The Serpent Twin

Bigger Person

Sweet Pea and I sat at a table  as we drank. Jughead then called out, "Can I get everyone's attention!?" We turn to him as he smiled widely. "I have an announcement to make." He said and hesitated. "My dad's getting out." We all started to cheer as he then said, "And when he does, I'll bring him up to speed about our plans with Mayor McCoy."

"That's brilliant." Tall Boy snarked. "Do you have a problem with that, Tall Boy?" Jughead asked. "Your old man? No. I got no problem with him. But you want us to sit down with the Mayor." Tall Boy said and Jughead nodded. "I do. He's right.
I think we can bring the Southside back. But it's going to take work and it's going to take compromise." Sweet Pea looked at me questioning me and I nodded.
Tall Boy laughed, "Bring the Southside back. You've been here all of five minutes." I rolled my eyes and Jughead just says, "Tall Boy, I am sick of you acting like a little bitch. Whispering behind my back that I'm half a Serpent or that I don't belong here."

I then stood up, "Why don't we put it to a vote?" I called out and Jughead agreed. "If you guys think what I'm doing is wrong, I'll step aside." I then said, "All those who stand with Jughead and think that Tall Boy should shut the hell up" I raised my hand so did Sweet Pea, Toni, and Fangs. Most of the whole bar also raised their hands.
——

I walked into the Whyte Wyrm as the music pumped and went straight to the bar. "Hey Babe," Toni said and I nodded smiling slightly. "What's up with you?" She asked and I sighed. "Don't ask, Will you Make me a drink please?" She nodded and made me one setting it in front of me. "Come to mine after your shift," I said and she nodded. I smiled softly before walking away.

"Lizzie!" I heard and turned smiling widely. "Dad!" I called out and he walked over hugging me tightly. "I have to talk to you. Follow me." He whispered and pulled back. I nodded and followed behind him. We went up the stairs and he closed the door behind him.

"Did you know that your brother made a deal with Penny?" He asked furiously and I made a confused face. "The snake charmer? When?" I asked and he sighed. "I don't know, but I need your help. I'm taking his spot. I'm not trying to pull you into this Lizzie." He told me and I nodded. "I'm in," I spoke and hugged him tightly. "I'm glad your home dad," I whispered and he kissed my head. "I'm glad You're okay Lizzie." He told me. "I didn't think you'd talk to me again," he whispered to me. "Well, daddy. I decided to be the bigger person. Course you have to build my trust up again but.." I trailed off and he sighed. "I'm fine with that."

Going to the balcony I smirked as I finally found Sweet Pea. I went down the stairs and he met me at the bottom. Taking my hand he leads me through the crowd. We stood in the back as Archie and Veronica took the stage to sing a Donnie Darko song.

I stood against the wall as Sweet Pea took my hand and intertwined our fingers. He leaned over and whispered, "I can't wait to take that dress off you." I bit my lip and winked at him.

"Veronica!" Archie called out rushing off stage after her. Everyone then started to boo including Sweet Pea and I. Jugheads girlfriend Betty Cooper got on stage as she sang the rest of the song. She started to strip as she did. Sweet Pea squeezed my hand and I turned to him. He was already looking at me

When the song ended FP was the only one who clapped. "There he is!" Someone called out as he walked on stage. "Quite the show.
Thanks, Betty." He told her and wrapped his serpent jacket around her shooing her off stage.
"Let's give her a round of applause!" He shouted into the mic and Sweet Pea clapped but I didn't. " And show her some of that Serpent hospitality we're known for. You know what? I've been in and out of the Serpents since I was younger than my son.
And it's been a,  A wild ride.
Good times, bad times, but through it all, the Serpents stuck by my side, while most other people turned their backs on me.
My some of own family included.
Now, the letter of the law says that I can't be here in the Serpent den.
That I can't associate with my friends. My real family. My blood"

We cheered as he then continued, " But I've been thinking about that. And while my beautiful daughter did what she could and took my title into her own hands and responsibilities, it'll be a cold day in hell before a snake lets a pig tell him what to do." The crowd cheered more. "Northside wants me outta this gang? Well, they better bring a coffin because FP Jones isn't retiring! I am not going gently into the night! I'm here to stay! So, bring the fire!" This of course brought no surprise given the arrangement I just made with him.

FP got off stage and had a moment with Jughead before Sweet Pea pulled me over to them as Hog-eye and Tall Boy passed out shots. "Shots, let's line 'em up!" He called out. "Hail to the king!" I smirked as Sweets and I clinked our glasses together. "To the king!"

——
I stood in the bathroom at Sweet Peas as I held my knife in my hand. My bare wrist showed. I pressed down, not hard enough to break the skin, but enough to notice something was there. I dropped the knife and gasped as I cried. "Baby!" I heard and the door opened. I turned and jumped into Sweet Pea's arms as I sobbed. "Hey. Are you okay?" He whispered but I shook my head. "I almost did it, Sweets. A-almost." I cried into his chest and he held me tightly. "I got you." He whispered, "I got you."