The Missing Part of Me | a Choni Story

Chapter Four

Toni hears a knock on her door and opens it, Sweet Pea standing there with her keys in hand. She grins, grabbing his keys from a nearby table and switching.

"Are you hungry?" Sweet Pea asks as he waits in the doorway. "Fangs is getting lunch, wanna come?"

Toni nods, knowing it's better than sitting around her trailer doing nothing. She grabs her jacket and walks with Sweet Pea to his truck. They drive to Pop's, meeting Fangs outside the diner. They all greet each other, casually fooling around with one another through the door. Toni enters first, coming to a halt as she runs into Cheryl.

Cheryl gasps, immediately taking a step back, "Ugh, we meet again."

Fangs and Sweet Pea strut past, grabbing a table towards the back of the diner.

Toni smiles, "Hello to you too, Blossom." Cheryl rolls her eyes, though she does not move from where they are standing. "How'd that meeting go?"

Cheryl groans, "You ask too many questions." Toni chuckles and crosses her arms, waiting for an answer. Cheryl sighs, Why not? It's not everyday someone make an effort. "Turns out, I've got some real estate here in Riverdale."

Toni nods, "Wow." She questions, smiling, "Is that a no on the hotel room then?"

Cheryl shakes her head, "I think I'll be residing in Thistlehouse for the time being." She lowers her voice, "Thank you, though."

"Don't mention it."

Cheryl swallows, smoothing out her clothes, "I was just leaving."

"Stay," Toni instinctively states. They both blush, a quick silence falls over them. "Let me buy you a milkshake."

Despite already having one, Cheryl looks at Toni again, butterflies entering her stomach. She nods, the two hopping onto the bar. Pop comes over, looking at Cheryl a bit confused but she smiles and asks him for a strawberry milkshake (again). Toni asks for a chocolate one and turns to Cheryl.

"What're your plans for the rest of the day?"

Cheryl blushes, Toni's kind persistence to know about her is something she hasn't experienced since Jason. Sure, the Keenes were concerned but there was always something missing between them and Cheryl for it to have a real impression.

For whatever reason, this Serpent is imprinting herself in Cheryl's memory, whether they realize it or not.

"I'm not sure," Cheryl answers, changing the subject before Toni can ask more questions. "What about your friends over there?"

Toni peers over to them, shaking her head as if to shrug them off, "They'll be fine for a bit without me. Besides, I'd much rather pay for a lunch with you."

Toni knows she's being flirty. She'd be lying if she told herself that the redhead wasn't beautiful. She can't tell though if it's registering to Cheryl, and if it is, if Cheryl likes it.

Pop comes over with their milkshakes and smiles. They cheers the drinks together, both taking a sip.

Toni swallows, "If you're not doing anything later, you should come by the Whyte Wyrm. I'll be working there in a bit, it's a good looking bar, I think you might like it."

Cheryl continues drinking her milkshake, making no comment about the offer.

She isn't used to this. She doesn't know how to respond. From being HBIC Cheryl Bombshell, to quiet introverted school girl, Cheryl did not in either scenario share her feelings. HBIC Cheryl was strong, yes, but lacked the will to emotionally bond with other people. Introverted Cheryl beared the emotion she could have used to bond with other people, but lacked the strength to make an effort to bond with people. There was no in between. No one really tried, so neither did she. Now that someone is, Cheryl isn't sure what to do.

Cheryl finishes about two thirds of her milkshake before turning to Toni, "I should be going now."

Toni's first reaction is to reach out to keep Cheryl there. Her hand lands lightly on her wrist, eyes staying locked with Cheryl's.

Her whole body is on fire. To think, one touch from someone and Cheryl is feeling something. She isn't sure of what it is, she's never felt it before. It begins to scare her so she jerks her hand away, taking a deep breath.

Cheryl Bombshell makes an appearance, snarky as ever, "Truthfully, I'd already drank one, but I couldn't possibly be rude to one of my adoring fans."

She turns her heel, leaving before Toni has anything to say. She looks over at Pop, paying for the milkshakes and bringing the remainder of hers to the boys. They'd ordered fries and onion rings for the table, each having their own meal in front of them.

"Got your favorite, Tiny," Sweet Pea points to the plate next to him, tuna salad on a wheat wrap.

They eat in silence though Toni knows they'd been talking about her and Cheryl while she was at the bar. Once Toni is too annoyed by the lack of conversation, she groans, looking at the two of them.

"So, who's going to say something first. Thing 1," she looks at Fangs, "or Thing 2?"

Sweet Pea rolls his eyes, "I am most certainly not Thing 2." He bites his burger, swallowing before adding, "And I already said what I wanted to so if you're looking for a fight, Fangs here is going to have to square up."

Toni looks at Fangs, whose resting face has a slight eyebrow arch. "That's who you requested the room for."

"She won't be needing it anymore."

"Are you sure you know what you're doing Toni?" Fangs asks, dipping his french fry into some ketchup. "Is it true you've spent practically the entire day with her?"

"The day is nowhere near over Fangs," Toni responds, leaning back in her chair. "How'd you even hear about that?"

"Not all Serpents went to the Greendale shake down," Fangs answers, sighing. "You didn't say it's not true."

Toni looks away as Fangs shakes his head. "She's a Blossom, Topaz. Get your head in place or get your blade ready. Just be careful."

Sweet Pea takes a sip of his water, adding, "You know I told her the same thing earl—"

Toni smacks the table, "Put a sock in it or so help me God Sweet Pea I will shove the rest of your burger down your throat and stab those french fries in your eyes."

The boys stay silent for just a second before giggling. Sweet Pea puts his arm around Toni with a big smile.

~

A shorter chapter but I hope you've enjoyed. Feel free to leave any comments you want, I appreciate any words said :)

-Hoboken