VIPER • the serpent princess

50

"FP, really, you two keep your rooms, I'll just sleep on the couch" I plead, standing in FP and Jughead's trailer.

"Seriously Casey you can have my room it's fine-"

"Jug you have a girlfriend and this is your house, you need your space. It's okay I'll just crash on the couch, really" I assure, "Please"

"Okay, but if you change your mind, it's yours. I have to go meet Betty, but I'll see you guys tonight" he nods, before rushing out of the trailer.

I stand in front of FP, his eyes fixated on me, they haven't left me.

"Why you always staring at me FP?" I sigh.

"I was meant to look after you. I was meant to protect you and be there for you and I am so sorry I wasn't Casey. I'm so sorry"

"Stop apologises, what I did. Was my choice and no one at the time could have changed my mind. I'm sorry I've interrupted your life like this and have been such a screw up the past month-"

He rushes to me and puts his hands on my shoulders, holding me so I stay facing him.

"You never say sorry, for what you went through. Just...Casey don't you know that I could never survive if I lost you? None of us would! The only reason everyone has survived in this town is because of you! I love you Casey" he declares, then pulls me to his chest and holds me in his arms tightly.

There is a knock on the door, followed by Alice Cooper making her way inside. When she sees me her eyes widen.

"Sorry, FP, didn't know you had company" she states.

"It's alright, I'll go"

"No it's alright Case-"

"FP this is your house. I'll just go to Sweetwater or something. I'll be fine, promise" I assure.

"Alright, but I'll pick you up in an hour. We'll go get some dinner at Pop's" he says.

"Okay, see you later" I sigh, grabbing my jacket and leaving the house.

He is babying me, hates it when I leave his sight. But it's not like I can get mad at him, if he did what I did, I'd be acting the same way. I make my way to the River and to my surprise, when I get there Toni, Fangs and Sweets are all sitting at our table. When they see me, Fangs starts to howl and clap, Toni and Sweets joining in. They're all trying to make me feel better, happier.

"Alright stop it" I laugh, taking a seat with them.

"Just happy to see you" Toni smiles.

We all sit and chat, talking about going back to school, how the Ghoulies suck and all the usual stuff. Then when it gets close for me to be picked up, Fangs clears his throat and taps Toni.

"We made you something" Fangs says, "It was Toni's idea obviously she's the girl-"

He is cut off when Toni punches him in the shoulder annoyed at the 'girl' comment.

"We just, wanted you to have something to look at when you're down and, know you're never alone" she explains in a sad voice before handing me a book.

It's a scrap book, when I open it I see photos of us all form when we were tiny kids and photos from this year. As I flip through I remember every single fun memory and how I've grown up with these three always by my side. I look up from the book to Toni, Fangs and Sweet Pea.

"Thank you" I gasp, "Thank you so much. It's amazing"

"No you are" Fangs responds, then throws his arms around me in a tight hug.

I hug him back, then I feel Toni's hands, and Sweet Peas hands wrap around us. The four of us all sit there hugging each other for a moment. When we break apart, Fangs chuckles.

"That was mushy, time for some fun yeah?" he states, getting out his phone I watch as he presses his screen.

Mr Brightside begins to play. I can't help but smile at the three who all immediately get excited at the fact our song is playing. Toni starts dancing on the table, Fangs joining her. Sweet Pea grabs my hand and we jump up with them, the four of us dancing hard.

"You guys are nuts" FP chuckles as the song finishes.

We all turn our heads to see him leaning against his truck watching us. I laugh, then jump down from the table, grabbing my scrapbook.

"I'll see you guys tomorrow" I smile, waving goodbye.

"See you then Case" Sweets nods.

I look into Sweet Peas eyes, he's smiling and so I am. I then turn away and get into the car with FP. As soon as I sit down in the front seat, I feel hand's wrap's around me. I turn and see they are Betty's, Jug sitting with her in the back.

"Hey Betty" I laugh.

"Hey Casey" she grins, sitting back with Jug who holds her hand, "You look great"

"Thanks"

We all go to Pops and have a great dinner. Jug and Betty grill FP on what he was doing with Alice and tries to find out there past. I sit with FP on the side that can see the door entrance, and I watch as Malachai walks in. His eyes bloodshot, most likely because he's done Jingle Jangle. He struts over to us and then puts his hands down on the table, everyone going silent.

"Fraternising with a blonde Northside bitch Casey? Doesn't sound like you" he chuckles, "Anyway, I'm just here cause I haven't seen you at the club and, you owe me ten minutes"

"You get the hell out-" FO starts to make a threat but I put my hand on his chest, shaking my head.

"Don't. I can handle this. Stay here" I instruct, standing up and facing Malachai, "Outside, now"

I push his shoulder and then lead us outside. I cross my arms and keep my stance strong.

"Now, what the hell do you want?" I hiss.

"No need to be so cranky Case! We had a great night! Let's do it again is all I'm saying" he grins, stepping closer to me.

"I'm not doing anything again. I did your deal. You're just causing shit now and remember, Serpents beat the Ghoulies" I glare, "Just admit it, the Ghoulies are losers, you're a loser. You are all pathetic cockroaches"

"You think the Ghoulies are pathetic?" he shouts, then grabs my wrist and holds them face up, showing my bandaids. "You're the pathetic one. Couldn't even kill your self right"

"Let go of her now, or you're a dead man" FP threatens behind him.

I stare at Malachai's cruel eyes, still in shock. He lets my hands go and I quickly put them down self-conscious. He laughs and then walks off, getting into his car and speeding off. I look to FP, who's standing with Jug and Betty all with shocked and apologetic expressions on there faces.

"I'm fine, let's just go home yeah? I'm tired" I rush, turning away and getting into the car.