I sat in front of a familiar latte macchiato, it looked freshly made from the steam coming off of it. I don't want milk, the odd thought ran through my head. My gaze was fixed onto the alluring browns of the espresso, almost hidden underneath. I don't need coffee, the odd thought ran through my head. I dove my dirty fingers, stained with my last meal, and scooped out drops, puncturing the white.
My fingers slid in my mouth.
⊹⊱•••《 ✮ 》•••⊰⊹
As soon as a drop landed on my tongue, I jolted awake, as I did every morning, yet it always catches me off guard. At this point my body had been hardwired to wake up before my parents did, god knows I did not want them to be the first thing I saw on the new day, it’d put me in a bad mood. I left the house with the clothes I slept with and stocked with multiple cups of special coffee.
I trudged my way to school at the crack of dawn, downing another one of the signature Tweek Bros coffee. Why sleep for eight hours when drinking caffeine was faster, right? I try not to think too hard about what I was putting into my body as I made it to my highschool, the bane of my existence besides work. School doesn’t start until 7:30 but its doors open way earlier than that.
I make my way to homeroom, my first class and only class to be held upstairs, the reason why I come so early. Turns out, when your whole life is an all nighter you tend to get pretty weak. There’s no way I’d be able to keep up the pace during the morning scramble.
I grip the railings and braced my pathetic legs to climb this mountain. I slowly but surely pulled myself up, taking a longer than acceptable break between each step. I felt embarrassed at my athletic limits but what was I supposed to do?
I finally made it to the top and fell to my knees, my heart racing. “One of these days, I’ll die on these stairs.” A morbid thought went through my head. I gradually stood up and continued my way to class.
After many twists and turns (mostly in circles) I made it to class, two hours early. Another reason I came so early was to get away from home. I could finally relax for an hour or two without my parents up my a** or dealing with teachers and unfavorable students.
I press my cold and shaky fingers onto the unlocked homeroom door, excited to relinquish in my five seconds of peace. The door creaked and revealed… a boy?
I jumped and let out an audible gasp. “Erk, why would someone be here this early?!” I frantically thought. D*mnit, this was my only moment of peace! And there’s no way in hell I’d spend it in another classroom, that’d be embarrassing!
I looked back into the classroom to take a better look at the boy. I actually hadn’t recognized him at all. Although that could be because I don’t really talk to anyone in class. With his jet black hair and lanky build, I feel like I would’ve noticed? He seemed unbothered so I anxiously walked in.
As soon as I took a step into the room the boy whipped around and locked eyes with me. His eyes felt a black hole that I couldn’t break away from, even though I desperately wanted to. I stood there like a deer in headlights, my blood running cold.
“...You can come in y'know.” The boy’s monotonous voice echoed in the quiet classroom, making it impossible to pretend I didn’t hear him. I sheepishly listened and sat down at my desk. I couldn’t help but notice him staring at me, slightly scrunching his nose while scanning me up and down like TSA. Gah- was I doing something wrong?!
What was supposed to be the most relaxing part of my day had turned into a social nightmare. I kept sneaking glances at him, waiting for him to take the hint. But it only felt like it was getting worse.
“Erk- You're n-new here, right?” I break the awkward silence while biting the tips of my fingers. The boy took one last look up and down at me and answered, “Yeah, Craig.” His eyes narrowed.
“...Craig, like that’s your erk- name?” I twitched. “No it’s actually the name of my dog.” Craig rolled his eyes. I looked down at my desk in embarrassment, I should-
I slapped my cheeks and threw myself back into reality, gah- why would I ever do that over something so small?! “Nngh, my name is Tweek!” I, against all odds, made eye contact with his soul-sucking pupils again.
“You know the joke is over dude, you can tell me your name now.” Craig sighed and stared me down with his deep dark eyes, like I was a woke comedian. I bit my lip.
“N-No like, my name is Tweek! Tweek Tweak! You know Tweek Bros right?”
“God, it’s like your parents were doing meth when they had you.”
An awkward silence filled the room, as my heart grew cold. Metaphorically this time.
“How did you- nngh, why would you say that?!” My eye spasmed and shook with the rest of my body. People knowing I’m a meth head in a family full of meth heads would be like, the second worst thing to know about me.
“...I’m going to take that as a yes.” Craig’s voice trailed off, realizing how much of a nutcase I was. He gave one last look up and down and left me alone. For better or for worse. I put my head down in shame, I just had to give a bad impression to the only kid in this school who probably didn’t think I was a freak until now. I let my thoughts guide me, from the dark to the light, until the bell rang for class.
⊹⊱•••《 ✮ 》•••⊰⊹
“Gonna have another tic, Tweek?” My back was harshly shoved onto the jagged edges of the lockers, bruising my shoulder blades. “You're gonna cry or are your eyes too much of a spaz to let anything out!” A bellowing laugh echoed through the halls.
“Knock it off Cartman, pick on someone your own size tubby!” Kyle, followed by Stan, snarled and pulled Eric away from me. I would’ve fought back but lately I don’t have the energy for it.
“Whatever Kyle! You’re just jealous that I’m a LINEBACKER and you're a lazy jew!”
“Linebacker of a small town highschool! It was between you and Scott Malkinson!”
“Nananana I’m super successful and Kyle super isn’t~”
“D*MNIT CARTMAN I’M GONNA-”
“STOP IT!” A loud feminine voice blasted through the hallway, a booming voice that silenced all chattering, even from uninvolved students.
“Oh come on Wendy you should’ve-”
“No Kyle! As president of the school council I command you two to report to the office for misconduct!”
Eric gave a smirk to Kyle as they both quietly made their way downstairs. All who was left was me on the ground and Stan Marsh lingering around.
Wendy’s eyes shot to Stan next, lasering him with tough love. “Stan, are you just going to let crap like this happen in front of you?! I know you’re better than that!”
Stan looked down, “I-I don’t know Wendy, I didn’t want to get my hands dirty-”
“Man up!” Wendy interrupted, not letting Stan complete his train of thought. Unfortunately, Wendy finally got to me.
“And you! Tweek you need to start standing up for yourself, I can't always be there y'know!” My eyebrows furrowed, does it look like I choose to be weak?!
As quick as she came, Wendy left, disappearing by the next turn. Stan awkwardly shuffled away and everyone continued with their lives. And I continued sitting on the floor until I found the energy to get up.
⊹⊱•••《 ✮ 》•••⊰⊹
By the time I left the floor, the halls had emptied as even the most tardy of students had made it to class. A slight dizziness took over me as I trudged toward the bathroom, my teeth grinding against eachother.
I made it to my favorite bathroom, a bathroom no one used due to the horrific smells that dwelled in it. Strong emotions rushed through my veins as I became desperate to let them out. My breathing grew fast and my heart trembled as I rummaged through my pockets. Time stopped as I felt the sharp cool edge of my metallic razor blade, its voice calling to me almost seductively.
I rolled up my sleeves and placed them over the rust covered sink, greeted by my past episodes from months to years ago. I held my breath as I began to run the blade over one of the few bare spots left on my arm, a sick smile found its way on my face.
Relief flooded with the blood as the red started to get all over the sink, staining it permanently. I hissed as the pain sedated me and calmed my nerves. For a moment my parents, the coffee shop, Cartman, and Wendy left my mind as my brain was preoccupied with the aching cut on my arm. And I needed more, I needed to feel more numb. I needed just one more moment of peace.
One moment turned to two, which led to the bell ringing, bringing me back to reality that my arms were open and soaked. And yet I couldn't feel more at peace. I let the water flow over my arms, which felt like bringing a paper towel to a pool. However I couldn't help but feel someone had been watching me this whole time. My head jerked up to look in the mirror, to catch them in the act. Yet all I saw staring back was a depressing blond kid with seeping eye bags. Ignoring the false alarm, I tried to clean up as much as I could, patching the persistent cuts with a couple bandages I kept with me. As if I wanted to relapse.
As I walked to my next class I felt a sense of disgust creep up on me, another scar that would be apart of me for seemingly forever, making me feel damaged goods. A broken person even. A mark left on me, like stripes on a wasp to let everyone else know to stay away. Biting my lip, I shakily opened the door to my math class, so late I wondered why I bothered to even come.
The lingering throbs of pain made me forget about all the eyes on me as I took my seat next to the back next to-
“Hey… Tweet?” The boy from the morning was sat right next to me, a spot no one dared to take
“Ergh- it's Tweek but whatever…” My voice trailed off, I was too tired to care too much. I felt him stare at me, I couldn't bear to look at him.
“I heard what happened, you’re kind of lame, y'know.” The boy casually dropped which caused me to jolt. “Like aren't you a meth head or something, you should be like super strong or whatever.”
“GAH- Don't nngh- say that so loud, you prick!” My temper grew short. This guy just had a way of pissing me off. “And what are you even talking about anyway?!”
The boy looked down, giving me a chance to take a glimpse at his midnight black hair poorly covered with a blue chullo, “That Wendy girl told me about it, apparently you just let them have their way with you all year long.”
“Of course Wendy told you that!” I started to shake, “What do you know?!”
A hand was firmly placed on my shoulder, yet it felt so gentle. I stayed silent as I looked up at the boy, only to be sucked into his eyes. I jump and quickly look away, “S-Stop looking at me nngh- I can't take it.”
The boy quickly darted his eyes away, almost as if he was hurt or offended by it. With his eyes in a different direction, I finally got a good look at him. His face was unusually thin, like it didn't always look like that, dark bags dragged his eyes down, with a long nose and a permanent frown, I bit my lip. He looked somewhat sickly, yet I couldn’t stop indulging myself by staring at him. And his hand was on my shoulder!
“Look I'm not here to call you out, Wendy just wanted me to help you out.” The boy muttered, still looking away, “She's just kind of pairing us up yknow? New kid and troubled kid things.”
My sharp attitude began to fade, yet my increasing heartbeat continued. Unable to differentiate between a crush or a case of arrhythmia. “Nngh.. help with what?”
“Settling in, friends, touring around.” He counted on his spindly, yet rough fingers. A friend would be nice as my life had devolved into school, work, and survival. A hot friend at that too.
My cheeks were dusted with a light red as I looked away, not deterred by his eyes this time around. “Yeah sure- erk, we could have lunch together.. Maybe.”
When lunchtime rolled around after class, I guided my supposed new friend to the cafeteria. The lunch room was full of shouting, chatting, and it was only about time until a fight had broken out. I never spent much time here anyway, I wasn’t hungry much and had enough headaches myself, both problems caused by my caffeine consumption. But I had to be a good student guide so I toughed it out.
Craig and I waited in the long, ever spiraling line. Even though it was a small school, the staff were even smaller. It was beginning to feel awkward just standing around, not speaking to one another. I bit my lip and began to speak.
“Uhm, where are- where are you from?” My voice fell hoarse.
“Where, I’m from?” Craig scratched the back of his neck, “Uh, Denver.”
“Yeah, Denver…” God, couldn’t he say a little more?! “So you’re like.. a city boy?”
Craig simply shrugged, “I guess you could say that, was more city than South Park honestly. A lot more laws too.”
My right eye scrunched as if it was in the middle of winking, “Erk- what does that mean?!” A light bonk delivered by “prince charming” ruffled my knotted hair. “Something about a drug policy, you think marijuana's legal here too?” God, he was messing with me again! Yet I couldn't help but let it go. Maybe I should prod him a bit more so I could feel his fist once more?
My gay fantasies were interrupted by the line finally moving enough so the two of us wouldn't starve to death. The lunch really couldn't look any less appetizing, but you get what you can get really.
Tray in hand, I slogged my way to an empty table for me and Craig to sit at. The seats were vacant but we were surrounded by loud groups, gossiping, sh*ttalking, and burping contests. I felt my head pound as I sat down.
Craig soon followed, clearly uncomfortable. “What the hell, is it always this loud?!” He plugged his ears the best he could. “Uhm, yeah, everyone's- erk, insufferable here.”
“Whatever, can we just go somewhere else?!”
“Nngh, fine.” I grabbed my lunch and led Craig to the library, which was a wasteland at this time.
A sigh of relief echoed from behind me. I guess Craig was more sensitive to noise than I'd imagine. We took our seats in a small rounded table and plopped our trays, the clacking sound rung throughout the room.
“Better now?”
“Better.”
I finally took a good look at what was served for lunch. I think the menu said it was supposed to be a grilled cheese, but you couldn't tell just by looking at it. It was merely a sad hotdog bun with half melted mozzarella in the middle, like a replacement for an actual hotdog. It came with a small wet side salad, a dole peach cup, and a warm strawberry gogurt. “Welcome to America…” I thought as I kept poking at the impostor cheese sandwich.
“You're not eating?” Craig muffled, his mouth stuffed with dry bread. My face scrunched as I watched him swallow the abomination. “You are?”
He shrugged, “Food is food to me” He took another bite and spoke with his mouth open, “You didn't answer my question though.”
“I'm going to be nnngh- real with you I have too much caffeine running through my blood to eat anything right now.”
“Just caffeine?” His eyebrow shot up.
“Gah- I'M GOING TO F*CKING KILL YOU!” I twitched while pulling on my blond hair
Craig jerked up from his seat, his eyes widened. “Woah, can you chill for one moment?!” He held me down by the shoulders, “I'm sorry, okay?!”
My face flushed red as I awkwardly slithered back into my seat. D*mnit, I really need to cut back before it's too late. However this thought wasn't very original in the slightest.
Still, feeling embarrassed, I pushed my tray towards him “Erk-You can just e-eat it…” I was on my way to the walk of shame when my green button up was tugged on from the back. “You can stay, if you want.” Craig stared me down with his infamous dark eyes. And like a black hole, they drew me back in.
“Erghh- Sorry man I just, well.. nngh.” I twitched, grasping at straws for a reason.
While picking at my skin a fruit cup flung my way and hit me square on the chest.
“You're not you when you're hungry.” His neutral frown turned into a slight smirk, which lightened the air around them.
I struggled to peel off the lid with my bitten, nubby fingers, but being with Craig kept my emotions down. Eventually, mercy was bestowed on me as the plastic film covering the corn syrup covered peach chunks came off. I picked at the fruit, uninterested in taking a bite, which Craig took note of.
Before I knew it, a spoon full of sugary peaches was thrusted into my mouth. I cocked my head up to reveal Craig's smug face looking back at me. Avoiding his eyes, I felt my face heat up and my heart quicken. This time more sure it was a crush.
“You shouldn't play with your food, didn't your parents ever tell you that?” Craig teased, knowing my mouth was too full to reply. I looked down and continued to chew as if I wasn't fed like a baby. Why is this guy so forward? No way he was… flirting-
“Excuse me Tweek, you know you're not supposed to be eating in the library!” The same voice from this morning ruined the moment. I completely forgot that food wasn't allowed here, what an annoying rule.
“At this rate I'll have to give you-” Wendy paused as she made brief eye contact with Craig, “Oh… Craig's with you?” She looked back at me.
“The cafeteria was too loud so…” Craig's voice awkwardly trailed off, enough that even the toughest of leaders would pity.
“Well I'll give you a pass because you're new, but you have to clean up after.” Her arms crossed, “Disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer can be found in the janitor's closet.” And as quickly as she came, she'd left.
An audible sigh of relief parted from my lips, “Thank god.”
“Never knew you were so afraid of punishment, you're like a straight A student?” He rested his face onto his palm.
“N-No erk- it's not like that, my parents would be super pissed if I got detention or something.”
“Dang, your parents are strict, mine wouldn't even care.”
“It's only ‘cause I have to work at their sh*tty coffee shop after school, I bet they'd be ecstatic if I were suspended or something.”
“Most people would kill for a part time job, how much are you getting paid for it?”
I let out a huge groan, “Nngh, that's the thing, I'm not getting paid, and I'm being killed for this ‘part time’ job.”
“Isn't that like child labor, or is South Park not city enough for laws-” The bell rang ear-shatteringly loud as the halls filled with students noisy chattering while heading to their next class.
As the halls filled with students, my feet instinctively followed them, as if they were drawn to the monotony and routine of the crowd. I almost tripped when I felt a sharp tug on my shirt collar.
“Uhm, we need to clean up, remember?” Craig reminded me of Wendy’s orders, “I don’t really care but you seem like you might.”
I sheepishly turned around and went towards the other exit, nearest to the janitor's closet. “Erk- Of course I care, I just know she’ll double check.” Craig quietly followed.
After weaving throughout the multi-directional crowd, the students fizzled out near the isolated closet. It was a small, yet packed room filled to the brim with cleaning supplies. So small that it felt borderline claustrophobic. For a janitor’s closet, the place was also jam packed with a bunch of items that didn’t remotely relate to cleaning.
Taking initiative as the more experienced student, my eyes scanned through for something to wipe the table with. Assorted candy… 99% Bleach… Gluten free soap?... Mr. Hankey’s special cleaning wipes, why does that exist-
My thoughts were interrupted by an increasing pressure from behind. “These should work, right?” Craig hovered over me as he reached for the wet wipes above my head, leaning into the crevice of my back. He was so close I could feel every breath he took while talking. God, this guy keeps flustering me.
“Nngh- yeah, they’d work better than sh*t flavored wipes.” I nervously laughed from underneath him, torn between wanting him to leave so I could move, or wanting him to stay so close.
The former wish was granted as Craig swiped the cleaning wipes and came out of the closet to head back to the library. Am I overreacting or is he erk- actually into me?!
My heart raced like a schoolgirl as I slowly followed Craig to the almost clean enough table. He was already wiping it down when I made it back.
“It's already clean now, Tweek.” Craig said while balling up the used wipe in his hand. “Wasn't even that dirty to begin with.”
“Gah- I could've helped y'know?!” I nervously bit my fingers, I didn't want the new kid to be pulling my weight all the time.
“It's whatever.” Craig put his hand on my back and gently pushed me out into the hallway. Again, he was too close to me to stay calm. The firm yet delicate press of his thin yet rough hands, the leadership radiating from his ordering push, his head lingering above me-
“It's not that embarrassing, do you blush easily?” The heat from my cheeks took me away from my Craig trance. My face was completely red.
“Erk- no, well maybe but it's nnngh- not… embarrassing.” My voice awkwardly trailed off as the situation felt too lost to salvage. Craig only gave me a brief smirk before changing the topic.
“So what’s your next class?” He stopped walking to ask, “I have Workshop but I’m skipping it.”
“Gah- Why are you skipping on the first day?!” I twitched, “And why do you even take Workshop anyway?”
“Tweek, I already told you my parents aren’t that uptight about school.” Craig shrugged, “Plus I didn’t want Workshop, I’m probably going to change my classes.”
“Erk- Whatever you say.“ I rolled my eyes, “I’m going to Chemistry then.”
“I’ll walk you there.” Craig offered, my face started to heat up again.
“You don’t even know where Chemistry is!”
“I’ll follow you then.”
We walked the short distance to my class, but it felt like forever. My stomach felt fluttery the whole way there. Once we made it there, my shoulder was given a good grasp before Craig took off, “See you after school, Tweek!”
“See me after school?! That idiot, I just told him I have work!” I huffed before walking to my next class, “‘Cause of my stupid job, I can never do anything after school.”
For my last few classes of the day, Craig completely hijacked my mind. His looks, his voice, his touch. He was my obsession, even though I didn't even know he existed until this morning. Guess I'm really lonely then…
⊹⊱•••《 ✮ 》•••⊰⊹
Finally after one of the more abnormal days I've had at school, I got to fall right back into my same, rigid routine, working at Tweek Bros. until 9 pm. Rather than actually hiring and paying someone, my parents decided that they could just have me a cashier, a barista, a server, hell even a janitor, for free. ‘Cause that's what family's for, right?
I walked into the shop, wearing the same clothes I woke up in, and went to switch shifts with my dad.
“Ah there you are, Tweek!” My father excitedly took off his apron, “Honest, down to Earth, pure American work can wear an aging man.”
I rolled my eyes, here comes his metaphors.
“With the younger generation, they don't get to learn what makes a good, genuine cup of coffee. I’m glad I have a son like you, full of youth, to pass down the torch of the heart of the working class.” My dad wandered off about honest coffee while handing me the Tweek Bros. embroidered apron, before leaving to kickback and relax. A genuine cup of coffee made by a modern slave.
Over the years I've learned to just deal with my reality, until I moved out this was going to be my life forever. I bit my lip before starting to clean all the all too familiar coffee machines, responsible for all the burns younger me suffered, because god knows my dad didn't. Just working here makes me feel like a little kid again, in the worst way possible.
While I was wiping out the stained coffee pots, I heard the door chime ring. I jumped which made me spill soapy water all over myself. Gah- who could it be?! It's too late for the early birds, and too soon for the goths!
“Ergh- Welcome to Tweek Bros.” I shakily turned to face a rather untimely customer. However, on closer inspection I immediately recognized the guy.
“C-Craig?!” I dropped the customer service voice as my jaw dropped in surprise.
“Remember, I was meeting you after school?” He looked me up and down as he made his way to the counter. “Did someone turn on the sprinklers?”
I felt the familiar, swirling butterflies tickling my insides, feeling I got whenever I was with Craig. Which made it all the more embarrassing that I was a sopping mess, running a shop all alone. “Look, Im nnngh- a barista and a dishwasher here”
“Dang that sucks,” He shrugged, “At least you'll have a good resume.”
“Whatever- my parents don't like loiters so you can't just hang out here.” I turned away to continue with cleaning the coffee machines. However I wanted with every fiber of my being for him to stay.
“Alright, I'll order an Americano then.” Craig said with a tiny smile.
My cheeks warmed up as I turned back around, “You're buying something?” I whispered, feeling tingly that he'd spend money to spend time with me. He only nodded.
“Right, I'll make it erk- right away!” I jerked to the soapy coffee machines to quickly get them cleaned while Craig took a seat at a nearby table.
Cleaning the machine was a fast task, and making something as simple as an Americano was even faster. I grabbed some leftover grounded coffee beans from presumably my dad's shift and added them to the coffee machine.
As I was pouring the hot coffee, I couldn't help but wonder why Craig was so insistent on hanging out with me. He wouldn't go all this way because Wendy told him too, right? Could it really be that he has a crush on me? Or am I just thinking that because that's what I want to think-
“Gah-” The coffee overflowed and burnt my fingers. An embarrassing mistake to make as I felt Craig's piercing gaze watching me brew his coffee. I wiped off the spillage while pretending that I didn't notice him staring.
“Y-Your order, Craig!” My voice shook as I slid the branded coffee sleeve on his Americano. He quietly got up and came to the counter.
“$3.25, right?” He held out three dollar bills, one dime, and three nickels, all resting on the palm of his hand. I carefully reached into his hand, feeling his cold skin for a brief second. It's actually impressive that someone could have colder hands than me. I scooped out the money and organized it into the cash register. “Erk- would you like a receipt?” I fiddled with my hands.
Craig shrugged, “Sure, why not.” He said while picking up his drink. I started up the receipt printer, which was in dire need of being replaced. Still, it managed to print out Craig’s receipt, albeit in faint ink.
I ripped off the receipt, tearing the edges a bit, and handed it to him. “H-Have a wonderful day.” I awkwardly say out of habit, “Gah- I didn't mean to say nngh that.”
“So you don't want me to have a wonderful day?”
“N-No! I do want you to.. have a wonderful day…” My voice trailed off as my face became a noticeable red. Did I really just say something that corny?
Craig put down his drink to wrap his hands around my hand that was still holding his receipt. This time I got to bask in his cool touch, or was I the one who was exceptionally warm right now? “Have a good day too.” He let out a small smirk as his hands lingered on mine. I stared at our hands, not lifting my eyes up to see him.
“Hey, look at me.” Craig whispered, still not taking the receipt from me. I hesitantly looked up and squinted at his almost supernatural stare. We briefly made eye contact before Craig swooped in and landed a kiss right on my lips. Oh my god.
Taken aback, but still wanting to make the most of the situation, I cupped his cheeks and leaned into the kiss over the counter, letting his receipt sway onto the floor. His lips were cold, and when my tongue slid in his mouth, it was even colder. I almost cut myself on his sharp teeth, but ignored it as my heart rate was rapidly rising, and I was getting lightheaded.
We pulled away from our passionate kiss, my body hyperventilating to keep me standing. “Gah- did I just m-make out with a erk- customer?!” I pulled on my hair. Reality hit me like a truck, I wondered what my dad would think.
Craig's smile faded away, “I'm hungry, Tweek.” He kept staring at me.
“R-Really? We also sell-” Craig charged at me from over the counter, grabbing my arm so tightly I thought it would snap.
“AHHH! WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM MAN?!” I shrieked as I helplessly tried to wriggle out my arm from his grasp. In our one sided scuffle, Craig rolled up my sleeve, revealing years of scarring, bandages covering the newest cuts. My face lost color from its original bright red, not even my own parents knew I self harmed. I felt weak.
Before I could even say something about him finding out about my scars, he did the unthinkable. Craig ripped out the biggest bandages, and put his mouth on my large open wound. I winced as I continued trying to pull my arm away, the pain unbearable and almost ticklish. I felt his rapid breaths on my skin, like he was satisfying a long aching hunger.
I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it.
The immense pain sending shocks through my nervous system, his tongue licking the insides of my ever-refilling wound, Craig suckling like he was a baby, I let out a small moan before biting my lip. My face went red again, “Am I actually into this?!” I thought while trying not to come and ruin my pants.
Before I could even wonder what was going on, everything faded to black.
I woke up to the spinning, blurred light from the pendants above me. I tried to sit up but my head fell onto the coffee bean bag I was resting on. My constant, natural headache was ten times worse as the pangs felt like someone crushing my mind.
“Tweek, are you up?” Craig squatted down to me, “You've been out for like a minute.”
My brain sharpened as I was able to straighten up, “Nngh-what the hell happened…” I rubbed my forehead while trying to jog my memory. Starting my shift, Craig coming in, we kissed, and then he-
It all clicked as a shock ran through my spine. I quickly rolled up my sleeves to see a now empty patch of skin where a huge gaping wound once was, only a giant scar was left. My eyes widened, was that incident all a dream?
I squinted at Craig, who stayed quiet. His face was more filled out and his skin was more colored. However, looking closer revealed a blood stain on the corner of his mouth. That means…
“GAH-What did you do to me, no- why did you nngh- do this to me?!” I scooted away from him, afraid of the man in front of me.
“Look, there's no easy way to say this.” Craig quickly stood up with his hands in his pocket, “I'm not entirely human.”
I didn't speak- no, I couldn't speak. My throat closed up as my breathing grew rapid. I shook my head silently.
“I'm a vampire, Tweek.”
The room was filled with a stiff, thick air, as the only thing that was heard was the buzzing of the lights. I kept looking at him, waiting for him to say more. Yet Craig stopped talking, almost as if he was waiting for a response too.
“A-Are you one of those… vamp kids?” I looked away from him, “I'm not in the 4th grade anymore, I-I don't believe in that.. stuff…” I lied through my teeth, South Park was such an odd town that if underpants stealing gnomes and Jakovasaurs could exist, why not vampires?
“...Was the blood-sucking not enough?” Craig raised a brow while walking towards me, “I have other ways to prove it.”
Craig sat right in front of me on one knee and leaned into my face, his fingers tracing my pocket with my razor in it.
I shrieked while trying to push him away from me, “GAH- PLEASE STOP!! I BELIEVE NNGH- YOU!” I couldn’t believe this is how I'd die, getting my blood drained out by a boy I foolishly trusted, and my corpse only being found when my dad comes to yell at me for not locking the shop doors.
No matter how hard I squirmed, Craig got his way. He was always stronger than me, an unimpressive feat, but he held me down so hard I could've sworn I'd broken a bone. He took out my razor from my pocket and held it in my face. I held my breath.
Surprisingly, he pulled the razor away from me and proceeded to stab himself over and over again. The blood gushed out like a fountain as he winced with his eyes closed. He ripped through several layers of skin so quickly, the blade was not only soaked in blood, but had beads of fat that had stuck onto the blood like it was glue.
“CRAIG!?” I screamed before wrapping myself around his stabbing arm, trying my best to restrain him to no avail. He kept stabbing and stabbing, to the point where I could see the bone, the image scarring my eyes before I had to close them as blood splattered all over my face.
“Tweek… look.” Craig mumbled while gently wiping blood and tears from my face, as if he was wiping dirt away from a child who tripped and fell. Reluctantly, I opened my eyes to reveal that Craig's fatal wound was healing supernaturally fast. The layers of skin being put together like layers of lasagna. I stared in horror as I came to the realization…
…That Craig was a vampire
Watching the recovering wound mend itself, layer by layer, I felt my face lose color. If he’s a vampire, then…
“GAH- Am I a vampire now?!” I shrieked while pulling my hair, “I’m gonna never die and erk- work at this stupid store forever-” Craig put his finger to my mouth and hushed me, “You’re not going to be a vampire, Tweek.” A wave of reassurance came over me.
“Y-You sure?” I asked. Craig nodded, “I didn’t bite you, just licked around.”
My muscles relaxed and I was finally able to take a deep breath. I had a moment of clarity as I noticed that I, and pretty much everything in a 3 feet radius, was coated in blood and chunks of tissue that flew out during the incident. Taking in the horrific sight, I also noticed my body was loosely wrapped around Craig’s stabbing arm. I held on to him for a bit, trying to calm myself down. My cheeks warmed up as I reluctantly pulled away from him.
“What are you going to nngh- do to me then?” I had about a million questions but this seemed to be the most important. Shouldn’t vampires lay on the down low? Why would he just out himself like that? My mind had already made up a thousand possibilities, all ending miserably.
Craig lowered his eyes, “I… just needed someone to relieve my hunger, and you seemed like a perfect fit.”
“A perfect fit?” I cocked my head, “Erk- what do you mean by that?”
“Like, you already cut yourself, and you seem like a type of guy to just let things slide.” He got up from the pool of blood. “I figured I wouldn’t feel bad if I fed on someone who already hurts themself.”
Feel bad? I didn’t know vampires could have empathy for humans. Disregarding that, the first part of what he said made me nervous, my self harm was my deep, dark secret and god knows what this annoying school would do if they found out. “How did you know I nngh- cut myself?” I prayed that he wouldn’t say it was obvious.
“It was obvious really.” Craig went on as I twitched, “You reek of the sweet, irresistible, scent of human blood. You’re lucky I didn’t pounce on you the first chance I got.” He covered his mouth, “God, you taste f*cking amazing. I could gorge on you all day.”
“Uhh, thanks..?” I stood up, confused. “I nngh- guess that’s something only a vampire could know. That’s a relief”
Craig shrugged, “I mean, I did see you cut yourself in the bathroom, anyone could’ve found out. It was a whole bloodbath too, you practically lured me there.” I gasped, “Gah- it was you who was there?! Nngh- I didn’t even realize you walked in.” I bit at my fingernails, remembering the looming, almost an omnipresent presence lurking over me. I guess I got sloppy hiding my addiction over the years…
“I’m surprised that someone as over-vigilant wouldn’t.” His eyes wandered over the mess he made on the floor, “We should probably clean this up before anyone comes.”
A shock ran through my spine as I was reminded that I had to clean up this mess. God knows what people would assume looking around; the ground was completely covered in a deep red, blood pooled into the crevices of the tiled floor, and chunks of tissue floated in the red sea. Having your store covered in blood may be a worse look than not paying your employees. “Nngh- You’re right, let me go clean it up really quick.” I rushed into the storage area to grab a bucket and mop before quickly heading back to clean up the crime scene.
I dipped the mop in the soapy water and twirled the mop head into the blood, watching the blood slowly become more and more diluted. I couldn’t help but be nervous that this blood belonged to a vampire standing right infront of me, his eyes piercing me.
“Do you need help or..?” Craig broke my train of thought. I shook my head, “N-No I don’t- thank you though!” I added a quick thanks as I didn’t want to get on the vampire's bad side. The memories of him pinning me down made me shudder, my life was completely in his hands.
Sensing my worries and increased twitching, Craig came close to me and lifted my chin up. Our eyes met, knowing he was a vampire made it easy to stare in his chilling eyes, like getting used to the cold touch of the ocean. “Tweek, I promise I won’t hurt you. I just need to survive.” Our faces were so close that I felt my heart tremble with the rest of me. “Nngh- Why? ”
“...Why?”
“L-Like what's stopping you from erk- killing me right now?!”
Craig averted his eyes for a bit, almost as if he was wondering about it too. After a moment, his eyes made contact again, “Because,”
Before I knew it, Craig and I were entangled in another kiss. The metallic taste of my own blood ran rampant in his mouth. Craig quickly pulled away before things went too deep, almost like he was teasing me. Even though Craig was a vampire, I was still obsessed with him. His flirting, his kisses, his tongue swirling around my open wound, tickling me from the inside. If he could look past my pathetic, damaged self then– could I look past him being a vampire? I bit my lip, I wondered how many guys would even consider going out with me, or even be friends! God the chances were so f*cking low.
I'd be an idiot to pass up someone like Craig.
My gaze was fixed to the ground, “S-So that means we're erk- dating, right?” I bit on my fingertips, “I don't even know if you're even into me.”
Craig looked around for a bit, almost unsure of an answer, “Yeah… we're dating.”
“Y-Yeah.” This conversation couldn't get anymore awkward, it'd probably be more romantic if I didn't have to outright confirm we were dating. But if I didn't I would lose sleep over it.
I continued mopping the floor until the blood had been fully absorbed into the now bright red mop. I was a little squeamish feeling how heavy the mop was when lifting it, only a vampire could lose this amount of blood and still be standing upright. After the job was done I put away all the cleaning supplies, washed my hands, and turned my apron inside out, this should do for the rest of the day…
I went back into the store to go back to my sh*tty job when I saw Craig was still there, fiddling with the straw of his drink at the nearest table to the counter. I stared at his sharp face, as the realization that he was my boyfriend sunk in. Since I'm dating him, I get to do whatever I want to him… hold him, cuddle him…. and even-
“Are you going to say anything?” Craig was now looking right at me. I felt called out by my dirty thoughts about him, I had to scramble for an answer. “N-No nothing! Are you going to nngh- drink anything?”
Craig looked at his drink and shrugged, “I don't really need to drink coffee, my body doesn't even respond to caffeine.” He pushed it away, “Plus it'd make me stir-crazy like you.”
“Arghh- I'M NOT CRAZY!!” I shrieked before covering my mouth, “Erk- I'm really exhausted, I'm sorry Craig.” I sank under the counter, lately my temper was growing thin and everything irritated me. Before I could writhe in embarrassment I heard the doorbell ring. I quickly stood up, a surge of dizziness flowed through me, and continued with my work. Only this time, with Craig to keep me company.
⊹⊱•••《 ✮ 》•••⊰⊹
Once the vibrant blues of the sky mellowed down to an indigo, and the last of goth kids were dealt with, it was just Craig and I, in the empty shop. Craig rested into his arms, and was fast asleep since it was about eight pm. Watching his back bob up and down with each breath he took, the small snores that filled the quiet room every couple minutes or so. I couldn’t help but take a break from closing up shop every now and then to get a look at how peaceful and innocent he looked, dreading the time he'd have to wake him up and tell him he needs to go home, that he needs to leave.
The fact that that thought made me uncomfortable, made me uncomfortable. But I shook it off and continued mopping the melted snow and all the dirt that it brought inside. As I cleaned up I couldn't help but wonder about Craig. He didn't look like a traditional vampire, no victorian clothes, no slavic accent, hell; after drinking some of my blood his skin wasn't even pale anymore, more tan than anything.
I shuddered at the reminder that Craig really did drink my blood. Surely that was enough to prove he was a vampire, right? Did my parents ever tell me to stay away from vampires? Of course they didn't, what have they ever told me?! I'm going to date a hot vampire boy just to spite them-
I zoned back in and realized I'd been mopping the same spot over and over again. God, when did I become this distracted? I scanned the room for any messes left, any undone task my father would chew me out for. Thankfully there were none left- or were there?! Gah- what if there's a giant mess that I don't notice?! My dad's going to kill me-
My eyes darted back and forth across the room, panicked. Until I paused at the sight of Craig again. So peaceful, so still. His messy jet black hair and charming chullo hat made me feel warm inside. I leaned my mop onto the wall and walked towards my sleeping boyfriend. “Uhm.. Craig, the shop's closing.” I whispered into his ear.
His eyes fluttered as he lifted his head up just enough to see his handsome face. “Mmm? What time is it…” He groaned. I glanced at the clock, “About eight thirty.” I said.
“Sh*t, you work late.” He sat up, rubbing his eyes while I was rolling mine, “I told you this job sucks.”
Craig stood up and held my hand as we walked out of the coffee shop. My cheeks warmed up, I could never get over how forward this guy is, everything's moving so fast.
The cold, harsh Colorado air whipped my face, making my cheeks heat up more to counteract it. “Achoo!” I sneezed into my arm, it was absurdly cold.
On command, as soon as I sneezed, Craig wrapped his arm around me and held me tight. The top of my head was pressed against his toned chest, we were so close only a couple inches of fabric separated us. Being so close to someone else, to be tightly hugged, to be touched, it was a craving I never knew needed to be fed. “Cold?” Craig asked. I nodded, staying in the cozy position.
“Should I walk you back home?” Craig stopped walking to let me answer. I wanted to say yes, to stay with him as long as I could. However, “N-No… I don’t want my erk- parents to see you- not that I'm gah- embarrassed of you- no it's just-”
Craig put his thumb in between my lips, silencing me. “It’s cold, I can't leave you here.” How freaking romantic. I nervously looked down at the pillowy snow floor, “Well alright, just be quick, if my parents see us they're just gonna nngh- exploit our relationship for the business.” Thinking about it gave me flashbacks to when I first came out years ago, they wouldn't stop using my image to make the coffee shop seem more ‘PC’.
Craig nodded before letting go of me, exposing my left side to the icy winds. “Hold tight.” Before I could think of the implications of those words, Craig swooped me up, bridal style, and jogged at the speed of a fully pedaled bicycle. “So, where's your house?” He effortlessly said, as if he were standing still.
We weaved across the small snowy town, turning at my command. Craig made me feel like royalty, as I guided him to my house, the wind blowing my knotted yet free blond hair. Once we made it, he dropped me off about a block or two away from my home. I couldn’t fight back the childish smile that grew on my face, when was the last time I felt this happy?
“Vampire things.” Craig playfully said as he ruffled through my hair before leaving as fast as he came. As I watched him disappear into the town, I started to laugh. How nonchalant was that? How silly? How stupid? How funny. At that moment, my world filled with color, the greys of routine and monotony faded. With Craig, everyday was going to be a mystery, a surprise, a wonder. I walked the rest of the way home, with a pep in my step, feeling a high no Tweek Bros. Coffee could give.
⊹⊱•••《 ✮ 》•••⊰⊹
“I'm home.” I started taking off my bag and shoes at the front of my new house. It was pretty much barren, say for a few unopened moving boxes. Before I could get fully settled in my mom threw herself into a hug.
“Craig! What were you doing being out so late?! I was worried something happened to you, I tried calling you but your phone was dead!” My mom smothered me with all her maternal worries. I couldn't blame her though, after everything that happened I would’ve been worried too.
“I was with a friend.” I shrugged as I slipped out of my mom's embrace, only wanting to get the other shoe off and go to bed.
Her eyes widened, like she saw a ghost, “You were with someone the whole time, and you were alone with them?” She whispered, “ You didn't do anything right?”
A wave of guilt rushed over me, I did do a lot of things, a lot of things my mother could bear to hear, or believe. Feeling disgusted with a part of myself, I lied through my teeth, “No, I didn't do anything. I don't even feel anything anymore.”
My mom had a sigh of relief as she caught me in a hug again, “I'm so happy you're normal again Craig, there's not much for dinner tonight so please tell me you had a good lunch at school.” I nodded, even though I ate out today.
“Oh thank goodness, and remember you don't have to go back to your father's next week, just say the words and he won't ever hurt you again.” She held my shoulders tight. I averted my eyes, “...I'll think about it.” I pushed her hands off me and headed to my room
“Craig!” My mom called, “You're going to eat dinner?!” I kept walking on the tiled floor, “I'm not hungry now.”
I never was.
After one of the most surreal experiences of my life, the night was more than wonderful. For once I wasn’t stressed out about the next day at the shop or worried about school. Instead, I reminisced on Craig carrying me home, his hands gently cradled me as he ran at olympic speeds. The winter winds of South Park hitting my skin and flowing through my hair were still so vivid to me. Like a candle in the dark.
The sleep was amazing too, like my body had finally relaxed and gave me a break from my chronic insomnia, allowing me to drift away into a warm, calming-
“Tweek?! Don't tell me you're still in there, son!” I jolted awake to the pounding of my bedroom door, remembering that my parents will forever be a sore in my life, until I find the means to move out. “Gah- I'm coming!” I scrambled to get dressed in the same clothes as yesterday and to apply my crumbling deodorant, a bandaid to a severed limb. However, I couldn’t remember a time in recent memory of starting my morning like this. Was something off?
Come to think of it, when have I ever been woken up for school? By my dad nonetheless. Curious, I took a quick look out my window and saw the sun peaking out from the horizon, making the sky more orange and blue, rather than the usual murky greys of when I usually leave the house. Could it be… was I actually late to school? When was the last time that happened?
I didn't care about being tardy, it was the long winding stairs leading to first period that made me panic. I'd probably get trampled by the flood of students, all walking faster than I ever could. Maybe since I slept in I'll have a bit more energy?
By the time I got out the door, freshly brewed coffee in hand, that theory was quickly disproven. Even though it was a warm winter's day, contrasting the harshness of last night, my legs felt like jello. A great start to the day this was.
Before I could even consider staying back and being intentionally late, my dad came out of the door right behind me. “I never get to see you in the morning, Tweek.” He held me by the shoulder and gave me a firm shake, “You shouldn't be tardy now, that would reflect poorly on the business. You've got to have the work ethic of a busy bumblebee. Getting up early to get the flower nectar before anyone else can even have a chance.” I simply nodded, wanting him to just leave me alone, and not really understanding what he meant by that. He'd probably screw me over with extra hours if I were to be late- god forbid I'd be in detention and not work at the shop.
My dad then drove off in his warm, probably heated car to go work at Tweek Bros. God- couldn't he at least drop me off on the way?! My parents couldn't even be bothered to do the slightest things for me, just throw me a coffee and a fidget spinner and I'll be fine apparently.
I let out a slight grunt before doing my usual walk to school, only it was a bit brighter outside and I was walking faster than usual. And yet my breathing grew harsh the further I went. With all the breaks for air and sips of coffee, it was probably more inefficient than just going at a slower pace from the start. At least I got to enjoy the rays of sunlight hitting my skin. My pale skin could definitely use a tan and the sun was giving me much needed vitamin D. Something I lacked due to all my hours in the shop, constantly watching beautiful days pass me by from the other side of the glass windows.
As soon as I stepped into the school lobby, the warmth of the heating whipped across my face, which was much needed. Looking around, I didn’t see many students. Am I early? Maybe I was just overreacting again. Breathing a sigh of relief, I shook the snow off my shoes onto the mats in front, wondering if I should stop coming to school so early. I could use the extra sleep, maybe then I won’t die at 25. However, the peace didn’t last long as the ear throbbing bell shattered the air. And on cue, floods of soon-to-be tardy students filled the halls. Some were running, some were casually chatting, and some were just standing right in the way like a total douche. Way too many people to keep track of, not only would I have to weave through the different speeds of the crowd, but also keep up with the pace if I didn’t want to get trampled.
I nervously stood around to the side of the stairs, just when I thought they’d clear up a bit, a new wave came crashing by. Even though my coffee had given me a surge of energy, my legs were almost trembling thinking of going up before another potential witness would come to see a display of my pathetic-ness. God, and if I was late the whole class would be gawking at me- and didn’t my dad tell me this morning to not be late? Something like that.
Watching the sea of people, with varying winter hats and colors of hair, I notice a familiar blue chullo oppose the direction of the crowd seemingly with ease. Craig? I got a little calmer knowing someone I know was coming closer. Well not just someone I know, my boyfriend.
It was still a lot to get used to, I mean, I didn’t even know him just a couple days ago. And now we are a couple. Romance wasn’t even on my mind, most likely due to every guy here thinking I’m out of my mind. God- what will get these idiots to understand there’s nothing wrong with-
“Hey, Tweek.” Craig had finally made it down to me, his fingers plugging both ears. “What are you doing here?”
I fidgeted with my fingers, nervous to tell him I couldn’t go up the stairs at a time like this. “I… erk- don’t know.”
“You don’t know?” His eyebrows shot up so fast it made me feel stupid for trying to lie to him.
“Nngh- I do know.. But…”
Craig leaned in and spoke over my ear, his breath just passing over. “You can just tell me.” He spoke so simply and yet so effectively as I felt compelled to respond. “I…nngh- can’t keep up with this crowd...” I could only stare at the floor, it was embarrassing to out myself as this incompetent, not being able to just keep pace with everyone else.
Before I could sink further into my thoughts, Craig turned his back to me and crouched down. I was puzzled for a couple moments before realizing what he was trying to say.
“Gah- You don’t mean…” My face warmed up a bit. Craig cocked his head to look at me with the corner of his eye. “Get on, Tweek.” An almost unnoticeable smile crept up on his face. A smile perked up on mine too, I get to be carried again?
Enthusiastically, I situated myself on Craig’s back, sliding my legs through the gaps in his arms. My sternum was pressing against his spine, my heart’s every beat pulsating through him. Before I knew it, we were rushing up the stairs. My shoulders dropped as I relaxed in the crook of his neck, so close I could smell the Axe body spray on him.
Once we made it to the top and I got off, a surge of anxiety flowed through me as I noticed all the confusing glances my way. People stared as they walked while a few whispered to their friends. I could feel my chest tightening and my muscles started to twitch more than usual, the focused attention on me made me tremble.
Before my anxiety started to really spiral, Craig wrapped his arm around me, and flipped off the crowd with the other. I could hear a few gasps from behind me before Craig and I walked away. Once we were far away enough from everyone else, I let out a sigh of relief as my anxieties fizzled out. I noticed Craig’s arm was still around me, which made my heart throb.
When no one was looking, Craig lowered down and whispered in my ear, “ I’m hungry. ” I was confused for a moment before I remembered what he meant by that. I can’t believe I almost forgot he’s a vampire. I looked at Craig, a little hesitant for him to feed on me again, and noticed his face was a bit scrunched up and his eyes averted. Was he hesitant too? I bit my lip, he did help me a lot this morning, and last night. It was only fair to help him back, right?
I gave Craig a soft smile, “Alright, is your locker nngh- nearby?” I asked quietly. He only nodded as he led me to it, and entered his combination. I aligned the door in a way where Craig’s locker covered one side, and my back covered the other.
I reached for my razor in my pocket, knowing Craig couldn’t bite me himself unless I had a death wish. A rush of adrenaline coursed through my veins as I felt its pointy outline graze my fingertips. Pressing the sharp edge on my bare arm, I took a deep breath and pushed it deep into my skin, hissing the whole time.
The too familiar surge of pain filled me, as the white wound had started to fill with blood. Knowing I had cut deep enough already, I offered my arm to Craig, as if I were a waiter at a morbid restaurant. His eyes were more dilated than mine, as he eagerly latched on to my wound, his tongue dashing around, mopping up the blood. My tongue was being held down, every cell in my body wanting to moan out Craig’s name. There was something so euphoric and intimate about Craig drinking my blood, satisfying his cravings. It was so painful I wanted to pull away, I wanted to scream and run as far as I could, and yet all I wanted to do was stay and let him have all of me.
By the time Craig pulled away, I was shaking with pain and pleasure. Craig gasped for air while licking my blood off his soft, blurry lips that I couldn’t keep my eyes off of. In my delirious and lightheaded state, I cupped Craig’s face in my hands and locked lips with him. His mouth was warm and tasted of my own metallic blood, which got me more excited.
Before anything could go too far, (as if it hadn’t gone too far already,) Craig pulled away, “You don’t want to be late, right?” He said in his nasally, monotonous tone. A twitch ran through my spine as I gave Craig a quick nod before we headed to homeroom, still trying to shake off my sudden dizziness.
⊹⊱•••《 ✮ 》•••⊰⊹
“Mr. Adler, I need the bathroom.” I loosely put my arm in the air, vaguely resembling raising my hand. Mr. Adler only grunted which sounded enough like a yes. I skipped workshop once again, just like yesterday. The teacher was too preoccupied with making sure the students don’t accidently kill themselves, and I’m too new for anyone to remember I was gone. Plus it was the last class anyways, no one has the energy to care.
I circled around the halls, pretending to look for the bathroom. The way that I am, I don’t really need to use it. But just sitting on the toilet made me feel a little normal, sometimes. Sometimes it just made me feel weirder. I tried not to think about it, focusing on feeling the cold, popcorn drywall with my fingertips. The fact that I’m warmer than the walls now is a weird feeling.
I was too zoned out as Wendy spotted me from across the hall. By the time I realized she was there, it was already too late. “Craig, there you are!” She quickly made her way towards me. Sh*t.
“I’m not skipping, I’m just looking for the bathroom.” I said some keywords, hoping Wendy would leave the new kid alone. Wendy shook her head, “No I don’t care about that- and do you really think I’m dumb enough to believe that?! You’re a terrible liar, Craig.”
I rolled my eyes, “Why are you here then? Aren’t you a part of student council? You should be a role model for new students.” Wendy groaned, “I just came back from the bathroom, I’ll be in class in a minute.”
She continued, “What I wanted to say was: why the hell are you and Tweek together?!” My lips parted slightly, wondering where people got that idea from. I shrugged, “You told me he’s gay. What are you, homophobic?”
“No, I’m not homophobic- It’s just weird how you just met this kid and you’re already hitting first base.”
“First base? Where the f*ck did that come from?!” I started to worry a bit, if they saw that then they could’ve seen much more.
“I don’t know, that’s just what Sally Turner told me. And I think Emily Marx told her, or was it Tammy-I don’t know I just had to ask you about it.”
I let out a sigh of relief, this was probably a baseless rumor that started ‘cause I helped Tweek up the stairs. And plus, what I did- no, what Tweek did in my locker would probably be a spicier rumor than ‘first base’ anyway.
“So what if I did? I can date whoever I want, it’s not anyone’s business.”
Wendy frowned and lowered her gaze, “I know, I shouldn’t be prying into things. I just… really worry for Tweek. And well, I had to know how well intentioned the guy he’s dating so suddenly is. I don’t want some f*ckboy playing with his heart.”
It was kind of weird that he was so open to start dating me, and it was weirder he let me do other things to him so willingly. But I needed someone like him, the stars had aligned so perfectly that I couldn’t turn down someone so willing to help me. He’s the only reason another incident won’t happen.
“Just don’t break his heart any further.” Wendy exhaled, “It’s hard seeing him deteriorate, become a shell of himself. He used to be a music whiz, we used to take choir together. Now he just seems so miserable.”
Seeing Wendy be so heartfelt was different, I didn’t even know she knew Tweek like that. I guess with a small town school such as this, everyone here probably knows each other since they were babies.
I nodded, “I won’t break his heart Wendy.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
Wendy smiled softly, “The boy’s bathroom is on your next left.” Her hand grazed my shoulder before she swiftly left.
I can’t break Tweek’s heart. Or mine would rot away.