Anything For You [Creek]

Ch. 2 - The First Step

I woke up and got dressed. I only got a few hours of sleep last night, but I was used to it. I stumbled out of my room and walked downstairs. Stepping outside, I noticed other kids standing by their bus stops. I was no longer allowed on the school bus, so I had to walk. No problem, the school wasn't too far from my house. 

I walked behind the back of the school where the goth kids normally hang out. I tried to keep my distance from them as I lit up a cigarette. I hate conformists just as much as they do, but I don't feel the need to constantly tell everyone what a non-conformist I am. They ignored me as I took a drag.

"C-Craig," I heard someone say. 'W-what are you doing? I-I thought you were quitting!"

I looked up to see Tweek quickly approaching. I was hoping he wouldn't see me until I got inside. I tried to hide the cigarette behind my back, but it was obviously too late. I sighed as he walked up to me, a look of disappointment on his face.

"I am gonna quit, Tweek. I just gotta finish this pack first, alright?"

He just kept staring at me. I couldn't stand those sad eyes.

"Does it really even matter though? I mean if I stop skipping school and all that stuff, but keep the smoking a secret, your parents would still change their opinion of me, right?"

"I-It's not just that, Craig," he pouted. "I want you to q-quit too! It's r-really bad for you. And...you're important to me."

I looked into his eyes and then down at the cigarette in my hand. I took one last drag before dropping it on the ground and stomping it out.

"Alright Tweek, you win. I'll quit for you."

His expression changed to a smile and he held out his hand. I looked at his open palm and gave him a cocky look. Sighing, I handed him my last pack of cigarettes, which he promptly tossed in the dumpster. He gave me a quick hug and motioned for me to follow him into the building.

"Fucking conformist," I heard one of the goth kids mutter as we walked away. But I didn't care; this was all for Tweek.

***

"I'm proud of you, Craig," Tweek said as we walked out of school at the end of the day. "I-I know it's gonna be hard, but I k-know you can do it!"

I grinned. "Yeah...it's gonna be. But I will do it," I assured him. "I think I'm gonna check out the new vape shop in town. Your parents would be ok with that, right."

Tweek nodded. "Mhm, as long as it's not smoking. And...," he looked around to make sure we were alone. "I would be ok with it too."

He leaned up and pecked me on the cheek. I blushed and raised my eyebrows before pulling him close and locking our lips together. Startled, he tried to pull away for a split second before giving in and kissing me back. We were alone, but I really didn't care if anyone saw. We shouldn't have to hide our love for each other.

"Don't do that," he snickered once the kiss finally ended.

I shrugged and ruffled his hair. "I gotta get to the shop. I'll call you when I get home."

He smiled as I began walking away.

"And no smoking!" he called out as I made my way toward the street.

"I won't!"

"Promise?"

"Promise!"

I walked through town until I reached the vape shop. I always thought vaping made people look like douchebags, so I was a bit apprehensive I walked through the double glass doors. Naturally, the clerk recommended the most expensive model in stock, insisting it was the best one to help quit smoking. I agreed to buy it. I picked out a bottle of coffee flavored e-juice and pulled out my wallet, spending the last of my cash on the overpriced vaporizer and liquid. I quickly made my way home to set it up and try it out.

***

"Hey, Tweek," I said when he picked up the phone. "I, uhh...stopped by the vape store."

"D-Did you get one!" he yelled, sounding much more excited than I anticipated. "Y-You're really gonna quit now?"

"Yeah I got one. Damn thing was really expensive, but I guess I'll be saving a lot of money if I actually manage to quit."

"Which you will do," he said assertively. "This is a g-great step, Craig! I'm s-so proud of you!"

"It's all for you, babe." I couldn't help but smile. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"S-See you tomorrow, Craig."

I hung up the phone and got to work on my new vape. I assembled it per the clerk's instructions. The coffee flavored vapor filled my lungs. As I exhaled, I felt the nicotine hit my system. It seems like this might actually work. I took a few more puffs before getting started on my homework. I can't remember the last time I bothered doing it. Maybe I would ask Tweek for help tomorrow.

"Off to a great start," I mumbled to myself as I got to work. Anything to be with Tweek.