Serpent By Association

After Hours

Sophia had locked the door of her bedroom, and both she and Sweet Pea sat down on the bed.

"What's up?" She asked.

"It's just... About what you said earlier," he started.

"What about it?"

"I just want you to know that it's not true at all. I don't know why people made you feel the way they did back in London, and I don't know why I'm saying this right now, but you don't deserve to feel like that ever."

"Are you drunk, Pea?" Soph let out a quick laugh.

"Maybe a little. But everything I'm saying is true," he said. "And I'm telling you, Sophia, you are beautiful and kind and every kind of crazy."

"Crazy?"

"In the best ways. You're a great friend, you're caring and sweet but badass and sexy all at the same time. I don't know how to handle you now, I don't think I ever will because every day I'm with you something happens that makes me see you in a whole new light."

Sophia covered his mouth with her hand. "Thank you, Sweet Pea, that's quite enough."

He took her hand and removed it. "I could compliment you for the rest of time and I would never run out of things to say."

They both looked at each other.

"Maybe I'm more than a little drunk," he said.

"I'll say." Sophia giggled. "I appreciate it, Sweet Pea. I really do. But I'm not big on receiving compliments."

"You're gonna have to get used to it, because I don't think I'll ever be able to stop," he said, stroking his thumb down her cheek.

"Sweets." They both leaned in and kissed, their breaths slow as the kiss deepened. They pulled away, their foreheads touching. "Sweet Pea- "

"Soph!" Tom banged on the door. "Next door are complaining, it's time to ship the extras out."

She and Sweet Pea went downstairs, and with the help of the others, the rest of the part goers left until it was just inner circle left.

"Do you guys want to watch a film or something?" Tom asked.

"It's late, and we'll need to clean up tomorrow. Let's just go to bed." Moose suggested, and everyone agreed.

Betty and Jughead had won a couples rock, paper, scissors game and so they were getting to stay in the parents room, Archie and Veronica were on the sofa, Sophia was in her room, Tom felt bad that Cheryl and Toni weren't getting a bed, so he offered them his, and he and Josie were planning to sleep on a blow up bed on his floor, and the rest of the boys were going to be in the garage. Sophia grabbed Sweet Pea when everyone was saying goodnight.

"Stay with me?" She asked quietly.

"Of course," he smiled, kissing her forehead. "I'll grab us some water and then I'll meet you in your room."

She finished saying goodnight to everyone before going up to her room, taking off her make-up and getting into a night shirt.

Archie followed Sweet Pea to the kitchen.

"Just ask her out." Archie said, leaning against the doorframe.

"What?" Sweet Pea asked in surprise.

"Sophia. Just ask her out on a date already."

"What if she says no?"

"She won't. I know you've kissed before, and I kinda hope something happened tonight -"

"We kissed again." Sweet Pea interrupted.

"Well then." Archie said. "She talks about you all the time. Even if she hasn't realised she likes you yet, she does. So ask her on a date and you guys can explore those feelings."

"Alright, if you say so," he shrugged.

"Good. Now go on, your lover is waiting." Archie smirked.

"Night, guys." Sweet Pea said to Archie and Veronica in the lounge.

"Night." They both said, and he went upstairs.

"So, what's happening?" Veronica asked.

"He's gonna ask her on a date." Archie told her.

"Oh my God!" Veronica clapped. "Single Sophia is amazing but in a relationship Sophia being all soft and happy? I'm gonna die when I see it."

Sweet Pea shut the bedroom door behind him, the glasses of water being placed on the side. He went over to the vanity where Sophia was sat brushing her hair up into a ponytail. He massaged her shoulders gently and she let her eyes close as she sighed, relaxing into him.

"You coming to bed?" He asked.

She nodded. "Just one minute."

As she tied her hair she watched in the mirror as he undressed into his boxers. They both got into bed, cuddled up under the covers. They were quiet for a little while, happy to just hear the breaths of the other, until Sweet Pea spoke up.

"Sophia, would you go on a date with me?"

She turned to face him, even though they could barely make each other's features out in the dark.

"Would I - What?"

"I mean, don't feel pressured to say yes, but would you go on a date with me?"

She was quiet for a minute. "I'm convinced you're drunk."

"I know what I'm saying, Soph."

"Well, just in case, hold that thought, and if you do remember this, ask me in the morning."

"If that's what you want," he said, playing with her fingers.

"It is."

"I'll ask tomorrow then."

"Goodnight, Pea," she nuzzled into his neck.

"Goodnight, Sophia." He kissed her palm, settling down.