#rlverhale

The teenage serpents were overjoyed when news that Southside High was being shut down. Aside from the prejudice that came with it, most were excited about finally getting an education. People would often think that just because they were hoodrats and gang members, that they couldn’t care less about school. It’s easy to say that my boyfriend Sweet Pea, was the most enthusiastic about the news. We’ve been friends since the beginning of our time. There’s countless pictures of us together in only diapers, covered in food, or him pulling on my hair which resulted in a very upset toddler me. Since then we’ve had our own fan club, rooting for us to end up together. From our parents, to random people on the street, to our best friends. Until one night at our very first high school dance. He had been my date since we were both going alone, and it only made sense. It wasn’t until a slow song came on, and we both had no idea what to do. It took me about thirteen years for me to realize how undeniably cute my best friend was. I wasn’t sure if he felt the same way, but there was only one way to find out. I stood up on my tippy toes to place a very quick, nervous kiss on his lips. Still avoiding his eyes, I looked literally everywhere else, until I felt him kiss me again. As two fourteen year olds, it was just as awkward as it sounds, but since then we’ve been inseparable. Our parents weren’t surprised when we announced that we were finally dating. His parents won the bet that was going on between the two pairs. Go figure.

Fangs and Sweet Pea bounded through the graffiti littered doors of Southside High. Their boyish excitement nothing but contained as they showed their eagerness. Toni and I followed behind, snickering at their antics. Sweet Pea turned around, opening his arms out wide for me. I walked into his warm embrace before he swung me around until he was holding me bridal style. I let out a string of laughter, seeing him this happy made me happy.

“This is it baby! We’re outta this place!” He shouted, walking down the stairs.

“Good riddance, you filthy cesspool!” I yelled, my head falling back, still in Pea’s arms.

We laughed and joked around for awhile with a couple other serpents. I wasn’t a part of the gang, but we were all still extremely close friends, and we all looked out for one another.

When the announcement got out which school’s Southside’s former attendees were going to, relief but also a small tinge of anxiety resided in my friends and I. Tensions were already high between the Serpents and Bulldogs. Archie had basically broken his bread with his small rivalry with the Serpents via Jughead, but the same thing couldn’t have been said for his friends. Archie and his girlfriend Veronica (according to Jughead) Had set up a registration desk for all new incoming students, but Reggie Mantle and Cheryl Blossom had other plans.

“Listen up, ragamuffins! I will not allow Riverdale High’s above average GPA to suffer because of classrooms that are over crowded with… Underachievers,” The redhead began. I stole a look at Sweet pea, seeing him already growing frustrated. “So please, do us all a favor and find some other school to deface with your hardscrapple ways.” The lovely, and welcome hello from Riverdale High’s resident popular girl did not settle with Toni, as she stepped forward.

“Why don’t you come over here and say that to my face?” Toni challenged. The crowds got closer together, ready to pull back members of their respective parties if they got too close.

“Okay guys, everyone, can we just put our Northside-Southside differences apart and start over? A new slate?” Archie suggested. He was trying to subdue the fire that was slowly building in everyone of us.

“You don't speak for the Bulldogs, Andrews,” Reggie added “And need I remind you, these greaser-snakes showed up at your place trying to kick your ass.” Reggie stepped forward, trying to intimidate the group of serpents. His tactic was working because Sweet Pea pushed through crowd ready to ignite a new flame.

“Happy to finish what was started” Pea said sarcastically before Jughead pulled him back. I grabbed his hand, pulling him back towards me. My other hand reached up and started rubbing his back slowly, calming him down.

I wasn’t sure how it worked or why, but we found the fastest way to cool him off was just by rubbing his back. He took in a few quick breaths before returning to the group, not wanting to start too much trouble on the first day.

“Seriously y/n… Just think long term” Veronica said. Over the past couple weeks we had grown more accustomed to each other, having a lot of classes together and a mutual friendship through Jughead. “All I’m saying is that the whole bad boy thing is going to be out of style pretty soon” She added. I tried to my fullest capability to keep from snorting some kind of ruthless response. Sure my boyfriend wasn’t perfect, but at least he isn't illegally buying guns to take down a serial killer.

“Veronica… I understand your concern, but I love Sweet Pea with all the love I could possibly have, and I really do not give one single shit if, and when the bad boy trend is over.” I said, restraining myself. I know she didn’t mean to be rude, but she has a really bad way of hiding it.

“I think what V is trying to say is that she doesn’t want to see you get hurt. I’ve known Jug and his dad, and I’ve seen the inconsistencies and violence they go through” Betty added.

“Not to mention word is getting around that a Serpent and Midge were… y’know” Veronica suggested, raising her eyebrows.

Is she…?

I waved my hands in front of my face, trying to dispel their accusations. “Are you accusing my boyfriend of one, cheating on me,” I numbered on my fingers “and two, murdering Midge?” I whisper yelled, obviously offended. They just looked at eachother, not wanting to confirm their suspicions.

I just gave them a disappointed and heart broken look before walking into the classroom behind me. Their accusations stung, knowing that they could believe Sweet Pea would actually cheat on his girlfriend, and then murder his side chick. Sure he looked rough, and maybe grew up on the wrong tracks but he would never, ever do something as petty and juvenile as cheating, let alone murder.

The room was filled with serpents as they crowded around the desks. Jughead was at the front of the classroom talking about ghoulies coming back and having it out for the Serpents. It wasn’t hard to find Sweet Pea. He was leaning against one of the desks, arms crossed. I made my way over to him turning around to settle in between his legs, his arms wrapping around my waist. Jug kept talking about how the Serpents needed to be careful and prepare themselves for the ghoulies, until the door burst open, revealing a pack of Bulldogs. Pea immediately stiffened up, lightly shoving me behind him.

“Which one of you reptiles was doing Midge Klump?” Reggie demanded. The feud between him and Pea was an ongoing on battle, both refusing to surrender. “I’m guessing it was you, Sweet Pea.” He moved closer to the rogue Bulldog, pulling Jughead out of the way. My ears perked up, keeping a close eye on my boyfriend. Word sure got around fast. Archie was trying to get Reggie to back down, but to no use. If I know one thing, it’s to never get in between two boys fighting. Especially with one who actually knows how to fight.

“You ass. I didn’t even know Midge” He kept inching forwarded, trying to intimidate Reggie. “But yeah, I get why she wouldn’t want fleas from you mangy Bulldogs.” Two things Pea hated was being accused of infidelity, and a crime he didn’t commit based on his background.

And Reggie just did both.

Reggie was the first to make a move, initiating the fight. But as quick as it began, it was over. Both being pulled apart from each other once again. The Bulldogs dragged Reggie out of the room, leaving Archie behind. Veronica and Betty had joined making sure their boyfriends were okay once they gained word that a fight started. Pea shrugged Jughead off of him as he made his way back to where I stood, waiting for him. Archie and Jughead argued about Archies friends actions. Jughead offended that they infiltrated the one safe space they had on campus, and immediately claiming one of his own killed Midge. Archie wasn’t defending Reggies motive, but he wasn’t fighting it either.

“You’re just going to let them talk to us like that? To me? Accuse me of killing some girl I never even knew existed until a couple days ago?” Pea questioned. I started rubbing small circles on his back while his voice rose an octave. “You know damn well I would never even think about another girl like that! To do that to y/n?” He looked down at me, hurt.

I got a couple concerned looks from Archie, Veronica, and Betty while he went off. They were worried he was going to blow his top.

“Just let him get it out” I said softly, continuing to rub his back. It was easier and safer for him to get his anger and frustration out this way. Toni and fangs flashed some supportive smiles our way, watching Sweet Pea cool down. Eventually he sat down next to me in a huff, finally over his rant. He slung an arm around my shoulder and placed a chaste kiss to my head. I rested my head on his shoulder, still silently comforting him. This was our routine whenever one of us would get riled up. It was our thing, and it’s what makes us so perfect for each other.

“Hey, y/n!” I heard someone calling my name as I exited the school doors. I turned around to see Veronica rushing towards me. “I just wanted to apologize for what I said earlier. I saw the way Sweet Pea reacted to what Reggie had to say, and how you two work so well together” She said genuinely. “I know I overstepped by accusing your boyfriend of y’know…” I let out a small chuckle.

“It’s fine V, I forgive you.” I laughed again.

“Oh thank God, I didn’t want to be responsible for breaking up Riverdale’s newest -second- most cutest couple” She joked. “Speaking of which,” She had a devilish look on her face “Double date tonight?” She asked with a hopeful smile.

I giggled a little, looking at my tree of a boyfriend goofing off with his friends in the parking lot.

“C’mon babe! It’ll be fun!” I said pleading.

“No! I’m gonna fall on my ass and look like an idiot” Sweet Pea groaned.

“Okay, but I’ll teach you!” I continued, grabbing his hand.

“No, I’m perfectly content right here” He had crossing his arms.

With a huff, I shrugged my shoulders and said, “Fine. Y’know, I wonder what Reggie’s doing…” I trailed off, looking for my phone. At full attention, he rose from the couch, approaching me.

“Reggie, huh?” he inquired, a smirk on his face.

“Yeah, because my boyfriend refuses to go ice skating with me, so why not see if he wants to?” I challenged, knowing exactly what I was doing. I had finally found my phone, about to unlock it when a large hand took it from me. Sweet pea tossed it onto the small, worn out couch behind us. His hands landed on my waist as I crossed my arms. I avoided eye contact in a joking way since he wanted to play.

I let out a surprised gasp when I was tossed over his shoulder like I weighed nothing.

“Pea!” I shouted, annoyed. Hair fell around my face, as he walked towards his bedroom.

“C’mon dude, I was joking!” I laughed as I bounced everytime he took a step.

“Sorry, what?” He asked right before he let go a little, causing me to slip closer to the floor. This earned a small scream from me right before I lightly punched his back.

“If you drop me, and I break my neck so help me God…” I threatened.

We had reached the end of his bed, his room illuminated by colorful Christmas lights we had strung up a while ago. He threw me roughly on the mattress, resulting in another painfully girly squeal.

“That was cute” He smirked, climbing over me.

“Shut up,” I giggled “Wait no! You’re not seducing me!” I exclaimed, faking to be shocked.

“Baby Jesus is watching…” I whispered, earning a chuckle from him when he dipped his head into the crook of my neck. I tried pushing him off of me, trying to gain the upperhand in this petty duel, but no luck.

He raised his head, amused with my failed attempts. He stared at my lips for a second, then at my eyes, and back to my lips. He finally connected our lips with a small, urgent needy kiss.

“Go get your jacket” He whispered, pushing off of me.

Looks like I won.

We had arrived at the small outdoor rink within a few minutes, which were full of Sweet Pea’s ice skating related complaints, and his hands finding different ways to end up on my ass. From the looks of it, the ice rink was closed. The lights were off, and what was once a bright and gleaming Christmas tree set up behind the ice, was a tall brooding shadow.

“Oh well. Maybe another time” Pea said already turning around.

I rolled my eyes, and walked towards the small metal gates. The metal bars serving little to no purpose as I effortlessly slipped right through them. The cheap looking ice rink set up had a creepy vibe when it was surrounded by the night.

“Oh my God…” I whispered from somewhere in the dark.

“What? ‘Oh my God’ what?” Sweet pea whisper yelled from the other side of the gates.

“This is like The Nightmare Before Christmas” I whispered, with childlike wonderment. I heard Sweet Pea release an annoyed sigh, probably thinking I found us in trouble. I went back around to the gate to unlock it from my side. I turned the cold metal knob, the rusty gate emitting a painful screech.

“We’re gonna get killed in here” Sweet Pea said, entering the rink.

“By who? The Oogie Boogie Man?” I giggled. He imitated me by repeating, “Oogie Boogie Man” in a high pitched voice. We fumbled around in the dark for a few minutes before I found a light switch. Taking the risk of giving away that we were here, I pulled the switch. The small rink was suddenly illuminated with a soft glow from the string lights above the ice. We looked at each other for a quick second, laughing lightly in shock. We grabbed the right ice skates and made our way to the ice. Stepping out onto the frozen water, I made a few laps, getting used to the blades below my feet. I hadn’t noticed Sweet Pea behind me until I saw him speed around me, to only stop abruptly in front of me causing his skates to spray ice all over my pants.

“You dick! I thought you didn’t even know how to skate?” I asked shocked.

“Never said I didn’t know how, babe” He chuckled before he started skating backwards, and away from me.

“You sneaky motherfucker…” I gasped.

“y/n! Santa’s listening!” He pretended to scold.

We chased each other around the ice for a while, trying to knock each other off balance, every once in a while becoming successful.

“Hey! You there!” A voice called from outside the rink. We recognized the man holding the flashlight as Sheriff Keller. We scrambled to get our skates off, and left without properly putting our shoes on, trying to evade the law.

“Does this mean we’re getting coal?” Sweet Pea laughed as we ran down the street.

The small warehouse was filled with cigarette smoke and laughter as Rob and his friends joked around. A couple empty beer bottles littered the desks. Wires ran from various instruments into speakers and amplifiers. You sat in a worn out couch watching the man-children goof around instead of actually practicing. Rob sat behind his drum set, twirling his drumsticks between his fingers. The room was only illuminated by moonlight floating in from nearby windows, and some decorative purple and blue lights. The guys claimed it had a more “punk rock” vibe. They had just finished a cover of Best Friends by grandson when they were left without a next song. Rob had since moved from his drums to the seat next you on the couch. He reached an arm behind you to rest on your shoulders. You handed him a water bottle, and he grabbed it, chugging it within a few seconds.

“Alright what’s next boys?” You asked, amused when they couldn’t come up with an answer.

“We could do some Journey?” The bassist, Alex, said.

“We’ve already done all of Journey” Rob chuckled.

“I don’t see you volunteering any ideas, Raco” Alex retorted, sipping some water.

“Wait Rob,” The leader singer Josh added, “What’s that song you’re always listening to?”

“What song?” He asked, avoiding eye contact by scrolling through his phone.

“The Gym Class Heroes one” Josh said, leaning against the microphone stand.

“I don’t know what you mean man” He said, still avoiding eye contact. You looked over to see what was taking away so much of his attention, but he was scrolling through his instagram, liking pictures he had already previously liked.

“Cupid’s Chokehold!” Josh snapped his fingers in recognition. Rob let out a soft chuckle accompanied by a smirk before he pushed himself off the couch. You already missed his presence as he sat behind the drums one again. He stole a quick glance at you with a small smile on his face.

The familiar sounds of the instruments started, along with Rob’s drumming. Josh’s voice started singing the vaguely familiar song. You’ve heard it before, but you couldn’t tell exactly where.

Take a look at my girlfriend, she’s the only one I’ve got.

You sat there bobbing your head to the tune, listening to each individual lyric.

And I know it sounds so old, but Cupid got me in a chokehold. And I’m afraid I might give in. Towels on the mat, my white flag is wavin’.

You finally remembered where you’ve heard this song. Rob would hum it when he got ready in the morning. You’d sit there in bed, relaxed just listening to the words flow from his mouth. He’d sing it in the car, while he cooked, and when he was holding you at night, right before you fell asleep.

You looked at Rob with a soft smile on your face. Seeing him happy made you happy. He wasn’t paying attention to the look on your face, instead he was focused on the task at hand while mouthing the lyrics. He pulled the microphone next to him closer and started backing up Josh.

We even got a secret handshake, and she loves the music that my band makes. I know I’m young, but if I had to choose her or the sun, I’d be one nocturnal son of a gun.

He sang this line looking at you with a smile taking over his face. You returned one with a chuckle, shaking your head, trying to hide the blush creeping up your neck. It was like when you first met all over again. Butterflies erupted in your stomach everytime he glanced at you, your smile never faltering. He couldn’t help but smile back, just seeing you sitting there.

The song was almost over when rob sang, “Call it dumb, call it luck, call it love, or whatever you call it, but everywhere I go I keep her picture in my wallet, like” He shot you a quick wink during the last line, giving you goosebumps.

They finished the song, and started wrapping up all their equipment. You walked up behind Rob with your hands in your back pockets. “A picture in your wallet, huh?” You giggled.

He chuckled and grabbed his wallet from his pocket. He opened it to reveal a picture from one of your first dates. It was when you two went to the beach, and your hair was all over the place due to the wind. But the smile that was on your face reminded you of how much fun that day was. Mostly because you spent it with Rob, but that couldn’t distract you from the fact that he actually kept a picture of you in his wallet. You were so happy, and so in love that you didn’t even realize your eyes starting to fill up with tears.

“Babe are you crying?” He chuckled before wrapping an arm around you shoulder.

“That’s just so fucking cute, I love you so damn much” You said laughing in between sniffs. He ‘aww’d’ and pulled you in for a tight hug.