Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dose One: Induction

The traffic stretched on for miles.

Vehicles at a complete standstill. The cold lingered in the air, gas fumes rising into the early morning atmosphere. Curious and frustrated commuters craning their necks out windows, or tuning their radios to desperately hear news of the cause of the hold up for Friday morning peak hour. The silent early morning disrupted by loud sirens which drew nearer by the second. The sky was brightening with hues of blue and grey as the sun rose.

The scene of the accident was horrific. A maroon sedan flipped onto its roof in the middle of the highway, hissing as clouds of smoke hovered from the front. Shattered glass and flames that crept from the hood of the car. A small child was screaming with a woman who was likely her mother nearby, standing beside a small blue hatchback with its end smashed in. A few metres away smashed into a roadside tree, since abandoned. Screams and cries from a small group of people were heard, they had emerged from their vehicles, obviously bystanders who witnessed the accident unfold. A few people bent over a figure which laid motionless beside the sedan. A middle aged, balding man in orange high vis clutched a navy blanket trembling and crying, rocking back and forth on the roadside, with dried blood soaking his collar as blood gushed from his forehead. A blonde lady in a once crisp white shirt and tight pencil skirt was knelt beside him, dabbing his wound with her now removed black blazer.

The sirens came into view of those at the scene, the first responders had arrived. Out of the first ambulance to pull up abruptly came a young woman with black hair pulled back severely, and a man with thick muscly arms covered in hair who towered over her, with messy blonde sandy hair and a serious expression. They hurried forwards to the motionless figure, the crowd parting wordlessly.

Wendy took a moment to assess the man, as Kenny took over from a man who was applying chest compressions. He grabbed the wrist of the unconscious man desperately, feeling for a pulse and assessed for other signs of life. He had attending countless accidents before, had witnessed death, the moment where life is extinct. From his quick assessment, things did not look good. There was too much blood. There were deep chest wounds.Though he felt a pulse. Faint, fading.
Wendy sensed it too, she grabbed her two-way radio in a fluid motion and called it.

“We will need back up. Lights and sirens, over”, she paused to look at Kenny.

“There's a pulse, its barely there. Grab the AED, we will need back up to load him up".

Two more paramedics appeared in moments with a stretcher, lowering it down quickly. One of the newcomers began directing people away to a safe distance as a fire truck approached to extinguish the sedan. The scene was suddenly flooded with more paramedics, who were administering assistance to the bleeding man in high vis, and providing first aid to many who were experiencing shock.

The large, thick set man was now on a stretcher and being hurried to the ambulance. Wendy had already obtained IV access. Kenny was working fast to obtain observations. There was blood and glass and dirt all over the man. A head wound was visible on the right side of his head, as dried blood clumped in his ginger hair. The pair worked quickly to begin administering vasopressors and fluids, and Wendy was closely examining the head wound and how they could slow any further blood loss.
“Load him in quickly, you'll need to call it in as a level one" Kenny instructed, “significant head trauma and chest injury. He isn't responding to anything Wends".

Wendy nodded, she did not need to be told twice. Another man appeared at the back of the ambulance as Kenny and Wendy hopped in beside the patient, fiddling with vials and lines.

Wendy was clutching her two-way with her left hand with her other hand on the patient.

“ETA 14 minutes. Level 1. Patient is critical, GCS 3. Systolic is at 56 and climbing from intervention”.

Kenny tossed a black leather wallet to the man standing close by, who caught it first go. “Rogers, it’s his wallet, we will need to get in touch with any next of kin immediately". Rogers nodded and met Kenny's blazing blue eyes and fixed serious gaze , “I don't think he will still have a pulse by the time we reach Denver, but god dammit we will try".

Another paramedic approached and threw himself into the driver’s seat, as Rogers climbed into the passenger’s side. The scene dissolved as the ambulance sped away.

__________________________________

Phones rung loudly and voices murmured as the elevator doors opened onto the 22nd floor. The sun shone in brightly through the glass facade.

Craig stepped out and sighed, rubbing his temple with one hand and clutching his bag with the other. Friday, thank God.
He could not have cared less that it was 9:07am, and that he should have already been at his desk.

The usual morning greetings reached him as he moved forward towards his office.

“Morning Craig!”

“Hey, Craig happy Friday!

“Morning, Tucker!”.

Craig cringed at the chipper, happy tones as they greeted him, they deviated substantially to how he was feeling today. He was nodding curtly or responding back with a quiet and half-arsed “morning" in response.
He stopped at the break room momentarily, flinging open the fridge and unceremoniously throwing his lunch in on the bottom shelf. He gazed at the coffee machine longingly, but sighed and turned away knowing he really should start his day. He was tardy after all.

He made it to his office, booting up his computer and sliding into his chair with a groan. He threw his black blazer onto the back of the chair. As he waited for the computer to login, he was met with his reflection. His bored, tired blue eyes, his sun kissed tanned skin, thick dark eyebrows furrowed and his thick, jet-black hair framing his face and tucked behind his ears.

His eyebrows furrowed further in frustration as his inbox loaded. 47 unread emails since 5pm yesterday. Spectacular.
The phone on his highly polished oak desk rung suddenly, making him jump. He answered it on the first ring.

“Craig speaking".

“Good morning, is this Craig Tucker ?”

“This is he".

“Sir, my name is Christian Rogers of Denver hospital. Can I confirm you are the son of Thomas John Tucker?”

“I am...what is going on? Is he okay?”

“Sir, I am phoning to inform you of some distressing news. I am afraid your father was in a serious car collision this morning on the 401 highway and is in critical condition with us here at Denver hospital".

Craig was speechless and froze. He felt his mouth open and close a few times, soundless. Trying to allow his brain to connect to his mouth.

After a short pause, he stammered, “is-is my mother there? Sister? Will he be okay? Where is he now?”.

“Sir, your mother has been notified first and she is en route from your family home. She is still a while away from arriving. She was going to notify your sister, who I understand resides close by to the hospital for her studies".

“That's correct".

“Your father arrived by ambulance a little while ago and is stable but critical. He has not regained consciousness and he has been taken straight to theatre for critical injuries. He required immediate surgery to several chest injuries and a severe head injury he sustained from the collision".

“Oh God" is all Craig could muster, sighing into the receiver and pressing his eyes tightly shut.

“If you are making your way to the hospital, you can present to our main reception and our staff will be able to direct you to the waiting area in theatres to meet with our doctors and discuss his condition".

“Of course" he said quietly, then stood up suddenly, “I’m coming now, I am a good 40 minutes away at work but I will be there as soon as I can”.

He ended the call and stood frozen behind the desk, breathing quickly and licking his dry lips. Then his brain caught up, again. He grabbed his bag, threw his blazer back on and straightened up in his crisp white shirt, and dashed from the room. Everything around him blurred out of focus as he reached his boss's office. Wish a hurried explanation and reassurance to take all the time he needed, he dashed to the elevator. He jammed the button several times, almost believing this would hasten its arrival.
He felt bile hit his throat as he rode the elevator. He couldn't bring himself to check his phone. To call his mother, text his sister. To engage in any sign of reality that this has happened. His brain couldn't comprehend it, still slow from the shock of the phone call. All he could think about was simple small steps. Make it to the car. Start the ignition. Make it to the highway. Park the car at the hospital. Walk in the door.

His hands shook as he clicked the button to unlock his black sedan. He tossed his belongings onto the cream leather passenger seat and hastened starting the car.

“Hang on, dad", he muttered, eyes brimming with tears as he switched to drive and pulled out of the parking lot.

_______________________________________

When Craig arrived at the hospital, he hurried through the automatic front doors, feeling the cold air conditioning hit him like a truck, and found the reception. Several staff stood behind protective glass at the counter. He was directed promptly to take the lift to level 1, A block and follow the signs to theatres.

Once he made it onto the floor and made a couple of small turns, he made it to a sterile smelling, brightly lit, and large open room with smooth white floors and several rows of soft padded black chairs. Another reception was situated to the back of the room, with two receptionists present. A large set of cream automatic doors was to the left, behind this were the operating theatres. There were about a dozen people seated in the room. His eyes quickly found his mother and his heart shattered.

She was hunched over in the chair closest to the automatic doors, her face red and puffy. She looked defeated, worn and absolutely heartbroken. Her eyes were fixed to the ground, tears pouring into her lap. She had her hands wrapped around herself, and was wearing a black dressing gown over a grey shirt and pants.

Craig dashed to her side wordlessly, feeling his eyes sting. His mum looked up on his fast approach and broke into a sob.
“Oh, Craig! She said, voice cracking as she flung herself into his arms.

They stayed like this for what felt like hours. Steadying their breaths, digesting the reality of the situation, registering this was not a bad dream.

Craig pulled away first, and directed his mother to sit down.

“What do we know?” he said urgently, holding his breath.

She sobbed harder and shook her head.

“He is still in theatre. The-they updated me fifteen minutes ago. It’s bad Craig. Really bad. All I know is he is still with us, he's fighting”.

Craig nodded “of course he is. He wouldn't go down without a fight mum. Where's Trish?”.

“She's outside getting some fresh air. I said I would wait here and let her know if there is more news. She should be back soon".
Again Craig nodded. He scanned the waiting room and slouched in his seat. Then he fixed his gaze at the automatic doors with anticipation.

Trish shuffled into the room sometime later. Her face was pale and eyes puffy. She reeked of cigarettes and looked exhausted. Though her hair was pristine, red and shining and straight, she wore a black jacket over a pink dress. Once she saw Craig, she let out a sad sob and wordlessly sat beside him, cuddling into him. He threw an arm around her.
Three sets of eyes now fixed on the automatic door, waiting.

After hours, the operating doors opened and a group of three doctors emerged. The man in front was an older Asian gentleman, shorter than the other two. He wore grey scrubs and a matching hat covering his head and looked sombre.

“Tucker" he said quietly.

The three of them rose from their chairs simultaneously to acknowledge the group.

“Oh Doctor, is he still with us? Please tell me he is still with us!” Laura sobbed, and Trish and Craig silently grabbed one of her arms each to support her upright.

“He's pulled through Mrs Tucker" he said “However, he has experienced extensive trauma. It was a long and complicated operation. He had severe haemorrhaging and required serious surgery to repair his chest, oesophagus and right ventricle of his heart. He had several penetrating wounds, we found several shards of glass and metal. He has required several blood transfusions to stabilise him. But what we are most worried about is the head trauma. There is significant damage and swelling to his brain and at this point in time we need to keep him in an induced coma. We need to transfer him to our Intensive Care Unit and we anticipate he will require this care for some time. Our nursing staff are transporting him there now and the ICU team are ready to receive him. You are allowed to make your way over now, and he will be monitored continuously by our ICU team”.
“Can we stay with him?” Laura asked quietly.

“It's just after 2pm now”, the doctor said, looking at the large white clock above the reception desk, “visiting hours in ICU are until 6pm, then it becomes a closed ward until 8am tomorrow. You will need to head up to level 4, D block. Follow the orange signs".
Thank you" Craig said for his mother, who was sobbing into her hands, completely overwhelmed, “Dr?”.
“Dr He" he replied, extending a small hand. Craig took it.

The three of them thanked the doctors, who turned away and headed through the automatic doors once more.
_________________________________ When they reached ICU, they got a completely different vibe to level 1. It was closed off by thick, grey walls and a glass window with a young blonde receptionist seated behind it. Several indoor plants lined the desk and bright coloured posters littered the walls behind her. Craig's stomach lurched as he imagined the condition he was about to see his father in. He shifted uncomfortably beside his mother as she gave the details to the young blonde.

“Ahh yes, Thomas Tucker, he has just been brought into room 1” the young lady replied. Craig took notice of her fresh white uniform and a name ID badge pinned to her breast pocket, which stated her name was Barbara.

“Can we go in now, or do we need to wait?” Craig asked.

“You can come through. His nurse is just getting him situated now, he only came across 20 minutes ago. Let me just unlock the door for you”.

“Thanks Barbara" Craig said, trying to force a smile.

“Please, call me Bebe", she said, furrowing her pencilled brows, “I am not 50 years old”.

Craig sensed he had touched a nerve, “Right...sorry....Bebe".

She smiled as she reached over to press a button under the desk, and the grey door to the left of the reception area clicked to unlock.

Craig had never been into an ICU. He had barely been into a hospital in general. The ICU was different to what he had seen on TV or in the movies. It was brightly lit, with a corridor lined with glass walls and doors. Everything was visible from the hallways. The moment they stepped inside, Craig took note of the giant white “1” on the glass to his left, and his eyes followed the glass to the wide-open glass door.

He was overwhelmed and his heart lurched when his eyes fell on his broken father. He was on a large bed with layers of white sheets and blankets. Machines surrounded his along the walls and bed, screens moving and beeps issuing in different tones. An EKG tracing was on the large screen to the left, beeping away. Several lines were coming out of Thomas, many leading to grey and green machines and IV poles which appeared to be administering him medication and fluids. He had large tubes running down his throat and into his nostrils. Craig assumed that these machines were ventilating Thomas, breathing for him. He looked clean, but almost every part of an exposed limb or piece of skin was covered in a bandage or plaster. It smelt like a sweet sterile antiseptic smell, strong which stung Craig’s nostrils.

The room was dimmed with several small circular lights on in the ceiling.
Three black chairs were situated against the wall facing the bed. A computer on wheels was parked on the other side of the bed, with two screens attached. A short, dark-skinned nurse in teal scrubs was tapping away at the keyboard, and watching her screen intently. She looked up when the family entered the room. Her eyes were lined heavily with black eyeliner, and lips coloured with dark magenta lipstick.

“Hello, I'm Deepa, I am the nurse looking after Thomas today” she said kindly, “You are welcome to sit down, I was told there was three of you” She gestured at the chairs, “I have just gotten assistance from the theatre team to get him comfortable and onto our monitors. All of his required medications and fluids are charted and running. I am just writing his admission note to our unit. Our doctors will come by in the next hour and review him. We have a doctor on site in ICU all the time, and our team of doctors visit the patients twice a day. There is always one registered nurse to each patient. It is one on one care here, 24 hours a day. If anything in a patient's condition deteriorates beyond what we can handle, a doctor reviews immediately. If more than one nurse is required, we have six of us in this pod, attending to six beds. I just want to reassure you that he is in good hands here".

They thanked the nurse and took seats along the wall.

Craig let out a long, exhausted sigh. He stretched out his long legs onto the smooth floor, suddenly becoming aware of how uncomfortable he felt in his stiff black work pants. He grabbed his phone and gazed at it, noticing his home screen was completely flood with missed calls and messages. Some of these were from his mother and Trisha, from as early as 9am this morning. There were a couple of messages from some colleagues and his boss, sending well wishes and words along the tone of “thinking of you" and “take all the time you need, keep us in the loop". There were several social media messages from friends, some linking him a news article.

He clicked on it. Images of his father's maroon sedan engulfed in flames. A headline stating four injured, one in critical condition in serious peak hour crash. The name Thomas Tucker, age 57 mentioned in the article.

Craig was shaking at this moment. He locked his phone , then closed his eyes to steady himself.

In all of his 23 years of life, it was perhaps a handful of times that he had felt overwhelmed with emotions. Craig was not a man who wore his heart on his sleeve. He was stoic, he was strong and silent. He was a tough man, like his dad had raised him. He looked the part too. He was always taller than his peers, wide shoulders and a strong athletic frame that drew him throughout his upbringing to sports like football. Sure, he was often irritable and angry in high school, which unfortunately got him into fights. He got picked on by his friends for being moody and brooding. But he was not one to be sad, or to cry. But today, he let himself accept it. It was a foreign feeling, but staring at his father like that, and seeing and feeling the sorrow and sadness from his mother and sister, he could not fight the internal feeling of emptiness and hopelessness that engulfed him.

He glanced around, and then couldn't look at his dad or the machines anymore. He looked to his right, outside of the clear glass pane of room 1 across the hall to room 2.

That's when he saw him.

Chapter Text

Dose Two: Loading

Craig couldn't tear his eyes away.

Across the hall, a motionless larger brunette lady was lying unconscious in a bed, facing the opposite direction to Craig's father. Beside the bed and facing towards the glass, was a male nurse. He wore navy scrubs covered in a sunflower print, with eye catching vibrant yellows shaded with oranges and pinks. He was young, Craig noticed that his skin was smooth and pale and his arms thin. He was short, maybe about 5’6. His blonde hair was wild, inches long and tousled around the top of his head, and running around his ears and neck. It was thick, lustrous and looked natural and soft. He had bright, doe like eyes (were they blue? Green? Craig couldn't tell), that were concentrating hard on his dainty, slender fingers. He was working at a table beside the bed, carefully and seamlessly using a syringe device to draw up several vials of medication. His face was screwed up in concentration, his blonde perfectly shaped eyebrows furrowed. He had a small, button nose and soft looking cheeks. His lips....Craig noticed, licking his own lips as he thought about them...were pursed, a pretty dusty pink natural colour and looked full and soft.

Craig thought he looked adorable.

He watched the man for what felt like an eternity. He watched as he finished with six vials in front of him, and inserted the contents into a large bag of fluid. He was running his delicate fingers over the IV line, checking it, pressing buttons onto the green and grey machine that appeared to be administering it. His look of focus never left his face.

Once he was done, he examined the other lines and machines, then went back to his computer on wheels, the same as what Deepa had over in room 1. He was watching the machines and typing away, likely updating his notes on the condition of his patient. His focus then never left his screen.

“Craig, hey! Earth to Craig?”.

Craig came back to reality. Hard. His sister staring at him curiously beside him.

“When are you heading off? I am getting stiff, I need a breather".

Craig checked his watch. 4:47pm.

He hadn't really thought ahead. But he lived about an hour from the hospital.

“Mom? What are you going to do? Why don't you stay at the apartment? Karen won't mind. I can take the couch”.

Laura looked completely drained. Craig was happy with Tricia's suggestion. He wouldn't like having his mom driving such a distance in this condition. Besides, any essentials they need or extra clothes can be borrowed or picked up from a local shop. Their family home was a significant drive from Denver.

“Thank you Dear, I will take you up on that" Laura said softly, her eyes watery, “But I want to wait for the doctors before we take off"

Craig looked at them both, resisting the urge to look back at the blonde nurse.

“How about we grab dinner somewhere close by after the doctors come by? We all skipped lunch. Then we can re-group here tomorrow” he suggested.

They murmured in agreement.

At 5pm, there was the sound of wheels coming down the hallway. A group of four people entered the room, one pushing a computer on wheels. The man in front was aged, he looked to be in his 50s with a white and grey beard fluffy beard, a grey dress shirt and black pants. He seemed to be the lead doctor. The other three doctors were far younger, wearing scrubs in various colours. The man pushing the computer on wheels was the tallest of the group. He had dark hair, brown eyes and seemed the most junior of the group, typing away madly as they entered to investigate.

The doctors introduced themselves, and the older gentleman lead the discussion. Laura, Craig and Tricia introduced themselves in return, and they began their investigations.
Deepa stood off to the side, watching intently.

After the older doctor checked the screens, verbalising investigations and discussed medications (much to what Craig and his family did not understand); he turned to address the family.
“As our surgical team would have explained, there has been significant trauma and risky surgery was performed to repair the chest cavity and part of the heart, called the right ventricle. We are running several antibiotics to prevent infection after such an invasion to the chest cavity. His heart is unstable, and we have to give him medications to regulate his heart rhythm. He has had several blood transfusions today to restore his blood volume. Much of the other medications we are giving are maintaining his blood pressure and managing the pain response”.
They nodded, taking it all in.

“Much of the monitoring overnight will be keeping his heart stable and monitoring for any post-surgical bleeding. The was significant haemorrhaging, which we feel we have successfully repaired, but the risk is there. We don't know more at this stage about the damage sustained to his brain, but we will re-review tomorrow and we want to perform more tests”.
When the family stayed quiet, he continued “I know this is a significant amount of information to process and today’s events have been a lot to take on. I am sincerely very sorry for what you are going through. Please ensure you all get adequate rest and take care of yourselves too. We have everything else under control here to take care of Thomas”.
This elicited a fresh wave of tears from Laura, and both children comforted her and thanked the doctors.
Over his mother's shoulder, Craig looked through the glass at the blonde again. He was holding a phone to his ear in front of his computer, and clutching a thermos of coffee in the other. His eyes were staring at the EKG for his patient and he was talking. Craig wondered what his voice sounded like. He wondered what his laugh would sound like, what it would be like hearing his name escape from his lips....

Craig blinked and brought himself out of his revere.

Tricia had already let go of her mother, and had stepped towards her father bravely.

“Can I?” she started to ask, staring at Deepa.

“Of course" she said kindly, “just be careful of any of the lines and tubes".

Tricia approached the bed gingerly. She sniffled and a fresh wave of tears hit her.

“See you tomorrow dad" she said quietly, rubbing a thumb against his hair gently to stroke it, “we love you".

They all said their goodbyes, and Craig squeezed his palm.

As he exited the room, he could not help but glance at the blonde nurse one more time. He was behind his computer again, his cute face was back to concentrating. As Craig stared, the blonde looked up momentarily and caught his gaze.

Craig felt his heart stop for a moment. Green. His eyes were green.

Then he looked away quickly and hurried after his mother and sister.
------------------

Craig was waiting outside of the ICU at 8am the following morning, alongside his mother. He was tired, but felt good to be freshly showered and to achieve some sleep. Tricia had a paper due Monday morning, and had promised she was going to be around by lunch time.

When Bebe unlocked the grey door separating them from the ICU , the first thing Craig did was glance around for the blonde. And there he was. In room 2 again, taking care of the larger, middle-aged lady. This time he was wearing black scrubs, with a cute pattern of colourful dragons across the fabric.
Their nurse had changed to somebody different. She introduced herself as Heidi. She wasn't as warm and friendly as Deepa, but she seemed okay.
Craig was clutching a take away coffee from a coffee shop around the corner from the hospital. It was a bit bitter and not as hot as he would normally like it, but it would get him through.
They weren't there very long before something went very wrong.

Erratic beeps emitted from one of the monitors and Heidi moved forward very quickly. She examined a line, pressed a few buttons then inhaled sharply. Then she hit a red button on the wall behind the bed.

Beeping went off overheard. Craig sat stunned, and he glance quickly at his mother who looked terrified and had gotten to her feet, hovering and crying out in distress.

The room filled with people. The older doctor from yesterday lead the group. There were suddenly about eight people crowded around his father. Craig understood. This was a code blue.
The blonde was to the front of the group, clearly abandoning his station in room 2 which Craig assumed was protocol.

“Dr Wheeler, blood pressure is 47/30 and dropping" the tall doctor from yesterday stated, deflating a cuff on Thomas's arm.

“Increase the noradrenaline infusion rate, 4 more micrograms per minute, Tweek, have you got that?” Dr Wheeler barked at the dragon scrubbed blonde.

“Yes Dr" Tweek replied promptly, immediately pushing buttons with full concentration.

Craig tensed and froze, his mouth agape.

Tweek.

Tweek, as in Tweek from Elementary school.

Tweek, as in Tweek, his childhood best friend.

Tweek, as in Tweek, his childhood boyfriend and first kiss.

Tweek, as in Tweek, his first gay awakening.

And Tweek, the boy who disappeared from town one day, never to be seen again.

He understood now, and pieces shifted together in his mind suddenly, as to why he was drawn to him from first sight yesterday.

The beeping overhead stopped, which brought Craig back to full attention, and a wave of guilt hit him for spacing out over Tweek in the middle of a medical emergency involving his father as the patient.

Many of the people filed out of the room immediately. Dr Wheeler, a couple of the other doctors, Heidi and Tweek remained. Tweek was examining Heidi's computer with full focus, scrolling with the mouse. The taller doctor from yesterday moved quickly over to him and stood directly behind, standing close and bending to look at the screen. Craig's eyes narrowed. Was it his imagination, or was this guy standing too close to Tweek?

“Doctor, I will need you or Dr Thorn to authorise the noradrenaline rate change" he said; and his eyes flickered to his left at the other doctor, “I can make up a new infusion right away, we only have 12 minutes left".

“I'll grab it Tweek" Heidi said, leaving the room swiftly.

“Thank you Tweek” Dr Wheeler beamed “Damien, have you got that?”

“Yes boss", the taller doctor said from behind Tweek, but Craig noticed his eyes were lingering on Tweek and not his superior.

“And Doctor?”, Tweek started, shifting slightly away from the tall doctor now known as Damien, turning the screen to face Dr Wheeler, “I wonder if you'd like to review the rate of fluid resuscitation for now, until we can get the patient for an urgent review for any possible bleeding and requirement for another transfusion I realised we bolused him just now, but his maintenance is only running at 75mL/hour?”

“Goodness, is it?” Dr Wheeler remarked, glancing at the screen, “Dr Thorn, increase the rate to 125mL/hour for now", he said, without looking at his colleague. He then smiled toothily at Tweek, “Good work Tweek, just as well you're paying attention around here".

Dr Wheeler turned and walked out of the room. Craig expected Dr Thorn would follow, but he remained standing close to Tweek.

Craig had his full attention on Tweek now, his heart felt like it was thumping erratically having him in the same room. In the chaotic atmosphere of a medical emergency, he was highly doubtful that Tweek had noticed who he was indeed treating, and that it was him, Craig, sitting near him. Although, Craig thought, in fairness, thirteen years had passed since they last had seen each other; and the surname Tucker was pretty common, not too unique. It was very likely Tweek had not made any connection in his mind.

“You did amazing" Dr Thorn breathed to Tweek, which brought Craig's attention back to the present. Dr Thorn was typing at his own computer now, and Tweek looked embarrassed, his face flushed.

“Mmph, I was just doing my job" he said quietly, rolling his eyes, “Excuse me, I need to go to the med room – need to help Heidi – more noradrenaline".

Dr Thorn watched him leave intently. Once Tweek left and took a sharp turn left up the corridor, Dr Thorn pushed his own computer along with him.

Craig realised he had been neglecting his mother through this whole incident, he turned to her and embraced her sitting down.
Once they broke apart, Laura was staring straight ahead.

“Craig...they called that young nurse Tweek. Do you – do you think it is the same boy you were friendly with when you were kids? There can't be many kids running around named Tweek, can there? It has to be him!” she exclaimed, looking at him, her mouth twitching.

“I think it's him mom" he said. He flashed her a small smile, “I noticed too".

She returned his smile, if only for a moment. “You should say hello to him...I mean, when the time is right".

“I will mom" he said quietly.

_____________________

It was 12pm on the dot when Tricia turned up, clutching a bag of take away to feed the three of them. It turned out to be sushi, and Craig was forever grateful. Craig and Laura had decided not to phone or text her about the code blue, figuring now that Thomas had passed through that danger, that there was no need to alarm or upset her.

Much to Craig's disappointment, Heidi had returned to room 1 alone with the noradrenaline hours ago, and had set up a new infusion and started a new bag of fluids. She was monitoring very closely, constantly checking observations, typing into notes and changing bags or vials attached to Thomas. Tweek had come to the door about 10am, advising Heidi quickly he was ducking out for coffee. He had popped to the door again at 11am handing over a large silver bag to Heidi, which was later revealed to be enteral nutrition that was being administered to Thomas through a nasogastric tube.

Tricia had been horrified and took some calming down once Craig and Laura filled her in about the code blue. She was distraught. They also told her the doctors returned an hour later, and intended to take Thomas for urgent scans to investigate for any bleeding as soon as possible. They also wanted to run some scans on his head. She eventually simmered down, drying her eyes and insisting she is informed of any important information going forward.

Craig had kept stealing glances though the glass into room 2. He kept fantasising about the moment when Tweek would realise that it was him sitting there, and his family. Would he recognise his father's name on the patient board or a handover sheet and make the connection? Would he remember them, or more importantly; would he remember Craig? Should he go and march into room 2 right now, and let him know he is here?

Laura had excused herself to go to the bathroom.

“So!” Tricia said, smirking and turning to her brother.

“So what" Craig retorted, feeling annoyed.

“How's it going with your new guy?” she questioned, smiling wider and looking mischievous.

“Oh...you mean Thomas?”.

“Yes, I mean Thomas", Tricia rolled her eyes, “How long has it been now?”.

“A month" Craig replied, not looking at her, then added, “not that it's any of your business".

“Really only a month? Gosh, it seems like longer".

“I've known him longer" Craig explained, “we just...didn't hit it off in that way until much later".

“Ahhh", she sighed out, then laughed softly, elbowing him, “You still haven't answered the question".

It was now Craig's turn to roll his eyes.

“Look...it's going okay? As I said, it's only been a month".

“Not head over heels? Not gushing about how great he is?” she frowned, genuinely looking concerned, “alright, what’s wrong with him?!”.

“Nothing, okay?” Craig snapped defensively, “It just isn't serious! We are just sort of...fine tuning it alright?”. He let his eyes drift through the glass again, watching Tweek, who appeared to be exchanging an IV bag for his patient with great care and concentration.

Tricia snorted.

“Fine tuning it huh", she said, “You don't really sound that into him. A few weeks ago you sounded bloody ecstatic!”.

Craig didn’t answer. He was still watching Tweek.

“He's really cute" Tricia remarked.

“I....haven't shown you a photo of Thomas?”, Craig said, eyes snapping back to her, utterly confused.

“I meant blondie over the way", she said cheekily, wiggling her eyebrows and following his line of sight, “you know, the one you keep staring at?”.

Craig felt himself blush, words failed him.

“Blonde, petite, pretty" she sighed, “I feel like that's your type. Ever since you were a kid even and you had that childhood boyfriend of yours...Twink?”, she said thoughtfully, gazing at the ceiling and tapping her chin in mock concentration.

“Tweek", he sighed out, correcting her. He stared straight ahead to his father, “And Tricia, you'll be shocked to learn that is indeed Tweek over there. Mum and I found out this morning".
Tricia squealed and looked like Christmas had come early. Craig knew that look, and he groaned.

“Fuck off!” She said, slapping his shoulder, “No way! What did he say when he saw you?”.

“Nothing" Craig responded softly, “He hasn't noticed it's our family yet...or that it's me yet",

“Whoa", she said, amazed. Her eyes were sparkling, “This is...that is...wow! Craig! You have to talk to him!”.

“Do I though? Our father is in a COMA Tricia", Craig reminded her, “Tweek was busy in here this morning in a code blue, he is busy with his own patient. I am sure he wants to be professional".

“Well" Tricia replied, a bite of sass in her tone, “you would be an IDIOT to let this opportunity pass you by big bro".

Craig knew that Tricia was right. But what even does this mean? From where Craig stands, it likely means next to nothing that Tweek knew him and his family thirteen years ago. As kids. And they were now both 23 and full-grown adults. And Thomas? Sure. They were dating. Up until two days ago, Craig felt content with that. He wouldn't have asked Thomas out if he didn't feel that they had potential. They had spent months getting to know each other, being neighbours in their apartment building, sharing a laundromat, having friendly conversations in the hallway which then turning into the occasional coffee at each other's places or dinner watching TV. He was a nice, good-looking guy sure, as Tricia had correctly pinned him for, he was a sucker for blondes who were more petite and shorter than him. Is that because of Tweek?

And he remembered yesterday. The way he felt his pulse quicken and breath escape him as the blonde captivated him at first sight. How he raked his eyes over every feature through the glass, studied him. Not even realising that was Tweek at that point. He had not felt that way before, as a grown man being attracted to guys. He never had those feelings looking at Thomas, or holding Thomas's hand, or kissing him. This. Was. Different. He told himself.

His mother returned and seemed to get the impression she had interrupted an interesting conversation, but before she could open her mouth, two nursing staff appeared to take Thomas for scans. The family stayed close and silent as Thomas was taken carefully away. Craig watched him go, then bent his head down into his hands, rubbing them though his hair. He knew his father was far from out of the woods, and he was going to spend time here every day to be there for his family, whether that had the added bonus of figuring himself out or not.

Chapter Text

Dose Three: Administration

If Craig had to describe the shared feeling around the room Sunday morning, the word he would choose is exhaustion. The conversation was lazy, with long pauses, yawns, stretched out silence and jumbled up sentences. Craig, Laura and Tricia now sat silently at a small circular wooden table in Tricia's apartment sharing breakfast before they planned to head to the hospital.

Craig's eyes felt scratchy and heavy, almost like he need adhesive tape to hold them open. He clasped his steaming coffee mug with two hands, his long fingers overlapping, and he hunched forward over the table to feel the steam waft into his face. It was mildly comforting.

Laura's drained the last of her tea, placing the large mug down gently and cleared her throat.

“So I've been thinking we need to brainstorm how we can maybe make this week easier for us logistically" she said.

Craig looked up, and stared and her, deadpanned. He had been thinking about it too. His first move was to contact his boss and take the week off. He had no capacity to start thinking about work, and his primary focus was being there for his family.

“Mom...let me. I know one thing that can make it easier" Tricia said, with an air of importance.

“Oh?” Laura enquired.

“Look....it'll be tight, but I really think you should both stay here. I spoke to Karen last night. We can make it work, Karen has even offered to go stay with her brother Kevin for the week. She wants to help anyway she can, she considers us all her family. That would free one bedroom up. Then I can still use the couch".

Craig waved a hand dismissively, “Tricia, you know I can't".

“If it's about the damn guinea pigs...”Tricia started, before Craig cut her off.

“They can't feed themselves idiot!”

“Uhh, I know dumb ass, never said they could!”

“Enough!” Laura snapped. The siblings fell silent immediately.

Tricia then sighed impatiently, “I try to be nice...Craig, bring them here. Go get them, and bring them here. Problem solved".

“Are you sure?” Craig said softly, surprised by the kind offer. It would sure solve a big problem. Craig lived alone, and while leaving his apartment vacant for a week or so would not bother him logistically in any other way, his two guinea pigs Stripe and Spot have no one else and have needs.

“Positive" Tricia smirked, “So you'll stay? Go home and take the time to pack some bags of fresh clothes and toiletries, grab the pigs and get situated. I will let Karen know".

Craig smiled, “It's a great plan. I really appreciate it Trish..and...please thank Karen from us".

“Don't mention it" she said, beaming. Then she turned to Laura “Mom?”.

Laura was watching them both intently with her face screwed up. Then, she burst into tears.

“Oh mom" Tricia exclaimed. At the same time, Craig pulled his chair back with a loud scraping sound and went around to put an arm around his mother.

“I-it's just so...so nice to see you both working things out, yo-you're both, oh God, I just love you both so much!, she put her head into her hands and sobbed harder.

It took a while to console Laura. Once she had settled down, she excused herself to go and get ready for the hospital visit.

“Psst, hey Craig", Tricia whispered, once Laura was out of sight.

“Yeah?”.

“Look...I really don't think mom is up to driving or doing much for a while, I think she's best to sit at the hospital with dad today", she started, dragging him over to the couch to sit down, “So I’m thinking...I really want to make the drive back to the family home today. I can pack up some bags for her, she's borrowed some of my loose fitting clothes but it can't be comfortable for her. I can bring her what she needs and some of dad's things too, to put in the room. You know. Just things to make the room less sterile. I can pack some things to keep mom busy...like some books, or her knitting”.

Craig honestly hadn't thought of that, and nodded in agreement. He was shocked by her thoughtfulness, but he felt warmed by what she said. The family home and Craig’s were in opposite directions to the Tricia's, so it made sense they both needed to work separately.

“Great!”, Tricia seemed determined, and shot up from the sofa suddenly, “Let's do it!”.

Tricia very quickly filled Laura in on the proposal, which resulted in another wave of tears. Craig was proud of how much initiative Tricia was showing to keep them moving forward, how strong she was being to call the shots and make things happen. She's always been bossy and strong willed, and this usually got on Craig's nerves. It was heart warming to see her skills being applied in such a selfless and loving way.

Tricia had Laura out the door by 9am, with the plan to drop her off at the hospital before Tricia makes her trip. This left Craig to motivate himself to walk across the car park and begin his own journey home. Feeling slightly more revived from his coffee, he set off.

‐---‐-------------------

Craig was moving around his room, closet open and clothes thrown haphazardly into his suitcase. He had freshly showered, and thrown on a comfortable red flannelette shirt over jeans. His guinea pig cage sat on the bed, and their belongings in a carry bag beside it, packed much neater than the rest of his belongings.

His phone buzzed in his pocket. This was a familiar sensation of the past few days. But Craig had chosen to ignore it during the day. Trying to process everything that was going on around him, he felt he had no additional capacity to read and respond to messages, address social media alerts and see what's happening on the news. No. It was too much. Craig wasn't much a social creature at the best of times.

But now he chose to glance at his home screen, and he felt really bad. Guilt rose up and licked his insides as he saw Thomas's name on the screen for what he felt like was the hundredth time since Friday morning.

He had ignored the calls. He hadn't returned any of them. He had responded to a couple of texts, just short responses to let Thomas know he was still alive. You know, the bare minimum.

He groaned, and took a seat on the bed. He felt like he was being a dick, so he pushed the call button hesitantly. God knows he didn't feel like talking, but he felt he owed Thomas some attention.

“Craig! Oh – shit, I mean, oh, how are you?”, Thomas said.

“Okay", he said. Then realising this sounded really vague, he pushed on, adding “It's been hard. It's tiring, but I feel like it's right to be there for my dad".

“Of course", Thomas sighed, sounding sad, “How's your dad?”.

Craig didn't know where to begin, but he gave him a short summary of his dad's condition.

“So yeah, I am going to contact my boss soon and take the week. It-I mean, dad could be in ICU for a while, there's still a lot we don't know", Craig said.

“Oh Craig – shit – I am so sorry", Thomas said quietly, “If there's anything I can do".

“Yeah, thanks", Craig said abruptly. He felt another wave of fatigue hit him.

“Do...do they know – fuck – what happened, I mean, the accident?”.

“No", Craig answered, “Mom got a call Friday afternoon, the police are investigating of course....and dad is in no condition to talk. But there was a few witnesses. We expect to hear more once they've pieced it together. I don't really feel it's important at the moment, we are just focusing on dad's condition. Waiting hour by hour, for any changes. Hopefully good changes".

“Of course". It sounded like Thomas didn't know what to say. It was awkward, strained. The conversation seemed to come to a halt.

“Look, I better go...Craig trailed off, “I'll be staying with my sister for the week, close to the hospital. I'll update you when I can".

“Of course", Thomas replied. He sounded hopeful, then said, “I miss you....”.

Craig smiled slightly, “Miss you too".

They said their goodbyes. Craig ended the call and tossed the phone on the bed, not giving it another glance.

----------------------------------

Tweek felt content.

He was proud of himself and what he had achieved. It had only been a year since he had graduated college with the highest academic achievement of his class. Though, this felt like a lifetime ago already. He felt he had achieved so much in a short space of time. He loved his job at Denver Hospital. He had made strong connections during his studies and practical placements and ticked all the boxes to be taken on immediately after graduation to train in their Intensive Care Unit. Within months, he was offered training in theatres, where he covers the rare shift. Usually when he is requested over there, his boss says no, refusing to release him to them. Sure, he was offered a position in theatres too, but ICU felt like his home. He was highly regarded. He quickly earned the respect of many of his peers. They admired him, often complimenting that he was quick, accurate, thorough and very observant. He was kind and compassionate, and got along well with others. And it felt good to be good at something. To work hard, to make a difference.

It was almost 9pm on Sunday night, and Tweek was walking home. It was dark, but the street lights illuminated him and he stood out in a pair of powder blue coloured theatre scrubs and clean white sneakers, a piece of matching fabric tied in his hair like a headband.

He was grateful for the three-bedroom apartment he shared with his friends, Stan and Kyle, being so close to work. It was only a fifteen-minute walk. But tonight, he was not walking home from work.

Tweek trudged up the carpeted stairs to the third floor, to apartment 3H. He stood outside their apartment door for a moment, fishing in his messenger bag for his keys. He swung the door open, called “I’m home! “and dropped his keys in the ceramic dish by the door.

“Oh hey dude!” Stan said.

To Tweek’s right, in their lounge room, sat Stan and Kyle. The both sat cross legged on the plush cream carpet , either side of the glass coffee table. They were both pretty well dressed, Stan in a light blue button up and black jeans with Converse, his short hair gelled back. Kyle was in a white shirt with an unbuttoned black shirt and denim jeans with black Vans. There were several beer bottles littered on the coffee table and floor, and a large open bag of crisps beside the table, the open side facing Stan. Between them, they were building a house of cards. Kyle had his tongue out in concentration and was mid move.

“I thought you guys were heading out tonight?”, Tweek enquired curiously, shrugging his bag off and placing it on the sofa. He watched Kyle carefully place his card.

“Yeah man we are, we are just pre drinking" Stan explained.

“Meeting anyone out?”, Tweek asked.

“Nah, boy’s night! Wendy's working a late". Stan responded happily, flashing a cheeky grin.

“Aha...err please tell me that bag of crisps is not your dinner?” Tweek asked hopefully, eyeing the bag between them.

“Dude it kinda is” Kyle laughed, “Stan was cooking for us, but we got wrapped up in this" He gestured at the cards, “Then I said to him, dude our shit is burning! And the idiot keeps going with the cards. So it's in the bin now. He's bloody useless".

Tweek laughed and rolled his eyes and Stan retorted, “It was caramelised, and at least we had a plan B". He pointed at the crisps, then scooped up a handful and shoved them in his mouth.

“Jesus Christ" Tweek snorted. He looked over to the kitchen and sighed when he saw the sink full and a burned pan on the bench. He trudged in and started the tidy up.

“Tweek what are you even doing home? Surely they're not done at the bar”, Stan asked curiously.

“Yeah...and what’s with the get up? You didn't work today?” Kyle added.

“Oh yeah, I went. I mean, it was a big deal to Bebe that we do something social as colleagues for a change", Tweek replied, “Then she's really chummy with one of the theatre nurses Annie. So I get there, and Bebe's shoving us into scrubs for a “themed" night out. Tweek rolled his eyes once more and used quotation marks, “I looked fine in what I was wearing in the first place, I don't know why she was so insistent and made such a big deal out of it”.

“That bad huh" Stan smirked, “who was there?”.

“It wasn't bad!” Tweek spluttered, “It- it well you know!”.

“No, we don't" Kyle said, “You love your work friends, it's just surprising to see you home by 9pm!”.

“I'm tired, okay?" Tweek argued, rolling his eyes, “A-and I have work tomorrow!”.

Stan laughed and Kyle was smirking.

“Dude, so do we, but you don't see us bitching", Stan teased, poking out his tongue, “Only young once dude! You gotta live!”.

Tweek said nothing and shot him a disapproving look.

“Was Damien there?” Kyle asked directly, noticing Tweek had dodged Stan's question about who was in attendance.

Tweek sighed and emerged from the freshly cleaned kitchen and flopped onto the sofa, “Yeah”.

The two boys on the carpet exchanged meaningful looks.

“And?” Stan demanded, after Tweek did not elaborate.

Tweek started to feel annoyed at the bullshit line of questioning. In his opinion, this was all Stan's fault. He was dating Wendy, who was good friends with Heidi, one of the other nurses in his unit. As girls, they thrive on drama and gossip. Damien was a fresh Resident, and started in their unit three months ago. The way Tweek's colleagues see it, Tweek and Damien clash, and it's highly entertaining to them when they do. Damien seems to enjoy winding Tweek up, and he does a good job of it, though Tweek would never admit it. On other days, Damien is being overly attentive to Tweek, and showers him in compliments. To add further interest to his colleagues, it is well known that Tweek is gay. Heidi and some of the staff sometimes make small remarks or have conversations on whether there is sexual tension between the two. Tweek thought it was absolutely ridiculous. But because Heidi has bought into the rumours, so have Stan and Kyle, and they love trying to get updates on any social situation involving Tweek and Damien.

“And...nothing?” he said, cocking an eyebrow.

“Did you talk to him?” Stan asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

“Oh knock it off...so what if I did? I talked to lots of people. We sat together for a while and he got me a drink which was nice of him...but nothing close to what you two dipshits think".

“Ooh got you a drink!”, Kyle said excitedly, “C’mon, that's something".

“You're just seeing things that aren't there" Tweek argued.

“What did you talk about?”, Stan questioned.

“Ack! I dunno! Normal stuff I guess? Like work, food, music, hobbies...he play guitar...”Tweek stopped talking abruptly when he looked at the almost identical knowing looks on Stan and Kyle's faces.

“Yeah, no, he doesn't like you, not one bit", Kyle said sarcastically.

“Hey! What the hell man! You don't know this guy, he's just being social! I bet he isn't even into guys, then you'll both look like bloody idiots when it's unearthed he's got a wife or some shit!”, Tweek retorted defensively.

Stan's phone chimed, and he whipped it out of his pocket. Within seconds he roared with laughter, rolling onto his back. He flung his long legs out, knocking the coffee table and causing the card stack to fall.

He ignored this, too delighted, and flashed his phone Kyle, who exclaimed loudly “DUDE NO WAY!". Stan then flipped his hand around and passed his phone to Tweek in triumph. Tweek took it hesitantly and looked.

“Oh for fucks sake! He exclaimed.

In a text conversation with Wendy, there was a photo, likely sent to her by Heidi. It was a zoomed in photo of Tweek sitting on a loveseat in the bar, his mouth closed, legs crossed eyes meeting Damien’s dark brown ones. Damien was sitting rather close, holding his drink and smiling at Tweek.

“Man, he's giving you the bedroom eyes alright...he wants you bad!” Stan said gleefully. Kyle was chortling.

Tweek was pissed.

“We were literally just talking! What, someones gotta just smile at me now and they want me in bed? Fucking hell. I'm done" Tweek shot up and chucked the phone dramatically onto the other end of the sofa face down.

“Aww c’mon man, we are just teasing" Stan said, “Come do the card stack with us!.

“Fuck your card stack”, Tweek snapped, “What kind of drinking game is that anyway? Ack, have a good night!” Then Tweek stormed off down the hallway towards his room.

Stan and Kyle looked at each other and grinned.

“Drinking game?” Stan enquired.

“Heck yeah! you're on!” Kyle exclaimed, and began enthusiastically picking up the fallen cards.

‐-------------------------- 

Tweek would be lying if he said he did not find Damien attractive.

He laid on his bed moodily, now freshly showered and in pajamas. He was staring at the ceiling.

Damien was tall, handsome. He had a strong aura, he was confident and quick witted. He was obviously intelligent, they don't just accept anyone through a Resident program in critical care.

And if he was being honest with himself (and not his dickhead roommates), he craved romance and intimacy. He was 23. He had tried a few relationships, he'd even just hooked up with guys before, just craving the closeness, the touching skin on skin, the rush of hot desire and want, experiencing pleasure and the satisfaction of giving it. He loved it.

But this...this is a guy he works with. Professionally. Taking care of vulnerable, very sick or injured people. Who he is not even convinced has those feelings for Tweek. Though part of him got the occasional hint this is likely the case, he shoved the unsettling thoughts away, and continued to bury himself in his work.

And Damien just felt...different. He couldn't see a connection there, a future. Is that what Tweek was looking for now then? Damien just seemed so....toxic. For one thing, it was obvious he loved playing games, winding Tweek up, being hot and cold and leaving Tweek guessing. Tweek hated that. He didn't scream out as a guy that was chasing commitment. It felt sleazy in a way, almost like Tweek was afraid he'd give in, and once Damien got what he wanted, he'd discard him like yesterday's trash. And that could make work life messy, uncomfortable and awkward.

But really, Tweek didn't know that. He sighed.

Pushing the thoughts aside, he turned off his lamp and turned over, waiting for sleep to come over him.

Chapter Text

Dose Four: Bolus

Craig watched the rain lash against the window harshly. The sky was a stormy, depressing grey; showing no sign of letting up. Thunder rumbled like a warning in the distance. It was Monday morning. Once again, Craig was slumped in his favoured chair facing his father in room 1, up against the glass. Laura had ducked out ten minutes ago to take a call, and had not returned. The room was still and quiet.

The doctors had already visited. They had explained it was unlikely there was any further internal haemorrhaging, much to the family's relief. They had input from the cardiothoracics specialist, who had insisted on some medication changes to maintain the heart rhythm. There was discussion around balancing the risk of bleeding so close after such a big operation with the risk of clotting, given that Thomas was immobile and had been through surgery involving his heart. The doctors explained that they want to run further brain imaging tests today, and that they are still awaiting a final report on some tests conducted Friday.

Craig sniffed, smelling the fresh dampness on his own clothes from when he was caught in the downpour outside. He pulled the navy sleeves of his hoodie over his hands and clenched them, in an attempt to warm his icy fingers. He snuck another glance through the glass towards room 2. Much to his delight, Tweek was working this morning and assigned to work across the hall. He allowed his gaze to linger and the longing feeling for acknowledgment, for contact, bubbled within his stomach.

Tweek was wearing vibrant scrubs of shocking violet, adorned with cartoon black cats and stars. His hair was wilder than Craig had seen it previously, frizzy blonde curls facing in all directions and almost defying gravity. Likely a victim of the weather outside, Craig thought fondly. It suited him. His lips were pursed, occasionally Craig noticed he sucked his bottom lip in, apparently in deep thought. Despite the loud clothing, Tweek seemed subdued today. Craig noticed he worked as hard as ever, but with less vigour. He was reminded of a sunflower that was missing the golden rays. Not troubled, or distracted; but not at full attention, almost idle.

In his field of vision, Deepa stood in front of her computer, at his father's bedside.

“Hmmmm", she muttered softly to herself, which caught Craig's attention. Her dark eyes were locked to the screen, eyebrows furrowed. She was moving her lips silently as the studied the screen, like she was trying to process what she was seeing. She tugged at her long plait and brought it over her shoulder, in deep thought.

In a sudden movement, she crossed the room, placing both her hands on the door frame and leaning out into the hallway.

“Tweek? Are you busy? Can I borrow you for a moment to come and check something for me?”, she called.

Craig watched as Tweek turned, nodding and making a small noise of agreement.

Craig sucked in a breath as Tweek followed Deepa into the room, stationing himself in front of her computer. Not looking beyond or past his direct line of vision, almost like he had blinkers on, one direct purpose in that given moment.

“The order for the amiodarone seems strange, I haven't seen it like that before” Deepa said, gesturing at the screen. Tweek didn't say anything, and grabbed the mouse and started to click wordlessly.

“What the....what?”, he murmured more to himself than anything, furrowing his brows.

“It's weird right?”, Deepa commented, “It's not in the protocol, but then I looked up the product information and it says we can use higher concentrations in critical settings, so I wasn't sure if it was a special circumstance".

“No, someone's just butchered the charting", Tweek commented, letting out a small noise of frustration, “do they want to give the patient necrosis? Or cardiac arrest? Who even charted this?”. He clicked the mouse a couple of times and sighed, “Of course it was Thorn. This isn't running is it?”.

“No, no", Deepa reassured, “it's still running at the old rate”.

Tweek turned quickly away to stare at the monitors,

“Pump 3”, Deepa informed. Tweek started pressing buttons.

He turned back to the computer again, deep in thought, and his eyes blazing.

“I can't believe this", he said finally, shaking his head and looking frustrated. He frantically reached for his pocket and grabbed a black DECT phone from his pocket. He pressed a few buttons and then slammed the receiver to his ear, face contorted with frustration.

It would be different if it was a rare mistake. Tweek acknowledged that they are all human, and near miss or actual errors happen in practice. He respected all the doctors he worked with. But this was something else. He couldn't fathom the sheer lack of care taken when Damien signed this order this morning. The fact it was not the first time, and seemed to happen on occasion when Tweek was around, was really irritating him.

The annoyance reached a new level when Damien answered Tweek's call.

“Hey you, I didn't expect a call from you today", he said chipper, almost fondly, knowing the receiving number was Tweek's.

Damien was on medical team B today, and was not assigned to look after Tweek's patient.

“I'm helping Deepa, we are helping Bed 1”, he said, taking a deep breath to steady his calm, “Have you got a minute? I need you to look at something for me".

“Anything for you", Damien cooed, “What have I done?”.

Tweek ignored this and pressed on.

“We are loading this patient as per cardiothoracics. The note this morning confirms we are still going with 900mg and running an intermittent infusion. Why am I looking at an order for 1500mg to be infused continuously in such a small volume? It's also not charted on the automated amiodarone protocol order, where it's easy to avoid these mistakes and follow the guideline”.

Damien chuckled.

“Goodness, what would I do without you”, Damien sighed into the receiver, “Guess I just forgot I could do that".

Tweek felt the cracks slip. He felt the frustration boil over. Composure lost. He no longer had awareness that there were others in the room with him.

“Are you kidding me? I have shown you this before, I know I have! And your team uses the pre-set charting all the time. How did you forget?!”, he said, each syllable laced with annoyance.

“Maybe you need to show me again, I'm a slower learner", Damien retorted, “or maybe I need another coffee, if you want to join me on break".

“This is serious!“, Tweek thundered, “And I don't need to show you! Nurses don't do the charting, doctors do! Rrrr, there's literally a step-by-step reference guide on the online hospital portal", Tweek snapped.

Damien sighed. “Look....refresh the screen, it should be fixed now".

Tweek felt his eyes twitch and he clicked the mouse.

“Is it fixed?”.

“Yes, thank you", Tweek said dismissively, “And another thing, why is the potassium infusion order still running when the bloods came back this morning at 5.6? Did you even check? Gah, it's like you reviewed this patient with your eyes closed!”.

Tweek became aware of how flustered he felt, and he clutched the phone so tight his fingers were white. He flicked his eyes up to the ceiling, then closed them for a moment. A deep breath. One, two. It's not working. This is the point of no return. He couldn't believe this guy! This was the safety of a patient, a critical patient, very touch and go, and Damien is here being so careless, responding to Tweek calling out HIS mistakes with disdain. Like it didn't matter. Then to turn the conversation into a proposed coffee date, it was just out of line. Tweek was seething.

Unbeknown to Tweek, Craig sat and stared transfixed. He could feel the waves of frustration coming off Tweek. Tweek's usual smooth, pale face was flushed red, eyebrows furrowed. His mouth was agape and Craig could hear Tweek trying to steady his breathing. Trying to self-regulate. Craig didn't feel it was working. No, he KNEW it wasn't working. Before he could stop himself, before his brain could register, he felt the words escape his lips. Strong, commanding. Clear and calm.

“Tweek, calm down".

A pregnant pause. A long beat of silence. Tweek shot his head towards the direction of the voice.

Deep blue eyes met blazing forest green. It felt like an eternity. A moment preserved in time. Of significance, of realisation. Tweek's mind whirring, processing. Craig didn't dare drop his gaze.

Nothing was said. That one moment was all Tweek needed for his mind to catch up. Those eyes, like never-ending oceans that reminded him of comfort, reassurance. The crooked smile. Was it? Is it?

Tweek's head snapped to the computer again, his eyes widened. Realisation. He then looked back at Craig. He dropped the phone. It clattered on the hard floor. Deepa, who had been looking between the two men utterly bewildered, scooped it up. Tweek didn't hear her mutter into the receiver “We will call you back".

Tweek stepped around the computer slowly. His gaze did not leave Craig.

“...Craig?!!”

Chapter Text

Dose Five: Burst

“Yeah" Craig breathed. It's all he could manage at that moment. Then he gulped, “It's me".

Tweek’s mouth opened and closed several times like a goldfish. He spluttered, then made a small high-pitched noise, something that sounded like a mixture of a hissing kettle and a mouse’s squeak.

Tweek gingerly took another step forward. They were about a metre apart now. Then he spoke.

“I....Tucker. Thomas Tucker...I didn't make the connection before. Craig, I honestly didn't know! You've been here since Friday! I – I should have noticed". He was speaking quietly, in a ramble, “I am so dense! His name's been up on the patient board for days, I saw his screen, its literally right there on the wall!” He twisted his arms around his torso. His eyes were still wide with disbelief, his muscles looked tense with shock. He barely moved. Which, as Craig examined him now, and had studied him carefully the past few days, was not the Tweek he remembered.

The Tweek he remembered was the definition of anxiety. He was a constant live wire, static pulsing. Fluctuating between pulsing idly below the surface and cracking electricity. Always trembling, and looking over his shoulder. Holding his breath and waiting for the next unpredictable variable to trigger him. Waiting like a pulsing grenade.

Then there was Craig, who was in his orbit constantly. Running interference. Detonating ticking bombs. The polar opposite. Unbothered. Nonchalant. A voice of reason. A sounding board when Tweek would go on one of his spirals. And Craig would sit there, listening and providing small comforts, like holding his hand or rubbing his shoulder. Until Tweek would fall silent, and his muscles would relax. Then Craig remembers he would always smile when this happened. Feeling victorious, successful. The storm over.

Craig took a moment to appreciate the Tweek who stood so close now. Different to other times stealing glances from afar through glass. Tweek's lashes were long and pale. Small freckles dusted his cheeks, only visible when standing close. He didn't remember them from years ago. His hair was definitely natural, Craig could see that now. Golden tones mixed with true blonde, a colour you could obtain from a bottle. It looked soft, fluffy. He was slender. Not malnourished, but Craig could tell he had a slender waist, small curves where his hips began. The scrubs hugged his frame nicely. The cartoon cats all had different eye colours, ranging between blues, greens and even pink. A red lanyard hung around Tweek's neck, adorned with pins and badges. There were barely any hairs on his arms, only a small amount of white blonde hairs. His hands and feet seemed small, slender and delicate. He was gorgeous.

Shaking himself back to the present, he flashed a small smile, “It's okay....I mean, I didn't say anything before now. I..just couldn't find the right moment".

“You noticed me before now?! Urgh Craig! we are in the ICU, there's probably never a right moment", Tweek laughed softly, returning the smile.

“Right" he said awkwardly.

There was a small shuffling noise as Laura re-entered the room. She stopped dead when she saw Tweek and Craig interacting. Then she smiled.

“Tweek?”, she said tentatively. When he nodded, she approached quickly, and embraced him.

Tweek stood still, then slowly put each hand at the back of her shoulders awkwardly.

“You remember me?”, he asked her in disbelief.

“Of course!” Laura said happily, gazing off to the side like she was recalling fond memories, “The number of times you were at our place as a child! Always over after school, staying for dinner sometimes. You loved my spaghetti and meatballs, I remember that since the rest of my family never appreciated it".

“It was too spicy”, Craig interjected.

“It was good, I remember it", Tweek defended, his voice a little raspy. Just as Craig remembered.

“I...Mrs Tucker...”.

“Laura", she smiled softly, caressing Tweek's cheek, “Call me Laura".

“I...Laura, I am sorry to hear about what you've all been through. If I had made the connection earlier, if I knew, or realised...I would have offered more support".

“It's okay sweetheart", Laura reassured, “You have your own patient to take care of, you're very dedicated to your work, I can tell".

“Oh Jesus!”, Tweek exclaimed suddenly, “I need to get back!”.

“Tweek it's okay, I ducked my head in a few minutes ago" Deepa piped up. She was standing behind Laura, near the door, “the furosemide infusion is due to change soon, but everything else is okay".

“Oh thank God. Thanks Deepa", Tweek breathed, “I have the vials in there already...I'll go now". Tweek took a couple of paces back, then stopped, “Uhh...C-Craig? If you want...I mean...only if you want to – you can come in with me if you like? Meredith doesn't get any visitors".

Craig assumed Meredith was Tweek's patient. He looked at his mom, who smiled at him. Then he looked at Tweek and nodded.

He followed him across the hallway into room 2. It was darker than his father's room. Tweek had low lighting on. There were more machines and monitors in here. There were two chairs, one situated behind Tweek's computer. He had adjusted it to seating height. There was a bench off to the side, where various lots of equipment was laid out neatly. Sealed syringes, tubing, rubber attachments, needles. Boxes of medication and stray vials. There was a cardboard box underneath it, which Craig saw contained large bags that look like contained fluids. Just like the ones hanging off the IV pole.

“You can sit down, get comfortable", Tweek reassured. He headed over to the sink, and started to wash his hands.

“Are you always assigned to the same patient?” Craig asked. The question had been on his mind. Wondering why fate had not yet assigned Tweek to be his father’s nurse.

“Oh, no we aren't", Tweek answered, carefully working the lather around his fingernails and up his arms, like it was a comforting ritual. Thorough, methodical, “Our manager usually assigns us to the same area, this is Pod 1, but we could be assigned to any patient. Sometimes it's skill mix – like, a more experienced nurse may get a more complex patient. But not usually, I like to think we are all really well trained before we are one-on-one with a patient in here".

“And this patient doesn't get visitors?”. Craig looked at the unconscious lady, frowning.

“Uhh, no", Tweek said sadly, then his voice dropped to a whisper, which made his raspy voice more apparent. It was cute, “She's been here...over a month. Her family live in New Orleans. We saw them a bit in the first week, then the visits stopped entirely. I can't say much about her condition...you know, patient confidentiality. And you know, I am a big believer that patients can hear us. I mean, like this".

Craig nodded, not knowing what to say. Tweek had dried his hands on paper towel now and gloved up. He began putting together a syringe, not lifting his gaze as he continued to talk to Craig, “Meredith knows I’m here, we get along well. I talk to her, she listens. Sometimes I sing to her, she doesn't object. It works. She needs a lot, she's definitely on the most complex regime in the units. Always need to change a pump or bag or adjust a rate".

“Maybe that's why you get assigned to her often, you're obviously very good at your job", Craig observed out loud.

Tweek was working with a large bag of saline now, and pushing the medication from the syringe into it. His cheeks dusted pink at the compliment.

“Ack, thanks man", he said shyly, “Hey...once I am done changing this over, I just have to do her obs and then it's my coffee break. Do you want to join me?”.

“I'd like that", Craig smiled.

“You know, I saw the brown paper cup in your dad's room from the hospital cafeteria", Tweek smirked and looked at Craig, “That's not where you've been getting your coffee is it?!”.

“Well yeah...where else do I go?”, Craig said defensively.

“Urgh, amateur", he laughed, “everyone knows the best coffee is over the road at Po's. It's okay, we'll go, I'll show you".

“I take it you're still a great coffee enthusiast?”, Craig asked, watching Tweek now change over the bag he just prepared with smooth and precise movements.

“Not as much as I used to", Tweek admitted, “That level of coffee consumption was not healthy. I drink other hot beverages too. I like herbal teas".

“I do like chamomile", Craig commented.

He sat and watched silently until Tweek was finished. Once Tweek was done fiddling and performing his checks, he informed Deepa that he was stepping out for coffee, then gestured for Craig to follow him.

They walked wordlessly to the lifts, Standing close, not touching, Aware of each other's presence.

“I like the scrubs you wear", Craig blurted out as they boarded the lift.

Tweek beamed, “Thanks! You know, I make them myself".

“You sew?”.

“Yeah" Tweek said, “It's just something I got into for fun you know? Guess I figured I'm good with needles in the workplace, I can extend my skill set".

Craig laughed, “Well, they're very unique. Eye-catching".

“Thanks. I often get comments on them. It keeps it fun. I haven't made any for anyone else, just me. It'd be too much pressure otherwise”.

Craig smiled fondly. Too much pressure. That phrase took him back. The number of times he heard Tweek loudly outburst and say that phrase. Today it was barely said differently to anything else Tweek said. Like a normal piece of conversation. No infliction behind it, just casually used to describe something that he would deem overwhelming.

They crossed the road. The rain had stopped now, they moved to avoid puddles as they made it to the other side.

A strong, fresh coffee smell hit Craig's nostrils as they reached their destination, a small cosy coffee shop on the corner. On an otherwise sunny day, Craig could imagine the inside would be bright through the large windows, the many indoor plants happier in the sun’s rays. But it was nice and warm inside, a large line extended outside for take away orders.

“I can promise you a good coffee at this place. They do it properly – I can tell they store their beans right and use the right filters".

“Alright, coffee nerd", Craig laughed.

“Urgh, shut up!”.

They ordered their drinks, Tweek opting for a vanilla latte (“It's my usual, I can't believe I used to just drink it black" he had said), and Craig ordering a large mocha.

“Do you live close by?”, Craig asked curiously.

“Yup! Really close. It only takes about 15 minutes, 10 if I fast walk".

Craig snorted and looked at Tweek's short legs.

“Yeah okay, and you could probably do it in 5” Tweek remarked, rolling his eyes at Craig.

“I said nothing", Craig smirked.

“OH!” Tweek said suddenly, his eyes widening. He let out a laugh and looked at Craig, “My roommates! Guess who I room with?!”.

“Err, do I know them?”, Craig replied, confused. Their drinks were called and Craig stepped forward through the crowd of others waiting, and paid before Tweek could even grab his wallet.

“Craig, you shouldn't have" Tweek complained, but accepted his drink with a soft thanks and a warm smile.

“Don't mention it. Anyway – your roommates?”.

“Oh my God, you're going to be so surprised", Tweek said, as they exited the shop, “Remember Stan and Kyle?”.

“Those guys?!” Craig said incredulously, “No – no way!”.

“Yeah way" Tweek laughed, “We reunited in college. They lived in the same block of dorms as me in final year. They never mentioned you? But I know they stayed in town until college. Anyway – when we graduated, we all ended up getting jobs here. We figured better the devil you know, and more of us meant a nicer place. So yeah, that brings us to today".

“They never mentioned me because they know that I fucking hate those guys", Craig said hollowly.

"Still?!", Tweek asked, surprised. 

"Dude, do you think it got any better in high school? Hell no".  

“Mmph, I get it. They've grown up a bit, but they're stiil a handful", Tweek laughed.

“A handful?! that's a bloody understatement. I'm surprised they haven't blown anything up yet, or burned the apartment down", Craig scoffed.

“Well.... they burned their dinner last night and substituted it for a pack of crisps if that gives you the general gist of what I have to deal with".

Craig snorted, “Of course they did".

They made it back to the hospital, sipping their drinks in the foyer and standing close to the lifts. Not quite ready to go back yet. They huddled close, still not touching, but Craig was very aware that they were in each other's space. He could smell Tweek. He smelt like vanilla, subtle but sweet. He was positive it wasn’t from his coffee, maybe his shampoo, he wondered.

Tweek moved forward and pressed the button for the lift, deciding for them that it was time to go back. As they got in alone, Tweek locked eyes with Craig and smiled sweetly. Craig felt like his heart stopped.

“I still can't believe it's you", Tweek breathed, not dropping his eye contact, “After all these years I just can’t believe it".

Craig smiled. His eyes felt watery, he felt overcome with emotion all of a sudden. Tweek's eyes, the sentiment. That it meant something to Tweek too. It felt too much. Too real.

“Why did you go?”, he croaked. He didn't know how else to ask. He didn't know if this was the right moment to ask difficult questions. To voice the unanswered question of thirteen years and counting.

Tweek's smile disappeared. There was a heavy pause, and he looked at the wall of the lift.

“I promise I will tell you", he said cryptically, in a small voice, “I really do promise. Just not today – please Craig? It's not the right time. I really need to explain myself".

Craig nodded. He understood. At the very least, it felt good to ask the question. To know the answer was pending. That it would come. And he hoped that it would make sense, that he would understand.

As they approached the entrance to ICU, Tweek and Bebe explained brief greetings as Tweek used his ID card to swipe them back into the ward.

“Well...I better get back", Tweek sighed, gesturing to room 2 “Listen, I-if you want, I mean, if you-you're free", he stammered, then pressed on, “I'm off tomorrow. We could catch up for real? Like I mean, outside of here – of work?”.

Craig smiled widely, “I'd love to".

Tweek beamed. "Let me give you my number, hang on"...

He looked over to Room 2, thinking for a moment. Craig passed Tweek his phone.

“O-Oh yeah sure, this is easier", he said and punched his number in for Craig. He must have been thinking of a pen and paper.

“Talk soon", Craig said.

They exchanged smiles again, and Tweek slipped into Room 2, while Craig headed the other way.

Unknown to both of them, Damien stood up the hall, watching the interaction with great interest.

Chapter Text

Dose Six: Overdue

Tweek punched out at 4pm, after afternoon handover.

He felt he left things in a good place with Craig after their coffee break. He noticed that through the glass in Room 1, another person had joined the family to visit.

His heart swelled when he saw a girl, no older than 18, sitting in between Laura and Craig, with fair skin and long, straight red hair. He was prepared to bet this was Tricia, Craig's younger sister.

He smiled fondly. Not wanting to interrupt the family, he kept walking to the break room to retrieve his bag from his locker.

The break room was empty. He reached the end of the row to his locker, number 46. He fiddled with the key on his lanyard and flung it open.

Then he heard the break room door shut. He jumped slightly.

Hesitantly, he leant back to extend his view past his open locker door, and his heart sunk.

It was Damien. Standing tall against the close door, in crisp navy scrubs and bright white sneakers. Smiling almost knowingly, staring at Tweek. He kicked the toe of his right shoe into the carpet and looked down, and rubbed his right hand on his left elbow.

“I just wanted to apologise for this morning", he said finally, still not looking at Tweek.

Tweek closed his locker and crossed his arms defensively. He felt uncomfortable. He certainly was not in the mood for this. He just wanted to get home and forget about their earlier run in.

“Did you find the quick reference guide?”, Tweek asked. What did Damien want him to say? Tweek thought. It's okay Damien, no worries, you could have severely harmed a patient if the nurse caring for them didn't question your sloppy orders, no biggie.

“Yeah, I'm across it. I guess...I just figured charting it from scratch was just as good...obviously not. I really stressed you out, I was careless and I’m sorry".

Tweek remained silent, and kept him arms crossed.

“You know, you never called me back" Damien added, now looking up to look at Tweek.

“Well...it isn't my patient. I assumed Deepa had it covered. She's a good nurse too".

“She is...and she did", Damien sighed. He moved an inch closer, daring, “Just not as good as you".

Tweek couldn't reply. A small noise escaped his throat. Almost inaudible.

There was an uncomfortable silence as Damien glared at him. Tweek returned his gaze.

“I saw that you found someone else to enjoy a coffee break with" Damien said quietly.

Well, fuck. Tweek thought.

“Wh..what do you mean?”, Tweek said, playing dumb. Even if Damien did see him with Craig, no crime has been committed, and quite frankly, Tweek thought, it was none of his business.

“Correct me if I'm wrong" Damien said, moving closer to Tweek, so they were about a foot apart, forcing Tweek to look up to meet his eyes, “But I am certain I saw you with pretty boy from Room 1 holding matching coffee cups, and you putting your number into his phone".

Tweek’s heart sunk. God dammit.

“Look" Tweek said softly, “It's a long story, okay? I used to know him...from when we were kids. We just didn't recognise each other until today”.

Damien smirked and laughed, shaking his head, “Is that right?”.

“Yes!”, Tweek exclaimed, “Look...i'll see you Wednesday, I'm off tomorrow".

He tried to move past Damien, however he was stopped when Damien placed a hand softly on his shoulder.

“So he isn’t...you're not...”.

“Huh?” Tweek said, cocking an eyebrow. Then he caught on, “Oh! No – no!".

Damien relaxed, and seemed happier.

“I knew their whole family man", Tweek said, avoiding Damien's gaze, and trying to ignore his lingering touch, “For years, in Elementary. Then I moved away. We didn't stay in touch. What you saw was me trying to keep this professional...I mean, keep my social dealings outside of the workplace. I will speak to the manager Wednesday, if it is a conflict of interest, they can decide to intentionally not roster me to their care".

Damien nodded. “I guess...yeah, that's reasonable, that makes sense". He started to rub small circles on Tweek's shoulder, which made him tense and back away slightly, breaking the contact.

“Are we good?”, Tweek asked.

Damien hesitated, then smiled. “Sure", he said, “Enjoy your day off?”.

“Always", Tweek responded, then moved quickly to the door to escape. He moved as quickly as possible down the hallway, positive that any witnesses would have just seen a blur of colour with his frantic and quick movements to make it to the hospital exit.

_______________________________________

Tweek shut the door loudly to the apartment, and leaned against the back of the door, closing his eyes and groaning. He rubbed his temples and allowed himself to slide onto the floor, legs sprawled and head resting back.

He sniffed the air. It smelt like....beer. Stan must be home.

“Jesus Tweek, get off the floor", came Stan's voice.

He opened his eyes hesitantly. Stan offered an arm and helped Tweek up.

“Umm...did a patient...expire again?”, Stan asked hesitantly.

“Oh no, nothing like that", Tweek sighed, “Where's Kyle?”.

Stan shrugged, “Dunno, I assume the law firm are keeping him late again".

“Ahh", Tweek responded. He threw his bag on the sofa and sat on the opposite end, elevating his legs.

Stan picked up an open beer from the coffee table and sat on one of the recliners, popping the foot rest up and placing his socked feet out.

“So what's eating you dude?”.

Tweek looked at Stan, assessing how much he needed to tell him. It would be a chain reaction, Kyle would find out anything he says to Stan, and no doubt Stan would gossip to Wendy, who would tell Heidi. But that was likely to happen anyway...if Damien opened his mouth to some of the nurses on shift. At the end of the day, even though Stan and Kyle constantly stirred him and took some looking after, he liked them. They had stuck by him, the living arrangement worked, and they had a bond. They meant well, and they cared for Tweek.

“Do you remember Craig Tucker?”, Tweek asked the loaded question, and almost winced waiting for the response.

Stan's eye's bulged as he glanced at Tweek. He said nothing for a moment, then took a swig of beer, “I do".

Tweek looked at him. Stan seemed to be strained, holding back.

“Well", Tweek continued, stretching out on the couch, “Umm..his dad is a patient on my ward. I ran into him today".

Stan's mouth hung open.

At that moment, the door clicked, and opened. Kyle walked in looking ragged, his red tie crooked and white shirt untucked from his dress pants. He looked at Tweek and Stan, “Hey dudes".

When both Tweek and Stan only smiled in reply, Kyle dropped his briefcase and sat on the last vacant recliner, “What have I interrupted?”.

Stan took another swig, and gave Kyle a meaningful look.

“Dude....we are discussing the taboo topic".

Kyle's eyes opened in shock. He pulled his tie down to loosen it.

“Craig Tucker" he breathed out.

“Wait...what do you mean by “taboo topic" “, Tweek exclaimed, using his fingers to quote.

Again, the two boys exchanged meaningful looks.

"Okay dude, don't be mad. And that part I can't stress enough", Stan began. Another swig of beer, “Look...”.

Kyle interjected, “Stan, I’ll do it".

Stan fell silent.

Kyle turned to Tweek, running his hand through his wavy red hair, looking off to the side to gather his thoughts. Then his hazel eyes met Tweek's, and he spoke.

“Dude, you just left suddenly", Kyle started, “And we know why....now. But I am not sure Craig did, or even does now. He was a mess when you left. And....of course you've explained it to us. But I remember months after you left, he was still trying to find traces of you online, write you letters...whatever. When he got nothing back, I think it broke him. Then...I don't know, growing up he was always stand offish. You kinda didn't approach Craig Tucker unless you needed to. He stuck to Clyde and Tolkien right until the end of high school. Sorry, I'm on a tangent", he apologised.

Stan raised a hand to silence Kyle, so Tweek snapped his eyes to him instead, staying silent and holding his breath.

“I'll take it from here", Stan said, “Tweek...there was this time in middle school where we were in chemistry. I don't know what we were doing, I never paid attention. Anyway, someone in the class freaked out. And do you remember Cartman? He made some sort of snide remark about you. He was trying to say this kid who wigged out reminded him of you, when you were around. Anyway, Craig LOST IT. He punched Cartman, he stormed out and he got suspended. I just remember Tolkien and Clyde talking to us after. Saying we can't talk about you again. They started to call it “the taboo topic". Then none of us could bring you up again. So none of us did – except Cartman, who I think met Craig's fist again in senior year. I don't remember what that was about".

“I think it was to do with Craig not taking anyone to prom, and Cartman making a remark about him holding out for Tweek", Kyle said.

“Oh".

“I don't understand", Tweek said quietly, twisting his hands in his lap, “What has this got to do with me running into him now?”.

“What!! You saw him?!”, Kyle shouted out.

“Well yeah...that's what Stan and I were talking about. I saw him today. His dad was involved in that serious car accident on the 401 on Friday. We had coffee together today", Tweek explained.

Kyle's mouth was hung open.

“I'm sorry Tweek", Stan said sadly. He seemed sincere, “When we found you again in college, we knew Craig had gone interstate, chasing his dream to major in astrophysics. We felt it was best to bury the past. I mean, you were kids. You were so...different to what we remembered. Happy, settled and chasing your dream. We decided to keep it taboo".

Tweek said nothing, then he smiled.

“You're right...you're absolutely right", he said finally “We were kids. I get it”.

The three of them stayed silent for a few minutes.

“So...how is he? What happens now?”, Stan asked. He drained the last of his beer, and placed it on the coffee table.

“He...looks good. Considering the circumstances", Tweek said, “You know, he saw me a couple of days ago, realised it was me. I had no idea. He seems genuinely happy to see me, you know? I'm just a bit nervous to tell him my story. But I owe him that. Especially after listening to you guys update me on what it was like after I was gone”.

Both Stan and Kyle smiled.

“Are you going to catch up?”, Stan asked.

“Tomorrow", Tweek answered. His stomach felt sick with butterflies suddenly, “Outside of work, you know. I gave him my number".

“Wow!”, Stan exclaimed smiling, “Dude you are moving fast".

“Fuck off, Stan", Tweek retorted. But he was smiling.

“So...dinner?”, Kyle asked hopefully, looking at both Stan and Tweek.

“Let's order in", Tweek decided immediately, “I am not cooking, and I am not in the mood for one of Stan's half burned steaks".

“It was one time!”, Stan said indignantly,

“It was several", Tweek smirked, “Oh, and guys?”.

“Yeah?”.

“Craig knows I live with you both. He didn't seem too keen about it", Tweek disclosed, standing up and stretching.

“Yeah dude of course", Stan laughed, “Our group and his group clashed all throughout school. It was just how it was".

“Just...how it was. Okay. I will remember that when he is shit talking you tomorrow", Tweek teased.

“He better not", Kyle said, “We can dish it back just as good".

Tweek laughed. Tomorrow should be very interesting.

Chapter Text

Dose Seven: Overdose

At 6pm, Craig was waiting outside the restaurant, dressed in a nice silk navy shirt and black pants – essentially work attire, that he had packed to bring to Tricia's for when he returns to work. His hair was neater, and he wore his work shoes – black, shiny and leather.

Tweek was right on time, and as he approached, he took Craig's breath away.

Not because was dressed up to the nines, because he wasn't, and not for looking what one would describe as “smart" or “formally dressed" - because again, he wasn't - but because to Craig, he was effortlessly breathtaking.

His soft, golden hair was still wild, but Tweek had attempted to tame it somehow, it was less frizzy and the curls and waves framed his head neatly, with purpose and intent. Craig didn't know if it was because he was seeing outside of a work setting, but his eyes were brighter, if that was even possible. The green pigment of his eyes prominent. More lively, excited maybe? He has smiling wide as he saw Craig, revealing white, straight teeth. He wore a soft looking, white and green striped knitted shirt that revealed his shoulders, and dipped nicely around his frame. Craig eyed his soft, milky and flawless skin that the top revealed, including part of his collarbones. He paired this with black, skinny jeans and shiny, black combat boots.

“Hi", Craig breathed out, when Tweek was within earshot.

“Hi", he replied shyly, “Um, shall we?”.

They headed inside, and were seated shortly after.

They ordered a drink each to start, and got comfortable at their corner table. Craig felt a bit awkward that it was candle-lit, but he tried not to over-think it.

Craig was scrambling to think of ways to break the ice. Conversation starters. What if it didn't flow as naturally as it had yesterday over coffee? What if they just sat there, refusing to speak. God, he felt he should have rehearsed some lines at home.

Tweek seemed to have read his mind, because he said softly, “Hey, relax - it's just me. Which – I know, it's been a while, but...I have been looking forward to talking to you all day".

“Yeah?”.

“Of course!”, Tweek said. He looked at Craig for a moment, then cleared his throat, “Craig, we don't have to talk about your dad tonight. We really don't. I -I want you to be comfortable. Just know I am willing to sit here all night if you want to talk about it, but I also understand if you'd rather discuss other things. There's no pressure here".

Craig was really touched. He nodded.

They chatted over their drinks, keeping the conversation light. Craig filled Tweek in on his plans for the week staying with Tricia, and told him about Stripe and Spot. Craig was thrilled to hear the enthusiastic reactions from Tweek when he mentioned his guinea pigs, and was glad his love for them had not dulled over the years.

“I don't have pets" he had responded, laughing, “I have Stan and Kyle".

They shared a good laugh over this, when the topic then turned to Craig's work.

“What do you do exactly?” Tweek asked, swirling the last of his red wine and drinking it, “The guys mentioned astrophysics?”

“No, Aerospace engineering", Craig corrected him, “I work for a company that researches, designs and develops vessels and equipment for companies like NASA to take into space".

“Wow", Tweek breathed out, his eyes popping in amazement, “I'm so happy for you. You always loved space. When I knew you back then, I mean".

Craig beamed at his astonishment. Impressing Tweek? Successful. His face of utter amazement and glancing at Craig in wonder was positively adorable.

They ordered their food, and more drinks. Tweek didn't miss a beat to order a pasta dish.

Once they ordered, they sat there in silence for a couple of minutes, exchanging shy glances and looking around.

What surprised Craig is that Tweek broke the silence, and decided to meet the awkwardness head on.

“So..if it's okay, I am ready to tell you my story now", Tweek said quietly. He didn't meet Craig's eyes, and suddenly took great interest in folding a red napkin on the table at the corners, like origami.

“Tweek...if it's too much for you, we can talk about it another time, okay?”, Craig reassured. The last thing he wanted to do was make Tweek feel uncomfortable.

“It's okay Craig", he said, continuing his quiet voice. At that moment, their next lot of drinks arrived, and Tweek waited awkwardly for the waitress to depart before speaking again.

Then he let out a deep, shuddering breath.

“So, I was ten when it happened. I don't know if you have many memories of me back then, but I was a mess. I barely ate, I lived on caffeine from my parent shop. You might remember I was always there, helping them out?”.

“God yes", he said, frowning, “Like any waking moment you weren’t at school or sleeping – if at all".

“Yeah", he sighed, taking a long sip of his drink, “But this is what you don't know, and what was kept hushed up. For a while, dad was making special blends. He had me testing them, and he would sometimes send me out to weird places in town to pick up ingredients. Anyway – I was at a point where I barely slept, and my brain wasn't functioning. I knew it wasn't right, but they were my parents, you know? I trusted them”.

He took a pause, and drew in a deep breath, but continued, “Anyway one day, I collapsed at the shop. I still wonder to this day what would have happened to me if it didn't happen out in the seating area, if my parents had found me with no one else around, they would have just put me to bed and crossed their fingers. But a kind old lady phoned the paramedics. It was thought I was just exhausted, or iron deficient, I don't know. But they did tests – and - I had a high concentration of methamphetamines in my system".

Craig felt his heart sink, almost like his insides were falling out of him and melting onto the floor, He was frozen, in absolute shock. Tweek noticed this, and his left hand flew onto Craig's wrist, holding it gently. He was right. His hands were warm. But he barely registered that in this moment.

“What!”, he barked. He was positive neighbouring tables shot him curious or questioning looks at his outburst, but he continued, not caring, “They what!? How did this never come out, why did we never know?”.

“As I said, it was kept hushed up", Tweek said quietly, looking around, “Can you imagine the uproar if that came out? A small family business serving illicit drugs in coffee to the general public?”.

“They what!”, he exclaimed again. Tweek winced.

“Look, let me finish", he said hastily, looking around, “They had only started doing it by the time I had my medical episode. Remember I was the guinea pig?”.

Craig nodded slowly. He felt sick.

Before Tweek spoke again, their food arrived. Once they were served, Tweek started playing with his pasta with his fork.

“I have an Aunt on my mother's side who resides near Chicago. That's where they took me, transferred me to a larger hospital where I could receive the care I needed”. He thoughtfully chewed his pasta before speaking again, “That's the why Craig. Well – part of it. It tells you where we all went all of a sudden".

Craig felt his eyes well up with tears and was speechless. He felt so many things – anger and resentment towards Tweek's parents and heartbreak for what Tweek went through. What made him feel even worse is he couldn't be there. He didn't know. He wasn't there for Tweek. And though it was not his fault, he still felt sick with guilt, and his mind was trying to tell him he should have known, somehow. Irrationally, he felt guilty and partly responsible.

He adjusted his hand, sliding it down to where Tweek’s fingers were on his wrist. Slowly, he nudged Tweek's fingers with his, and they moved their hands so their fingers were intertwined. Feeling, acknowledging. Craig silently letting Tweek know it was okay to continue.

“I was there for weeks. Then, once I was medically stable and my obs weren't off the chart, I was transferred to a rehabilitation facility". Tweek's voice was low now, almost sounding bitter, “I was there...a long time. It was complicated by my mental health issues with anxiety and abandonment. Everyone was nice there, they were good people. Once I wad coping better I started home schooling at the facility, it was a program they ran for school aged children. It may surprise you I was absolutely not the only one there that age, in fact the facility only accepted those under aged 21”.

“Can I ask something?”, Craig piped up, swallowing some of his food.

Tweek nodded and met his gaze.

“I wrote letters, I tried to find you online...I found nothing. Did you ever get anything I sent?”.

Tweek smiled sadly, and his eyes were watery too now, “No Craig, I didn't. I assume anything that went to the house was thrown out or returned to sender. But I assume your parents would have told you if the letters bounced back. I lost access to social media being in the facility”.

“Can I ask something else? And, you don't have to answer". Again, Tweek nodded, and this time squeezed his fingers in their hand hold.

“Why did you never write, or tell me what had happened to you?”.

Tweek looked really sad now, and he let out a long sigh.

“I was 10. I don't have a good excuse Craig, and for that I'm sorry. But my aunt told me no one had called, or written once I was of sound mind. My mental health spiralled, and I honestly believed nobody cared about me anymore. That I was insignificant and forgotten". Tweek looked on the verge of tears now, but he kept going, looking off to the side and being overly fascinated in the wall decorations, “When I got older, I didn't want to come back, or find anyone. Because that is what I believed. That everyone had moved on. It was time for college, and I looked forward. I had to”.

Craig nodded in understanding. Heavy emotion hung in the air, as they let it all sink in. Both silently grateful that they were both still there, they had not walked out on each other yet.

“And your parents?”, Craig asked.

“Dad's still serving, he's almost at the end of his sentence", Tweek said quietly, “Mom got out five years ago. Lighter sentence, she was not as involved in the possession and purchase of the illicit drugs and ultimately dad was the one serving it in the shop. I don't talk to dad. Mom and I just talk on special occasions – Christmas and stuff. I know I don't owe her anything, but she's still my mom. I can't bring myself to forgive them though".

“I would never forgive them", Craig said bitterly.

“I wouldn't say never, but it's not on the cards", Tweek said, taking his last bite of food.

“I’m sorry", Craig said. He gazed at Tweek, and then to their intertwined hands.

“Craig, you have nothing to be sorry for", Tweek smiled at him weakly, “it should be me apologising. Stan and Kyle told me the other night how broken up you were when I left. I was never told before, I swear, Apparently, the topic is taboo".

“I remember that" Craig said dully, “Some stupid shit Tolkien and Clyde came up with in school to control my emotions. Well, I shouldn't say stupid, they did it out of love".

“I know we can't make up for thirteen years of lost time", Tweek said, “But I am glad you are here now".

“Me too Tweek".

Craig felt relieved. Finally, the truth. The missing pieces of the puzzle. The gaps of missing knowledge filled, The mystery solved. He felt much lighter as the left the restaurant, after more casual chatting and sharing a few laughs, swapping stories about mutual experiences like college and discussing people they know from school. He absolutely refused for Tweek to pay a cent towards dinner, which Tweek fought him on. But he got his way, and they left the restaurant smiling.

Tweek had walked to the restaurant, which he insisted was okay given it was only a few blocks away from his apartment. Craig wasn't having it with him walking home, and insisted he drive him.

Once they pulled up, neither of them made moves to exchange goodbyes. They both looked forward. Craig cleared his throat, which caused Tweek to turn and look at him, facing sideways in the passengers seat. They looked at each other. The air was tense, silent. There was an awkward shuffle and squeak noise from Craig shuffling against the leather seat.

“Can I tell you something?”, he said softly, looking at Tweek. He glanced between his doe eyes, and his pursed, pink lips.

Tweek nodded.

“You just....you look really good, Tweek", Craig said softly. He cursed internally, feeling like the confession was premature, like his choice of words were basic, unimpressive. He definitely did not feel like a Casanova.

Tweek smiled, and even in the darkness of the night, Craig could see his cheeks turn pink, illuminated by the streetlights. Tweek looked breathtaking, almost not real. Like he wasn't really here, and this was a dream.

“So do you, Craig", he whispered, “It's crazy. We were kids. Now look at us – look at you. You're so tall. You're different, but so much of you is the same. It's charming".

Craig's words failed him. He leant forward and put his arms around Tweek. He heard a click, and looked down, noticing that Tweek unbuckled his seat belt.

They stayed like that for a while. Warm, holding each other. Craig put his nose on top of Tweek's head, breathing in his sweet vanilla scent.

Tweek broke the embrace first, pulling back slowly. As he did, he met Craig's gaze and froze, like a deer in headlights. Craig returned the gaze, absolutely hypnotised by Tweek's eyes. He could almost count every freckle on his cheeks. They both breathed slowly, flicking their eyes up and down over each other, searching.

Craig closed the gap.

Their lips met. The kiss felt soft, inviting. It was chaste, and slow. Their lips moulding together perfectly. It made Craig feel alive. It felt like electricity coursing through his veins, like a burning warm, comforting fire in his chest. Like a magnet pulling them together, a force unable to be reckoned with. Like time had come to a complete standstill. Tweek tilted his head more and sighed, returning Craig's kisses gently. Craig's kisses telling Tweek that it is okay, and he is here now. Tweek's kisses telling Craig he's back, and doesn't want to go anywhere, and that he's sorry. Unspoken words, sweet gestures. Craig cupped his hand gentle on Tweek's face, and the other on his back. Tweek sighed, melting into the kiss and deepening it passionately. Craig returned the pressure.

They broke apart, after what felt like an eternity. A long moment that belonged to them. They smiled at each other wordlessly.

“I-I'm sorry, was that okay?”, Craig asked politely.

Tweek giggled, “Yes Craig, it was okay".

“You're really beautiful", Craig breathed out. He had to voice it. He let his fingers touch Tweek's hair and tuck a lock of hair behind his ear. So soft, and the expression on Tweek's face was even softer.

Tweek let out a small noise, between a laugh and a sigh, and attached his lips to Craig's again. He reached over and unbuckled Craig's seatbelt now too, and pulled himself closer.

Within minutes, Craig was reaching right over, almost on Tweek’s seat, rubbing one hand up his side and kneading one hand through Tweek's hair. Tweek was gasping for air, and letting out small, pretty noises. His arms were tight around Craig's shoulders, one hand gently stroking the back of his head. It was addicting. He wanted more. To hear more of Tweek's noises. To feel more of his soft skin. To inhale more of his intoxicating scent. To swirl his tongue more inside Tweek's mouth, and taste him.

It was driving Craig wild. If he didn't stop soon -if he didn't control himself...

They both simultaneously slowed down from their make out session, and pressed their foreheads together.

“I-I better go", Craig said, swallowing hard.

“Me too – I am on an early tomorrow", Tweek whispered.

“Will I see you?” Craig asked hopefully, kissing Tweek's nose.

“Yeah – we will just have to be careful – you know..”.

“Of course".

Tweek smiled, “Thank you – for tonight. It meant a lot Craig".

“See you tomorrow”, Craig whispered.

They gave each other a few small, sweet kisses, before Tweek was the stronger one and broke away, hopping out of the car and disappearing into the building.

Driving back to Tricia's, Craig felt like he was floating on air. He hadn't expected anything like this to happen. Impress Tweek, sure, but not practically maul him in the car. He couldn't help it. And now a wave of dread, of guilt hit him. Thomas.

Chapter Text

Dose Eight: Missed

I 'm not in love, so don't forget it

It's just a silly phase I'm going through

And just because I call you up

Don't get me wrong, don't think you've got it made

Craig sat outside on Tricia's balcony in a stiff, white metal chair; part of Tricia’s budget outdoor setting. His long legs were propped up on the second chair facing opposite, knees bent, and he clutched his coffee cup with both hands, not concerned that was going cold. His phone sat on the small round table beside him playing music quietly while he gazed off into the distance unfocussed and deep in thought. It was brisk outside as he sat in his favourite navy hoodie, his wet hair starting to dry from his morning shower.

His brain felt like scrambled eggs, like tangled livewires. His usual state of calm replaced with a feeling of disarray. Like he was going to combust. Clear images of the night before flashed through his mind. Conflicting feelings. Warmth coursed through his veins when he thought of what it was like to touch Tweek. He could almost still feel his velvety smooth lips against his. Like memory burn, he knew it was something he would never forget.

Then his blood turned to ice when he thought of Thomas. Who had called the night before, once Craig was about to climb into bed. Who kept reaching out, showing that he cared for Craig. Showing he wanted to be there. A mixture of guilt and familiarity kept them on the phone for over an hour. Before Tweek came back into his life out of left field, he was somewhat content. Feeling that his budding romance with Thomas was a slow build. Telling himself to give it a chance. Thomas was kind, genuine. And then Tweek came along and blew everything out of the water.

He cursed internally at himself. At letting his impulsive feelings take over last night. For moving in on Tweek so fast, unintentionally. It was like a magnetic pull, he felt like it was a force he couldn't stop. But then he told himself, he could have. Could have done this differently. Used his rational brain to evaluate his feelings. He was frustrated it was overridden so easily. He went in blind last night, he didn't expect to get those signals from Tweek. They were kids when they were “boyfriends". Before last night, it was entirely plausible that Tweek did not enjoy the company of men, or that he was already taken, loved by another. Lord knows he's stunning, and sharp as a tack, attracts attention. Craig was amazed fate had played out the way it had. Couldn’t believe his luck.

But still, Thomas...

The glass balcony door slid open quietly behind him and a mane of red hair appeared. A tired looking Tricia appeared clutching her own mug of coffee and draped in a large black overcoat.

“Morning", she said dully.

Craig grunted and raised his coffee mug up in response, grimacing.

“Mom says we are leaving in 20 minutes".

“Mmhm".

Tricia walked around the table, and whacked Craig's legs with her free hand to gesture of him to move them, so she could take a seat. Craig didn't fight her on this.

She sighed and put her phone down, and snatched his phone, eyes narrowing.

“Lost in love playlist", she said reading the screen, scoffing, “You fucking sap Craig".

“Fuck off", he snapped, deadpan.

When Craig had arrived home last night, Tricia had been on the couch waiting for him. He had given her the lowdown on what Tweek had told him. She had listened with rapped attention and a sad expression on her face as Craig told her Tweek's story. Craig conveniently, and on purpose, left out the other parts. The candlelight. The comfort of holding hands. That kiss.

“This week has been a big test for all of us", Tricia said softly, “let's not turn on each other now".

Craig tilted his head in acknowledgement, “You're right".

“Did you sleep okay?”, she asked.

“So-so. You?”.

“Half charged", she said, “maybe 5 hours”.

“There's something I want to know though", she looked at Craig, and flashed a small smile, “What really happened with Tweek last night?”. She gestured at the phone, and let out a soft hum.

I'm not in love, no, no

(It's because)

Craig felt his emotions bubble under the surface. If not Tricia, who was he going to get advice from – Clyde? He might be Craig’s best friend, but he was useless at this shit. He'd probably spend an hour crying and then tell him to “go for it". Which seemed to be his motto that led to various degrees of success, usually to him trying his terrible pick up lines and striking out.

“I..”, Craig begun, words feeling caught in his throat, “There was a lot of emotions last night. It was a lot. We really connected. We were talking about it all, and before we knew what was happening, we were holding hands at the table. It felt comfortable, like it was right. I....I didn't want to let go".

Tricia's face fell into a soft expression.

“Wow. You both caught the feels that quick huh", she remarked. She took a large gulp of coffee, and wrapped her crimson painted fingers tighter around her mug.

“I was feeling...whatever it was", Craig said lamely.

“Anything else happen?”, Tricia pressed.

A gust of wind picked up. They sat for a moment, listening to the branches of the trees rustle, to a distant wind chime that sounded.

“I drove him home", Craig said monotone. Then his voice cracked, “We...err. We may have kissed in the car".

“Craig!” she exclaimed, somewhere between exasperated and amused, “What, a peck? Or a full on make out?”.

“Umm...closer to a make out, I guess", Craig admitted.

Tricia slapped his leg, “You dog!”.

Tricia pushed her chair back with a loud scrape against the pavers, and placed her mug on the table. She then took a few steps back to the railing, so her back pressed against it. She slid out her pack of smokes and started fumbling with her lighter.

“So I would hate to raise a slight issue here", Tricia said, clicking the lighter, “But what about Thomas?”.

“You don't think I am chewed up with guilt over that?”, Craig answered.

“I do, it just...complicates things doesn't it? I mean...what are you going to do?”.

Craig sighed. He gulped some cold coffee.

“I like Thomas. I wouldn't date him otherwise. You know I was feeling lukewarm about it before all this. I was happy to give it more time. I just assumed that's what it would be like meeting someone nice, you know. Part of me wanted someone, so I took a shot with him, made it more than friends. I don't know how I feel now, guilty more than anything. I know he isn't my boyfriend....but I feel sick I have done this, just gone and kissed Tweek".

“Not your boyfriend doesn't make it right Craig", she took a puff, “But what's done is done. You have to face it now, and someone's feelings are going to have to get hurt. You can't date both of them".

“I know that!”, he snapped, “It-it's hard, okay? I don't even know what Tweek feels. He might have just been feeling in the moment too. For all I know, he isn't interested and considers last night a mistake".

“And what, if that's the case you settle for Thomas?”, she said harshly. She took another drag.

“What? No! I don't know...I think this just needs time?”.

“And honesty”, Tricia remarked.

“Look....you'll have to talk to Thomas eventually", Tricia said.

Big boys don't cry

Big boys don't cry

Big boys don't cry

“We spoke last night...not about any of this of course", Craig admitted. He finished the last of his cold coffee and placed the mug down, hugging his chest, “Just catching him up on dad and stuff. I did tell him about Tweek, but just that he was a friend I knew long ago who I had met again. I think he could tell how happy and excited I was about it, but he obviously doesn't get any other impression".

“And what was it like with Tweek? Being with him?”.

Craig breathed out softly and smiled. Genuine, warm. He felt lighter, and his heart started beating faster.

“Incredible", he said the first word that came to mind, “Tricia, it was something else. I kept wanting more. I want more", he admitted.

Tricia smiled, “Well...you need to figure it out. What Tweek wants, where this could go. But....can I play devil's advocate?”.

“Umm...sure?”.

“Is it possible that your feelings for Tweek are based on pure memory of the past, from missing him and what things were, combined emotions of what's happening with dad and the family?”’, she asked. She flicked her cigarette and gazed at him intently, “Craig...he works there, right where we are really feeling the hurt in the aftermath of dad's accident. The feelings you think you have could be based on association. Just...be careful. Think about that. Your emotions would be all over the place at the moment based on dad alone. You're tired, you're processing a lot. Just...be gentle on yourself, okay? But not too gentle, you really need to sort your shit and choose one guy. Before they both get really hurt".

“I'll work it out", Craig said quietly, “I just don't want to hurt anyone....but I guess it's a bit late for that now”.

“I am sure Tweek is still a good guy", she said, smiling, “I know I was just a little pipsqueak when he was around as kids, but I still remember how kind he was. How happy he made you. Ha, I remember I would steal him to play dolls and you would get so mad”.

“You were a little shit", Craig remarked, smiling.

“Yeah, yeah....anyway. What I mean is, I don't think Tweek would have been making out with you last night if it didn't mean something".

Craig nodded in silent agreement. He had already pondered this. Not only did last night feel right, but he felt the way Tweek kissed him was genuine. The way he calmly held his hand. The way Tweek gentle caressed him. The soft sighs and sweet noises. And the passion. Craig got a tingly sensation through his chest at the thought.

“TRICIA! CRAIG! Get a move on!”, came Laura's voice from inside.

“Shit", Tricia cursed, butting out her cigarette.

As Craig stood up, she flung an arm around him.

“You’ll figure it out", she whispered, “I'm here if you need me".

“Thanks”, Craig said.

They headed inside with their empty mugs, and Craig felt somewhat lighter, that some of this was off his chest.

______________________________________________

Tweek walked quickly down the bright corridor lined with pale green walls and littered with posters. He stopped at the very end, facing a grey door. He hesitated, and knocked sharply three times.

“Come in", came his Nurse Manager Rebecca's voice.

Today Tweek wore pastel blue robes covered in cartoon ducks. The yellow ducks alternating between either wearing sunglasses, or holding an umbrella. Fitting for his current mood, Tweek thought. He could relate to the idea of sunglasses, perhaps a pathetic shield one may use to hide away. He related the most to the ducks with the umbrellas – a useless object to hold when one is flooded, as he felt right now with emotions from the events of the past two days.

Shaking off that useless train of thought, Tweek hesitated a very brief second, exhaled, and then moved forward.

Rebecca was seated at her large, polished desk, in pristine black and white corporate wear and an elegant red bun neatly at the top of her head. She promptly turned away from her computer.

“Tweek”, she said happily in greeting, flashing him a smile. She gestured at one of the chairs in front of her desk with a perfectly manicured hand, “Do you want to take a seat?”.

“Uh-huh, ahh, only if you have a moment?”, he enquired.

“Always", she said.

Tweek sat down and placed his hands in his lap.

“I, Ack! Oh God, let me start over", he rambled. Then he met her eyes, seeing one of her well-groomed eyebrows was raised in curiosity, “I've never had to have a discussion like this. Uh, you see, I wanted to disclose a conflict of interest".

“Oh?”, Rebecca commented, she leant forward slightly, to signal she was giving her undivided attention.

“It's Bed 1, Thomas Tucker. I have not directly looked after this patient. But you see, I knew the family. Fr-from my past", he stammered, but pressed on, finding his voice strengthened now the dam was flowing, “I was best friends with his son, Craig. I saw the family a lot back then. Anyway....they know I am here, working. I had to help Deepa the other day with checking his chart, and they recognised my name when it was said in the room during the code blue. I – I needed to tell you. I don’t see this affecting the care I give or the work I do. I just – need you to make that call as my boss”.

“Tweek", Rebecca sighed smiling, “I already know most of this".

“WH-WHAT?”, has spluttered.

“Nothing stays secret for very long around here”, she laughed, leaning back and relaxing, “But it is my job to treat much of these things as hearsay and rumours, and intervene when I am concerned. I am really happy you came forward and told me this".

“Um...thank you?”, Tweek said awkwardly, his voice starting to sound strained, raspy, “So umm...is this a problem? I have to reassure you, I have been keeping work and personal separate the best I can. I had coffee with Craig on one of my breaks, and Dr Thorn saw us. He made me feel like it was not appropriate".

Rebecca said nothing at first, and looked at him intently.

“Tweek, you understand that my job is the make sure that our patients are safe and receiving the care they need, ensure the staff are happy and have the resources they need to do their job, that this unit is functioning and following procedures....and to manage misconduct", she added, “But you've done nothing wrong. The way I see it, you are one of the most hardworking and dedicated nurses on my unit. I am honoured to have you, and that you chose to stay on with after you were offered that theatre gig".

Tweek beamed, “Thank you".

“That being said", she continued, “I expect my staff to recognise their limitations, and to not put themselves into positions that compromise patient care. But you have a good moral compass, Tweek, and that's why you are sitting in front of me right now. I think as your manager, as a safe guard it is best not to roster you to Bed 1. It's not that I don't trust that your attention would slip, but it’s that it's not fair on you to take on any additional emotional attachment you might have whilst caring for that patient".

Tweek nodded in agreement, “I think that is for the best. I really didn't want to be rostered to his care and not have you know".

Rebecca nodded, “And of course from a rostering perspective, there might be times in unexpected staff absence, like sicknesses, that I have too much choice but to roster you to his care", she said, “But let me assure you that if that was the case, I would ensure the family are happy that a familiar member of staff is caring for them, and I would make sure you are okay too".

“I appreciate it, thank you".

“You're allowed to have a personal relationship with these people, Tweek", she said kindly, “Of course I am not going to stop that! Have your coffees, see them socially. Poke your head in and say hello. I think I can trust you to know the boundaries, and to maintain the high level of professionalism and care you provide".

“Of course" Tweek said, “You know me".

“Of course I do! But, I do want you to remember that there's support here if you need it. We do have our Employee Assistance Program and Crisis Peer Support services for staff in distress or who need to talk to a professional. We work on a difficult unit, where it's important to de-brief and take care of ourselves and each other", she said, “And in addition to that, if anything happens to make you uncomfortable, or anything changes, I want you to come to me, please. My door might be closed at times, but it is always open. Just knock".

Tweek nodded. He stood up and thanked her again.

Rebecca held his gaze and smiled, “And Tweek?”.

“Yeah?”.

“Don't take HR advice from Thorn, or anyone else – if you aren't sure, please come straight to me next time".

Tweek sighed in relief and let out a soft chuckle.

“I will".

__________________________________

The family meeting room was located outside the Intensive Care Unit, past reception and down the grey and red carpeted hallway towards the lifts.

The door opened promptly at 11am, and several people filed out. Dr Wheeler and his team of doctors, a couple of nurses, the Cardiothoracic doctors, A neurosurgeon, a dietician, a member of the rehabilitation team, and Thomas's family – Laura, Tricia and Craig.

Tweek stood against the wall opposite, clutching a take away coffee cup in each hand and a beige canvas carry bag slung around his shoulder.

He smiled when Craig's eyes fell on him. Craig, who had not been expecting him, froze and smiled widely.

Craig quickly made his way over to Tweek, separating himself from the crowd of people who remained hovering outside the door. Dr Wheeler, Dr Thorn and two others stationed their computer on wheels against the opposite wall, clearly discussing amongst themselves the outcome of the meeting. Laura and Tricia quickly noticed Tweek's presence and waited on the other side of the door. Laura's face was blotchy, mascara stained on both cheeks as she clutched a handkerchief. Tricia had been crying too, but stood taller than Laura, giving off the impression she was just holding it together, being the stronger one to support her mom.

“What are you doing here?”, Craig said happily.

“I – uh, knew the meeting was on. From nursing handover", he explained. He held out the coffee cup in his right hand, “For you! I thought you might need it. I got you a mocha – like last time. Ack, I hope that's okay!.

Craig felt like his smile could not get any wider, his insides melting with fondness for Tweek, “It's more than okay – wow, thank you. I really appreciate it".

Tweek smiled, “I have 20 more minutes, for a break – I asked my boss if I could combine my morning and afternoon breaks to come see you. I thought you could use a walk?”.

Craig nodded enthusiastically, “I could".

He looked at his mom and sister, and pointed up the hallway, mouthing “I'll be back".

Tricia gave them a thumbs up, and Laura gave them a watery smile. Very brief, it was barely there. Tricia guided Laura forward back towards the entrance to the ICU.

“Oh, hang on!", Tweek exclaimed, shoving his shoulder so he bag came to his forearm. He placed his coffee cup on the window sill beside him, then fished inside the bag, pulling out a paper bag. He then extracted two enormous muffins from inside, offering one to Craig.

“I made these last night", he said, grabbing his coffee cup again, “They're raspberry, blueberry and vanilla. I hope you aren't allergic to anything, oh God, I didn't think of that! I'm sorry if you are”.

“It's okay Tweek", he said soothingly, still smiling, “This is great – thank you. I am not allergic to anything".

“Oh good", he sighed in relief, visibly relaxing, “I tend to make fruit ones, because it's one of the only ways I get Kyle or Stan to eat any fruit".

“You're way too good to them", Craig said darkly.

Tweek shrugged, then pointed up the hallway, in the opposite direction to ICU, “shall we?”.

They set off. Tweek looked right ahead, but as Craig passed Dr Wheeler and the rest of the team, still standing in the hallway, Dr Thorn met Craig's stare. Craig saw something flash in his eyes. He saw his expression darken. His eyes narrow in disapproval. An emotional response. Seeing Tweek and Craig together clearly triggered something. Rather than feel bothered by this, Craig flashed him a smirk. Almost as if to say, yes, I am spending time alone with him, we are going now, what of it?

Tweek led them a few metres up the hall and around a couple of corners, then used his swipe ID to go through a door to the right, holding it open for Craig.

It was a stairwell. Tweek started walking up.

“This is the staff stair well up to the rooftop staff car park, most people get the lift but this is faster", he explained, his soft raspy voice echoing against concrete, “It's a bit more private up there and less medical, and you get a nice view of the city on a nice day like today".

“Sounds nice”. God, Craig thought, the nasally tone to his voice was certainly more apparent when it echoed like this. Craig then took a bite of the muffin. 

"Oh my God!", he exclaimed, almost jumping at how loud his voice sounded suddenly, "Tweek, this muffin is incredible!".

"You like?", he said, sounding proud, "I love baking, I still find it really therapeutic after all these years. Problem is, everyone else loves my baking too, they always want more".

"I can see why"', Craig replied, genuinely impressed. 

Tweek swiped another card reader at the final door, and pushed it open.

He was right, it was quite nice up here. They crossed the car park in the sunlight, munching on their muffins and taking sips of coffee. Tweek led them to the north side, away from the cars where there were some large concrete benches, wide enough to lie down on. They took a seat and basked in the sun for a moment.

“You don't have to talk about it" Tweek said softly, shifting his body to face Craig, “But how was the family meeting?”.

“A lot to take in", Craig said honestly, “The neurosurgeon explained the extensive swelling on the brain. It has come down, but not enough. He told us dad will need a craniotomy to help to remove the pressure in the brain. He showed us on a model where it is, and explained the risks. That broke mom, it's scary to think about. The scans came back, there's brain activity, but the damage is extensive, they think it will affect his motor skills, memory and speech. He will need extensive rehabilitation if and when he wakes up. They are optimistic once his condition improves that they remove the requirement for an induced coma. The heart doctors were there, dad will need ongoing drugs there, they're worried about infection and blood clots. Just...a lot".

Tweek gave him a sympathetic look, placing his already empty coffee cup on his other side and placing his muffin he had been picking at with it. Without a word he had both his hands on top of Craig's left hand that was closest to him. Small, comforting and warm.

“Sometimes it's really hard to understand what is being talked about. It sounds like you really understood it Craig", he said, another warm smile gracing his lips.

“It was. The doctors argued about the blood thinners, I zoned out there, I didn't understand it. The cardiothoracic doctors were pressuring for changes to the fluids and nutrition, complaining about his electrolytes...magnesium and something".

“Are you okay?”, Tweek said in a soft voice, “it's okay if you're not. That is a lot of information to take on".

“In some ways I'm relieved to have the information, the unknown was scarier", Craig answered finally, sipping his coffee, and gripping his left hand to wrap around Tweek's, “In others ways it is the reality setting in, on how serious this all is...that he might die, and if he doesn’t, we can expect permanent effects".

Desperate to have more contact with Tweek, he drained the last of his coffee in a few gulps, and put it beside his empty muffin wrapper, which he had already inhaled. He then turned to face Tweek, looking down at his hands, and grabbed one hand each with his own, intertwining their fingers. Tweek did not resist, he let Craig take the lead. Then he looked up at Craig.

“I think it's better knowing", Tweek said softly, “Like...it's all out in the open, you know? All the cards are on the table. Then you can digest it, let the dust settle. You have all these people looking after your dad, and now there's a plan. A-and you can move forward".

Craig swallowed, guilt licked his insides.

Like...it's all out in the open, you know?

All the cards are on the table

Tweek talking about the truth being out there, about things out in the open, hit him hard.

“I like that”, Craig replied, swallowing hard and shaking it off. He shifted closer to Tweek, so their knees were touching, “You're right. We can accept it and go from here".

“You don't always have to be brave though", Tweek said. He held Craig's hands tight, offering reassurance and comfort. Then he looked at Craig again.

Craig melted.

Tweek looked around, seeing that no one was in sight. He leant forward, and placed a tender kiss on Craig's cheek.

Craig couldn't help it. He shifted his head slightly. With purpose. With intent. And captured Tweek's lips.

All the tension he felt within seemed to melt away temporarily, to dissolve. His mind was blissfully blank. He melted into the kiss. It was slow, but it quickly picked up pace. Tweek licked Craig's bottom lip, silently asking permission to slip in his tongue. Within moments, their tongues were sliding together, building up heat, desperately kissing faster.

Tweek ran his hands through Craig's hair and grasped it gently. Craig pulled Tweek flush against him, their torsos pressed together. Tweek’s head fell lazily to the side. He then readjusted his legs out onto the bench, either side of Craig. Craig did the same, so they pressed up each other even closer. Like they were both desperate for more contact, to be as close as physically possible.

Craig held Tweek tight. He wanted more. It was like an addictive drug. A rush of adrenaline. Heat cursed through his veins, the feeling of want and lust completely short circuiting his brain.

Craig took it further. He didn't care if anyone was watching. He gently placed a hand at the back of Tweek's head, and pushed Tweek down gently, so he was lying on his back. He kept his hand there to protect Tweek's head and hovered over him.

Tweek's pupils were dilated, cheeks flushed red and his lips dark pink. His hair fell softly all around him, wild and gleaming in the sun. He looked perfect.

Craig quickly chased Tweek's lips again. Kissing him slower now, more passionate. Tweek returned his kisses just as enthusiastically, soft little gasps and moans escaping his lips. He wanted to stay in this moment. He wanted to spend hours, days, weeks alone with Tweek. Doing this, learning everything he wants, everything he needs.

Craig slid his lips along Tweek's chin down to his jaw, kissing him once, twice, three times. He dared to slide a hand under Tweek's scrub shirt, feeling bare, silky skin.Tweek let out a big soft sigh. When Craig ran his lips softly down to Tweek's neck, he felt him tremble.

Oh god. Craig thought. That flipped a switch in him, and went straight to his dick.

When he got to Tweek's ear, Tweek let out a muffled, spluttering sound.

“W-wait, Rrrr, Craig!,” he said suddenly, pushing against Craig to sit up.

Craig panted and pulled away, locking eyes with Tweek, searching.

Tweek flattened his hair and sat up, checking his watch, “GAH!! I'm 5 minutes over, Oh Jesus!”, he panicked, standing up abruptly. Craig was shoved back in the motion, and felt his heart sink, disappointed.

“Ack, sorry Craig", Tweek apologised, not looking at him. He seemed flustered, and scooped up their rubbish, chucking it in his bag, “I'll throw this out on the way back, c'mon".

They hurried wordlessly across the car park. When they got to the door, Tweek stopped for a moment and turned around to face Craig.

“Hang on", he said quietly. Craig noticed that Tweek was looking around again for anyone lurking, “Craig...I don't know what this is. But I feel something and I want you to know...I haven't been with anyone for a while...”, he trailed off awkwardly, then continued, “I-I, oh Craig, it's really fast! But it feels right to me".

“I really like you Tweek", Craig responded immediately, “I-I don't know what you want from this, but you just leave me wanting more. I want to see how this goes, to know you, to be around you".

Tweek smiled wide, “I want that too".

They shared another quick kiss as Tweek swiped for door access again, and they hurried back down the stairs and along the hallway back to ICU.

Bebe was at reception when they hurried around the corner. She smirked at them.

“You were gone a while", Bebe teased, “Don't worry, you aren't in trouble. Deepa's covering for you".

Tweek sighed heavily as he got them through the door of the unit, “I owe her a muffin".

Tweek shot Craig a fond look before slipping quickly into room 2. Craig saw Deepa standing in there, checking the monitors. He heard Tweek spluttering an apology, and Deepa's soothing voice, probably reassuring Tweek that it's okay.

Craig sighed in relief.

He barely took notice of his mom and sister's glances as he entered the room. He sat down, and the whirlwind of feelings started to storm up inside him again.

He felt more certain now. He was sure. He didn't just want Tweek, he needed him.

And he knew, as he stared at his father across from him, that he had to be a man. That he had to be honest with himself and everyone else.

That he was going to have to have a difficult conversation with Thomas.

Chapter Text

Dose Nine: Forward

There was another code blue. 

This time it was Room 2. Meredith - Tweek’s patient. 

Tweek had hit the red button early, the moment he noticed the vitals dropping. Without hesitation. The early recognition likely saving her life. 

Tweek understood intimately that this was part of his job. Working in critical care was challenging. It was very rewarding when patients improved, and were either stepped down to general wards requiring less monitoring, or were discharged. But it took its toll when a life is nearly lost. Even harder when a patient passed, no signs of life. Nothing left that could have been done. 

Whilst they were able to stabilise the patient, Dr Wheeler was very concerned. The worst was suspected, that perhaps the organs are failing. That they may not be able patch up this time, or fix. Tweek knew the plan was to do another extensive work up. To adjust medications, to report vitals more actively to the doctors. 

Tweek stood in the dim room. Observing. Watching, His body still running high on adrenaline. He took a deep breath, and glanced out the window to admire the sunny sky. At least his eyes had stopped twitching. 

A flash of bright red assaulted his periphery vision. He turned to acknowledge Damien, standing in the doorway with bright red scrubs on today. It was bright, a crimson red. Tweek couldn't talk though. Today he wore scrubs with faux paint splotches in various colours on it. It may not have been a widely accepted tradition on the ward, but Tweek loved fun scrub Friday. 

“Hey”, Damien said, a soft expression on his face. He leant against the door frame, carrying two coffees and a paper bag, surveying Tweek. He looked a little unkept today, but it looked good on him. Slight stubble on his chin, his dark hair tousled carelessly. 

“H-hi”, Tweek said. He busied himself observing checking the time left on the pump administering the bag of fluids. 

“You're having a break”, Damien said softly, but matter-of-factly, “C'mon”. 

He was telling Tweek, not asking him.. Finality in his tone. 

“I can't man”, Tweek sighed, impatient, “I don't have cover”.

“Yes you do”, Damien smirked, “I asked Heidi, she's going to cover for you”. 

Tweek's eyes widened, “What, you asked her for me?”.

“You bet I did”, he said. He stood up straight and held up a coffee cup. 

At that moment Heidi arrived. She barely stood at shoulder height on Damien. He stepped back silently, allowing her through the doorway. 

Tweek sighed, “Ack! fine”. 

Tweek shot a glance through the glass at Room 1. As hard as it was, he had stayed strong and kept his distance. Being professional, staying focussed. He could see Craig sitting there, glancing down at his phone, looking bored. Almost as if he sensed him, Craig looked out and met Tweek's eyes as he walked towards the ward exit with Damien. It was brief, but those few seconds felt much longer to Tweek. His heart thumping as he met his gaze. 

Damien led them off the ward, and handed Tweek a coffee. 

“You didn't have to do this, you know”, Tweek informed him in reply, “But - uh - thanks”.

“I didn't, but I wanted to. It's nothing Tweek”, Damien shrugged off, “I know you take a vanilla latte, but I got you a double shot. I know you're the exception to most and find coffee comforting, so I thought you could use the extra boost”.

Tweek smiled slightly at the thoughtfulness, “Thanks”. 

Damien led them to the lifts and pressed down. Then he tilted his head to look at Tweek. 

“I have learned that it is customary to share coffee and sweets with those you care about”, Damien said quietly, smirking. 

Here we go. Thought Tweek. That was most certainly a jab at Damien's observation of Tweek and Craig yesterday.  

He bit his tongue. Instead, he asked, “Where are we going?”. 

“Staff courtyard. Thought we could use the fresh air”. 

They rode the elevator in silence, Tweek clearing his throat.

They walked a couple of short corridors near the emergency department, swiping through a couple of sets of automatic doors. They were soon swiping the door to get outside into a large, open courtyard, with gardens and many tables and benches to sit at. Damien led them to a wooden bench beside a lush green garden and a small outdoor fountain, in part shade and to the corner of the courtyard. 

“I didn't know what you wanted to eat, so I got a few slices and cookies”, Damien opened the bag, and held it to Tweek to choose something. 

Tweek hesitated. He wasn't even hungry. But he felt rude to decline. He hesitated momentarily, and took a large chocolate chip cookie, with a quiet thanks. 

It was Damien's turn to clear his throat. He took a sip of coffee, then put it beside him on the bench with the rest of the paper bag. 

“It was pretty rough earlier. Are you feeling okay?”, Damien asked gently.

“Yeah”, Tweek replied, “I mean…sort of. It's always hard. W-when it happens. She's my patient today too. Sometimes I overthink and wonder if it's something I did, or if there's anything I could have done to prevent it happening, you know?”. 

Damien looked at Tweek, relaxing his shoulders, “Listen to me. You were amazing back there. You hit that button as quickly as you could. You did your job, you responded early. And the way you held yourself during the code. You stayed calm and focused. You gave that IV push we ordered so promptly. I felt like we had just called for it, and you were there with that syringe, already drawn up”. Damien placed a hand on Tweek's shoulder, “Amazing as always Tweek. Please, know that”. 

Tweek smiled and blushed slightly at the praise. He took a large sip of coffee nervously. Too big. It felt like it scorched his throat. 

“It means a lot, thank you”, he said finally, coughing slightly. 

“I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it”, Damien replied. He shuffled a little closer to Tweek. Tweek very aware of his presence. 

They stayed silent for a couple of moments. Then Damien spoke up again. 

“So”, he started, voice light and casual, “How's things with lover boy?”.

Tweek's stomach dropped. But he stayed coy. 

“Things with my friend”, He emphasised the last word, “are going fine”. 

“That's good” Damien said, “Where did you and your friend have coffee yesterday?”

“Does it matter?”, Tweek asked, slightly defensive, “It's just coffee man”. 

“True” Damien said.

“So what, you get me coffee and sweets because it's what we did yesterday?”, Tweek asked, having difficulty keeping the annoyance out of his tone, “You feel like you gotta keep up with him or something, be the better, uh, friend?”.

Damien chuckled softly. 

“No”, he said immediately, “I think I can do better”.

“Yeah?”, Tweek dared to ask, feeling flustered “Rrr, what even is this? we never do shit like this!”. He drained the last of his coffee, and put the empty cup beside him. 

Damien turned to face Tweek completely now. Tweek dared to look at him. 

“Sometimes when we go through certain moments in life” Damien began, leaning in a little closer, “Like…what happened earlier. It reminds us how fragile life is. How tomorrow isn't promised. How we shouldn't leave things unsaid”. 

What the fuck? Tweek thought. He felt his heart rate pick up. The way Damien looked at him was intense. His eyes were blazing, he wasn't joking around. He was dead serious. 

“The thing is”, Damien continued, dropping his voice lower, and leaning closer to Tweek, “I think you're amazing. We keep playing this game Tweek, I feel like I am dropping so many hints, but I realise now I'm not being forward enough. I need to make my intentions clear”.

Tweek gulped. He knew exactly what he was trying to say.

He took a shuddering breath, “W-w-what intentions?”. 

Damien moved even closer to the side of Tweek's head. Tweek eyed him nervously. 

He felt Damien's warm breath against his ear as he said, in barely a whisper, “I want you”. 

Tweek nearly fell off the bench. 

“What!”Tweek felt like he was going to go into cardiac arrest from the shock, “Damien! Ack!”, Tweek exclaimed. He spluttered and scooted back a little nervously, creating a buffer zone. 

“I can't keep it in any more”, Damien admitted. Still talking in a low voice, he added, “And I know you can't deny there's chemistry between us Tweek. I've felt it for months. I regret some of the childish games we have played trying to deny it. I should have been straight forward”. He sighed. He put his hand gently under Tweek's chin, lifting it up to face him. To force him to look at him.

Tweek was trembling. He shook his head furiously. 

“Damien, we literally can't”, he warned, “You were giving me shit the other day for having coffee with a family member of a patient! Now you're condoning THIS”, he gestured his hands wildly. “You're a hypocrite!”. 

“Life's too short Tweek”, he shot back, “And of course I'd expect you to take the high road, play by the rules, and keep it out of the workplace. You don't think I haven't thought of that?”.

“I don't know, have you?!”, Tweek retorted. They were now facing each other on the bench, “I don't think you actually have!”. 

“I think about it all the time”, Damien smiled widely and his eyes lit up. He leant in a bit, “I'm always thinking about you, Tweek. I can't help it”.

“W-what?”, Tweek sputtered. He shook his head incrediously, “Are you joking? Why!”.

“Because…God Tweek, look at you”, he breathed. His voice was back to a near whisper, “Have you looked in the mirror? You are…breathtaking. You are always looking good for the getting. How do you not see it?”. 

Damien was closing in. Tweek pulled back. 

“I….I….no!”, Tweek said softly, holding a hand between them, “You don't mean that! this is dangerous Damien. I-I can't believe you think that!”. 

“Believe it, baby”, he said sweetly. Damien leant in towards Tweek's ear again to whisper, “And you know I would take such good care of you. I've thought about it a lot, just how I would treat you. Take my time, give you everything. I'd always show you just how much I want you”. 

Tweeks entire neck and torso tingled with goosebumps. He trembled, feeling like the sweet whispers were melting him on the inside. 

Tweek digested what just happened. He leant back to look at Damien. 

“This is too much”, Tweek said, “We work together Damien. There are so many consequences! A-and there, Ack! I can't! I can't talk about this!”.

Damien frowned slightly. He pulled away slightly and sighed. 

“I came on strong’, he admitted, “But - you needed to know. It was driving me mad seeing you with your friend”.

“He is my friend”, Tweek said, “I don't know why you even care”. 

“Because”, Damien said, “I see how he looks at you. And how he looks at me”, he scoffed, rolling his eyes, “That family meeting was a hoot. I felt like he was concentrating his stare so hard hoping I would spontaneously combust”.

Tweek scoffed, “I highly doubt it”.

“Whatever. Don't worry your pretty little head over it. If you don't see it, that's great”, Damien said. 

Tweek went to stand up, but Damien gently grabbed his wrist, guiding him back down. 

“I will wait for an answer”, Damien said seriously, “Whatever time you need”. 

“Please don't Damien”, Tweek said sadly, “You know we can't”

“I'm not going to give up that easy”, Damien said, smirking. He let go of Tweek's wrist, and grabbed their things, "You have my number. You know where my office is. You just...need to knock". 

Tweek stared at him, feeling himself tremble, then sighed heavily, “Thanks for the coffee”. 

______

Tweek could barely concentrate when he walked down the noisy hallway towards his apartment door that afternoon. Loud music irritated his ear drums, and he could smell hints of weed and cigarette smoke drifting down the hallway. Fantastic, he thought. 

He let out a huff when he realised that all the offensive noises and smells were coming from his apartment. 

Furious, he jammed his keys in the door and flung it open. 

His eyes took a moment to register what he was seeing.

Stan and Kyle stood at opposite ends of the dining table. Stan in his boxers and Kyle in jeans and topless. It appears they set up a game of beer pong. Parts of their clothing were littering the floor, jackets, pants, socks, shoes and shirts. In between them stood Kenny McCormick, a joint hanging lazily from his lips as he smirked, wearing only tight white underwear. 

Tweek marched over to the bluetooth speaker and turned it off, then angrily addressed the group. 

“What the fuck!”, he screeched, “I told you not to do that shit in here again! Gah, I don't want you smoking inside! We will get evicted and be homeless!”. 

“Tweekers, relax”, Kenny said, smiling like the Cheshire cat. He raised his hands in defense, “It's all good yeah? I'll air it out okay? You won't smell a thing in the morning”.

“I don't want to smell a thing now!”, Tweek retorted angrily. Stan laughed, and when Tweek glanced at him, he fell silent again. 

“Alright…can we at least drink? Kyle's about to win at strip beer pong”, Kenny pleaded, doing a poor attempt at puppy dog eyes.

“Put the joint out and we'll talk”, Tweek said, his eyes narrowed, “But let me leave the room before someone's dick comes out!”. 

“That's what she said”, Stan said.

“Dude, that doesn't even make sense”, Kyle laughed. 

“Can't you do this shit somewhere else?” Tweek asked, annoyed, “What's wrong with your place Kenny?”. 

“My place sucks, plus these dudes asked me over”, Kenny said smiling, “I have three days off now, and I am making the most of it my dude”. 

“Tweek, come play”, Stan slurred, “Lighten up, we can get you something stronger if you don't want beer”.

“No thanks”, Tweek said. He crossed the room and threw his bag on the couch, then went to the kitchen to contemplate dinner. 

“So I was thinking, tomorrow night we should go out, hit the night life scene”, Kenny said, as the other two boys resumed their game. 

“Sounds lit”, Stan said excitedly, “You in Kyle?”.

“Yeah of course”, he said, “But dude what about Wendy? Isn't she going to want some time with you too?”. 

“She's on nights again this weekend”, Stan replied, “I am seeing her tomorrow afternoon before she goes on shift". 

“Nice, Stan's got a good thing going on, he can still do boys nights in a relationship”, Kenny laughed, “You got a hole in one there dude”. 

“I didn't get with her because of that”, Stan retorted, “There's lots of other perks”. 

“Mm yeh, she's hot as”, Kenny wiggled his eyebrows as she smirked, then wolf whistled. 

“GOT IT!!!”, Stan roared loudly, winning the round. 

Kyle scowled, and removed his second sock, now barefoot. 

Tweek rolled his eyes. 

“What about you Tweek, you game?” Kenny asked, “Come out with us, we can make you look super hot and you can pick up a nice fella”, Kenny paused as he looked at Tweek, “Not that you don't already look super hot”

“Fuck off Kenny”, Tweek said dismissively. Kenny laughed. 

Another point was won by Stan, and Tweek's ears almost hurt from the loudness of Stan's shouting. Kyle was groaning about having to remove his jeans. 

“We are going to get evicted”, he muttered to himself, shaking his head as he poked at his reheated pasta leftovers, the steam telling him it was good to go. 

As he stirred his pasta, an idea came to him. He smiled.

“Say”  he said loudly, addressing the group, “If I let you have your fun here, and not interrupt you…do you think you can all pre-drink at Kenny's tomorrow night?”.

Stan and Kyle stopped playing, but it was Kenny who spoke up, 

“Oh-ho! Tweekers wants the place to himself!”, Kenny said excitedly, and Tweek internally swore that Kenny picked up on his ulterior motive immediately, “Who's the lucky fella?”. 

Tweek scoffed, “I never said anything about that”. 

“I bet it's Damien”, Stan's face was lit up

“What if it's Craig?”, Kyle gasped.

“WAIT WHAT!”, Kenny's voice boomed, “The taboo?!”.

“Oh, yeah man”, Stan said, “He's back in town, but only because his dad is laid up in hospital”. 

“Dude”, Kenny exclaimed, his eyes as wide like dinner plates, “Wait….hang on…Thomas Tucker! I was at that crash site! He made it huh?”.

“Yeah, but he's still on my ward, induced coma”, Tweek answered softly. 

“Wow", Kenny whistled lowly, then continued, "But for real though, you have seen Craig Fucker again?”, Kenny looked amazed. Then he rounded on Stan and Kyle, “How you do not tell me shit like this!”. 

“We forgot!”, Kyle cried indignantly, “The Damien thing has been stagnant for a while, and Tweek hasn't told us much about Craig, but they're talking again”.

“Talking? or…”, Kenny got his hands and poked a finger through a hole made with his other hand. 

“NO, Kenny”, Tweek snapped, ‘For fucks sake, can you leave me alone tomorrow night or not?”.

“You got it,  anything in the spirit of someone getting laid”, Kenny said smirking, “Can I smoke now?.

“NO! no smoking! And it's not like that!”. 

“So who's coming over Tweek?”, Stan teased. 

The three boys gathered around the other side of the bench looking at Tweek, like toddlers shuffling in closer for story time. Unfortunately, they were going to be disappointed. 

“If anyone is coming over, it’s as a friend”, Tweek answered, eyebrows furrowed, “It's none of your business!”. 

Stan and Kyle groaned.

“Alright, alright”, Kenny held up his hands. “Cmon boys, let's finish this game and get someone starkers”. 

“And on that note, I'm going to my room”, Tweek said, smirking, “Have fun kids”. 

___________

Once Tweek returned to his room and was fed, he pulled out his phone

6:47pm

Hey :) Are you free tomorrow night? I have the place to myself, and I wondered if you wanted to come round and I'll make us a nice dinner? Say, 6? 

The man who received the message smiled widely, and immediately replied

6:48pm

I would love to, sounds amazing :) Send me your address and I'll be there. Really excited :) 

Chapter Text

Dose Ten: Prepared

Craig woke abruptly on Saturday morning. It was still dark, and Stripe and Spot were rampaging around the cage, causing a ruckus. Frustrated that this was likely what brought him back to consciousness, he grumbled and shot out of bed to let them out. He slipped out of the room and walked quietly to get to the kitchen to get their morning provisions, taking care to close the room behind him. 

A week. It had been a week since that fateful day, since things changed. It felt longer to Craig. He told himself it was likely due to the long days sitting at the hospital, the range of emotions he had felt all week. The news he had to process, and learning more each day from the doctors on his father's condition, the interventions necessary to keep him alive. Tweek entering his life again, Thomas remained in the background and the unsettling feeling of unresolved issues, hanging over him like a storm cloud. In the background, he was staying strong for his mother and sister, and helping out around the apartment. He had done the washing for them all yesterday, cooked some meals, tidied up. He  had weighed up options with his return to work. As his father was scheduled for surgery next week, Craig had made a plan with his boss to return to work remotely on a temporary basis. This meant he could work from the apartment and take calls, and would save him the commute to and from the office. 

Guinea pigs fed, Craig then took to the lounge room to fold the clean laundry. Not far into the task, the front door opened quietly and Tricia slipped inside, wearing headphones, black leggings, runners and a red jacket. She jumped when she saw Craig.

“Oh Christ, you scared me”, she jumped, and let out a breath to calm herself, “What are you even doing up?!”. 

“The pigs were hungry”, Craig answered, plopping a basket on the floor and placing the next full one on the couch, “And you?”. 

“Had trouble sleeping, went for a run”, she said, heading for the kitchen. Craig kept folding as he heard her use the tap, and she returned with a glass of water. 

“I just keep thinking about the surgery. It's like a giant boulder blocking the path, and we can't keep going until it's removed”, she explained quietly.

Craig nodded in understanding. 

“I get it”, he admitted, “It's got to happen whether we like it or not. We just have to hope for the best, that it's going to improve his recovery”. 

“I know”, she whispered, her eyes wide and glassy, “It's just scary. Then I think of the aftermath, and what dad will be like if he wakes up. The doctors are so unsure about what capacity he might have. They don't have the answers, which I understand. It's still causing me so much anxiety. And I worry for mum. Without dad, she's on her own at home. Even if she has him, what if he needs constant care after this?”. 

Craig interrupted her vocalised spiraling thoughts.

“Tricia”, he said firmly, “We would help okay? I know what it feels like. It feels like we are powerless, that nothing we can do will help the outcome, and it's frustrating yeah? but all we can do is be there. That's what families do”.

She nodded silently. She put her empty glass on the coffee table and seemed to be hovering, lost. 

“If you want something to do”, Craig deadpanned, gesturing to the laundry. 

Tricia smirked then, “You're nearly done, why intrude on the genius at work?”.

Craig rolled his eyes and scoffed. 

“Got plans for the weekend? You know, it could be a good opportunity to sort out your boy troubles”, Tricia suggested, a hopeful tone to her voice as she took a seat on the recliner. 

“I'm calling Thomas today”, Craig disclosed. He stopped folding and started  straightening the sorted piles unnecessarily.

“Craig, you can't do that shit over the phone”, Tricia said disapprovingly. 

“No, no”, Craig held his hands up, facing her, “I know that! I'm not a total dick. I'll invite him to Denver today or tomorrow, or if he isn't keen for that, maybe I can visit back home tomorrow and talk to him then. It was more than a couple of dates and we do live in the same building”. 

“I'm relieved to hear that”, Tricia sighed, “You've got one up on the guy that dated me two months and dumped me over Facebook messenger”. 

“I remember that", Craig said darkly, "What an idiot”. 

“Yeah, especially after you get physical with someone!”, Tricia said, sounding angry, “Who does that? absolute dick move”. 

“It is, but ghosting is worse”, Craig pointed out. 

“True”, Tricia said in a thoughtful tone. She leant forward and surveyed Craig, “So, you've been intimate with Thomas then?”. 

Craig froze up. 

“I don't want to talk about that with my sister!”, he exclaimed, shaking his head and bending his head low, embarrassed. 

“Ooh Craigy's embarrassed, you totally have hit that haven't you”, she teased, “Well, take him out or something, don't go breaking up with him on a street corner”.

“What am I, a drug dealer?”.

Tricia laughed, “Alright, alright. And just…do it Craig. Like ripping a bandaid off. And for God's sake, try to be gentle about it. You're so direct sometimes that it comes across really harsh”. 

“Thanks”, Craig said, annoyed, “Going to pick out my outfit too?”. 

Tricia laughed, and flipped him off. Craig returned the sentiment immediately. 

________________________________

Tweek had been busy in the kitchen for hours. 

Firstly, it was cleaning the absolute sorry state that Stan, Kyle and Kenny had left it from the night before. He was grateful there was no vomit or spilt drinks, but he was occupied for quite some time airing out the apartment and using air freshener to remove the offensive odours. He cursed Kenny as he sprayed copious amounts of air freshener around the room. 

He had been to the shops that morning, and bought everything he needed to prepare and host dinner tonight. He was excited. He rarely put great effort into his own solo meals, and it felt nice to prepare a meal and dessert for two, and for someone else who would likely appreciate it, no less. Not like Stan and Kyle, who would often gobble and go with a quick thanks when Tweek cooked for all of them. 

Tweek had the chicken dish in the oven, was boiling potatoes and getting started on dessert when Kyle walked in. 

“Wow Tweek, pulling out all the stops”, Kyle nodded in approval, smiling and looking impressed. He squeezed past Tweek, who had a light layer of sweat on his face and a few hair clips holding his untamed hair out of his face. Kyle  bent low to peek in the oven before heading to the fridge. 

“Well I can't serve two minute noodles”, he quipped back, carefully measuring out cups of flour. 

“You can do a lot with two minute noodles”, Kyle defending, smirking. He had a cup of juice, and was leaning on the counter, “I'll be out of your hair soon”, Kyle added, “Stan's on his hot date, and he is meeting me at Kenny's right after”. 

Tweek nodded, “Have you got a plan on where you're going tonight, or is it the usual Kenny's way of anything goes?”. 

“There's a few places we talked about”, Kyle disclosed, “Kenny wants to hook up and he is not fussed on where, or with who. Boy, girl, short or long hair, don't care”. 

“And you?”Tweek asked. 

“Well I mean, I am not really the pick up chicks type man, you know that”, Kyle laughed softly, “But ... .I guess having Kenny there allows me to keep an open mind”. 

“Sure”, Tweek smirked. 

Kyle stared at Tweek

“So you really aren't going to tell us who is coming around?”. 

Tweek sniggered, “I heard you dick holes last night talking about me you know, I'm not deaf. I also heard the commotion of Kenny trying to get rid of the weed smell by spraying bug spray everywhere. I'll be sure to thank him for that later, it caked all over our counter and carpet. Anyway, you placed a God Damn bet on me, so because of that you can wait it out!”. 

“Oh, God Dammit”, Kyle said, smacking his head, “Kenny's voice travels”. 

“All your voices travel”, Tweek corrected him. He finished sifting the flour and was adding the wet ingredients to a large blue ceramic bowl on the counter. 

“Alright, you got us”, Kyle sighed, “My money is still on Craig, after observing him in high school I would expect nothing less but for him to try and win you back quickly. It was so obvious he was simping after you all those years on”. 

“That's why you're choosing Craig huh”, Tweek teased, “How much you putting down on this?”.

“Think we agreed on 50”.

“I'm so honoured my life is so interesting to all of you”, Tweek said sarcastically. 

“Well, it's exciting, you know. You don't date much, and you're really good looking for a gay guy Tweek. Like…natural beauty. I dunno. This guy asked about you once outside the building, he lived in 6B. Called you a Twink, said you were really pretty and wanted to know your deal”. 

“For a gay guy”, Tweek repeated, snorting, “And don't call me Twink, I hate that. Who even was the guy in 6B? a family lives there now”. 

“Didn't get his name, but he seemed really obnoxious and confident, so I didn't tell you. Told the guy you were taken”. 

Tweek smiled appreciatively. 

“Well, I'm off to get ready”, Kyle announced, as he washed up his cup. Then turning to Tweek, he smirked, “Hope you've got condoms and lube dude, be prepared”.

“Ack, Kyle!”, Tweek hissed, waving his hands, “Tonight isn't about that! But….a guy is always prepared”, he added softly.

Kyle patted him on the back. “Good boy”.

__________________________

At ten minutes to six, Tweek was taking a deep breath, and looked around the spotless apartment. The table was set, he had even walked across to the park and picked a few flowers, setting them in a small glass vase on the table. Aesthetics matter. He was showered and dressed, overthinking his outfit a few times and making changes last minute. He had settled on his best, form fitting black jeans. On top he wore a soft, smart looking pale yellow button up. He had teased his hair slightly, so the curls at the ends sat nicely around his face. He looked good, he felt good. 

There was a soft knock at the door as he was bent over at the oven, checking on the progress of dessert. 

He rushed over, and squared his shoulders. Took a long exhale. Breathed onto his palm and rubbed his hands together. Overthinking the seconds he was taking to open the door and the level of enthusiasm in which he was pulling the door open towards himself. 

Craig stood there, smiling, and Tweek had to stop his jaw from dropping. He looked handsome. He wore a relaxed fit, white formal button up, which was folded at the sleeves and buttoned just below the elbows, and a couple of buttons opened at the top to reveal some chest hairs. He wore a black jacket, and he had chosen dark navy jeans the colour of the night sky, a nice watch on his wrist, black and white Converse. He was holding a bottle of wine, and to Tweek's surprise, a bouquet of flowers. Tweek sniffed. He got a whiff of musky, manly alluring cologne. Tweeks head spun. Craig was hot. 

“Hi”, Tweek breathed out softly, combing his eyes over Craig. 

“Hi yourself”, Craig said, smiling warmly. He extended his arms out to give Tweek the wine and flowers, “For you”, the bouquet came first, “And for us”, he then handed over the wine. 

“Thank you”, Tweek beamed, “Uh, let me just sit this down”.

He stepped  back to the table and placed the wine down, then dashed awkwardly to the kitchen, fumbling around in the top of the pantry for a vase. 

Craig closed the door and looked around, taking in his surroundings.

“I was really looking forward to seeing your place”, he said. He walked into the lounge room and shrugged his jacket off, placing it on the back of one of the recliners, eyeing some indoor plants, photo frames, candles and a neat bookcase and entrance way, “It's nice, definitely does not give off a Stan and Kyle vibe”. 

“No, I'm the homemaker", Tweek laughed, complaining, He was filling the vase up and busying himself with the flowers, “I'd hate to see the state of it if I wasn't around”. 

Craig laughed and watched Tweek place the flowers down, making room next to the smaller vase from earlier on the dining table. It was beautiful, Tweek admired. Several sunflowers, with small white fragrant flowers and lots of greenery. 

“You look lovely”, Craig said softly, approaching Tweek. Tweek smiled and looked up at Craig, placing his hands on Craig's firm upper arms. 

Tweek smiled in reply, feeling his face burning red. When Craig wrapped his hands around his waist, he felt his stomach drop.  

Craig swooped down and initiated a kiss. Tweek responded immediately, slowly moving his lips against Craig's, daring and quickly involving his tongue, running it along Craig's bottom lip. Craig opened his mouth more, kissing deeper. Tweek felt light as a feather. 

The timer went off in the kitchen, causing Tweek to startle more than Craig. They both chuckled awkwardly. 

“H-hang on”, Tweek said shyly, moving to the kitchen again. 

“Smells good”, Craig said, “Have you got some glasses? I can pour us some wine”. 

“Oh, of course”, Tweek felt a bit flustered. He quickly supplied Craig with the glasses and checked on dessert, turning the oven off once he was assured it was perfect. 

“Are you hungry now? I have dinner ready”, Tweek offered, “or we can have a drink first, I don't mind”. 

“Relax honey, let's do this your way”, Craig soothed, “Whatever you want to do”. 

Tweek swooned at the nickname. Honey. 

“I'll plate up”. Tweek decided, “Have a seat if you want?”. 

“Are you sure you don't need any help?”, Craig kindly offered, walking over to the kitchen. He placed Tweeks wine glass on the bench to his right. 

“Rrr, it's okay”, Tweek said, “I-I got this”. 

Craig smiled, “It looks wonderful. Mind if I at least stand here and keep you company? I like watching you work”. 

Tweek felt his cheeks burn again. He had a sneaking suspicion this was going to be happening a lot tonight. 

“So, where are Tweedle-dee and Tweedle--dum this evening?”Craig asked, standing in the corner of the kitchen and swirling his wine around before taking a sip, watching Tweek. 

“NIght out with Kenny", Tweek answered, rolling his eyes, “A must miss for me, I might add”. 

“What, McCormick?”.

“Yeah”, Tweek responded, busying himself plating up the chicken now that he had skillfully cut it up, “Must have been a while since you have seen him?”.

“High school”, Craig answered, “What's he like now?”.

“Well, I don't know what he was like in high school, but I was always jealous of him in college. He dicked around the whole time, always at parties or sleeping around, and then he'd cram at the last minute and always pull it off. I don't know how he did it. Meanwhile I was there always studying and spending weeks preparing for mid terms and finals”. 

“What, and you were jealous of the partying and sleeping around too?”, Craig teased, taking another sip.

“Ack! absolutely not!”, Tweek stammered, “Just about his bravery, always leaving things to the last minute and being cool about it, and of his sheer dumb luck!”. 

Craig laughed, “Does he live around here?”.

“Oh yeah, two blocks over”, Tweek answered, “He's actually a Paramedic, can you believe it? A-and guess what else! He is one of the Paramedics who brought your Dad in!”.

“Whoa really?”, Craig was surprised, raising his eyebrows, “How did you find that out?”.

Tweek's face twisted into an annoyed expression, “Because the idiot was here last night with Stan and Kyle playing strip beer pong. Ack! They drive me insane sometimes Craig! Then the guys mentioned you, and Kenny told us”.

Craig laughed loudly, “Strip beer pong, really? Fuck, those guys haven't changed a bit”. 

Tweek laughed too and shook his head, “Nah man, they haven't. I retreated to my room before it got too wild”.

Tweek had finished plating up and took the plates over to the table. Craig followed, bringing Tweek's wine glass with him.

They got settled at the table together. Tweek took Craig in more once they were seated, admiring the way that his smile lights up his handsome face. Looking at his big hands, much larger with his own, with prominent knuckles and long fingers. Tweek almost shuddered at the thought of those hands on his bare skin, running over his back and his hips, lower….

Craig spoke and broke him out of his train of thought. 

“Tweek, this looks amazing”, Craig complimented, looking down at the large plate of seasoned chicken, roast potatoes and vegetables, “It's like you remembered”. 

“Thanks”, Tweek smiled, taking a big gulp of wine which caused his next sentence to sound more raspy than usual, “Uhh? remembered what exactly?”. 

“That I don't like food as much when it's spicy or strongly flavoured”, Craig said, raising his fork and trying it. 

Another flush to Tweek's cheeks. He had indeed remembered that. 

“Oh, ahh, yeah”, he finished lamely, taking a big gulp of food. Craig watched his face, and shot him a wide smile. 

“Your dad's procedure  is Monday isn't it?”Tweek asked cautiously, “Are you feeling okay?”. 

Craig nodded, then finished chewing, “Yeah. I mean, as much as I can be”.

“Will you be around?”, Tweek asked, “On Monday I mean?”. 

“Yeah. I have an arrangement with my boss to work remotely from Tuesday, so I can still stay close to dad. We will take it a bit at a time I think. I need to be there, more for mom's sake”, he replied.

Tweek had another big gulp of wine, “Dr Bailey is doing the surgery, and he's the best in the district Craig. If it's any reassurance. I know how good he is, we get neurosurgery patients in our ward all the time, Dr Bailey doesn't miss a thing”. 

Craig smiled, certainly looking more reassured. Then he furrowed his eyebrows, “Wait, why are neurosurgery patients in ICU all the time, that's bad right?”.

“Oh, no no no”, Tweek hurriedly answered, “It's standard practice for big surgeries like…on the brain and heart, that patients come to ICU for close monitoring for a day or two before they are cleared to go recover on a regular ward”

“Oh I see”, Craig said, visibly relaxing. 

“It will be okay Craig”, Tweek smiled gently, his voice calm, “They'll do everything they can”.

“Thanks, Tweek”. 

They moved on after this conversation to lighter topics. Tweek asked for an update on the guinea pigs, and Craig was all too willing to talk about them in great detail. They talked more about Kenny, realising his promiscuous ways and affinity for substances and alcohol has not changed since high school. 

“That was delicious Tweek, it's the best meal I have had in a while”, Craig complimented sweetly. He seemed so happy and relaxed, like he belonged there, Tweek thought. 

“Thanks…I don't often cook like this anymore, I am just cooking for me and occasionally Stan and Kyle”, Tweek replied, standing up to clear the table.

Craig stood up very abruptly and held out a hand, “No Tweek, let me. You have done so much already”.

“Oh Craig it's okay! I invited you here, remember?”, Tweek said smiling, still touched that Craig offered.

But Craig insisted. So he headed to the kitchen, and Tweek turned his chair so he could see him, drinking his wine while they lightly chatted. Tweek topped up their glasses while Craig was washing up at the sink. 

Craig complimented Tweek again on the meal, and insisted he was full. Tweek took the hint that this meant dessert was on hold for now, so they migrated over to the couch. They sat together, facing each other and holding their glasses. The conversation continued, light. And, Tweek thought, it was so easy. It was comfortable, they laughed together, the conversation just flowed. As much as Tweek's mind was preoccupied by Craig's looks, as much as his eyes kept raking him up and down, and as intoxicating as his masculine cologne was each time Tweek breathed in, he truly felt happy. 

“I need to ask you something”, Craig asked after a while. 

Tweek hummed, “Of course”.

“What's with Dr Thorn? He's just…maybe I am imagining it, but things seem a little up and down with him, I can't put my finger on it”, “And, I saw you leave the ward with him yesterday with coffee”. 

Tweek felt his heart plummet. After yesterday, Tweek did not want to be thinking of or talking about Damien. But Craig was looking at him, his face lit up with curiosity. Tweek could almost feel the burning want for more information radiating off of him. He sighed. God Dammit. He made the decision in his heart. He had to be forthcoming with information. Now was not the time to start withholding information from Craig, not when they are getting reacquatented after all these years. 

He took a deep breath, and another sip of wine, “Well…up and down is probably the right way to describe it. He's really smart, and he knows it, but he constantly makes these stupid fuck ups and asks me dumb questions just to get under my skin. Then he will turn around and be nice to me, like yesterday buying me coffee. He's chosen Critical Care as his specialty, but sometimes I feel he's under enormous pressure, which I know training doctors are when they choose a specialty. He works long hours, and sometimes I am unsure if his heart is in it. Socially he's okay, we go to work events sometimes that Bebe will organise and he's easy to talk to. Maybe because the pressure is off outside of work, I don't know”.

Tweek stopped rambling and waited for Craig's response. 

“Well yeah, but I mean with you…like even the first day I saw you, he was standing all up in your space, like he was trying to intimidate you”, Craig said slowly, then he hesitated, and took another sip of wine, “I guess what I am asking is…do you two have a past?”.

Tweek almost spat out the sip of wine he had in his mouth, “Ack! Gah, no!”, he shook his head vigorously, feeling flustered. So much for feeling comfortable. 

“So what am I picking up on?”, Craig asked, tilting his head, “You seem…nervous”.

Fuck. 

Tweek took a huff and hesitated. Then he put his empty wine glass on the coffee table, crossed his legs on the couch and looked right at Craig.

“I know that he is interested in me”, Tweek answered softly. “He-he's never done anything, and I have shut it down. It's not professional, and I just don't know about him. Before you came along, it was just stupid shit he would do to get my attention, then he would subtly throw me hints, but I'm not stupid. But yeah…Craig…I would just rather be honest and tell you. But I swear - nothing has happened!”. 

“I knew it”, Craig said, looking angry as his face was set into a scowl, his eyebrows narrowed. 

“Craig, please”, Tweek sighed. He put his hands into Craig's, “I can handle it, okay? This shit has been going on since he arrived in our unit a couple of months ago”. 

“That long?!”, Craig exclaimed.

“Well ... .it was pretty non-existent at the start. It's obviously become more apparent recently. He asked me if we were involved. I told him we are friends- even after we had you know, crossed that line”.

“You did? so it's been more since I came along?”, Craig asked, smirking. 

“Y-y--yeah I think so, Gah!”, Tweek said, twitching, “He was asking me for coffee the other day, then when he saw me waiting for you with coffee after the family meeting, he wasn't happy”.

“How do you know?”. Craig asked, looking nervous.

“Well he got me coffee yesterday then told me! Rrr, he's frustrating!”, Tweek blurted, “He made a jab at me about him learning that it's ‘customary to have coffee and sweets with those they care about’ " Tweek used air quotation marks, scoffing, “He can be smug sometimes, but grr, I can handle it Craig, it's okay!”. 

Craig finally finished his wine and placed his  glass on the coffee table, then looked back at Tweek, with an almost hopeful look on his face “Ok so you really aren't interested in him?”.

“Craig, we WORK together”, Tweek said with finality, “I am not getting mixed up with that. Besides….I like someone else much better”. 

Tweek watched Craig's cheeks flush red. Then he smiled and relaxed, squeezing Tweek's hands. He then leant against the back rest of the couch and scooted a little closer to Tweek, so their legs were touching. Tweek was pleased with the contact. They looked at each other intently. Tweek sighed.

“Yeah?”, Craig finally asked lowly, looking away from Tweek and his cheeks still red, “Can you show me how much better?”.

Tweek giggled, his cheeks turning red too. Craig melted at the sight of how sweet Tweek's face looked flustered, and how the sound of his soft giggle was like music to his ears. 

“Yeah, I think I probably can”. 

Chapter Text

Dose Eleven: Therapeutic

*SMUT WARNING* 

Once Tweek leant forward and captured Craig's lips, he felt like all inhibitions were lost. Nothing else mattered, it was just the two of them, in their own moment.

Within moments, the heat of the kiss picked up quickly. Tweek relaxed his body. Soft sighs and moans escaped his lips as he kissed deeper, moving his tongue around in Craig's mouth. Craig met his enthusiasm, moving his tongue around to meet Tweek's. Very quickly, they found themselves vertical. Tweek was on top of Craig kissing with vigor, closing any gap he could between them. He slid his hands down Craig's side, finding where it met his pants and slid his hands underneath. He gasped as he felt Craig's skin, tugging at his shirt. Wanting more. Shuddering in anticipation. 

Craig got the message immediately. He didn't break the kiss, and sat up slowly on the couch, moving Tweek with him. Tweek shifted into Craig's lap, kissing with passion. They continued to kiss with fervor , Craig sliding his large hands up Tweek's back, groaning as his fingers met silky smooth skin. He loved the taste of Tweek, he could not get enough. Tweek smelt subtly off vanilla and a unique scent that belonged to Tweek. Something that was familiar from times they had recently embraced, with a nostalgic feeling from years ago. Craig's mind was swimming. 

Tweek keened. He moaned feeling Craig's fingers caress him, He wanted more. 

He continued to deepen the kiss, pawing at Craig's chest until he felt his buttons. He pulled away, looking at Craig as he maintained eye contact, slowly unbuttoning Craig's shirt. The smell of Craig's cologne was addicting. It was Craig he was touching, Craig he was tasting. He wanted him bad. Tweek felt his inhibitions slip further as he maintained eye contact with Craig seductively. 

Craig stared back in awe. 

This was a side of Tweek he didn't know existed. Tweek's pupils were dilated, in the dim light he could still make out the bright green irises. Tweek's eyes did not leave Craig's. They were full of lust, full of want. Craig could almost feel the heat radiating off him. Tweek's hair was wilder than ever before, almost ethereal. Craig couldn't take it anymore.

He frantically started undressing Tweek, one button at a time. Desperate, wanting. Never breaking their kiss. 

Tweek's noises of pleasure were getting louder. Tweek was pushing Craig's shirt off now, throwing it on the floor carelessly. His eyes were closed, completely lost in the moment. Craig couldn't get enough. 

“D-do you want to take this to my room?”Tweek whispered against Craig's lips suggestively, gently rubbing his fingertips against Craig's shoulders. 

“God, yes”, he breathed back. He kissed Tweek hard again. Tweek cried out against his lips. Craig couldn't take it.

Gently, Craig slid his hands to Tweek's thighs. He maneuvered them so they were sitting up, Craig's back against the couch. Then he gripped tight, lifting Tweek with him, and readjusting his arms to hold Tweek's legs up, carrying him. 

Within seconds he slid his mouth along Tweek's cheek, down to his neck, peppering his neck with kisses. One, two, three. Between each kiss, he felt Tweek shudder and melt against him. Coming undone. 

Craig's blood was hot now, he felt wild. He was losing control quickly. 

“Tell me where we are going”, he whispered in Tweek's ear, then licked the shell of his ear, and continued to kiss every square inch of his neck. Tweek threw his head back, allowing Craig access. 

Tweek let out a soft moan, “Hallway, second door on right”, he whispered desperately, panting. 

Craig moved fast. They made it to the hallway, then Craig stopped.

He pushed Tweek up against the wall and readjusted his grip. Pushed him upwards by the thighs so their lips met again. The kiss was hot, suffocating. Both Tweek and Craig sighing and moaning with want. Tweek felt Craig rock hard against him, which only drove him on further, panting and sighing. 

Craig was going insane. 

Craig picked Tweek up and moved quickly to his room, throwing open the door. He got a very brief glimpse of Tweek's room, the bed visible against the wall on the right side of the room, a desk, and a window to the left. The only light visible from the hallway, 

Tweek pulled away from a moment, hooded lids, and met Craig's eyes. They both took a moment to catch their breaths., Tweek was frantically throwing his hand out to the left, feeling for the wall. He found what he needed. Fairy lights illuminated the room, above Tweek's bed and around his desk. Just enough for low lighting. Enough for them to see each other. For them both to register the looks of want etched on each other's faces. 

Craig turned them around, slamming Tweek's door shut again and pinned him up against it. Moving to his neck again, he licked from his ear down to his neck. Tweek shuddered when Craig reached the collar bone. Craig got the hint immediately, nibbling at it and sucking. Tweek's legs were wrapping tightly around him and he let out soft, sweet moans. Craig was too far gone to stop. He wanted Tweek. Needing Tweek. 

After a few minutes, Tweek was trembling and shaking against Craig, moaning. Craig desperately undid the rest of Tweek's shirt and shoved it off.

Both now topless, they stared at each other.

“Craig”, Tweek whispered, “Take me to bed, take me”. 

Craig groaned lowly against Tweek's ear. He spun them around and sat on the bed, allowing Tweek to enter his lap. 

They built up their kiss again, hot and passionate, desperate. The room suddenly felt too hot. Craig felt delirious. All he could think about was Tweek and showing him how much he wanted him. He ran his fingers slowly down Tweek's side and around his back, registering how soft and silky his skin was against his fingertips. 

Suddenly, Tweek took control. He slid his lips off Craig's, and started kissing at his neck. 

“I want to make you feel good Craig”, he whispered, “Let me make you feel good”.

“Oh God”, Craig sighed softly, throwing his head to the side. 

Tweek slowly kissed and licked down Craig's torso. He made it past his pecs, down to his stomach. By now Tweek was on his knees beside the bed, Craig sitting on the edge. He ran his hands through Tweek's soft hair. Coming undone, wanting. anticipating. He felt uncomfortably tight in his jeans, desperate for relief. He thrust forward against Tweek. Tweek got the message. He unfastened Craig's jeans with ease, sliding his zipper down and tugging. 

Craig shifted slightly so Tweek could slide his jeans down. Tweek’s hands moved swiftly to push his jeans to his ankles. He attached his lips to the outside of Craig's underwear, breathing hot and soaking them with his saliva. Craig  felt Tweek pull his shoes off as he kept running his tongue around his groin. Within a few more moments, Tweek had impatiently pulled off the jeans entirely. 

Craig took a moment to drink in the sight in front of him. Tweek's lips were back around his underwear, his fingers moving around his waist band. He looked up at Craig. With nothing more in his eyes besides want.

Craig breathed out, “Tweek….Oh my God. I want you honey”. 

Craig saw Tweek's mouth twist into a smirk as he moved his underwear down to his knees. Craig's cock sprung up against his stomach at full attention.

Tweek was in absolute awe, impressed and incredibly turned on at the sight of Craig's cock. It was massive. By far, the biggest Tweek had ever experienced. He moaned at the sight, 

“Oh my God Craig, you're so big”, he whispered against Craig's groin, “I don't know if I will be able to take it all, but we are about to find out, aren't we hmm?”.

A shiver went up Craig's spine at those words. He needed Tweek, now. 

As soon as Craig had thought those words, Tweeks lips were around his tip, The tip of Craig's cock was in Tweek’s mouth, and Tweek's tongue was licking his head. Craig gasped loudly and moaned, cupping Tweek's head and running his fingers through his hair as he watched. 

Tweek made eye contact with him as he took him deeper into his mouth. His pupils were blown out, cheeks pink and lips plump. It was the sexiest thing Craig had ever imagined, or seen. He was in heaven. 

“Fuck, Tweek”, he moaned.

This only spurred Tweek on further. He dropped his gaze and pushed Craig's cock further into his mouth, past his lips. Craig cried out loud. Oh my god. 

Craig's mind was blown as he felt his cock almost completely enveloped in Tweek's hot and wet mouth. Did he even have a gag reflex? It transpired quickly to Craig that he didn't seem to, as Tweek moaned and made humming noses and had almost engulfed his entire length into his throat, breathing heavily through his nose. 

Tweek started to move up and down. Craig was in ecstasy. 

He started with the dirty talk, turning Tweek on more. 

“Oh God Tweek, I've never felt so good”, he sighed, “O-Oh God, keep going baby. FUCK. Oh God, Yes. That feels  incredible. Oh God, you're incredible. You're taking me so well baby”.

“Mmph”, Tweek moaned around Craig's cock, returning his gaze to Craig's and swallowing him down his throat. 

"You look so fucking sexy like that baby", Craig groaned, "So fucking good, I could watch you all day. You're perfect, Oh God". 

Craig didn't know he could experience such pleasure. He resisted the urge to thrust into Tweek's mouth.

ALmost sensing Craig's thoughts, Tweek slid his mouth back to the tip, licking and popping off slowly, then he muttered, “Craig….do what you wan't…fuck my mouth,  I can take it”.

Craig let out a guttural moan in response. Fuck. 

Tweek swallowed him down again, and Craig bucked his hips. He had never felt this good, Tweek was going to drive him insane.

It did not long for a tight feeling to build up in his abdomen, his body shuddering and a tightness like a rubber band building up. 

“Oh God, Tweek”, he roared, “If you keep going, I'm going to cum baby”. 

Tweek let out a moan around Craig's cock, and sucked with more fervor. Desperately, like he wanted Craig to release. Silently giving permission to spill into his mouth. 

“AH-ah- AH Tweek, Oh GOD! I-I'm coming, I'm coming!” Craig was panting in pleasure, and he released into Tweek's mouth. 

Tweek kept his mouth around Craig's cock and lips tight as he swallowed him down, riding out his orgasm. Tweek sucked him dry.

Craig was light headed, almost seeing stars. When Tweek popped off, he pulled him up gently onto his lap, still panting heavily.

He pressed his mouth hard against Tweek's not caring that he could taste himself. 

Once they broke apart, Craig moved his lips to Tweek's ear, “That was incredible Tweek, Oh my God”. 

Tweek giggled quietly and whispered, “Did I succeed in showing you how much better?”.

“Oh God honey, did you ever”, he praised, wrapping his arms around his bare torso, and peppering Tweek's neck with kisses, “I am serious. I have never felt that good”.

“Well”, Tweek whispered back seductively, “There's a lot more I can show you if you stick around with me”. 

They were kissing again. Craig gently moved Tweek down to lie onto his back and made quick work to remove his pants. 

“Oh God Craig”, Tweek moaned, “Give it to me. Show me what you want to do to me, please!”. He was desperate. He wanted it. 

Craig had his pants off in minutes, Tweek left in his underwear and socks. Craig pulled away for a moment, and drank in the sight of him. Wanting to commit it to memory. Wanting to see the sight he had imagined in his mind, in his dreams. 

Tweek didn't have much hair at all. His skin was smooth and silky all over, Craig thought. His stomach was flat, his hips were curvy. He was petite, but his cock wasn't small. Craig would say it was average, shorter than Craig's with less girth. To Craig, Tweek was the sexiest man he had ever seen, ever imagined. He was unreal. 

“Baby, do you have any lube?”Craig whispered, kissing Tweek's stomach and licking up towards his nipples. 

Tweek let out a small moan and replied, “Top drawer”. 

Craig sat up and flung the drawer open, fishing around for a moment until he felt a skinny bottle against his palm. He made quick work to return to the bed with it, sucking on Tweek's right nipple and licking as he felt for the cap to open it. 

Tweek was letting out small gasps and moans, panting in between. He was incredibly turned out, Craig could tell. His cock was flush against his stomach, he saw goosebumps on Tweek's arms. Tweek's eyes were closed, his face contorted in pleasure. It was fucking sexy. 

“Honey, I want to make you feel so good”, Craig whispered, working lube in between his fingers in his right hand.

Tweek moaned in response, and continued to pant.

Craig's mind had escaped him. He lurched forward and connected his lips to Tweek's neck again. Taking pleasure in that each time he hit a certain spot towards the collarbone, Tweek would shudder. 

Tweek was beautiful, Craig thought. Every shudder, every moan, every tremble. He wanted to commit it to memory. He wanted to do this forever. And if he couldn't, he wanted to replay this in his mind over and over. 

Craig used his right hand to start stroking Tweek's cock. Tweek was already gasping and shuddering. Coming undone below Craig. 

Craig grabbed the bottle again with his left hand, as he wrapped his large hand around Tweek's cock and pumped him.

Tweek cried out when he felt a lubed finger from Craig's left hand at his entrance, teasing around the outside, as Craig's other hand pumped his cock. 

Craig felt Tweek shiver below him. Craig was on his knees, allowing both his hands to work to give Tweek pleasure. 

Tweek had his head lulled at his side like a ragdoll, and eyes heavily lidded, panting. Craig let the sight go straight to his dick, feeling himself getting hard again. He couldn't take it anymore. He let his index finger breach Tweek's entrance.

Tweek moaned loudly as he felt Craig's finger enter, panting harder. Craig slowly and gently eased his finger in, propping himself up on an elbow and leaning down to work at Tweek's neck again. 

Craig slipped in a second finger soon after. Tweek cried out, and Craig worked gently to ease him into it. Tweek was so warm, so tight. His body seemed to suck Craig's fingers in. Craig started to move his fingers around, scissoring them at random intervals. Tweek reacted each time with a loud cry.

Craig LOVED it. He was taking his time with his lover, experimenting, watching every reaction on Tweek's face, every movement of his body. Studying every twitch, every sound. Committing every positive response to memory. 

Suddenly, Tweek thrashed his legs and moaned loudly, 

“Craig… Oh Craig, There! There”, he cried loudly, desperately.

Craig paused his movements and repeated what he just did, causing Tweek to fall apart below him. He had found Tweek's spot. Craig felt his own cock stand at attention again. He watched Tweek closely as he kept pounding that spot with his fingers.

Tweek was moaning loudly,spreading his legs. 

“Ah-Ah-A-Ah-Ah-Ah”. Tweek was moaning loudly. 

Craig repositioned himself, and used his right hand to give attention to Tweek's cock again. 

Within minutes, Tweek's breathing became erratic, moaning louder than ever. 

“CRAIG!!....oh…ah-ah-ah, Craig, Oh, I'm going to come, yes…..that's the spot….keep going Craig, give it to me!! Craig!!!”.

“Yes honey, Oh god you drive me crazy, come for me, come Tweek!”, Craig cried, his gaze never leaving Tweek's face

Tweek released. Hot spurts of cum released over his fingers, up his own stomach. Craig sighed in satisfaction, watching his lover writhe on the bed from his ministrations, working Tweek through his orgasm. 

Tweek quietened down, panting. Craig collapsed beside him, slowly taking his fingers out and allowing Tweek to cuddle into his chest. They both breathed heavily, covered in a layer of sweat. Then met each other's gaze.

They laid there for a few minutes, basking in the afterglow. They looked at each other and smiled. Without words, their lips connected again, kissing slow, kissing sweet. 

A loud bang and voices made them both jolt, as they heard a girl laughing and a man talking, muffled down the hallway. Tweek shot up in alarm, furrowing his brow and listening, holding his breath. 

“Oh  - this is your place? Is it really? where's your room, show me”, a girl's voice was whining. 

“Just this way, c'mon, let me show you”, a man chuckled in a low voice.

More giggling from the female.

“Oh God”, Tweek sighed, screwing up his face, “That's Kyle!! he's brought someone home”.

“Urgh,say no more”, Craig, said, looking disgusted. 

“He never does this”, Tweek said, lost in thought. Then he turned to Craig and smirked, leaning over him, “Hey…at least we got to do that when we did, yeah?”. 

Craig grinned at him, pulling Tweek flush against him, whispering in his ear, “I don't think anything could have stopped me honey, not in a million years”. Then he placed another tender kiss on Tweek's lips, and held him close. 

Chapter Text

Dose Twelve: Repeat

*SMUT WARNING*

Craig and Tweek had no sense of time as they laid together on Tweek's bed, close and sharing kisses.

But once they started to hear the vocal girl now in the apartment, and obscene noises coming from across the hallway, the moment was dampened. Tweek scowled, and sat up, reaching for his discarded shirt on the floor and cleaning them both up. Then he jumped up and threw his shirt in the laundry hamper over beside his desk. He opened his chest of drawers and grabbed a fresh shirt for himself.

“You are welcome to stay the night, you know”, Tweek offered quietly, coming back to the bed, “But you know, Kyle”, he gestured his head towards his bedroom door, “And god knows if Stan and Kenny will end up back here. I don't want to put you through that”.

“It's okay”, Craig responded sadly, “I-I should probably go home anyway. Mom and Tricia weren't expecting me to be out all night, and I think they'll need me. Day before dad's surgery, I don't think they'll be in a good way”.

“That's really thoughtful of you Craig”, Tweek smiled fondly. Then he bent down to grab their clothes off the floor, and paused as he handed Craig his pants, “Oh!! dessert! we forgot all about it!”.

Craig looked up at Tweek, smiling cheekily, “It's okay Tweek, I definitely feel like I have already had dessert”. 

Tweek's cheeks burned and he laughed, then he bent down and kissed Craig again. 

They got dressed, and recalling Craig's shirt was on the lounge room floor, they quietly made their way out of the room. Tweek grimaced as he passed Kyle's door, noises from him and the mysterious female echoing into the hallway. 

“This is why I live alone”, Craig commented, shuddering as they passed. 

Craig excused himself for the bathroom once he retrieved his shirt, Tweek directing him that it is the door next to his room. Tweek took a minute to have a glass of water, and retrieved a mint from his messenger bag in the lounge room. He definitely planned on kissing Craig more tonight.

Craig emerged, finding Tweek in the kitchen.

“Craig, take the dessert home and enjoy it tomorrow”, Tweek said kindly. He was standing in front of a tray with two mini chocolate cakes on it, and wearing a sweet smile. Tweek looked absolutely gorgeous. Craig returned the smile, and moved quickly over to Tweek. 

“Are you sure? They look good, what are they?”.

“Chocolate lava cakes”, Tweek said proudly, “T-they're better warm! I was going to serve them with ice cream. Have you had them before? the chocolate oozes from the centre. They're h-harder to make that muffins, but rrr, they're really good!”. 

“Sounds delicious”, Craig said softly, smirking. He moved to stand directly behind Tweek and wrapped his arms around his waist, then said in his ear, “Like you”. 

Tweek shuddered and let out a small gasp. He shook his head wildly, and brought his mind back to the task of putting the cake in a small take away container for Craig. 

“Do you want to take some leftovers of dinner with you too? If you don't, Stan and Kyle will end up with it. I would much rather you enjoy it”, Tweek said. 

“I wouldn't say no”, Craig smiled, “You're spoiling me, thank you”.

“My pleasure”, Tweek said in a small voice, feeling gooey inside from how sweet Craig was treating him. 

The way Craig clung close and cuddled Tweek as Tweek organised the containers for Craig felt domesticated,natural. Tweek felt like he was on cloud nine. His head felt so light, so quiet. He felt so happy at that moment. 

Once Tweek was done with the containers, Craig spun him around, and Tweek giggled. They almost joined their lips together again until they heard loud footsteps outside, mumbling and swearing, and finally the unmistakable sound of somebody vomiting.

“Oh please, Jesus fuck say it isn't so”, Tweek said, looking at Craig with wide eyes. 

But it was. Something loud hit the door with a BANG. Tweek rushed over and shot Craig an apologetic look over his shoulder, flinging the apartment door open. 

Stan stumbled into the apartment, clearly completely wasted. He looked dishevelled, wet patches all down his front, eyes unfocussed and bloodshot, barely able to stand. 

Tweek clicked his tongue and furrowed his eyebrows as he shut the door behind them. 

“H….Oh!”, Stan called out loudly, hiccupping and holding his mouth. 

“Oh fuck no, Stan, get to the bathroom before you hurl again”, Tweek ordered, pushing him by the shoulder. 

“I'M FIIIIIINNE, I THINK KENNY STOLE $20 FROM MY WALLET AND IT'S EH-EHHH”, he looked at Craig, who was standing motionless in the kitchen, “NO WAYYYY DUDE! ITS FUCKER”.

“Shhhh!”, Tweek snapped, “Don't disrupt  the entire apartment block, get in the bathroom NOW!”. 

Stan shook his head rapidly, burping, and stumbled sideways, “NO WAYYY MAN, I GOTTA CATCH UP WITH MY MAIN MANNNN CRAIG”.

“Stan…we can catch up later dude, why don't you follow Tweek now okay?”, Craig suggested, stepping closer to help Tweek. 

Another door flung open, and Kyle appeared, shirtless and in jeans, clearly emerging to investigate the source of the commotion. Behind him, a shorter figure was taking refuge behind Kyle's back. Tweek tried to motion Stan forward, but he was digging his heels in. 

“Stan, MOVE”, Tweek hissed, giving him another shove, “Guys, can someone help me here?”.

Kyle immediately responded, grabbing one of Stan's arms. Which exposed the girl behind him.

It was Heidi.

But it didn't look like Heidi. She never usually wore make up, and tonight her skin was flawless, with electric blue eyeliner and thick black eyelashes. She wore her hair differently to her usual ponytail, and it was sleek and shiny, cascading past her shoulders. Her lips, once ruby red and smudged from her time with Kyle, were puffy. She was in a black cocktail dress, which was askew like she had hastily thrown it back on. She was a little taller than Tweek was used to, from her black heels. 

Tweek's mouth dropped as he met her gaze, and her mouth did the same, her hands flying to cover her mouth and eyes looking horrified. 

“Oh God”, she said behind her hands. 

Kyle looked between Tweek and Heidi, mind working to make sense of the reaction from the two. Craig looked just as confused, now standing closer and giving off the impression he was ready to assist with Stan if needed. 

Tweek shook his head suddenly, “Not now, let's get this bozo to the bathroom”. 

It only needed Kyle and Tweek's efforts to maneuver Stan in there. Stan was almost falling over, completely unable to walk by himself. He belched and was now muttering in a quiet voice, and kept mentioning “$20” and “Kenny’. Tweek rolled his eyes. He couldn't believe this rubbish. 

Craig moved into the bathroom and lifted the toilet seat up. Tweek muttered a quiet thanks.

Heidi stood awkwardly in the hallway, then she disappeared to Kyle's room. 

“I'll stay with him”, Kyle volunteered, sounding defeated. He eyed the doorway where Heidi was no longer standing and sighed, “I know he listens to me”. 

B-BLECH

Stan hurled into the toilet at that very moment. Tweek saw Craig wrinkle his nose in disgust,shifting uncomfortably. Tweek felt extremely embarrassed. 

“Uhh..thanks Kyle”, Tweek said awkwardly, “Think that's our cue to leave, man”. 

Tweek filed out first, as Heidi emerged from Kyle's room wearing a wrap around black shawl. She froze up when she saw Tweek for a brief moment. She then shot Kyle a look, who was busy guiding Stan's head back to the toilet. She moved forward, and quickly exited the apartment. No words, no glancing back. 

“Damn”, Craig commented nasally behind Tweek, also watching Heidi depart. 

“I'll walk you out”, Tweek said quietly, hanging his head. God, this is embarrassing, he thought. What a sour end to such an amazing night. He was worried that Craig would not want to come back here again. Worried about what Craig would think, that Tweek lives with people like this. 

Craig and Tweek made it out the front door, Craig carrying the food containers in one hand and his jacket in the other. Tweek cringed when he saw the pile of vomit in the hallway, but they pressed on to the staircase. 

Once they made it to the ground level, Tweek followed Craig across the car park. Craig had tucked the container of dinner under the dessert one, to Tweek's surprise, was prying off the lid. Tweek watched as Craig broke off a piece of the cake and put it in his mouth.

His face lit up and he looked genuinely surprised, “Wow, Tweek, it's really really good”.

Tweek blushed, “R-right?, did it come out okay in the centre?”.

They stopped at Craig's car, and Tweek peered into the container, watching the centre ooze out and fill the bottom. Turned out perfect, he thought proudly. 

Craig unlocked the car and smiled at Tweek, “Come sit in the car with me for a bit? we can share it?”.

Tweek didn't hesitate, and nodded, heading for the passenger door. 

Once inside, Craig placed his jacket and container of leftover dinner on the floor at the passengers side, then the dessert container in his lap. He tossed his keys in the centre console, and locked the doors.

They didn't bother with seatbelts. Craig scooted a little closer to Tweek. Tweek mimicked hiim, so they were inches from each other's faces. Their eyes met.

Craig smiled, “open up”, he cooed, and broke off a piece of cake for Tweek. He slowly moved his fingers with the cake to Tweek's mouth, not breaking eye contact. 

Craig's index  finger lingered in Tweek's mouth as Tweek accepted the piece of cake. Tweek sucked the cake into his mouth, then licked Craig's finger. 

“Mmm”, Tweek whispered, “It's good”.

“Mmm, yeah it is”, Craig whispered back. 

Craig withdrew his finger. His attention turned back to the container, this time his finger scooped up some of the chocolate sauce. 

He ran the finger along Tweek's bottom lip, coating it with the sauce. Then he leaned in and licked it off, slow, methodical. Moving his tongue sensually left to right, letting out a small hum. Craig's tongue felt long, smooth and warm and wet. Tweek sighed softly and shivered. 

Craig withdrew and looked into Tweek's eyes, “Yeah?”, Craig whispered. 

Tweek melted, much like the cake had, and nodded in response. The blue in his eyes seemed more vivid than he had noticed before, his eyes sparkling with lust. 

Craig repeated dipping his finger into the cake. Tweek inched a little closer. This time, Craig started his finger at the corner of Tweek's lips, then ran it down Tweek's chin gently. He then dipped his finger back in, and ran it down Tweek's neck. 

Tweek shivered in anticipation as Craig licked his own finger clean, attached himself to Tweek's lips, licking and then kissing him. Tweek kissed back enthusiastically.

After a couple of minutes, Craig broke the kiss, and started licking and kissing down Tweek's chin. Tweek had turned to putty in Craig's hands,moaning softly in approval. 

“You” kiss “Are” kiss “beautiful” kiss, Craig murmured against Tweek's neck, licking and kissing at the silky soft flesh. 

Tweek was sighing softly and he felt goosebumps run up his entire body. His eyes fluttered shut. He was surrendering to Craig. Whatever Craig wanted. 

Once Craig was satisfied Tweek's neck was clean, he pulled back and put their foreheads together across the centre console. 

“Come to the back”, Craig whispered, eyes full of want. 

Tweek nodded dumbly, words failing him. He shuddered in anticipation. 

Craig pecked Tweek's lips, then reached for the car lock on the door, unlocking. Within seconds, they had both hopped out of the car and migrated to the back. Craig put the container down beside him, and they two met in the middle. Craig's arms around Tweek's lower back, Tweek's hands started on Craig's shoulders, then he began running them along Craig's muscular torso. Their lips met again, very quickly the kiss was passionate and deep, it was electric; to Tweek it was like fireworks exploding. 

Craig quickly ripped Tweek's t-shirt off, no buttons to hinder his progress as he revealed Tweek's pale perfect torso. Tweek was fumbling with Craig's buttons again. Craig felt behind him for the container, still kissing Tweek, and scooped up more of the chocolate sauce. He ran his fingers this time from the neck, past the collar bone, and right down to Tweek's tummy. He finished here, and circled his finger softly around Tweek's belly button.Tweek let out a long, soft moan at the sensation. Craig observed Tweek become covered in goosebumps, and looking lower could make out the hard bulge in Tweek's pants. He felt his own dick harden even more, pressing uncomfortable and tight in the crotch of his pants. 

Craig got to work, and boy did he take his time. It was driving Tweek crazy. Craig's hot wet tongue felt incredible. Craig moved his hands gently around Tweek's body, massaging him and pressing lightly with his fingers with every touch.Tweek cried out when Craig started to nibble softly at Tweek's collar bone, feeling so turned on as Craig alternated between small bites and kisses. 

“Craig!”, Tweek moaned desperately, “God, ah-ah oh, that is feeling so good. Ohhhh. I love it”.

“Mmm honey”, Craig murmured against his skin, “Your cake tastes so much better on your delicious skin. I just want to eat you up”. 

“Ohhhhh”, Tweek moaned. 

Craig reached his belly button, and Tweek twitched in pleasure. 

“Sensitive”, Craig teased in a sexy tone. Then he dived back in, dragging his tongue along his tummy, kissing as he went. He dipped his tongue into Tweek's belly button and slurped, cleaning him up.

“Ahhh-oh! oh!”, Tweek threw his head back, moaning louder, and he felt a fresh wave of goosebumps cascade from his tummy right down both of his legs. 

Craig now shifted his body down. It was difficult with his long legs, but he twisted them onto the floor and was now facing Tweek's bulge. He licked the outside of Tweek's pants hungrily, desperately. 

Tweek was panting with frustration from all the teasing. Craig made quick work of removing Tweek's pants and sliding his underwear down to his knees. He paused again for more chocolate sauce, coating his fingers on his left hand, and looked up at Tweek. 

Tweek was a mess. Far gone, His eyes were fixed onto Craig. He grabbed for Craig's right hand, clinging it tight. His face was flushed, eyes alight with desire. Craig could see the expression on his face telling him, keep going. 

Craig dragged his fingers down both Tweek's hips and thighs, and gently fondled Tweek's hard cock. At the touch, Tweek screamed loudly in pleasure, and Craig watched as both Tweek's hands flew around the back of Craig. He applied light pressure with his nails, dragging them on the outside of Craig's shirt. He kept his hands there, clutching with desperation. 

Craig continued to meet Tweek's gaze and whispered, “I want to worship these thighs. God, Tweek, look at these curves”, Craig looked down at them, then started to slowly kiss, nibble, lick. He felt Tweek shudder once more. 

Tweek felt like he was overheating, like a burst gasket, like a fire raging and burning out of control, unable to be extinguished. His chest was afire, blazing with desire. 

“CRAIG!”, he cried out, in a desperate moan, “D-do something Craig, oh God! I can't take it anymore”. 

Craig smirked and looked at Tweek again, seeing he was completely undone. Perfect. “Okay honey. I think I'm finished with your dessert….I need to taste you now”. 

Tweek moaned in response, then screamed when Craig took his chocolate coated cock in his mouth. Tweek watched Craig in utter pleasure as Craig took him in his mouth deeper. Pressing his lips firmly against his cock, and taking Tweek's cock in right up to the base. He fondled Tweek's balls and held his other hand on Tweek's hip. He took a slow pace to start with, taking pleasure in all the pretty noises and moans spilling from Tweek's mouth. He felt Tweek's nails digging into his back again, and imagined his pretty hands digging in, hoping he leaves marks. 

On that thought, Craig kept sucking Tweek, moving up and down as he moved the hand on Tweek's hip to unbutton his own shirt. He ripped it off, discarding it on the floor, all the while not removing his mouth from Tweek. 

“Ah-ah-AHHHHH, Oh, Ahh-Ah”, Tweek moaned loudly.

Craig felt Tweek's hands go straight onto his back again, and God, that was better. Tweek dug his nails in immediately, and in response Craig sucked harder, using his tongue to run along the shaft. The sauce was long gone by now, and although he still tasted the dessert, Craig could mostly taste Tweek. 

Tweek was losing control. Every move, twitch, noise telling Craig he was doing it right. He was breathing heavier, panting louder. 

“Cr-C-Craig!”, he gasped, then let out a long, drawn out moan, “Oh, Craig, I'm close! It feels amazing Craig, don't stop, please”, he begged. 

Tweek dug his nails in one final time, and Craig tasted cum hit the back of his throat. He swallowed Tweek down, and slowed his pace, sucking him until Tweek's moans and screams quietened down. He looked up watching Tweek writhe, his head was back, eyes closed, his mouth hanging open. A look of pure ecstasy and pleasure on his face, Craig felt that image would be burned into his brain forever. 

Craig pulled off and ran his large hands up Tweek's thighs, giving them a squeeze. 

“How was that, honey”, he asked with a big, sly smile, as he watched Tweek recover. 

“Craig, Oh my God!”, he sighed quietly, mouth still agape. He looked at Craig, “That felt amazing, Oh Jesus!”. 

Craig chuckled, “God you're sexy”, he said, eyeing Tweek, “I can't get enough, I really can't”. 

“Come sit with me”, Tweek whispered, trying to pull Craig up. 

Craig shifted up, and sat beside him. Within moments, Tweek had swung his legs over Craig, sitting in his lap. He attacked his lips, kissing hard. Craig kissed back immediately, and he felt immense relief when he felt Tweek's hands around his button and zipper, tugging to free his raging hard cock.

Tweek's green eyes were blazing when they met Craig's eyes, and he brought his right hand up to his mouth, and licked the inside of his hand three times. Then Craig felt Tweek's now wet hand grip firmly around his cock, as he began to jerk him. 

Tweek's left hand dipped into the container, where only a couple of small pieces of cake remained. He popped one in his mouth, chewing, then he kissed Craig hard. this was hot, Tweek thought, as they shared the piece of cake between them. He'd never experienced anything like this.  He felt Craig's large hands settle on his buttocks, and felt Craig squeezing them gently. 

He jerked Craig harder, faster. He broke apart to swallow, and to gaze intensely into Craig's eyes seductively. Then Tweek started with his potty mouth, and Craig was blown away. 

“Mmmph, Craig”, he moaned softly, right near Craig's ear, “God fuck, I can't wait for you to fuck me one day soon. Next time we are alone, Ohh Craig. I want you to fuck me into the mattress Craig, I want you to break me in half. Your cock, Oh my God. It-it'll split me open Craig. But I can take it”, Tweek pumped harder, Craig's eyes were shut, he was very quickly reaching his orgasm, especially with the image Tweek described in his mind's eye. 

“Can you imagine it, Craig?”, Tweek whispered, as Craig panted “I'd be so tight around your cock. I'd want you to fill me up, to squeeze into my insides. Oh-Oh Craig”.

That did it. Craig roared out in pleasure, “Tweek, Ohh God, I'm coming honey”. 

Ropes of cum shot between them, and Craig sighed in pleasure, relief. 

They stared at each other, and laughed softly together, both satisfied. 

“Tweek, you are something else”, Craig said softly, shaking his head in disbelief.

Tweek smirked, the corner of his mouth twitching, “You're one to talk. I've never had my dessert used in such a way Craig. That…that was hot”. 

Craig smiled, and chastly kissed Tweek's lips. 

The windows of the car were completely fogged. Tweek slid off Craig, to adjust his pants back and started searching for his shirt. Craig buckled his pants up, and fished out his phone. 

11:34pm.

“I better let you go”, Tweek said, watching Craig examining the time.

“I definitely don't want to”, Craig sighed, “But…you're right”. 

Once dressed again, both men slipped out of the back seat, Tweek met Craig around at the driver's door, holding the empty dessert container to take back upstairs. He threw his hands around his neck and kissed Craig slow, with intent, with passion. 

“Sweet dreams”, Craig said sweetly, when they pulled apart. 

“I hope you'll be in them”, Tweek whispered. 

Tweek moved away and stood watching Craig start the car. In the rear view mirror, Craig still saw Tweek watching him drive away. 

________________

Craig woke at almost midday on Sunday morning. He put it down to the accumulating fatigue that he had been saving up all week, and to the activities of the night before. 

When he finally surfaced, and headed to the kitchen, he expected he would be alone. But he jumped in surprise when he saw Tricia was home, working silently at her laptop at the dining table. 

“Morning sunshine!”, she said enthusiastically, taking her headphones off and raising her eyebrows with interest at Craig. 

“You're here? Is mom at the hospital alone?”, Craig asked, surprised. 

“Yeah, she insisted”, Tricia explained, “She knows I have an assignment due tomorrow, and I was falling behind. She said she was fine. She actually took some knitting with her”.

“Right”, Craig responded, examining the pantry for food. 

“How was your date?”, Tricia asked, smiling. 

“Really good”, Craig responded, intentionally keeping his response short. 

“Hmm”, Tricia said, studying Craig's body language, noticing his head was hiding in the pantry, not looking at her, “You got home late”.

“So?”Craig defended, noting his tone sounded irritable, annoyed. 

“So”, she said, closing her laptop and standing up, entering the kitchen, “That tells me things went better than really good”. 

Craig emerged from the pantry, clutching the coffee jar and placing it on the bench, “What do you want me to say? I'm crazy about him Tricia. He makes me feel something I haven't felt with anyone else, I just can't help how I feel. And I'm pretty confident after last night that he feels the same way. It's incredible, it feels unreal”. 

Tricia smiled widely at this confession, “I'm happy for you”. 

“Thanks”, Craig said, starting to make his coffee. 

“Did you tell him about Thomas?”, she asked, leaning against the bench with her arms crossed, confrontational. 

“Of course not”, Craig exclaimed, like she was crazy, “He doesn't need to know. I haven't done anything with Thomas since I met Tweek again, and I am going to break off dating Thomas”.

“YOU HAVEN'T DONE THAT YET?”, Tricia thundered. She looked furious. Craig jumped at the angry tone. 

Tricia grabbed a magazine in front of her, and quickly rolled it up. 

“YOU *whack* COMPLETE *whack* ARSE *whack* CRAIG TUCKER!”, she yelled. 

“Argh, fuck off Tricia!”, he said angrily, putting his coffee down and shielding himself from her wrath, “It's not my fault alright? You know Thomas works for Walmart, he was working all this weekend. I am sorting it okay? He's coming to Denver for the day on Tuesday, I am going to deal with it then”. 

“Fucking hell Craig”, Tricia simmered down a bit, but still looked deeply unimpressed, “I hope you are at least being respectful to Tweek and keeping things under control until you have set Thomas free”.

When Craig said nothing, Tricia fired up again, “What did you do? Did you sleep with him Craig?”.

“”Pretty much”, Craig admitted. 

Tricia smacked her hand to her forehead in frustration.

“Thomas and I aren't official anyway”, Craig tried to reason, “We are technically dating”.

“And I've already told you, that doesn't make this any better”, Tricia scolded, “You really think Tweek would be okay with all of this if he found out?”.

Craig's heart sunk. No, he is pretty sure Tweek would not have gone through with anything last night if he knew about Thomas. Especially with how honest Tweek had been about Damien, and nothing had even happened between them. Craig thought about how desperate Tweek was to assure Craig that nothing had happened with Damien, and he had only reunited with Tweek a week ago, Craig wasn't even sure what to call things with him and Tweek. Were they technically dating?

“No”, Craig said, squirming with guilt, “I am sure he would not be okay with it”.

“See?”, Tricia said in triumph, “Please Craig…do the right thing”.

“I am going to - you are the one who told me not to do it over the phone!”. 

“Yeah, I did”, Tricia said hotly, “But you could have made more effort and drove back home this weekend, met Thomas between shifts. It's not rocket science Craig”.

Tricia was right. 

“Dad's surgery's tomorrow, and Thomas said he was doing a late shift today”, Craig sighed, “Look ...I promise. It will be Tuesday”. Craig opened the fridge, scanning it for his leftovers from Tweek. 

“Hey, did you see a container of chicken and veggies in here?”, he enquired, confused that he couldn't find it. 

“Yep, that was my brunch”, Tricia said, smirking.

Craig was livid.

“You bitch! that was mine from Tweek!”. 

“Was it? oh, sorry”, she said, not looking sorry at all, “But you snooze, you lose!”.

Craig launched forward for the rolled up magazine, ready to take vengeance against Tricia for the stolen meal he had enjoyed so much. 

Chapter Text

Dose Thirteen: Anaesthesia 

It was Tweek's week to be rostered to night shifts. He didn't mind this. It came with the job, and Rebecca kept rostering as fair as possible. What made him slightly uncomfortable is that Damien was the solo doctor rostered to nights this week. From 7pm, a single doctor is rostered to ICU to stay overnight, and there was an escalation pathway to follow in the case of a medical emergency or in times where more than one medical officer is required at a time. 

On Monday morning, Tweek was up early, cursing his body clock. He dragged himself to the kitchen, still in his pinstripe pajamas and tousle haired, his body screaming for coffee.

Kyle was at the dining table, sipping his tea and scrolling on his phone. There was no sign of Stan. He perked up at the sight of Tweek, a smirk playing on his lips. 

“There he is!”, Kyle announced happily, “The reason I am now $100 richer!”.

Tweek gave him a puzzled look, then his brain caught up as he poured his coffee.

“Oh”, Tweek smiled, “Wait - you won the bet?”.

“Sure did! Kenny only went with Damien because it's familiar and he felt it was more likely time wise”. Once again, Tweek was visibly confused, so Kyle added, “You know, you've known him longer”.

Tweek snorted, “That's a stupid reason, it's like no one even listens to me talk man! All I've said the last few months hasn't suggested anything could happen!”.

“Well, obviously”, Kyle agreed. 

“Well…congratulations on your winnings”, Tweek said, rolling his eyes. He added cream to his coffee, then came and sat across from Kyle. 

“Thanks dude”, he said proudly, almost puffing his chest out, “And congratulations on getting laid”.

Tweek flushed a deep scarlet, “Well….not uh, technically. But we uhh, yeah sure”, he stuttered. 

“Whatever it was, it must have been a good time”, Kyle teased, “Walking him to his car took almost an hour”.

“Oh did it?”, Tweek said, acting innocent, “I didn't notice”.

Kyle scoffed and wiggled his eyebrows, “You've also got the evidence on your chest and neck there dude”.

Tweek panicked and looked down, pulling his pajama shirt forward to peek at his bare chest. He thought they were only lower below his collar bone and on his hips. God dammit, he thought.  

“Nghhh, rrrr!”, Tweek wailed, “I didn't see those yesterday!”.

Kyle laughed, “Well sure, bruises take a while to come out dude. How you gonna keep them hidden for work hey? People are going to think someone tried to maul you”. 

Tweek felt a fresh blush heat his face and neck. Well, he thought,  Craig certainly had ravished him. 

“i'll figure it out”, Tweek huffed, taking a long sip of coffee. 

They sat in silence for a moment. Then Tweek spoke again, deciding he wanted to broach the topic. 

“Heidi”, he said, “Have you spoken to her?”. 

Kyle didn't flinch, didn't frown. He seemed relaxed. 

“Actually, I have”, he said happily, “The other night when I met her and brought her home, I could have killed Stan for pulling that stunt. Leave it to him to completely trash the rare chance I have of meeting a nice girl and for it to actually go anywhere. After Stan passed out I was pretty miserable. Sure, we did the deed but….she just left like that. I didn't blame her. Anyway, I got back to my room, and she had scrawled her number on a piece of paper and left it on the bed. I was stoked man, I thought I had blown it!”.

Tweek was amazed, “Wow, uh- that's actually not what I expected to hear”, he answered, then added hurriedly, “Not because of you or anything you did man, just…Stan, it was uh, pretty embarrassing”. 

“Yep”, he sighed heavily, “It was. I don't know how many times I have to teach that guy to not mix your alcohol. You can't just cruise between beers and 4 different kinds of spirits and expect your body to be cool with it”. 

Tweek sighed, “I don't know what we are going to do with him. And Kenny just makes it worse, he is such a bad influence on him”.

“Yeah”, Kyle agreed, nodding, “And I just wonder how much Wendy is clued on to what he's like out and with his booze and how much it affects their time together”.

“I've been wondering that too”, Tweek admitted, “I just know it's none of my business, so I leave it alone…but, do you think he's like, uh, okay?”.

“What do you mean? Like he's upset about something?”.

‘“Well….yeah”, Tweek answered, tapping his fingers on the table lightly, in thought, “He just drinks, you know….a lot”. 

“I'm his best friend”, Kyle said unnecessarily - everybody knew that, “I have asked him, but he always says no. And he is happy and his usual self most of the time”. 

“Well, maybe we should keen a closer eye on it”, Tweek suggested, “It's just…I think something is eating him man” 

Kyle sighed, “I honestly just think he's frustrated with his progress. He's still entry level in his job, his relationship with Wendy hasn't progressed in years either. Like, they aren't living together. I haven't probed too much, but I think he is just letting those frustrations out and living it up, while he is young. He says that a lot, that we only live once, that kind of stuff. I just worry sometimes, because he just thinks he is 10 foot tall and bulletproof all the time. Like, he thinks he can just do anything and he will be fine. He certainly takes more risks than anyone else I know”. 

“He's only been out of college for a year”, Tweek scoffed, “He can't expect everything to just fall into place and have it all at our age.

Kyle sighed, “I'll think of something. I'll work on him, leave it to me”. 

“I can chat to him too man, we both live with him”. 

Kyle nodded.

“Oh, and dude?”, Kyle said seriously, taking another long sip of tea, “Heidi explained how uh, you and her happen to work together. I swear I didn't know man, but yeah, crazy coincidence right?”.

“Yeah….you could say that”, Tweek said nervously.

Tweek liked Heidi. She was nice, she was friendly. She was a decent person. Of most of the females on staff, she was one of the less gossipy. Not like Bebe, who told everyone everything. Tweek still felt nervous about the other night. Seeing her in his apartment, with Craig. Of course she knew who Craig was. She knew him and Craig were friends from before, that was ward knowledge by now. But he felt so compromised, because having Craig standing in the kitchen with Tweek so late at night on Saturday night was pretty obvious it was a more than friends scenario. On top of that, his bedroom door had been closed when he heard Kyle and Heidi come home. Heidi would have put it together that they were in there together. All he could do was thank his lucky stars that they had finished what they were doing. That Tweek wasn't screaming and moaning the apartment down. Just that thought made his mouth feel dry and heart skip a beat. 

“Look, it's okay”, Tweek said, “I'm not going to go to work and tell people about her private life okay? You're my friend, and she's my colleague, and it isn't my business”.

“Thanks Tweek”, Kyle said sincerely, “I- I really get a good feeling from her, I want to pursue it”.

“You should”, Tweek nodded, “She's a nice girl”.

Kyle smiled, “And I'm sure she will be fine about you and Craig. Just…talk to her. There's no need for this to be a problem at work for either of you”.

“God, I hope so man”, Tweek said, finishing the last of his coffee. 

___________________

The Tuckers were all up early on Monday morning. 

Laura was a wreck. She had already tried to put the milk back in the pantry rather than fridge, misplaced the car keys twice and put the jug on and waited almost ten minutes before realising it was switched off at the wall. And it was not even 6am yet. 

Tricia and Craig ended up packing up for the day and getting breakfast sorted. Thomas was being taken into theatres for admission at 8am sharp, and they wanted to ensure they were all there for that.

The surgery was to take six hours minimum. It was a major surgery. It was anticipated he would be in theatre sometime in the morning, and the surgery would conclude by late afternoon. 

Tweek had told Craig he was on late shifts this week. Despite this, Tweek had kindly offered to come to work early and sit with Craig and the family in the theatre waiting room, and be there to keep Craig company. Craig was greatly comforted by this, and it felt like the prospect of seeing Tweek later was the only bright spot on the horizon. 

Craig had kept his close friends and Thomas up to date on the events to unfold today. He received a number of messages of comfort that morning before they set off, from Thomas, Clyde and Tolkien. He had assured them he would keep them updated.

Arriving at the hospital and the theatre admission went smoothly. The nursing staff and ward assistants had him on Level 1 by 7:45. Craig had recognised some of the staff from the family meeting the previous week. Deepa was one of the nurses present, as she was assigned to Thomas's care this morning. 

Laura was already sobbing and trembling, Craig and Tricia staying close and offering her comfort. They had already been assured they would get frequent updates of how it was progressing. They were also told they would be informed immediately if there were any signs of deterioration or any complications. But it didn't seem to provide any comfort to Laura. It would be a nervous wait, and a long day.

Hours passed. The clock seemed to go backwards or stand still. They took turns going for breaks, and getting fresh air outside. At 10:35, the family were informed that Thomas had been taken into theatre, the delay being due to unexpected emergencies pushing back the schedule on planned surgeries, which was often the case. 

At 11:30, Craig's sunshine appeared. Tweek was not in his work clothes. He was wearing his white sneakers with brown pants and a bottle ink green, long sleeved turtle neck, with a black scarf tied around his neck. His smile was absent, he looked concerned and in thought, as he caught sight of Craig.

He crossed the room quickly. Being cautious with greetings, he did not offer a kiss, but he sat beside Craig and embraced him in a warm hug. Craig relaxed against him, placing his head on top of Tweek's head, breathing in his scent. Besides the calm and comfort Tweek's presence offered him, he also felt other emotions stir up inside of him, like a whirlwind. Tweek had been all he had been thinking about, and since Saturday, it was next level. He was in Craig's dreams, Craig found himself daydreaming frequently about him, everything from imagining him in romantic situations with Tweek, having a future with Tweek and of course, being intimate with Tweek. He was out of his mind with feelings for him, and he knew it in his heart, he was head over heels. 

When they finally pulled apart, Tweek was polite and exchanged pleasantries and words of comfort with Laura and Tricia. He stood by Laura for a while, rubbing circles on her back and engaging her in light conversation to keep her mind off things. Craig melted at watching this interaction. Tweek was so thoughtful and kind. Even after so many years, he embraced Craig's family like it was only yesterday that he had been at the family home every day, almost like a part of the family. To Craig it was perfect. It felt right, and Tweek belonged there. 

“Do you want to come for a walk?”, Tweek asked Craig softly, “I'd love to go get a coffee”. 

Craig jumped at the chance. Tricia and Laura passed on wanting a coffee, so the two of them set off. 

Craig reached out for Tweek's hand as they reached the entrance, but Tweek pulled his hand away, “Craig, we have to be careful, remember?”. 

Craig frowned, “But no one we know is around”. Even though the entrance was busy, and there were always many workers and visitors filing in and out of the entrance, they seemed to all be inwardly focussed, supremely unconcerned with what Tweek and Craig might be doing. 

“You don't know who is watching”, Tweek reminded him. 

Craig sighed, disappointed, “Okay”. 

They made it to Po's coffee shop, Craig updating Tweek on the events of the day so far. They stopped talking to place their order. They then stood off to the side, standing close and shoulders touching. 

Tweek looked up at Craig, whose face was deadpan, emotionless. His heart panged. His feelings for Craig felt so strong in this moment, like it had been far longer than a week. Like it was normal, natural. Like he wanted to make everything better, and make Craig happy all the time. His chest swelled at the thought. 

He felt like he had melted like butter when he made the move to shift in front of Craig, and he placed his head into his chest. He put his arms around him and breathed against Craig, listening to his steady heartbeat.

He felt Craig's arms around him now too. Words weren't needed. They just stood there, blocking out the loud chaotic sounds of the coffee shop. The machines whirring, the chatter and clinking of spoons and ceramic cups. The shouting of names when orders were ready. The noise from the street outside. 

They only separated when their names were called, and Craig moved forward immediately. Tweek watched him fondly. 

And, fuck. Of course it was.

Damien was standing in the line to order, staring directly at him. 

Tweek stayed stone faced, coy. Once Craig handed him his coffee, he said a soft thanks, not meeting Craig's eyes. Then he quickly paced out of the shop, knowing Craig was hot on his heels. 

“Tweek, slow down”, Craig called as they got to the crossing.

Tweek obeyed, then leaned in close to Craig.

“It's Damien! he was at the coffee shop, Nghh! He would have seen us!”.

“So?”, Craig said

“So? Urgh, I am an idiot, we were cuddling!! Ack! I should have waited until we were somewhere more private!”. 

“I don't care”. Craig said, shrugging. He seemed almost proud at the prospect, “We were only hugging anyway. Friends hug”.

“Yeah, but they generally don't fucking cuddle, Craig”, Tweek snapped, looking hysterical.

“Honey, don't worry about it okay?”, Craig soothed as they made it to the entrance of the hospital, “He doesn't know shit”. 

Tweek huffed, “Cmon…let's go to the car park again”. 

When they made it up to the concrete benches in the car park they had visited before, they placed their coffees down immediately, both looking around. Not a soul in sight, they wasted no time embracing. Tweek kissed Craig long and slow, it was sweet and full of meaning. There was feeling behind it, emotion. Craig loved every moment of it. 

Tweek rubbed his hands up Craig's chest, which was covered in a NASA white hoodie today, “I missed you”, he said. 

“I missed you too”, Craig said sincerely. He littered Tweek's cheeks with soft kisses, “I've thought about you constantly”. 

Tweek smiled sweetly, “Wanna see what you did to me the other day?”.

“Oh?”, Craig asked curiously, tilting his head.

Tweek unfastened the scarf, and pulled his turtle neck down to his collar bones. Craig smirked. Hickeys. His handy work. His marks, on Tweek. 

The thought went straight to his dick, and made his chest swell with pride. Not the time,Craig, he scolded himself, trying to simmer down his arousal. 

“Honey…that's hot”, he said in a low voice, “What about work?”.

“Oh, I am going to wear my scrubs over the turtleneck”, he explained, “The scarf isn't 100% necessary, I am just, gah, paranoid”.

“Are they anywhere else?”, Craig asked, running his fingers over the marks gently and inspecting them. 

“Uh…yeah”, Tweek said shyly, “You-you marked up my thighs and there's one on my right hip”. 

“Nice”, he breathed out, still touching Tweek. Then he tucked the turtleneck back around Tweek's neck, “I love that, knowing I did that. Knowing they are there..and you got me too baby, I love the scratch marks on my back”. 

Tweek smiled, “Ngh…I thought you might. I-I had fun the other night Craig”. 

“Oh God Tweek, I don't need to tell you that I did too”, Craig said, pulling Tweek closer and resting his hands on his hips, “I fell like….all I need is you”.

Tweek blushed, “Craig, this really means something to me, you know? It-it's a difficult day for you today and uh, we don't need to talk about it or put any labels on anything. But I just need you to k-k-know that I am serious about this Craig”. 

“Me too honey”, Craig said immediately, “You're all I want. I'm so into you, you're everything". 

Tweek leaned forward and they were kissing again. They held each other close, savouring each other. When they finally sat down to drink their coffees, it was easy. They exchanged light conversation, exchanged sweet nothings, nuzzled into each other. Tweek put his head on Craig's shoulder, and they held hands. Craig was running his thumb on top of Tweek's hand in small circles. He frequently kissed him on the cheek or nuzzled their noses together. He was smitten. 

An hour passed quickly, and they decided it was time to head back down to be with Thomas. Craig's heart panged that Tweek had come in so early for him. He was working until 4am, and not starting until 6pm. Tweek insisted it was nothing, that he could go home before his shift if needed. But he stayed. 

Finally at 3:45pm, the neurosurgeon, Dr Bailey emerged through the automatic door, The Tucker family stood, holding their breaths, and Craig clung at Tweek's hand, doing his best to conceal their union by putting their hands inside Craig's jacket. 

“The surgery was a success”, Dr Bailey, announced, with a small smile, “He's in recovery, but once we are happy with his vitals, we will transfer him back to ICU. We will visit him on our rounds in the morning, and discuss with Dr Wheeler's team the plan moving forward. He needs to recover, so we are keeping him in the induced coma for now”.

Laura broke down, happy tears, relief. Tricia smiled and was holding her, rubbing her back. Craig chuckled in relief, and turned to Tweek, who was beaming. Craig took Tweek in his arms, picking him up and spinning him around. Still laughing with relief. 

“Oh Craig, I told you…I told you, I told you”, Tweek mumbled happily into the nook of Craig's neck. 

Once they had settled down with the news, with the assurance that Thomas will be transferred in another hour or two, the group set off. Tweek checked the time, and bid them farewell, as he needed to go and change and have dinner before his shift started. Craig was disappointed he couldn't embrace him in the way he truly wanted to in public, but he settled for another big cuddle, and subtly kissed his cheek on breaking apart. 

Relief flooded Craig's body. He felt lighter. And now he thought of tomorrow, the outstanding difficult conversation he needed to have with Thomas.

He sighed. He can do this. 

____________________________

Tweek wasn't caring for Meredith tonight.

He was assigned to Bed 6. An acute admission, a 28 year old man with lithium toxicity, requiring dialysis and supportive care. 

Bed 6 was right next to the Doctor's Office. Tweek was in such a good mood from the good news about Mr Tucker, that he didn't let this concern him. He felt strong, he felt a little tired but…he could handle Damien. Besides, maybe breaking the ice after their encounter last Friday was a good thing. And Craig was right - it doesn't matter what Damien saw at the coffee shop, if anything at all. He was quite confident he could explain it away as a hug if it came up. Where was the line between hugging and cuddling, anyway?

It was 9pm when Tweek was changing over a pump set, and recording the change on the digital chart, when Damien appeared at the door. 

“Tweek”, he said.

Tweek jumped a mile, “Oh! Rrr, you scared me!”.

Damien smiled. 

Tonight Damien was in dark green scrubs, and he was clean shaven. His hair was still long and tousled around his head, but it looked clean, intentional. 

“I was going to order a pizza”, he announced, stepping into the room, “Would you share with me? my treat”. 

“I've already eaten”, Tweek said, but politely added, “But thank you”.

“What's your favourite?”, Damien asked, seemingly ignoring Tweek’s response. He moved closer and stood to Tweek's left. Tweek feigned interest in his computer screen, studying the chart to keep his brain calm. 

“Uck, supreme", he admitted quietly, “But I always ask for no mushrooms”. 

“Supreme no mushrooms it is”, Damien said, smiling. He stepped closer and looked at the screen over Tweek's shoulder. Tweek tensed.

“How's he doing?”Damien asked with interest. 

“He's your patient Damien, you know more than me”, Tweek answered, smirking. Not daring to look at him.

“I meant pretty boy”, he answered softly. 

Tweek froze up, but forced himself to exhale a breath.

“W-w-well you know Mr Tucker had his surgery today”, he said nervously, “Again, your patient Damien! so obviously Craig is relieved”. 

Damien didn't respond to this, and stayed silent. Then he shifted so his shoulder intentionally touched Tweek's. 

“You both looked very cosy at Po's this morning”, he muttered, “Something going on?”.

Tweek tried not to lose control of the situation, but he was finding it very difficult. That familiar, unsettled feeling of being flustered and nervous hit him. He became aware of the hickies hiding underneath his scrubs and turtleneck, and subconsciously smoothed his hand up against his neck, make sure the neck of the shirt had not slipped down somehow. 

“Rrr, what do you mean?, he squeaked, “He was upset man! What's wrong with a hug?”. 

Damien laughed, “Serious? a hug that lasts over a few minutes where there are no gaps between you?”.

“I told you, we knew each other as kids”, Tweek retorted, waspishly, “He was my best friend! I'm not just hugging random members of patient's families all over the place! Gah, Jesus Damien! Don't worry about it!”. 

“I'm just telling you I know it's more”, Damien smirked, turning his head so his mouth was very close to Tweek's ear, “I saw how you looked at each other… don't play dumb”.

“And don't come in here harassing me when we both have work to do!”, Tweek snapped, stepping away from Damien with a huff. 

Damien chuckled. He turned to look at Tweek. 

“Just know that I am paying attention”, he said quietly, “I am always paying attention to you”. 

“That's nice”, Tweek snapped, “I wish you would go pay the same attention to your work!”. 

“Relax, Tweek”, Damien said, smirking, “Everything is under control”. 

Tweek didn't like the tone of Damien's voice. 

“I'm doing the right thing, Damien”, Tweek said, staring hard at the floor now, avoiding eye contact, “I did tell Rebecca I know Craig from before, I disclosed the conflict of interest. I care a lot about my job and what I do here. Please….just stop making this more difficult for me”. 

Damien sighed. Tweek looked up, noticing that his expression had softened slightly. 

“Maybe I trust you”, Damien said, “But…I  don't trust him. I don't know him, but I don't like the feeling I get from him. I don't like you around him”.

Tweek stared at him. Damien was being ridiculous. As he said, he did not know Craig!

“I know that I am jealous”, Damien admitted, “But that's not it entirely. I just have a feeling”.

Tweek scoffed and rolled his eyes.

“Let me worry about what I am doing, and you take care of yourself, Damien”, he said, “Doesn't that simplify things?”.

“If only it was that easy”, Damien said in almost a whisper, not looking away from Tweek's gaze.

There was an uncomfortable silence. Damien broke it. 

“Well…I am going to go and order that pizza”, he announced, then patted Tweek's shoulder, “As I told you the other day, you know where my office is…all you have to do is knock”. 

He briskly left the room without looking back.

Tweek let out a big breath he did not realise he was holding. And he composed himself.

He knew this situation with Damien was not going away any time soon. 

Chapter Text

Dose Fourteen: Confirmed

Craig stood on the empty sidewalk, hands in the pockets of his favourite navy hoodie and staring down at the ground. The wind had picked up, blowing several trails of leaf litter in hues of orange, yellow and brown. With it, the flaps of Craig's well-loved chullo blew to the side. He didn't wear it much anymore, but he found it a great source of comfort, especially with the weather cooling down. Craig grimaced at the cold gust hitting his face and he kicked his shoes on the ground, waiting. 

A small red hatchback approached, indicating far too early to signal to no-one around that it was parking. 

Out of the car came Thomas. Craig was holding his breath. He was nervous. He felt sick. It felt like he was going to lose his stomach contents on the curb. 

Thomas looked good, Craig thought. His sandy blonde hair was styled to the side, he wore a nice blue and green plaid shirt and beige pants. He seemed happy, excited. He flashed Craig a wide grin and dashed across the road to meet him. 

“Craig!”, he cried out excitedly, throwing his arms around him, then muffling into Craig's shoulder “Oh - shit - finally. OH! it's so good to see you!”. 

“Good to see you too, Tom”, Craig replied. He gingerly placed his hands around Thomas, patting his back lightly,  “Err…how was the drive?”.

“Good!”, Thomas pulled back and kissed his cheek, “I haven't been to Denver in a while, you wouldn't  - fuck - you wouldn't believe it if I told you how much I have been looking forward to today”.

Craig's stomach lurched. 

And just…do it Craig. Like ripping a bandaid off. 

Craig pulled away from Thomas and faked a smile, “It's nice here. I thought the City Park would be nice for a walk, you think?”. 

“Anything for you”, Thomas said sweetly. 

Craig flashed a small smile, “C'mon”.

They started walking down the path. Thomas wasted no time grabbing Craig's hand. Craig held it loosely, reluctantly. He was hoping Thomas couldn't pick up on how he was feeling. 

He led them towards the creek. Thomas was really chatty as usual. He was telling Craig all about the drive there, then wasted no time updating him about work, that he had been shortlisted for his application for the Assistant Manager position and his interview was next week. Then Thomas talked about his ongoing saga with the tenant next door, which started with Thomas making a formal noise complaint and then the neighbour stealing Thomas's mail. As he talked, Thomas was looking around with bright eyes at the beautiful foliage and flashed Craig smiles at regular intervals. Craig distracted himself from how awful he felt by engaging in the conversation, trying to enjoy the moment. Seeing Thomas so happy and carefree right now, here and so happy to see Craig, made his heart feel heavy with guilt. 

Please Craig…do the right thing 

They found a vacant green park bench at the side of the creek, mostly in the sun. It was comfortable sitting there, warming up and taking in the peaceful surroundings. The surface of the lake had a still, almost mirror finish. The colours of fall reflecting on the water was enchanting to look at. If it would have been a happier occasion, it would have been the perfect spot. Craig's mind flashed an image of him and Tweek lying by the creek on a picnic blanket, maybe with some wine and a packed lunch to share, sharing kisses and wrapping their limbs around each other, laughing and talking carefree, without a bother in the world…

Craig's mind came back to reality when they sat down. Thomas sat close, and looked at Craig with eyes full of concern. He put two hands on top of Craig's right hand, cupping it. 

“Craig, I'm worried about you", he said in a small voice, tentatively, “You don't seem like you. It really - fuck! - pains me to see you like this you know”.

Craig sighed. He didn't smile, he couldn't. Waves of sadness, remorse and guilt kept washing over him, licking his insides. He hated feeling like the bad guy. Hated knowing he had to hurt Thomas. He felt so deceitful for inviting him here under false pretences. Thomas thought this was going to be a fun, relaxed and romantic day together, and Craig knew he had to choose a moment to unexpectedly have the tables turn and leave Thomas broken-hearted. He knew Thomas really liked him, suspected that Thomas liked Craig much more than he had so far reciprocated. 

What made it worse is Thomas genuinely was a nice guy. He had done nothing wrong by Craig. Craig's chest hurt pondering this. Thomas deserved to be happy, and deserved to find someone who truly wanted to be with him. Who saw him as their world, as their sun, moon and stars. The way he felt about Tweek. 

Craig looked away from the creek, realising he was zoning. 

“Sorry - I - it's been a lot to go through, this past week”, Craig said finally, “A lot to process”.

“Of course it is”, Thomas said sweetly, putting an arm around him, and keeping the other in Craig's, “What can I do to make it better?”. 

“I don't know”, he replied, shrugging. How on earth was he supposed to do this?

“Hey, listen, I know what will cheer you up!, ”Thomas said suddenly, a grin across his face, “I know you love pizza, and there's this place I read online that's supposed to be really good!”. Thomas had whipped out his phone and was typing quickly, “Look! it's got an outdoor patio and these comfy pillows and a fire, it's perfect! Let's go get some comfort food and just relax, okay?”. 

Craig thought for a moment, then nodded. He felt so uncomfortable in the present moment, maybe changing scenery would help, “Where is it?”. 

“Oh, it's not far. We could definitely walk”. Thomas sprung up onto his feet, and offered his hand to Craig. 

It didn't take them long to get there. Or maybe it did, and Craig was lost in thought. Why was it in times where one was dreading something, that time had an unobliging habit of speeding up? 

It was busy, being lunch time. The waitress sat them close to the sidewalk, at a nice low height corner booth with colourful plush cushions and a view of the street. 

“It's been, uh - shit!  so hard not seeing you Craig, and doing things like this”, Thomas said fondly, “You probably haven't been able to do anything like this since you've been here”. 

“Uhh, no, not really”, Craig said, “I do some cooking for mum and Tricia, to help out. We have had a couple of meals out, and we have kinda gotten into the bad habit of snacking or having smaller meals during the day at the hospital. Their cafeteria is expensive and it's hard to have an appetite seeing dad how he is”.

“Of course”, Thomas said sadly, “I know, I feel bad for missing you…it's not like you've been on a vacation, or - shit - left me to have the time of your life, you actually have been through a lot. I feel so bad for you”.

Craig felt like a steel weight was sitting in his stomach, crushing his organs. The immense guilt was unbearable. 

“It's not a vacation”, he stated, agreeing with Thomas and scratching the back of his head, “It's been exhausting actually”. 

They ordered some drinks, then decided on a pizza to share. 

Trying desperately to steer the conversation away from such a heavy topic, Craig started to talk about Stripe and Spot, which he was still discussing when the drinks arrived. Craig checked his watch. They'd been together for over an hour, and he still hadn't done it. 

Well, I can't do it when we have just ordered food, he thought to himself, justifying his actions. 

The pizza came, they ate and they talked lightly about video games, Thomas's dog Gus and laughed about how full Craig's work inbox would be by now, especially since he was supposed to be “work from home” as of today (he had justified that he would take any calls coming in, and clock his hours this afternoon and work into the night).  

Craig still hadn't done it. 

____________________________

Tweek rolled out of bed just after 10am, only sleeping about five hours. Thankfully, today was his day off, and he had great plans to do nothing today. Watching TV on the couch with a cosy blanket and pillow and hopefully having a nap seemed very appealing to him today. He knew Craig had returned to work today at a working from home (or at the hospital) capacity. He thought about maybe doing some baking to give to him later, or to maybe make him a meal to save him cooking. He smiled at the thought of doing something to surprise Craig, to make him happy. 

When Tweek reached the living area, he froze, mouth agape at the sight. 

Stan was home. Which wasn't unusual, he often had a weekday rostered day off  for working a weekend shift. 

But what was unusual was the numerous boxes and bits of bubble wrap tossed carelessly onto the floor and sprawled across the table, a small fish tank filled with water, rocks ornaments. And - 

“RRRRR, STAN, WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT”, Tweek screeched, pointing. 

Inside a flimsy, clear plastic bag, was a large, orange fish. It was pretty, even Tweek had to admit. But it was definitely alive, swimming and in their apartment.

Stan jumped at Tweek's sudden presence. “That's Spooky”, Stan said matter-of-factly, “Isn't he great?”.

Tweek looked scandalised. He furrowed his eyebrows in annoyance, then put his forehead in his hands and into his hair, trying not to burst. 

“Isn't he great…” Tweek muttered softly to himself, talking to the floor. Then his head flew up to look at Stan, “STAN! WE ARE NOT ALLOWED ANIMALS ON THE LEASE! GAH! SWEET JESUS!”. 

“But it's not an animal”, Stan replied, waving his finger at Tweek, smiling “It's a fish!”.

Tweek couldn't believe the stupidity. 

“I'm pretty sure it's still classed as a pet Stan!”, he cried. 

“It'll be fine, I promise!”, Stan tried to reason, “He's going to live in my room, you won't even know he is there!”. 

Tweek's hands were still in his own hair, grabbing tufts of hair and tensing his fingers. What the fuck Stan.  He walked to the kitchen silently and banged his head lightly against the closed fridge door, “Why…why….why”. Then he relaxed his shoulders and huffed, opening the fridge. 

Stan visibly relaxed when he saw Tweek focusing on the contents of the fridge, and started placing ornaments into the fish tank strategically, carefully, and shooting a fond glance over at the fish bag. 

“RRRRRRRR!”, Tweek suddenly, and very loudly screeched.

Stan jumped and stepped back from the fish tank in fright.

CRUNCH. 

“Oh…FUCK!”, Stan moaned in frustration, bending down to pick up one of the small cardboard boxes on the floor. 

Meanwhile, Tweek exploded.

“WH-WHY IS THERE NO MILK LEFT?! W-WHAT THE FUCK STAN?”, he boiled over like a steaming kettle, feeling waves of anger course through his veins. Then he lowered his voice, narrowing his eyes at Stan, “Are you about to tell me Stan”, he started dangerously, and each syllable he spoke laced with anger “That you used the last of the milk, went out and bought a GOD DAMN FISH, and didn't even think to buy a replacement while you were out?”. 

Stan’s guilty face dropped as he clutched the crushed box he had stepped on, inspecting it carefully. 

“Mm sorry”, he mumbled sadly, “I was so focussed on Spooky”. 

“Spooky”, Tweek huffed, “God Dammit Stan! It's always some shit with you! Ack! You could have asked me and Kyle, not just keep going with these shenanigans all the time!”. 

Stan tipped the contents of the crushed box onto the table and sighed, groaning, completely ignoring Tweek's comment, “Well, there goes the heater….”, he muttered, “Err, Tweek, how long do you think a tropical fish can live without a heater for?”.

“What?”, Tweek cried, flinging his arms around, “I don't fucking know Stan! a few hours maybe?”. 

Stan looked like someone had died”, “FUUUCCKKK! I am such a screw up, fucking hell!”. 

Tweek softened at the sad, mournful expression on Stan's face. The genuine sadness etched in every corner, the invisible grey cloud that seemed to be hovering over him.. 

“You – you can just go and get another heater?”, Tweek offered the suggestion hopefully, to cheer Stan up. 

Stan started to cry quietly, and stiffened, “I start work in an hour. Not even possible”. 

“What? You're doing a late shift today?’, Tweek asked, surprised. That didn't happen often. 

“Y-yeah”, Stan said sadly, then sighed, “I-I just. I was thinking the last few days, I thought, having a fish would remind me of my childhood, when I had a fish in my room. I'd always talk to it, it felt nice having company. And you know, I know I wouldn't be able to get away with any other kind of pet. Today I woke up and thought, I am doing this! I was so excited…I, oh God Tweek, why does everything always have to go wrong?!?”. 

Tweek sighed. He reluctantly shuffled out of the kitchen with his black coffee, which he started sipping on out of desperation. 

“I'm sorry Stan”, he said quietly. He put his mug down on the table and picked up some of the packaging off the floor to place onto the table, “I didn't know you felt this way…I mean…you know Kyle and I are always here right, and we will talk back to you?”. 

“Of course dude”, Stan replied, “It's just….sometimes I don't want to share everything going through my head. And….you guys aren't always here”.

“What about Wendy?”, Tweek challenged, keeping his voice steady, using a gentle tone. 

“Wendy is always busy”, he chuckled, smiling sadly, “She is so dedicated to paramedicine. She's so ambitious Tweek, I love her for it, I really do. But it just means I never see her. She's always so tired when we talk or hang out, I worry for her. She volunteers for any overtime they offer, which is like, all the bloody time. I've tried telling her she needs a break. Tried telling her she's doing amazing and that she's doing more than expected. Then she spends a lot of her downtime studying up on things. I don't know Tweek. I am doing my best to be supportive and try to understand. But sometimes I just feel lonely, like there's distance growing steadily between us”. 

Tweek really felt for Stan. His heart panged for him. He felt relieved that finally, Stan had confided something in him. He was getting some insight into Stan's troubles, into why he had perhaps been behaving the way he has been. He wondered if Kyle already knew this, or if this had been something Stan had been keeping buried deep for a while. 

“Have you told her how you feel, man? I-I've always imagined in a serious relationship like yours that communicating your feelings and concerns is important. A lot of problems come from not being open and honest with each other”.

Stan openly wept, and he wiped his eyes with his jacket sleeve, “Well…not in so many words. I thought I was being obvious enough, always offering her words of encouragement and suggesting she has a break, like we go out or something”. 

“I know it's scary Stan, but I think you will feel a lot better if you sit down and lay it all out to her. Don't be so cryptic. Tell it how it is. I am sure she is so caught up in what she was doing, her four walls, that she hasn't realised how it's affecting you”.

“You think so?”, Stan asked hopefully. 

“Yeah, I do”, Tweek had finished picking up all the packaging, clearing the floor. Then he inspected the smashed heater on the table, touching the broken glass carefully, “I was like that as a student, you know? All I saw was the next exam, the next assessment. I barely had a life, remember?”. 

“Hahh”, Stan hummed, thinking, “Yeah okay. I get it. Thanks Tweek”.

Tweek smiled, “You're welcome. You know we care about you right? As much as I am judging your sudden decision to bring…this… into our apartment”, he gestured at Spooky, “I won't judge you for anything bothering you, okay?”.

Stan clapped Tweek on the back, and brought him in with his left arm for a sideways hug, “Thank you”.

“Now”, Tweek said smiling, “Ack! if we are going to save this fish, it looks like I am going out”.

Stan was astonished. His mouth broke into a huge grin. 

“Y-you'd do that for me dude?!”.

“Yeah, I would”, Tweek sighed, “G-go get ready for work. I got it. I need the milk run anyway”.

Stan grabbed Tweek roughly. Tweek yelped, and Stan squeezed him. 

“Tweek, you're amazing. Thanks dude”.

“It's okay…umm, and don't put him in the tank until you set it up in your room. You know, it would have been easier to fill the tank up from empty with a bucket or something once you had put the tank where you wanted it right?”.

Stan looked down at the full tank, then smacked a hand to his forehead. 

Tweek laughed.

______________________________________

The restaurant got quieter, and Thomas and Craig were full. Thomas seemed relaxed, content. Craig was neither of those things. 

And just…do it Craig. Like ripping a bandaid off.

Craig sat back, and looked at Thomas.

Now. 

“Hey, uhh Tom? Can we talk about something serious for a minute?”.

Thomas nodded, brown eyes large and full of concern. 

Craig sighed. Took a steadying breath. 

“You know, the last month or so has been really nice”, Craig began, twinging inside. He had not really rehearsed this. But he had started, so he had to keep going, “I-I just, I enjoy your company, I do”.

Thomas's expression changed. Worried, more than concerned. Craig could almost see that colour was draining from his face. 

“It's just”, Craig pressed on, looking down at the table, “I have been giving this time you know, to see where this takes us. And….I am just not sure it is fair to you anymore to keep going, when I am unsure. It's - it's been a lot the last week or so, I have been away, things in my mind have shifted. It would be cruel to keep going when I am not all in. It would be stringing you along. I have just been waiting for the feeling to come…and…Thomas, I'm sorry”. 

The air was heavy with tension. The mood had drastically shifted. It was like all external noises and sights had faded into the background, distant. Craig watched Thomas process the words just spoken, nerves on fire. He forced himself to breathe and waited. 

“Craig”, was all he said. Quietly, almost a whisper. His brown eyes were watery and wide. A tear slipped down his cheek. Then his voice became stronger, more audible. Anger, Craig thought. “Whyy- fuck -WHY - shit, why couldn't you have told me this sooner? I - fuck, I am such a fool!”.

“You-you're not”, Craig said quickly, putting his hands up in front of him to try and soothe Thomas, “It's me that's the fool Tom. I just - I was giving this a good chance, allowing myself to see how I felt. I can't help how I feel”.

Thomas shook his head furiously, tears splashing down, “You know, I kept pushing this feeling- sh, SHIT! down, FUCK, Lord knows there were signs”, he spat, “I kept reassuring myself I was imagining things, sure, I knew I was into it way more than you…but when slept together, and things got more serious…I just assumed your love language was different, that you weren't big on feelings, and I told myself that was okay”. 

“I'm sorry”, Craig said quietly, “I didn't intend for this to happen”.

“Look, stop apologising”, Thomas snapped, “I get it. We aren't together, we hadn't made anything official. I just…I’m upset you couldn't just be fucking-FUCK, honest with me! Save me the time, the trouble, the hurt!”. 

“I know”, Craig admitted sadly, “I should have talked to you sooner. I-I was scared. I didn't want to hurt you. When things happened with dad….I couldn't process it. I keep putting it off, and that was wrong of me”.

Thomas was looking at the ground. He stayed silent. 

Then, he nodded. Just slightly. A very small acknowledgement. 

“So, this is it”, he said quietly. 

“Y-yeah, I guess it is”, Craig sighed. Some restoration to his breathing, feeling slightly more relieved. Feeling terrible, feeling for Thomas. But feeling like at last, he had got it out there. He was setting Thomas free. 

They stood awkwardly. Craig dashed off to pay, Thomas waited, hugging his arms around his chest, crestfallen. 

They shuffled out to the sidewalk and stood across from each other. Tension at an all time high.

“I- shit”, a fresh wave of tears overcame Thomas, his voice choked up, cracking, “I-I hope it all goes okay with your dad. And I do wish you all the best Craig. I just think its best we don't talk anymore, I…need - fuck - to do this, to get over this”.

Craig nodded sadly, “I understand”. 

Thomas looked up at Craig, shuffled a little closer, wiped his eyes. He took a deep, shuddering breath. 

“Can I ask for one last kiss?”, Thomas asked hopefully, “Uh - for closure”. 

“Sure”. 

Thomas moved closer. He held Craig's hand, and placed the other on the side of Craig's face. It was chaste, sweet. 

“C-C-CRAIG?!?!”

Craig jumped, and froze in mid action. Not believing his ears. Not daring to look for a moment, his brain registering that tone. That unique, raspy voice. 

Then he slowly turned towards the voice. 

Tweek stood a metre away near the curb, in front of Craig and Thomas, clutching two paper bags and looking thunderous. 

______________________________

Chapter Text

Dose Fifteen: Suspended 

The moment was suspended, it was almost like time had stopped. The only telltale sign that time was indeed moving forward was the harsh gust of wind tunneling down the street. Craig stood transfixed on Tweek, watching his wild wavy hair fly around in the breeze, his wide, green eyes lit up in fury, in shock. Tweek's mouth was wide open, anger etched on his face. 

No. This can't be happening. No. 

Craig felt like the world was dissolving around them. That pieces of the sky would start crumbling down. He felt helpless. Every fibre of his being hoped this was a bad nightmare, that he would wake up, drenched in sweat, and that today had not happened yet.

Thomas was the one who broke the tension. 

“Craig, what the God damn fuck is going on here!”, he exclaimed. He took a step back to observe Tweek for a moment, looking confused “Who - fuck - the fuck is this!”. 

Panic set in, right to Craig's bones. It was helpless. There was no way out, no way to salvage the situation. But he had to try.

“Tweek..”, he said, almost pleadingly, “It's not what it looks like”.

Tweek's face hardened, his eyebrows furrowed. 

“WH-WHAT IS IT SUPPOSED TO LOOK LIKE CRAIG”, he thundered, “PLEASE, ENLIGHTEN ME! BECAUSE FROM WHERE I'M STANDING, YOU'RE KISSING ANOTHER GUY?”.

A few stray diners seated at the front were staring as Tweek shouted. Some passing pedestrians slowed their movements, gazing in their direction.

Craig just wanted to melt into the floor, dissolve and disappear. 

“Wait! what the fuck!”, Thomas cried out, pointing, “You're - SHIT! - involved with him too?!”. 

“Tweek, please”, Craig said, holding a hand up, “I can explain, can we go somewhere and talk about this?”.

“NO!”, he cried, stomping his booted foot down on the pavement, “YOU DON'T THINK YOUR BOYFRIEND HERE DESERVES TO KNOW?!”. 

“Tweek, just listen, he's not…”.

“You're Tweek? Thomas interjected loudly, “I - FUCK - I mean you - you're the childhood friend Craig told me about! I'm Thomas, FUCK..but…why are you upset Craig is kissing someo- OH”. 

Both Thomas and Tweek were looking at Craig, furious.

“I-I don't believe how stupid I have been”, Thomas breathed, taking a step back from Craig, “This whole time you've been here for your family…for your dad - FUCK  - I said before it wasn't a vacation…looks like it fucking was! Couldn't wait to get home to me to get your rocks off, Craig? - FUCK - you have to have someone in every city?”.

“That's not fair! Craig exclaimed in defense, “That isn't what happened Thomas - it's a long story okay?, I…”. 

“Save it”, Tweek croaked. Craig looked at him. Tears were running down his face. His green eyes sad, no light behind them. Craig felt like someone had speared him in the chest. Tweek's lip was trembling, his face puffy. He clutched his bags so tightly his fists were turning ghostly white, “I-I don't want to know!”, he said scathingly. He looked at Thomas, “YOU CAN FUCKING HAVE HIM!”, then his eyes darted to Craig, he looked heavily broken,  “Goodbye, Craig!, DON'T CALL ME!”. 

Tweek sprinted off, dashing down the sidewalk.

Opposite to his approach with Thomas, where he kept delaying and putting it off to come clean, Craig automatically found his feet moving forward as he sprinted after Tweek, leaving Thomas behind. He was desperate to explain. Desperate to get Tweek to listen. To make him understand. He couldn't lose him. He wouldn't. 

But Tweek was fast. Dodging between people on the busy sidewalk, he could barely make out the blonde hair metres in front of him. If he had a clear run, it would be easy for him to catch up to Tweek, Craig was all leg and could make longer strides. Though it seemed Tweek had better street smarts in dodging oncoming pedestrians, because within minutes Craig had lost him. 

He moved out of the way of a large pram with a woman pushing it, and gave up. He was sure Tweek would be heading back to his apartment. He knew where he lived. Though for now he needed to gather his thoughts, to process his next move. 

Because it had to be the right one. 

___________________________________

Tweek had made it back to the empty apartment. Once inside, he registered what just happened. He allowed himself to feel. 

He breathed heavily, leaning against the back of the door, closing his eyes and letting the tears fall. He snibbed the door locked, and placed his keys down. He barely realised he was suddenly in the kitchen, throwing the milk in the fridge. 

The overwhelming feeling of hurt washed over him. He felt like his entire nervous system had malfunctioned, non-responsive. His chest hurt, like a knife had been stuck in it. He shakily placed his hands on the cold kitchen counter and sobbed. 

He never thought he'd see this coming. From Craig. 

This cannot be happening. 

He never waited to hear Craig out. He didn't want to. For Craig to do so would only confirm what he just saw, what he just heard. It would only hurt him more. He was better off not knowing. 

The image Tweek had of Craig was crumbling away. The boy he knew years ago, the boy that was his best friend. The boy who had innocently been his childhood sweetheart. The boy he used to kiss, who looked at him adoringly. Back then, they felt like nothing could stop them. That they'd always be at each other’s sides. Then life was cruel, and forced them apart. The fantasy that they were now re-united, that the last week was meant to be, meant to bring them back together, was an illusion. 

It didn't mean anything to Craig. Tweek thought, as he sobbed harder. He had said it the other day, how much this magic between him and Craig meant to him. He thought he heard, thought he remembered, that Craig said he felt the same way. Remembered what Craig said.

“You're all I want. I'm so into you, you're everything”

Well, that was a lie, Tweek thought bitterly. 

He wandered into Stan's room and over to Spooky. The fish tank had been placed on Stan's desk near the window. Tweek opened the curtains to let the light in, opened the window to air out the stale stench. He scowled at the multiple puddles of water on the desk, and a patch of wet on the carpet. He grabbed one of Stan's discarded shirts lying on the floor and placed it over the water. Fuck it, he can do the rest, I am not his mum. 

Tweek set up the heater for Spooky, and sat on the end of the bed, watching him swim around.

“Well Spooky”, he said sadly, sniffing and wiping away tears, “I guess I should t-thank you? If It weren't for you, I probably would never have known”. 

Then Tweek completely broke down, putting his head in his hands. 

___________________________________________

Tweek hadn't bothered turning any lights on in the apartment. He'd skipped lunch. He laid on the couch bundled up in a blanket, clutching his third coffee. Two other half-drunk mugs sat on the coffee table, which Tweek had allowed to go cold. He stared at the clock. It was almost 6pm. 

There was a knock at the door. He jolted, but remained silent. Didn't get up, didn't move. Ignored it.

The knocking persisted. After a third round of knocking, he heard a voice.

“Tweek?”, came Craig's nasally voice, “Tweek? I know you're in there. Please - please Tweek can we talk?”.

Tweek rolled his eyes and ignored him, silently cursing that his apartment building wasn't secure from stopping visitors during the day - the landlords only secured the building between 9pm and 6am. Though, it was a trade off for the rent being reasonable, he supposed.

He sniffed and gulped down the rest of his coffee. Then he snuggled back into his blanket. 

“Tweek, honey?”, came Craig's voice again, “I'm not leaving until we talk”. 

“DON'T CALL ME HONEY”, Tweek shouted, and tossed his coffee mug angrily towards the front door. It smashed into pieces in the doorway. Then he burst into tears. 

“Ok - ok - I'm sorry, that was wrong of me”, Craig apologised, “Please, can you open the door?”. 

“I DON'T WANT TO TALK TO YOU CRAIG!”, Tweek erupted again. 

There was silence again. Craig had either left, or was thinking hard of what to say next to try and coax Tweek to open the door. Good, Tweek thought. 

“Ok, well I'm just going to start talking..if you'll, umm, listen”, Craig called through the door. Tweek heard him sigh. Tweek uncovered his head from the blanket, and listened hard, anger bubbling in his chest. 

“Tweek…the truth is”, Craig sighed again, “I had started dating Thomas before dad's accident. For about a month Tweek. We hadn't made anything official, he was never my boyfriend. “I…” another sigh, “I, wasn't sure about it. I was just letting it go where it went, to see if I would like him more that way as things went along. I mean, we are neighbours in our apartment block, it kind of started as a friendship first”. 

Tweek stayed silent, waiting for Craig to continue. 

“Then, I saw you again Tweek. And oh my God”, he heard Craig let out a hum, “It was instantaneous for me Tweek. I stared at you, I was mesmerized by you. I couldn't stop. When things happened between us, it felt natural, it felt right. So I kept pursuing you. I wanted more Tweek, I wanted you. The choice was clear to me”. 

Tweek scoffed to himself and rolled his eyes again. He narrowed his eyes at the door, as if it was what was talking shit to him right now. 

“I felt it was wrong of me to end things with Thomas over the phone or over a message Tweek, I am not like that”, Craig continued, “I have been feeling sick over this for a week, and waiting for Thomas to be free so I could set him free. Focus on you. Because - you're the one I want Tweek. Just you”. 

Tweek slid off the couch and stood up, wrapping his arms around his oversized hoodie. Moving silently across the room in his socks. Onto the tiles, standing a couple of metres from the door. 

Then he spoke.

“A-and when were you planning on telling me the truth?”, he asked the door. 

Silence. 

“Tweek, I had to end things with Thomas first. Then I was planning to….”.

“BULLSHIT”, Tweek roared. He huddled more tightly into himself, breaking down into tears again. 

“Not bullshit Tweek!”, Craig responded, “I needed to do the right thing by Thomas…”. 

“NO, YOU NEEDED TO DO THE RIGHT THING BY YOU!!”, Tweek shouted, sobbing,  “YOU JUST CARED ABOUT HOW YOU WERE GOING TO LOOK IN ALL THIS!”.

“Tweek, that's not…”

“NO! I'M NOT DONE!”, Tweek continued to shout, “YOU WERE NEVER GOING TO TELL ME THE TRUTH, WERE YOU?”. Tweek was huffing, hot tears pouring down his cheeks, “I WAS HONEST FROM THE START, CRAIG! I HAVEN'T BEEN WITH ANYONE ELSE, I TOLD YOU ABOUT BLOODY DAMIEN AND ALL HIS SHIT, AND GOD, I FELT BAD ABOUT THAT - AND HERE'S YOU, DATING SOMEONE ELSE, FAILING TO MENTION IT AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY! WHEN WE WENT OUT FOR DINNER, WHEN WE KISSED, WHEN W-WE-WE WERE INTIMATE! NOT A WORD CAME FROM YOUR MOUTH!”.

Tweek took a large breath, to get some air. His cheeks were hot. He felt tired, exhausted, but the hot white anger inside him sustained him and kept him going. 

“AND YOU TOLD ME YOU WERE WORKING TODAY TOO! ANOTHER FUCKING LIE, BECAUSE IMAGINE ME, MINDING MY BUSINESS AND SEEING YOU LOCKING LIPS WITH SOME OTHER DUDE, ALL THE WHILE IMAGINING YOU WORKING, OR SITTING AT THE HOSPITAL WITH YOUR DAD”, Tweek laughed bitterly, “WHAT ELSE ARE YOU LYING ABOUT CRAIG, HUH?!”. 

“I'm not lying about anything else Tweek I swear!”, Craig called through the door, “I have been taking calls today, and I clocked some hours this morning, and I am working some hours tonight. I didn't lie about that!”. 

“Wow, shocking!”, Tweek called back sarcastically, letting out a watery chuckle. 

“Tweek, I am really sorry. I would never want to hurt you. Ever”, Craig said hoarsely through the door. Tweek almost wanted to believe him, listening to how sincere his voice sounded. But then the rational side of his brain kicked into gear again. He sniffed, wiping his eyes and nose on his hoodie, then rubbing his eyes with his hands. 

“You were kissing him, Craig”, Tweek yelled acidly, “KISSING HIM! IT DOESN'T MATTER IF HE WASNT *YOUR BOYFRIEND*! HOW CAN I EVER TRUST YOU AGAIN? IF YOU WERE JUST HONEST FROM THE START, TOLD ME WHERE THINGS STOOD WITH  THOMAS, AND EXPLAINED IT BEFORE WE GOT INVOLVED, IT WOULD BE DIFFERENT! I WOULD HAVE WAITED FOR YOU TO SORT IT OUT, MADE SURE THAT YOU WERE SERIOUS ABOUT THIS BEFORE GETTING INVOLVED WITH YOU! BUT YOU PURPOSELY DIDN'T TELL ME CRAIG. I-I CAN'T TRUST YOU, I DON'T KNOW WHO YOU ARE!”. 

“You do, Tweek” came Craig's voice. Not yelling, more pleading, trying to convince, “This has never happened to me before, and you're right. I should have told you from the start. I fucked up. I couldn't stand to lose you, and I tried to deal with it on my own, do what I thought was right”. Craig said. 

Tweek's shoulders relaxed slightly, but he was still guarded, and furious. He was done. He was tired of yelling. He wanted to crawl into bed and black out, so he didn't have to think anymore. 

“Well, it's too late now”, Tweek said with finality, “It's done, Craig. I'm done. I want you to leave”.

“Tweek, please, let me finish…”.

“There's nothing left to say, Craig”, he spat, “Nothing! I was stupid to think you were the same after all these years. Stupid to fall for you based on a memory, some fairy tale that you had come back into my life with purpose. Based on a shitty circumstance sure! But I was the idiot. Please Craig, LEAVE!”. 

“My feelings won't change Tweek”, Craig assured, “I don't want to give up on you”. 

Tweek was mad. He rushed forward, flung the lock and opened the door, his eyes blood shot and puffy, and face full of tears. 

“LEAVE!”, he barked at Craig. Craig was still wearing his stupid chullo. 

Despite how broken Tweek looked, how puffy, exhausted and red, Craig still thought he was beautiful. He still felt his breath hitch as he got a glimpse of him. 

“I'm not giving up”, Craig stated again.

“Well, you're a fucking fool!”, Tweek shouted, then slammed the door. 

_______________________________________

It didn't take long for Stan and Kyle to figure out something was wrong with Tweek the following day. 

Firstly, the dishes were piled up in the sink. There were four coffee mugs on the coffee table. The mail had not been collected, and Tweek had holed himself up in his room. But the biggest sign was the night before, when Kyle came home and found that there were smashed mug fragments in the entrance way. He had a reasonable attempt knocking at Tweek's door to try and talk to him, but got no response.

Tweek called in sick to work on Wednesday. He barely slept. He was surprised his eyes were still producing tears. His brain was fried. There were times where his brain told him that maybe he had overreacted, that Thomas was not technically Craig's boyfriend. Then that thought made him angry, and he still felt just as betrayed. It all came back to honesty. If Craig had disclosed this from the start, and told him all this, about breaking it off with Thomas, he would have done the right thing and waited to pursue Craig. Of course. 

Tweek knew heartbreak and disappointment well. That's what made this hurt so much with Craig. Craig was familiar. Craig never disappointed him as a child. He was always there, his loyal friend, defending him. Tweek had always trusted Craig.Tweek was the one who left, against his will of course, in terrible circumstances. He thought he had figured Craig out now, even after just one week. He was different, he had told himself. He was Craig. Craig made him feel. The way Craig talked to him and made him laugh. They way he looked at Tweek, like Tweek was the only person in the world. The way he kissed Tweek. That night together still gave him goosebumps. Yet…it all felt fake, it wasn't real. Of course as soon as something good happens, something happens to muck it up. Tweek could relate to what Stan had said the day before. 

“Oh God Tweek, why does everything always have to go wrong?!?”

Throughout the day, Tweek had several messages and missed calls from Craig. He ignored all of them.

It wasn't until late in the afternoon on Wednesday that he came face to face with Kyle and Stan. Going on his fresh appreciation for honesty being the best policy, he sat on one of the recliners and recounted his story to the two of them. 

When he finished, the two of them were gaping at him, speechless. 

“Wow" Stan said, looking shocked, “What a dick hole”. 

Tweek huffed. 

“So if it wasn't for Spooky…”, Stan trailed off.

“Stan, I really don't want to hear about Spooky”, Tweek warned. 

“Tweek, I am so sorry”, Kyle said sincerely, “That is a low blow from Craig. Jesus. I knew he could be a bit of a dick, but…’’. 

“It's okay”, Tweek said, waving Kyle off, “I think…you know, if it wasn't Craig, just some other guy who was dating someone else and not telling me, I would be pissed but it would kind of not mean anything, you know? After one week. This is Craig though…I…”, Tweek started crying again, “I really fell hard guys”. 

The boys both looked at him, with deeply meaningful, sympathetic looks. 

“Dude, I will stay with you tonight”, Kyle said softly, “Stan is going out, and he had plans first. I was going to go out on a date with Heidi, but she will understand dude. I am here for you”. 

“Kyle, no” Tweek whined, “I'll be okay, don't worry”.

At that moment, Kyle's phone rang. He answered it immediately. 

“Hey!”, he said happily, “I was going to call you later, I…”, Kyle was cut off, and he was listening intently, “Uh-huh, oh! that makes sense. Thank you so much for covering him, I will tell Tweek”.

Tweek looked at Kyle confused, and Kyle just gave him a knowing look and said into the phone, “I was going to call you to raincheck anyway, Tweek isn't well, I wanted to stay in and make sure he is okay”.

“Heidi”, Stan mouthed to Tweek, grinning. 

“Yep, Friday works for me. I am really looking forward to it, I can't wait”, Kyle got up and walked down the hall, continuing on the phone. 

“This is my fault”, Tweek said gloomily, “If i didn't call in sick, they could have gone on their date..”.

“Tweek, chill”, Stan said reassuringly, “Remember our talk yesterday? we are here for each other dude. I took your advice too, I am going to talk to Wendy tonight”.

As miserable as Tweek felt, he flashed Stan a small smile. 

“Good, he said sadly,  “If none of my relationships can work out, I am least rooting for you guys”. 

“It will happen for you Tweek”, Stan said seriously, leaning forward on the couch to look at him, “You're a catch. Someone is going to sweep you off your feet one day, and treat you how you deserve to be treated. I am serious dude”. 

Tweek frowned, feeling teary again. 

“I wish I could believe you Stan….but after this…I just want to give up”. 

Chapter Text

Dose Sixteen: Withdrawn

Tweek returned to work for his night shift on Thursday. He was done wallowing around the apartment, and had caught up on some sleep which had helped him feel functional again. He felt work was a welcome distraction and was grateful for the night shift, because it meant he did not have to run into Craig.

Craig had sent a big bouquet of flowers on Thursday morning and an apology note, which Tweek threw straight in the bin. He continued to ignore correspondence from Craig. It was too fresh, too raw. He didn't have the capacity to take on more communication from Craig. He could see that Craig was clearly trying, but all it did was annoy him further. He needed time and space, and just wanted to be left alone. 

When he arrived at work, his locker was open ajar. That was odd, as each staff member had their key for their designated locker. There was a box of boutique chocolates in his locker, in bright magenta and mint colouring and a pale pink bow. A handwritten sticky note was attached, which read “I hope you're feeling better”. It was not signed. Tweek knew they couldn't be from Craig, as the staff room required swipe access to enter. Although he felt unnerved about his locker being opened with intent to place the chocolates in there, he smiled briefly to himself and did not throw the chocolates out. Tweek liked sweet things.

Tweek knew it would be obvious to the rest of the staff that he was not himself. He didn't care though. He was still polite, small nods, quiet hellos. Night shift generally required less interaction, it was calmer, more serene. 

He was assigned to Meredith again. Shortly after starting, he noticed she would soon need an infusion change on her heparin. He headed to the medication room, keeping his head down. 

Shortly after arriving back to Room 2, Damien showed up at the door. 

“Hey”, Damien greeted, stepping into the room, “I just wanted to check how you were feeling?”. 

Tweek, who was over at the table drawing up the heparin, looked up at him and felt irritable that Damien was onto him already for the night. 

“i've been better”, Tweek said stiffly, then looked down at what he was doing again, resuming his task, “But I'm well enough to be here, if that's what you're asking”. 

Damien sat down in one of the visitor chairs. 

“What took you out? cold or flu? stomach bug?”, Damien asked finally. He sat hunched forward, clasping his hands together and staring at Tweek. 

“Nngh, whatever it is will take me some time to get completely better”, Tweek said cryptically, “But I will be okay, honestly”. 

Damien frowned, “Well….just remember I can write prescriptions..if you need anything…”. 

Tweek shook his head immediately, “I don't need anything”. Then he stopped himself from adding, Nothing you can prescribe will help this pain. 

“You don't seem like your usual self”, Damien observed. Tweek felt Damien's gaze was still on him when he turned his back to change to IV bag. 

“Damien, I'm fine”, Tweek replied flatly. 

“I hope the chocolates make you feel better, at least”. 

Tweek spun around.

“Th-those were from you?!”. 

“Yeah”, Damien said softly, “I thought it was a nice gesture. We were worried about you yesterday…the staff last night said you never call in sick”. 

Tweek didn't respond. He looked down at the discarded vials and boxes on the table, refusing to look up. 

Then he said finally, feeling defensive, “Don't you have shit to do? There's a new admission into Bed 3”.

Damien laughed softly, “Already taken care of…but I wouldn't say no if you wanted to check my work and give me feedback”. 

Tweek huffed, “I have enough to do”.

“Suit yourself”, Damien replied, smirking. 

Suddenly, Damien's pager went off on his belt.

“Duty calls”, he announced, standing up, “I'll catch you later”. 

Tweek watched him leave with narrowed eyes. 

__________________________________

“Where are we?

What the hell is going on?

The dust has only just begun to fall

Crop circles in the carpet

Sinking feeling

Spin me 'round again and rub my eyes

This can't be happening”

It was almost 10pm, and Tweek felt vulnerable, emotional. The night felt lonely, too quiet. He started to feel like he was coming apart at the seams. He had found a small comfort in having a one sided, quiet conversation with Meredith. He had quietly talked out his feelings, his frustrations. He had told her everything, and he felt good for this. No response would come from her, no judgement. But then no advice, or words or comfort would come either. 

Now, he was singing to her, in a small and sweet voice, quiet enough that his voice would not carry to the hallway. He had been told on occasion he had a beautiful singing voice, but he didn't advertise the fact. He had just finished up hygiene cares, and was tidying up after changing over catheters and drains. 

The words from the song were starting to get to him, and he started feeling tears slip onto his cheeks. Feeling self conscious and desperate to conceal his emotions, he turned his back to the glass, making sure any passing by staff could not see his face. 

“Ransom notes keep fallin' out your mouth

Mid-sweet talk, newspaper word cut-outs 

Speak no feeling, no, I don't believe you

You don't care a bit, you don't care a bit”. 

At the last sung line, he dissolved into tears. He wiped his eyes and nose on the sleeve of the powder blue scrub jacket he had borrowed from the linen trolley, it gets cold on nights. 

“The voice of an angel”, came a soft voice.

Tweek stiffened. Damien. 

“I-I-I, uhh, I'm o-okay”, Tweek said shakily, not turning around. 

But it was hopeless. Tweek felt his emotions spill over again, and even if he was not showing his face, it was obvious he was upset. 

“Tweek, oh Tweek, I didn't mean to upset you”, Damien cooed, rushing forward. Tweek felt Damien's hand on his back. 

“W-w-wasn't you”, Tweek said softly. Then he wiped his eyes again, flinching, “I'm okay!”, he cried out hoarsely. 

“Oh, Tweek, sweetheart, no you're not”, Damien whispered, “What's happened? What can I do?”. 

Tweek swallowed, eyes darting away from Damien. 

“N-n-othing, Rrr, I'm fine!”. 

“You're not”, Damien said sadly, “But you will be. You're having a break, come on”. 

“I-I need to stay here”, Tweek stammered, “I have work to do, Damien!”. 

“No you don't”, Damien stated simply, “It's night shift. I can organise Jason to cover you. Stay here, I'll sort it”. 

Tweek didn't argue. He resumed his clean up, trying his best to dry his tears and stop fresh ones coming. He tried taking some deep, steading breaths. His throat stung from emotion, his nose was dripping and felt uncomfortable. 

Damien returned within a few minutes.

“Jason's coming in a minute”, he whispered reassuringly. He put an arm around Tweek, “Come on”. 

Tweek was too vulnerable, too embarrassed by his outburst to argue. He walked with Damien, who led him to the Doctor's office. 

There were two Doctor's offices on the ward, one for Team A and one for Team B. The other office was situated around the other side of the ward. The office was carpeted, a deep blue shade, and from the doorway, desks lined the entire outside with several office chairs. It was messy, the desks littered with medical equipment, papers, pens; the occasional printer taking up a considerable amount of space. There was a few whiteboards on the walls, covered in messy scrawls, to do lists, or reminders for the doctors; and a giant plasma TV screen with a summary of all the patients and their status on there. There were six computers. Damien always occupied the desk that faced the door, to the left as one entered the doorway. 

Damien closed the door promptly behind them, then he moved quickly forward to grab the closest spare office chair, wheeling it over. He gestured for Tweek to sit down, then took his own seat, spinning the chair around to face Tweek. 

Tweek crossed his legs and folded his arms across his body, guarded. 

“Can I get you anything?”, Damien said softly, sweetly. 

Tweek shook his head. 

Damien resumed his posture he took in the visitors chair. Leaning forward, hands clamped together in front of him. Staring at Tweek with great interest. Tweek felt like he was a patient of Damien's, that Damien was going to examine him.  LIke he was trying to use x-ray vision. Like he was trying to read his mind. 

“Now tell me…what's wrong Tweek, what has happened? I can't help you much if I don't know”, Damien said softly. 

“Damien….I can't…I-I don't want to talk about it”, Tweek said quietly, looking down, “I-uh, just got overwhelmed. You know. Meredith isn't doing well…” he trailed off.  

“I know it's not Meredith, I can tell”, Damien replied, shaking his head “She hasn't been good for a long time”. 

Tweek dared to look up at Damien. 

Damien reached over, wiping a tear off Tweek's cheek. 

“I can see it in your eyes”, Damien whispered, “You're hurt. Somebody's hurt you”.

Tweek shifted uncomfortably in his chair. Grateful Damien couldn't see anything physically wrong with him. Although the marks on his neck and body were almost gone, he still wore a turtleneck this evening over his sunflower scrubs, which was not totally out of place with the cold night air. 

“Damien, it's nobody's business but my own….I will deal with it okay?”, Tweek said softly, dropping his gaze again. 

Damien put his hand under Tweek's chin and lifted it up gently. 

“It's my business”, Damien said firmly, “This isn't you, Tweek. You're on shift, and you're barely holding it together. Not that I am saying you cannot do your job, because I know that you  are and that you can. But I need to know what's going on. I can't bare to see you like this”. 

Tweek stayed silent. 

“I think it's him”, Damien stated matter-of-factly, tilting his head and looking into Tweek's eyes, “I think pretty boy did this to you”.

Tweek choked, and he felt more tears run down his cheek. Great, he thought, he didn't need to say anything to confirm Damien's suspicions. He would be terrible at poker. 

When Tweek said nothing, not adjusting his facial expression but the tears flowed hot and fast, He knew he had told Damien what he needed to know. 

“What did he do”, Damien demanded, a growl in his tone. He sounded livid. 

“Damien….I-uh, it's nothing, okay?”, Tweek stammered, “I will be okay! Fr- friends have their problems, you know?”. 

At the mention of the word friends, Tweek lost control. He started to sob. He buried his head in his hands. 

“Shhhh, Oh Tweek, come here”, Damien cooed, wheeling himself closer to Tweek. He wrapped his arms gently around Tweek and held him close, putting his legs out on either side of Tweek's chair to allow the embrace, “Oh sweetheart….he really broke you. It's okay….shhhh”. 

Tweek stayed in Damien's warm arms, not replying to the words he spoke in an attempt to offer Tweek comfort. Tweek sobbed into Damien's shoulder. Not wanting to pull away, not wanting to keep talking. He was done. He had as good as told Damien that it was an issue with Craig. He wondered nervously how significant this knowledge would be to Damien. What he could do. What he would do. 

“I had a bad feeling about him baby, you know I did”, Damien spoke softly, near Tweek's ear, “And how could he hurt you huh? how could he do that to you?”. 

Tweek shook his head on Damien's shoulder, and continued to sob. 

They stayed in the embrace for quite some time. Tweek had no concept of how long. All he could hear in the quiet night was their quiet breathing, the low hum of Damien's computer sitting idly, and the air conditioning running,

“Is there anything I can get you?”, Damien whispered. 

“Uh-Uh, maybe so-some water”, Tweek croaked. 

“Stay there”, Damien said, “I'll take care of you”. 

Tweek sat, and used the moment alone to gaze at his reflection in Damien's computer monitor, which was in sleep mode. He flinched. He looked terrible. He looked up at the wall clock. 10:22pm. 

Damien returned with a cup of water, and surprisingly with the box of chocolates from Tweek's locker. He gave the glass of water to Tweek, and sat the chocolates in his lap when sat down again. Then he put his hand on Tweek's thigh. 

Tweek felt slightly calmer, more at ease. His tears had stopped. He felt a little stronger. He was hyper aware of that hand on his thigh. 

“Thank you”, he said softly to Damien, “I-I'm, Gah! sorry you had to see me like this”. 

“Sweetheart, any time”, Damien smiled, “I am happy to take care of you. Do you need to go home? Workplace policy is we can survive on a ratio of 1:2 overnight if there is emergent leave”. 

“N-No, I will stay”, Tweek said, “I-I feel a bit better”. 

“Have a chocolate”, Damien ordered, opening the box and offering it to Tweek, “It will make you feel better”. 

He smiled at Tweek. Tweek just gazed at him, then at the box. He slowly reached the box and accepted a chocolate. 

“H-How did you get into my locker?”, Tweek asked, curiosity getting the best of him. 

Damien tilted his head, watching Tweek place the chocolate in his mouth, “When there is a will, there is a way”, he said simply, shrugging. 

Tweek surveyed Damien curiously, not saying a word. Then he stood up suddenly, feeling eager to return to his post. 

“I will put this back in your locker, okay?”, Damien said kindly, “And, Tweek?”.

Tweek met his gaze.

“I don't know what happened, and I know you won't tell me”, Damien said in a low voice, his gaze not leaving Tweek's face, “But I am furious he hurt you…how could he….he's scum, Tweek. And if he hurts you again..”, he warned. 

“Damien, I-I will be okay”, Tweek said quickly, “Y-You don't have to get involved, okay? Like I said the other day…you worry about you…I will worry about me”. 

“I'm just looking out for you”, Damien reassured, “I won't let anything else happen”. 

“Thank you…for the break”, Tweek said in a small voice. Then he quickly turned away from Damien and exited the room. 

Tweek squirmed uncomfortably. Damien had no idea, and he wouldn't, Tweek decided. He had no authority to get involved. He did not need more fuel on the fire, more complication. He had already internally scolded himself for being an open book, for his brain not kicking in for him to skillfully deny any accusation of this being about Craig.

Well, it was done now, Tweek sighed internally. He hadn't said anything, not confirmed or denied, not given Damien any clues.

And he hoped that was enough. 

Chapter Text

Dose Seventeen: Planned

It was Saturday afternoon, and Craig was driving back home to his apartment for the weekend. It was long overdue and his friends Clyde and Tolkien had arranged to spend the weekend with him. The drive back to his place would be good for him, as well as the company of his close friends. He couldn't remember the last time they had caught up properly. 

Craig had made several attempts to contact Tweek over the last few days. He had sent several messages, called and left voicemails, and he had even sent a bunch of flowers to his apartment. None of these had been successful, and he was met with radio silence. 

It's not as though he hadn't expected this. He didn't blame Tweek. But he wanted to remain true to his word - that he did not want to give up. Though as the days went on, his attempts became less frequent. He started to think (and hope) that Tweek just needed time. 

Craig had not seen Tweek at the hospital, but he had expected this, as Tweek had mentioned to him the previous week that he was coming up for night shifts. So he had spent the days wallowing in his misery in Room 1 with Laura, keeping his unconscious dad company. He often sat at the table with his laptop opened, distracting himself with work. Although he had every right to be there, he felt very uncomfortable in Tweek's territory under the current circumstances.

Sometimes, Tricia joined them, often coming before or after classes. It had not taken Tricia very long to drag the story of what had happened out of Craig. She noticed from first glance that there was something very wrong with her brother when he returned back to the apartment late Tuesday afternoon. To Craig's surprise, he did not receive a lecture, or an “I told you so” from Tricia.

There had been a few small scoldings, “What! you just left Thomas there on the sidewalk and ran off? Craig, what the fuck!”, but as Craig explained the story in full, she commented softly, smiling at him, “Wow Craig, you went through all that to try and explain to Tweek? What's next, a boom box at the window?”. 

 Once the story was told in full, she had been nothing but sympathetic and supportive. She was insightful and was helping Craig keep things together. In the spirit of making things as easy as possible for their mother currently, they had kept this all private from Laura. Tricia had cooked dinner the last few nights, recognising her brother's increasing exhaustion and emotional instability. She had sat with him in the evenings, watching something on TV or talking and playing with the guinea pigs. Craig could not be more grateful. 

Some of the advice Tricia had given Craig had sustained him over a very difficult few days, and as he neared Tolkien's place, he replayed it in his head.  

“Of course he is really mad now, Craig, I can see his point of view”, she had said, sitting on his bed with him and scratching Spot under the chin, “But time will pass, and he will start to see clearer and more rationally. Just give him time to process things. Then you can try and talk to him again, when he is a bit more calm. Just take small steps. I could tell he really has feelings for you. Surely they won't just vanish. Just trust in time and patience”. 

Craig desperately hoped she was right. But for now, he would give Tweek his space. It hurt right now. Time felt like it was stretching for eternity, every day a battle. Each day he didn't hear from Tweek. Each day he didn't see him. This didn't mean Tweek had left his mind. He continued to swirl around in his thoughts constantly.

And he was determined to make things right. 

It just needed time.

_________________________________________

“CRAIGORY!”

The loud, booming voice came first, then a tall, muscly man with brown shaggy hair and a boyish face wearing a red and white letterman jacket collided with Craig in Tolkien and NIchole’s penthouse doorway, almost knocking him off his feet. 

“Ge- ahh Clyde for fuck's sake, get off me!”, Craig said loudly, wrestling with him.

Clyde let out a roaring laugh, “No way man, bring it in!”, he clung around Craig's chest and squeezed. 

“Jeez Clyde, let him breathe”, Tolkien laughed, who had been standing behind Clyde,, “Hey Craig, safe trip?”.

Craig was shoving Clyde, trying to remove him, “Yeah- arrrghhhh….good run”. 

“Alright my main man, straight to the kitchen, we need to booze you”, Clyde said, patting Craig on the back.

“Clyde - settle dude, he literally hasn't even stepped through the door”, Tolkien scolded. 

Tolkien and Nichole's penthouse was incredible. High ceilings, big glass windows facing out onto the city skyline, wooden floors and cream walls and couches; elegance in every square metre. It was exquisite and comfortable, and often the starting point for a group gathering. Tolkien and Nichole had acquired it after college, with the help of Tolkien's wealthy parents. Tolkien, like Kyle, had pursued law as a career, and become a lawyer. He had his dad's connections to obtain a position within a wealthy law firm on graduation. 

Clyde was bustling around the kitchen, picking up a longneck bottle of beer and taking a big swig, before reaching for a glass and heading for the fridge.

“And a rum and Coke to start off Craigory?”, Clyde asked, grinning, “This is going to be EPIC, BOO YAH”.

Tolkien rolled his eyes and looked at Craig, “Sorry about him….he's just been really excited to see you”, he said apologetically, almost like he was apologizing for a misbehaving toddler. 

“Dude, you can't kill my buzz tonight, no way!”, Clyde said excitedly, sliding the prepared drink across the marble benchtop to Craig, “It's a true boys night! Nichole's at a conference for work for the weekend, we got the booze, we got the Craigory - AND - the nightlife of the city my dudes. It's Halloween next week too! We could totally dress up, the chicks love that shit, good ice breaker!”.

“We are NOT dressing up for Halloween”, Tolkien laughed, heading around the other side of the counter and grabbing a glass for himself, “Back me up, Craig”.

“Yeah no, fuck off we are doing that”, Craig said, deadpan, “But please Clyde, if you want to look like an idiot, be my guest. We will just disown you for the night”.

“Ohh man, you wouldn't do that to me!” Clyde sulked. He cracked open a second longneck. Then he shook his head and frowned, “Alright alright….no dress ups”. 

Pre drinks were off to a good start. They sat around the lounge room, on the plush white couches. Tolkien shared some good news within minutes of them sitting down. 

“So uh…a bit of news Craig”, Tolkien said, looking at his lap and grinning, “I'm going to pop the question to Nichole”.

“Oh dude, finally”, Craig said, flashing a small smile and raising his glass, “When?”.

“Next weekend. I've got it all planned out. I don't want to spoil the details of course”.

Clyde let out a booming laugh once more, “My dude Tolkien has kept so much of it under wraps. I can't squeeze any details out of him”.

“I just don't want to jinx it dude!”, Tolkien cried out, taking a sip of his drink and swirling the ice, “It's a big thing you know!”. 

“Yeah, yeah”, Clyde waved him off, “You romantic sappy bastard”.

Tolkien and Craig laughed. 

Things unfortunately moved to a more serious topic when Clyde obnoxiously demanded details of Craig dating Thomas. It was difficult to break the news to both the boys that their information was seriously outdated.

And the mention of Tweek, the room erupted. 

“Wow!”, Tolkien exclaimed, eyes wide, astonished.

“TWEEK MOTHER FUCKING TWEEK?!”, Clyde roared, causing Craig to jump, “NO FUCKING WAY MY DUDE, HOW DID THAT GUY JUST POP UP OUT OF NO WHERE?”.

“Clyde, I LITERALLY just told you”, Craig answered, annoyed. 

“Right, sorry”, Clyde apologised, finishing off his bottle and belching. Craig threw him a disgusted look. 

“Fuck, i swear”, Craig muttered. 

When Craig got to the events of Tuesday, he couldn't continue. He paused, a long silence, and drained the rest of his drink. The boys had been following his every word. As the mention of Thomas coming to Denver, and Craig officially clarifying that he was still dating Thomas through the events with Tweek, there was another uproar.

“WAIT WAIT WAAAIIIIT”, Clyde's brain had caught up, “You were dating BOTH of them dude?”. 

“Well - no”,

“Sort of sounds like it dude”, Tolkien laughed, shaking his head. 

“Well….kind of! The main thing is, Thomas and I had not made anything official  - “,

“We know, you told us”, Tolkien cut him off.

“And!”, Craig waved a finger, “Tweek and I hadn't called it anything yet”. 

He shot up from the couch and went and poured another rum. This time, the glass was 50/50 rum and Coke. He needed something strong. 

“DUDE, YOU PLAYER!”. Clyde shouted, pointing at him, “LIKE, DAMN DUDE!”.

“Stop shouting dude, he is right there”, Tolkien smacked Clyde's shoulder. 

Craig said nothing, drinking down the drink in one go. 

“It's bad, but it's not that bad dude”, Tolkien said finally, “It's technically not cheating if you hadn't committed to either of them”. 

Craig let out a hollow laugh, “Try telling them that dude, they are both furious”.

“Wait, so what happened?”. 

Craig explained the rest of the story. Clyde was clearly tipsy at minimum, Tolkien had to keep hitting him to shut up every time he went to interject. 

When Craig finished, and Clyde released he was free to speak, he said loudly, “All I'm hearing dude is TWEEK, TWEEK, TWEEK”, he laughed, “It's so obvious you have it bad for him!”.

“I am not denying that, idiot”, Craig retorted angrily, rolling his eyes and pouring another drink. 

Tolkien was sitting still, with his eyes closed, clearly in deep thought. He leaned forward and placed his empty drink on the coffee table, then placed his hands on his knees, crossing his legs. 

“That is a damn difficult situation dude”, he spoke finally, then his dark eyes met Craig's, “But yeah, what I am hearing is you just had shitty luck and timing, and were unable to set things right to have a path forward with Tweek before shit hit the fan with both guys”.

“Yes!”, Craig was starting to feel the effects of the alcohol, “That is exactly what happened!”. 

“It's salvageable, but it'll take work man”, Tolkien sighed, “And he knows how you feel, right?”,

“Yes, I have made that really clear”, Craig said, rushing back to the couch with his drink. 

“Well, I think for now you just need to give him space”, Tolkien said.

“I am!”.

“No, like, just let Tweek simmer on it for a bit. He will have time to process what you said. I mean, if you really want to go down this road, pursue this?”. 

“Tolkien, have you NOT been listening to him?”, Clyde said obnoxiously, well and truly into his next beer, “His boner is clearly just for Tweek dude, I have never seen him so fucking sooky…besides when Tweek left in the first place that is!:”. 

“Fuck off, Clyde”, Craig retorted, showing him his middle finger.

Clyde laughed, “Fuck I missed you dude”. 

“Alright, shhh”, Tolkien said, holding his hand up, “Dude, just give it a week or something. Maybe a text here or there, but keep it brief. You gotta play it cool dude. Then you can try and talk again”. 

Craig sighed, “I'll do what it takes”. 

“What's he look like now?”, Clyde asked suddenly, “Like…does he have Facebook?”. 

Craig nodded, “Yeah dude. He rarely posts anything”. 

“SHOW MEEEEEE”, Clyde whined, scooting in closer to Craig.

“Fucks sake”, Craig complained, whipping his phone out, “You're such a pain in the arse”.

Tolkien moved in close too, and Craig typed Tweek's name in. They had added each other the week prior, not long after their dinner. And there hadn't been much on Tweek's profile then, Craig had checked. 

The wind was knocked out of him when he opened Tweek's home page, and saw that Tweek had been tagged in photos from that very evening. 

It appeared he was at a bar, Craig didn't know the area, but there were bright lights, cosy couches and tables. He recognised a few of the other faces, they were clearly colleagues from his work. The original post was from Bebe Stevens, the receptionist of the ICU. Everyone was dressed up in Halloween costumes, and when he saw Tweek, his breath hitched. 

Standing next to Damien. 

Craig felt his blood boiling, his teeth clenching. 

And- what made his heart sink further  - was how stunning  Tweek looked. 

He was dressed as a witch. He wore a towering, black witches hat, and black robes that were long, fluttering sleeves, lace and gold embellishments of stars and moons. He wore black leggings and black, shiny boots. He wasn't smiling widely, but had a slight upward turn of the corner of his mouth. His skin looked flawless and beautiful in the lighting, and his bright green eyes were soft and relaxed. Craig noticed he had accentuated his eyes with mascara and some gold eyeshadow - subtle, but effective. 

Craig noticed that Damien stood close, wearing a black top and pants and a black cloak. Craig had no idea what he was meant to be, but thought bitterly to himself that it was a lazy costume. 

“Fuck dude, Tweek got hot”, Clyde said loudly, taking in the photo after Craig enlarged it. 

“I know that Clyde”, Craig said through gritted teeth. 

“Who are all those people?”, Tolkien asked curiously. 

“They're all his work mates, they must be out for a night out”, Craig answered, “It was only uploaded 36 minutes ago…and that”, he said angrily, pointing, “Is Damien”. 

“Damn, he's a looker too”, Clyde commented, “What, they only employ hot people for ICU? - typical, you're usually unconscious when you go there…HA HA”.

Craig hit him in the arm hard, “Uncalled for dude, my dad is still there, remember?!”.

“Oh fuck yeah…sorry, Clyde apologised. He glanced down at Craig's screen again, as Craig swiped through the photos, “WAIT, OH FUCK!”.

“What?!”, Craig said, irritated. 

Clyde lent into Craig's space, and swiped back one photo. A photo of Bebe dressed up, with long lashes, her blonde hair out and curly, wearing devil horns and a devil costume, with her arm around Deepa, who was smiling widely and dressed as a cat. 

“WHO THE FUCK IS THAT GORGEOUS BABE!”, he cried loudly, his eyes widening and jaw slack. 

“Oh..that's the receptionist, Bebe”.

“FUCK DUDE!”, Clyde said loudly, pointing, “She is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen!”. 

“Oh?”, Craig enquired, “Yeah well I mean…she is on the front desk. Pretty sure she's single too. She usually organises these nights out, Tweek told me”. 

“FUCK. OFF”, he said seriously. “There-There is no way a girl like that is single”.

Craig shrugged. 

“Ok, I HAVE to meet her”, Clyde said, leaning closer to the screen, “Please Craig, I have to, or I will just die Craig!”.

“Dude, you are so pathetic!”, Tolkien laughed, “It's a photo man!, just calm down!”. 

“Well, if I was talking to Tweek…I would ask what her deal is”, Craig said offhandedly. He started to swipe through the other photos, looking for Tweek,. 

“Ok, ok”, Clyde sat back on the couch, “So mission one….we need to get Craig back in with Tweek. Once that is sorted, I can meet the beautiful lady”.

Tolkien just chuckled. Then he looked at Craig, “So, you really think this Damien dude is actually gay, and is actually interested in Tweek?”.

“I don't think, I know”, Craig sighed, frustrated, “I already told you, Tweek told me that Damien had been trying something with him, and it only got more serious when we rekindled our friendship”. 

“Hmm”, Tolkien said, looking between Craig and his phone, “Well, we might need to revisit the strategy a bit”.

“What?”, Craig said, confused. 

“Well you still need to give him time, but not too much time”, Tolkien said seriously. He swiped the photo back to the group photo with Tweek and Damien in it, “You don't want to miss your chance”. 

Craig zoomed in on Tweek and Damien. He noticed something. Damien had an arm around Tweek's shoulder. He could just make out fingertips on the edge of Tweek's right shoulder.

Tolkien was right. 

____________________________________________

It was Saturday night, and Tweek didn't know where his day went.

He was exhausted after the past two night shifts, and had today off. He had spent most of it sleeping. He had a coffee at 4pm, sitting quietly on the couch. 

Stan and Kyle came home about 5pm, and to Tweek's surprise, Heidi was hanging off Kyle's arm. 

Heidi and Tweek always got along, but now that she was dating Kyle, they were more friendly with each other. Having the common subject of Kyle had brought them a little closer together in the last couple of encounters they had shared at work together. Tweek was respectful of them, and didn't divulge any personal or embarrassing information about Kyle to Heidi. He was better than that. 

Heidi and Tweek also had the unspoken trust to not discuss their personal affairs with others at work. Tweek had not breathed a word to anyone that she was dating someone, and respected that she would tell people when she was ready. Heidi had clearly not said anything about Craig, because Tweek had not ended up in Rebecca's office yet. Not that that mattered anymore, Tweek thought. 

He had been grateful the last few days that Craig had stopped harassing him. It had allowed  his mind to process what  had happened. Sure, he was still emotionally unstable. He was drinking more coffee, sleeping less. Having teary breakdowns on and off. He was moody and grumpy, and felt bad that he took it out on Stan and Kyle more than he usually would. But he was starting to believe that time would heal.

Tweek had a suspicion that Kyle had told Heidi that things had soured between him and Craig, because her expression was soft when she looked at him, and she had been one of the few coworkers who had insisted he come out tonight for drinks at the bar - Halloween themed. The way she spoke to him, she had implied that she knew he can't have other plans.

Tweek loved Halloween. It was not just his love of sweets, and being able to bake fun Halloween cupcakes. It was also the decorations and how excited everyone got. Dressing up was fun too, and it made him feel like someone else for the evening. 

Heidi was holding a bag, and was grinning at Tweek. 

“I got my costume Tweek, we can get ready here together”, she said happily, jumping up and down, “And guess what?”.

“Gah! what!?”, Tweek said nervously. 

“Kyle is coming too! I want to introduce him to everyone!”.

“Oh wow”, Tweek said, flashing her a small smile, then he turned to Kyle“That sounds - uh - good! Are you sure you are ready? some of the staff have, gah, big personalities!”.

“Yeah dude, nothing I can't handle”, Kyle said, looking down at Heidi and kissing her on the forehead, “Plus, I am honoured she wants to introduce me as her date”.

“Of course I want to!”, Heidi squealed. Then she reached up and kissed him on the lips.

Tweek looked away. How nice, he thought. Though he could not help feeling a little jealous. Of what they had. Dating each other, no dramas. Just happy, exciting feelings. 

It would be nice. 

“Tweek, I want to paint your nails”, Heidi rushed over, and examined his hands, “They're so perfect! and you have such pretty hands. Please let me paint them”.

Tweek blushed, “Oh- uh, okay! I don't work until Monday - I can, rrr, remove it before my shift!”. 

“Are you still going as a bitchy witch Tweek?”, Stan asked, teasing.

Tweek huffed, “Who are you calling bitchy witch! Gah! You're just jealous I wear it well!”.

Stan laughed, “Calm down dude, it's all good!”. 

Kyle laughed along and turned to Heidi, “His costume is pretty good, you'll see”.

“Ahhh, I can't wait!”, Heidi giggled. 

Tweek rolled his eyes. Lord knows he didn't feel like this night out, but maybe it would be good for him. Maybe the magic of wearing a costume and pretending for the night was not such a bad thing.

That thought motivated Tweek to stand up, and march down the hallway to start getting ready. 

Chapter Text

Dose Eighteen: Ingested

The moment they entered the bar, Tweek's eyes were assaulted by lights in shades of blue, red and purple, and the music vibrated through his body. It was busy being a Saturday night, but despite this Bebe still managed to swoop like a bird of prey once they crossed the room and snagged a corner section near the bar with a large, blue couch and two armrest chairs around a table. 

Tweek had only been sitting on the couch for a few minutes, cocktail in hand before Damien walked in. Kyle and Heidi had momentarily left their seats to greet Bebe and Deepa. To Tweek's annoyance, Damien promptly took their vacated seats beside Tweek. 

“Are you a good witch, or a bad witch?”Damien asked as he plopped himself down, raising his dark eyebrows and a smirk playing on his lips. 

Tweek took a sip of his cocktail, “Depends if you keep talking to me or not”.

Damien chuckled, eyeing Tweek up and down, “You look fantastic”. 

“Uh, thanks”, Tweek said awkwardly, avoiding his gaze. Then he took in Damien's outfit - all black, some sort of cape? Tweek couldn't put his finger on it, “And you…are?”.

“Dracula”, Damien shrugged, “It's not obvious?”. 

Tweek raised his eyebrows and laughed softly, shaking his head, “No? You're just dressed in black. You could be anyone”.

Damien laughed too, “Oh well, I didn't come here to win a best costume prize”. He looked at Tweek up and down again  and then eyed his drink, which was almost empty, “Do you want another drink? I'm going to go order”. 

Feeling lighter from his first drink, and a little playful, he smirked, “Sure”. 

“Stay right there”, Damien smiled widely, pointing at Tweek,  “I'll be right back”.

Tweek watched Damien head to the bar and stand right behind Kyle, who had his back turned away facing Heidi right beside him. Maybe tonight wouldn't be so bad. He had historically found Damien more tolerable in a social setting. The professional courtesies and tension between the two was lower already tonight, he could feel it. He decided then and there that he would give it a chance tonight, and not let Damien wind him up. He wanted to enjoy his night. 

As he watched Damien, taking in his physique - his dark, black impressive cloak around more black that commanded presence, his clean shaven, handsome face, the way his long fingers drummed on the bar, Tweek's mind turned to Craig. Perhaps it was the alcohol, but Tweek's mind conjured up thoughts and images of being with Craig. The thought of Craig's hot breath on his ear. The ghost of Craig's fingertips running down his body. The way Craig looked that night and the way Tweek unbuttoned that white button up eagerly to remove it to reveal his toned torso. The scent of his cologne, when Craig's mouth skillfully kissed and nipped down his body right down to his….Tweek trembled suddenly, and felt like the synapses in his brain were invaded with the thoughts, and he struggled to pull himself back to the present. 

Damien returned after about ten minutes. On returning, Damien seemed different. His smile had disappeared, and his usual demeanor had changed. He seemed bothered by something, deep in thought. His eyebrows were furrowed, and he gazed and Tweek intently.  

“Umm…are you good?”, Tweek asked, muttering a quiet thanks as he accepted his drink. 

Damien didn't answer immediately, he plopped down and stared straight ahead, lifting his own drink to his lips and taking a big sip, “Fine..just fine…It was just…. busy up there”.

“Yeah, looks a bit wild”, Tweek commented, looking uncomfortably at the huge crowd now flocking around the bar.

They sat for some time, making idle conversation, lapsing into silence. Bebe wandered over for a while, complaining about the lack of cute bar patrons, “I went to all this effort to get dressed up, and for what?”,   and one of the other doctors Mark turned up with Jason and another nurse colleague Cordelia, who spoke with Damien and Tweek for a while also. 

Tweek had finished his second drink, and felt good. Not allowing Damien the opportunity to offer to buy him another drink, he tagged on with Mark and his group to visit the bar together. 

He was waiting for his cocktail when a thickset, brown haired man with glasses approached  Tweek to his right. 

“You're the prettiest looking witch I've ever seen”, he said smoothly, looking Tweek up and down.

Tweek's brain didn't register. When the man continued to stare at him, he said nervously “Oh - oh uh sorry? you mean me”.

“Yeah”, he said, looking pleased, eyes darting over Tweek.

Although Tweek was feeling the alcohol's effects, he immediately started to also feel completely creeped out. Tweek looked away, hunching his shoulders “Uh - thanks”. 

“That guy over there your boyfriend?:”, he asked boldly, eyes darting past Tweek to where Damien was sitting.

“What? Oh - uh, no”. 

“Trent”, then man said swiftly, smiling and thrusting his stubby hand out for Tweek to accept. 

Tweek grimaced, and hesitated. His brain flashing red warning lights in his mind's eye. His brain activating the flight response. 

Gingerly, he offered his hand, loosely. Trent took it, and squeezed it. 

“Say, you want to come sit with me? You look just lovely, I'd love to get to know you better”. Trent's voice was dangerously sickly sweet, almost predatory. 

Tweek frowned, feeling his breathing pick up, starting to feel anxious.

“I-I No thank you, I really want to get back to my friends now…”. 

“Are you sure?”, Trent asked, smiling again and leaning in, “They seem boring. I will buy you as many drinks as you like, if you'll give me your company?”.

“Ummm….no”, Tweek said, feeling his face contort into a grimace, trying to hide his true disgust. “I - nice meeting you!”.

He grabbed his drink from the bar counter and dashed off without a backwards glance. 

When he returned, Damien was in deep conversation with Kyle and Heidi again. Tweek sighed in relief when Damien didn't comment on the interaction at the bar, he must not have seen it.

But it appears Kyle had.

“Dude! Who was that creep talking to you at the bar?”, he said, poking his tongue out. 

Damien whipped his head around fast, “Wait, who?”.

“Oh, uh, Ack! just some creepy guy trying to hit on me. I couldn't even tell if he was, Gah! serious”, Tweek said.

“Who is he?!”, Damien said, now on high alert. He propped himself up on the bar couch and was looking around with high interest. 

“He's the guy in the orange shirt, he's over the other side”, Kyle answered, pointing.

“Fuck Kyle, don't point!”, Tweek exclaimed, plopping himself down on the couch and taking a big sip of his drink. 

“Guy with the sideburns? Kind of looks like a rat on steroids”, Damien commented, his gaze not leaving Trent. 

“Can we just forget it?!”, Tweek exclaimed, purposely not looking in Trent's direction, “I am obviously not going anywhere near him!”.

Damien shuffled over to Tweek, almost protectively. Kyle looked at the two of them, and smirked. Tweek shot Kyle a look that read “Don't you dare start, this is not what it looks like”. 

Soon after, Bebe dragged the group together for photos. Tweek was feeling good, the alcohol taking more of an effect. Bebe dragged the group over to huddle to take a group shot. Once she had them standing, she insisted on more photos, and to drag them over to check out the dance floor. Sober Tweek would have dug his heels in, but with the encouragement of the group, he laughed and felt his inhibitions lowered. His care for what people thought was out the window, and he giggled as Damien took his hand to dance. Damien seemed his usual self again, laughing with Tweek and dancing energetically with him. When Trent was spotted nearby, Damien purposely placed a hand on Tweek's lower back and pulled him closer. Sober Tweek would have felt uncomfortable perhaps, but right now he appreciated the gesture, and felt safe, protected. 

After some time, they returned back to sit down, fanning their faces with their hands from the heat of dancing. Tweek's cheeks burned, the thick black witch's costume starting to make him feel hot. Tweek plopped himself down with a sigh and took a big drink of his cocktail. 

Tweek's phone started buzzing frantically in his pocket. He ignored the first one. But when it kept buzzing, he frowned, and reluctantly pulled his phone out of his pocket. 

It was several text messages from Craig. 

Craig 10:09pm

Tweek

I saaw

yyuou lok so good in tht costum 

just wow

Tweek's heart dropped and he jumped violently, then looked around alarmingly. Was Craig here?! How has he seen him in his costume? This was too much for him, he wanted out, now. 

Damien had noticed Tweek's distress and frowned at him, eyes trailing from Tweek's face to his phone.

The phone buzzed again.

Craig 10:12pm

wsh I was ther

I woold show you

Shhow you how much i needd yuo 

Tweek felt a wave of relief. Wsh I was there, well, that means he isn't here.

 Then a surge of anger and sadness hit him. How dare Craig drunk text him like this, on a night he was going out to try and forget about him? 

“Craig seems umm, really drink”, Damien commented. smirking. Tweek jolted again, realising Damien was close enough to his shoulder to read the screen. 

“Ack! Damien, cut it out!”. 

“Relax Tweek, I just think it's pathetic”, Damien said, chuckling, eyes locked on the side of Tweek's face. 

“It might be pathetic, but you can't just be Rrr!! reading my messages!”, Tweek exclaimed. 

Tweek took another sip of his drink, still staring at the screen.

“You know”, Damien said, relaxing his arm around the back of the couch and facing Tweek, “I heard something interesting from Kyle earlier”. 

“Oh sure, and what did Kyle have to say?”, Tweek scoffed, rolling his eyes.

“He said Craig deserved to have a mug thrown at him, and that he wished there wasn't a door in the way so Tweek didn't miss”, Damien said, smiling fondly, “I heard him tell Heidi at the bar”.

Tweek took another sip of his drink, feeling light headed and daring, “Oh, he said that did he”, Tweek said loudly, “Well, Ack, I still think that Craig got the message!”. 

“Ha, I would have liked to have seen it”, Damien said, smiling wider, then Damien finished his drink and continued, “You know what else Kyle said?”.

“Enlighten me”, Tweek said snarkily.

“He said you don't just go fuck Tweek, then fuck him over”, Damien said, gazing at Tweek intently.

Tweek nearly dropped his phone on the floor. Instead, it fell in his lap with the screen turned on. He didn't retrieve it. 

“WHAT!?”, Tweek screeched, “Fucking Kyle! I….RRRR! We didn't fuck! Gah! It was just some messing around! But fuck! does he have to go around saying shit like that?!”.

Then Tweek realised what he said, and clapped a hand over his mouth. 

“I'm sorry”, Tweek breathed, “I shouldn't have said that!”.

Damien laughed, an unreadable expression on his face, “Ah, so it's true then”.

“NO!”, Tweek barked, “A-and, Gah! Damien, just forget it, I am not talking to that arsehole!”.

“Who, Kyle or Craig?”, Damien asked curiously, swirling the ice in his drink. 

“Fucking Craig!”, Tweek said angrily, looking at his lap where his phone was sitting. 

“Well, he is talking to you”, Damien gestured at the phone on Tweek's lap, “He's obviously still into it”.

This just triggered Tweek further. 

“Kyle makes it sound like I just go and do this shit all the time!”. Tweek raged, “Damien I am not like this, ugh, fuck Craig!”

Tweek's head was starting to spin. He drained the rest of his cocktail, and slammed the glass down on the table in front of them. 

“Hey, it's okay, c'mon”, Damien leaned forward and murmured. He placed his arm around Tweek and moved so they sat shoulder to shoulder, “I know. I definitely think you're a good witch”.

Tweek relaxed, then smiled. He looked at Damien, “You really think so?”.

“Of course”, Damien said kindly. Then he looked at Tweek intently and added, “Although….I am intrigued at what a good witch does to mess around”.

Tweek exclaimed, letting out a loud spluttering sound and his cheeks burned red. Then he bent his head back to rest it on the couch cushion and avoided Damien's gaze. 

“Y-you really don't n-n-need to know”. 

Damien leant away and looked at Tweek intently, smiling. 

“I'll stop messing with you…I'm sorry”. 

Tweek took a deep breath, but still eyed Damien suspiciously. 

Damien excused himself to use the restroom, and the moment he departed, Tweek recovered his dropped phone. He noticed the bright lights were bothering him more, and his vision felt hazy, almost dream-like. He shook his head vigorously and slapped his cheeks. He felt woozy, but relaxed and content. His body felt like jelly. He started giggling to himself. 

He glared at the last messages from Craig, the ones he had already read.

Craig 10:12pm

wsh I was ther

I woold show you

Shhow you how much i needd yuo 

Tweek's heart fluttered when he re-read the messages. He put it down to the alcohol. His thumb hovered above the screen, contemplating messaging him back. A moment's hesitation, then he gave into the warm feeling flooding his body.

Tweek 10:57pm

Crraig, your ttexting is trash

I thikn im TRASHED

oo I shoikdnt have said that

whereever you are, get home safe

bitchy withc cx

He giggled louder as he pressed send one last time, then locked his phone, jamming it into his pocket. 

He felt like the room was spinning suddenly. The lights were too bright. They were dancing, the colours mixing together into some sort of strange hue. Tweek couldn't put his finger on it. He felt uncomfortable, he wanted it to stop. He couldn't slow down the spinning. He was scared.  He let out a breath, it felt exaggerated, drawn out. Then he panicked, had he forgotten how to breathe?

He felt himself slipping, letting go.

And when Damien returned five minutes later, he found Tweek with his eyes closed, his head lulled to the side, unconscious. 

Damien stared, then rushed forward. 

“Tweek?”, he said gently, shaking his shoulder.

No response.

“Tweek?!”, he said louder, shaking both shoulders now. 

Nothing.

Damien felt around Tweek desperately, watching his chest. He was breathing. It was slow, but he was breathing. 

He relaxed slightly, but continued to check his pulse.

“KYLE!”, he shouted loudly over his shoulder, “KYLE!”.

Kyle came hurrying over, closely followed by Heidi. 

“I can't rouse Tweek”, Damien announced, “How much has he had to drink?”.

“Oh Jesus what!”, Kyle said, quickly situating himself on the other side of Tweek, shaking him roughly, “Dude, TWEEK!! you're scaring us!”. 

Tweek's eyebrows moved slightly, but otherwise, there was nothing. 

“Kyle–  how much has he had to drink? You got here before I did!”, Damien demanded again, a desperate tone to his voice.

“I dunno dude, he was only on his first one before you got him another one!”, Kyle said frantically, still trying to rouse Tweek. 

“I think we should move him outside, into the fresh air”, Damien said. He got on his knees on the couch, and slipped his arms under Tweek, moving him upwards. Then he stood up.

“Grab his hat”, Damien said.

Kyle jammed the witch hat on his head wordlessly, which clashed horribly with his Joker costume. 

Bebe came rushing up to them, “What the fuck is wrong with Tweek?”, she demanded. 

“He's not well, we are taking him outside”, Kyle explained.

“Bebe, get Mark, I might need him”, Damien said seriously, and they continued to move to the exit. 

Once outside, they took to the corner of the street, Damien placed him gently down on the sidewalk, but rested Tweek's upper body across his lap. 

“He's respiratory rate is low…”, he commented.

Kyle threw him a quizzical look.

“He is breathing too slow”, Heidi explained hurriedly, observing Tweek. 

“His pulse is there…it's okay…but it's on the lower end of the normal range”, Damien continued, “What the fuck happened to him? Three fucking cocktails and he can't even speak?”. 

“It was literally all he had”, Kyle reassured, “He did no pre-drinking, he refused. He had Heidi fussing over his nails for a while, then it was time to come here dude”.

“I think I should take him back to my place”. Damien offered, “I have all the medical equipment there, and I live a block away”.

Kyle frowned, “Dude what! shouldn't he go to the hospital?”.

“I don't think he needs that just yet”. Damien answered quietly, “Maybe just some observation first…”. 

Kyle's eyes were round like dinner plates, “What the fuck?”.

“Damien:”, Heidi said in a worried voice, “What if he got spiked?”.

“WHAT!”, Kyle exclaimed, “Oh fuck this…I am calling Kenny”.

“What, why?”, Damien asked, “I can handle this….Heidi, can you go find where Mark is?”.

Heidi rushed off without another word.

Kyle looked angry now, taking off the witch's hat and placing it beside him. He looked at Damien, “Kenny…the paramedic. We are friends. He can take him to hospital if he thinks it's needed, plus he would carry potential medications he might need, right? He can come to us”.

Damien met his anger, his eyebrows furrowed, “No, we can't wait! I can barely see outside, I can't keep a good eye on him”.

“So?!?!”, Kyle tossed his hands up in the air, “Let's get him to hospital! Now!”. 

Damien didn't answer, and had his phone out, using a flashlight to look at Tweek's pupils. 

“Oh, fuck THIS!”, Kyle said, holding the phone up to his ear, “He can come back to his own damn apartment dude, I will take him. Kenny can help or meet us there".

“I'm telling you, my place is clo..”.

Damien was cut off by Kyle frantically talking to Kenny on the phone.

Damien looked at Tweek, concentrating hard. He saw Tweek's lips move slightly, his finger twitch. 

Kyle put the phone down, “Kenny says being a weekend night calling the general 911 will take a while, and to meet him at our apartment”.

Damien sighed, “Ok. I've got him”.

“Are we waiting for the others?”, Kyle asked, looking worried. 

“No time".

They started to make the walk back, Kyle on the phone again, calling Heidi to let her know they were en route. Damien carried Tweek in his arms, one arm under Tweek's knees and the other on his back. He was smaller than Damien, and Damien did not seem bothered carrying him. Kyle noticed Damien looked agitated, frustrated. 

They reached the apartment. Kyle flung open the door, and threw the witch's hat at the dining table.. With no sign of Stan, he switched the lights on.

“Put him on the couch, we can all watch him there”, he ordered, “I'll grab his blanket”.

Damien didn't answer, but did what he was told. 

Kyle returned with a dark green knitted blanket, and placed it over Tweek's lower half. He then removed Tweek's shoes. 

“Do…do we need to take the robes off, dude?”, Kyle asked tentatively, observing the way Damien was watching Tweek's chest rise and fall, and leaning in close to Tweek's mouth, probably listening for his breathing. 

“It might help”, Damien said simply. 

The door burst open violently, and Kenny crossed the threshold, he had used the spare emergency key they had lent him in case of an emergency. Kenny rushed over to the couch. He was carrying a large, worn black leather bag slung over his shoulders. 

“Alright, let me look at him”, Kenny said urgently, squeezing in behind Kyle's back to Tweek's other side.

Kenny started demanding answers from Damien to medical questions that Kyle didn't understand. Kyle just stood back, watching Tweek with a panicked expression, chewing on his thumbnail. 

Tweek still had his eyes closed.

“Well my dude", Kenny said finally, deflating a blood pressure cuff, “He is not in immediate danger, his oxygen sats are okay, blood pressure is stable. But, I do think he's had something more than alcohol”.

Damien looked up, “Can you be sure?”.

“Pretty certain”, Kenny said, “This is my bread and butter on a Friday or Saturday night. Lots of accidental or intended overdoses, calls to clubs for this kind of thing. My guess is a benzo”.

“A what?”, Kyle asked, completely lost. 

“Benzodiazepine”, Kenny said, “It's probably the date rape drug, it's the most common culprit. I have the reversal agent in my bag if we need it. I think we watch him for at least four hours. If he deteriorates, we take him in”. 

“WHAT?”, Kyle said frantically, “Shouldn't we take him in and get him tox screened? Like, fucking make sure he's okay?!”.

“Kyle, listen”, Damien said, “A tox screen will take a while, and if he's okay, what use is that information? We have him somewhere safe, and we can watch him. If anything goes south, we can take him in”.

Kenny looked at Tweek and said, “He's more comfortable here dude. He would totally flip his lid if he woke up in the hospital”.

Kyle was rubbing his temple, looking uneasy, “Christ….well, you two are the professionals in this”. He sounded doubtful, unsure, “I still fucking want to know what and who did this to him…”

“Should we take him to his room?”, Damien asked.

“No!”, Kyle said suddenly, “I mean…out here the lights are brighter…there's three of us, it's better”.

“Yeah, just leave him here dude, he's good”, Kenny agreed, kneeling beside Tweek. 

As Damien assisted Kenny with removing the witch's cloak, leaving Tweek in a black singlet and his black pants, Tweek's phone fell out of the pocket.

Damien stared at the screen, curious.

Tweek did not have his message previews turned off. 

Chapter Text

Dose Nineteen: Stat 

Craig woke up on Sunday morning feeling as though a jackhammer was drilling into his head. His vision was blurry as the sun shone brightly into his eyes, exacerbating his raging headache.

He tossed the silky black sheets off of himself in Tolkien's guest room and groaned. He checked his watch, it was almost midday. 

Vague thoughts of the night before began to swirl in his mind as he reached for his overnight bag and tossed on some fresh underwear and black sweatpants. As he stretched his muscles and twisted his naked torso to loosen up, the memories came back stronger.

He froze mid stretch.

Oh fuck. Did he?

He frantically fished around in his discarded jeans pocket on the floor and grabbed his phone, checking it.

And yep. He sighed. He did.

He texted Tweek last night.

A wave of nausea rolled in his stomach, and he groaned again, sitting down on the edge of the bed.

When he examined his phone, he smacked his forehead and moaned in frustration. 

Tweek 10:57pm

Crraig, your ttexting is trash

I thikn im TRASHED

oo I shoikdnt have said that

whereever you are, get home safe

bitchy withc cx

Craig 11:01pm

You b sfe too Tweek

jst wish i wsaa with you

sxy witch xx

Tweek had not replied after that point. 

What the fuck was I thinking? Craig thought. 

So much for giving Tweek space. So much for giving Tweek time. Now, he thought bitterly, Tweek was just going to think that once again, Craig is thinking with his dick. Why did he have to go and compliment his appearance so boldly like that, calling him sexy? This was it, he was screwed. He didn't know how he could redeem himself after this. 

His head absolutely killing him, he tossed on a shirt and his NASA hoodie and emerged from the spare room, stumbling to the kitchen.

He found Tolkien there already, in a maroon sweater and black pants, making burgers. As Craig entered, Tolkien slid one onto a plate and wordlessly handed it to Craig. 

“Aspirin…do you have any?”, Craig asked hoarsely, rubbing his head. 

“Go get some water", Tolkien ordered as he reached up to a cupboard above the stove, and pulled out a white basket of boxes, finding the aspirin.

“Thanks”, Craig muttered.

“And how are you this fine…”, Tolkien checked the large, silver clock on the wall opposite, “...err, afternoon?”.

“Just…kill me”, Craig said miserably. He shuffled to the sofa and sat the food down on the coffee table, and had his aspirin. 

“Shower will help”, Tolkien reassured softly, “I'm not surprised you got so wasted…I forgot that you and Clyde really know how to drink when you're on a mission”.

“Don't remind me…fucking Clyde”, Craig said grumpily.

Tolkien walked over with two tall white mugs of coffee, placing one in front of Craig. Craig thanked him as Tolkien sat beside him, watching him with intent.

“I'm just glad I took it easy so I could get your drunk arses home”, Tolkien laughed, “So…do you remember much of last night?”.

Craig thought for a moment, a fixed deadpan expression as he glanced at the kitchen.

“Er…not really? Not after we left to go out”.

Tolkien laughed harder, “Oh, well my dude, we need to wait for Clyde to wake up to discuss those antics then. Don't worry, nothing that bad”.

“I…I don't remember where we went?”.

“Soho's bar down the street”, Tolkien replied, smirking, “Clyde had a theory they would have better looking chicks than the clubs uptown”.

“God, are you serious?”, Craig moaned. 

“You mostly sat on your phone when we got there dude. You kept drinking, but you got agitated anytime we tried to interrupt you”, Tolkien said, smiling. Then he said hesitantly, “You were….looking at that photo of Tweek a lot”.

Craig remembered. It was practically burned into his retinas. 

Not the group photo. Bebe had uploaded other photos to her post, Tweek has tagged in a few of them. There was a photo she uploaded of Tweek sitting on the couch alone, holding a drink and looking the photographer's way mid laugh. He looked radiant, and Craig was in awe. In a costume dressed as a witch of all things, in a bar, Tweek looked so soft, so beautiful. He remembered he saved it to his photo folder, in case the photo disappeared off Facebook at some point. 

“Sorry”, Craig mumbled.

“It's ok man, it's not like you were sexting him or something”.

When Craig didn't answer, and just reached for his coffee wordlessly, Tolkien made a noise of surprise, almost looking like he wanted to spit out his own mouthful of coffee.

“Craig? You didn't?”, Tolkien gasped.

“Not sexting….but I did message him, yeah”.

“Oh God”, Tolkien groaned, “How bad?”.

Tolkien put his hand out to gesture for Craig to pass his phone over. 

“No way man, I am not showing you that…that shit is private!”.

“How am I supposed to help you damage control if I don't know what was said?”, Tolkien argued. 

Craig sighed, then tossed his phone over, putting his head in his hand and purposely covering his eyes.

There was silence for a couple of minutes, and Craig silently cringed, holding his breath for Tolkien's response.

“Wow”, Tolkien said finally, “He actually replied to you?”.

“Yeah”, Craig mumbled into his hand.

“Dude…this isn't terrible”, Tolkien tried to reassure, “I mean, it's sappy as hell, and you did call him sexy which could go either way…but his replies, look at them. He was concerned for your safety at least…and haha, bitchy witch. It's a joke, a bit of humour. It's not that bad”.

Craig looked at him, “You think so man? I thought for sure I was done after I realised I had said sexy…and he did not respond…”.

Tolkien shook his head, “Look dude, he didn't go off at you, and it's not like he didn't reply at all. You got something, and it was actually a nice response overall”. 

Craig reached for his coffee again and shuffled to get more comfortable on the couch. 

“But what does it MEAN?”, Craig asked desperately.

“Don't overthink it”, Tolkien advised, “And if I was to say anything ... .drunken words are often sober truths”.

“Which means?”, Craig asked.

“He's thinking about you too”, Tolkien said, smiling.

Craig let those words wash over him. Did this mean….maybe….he had SOME sort of a chance?

“Now, finish your coffee, and eat something, it'll soak up the alcohol”, Tolkien said, “Then go have a shower, you smell like a monkey's armpit”.

Craig laughed, then reached forward to grab his plate, his stomach feeling less tense and his mind calmer.

_______________________________

Tweek felt like shit.

He didn't want to see the light of day.

He laid in bed, curtains drawn. His eyes were opened, and he stared vacantly at the wall. 

Kyle and Stan were both sitting at the bottom of the bed silently. Kyle had just finished telling Tweek what had happened the night before, after giving Tweek  a tablet of something Kenny had left behind from his work bag – some anti-nausea tablet. A steaming hot mug of coffee sat untouched on Tweek's bedside table next to a jug of water and a clean glass., His phone sat behind the drinks,  unattended and plugged into the charger. 

“Why?”, Tweek said finally, softly, almost a whisper. Not looking at either Stan and Kyle, just continued to stare at the wall.

“We don't know Tweek”, Kyle said. He had already told Tweek this. But he elaborated, “Once the bar opens later, I am going to call them and see if they have any security footage. Though, Kenny told me not to hold my breath”. 

“But why me”, Tweek said sadly, “I didn't do anything to deserve this…I-I stuck to the group…just wanting to have a night out”. Then he started crying.

“Tweek, I am so sorry dude”, Kyle said sincerely, “We…we know this is hard, especially for you…considering your, umm, past”.

Tweek sniffed, “I don't know, something about me screams ‘drug me and take advantage of me’....I…I just never thought…this could happen again”.

“It's not the same Tweek, if it's any consolation”, Stan spoke up, “I just mean…it's really shitty this happened, and damn, my trust would be shattered too. But, they aren't connected…what your parents did I mean”.

Tweek didn't answer. 

“Kenny is going to come by later and check on you”, Kyle spoke up, “We are so lucky Damien and Kenny were here. We were also lucky we just had to watch you, and you woke up eventually on your own. I was so scared Tweek. I panicked, and Damien especially just took things into his own hands and got you out of there and did what needed to be done. I was skeptical at first, he wanted to take to his place which is closer…but he was okay when I said I felt better we brought you back here”. 

“Damien”, Tweek said softly, “H-he really cared for me?”.

“Yeah dude”, Kyle said, “He was relentless. He stayed with us until like 3am, just constantly checking you over and making sure your obs were good. When you finally woke up, and we both put you to bed, he asked me about five times on leaving to call him if there was anything we needed”.

“Yeah, he didn't have to do that”, Stan said, “I got home after midnight and they caught me up on what happened. Kenny and Damien were taking really good care of you. We were just so lucky it wasn't any worse…”.

Tweek shuddered at the thought. He groaned and stretched, and sat up, rubbing his eyes. 

“I just don't remember anything”, Tweek mumbled, “It's all a blur”.

“It's okay Tweek”, Kyle said gently, “A bit of memory loss is normal after something like this, Kenny told us. He just said today to rest and stay hydrated…which reminds me, please drink some water, at least”.

Stan made his way around the bed and poured a glass of water for Tweek, to save him getting up. 

“I-I didn't do anything bad did I?”, Tweek asked nervously.

Kyle shook his head, “No Tweek, I promise. You weren't out of our sights all night”.

“Then how….”, Tweek said, his voice stronger after he took a sip of water, “M-my drink?”.

“Well…it could have been anyone”, Kyle sighed sadly, clenching his fists, “Bebe wanted photos, and we danced, and the bar was really busy…our drinks were unattended for a bit, which was fucking stupid of us. But it was only you who got affected Tweek. No one else passed out or was unable to walk or anything, just you. And I can confirm a lot of the group had more than 3 cocktails”.

‘So stupid”, Tweek said, smacking his head, “I don't remember….”.

“Tweek, cmon, don't think about it”, Stan said, putting a hand on his shoulder, “Just…hey, go have a shower, brush your teeth. You will feel better. Then come back and we can try to get you to have another rest, ok?”. 

“W-will you be home today?”.

“Yeah dude”, Kyle answered. “We will both be here all day. Nothing to worry about”.

Tweek nodded.

“Tell you what”, Kyle smiled, “Stan and I will make you dinner, how's that? We can make you spaghetti bolognese”. 

The corner of Tweek's mouth twitched up into a smile, “I want that, but do you know how?”.

“Leave it to us”, Kyle said reassuringly, “When in doubt, there's Google”.

“Yeah dude, it'll make you feel heaps better”, Stan said, taking Tweek's empty glass and refilling it, “You're always taking care of us, let us take care of you”.

“Thanks guys”, Tweek said weakly. He reached for his coffee mug and took a long sip. 

_______________________________________________________________________________

Kenny turned up mid afternoon, dressed in his paramedic uniform. He had the Sunday night shift, and had dropped by prior to starting. He carried his worn leather bag again and examined Tweek, happy with how he was recovering. Tweek had just woken from a nap, and the shower he had certainly made him feel much better. 

With Stan and Kyle in the room, Kenny made a good point that nobody had considered the night before. 

“We don't know what he's ingested”, Kenny said, putting some things back into his bag, “And he is working tomorrow. Some of these drugs hang around in the system for days, especially mixed with alcohol. He could still feel pretty bad tomorrow. I think we should at least get you to a health clinic today at minimum so they can take a urine and blood sample. Then we know”. 

“That's true”, Tweek said seriously, “I can't, uhh, take care of people when I am under the influence!”.

“Okay”, Kyle agreed, “Can they still detect it if he goes today or tomorrow?”.

“Yeah dude”, Kenny replied, nodding, “Probably be in the urine for days, blood it depends on what it is”. 

“I can go tomorrow”, Tweek said, “I can let work know…I still…don't think I am going to feel myself tomorrow anyway, and I feel awful right now, I don't want to move”. 

Kenny departed half an hour later, and Stan and Kyle went out to the kitchen to check ingredients for dinner, determined to make it edible for Tweek. 

Tweek sat up in bed, and grabbed his phone. 

There were some unread messages from….Craig.

He felt like his heart stopped.

He trembled slightly, and reluctantly unlocked his phone. 

His eyes took a moment to realise there were several messages, and that Tweek had replied to some of them last night. REPLIED. His mind started buzzing. 

Craig had started it, that was easy to see. He was clearly drunk, almost every word was misspelled. He had somehow seen Tweek in his witch costume, which made Tweek start to panic. Craig wasn't there last night…or was he? He barely remembered anything from the night before. But then he deciphered the messages of Craig wishing he was there with Tweek, eliminating Craig's attendance at the club as a possibility. 

Tweek opened up his Facebook, and it dawned on him when Bebe's post popped up.

Ahh. This is what Craig saw. 

Tweek scrolled through the photos slowly. He remembered none of this. He remembered the lights. He remembered some of the costumes, just not who they belonged to. 

Then Tweek went back to Craig's messages. 

Craig 10:12pm

wsh I was ther

I woold show you

Shhow you how much i needd yuo 

Craig 11:01pm

You b sfe too Tweek

jst wish i wsaa with you

sxy witch xx

As horrified as Tweek was by the messages, and that he had actually responded, he drank in the words. Let them sit in his brain and seep in. Part of him was annoyed having to think about Craig. His heart still had fresh wounds from what happened with Thomas, how it all went down. The feeling of betrayal, the lying. 

The other part of him felt the messages were sweet. As drunk as they both were, Craig was definitely thinking about Tweek. Reading between the lines, perhaps seeing something that was not there, Tweek felt maybe part of Craig's desperation to make amends had some sincerity to it. He chuckled softly that he had signed off his message to Craig as bitchy witch. That's probably what Craig thinks of Tweek right now, Tweek thought. 

Maybe, just maybe…Tweek let his brain think for a moment. Maybe he overreacted slightly. 

No. Tweek shook his head to himself. How was he supposed to respond to seeing Craig lock lips with Thomas like that, how else was he supposed to respond to that shock?

And yet…Tweek stared straight ahead, thinking hard. As much as he hated what happened, how it happened…maybe some of the things Craig had been telling him were true, and had some merit to them. Tweek's brain was firing on this train of thought ... .maybe ... .If Craig really didn't have a boyfriend, if he was really just dating Thomas and had several missed opportunities to break it off to be with Tweek…maybe it was forgivable? Maybe these feelings mixed with these thoughts revealed Tweek had some curiosity now, some willingness to understand what happened? 

Tweek came out of his daze by a knock at the bedroom door.

“Eh? yeah?”.

The door opened, and in the doorway stood Damien, dressed in bright purple grape coloured scrubs and his bright white work shoes, holding a bag with his backpack over the other shoulder. 

“Hey you”, Damien said softly, “Mind if I come in?”. 

Tweek shook his head, and pulled his green knitted blanket further over himself. 

“Wh-what are you doing here?”, Tweek asked curiously. 

“Just wanted to visit you before I start work”, Damien flashed a small smile, and took a couple of steps into the room. He showed Tweek the bag, “I, wasn't sure what you might be up to eating, so I stopped by the shops and bought you some snacks”.

“Oh…uh, thanks?”, Tweek said.

“How are you feeling, can I get you anything?”, Damien asked, stationing himself beside Tweek's bedside table. 

“I still don't remember anything”, Tweek said quietly, looking at Damien, “I saw the photos Bebe took, and nothing, Damien. It scares me. Um, otherwise, I feel drained. My head keeps hurting, I think it is helping that I am drinking so much water. And my stomach…is getting better. I felt really awful this morning, couldn't eat anything”. 

“Do you want something to eat now?”, Damien asked, putting the bag on the bed and looking through it, “I bought savoury, sweet…whatever you feel like, I can make it happen”.

“Thank you…but it's okay”, Tweek smiled, “I-Stan and Kyle, they are going to make me, Ack!  pasta!”.

“Oh really?”, Damien asked, seeming interested, “Is that a favourite of yours?”.

“Yeah”, Tweek said, smiling wider, “It always makes me feel comfortable and warm, you know? I always feel full and happy after pasta”.

“I'll remember that”, Damien said softly. 

There was a long silence.  

“Damien?”, Tweek said softly, looking at him.

“Hmm?”, Damien replied, giving Tweek his full attention.

“I-I just w--wanted to thank you for everything you know. Last night. Kyle told me what you did”, Tweek fumbled with his blanket to keep his hands occupied, feeling nervous, “You were here most of the night, you are here now, and having to work today. I-I didn't realise…that I meant that much to you”.

Damien smiled fondly, and moved closer to the bedside. He placed his right hand over Tweek's hands. 

“Of course you do”, Damien answered softly. Anything I can do”. 

Tweek felt awkward about the hand placement, but he allowed it. Damien wasn't being sarcastic, or smart-arsed; or trying to keep Tweek wound up. This was a different side of Damien. This was a softer Damien, care and concern clear in his eyes and a fond expression on his face. Tweek liked it. 

Tweek and Damien made some small talk, chatting about the night before, some of the things in Tweek's room, like his indoor plants he adores, and about the snacks Damien had thought Tweek might like. 

“I had better go”, Damien said finally, checking his watch, “Listen…I don't know about you coming in tomorrow. Make sure you feel right before you resume shifts”.

“Oh yeah, Kenny was here earlier”, Tweek said, remembering, “He made a good point, to get a drug screen tomorrow to make sure I am above board”.

Damien considered this for a moment, then nodded, “Are you going to tell Rebecca?”.

“Yeah”, Tweek said, sighing, “I have to - it didn't happen at work, but I will get documentation for my absence. It was a work function, she will find out from the gossiping any hear say anyway. I haven't done anything wrong!”.

Damien smiled, looking at Tweek intently, “Of course you haven't…call me or message if you need anything, okay sweetheart?”. 

Tweek nodded. 

“Hey, uhh Tweek!?”came Stan's voice, a moment later he appeared at Tweek's doorway, “Uhm, so Kyle went out to get some more parmasen, we didn't have enough…and, I don't know what I have done? But I added the pasta sauce to the boiling water, and it looks weird dude. Do I add the pasta now?”.

Tweek's eyes widened, registering what he said.

“You added ... .pasta sauce….to the water”, he said slowly. Damien was cackling with laughter. 

“‘Was…was I not meant to? It all mixes together right?”, Stan asked nervously. 

“Stan, what the fuck!”, Tweek exclaimed, and groaned. He shifted to attempt to get out of bed to salvage things, but Damien put a hand out to stop him. 

“Tweek, relax, I will go help Stan”, he said firmly, still laughing. 

Stan and Damien left the room, and Tweek sat up in bed, laughing softly.

The last week had been absolutely horrible to Tweek, he thought, Though as he considered his favourite meal being prepared right now by those who care for him, and as he thought about Craig, he could not feel more grateful for how much those around him care for him. Even if it is deep down. 

________________________________________

Chapter Text

Dose Twenty: Modified

It was Monday afternoon, and Craig sat quietly in room 1, at a table on wheels in the corner with his Stylus pen pursed above his tablet, working hard on a design for work. Laura was knitting in the corner, rhythmically winding her knitting needles around thick blue wool. Tricia once again had college classes to attend. Craig had negotiated his work week again with his boss. He was required to attend work on Wednesday and Thursday, but he had the freedom to work remotely the other days. 

Tricia had seen Karen over the weekend, and they both reassured Laura that she and Craig may stay as long as necessary. Laura had started to feel like she was imposing, forcing Karen to stay with Kevin. Craig had also felt bad the night before, and offered to sleep in the lounge room and offer Tricia the bedroom. Tricia had snorted and declined, and insisted she was comfortable. 

“Besides”, she had said, taking a large forkful of dinner and holding it in front of her mouth, “It makes it easier for me to go out and come back early from my run, and watch TV late at night”. 

So far today had been a day of progress, of good news. The doctors had visited that morning, and announced that the swelling on Thomas's brain had reduced substantially, and the next step today was to cease the requirement for the induced coma. Dr Bailey broke the news, and Laura sobbed with relief, Craig felt a weight lift off his chest. Dr Wheeler was also present, and explained that once Thomas clears the medication from his system keeping him in the coma, it will be under Thomas's own volition that he wakes up himself. He did warn that this may not happen for some time, and it is unpredictable. Cardiothoracics made some adjustments to his medication, to reduce doses down to maintenance only, as his EKG had been stable with nil concerns. 

Heidi was the afternoon nurse. Though Craig did not know her well, she seemed withdrawn and distracted. This didn't trouble Craig with any concerns with his father's care, but it certainly was a notable change to how she normally holds herself during work. She was stationed at the computer, glaring fixed at the screen in thought. 

Deepa came in, lips a ruby red today and her plait twisted neatly around her shoulder. Heidi and Deepa engaged in conversation, Craig kept his head down, working.

Then he caught a snippet of the conversation that captured his attention. 

“...Tweek not coming in”, Deepa said sadly, shaking her head, “I don't blame him, goodness, what a thing to happen!”.

Heidi sighed softly and replied, “I know. Will make me think twice when I go out again…feel like my trust is down the toilet”. 

“Thank God that Damien was there and acted quickly”, Deepa said, her eyes wide as she spoke. 

Craig snapped his head up, at full attention. 

“What happened to Tweek?”, he asked abruptly, interrupting the conversation. 

The two nurses glared at him. Heidi's eyes flashed, acknowledging immediately why Craig was interested. 

“I don't know if I am supposed to say”, she replied, sadly, “But…he isn't well”. 

“Did something happen the other night? while you were out?”, Craig asked, starting to feel a sick feeling in his stomach. 

The nurses looked at each other. Deepa remained silent, but looked crestfallen. Heidi's eyes darted side to side. Laura had her knitting needles still, suspended mid motion. 

“Well…did it?”, Craig pressed  urgently.

“Craig, can't you just ask Tweek yourself? Call him?”, Laura enquired, sounding nervous at her son's tone of voice.

“Not now mom”, he warned. 

Heidi cleared her throat, “He will be okay Craig”. And she left it at that.

Craig used his long legs to push backwards on the floor, scraping loudly, and shot up out of his seat.

“Craig?”, Laura asked. 

Craig snatched his jacket and bag and left the room without a word. 

_________________________________________________________

Craig raced up Tweek's apartment stairs and turned the corner, almost running to his front door. 

As he reached the top, the apartment door opened and a figure appeared, dressed entirely in red.

Craig's fists clenched, his jaw set.

Damien.

Damien saw Craig immediately. They froze, looking at each other. Damien's hair was tousled, carelessly handsome, with some stubble on his jaw. He had a backpack on his shoulder and wore his work ID badge around his neck, the lanyard twisted. 

Craig was angry. His blood was boiling, He had no idea what had happened, but he had connected the dots between Heidi and Deepa discussing that Damien had somehow helped Tweek on Saturday night, and the fact that Damien was leaving Tweek's apartment. And it seemed wrong. What was Damien doing here?

Damien broke first.

“What are you doing here Craig?”, he asked. His voice was low, almost as if he was daring Craig to answer. 

“I could ask you the same question”, Craig replied immediately, “What happened to Tweek?!”.

“Now Craig, Damien said, smirking, “Don't go acting like you care now”.

“I'm not leaving until I find out”, Craig retorted, side stepping Damien's attempt to anger him. 

“That all depends if Tweek wants to even talk to you”, Damien scoffed, lowering his brows, “”You know, I don't know exactly what happened with you two, but I know enough that you hurt Tweek. And I don't think you should be talking to him right now. I think you should leave”.

Damien stepped closer, showing Craig he had no intention to back off from his warning. Craig tilted his head, narrowing his eyes. 

“You don't know what happened because it is absolutely none of your business”, Craig barked, “Or else, Tweek would have told you”.

“He didn't need to”, Damien said, folding his arms, “He didn't need to when he worked a night shift with me a week ago, and he completely broke down at work. Leaving me to take care of him”. He smirked at Craig in triumph. 

Craig's stomach dropped, and his chest hurt. He felt terrible if that was true. Terrible for hurting Tweek.

It must have shown in Craig's face, because Damien laughed softly. 

“What happened to Tweek!”, Craig demanded, shaking off the image in his mind of a hurt Tweek, being potentially held in Damien's arms. 

“If you don't know, I am not going to tell you”, Damien answered simply.

Craig's legs started moving, trying to pass Damien to get to Tweek's front door. 

Damien was quick. He side stepped Craig, and held his hand out to Craig's chest.

“No.”, Damien said, warning Craig.

“You can't stop me!”, Craig spat angrily, “I am here to see Tweek, and I am worried about him. Move, arsehole!”.

Damien laughed  again, “Pathetic, Craig. Really pathetic. You know, I saw those messages you were sending Tweek on Saturday night. It's laughable you think they got you back in Tweek's good books”.

Craig froze, “How the fuck did you see them?”.

“I have my ways”, Damien smirked.

Something snapped in Craig.

He shoved Damien.

Damien lost his footing momentarily, his face surprised. But he sprung into action within seconds, and retaliated, shoving Craig into the wall. 

Craig looked menacingly at Damien, who was inches from his face.

“Don't be an idiot”, Damien growled.

Craig pushed Damien away, freeing himself, “You're the one making this difficult, and interfering!”. 

“Maybe I like interfering, Craig”, Damien spat, “Maybe, it is in Tweek's best interest! Before you came along, Tweek was happy! He doesn't need you around…all you have done is caused him grief!”.

“You don't know shit”, Craig retorted, moving closer to Damien threateningly. 

“I know enough that I don't like you”, Damien said, eyes flashing with fury. 

“That's too bad”, Craig said angrily, “Because I am not going anywhere. I am here to see Tweek whether you like it or not”. 

“He doesn't need you”, Damien said quietly, stepping closer to Craig and smiling, “I've seen him and taken care of him. Made him some lunch, checked his vitals. Touched his soft chest, checked his temperature. You get the idea”.

CRACK.

Craig punched Damien square in the jaw. 

Damien let out a furious growl, stumbling backwards to hit the wall. 

The apartment door flung open, and both Damien and Craig paused, watching.

Tweek. 

He was standing there in white socks, tan trackpants and a dark green button up, his emerald eyes widened in shock. 

Craig looked at Damien, who was bleeding from the corner of his mouth and his nose. Craig's fist relaxed at his side when he laid his eyes on Tweek. 

“Craig, what the FUCK?”, Tweek exclaimed, the shocked expression on his face now hardening, “W-what is going on?”.

Damien responded before Craig.

“This dickhead”, Damien said, wiping his nose on his red sleeve and gesturing a hand to Craig, Craig snarled as he did so, “Punched me in the face when I stopped him coming to visit you. I didn't think you were up for it, so I tried to stop him”.

Tweek let out a huff, eyes fixed on Damien's face. Then his gaze snapped to Craig.

“That true?”, Tweek asked angrily, searching Craig. 

“Yeah”, Craig said, but then shot angrily, “But he provoked me!”. 

“I don't care!”, Tweek snapped, huffing, “And Damien, stop wiping it on your sleeve, let me go and get a towel or something”.

“Thanks, Tweek”, Damien said softly, watching Tweek turn away and disappear through the door, wild golden hair fluttering in the rush as he moved quickly. 

Tweek returned within moments with a white shaggy hand towel that appeared damp, and approached Damien, walking straight past Craig without acknowledging him. He stood on his tippy toes slightly and started dabbing Damien's nose, resting the other hand on Damien's shoulder.

Craig's heart sank. 

Then Tweek turned to Craig, and said waspishly, “Damien was taking care of me Craig, I'm fine by the way, thanks for asking. But he was there Saturday night when some arsehole spiked my drink…”.

Craig cried out in horror, “THEY WHAT!”.

“Spiked my drink”, Tweek repeated, now finished cleaning Damien's nose and mouth and rubbing the wet towel on Damien's sleeve, a futile attempt to clean the blood on them, “Damien took care of me, Kenny, Kyle and Stan too”.

Craig was furious. He wanted to punch something, he wanted to scream. Someone spiked Tweek's drink?

“I- WHAT!”, Craig was breathing fast in shock, “Tweek…why  didn't you tell me! I would have been here as soon as I could!”.

“Becauuse I am not talking to you, dick hole”, Tweek snapped again, tears welling up in his eyes, “What am I supposed to think, huh? You're messaging me drunk Saturday night, I start to think hm, maybe I will hear him out when I am ready. Then you're - HERE  - punching Damien in the hallway?!”.

“Tweek”, Craig said desperately, “I am not condoning my actions, but he provoked me, I was desperate to come check…”. 

“How did you even know something was up?”, Tweek asked curiously, eyes still narrowed in anger.

“You weren't at work, and Heidi and Deepa…”.

“Ahh, of course, the gossip chain”, Tweek scoffed angrily. 

“Tweek, please listen…”.

“Craig, no”, Tweek put his hands out and closed his eyes, sighing, “I just…can't. I have been through too much, I am not saying anymore. Please - leave”.

Craig looked at Tweek sadly.  Trying to form the words, trying to think of what to say. 

“I'll see you, Tweek”, Damien said softly, interrupting the tension. Then he turned away, departing quickly. 

Tweek looked at Craig.

“Whoever did this to you…I want to find out”, Craig said finally.

“Kyle is already trying”, Tweek answered simply, looking at the floor with a blank expression. 

“Where?”, Craig asked softly, “Where did this happen?”. 

Tweek told him, his gaze not leaving the floor. He also told Craig about how Kenny felt the efforts to discover the culprit were futile, and that Tweek had been for testing today for work purposes. 

Craig couldn't believe it. His gaze was soft as he watched Tweek. Desperately wanting to hold him, to take care of him. To be the one to find the scum bag that dared do this to him. 

“If you find out…I will kill them:”, Craig muttered angrily, fists shaking.

“No more violence, Craig”, Tweek said sadly.

They stayed quiet, then Tweek spoke again.

“I- before you go”, Tweek said, “Can I clean up your fist?”.

Craig's heart leapt, and he nodded.

Tweek stepped forward and avoided looking at Craig the entire time. He used the clean side of the towel to rub Craig's fist gently. Craig stiffened, and felt his pulse beating erratically. 

“Goodby-ye”, Tweek stammered. Then he turned quickly, and dashed inside the apartment, slamming the door.

Craig stood there motionless, gazing at the door. Feeling like he was in some sort of drama, or action series, and that the credits were scrolling up the screen in his wake.

_____________________________________

One week later, Tweek was taking care of Meredith again.

He had returned to work on the previous Tuesday. The toxicity screen had returned to show his system was positive for benzodiazepines. He had not taken those sorts of medications since his teenage years, so it confirmed that his drink was spiked. He had met with his boss Rebecca, who had recommended he engage in counselling to support Tweek through the incident. He had his first session on Friday, and felt that it helped significantly to help him process the events of that night. He would attend follow up sessions weekly until he felt he no longer needed them.

Kyle had come up empty handed from the bar. The staff had so far been unhelpful, insisting that it was a very busy night, and the camera placement unlikely caught anything from where Tweek's unattended drink was sitting. Kyle did not intend to give up, insisting he and Heidi would keep trying. 

Tweek had radio silence from Craig, which he didn't mind. After the events of last week, he really needed to focus on himself. He had seen him occasionally around the ward, nodding his head in his direction, but otherwise not knowing what to say to him, and if he was ready to engage with Craig any further. He felt at a loss. Just as his brain was processing what had happened with Craig and Thomas, and he felt a soft spot, something else happened to hinder Craig and Tweek. Tweek felt resigned to the fact that fate was trying to stop them, and potentially, it was just not meant to be. 

 Meredith had deteriorated significantly. Her family made the trip from New Orleans on Saturday to have a meeting with the doctors. From the notes Tweek read this morning, Meredith was for comfort cares, or palliation. Tweek was sad about this. In his heart, he had known for some time that Meredith was not going to get better. It was the deterioration, and the more the doctors tried to intervene, the more her body had given up, refused. 

Tweek was changing over a catheter bag when there was a soft knock on the glass.

Tweek whirled around. It was Tricia. 

“Hey Tweek…umm, have you got a few minutes?”, she asked quietly. 

“Uh…sure”, Tweek said, feeling puzzled. He gestured to the visitor chairs, “Just uh, let me get rid of this and wash my hands”.

Tweek cleaned up, and Tricia sat perched on the visitor's chair closest to the bedside, scrunching her hands into the skirt of her black dress. 

Tweek stood close to the chair and leaned against his computer on wheels, his elbow supporting himself, “What's going on?”. 

“So hey”, Tricia said awkwardly, then she took a breath, and her voice seemed stronger, “I know what is going on with Craig has been hard on you”.

“Yeah"”, Tweek said stiffly, but glared at her to allow her to continue.

“And he has been a complete arse wipe”, Tricia added.

“Yeah”.

“I just”, she began, “I just want you to know something. He - Craig. Since the start, since dad ended up here. He has been so taken with you. I haven't seen anything like it before. And I want you to know something else, he genuinely was making moves to break things off with Thomas. I am not excusing him Tweek, not at all. But you need to know that. He felt bad constantly, and he was trying to do the right thing”.

Tweek stayed silent, looking at the floor.

“And”, Tricia continued, “When you saw him kissing Thomas…he had ended things with him. He had done the right thing. Thomas had asked Craig for a goodbye kiss and that…that  is unfortunately what you saw”.

“He didn't have to do that though”, Tweek answered, “Not that it is my business”.

“No, he  didn't have to do that”, Tricia agreed, “But he felt bad, he had just hurt Thomas and broken things off".

“But he didn't tell Thomas about me either”, Tweek argued, “That felt like salt in the wound”.

Tricia sighed. “Yep, I know. I guess he just didn't want to hurt Thomas further”.

“And he wanted to save face”, Tweek added bitterly, “Tricia, is there any particular reason you want to tell me this and upset me at work?”. 

Tricia frowned, looking like she felt bad. 

“I just…wanted you to take your time and think things over with some facts”, she said carefully, “And the facts are, that Craig adores you. He hasn't stopped moping since everything happened that day with you and Thomas. He wants to be around you, he doesn't want to lose you from his life”.

“He…”, Tweek began, but Tricia held up a hand and continued.

“I also think”, she said softly, “That it is a lot of emotional turmoil for Craig. Dad nearly died Tweek, and he still might die, he may not wake up”, she wiped a tear from her eye, her voice broke, “And, what happened with you and Craig happened so fast, out of left field. Craig has made some shit choices sure, but he has a lot on his plate. Just please…consider that. It certainly did not help his judgement and it doesn't excuse what he did but please…he is not like this, he isn't some sort of hot shot player. He genuinely wants to make things right with you”.

Tweek rubbed Tricia's back as she sobbed for a moment, then went and got a tissue from beside the sink. 

“Thanks", she sniffed, accepting it.

“I can see how much you love your brother”, Tweek said,  flashing her a very small smile, “I just…I just need space”.

Tricia nodded, “S-sure. I think if you do decide to hear Craig out, that maybe it is best to take it slow, think of it like a friendship, you know. No expectations. Just…talking”.

Tweek nodded, “Maybe that's best”.

Tricia stood up, and embraced Tweek in a hug.

When she pulled back, she looked sad. 

“Craig told mom and I about the spiking”, she said sadly, “I can't believe you had to go through that. If it's any comfort…I will certainly be careful when I go out in the future. I hope they fucking catch the person who did it”.

Tweek sighed, “It's not likely they will, but that's okay. I am just grateful nothing worse happened”.

“Thanks for listening to me Tweek”, Tricia said warmly, rubbing his back and walking slowly from the room, heels clicking against the hard floors. 

____________________________________________________

Meredith passed away on Friday evening, after Tweek's shift. 

He knew it was coming. He stayed after his shift out of respect, more as a visitor, a friend he never knew. Her family was absent. Tweek sat in the visitors chair stiffly, his nursing colleague Cordelia was the nurse who took over from him. Tweek watched from the chair, feeling empty when the doctors called it. 

There was a sense of finality when the sheet was drawn over her, and arrangements were made to switch off all machines and pumps. No more beeping, no more lights or monitors. Tweek's heart shattered when the staff begin preparing the body to be moved to the morgue. 

Tweek got his chance to say goodbye. 

“I know we never met…he said, eyes welling with tears, “B-b-ut thank you. For listening to me, letting me care for you”.

He squeezed her hand and stepped away, tears rolling down his face. 

He went to the break room and put his head on the table. He didn't think he had it in him to take any more bad news. He had no more capacity to take any more on. His brain had vacated the building.

He felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see Damien, his face impassive, full of expression.

“I'm sorry”, is all he said, “I just walked in for the night shift and found out”.

Tweek nodded, and felt more tears splash down his front. He stood up. Silently, he threw himself at Damien, wrapping his arms around his chest and sobbing. 

Damien responded in kind, quickly, and comforting. Warm, and present. Tweek sobbed harder.

It felt like hours before Tweek felt himself slow down, a large wet patch on Damien where his head had been resting.

“I-I'm sorry”, Tweek stammered, “Y-you're clothes”.

“It's okay”, Damien shrugged, “They're just clothes”.

Damien took Tweek in his arms again, resting his head on top of Tweek's.

“I have handover in a minute”, Damien announced, “Wait for me, I will come and get you afterward. We can get some dinner”.

“Oh! I am not on the night shift”, Tweek said raspily.

“I know”. 

Damien wandered off, and Tweek went to get a cup of water. Trying to get his throat to work after all the crying, wiping his face with some paper towel. 

When Damien returned ten minutes later, they quickly ended up in the doctor's office. Damien shut the blinds on the window that faces the corridor, designed for privacy during important meetings, busy periods, and to offer privacy to the doctors from family and friends of patients visiting the ward. He locked the door. 

It was just the two of them. All the other doctors had gone home, and Damien was staring at a handover sheet in his right hand for a moment, then placed it on the desk.

“Should be an easy night”, he said quietly, “No new admissions…one less patient…”.

Tweek looked at Damien sadly.

“Oh sweetheart ... .come here….”, Damien cooed. Tweek took a couple of steps forward to Damien, who was right by his desk, wordlessly. Taking in his commanding presence, his concerned facial expression, his dark brown eyes.

They embraced silently.

When Tweek moved in close, Damien whispered.

“I've got you”.

Tweek took a shuddering breath, and flicked his green eyes up to meet brown. 

Within moments, Tweek was overcome with emotion. 

He crashed his lips onto Damien's. 

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter Text

Dose Twenty-One: Ordered

SMUT WARNING

Tweek's lips pressed firmly against Damien's, who responded immediately with full enthusiasm. It took them a minute to find a rhythm, both tilting their heads to the side, hands wandering and grabbing to hold one another. Damien ran his right arm up Tweek's back, and then pulled himself closer to Tweek. Tweek cupped Damien's face, tracing a thumb gently along Damien's cheek, his other hand on Damien's hip.

There was chemistry, Tweek couldn't deny that. 

Damien was quickly leading Tweek in building up to a passionate pace. As Damien kissed with more urgency, Tweek returned it, repositioning his arms around Damien's neck to stabilize himself.

Tweek felt all of the emotions, built up pressure, and the unpleasant thoughts from the previous week unwind as he kissed Damien, like a tight knot being picked at and loosened. He wanted to float away and for his mind to be blissfully blank. He focussed on running his soft lips over Damien's. Damien tasted like coffee, cream and sugar;  probably a last minute ditch for energy prior to his night shift. Tweek wanted more. He jammed his tongue into Damien's mouth, and Damien let out a surprised noise, quickly and urgently running his tongue along Tweeks. Damien grabbed Tweek's buttocks and lifted Tweek up onto his hips. 

Before he knew it, Damien had placed him sitting on the edge of his desk, looking at Tweek hungrily. Their eyes met momentarily, before Damien used his right hand to shove the contents of his desk to his far right, papers and pens toppling onto the floor. He jammed his keyboard around the back of the monitor and pushed Tweek back, and re-joined their lips. 

Tweek let out a tremble, and a soft moan, grasping Damien's hair and pulling him closer, each kiss he returned to Damien accompanied by a soft moan, or a whispered “Ahh”. Damien's movements got more frenzied. He was running his hands all over Tweek, feeling him under his scrub top; Tweek did the same, feeling up Damien's bare back. They both started to breathe heavily, very quickly losing control of the moment. The heat in the room grew hotter and suffocating, Damien pushed Tweek further back again and leaned over him, groaning. 

Damien gave Tweek a long, drawn out kiss, clutching Tweek's cheeks, then pulled away panting, looking at him. Tweek's face felt hot, flushed. He reached out his fingers and touched Damien's cheek again. 

“Do you want this?”, Damien asked urgently, looking longingly at Tweek.

Tweek was speechless. He just panted, and returned Damien's stare. Damien had been making him feel so good already. The warmth, the heat. The passionate wet kisses that told Tweek that he was wanted, needed. The tingly bubbly feeling in his chest that wanted to override every negative emotion he had felt that week, that wanted to neglect any consideration for the rules. Yet, his rational brain attempted. 

“We can't”, Tweek whispered, “You're on shift…we are at work…we will get caught”. 

Damien latched onto Tweeks neck, “That *kiss* door is *kiss*  locked”, Damien whispered softly, nuzzling Tweek's neck and resting his hands on Tweek's hips, “And….*kiss* I can tell  the staff *kiss* that I'm *kiss* on break *kiss* and page *kiss* if they need me…”. 

Tweek had his head thrown back to allow Damien access, a shiver ran down his spine to cause goosebumps. 

“Relax”, Damien whispered into Tweek's ear, “Let me show you how much I need you”. 

Tweek whined and put his hands on Damien's chest. Then finally, he nodded. 

Damien kissed Tweek again, then trailed hot, fast kisses down to Tweek's neck and kissed passionately. Tweek slid his hands up Damien's back, wrapping his legs around Damien's hips. He breathed onto Damien's neck, letting out small noises of pleasure as Damien started to gently run his teeth along Tweek's neck. 

Tweek whined softly, and Damien's lips came back up to meet Tweeks. Then Damien pulled away, only mere inches from Tweek's face. 

“Hold that thought”, he said sweetly, kissing Tweek's cheek. Then it looked like Damien had to concentrate on every fibre of his being to pull  himself away from Tweek. He took a few steps back, and went to a cupboard in the corner. He retrieved blankets and a pillow, and tossed them on the floor of the desk. Then he swiftly unlocked the door and slipped out.

Tweek was panting, looking around frantically, almost like coming back down to Earth. He waited, still feeling hot and flustered, feeling aroused, his cock hard in his scrub pants and pressing uncomfortably against his underwear. He couldn't help where, or who his mind went to. 

Craig.

He wanted this release with Damien. He wanted to surrender, and give in and feel good, feel pleasured. He loved intimacy, and he felt the sexual tension with Damien had finally boiled over. This encounter wouldn't have the hurt and sadness attached to it that it would with Craig in the aftermath of recent events. But Tweek couldn't help thinking of Craig's lips, and how perfectly they slot together with Tweek's, and how by now, Craig would probably have him naked against that desk and be taking his time to touch Tweek in all the right spots before he would fuck Tweek senseless. 

He felt almost robbed; he never got that opportunity he wanted with Craig.

In moments, Damien returned, locking the door again. Tweek shook off his train of thought, and focussed on Damien approaching him fast. He looked at Tweek with eyes full of want, raking them over Tweek. Then he kicked the pillow under the desk, followed by the blanket. 

The desks ran along most of the length of the walls of the room. Damien's desk near the door ran from the edge of the doorframe to the corner of the room, allowing room underneath the desk on the carpet. The height of the desk almost met window height, much like a large dining table. 

“Come here, baby”, Damien whispered seductively, sliding Tweek off the desk and kissing him passionately again. It wasn't long before Tweek felt Damien's hands had dipped under Tweek's shirt, and he was pushing the scrub top upwards over Tweek's head, throwing it on the floor. 

Tweek's singlet came next, and once that was too discarded, Damien pulled away, pushing himself into Tweek close and rubbing his large hands around Tweek's chest. 

“Look at you”, Damien growled, You are so fucking sexy”, Tweek felt weak, he melted and and sighed softly, relaxing his body while Damien let his hands explore. 

Damien's lips met Tweek's again, kissing fast, urgently, and trailing his fingers to tease around Tweek's waistband. Tweek ran his hands around Damien's lower back, and Damien pressed into Tweek's thigh. Tweek could feel Damien's hard cock in his pants. Tweek dropped his right hand to Damien's leg, and pressed his palm up against Damien's clothed erection.

In a flash, Tweek's scrub pants had dropped to the floor, and Damien pushed Tweek back against the desk. Tweek stepped out the pants, never breaking contact. He kicked his shoes off. Damien slid his hands down to Tweek's buttocks, his hands slipping into his underwear and gently squeezing Tweek's cheeks. 

“Come here baby”, Damien cooed, and extended a hand to take Tweeks, then led him to the floor. 

They shuffled frantically to get under the desk. Tweek smoothed out a blanket and sat down on the floor and Damien crawled over the top of Tweek, gazing at Tweek with hooded eyes. Tweek leaned back and met Damien's gaze. 

“I want to do everything to you, over and over until you cannot take it anymore”, Damien whispered, getting closer, “Let me show you”.

“Damien…..now”, Tweek whispered back, and clutched at the front Damien's scrub top until Damien came into contact with his lips again, and pulled him on top of him. 

Damien propped himself up and ripped his scrub top off, revealing a slender, lean and almost hairless torso. He kissed down to Tweek's nipples, and took one in his mouth, sucking and licking. Tweek moaned, resting his hands on Damien's buttocks, squeezing. Damien swapped to give the other nipple attention. Tweek then grasped Damien's hair, feeling at bliss. 

Damien moved down to Tweek's underwear and pulled them down. Tweek propped a leg up, bending at the knee, and kicked them off. Now completely naked, bare and nothing to hide. Damien pulled away and raked his eyes all over Tweek's naked form.

“God, you are perfect”, Damien growled softly, “Look at your body…you're a masterpiece…better than I could have imagined”.

He launched at Tweek again, rolling them onto their sides and grabbing the second blanket. He tossed it around them roughly. Tweek grabbed at Damien's pants and tugged, and Damien assisted in moving his pants down. Tweek touched Damien's erection through his underwear, causing Damien to groan softly. Damien pulled Tweek closer, slipping his right hand over Tweek's cock. Tweek trembled and moaned. They touched each other for a minute before Damien pulled away, frantically searching around his discarded pants. He removed a small tube of medical grade lubricant (likely taken from the supply room) and a condom. 

“I need you”, Damien whispered. Tweek looked at him with eyes blown with lust, and flushed cheeks. 

It only took moments for the condom to be ripped open and Damien to slide it onto his throbbing cock. Tweek considered it for a moment. As Damien lubed up, his mind jumped to Craig again, and he mentally scolded himself. Damien's cock was bigger than his own, more girth, but it wasn't monstrous like Craig's. 

Damien lubed up his right hand and started to kiss Tweek passionately again on the lips. Tweek felt a finger press at his entrance, and he tried to relax his body. Damien slipped a finger in, and Tweek gasped from the feeling. Damien worked him open, sliding in a second finger, pressing his fingers around Tweek's insides and softly moaning, clearly very turned on. 

“God, baby…you feel so tight in there”, came Damien's sexy whisper again, “Relax baby, let me take care of that, fuck Tweek, you are so hot”. 

Tweek cried out softly in response, and Damien was now nipping at his neck again while he prodded and scissored him open. Damien pushed in a third finger, and Tweek almost screamed, cupping a hand over his mouth. He threw a leg across Damien, they now turned to face each other, Damien clamped his free hand in Tweek's hair, pulling. 

“Ahh, I think you're ready for me”, Damien hummed, and his fingers slipped out. Tweek gasped at the empty feeling. 

Damien propped himself up again, and crawled on top of Tweek, Tweek's head finding the pillow. He kissed Tweek again. Both of them let out soft sighs and groans of anticipation. 

“Baby I have wanted this so long that this doesn't even feel real”, Damien panted, “I want to feel all of you…I want to hit right on that spot that you don't even know is there”. 

Tweek moaned softly in reply, lost for words, He bent his knees and parted them, Damien positioning himself between them. 

“Ready for me sweetheart?”,  Damien whispered.

Tweek nodded, and they resumed their hot, quick kisses. Damien pushed past Tweek's entrance, and Tweek muffled a moan into the kiss, breaking contact and clapping  his hand over his mouth. His eyes jammed closed, concentrating on keeping quiet and on the feeling of Damien slowly entering him. The stinging sensation was uncomfortable, but he knew to breathe through it, he knew it would start to feel good. 

Damien was hovering over Tweek on his knees, watching Tweek's face as he slowly pushed in.

When he got to bottoming out, Damien stayed still, and was panting in anticipation. Tweek was trembling.

“You can move”, Tweek whispered. 

Damien started to thrust. He bent down lower to kiss Tweek over his body wherever he could reach, and started to build up a rhythm. Tweek was moaning softly, running his hands over Damien's back and shoulders. Damien was low enough for Tweek to moan closely to his ear. He felt so good. This is hot, he thought. The fact this was forbidden, doing something this bad in the workplace, so rebellious, so naughty, added to Tweek's arousal. 

As Tweek's moans became more drawn out, more frequent, Damien panted, “You're noises are driving me fucking insane…Keep going, in my ear baby, so I can hear you, it's driving me wild”. 

Suddenly, Tweek felt it, an intense sensation that almost made him scream. He let out a muffled cry against his hand. 

“Damien!!”, he gasped, “There!”.

Damien growled, and started going full speed, hitting Tweek's spot over and over. Tweek was in ecstasy, his body flooding with pleasure. He clasped at Damien's hair, placing his free hand on top of Damien's that was being used to prop himself up over Tweek. 

“Ah-Ah-A-Ah-Ah-Ah Damien, ohhh”, Tweek was spewing noises of pleasure from his mouth. Then he felt it, the building orgasm, “Damien, I'm going to cum!”.

“Oh god, baby, do it”, Damien groaned, “I'm fucking you so good, want you to cum….”.

Tweek let out a final soft groan, and felt hot cum shoot up between them. He basked in the feeling, covered in sweat and feeling so wanted. 

Damien kept pounding at Tweek, Tweek gasped from the sensitivity. Not long after Tweek, he moaned, “Tweek baby I'm cumming…ohh ... .God, you are amazing, you feel incredible, Oh my God!”. 

Damien slowed down after his climax. He pulled out and collapsed beside Tweek, both covered in sweat and panting. They both smiled at each other, laughing softly, completely satisfied. 

The sense of reality and the fact they were in the doctor's office flooded back to Tweek, and he sat up quickly, fishing for his clothes. A feeling of nervousness and guilt came over him. 

“Tweek….that was incredible”, Damien whispered, rolling out from under the desk and kissing him as he passed over Tweek, “The way you felt…Oh my God...and you cumming untouched like that...fuck”.

Tweek giggled softly, throwing his shirt back on over his singlet and reaching for his pants. 

“Did it feel good for you baby?”, Damien cooed, kissing Tweek's lips, three small pecks. 

“I…umm”, Tweek said quietly, a little shy after the fact, “It felt so good Damien”.

“You have left me wanting more”, Damien was looking at Tweek, with a hard intense stare, “I want to do it all baby”.

“I…think”, Tweek pulled his pants on and stood up, the soreness now kicking in and he moved slowly, “You need to check on your patients Damien…this is so suspicious! Gah! Oh God, what if somebody heard us?”.

“Tweek, shh”, Damien soothed, “They won't. We were quiet. The doctors have had arguments in here before, and the rest of the ward has been none the wiser. Relax, trust me okay?”. 

Tweek considered Damien for a moment, then nodded, his gut twisting with nerves. 

“It's okay”, Damien said softly, “I was just comforting you after losing our patient…we were talking”. 

“I…better go”, Tweek said, swallowing thickly. He wiped his sweaty hair from his brow, and straightened his clothes. 

“Come here”, Damien said. He moved forward, grabbed Tweek and kissed him, more softly this time. 

Tweek returned it. Then he looked at Damien, “I will…see you”.

“You will”, Damien smirked, and stepped away, tidying up his desk and the floor.

As Tweek departed, he didn't notice the small black camera on the desk opposite Damien's, red light blinking.