The waiting room was empty when Toni arrived at the dentist's office. The serpent had expected as much, since it was currently 8 AM on a Saturday. Way too early to be awake on a weekend. Sighing, Toni checked in at the front desk and threw herself into the nearest chair. As she turned to check out what kinds of magazines were on the table, she saw a flash of red out of the corner of her eye.
There, wearing a red sweatshirt and black leggings was the one and only Cheryl Blossom. At the redhead's side was Veronica Lodge, who was trying, and failing, to keep Cheryl upright. Toni knew who Cheryl was, (how could she not?) but she didn't think the other girl had the slightest clue what her name even was. To Riverdale's HBIC, Toni only probably existed as another dirty serpent and nothing more. Still, Toni jumped to her feet to help Veronica practically carry Cheryl to her car. Veronica shot Toni a tight smile as she allowed the serpent to take hold of one of Cheryl's arms.
Cheryl looked at Toni out of the corner of her eye before a dopey grin spread across her face. The redhead turned to Veronica and smiled even wider, starting to speak in a raspy voice that told Toni that Cheryl probably thought she was whispering, "Ronnie! She's the really pretty snake."
Toni nearly dropped Cheryl as she processed what the cheerleader had just said. Cheryl Blossom knew who she was? Not only that, but she thought she was pretty too? Toni shot a panicked look at Veronica, but the raven haired girl just nodded along with Cheryl, "I know Cher. C'mon, we have to take you home."
Once Toni and Veronica finally got the redhead into Veronica's car, Toni spoke up, "I'm guessing she just got her wisdom teeth out?"
"Yeah," Veronica sighed, "And I'm the only one who will watch her. She can't be alone for a couple hours."
Toni's next words spilled out of her mouth before she could process what she was saying, "I could watch her, if you want?"
"Aw that's nice, Toni," Veronica said as she climbed into the driver's seat, "But you don't really know her, she can be a bit of a handful. Besides, don't you have your own appointment?"
Toni relented, telling Veronica not to hesitate to call her if she needed anything. Veronica agreed, slapping Cheryl's hands away from the steering wheel as she pulled out of the parking lot.
...
"Pea! Why the fuck are there chips all over the floor? And for Pete's sake, learn to put your socks in the damn laundry!" Toni yelled.
"Nah Tiny. You live in my trailer, so my rules. If I wanna make a mess, I make a mess." Sweet Pea leaned against the doorframe to his bedroom, tossing the bag of chips he'd been eating onto the kitchen table. The force of the bag hitting the wood caused chips to fly, most of them landing in Toni's hair.
"Damn it, Sweet Pea. You're lucky I love you, you know that?"
Across the trailer, Fangs voice called out, "Toni! Your phone is ringing!"
"Yeah thanks, Fangs, don't bring it to me or anything." Toni mumbled under her breath, stomping toward her bedroom. The serpent didn't read the caller ID before she snapped at the person on the other line, "What do you want?"
"Toni? It's Veronica."
"Oh, I'm so sorry," Toni apologized, her tone much calmer now, "I was just fighting with the guys, what's up?"
"Is this a bad time?"
"Not at all, do you need something, Ronnie?"
"Yeah it's Cheryl," Veronica sighed defeatedly, "She keeps asking for you, and she's refusing to go to sleep. I'm so sorry, Toni. I know you guys don't really know each other and I have no idea what her fascination with you is, I just-"
"It's fine, V," Toni interrupted. "I need to get out of here anyway. Are you at your place?"
"Yes. Are you sure you want to come over here?"
"I'm on my way."
When Toni arrived at the Pembrooke, a very frazzled Veronica greeted her, "Hey, Toni. Thank god."
"Happy to help... why are you looking at me like that?"
"Looking at..." Ronnie shook her head, "You have chips? In your hair?"
"Oh my god. I totally forgot. Sweet Pea threw chips at me," Toni explained, ruffling her hair to shake them out.
"It's all good," Veronica replied, helping Toni rid her hair of potato crisps. "Would you believe that's not the weirdest thing I've seen today?"
Toni raised an eyebrow at Veronica as a voice called out, "Ronnie! There are sheep in my mouth!"
Veronica rolled her eyes, "Cheryl Blossom, for the fifth time, those are cotton balls! Don't touch them!"
The raven haired girl showed the serpent into her home, shooting her a look that said, do you see what I've been dealing with? As the duo entered the kitchen.
Cheryl was curled up on the couch in Veronica's living room, cocooned in blankets, squeezing her face between her hands.
"Cher," Veronica said, softer than before, "Someone is here to see you."
Cheryl looked up, her cheeks still squished between her palms.
"Hi, Cheryl," Toni cooed, stepping closer to the redhead. "Veronica said you wanted to see me?"
Cheryl studied the pink-haired girl in front of her with a very serious expression before asking, "Can your snakes get the sheep out of my mouth?"
Behind Toni, Veronica huffed. "That's it. I'm sorry Toni, but she's all yours now. I'll be in my room."
A/N: Hi guys! Let me know what you think of this one. I'm thinking it's going to end up being a couple of chapters long. As always, I don't own these characters and all mistakes are mine. Hope you enjoy!