𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒

Dance Partner | Sweet Pea

Summary: at the schools annual dance, you're sitting alone, watching everyone else have fun. When Sweetpea walks over and asks you to dance. "I'm terrible at this," he admits, but he still spins you around the dance floor, making you laugh until your sides hurt. by the end of the night, he doesn't want to let go of your hand

Warning(s): none

Word Count: 640

⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆ ⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆ ⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡

THE Riverdale High gym was decked out with string lights and balloons, the DJ playing a mix of pop hits and slow songs. It was supposed to be one of the highlights of the year, but you weren't exactly feeling it. You'd come to the dance with your friends, but they'd all quickly paired off and disappeared, leaving you sitting alone near the refreshment table, watching couples sway to the music.

You glanced down at your cup of punch, debating whether to leave early, when a shadow fell over you.

"Hey," a voice drawled, low and smooth. You looked up to see Sweet Pea standing in front of you, his hands shoved into the pockets of his leather jacket. "Why are you sitting here all by yourself?"

You gave a half-shrug. "Guess I'm not much of a dancer."

Sweet Pea raised an eyebrow, his trademark smirk forming. "Neither am I, but it's a dance. Isn't that kind of the point?"

You laughed softly. "I don't think embarrassing myself in front of the whole school is really my thing."

He tilted his head, studying you for a moment before stepping closer. "Well, lucky for you, I don't care what anyone thinks. Come on."

Before you could protest, Sweet Pea held out a hand. His green eyes were warm, a surprising softness in them you didn't often see.

"I told you, I'm terrible at this," you said, hesitating.

"So am I. Guess we'll look stupid together." His smirk widened, and his outstretched hand wiggled slightly in encouragement.

Unable to stop the smile tugging at your lips, you placed your hand in his. His grip was firm but gentle, and he pulled you up, leading you toward the dance floor.

The upbeat song faded, replaced by a slower tune, and couples began to pair off. Sweet Pea stopped in the middle of the floor, turning to face you.

"Okay," he said, glancing around like he was sizing up the competition. "What's the plan? Do we just sway and hope for the best?"

You laughed again, feeling some of your nervousness melt away. "I think that's the general idea."

Sweet Pea placed his hands on your waist, and you rested yours lightly on his shoulders. The two of you began to move, slowly and awkwardly at first, but after a few moments, you found a rhythm.

"This isn't so bad," he said, his voice quieter now.

"Speak for yourself," you teased. "I think you stepped on my foot twice."

He grinned. "At least I'm consistent."

The banter continued as you danced, the world around you fading into the background. Sweet Pea's confidence was infectious, and before long, you realized you were actually enjoying yourself.

When the song ended, he didn't let go right away, his hands lingering at your waist. "See? Told you it wouldn't be so bad," he said, his voice soft.

"Okay, you were right," you admitted, your cheeks warming under his gaze.

"Say that again? I don't think I heard you."

You rolled your eyes, but the smile on his face made your heart flutter. "Don't push it."

Sweet Pea chuckled, finally stepping back but keeping one hand in yours. "Well, since you survived that, I guess you can't ditch the next one."

Before you could respond, another slow song began to play. He raised an eyebrow, giving you that same mischievous smirk. "Ready for round two?"

You nodded, feeling a surge of confidence you hadn't expected. "Lead the way."

This time, dancing with Sweet Pea felt easy, like you'd known him forever. And for the rest of the night, you didn't think once about leaving early.