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Clammy hands gripped the plastic cup of punch as he surveyed the room. All around him were couples, caught up in dancing, laughing and then some. For the first time, Reggie was stag and it didn't sit right at all.
Of course there had been offers, there was no denying Reggie was one of the more attractive guys in Riverdale and he certainly lived up to the ego in his general personality. But he had turned down each one with careful consideration because truth be told, there was only one person Reggie did want to go with. But they had actively avoided any invitation of coming and even said he wasn't one for Proms.
Safe to say, he felt miserable.
"You look miserable...."
"Oh, thanks so much. It's the look I was going for."
Sarcasm dripped heavy from the Serpent's lips as he sipped from the bottle of beer. So what if he were miserable. His year was off to a royal shit show. His best friend was a complete Farm zombie, his other friend was following suit and living her best life with Cheryl, the Serpents were barely together anymore and everyone was so involved with their own shit he felt like he'd been forgotten.
"You want some company?" Sweet Pea looked up at Reggie with a sneer. "You've said all but a few sentences to me, mainly to accuse me of sleeping with Midge, call me a vicious thug, caused my best friend to get shot and mostly spent all of last year at my throat. Why the hell would I want your company?"
They'd never been around each other alone. For that small moment of time where the serpents worked with Reggie to defeat the ghoulies and that time with the musical- even that time he had stood with the serpents to stop them being kicked out.....but never alone.
Reggie couldn't disagree with the serpent. It was true, there had never really been a nice moment between them personally. But something had struck Reggie when he saw the Serpent sat near the edge of Sweet Water River. Almost as if fate had led him to that exact place. After all, he was only out for a jog but something had steered him to the rivers edge and maybe this was it.
Unaware to Sweet Pea, Reggie also felt a little bit out of it. It seemed everyone had their own thing and he was on the outside looking in. Reggie glowered though at the spite in Sweet Pea's words and the stubborn ass within him was now determined to prove him wrong. Reggie wasn't the asshole he previously had the reputation of. Seeing how his best friend Cheryl had really come into her own with Toni and become a better person had struck something in him. He just didn't know how to go about it.
But maybe this would be different.
"I would say I'm sorry but I guess that doesn't really make up for all the shit I've pulled."
And it was true. Tagging the school floor, causing the fights, getting Fangs shot, finding fault in everything they did, throwing out disparaging and degrading comments- wow, he truly was an awful person.
But a raised brow looked up at him and without saying a word, Sweet Pea picked up one of the beers and held it up to Reggie silently. He took that as permission to join him and he flicked the tab open and settled beside him on the river bank.
They sat in silence, but Reggie didn't feel awkward with it, until Sweet Pea took another sip and then turned to look at Reggie.
"Sometimes I-" he struggled to structure what he wanted to say. An apology wouldn't really solve anything. They'd both given as much as they got, Sweet Pea could've been the bigger person but he always rose to the bait. "-I think in another universe you and I would've been friends." he mutters, continuing to look at Reggie with a pensive look. Reggie cocked his head to the side as a small smirk reached his lips.
"Oh?" he replied, wondering where Sweet Pea was leading with this.
Sweet Pea bit his lip slightly before letting out a sigh. "I mean...you know we're kinda similar....we're both arrogant, overly confident....stubborn.....hot tempered-" he listed off their similarities. "- not to mention the only two attractive Asians in this place. But I think if you were Southside, or I was Northside we'd make a good team."
Reggie didn't really know what to say, only wondering how much Sweet Pea had drank already to get so morose and honest. So instead he focused on one part.
"You think I'm attractive?" he was fishing, straight up, but a part of him wanted to hear the man admit it. Only for his own ego boost.
Another side eye look had his smirk growing at the annoyance in Sweet Pea's eyes. "You know you are asshole."
"Hey, asshole." Cheryl had walked over, it seemed the others had gathered around the table and Reggie gave her a forced smile. "Bombshell." he greeted and nodded to everyone else. Perhaps they'd gotten bored of dancing. Or maybe they had seen how miserable he looked. Probably not, no one seemed to really care about him.
It didn't feel right, he was standing there amongst the others- all of them were holding onto their partners and it was just him.
"I'd like to propose a toast."
Ah, Kevin, the poster child for gay guys. Reggie raised his cup of punch but his face remained vacant.
"To surviving this crazy town and making it a night we'll never forget."
"I'm sorry, I forgot."
Reggie had a sheepish expression on his face as he approached Sweet Pea at the lockers. Sweet Pea only rolled his eyes, but this time it was playful. "It's cool, we can go next weekend..." he closed the locker and shouldered his bag some more. "You can make it up to me though and help clear out the trailer tonight....if you're not busy that is." Reggie perked up at the idea of hanging out with him tonight, even if it was doing something so tedious as cleaning.
"Sure!" so maybe he sounded a bit more excited than was normal.
But ever since they'd met at the river three weeks ago, they've found themselves becoming closer. They went to watch sports games, took day trips to Greendale and other towns, they'd even grabbed a few meals at Pop's. And the strange thing was, no one even realised that the two of them had gotten closer. He guessed it just showed how low on the radar they were with everyone else's drama.
There was this grudging respect between them and dare Reggie think it, friendship. Their friends might not have time for them, but they certainly had time for each other.
"....did you want dinner as well to sweeten the deal?" Sweet Pea sounded almost too innocent in his asking and seemed to be having an internal debate in his mind. But Reggie found himself nodding and actually looking forward to school finishing. "Wait, you cook?" he asked, confused.
Sweet Pea chuckled. "Yeah, I do. But seeing as Fangs is a nutjob, Jughead's gone to private school and Toni is lording it up in Blossom Castle I don't really....well, it would be nice to cook for someone else" he admitted with a shrug.
"Damn, we should've hung out a lot more before." he said, placing a hand on his arm carefully. He could tell Sweet Pea was bothered by losing his apparent friends. "But consider me sold."
"Ugh, just leave it. This won't get finished tonight." Sweet Pea groaned, looking around at the mess in the trailer as he sat on the floor. They'd started off on a good note, clearing out trash and throwing out the old breakfast table. But then childishness and laziness had kicked in and now he was sat on the floor staring at the contents of the cupboards.
He heard a snort behind him and Reggie approaching.
"Think I could pull off the leather look?" Reggie's voice had him curious and he turned his head, only to choke back a laugh and stare incredulously at the man currently leaning against the kitchen countertop, wearing nothing but jeans and one of his leather kuttes. His shirt mysteriously absent and Sweet Pea actually found himself blushing somewhat.
He must have found it in his wardrobe and normally Sweet Pea would yell at anyone who wasn't a serpent wearing the colors but surprisingly he wasn't angry at Reggie. It actually suited him....like really suited him.
"You know you're catching flies. I'll take that as a yes." he answered his own question airily as he turned to walk back to the bedroom and felt his heart hammering at the look Sweet Pea had given him. Did he feel a little bit proud? Yeah.
"What are we doing?" Sweet Pea gasped against his lips, hands locked onto Reggie's hips as he pressed him up against the fridge. Reggie didn't know either, but he wasn't mad at it.
Dinner had followed their little cleaning spree but ever since Reggie had wore that leather kutte it felt as if the tension had changed between them and all throughout dinner they'd been staring each other down.
It was them washing up the dishes afterwards did the play fighting begin, which started this whole entire thing. Reggie had tossed water in Sweet Pea's face and Sweet Pea retaliated by whipping him with the tea towel and then the playful shoves where Sweet Pea got a little bit too aggressive and pushed him into the fridge.
Was it loneliness bringing them together? Or was it simply the anger and the hatred they'd harbored at each other previously had hidden something else entirely and it was only now they'd stepped over the line of enemies and acquaintances to friends that the truth was coming out. Whatever it was, Reggie didn't want to stop.
"I don't know."
So instead he just surged forwards and took Sweet Pea's lips in his own once more and gripped tighter at his waist as he lightly flicked his tongue against Sweet Pea's lips. His silent ask was answered when Sweet Pea's tongue twinned with his own and the kiss grew more heated, more urgent and Reggie heard a whimper escape his throat.
He had done his part to begin with, acted the fool and danced wildly around the group. He even spiked the punch but he didn't feel the same joy he would've over a year ago. His mood had sunk when everyone coupled off.
So that left him to his devices, sullenly watching everyone else and wishing he could join them. It was ridiculous how one person could make Reggie rethink everything in his life. But he had. It had been months of near misses and words not spoken. Truth was, Reggie wasn't ready to come out. He had built a reputation over the years which he struggled to leave behind him.
Not to mention the insane fear of what the repercussions would be if his parents found out. His home life was shit enough as it was already and the last thing he needed was that nail on the coffin. He was also certain that admitting how he felt would end up with more than just a black eye. For how progressive he'd seen his school be with Cheryl and Toni and the mess which was Kevin and Fangs, Reggie couldn't find himself to be as strong as them.
"Okay, I need to get to gym and you're late for English-" he was cut off with lips pressed against his mouth, a chuckle of laughter escaped him as he returned the kiss with a smile. It was almost cliché, making out under the bleachers but ever since they'd crossed that threshold of more than friends, less than lovers, it's as if something had switched on between them both.
Of course they never addressed it, they just spent every moment they could together doing things to distract themselves from the loneliness they'd felt. Reggie had never really considered himself bisexual, Sweet Pea was the first guy he'd kissed and it was fun to have someone to chill with. If that meant kissing became part of it, so be it.
Sweet Pea pulled away with a groan, resting his forehead against Reggie's. "Ugh, do we have to? Can't we just ditch...." he asked, imploringly. Reggie almost found himself giving in, but uncharacteristically of him he shook his head as he pressed a quick peck to Sweet Pea's lips. "I think people would realize if we disappear for an hour." he advised, not really wanting the gossip about him to start. Reggie had a presence in the school, people noticed when he wasn't there.
"But we'd be learning anyway if we didn't go" Sweet Pea argued, almost petulantly.
Reggie laughed once more, running a hand down Sweet Pea's side as he surveyed him warmly. "Learning what exactly?"
Sweet Pea smirked. "Chemistry."
Reggie paused for a moment before a rich laugh echoed around them. He held onto his side, almost doubled over. He couldn't remember laughing so hard in such a long while.
Sweet Pea looked affronted as if he didn't think his pick up lines would cause such a reaction.
"That....that's so corny I actually fucking love it." Reggie wheezed, feeling the warmth spread throughout his body as he couldn't help but think Sweet Pea was freaking adorable.
There wasn't long left until they all parted, Prom being that nostalgic, saccharine event which signified the ending of an era. Where everyone would soon disperse to colleges and other locations where their futures led them. But Reggie was going to community college in Greendale, with no plans to leave and he just couldn't face being who he was all alone.
"You on a comedown, Reg? You look like someone pissed in your shoes." the voice of Chuck Clayton broke him out of his thoughts and he looked up at the guy with a lazy shrug. "Just not feeling it tonight, bro." he muttered, before downing the rest of his cup and screwing it up. The plastic crinkled and popped as he threw it onto the table. "Surprised you haven't got one of the vixens...or two...on your lap. You getting soft on me, Mantle?"
Reggie wished Chuck would just disappear.
But instead he forced out a wry smirk. "Nah, been there, tapped it all. But that brunette is giving you the eye so maybe you should spend more time trying to nail that then coming over here and failing in trying to initiate 'bro' time." he replied with a chuckle.
Take the hint, please, he thought darkly.
"Jughead!" "Jughead?!" "Jug?!?"
The shouts around them were like a banshee as the group spread out across the forest, torches shining bright as they tried to find any sign of Jughead. Reggie and Sweet Pea had paired up, walking by a few other volunteers and Reggie couldn't stop looking at Sweet Pea who's look of torment was breaking his heart.
It couldn't have been more than a few minutes before they heard Archie shout for Mr Jones and the fate of Jughead was revealed. Reggie would forever remember seeing the look of horror on Sweet Pea's face as they stared down at Jughead's lifeless corpse over the ledge.
For the first time, in public eye, Reggie grabbed his hand and all reason left him as he brought the man into his arms.
The next few days were numb for everyone, but Reggie could hardly get Sweet Pea to slow down when it came to organizing the funeral and wake. He didn't know much about serpent tradition but it sickened him to watch Sweet Pea look after everyone else but himself.
He wasn't surprised the breakdown would come sooner rather than later.
It was dark in the trailer, but he knew he was here. The motorcycle outside showed it as such. Today had been an awful day and although he had hated seeing Mr Jones crying and grieving, his thoughts had only been towards Sweet Pea.
Ever dutiful he had stood at the back of the congregation in Cooper's living room. Eyes never leaving the coffin, decorated with memories of Jughead. The only time he'd seen him break his gaze was when those preppie assholes had stormed the house claiming it was fake and Jones was alive.
Reggie had stood up the same time Sweet Pea had lunged, ready to defend also but Archie had gotten there first. After that Sweet Pea had disappeared and only Reggie it seemed had realised. People truly didn't give a single shit and he felt his blood boiling.
He'd dipped a few minutes later and had spent a couple of hours trying to find the tall serpent. After exhausting all his options he'd come to the trailer and he approached it slowly. Taking a deep breath he knocked on the door, but there was no answer and he tried once more.
He was about to turn away when he let out a frustrated growl and grabbed the handle, turning it and finding the door unlocked. He stepped in and the living room was dark and empty. The trailer looked different now, it was clean, modernized and it had all been down to the two of them. Together.
"Sweet Pea?" his voice echoed around the trailer and he heard a noise coming from the bedroom. Rolling his shoulders he went past the kitchen and down the tiny hall to the end where he opened the door to Sweet Pea's bedroom.
What he saw next shattered his heart, curled up at the foot of his bed was Sweet Pea who had turned to look at the intrusion with red, tear stained eyes. Fresh sobs wracked through him and Reggie didn't hesitate to march over and wrap the man up into his arms and let the serpent release it all as he simply stroked a hand through his hair and rocked them softly.
He ended up staying the night, simply holding Sweet Pea and doing what he could to comfort the broken man. Eventually the sobs stopped and they laid in silence, until Sweet Pea leaned over and kissed Reggie like it was his last night on earth, that had been the breaking point and soon clothes were being thrown to the floor carelessly. Barely any words had been spoken, just a silent agreement that what was happening they both wanted and Reggie gave in and they spent the rest of the night giving in to each other again and again.
After they both were spent, Reggie was near to sleep, exhausted emotionally and physically when he heard the words whispered in the darkness.
"I think I love you."
He didn't reply, only clamped his eyes shut and felt Sweet Pea's head move from his chest to look up at him. He pretended to be asleep and tried to ignore the weight settling in his chest at hearing the admission. It terrified him.
"Hah, don't be gay Mantle." and Reggie bristled a little as Chuck looked over his shoulder towards the mentioned brunette. It was comments like that, which made him clam up and realize he didn't have the courage. He wasn't as strong as Kevin, he wasn't as confident as Cheryl or defiant like Toni. He was a coward.
It was obvious by the way they all danced together now, the pearls of laughter and shared kisses without a care in the world and his lips tingled of a memory sharing similar kisses with him. The taste of camel menthols and root beer, where would normally turn a person off, Reggie savored like it was the sweetest nectar.
"Sweet Pea...look...I-" he tried to get the words out he wanted to say as the serpent began walking away. God, it was all so fucked up. Why couldn't he just say it back? Why couldn't he give the man what he wanted? Why couldn't he give in to what he wanted?
He hurried alongside him, grabbing Sweet Pea by the shoulder and spinning him around but his hand was harshly smacked away. "You made yourself pretty clear, Reggie. Please, save me any more embarrassment and just leave it. I obviously misread whatever this is-"
It had been almost five months of whatever it indeed was. Five months of just them and maybe he should've realised that things were more serious than he'd been mentally denying. But he just couldn't find the courage to give Sweet Pea what he wanted.
"I'm not gay." was all he could say, except for the small voice in his head which was screaming. "No one's saying you are, Reggie! But that doesn't mean you can't like both, I like both and it doesn't bother me so forgive me for thinking that we both were the same. I'm sorry for actually falling for you, for wanting to hold your hand in the hallway, to want to call you my boyfriend and show everyone else that we too, can be happy. School's nearly over, Reg. Soon we'll all be gone, I'm sorry for wanting one last chance to make this year a good one by dancing with the guy I love at prom." Sweet Pea's words hurt in every way. He never thought anyone would ever care for him the way Sweet Pea obviously did.
He'd never had a proper relationship, the girls he'd been with in the past were flings or friends with benefits. Exclusive dating was new to Reggie and to realize that his first proper relationship would end up being not only his ex enemy, but a guy was something Reggie hadn't been able to deal with.
"I'm sorry."
Sweet Pea simply shook his head and threw him a withering look. "You're a lot of things, Reggie. But I never thought you'd be a coward."
He could only let out a small, cold laugh at Chuck's comment. "You should go hit that, I'm going to grab another drink anyway-" he got up from his seat and clapped Chuck on the back. It was a lie, but Reggie just wanted to go find the guy plaguing his mind. But just as he stepped away towards the drinks table, his eyes caught a figure by the entrance and suddenly it was if everyone else disappeared. As if it was just them and their eyes locked in a fierce passion.
He didn't think Sweet Pea would show up. He was so adamant he wouldn't, that whatever they were was indeed over but something had dragged him here and his throat went dry as Sweet Pea finally broke the stare and caught Fangs attention. He watched as Sweet Pea greeted his once best friend- the past month or so Reggie had been glad the both of them had regained their previous comraderie.
Like a car crash, he couldn't stop staring as he watched the guy he loved greet the rest of the group. A small burgeoning hope in his chest that Sweet Pea would be there for him. But then Sweet Pea made his excuses and headed in his direction and he determinedly looked towards the drink table.
A wave of nausea flooded through his stomach and he poured another cup of punch and downed it in one just as a presence stopped beside him but he still couldn't bare looking at him this close up.
"I thought you weren't coming...." he murmured, but loud enough to be heard over the music around them.
"I wasn't going too but Cheryl texted saying she'd slash my tires if I didn't come see Toni crowned so...." he trailed off with a shrug.
Reggie almost wanted to smirk. It was a very Cheryl move, bullying someone into doing something or threatening them.
"But I'm glad she did because there was something I wanted to say." Oh God, Reggie thought, bracing himself for whatever punches Sweet Pea was going to throw his way this time around. It hurt enough as it did, not being able to give in to what he wanted.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for making you feel like I was pushing you into something you didn't want. Or forcing your hand to admit things you clearly don't feel for me. It was my mistake, not drawing the boundaries between us and reading into things that weren't there-"
Reggie felt his heart break. "Sweet Pea-" But he held up a hand to cut off his protest.
"No, please, let me finish. I fell for you, but that's all on me and it's just something I have to work through. But I will be there for you, loving you and supporting you as a friend. And I hope that we still are friends. You don't owe me anything and I will never put you in that sort of position ever again. You deserve to be happy and whoever that does end up being, I hope she knows how lucky she will be to be loved by Reggie Mantle."
Tears pricked at his eyes as he turned to face Sweet Pea finally. But the boy was already retreating before he could say anything and the nausea rose once more and left him feeling wretched. Why couldn't he just give in?
"We'd support you, you know."
Cheryl's voice came from behind and Reggie spun on his feet to face her, no doubt knowing he looked a mess but he schooled his face into one of confusion as he wiped the tears threatening to fall away.
"Huh?"
Cheryl rolled her eyes. "Don't play dumb, Reggie. We both know it's not a good look on you. You know exactly what I mean. Did you really think I wouldn't know when one of my closest friends is in love?" she queried softly, placing a hand on his arm gently.
Had it really been that obvious?
"You don't have to explain yourself to anyone. What you feel is your own and needs no reason. The boy looks at you like you hang the freaking moon and stars and you've been in a sour mood all night. It doesn't take a genius and we've all seen how close the two of you have become. And we support you no matter what. Fuck labels, Reggie. Fuck everybody else and their thoughts. The only opinions which matter are yours and yours alone. I don't want you to look back in five years or even ten years and question the what ifs and feel the regret you'll ultimately get because you refused to let someone love you like you deserve."
God she was a fucking angel and Reggie felt the tears prick at the corner of his eyes once more as she spoke. He'd never really heard her be this sincere and honest but it was striking a chord inside and he sniffed pathetically.
"In a few months, we'll all be gone and so will the people you fear right now. Don't let him slip away, believe in yourself and fucking love yourself because you deserve it. I will always back you and support you and so will the others, no matter what you do in life." she added fiercely, her grip tightening somewhat.
"Cheryl-" but then the music stopped and the lights rose to focus on the stage and suddenly the hushed whispers of excitement surrounded them, cutting off Reggie's chance to speak. Principal Wetherbee headed out across the stage and to the microphone in the center.
"Well the votes have been tallied and double checked by Ms Bell." Cheryl's attention had drifted to the stage, but her hand remained on Reggie's arm comfortingly. A smirk was on her lips. "It is now my honor to announce this years Prom King and Queen-" bated breaths and giggles of anticipation could be heard as Principal Wetherbee opened the envelope and removed the small piece of card. Reggie could see from here the slight twitch of his lips and the raised brow before leaning to the mic once more. "Actually, make that Prom Queens. Congratulations to Miss Cheryl Blossom and Miss Antoniette Topaz. Your new prom queens, let's hear it!."
Reggie didn't even get a chance to speak up before Cheryl squeezed his arm and left him to take the stage. Only that he was dumbfounded and reeling at the idea their friends knew. But maybe Cheryl was right, if she could face her mom and the crowd of Riverdale High then surely he could do it also?
"Mr Weatherbee, fellow classmates, tonight Toni and I are being named Riverdale high's first openly gay royal couple. Never did I think four years ago that I would be a part of something so historic and to help set a precedent for students to come. Everyone should feel free to love whoever they want and to show it without fear of judgement or rebuke. Tonight is one the last nights to enjoy young love and if you're out there right now, wondering if you could take that next step- all I can say, is do it. This is the first step towards change and to show the change being made tonight, I'm also going to change up the procession."
Reggie knew she was addressing the crowd but he didn't miss the look she shot his way and his heart was hammering.
"No queenship is complete without their court. So would my dear cousin Betty Cooper, Jughead Jones, Veronica Lodge, Archie Andrews, Kevin Keller and Fangs Fogarty please joins us for the traditional promenade court dance. Because love is love in any form."
Claps and cheers followed her speech as Toni and Cheryl made their way out to the dancefloor. Just as Chuck sidled up to Reggie, shaking his head pitifully. "Fucking queers everywhere, right?" he muttered, snorting with laughter.
Reggie rounded on Chuck, trying to control the seething anger at the insult towards his friend. But he also knew decking Chuck would get him chucked out so he simply looked him up and down.
"Hey Chuck, go fuck yourself." he spat, before squaring his shoulders and taking a deep breath as the music begin to play and the dance floor was cleared for the named couples. But Reggie stormed straight across the floor, palms sweating and the nausea rising in his stomach as he stopped in front of Sweet Pea.
"Reg?" Sweet Pea questioned, raising a brow and looking around as he realised others were focused on them.
"Dance with me." it came out more of an order than a request, but he held out his hand for Sweet Pea to take. "Please." he added as an afterthought.
"A-Are you sure?" the serpent asked, wondering if it were a trick.
"If you don't take my hand now, I'm going to end up hurling all over you and I'll never forgive you for leaving me here standing...." he warned, getting snappy as the fear and anxiety rode through him.
But then Sweet Pea took his hand and Reggie all but hauled him to the dancefloor, keeping his eyes locked intently on Sweet Pea to avoid the temptation to look around him encase he met a room full of reproach.
Neither were strong dancers, so a simple sway it would be but Reggie placed his hand on Sweet Pea's shoulder as he felt the serpent wrap an arm around his waist and with their hands still clasped held them up lightly as the lyrics washed over them.
"Reggie, why now?" the soft voice of Sweet Pea spoke in his ear and Reggie could hear the confusion and dare he say it, fear as well?
"Because I'm not going to live in regret. It took some strong words and a verbal slap but....Cheryl was right- never tell her I said that -and if you're in, so am I. If you're not, then we at least had someone to dance with at prom and I'll just....deal with the repercussions when they come." he murmured back, not wanting to assume Sweet Pea would suddenly snap him up and make it official.
But he felt a low chuckle reverberate onto him and he looked up towards the serpent with a raised brow.
"Well, I'm staying in Riverdale if that indicates my answer. For some reason, there's just this rather annoyingly handsome man that has my heart so...."
For the first time that night, Reggie smiled genuinely and it stretched across his face.
So wrapped up in their conversation, he didn't realize that they were the sole dancers on the floor and that the other couples had stepped back to watch with the others and Reggie felt the heat in his cheeks raise and saw the serpent was in a similar predicament. One look to Cheryl who simply winked made Reggie resolute in what he was doing was the right thing.
"I'll protect yours, if you protect mine." he whispered, biting his lip as his eyes fell to Sweet Pea's.
"Deal. Can I kiss you now?"
"Please do."
And that night Reggie finally discovered true romance and love as Sweet Pea's lips pressed against his own and his hands snaked around Pea's neck as wolf whistles and cheers surrounded them as Reggie lost himself in the motion of kissing his boyfriend and he nearly protested when the others joined them, bringing them all in for a mass hug in the middle of the dancefloor.
Who knew what the future held after school, all that he did know was that Sweet Pea would be beside him and that's all that mattered. And his friends? The hodge podge of Serpents and Northsiders was all the family he needed.