And They Were Neighbors (Reghead)

Chapter 2

Jughead finally had everything in the house unpacked. They had been there long enough that his desk was a mess, and Forsythe had made friends in the neighborhood. His best friends were the Andrews twins from next door, as well as Sophie from across the street.

Today, he was the only one in the house. His ex-wife only had the kids this weekend. Betty only had Lily and Forsythe every other weekend. He figured since his ex wasn't bringing the kids by till tomorrow, and he had nothing else better to do with his time, that Jughead would finally stop by Reggie's bakery about that free cookie.

 He got dressed, putting on some ripped jeans and a tank top. He smiled and headed out. Instead of getting in the car, he could ride his bike over there since he didn't have the kids with him.

The wind in his hair was something Jughead loved. He had his beanie tucked into his jacket, just in case his hair was a mess when he got there. He parked his bike outside the bakery as soon as he got outside the building downtown that had a sign that read "Mantle's".

He remembered that being Reggie's last name, which beat his idea of going around from place to place, till he finally found Reggie's bakery. He was thankful that it was the first place that he found. He gently ran his fingers through his hair, and slipped his beanie on, before he headed inside.

Today was kind of a slow afternoon. Reggie was kind of thankful for that. He was frosting some red velvet cupcakes when he heard the door open. He looked up with a smile, seeing Jughead from across the street. "Well hey, Beanie boy." He said happily, sitting down his piping bag.

Jughead saw him come from behind the counter, a black and red floral apron covered in stains. He honestly thought it was a bit charming. He smiled. "Hey, I'm glad I found the right place."

Reggie smiled and nodded. "I'm glad you did too, Beanie boy. Guessing your ex-wife has the kiddos this weekend?"

Jughead nodded. "Yeah, Betty has the kids this weekend. She's supposed to bring them by tomorrow afternoon." He answered with a smile.

Reggie grinned a little. "So, would you maybe wanna come over for dinner? My parents are watching Sophie tonight. We could have a nice night with no kids." He offered with a smile.

Jughead smiled, and nodded. "I'd like that, Reggie. It sounds nice. Want me to bring anything?" He asked with a smile.

Reggie shook his head. "Usually the adult thing would be to say dessert, but I always bring home what doesn't sell. So just your charming self."

Jughead shrugged a little. "Well, maybe you could come to my place, and bring some sweet treats with you." He suggested as a compromise.

Reggie smiled. "Alright, is there any particular baked good that you're so fond of? I'd rather bring something that you'll actually eat." He said with a small smile.

Jughead smiled. "I am kinda partial to any kind of cookie. Especially chocolate ones."

Reggie smiled, already knowing what cookies he was gonna take over, when he remembered the offer he'd made when they'd met. "Oh yeah. By the way," He said with a small smile, stepping back behind the counter, and coming back with a nice warm chocolate chip cookie for him. "Believe I promised you a good cookie, Jones." He said with a smile.

Jughead's eyes lit up when Reggie handed him the cookie. As soon as he took a bite of it, Jughead was in a state of bliss. It was so warm and soft. He was so happy. He still had a mouthful of cookie when he spoke. "Oh my sweet Jesus. This cookie is just..holy fuck." He said happily.

Reggie had a huge grin on his face, while he went back to frosting the dozen cupcakes. "Honestly, that might be my favorite review I've ever heard of my baking. Can I use that in advertising, beanie boy?" He joked happily.

Jughead nodded. "Yeah. You can gladly put that on a poster in the window. I'd be proud to have that be my legacy so far in this town." He said with a grin, and ate the rest of the cookie. He wiped his hands off on his ripped jeans. "Well, I've gotta head home, to get in the car to go get groceries."

Reggie smiled a little. "Wait, did you walk here?" He asked, with a bit of confusion in his voice. He knew how far it was from their neighborhood to the bakery. He would run to work in the summer, like he had today. He figured that far of a walk wouldn't be wise, considering what Jughead was wearing.

Jughead shook his head with a smile. "No, I rode my bike here. Don't worry about little old me getting too hot, in my edgy hipster aesthetic." He said happily. He made a split second decision, and pressed a kiss to Reggie's cheek. "I'll see you later for dinner, Reggie." He said with a smirk, as he headed out.

Once he was out of the bakery, Reggie had his hand pressed to his cheek, where Jughead's lips had been, only moments ago. He was smiling like an idiot. Tonight was gonna be amazing.