Chapter Text
It was a colder February than usual in South Park. Or maybe it just felt that way to Craig. Despite the heavy blue coat weighing down on him, the harsh breeze seemed like a kick in the face. The small businesses and shops now had added hues of pink and red to their windows. The tacky décor was enough to make anyone sick. Thankfully, after today, Valentine’s would be over. Finally, he reached the school doors. It was even worse than being outside. Cards and chocolates are being exchanged. Everyone was smiling from ear to ear. Then a jumpy blonde-haired boy came into view. The boy came up to Craig with that same stupid smile as everyone else.
“Hey Tweek,” Craig returned the smile halfway, it wasn’t in his nature to be extra giddy anyway. His hand instinctively came up to fix the other’s rather messy hair.
“Hey! We’re still on for today, right?” A few around them started to look over. It’s been years since he and Tweek started “dating,” and some things just never change. Craig wasn’t even sure why. No one was obsessed with them like before, no selling art, no more giving them money, although he kind of missed that aspect of it. Their relationship outlived its purpose. It was now the two of them pretending. But for a few years now, Craig hasn’t.
“Yeah, duh. 7 o’clock, don’t forget. I can’t drive you this time, you'll have to meet me there.”
“Oh- Okay. Not very romantic of you,” Tweek teased the other playfully.
Craig gave a small laugh in response as he took the other’s hand and began to walk. Their fingers intertwined so easily. He let out a quiet sigh. Oh, what a bittersweet feeling this is.
Every hour that had passed felt like an eternity. But it was finally time. Craig was pacing anxiously. This was a mistake. Around him were sticks of candles that illuminated the space. He even dressed up, although the collar of his white button-down was a little ruined since he kept pulling on it. No, this can’t happen. He grabbed his phone to call it off. Then the rooftop door opened. The waiter entered first, holding open the door. Then there was his date. He wore a white button-up shirt as well, but with a nice green sweater to lay over top of it. Tweek’s mouth fell at the sight before him.
“Craig, what is this…” Tweek looks around as he walks over to the table. Craig smiled and pulled open the seat for his boyfriend, trying to mask the nerves.
“Our date,” Craig smiled and sat opposite the other. This wasn’t necessarily something new. They’ve gone on dates plenty of times. But never like this. Never something so intimate.
“W-wow, this is wow. We, um, well I, I have this for you. I hope you like it,” Tweek had in his hands a messily wrapped box in red and white wrapping paper. His hands shook as he brought the gift up and onto the table. Craig met him halfway and took it from him.
“You didn’t have to get me anything.” Craig straightened up and began to unwrap the gift. “No way. No fucking way!” It was a vintage Red Racer collectible car, the same one he had been trying to find for months. “Tweek, how did you- Thank you!” Even Craig was startled by the emotion in his voice.
“Y-you like it!?”
“I love it!” Craig put the gift carefully aside, unable to stop smiling. “I hope you're, um, enjoying this.”
“Craig, this is beautiful! It is! But…why? We- We don't have to do all this.”
“Yea! Yea I know, don’t worry I know.” Craig tried to play this as casually as he could. “It's just well since we can’t go on real dates, I was thinking, you know, might as well try the experience. At least we’ll be out of the public for once. We can be ourselves.”
“Ah.. That’s true. But, I'm kind of glad that we do have to do all this.” This caught Craig’s attention.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, if we didn’t get forced into it. I don’t think I would’ve ever liked you.” Craig watched as the fork almost fell out of his hand, the way they were twitching. “I- just well, if it had to be anyone, I’m glad it was with you."
“I know what you mean,” Craig smiled, pulled back, and searched his pocket. The knot in his stomach started to grow. He finally found what he was looking for and handed Tweek a small black box.
“Woah…”
Inside the box was a thin silver bracelet. It was delicate and well-made. But in the middle, there was a thicker piece within an engraving in a beautiful calligraphic font – C ● T . Craig cleared his throat and lowered his voice.
“I know it’s stupid or whatever but,” He looked at the ground. Never before had he felt so nervous. He glanced back up at the other.
“Can you put it on me?” Tweek smiled up at him. Craig nodded quickly and walked to the other side. He fumbled with the clasp of the bracelet for a little while before getting it open. Carefully, he wrapped it around the slim wrist of the other. “This is so nice, Craig. Th- Thank you AGH I didn’t get you anything nearly as nice oh god-”
“Tweek, Tweek! It’s okay,” Craig laughed lightly, “You’ve done more than enough for me. It’s just, well, I’m glad it was you, too.” His heart was beating out of his chest. He could swear Tweek could see it trying to reach for him. He moved closer, trying to close the clasp of the bracelet. Finally, he had gotten it. He smiled a bit, proud of himself, before looking up.
His eyes
His eyes were right there. Staring into his. His face. His lips. Oh god. Had they ever been this close before?
“Tweek…”
The bluish-yellow eyes darted everywhere. His lips pursed slowly into a half-smile.
“You’re my best friend, Craig.”
Craig froze. His world shattered for a moment. He quickly stood up, still staring down at the smaller boy. How many times was he going to fool himself? He forced a smile once again. Like he had done a million times before. And like he would do a million times again, just to get even a glimpse of this feeling with him.
“You’re my best friend, too, Tweek.”