The Futures To Far Away (CREEK FIC)

New confessions

The next morning, Craig found Tweek by his locker, hurriedly cramming his books into his bag. Craig's stomach twisted as he approached, already dreading the conversation. His mind was racing, but he tried to keep his face neutral — not that he was fooling anyone. Tweek noticed him right away, raising an eyebrow as he looked up.

"Uh... hey, Craig," Tweek said slowly, taking in Craig's downcast expression. "What's with the long face? You look like someone just told you your guinea pig died."

Craig gave a small, humorless chuckle. "I, uh... I need to talk to you."

Tweek's expression shifted, eyes narrowing slightly as he sensed something was wrong. "Okay... Talk to me about what?"

Craig hesitated, glancing around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. He lowered his voice, barely able to meet Tweek's gaze. "It's about... my grades. Graduation. Everything."

Tweek's face tightened with apprehension. "Craig, don't mess with me right now. What's going on?"

Craig sighed, finally forcing himself to say it. "I'm failing, Tweek. Ms. Turner told me yesterday — I might not graduate."

The words hit Tweek like a punch, and Craig could see his expression shift from shock to frustration, and then to something even harder to face: disappointment.

"What... What do you mean you might not graduate?" Tweek stammered, his voice rising. "How... How could this happen? You're supposed to be graduating with me, Craig!"

"I know, Tweek, I know!" Craig replied, wincing as Tweek's voice grew louder. "I just... I didn't realize how bad it was. I thought I could catch up later, but it's a lot worse than I thought."

Tweek shook his head, his hands clenched tightly at his sides. "Craig, I've been talking about our plans for months — college, getting out of here, building a life together! And you... you couldn't even try to make sure you'd be there with me?!"

Craig looked down, feeling the weight of Tweek's disappointment like a stone in his chest. "I'm sorry," he mumbled, though he knew it wasn't enough. "I didn't think it'd be this bad... I didn't want to let you down."

"Well, guess what?! You did!," Tweek snapped, his voice cracking. "I've been working so hard for us, and you... you didn't even try. If you don't graduate, then what? We can't go to college together, we can't... we can't have any of the things we planned. I needed you to be there with me, Craig!"

Craig opened his mouth to apologize again, but he knew it would be useless. Tweek's shoulders were shaking, his hands clenched so tightly his knuckles were white. After a tense moment, Tweek finally took a step back, his face set with anger.

"Forget it, Craig," he muttered, turning on his heel. "If you don't care enough about our future to make sure you're even there... then maybe I should be making different plans-!"

Craig watched, helpless, as Tweek stormed down the hallway, leaving him standing alone by the lockers.

He felt a hollow ache in his chest, guilt and regret churning inside him. But more than that, he felt a sudden urgency — the realization that he couldn't just sit back and watch his future slip away.

He needed help, and he needed it fast. He thought back to the assembly, where they'd talked about how anyone struggling should reach out to someone who could tutor or guide them. He racked his brain, trying to think of who could actually help him turn things around.

Then it hit him. The smartest kid in their grade, the one who'd probably been a step ahead in every class since kindergarten: Kyle Broflovski.

With newfound determination, Craig started making his way down the hall, already thinking about what he'd say.

He had to find Kyle. He'd do whatever it took — late nights, study sessions, anything — to catch up. For himself, but most importantly, for Tweek. He couldn't let him down again.