. He really hopes that Craig will just drop it. He usually does, he respects that there are things that Tweek isn’t ready to talk about yet or even at all. This was one of those things.

Tweek remembers the look on Stan’s gangs’ faces when they heard it. When Mr Tweak spoke of selling Tweek into slavery should they go out of business. They all looked mildly concerned but thought it was just a joke. However, when they went up to Tweek’s room and asked him about it, they learned that Mr Tweak was being serious.

If Tweek Bros. Coffee goes out of business. Then Mr Tweak will sell his son into slavery.

Surprisingly, Stan’s gang had gone silent at that. Tweek had expected them, especially Cartman, to make fun of him for that. Make fun of him for the fact that his dad cared much for about his business than his own son. But they didn’t. There was absolutely nothing funny about that.

“Okay… if you really don’t wanna talk about it, I won’t press.” Craig spoke, “But if you ever do wanna talk about it, I’ll always be here. Now, please come to my place Tweek, I can’t bare the thought of you forcing yourself to work when you feel like this.”

“Craig.. My dad.. He’s going to notice the lack of profit. He will kill me because of the lack of profit.” Tweek tried once again to explain.

“We will make it back.” 

“How?!”

“I don’t know…”

Craig had a tight grip of Tweek’s hand.

He was so desperate to just drag Tweek to his house.

Where he could relax.

But would he really relax?

All he can think about is how his father will react to the lack of profits being brought in.

But its not right to fuck off on holiday and leave your son behind to manage a coffee shop all by himself. Why not hire bank staff? People that can run the coffee shop while the Tweaks can’t be here.

Why can’t they do that?

Why do they have to ruin Tweek’s life?

Craig looked at Tweek, he looked exhausted, he looked miserable.

Craig cupped Tweek’s cheek, turning his face slightly to look at him. “Come on… let me take care of you, please?”

What should Tweek do?

Chapter Text

You have chosen to let Craig take care of Tweek

Before Tweek could think about it much further, Craig grabbed his hand and started dragging him in the direction of his house.

“AGH! Craig!” Tweek exclaimed.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not gonna stand by and watch you ruin yourself.” Craig stated.

Once they were inside Craig’s house, he dragged Tweek up the stairs and into his room, opening his closet and tossing a hoodie and a pair of sweatpants at Tweek.

“Go change into those, I’m going to help you relax.”

Tweek went towards the bathroom to go change, as he left he could hear Craig calling his mum, telling her that he and Tweek might not be down for dinner but they would be sure to eat later.

Tweek went inside the bathroom and started to get changed, then he glanced at the mirror.

Then he looked into the mirror.

And he saw the thing leaking out of him.

He quickly shook his head and when he looked into the mirror again it was gone.

That was just a nightmare.

It wasn’t real.

What was real though was the eyebags under his eye, his messy hair, the bruises he now had from collapsing. He looked awful. But he felt helpless to do anything about it. His parents never really cared about his health or appearance. So, why should he? 

Why should he care about himself when the two people who were supposed to always love, support and take care of him wouldn’t?

And it wasn’t like they didn’t because they couldn’t. They were more than capable. They just didn’t. And that’s what hurts.

Tweek loves the Tuckers, the Tuckers love Tweek. But it really hurts him to think that he gets more support and comfort from parents who aren’t his.

Mr and Mrs Tucker had gotten Tweek a piano in their house. 

The piano that Tweek has in his room, was something that he got for himself. With money he had saved from the tips at the coffee shop.

Tweek’s parents don’t pay him. So, he gets whatever tips they make in a day. 

Tweek finished getting dressed, splashed his face with some water and made his way back to Craig’s room. When he opened the door, he saw that Craig had made a pillow fort. Many pillows on the floor and it was held up by an old blanket of his, the blanket had stars all over it.

“Surprise!” Craig smiled at him, that real smile that only Tweek ever got to see. The one that meant he was really happy about something. “We used to make pillow forts all the time together, so I thought it would be nice to have one now.” He walked over to Tweek and took his hand, leading him into the pillow fort. Then walking over to his light switch and switching it off. Showing Tweek that the stars on this blanket glowed in the dark.

Tweek gazed at them in awe, it looked so pretty.

Craig pulled Tweek backwards, into his hold, wrapping his arms around Tweek’s waist, pulling him into his lap and having his head rested against his chest. He took off his hat and put it on Tweek’s head. “I know that the glow in the dark stars on my ceiling help you to calm down, and I remembered that I have this blanket so I thought it would be helpful. Looks like I’m right.” Craig explained, rather smugly.

“Thank you, Craig.” Was all Tweek managed to say. There were lots of things on his mind, lots of things he wanted to say. But, right now, he was focused on the solace of the moment. He snuggled himself into Craig’s chest.

Craig watched as Tweek buried himself into his chest, Tweek’s eyes were still on the stars of the blanket but Craig’s eyes were on Tweek. All his life, Craig had been regarded as being callous and apathetic. He always thought that of himself too. There wasn’t really anything he cared about, other than his guinea pig, Stripe, and being able to watch Red Racer. But now, he has Tweek. And Tweek makes him feel things he never thought he would feel.

He had a girlfriend once. But, that didn’t last long at all. She was the one who asked him out. He said yes but it didn’t take him long to wish that he hadn’t. He didn’t care about her and she sure as hell didn’t care about him either. He was aware that some of the girls found his ‘nonchalant, not giving a fuck’ personality hot. That was it, there was no real or genuine interest in him as a person at all. It was just because that girl thought he was hot. 

The whole reason they broke up was because Craig had no interest in her at all and was much happier spending his time playing pretend as Feldspar. Craig did not give a single shit when they broke up.

Tweek was very different though. They went from being pitted against each other to friend to fake dating and now to genuine lovers. And they have been genuine lovers for a few years now. 

Craig isn’t entirely sure when he realised he was in love with Tweek. 

“You changed something in me and I want to fix whatever’s hurting you now.”

Those words certainly had an effect on him. Tweek didn’t regard him to be apathetic or callous, Tweek acknowledged that he was hurting. And that was new. People had hurt Craig before but they didn’t care, Craig was apathetic, so he didn’t care, he would get over it, he would move on like nothing happened. And so he forced himself to. Because nobody cares if he’s hurting or not, they seem to think that he can’t hurt. Everyone, except for Tweek.

Craig looked down at Tweek, who had fallen asleep in his arms. Craig smiled down at him, he always found himself smiling around Tweek. But the smile he had on right now, only occurred when he and Tweek were alone together. He loved Tweek, he really did. He leaned down and placed a kiss on Tweek's cheek. He moved both himself and Tweek so that they were laying down together, closing his eyes to join Tweek in the dream world.

Tweek woke up to Craig scrolling through his phone, keeping an arm around him. Craig smiled at him upon seeing him wake up. “Hello, honey.”

“What time is it?”

“Eleven P.M.”

“Oh.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that, honey.” Craig tried to reassure Tweek, “You clearly needed rest.” He crawled out of the pillow fort, reaching a hand back in the help Tweek up. “Come on, we should get some food.”

Tweek took Craig’s hand and crawled up and out of the pillow fort. The two made their way downstairs. Laura had made casserole, she had portioned some into microwave safe dishes for Tweek and Craig.

“I can heat these up for us, you can go sit on the couch, won’t take too long.” Craig said, turning to the microwave to set the timer.

Tweek went into the living room and sat on the sofa. It was dark. Tweek didn’t like the dark. It was stupid, he knew that, he should have outgrown this fear of the dark years ago. But he couldn’t help it, he swore that when it was dark, that all these creatures were lurking in the dark.

Craig sat next to him and it made him jump.

“You okay?” Craig asked.

“Y-Yeah, sorry.” Tweek twitched slightly, he noticed Craig was trying to hand him his bowl of food. “I’ll take it in a second, I don’t wanna twitch again and end up dropping it.”

Craig nodded, setting the bowl down. “We can put the TV on, we just have to be quiet.” 

They sat and at the casserole together, Tweek picked up his bowl after a few seconds, when he knew he was calm enough to hold it without twitching. Neither of them were really paying attention to what was on the TV, it was just on for a bit of background noise. Once they were finished, Craig took the bowl from Tweek and put it through into the kitchen, removing any temptation from Tweek to start doing the dishes.

When he returned to the leaving room, he noticed that Tweek had almost curled in on himself, he looked deep in thought.

“What are you thinking about, honey?” Craig asked, sitting closer to him.

“It’s dumb.” Tweek said. He wanted to talk about it but was worried this conversation could annoy Craig.

“I’m sure it’s not, don’t downplay your problems like that.” Craig lightly flicked Tweek’s head.

“Okay, okay…” Tweek hummed, trying to figure out how to start talking about this. “I… I don’t understand why you… care as much as you do.”

Craig nodded slowly, wanting Tweek to continue.

“It confuses me sometimes because… you care about me more than anyone has in my entire life. More than my own parents, and now it feels like your family cares about me more than my own family does too and I just.. I don’t get it. And I’m sorry, but sometimes I can’t help but feel like this is all a lie because my own parents leave me all the time because they cannot stand how much of a mess I am all the fucking time, my own parents, so I don’t understand how you can possibly deal with me, GAH! Oh god, I’m the worst boyfriend in the world, aren’t I-”

Craig quickly cupped Tweek’s face, making look at him. “Tweek… honey…” He couldn’t think of what to say. 

Tweek was shaking, he looked on the verge of tears. How long had he been thinking stuff like this and had never said anything?

“Look, you… are a handful. I’m not going to lie to you.” Craig started to speak, “But, I love you so damn much in spite of that. I always will, there is absolutely nothing you could say or do that would change that.” Craig gently wiped away the tears that were starting to fall from Tweek’s eyes. “As for your parents… I don’t know why they are the way that they are. But, just because you have shitty parents who make you feel like you’re not worth loving, does not mean that you are not worth loving, because you are. You are worth so much more than they have ever made you feel. And I will always be here to remind you of that.”

Tweek started to cry harder, Craig’s words hitting him, but they needed to. Tweek needed to know that just because his parents treat him a certain way, doesn’t mean that that’s what he deserves.

Tweek slowly calmed down after a while, Craig looked down at him. He was exhausted. “Ready to go to bed?” Craig asked him. Tweek just nodded.

Craig scooped Tweek up in his arms and carried him up the stairs, taking him into his room and placing him in the bed, grabbing the pillows and blanket from the pillow fort and bringing them to the bed, placing the pillows back and wrapping Tweek in the blanket before getting into the bed and pulling Tweek into his embrace. “Goodnight, Tweek, I love you.”

“Night… love you…”

In the morning, Tweek was already up, pacing around Craig’s room. He was on the phone to someone. He sounded panicked.

When he got off the phone, he jumped at the sound of Craig’s voice. “Who was that, honey?”

“My dad…” Tweek groaned, “He.. has noticed the dip in profits and… complaints about Tweek Bros… he is not happy.”

Craig got up and walked over to Tweek, wrapping his arms around him. “Are you gonna be okay?”

“I have to go to work today.” Tweek explained.

“Alright, I understand you can’t come over after school today.”

“No, I mean like all day I can’t go into school today. He wants me to work all day today.” 

Craig groaned. “Shit…”

“Yeah…”

“Well.. I’m coming with you.” Craig stated.

Tweek gave him a dumbfounded look. “No, you’re not.” 

“Yes, I am.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“I am.”

“Craig.”

Should Tweek let Craig come help at work?

Chapter Text

You have chosen to let Craig help Tweek at work.

“Fine, you can come help.” Tweek sighed, admitting defeat.

“Good.” Craig replied.

“But you have to do exactly what I say. No helping with more than what I ask of you.” Tweek spoke rather sternly.

“Alright, alright, I got it, what you say goes.” Craig chuckles.

Tweek takes off Craig’s hat and gives it back to him. “We need to get ready.” Craig nods in agreement.

The two get ready and make their way down the stairs. Craig explains to his mum about Tweek’s situation. 

Laura asks Craig if he's absolutely sure there is nothing she and Thomas could do about it, Craig doesn’t seem to think there is. Laura gives his shoulder and squeeze and makes his promise that if that changes he will come to her or him immediately. Craig promises.

“Have a good day, boys!” Laura exclaimed, trying her best to hide her concern from Tweek, waving the boys off.

Once they left the front door, Craig took Tweek’s hand as they began to walk to Tweek Bros. Coffee. While they were on their way, Craig could tell how nervous Tweek was. He rarely twitched when they held hands but there was a shake in his hand, Craig held his hand a little tighter and rubbed the back of his hand with his thumb.

Once they reached the door of the coffee shop, Tweek pulled out his key to unlock the door, hitting the side of the door a few times from shaking, struggling to get the key in the keyhole but he got it eventually. “S-Sorry about that…” Tweek chuckled sheepishly, “Come on in.”

They walked in, Tweek going through to the back to get the power up and running. When he came back out he already had his apron in and passed one to Craig. “I don’t think my parents would want you to help me make the coffee, they barely let me make the coffee sometimes, I mainly work the register and serve the coffee. So, you can do that, register and serve. I can handle making all the orders.”

Craig nodded, “I wouldn’t know how to work those fancy ass coffee machines anyway. I’d probably break them.” He stated, glancing at the different machinery used to make drinks.

“It’s really not that complicated when you know what everything does. My parents are just so weird about who can and can’t make coffee.” Tweek explained.

“Is that why they never actually hire any staff?” Craig asked.

“Probably. They seem really concerned about people getting it wrong. They said I have to wait till I’m older to be able to make more coffee. I only get to make a few cups when we’re really busy when my parents are here. And when they aren’t that’s when I do actually get to make coffee, funnily enough they make me open later and close earlier when they aren’t here.” Tweek rambled.

Usually, Tweek Bros. Coffee opens at 6 A.M. and closes at midnight. But when it’s just Tweek, Tweek Bros. Coffee opens at 9 A.M. and closes at 10 P.M. 

Tweek explained how the register functions to Craig, explained the annoying policy of ‘The customer is always right.’ The Tweaks were very particular about this policy, an unsatisfied customer meant a customer who may not return and buy more of their coffee, which was bad for business. So, no matter how bad they seemed or acted, they were right. 

“Are you sure you want to stay?” Tweek asked once he was finished explaining everything.

Craig nodded, “If I wasn’t here, you would have to register, make the orders and serve all by yourself. You need someone to lighten the load, babe.” He reassured him.

“Okay, but if at any point you want to leave, just leave. You don’t have to let me know you’re leaving, I understand.” Tweek said, going into the back to get more coffee.

The first customer of the morning appeared.

“Welcome to Tweek Bros. Coffee, what can I get for you?” Craig greeted, trying his best to sound a little more enthused than his usual monotone voice.

The customer gave a ridiculous order, Craig wrote it down as quick as he could. 

‘Jeez, people with orders like these really do exist.’ Craig thought to himself.

Tweek came back out carrying some supplies and had to stop himself from rolling his eyes, recognising the customer immediately. He took the order from Craig and started working on it.

Craig came up behind Tweek while he was working on it, “Hate that guy.” He muttered.

Tweek didn’t look up, but his expression turned to one of slight panic. “You never talk bad about the customer while the customer is still here.” He spoke in a stern tone.

“Sorry, sorry.” Craig apologised, walking back over to the counter.

After the first customer left with his drink it didn’t take long for another one to appear, this one was also a regular.

“Hey, newbie, I want to order the special house blend. Last time I don’t think they made it right so you better make sure they make it right this time.” She spoke sternly.

‘Rudeass bitch.’ Craig thought.

“We’ll get right on that for you.” Craig responded.

“Heard you loud and clear.” Tweek spoke up.

Tweek went into the back, for whatever reason his parents always kept the special house blend in the back, it was never brought into the front. You got what you needed of it into a cup and you went back to make it in the front. He pulled the jar of the special house blend down from a high shelf. The special house blend was pretty, it had little bits of a blue crystal substance in it. It was the blend that his parents always made him. They had tons of it at his house. He opened the jar and took a whiff of the scent, even the smell could perk you up. It was so tempting to just make a cup for himself as well, he could never get enough of it. But, he had to focus. Plus, he promised to try not to drink coffee, or not as much at least, around Craig. So, he scooped what he needed into the cup and went back out to the front to get to work making it.

Once it was made, Tweek handed the cup to Craig, giving him a thumbs up. The lady who ordered it was sat at one of the tables, Craig sighed as he made his way over. “Here you are, ma’am.” He spoke, trying not to grimace.

The lady took the cup from Craig and immediately took a sip. “Ah, that’s the stuff. I always came here just for this. I think I’m addicted.”

“Enjoy your coffee, ma’am.” Craig responded, making his way back to the counter.

Tweek grinned at him, proud for how handled serving his first table.

Hours passed with different customers coming in and out and suddenly it was lunch time.

“Alright, this tends to be the busiest couple of hours of the day so, just be prepared.” Tweek warned, Craig nodded.

“No way.” Craig heard a familiar voice and looked up. It was Clyde. “I know you messaged this morning and said you were going to work with Tweek but I had to see it to believe it.” He chuckled. Craig just gave him an unamused look. “So.. you’re just actually doing the job?”

“Obviously, I don’t want Tweek to get into trouble.” Craig stated.

“Do you really think Mr Tweak would do something malicious to Tweek?” Clyde questioned.

“I wouldn’t put it past him and I don’t wanna push it.” Craig explained. “Now, are you gonna order something or not cause you’re holding up the line.” He pointed behind Clyde, causing him to look behind him.

“Oops…” Clyde chuckled sheepishly. “Nah, catch you later. Say hi to Tweek for me.” Clyde said before leaving.

Craig and Tweek worked through the orders of lunch rush together. A lot of the orders consisted of the special house blend, with each time Tweek made it, the harder and harder it was to resist making some for himself. He didn’t know what it was about it, but as any customer who has had it before would tell you. It’s addicting.

“Umm.. Tweek?” Craig called out when Tweek came back through with some more paper cups for takeaway orders.

“Yeah?” Tweek responded.

“I think there’s something wrong with that customer.” Craig said, pointing to a customer who was sat at one of the tables. She looked very sluggish, slouched on the table, surrounded by five empty cups of coffee, and one full cup.

“What did she order?” Tweek asked.

“The special house blend.”

“Anything else?”

“Nope.”

“Right, don’t worry about it. I’ll handle it.” Tweek said, making his way over to the lady. “Umm, excuse me, ma’am?”

The lady grumbled inaudible nonsense.

“Ma’am, are you okay?”

“I’m fine just… just go away.” The lady responded.

“You don’t look okay.. Do you need help?”

“Don’t need help… just need more coffee.”

“Ma’am, I don’t know if I can give you anymore when you are acting like this-”

The lady suddenly splashed her cup all over Tweek. Craig stared at Tweek with concern from the counter.

“What is your policy?!” The lady snapped.

“That the customer is always right…” Tweek answered blankly.

“Exactly, so I’m right. And now you owe me a cup of coffee, since you made me waste that one.”

“Right away, ma’am…” Tweek responded before storming into the back.

Craig glanced at the lady and then glanced at the door of the shop before following Tweek into the back.

Tweek was cleaning and drying himself off as best he could, jumping at the sound of the door to the back opening. “Gah! Craig! You shouldn’t be back here!”

“I couldn’t not come check on you. Are you okay?” Craig walked over to him, cupping his face and checking him over. 

“I’m fine… Craig…” Tweek groaned.

“How?! That… bitch… just splashed hot coffee all over you.” Craig exclaimed.

“Unfortunatley, this is more common than you’d think.” 

“That doesn’t make it okay!”

“I know, I know.. I just…” Tweek was miserable, but he’s so used to just have to press on despite being miserable. His parents would help him clean up and dry off whenever this would happen. But that was where their concern ended. Having Craig worry about him being injured after getting coffee tossed on him was new, it was something he wasn’t prepared for. Craig placed a kiss on Tweek’s forehead, pulling him into a gentle hug. Tweek took a deep breath.

After a few minutes, Tweek pulled away. “We need to get back to work.”

Craig looked into Tweek’s eyes, he still saw the pain in those beautiful green eyes. He wanted to object, but he knew he couldn’t. “Okay.”

Tweek made his way back out to the front first, leaving Craig alone for a second. Craig saw the jar of the special house blend. He saw something blue and sparkly in the jar, almost crystal like. What coffee has blue crystals in it?

“Craig? You coming?” 

“I’m coming.” Craig took another glance at the jar before joining Tweek out in the front.

Finally, it was time to close. After cleaning and tidying everything in the front, Tweek took Craig’s apron and told him to wait, Tweek would tidy the back on his own and then they could leave. As Tweek was putting the special blend away, he found himself staring at it. 

One cup couldn’t hurt, right?

God, what was wrong with him?

Why did he feel as though he was dependent on the stuff? Everytime he was around the stuff it drove him crazy.

The next he knew he felt something being put on his head, it was Craig, putting his hat on his head.

“Everything okay, babe?”

Tweek looked up at him before putting the blend away. “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Let’s go.”

Tweek locked the coffee shop door and the two joined hands, walking away. “We’re closer to my house, we could go there if you want.” Tweek suggested.

“Tired?” Craig questioned. 

“Yeah… I really wanna just let myself collapse.”

Craig chuckled, “All right, fine. Let’s go to your place.”

Once they were in Tweek’s house, Craig went into the kitchen, looking for something they could eat before going to bed. “Your.. parents really didn’t leave you with much, huh?”

Tweek shook his head, “Nope.”

“Parents of the year…” Craig muttered under his breath, but Tweek still heard him. Not that he denied it.

The two heated up a tin of beans each and sat on the couch.

“So.. what’s up with the weird blue crystals in the coffee?”

“Oh, that? I don’t know.”

“You don’t?”

Tweek shook his head, “I’ve asked them about it before but they won’t tell me. They keep insisting that they’ll tell me when I’m older. A secret family recipe apparently.”

“I see.”

When the two were cuddled in bed together, Craig couldn’t stop himself from thinking about the coffee. He always had a weird feeling about it. Sure, coffee can have a weird effect on people. But the way this coffee makes Tweek act, it’s far from just a weird reaction to drinking coffee. He’s seen how Tweek is when deprived of coffee sometimes, it’s weird, he can cope with it better now... Do people really react like that over just coffee?

The next day, Tweek’s dad had called him to say he could attend school that day but he had to be at work by 4 P.M.

Craig would be joining him again and his mum would pick them up at the end of the shift.

Craig really wanted to investigate this coffee thing, something wasn’t right. He knew exactly who to ask to help him investigate. But could he really ask them?

Should Craig investigate the coffee?

Chapter Text

You have chosen for Craig to investigate the coffee.

Craig made up his mind, he would investigate it. There was something not right about it and he knew exactly who to ask to investigate such a thing.

When lunchtime came, he and Tweek walked over to their usual table. He set his food down and excused himself, telling Tweek and the others that he’d be right back. Then he made his way to their table.

“Well, I mean I’m just saying-” Cartman spoke before getting shut down by Stan.

“That’s enough, fatass.” Stan said, trying to keep an already agitated Kyle calm.

“Hey.” Craig spoke when he got close enough to the table. Speaking to these guys was almost impossible sometimes, and it was kind of humiliating to be coming to them with a request.

“Well, well, if it isn’t, Craig.” Said Cartman.

“What are you doing here?” Questioned Stan. It was unusual for Craig to approach the boys, especially alone.

“Look.. I need to ask a favour.” Craig grumbled out, he couldn’t believe he was actually saying this.

Stan, Kyle and Kenny looked between each other with puzzled expressions on their faces, meanwhile Cartman was grinning at Craig.

“Oh? And why should we do anything for you?” Cartman spoke.

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because you guys took my birthday money, then you told me you would get my money back but you didn’t.” Craig responded.

“You’re still on about that?!” Cartman exclaimed.

“Yes, but I will never mention it again if you help me.” Craig responded.

Stan spoke up, “I think we should hear him out.”

“What?! Why? Craig’s an asshole.” Cartman bit back.

“He seems kind of… desperate?” Stan motioned towards Craig.

Craig was a little offended by that statement, but he technically wasn’t wrong. He was pretty desperate. You would have to be pretty desperate to ask these jerks for help.

Kenny nodded, his voice coming out muffled from his jacket, “I agree.”

Cartman sighed, “Alright fine, what do you want?”

“It’s the coffee Tweek’s parents sell. I think there’s something… off about it. I don’t know what and I don’t know how to figure it out. But if anyone can I’m sure it’s you crazy asses.” Craig explained.

“I… guess we can’t blame you for thinking that.” Kyle said.

“Mr and Mrs Tweak’s coffee?” Cartman acted like he was thinking about it, in reality he had already made his mind up. “Alright then.. We’ll look into it. But in return, you-”

“Do you want me to drop the Peru thing forever or what?”

“URGH- Fine!”

“So, how are going to get the coffee anyway?” Asked Stan.

“I’ll be working with Tweek at the coffee shop from 4 P.M. today. I can get you guys some.” Craig responded. Stan nodded. “Well, see you later.”

Craig’s gang all gave him pretty confused looks when he walked back over to their table.

“What the hell was that?” Clyde asked.

“Nothing, don’t worry about it.” Craig responded, trying to act non-chalant, wrapping an arm around Tweek as he sat down.

The gang wanted to question him further, but they had gotten used to the fact that if Craig isn’t telling you something, you are not going to hear about it.

“Is everything okay?” Tweek asked Craig as they made their way to the coffee shop.

“Yeah, why?” Craig answered.

“I’m just still wondering about why you went to talk to Stan’s gang. You still pretty much hate them so it’s rather surprising.” Tweek explained.

“I can’t blame you for worrying.. And I can’t expect you not to worry, you little worrywart.” Craig teased. Tweek just glared up at him. “Anyway, I’ll tell you. I was too embarrassed to admit this in front of the guys, but it’s just us so it’s fine. I wanted to thank Kyle for helping you to the Nurse’s office.”

“That’s it?” Tweek asked.

“Yeah, I thought maybe the guys would ridicule me for that so I didn’t want to say anything.” Craig said.

“Yeah, that makes sense.” Tweek nodded.

Craig was relieved Tweek believed that.

Tweek unlocked the door to the coffee shop and they both went inside. “Why don’t I get the aprons from the back while you turn everything on?” Craig suggested.

Tweek thought about it, “Alright.” He nodded, focusing on getting everything up and running.

Craig went into the back, flipping the light on and walking over to get the aprons. Then once he got his on he walked over to the where the special blend was, carefully and quietly picking it up and taking a scoop, putting it in a bag and stuffing it in his pocket. Then he put the jar back.

“Here you go.” He spoke, handing Tweek his apron. 

“Thank you.” Tweek took the apron and put it on.

Later into the evening, Stan’s gang arrived at the coffee shop.

“We want ten cake pops.” Cartman ordered. 

Craig sighed, “Order for ten cake pops, Tweek.”

Tweek rolled his eyes, he didn’t feel the need to act professional when it was these four. “Excuse me, I need to get some more from the back.” 

Kyle gave Tweek an apologetic smile.

“Here.” Craig got the coffee out from his back and handed it to Stan. Stan then shoved it into his pocket.

Tweek came back with six more cake pops to add to the other four that were already in the bag, handing the bag to Craig to give to the boys.

“Thanks.” Stan spoke, starting to walk out of the shop.

“We’ll see you f-” Kenny shoved Cartman out the door before he could finish his words.

Kyle smiled and waved at Tweek on his way out, “Sorry about that.”

“Are you and Kyle still friends?” Craig asked Tweek.

“Hmm?”

“From when you were Kenny’s replacement for a while, you and Kyle still friends?”

“Not really, but sometimes I’d like to be.” Tweek answered.

Craig nodded, “What was it like being Kenny’s replacement anyway?”

“Way too much pressure.” Tweek responded with his usual line, “Felt like every second with them was just one new stress after the other. More so with Cartman around, Stan and Kyle on their own wasn’t as bad.”

“Yeah, you certainly didn’t seem like you were enjoying yourself around them.” Craig chuckled, recalling how Tweek looked when he was forced to hang around the boys.

“This.. may sound weird but.. If given the chance to change that, to somehow go back in time and prevent them from picking me. I wouldn’t.” Tweek spoke.

“You wouldn’t?” Craig questioned.

“No.” Tweek responded.

“How come?”

Tweek shrugged, “I’m not entirely sure. Whenever I think about it I just.. don’t. Is that weird?”

“I don’t think so. You just are weird.” Craig teased.

“Hey..” Tweek glared at him.

“I only tease, besides I love my little weirdo.” Craig chuckled, Tweek shook his head. “My little alien.” 

“Oh, come on!” Tweek grabbed Craig’s shoulders and Craig just laughed.

Meanwhile with Stan’s gang.

“Seriously? Why did you order ten cake pops?” Kyle questioned Cartman.

“Had to think of something.” Cartman responded.

“Yeah but, ten cake pops is a bit excessive isn’t it?” Stan joined in.

“But if we didn’t order a lot, then Tweek wouldn't have had to go get more. Then Craig might not have had an opportunity to give us the coffee.” Cartman glanced over at Kenny, “Speaking of… Kenny you’ve been staring at that shit for quite some time now. Do you know something or do you just want it for yourself?”

Kenny pulled down his hood so he could speak properly, “I… believe I know what this is. I even know where the Tweaks are getting it from if I’m right.”

“Well, what is it, Kenny?” Kyle asked.

“It’s meth.” Kenny stated.

The others froze.

“That’s not funny, Kenny.” Kyle finally spoke.

“I’m not joking.”

“How do you know where they’re getting it?” Stan asked.

“Because… they get it from the people that live in my parents’ garage. I always thought it was weird but… they could have just been getting hard to find coffee beans or something… I don’t know. But.. the truth is that they have been getting meth and then putting it in their coffee.” Kenny explained.

“Do you guys think the coffee they give Tweek has meth in it?” Cartman asked.

That was a terrifying thought. But unfortunately, it makes a lot of sense.

“Shit…” Stan muttered.

“Well… at least we have an answer for Craig.” Cartman spoke.

The next morning.

Tweek and Craig were walking to school together, hand in hand, it was Friday which meant it was finally going to be the weekend. Tweek’s parents didn’t make Tweek work the weekends while they were away, so the two had already started making their plans for the weekend.

“Psst, Craig!” Stan called out to him.

Craig looked over at the group waiting for him, “Would you give me a moment, honey?”

Tweek nodded.

Craig walked over to the group, “So, did you find anything out?”

Stan spoke, “We did… and… you’re really not gonna like it.”

Craig gave them a confused and concerned look, “...What is it?”

Kenny moved closer to Craig, sighing. “It’s meth, Craig. Meth is in the coffee.”

Craig froze for a second before snapping, “This isn’t fucking funny!”

“We’re not joking.” Kyle spoke.

“You’re right not to believe us, we wouldn’t believe us. But.. it’s the truth, they get it from the people that live in my parents’ garage. I’ve seen them, but until now I never truly knew what it was. I’m sorry.” Kenny continued, trying to deescalate the situation.

Craig was still furious, the idea that they would joke about something like this and the possibility that Tweek’s parents put meth in the coffee making him very angry. He glanced at Cartman. “You got nothing to say?” He shouldn’t have poked the bear.

“What? Don’t like the fact that you’re boyfriend is a methhead?” Cartman spoke, smirking.

Craig lunged forward, gripping Cartman’s jacket and punching him square in the face. Kenny grabbed a hold of Craig to pull him away, Stan grabbed a hold of Cartman and Kyle got in between the two.

“That’s enough!” Kyle exclaimed.

Cartman chuckled, “I’m kewl, I’m kewl.”

Kyle sighed, turning to Craig. “Listen, I know you wanna kick the shit out of him but right now, you need to focus on one thing. And that’s Tweek, because you need to tell him what’s in that coffee. And he’s not gonna take it well. So, you need to be there for him.”

“I’m always here for him.” Craig responded, turning to leave. Kyle nodded. “Thanks for… looking out for him.” Craig spoke over his shoulder to Kyle, Kyle smiled at him.

Kyle then turned to Cartman, gripping his jacket. “Don’t you dare say shit to anyone about Tweek, fatass.” He warned in a dangerous tone.

“I won’t, this shit’s serious. I just.. couldn’t resist teasing gay boy.” Cartman cackled.

Kyle let go of Cartman, letting him fall backward.

Craig felt a pit in his stomach all day.

Knowing that Tweek’s parents had been giving him coffee with meth in it was horrible. And talking to Tweek, poor oblivious Tweek, wasn’t easy.

It got worse when they working at the coffee shop together later that day, he felt sick anytime someone asked for the special house blend. He wanted to tell Tweek right there and then. But, no. He knows how Tweek will react, doing this in private was the way to go.

For dinner, the two had made mac and cheese together. Craig offered to do the dishes, he needed to prepare himself for the conversation he was about to have.

“Tweek.. I need to tell you something.”

Tweek was already giving him a terrified loom from that sentence alone. This was going to be a long night.

“W..What is it?” Tweek asked, his voice shaky.

Craig walked over to the couch and sat down with him, taking both his hands in his. “It’s not you, honey… not at all. I love you, and I always will.” Craig brought Tweek’s hands up to his lips, kissing both of them.

“Okay…” Tweek’s voice was still shaky, but he was trying desperately to stay calm.

“This… isn’t going to be easy to take but… it’s about your parents’ coffee.” Craig started.

Tweek gave Craig a confused look, he was starting to shake now. “What about my parents’ coffee?”

“Tweek…” Craig continued, “Tweek… I’m so sorry. They put meth in the coffee. The special house blend, it’s meth, that’s what makes it the special house blend.

Tweek took a second to process the information, “No, no, no, no, no, no, no… you’re lying, you’re lying! You have to be! There’s no way they would… you’re fucking with me!” He exclaimed, desperate for this new information to be a lie. To not be true.

“Tweek, honey… I am not lying to you. I would never lie to you. Especially about something like this.” Craig spoke, trying to look into Tweek’s eyes but Tweek’s eyes were darting about everywhere. 

Tweek was starting to hyperventilate, once he did look at Craig, everything felt too much. He shoved Craig away and bolted up the stairs. Into the bathroom, locking the door.

He looked into the mirror.

And he saw it again.

The thing from his nightmare.

The coffee.

“Get out… get out, get out, get out, get out, get out, get out!” He exclaimed, punching the mirror. Shards of glass flying everywhere, some digging into his hand. Tweek winced in pain, but he punched the mirror again. Glass shards gigging into his other hand. He punched the mirror again and again until it was destroyed.

After he was done, he collapsed to the ground, glass shards that were scattered on the floor digging in his legs. But he didn’t care. He felt sick. God, he felt so sick. He crawled to the toilet.

He was going to be sick. And he was. It wasn’t enough. The coffee. He needed to coffee out. Out. All of it.

He started to make himself throw up, it hurt. But he needed the coffee out. He would keep going until he was sure it was.

He may not have consumed any for the past few days. But that didn’t matter right now. It was in him. It was. He’s not crazy, it’s in him.

Once he was finally satisfied, sure there was no more coffee in him. He moved away from the toilet, in pain and unable to calm down. He just wished this would end.

Craig was banging on the bathroom door and trying desperately to open the door. “Tweek, Tweek! Honey, please open the door!” He exclaimed.

“Damnit…” He muttered, realising Tweek would not open the door.

He pulled out his phone, he was going to call for help but then he realised his phone was dead. “Shit…” The house phone wasn’t working because the Tweaks haven’t paid the phone bill and Tweek’s phone was with him in the bathroom.

There were two options Craig could think of. 

Busting down the door or going to get help.

Busting down the door should be easy enough, and going to get help could take a while depending on who and when help arrives.

He really didn’t want to take too long in case the worse should happen.

What should Craig do?

Chapter Text

Help me title this chapter: You have chosen for Craig to bust the door down. 

“Looks like I have no choice.” Craig took off his jacket in preparation and started to kick the door, just near the lock. It took about five kicks but the door eventually gave way. Craig’s eyes widened in shock when he saw the state of the bathroom. “Tweek…?” He called out. His eyes found Tweek sat on the floor, hugging his legs to his chest, he was trembling and covered in cuts from the broken glass that surrounded him.

‘Oh, shit..’ Craig thought.

Craig slowly walked over to Tweek, making sure he didn’t slip on any of the shards. “Tweek? Honey, can you hear me?” Tweek’s eyes shifted to look at Craig. “We need to get you out of here, okay?” Craig wrapped an arm around Tweek’s back and took one of his hands, helping him to his feet. 

Tweek’s legs were very shaky, he lost his balance a few times while walking and almost dragged Craig onto the floor of the hallway when they were out of the bathroom. 

Craig grabbed his jacket off the floor and wrapped it around Tweek, taking off his hat and putting it on Tweek’s head. He cupped his face, “I’m gonna call an ambulance, okay?” He kissed Tweek’s forehead. He took Tweek’s phone and called for an ambulance.

Once Craig was off the phone, he knelt down in front of Tweek. “I called an ambulance, I told them about the possibility of you being on drugs.” Tweek shot him a look. “I’m sorry but I had to. We have to know for sure.”

The two sat in silence until they heard the sound of the ambulance arriving, Craig helped Tweek up and down the stairs, outside towards the ambulance. There were many of Tweek’s neighbours outside. Nosy people. Some looked concerned, some looked indifferent.

Once inside the ambulance, the paramedic in the back tried to speak to Tweek. But Tweek was still sat in silence. The paramedic then turned to Craig, “You said you have reason to believe that..”

“Tweek.”

“Tweek is on drugs, could you please confirm what exact drugs you are referring to and why you believe that?” The paramedic questioned.

“I have reason to believe that Tweek has been given meth against his knowledge,” The paramedic’s expression changed to one of concern for a brief second. “And the reason I believe this is the coffee being sold at his parents’ coffee shop.”

“His parents’ coffee shop?” The paramedic repeated in question, “Do you mean Tweek Bros. Coffee?”

Craig nodded.

“Alright, we’ll take him to the hospital to run some tests. If you’re right, we’ll need to start an investigation of the coffee shop.” The paramedic sat down, writing on a clipboard.

Once in the hospital, Craig was told to stay in the waiting room while they started their tests. Craig called his mum from Tweek’s phone.

Tweek was sat in one of the patient rooms, a doctor walked in shortly after he was told to wait in there and put on some gloves. “Alright, Tweek there is no need to worry, this won’t take long. Could you please tell me when you believe the last time you consumed meth was?”

Tweek felt sick at that question, his voice came out quiet and shaky but he managed to speak. “Around… four days ago.”

The doctor nodded, typing onto his tablet. He then walked over to a tray and picked up a cotton swob, taking a sample of sweat from Tweek’s forehead. “I need to run a sample to test whether you truly have drugs in your system. Won’t take long, around ten minutes.”

Those felt like the longest ten minutes of Tweek’s life. In ten minutes, Tweek would know if Craig was right. That his parents put meth in the coffee. That the coffee he serves people has meth in it. That the coffee his parents have given him since he was five years old has meth in it. He found himself starting to cry, the thought of his parents doing that was already bad enough. How will he cope if it's true?

Ten minutes later, the doctor returned. A somber look on his face, “Tweek… I have the unfortunate news that there is in fact Methamphetamine in your system.”

Tweek couldn’t handle it anymore and collapsed at that information.

Craig was sitting in the waiting room with his mum, when the doctor approached him. “Craig, was it?”

Craig’s head shot towards the doctor instantly, “How is he?” 

“Not good.. You were right, Tweek is on meth, he passed out when we confirmed it.”

Craig’s eyes widened in shock, “Where is he? Can I see him?” He rushed forwards.

The doctor placed his hands on Craig’s shoulders, “Of course you can, I just need to ask. Where are Tweek’s parents now? Do you know?”

“Not really, they’re on holiday for three more weeks but I don’t know where, and neither does Tweek.” Craig explained.

That concerned the doctor more, “Thank you, let me take you to him.”

The doctor led Craig and Laura to the patient’s room where Tweek was now laying in bed in a hospital gown. Craig took his jacket  and hat which was on the chair next to Tweek and put them back on. He then sat in the chair and moved it closer to the bed, taking Tweek’s hand in his.

“Ma’am, could I speak to you?” The doctor asked Laura.

Laura nodded, “Of course.”

The two stepped out into the hallway. “What exactly is your connection to Tweek?” The doctor asked.

Laura pointed to Craig, “My son is his boyfriend, he often comes over to our house.”

“Would you say Tweek feels safe in your house?”

“I would say so yes, we always try our best to insure so.” 

The doctor nodded, “We are going to need to start an investigation on Tweek’s parents, this includes the coffee shop and their house. Do you think you would be able to house and care for Tweek during this time?”

Laura took a second to respond, the day had been so normal until she got the call from Craig to say that he had to take Tweek to hospital. It might not be easy but she couldn’t let Tweek end up in the hands of someone else. “Of course.”

Tweek woke up and found himself at… Stark’s pond? How did he end up here?

“Morning sleepyhead.” Craig spoke next to him.

“Craig? What is this?” Tweek asked.

“What do you think?”

“I don’t know.” 

“Come on, do you really think this is real?” 

“I suppose not.”

“You’re not supposed to be here.” Craig explained. “You need to wake up.”

“Why? Everything has went to shit.”

“Has it though?”

“Yes! My parents they… they’ve been drugging me for years! How can I live like this?”

“Because you’re strong. And you can get through this, you’re not alone. You’ll always have me, the real me.” Craig looked at him.

“What if I don’t? What if I’m too much to handle? I’m gonna have to recover from this… I don’t know if I-”

“If you can? You’ve already started.”

“What?”

“You’ve not had any coffee for days, therefore you’ve not had any drugs for days. You’ve been experiencing these nightmares, these hallucinations. That’s been caused by the withdrawal.” Craig explained.

“Oh…” Tweek said in realization. “Wait… how do you know that?”

“I’m always here, in the back of your mind.”

“I see.”

Stark’s pond started to fade.

“Well, looks like it’s time for you to wake up. Remember, everything will be okay.”

Craig felt Tweek’s hand twitch in his. “Tweek…?”

Tweek’s face scrunched up under the bright light, he blinked a few times before turning to look at Craig. He didn’t speak but when he came a bit more to his senses, he started to cry.

“Oh, honey…” Craig moved to gently hug Tweek. Tweek gripped a hold of him and started crying into his chest. “Everything will be okay.”
Tweek was set up for weekly appointments with a doctor and therapist to check on his wellbeing. On the way to the Tuckers’ house, they were allowed into Tweek’s house to pick up his things. Police cars were already surrounding the house.

“Why don’t you boys go to bed? It’s late.” Laura suggested when they got to their house. It was midnight by the time they finally got home. 

Craig nodded, taking Tweek’s hand and leading him upstairs.

“So, we’re taking care of Tweek now?” Thomas asked Laura as she came to sit next to him.

Laura nodded, “Yeah.”

“I always thought something was up with that boy… but this? Who could have thought?” 

“I know… to think our son was the one who figured it out.”

Thomas sat in silence for a minute, “He really does love that boy, huh?”

Laura nodded, smiling. “Yeah.”

Tweek woke up around 3 A.M. 

He got up and out of bed.

He made his way downstairs and walked towards the piano.

Would you like to play it?

Chapter Text

You have chosen to play the piano.

Tweek sat on the piano stool. He didn’t have any sheet music with him, but that didn’t matter. He didn’t feel like playing from sheet music anyway.

He began to play a soft, melodic tune. It didn’t have a name, it wasn’t technically a song. Just different notes being played together. But isn’t that what a song is? It doesn’t have to be complicated to play and nearly impossible to read. He found himself smiling as he continued.

Craig woke up about half an hour later. Waking up in a bit of panic once he realised the blond wasn’t next to him. He got out of bed and left his room to find out where Tweek had went. 

‘Please be okay.’ Craig thought to himself.

But as he got closer to the stairs, he heard the melodic sound of the piano. Quietly, he started to climb down the stairs, stopping halfway once he could see Tweek. It was a sight he always loved. Tweek at the piano. Totally focused on what he’s doing. It was made even better by the fact he could see him smiling. He really was beautiful. Especially under the glow of the moonlight.

‘I need to take a photo.’ Craig thought, feeling his pyjama pockets for his phone. ‘Shit… I left it in my room.’

Craig crept back upstairs to get his phone, then crept back down and got into position to take the perfect photo of this moment. But once he did, he realised he had left the flash on. “Shit…” Craig muttered.

“Are you going to continue watching from over there like a creep? Or are you gonna come over here?” Tweek asked, amusement in his voice.

Craig got up and walked over to Tweek and the piano. Tweek didn’t look up at him, he kept his eyes on the keys as he continued playing.

“What song is that?” Craig asked.

“Not any song. It's just a tune I’ve been playing, one that came to me.” Tweek answered.

Craig smiled softly at Tweek, leaning against the piano as he studied Tweek’s face. “You always impress me, the way you just come up with stuff like this on the spot.”

Tweek chuckled, “It’s really not that complex.”

“I don’t think I could ever do that.”

“Maybe we should test that theory.”

“Absolutley not.”

The two laughed.

“I’ve always loved the piano, it was something I’ve always been able to focus on. Helps calm me down.”

“Really? What about that time when you just banged your hands on the keys, screaming at everyone about how North Korea was going to bomb us?” Craig questioned.

“That was totally different. I had an actual song prepared but… when it came to actually performing… that came out.” Tweek chuckled sheepishly.

Craig shook his head, remembering that ‘performance’ like it was yesterday. “Did you ever take any piano lessons?”

Tweek shook his head, “No, never. Piano teachers would be way too much pressure. My parents really wanted me to though.” He explained, “They would always tell me that I had to be good at something, that if I didn’t, I wouldn’t go anywhere in life, that I’d die alone.”

Craig frowned as Tweek recalled what his parents used to tell him, it’s no wonder he’s ended up the way he is with his parents feeding him information like this.

“Before I discovered the piano my parents tried to help me become a talented baker. I’m pretty sure I could bake cupcakes on my own before I could count to ten.” Tweek chuckled, “I’m not even sure if that’s an exaggeration or not. But… no matter how much improvement I thought I was making in my baking skills, my parents always found reason to believe I wasn’t making progress at all or worse they would think I was getting worse at baking. I could never really win.” He groaned.

Craig continued to listen in silence, wrapping an arm around Tweek’s back.

“I don’t really enjoy baking anymore… not as much anyway. For you, my friends, your family, I do. You all always really enjoy my cupcakes. But I don’t bake much for fun anymore, the joy in it’s been taken away for me.” Tweek pressed a couple of keys. “But, then one of the times we were visiting my grandma, my parents had went on a date to a restaurant they really like in the town she lives in. While we were alone, my grandma went into her piano and I decided to follow her. She asked me if I’d like to give it a try, so I did. After she realised I was good at the piano, she showed my parents. They still pushed baking when we got home, but when I was finally able to buy my own keyboard with the money I saved from my tips, they finally gave up. They did try and push me to get piano lessons but luckily stopped. It was just something I wanted to do for me.” Tweek explained, playing the tune he had been playing again.

Craig shifted to sit on the stool with Tweek, wanting to be close to him, Tweek leaned into him and he smiled. “You don’t have to be perfect to be amazing. In my opinion, you’re the most talented person I know.”

“That can’t be true.”

“It is, Tweek.” Craig gently took one of Tweek’s hands for a second, brought it to his lips and kissed it. “You…” He kissed Tweek’s cheek. “Are the most incredible person I know.” He kissed his temple. “And I wanna make sure that you know it.” He kissed his forehead, smiling at Tweek.

Tweek looked up into Craig’s eyes, he then cupped one of Craig’s cheeks and leaned up, kissing the boy. Craig placed a hand over Tweek’s, their fingers intertwining as Craig kissed back. They separated after a few seconds, their faces red. Tweek continued to play the piano, grinning. Craig was smiling like a lovestruck idiot.

After a little longer of Tweek playing the piano, the two decided to back to bed. Tomorrow was Saturday so they didn’t have to worry about getting up early. When in bed, they held each tightly, tangled in each other.

“Goodnight, Tweek. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

The next three weeks felt like a blur.

For the first week after Tweek Bros. Coffee got exposed, Tweek and Craig stayed off school. The Tuckers didn’t want Tweek to go to school when the investigation was still very fresh news and Craig didn’t want to leave Tweek at home on his own, no one did.

Tweek nearly destroyed his phone because all the news and online content he was seeing was about his parents’ coffee business. People tagging him and messaging him, asking if he was okay, demanding answers. It was all way too much. The nail on the coffin was the endless flood of messages, tags and emails from his father. His father was furious with him. Tweek had thrown his phone and was going to completely destroy it, but Laura and Craig had stopped him. They have given him a burner phone for the time being.

The second week, Tweek and Craig returned to school. Upon their return they were greeted by Stan’s gang, minus Cartman.

Kenny was the first of the group to speak, “Hey, I’m sorry I never really caught on to what was happening before, I basically witnessed them getting the meth everytime.”

“Don’t worry, you could never really suspect something like that.” Tweek reassured.

‘I could have though.’ Kenny thought.

Kyle placed a hand on Tweek’s shoulder, “I spoke to my dad, so when you have to take your parents to court he’s more than willing to be your lawyer.”

Tweek stared at him blankly.

“Dude, you okay?” Kyle asked.

“I… kind of forgot about the whole court thing.”

“Oh, shit. Sorry…” 

“No, it’s fine I just…” Tweek sighed. “Too much pressure.”

On the third week, Tweek had met up with Gerald Broflovski to help build up a case. That was one of the most stressful experiences of Tweek’s life. But once they had finished talking in Gerald’s office, Kyle had asked Tweek if he wanted to play video games. So, they did. 

Then on Friday, Tweek had his weekly meet up with his therapist. Over the past weeks they had discussed Tweek’s wellbeing, how he was coping. He was coping better than expected. He had experienced withdrawal before, because of not knowing he was ever on drugs he had never realised that’s what it was, which made this experience a little easier. Whenever his nightmares came back he would go and play the piano, that always helped.

The musical festival was close by and Tweek was excited to be able to play in it. The therapist said that she’d try her best to attend.

“There is just… one more question I have, Tweek. And it’s important.” The therapist said.

“What is it..?” Tweek asked, becoming a little nervous. Tweek and his new therapist had a good relationship. His old therapist was some rando that his parents found. Someone who would tell Tweek was what his parents wanted him to hear, not what he really needed to hear. This therapist came directly from health care.

“Well, on Sunday your parents return from their holiday. As you know, when they enter the airport they will be detained. They will be sent straight to jail as we have all the evidence we need. So, we wanna know… do you want to visit your parents in jail?” The therapist asked.

That question hit Tweek like a ton of bricks.

“You are under no obligation to Tweek, this choice is completely yours.” The therapist reassured.

Tweek took in a deep breath.

Should Tweek visit his parents?

Chapter Text

You have chosen for Tweek to not speak to his parents.

“No, no I don’t want to visit them.” Tweek responded.

Susie, the therapist, nodded. “That’s okay. It’s completely your choice.” She wrote something down before looking back up at Tweek. “That’s our time for today, I’ll see you at court, okay?”

Tweek nodded before leaving the room.

When it finally became time to go to court Tweek had never been more stressed in his life. He could have never imagined that one day he would be taking his own parents to court. As he came to sit at the plaintiff’s table, he could feel his father’s eyes on him. Glaring. He was pissed. His mother on the other hand wasn’t looking at him, her head was down.

During the trial, Tweek could feel himself twitching a lot. Those nervous tics never went away. He could barely focus he was so nervous, he felt sick.

The defense against Tweek was that he was fully aware of the meth the whole time, that he actually liked it and demanded it from his parents. That defence fell short because Tweek didn’t even know where they were getting this special coffee from and only being allowed to make and handle on special cases.

Tweek felt as though he could barely speak throughout the trial. When he spoke he was either stuttering a lot or near tears.

In the end, the Tweaks were found guilty. The evidence was undeniable. When being led out the courtroom, Tweek was spaced out, he need out of that damn room. He could hear his father yelling at him on the way out, he couldn’t make out everything but he heard ‘I wish you were never born, I should have got rid of you a long time.’

There were more matters to be discussed, but they would be discussed at a later day. That was fine, Tweek really didn’t care at this moment in time. He just wanted out. It felt like the walls were closing in on him. When he got to the main hall, Gerald, Susie, Laura and Thomas were discussing next steps in Tweek’s life. Craig looked up as Tweek approached, he noticed the way Tweek was shaking.

“Honey, you okay?” Craig spoke softly, trying to reach out to him. But Tweek bolted out the double doors before he could get too close.

“Shit…” Craig muttered. He ran out after Tweek, it was pouring rain outside. He ran through the streets, “Fuck, fuck, fuck… where did you go?” He said to himself. He would call him, but Tweek decided to just leave his phone at home.
He continued running until he came across footprints in the mud leading into the forest.

‘It might not be him… but if it is and I didn’t at least check I wouldn’t forgive myself.’ Craig thought, and headed into the woods.

“Tweek!” Craig called out, trying not to slip on the mud. Following the footprints, eyes darting about looking for any sign of life.

Then he found him.

Standing at the edge of Stark’s Pond.

“Tweek?” He called out.

He didn’t get a response out of Tweek but he heard his breath shudder.

“Tweek, come on, we should head back.”

“Why should I?” Tweek spoke.

“What do you mean ‘why should you?’”

“Didn’t you hear my dad?! He said he should have gotten rid of me a long time ago!”

“Don’t tell me that you actually believe that… honey, you know that’s not true.”

“Isn’t it though?! GAH! I’ve caused you and your family more trouble than you would have if I didn’t exist… I’ve ruined my parents' life…”

“You’re parents ruined their own lives, they were the ones putting fucking drugs into coffee, Tweek.” Craig corrected, moving closer to Tweek. Tweek took a step back as he did, getting closer to the water.

‘Shit, I need to get him away from there.’ Craig thought.

More tears started to fall from Tweek’s face, he gripped his hair in frustration. “Why the fuck did this have to happen?! Things would have been so much easier if we never found out…”

“No, it wouldn’t.” Craig spoke sternly, “Fuck knows what would have happened to you if they kept giving you that shit without you knowing.” Craig walked forward, so did Tweek, but before Tweek could slip into the water, Craig gripped a hold of his shirt. “You could have died, Tweek. If they continued to give you that.”

“I feel like I’m dying anyway…” Tweek mumbled, unable to look Craig in the eye.
“How else are you feeling?” Craig asked softly.

Tweek glanced up at Craig for a second before looking back down, after taking a shuddered breath, he continued to speak. “Like I’m drowning… like I’m being dragged down into a bottomless pit that I’ll never escape from. Like I can’t do anything anymore, like everything I do from now on is just gonna ruin someone else’s life. Like I’m alone, like it’s only a matter of time till I ruin your life and soon you’ll want nothing more to do with me.” He rambled. He fell to his knees, crying, gripping his hair. “Feels like the world is caving in and like the world is starting to rebuild all at the same time. But there’s no place for me in the world anymore.”

Craig knelt down in front of Tweek.

Tweek choked on his words, “I don’t wanna die… but I don’t know how I can go on anymore. I’m scared… dying seems… so easy right now.”

Craig took a minute to process Tweek’s words, it was a lot. But you couldn’t blame him. Who knows what’s been going on in his head these past weeks. “You’re right, dying would be the easiest thing to do. But you’re not going to do that because you’re strong, Tweek. You are so much stronger than you give yourself credit for. And I am not leaving, it’s gonna be a long road ahead, and I’m going to be here every step of the way. I promise.” He gently took Tweek’s hand and placed a kiss on it.

Tweek watched as Craig kissed his hand, the two looked into each other’s eyes for a second. Then tears fell harder from Tweek’s eyes, tears of frustration and sadness. Craig opened his arms, offering a hug, Tweek was quick to accept that offer and clung to Craig tightly. Craig hugged back just as tight.

After a few minutes of staying like that, the two agreed to leave. Walking out of the forest, holding hands. Craig pulled out his phone, he had multiple messages from his mum.

‘Where are you?’

‘Have you found Tweek?’

‘Is he okay?’

‘Are you okay?’

‘We’re back home now so when you find Tweek come home, okay?’

“My family are all really worried about you too, y’know?” Craig spoke.

“They are?” Tweek asked.

“Mhm.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause you and your family such stress.” Tweek apologised.

“Babe, it’s okay. We know that this day will have been difficult for you.” Craig reassured, giving Tweek’s hand a squeeze.

The second the boys walked through the front door of the Tucker household, they were bombarded by Laura trying to dry them off with towels. Once she had dried them off a bit she cupped Tweek’s face. “Tweek, sweetie, are you okay?” She looked him over. “Are you hurt?”

“He’s okay, mum.” Craig spoke.

Laura grabbed Craig and looked him over too, “What about you?”

“I’m fine, mum.”

“You both need a shower, I’ll heat up some food for you both. It’s mac and cheese.”

The two took turns to get showers and got into pajamas. While getting into his pajamas, Tweek looked into the mirror. And finally, saw just him. No monster-like thing behind him. Just Tweek. He smiled.

They went downstairs and had macaroni together while watching Red Racer. It felt like it had been ages since they watched it together.

They ended up falling asleep on the couch together, holding on to each other. A smile on both of their faces.

Laura and Thomas found them and carried them upstairs, tucking them into bed.

Going to school after the trial took place was interesting. Tweek got a lot of questions about what it was like being at court. Can’t blame people for their curiousity. When people asked too many questions though, Tweek always had someone at his defense.

“I can handle myself.” He would tell whoever it was, whether it was Craig, Kyle, Wendy or one of the others. Everyone was still protective of him right now, he understood why. But that didn’t stop it from being annoying.

Tweek had been putting extra work and focus into the piano. He was taking time out of class to focus on it. Sometimes even skipping lunch to work on it. Well, not going to the cafeteria. He was never alone in the music room during lunch hour. Sometimes it was just him and Craig. Sometimes it was Craig and the gang. Sometimes Stan’s gang would come. Sometimes Wendy. One time Wendy had invited the rest of the girls. He got invited to a sleepover. That was a shocker. But he said yes.

Tweek loved the piano and loved that people enjoyed his playing, he had a habit of showing off when the others were watching. It was obvious sometimes. And often he messed up while showing off.

The day of the music festival went smoothly, Tweek smiled seeing all his friends were watching and waiting. He played calmly but with good pace. The music teacher had a big smile on his face, watching as Tweek played his piece.

The piece felt like a melody that expressed how Tweek had felt this whole time and his willpower to overcome all the challenges he still had left to face.

Once he was done and in the backstage, Mr Romero walked over to Tweek, followed by a man in a suit. “Tweek, this is Mr Lincoln.”

Mr Lincoln reached out his head to shake Tweek’s, “Pleasure to meet you, young boy.”

Tweek shook his hand.

“I’ve told Mr Lincoln all about you, how talented you are. That that was your own original piece and Mr Lincoln has an offer for you.”

Mr Lincoln walked further forward, “It’s early, but these things are important to be done early. I would like to offer you a place at the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music. You show to be gifted, and I would like to give you the opportunity to take that talent further. If you accept, I would like for you to come to the University in a month and play a piece for us. What do you say?”

Should Tweek accept the offer?

Chapter Text

You have chosen for Tweek to accept the offer.

Tweek looked up at Mr Lincoln with a smile, “I accept your offer, Mr Lincoln.”

Mr Lincoln grinned, reaching forward and shaking the boy’s hand with even more enthusiasm this time. “Wonderful! You have a month to prepare and then you will visit the university and play us a piece. This piece will be how we decide whether to offer you a place so be sure to really ‘wow’ us, okay?” Tweek nodded, “Great, see you in a month, kid.” And with that Mr Lincoln left.

Mr Romero smiled at Tweek, "Congratulations Tweek, be sure to give it your all.” He patted Tweek on the back before going to help another kid with their instrument set up.

Tweek left backstage and went to sit with Craig and the others, they agreed that they would watch the rest of the music festival together. The second Tweek sat next to Craig, Craig wrapped his arms around him.

“You did great, Tweek.” Craig spoke.

The others all gave Tweek varying but similar praise.

“Thanks guys, man, I’m glad that’s done though.” Tweek let out a sigh of relief.

“What did that man want to talk to you about?” Wendy asked.

“Huh?” Tweek questioned.

“That fancy looking dude, the one Mr Romero brought backstage to speak to you.” Stan explained.

“We… kind of overheard that he was going to speak to you, so what’s the deal?” Kyle asked.

“Oh, that. Well, I was gonna wait and tell you guys after the festival but since you already know I was speaking to him, he offered me to go to the University of Colorado Boulder, College of Music and play a piece in a month. And if I do well enough, they’re gonna offer me a place there.” Tweek explained.

There was silence in the group for a few seconds as everyone took in and processed the information. But once the silence was over, they were very excited.

“Holy shit, that’s great!” Stan exclaimed.

Kyle, Wendy and Tolkien were all suggesting various different pieces Tweek could play to impress the professors there.

Craig was a little silent.

Tweek glanced at Craig, “Everything okay?” He asked.

Craig looked at Tweek and gave him a soft smile. “Mhm.” He lifted Tweek’s hand and kissed it, “I’m just.. So proud of you, honey. More than you’ll ever know.”

Mr Romero came on to the stage, “Alright, everyone put your hands together for Olivia!”

Craig kept a hold of Tweek’s hand for the rest of the performances. He was happy for Tweek, he couldn’t be happier for him.

The drive home was a bit silent, thoughts running through both of the boys’ minds. When they got home, Craig immediately went upstairs without saying a word. Tweek watched him with a confused and worried look.

He followed Craig up the stairs and found him in their now shared room, scrambling through a bunch of his notes and physics textbooks. “Craig…? What’s wrong?” Tweek asked.

“I… I don’t know.” Craig answered, “Nothing… should be wrong.”

“But something is wrong?” Tweek questioned, Craig took a second but he nodded in response. “Do you wanna talk about it?”

Craig glanced at Tweek before sighing, “It’s… maybe a little selfish. I’m proud of you, honey. I really am and I’m so happy for you but I just can’t help but think… what if we don’t end up in the same college together?”

Tweek gave Craig a puzzled look, “What do you mean? We already had this conversation. University of Colorado was your dream, for astrophysics. I didn’t really have any ideas for college or university. Not until today, till I was given the offer.”

“Yeah, that’s my point!” Craig exclaimed, “We have a chance of being in the same college together now and… what if I blow it?”

“You’ve got to be kidding me…” Tweek spoke.

“What?” Craig asked.

“There’s no way I’m the calm one this time.” Tweek placed a hand on Craig’s shoulder. “Love, we’re going to be fine. You’ve been trying to prepare as much as you can since we were like fourteen. You’ve still got three years left to prepare and you’re already a major astrophysics nerd.” Tweek teased, picking up some of Craig’s notes, looking at them. What was on the pages barely made any sense to Tweek. “I don’t… have a clue what I’m looking at but I’m sure as hell you could explain it to me. Don’t start worrying now because of me.”

“But I need to… now that we have a chance of attending university together I really need to because….” Craig paused.

“Because…?” Tweek questioned.

“Because… I need to know that you’re okay.” Craig looked into Tweek’s eyes.

Tweek gazed into Craig’s eyes for a few seconds before pulling Craig forward and kissing him. He chuckled upon pulling away from the kiss, “You dork.” Craig was slightly flustered from the teasing. “I’m going to be okay. I promise. Please, don’t worry about me. Not in terms of university. Focus on you. Everything’s going to be okay.”

Craig paused for a second before nodding, a small smile creeping onto his face. “Yeah, yeah, you’re right.”

“I am right. Because I will not be okay, if I think the reason you do end up not getting into the University of Colorado is because you were stressing about me. Which is the only reason that could end up happening.” Tweek spoke.

“Alright.” Craig nodded.

“Because if that did happen, I’d probably just kill my-” Tweek was interrupted by Craig before he could even finish that joke, tackling him to the bed.

“Don’t even joke.” Craig said.

Tweek laughed, “Alright, alright.”

The two looked into each other’s eyes for a second before Craig rested, laying on top of Tweek. “Can we just… stay like this a while?” Craig asked.

Tweek glanced up at the ceiling, the glowing stars, he smiled and wrapped his arms around Craig. “Yeah… sounds good.”

They ended up falling asleep like that.

The next morning Tweek was looking through all sorts of sheet music. Some ideas were his own. But he was also looking through the ideas that Kyle, Wendy and Tolkien had suggested. One idea had stuck from each of them.

Kyle had suggested golden hour.

Wendy had suggested Nuvole Bianche.

Tolkien had suggested La Campanella.

Tweek also had an idea of his own.

He had time to practise and try out each piece though.

“Tweek?” Laura spoke from behind.

“Yeah?” He responded.

“I’ve… had this letter for you for some time now. We didn’t know if you should have it but… I don’t think it’s right to keep it from you. It’s from your mother.” Laura explained.

Tweek’s eyes widened in shock, he put the sheet music down and walked over to Laura, taking the letter from her.

“You can read it or you can throw it away, it’s up to you.” Laura said before leaving Tweek to decide what he wants to do.

Tweek went back to sitting on the floor, surrounded by sheet music, staring at the letter. After a few minutes, he slowly started to open the letter. It read:

Dear Tweek,

I have no idea if you are ever going to receive this letter. I do not blame your therapist or the Tuckers if they decide to never give you this. But I shall write this letter anyway.

I am sorry.

Your father and I did not deserve you. Or maybe any child.

Part of me always disagreed with giving you coffee all the time, especially our coffee but I did nothing. I watched as your father gave you coffee, I agreed to start giving you coffee at the age of five and when he said to give you more, I always did so.

I love you, I truly do, my child. But I love your father more, I could never say no to him.

I’ll be honest, we never planned on having a child. You were an accident. Originally, he wanted an abortion. But I convinced him to keep you. I guess all he saw in the end was someone to help the business. For that I’m sorry.

But how are things now?

If I remember right, you have a piano recital at the Music Festival. Maybe that has already passed by the time you receive this letter. If you do.

I hope it was good and that maybe you got something from it. You don’t know this but I actually used to listen to you play beyond the door. You really are a talented kid.

Goodbye, my child.

Lots of love,

Mummy

Tweek stared blankly at the letter as he finished reading. But slowly, tears fell from his eyes and on to the letter. Smudging the words. Little tears soon turned into harsh sobs. Laura rushed into the room.

“Tweek? Sweetie, what’s wrong?” She asked gently, wrapping her arms around him.

“I miss my mum.” Came out of Tweek’s mouth between broken sobs.

A few days later, Tweek got scheduled in to have a visitation with his mum in prison.

Was this a good idea?

He still wasn’t entirely sure.

But after that letter, he felt like he had to.

“Tweek!” Helen gasped upon seeing her son, tears starting to form in her eyes.

Tweek sat in front of her from beyond the glass, “Hello… Mum…” He spoke, his voice shaky.

The silence was loud, there were things to say but neither of them really knew where or how to start.

“I don’t expect you to ever forgive me.” Helen finally broke the silence.

Tweek nodded, “Good… because I never will. You… practically ruined my life right from the start.” Tweek spoke, “I could have died!”

Helen nodded, “Yeah… I’m sorry.”

Tweek sighed, he was starting to regret coming here already. “I… did get something out of playing at the music festival.”

Helen perked up a bit at that, “What was that?”

Tweek met her eyes, “I have been given the opportunity to try out for the University of Colorado College of Music.”

Helen smiled, “That’s wonderful!”

Tweek nodded.

This was awkward.

“You don’t have to stay any longer. I’m glad to know you are going somewhere in life, that I didn’t completely fuck you up.” Helen smiled softly.

“When I leave… you know I’m never coming back, right? Once I walk out that door, you’re never seeing me again.” Tweek asked.

Helen nodded, “I know and I understand. Just… do you think you could… tell your therapist to let me know if you got into that university or not?”

Tweek thought about it for a second, then nodded. “Yeah, yeah, I can do that.”

“Thank you, son.” Helen thanked, “Goodbye, mummy loves you, remember that.”

Tweek just nodded and left without saying another word.

Craig, who had been waiting in the main hall for him, stood up the second he caught a glimpse of Tweek. Tweek wrapped his arms around Craig the second he got close, burying into his neck and finally let some tears fall. 

“Hey, hey, it’s okay. You’re so brave for coming here.” Craig rubbed his back to soothe him.

After dinner that night Tweek got to work, at the piano, practicing. Craig came up from behind.

“Decided on a song yet?” He asked.

“Not yet, I’m just testing out some songs. Deciding which one I think is right.” Tweek answered, not breaking his focus.

“Go with what your heart says.” Laura spoke, coming into the living room to watch Tweek.

“That’s cringe.” Tricia stated, also coming to watch.

Thomas gave Tricia a light tap with a newspaper he was carrying, sitting on the sofa but glancing in Tweek’s direction as he played. A few minutes into watch Tweek turned into chaos between the Tucker siblings, Tricia pulling on Craig to dance but the two keep stumbling and nearly falling. Laura had joined Thomas on the couch and was smiling fondly, watching the kids.

Every night Tweek practised from now on was like this, it was nice. Tweek did enjoy playing for himself but having an audience so genuinely interested in listening to him play was wonderful. 

Tweek had finally decided what piece he was going to play.

“Alright Tweek,” Mr Lincoln spoke, taking a seat next to his fellow professors. “You start whenever you’re ready.”

Tweek nodded. He took a deep breath and then he played. All his thoughts, feelings, his willpower. Everything was being poured into this song. Even if they didn’t accept him, he didn’t care. He was doing this for him. 

Once he finished, he took another deep breath. He was ready for whatever came next.

Mr Lincoln spoke after he and his colleagues had finished speaking, “Tweek, we are pleased to say that we are delighted to offer you a place at the University of Colorado College of Music. Do you accept?”

Tweek grinned at him, nodding. “I do!”

Mr Lincoln smiled, “Wonderful! We look forward to having you in three years.”

And so, for the next three years. Tweek poured his heart and soul into the piano. It had its ups and downs. The ups involved being a complete show-off without making any mistakes, getting to play for special occasions, having something to focus on. The downs involved overworking himself, his anxiety spiking in fear of not having pieces done in time, he once broke a piano in frustration. He nearly gave up for an entire week.

But things got better. They always did.

Craig got accepted into the University of Colorado along with him for astrophysics. The two were overjoyed about this and had started apartment hunting in Boulder together. They did not feel like living out of a university dorm.

Tweek had received two more letters from his mum. The first one was when Susie had informed her that Tweek got accepted into the university. The second was for Tweek’s 18th birthday. Giving him her best wishes, that he continues to live a good life from now on. On this letter, she had informed him that his father had committed suicide while in the prison. And that she was now going to join him. 

“Tweek, come look.” Craig called from the living room of their shared apartment.

“Coming!” Tweek called back, putting the letter away.

“Surprise!” Craig showed him a guinea pig.

“Craig, what are you doing?!” Tweek exclaimed, “The apartment rules stated we are not allowed to bring pets in here!”

Craig smirked at him, placing Stripe the… We lost count at this point. On Tweek’s head. “Relax, babe. We can hide him.” Tweek grumbled and Craig placed a soft kiss on Tweek's lips. “Come on, we gotta get ready for dinner with my parents. They came to the city just for your birthday.”

Seven years later.

Tweek was now a successful composer and pianist. He had written different music for films, original pieces just for himself, helped create wedding pieces, including his own, and many more.

Right now, he was currently speaking with Mr Lincoln.

“So, about what happened when you were fifteen… do you want us to write about it?” Mr Lincoln asked.

“Huh?”

“It was a big part of your life, right before the music festival that helped me discover you too. You are one of the universities’, and my, most successful students. One that… no offence… people may not have even given you a second glance had it not been for me so I wanna tell your story and I want it to be done exactly how you want it.” Mr Lincoln explained.

“Right, I guess that makes sense. In that case, no I don’t want it brought up.” Tweek answered. “I… don’t want that to be a defining point in my legacy.”

Mr Lincoln nodded, “Quite right, boy.” Mr Lincoln showed off his prosthetic leg. “I understand you entirely.” He scribbled some stuff down, “I think I have everything we need. If I need more I’ll let you know. Have a good evening, Mr Tucker.” 

Tweek nodded, “You too.”

Craig was waiting for Tweek in the car, smiling at him as he came in. “Look at you, getting your legacy cemented.” He teased.

“Shut it, we’re just getting things ready. I am twenty-five years old, I do not need a cemented legacy yet.” Tweek stated.

“He’s just proud of you, who wouldn’t be? You’ve accomplished so much despite everything. I’m very lucky to call you my husband.” Craig smirked, Tweek shook his head in amusement. “Especially after all these years.” He took Tweek’s hand and kissed it, then kissed his cheek and neck.

“What do you want for dinner?” Tweek asked.

Craig thought about it, “Let’s make my mum’s old casserole recipe.”

Tweek nodded, “Sounds like a good idea.” 

They drove home, and made Laura’s casserole together. It wasn’t exactly the same as hers but that didn’t matter. They did their best and that’s what mattered. Even if it was a little difficult. Even if they wanted to give up. They didn’t and that’s what matters.

The end.