Too Shy To Say, But I Hope You Stay

The Town With Pop's

Person A and Person B spend their New Year's Eve at a party with their friends and share their New Year's kiss in front of everyone.

Hello! This prompt will be from Pop Tate's POV. pineapple_trees7 had recommended a one shot in Pop's POV and I thought this would be a good one for that. So here we are!

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Pop's diner was always open New Years Eve to give everyone who needed it a warm cup of coffee, or a warm meal. Even just a booth to curl up in and watch the count down on the old TV behind the counter.

Pop Tate was never lonely on New Years. He once had his wife, who quit coming to the festivities once she became pregnant, and then he had his daughter who would fall asleep by 10pm. In her teen years, she would be out with friends, and Pop would be alone. His wife would keep him company every few years, up until she became ill.

One year, there was a scrawny pink haired girl who had come into the diner. She was shivering in her leather jacket and found a corner booth to sit in. There were still three hours until midnight.

Pop Tate has seen many Serpents in his diner over the years, as it had become a common ground between North and South siders. He was quite proud of this. He didn't stand for violence, and kicked out anyone who caused trouble.

He topped off the coffee for the man sitting at the counter, who had a fight with his wife just a few hours before. Then a woman sitting in a booth who had told him that her gang got into it with a few Serpents. Then there was Jason Blossom, who had gotten into an argument with his parents over his girlfriend. All of these people were alone and lonely, just like Pop. Just keeping each other company, in silence.

Finally, he made his way over to the girl with the pink hair. He set a coffee cup on the table and began filling it while saying, "Any cream or sugar?" We waited a beat, but the girl didn't respond. Pop said, "I'll bring both," and walked back to the counter.

When he returned, the girl let out a quiet "thank you" and Pop said, "It's not a problem. Can I get you anything to eat?"

"I don't have any money," the girl said quietly as her shoulders slumped.

"It's on the house. I'll cook you something up real quick."

The girl looked up at him with sad eyes and said, "I don't need any hand outs."

"Never said you did. I'm just an old man wanting to take care of his community. The Google reviews help, too." And he walked away to make her something to eat.

He checked on his other customers while the food cooked, making sure everyone was warm and that their bellies were full. Once the food was done, he carried the basket holding a burger and fries in one hand and a chocolate milkshake in the other, out to the girl.

"I'm Pop Tate, but most people call me Pop," he said after placing the food and milkshake on the table.

The girl eyed the food, taking a single fry between her fingers. "Toni. Thank you." It came out quiet, not quite a whisper.

"You're welcome to stay as long as you want. We're open 24/7."

Toni twirled another fry between her fingers and mumbled out "My uncle kicked me out. I didn't have anywhere else to go." She still wasn't looking at him.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Toni. If you need anything, let me know. It won't be a hand out. There's a cot in the back if you need somewhere to sleep, and I've got some dishes that need done."

He didn't miss the little smile on her face before she grabbed the burger and started eating.

-

Over the years, Pop saw Toni pretty regularly. He saw her come in with other Serpents, informing them that Pop's is a safe space. Common ground. And he couldn't be more proud.