I've always liked to play with fire

BASICS

Name: Pepper Smith Age: 28 Gender: Female Sexuality: Polyamorous  Relationship Status: Single Species: Human

Occupation: Art gallery owner, conartist & escort Birthday: May 31st Living arrangement: Bouncing from hotel to hotel or crashing in her gallery from working late nights

link was uncomfortable and itchy in this outfit he had allowed his new acquaintance to dress him up in. though the worst part was how restrictive it felt. he was trying his best to reach out to others through this party as much as he hated it. though something about it felt off to him. maybe it was a person here inside the building or it could just be that he didn’t enjoy being shut in among so many people that had his warning bells going off inside his head. whatever the case was he knew he needed air which was why link was outside taking a breath away from the crowd. the reclusive man was already beginning to miss his horse and as he looked up at the sky he sighed in disappointment. the lights from this house seemed to dull the appearance of the stars. “ i hope you’re okay. “ he muttered into the night air to no one in particular. it was probably the the first set of words he had said aloud without being prompted.

Pepper never go overwhelmed at parties, in fact she thrived in such a setting. It’s as if she was born to be a party girl, a socialite, probably why she convinced herself and everyone around her that she was in fact one. And she knew she could make friends and acquaintances  with ease. But this party seemed to make it diffuclt for her to be just that, and everyone already seemed drunk or paired off. Which is why she found herself casually strolling along outside the lodge for a moment, to catch a breath of fresh air before heading back inside. When she rounded the corner, she wasn’t expecting to see anyone else out here and when the stranger spoke, her eyebrows knitted together in confusion. “um, are you okay? Who are you talking too?” she wondered, looking around to see if there was a third person out here that Pepper had missed.

Midge set the shot glass back down on the bar after she had downed it, licking her lips a bit before ordering another drink. it was odd being here, especially considering the palpable tension between the North and Southsiders. the girl had established relationships with both sides and supposed she should just be grateful that they were all in one place, even if it felt like it was too good to last. raising her eyebrows at the question she glanced at the woman next to her, unfamiliar with who she was. “like there needs to be a reason to have a party?” then again, it wasn’t like they were exactly in the middle of a bustling city where parties and clubs were common on every corner. “how’d you end up here, in that case?”

Pepper raised her martini glass to her lips to take a sip, leaning against the bar so she could watch the party unfold before her. When she heard someone speak to her, she honestly had no clue that anyone even heard her question. With the loud music and the even louder karaoke sessions that were happening, it was hard to even hear herself think. Turning to the girl, she smiled warmly, invitingly, like Pepper always did. “Never has to be a reason, I was just wondering if there was. Seemed like a planned party of sorts. With the invitations and all.” she stated with a light airy laugh at her next question. “Veronica invited me actually. But I really only know one other person here, it seems. I’m Pepper, by the way. And you are?”

“I didn’t expect to see myself in this..” there was a small pause as if he was looking for a proper description for this place. “ town either but I guess I managed to leave both of us surprised again.” The smirk on his lips grew as he shrugged. “Why not?  I would dare to say that the Lodges always had exquisite taste and for once there is a party I would enjoy…after all, I have you to keep me company here..” he said as he winked at her. “ I decided to expand my business. New York will always be New York but there is certain charm in this abandoned town. What about you, Pepper? Why are you here? It doesn’t seem like a place you’denjoy.”

“This town wasn’t made for people like us, Chadwick. That’s for sure. But I guess we are making the best of it for now.” she smiled. “I must admit, this place is rather exquisite, for it to be where it is. The Lodge’s always have good taste.” she agreed before downing the rest of her drink and placing the cup on the bar so she could loop her arm with his to walk through the crowd, but keep him close. “expanding your business? Funny, that’s exactly why I am here. Although, you are right about this being a place I wouldn’t enjoy. But i’m having a great time right now.”

An acquaintance was something he truly needed despite the fact that the need itself was a sign of weakness. Yet, in the town of Riverdale he had spent too much of his own energy to please those who should have been responsible for pleasing him. Therefore, the presence of Pepper in town was more than welcomed. A laugh escaped the whiskey stained lips as he turned around slowly so he could face her. “ Don’t you remember what every party is about, Pepper? Having fun.”

Finally, a familiar face, just when Pepper was losing hope. Taking a small sip of her martini as she leaned against the bar, “Ah, Chadwick, I didn’t except to see you in Riverdale.” she said with a light airy laugh. “Well, of course its about fun. But a random party at a Lodge in the middle of almost no where in Riverdale? Kinda weird, but i’ve been to weirder in New York. I’m sure you have too.” she said with a shrugged of her shoulders. “So what are you even doing here? I honestly wasn’t expecting to see you tonight, it’s been..awhile.”