Title: for all i know of you now
Rating: M
Status: Complete (109k words)
Main Pairing: Cheryl Blossom/Toni Topaz
Side Pairings: Betty/Jughead, Josie/Sweet Pea, Josie/Archie
Summary: Toni and Cheryl were best friends (and so much more) growing up, until everything changed during the summer before high school. Now, two years later, Toni and her Southside friends get transferred to Riverdale High, and she finally has a chance to get an answer to the question that's been haunting her since Cheryl abruptly cut all ties with her without an explanation.
Do you find yourself saying Yes to love but No to pants?
This theme is all about your favorite ships/characters & the spicier Valentine’s aspects — Every Valentine’s Day needs a Valentine’s night...or any time of day really. It’s all good with us!
This event runs through February 16! Any concept, idea, AU, or specific prompt, at any rating, that is applicable to a theme is accepted! You may double up (or more) on themes in your content, just let us know which theme it is for.
Remember!: Make sure to 1. tag your content on tumblr with #riverdaleevents - exactly as written, no spaces 2. indicate which theme your content is for 3. add your event fics to the FALL IN LOVE WITH RIVERDALE collection on AO3. 4. send us an ask if we miss reblogging your content!
Check out our post for full details, FAQs, how-to’s, and the event’s themes.
Be Mine, Riverdale Valentines! Fall in Love with Riverdale - an all ship, all character inclusive event - will run from, today, February 9th-16th. We have 3 themes to satisfy all your sweet (& every other) cravings. Don’t forget to tag #riverdaleevents in your first 5 tags!
Theme 1: Sugar, your typical Valentine’s fare.
Theme 2: Spice, for all your smut desires.
Theme 3: Everything Else Nice, galentine’s day, palentine’s day, anti-valentine’s, and everything magic (including, but not limited to, those good old Cupid’s arrow hijinks).
Any concept, idea, AU, or specific prompt, at any rating, that is applicable to a theme is accepted! You may double up (or more) on themes in your content, just let us know which theme it is for.
Remember!: Make sure to 1. tag your content on tumblr with #riverdaleevents - exactly as written, no spaces 2. indicate which theme your content is for 3. add your event fics to the FALL IN LOVE WITH RIVERDALE collection on AO3. 4. send us an ask if we miss reblogging your content!
Check out our post for full details, FAQs, how-to’s, and the event’s themes.
Will you be our Valentine, Riverdale fandom? Fall in Love with Riverdale - an all ship, all character inclusive event - will run from February 9th-16th. We have 3 themes to satisfy all your cravings. Don’t forget to tag #riverdaleevents in your first 5 tags!
Theme 1: Sugar, your typical Valentine’s fare.
Theme 2: Spice, for all your smut desires.
Theme 3: Everything Else Nice, galentine’s day, palentine’s day, anti-valentine’s, and everything magic (including, but not limited to, those good old Cupid’s arrow hijinks).
Any concept, idea, AU, or specific prompt, at any rating, that is applicable to a theme is accepted! You may double up (or more) on themes in your content, just let us know which theme it is for.
Remember!: Make sure to 1. tag your content on tumblr with #riverdaleevents - exactly as written, no spaces 2. indicate which theme your content is for 3. add your event fics to the FALL IN LOVE WITH RIVERDALE collection on AO3. 4. send us an ask if we miss reblogging your content
Find out everything you need to know about this event in our FAQ below the cut! If you’ve got clarification questions, just ask us!
WHAT CHARACTERS AND SHIPS ARE APPLICABLE?
We will be accepting content for ANY Riverdale character or ship (including OCs)!
Solo, original character, reader insert, het, slash, and ot3s are all welcome!
If your piece is a multichapter fic, you don’t have to complete it before the event ends. It is eligible as long as you start posting it during the event window. Make sure to keep tagging us on your chapter update posts!
M and E rated content is welcome for every theme!
HOW DOES WORK GET SUBMITTED FOR THIS EVENT?
To submit work, please tag us with #riverdaleevents in the first 5 tags of your work or at @riverdale-events on your piece. We will reblog every submission here at Riverdale-Events over the course of the event. If we miss reblogging your content, send us an ask!
Be sure to indicate which theme/prompt your content is for. You can put it in your tags or on your piece, just let us know so we can reblog appropriately.
We also have an AO3 collection. AO3 has a really great tutorial on how to post to a collection! Check it out for in-depth instructions. The easiest way to join is to go straight to the FALL IN LOVE WITH RIVERDALE collection on AO3, and click the “Post to Collection” button. That will take you to a screen to upload your fic as normal! That button fills out the specific collection for you, so you know your work is going to the right place. Your fic will still show up under your works, and you will be listed as the author of your story.
THERE ARE MULTIPLE FANDOM EVENTS GOING, CAN I INCLUDE IT IN ALL OF THEM?
Absolutely! We support all fandom events! If there is another fandom event running at the same time as this one, and your content is applicable, feel free to submit it/include it in all of those available! Make sure you tag ALL applicable event tags in the first 5 tags of your post.
WHEN CAN I SUBMIT CONTENT UNTIL? WHEN IS THE MASTERLIST RELEASE DATE?
We will continue to reblog and accept Fall in Love with Riverdale content through FEBRUARY 16th (with overflow until we post our masterlist).
We will post our masterlist on February 18th.
If you have content that you’re almost done with and need more time, please contact us and let us know. We will do our best to accommodate.
Posts applicable to the event, like chapter updates, will continue to be reblogged after the event wraps. However, they will not be added to the masterlist.
SHIP, TRIGGER WARNINGS, AND OTHER TAGS:
Every piece of content we reblog will be appropriately tagged with ship/character tags. When you post your piece, make sure to use the correct ship tag so that we can reblog appropriately. If you aren’t sure what your ship tag is, check out our masterlist! [CLICK HERE FOR RIVERDALE SHIP TAGS]
If there is a trigger in your content, make sure to tag appropriately on your tumblr post and/or Ao3 post.
Other tags: #fanfic #gif #fanart #edit #fanvid #fic rec #fanmix
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns feel free to send us an ask, or reach out in direct messages to any of us running this event! Cat - @bettycooper Mila - @jughead-jones Sarah - @theheavycrown
Written as a gift for the amazing @cactiem as part of the @southsidearchive ‘s event A Very Merry Hissmas Secret Santa Fic Exchange. I had so much fun writing this little piece and hope you enjoy reading it!!!
Word Count: 2606
Summary: Sweet Pea and Reese never saw eye to eye, but when Sweets is put in charge of her security detail, will that change?
“What the hell do you mean, no other choice?” I raved, pacing in front of FP and Jughead while Sweet Pea stayed behind them with crossed arms.
“Exactly what I said, Reese,” FP shot back. “The Ghoulies have a price on your head after that stunt you pulled at the Quarry. If we’re going to keep you safe, someone has to be with you at all times. Sweet Pea has the night shift. He is staying with you and that’s final.”
I stopped my frenzied movements, daring to glance back at the stone faced Serpent they were speaking of. One look at his icy expression had me turning back to answer my leaders. “It’s not my fault. They shouldn’t have talked to me like that,” I whispered, earning a chuckle from all three Serpents.
“You broke Malachi’s arm, slugger. Did you expect them to forget that?” Jughead scoffed, joining Sweet Pea by the fire. “It was bold, I’ll give you that, but you can’t fight them alone; not now. Let us help you.”
Sweet Pea’s smirk caught my attention and I held his gaze, daring him to make fun of me. We had known each other our entire lives, but could never quite master the art of civil conversation. Sweet Pea ignored my weak attempt at intimidation all together and laughed, “That I would’ve paid to see.”
I flipped him the bird in retaliation, refusing to look at his smug face.
Despite my urge to argue, I took a minute to think their offer over. As much as I didn’t want to admit it, I barely got away from the Ghouls that night, and that was before they were after revenge. Truthfully, I had been worried about what might happen if they caught me. This morning was too close of a call. Having Sweet Pea there with me would be annoying and we’d probably fight a hundred times before morning, but for some reason it made me feel safer, so I reluctantly agreed to the Joneses plan.
“Princess, you made the right choice. We’re going to have a great time,” Sweet Pea murmured in my ear as he followed me to where his bike was parked. I reached back to smack his shoulder, disgust evident on my face.
“Disgusting pig,” I muttered stopping in front of his motorcycle.
“Annoying hard ass,” he shot back straddling the seat and shoving his helmet in my direction. “Your place or mine?” As much as I longed for the comfort of my bed, my instincts were screaming against it.
Sweet Pea huffed as I thought it over, shifting his balance from one leg to the other. He never did like to be kept waiting, and the cold did nothing to help his patience. “Any day now, princess!”
I bit back the insult that was hiding just behind my teeth and answered him sheepishly, climbing on the bike behind him, “I think we better go with yours. It’s possible that they might know where I live.”
Immediately, Sweets went rigid, turning his head to eye me suspiciously. “Yeah, Jughead told me that. But I’m curious. How, pray tell, would they have figured that out?”
I hid my head behind his shoulder, hoping to miss the judging look that was sure to follow my explanation. “Because I might have hooked up with Mordecai last summer at my house.”
“His brother? Do you have a death wish? You must.” Sweet Pea immediately got off the bike to face me with his eyes matching the fire in his voice.
“Hypocrite,” I fired back, standing chest to chest with him. “You sleep with Ghoulies all the time! Nobody ever gives you shit for it!”
He reached for the lapels of my jacket and clutched them tightly. “I don’t take them home, that’s a damn rookie mistake. And I sure as hell don’t break their brother’s arm. I just want to keep you safe, but you make it so unbelievably hard.”
A slight blush spread onto my cheeks. Sweet Pea didn’t scare me. While most shrink under his steely glare and the intensity of his voice, I always fought back. I could handle his rage, but his sincerity caught me off guard. “Sorry you’re stuck with me tonight,” I mumbled, unable to think of anything else to say.
To my surprise, he chuckled softly releasing his hold on me. “I volunteered, actually. Come on, we can keep arguing back at my place. At least we’ll be warm.”
I staggered back behind him, stunned. The short ride to his trailer was silent as I mulled over why he would ever volunteer to spend an entire night with me. I hadn’t noticed we had arrived until a large hand reached for my chin, lifting it slightly to meet my eyes. “What’s got you quiet? This might be the longest you’ve ever gone without saying anything.”
I ignored the insult altogether. “Why?”
His crooked smile faltered slightly, and I could tell that he knew exactly what I was talking about. “Cause I didn’t trust anybody else to do it. Can we please go inside now?”
I laughed and nodded, accepting his answer… for now. Sweet Pea’s trailer was not what I expected. The living room was immaculate; no piles of laundry or discarded beer cans. Instead, there were neatly folded blankets and a lemon scented air freshener. A small smile grew on my face and he laughed at my reaction. “Shocked that I know how to clean, princess?”
“Actually, yes, I am. Very.”
He shook his head, shrugging out of his jacket and reaching to take mine. “Do you need anything? I know you didn’t really have much time to grab your stuff.”
My mind raced and I reached for my bag, rummaging through to see what I did manage to snag as I was rushed out of my room. “You don’t have any sweat pants I could borrow, do you? I brought clothes for tomorrow and an extra t-shirt, just not pants.”
His grin made me nervous for what he was about to say next. I backed away slowly as he matched my steps. “Oh I don’t mind if you go pantless. In fact, I encourage it.”
I snorted at his dirty comment and chucked a pillow at his head.
He held his hands up in surrender, making his way back to the bedroom. “Kidding, kidding. I’ll grab you some. Make yourself comfortable.”
line break?
After a quick shower and changing into the clothes Sweet Pea found for me, I joined him back in the living room. He was stretched out in the recliner, one arm slung over his head and scrolling through his phone. “Feel better?” he asked as I plopped on the couch.
“Like a new woman. It’s been a long damn day.” I reached for the blanket on the back of the couch and snuggled into it.
“So I heard. Jughead said he just barely got there before the Ghouls showed up. That must’ve been a hell of a wake-up call.”
“God, was it ever.”
“REESE? REESE! Get up!” Jughead yelled, yanking my bedroom door open and jolting me awake. His eyes were frantic and he grabbed my bag to stuff random things from my drawers inside. Quickly, I reached for my robe and scrambled from the safety of my bed to confront him.
“Jug, what’s going on?” My toe found the menacingly sharp edge of the bed frame and a slew of curse words came tumbling from my mouth stopping Jughead in his tracks.
“They’re coming! They’re pissed! We’ve got to get you out of here.” My stomach dropped at the realization of the “they” he was referring to and I instantly joined him filling my bag and throwing on clothes before following him out to his truck. I knew exactly who was after me and why Jughead was so panicked.
Something had told me to stay away from the Quarry last night, but Toni stubbornly insisted. The uneasy feeling only worsened as thirty minutes went by with no sign of my favorite pink-haired Serpent. When the Ghoulies had started to pile in, I shot Toni a quick text and stood up to leave before any of them noticed that I was the only Serpent there.
Unfortunately, Malachi spotted me right as reached my car. “Not so fast, darling. Reese, isn’t it?”
I groaned, opening the door and trying to get inside, only to have Malachi reach out to stop me. “You know…Mordecai speaks of you all the time…in great detail. Maybe, I’d like to see what he sees in you, baby snake.”
Before I could stop myself and before Malachi had the chance to grab me, I reached for the crowbar under my seat and swung it him. I heard the crunch as soon as it made impact, but I didn’t stop to look. I threw the car in drive and took off, making sure to call Jughead and tell him how royally I had just fucked up.
“Why were you even out there? You knew they’ve pretty much taken it over,” Sweet Pea asked jarring me from my thoughts.
“Oh…Toni wanted to hang out. Said she was feeling nostalgic, but she never showed. Something must’ve come up.”
Sweet Pea’s jaw tightened. “Remind me to talk to her about that. Last night could’ve gone a hell of a lot worse, and she just left you there.”
The same unfamiliar nervousness from earlier tonight crept over me and I scrambled to speak. “No--no. Please, Pea, she feels bad enough. It was fine. I’m fine!”
He shook his head, mumbling about the code and being distracted, but I was too busy trying to figure out why he cared. “Come on, Reese, I’m beat. Let’s go to sleep.”
“Where am I sleeping?” I asked, hopping up from the couch and returning the blanket neatly to its rightful place.
“In my bed.” Sweet Pea tossed me a bottle of water and I caught it with a confused look on my face.
“Then where are you sleeping?” Clearly I had missed something.
“In my bed,” he answered with a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, clearly entertained by the rosy blush in my cheeks.
My eyes widened, and I barely managed to muster up a strangled, “why?!”
“Because I like my bed.” He coughed to cover up the chuckle that was building in his chest. “Look, if I sleep in the living room and you sleep in my room, I’d be worried someone would come through the bedroom window and I wouldn’t be able to get there in time. If you sleep in the living room and I sleep in my bed, I’d be worried that someone would come in through the front door. If we both sleep in the living room, we’d both be miserable, so what’s the point? That only leaves one logical solution…bed buddy.”
I huffed dramatically, hating to admit that he had a point more than anything. “You don’t sleep in the nude, do you?”
He erupted into laughter and trudged over to sling his arm around my shoulders once he caught his breath. “Only if you ask nicely.”
Sweet Pea’s room was cozy and surprised me just as much as the living room and kitchen. There were lamps and throw pillows and worn books on the nightstand. I sat my bag on the chair by the end of the bed and ran my hand up the bedspread.
“You like it?” Sweet Pea asked, tugging his shirt over his head and turning the sheets down. “Fangs’ Abuela gave it to me for my birthday. She really helped me fix up this place.”
I smiled at the mention of that woman. Abuela was an angel to the lonely kids of the Southside- the orphans, the rejects, the rebels--she loved them just the same. She always knew the right things to say and do. “I’m proud of you, Pea. Really, it looks amazing in here. I can barely keep up with laundry since my mom split. I don’t know how you do it.”
As he sat on the bed, he reached for my hand to pull me down beside him. “I forgot she left, shit, I’m sorry. Wait, who has Noah? Should we go get him?”
I shook my head at his worried expression, leaning gratefully into the pillows behind me. “Abuela has him actually. Noah and Enzo are best friends. Besides, Fangs is there too, so I know he’ll be safe.”
“Still, I’m gonna call Fangs to check in later. It was hard enough when my folks left and I had to take care of myself. I don’t know if I could’ve taken care of a kid too.”
I thought of my kid brother--cherub faced and golden-haired--and my heart tugged. He was my Achilles’ Heel and as hard as it was to keep him safe and happy and healthy, I wouldn’t change a thing. “I love him, and I didn’t want him to feel like he was missing anything. I would do anything for him.”
To my surprise, Sweet Pea’s arms reached out for me to pull me into his side. “You’re a good sister, you punk.”
I giggled against his chest and glanced up at him, curious about the sudden change in our chemistry. “You’re a good housekeeper, apparently. Are you hiring?”
He jokingly shoved me away and we both sank deeper into the bed on our sides facing each other. “You couldn’t afford me.”
“Darn.”
His face, still bright from laughter, went serious again and my stomach instinctively tightened. “If you ever need help with the house or with Noah, please call. I guess I didn’t realize how much you had on your plate.”
I stiffened, uncomfortable accepting help of any form. “I’m doing the best I can.”
For the second time tonight, his hand snuck under my chin and I tried desperately to fight against his hold as he made me look at him. “Hey…I know. All I’m saying is that you don’t have to do it alone.”
I sat quietly for a moment as he slowly relaxed his grip on my chin. I thought back to the arguments and snide remarks we exchanged over the years. I had known this man for as long as I could remember and dreaded being in the same room as him, but tonight something was different. It was like I had never really known him at all. “Why are you being so nice to me?
The rough tips of his fingers brushed against the lines of my face before he answered and I held my breath in anticipation. “Maybe I’m starting to realize you aren’t the worst person to be stuck protecting.”
The blush that was ever present tonight returned, but I scooted closer to him earning a smile in the process. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
No Ghoulie bothered us that night, and Sweet Pea took both me and Noah in until the smoke cleared. Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months until eventually there was more of our stuff at his place than there was at my own. Sweet Pea helped me make sure that Noah had a good life and having someone to help meant more to me than I ever could’ve imagined. The same man that once made my skin crawl grew on me and became the most important person in my life. If I knew that getting into trouble would’ve brought me here and given me the family I had always hoped to have, I’d break Malachi’s arm a hundred times over.
Escape from the fact that 2000 was 20 years ago by playing in our last Reindeer Game!
Let Blitzen be your guide if the Holidays themselves are supplied: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, St. Nicholas Day, Winter Solstice, New Years Eve, New Years Day, Friendsmas, Yule, Boxing Day, Advent, etc
Remember!: Make sure to 1. tag your content on tumblr with #riverdaleevents- exactly as written, no spaces 2. indicate which theme your content is for 3. add your event fics to the RIVERDALE REINDEER GAMES collection on AO3.
This event runs through, TODAY, December 31st January 5th! We won’t be posting the masterlist until January 2nd, so if you have any content not yet posted, you still have a few more days! Should you need more time please, contact us. If we miss reblogging your content, please send us an ask!
Check out our post for full details, FAQs, how-to’s, and the week’s themes.
Summary: Inspired by the movie Two Night Stand, we find the reader being snowed in with her one night stand, tattoo artist!sweet pea
Warnings: kissing, allusions to sex
A/n: Written for the @southsidearchive A Very Merry Hissmas Secret Santa Fic Exchange. I got the honor of writing something for the incredibly talented @rivendell101 I really hope you like it! It also meets one of my prompts from @riverdalebingo “Snowed In”
When you wake up you feel really warm, almost too warm. You wiggle around a bit and find that you are unable to move freely, something has got you trapped in place. Then it all starts coming back to you; the night before you were in desperate need of a one-night stand, not only to prove to your friends that you are completely over your ex but more importantly, because you really needed to get laid.
That is how you find yourself tangled up in a stranger's arms. What was it he said his name was? Sweetie? Sweet Tea? No, that didn’t sound right, but whatever his name was, you were berating yourself for allowing this to happen.
You didn’t regret sleeping with him, that part had been fun and something you really needed, but you did regret spending the night with him. You had picked him because he was hot as hell and seemed like someone who did this often enough that he wouldn't get attached. So, in theory, it would make it easier for you not to get attached as well. It would be a one time thing and no hearts could get broken; the last thing you needed was to get your heart broken by another bad boy type.
You had it all planned out, have sex with him and go home. Simple. And it would have gone as planned had you not fallen asleep. His warm bed and strong arms had been so inviting and, to be completely honest, he had worn you out. Now you were trapped in his warm embrace. Your only hope was to sneak out without him noticing, but as you move to slide out of his reach he only hugs you closer.
Your heart starts pounding as your mind begins to race, how the hell were you supposed to sneak out now? Him waking up and the two having to do the whole small talk thing really wasn’t something you wanted nor planned on doing.
You glance around the bed and let out a sigh of relief when you notice that your cellphone was within reach. You grab it and set an alarm to ring in the next minute with your ringtone instead of the standard alarm sound. That way you could at least fake a missed call and have an excuse to leave.
You slide your phone back onto the nightstand and wait until it rings, the time in between seeming to be the longest sixty seconds of your life.
After what felt like minutes, he stirs beside you and you pretend to have just woken up as well, his grip on you still as secure as it had been in sleep which only frustrates you more. All you want to do is leave and he is making it more difficult. What is this guy’s deal?
You specifically chose him because he looked like a total player, with his cocky smirk, smooth words and heavily tattooed body. Given his online profile he just didn’t seem to be the relationship type, so his lazy morning smile was throwing you off. Almost as if he didn’t mind you waking up next to him.
Unbeknownst to you, Sweet Pea definitely wasn’t the one night stand type. He’s tried before, but it never felt right. He only accepted your offer because you seemed different than other people he had talked to; he convinced himself that if he was going to have a one night stand with someone it was going to be with someone it felt right with and you definitely gave off the vibes he was looking for.
He slowly starts to wake up more, content that you hadn’t snuck off while he slept, but realizes that the ringing he’s heard wasn’t from his own phone.
Sweet Pea’s arms around you loosen enough that you take advantage and get up. At this point the alarm has long since stopped ringing, but you grab your phone anyway and feign surprise when you ‘see’ a missed call.
“Shit” you hiss. “I gotta go.” You rush to gather your clothes and put them on as quickly as you can.
Meanwhile Sweet Pea sits up and tries to wipe the sleep off his face, that sweet satisfied smile still gracing his face. It unnerves you, but you do your best to ignore it.
When you finish getting ready you face him and smile sincerely, “Last night was…” you didn’t know exactly how to word it and a devilish smile appears on Sweet Pea’s handsome features.
“I know,” he said and you repress the urge to roll your eyes. Now that was the guy you had chosen to hook up with. Only he didn’t mean it as you had taken it. No, he thought for sure you felt the same as he did; what was supposed to be one night of fun had stirred something, making him believe there might be something more there if given the chance to explore it.
Just as you were finishing lacing up your shoes he says, “I’d ask if you wanted to stay for breakfast but I see you’re in a but of a hurry.” There was a twinge of disappointment in his voice.
You move to pick up your phone from the nightstand for the last time. “Sorry… umm...” you scratch the back of your head trying but failing to remember his name. You felt bad but it wasn’t that important anyway. You were never going to see him again.
“Uh, the name is Sweet Pea,” he said still wearing a disappointed look on his face.
“Right. Sweet Pea.” You didn’t know what compelled you to say these next words but surely you don't mean them. Right? “Maybe next time.”
He nods, “Yeah… next time for sure.” You could tell there was more he wanted to say but he held back.
The breakfast invitation surprises you but you do your best to brush it off. You really should have left already and yet you are still here and engaging in what should be awkward small talk, but it doesn’t feel as awkward as you think it should.
“Right, well bye” you salute him as you open his bedroom door and walk out of it without another glance. You cringe. What the hell was that?
You walk to the end of the hall and you can feel the cold from outside seep through your clothes. There was a small snow forecast so that only added to why falling asleep was the worst thing that could have happened. Now you’d have to walk through the snow to get home.
You reach out to pull open the door that leads you outside only it didn’t budge. It took all of your strength to pull it open. You quickly take a step back as some snow falls at your feet. You look up and see the entire doorway is blocked with snow. What the literal hell? What were you supposed to do now?
You stood there staring at the snow, willing it to melt or even disappear but to no avail. You check your phone to see if there was someone you could call to help bail you out of this, but the lack of bars only complicates the situation, indicating you were without service.
Having no other choice you meekly march back up to the apartment you had just exited from.
You reach his door once more, with even more nerves than you had when you arrived here last night. You took a deep breath and knocked before you had any chance to change your mind.
It was quiet for a moment before you heard some rustling on the other side, the door slowly crept open and a curious look graced the gorgeous face of Sweet Pea. He wore a plain black t-shirt covering his glorious chest and tattoos, which you were thankful for because if you were being honest with yourself, you probably would have lost all functionality and just stared in awe.
You couldn't help but give him a nervous smile. He let you in and you explained what happened.
Here you were, snowed in with your one night stand. It was quiet as you sat on his couch while he stood leaning by the entrance, neither of you knowing what to say. You could tell Sweet Pea wanted to laugh at the absurdity of the situation, but he was polite enough to at least keep it to himself.
As he stood there watching, you did your best to keep your eyes off his visible tattoos. The last thing you wanted was to offend him after he let you in.
Silence settled between the two of you for a moment before Sweet Pea offers, “So… now that you’re kind of stuck here. Do you want that breakfast?” he nodded towards the kitchen.
You hesitated, “What are you offering?”
He chuckled at your hesitancy. “I was thinking pancakes and maybe some eggs. I’ll have to double check what else I have in the fridge.”
Everything Sweet Pea has said or done up to this point completely contradicted what you assumed about him. You offer to help him cook but he insists on making it all himself. As he cooks, the two of you share idle chatter, peeling back some layers by getting to know each other. Talking seems to come naturally between the two of you and his genuine smiles are making your stomach flutter.
As Sweet Pea continues to enjoy his breakfast, you push your plate to the side and you can’t help but stare at the ink peeking out of his t-shirt. You spot a specific tattoo on his neck you stare a little too hard, it looked like a snake, more specifically a serpent. You remember hearing about the serpent crew but you had never met someone who is part of them. Once upon a time, they were known to be dangerous but a lot has changed over the years. Nowadays you hear more good things than bad.
“It's all in the past now,” he mutters. He had enjoyed you ogling him until he saw you notice his old serpent tattoo. He wasn’t sure how you would react to him being an ex gang member.
“What?” you say as he shakes you out of your thoughts.
He points to the serpent on his neck. “The Serpents, they’re in the past. I’m retired.” As he said these words he failed to look you in the eye, almost as if he was ashamed that you had seen it.
“Oh…” you said dumbly. “Sorry I didn’t mean to stare.” Your face heats up, embarrassed that you were caught staring. “So what’s with all the tattoos?” you ask to steer the attention away from his time with the serpents. He clearly didn’t want to talk about it.
He shrugged taking another bite of his breakfast, still not meeting your gaze. “Just like them I guess.”
You shake your head and quirk an eyebrow. “No.” That was a bullshit answer and you both knew it.
He finally turns to look at you. The way his eyes crinkled in confusion was making your stomach do flips. God, he was cute.
“No?” he asks.
You can’t help but smile. You didn’t think he was capable of looking cute, all hard lines and inked skin, but somehow that boyish smile and those easy brown eyes added an element you didn’t know was possible . “I just mean there’s no way you have all this ink simply because you like them. Nobody puts this amount of beautiful art onto their skin simply because. It takes an insane amount of commitment,” you could see the corners of his lips twitch in an attempt not to smile. He was clearly impressed and surprised at your answer.
“What about you?” he asked, “You have any ink?” Since you were so openly accepting of tattoos enough to elicit the response you gave, he thought that maybe you had at least one.
You shook your head. “No, but I’m open to them.”
He gave you a devious look. “How open?”
“Woah” you marvel at the endless amount of drawings of tattoos neatly placed in a binder. Turning the pages one by one, you slide your fingers over the tattoos you find particularly beautiful. “And you designed these?”
You look up at him and he sheepishly nods. “I know they aren’t that good but people seem to like them enough to get them tattooed on themselves. So…” he shrugs again trying to not make a big deal of it.
He clearly didn’t think very highly of his work but you wanted to find a way to prove to him that his creations were beautiful. “Can you design something for me?”
His eyes lit up almost as if he was just waiting for you to ask. “Of course. What did you have in mind?”
You thought about it for a second, but you wanted to see what he could come up with on his own. He had mentioned being able to read people and already have an idea of what the person would like, so you wanted to put that to the test. “You’re the artist. Surprise me. Draw me something you think I’d like.”
You could see the gears start turning in his head. “Okay, I think I know where to start. Let me get my sketchbook.”
You grab his arm, stopping him from walking away. Even though it was common for someone to draw the design on transfer paper and then apply it onto the skin, you didn’t want that. “Can you draw it on me?” You bat your eyes at him. “I want to see how it would look on me.”
This made him stumble over his own thoughts. Your words took him a bit off guard. “Uh, yeah. Yeah. I can do that.” He paused for a moment “Where do you want it?”
You rub the outside of your right thigh. “I was thinking, here?” you said a little unsure.
He quirked his eyebrows at you and sent you a questioning look. “You know you’d have to take your pants off for that right?”
You scoff a laugh. “Yeah I got that. It’s nothing you haven’t already seen anyway.”
Sweet Pea’s cheeks turn a light shade of pink at the memories of your night together.
He goes to his room to grab a pen while he leaves you to take off your pants and get comfortable on his couch in the living room.
You sit back on the couch in just your shirt and underwear. It doesn’t feel weird but when he walks back in and asks if you are ready, you can’t help but get a little nervous. Here you were with this sweet and amazing guy who you deeply misjudged as he holds on to your thigh in one hand while the other marks you.
You took a deep breath as you felt a shiver run down your spine as he mindlessly caresses your thigh. “You okay?” he asks.
“Yeah. Fine.” He doesn’t question you further and you mentally thank him for it. Had you known how vulnerable you’d feel beneath his touch you probably wouldn’t have suggested it.
You stared up at the ceiling not wanting to see the design until it was finished. “So, where did you learn how to draw?” you ask trying to distract yourself from the growing tension.
It took him a second to answer. You weren’t sure if he had heard you or not but just as you were going to repeat your question he says, “I was a shy kid and I didn’t have many friends so I had a lot of free time.”
“So you’re self taught?” you ask trying to keep the conversation going.
You can feel the tattoo coming up higher, its size larger than you’d expected, but you didn’t say anything. It wasn’t real. Plus it was you who wanted him to come up with something he’d think you would like.
“Mhm.”
You tried your best to keep from squirming. His slight touches were slowly torturing you. You wanted more. No, you needed more.
He pauses his drawing and runs his thumb up your thigh to your hip where the bottom of your underwear lays. He looks up at you. “Do you mind if I move this up a little? I’m almost done” he asks, voice a bit breathy.
You nod, not trusting your voice as your heart pounds in your chest.
He drags your underwear up a little higher but he didn’t continue his drawing. He too was getting distracted by the closeness and small touches. This is something he does all the time with strangers, but with you he couldn’t help but feel a spark and the heat radiating off of you.
Sweet Pea looks up to you, noticing the way your chest rose and fell with your heavy breaths. It was then that he knew he wasn’t the only one being affected. He took a quick peek down to your lips. They seem to be calling out to him, wanting to be consumed by his own. When his gaze meets yours once again, he sees the same desire he was feeling in your eyes.
As if you could read each other’s minds, both of you lean in until your lips meet. The first kiss was experiential and light, both of you testing the waters. A moment lingers between the two of you, eyes meeting, and when neither of you make a move to turn away, Sweet Pea brings his lips back onto yours and the kiss quickly grows desperate.
You pull him in closer and he climbs on top of you, resting between your legs. You moan into his mouth as his hands explore you body, the trail of his fingertips leaving goosebumps in their wake. You shutter, your body feeling more alive than you had ever felt.
Both of you were too consumed in your pleasure to notice someone walk in. “At least leave a sock on the door if you’re going to do this in our living room.”
The voice surprises you and you just hold Sweet Pea even closer, hiding your head in the crook of his neck as you die of embarrassment. You vaguely remember him mentioning a roommate but wait... How did he get through the thick layer of snow that lay against the front door of the building?
It seemed that Sweet Pea had the same thought. He furrows his brows, “Fangs, how did you get in?”
You turn to look at Fangs as well, waiting for his response. “What do you mean? I just walked in.” He stares at you and Sweet Pea wondering why the hell you were both staring at him with the most confused expressions.
Sweet Pea then looks down at you raising an eyebrow. “You said the door was completely blocked off with snow right?”
You nod. “I swear it was.” You both move to sit up. The three of you stare at each other in confusion.
Then Fangs all of a sudden chimes in, “I did hear one of the neighbors mention something about the kids in the building wanting to stay home from school today. Maybe they did make it look like it snowed more than it really did?”
You laugh and run your hands down your face. “That would explain why some snow fell through the door when I opened it. I guess I never actually tried to touch it to see if it was frozen solid.” You send Sweet Pea a sheepish look and mouth, “sorry.”
He smiles at you because he was to blame as well. If he had bothered to check it out he would have seen that the snow was barely being held together. When you explained why you suddenly couldn’t get home he immediately took your word for it. He didn’t see why you had any reason to lie considering how fast you ran out of there.
He takes your hand in his. “Don’t apologize. It’s not your fault.”
You smile back but move to have him release your hand. “I should really get going since I’m not actually snowed in here.” You grab your pants and quickly put them on followed by the rest of your clothes.
He quickly gets up after you. “You don’t have to leave yet. Plus I didn’t get to finish the tattoo.”
You suddenly remember he was drawing on your just minutes ago, but you needed to leave knowing that if you stayed any longer this one night stand would turn into a two night stand.
It nearly broke your heart seeing him deflated when you mentioned leaving. “I really do have somewhere to be.”
He didn’t fight you on it. Maybe you really weren’t as interested as he was.
You say goodbye once again to Sweet Pea and then to his roommate.
As soon as the door closed Fangs was on Sweet Pea begging for answers as to who you were.
“Just a one-night stand. She made it pretty clear last night that it’s what she wanted.”
Fangs smacks the back of Sweet Pea’s head, what he had just walked in on did not look like a one night thing. “Did you completely miss the part where I caught you two making out like horny teenagers?” Sweet Pea thought about it but wasn’t sure where Fangs was going with this. “Go after her!” he yells at his best friend.
Sweet Pea rushes to grab some shoes and a jacket hoping you haven’t gone too far yet and he runs out of his apartment at lightning speed.
As soon as you step outside, you welcome the cool air, things had gotten heated in there and you were glad Fangs had come in. It had been different than the night before. You hadn’t known much about him then, but now that you had gotten a real glimpse of who Sweet Pea was you knew it would be inevitable to fall for him. Oh how you wished you had met him under different circumstances.
Before you could take a step onto the sidewalk you heard someone call your name. You turn around and are surprised to see Sweet Pea standing there a little out of breath.
“Did I forget something?” you ask curious as to why he ran out to find you.
“No but I did.” That didn’t help your confusion. “I came out here to ask if you wanted to get together again sometime?”
“As in?” you weren’t sure if he was asking for another hook up, a date or if he just wanted to finish the tattoo he was drawing on you. While pulling your pants back on you saw a glimpse of it and it was beyond beautiful. The intricate designs surrounding the flowers really made it stand out.
He exhales a laugh. “As in, would you like to go out? On a date? With me?” his brown eyes full of hope made the butterflies in your stomach flutter for what felt like the hundredth time that day.
Sweet Pea’s face lights up as he sees your growing smile. “Ye- yeah, yes. Yes. I would love to go on a date with you.”
In his excitement he leans down and captures your lips in another kiss. You didn’t mind. It felt right. And to think you were going to sneak out and miss the opportunity to find love with this handsome stranger.
Bring on the candy, candy canes, candy corns, & syrup!
Let Donner be your guide if Tastes are supplied: Candies, Dinners, Coffee Shop, Baking Competition, Hot Cocoa, Eggnog, Mulled wine, Gingerbread Houses, Cookies and Milk for Santa, Fruit Cake, Awkward Family Meals, etc
Remember!: Make sure to 1. tag your content on tumblr with #riverdaleevents- exactly as written, no spaces 2. indicate which theme your content is for 3. add your event fics to the RIVERDALE REINDEER GAMES collection on AO3.
This event runs through December 31st! We welcome any content from any of our eight themes until then! If we miss reblogging your content, please send us an ask! We will be posting the masterlist on January 2nd!
Check out our post for full details, FAQs, how-to’s, and the week’s themes.
