Lifeline (Tweek & Craig)

Chapter Nineteen

Sorry for taking so long. Hope everyone is safe.
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The point of views will switch back and forth in some parts.
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When Tweek felt a crippling anxiety taking over, he forced his body to move and to walk fast. Not once did he turn back to see Craig, even when he heard his name called. As his eyes watered and his nose bled, Tweek felt ungrateful and ridiculous. Worst of all, he was crushed that Bradley was able to send him to a place where he was losing control. Tweek had been so happy the last couple of days, and he shattered in a matter of minutes.

"Tweek!"

When Tweek heard Craig's upset voice directly behind him, he couldn't convince himself to turn to him, especially after running away. When he felt Craig tap his shoulder, he felt as though the world around him was forcing him into a box. Tweek could no longer stand on his feet, so he lowered to the ground, wrapping his arms around his legs before burying his face into his knees.

Tweek was having a panic attack. He recognized the feeling that left his heart racing to the point where he was paralyzed. The first time he had experienced such a crippling feeling was when he learned that Craig didn't want to be his friend anymore. The news of the end of their friendship was so damaging that his mother would not leave his side, fearing Tweek would hurt himself.

Tweek hasn't had a panic attack since high school when Bradley made a fool of him. Worst of all, the only person that was able to help him through it was gone. Tweek couldn't breathe.

"Tweek, what's wrong?" Craig asked, his voice trembling as he crouched down hesitating to touch him again.

Tweek could hear Craig's voice. He was so embarrassed, which didn't help the situation. It only caused his chest to race fast and faster.

"Wtf is wrong with him?" Clyde asked.

"Is he okay?" Token asked Craig.

"It's called a panic attack," Bradley said, his tone played between amusement and empathy.

"What did you do?" Craig asked.

"Me? Why would this be my fault?" Bradley replied.

"Because you were just with him, that's why!" Craig growled.

Tweek felt Craig stand, before disappearing from his side. Craig moved so fast it was almost like he was never there.

There was a huge commotion, everyone begging Craig to stop. When Tweek opened his eyes to look, Craig's friends had just dragged him off of Bradley. All while Kenny and Kyle pulled Bradley the other way. When Tweek saw that Bradley's nose was bleeding, he cried. Tweek didn't want them to fight, especially for him. When Tweek's heart felt like it was being squeezed, and he couldn't catch his breath, he pressed his face back into legs.

"You really need to work on your fucking aggression Craig!" Bradley shouted, wiping his bloody nose.

"I have every intention to work through it using your fucking face as my punching bag!" Craig snapped back.

"You are more focused on fighting me for no reason, by the way, and yet Tweek is dealing with his panic attack alone. Do you know who used to help him when he suffered through this? His mom, who's gone," Bradley shouted.

Craig paused and turned back to Tweek. He removed Token, and Clyde's hold on him and walked over to Tweek, crouching down next to him and gently placing a hand in his shoulder. Craig's voice was soft when he asked, "Are you okay?" When Tweek didn't respond, Craig sat in front of him, using his hand to cover Tweek's ears to block out the noise around them.