hallelujah

audrey

If she was being honest, Audrey didn’t exactly know why she wasn’t mad. Her short temper caused her to get pissed at even the smallest of things — dropped a remote, stubbed her toe, Noah not texting back. So why wasn’t she mad now? She looked at sugar; pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. And she looked so vulnerable; so upset at the thought of even possibly upsetting audrey and it clicked for her — she cared about sugar. Cared about how the other felt and she was worried. Anything could have happened in those few days. She’s been to the sheriffs office multiple times, and half the time that was a mess — who knows how much chaos ensued in the jail. “Because I’m just... glad you’re safe, and that they didn’t find anything to hold you there.” Her words were soft; honest. And she wanted to do nothing more than pull sugar into her more; to hold her close and never let go. She wanted to protect her. And honestly? That thought scared a part of her, having never felt that before for anyone but noah. “Trust me, sugarcane. You didn’t fuck up, okay?”

sugar

All her life, Sugar-Snap had to deal with constant arguing, fighting, yelling, and it was her own FAMILY that brought the most of it upon her. Sweet Pea liked to play the role of a sweet older brother who just wants to make sure his little sister was okay, but he was far from that. The idea of someone NOT being mad at her was . . . foreign. She fully expected a lecture, or even some form of punishment from the other but as her fingers moved and tucked her hair behind her ear, sending goosebumps down her spine, Sugar knew Audrey wasn't upset. Despite this soft gesture, she still teared up. One solved problem unveiled another unsolved problem. Maybe Audrey wasn't mad, but did Sugar deserve this care? This kindness? She didn't think so . . . "I feel like I did, like somehow this whole thing is my fault and that I'm still GUILTY." Her voice cracked again and her gaze averted, fixating on the bed where the two had shared their first kiss, then her jacket. "I don't even deserve that fucking jacket-"

audrey

“Hey, hey —“ She tried, stepping in the way to block sugars view of the very jacket that has not left her bed since sugar was taken in. The jacket that had provided her comfort; hope. “You did what you had to do. You didn’t know what was going on; you couldnt have known. They just came barging in there, looking for blood. You arent guilty. nothing you could have done made you guilty.” Her hands moved to sugars biceps, giving them a gentle squeeze of comfort. “As for the jacket...” She trailed off, turning to go get it. It was warm from being under her covers for so long, but still provided that slightly cool touch of polished leather. “You do deserve this. Because the serpents... they’re your family, sug. I don’t know a lot about it, but I know enough from Caleb to know that the serpents rely on each other; look out for each other. Just like families do. And what you did was what you had to do to protect yourself.” She hoped she was making sense, attempting to show sugar that she wasnt in the wrong. To alleviate the girls stress in whatever way she could. Her fingers fiddled with the jacket; twisting a lose thread or just rubbing her thumb over the leather. “You do deserve this.”

sugar-snap

"I was a coward, Auddy. Serpents aren't cowards!" Sugar raised her voice, but it wasn't an angry tone, it was a tone of . . . well, sadness. Her brother barely spoke to her in jail and god knows what he's saying about her now. "I'm just a Serpent by blood, t-they don't WANT me there, I'm not tough enough." Regardless, she approached Audrey holding her jacket and ran her fingers over the embroidered serpent on the back. She had dedicated her entire life to the Serpents, but never felt like she belonged. She barely had friends in the Serpents; Toni and Fangs barely acknowledged her existence at this point. All of this was building up behind the d the used to appear strong; but it broke. She couldn't help her tears. "Why are you so nice to me?"

audrey

“Your brother got tased. Caleb got the shit beat out of him. Does surrendering yourself so you don’t get beaten to a pulp really make you a coward?” She knew the serpents were supposed to be tough. But even the strongest buildings fall with the right amount of force. And if that force just so happened to be literal police brutality — then god damn it, shes glad sugar surrendered. “Because... I like you, okay? I care about you, and I like you.” She watched as sugars fingers trailed along the snake, and she swallowed. Sugar only knew the serpents, just like audrey really only knew living with her father at this point. Occasionally Noah would stay the night, and long ago Emma — but now? It seemed her friends had better things to do. “Do you want to leave the serpents?”

sugar-snap

"They got hurt so I didn't have to - it's my fault they got hurt, Audrey." Sugar-Snap was never the strongest link in the chain that was the Southside Serpents, she KNEW this, and even though Audrey would tell her she's strong, she would never believe it. Not that Audrey is a liar - she's NOT - but Sugar just . . . doesn't believe in herself. The smaller girl kept her silence for the moment, tearing up as Audrey spoke and blinking quickly as her eyes averted now to the ceiling. That question had cut deep, opening an old wound she thought had gone away, and she shook her head. "N-No, I mean, yes - I don't want to be a Serpent anymore . . ." She admitted, wiping her cheeks and taking a deep breath. "I'm sick of having to keep this image of strength and power."

audrey

It was a lot; to see someone she deemed so strong and powerful wanting to give that up. But she understood why — it was a lot for one person. A lot on her shoulders. Especially with sweet pea as her brother. She had heard enough from Caleb to know how rough even the initiation was. She’d hate to imagine the consequences of leaving. “You don’t have to, you know,” she moved them to the bed, guiding sugar in the dark room. Someplace more comfortable. She reached up to wipe a tear from under the girls eye. “What’ll happen If you try to leave?”

sugar-snap

"I'll lose everyone. Sweet Pea barely talks to me as is a-and Jughead doesn't want to be my friend anymore. I'll lose . . . everything and everyone if I try to leave." She took a seat on the bed and brought her knees to her chest, resting her chin on them. "It's not a family if everyone hates the runt. Not that they HATE me, but sometimes it feels like it." She didn't know why, but she felt so safe with Audrey; she wouldn't confide like this with anyone else, not even her own brother. Audrey made everything easier for her, even if things are still chaotic.

audrey

She turned on the bed, bringing a knee up to make her more comfortable. She kept a hand on sugars shoulder, thinking over the situation. She had a point. But if the serpents were being dicks to her... what was the point of staying? If her own brother was ignoring her — could you even call it a family? “I know it’s not much, but... you won’t lose me.” It was a small offer. But it was all audrey really had in that moment. and she knew that, at least sometimes, just offering a shoulder to someone helped even a little bit.

sugar-snap

Sugar had been bottling this up for too long, and if it wasn't for her subconscious urge to impress Audrey she would have already crawled into her lap like a sick puppy. Sure, Audrey has already seen her cry, but she hasn't seen her COMPLETELY fall apart . . . yet. "I don't deserve you - but fuck  I grateful for you. You've done so much for me, Auddy." She tried to turn the conversation around, grinning a little as she looked her.

audrey

A shy smile appeared on her lips as she looked down at sugar; god, was she beautiful. Audrey felt like she didn’t deserve her. Could you call it a crush if you’ve already kissed? “You deserve the world, sugarcane.” She didn’t mind being there for her. Because everyone needed somebody. And it seemed like when sugar needed someone the most — they made like Aang and vanished. “I’m always gonna be here.”

sugar-snap

Her own smile grew seeing Audrey's, her cheeks and the tip of her node started to redden; not that Audrey could see, it was still dark outside. "You are the only person who makes me smile sometimes." She admitted, sighing softly and laying down on the bed now. She took a moment to close her eyes, to enjoy the comfort and warmth that being in Audrey's bed gave her.

audrey

She moved to lay down next to her, propping her head up with her hand as she laid on her side. She wasn’t sure why sugar chose her to go to after al this, but honestly... she’s glad that sugar did. She liked being the reason sugar felt safe. “How bad was it in there?” She asked after a moment, playing with a loose string of her blanket. It was quiet in her house; not even the wind outside making a sound. It was almost like she could hear her own heart beating in her chest. “I understand if you don’t want to talk about it.”

sugar-snap

"It was horrible . . ." Sugar gulped and looked over at her, she then rolled onto her side to face her and subtly reached for her hand. "I got to see my mom for the first time in ten years, she told me she knew I wouldn't be a good child . . . But that doesn't matter anymore - I'm free now." She tried to force a smile; talking about her mother always pained her. She envied those who had parents present in their lives, and even more so those who are LOVED by their parents.March , 

audrey

audrey gave her hand a squeeze; she could see that this was difficult for sugar. while audrey still had her mother, despite her being states away, she could tell from sugar's words alone that they didn't have the best relationship. let alone one with their father -- sweet pea seemed to take on that role. and even then... he was being distant with her. "you're right.. you're free now." she repeated, scooting a little closer. "free to make new choices. free to get away from her. free to make a new life.  free to be you, and the wonderful, beautiful person I know you are. who gives a shit what your mother thinks?" audrey was a lucky one. she had her fily. but not everyone was as lucky as she was and -- in this case, she wanted to use her privilege to her advantage. "screw it. my dad can be your parent now." it was meant as a joke to lighten the situation, but audrey hoped that sugar knew there was some truth behind it.

sugar-snap

She looked at their hands, sighing softly and lacing her fingers between Audrey's, wanting nothing more than the comfort of someone's warm hand in hers. Right now, in this moment, Sugar felt like Audrey was all she had - and she was strangely content with that. "I care . . . She's my mother, she's supposed to love me and she never has." After a deep breath, Sugar closed her eyes and giggled slightly at Audrey's joke, opening them once again to admire the other. "I don't think he'd like to invite a criminal serpent girl into his house, Auddy."

audrey

Audrey sighed, nodding. The constant need of validation was something she knew well, but never from lack of support from a parent. She wanted to relate, but she just... couldn’t. She brought sugars hand up to her lips, placing a kiss upon it with a silent “I know.” Really, her dad wouldn’t have to know about sugar staying over. Wouldn’t have to know that she was in there most of the time. He was barely home, anyways. And if it could provide sugar some security, who was she to deny that? “Maybe not at first, but maybe if I soften him up to it a bit... he might be more welcoming.”

sugar-snap

The only person who COULD relate to her would be Sweet Pea, unfortunately. But, even if Audrey couldn't relate to her situation, she still made her feel better. Far better than anyone could make her feel. Only SHE had the power to make Sugar smile in the darkest hours. "You think so?" The tiniest spark of hope in her voice manifested in the sound of a voice crack. Her grip on Audrey's hand tightened just slightly, like she didn't want to let go. "Will I be able to bring clothes here?"

The idea of sugar actually staying with her made her a little more excited than she thought she’d be. She knew it’d take a lot of convincing to her father, but after explaining things, and explaining how she felt about sugar... it’d go in her favor, right? maybe she’d have to consult clay. she squeezed sugars hand again, nodding. “You can bring whatever you want. We’d have to lay low for a little bit, but... I’ll talk to my dad. I’ll convince him.” She didn’t want sugar to be left in a place where she felt unwanted. And audrey wanted her here. Maybe it was selfish. But she just wanted to see sugar happy.

If she had to admit it, Sugar was also excited at the idea of staying with Audrey. Maybe she was moving too fast or her naive heart was racing to find somebody to love, but Audrey was different than everyone else she knew. Different in the best way. "Does this mean we'll have to shower together to avoid your dad's suspicion?" She joked, though she knew the answer would likely be somewhat of a yes.

audrey

Audrey let out a quiet laugh, moving her head a little closer to sugar. “If you wanted to see me naked, all you had to do was ask, babe.” The word was a slip of the tongue. But it felt right. They hadn’t even discussed the kiss — they were just.. taking things slow. Teasing, finding comfort in each other. But things were changing now, and well — Audrey liked it.

sugar-snap

Sugar playfully nudged her shoulder with her free hand, silently praying that the other couldn't see her cheeks redden under the dim light of the moon and the streetlights outside. "I seriously need to take a shower, though." She laughed just as quietly. While she was able to shower in jail, she refused to. Sugar wasn't necessarily comfortable with her own body yet. Definitely not enough to show it to strangers in prison.

audrey

Audrey nodded, and despite not wanting to get up, she sat up and slipped off the bed to walk over to her closet. “My dad is working late tonight. You should be able to shower easily. Clay is still home, though.” She pulled out a sweatshirt, remembering that sugar liked to sleep in them, and grabbed a pair of boxers from her dresser. “I can also wash your clothes tonight... if you wanted.” She added sheepishly, handing the clothes to sugar. She wanted the girl to be comfortable.

sugar-snap

Sugar sat up as well, feeling her back crack as she did so. She flinched, but truthfully it didn't hurt. "He won't walk in on me, right?" She joked, bringing Audrey's sweater to her chest and taking a deep breath, instantly calming with Audrey's scent. Then . . . without thinking, she stood up and raised herself up on the tips of her toes to kiss the other ever so gently, grinning. "Thank you."

audrey

“If he does, I’ll have to kill him.” She meant it as a joke. She loved her brother, but a part of her felt this overprotective pull towards sugar. To want to keep her safe, to hold her close, to provide comfort and warmth. “You’re... you’re welcome.” The kiss caught her off guard. But she liked it. She liked that sugar felt comfortable enough to do that. That she felt safe.

sugar-snap

"Shh, Jones might cone and arrest you." She giggled and turned on her heel. By now, Sugar knew where the bathroom was and knew damn well how to get to it without making a sound. She kicked off her boots quietly and headed for the door. "I know it's late, but . . . can we get something to eat when I'm done? I haven't eaten all weekend."

audrey

Audrey looked over at her, thinking a moment. It was late; her dad could be home while she’s out. But maybe she could get clay to cover for her. Against her better judgement, she nodded. “Of course we can. It’s a date.”

sugar-snap

"It's a date." She repeated, biting her lip and silently letting herself out of the room to go take a shower. It turned out to be quite lengthy, but that was only because Sugar nearly fell asleep under the hot water.

audrey

When sugar hadn’t come back after some time, Audrey started to get worried. She grabbed a pair of sweatpants — boxers weren’t fit for going out for food — and quietly made her way down to the bathroom, knocking a few times to see if sugar was awake — or, because of her paranoia — alive. “Sugar?”

sugar-snap

Sugar had sat in the shower by now, snoring slightly but waking as soon as she heard Audrey's voice call for her. She turned the water off and got up, wrapping a towel around herself and cracking the door open. "Yes, Auddy?"

audrey

She chewed her lip, letting out a sigh of relief at hearing sugars voice. She hated that paranoid part of her mind way too much sometimes. “Just making sure you’re okay. You were in there a while and I got worried. I... also brought you some pants.” She handed the sweatpants over, her eyes falling to the floor to give sugar some privacy.

sugar-snap

"Sorry, I think I might have fallen asleep." She giggled nervously and took the pants, setting them on the sink. "I'll be back in just a second, I promise," she said before shutting the door and drying herself off to get dressed. Audrey's sweaters were always warm, comfy, almost like Aud's arms were around her constantly, and she adored that feeling.

audrey

Audrey nodded, letting sugar do her thing. She backed away from the door, instead going to clays room to let him know what was going on. She got him to cover for her, should her dad get home before them, and that was good enough for her. She had never really snuck out before. Maybe once or twice, to go to a movie thing with Noah before her dad got to know him, but never really... like this. Not with someone where feelings were involved. And it felt oddly... exhilarating and nice at the same time. Once back in her room she changed into a pair of sweatpants and tossed on a jacket, grabbing her keys and waiting for sugar.

sugar-snap

Sugar came out just moments later, fresh-faced as ever with her hair piled up in a bun on top of her head. She snuck her way back into Aud's room and once again laced up her boots, grinning widely. "I assume we'll be dining at the fine establishment that is Pop's?" She joked, feeling her stomach growl.

audrey

“You know it,” she grinned, offering her hand out to sugar. She was trying to tell herself that this was just them, just a date — that they weren’t trying to keep their minds off of what had happened that weekend. But she’d be lying to herself. “Let’s hope the food is fresh and not just nuked.” She teased, pulling sugar along through the house. It wasn’t often sugar got to see it, but she hoped that’d change soon.

sugar-snap

Sugar took her hand, instinctively weaving their fingers together again as she followed Aud through her home. Something about this place felt so . . . safe. Safer than her OWN home. "Pop could give me day-old pancakes and I'd scarf them down quicker than a milkshake." She giggled, very lightly jogging to keep up with her slightly taller girlfr- ahem, her friend.

audrey

She had to hold back a laugh as she led sugar out to her car; the old hearse mobile was still working, albeit barely sometimes. It’s a wonder that her dad didn’t try to swap it out yet. “You’re not wrong about that. But imagine how much better it’d be if it was fresh.” She was a true gentlewoman, and willingly opened the passenger side door for sugar with a smile.

sugar-snap

Sugar smiled at the sight of Audrey's car - while most would dread the idea of riding in a fucking hearse, Sugar had fond memories of this specific one. And of the girl driving it. "Stop, I might have an orgasm." She laughed, getting into the passenger seat and buckling up. She laughed at her OWN jokes far too often.

audrey

She couldn’t help it, but the thought of sugar having an orgasm sent a shiver down her spine. It was the teenager in her; stupid hormones. “if that’s all it takes then I might be a hella lucky girl.” She teased, shutting the door and going over to the drivers side. Was this what the movies and books meant by having fun as a teenager? Sneaking out to get food with a friend — the person you had a crush on? Laughter, smiles, memories? Audrey had been missing out.

sugar-snap

"If you play your cards right." She teased back and pulled down the visor to tug little curly tendrils of hair from her bun to fre her face. Sugar-Snap was very aesthetically-driven, and insecure but let's not get into that right now. "After Pop's we can go make out in the school parking lot until the sun rises."

audrey

Oh man, did she hope she did. But that was something they’d discuss later. That was something that audrey wanted to make special, if sugar wanted to take that step with her. it’d be the shorter girls first time with a girl, after all. “Feelin’ risky tonight, eh?” A smirk played at her lips as she pulled out of her driveway, heading out to pops. She handed the aux cord over to sugar, just in case she wanted to play music. Aud was content either way.

sugar-snap

Now, Sugar didn't usually like labels, but they were ever to do  . . . unholy things . . . Sugar would at least want to be Audrey's girlfriend. Funny how she used to vehemently deny her attraction to Audrey, and now she's head over heels for her. "Prison will do that to a person." She took the aux cord and plugged it into her phone, playing the first playlist she saw and sitting back. Every so often, she'd look over at Audrey - silently admiring her.

audrey

It still baffled her that just a few hours ago, sugar was basically behind bars. And that audrey had that deep, anxiety feeling in her stomach, scared and worried that sugar might not get out. But here they were... and audrey couldn’t be happier. if only audrey knew how to ask her out. “do you wanna be cheesy and share a milkshake?” she asked after a few songs, an used tone to her voice.March , 

sugar-snap

"I dunno, that's kinda gay, Audrey." Sugar teased as she turned her face to face her. God, how she wanted to kiss the other - maybe she was a little gay. "You're god damn right I do." She giggled adjusting her position on the seat so she could fully face her.

audrey

It felt nice, seeing how open sugar was being right now. Like maybe everything would be okay for them. Especially tonight — Audrey felt like she could rule the world with sugar by her side. She pulled up outside of Pop’s; she wasn’t shocked by the almost-empty parking lot. Despite how late it was, there was always that small handful of people wanting to lose track of time there. She walked around, opening the door for sugar again. “Ready to stuff our faces?”

sugar-snap

Sugar was always open when they were alone, but in public she was sheepish, scared. She didn't want to come out yet, seeing the harassment Toni had gone through years before. "I was born ready." She laughed and got out of the car, skipping to the open door of Pop's diner and walking right in. By now, her and Audrey had their booth already picked out, and Sugar naturally headed over to it.

audrey

i can really see myself falling for this girl, she thought, watching as sugar went on ahead. It was a lot to think about, a lot to process — it wasn’t that long ago where audrey felt like she was annoying the hell out of sugar. She was really glad that things changed. She made her own way to the booth, taking a seat across from her. She knew they had to be friendly in public; not overly flirtatious — and while that hurt, she understood. “I didn’t realize how hungry I was until we got here.”

sugar-snap

"Imagine not eating at all for an enti-" Sugar was cut off quickly by someone approaching the table, glaring down at her. They were wearing a Pop's uniform, so they must work here, right? 'We don't serve murderers here.' Their tone was toxic and wiped the smile clean off of Sugar's face. She looked down at the table. "S-Sorry."

audrey

Suddenly a surge of anger waved through audrey; the audacity of some of this town. Sugar didn’t do anything; she was caught up in the thick of a mass raid. it wasn’t her fault. “Hey — back off, man. She didn’t do anything. They took a quarter of the school that day — do you really think she’d be sitting here across from me if she killed someone?” Her voice was quiet as to not disturb the others, but loud enough so this man would hear it. venomous enough to know she was serious. She wasn’t having this shit.

sugar-snap

"Psychos are always good at acting." He said simply, smirking as Sugar pushed herself up and out of the booth. She knew she'd face retaliation after the raid, but she didn't think it'd start right away. "I-It's okay, I'll go." She said softly, backing towards the door. Maybe going out wasn't the greatest idea right now . . . Damn it, Sugar.

audrey

She wanted to punch him in the face. Wanted to show him that it wasn’t sugar he should be worried about. That this girl, this scared, frightened girl wasn’t the threat. But she knew she couldn’t; not without getting arrested and not without scaring her. So she followed after, taking sugars hand. “I’ve got an idea. They don’t need our business.” She mumbled, shaking her head as she walked out to the car.

sugar-snap

Sugar didn't understand why the northside was so quick to accept the Serpents as murderers. She thought they had made peace with them after being forced to go to school together, but god was she wrong. "What's your idea?" She asked once outside, voice quiet as it was when she snuck into Audrey's room.

audrey

“How do you feel about a road trip?” There was the chance that they wouldn’t be going to school the next day, but honestly — Audrey didn’t care. She wanted to get out of this prejudice town, wanted to have fun with sugar. That’s what tonight was supposed to be.

sugar-snap

"What about your dad?" She stopped by the hearse, biting at the side of her nail nervously. She felt bad knowing she brought this on herself by showing her face around town, but Audrey stood up for her. Again. "Where should we go?"

audrey

“I’ve got it covered; clays got my back.” She opened the door for her, but didn’t expect her to get inside yet. What just happened was fucked, and she understood if sugar needed a minute. “I was thinking Pittsburgh. It’s not too far... more open.”

sugar-snap

Sugar couldn't help herself, she shyly snaked her arms around the other girl and hugged her tightly for a moment - it was almost as if she needed to remind herself that Audrey is real. She seemed far too good to be at this point. "Thank you for defending me . . . again . . . and Pittsburgh sounds nice."

audrey

She hugged sugar back, just favoring the moment. She loved having sugar in her arms; being able to hold her and just be there with her. “You deserve the best. And don’t you forget that, okay?” At least in Pittsburgh, they won’t have to worry about murders. Or outing themselves to those they know. Or the idea of getting arrested.

sugar-snap

She nodded, silently timing her hug as to not out herself yet. She wasn't ashed of who she was, but the last thing she needed right now was to have more harassment shoved down her throat. "You are the best, Audrey." She said softly, pulling back after a few moments and getting into the hearse quietly.

audrey

She wanted to kiss her. That moment felt right; but she knew it wasn’t safe. It wasn’t safe for sugar, and audrey knew that the backlash would fall on sugar harder thanks to that damn video. There were still people being bigots to audrey alone. So she walked over to the other side of the car, starting it up and driving off into the night. “I’m sorry about that dick.”

sugar-snap

Sugar longed to find a place where they could just be, somewhere where they don't have to worry about getting hurt or bullied. Somewhere safe, but not Audrey's room as much as she loved it. Maybe, if she just got to pretend for one night that Audrey was her girlfriend, she'd figure out if her attraction was romantic or physical. "It's okay, I probably shouldn't have shown my face so soon after . . . the raid."

audrey

“What I think is that people jump to conclusions so often, they don’t take the time to use common sense.” She sighed, hopping on the highway. It was like people didn’t know how to use their head. If sugar was guilty, why would she be out? If sugar was guilty, why was she going into pops? Mass association could suck her silicone dick. “I think it’s a good thing we’re getting out... even for just a night.”

sugar-snap

"I'm not even capable of murder." Unless someone were to hurt Audrey, then she'd be capable of murder. She sighed as well, slumping further into her seat and plugging her phone back into the aux cord, playing quiet music in hopes that it'd calm her nerves. "I have a weird request," she started nervously, "I-I just want to pretend, for one night, that - *nevermind."

audrey

She furrowed her brow, reaching over and grabbing sugars hand. She gave it a squeeze, looking over at sugar for a moment and glancing between her and the road. “What is it?” Her voice was quiet; soft. She could tell something was bothering sugar, and wanted the girl to trust her enough to talk to her about it.

sugar-snap

"You're going to think I'm a bad person." She mumbled, yet she let Audrey hold her hand. In her head she was trying to figure out a way to say this without offending her. "I-I want to pretend that you're my girlfriend, even if just for a night."

audrey

The idea of pretending hurt, but she had gotten good at having a stoic face; not letting things show that they hurt. But she wanted to let sugar be happy, despite wanting to actually be with her. “We can do that,” She whispered, bringing sugars hand up and placing a kiss to the back of it. Pretending is better than nothing.

sugar-snap

"I want to make sure what I feel is real, you know?" Not that she was insecure of her own feelings, but her subconscious still wasn't sure of it. She liked Audrey. She liked being with her, holding her hand, kissing her. "I think I like-like you, Audrey." God, that was such an elementary term for something as complex as a romantic attraction.

audrey

Hearing sugars words felt like her heart stopped for a second. She gave sugars hand a squeeze, chewing on her lip. Was this the moment? Did this make this moment real ? Could she... Was this the right time? “Then... why do we have to pretend?” The unsureness she felt was evident in her voice; hesitant, quiet. Small. She didn’t want to hide, didn’t want to pretend. Because, as far as she was concerned — she like-liked sugar, too.

sugar-snap

"Because I-" She cut herself off, looking over at the other. She fell silent for a moment, mainly out of surprise at the idea that for once somebody felt the se about her. There was no right time to ask, and though Sugar knew she should say no, she wanted to say yes. "I didn't think you liked me like that." Her mouth went dry, but she didn't dare pull her hand away from Audrey's to nervously fidget with a strand of her own hair.

audrey

“Why wouldn’t I like you like that, sug?” There was a hint of incredulousness in her voice, as if she couldn’t believe that someone wouldnt feel that way about sugar. She liked her. Liked sleeping next to her, liked spending time with her, holding her hand, kissing her. She liked it all. And she wanted it all. “I... really like you, sugarcane. And... I want to be with you. If you want the same.”

sugar-snap

"I-I don't know." Her cheeks turned dark red and she couldn't help the dorky smile that sat across her face. Was this actually happening? Right now? Her heart was racing and without a moment of hesitation, she nodded. "I do, Aud." She said with a slight giggle, butterflies fluttering in her chest.

audrey

Audrey couldn’t stop the grin that came across her face — “are you sure? Are we...?” She left the question open, allowing sugar to answer how she felt fit. And while she really wanted that girlfriend label, really wanted to wear it with pride, even if it meant in private — she wanted to leave it up to sugar. Because ultimately, this was new to sugar. And audrey wanted her to have a choice.

sugar-snap

"If I'm being honest, I don't think I've ever been this sure about something like this before." If Audrey wasn't driving, she would have already leaned over to kiss her, but the idea of Aud crashing and getting hurt killed her. So, she controlled herself. "Girlfriend and girlfriend?" She giggled again, she didn't know if Audrey could tell her palm was sweating and she hoped she couldn't.

audrey

If she were being honest, Audrey was far too excited about this. The last person she had been with — Rachael — has bolted when the video was released. She didn’t blame her, but it still hurt. So the fact that sugar wanted this, wanted her — it baffled her and excited her all the se. “I don’t think you realize how happy this made me,” she commented, kissing the back of sugars hand again.

sugar-snap

Her heart was still racing as she looked out at the road in front of them, she wanted to text Pea, to tell him she has a girlfriend. She was filled with this excitement and joy that was so foreign yet so, so welcome. "Well, as your girlfriend, it's my job to make you happy." She leaned over to kiss her cheek gently, not wanting to distract her from driving.

audrey

A blush crept on Audrey’s cheeks and she glanced at sugar; the smile couldn’t be wiped from her face even if she tried. It seemed like good things really did come out of tragic situations sometimes. “I think I could get really used to hearing that coming from you.” Her mind went to noah, and how she wanted to tell him — but they were fighting. Over something similar to what audrey was doing now... she really needed to apologize.March , 

sugar-snap

"Good." She smiled brightly. God, she wanted to text Sweet Pea and tell him, but he was more occupied with taking care of Aurora and doing . . . god knows what with Reggie. "Wanna pull over and make out under the stars?"

audrey

The suggestion caught audrey off guard at first, but it wasn’t like she was complaining. It had been a while since they had a little risqué fun. “Sure... let me get off the highway first so there’s not a high risk.” She may be a horny teen half the time, but she’s a horny teen who didnt want her hearse to be crushed.

sugar-snap

"Just to fully initiate our relationship." she teased, winking at her and biting her lower lip. Sugar would take ANY excuse she could to kiss Audrey, and maybe it was the sleep deprivation, but Sugar almost needed to kiss her. God dn horny teens.

audrey

Audrey smirked, taking the next exit into whatever town showed up and almost immediately pulled off to the side of the road — field of growing corn be damned.   “Wanna stay up here or help me christen the back?” It was a lame attempt at a pick up line, but god did she hope it worked. Not that she was expecting to do the do that night.

sugar-snap

"I thought you'd never ask!" Sugar laughed, unbuckling her seatbelt and getting out of the car quickly. She had an odd talent; it took her less than a second to locate the big dipper, and she pointed up, grinning. "God . . . the stars are beautiful, Audrey!" She called, assuming Audrey hadn't gotten out of the hearse yet.

audrey

Audrey let out a laugh, quickly unbuckling her seatbelt to move to the back of the car. She looked up at the sky; it was so much clearer without the light pollution of riverwood. It was so peaceful, serene... This is what they needed. “They’re so much brighter out here...” she trailed off, pausing in the middle of opening the back door to just gaze up at the sky.

sugar-snap

Sugar walked towards the back, snaking under the door to wrap her arms around her girlfriend. She was so . . . clingy. "Boo!" She laughed, squeezing her tight.

audrey

Audrey jumped; the whole thing from the raid still leaving her on edge, but upon realizing that it was sugar — her sugar — she relaxed and turned in her arms. “Hi,” she whispered, noting how close they were.

sugar-snap

"Hi." She whispered back, smiling up at her. This didn't feel real, this was too good to be real. But it was real. They were there alone, but together. "You're so cute-"

audrey

Audrey’s arms wrapped around sugars waist, pulling her against her. If you had asked her weeks ago if this is where she thought she’d be with sugar, she may have laughed. But now? Now she was loving it. “Not as cute as you,” she smirked, leaning forward to press a kiss to sugars cheek.

sugar-snap

"Nope, you're way cuter." She smiled, enjoying her warmth and letting herself relax. They were away from Riverwood, somewhere where she can truly love her girlfriend.

audrey

“I’d beg to differ,” Her grin was wide and damn, she couldn’t believe she had gotten so soft just because of this girl. But seeing how happy sugar was, how it seemed all the negative thoughts from before had washed away even for a moment — that’s what mattered to her. “Not only are you cuter, but you’re also hella beautiful.”

sugar-snap

"Hella? Okay, Chloe Price." She teased, leaning in for a soft, sweet kiss. Their first kiss as a couple. All worry melted away at that point, all she was focused on was her. "Smooching time?"

audrey

Maybe it was the fact that they were on the side of the road and no one would bother them, ridicule them, out them here. But having sugar in her arms, with their lips pressed together — is this what true happiness felt like? “Smooching time,” she smirked, opening the back doors and hopping inside, turning to help sugar.

sugar-snap

It must be, because the smile Sugar wore on her face was not going away even for a second. She smiled and climbed in after Audrey, not wasting a moment of time before crawling into her lap. "Honestly, let's just run away from Riverwood," she joked, kissing the tip of her nose.

audrey

“God, I wish we could,” That was the truth. She wanted to run away from riverwood — but she couldn’t leave her dad. Her brother. Noah. She’d miss them — but in the end, it’d probably be worth it. She placed her hands on sugars hips, wasting no time in pulling her closer against her.

sugar-snap

"Maybe one day we can. We can just say 'fuck it' and leave all of that shit behind. I'd miss Sweet Pea, but I'd get over it . . . probably." Sugar didn't have that many friends aside from Riley, Jughead, and Toni. Sometimes she wondered if Riley knew about her and Audrey, though, given that they were part of the same circle. "I want to run to somewhere warm, maybe Florida. We could go to disney, relax at the beach, be as gay as we want to be."

audrey

"would you wear bikinis for me?" She joked, running her hands along sugars sides. Just the idea of that made a shiver run down her spine -- stupid hormones. but the idea of just running away with sugar, running away from her issues and her horrid past was one that she didn't want to just forget. she could see herself really doing that with sugar. "would you want to be gay at disney?"

sugar-snap  

"For you?" Sugar switched the mood, biting her lip. "I would go naked." She winked, kissing her cheek, then her jaw, then finally her lips. "Only if you call me Princess Emelina. Duh."

audrey 

Audrey bit her lip at the thought, her hands moving to sugars back. “You can’t put thoughts like that into my head, sug.” She whispered, pressing a couple kisses against sugars lips. “You’re always my princess emelina. we don’t have to be at Disney for that.”

sugar-snap  

"Awwww." She cooed, blushing softly. "And why can't I? It's bound to happen some day," she teased, though she was unsure as she didn't show her body to many. She was riddled with scars, stretchmarks even.

audrey 

Her lips ghosted down sugars jaw, placing soft, slow kisses down her neck. her thumbs teased the edge of sugars sweatshirt, dipping under just enough for her thumbs to lightly touch soft skin. “Because you’ll rile me up and I want our first time to be special.”

sugar-snap  

"Aw." Sugar smiled, blushing as she felt Audrey's lips on her neck. However, when her thumbs met her skin, she grabbed her hands, bringing one to her lips. "That's okay, I'm not the most . . . comfy . . . with my own body yet."

audrey 

Audrey nodded, understanding. She gave her a small smile and when sugar let go of her hands, she let them fall back down to her sides — over the sweatshirt. “I understand, sug. Over the clothes until you’re ready. I don’t mind.”

sugar-snap  

"That's why you're my girlfriend." Sugar smiled down at her, giggling softly as she leaned down, kissing her softly once again. "I really, really, really, really like you," she said, a kiss between each 'really'.

audrey 

“All yours,” She grinned against soft lips, bringing a hand up to cup sugars cheek. She was happy. And she felt like she could finally breathe when she was around sugar. And that was rare for her. “I really, really like you too.”

sugar-snap  

Sugar leaned into her touch, closing her eyes and enjoying Audrey's touch. Her warmth, her smell, everything about her. "And to think I wanted to kick your ass last month."

audrey 

“I mean, I’m sure there’s times still that you wanna kick my ass.” She joked, looking up at sugar. It was funny how this all came about — how the teasing, flirtatious comments had turned real. It seemed like fate worked in funny ways. “And to be honest, I wouldn’t mind if you did.”

sugar-snap  

"Maaaaaybe, but out of love, not hate." She assured her, thinking back to how Audrey teased her for being so short, how she made her blush and slowly made her realize; she was not straight. "I'd never want to hurt you."

audrey 

Audrey smiled at her, giving her hips a squeeze. The fact that this was even happening, the fact that for so long she didn’t think she deserved to be happy — it was a lot. But a good lot. “Maybe I’d like the pain.”

sugar-snap  

"Oh, so she's kinky?" She laughed and shook her head, leaning down and nuzzling her face into the crook of Audrey's neck happily. Could they just stay here? The idea of going home was . . . dreadful.

audrey 

“Maybe a little bit.” Her hands ran across sugars back, just taking in the comfort. Despite the cool air leaking in from the open door, Audrey felt content. Safe. “I haven’t really tried anything like that, though.”

sugar-snap  

"How much have you tried? Just out of curiosity." She questioned, every now and then she'd press a soft, sleepy kiss to her neck or shoulder, because it felt so nice just to kiss the girl.

audrey 

“I’m not a virgin, if that’s what you’re asking,” She wanted that to be blunt, just to get it out there. She wanted sugar to know at least that. She adjusted sugar on her lap, placing kisses along her jaw and neck. “But... I didn’t really do like... pain? Or anything extreme.”

sugar-snap  

"Well now I feel less bad about that." Feeling her kisses along her jaw and neck, Sugar closed her eyes to enjoy the feeling. Sure, she's kissed other people before, but Audrey's kisses always left her skin tingling for more. "The night of the party, in August, some Stonewall prep asshole put his hand around my throat - I would have kicked his ass but . . . it was nice. Ish."

audrey 

Audrey raised an eyebrow out of curiosity, turning her head to look more at sugar. “You like being choked?” She wasn’t expecting that, that was for sure, but the idea of it was honestly... very not to her.

sugar-snap 

"Maybe juuuust a little. With the right person. I told that jock if he squeezes any tighter I'd yell for the cops - can't trust those Stonewall boys, y'know?" She tried to make a joke out of it, giggling softly and looking down at Audrey again. "But, if you were to do that, I'm pretty comfortable with knowing that you wouldn't try to strangle me to death - unless that's your plan."

audrey 

audrey hummed, the idea of anyone putting their hands on sugar made her blood boil. and it was taking a lot of mental strength to not drive over to stonewall and give those assholes a piece of her mind. "Oh yeah, I totally want to murder the person who's made me the happiest I've been in a while." the idea of her choking sugar, however -- it did something to her. and while they had decided to wait, audrey would probably have something to take care of later.

sugar-snap  

"Happiness is scary." She teased. To be honest, Audrey was the first person she's told that to. Anyone else would have laughed or called her a slut for even allowing one of those boys that close to her. But Audrey? She didn't say anything of the sort. "It would be an honor to die by my girlfriend's hand." She could go further and tell her more, but she didn't want to risk ruining what they had together by exposing her . . . sexcapades.

audrey 

Audrey nodded in agreement. Happiness was scary. And the fact that it seemed the more she was with sugar, the happier she got — that terrified her. “Just don’t tell your brother that. He’d probably kill me.”

sugar-snap  

"I can't help if he summons me via oujia board!" Sugar couldn't help but tease her, teasing was the basis of their fucking relationship, to be honest. But in all seriousness, while happiness scared Audrey, death scared Sugar.

audrey 

Audrey rolled her eyes playfully, placing a kiss to sugars lips. The idea of sugar coming back via ouija board was an interesting one — but also terrifying. “Then I guess when I go to choke you, I just have to make sure to take it easy. Besides... I like having you around.”

sugar-snap  

"You do? I never would have guessed." She grinned against her lips and cupped both sides of Audrey's face with her hands. The idea of Audrey actually choking her made her heart race, but she knew better than to push her own boundaries right now.

audrey 

She rolled her eyes again, pulling sugar closer to her. “Shut up, you.” She kissed her lips again but when she pulled back, she couldn’t help but bring her hand up to stroke the side of sugars neck. god, did she want to try it.

sugar-snap  

"Make me," Sugar teased, kissing back softly. While her heart was already racing, her heart rate picked up even more at the feeling of Audrey's hand on her neck.  It seemed everything she did was different, more exciting. Maybe that was just the butterflies telling her that though.

audrey 

Audrey bit her lip, and with a slightly shaky yet confident hand she wrapped her fingers around sugars neck and pressed down on the pressure points. ...this didn’t count as sex, right?

sugar-snap  

It didn't, technically, they still had their clothes on. Anything above the clothes didn't count, right? Sugar blushed hard as her hand wrapped around her neck, goosebumps dotted her skin all the way down her spine. Still, it wasn't until she actually began to squeeze that Sugar let out the softest, most timid moan she had probably ever sounded.

audrey 

it was quiet, but audrey heard it. Audrey heard it and holy shit was it hot. her breathing picked up just the slightest bit as she pressed a little harder, her other hand going up to sugars back for support. “If it’s too much, squeeze my wrist.”

sugar-snap  

She nodded, knowing that she might freak Audrey out with just how much she could take. It was worth the risk; Sugar did not want to pull away from her. Not right now. She couldn't help but tilt her head back slightly, giving Audrey more access to her neck - it was a natural reaction at this point.

audrey 

this whole thing was a lot. It was hot, it was kinda fucked that it was happening for the first time in the back of Audrey’s car, and frankly, Audrey wanted to do a lot more than just choke sugar right now. But she promised she’d wait. She couldn’t stop herself from leaning down to kiss and nip along sugars neck, though.

sugar-snap  

So did Sugar, but she last time she'd done anything with someone, she wasn't sober. She never was. But for Audrey, she would be, and that would take a long time for her to become comfortable with the idea of someone actually remembering what she looked like in the morning. But of course, everything changed with Audrey. If Audrey wanted her, she'd more than likely give in right now, as another moan slipped her lips. A little louder now, oops.

audrey 

“Fuck,” Audrey breathed out against sugars neck, her hand on her back pulling her a little closer. She moved her hand down to her thigh, squeezing it. “You’re really hot, you know that?”

sugar-snap  

"I may have been told one or two times." She let out a flustered chuckle, biting the inside of her cheek as she looked down at Audrey's hand on her thigh. God damn hormones. "Buuuut, I'm not nearly as hot as you, Aud."

audrey 

Audrey didn’t want to stop. She wanted to keep going; to push and push and push until she had to stop. She kissed down sugars neck, pulling back the sweatshirt collar to suck on her collarbone. If she couldn’t mark sugar in a public place, she’d mark her elsewhere. “Now you’re just being flattering.”

sugar-snap  

"If telling the truth is flattery, so be it-" She was cut off by a gasp, her cheeks remained their dark red hue as Sugar closed her eyes once again. This was fine, this was innocent, she couldn't deny the fact that she loved every kiss Audrey gave her, which is why she hasn't pulled away.

audrey 

Audrey let out a deep exhale as she kept herself under control. She let her hips move up once, mostly out of her own control — her body felt like it was on fire. And she was loving it. “We might have to stop soon,” she whispered, leaning up to press her lips against sugars.

sugar-snap  

She whined against her lips, but she knew that Audrey was right. "Not yet," she kissed her back, wrapping her arms tightly around her to pull her closer as if that was even possible. She didn't want to stop, not yet, though she didn't want to go too far either.

audrey 

Audrey let out a quiet moan, allowing her hands to move down sugars back to her ass. What could she say — she’s an ass girl. She squeezed and moved against sugar again — she had to stop or else she wouldn’t be able to and she wanted to respect sugars boundaries.

sugar-snap  

Sugar smirked softly to herself, then let out another, slightly louder moan. She could tell Audrey must've liked the sound, and if there was one thing she liked more than Audrey, it was teasing her. But, she knew Audrey wanted their first time to be special, and in order to keep them from going too far, she pulled back slightly. "You know I've never been with a girl, right? You're the first-"

audrey 

Audrey’s breathing was heavy as she looked at sugar, doing her best to calm down. She definitely had a situation going on, but she was glad that they weren’t able to get carried away. “I figured,” audrey nodded, giving her a smile. “That’s... that’s why I wanted to wait.”

sugar-snap  

"We can wait, Auddy. I didn't mean to get you so riled up." She giggled, biting her lip. She did feel guilty, but she also didn't. Maybe it'll be even better if she keeps teasing. "There's nothing wrong with a little bit of foreplay, right?"

audrey

“Not at all,” she smirked, her hands still very much on sugars ass. “Besides, I don’t mind getting riled up, because it just lets me know how great it’s going to be when that time comes.” She couldn’t get sugars moans out of her ears, and that alone left goosebumps on her body.

sugar-snap

"Oh don't get your hopes up, I'd hate to disappoint." She whined. It sounded like a joke, but Sugar didn't want Audrey to get this idea that she was this . . . sapphic goddess, or whatever. She was inexperienced, naive, and very nervous.  "Us lesbians do move really fast, huh?"

audrey

“You’re not gonna disappoint me, sugarcane.” She was being entirely honest, and her voice was soft. Kind. She brought a hand up to stroke against sugars cheek, being mindful of the bruise. “I don’t care who you’ve been with, or what parts you’re used to. I want to be with you in that way, when we’re both ready for it.” She couldn’t help but laugh, though — sugar was most definitely right. “All we need now is a uhaul and a cat.”

sugar-snap

"You know all the right words to say to get me to smile, I swear." Despite her bruise, she leaned into Audrey's touch and turned her head, pressing a soft kiss to her palm. As she laughed, Sugar joined, shaking her head. "Don't tempt me, I've always wanted a kitty."

audrey

Audrey couldn’t help it, the words were out before she could stop it — “I’ve got a kitty for you,” she smirked, biting her lip at sugar.

sugar-snap

It took her a moment, but when she put two and two together she blushed hard again, giggling. "Oh shhh! You're gonna get me all flustered again!"

audrey

Audrey laughed at sugars reaction, but the smile that stayed in place was purely because of sugar, and where they were, and how they were. Audrey hadn’t had this much fun in a while. “What can I say? I like teasing you.”

sugar-snap 

"No shit, Sherlock." She smiled and looked back at the open door, grabbing it gently. "I think it's time to cuddle, how about you?"

audrey

Audrey hummed, nodding. She leaned back against the side, silently suggesting sugar pull it closed. She had a few blankets sprawled about, mainly in case of an emergency, so once sugar was back in her arms she pulled one over them. “You know... I could really get used to this,” she whispered after a moment, her fingers playing with sugars hair.

sugar-snap

Sugar pulled the door shut and crawled into Audrey's arms, wrapping her own around her tightly and burying her face in her shoulder. "Me too. You're so warm, and you smell good." She laughed softly, letting Aud play with her hair.

audrey

She felt like she could fall asleep like that. Never been fully relaxed before, it was like sugar was lifting a weight on her chest. It was... peaceful. And she was at ease, despite being in the middle of BFE. “are you claiming me as your own personal pillow?”

sugar-snap 

"Yes." She nodded quickly, she could fall asleep like this too, and with Audrey's fingers in her hair it was almost inevitable. She felt so calm with her, so safe.

audrey