Back in their apartment, Asher and Jerome were still riding high from the excitement of winning first place at the Christmas talent show. The night had been a whirlwind, and now, they were ready to celebrate their victory in true Riverdale style—with friends, pizza, and laughter.
Jerome nudged Asher as they set up their cozy living room for the celebration. "We should have some people over to celebrate, don't you think? I mean, we did just win first place, after all."
Asher grinned, nodding. "I love that idea. Let's get Veronica and Gabriel over here, for sure. They were cheering us on all night."
Jerome grabbed his phone and texted Veronica, who replied almost instantly with an enthusiastic "We're on our way!" But she didn't stop there. Veronica took it upon herself to extend the invitation to nearly everyone in the talent show lineup: Betty, Jughead, Archie, Moose, Jay, Beatrice, Christian, and Reggie. Cheryl, however, declined with her trademark flair, saying she had "other, more fabulous plans for herself."
As everyone else started arriving, they took turns admiring the little apartment Asher and Jerome had decorated with holiday cheer, lights, and a few hand-sewn stockings by Asher himself.
"Wow," Betty said, looking around with a warm smile. "This place is so cute! It's like stepping into a Hallmark Christmas movie."
Asher's smile turned sheepish. "Thanks, Betty. We… might've gone a bit overboard with the decorations. But, uh… one small problem. I may have forgotten to actually order pizza for tonight."
The group laughed, and just as they were making backup plans, a knock came on the door. Asher, a bit preoccupied with his phone, was busy calling Morgan Reznick to see if she and Alex wanted to join the party.
Jerome went to answer the door, finding a pizza delivery guy holding several steaming boxes. "Is there an Asher Wolke here?" the delivery guy asked, glancing at the receipt.
Jerome chuckled, taking the boxes. "Yeah, that's him. I think he forgot he ordered pizza."
As the aroma of pizza filled the room, Jerome set down three boxes on the coffee table and opened them, revealing a supreme pizza, a classic pepperoni, and a pineapple and bacon combo.
"Alright, everyone, dinner is served!" Jerome announced, just as another knock sounded at the door.
This time, it was Morgan, who entered with a playful grin. "Well, well, if it isn't Mr. and Mr. First Place themselves," she teased, raising an eyebrow. "You two really know how to throw a party."
They welcomed her in, and once everyone was settled with slices and drinks, Jerome tapped his glass to get everyone's attention for a quick toast.
"Thank you all for coming to celebrate with us tonight," Jerome began, his voice warm. "Winning first place at the Christmas Talent Show wasn't something Asher or I expected, but I'm so glad we got to share it with each of you."
Asher, unable to resist adding his own sentiment, raised his slice of pizza like a toast. "And hey, it was a shirtless holiday duet! Who knew Riverdale would love it so much? Huge thanks to all of you for cheering us on and making this night unforgettable."
Veronica took her cue and raised her own glass, smirking. "And I have a confession to make: I'm the one who gave them first place." She shrugged with a smile. "Not just because they're my new neighbors and the sweetest people I know, but because they brought something totally unique to the talent show. I mean, come on! Where else are you going to see a holiday shirtless duet?"
Betty chimed in, laughing. "And who else gets blueberry muffins and blackberry pie as housewarming gifts?"
Asher and Jerome shared a look, laughing as they thought back to the welcome food gifts. "Not to mention Gabriel's French crepes!" Jerome added, looking at Gabriel, who gave a little bow.
"To new neighbors and good food!" Veronica said, lifting her glass. "And to Asher and Jerome for being the stars of the night."
Everyone raised their glasses, and after the toast, they dove into the pizza, filling the apartment with laughter and conversation. Asher leaned over to Veronica at one point, lowering his voice. "Hey, any idea where Cheryl went tonight? She declined our invitation."
Veronica rolled her eyes with a laugh. "Cheryl's got this new thing where she claims she's 'focusing on herself,' but we all know she's probably just doing something ridiculous. Honestly, I think she's convinced half the town she's some kind of 'luxury escort' now. Hooker might be a stretch, but she's definitely living the role."
Jerome choked back a laugh. "Wait, are you serious? Cheryl thinks she's… a hooker?"
Veronica shrugged, giving him a look. "Look, it's Cheryl. If she wants to reinvent herself, she'll do it with as much drama as humanly possible."
Everyone burst out laughing, trying to imagine the full extent of Cheryl's latest self-reinvention.
As the night wore on, the crowd began to dwindle, with everyone saying their goodbyes. Soon, it was just Veronica, Gabriel, Betty, and Morgan left, gathered around with one last round of pizza and a bottle of wine.
Jerome poured a few glasses and raised his. "Alright, one last toast to end the night. Here's to the best friends and the best first-place celebration."
"Oh, and let's not forget my homemade orange juice with a personal touch," Jerome added with a mischievous grin.
Asher groaned, hiding his face. "Jerome, please. Let's not bring that up ever again."
Betty, laughing, raised an eyebrow. "Wait, do I even want to know?"
Morgan, taking a sip of her wine, looked around the cozy room and smiled. "Honestly, I think I get why you guys moved here. Riverdale's got that small-town charm. Plus, after all the chaos back in Chicago, Alex and I needed a fresh start with Eden. Salen Morrison was making the hospital unbearable, so Riverdale seemed like the perfect place for a new chapter."
Jerome nodded sympathetically. "Oh, don't get us started on Salen. She drove us crazy too. This town really has become a sanctuary for us."
Veronica looked curious, tilting her head. "Who's Salen?"
Morgan rolled her eyes, letting out a sigh. "Salen's like that terrible boss you just can't shake, even when she's supposedly out of the picture. Let's just say she's the reason we needed to get away."
Everyone nodded in agreement, clinking glasses one last time. After sharing more laughter and stories, they finally said their goodbyes to Veronica, Gabriel, Betty, and Morgan. But as Morgan reached the door, she turned back with a grin.
"Oh, and one last thing," she said, her eyes twinkling. "Looks like we're neighbors now too. Alex and I just moved in across the hall, so if you need anything, we're right there."
Asher and Jerome exchanged a surprised look, then smiled warmly.
"Guess we'll be seeing a lot more of each other," Jerome said, giving her a hug.
Morgan smiled, giving them a wave as she stepped out. "Goodnight, Mr. and Mr. First Place!"
After everyone had gone, Asher and Jerome cleaned up the apartment, laughing together as they recounted the night's best moments. Finally, with the place tidied up, Jerome pulled Asher close, leaning down to kiss him gently.
"Tonight was perfect," Jerome murmured, smiling into the kiss. "And I'm pretty sure I'm crazy in love with you."
Asher's heart swelled, and he wrapped his arms around Jerome, holding him close. "I'm crazy in love with you too. No matter what."
And with the lights dimmed and their arms around each other, they kissed, letting the joy of the night carry them into a perfect, quiet ending to an unforgettable Christmas celebration.