Henry brushed the beading sweat from his forehead. Stretching his back, he took in the room. Boxes littered the previous baren room. He just finished unloading the boxes in his new room. He sighed, taking the stairs two at a time to help his parents unload the rest of the truck.
When his parents sat him down and told him they were moving from their suburban house in Ohio to New York he imagined an apartment in the middle of the big city. They ended up in a small town in upper New York that appeared smaller than where they previously lived in Ohio.
He snorted as soon as he read the cheesy sign. Welcome to Riverdale—the town of Pep!
"Are there any more boxes in the truck Pop?" He asked.
His dad shook his head, "Nope!" He clapped his hands together, rubbing them. "Now all we got to do is unpack everything."
Henry resisted the urge to roll his eyes. His dad seemed to be the only one happy with the move. The police department transferred him to New York, failing to mention where in New York. Even his mom seemed slightly caught off guard by where they ended up. He watched his mom, start unpacking the kitchen, her face not giving away to distaste or anything. It was pretty unreadable.
A clap on his shoulder knocked him out of his musings. "Help me with the furniture would you buddy?"
He nodded at his dad.
An hour or three later, they got all of the living room and the majority of the kitchen done.
"Why don't we explore the town a little bit and see where we can get some food...hm?" His dad announced.
They got into the car, taking in the sights of the mom-and-pop stores and other houses. It was a shiny beacon in all of its red neon glory. Pop's Chock'lit Shop.
"Oh, let's try this place." His mom pointed out the window.
Henry felt like he was transported back in time to the 50s as soon as he walked in. As an avid TV watcher, he realized what cliche this is of a diner in a small town like Riverdale.
It was busier than expected but there were a couple of booths open. A waitress came by and placed three menus in front of their faces.
"Welcome to Pop's. What can I start you guys off to drink?"
Henry glanced up and promptly choked on his tongue. The waitress was beautiful, with dark hair, tan skin, and curves for days. Her gaze met his. His dad had to nudge his shoulder.
"Uh coke for me thanks."
She smiled, "No problem, I'll be back with drinks and then take your order."
He watched as he practically floated in between the booths to the back. He made the mistake of catching his mom's curious gaze.
"She's cute."
He could feel the heat on his cheeks making his freckles stand out more. He hid his face in the plastic menu. The last thing he wanted was for his mom to try to hook him up with a girl.
The waitress came back with the drinks.
His dad asked what she would recommend on the menu. She told them her standard order.
"You should really be asking my friend J, I'm pretty sure he's had every single item on the menu." She whips her head around to the counter. "Isn't that right Pop?"
"What is Veronica?"
"J has tried everything on the menu."
The old man gave a hearty laugh. "Probably three times over at this point."
The waitress now known as Veronica turned back to the family. "I rest my case." Causing both his parents to laugh.
She takes down their food order. "Are you guys just passing by here?"
"We finished moving here today." His mom said.
Veronica's eyes lit up, "Oh! On the North or Southside?"
His Dad hummed, gesturing vaguely in the direction of their house. "Somewhere over there."
Veronica nodded her head in understanding. "Northside." She gestures with her pen to the back of Pops. "The train tracks there separate North and Southside. Don't let some people scare you about the Southside, some places are dangerous but I have friends from over there and they're some of the most loyal people I've ever met."
"Good to know." His dad said.
His mom placed her hand under her chin, she shot him a look. A sinking feeling settled into his stomach. Oh please Mom don't. He willed in his mind.
"If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?"
"I'm 17."
His mom feigned surprise. "Oh well, that's the same age as Henry here."
Veronica's eyes lit up. "Oh! When do you start school?"
Henry cleared his throat, "Tomorrow."
She smiled, clasping her hands together, and gestured to herself. "I used to be the new girl in town freshman year. It would be my pleasure helping another new kid get acclimated in everything Riverdale."
Henry picked at his sleeve, "That would be great, thank you."
Veronica smiled, turning to put in their order.
When they were all finished and rose to pay the check, Veronica waved them off.
Henry smiled and waved back before exiting. He tried to school his smile in the car. Maybe this move wasn't so bad after all.
Henry never thought he would be excited to go to school, particularly one where he's coming in halfway through the year.
Riverdale High looked nice on the outside. As soon as he walked in, he saw Veronica. Now out of her uniform, she looked even more breathtaking. His eyes traveled up her outfit in a daze. It promptly shattered at seeing her arm hooked with the guy beside her.
"Henry! Let me be the first to welcome you to Riverdale High." She placed her other hand on the guy's bicep. "This is one of my friends Kevin, he can give you the 411 on everything that goes on at school."
Henry could feel Kevin's eyes checking him out.
"Oh, you're cute, in a slightly geeky sort of way. I'm sensing puppy vibes. Please tell me you at least swing for both teams?"
Henry raised an eyebrow, "Teams?"
Veronica rolled her eyes, "Ignore him, he's gay and desperate for a new man."
Kevin pretended to be offended. "Can you blame me? There are slim pickings here."
Henry couldn't help his cheeks turning pink.
"Aw, he's even cuter when he blushes, look at those freckles."
Veronica giggled, "Come Henry, we'll show you around."
They got on either side of him and linked his arms. Henry let them half drag him down the hallway. Some students cast curious looks, especially seeing Veronica Lodge on the arm of a new guy.
A group of guys with letterman jackets walked passed. An Asian guy at the head tilted his head in greeting to Veronica. "Who's the fresh meat, Ronnie?"
"New kid Henry."
Reggie raised an eyebrow, "I'm sure the Bulldogs will have fun with you new kid!"
Veronica rolled her eyes, "That's my boyfriend Reggie and the Bulldogs. The football team."
Henry's chest deflated at the mention of Veronica having a boyfriend. Of course, she has one, she's probably one of the only beautiful girls in this town.
"Fair warning," Kevin cautioned, "They like to haze new students."
"We have a lot of extracurriculars here, just take your pick. Are you a sports guy? An artsy type?" Veronica asked.
"Uh…I didn't really get involved much at my old school."
"Well, it could be time to change that."
Henry turned his head from side to side to address both of them, "What do you guys do?"
"I'm a River Vixen, our cheer team, and into the theater."
"And I'm involved in theater, yearbook committee, and ROTC."
"Wow, I mean I guess being involved around here wouldn't hurt." He shrugged,
Veronica squeezed his bicep, "Trust me when I say sometimes you really have no choice but to get involved with this town."
The next stop of the tour was the student lounge.
"Ah, there you are Veronica."
The three of them turned around at her name being called.
"What's up, Cheryl?"
"Vixen practice is going to start a half hour later than normal. Please be a dear and pass along the message to Cousin Betty as well." Her eyes clicked over to Henry.
She crossed her arms, "Well you certainly aren't the normal gingered beau hanging around."
Henry cleared his throat and offered a timid wave, "Hey, I'm Henry."
Cheryl only raised an eyebrow, "Ease up Orphan Black." She shifted to speak to Veronica. "Did something happen to Archie that you had to replace him with a clone?
Veronica rolled her eyes, "No, I'm just showing the new kid around. Archie isn't in any danger."
"That we know of." Kevin chimes in.
"Whatever." She waved her hand in dismissal. "Just make sure you pass along my message. Toodles."
They watched her walk away, flicking her mane of red hair.
"I wonder why practice is later."
Veronica and Kevin exchanged the same look. "Toni." They agreed in unison.
"Well…she sure is…something." Henry chuckled uneasily.
"Cheryl Blossom thinks she runs this school and in some ways she does but you'll be surprised who she answers to."
"And should I be worried about this Archie guy?"
Now that caused both dark-haired teens to laugh.
Kevin wiped an imaginary tear. "Archie is like if you mixed a golden retriever with a male model who was then dropped as a baby."
Veronica nodded, "Scarily accurate but he's harmless to the right people."
The bell rang again and the two dragged him to lunch.
"Let me guess, you sit with the cheerleaders and football players?" said Henry, observing the different lunch tables.
Veronica wrinkled her nose, "Ew no. We have our own table."
Veronica cleared her throat, "Attention my lovelies," She held out her hand in front of Henry, "This is Henry, our new student at Riverdale." She said, "This is Betty Cooper my other half, my best friend and this is Josie McCoy our very own rising star in music."
Henry couldn't help but stare, he nearly missed the introduction to Josie.
She raised a hand, "Hi!"
Betty waved, "It's nice to meet you."
"H—Hi."
Just like that, he was over the disappointment of Veronica having a boyfriend. God blessed him with meeting and befriending the town's prettiest girls.
Veronica sat down beside Josie and Kevin slid next to Betty. Henry's eyes flicked back and forth, Betty took pity on him and moved over. He flashed a small smile in gratefulness.
"Where's J?" Veronica asked.
Betty stabbed a fork into her salad, "Serpents and Swords."
"Shouldn't you be there then?" Kevin raised his eyebrows.
"Nope, he's deciding who's working at La Bonne Nuit."
"That sounds pretty fancy for a town like this," Henry commented.
"That's the idea darling." Veronica brushed her hair off her shoulder. "It's only open two times a week, Fridays and Saturdays. You should come this Friday, it's the busiest night."
"Uhh, yeah sure…where is it exactly? I did drive around and I don't remember seeing any place named that."
Betty elbowed his bicep, "It's a secret, if you want I can pick you up."
Pink dusted his cheeks, "R—really?"
She shrugged, "It's no big deal."
Veronica clapped her hands, "Magnifique! The dress code is cocktail attire Henry. I trust you know what that is."
For the first time since coming to school, he was alone. He scratched the back of his head, Veronica's words echoed in it. Cocktail attire? What the hell is that? Maybe I can ask my mom. On the other hand, he couldn't believe that Betty practically offered to be his date Friday night!
"Hey! There's the new kid!"
The hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He vaguely recognized Reggie Mantle's voice. Some other jocks started to bark as they got closer and closer. Henry's eyes widened as he took off in a sprint.
Shitshitshitshit, what is the least likely place jocks would go?
He rounded the corner, seeing the sign above the library's double doors. He rushed to the back corners, hiding behind a random bookcase, so he could peer over top.
"Can I help you?"
Startled, he rammed his elbow into the hardwood. "Eep!" He rubbed his elbow vigorously.
"My bad."
Henry wanted to glare, after all the tone and the smirk tugging at the corner of his lips indicated he was feeling the opposite.
"I didn't mean to disturb you. I was running from the football team."
The stranger in plaid and a jean jacket, only raised his chin. "You must be the new kid."
"Henry Mitchell."
"Jughead Jones."
He cocked an eyebrow, a question on his lips.
"Believe me, the real name is worse."
Henry nodded his head in acceptance. Since coming in, he took stock that the library was disserted sans for Jughead and him. "Are you hiding from the football team too?"
Jughead snorted, "Hell no," He crossed his legs on the table, "I'm not the biggest fan of people and I enjoy the quiet in here."
"Thanks for not blowing my hiding spot. I'm unsure if you have any friends but consider me one." Henry said before checking both sides to make sure the coast was clear.
Henry rode the bus home and was greeted by his mother in the kitchen.
"Hi, Honey! How was your first day of school?"
"It was better than expected." He chuckled in disbelief, "I think I landed a date for Friday night."
His mom gasped, fully turning her attention to him. "What! Really?"
He nodded, "Yeah, uh I was shown around by Veronica, you know the girl from Pops."
"Did she ask you or did you ask her? She was very cute."
"No, no it turned out she had a boyfriend. She sort of hooked me up with her friend Betty."
"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow, "What does she look like?"
Henry sighed, "She's gorgeous Mom." He stared wistfully at the ceiling, "We're going to a restaurant called La Bonne Nuit. I'm supposed to dress in cocktail attire."
She clapped her hands together, "Oh this place sounds fancy, and for it to be a first date too! Oh, Honey let's see what's in your closet that'll work."
Friday came around in a blink of an eye. Before he left for school that day, Betty said she would pick him up at his house. He rattled off the address to her before she had to run to the Blue and Gold.
His mom finished tying his black bow tie for him, running her hands over his powder blue suit to smooth out the wrinkles. It was a little big on him, leaving some room in his shoulders and the cuffs go slightly past his wrists.
"It's almost 8 pm, what time did Betty say she was coming?"
"8:15."
The doorbell rang almost on cue.
Henry took a breath, "That must be her." He grasped his mom's wrist, holding her back for a second. "Please no pictures Mom."
She huffed, "Fine, not this time."
He slicked back the sides of his hair before answering the door. His breath caught in his throat. Betty stood with her hair loosely styled, in a blue snakeskin printed dress with a plunging neckline that had him gasping for air.
"Betty...wow you look...great!"
She smiled, "Thanks Henry, you cleaned up...nice but you don't have to impress me, it's about getting the Veronica Lodge stamp of approval to enter."
He followed along with her chuckle with a slightly confused one.
"We should get going, it's get packed there crazy fast."
He nodded, waving his hand to his mom who did not attempt to hide along the banister.
Henry whistled lowly at seeing her ride. "Sweet ride."
"Thank you, it's still a work in progress. You interested in cars?"
Henry smoothed his hands on his slacks. "Ah no, not really. I just know Mustangs are cool looking."
Betty pulled out of the driveway with practiced ease.
"So what makes this place so popular?"
"Besides being probably the classiest place in town, it's Veronica's baby everyone is gonna support it."
"Wait," His head turned to her fully, "Veronica owns it?"
Betty nodded, "Yep, some of the students are employed there and Reggie is the manager. Not everyone can get in." She waved a hand, "Limited capacity and all that."
"Wow, I didn't think that was legal."
Betty shrugged, "Not necessarily, but if there's one thing to learn about Riverdale is that everything isn't as picture-perfect as it seems."
Her eyes almost bore into his, he had to swallow and rest his head back to break her gaze. They drove in relative silence after that.
She slowed down as she made the turn into Pops. Packed as an understatement for the parking lot. Multiple people were pulling in and out, he could see guys in white collars and black vests.
"Pops?"
"You didn't think, Veronica would run an illegal speakeasy in broad daylight did you?"
Betty doesn't bother trying to find a spot, instead pulls right up sideways to the door. A kid, a grade or two below them, immediately opens Betty's door and helps her out of the car.
"How are you doing this fine evening Miss Betty?" He kissed the back of the hand he was holding.
Henry took in all of the rustle and bustle around him. He surmised that they had to be valets. He raised his eyebrows, Veronica certainly never skips on making the experience worthwhile.
"I'm great Jeremy, you working all night?"
"Yep, Boss doesn't pay me enough." He teased.
Betty laughed louder than Henry got her to so far. "Is he already here?"
Jeremy nodded, "We saved a spot next to his."
She handed him over her keys. "You are too kind."
He merely winked.
Betty motioned with her head for Henry to go in first, the door opened automatically with a tinkle of a bell.
A line of well-dressed people almost stretched out the door. He sighed in irritation, at this rate they'll never get a table.
Betty breezed past him and raised an eyebrow, "Come on Henry, we're VIPs."
A blush rose on his cheeks. A well-built man had a clipboard in hand. He was dressed in an all-black ensemble. The only color came from the green snake slithering up his tie.
He looked up from his list and smiled, "Boss Lady! You look gorgeous as usual." He leaned to kiss her cheek.
Henry's eyes narrowed at the display. Why are all of these guys comfortable with her like this? Don't they know that she's on a date with me?
"Please tell me you're not on bouncer duty all night." She pouted.
He shook his head, "No way, I'm done in..." He glanced down at his watch, "An hour, then I can join you guys."
"Great," Betty leaned in to give him a parting kiss on the cheek, "See you soon Fangs."
He turned to the side extending an arm to let her through. Henry cleared his throat and started to follow behind her.
"Woah there slick, back of the line." A hand on his chest stopped him.
He was sent back a step, "Hey!"
"Oh sorry! He's with me Fangs, the new kid."
The man, Fangs's eyes lit in recognition. "Oh, you're the kid that got the swirly."
Henry frowned, grumbling under his breath. Yes, the football players caught up to him and gave him "the welcome to Riverdale" swirly in the guys' locker room.
Fangs hit him on the back hard enough to send him stumbling forward, "Welcome to Riverdale man."
He followed Betty around the corner to see a makeshift wall out of place in a phone booth.
"Evening, Mini-Coop, you look ravishing." Reggie greeted from the top of the stairs. He was dressed in a suit jacket and an open-collared shirt. This was the first time Henry had seen him in anything but Riverdale blue and gold.
Reggie clocked Henry beside her. "Ah, new kid, Ronnie said she invited you."
He held an arm out for Betty to take which she happily obliged. Reggie raised an unamused eyebrow at Henry over top of Betty. Henry's cheeks once again heated up without his permission. He was internally kicking himself, why didn't he offer his arm to her this whole time? Now he's got Reggie, arguably the most popular jock thinking he doesn't know how to treat a girl.
The main room was crammed full of people, servers squeezed on by with sliver platters above their heads, and the bar had several bartenders working on making drinks. Reggie directed them to a corner burgundy leather horseshoe booth. It was the only booth not occupied.
"Usual table reserved." He guided Betty into the seat, "I'll let Ronnie know you're here."
"Thank you, Reg."
No sooner did Henry choose to sit on the other side did a waitress come with a drink already in hand for Betty. "Gin and tonic with a healthy splash of lime, for the Boss Lady."
He noticed that she had a snake necklace on.
"They serve alcohol here?" He asked her after she took a sip.
"As per Veronica's words, it can't be a speakeasy without corrupting minors with alcohol. I recommend the maple rum, Cheryl made sure that it would be served at Veronca's for a discounted price."
"Cheryl Blossom owns a rum company?"
"What did I say about Riverdale? A lot of people don't play by the rules here."
Henry shook his head in disbelief, "This town gets more unbelievable by the second."
It takes him several attempts to get the attention of a server. It takes Betty making eye contact with the first server she sees and they're there waiting for her order. Henry's instantly mesmerized by how she's able to command a room and people. It was vastly different from the Betty Cooper he'd come to know in a school setting.
Betty's eyes scanned the crowd, "There's V."
He followed her eyesight, Veronica was in a sparkly mauve number, showing a vast amount of leg. She appeared to be in deep discussion with a tall guy, she placed a hand on his wrist that was in his pocket. His head turned for a second, but it was enough for Henry to catch a snake tattooed on his neck.
Betty raised an arm which caught the attention of the guy, he must have said something to Veronica as she turned around in delight, waving back at her. She said one last parting word and with a nod, the guy with the snake tattoo was gone.
People made way for Veronica to cross the room, "B! So glad you made it, it feels like I haven't seen you here in a while, even J is here more often."
Betty laughs, "Yeah, well you know how hard it is to escape my mom's watch and second you know it's not a choice, he's practically your business partner now along with Reggie."
Veronica waved off her answer and scorched in next to Betty. "At least you brought Henry like I asked," Her attention turned to him, "So Henry, what do you think of La Bonne Nuit?"
"It's amazing Veronica, I didn't think I'd see anything like this unless I was in the city."
Her eyes sparkled at the compliment, "That was the idea."
"How does this place not get busted by the cops?" He asked.
"It's probably the best-kept secret of Riverdale. During the day, the entrance is hidden by a wall in the phone booth. You need a password to get in."
"Because this place isn't totally legal?" He eyed the casino tables in the other corner of the place.
"Oh Henry, most fun isn't." She all but purred.
He wasn't sure what to feel about that. He never got in trouble or so much got a detention in his life and now he was at an illegal bar under a diner? What would his parents say if the cops dragged him home after busting the place?
"Hello, we were hoping you girls would already be here."
His worrying was interrupted by the appearance of Cheryl Blossom and another girl with pink highlights.
Her sharp gaze pierced into him. "Well plebian? Move."
He scrambled up out of his seat so the two of them could sit in the middle. A server immediately serves them their drinks like Veronica and Betty before.
Toni took a sip of her red cocktail. "I don't think we met before, Toni Topaz."
"Henry Mitchell." He tried not to sound annoyed as the date continued to be derailed by her friends. All he wanted was to have some time alone with Betty.
His eyes flicked over to her, she was talking to Cheryl quietly, not looking annoyed at all about all of these people joining their booth.
She burst out laughing, "Oh shit, you're the new kid Fangs and Sweet Pea said they watched get a swirly."
"Does everyone know that happened?" He grumbled.
"Nothing stays secret for long around here."
Henry spied a snake tattoo on her side made evident by her backless dress.
"Is there a theme tonight that I'm missing?"
"Ew, what? Theme nights are so tacky." Veronica said.
"It's just I've been noticing a lot of people here with a snake. The valet had a collar pin, the bouncer had a tie, the waitress who's been serving us had a necklace, the guy who you were talking to before coming over here Veronica had a snake tattoo on his neck and I just noticed Toni has the same one."
"That would be the Southside Serpents, the hired muscle I need to keep La Bonne Nuit running."
"A gang?"
"And family," Toni said.
"Wh—what?" He sputtered, "Aren't gangs dangerous? Like criminals?"
Toni's eyes narrowed, "Careful new kid. Dangerous? Yes. Criminals? 50/50 shot. We're a support system and help keep the Southside clean from other gangs trying to muscle in."
"We also get rid of unsavory characters that we personally don't like," Cheryl added over the lip of her glass.
"La Bonne Nuit is a lucrative business and as Cheryl put it, there are unsavory people who want to take it away from me. Don't worry," She winked, "J keeps them all in line for me."
"Is he like the boss of something?"
"Serpent King." Betty corrected.
"Speaking of King…there's our esteemed leader now." Cheryl pointed out.
The crowd parted for him. He was also dressed in all black, the top of his collared shirt was open and the suspenders were pulled taut over his shoulders. The only color on him seemed to be the hidden ink that crawled up his forearm and splattered some of his fingers.
Henry could already feel an aura about him, similar to Betty when she had just about everyone at her neck and call, but this man just oozed danger. A man who is in control of an entire gang shouldn't be messed with.
As soon as he saw his face close up, Henry disguised his gasp with a cough. Jughead Jones?! The quiet guy he met in the library; The guy who claimed he didn't like people. He felt so stupid, declaring himself as what he thought was Jughead's first friend.
"Ladies." He greeted,
Veronica got up from her end, "J! Any problems?"
He greeted her with a one-armed hug around her waist, "No, but the night is still young."
She pecked his cheek in return, allowing him to slide in first to be beside Betty.
The waitress didn't wait until he fully sat down, a square glass and an ashtray appeared before him.
"Thanks, Monica."
"No problem Boss."
"Where have you been all night Jones?" Toni asked.
"Working. Someone has to keep them in line but I'm taking a break, I have Sweet Pea out there doing patrol." He said reaching in his front pocket for a pack of cigarettes. He felt around his body for his lighter.
Betty obtained her clutch, pulled out a cheap lighter, and lit the tip already in his mouth.
"You're a lifesaver baby."
He takes a deep drag, making sure to blow the smoke high in the air.
Betty rubbed the palm of her hands along his arm, slid up to wear his sleeves were rolled to the crook of her elbows, and back down again.
"Jug, I don't think you met Henry. He's the new kid that V showed around."
It seemed that Jughead just picked up that he was there for the first time. "We met before in the library, he was hiding from the football team. I heard they eventually found you."
Henry was at a loss for words, torn between being pissed off because Betty's attention automatically gravitated toward him and the fact he was still trying to consolidate both Jugheads in his mind.
"Nice, to see you again, I'm not going to lie, I almost didn't recognize you."
He ran his fingers through his hair, "I know, I'm without the beanie, alas V doesn't let me wear it here." He cast her a weary look.
"It ruins the carefully curated aesthetic J, you know this."
Henry couldn't help but stare at him and Betty. They were sitting awfully close together. He doesn't know why Veronica bothered to set them up when she doesn't seem to care that Henry isn't getting any chance to talk to her.
He wanted to say something so badly. Could he even challenge someone like him? There had to be a reason he was the king. He crossed his arms. Who was he kidding? He's never even been in a fight. From what he knew from the news is that gangs fight all the time.
"Ronnie!" Reggie came over in a hurry, "We have a little situation: top side."
She frowned, "How bad?"
"At least 5 guys snooping around. Heard they're dressed up nicely. My guess is Elio's men."
Veronica groaned, "Men and their fragile egos. You beat him once in blackjack for a couple million and now he won't leave you alone."
"I'll handle it." Jughead sat up from his slouch, sliding the ashtray over and his half-finished cigarette.
"Do you need backup?" Toni asked grabbing it from him.
"Dont worry about it Ton, it's your night off." He slid out from the booth, taking a stand a little in front of Reggie.
"Do you want them to receive the Serpent welcome?" He asked Veronica.
"Yes, please, I'm so over Elio sending his dogs."
He slapped the top of Reggie's chest, "We'll take care of it."
"Thank you boys!" She called out as they walked to the stairs.
Henry's smile lightened up. Finally, he could talk to Betty without any other guy around. He felt he was just getting to know her when they came back.
It looked like they had no trouble except for their half-mussed hair.
"Ah, the toothpick bros are back." Toni teased.
"You wish you looked as cool with one Topaz." Reggie fired back after accepting a toothpick from Jughead.
"Everything goes okay?" Betty asked, fixing his collar.
"Of course, they left pretty quickly after we…explained a few things to them."
Reggie nodded, shifting to sit next to Veronica and throwing an arm around her shoulder. "We should be clear for the rest of the night."
The brunette kissed her boyfriend on the jaw. "Well done boys."
She heard mumbling from the other guy next to her. "What's wrong J? You want a kiss on the cheek too?"
"I'd like to be kissed by somebody that's for sure." His pointed look rested on Betty.
Betty giggled, pushing herself closer to him. Her fingers danced along his neck and tipped his chin. Henry felt sick in his stomach, he had a feeling he knew where this was going.
Jughead tucked his toothpick in his cheek as Betty directed his head down for a kiss.
Henry averted his eyes, he never stood a chance.