Just Friends

*49*

While the town fair is a naturally exciting event, it's also a little bittersweet, as it signifies the end of yet another summer in Riverdale. The turn out is always fantastic though, with just about every resident showing up to play games, ride the rides and eat more cotton candy than one could ever imagine.

"You'd think this thing would get old but it never does." Fred comments as the four of them strut onto the fairgrounds, an explosion of lights and prizes delighting them. "What do you guys want to hit up first?"

"Fun house!" Alice decides on everyone's behalf, it's one of her favourite's. "Ferris Wheel we'll save for last, as always."

It's a tradition for them all, to ride the Ferris Wheel last and stare out over the lights of their sleepy little town, a way to bid adieu to yet another summer together.

The smell of freshly popped popcorn and corn dogs fill Alice's nose, and she smiles, looking ahead of her at FP who's always so enamoured by the sheer extremity of everything the fair brings.

He must sense her eyes on him because he turns his head and gives her a knowing look. "Whatcha staring at, missy?"

"Just a really great view." She answers cheesily, leaning into him when he curls his arm around her shoulders.

"I think I got the better view." FP responds, pressing a kiss to her temple as they walk.

"If I had of known you two getting together would turn you into the sappiest, cheesiest couple alive, I wouldn't have rooted so hard for it." Hermione teases. Alice's head whips around and she narrows her eyes at the girl, sticking her tongue out.

"They're happy," Fred whispers once the couple is out of earshot. "I don't think I've ever seen them both so happy."

Hermione smiles as she watches them. "I always knew they were meant to be." She winks at Fred and leans up to press a kiss to his cheek. "Come on baby, we got a funhouse to explore."

***

"I still think I should be the one driving." Hermione insists as she settles into the bumper car next to Alice.

"Why so you can avoid everyone? Where's the fun in that?" Alice smiles wickedly.

"The fun is not getting a concussion."

Alice rolls her eyes and pats Hermione on the head. "You'll be fine kid, just breathe."

Alice makes an "I'm coming for you" gesture at Fred and FP's car and the boys return it, ensuring a battle is about to ensue.

As soon as the carney allows them, Alice peeks off towards the boy's before they even have a chance to move away, and bumps straight into them. "Oh it is ON!" Fred yells, steering after her when she drives away, zipping around the floor.

"Do a u-turn!" Hermione instructs, keeping a close eye on the boys. Alice does as instructed and throws the boys off completely, causing them to bump into the wall. "Yes!"

"Okay man, floor it!" FP demands, his eyes set on the girl's car.

"I'm giving her all she's got!" Fred responds, flustered.

FP gets a wicked idea of his own and directs Fred. "Pull up near them." He decides, pointing to cart with two boys who look to be about thirteen. "How would you guys like to make five bucks?"

The one boy's eyebrow arches. "Each?"

"Yeah, each."