Breaking Barriers | CHONI |

'I'm telling you Cheryl, there's no way even you can convince the whole school to make that loser prom queen,' Veronica said. 'I mean just look at her.'

The two cheerleaders looked over to the new girl holding her books tightly to her chest as she navigated the crowded halls of Riverdale High. Her eyes cast down, leaving her thick black framed glasses clinging to the end of her nose.

'If I've told you once Veronica, I've told you a thousand times. I control this school, and I know I can make even her popular enough to be voted this years prom queen, but why, pray tell, would I want to give someone else the opportunity to wear my crown?'

'Well, how about we don't let her actually become prom queen, but instead make her believe she stands a chance,' Josie added, a mischievous glint in her eye that made the redhead raise an eyebrow at the idea.

'I don't know. I mean, look at the way she's dressed. If I manage to pull this off, what do I get?'

'The satisfaction of watching her face fall when she realises it's all a joke and how a loser like her will never ever be one of us. Honestly you'd be doing the world a favour.'

'Fine, challenge accepted.'

•••

Cheryl waited in her usual seat at the back of her English class, as soon as the brunette walked into the room the redhead called her over. 'Hey! New girl!'

Toni wasn't the only one to turn around, most of the class did. A lot of them with a confused look on their faces as they watched the situation unfold expecting, at least, some commotion.

'Sit here, next to me,' Cheryl said as she reached over to pull out the chair, she could see that the girl was uncomfortable, but she ignored it. 'Come on, I don't bite.'

After giving her a simple nod, unsure of how to refuse, Toni took the seat giving the redhead a small smile before organizing her books on the wooden desk. Cheryl just watched her for a moment, a slight feeling of guilt trickled through her, but she shook it off. Being nice gets you nowhere.

'Hey nerd!' A voice boomed. 'You're in my seat.'

'Not anymore Reginald. Your seat now belongs to... Antoinette, is it?' Cheryl asked turning her head to the new girl who was already shoving her books into her bag.

'Toni,' she said barely loud enough to hear. 'I'll move. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to take your seat.'

'Reggie, tell Toni that your seat is now at the front of the class, and that this one belongs to her...'

The boy huffed, 'you can have the seat.'

Cheryl grinned victoriously as he turned around and dropped into the other chair with the feeling of power surging through her veins. Other students were still looking at them, whispering between themselves before the teacher finally quietened them down.

'Hey,' Cheryl whispered once their teacher was more concerned with his laptop than his students. 'My friends and I saw you in the hallway, and I'm about to make you an offer you can't refuse...'

Toni looked up when she realised she was the one the redhead was addressing. She didn't say anything, instead she waited for the other girl to continue.

'Every day after school we go to Pops for a milkshake. Come with us.'

'Oh, that's really kind, but-'

'No buts Antoinette, you're coming,' Cheryl said turning her attention back to her book giving the brunette no chance to refuse.

Toni kept her eyes on the redhead for a moment as she fiddled with her pencil, before turning back to her own work.

•••

Cheryl joked with her friends whilst they enjoyed their lunch about how easy setting the new girl up was going to be. The brunette had even tried to use the excuse that she didn't have a car to get to Pops which didn't work since Cheryl offered to meet her in the parking lot and drive them both to the diner. She half expected Toni to hide in the school's library to avoid her after the final bell rang. However, she was surprised to see her waiting by the steps into the school.

'Ah, there you are,' Cheryl said as she approached her. 'Come along, my cars just down here. Have you had Pops before?'

'Yes,' Toni said picking up her pace to follow the redhead. 'Me and my brother have been once or twice since we moved here.'

Cheryl nodded along, 'and why did you move here?'

'Some things happened and we kinda have family here. It's a lot different to what I'm used to. Riverdale is nothing like New York.'

'You're from New York? Which part?'

'The Bronx.'

How the hell did a girl like Toni survive there?

'Really?' Cheryl was more interested in the conversation now. 'It's pretty rough there... right?'

'Can be.' Toni shrugged. 'But there's good and bad everywhere.'

'Yeah, you can say that again. The south side of town is awful. Full of gang members and criminals.'

Toni just nodded, she didn't want to admit that's the part of town she's living in. Maybe she should back out now while she still could. Girls like her weren't suppose to be friends with girls like Cheryl Blossom. However she didn't manage to find the words to say and before she knew it she was in the passenger seat of the redheads classic car.

'I love your car,' Toni said with as much confidence as she could.

'It's beautiful isn't it? It used to be my nana's, but she passed it on to me. So, Toni, what do you like to do?'

'I don't know, I don't really have an exciting life.'

'There must be something you like? Something your good at?'

The brunette shifted uncomfortably as she thought of anything that might be considered cool in the other girls eyes. 'I like to ride motorcycles.'

'You have a motorcycle?'

'No, I don't have one of my own... yet. But, my brother, Sweet Pea, let's me ride his sometimes.'

'Sweet Pea? Is that his real name?'

Toni chuckled lightly, surprising both herself and Cheryl. Sitting up a little straighter she cleared her throat. 'No, it's not. I can't tell you his real name though, he hates it, so if he found out I told somebody here he'd kill me.'

'Fair enough. So, how'd you get into motorcycles? No offence, but you don't exactly look like a biker kinda gal.'

'My family's just always had them. I was on my dad's motorcycle with him before I could even walk. It's like second nature to me.'

'Interesting.' Cheryl hummed. Pops was in sight now so she pulled her car up next to Veronica's. 'Let's go and introduce you to the girls.'

Cheryl led the way to their usual table where Veronica and Josie were waiting for her. Both of them had a smirk on their face as they realised Toni was following close behind their cheer captain.

'Girls,' the redhead said in a high pitched voice. 'Say hello to Toni Topaz.'

'Nice to meet you.' Veronica held out her hand. 'I'm Veronica Lodge, but you probably already know that, and this is-'

'Josie,' she said holding out her own hand. 'It's so good to meet you officially.'

'It's nice to meet you both too.' Toni stood awkwardly after shaking the girls hand. It all seemed rather formal to her, but she just put it down to small town manners.

'Sit,' Cheryl said. 'I'll call Pop Tate over so we can order.'

'I'll go to the counter,' Toni said quickly. 'What do you guys want? I'll pay.'

'We've already ordered,' Josie said. 'But I'm sure Cheryl would love a strawberry milkshake.'

'Okay.' Toni nodded her head. 'I'll be right back.'

'Oh. My. God.' Veronica laughed once the new girl was at the counter. 'She's so desperate. I mean, does she not think we can afford our own milkshakes?'

'Yeah,' Josie added. 'By the looks of it, it's not us who need to be watching the pennies.'

Veronica and Josie looked at Cheryl who hadn't said anything until she noticed their eyes on her, that's when she laughed. 'Right?'

Unfortunately for Toni, Cheryl and the other cheerleaders weren't the only ones set on making her life hell. As she walked back to the table, milkshakes in hand, one of the football players stuck his foot out causing the brunette to trip.

With a loud crash she hit the floor, milk and glass spraying everywhere, an eruption of laughter filled the diner while only the busboy, Jughead and Pop Tate rushed to her aid.

'Better go help your new bestie.' Veronica smirked taking a sip from her milkshake. 'You said you were up for the challenge. Ready to admit defeat yet?'

'Cheryl Blossom doesn't do defeat,' the redhead said turning towards the commotion pushing her way through the onlookers. 'Out of the way losers.'

'Don't you bullies have anything better to do?' Jughead yelled as he helped Toni to her feet.

'Either get back to your table, or get out,' Pop Tate said scanning the crowd of teenagers before looking at the boy responsible. 'You. Out.'

'Wh-'

'Get out now, otherwise it's a lifetime ban, and let this be a lesson to anyone else who thinks this is acceptable behaviour,' Pop Tate said. 'If I see or hear about anything like this again I'll be contacting the school and your parents. Now, get back to your food.'

'Are you all right?' Cheryl asked as she reached the girl who's cheeks were blushing furiously.

'Cheryl, what are you-'

'Helping a friend Hobo.' Cheryl gave him a stern look. 'Come on Toni, I'll take you home'.

'I'll walk her home.'

'She's covered in milkshake and probably glass. I'm sure she's not going to want to walk. Plus we're friends right Toni?'

Toni lifted her eyes for the first time, 'I'll ride with Cheryl. Thank you for the offer though Jughead.' She just wanted to get out of the diner and although everyone had gone back to their seats they were still staring at her.

'See.' Cheryl gave Jughead her best smile. 'Friends.'

People watched the two girls all the way to the redheads car. Most of them mumbled about the why the cheerleader would want to be friends with a girl like Toni Topaz, but none of them were brave enough to ask her.

•••

The ride to Toni's place was silent, apart from the brunette giving the redhead her address. She half expected Cheryl to refuse since she lived on the south side, but surprisingly she didn't.

'I'm sorry you didn't get your milkshake,' Toni said when they were almost outside her house.

'You're apologising to me?' Cheryl frowned.

'Well yeah. I ruined your after school meet up with your friends.'

'It's all right.' Guilt crept up inside the redhead again. 'It's not your fault.'

'Do you... maybe want to come inside?' Toni asked when they pulled up outside her house. 'It's all right if not. I know you're probably busy.'

Cheryl looked up at the house, for the south side it was nicer than she expected. She didn't know what came over her as she nodded her head and turned off the engine.

The two of them walked into the brunettes house, Cheryl followed Toni's lead in taking off her shoes, something she didn't do at her own house.

'T, is that you?'

'Yeah, it's me.'

A tall guy with slicked back black hair peered through the doorway. Looking at their unexpected guest and his sister who was covered in... milkshake?

'What happened to you?'

'I spilt milkshake Sweet. It's not a big deal.' Toni said in a tone the redhead hadn't heard from her before. 'This is my friend Cheryl. Cheryl this is my brother, Sweet Pea.'

The two exchanged a quick hello before the man's attention was back on his sister, 'did someone do this to you?'

'Oh my god Sweet Pea. I tripped.'

'Did she?' Sweet Pea looked at the redhead who just nodded. 'All right then. You best go and change.'

Toni nodded before her brother walked away. That's when Cheryl noticed his jacket.

South Side Serpents.

'Sorry about him,' Toni said as they made their way upstairs. 'He takes his role of protective big brother seriously.'

'It's nice you have him though.' Cheryl found talking to Toni when they were alone easier than she expected. 'Where are your parents?'

'They, uh, died.'

'Oh, shit. I'm sorry Toni. I didn't know.'

'It's okay. That's why my brother and I had to move here. New York was too expensive.'

'I can imagine.'

'I'll be right back. I just need to change.'

Toni grabbed some clean clothes that were sitting on her desk before disappearing to the bathroom leaving Cheryl alone. The redhead wasn't sure what she was expecting, but it definitely wasn't this. The walls were covered with photos and poster, things she was forbidden from putting on her bedroom walls.

'These photos are cool,' Cheryl said when she heard footsteps behind her along with the sound of the bedroom door closing.

'Thanks. I took most of them before we moved here.'

'You took these?'

'Yeah. Photography is kinda my thing.' Toni grabbed her camera holding it up slightly as the redhead turned around. 'This is my prize possession. It belonged to my mom, she was a photographer for the local newspaper.'

'And what about your dad?'

'He did... other things to make sure we had what we needed.'

'I see.' Cheryl stood awkwardly. For once she was out of her comfort zone. 'Do you miss your friends? From New York I mean.'

'I do,' Toni said sitting on her bed. 'It's a lot harder to fit in here. Seems like everyone's just trying to impress their friends at other peoples expense.'

Cheryl took a seat on the chair by the brunettes desk. Her eyes still curiously wandering the bedroom. She didn't want to acknowledge what Toni just said so she ignored it.

Awkwardness filled the quiet in the bedroom since neither of them knew what to say. Cheryl didn't even know why she was here, it wasn't like her to feel bad for someone so she wasn't sure why Toni was any different.

'So, what do you like to do?'

The redhead was caught off guard, people didn't normally ask her questions about herself. 'I, um, like to draw, paint, things like that.'

'Do you have any photos of your art?'

Cheryl was caught off guard again, 'maybe on my phone.'

'Can I see?'

The redhead nodded as she pulled her phone from her pocket. However, she noticed a text message from Veronica.

As soon as you've dropped the loser home swing by my place oxox

Cheryl slid the message off the screen before clicking on her photo gallery. After scrolling past some selfies she clicked on a recent painting she'd done of Thornhill before standing up and handing her phone to the brunette hoping that Veronica didn't message her again.

'Wow, that's... amazing. You're really talented.'

'It's okay...'

'No. Cheryl, seriously, it's amazing. How long did it take you to be able to paint like that?'

'I'm not sure.' Cheryl was too busy trying to shake the feeling of guilt rather than have a normal conversation with Toni.

Was it strange that although she'd started the day with the intent to embarrass the new girl in front of the whole school, she now wasn't sure if she wanted to genuinely get to know more about her? Cheryl's friends were all like her, bitchy, she'd never met someone like Toni. She didn't bow down to her, nor did she act afraid because of her reputation. At least she didn't as they sat alone in the brunettes bedroom.

'Shall I order us pizza to make up for the spilt milkshakes? My treat.'

Cheryl looked at Toni. Her mind filled with excuses she could use to leave, but something inside her wanted to stay. 'Um, okay, but I'll pay since you paid for the milkshakes.'

'The old guy at the diner said he'd give me my money back. I'm buying,' Toni said in a confident voice, surprising the redhead. 'No argument.'

•••

Somehow as they waited for their pizza to be delivered Toni had convinced Cheryl to teach her how to paint. Or at least attempt to. The brunette had an eye for beautiful things, that much was evident in her photographs. However, using her hand to recreate that beauty was, let's say... challenging.

'Mine looks like a potato.' Toni held up her sheet of paper with what was suppose to be a whale swimming deep in the ocean.

'Oh.' Cheryl tried not to laugh. She wasn't being mean. The smirk on Toni's face at her own monstrous creation almost ripped a giggle from her. 'It's not that bad.'

'Has anyone ever told you you're a bad liar?'

'Quite the contrary actually, Antoinette.'

A tension that they couldn't describe filled the room after the way the redhead stretched out Toni's name. The brunette cleared her throat, desperately trying to ignore the burning of her cheeks.

'You can tell me it's bad,' Toni said after composing herself. 'It won't hurt my feelings.'

'Fine.' Cheryl smiled. 'It's bad.'

Toni pushed her lightly as she laughed. Again the vibe in the room changed, but this time it was the redhead that filled the quiet with a light giggle.

•••

As the weeks past the rumour that Toni Topaz was friends with Cheryl Blossom had made it's rounds at school. Most people were skeptical at first, but after the brunette managed to get herself a spot on the cheerleading squad pretty much everyone accepted it. The redhead spent time at Toni's place almost everyday after school preparing her for the audition that she passed with flying colours. Even Veronica and Josie were surprised at the brunettes skills.

'Did you cheer at your old school?' The raven haired girl asked as they entered the girls changing rooms.

'No.' Toni shook her head. 'I did some dancing classes when I was a kid, but nothing else. Cheryl's just a really good teacher.'

'Yeah, the two of you seem like good friends,' Josie said after making sure the redhead wasn't behind them.

Toni shrug her shoulders, 'she's nice.'

'The nicest,' Veronica said, sarcasm lacing her voice. 'C'mon Josie.'

The brunette slowed her steps as she watched the two girls link arms as they walked away. Toni wasn't stupid, she knew they didn't like her, that's why she was so surprised their captain was nice to her. The two of them had become pretty close recently, and as much as she tried to deny it Toni knew she felt something more than simply friendship. Something about Cheryl just made her heart skip a beat whenever she thought about her.

Obviously a girl like Cheryl would never go for a girl like her, what could she offer her? The redhead had boys falling at her feet, but still she had a flicker of hope in her chest that one day, far away in the future, she'd be brave enough to let the other girl know how she feels. Or maybe whatever this feeling is would disappear and they could continue being friends.

Toni picked up on the difference in Cheryl when they were alone in comparison to when they're with other people. When it's just the two of them the redhead laughs louder and smiles wider. She seems more content. When she's with her friends she's doesn't laugh, not properly nor does she seem herself. She gets it, it's not easy to be completely yourself in high school, people prey on the weak. Toni knows that all too well.

'You okay?' Cheryl asked when she walked into the changing room to see Toni stood facing her locker.

'Oh, yeah. I'm fine.' Toni gave her a small smile. 'I think Veronica and Josie have gone to shower.'

Cheryl frowned, 'okay. Do you still want a ride home?'

'Sure, if you don't mind.'

'I don't.' Cheryl shook her head, 'I'm just going to shower.'

Toni nodded her head, but she didn't say anything else instead she turned back to her locker. The redhead wanted to say something however she didn't, but she would check in later. After grabbing her own towel she headed towards the showers bumping into Veronica and Josie on their way out.

'Here she is,' Veronica said. 'Where's your friend?'

'Toni?' Cheryl asked keeping her back straight as she looked into the other girls eyes. 'She's in the locker room. Have you said something to her?'

'No,' Josie cut in. 'But she thinks you're nice. Whatever you're doing, she definitely believes you're friends.'

'Yeah,' Veronica added. 'I don't think I've ever heard anyone describe you as nice. I wonder what she'll think when she finds out this is all a big joke.'

Cheryl rolled her eyes, 'maybe she's not so bad. She's better than half of the vixens already. She has potential.'

'Don't tell me you're going soft Blossom. Are you telling us you actually like her?'

'I'm not telling you anything V,' Cheryl said pushing between them both. 'I'll see the two of you later.'

'Whatever.'

The redhead watched her friends walk away before she let out a breath. Guilt ran through her veins as she stepped into the shower, she didn't actually expect to like Toni, she wasn't like anyone she was friends with. She was completely different. Cheryl had thought about coming clean over the past few days, but that could ruin the unexpected friendship that they had.

Truth be told, Cheryl had never felt more herself with anyone than she did with the brunette girl. After Jason died she locked herself away and became this person she didn't even regconise. She became cold to the world and the people in it. Especially the ones that had never done anything wrong to her. Like Toni.

She felt like the biggest bitch in the world.

She was the biggest bitch in the world.

And normally she had some strange sense of pride in that, but not today. Today she felt like the lowest of the low.

'Everything all right in here?' Toni asked quietly snapping the redhead from her thoughts.

'Yes,' Cheryl said quickly. 'I'll be right out.'

The brunette nodded her head leaving without another word to sit on the bench in front of her locker. All of the other girls had left so Toni scrolled through her phone as she waited for Cheryl to appear which she did ten minutes later. She was dressed in her yellow tshirt with HBIC printed boldly on the back along with a pair of black shorts. Her hair was still in a bun on the top of her head since she didn't want it getting wet.

'Ready to go?' Cheryl asked.

The brunette nodded, 'ready.'

•••

'Toni, are you all right?' Cheryl asked as they drove back to the brunettes house. 'You seem quieter than normal.'

'I'm okay.'

'You know you don't need to lie to me. What's wrong? Tell me.'

'I don't think your friends like me.'

The redhead hesitated, 'did they, uh, did they say something?'

'It's more their tone. I mean, I'm not surprised, I'm used to not being liked. Sometimes I can't help but wonder why you want to hang out with me.'

There was that guilt again in the pit of Cheryl's stomach. 'I hang out with you because I like you... and I'm sure Veronica and Josie like you too-'

'They don't like me and that's okay. I just don't want to come between you and your friends-'

'You're not,' Cheryl said quickly. 'Look, I'm glad that the two of us are friends, but if it's too much for you or not your scene being a part of the vixens just let me know. I don't want you to be uncomfortable.'

Toni turned to look at the redhead, 'really?'

'Really, if it's what you want.'

'I-I think I'll stick to it for now,' she said as she dropped back against the seat. 'But thank you for understanding.'

'Of course,' Cheryl said as they pulled up outside the brunettes house.

'Are you coming inside, or do you have somewhere to be?'

'I guess I can come in.'

Toni smiled as the redhead cut the engine and they climbed out of the car together. This was pretty much their routine now, Cheryl would drive Toni home and then they'd spend the evening together.

•••

'So, where's Sweet Pea?' Cheryl asked as they sat on the brunettes bed.

'He said he'd be at the Whyte Wyrm. He's got some work.' Toni dropped down next to her after putting on a movie. 'I think he'll be out most evenings for the foreseeable. I've never asked, do you have siblings?'

'I do, or... I did.'

'You did?'

'I had a twin brother, Jason. Unfortunately, he died.' Cheryl never really got emotional talking about her brother in front of people, but right now she couldn't deny the lump in her throat. 'My father murdered him, and once people found out the truth he killed himself.'

'Oh my god. Cheryl, I am so so sorry. I'm such an idiot-'

'It's okay Toni. You didn't know.'

'But I shouldn't have asked something so personal.'

'Toni,' Cheryl said taking the brunettes hand. 'You didn't know.' A moment later the redhead brought her hand back to her lap. 'He was a good brother, he always looked out for me. I-I don't think he would have like the person I've become though.'

'I'm sure that's not true.' Toni smiled as she placed her hand on the other girls knee. 'I think you're an amazing person.'

Cheryl let out a humorless laugh, 'you shouldn't. Most people don't like me and for good reason.'

'You've been hurt and you've lost someone who means the world to you. It's hard not to want to distance yourself from everything and everyone around you. Trust me, I know, but even if you feel like you have no one else I can promise that you'll always have me in your corner.'

The redhead turned to look at the girl sat beside her, the girl she'd agreed to publicly humiliate, 'don't make promises you can't keep. One day... one day you might really hate me.'

Toni frowned before shaking her head and smiling, 'I don't think that'll ever happen.'

Cheryl smiled back, but it didn't quite meet her eyes. Everything inside of her was screaming for her to admit the truth. To tell Toni all of this started as a joke and how she never expected them to really become friends. However, she wasn't brave enough, for multiple reasons. She didn't want her friends to think she was weak and she also didn't want to damage her friendship with Toni. So, instead she just kept quiet and turned her attention to the television.

After the movie finished Toni tried to ignore the way the redheads knee rested against hers. She wanted to stand up and stretch out her body, but she also wanted to savour the moment a little while longer. Silence filled the room as they both stared at the blank screen of the television, their reflections staring back at them.

'Do you... maybe want to stay the night?' Toni asked when she finally spoke. 'I know it's late notice, so if you can't I understand.'

'I'll stay,' Cheryl shrugged. 'I'd have to go home first though to get my things.'

'Do you want me to come with?'

The redhead turned to look at Toni with concern in her eyes, 'my mother... isn't a nice person. I wouldn't want her to hurt your feelings, she can be very insulting.'

'I'm sure I can handle your mother,' Toni said jumping off the bed. 'I've been getting bullied almost on the daily since I moved here. I'm sure your mom can't do worse than that.'

Cheryl raised an eyebrow, but shrugged her shoulders again, 'okay Topaz, but don't say I didn't warn you.'

•••

Luckily for both Cheryl and Toni the redheads mother wasn't home, so the silent anticipation was for nothing.

'You live here?' Toni stared up at the huge house hanging over her. 'It's massive.'

'It's a nightmare,' Cheryl said grabbing the brunettes wrist. 'Come on, hopefully we'll get out of here before my ghoulish mother comes home.'

If the redhead hadn't practically dragged her upstairs Toni would have most likely been overwhelmed by the gothic theme of the manor. She expected Cheryl's home to be extravagant, just not like this. As they turned into one of the rooms, the redhead shut the door behind them. Toni could see that her friend had visibly relaxed after she shut them inside what she assumed was her bedroom.

'Your house is... wow.'

'Uh, thanks.' Cheryl frowned, not knowing if that was complimenting her home or not.

Toni slowly walked around the bedroom taking in everything Cheryl Blossom, it was like learning a whole new side of the girl she called her friend. She stopped in front of a photograph stuck in her vanity mirror. Looking back at her were the younger eyes of Cheryl stood next to a boy-

'That's Jason.'

Toni whipped around to see the redhead stood right behind her, a slightly sorrowful look hidden behind her smile and she recognised it instantly. She looked back at the photo with the redhead still looking over her shoulder as she took in the details of it.

'You two have the same hair,' Toni said, not wanting the conversation to get too heavy. She could have mentioned how Cheryl's smile seemed forced as she stood in looking up at the person behind the camera.

'It's is a Blossom thing. I don't think there's a Blossom that was born without red hair.'

'Oh.' Toni had many questions however they all died before leaving her lips.

'I know it's weird. I know other people think it's weird. I think my family purposely have spouses with red hair just so they can bear redheaded children.' Cheryl saw Toni's facial expression change slightly in the mirrors reflection. 'You can admit you're weirded out.'

'I'm not.' She shook her head before turning around to face the other girl. 'Does that mean you're waiting for a strapping young redheaded prince?'

The redhead scrunched up her nose, 'absolutely not. Redheads are definitely not my type.'

'Really? I think...' The sentence dissolved in the brunettes mouth, her cheeks heated up slightly although she tried not to pay too much attention to it. 'What is your type?'

Cheryl pondered for a moment as she pretended to think about it before shrugging her shoulders, 'I'm not really sure.'

'Fair enough.' Toni finally noticed the bag hanging on the redheads shoulder. 'Ready?'

Just as Cheryl nodded the girls heard the front door downstairs slam shut. The redhead looked at Toni before she straightened out her posture. She thought she'd gotten away with running into her mother today however luck obviously wasn't on her side.

'Looks like we have to pass my dragon of a mother. No matter what she says please don't take it to heart. I can promise she's said much worse to me.'

Toni nodded as she followed the other girl out of the room bracing herself for whatever was to come. The sound of clattering didn't help her anxiety for meeting her friends mother. Honestly she just really wanted her to like her.

'Mother,' Cheryl said causing the older Blossom to turn around, however her eyes falling on the girl standing behind her. 'I'm sure you'll be pleased to know I'll be out of your hair tonight.'

The woman was stood taller, she was around the same height as the girls but the way she presented herself made her seem like she was towering over both of them. Cheryl stood her ground and Toni tried her best to hold eye contact with the woman who was staring at her so intensely she wasn't sure if she even blinked.

'Cheryl, who is this person standing in my house?'

'My names Toni Topaz ma'am.' Toni stepped out with a confidence Cheryl had never seen as she held her hand out to her mother which was obviously rejected. 'I'm a friend of your daughters.'

'Really?' Penelope said although her eyes were now on her daughter.

'Yes mother. Toni and I are staying at Veronica's. Now, can we go?'

Toni stood allowing herself to be judged by Cheryl's mother holding her head up high. The brunette knew a bully when she saw one and although she could take people bullying her she wouldn't allow someone she cared about to be treated the same... and she did care about Cheryl.

When Penelope didn't answer Cheryl simply walked past her when she knew she wouldn't get an answer. She'd surely be punished tomorrow but for now she was just glad to be leaving with Toni.

'You weren't kidding about your mom,' Toni said as they climbed into the redheads car. 'She's intense.'

'She's a nightmare. You didn't seem... bothered by her though.'

'I know a bully when I see one. As long as they don't say anything to the people I care about I can handle being on the other side of their cruelty.'

Cheryl felt that familiar guilt. Did that mean Toni didn't see her as a bully? Because that's exactly what she was.

'Maybe you should use some of that confidence at school.'

'Nah,' Toni said casually. 'Most kids leave me alone now and if they're wasting their time on making my life hell they're leaving somebody else alone.'

The redhead looked at her as she started the engine, she almost got the courage to tell Toni the truth... almost.

'What?' Toni smiled slightly.

'You're too good for this world Toni Topaz.'

•••

The night so far had consisted of eating pizza and watching teen movies as they sat against the brunettes pillows. The movie playing on the screen now was the brunettes favourite horror. Cheryl didn't have it in her to say that scary movies weren't her thing, instead before every jump scare she tried to divert her eyes rather than squeeze them shut like she instinctively wanted to.

Toni wasn't stupid, she could see that the redhead wanted nothing more than to hide behind her hands and if she didn't think it was the cutest thing she'd ever seen she might have mentioned it. She tried to keep her eyes from drifting towards the girl next to her, ignoring the sudden urge to reach out and comfort her especially before the next-

'Oh my god!' Cheryl gasped as she covered her eyes.

Jump scare.

'Are you all right?' Toni asked, her hand accidentally finding the redheads knee in an attempt to comfort her. 'If you're scared I can turn it off.'

'I'm not scared. I just... wasn't expecting that.'

Cheryl's eyes glanced down to the hand resting on her knee before it was quickly pulled away. The temperature in the room seemed to have increased just enough for her to feel her skin heating up.

'Are you sure?' Toni asked, her eyes burning into hers as if she was looking for the answer rather than listening to it. 'It's really not-'

'Toni, I'm fine.'

The brunette saw through the other girls smile but nodded anyway turning her attention back to the television resting her hand between the two of them as it fell to her side.

After forcing herself to focus through a few more scenes Toni allowed herself to glance at the girl beside her. Her eyebrows were still furrowed in fear as her eyes stuck to the screen, desperate to prove she wasn't bothered by the movie.

'This is kinda boring,' Toni lied slumping down the bed to stare at the ceiling.

Cheryl mirrored her, thankful that she could remove her eyes from the paranormal happenings of the screen, 'I didn't think it was too bad.'

The brunette turned her head slightly to look at her, 'you can carry on watching it if you'd like, don't mind me.'

'I'm fine,' Cheryl said, turning her head a little thankful for the distraction until her eyes found the ones staring back at her.

'You have really nice eyes,' Toni found herself saying before she could stop herself.

'Thank you... so do you.'

'Thanks.'

A slight awkwardness filled the room as the two of them tried to think of something to say. Their eyes were still on each other though and as much as they should look away neither of them did.

'Cheryl, why did you want to be friends with a girl like me?'

Tell her the truth.

'I don't know,' she lied, 'but I'm really glad we are.'

'Me too,' Toni whispered.

'You're not like anyone I've ever met before.'

'I don't know if that's a good or bad thing.'

'Good. Nobody sees me like you do,' Cheryl said quickly. 'I-I really like you.'

'I really like you too.'

The words hung in the air as their hands remained inches from each others. One small movement and their skin would be touching. Cheryl looked over the brunettes face, taking in every detail as her eyes flicked from one feature to another.

Toni's eyes drifting to her lips made her heart hit her rib cage like it was trying to break free. The lines between friendship and... whatever this is was were becoming blurred. Friends didn't look at each other the way Toni Topaz was looking at her now, she knew that.

But she didn't make a move.

Neither of them did.

'I should... I, um, need to use the bathroom.'

'Oh, yeah. Of course,' Toni said as she watched the redhead sit up and disappear out of her room.

The brunette cursed herself as she sat up herself. What was she thinking? Cheryl's the most popular girl in school.

After pulling herself out of bed she changed the movie to something not so intense, something she could fall asleep to and forget what just happened.

'Hey,' Cheryl said quietly as she walked back into the room. 'Did the movie end?'

'Yeah,' she lied. 'Do you want to choose something?'

'This is fine.' 

Another movie she hadn't seen played on the screen as she thought about how she'd never watched so much tv until she met Toni. It was a welcomed thought compared to the ones she was having only moments ago.

'You ready to, uh, sleep?' Toni asked.

Cheryl nodded her head as watched the brunette turn off the lamp and crawl into bed. She stood for a minute before doing the same leaving a gap in between them as she looked up towards the ceiling.

'Have I... said something wrong?'

Cheryl turned to look at the girl who was already laid on her side looking at her, 'no, of course not.'

'You seem quiet.'

'Sorry,' she said, moving her eyes from Toni's and then back again. 'I wasn't trying to-'

'No, I know. I just, I've never really felt as close to anyone as I do you. I don't want to do anything to risk our friendship...'

'Like what?'

'Never mind,' Toni said quickly.

'Okay. Goodnight.'

'Goodnight.'

•••

'Cheryl?' Toni whispered about half an hour later as she stared into the back of the other head. 'Are you asleep?'

'No,' Cheryl whispered as she turned over, her eyes meeting the ones looking at her through the darkened room. 'Can you not sleep?'

'I need to tell you something and I understand if you don't want to talk to me ever-'

'Toni, what is it?'

'I like you,' she blurted out before she had chance to back out.

'I like you too Toni.'

'No.' She shook her head as she sighed. 'I like you. I've tried not to, but-'

'I don't understand,' Cheryl said, she did however she wasn't sure she was reading the situation correctly.

'Are you really going to make me spell it out?' Toni asked, but when the redhead just looked at her she knew she'd have to. 'I think you're the most amazing girl in the world and I understand you don't feel the same way for me, but I just wanted to tell you. I wanted you to know how I feel about you.'

'Toni, you dont-'

'I do. I really do. I know you have guys falling at your feet and I'm not expecting anything to-'

Suddenly she was cut off in the most abrupt, but beautiful way. A pair of lips on hers and it was more magical than she could have ever imagined. At least until Cheryl pulled away with nothing but sheer fear in her eyes.

'I'm sorry,' Cheryl said rushing out of bed. 'I'm so sorry.'

'Wait...' Toni sat up. 'Where are you going?'

'I'm flattered Toni, but I'm not the person you think I am. You deserve better than me.'

She watched as the redhead grabbed her things and quickly left her bedroom. It took a moment for her body to connect with her brain, but Toni was up and chasing after Cheryl before she knew it.

'Wait. Where are you going? It's the middle of the night.'

Thankfully Sweet Pea was still at the Whyte Wyrm otherwise she'd have another thing to worry about. The redhead stopped at the front door after she'd slipped on her shoes, her back to Toni as she tried to control her breathing.

'Cher, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. We can forget everything that just happened if that's what you want?'

The redhead took a deep breath before turning to look at the girl standing on the stairs, 'why are you apologising? I kissed you.'

'Because you felt like you had to. It was unfair for me to put you in this position. I took advantage of our friendship.'

'No,' Cheryl whispered. 'You didn't.'

'I did. I made you feel uncomfortable-'

'Toni. Stop it. I feel more comfortable around you than I do anyone else in the world.'

'Then why are you leaving?'

'Because...' she let out a breath, 'I'm not comfortable with myself and I can't... trust myself around you.'

'What does that even mean?'

'It means I like you too, but I shouldn't.'

'Why not?'

'Because you're a girl... and so am I.'

'Does it matter?'

'It will.'

'I see.'

'Toni please, you can do so much better than someone like me. I'll only hurt you like I hurt everyone I care about.'

'How do you know? You're so busy pushing anyone away that attempts to get close. If you don't like me back I can take it, but you said you do so we could-'

'We could what? Live happily ever after-'

'I said I liked you. I'm not asking for your hand in marriage Cheryl. I just wanted to get to know you on a deeper level. That's all.'

'I'm sorry Toni. I can't.'

'All right.'

'I should go...'

'It's late. Take my bed I'll sleep on the couch.'

'You don't have to do that.'

'Please, you don't know what kind of weirdo's are out at this time of night.'

'Okay,' Cheryl whispered slipping off her shoes. 'But stay with me? I'm not comfortable kicking you out of your own bed.'

'C'mon then,' Toni said stepping to the side to let the other girl pass her.

Toni nor Cheryl got much sleep that night as they laid back to back both of their minds running with what ifs. The brunette finally fell asleep when the sun began to rise and Cheryl took that as her opportunity to leave. Maybe this was the way it was always suppose to be. Maybe this was actually better. Now she wouldn't be forced to humiliate Toni in front of the whole school.

'You're leaving early,' Sweet Pea said when he heard someone sneaking down the stairs. 'Everything all right?'

'Fine,' Cheryl forced out. 'My mother wanted me home early is all.'

'It's 5am. Are you sure you're all right? You look... upset.'

'I'm fine. I have to go,' she said as she slipped on her shoes. 'Sweet Pea?'

'Sup?'

'Would you tell Toni I'm sorry?'

'Uh, okay,' he said with a frown as the redhead opened the door to leave. 'Cheryl...'

It was too late she quickly left shutting the door behind her. Sweet Pea leaned against the counter unsure what had happened, but it seemed serious. Rather than going to sleep after his night shift he decided to stay awake and wait for his sister wake up.

•••

It took a few hours but eventually Toni came downstairs with the same look in her eye as the redhead. After grabbing a bottle of water she turned to her brother who was standing behind her.

'What?'

'What happened with Cheryl? She left pretty early this morning. Is everything okay with her?' Sweet Pea asked.

'Why don't you ask her?'

'I'm asking you.'

'Well I don't know... I'm going back upstairs.'

'Whoa.' He stepped in front of her blocking the door. 'Since when don't we talk?'

'We are talking.'

'Toni c'mon, I know you're upset. I just want to help.'

'Cheryl doesn't want to be friends with me anymore.'

'Why?'

'I told her I liked her-'

It was no secret to Sweet Pea that his sister liked girls as well as boys, 'and she doesn't feel the same way?'

Toni just shrugged, 'I don't know...'

'Well just give her some time. How about you and I spend the day together?'

'You've been working.'

'Exactly, I have some spare cash. So how about it? Wanna spend some time with your favorite brother?'

'You're my only brother.' Toni ignored his forced puppy dog eyes. 'Fine, let me get ready.'

Sweet Pea ruffled her hair as he moved out of the way, the last thing he wanted was for his sister to feel alone even if he hadn't been to sleep yet.

•••

The day had been a success in Sweet Peas eyes. They started the day with breakfast in Greendale, that way they wouldn't run into anyone his sister knew and then they spent the rest of the day shopping.

'You know, I'm getting kinda tired of my hair and these glasses,' Toni said as they sat in the Whyte Wyrm.

'Oh yeah, what do you wanna do about it?' Sweet Pea asked with a raised eyebrow. 'You're not changing who you are for a girl are you?'

She swatted her brothers arm, 'no. I'm just sick of everyone seeing me as a loser. I'm sick of being in the shadows.'

'So what are you thinking?'

Toni unlocked her phone to show her brother what she had in mind. The way he smirked she knew she'd get her own way as she looked back down at the screen with a smile of her own.

•••

Monday morning arrived and for the first time since they met Cheryl and Toni went two days without speaking. After the redheads text message to say they shouldn't be friends neither of them reached out and Toni promised herself she wouldn't. So when she arrived at school, the sound of her brothers motorcycle rumbling beneath her, she felt empowered. Like a brand new woman.

'Toni,' Jughead said as he looked over her. 'You look... wow. I barely recognised you.'

She looked completely different to how she looked on Friday. Her brunette hair now mixed with strands of pink. Her glasses replaced with contacts and her usual attire changed out for ripped jeans, a crop top and a black leather jacket. Even Reggie looked at her twice as he passed them on his way into school.

'I decided I needed a change,' Toni said as she looked at Jughead. 'A new me.'

'Well you definitely achieved it. Are you cheerleading tonight?'

'No, I'm done with that too.'

'Maybe you and I could get Pops after school then?'

She hesitated, 'uh, can I let you know?'

'Sure thing.' He smiled as the bell rang. 'Best get to class.'

Toni nodded her head, her first class was with Cheryl, she took a breath before walking into the building with her head held as high as she could muster. As she stepped inside the classroom everyone's eyes were on her and a part of her regretted her makeover, but at least no one made a snide comment like she expected.

She even managed to keep her eyes away from the redhead, she didn't acknowledge her as she sat down although she could feel eyes on her. Ignoring the urge to look she kept her eyes forward the whole lesson unless she was looking down at her books.

As she stepped out of the room after class Toni begrudgingly bumped into Veronica and Josie who were waiting for their cheer captain. They had to look twice, neither of them knew what to say at first, they didn't want to admit how good she looked.

'Barely recognised you Topaz. You coming to practice later?' Veronica asked as Cheryl walked out of the classroom.

'Nah, I'm gonna pass.'

'Vixens don't get to pass whenever they feel like it,' Josie said, stepping forward slightly but to her surprise Toni didn't step back nor did she flinch instead she just shrugged.

'Looks like I'm not a vixen then.'

Both of them stood stunned as Toni pushed her way between them to leave. They looked up at Cheryl who didn't have the same pissed off look on her face.

'What kind of makeover did you give that freak?' Veronica asked. 'Who does she think she is?'

'I didn't have anything to do with-'

Her sentence was cut off by Reggie walking out with a couple of other football players, 'did you see her? Who knew that Toni Topaz was actually hot beneath the glasses-'

'You better fix this,' Josie said looking at the redhead. 'This wasn't a part of the plan.'

'Screw the plan.' Cheryl shrugged. 'How about we just leave her alone?'

'Are you really backing out?'

'Yes V, she's already caught everyone's eye on her own. Let's leave her be. I've got to get to class.'

Veronica and Josie looked at each other, but they didn't say anything. Instead they made their way to their next class with a pout on their face as jealousy rippled through them.

•••

The girls didn't speak for the rest of the school day. Toni agreed to meet with Jughead at Pops after school since she had nothing better to do. Both of them took their bikes, parking side by side before jumping off.

'That's a nice bike,' Jughead said.

'It's my brothers. He's letting me use it.'

'Sweet Pea, right?'

'Yeah, you know him?'

'A little. He's very popular within the serpents. Are you planning on joining?'

'The Serpents?' she asked a little shocked. 'No, it's not really my scene.'

'Really?' Jughead said as he held the door open for her, 'because you look like you'd fit right in. Maybe it's something you should think about.'

'Maybe I will.'

Jughead offered to get both of their meals, but Toni insisted that she bought her own. She was here as friends, nothing more and she hoped he didn't get the wrong idea.

Just as two plates of cheeseburgers and fries were brought over to them the bell above the door jingled as Cheryl, Veronica and Josie walked in. Didn't they have practice?

Toni accidentally caught the redheads eye and as confident as she was trying to be she looked away quickly continuing her conversation with Jughead hoping that they'd pass by her without a word.

And they almost did.

Until Veronica turned around as they passed her table.

'You were too busy for practice because you have a date with hobo here?'

'Give it a rest Veronica,' Jughead said. 'Don't you ever get tired of hearing your own voice?'

'Actually I don't and I wasn't talking to you.'

Toni looked up, first her eyes laid on Cheryl who didn't seem to want to say anything so instead she looked back at the raven haired girl who's eyes hadn't left her. Swallowing her anxiety she stood up.

'I already told you I'm not a Vixen.' Hers eyes moved back to Cheryl. 'Whoever I chose to spend my free time with is none of your business-'

'Toni, can I talk to you for a minute,' Cheryl said. 'In private.'

Veronica and Josie smirked as Toni pushed through them to follow the redhead to the bathroom. She wanted to refuse, but Cheryl had already turned to leave not giving her much of a choice.

'What's up?' Toni said casually once the cheer captain kicked everyone out of the bathroom.

'What's gotten into you?'

'I don't know what you're talking about... and why did you even drag me in here anyway? I thought you didn't want to be friends anymore, isn't that what you said in your text?'

'So, what? You come here with Jughead Jones as revenge?'

'Jughead's my friend. It's not a crime to have a meal with a friend.'

'He doesn't look at you like a friend.'

'What do you care Cheryl? You don't want anything to do with me. I respected that so why aren't you doing the same?'

'I'm sorry, I don't know what-'

'I'm gonna go. You're friends are probably harassing Jughead as we speak.'

Surprisingly Cheryl didn't try to stop her, instead she just let her pass without a word. At least until she was about to open the door.

'Toni-'

She stopped in front of the door, 'what?'

'You look really nice.'

Toni just closed her eyes before opening the door and leaving. She couldn't do this. Rejection was one thing, she actually expected it, but to be told they couldn't be friends anymore was the big red cherry on top of the cake.

'You good?' Jughead asked as Toni sat down, his eyes leaving her to look at Cheryl who was just coming out of the bathroom.

Toni nodded, 'I'm good.'

It took a while, but they found their conversation again. Talking about anything from comics to horror movies. Toni realised how similar they were, they liked the same things, but she couldn't help but think about Cheryl who'd left about half an hour ago.

Guilt was eating at her. Maybe she'd overreacted. Maybe she should haven given Cheryl a chance to talk. But how could they when her demon friends were just outside the door? She fiddled with her phone before pulling up the last text message Cheryl had sent her.

Cheryl: I don't think we should be friends anymore. I'm sorry.

After hovering over her keyboard she typed something out before deleting it and typing it out again pressing send before she could back out.

Toni: Can we talk?

Her phone pinged within seconds.

Cheryl: Where?

Toni: The road just before Sweetwater River.

'Is everything all right?' Jughead asked when Toni completely blanked what he was saying.

'I'm really sorry Jughead. I have to go.'

'Oh, okay cool.'

'Thanks for the company though,' she said as she stood up. 'We'll have to do this again soon.'

He perked up a little at that, 'definitely.'

•••

Toni pushed the bike harder than she should have and she was at Sweetwater River in no time. The sun was setting and night would be here in less than an hour, she didn't worry about that too much though she was too nervous about whatever was going to come out of her conversation with Cheryl.

Just as she pulled over a car pulled up behind her, stopping only inches behind her brothers bike. Toni stayed put for now, what she wasn't going to do was chase after a girl no matter how pretty she might be.

When she heard the car door shut she stepped off the bike keeping her eyes to the ground until the redhead stopped in front of her.

'Hey,' she said quietly. 'You wanted to talk?'

'I did,' Toni said as confidently as she could. 'What was that back at Pops?'

'What?'

'Cheryl come on. Why didn't you just tell your friends to leave us alone? You didn't have to basically pull me into the bathroom, so why did you?'

The redhead stood looking at her feet before lifting her head, 'I just wanted to talk to you.'

'Then why did you tell me you didn't want to be friends?'

'Because I-I'm scared-'

'Of me?' Toni frowned bringing her hand to her chest.

'No, of the way you make me feel. I thought that leaving you be would be for the best, but all I've done is think about you. I'm sorry for walking out on you and not being brave enough to talk about it.'

'You're talking to me now... why?'

'Because I realised I'm more scared of losing you than I am of the way you make me feel.'

Toni looked up, connecting their eyes, 'so you want to be friends?'

'Yes, if that's what you want?'

'I don't know Cher. It's not because of you. Your friends really don't like me and to be honest I don't like them. I can't see how it's going to work.'

'I get it,' Cheryl said nodding her head. 'I'll see you around?'

'Yeah...' Toni said as she watched the redhead walk away.

But just as she got to her car she stopped before turning around and marching back towards the pink haired girl. For a second Toni thought she was going to get yelled at, what she didn't expect was for Cheryl to crash her lips into hers, but this time she didn't pull away. This time she stayed. It took her brain a moment to catch up but once it did Toni kissed her back just as hard.

And it was perfect.

Until Cheryl pulled away, the same fear in her eyes although this time Toni still had hold of her hand, loose enough for her to free herself if she wanted to. She waited a moment, she wanted Cheryl's eyes to meet hers before she spoke. Normally she was the one that didn't know how to react to situations, but right now the redhead looked so far out of her comfort zone she knew she'd have to take the lead.

'Are you okay?'

'Yes,' Cheryl said so quietly she almost missed it.

'Do you want to talk about what's going on with you?' Toni asked seeing the panic in the redheads eyes again. 'We'll keep it between us?'

Cheryl nodded and Toni gave her a small smile. They found a spot on the grass where they could see the sun disappearing behind the long road. A gap between them as the redhead picked at the grass.

'I think I've always known I like girls,' Toni blurted out, she didn't really know how to navigate a conversation like this. 'I like boys too, just not as much.'

Cheryl was obviously very uncomfortable. Toni imagined it's because this is maybe the first ever conversation she'd ever had about her sexuality. She didn't want to push too hard, but she did hope the other girl would open up to her.

'You did?'

'Yeah, I was never very subtle about it either. One time Sweet Pea said something about when I grow up I'll marry a boy and I asked him why it couldn't be a girl. I think I was nine then.'

'And what did he say?'

'He said if I wanted to marry a girl I could. I came out to him when I was about fourteen, he just smiled at me and then got me in a headlock.' Toni laughed at the memory. 'I had to promise him when we got older I would leave some girls for him.'

'You're lucky. When I was young I had a best friend, her name was Heather, we did everything together until one night my mother caught us kissing. It was completely innocent. I didn't know that girls weren't suppose to kiss other girls. I never saw Heather again after that, her family left and never came back. If it wasn't for Jason I think I would have been sent away too. My mother said I was a loveless deviant...'

'Cheryl, I am so sorry. But you have to know your mother's wrong. You're not loveless. You're not deviant. Okay? You're sensational.'

The redhead scoffed, 'I'm far from that.'

'Well in my eyes you're perfect.'

Cheryl looked at Toni picking her off her black nail polish. Suddenly realising this wasn't easy for either of them, but she didn't really know what to do. She liked Toni, really liked her, but what would happen if people found out?

'Where do we go from here?'

'I don't know,' Toni said honestly. 'Do you regret me telling you how I feel?'

'No,' she whispered. 'It just makes everything more complicated.'

'It really doesn't have to be, at least not right now. You're secret is safe with me, you don't have to worry about that. As for... us, we can just, carry on being strictly friends as long as I don't have to hang out with Veronica and Josie.'

'Is that what you want?'

'If friends is all we will ever be then I'll accept that. The ball is completely in your court, just please don't mess me around.'

'And if we were to... explore our feelings, what would that look like?'

'I'd show you just how special you are to me.'

Cheryl didn't say anything instead she leaned into Toni's side as they stared off into the trees, their hands finding each others staying there until they had no choice but to go home. Both of them unsure what laid ahead for them although for now they were content with just being together.

•••

As the weeks passed by Cheryl shared her time between Toni and the Vixens, to the outside world the two of them were no longer friends only being polite when they needed to be. That worked for them both, Toni didn't have to deal with Veronica and Josie and Cheryl didn't have to worry about people becoming suspicious of their relationship. Not that they had a label yet. They were just spending time together doing the things they normally do as well as sharing a kiss every now and again or cuddling in the safety of Toni's room.

The pink haired girl had found friends with some other kids from the south side, most of them were serpents, it seemed like she had a place she belonged for the first time in a long time. Jughead was the one that introduced her, she fitted in straight away and the thought of becoming a serpent seemed more and more appealing every day.

As she walked to lunch with Jughead, Peaches and a few of the other serpents she sent a small smile to Cheryl who was sat with the other Vixens. The challenge for the redhead to make Toni prom queen was long forgotten or at least Cheryl hoped. She smiled back while none of her friends were looking before looking back down at her salad.

Toni found a table where she could steal looks at the girl she'd been sharing kisses with. Even though they hadn't talked about what they were she knew her feelings had deepened already, but she was scared of pushing Cheryl too soon. She wanted to leave everything in her hands, she wanted to allow her to take her time to figure out who she is. Her eyes met the redheads again and she felt that familiar flutter in her stomach.

'Who's got you smiling like that?' Peaches asked as she followed Toni's eyesight, but luckily she didn't reach the redhead.

Jughead turned to look over his shoulder, unfortunately his eyes caught Reggie and Chucks who took that as an opportunity to waltz over. Toni rolled her eyes whilst Jughead let out a groan, her confidence had grown so much recently and if she did want to become a serpent in the future she knew she couldn't back down when her friends needed her to defend them.

'Jones,' Reggie said standing over him. 'What were you doing looking over at our girls?'

'Your girls?' Toni scoffed.

'Got something to say Topaz?' Chuck said moving from Reggie's side.

Most of the students attention were already on the serpents and the football players. One pair of eyes especially watches intently as the situation unfolds.

'Nothing that you idiots will understand. Now why don't you do yourself a favour and go away.'

'Whoa... so you do have a voice?' Reggie laughed. 'Do you think you're not a loser anymore because you hang around with these snakes? Let me tell you something sweetheart, you're an even bigger loser... if that's even possible.'

Toni stood up from her table just as Cheryl reached them, 'is everything all right here?'

'Everything's fine,' Toni said through gritted teeth.

'Come on Reginald, let's go.'

'Yeah Reginald,' Peaches said. 'Do as you're told.'

'Watch your mouth snake.'

'Or what?' Toni found herself saying.

Reggie and Chuck looked at each other and laughed while Toni's eyes briefly found Cheryl who was silently begging her to drop it. But she couldn't, she was sick of people walking all over her and she promised herself she wouldn't allow it anymore.

'You're feisty. I like it,' Chuck said. 'Maybe you should spend some time with a real man instead of these little boys.'

Chucks smile was wiped straight off of his face as Toni's fist connected with his jaw with a crack. Unfortunately for her the footballer wasn't above hitting a girl. The first swing missed, but the second one connected with her eye. Out of nowhere a fight broke out. Serpents vs Bulldogs. It was the worst fight the school had seen in years and it took multiple teachers to break it up.

Toni had never felt so much rage in her life, she'd been bullied since the minute she got to Riverdale but that was the final straw. She felt people pulling her away as she tried to throw another punch.

'Antoinette Topaz! My office now!' Principal Weatherbee bellowed, but Toni was too far gone.

She roughly rearranged her jacket and forced herself through the crowd as hot tears burnt her eyes ignoring her name being called. When she made it outside she felt relief wash over her as the cool air hit her skin. That was the first time she'd ever lost control like that and although she didn't normally believe in violence she had to admit it felt good.

'Toni,' the only voice that could get her to stop in her tracks called. 'Wait!'

She stopped dropping her head slightly as she let out a breath. The redhead stopped directly in front of her lifting her chin slightly as she looked over her bloody face.

'Let's get you cleaned up,' she whispered before taking her hand and pulling her towards her car.

•••

'Do you want to talk about what happened at school?' Cheryl asked as Toni sat on the side of her bathtub, carefully wiping the blood from her lip.

Toni just shrugged as she looked anywhere but the girl tending to her wounds. She should be worried about being expelled, but she couldn't bring herself to care. In her eyes she was standing up for her friends and for once- herself.

'Am I getting the silent treatment?'

That pulled her from her thoughts, 'no, of course not. I-I don't know what came over me.'

'Reggie and Chuck are annoying, but they're harmless.'

'Harmless?' Toni's looked up at the redhead who obviously regretted her words as soon as they left her mouth. 'They've made my life hell since I got here and they terrorise my friends at any given chance.'

'I know. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to undermine the situation.'

'You don't get it. You're used to being on the other side. You don't know what it's like to be on the receiving end of their torment.' Toni huffed, shaking her head slightly. This wasn't Cheryl's fault. 'I'm sorry. I'm just angry.'

'It's okay.' Her voice softens, 'you know Weatherbee isn't going to let this go, right?'

'I know and I honestly don't care.'

'Yes you do Toni. High school isn't forever, but your grades are important. We can talk to the principal together, if you want?'

'No, I don't want to drag you into all of this. Regardless of what I think they're still your friends. Thanks for the offer though.'

'Well how about-'

Cheryl words were cut with the sound of the front door slamming and Sweet Pea calling out his sisters name. Toni rolled her eyes as she stood up, after giving a final look to Cheryl she walked out of the bathroom to see her brother stood at the bottom of the stairs.

'Jesus Toni, what the hell happened?'

'It looks worse than it is.'

'You're principle called. You're in a whole heap of shit so I suggest you tell me what happened otherwise-'

'I got into a fight. No big deal.'

Sweet Pea looked from his sister to Cheryl and back again, a frown forming on his face, 'no big deal? Have you looked in the mirror?'

'It's-'

He ignored his sister, his eyes now fixed on the redhead, 'Cheryl would you mind giving Toni and I a ride to school? I'm sure you need to get back and I think there's some things we need to sort out.'

She looked at Toni discreetly rubbing the small of her back before nodding her head, 'I can do that.'

'Great. On the way you can fill me in on the details,' he said turning to open the door before looking at the girls expectedly.

•••

The smirk was wiped from both Chuck and Reggies face as they sat outside the principles office when they saw who walked in behind Toni. Sweet Pea was only a couple of years older, but he was bigger and more intimidating than all of the bulldogs put together.

Jughead and Peaches were sat across from them, both of them amused by the change in the football players demeanour. Toni took a seat next to them crossing her arms with a huff as she did. She may have been a model student, but a lot can change in a few months.

'Which one of you little boys laid hands on my sister?' The boys looked at each other, nothing more than a squeak leaving their lips.

'Mr Topaz,' Principal Weatherbee said as he stepped out from his office. 'Please come through.'

•••

After an excruciating thirty minute chat with her brother and principle Toni was stepping out of the office with an expulsion for the rest of the week. It wasn't the worst, she could have been expelled permanently.

Sweet Peas motorcycle, the one Toni had been using regularly, was waiting for them in the parking lot. She was secretly glad that she didn't have to go back to class, she had a huge headache and all she wanted to do was crawl into bed. She just wished for Cheryl to be there with her.

Her expectations of her conversation with her brother when they got home was completely different to the one they had. She expected to be grounded, or at least have some sort of punishment like Cheryl not being allowed to come over. Instead Sweet Pea told her he was proud of her and that it's important to for her to stick up for herself. He even hinted about her relationship with the redhead which she completely shut down, assuring him that they were nothing more than friends.

Finally Sweet Pea had to leave the house again for serpent business and Toni was able to crawl into bed. She didn't even bother to turn on the tv instead she just laid with her arms wrapped around the pillow on the side of the bed that had become the redheads.

She decided to close her eyes for a moment wanting to push away the stresses of the day, but without meaning to she drifted off.

•••

Toni's phone ringing woke her up from her nap but when she saw Cheryl's name lighting up her screen she didn't mind. After sitting up slightly she answered the call while she rubbed the sleep from her eyes wincing at the sudden pain.

'Toni?'

'Hi,' she said groggily.

'Are you home? I'm outside.'

'Yeah. I'll be right down.' She jumped out of bed ignoring the shooting pain in her head as she quickly made her way down the stairs still holding her phone to her ear not hanging up until she opened the door seeing the redhead stood with Pops in her hand. 'Hi.'

'Hi,' Cheryl said. 'Can I come in?'

'Oh yeah, sorry.'

She didn't miss the way Cheryl was looking at her. A mix of sadness, anger and something else hid behind her big brown eyes.

'Look at your face Toni,' Cheryl said once they got into the pink hair girls bedroom.

'It's fine.'

'It's not fine. You could have gotten seriously hurt. You are seriously hurt.' She put the food on the desk before turning back to Toni. 'Promise me you won't do anything like that again.'

'I can't. I don't regret sticking up for myself and if I get initiated into the serpents I need to learn how to take a hit.'

'The serpents? Toni no, you can't do that.'

'Why not? They're misfits... like me and they're my friends it makes sense.'

'They're also gang members-'

'Sweet Peas a serpent remember-'

'Yes Toni. I know,' she said stepping forward carefully taking Toni's hand in her. 'I'm not saying they're bad people. I just- I care about you and I can't stand the thought of you getting hurt. When I saw you fighting today I hated it.'

Toni let out a breath, 'I'm sorry, I didn't want you to have to witness that and I appreciate you coming to my aid.'

'You don't have to thank me... it's what I'm here for.'

The air thickened as they looked at each other, the same question dancing around Toni's mind that had been for weeks. She placed a small peck on the redheads lips before pulling back to look at her searching for an answer to her unasked question.

'What is it?' Cheryl asked quietly.

Toni took a deep breath, she could just ask the question she had on her mind. The two of them had come so far and Toni could feel herself falling more for the girl stood in front of her every day. Would it be so bad to just ask?

'Toni,' Cheryl said again with her eyes full of concern. 'Are you feeling all right? You look-'

'Be my girlfriend?'

She froze in her spot, she was sure she'd misheard, 'what?'

The shorter girl took a breath to calm her nerves before she centered herself, 'Cheryl Blossom, I really really like you. I would love it if you'd be my girl officially. I know you're not ready for people to know and that's okay, but my whole life has changed for the better since the moment I met you. So, what do you say? Will you be my girlfriend?'

Toni looked at her so hopefully, even when in the back of her mind she braced for rejection, but she had to ask. She was so tired of not going for what she wants and she wants Cheryl to be hers more than she wants anything else.

'I-I-' Cheryl stuttered. 'You want me to be your girlfriend?'

She'd been asked on dates before, but no one had ever asked her to be their girlfriend and if she were honest she never wanted to be tied down to anyone. However this was Toni. And Toni was different.

'More than anything...'

'Yes,' she found herself saying.

'Yeah?' Toni said and Cheryl nodded with a matching smile on her face.

The shorter girl launched at her capturing her lips in her own hardly believing this was her reality. Cheryl Blossom her girlfriend. The two of them pulled away with the goofiest smiles on their faces.

'But no more fighting, girlfriends have a say in that kind of thing' Cheryl said smugly. 'Now let's eat.'

Toni stole one more kiss before grabbing the Pops bag with a giggle pulling the redhead towards the bed with her.

•••

The days turned into weeks and the two girls were content in the world that they'd created together. The world that only belonged to them. At school they still steered clear of each other, simply because Toni couldn't stand the redheads friends. Reggie, Chuck and the rest of the Bulldogs had given her a break, after seeing her brother she assumed they were scared he'd give them a taste of their own medicine and knowing Sweet Pea, he would.

Josie and Veronica still shot her dirty looks every time she looked over to Cheryl, but she ignored them. They weren't worth her time. After the serpents fight with the football players the shift in the school was clear. Some students thought the pink haired girl needed to know her place among the schools monarchy whereas others thought she was brave. She'd gone from the schools resident nerd to the schools bad girl.

And she couldn't deny she liked it. She didn't want people to fear her, but she wanted them to know she wouldn't take anyone's shit anymore.

Cheryl had opened up to her more about things in her life. She talked about Jason through a watery smile every so often. About her mother and father with disdain as if she had a bad taste in her mouth whenever she spoke their names. Her mother was giving her a hard time about where she was going and with who. Of course the redhead lied. If her ghoulish mother found out she was spending time on the south side with her girlfriend she was sure she'd never see the light of day again.

But that didn't matter. Not when she was with Toni. Movie nights always turned into whispers beneath the sheets as they shared kisses and explored each others bodies. A feeling of bliss taking over them whenever they were together, lifting them from their reality of loss and longing. In a world of fake smiles and masks they could truly be themselves with each other.

•••

Toni grinned to herself as she climbed onto the bike that had basically become her own. She'd finally convinced Cheryl to go for a ride with her. The redhead was nervous, she didn't like the thought of not being in control, but she trusted her girlfriend. As her arms wrapped around the girl in front of her the sound of the engine roaring made her squeeze her eyes shut so tightly she saw stars as she held her breath.

As they began to move she held on tighter almost sure she was crushing her girlfriend, but she couldn't help herself as fear surged through her. Her body didn't ease until she felt a cold hand on her own, that's when she eventually opened her eyes. Slowly at first until she was taking in the colours of the trees blurring together as if they were one.

It was one of the most breathtaking views she'd ever seen and although they were going down the road at a speed the redhead didn't want to think about it also felt like time had stopped. Like everything that matter was right here in this moment.

She had no idea where they were going and to be honest she didn't care.

After they'd been riding for a while Toni slowed to take a corner before coming to a stop. There didn't seem to be anything around apart from the trees surrounding them. The smile on her girlfriends face was without a doubt worth the redheads initial fear and she promised herself she'd do whatever she could to see that smile every single day for the rest of her life.

Life.

That was a big commitment even if she didn't say it out loud, but Cheryl meant it. With everything in her she wanted to keep her secret promise.

'C'mon,' Toni said taking the redheads hand as they climbed off of her bike. 'I have something I want you to see.'

Cheryl followed Toni blindly through the woods until they came to a opening. As they edged closer to the drop the redhead took in the view.

'Is that-'

'Riverdale,' Toni confirmed. 'I found this place when I was expelled. The town looks so small it makes everything feel not quite as overwhelming. I wanted to show you that everything you've been through happened in that town. I hate how much pain you've had to endure... but if you look past it there's a whole world out there. For you and for me. Maybe one day we can see it for ourselves?'

'I'd love that.' Cheryl turned to wrap her arms around Toni's neck as she brought her in for a kiss.

'Me too.'

As the sun began to set, the two of them sat in the grass just looking out in a comfortable silence. Cheryl between Toni's legs as she leaned back against her, their fingers interlaced while the pink haired girl placed a soft kiss on the crown of her girlfriends red hair, the smell of her shampoo bringing her a familiar comfort.

'Toni?'

'Yeah?'

Cheryl shuffled a little leaning her head back against Toni's chest as she looked up into her dark eyes, her heart beating hard in her chest as she felt her stomach flutter, 'I love you.'

Toni didn't hesitate as she leaned down placing a kiss on the redheads lipstick free lips making sure to look into her eyes as she pulled back, 'I love you.'

Neither of them could think of a more perfect moment as they settled into each others arms again allowing themselves to bask in the love they had for each other.

•••

Toni didn't expect to run into Cheryl, Veronica and Josie as she entered the bathroom with Peaches the following Monday morning. She wanted to groan, but she held it in hoping they'd give the looks she become so accustomed to a break. Her relationship with the redhead was still a secret, but so was their friendship so she knew it made Cheryl uncomfortable when she was with her friends and Toni would make an appearance.

'This bathrooms not for snakes,' Josie said.

Toni just bit her tongue, she had a lot of things she wanted to say however she refrained for her girlfriends sake. Peaches, on the other hand, scoffed flipping her the finger causing Veronica to gasp.

'Who do you think you are?' The raven hair girl said with a huff.

'Me?' Peaches pointed to herself. 'Who the hell do you think you are? You walk around this school like you own the place. It's embarrassing.'

'We do own the place,' Josie said causing Toni to roll her eyes involuntary getting all of the girls attention including Cheryl who was pleading with her internally to walk away. 'Got something to say Topaz?'

'Would it matter if I did? Nothing anyone else says matters to you anyway.'

'I know you think you're this scary serpent wannabe,' Veronica said stepping forward. 'But we know who you really are. We remember the person you came to the school as. Nerdy Toni Topaz who barely had a voice, damn if it wasn't for Cheryl and our dare I'm sure you'd still be that loser now.'

Cheryl froze as she looked at Toni who frowned, 'dare? What are you talking about?'

Josie laughed spitefully as Veronica smirked with her eyebrow perfectly arched, 'don't tell me you're that dense.' She waited for a response but didn't get one. 'Do you really think Cheryl befriended you because she wanted to? We were laughing at you from the moment you came to Riverdale High.'

'Veronica stop it,' Cheryl finally said, her already pale complexion completely washed from the little colour she normally had in her cheeks.

'Tell her then. Tell her about our plan to make her popular. To make her believe that she even had a chance a being one of us,' Veronica said looking straight at Toni, not missing her flinch as she looked at the redhead with tears threatening to fill her eyes. 'Do you really think girls like us would ever want to be friends with someone like you?'

'You really are bitches,' Peaches said as Toni clenched her fists by her side before storming out of the bathroom, her friend giving a final disapproving look to the redhead before following her.

'What the hell were you thinking!' Cheryl snapped as she pushed between Veronica and Josie. 'You didn't have to do that.'

'She deserved it.' Veronica shrugged. 'She needed to be knocked down a peg or two.'

'You went too far,' she said before chasing after Toni.

'Don't play innocent,' Veronica called after her. 'You were a much a part of this as us.'

Cheryl pushed her way through the students in the hallway as she headed towards the exit to the parking lot in an attempt to find her girlfriend not knowing exactly what she was going to say but she'd figure that out later.

Her breath caught in her throat as she laid eyes on Peaches clearly trying to comfort Toni. Fear filled her as she stepped forward not knowing how she was going to explain herself.

'Toni,' she said quietly as she stopped behind the girls who turned to look at her, one with anger in her eyes and the other with nothing but hurt and betrayal. 'Can we talk... please?'

'Don't you think you'v done enough damage?' Peaches asked stepping forward in front of Toni slightly. 'Your little game is over.'

Cheryl ignored the irritation she felt as she watched the taller girl attempt to protect her own girlfriend from her. 'Toni,' she said ignoring Peaches. 'Please, let me explain.'

'You've got to be-'

'Peaches, it's okay,' Toni finally said. 'I can handle this, but I'll see you later, yeah?'

'Okay. Come by the Wyrm.' The taller looked at her friend before scowling at the redhead shoulder barging her as she passed. 'If you need me before that call me.'

Cheryl picked at her finger nails, she had no idea where to start. Toni wouldn't even look at her and she hated it.

'Is it true?' Toni asked quietly, gone was the girl she'd become. Now all Cheryl could see was the Toni Topaz she met all those months ago. Timid and unsure. 'Is what Veronica said true?'

'Toni you have to understand... I didn't- I don't-'

'Is it true?' she asked again, her voice more powerful as she straightened her back finally looking the redhead directly in her eyes almost daring her to lie.

'Yes, but...' she stepped forward slightly but Toni moved back causing her to freeze in her spot scared to make another move.

'So all of this was a joke? You and me... I was just a pawn in some sick game you were playing.'

'No of course not. Everything was real.'

'I'm sorry Cheryl. I don't believe you.' Toni looked down letting out a shaky breath. 'I thought I knew you.'

'You do-'

'No.' She shook her head. 'The Cheryl I thought I knew would never do this. She's kind and warm-'

'TT please.' The redheads words were barely above a whisper. 'I'll do anything to prove it to you.'

'You had the chance to tell me, but you didn't. I bet the three of you thought this was hilarious making the loser of the school fall in love with you. Tell me Cheryl, did you go straight to Veronica and Josie after you spent time with me to tell them how easy I was to fool.'

'No. No, I would never-'

'But you would. You have. You've made me look stupid and I could take it from anyone else, but you... I thought you were different.'

'I'll make it up to you. I promise-'

'You can't.' Toni shook her head. 'Whatever this is...' she motioned between them, 'joke or not is over. I don't ever want to talk to you again.'

Cheryl reached out for the other girls hand as tears fell down both of their faces but it was ripped away as soon as their hands touched. Toni held the redheads gaze, a million emotions spilling from her eyes, and then without another word she turned leaving the redhead standing alone.

•••

The front door slamming caused Sweet Pea to jump from his seat thinking someone was breaking in, but when he seen his sister leaning against the door with her hands covering her face he panicked for a different reason.

'T, what's happened?'

She didn't say anything as she ran into his arms, her tears buried in her chest as he wrapped his arms protectively around her. He wasn't sure how long they stood like that for but eventually the sound of soft cries died down as his sister pulled from his embrace.

They sat on the couch together as Toni explained everything to her brother, finally telling him that her and Cheryl were officially a couple or at least she thought they were. Sweet Pea just sat patiently as she allowed her emotions to spill out without judgement.

'So, what's the plan?' Sweet Pea asked. 'Are you going to talk to her?'

'No,' she said, a firmness in her voice that didn't leave any room for doubt. 'Cheryl and I are over for good.'

•••

Unlike Toni Cheryl had no one to confide in, she spent spare her time locked away in her bedroom. She wanted to hate her friends, if Veronica and Josie kept their mouths shut she and Toni would be okay, but she knew deep down there was no one to blame but from herself.

Toni didn't attend school for the rest of the week and no matter how many texts the redhead sent trying to explain she never got a reply. The most recent message she sent bounced back with a huge red explanation point like a hard smack in the face. She'd been blocked.

The redhead had even turned up to Toni's house with tears in her eyes, but Sweet Pea answered the door with a glimpse of sympathy in his eyes. Yes, this girl hurt his sister, but he didn't doubt she cared. Not after seeing her like this. But he was still Toni's brother, so although he felt sorry for her he simply told her that Toni wasn't home and she didn't want to see her. Cheryl sniffled as she nodded her head and turned back to her car. If Toni really didn't want to talk to her the least the redhead could do was grant her wish of staying away from her. So she did, as much as it hurt she kept her distance ignoring the way her soul caved in on itself. Even when Toni returned to school she kept away hoping that one day she'd get the opportunity to talk to the other girl.

•••

Ignoring Cheryl was hard and it didn't get easier as the days turned into weeks. Her friends made it bearable though, if she didn't have them she didn't know what she would have done. They didn't know about her and Cheryl, neither did the redheads friends, but they did know about her cruel joke.

Coming back to school was difficult too. She couldn't avoid the redhead there, but thankfully she didn't even try to speak to her. However she did feel eyes on her every now and again. There was only one day when Cheryl made her stare hard to ignore and that was the day she walked in wearing a black leather jacket with South Side Serpents stamped proudly on her back the day after she was initiated.

Toni was guilty of the odd glance at the other girl when she knew she wouldn't be caught, but the sharp pain in her heart always made her quickly look away. She'd considered unblocking the redhead before quickly forcing the idea from her mind. Her hurt pushing any fond thoughts she had about Cheryl away. She just wouldn't allow it. She couldn't.

•••

The night almost every student had been waiting for crept up as Toni and her friends sat in the limo to attend their prom. The pink haired girl looked around at her friends, all of them smiling, they'd done it. They'd survived high school.

The hand wrapped around hers squeezed slightly getting her attention. She looked up at the boy Peaches had set her up on a date with a few weeks ago. A serpent and Riverdale High student although she'd not spoken to him too much before their date.

He was kind enough, so when he asked her to the prom she accepted although she only had one person on her mind and it wasn't the boy who was stood in front of her.

He looked down at her in her long black and gold gown, her hair half up half down. 'You look amazing Toni.'

'Uh, thank you.' She squeezed his hand back before looking out of the window, her stomach dropping at the thought of possibly seeing the redhead with somebody else.

•••

Of course as Toni walked into the gym that looked almost unrecognisable, her eyes unwillingly scanning the room for a certain person.

And there she was.

Cheryl Blossom.

Looking as gorgeous as ever in a red sequined dress, her hair flowing down her shoulders covering the skin Toni's fingers used to trace. She didn't even realise she was staring until brown orbs soaked in hers.

She'd been caught.

Her eyes quickly darted to the boy who's hand was wrapped around the redheads pale one.

Reggie Mantle.

She wanted to be jealous. She was about to be. But the way Cheryl's body seemed to recoil from the football players, she felt bad for her even though she really didn't want to.

A light tug on her hand encouraged her forward as she tried to stop her mind drifting towards the redhead.

Hugo grabbed them both a drink as he chatted about the how cool the gym looked, he slung his arm around her at the exact same time Cheryl looked over her again.

Before she... wait was she coming over?

Oh no.

Toni stiffened as the redhead stopped in front of her, her hands laced together as their eyes met.

'Toni, I wondered if we might talk?'

She stuttered as she searched for the right words to say. Had she missed Cheryl? Yes. Was she still mad at her? Yes. But did she really want to talk to her? Maybe.

Before words left her mouth she found herself nodding turning to Hugo, 'I'll be right back.'

'Okay.' He nodded, his eyes on the redhead. 'If you need me I'll be right here.'

Toni forced him a small smile, she appreciated the gesture but she didn't need somebody to save her. To protect her. She was capable of doing it herself.

She ignored Veronica and Josie as she passed them, Cheryl in tow as they headed to a quiet corner in the hallway. Toni stopped with her back to the wall wrapping her arms around herself as if that would protect her heart from whatever was about to leave the redheads lips.

'You look beautiful.'

That wasn't the opening line Toni was expecting, she faltered a little before straightening up her back. Compliments wouldn't make this better, simply because she didn't believe a word Cheryl said.

'If that's all, I need to get back-'

'Who is he?' Cheryl asked. 'I've seen him around school before I didn't know the two of you... knew each other.'

'His names Hugo. Not that it has anything to do with you...'

'Are the two of you dating?'

'Cheryl, what do you want?'

'I wanted to tell you that I really am sorry for what happened. I've been trying to give you space but I-I miss you.'

Toni closed her eyes, she wanted to believe it. Wanted to ignore everything that happened and run into the redheads arms. But she couldn't. What if this was all a joke too?

'I really miss you,' Cheryl added, 'and if I could take it all back I would.'

'But you can't can you? I wish it was easy. I wish I believe you, but I don't. How can I?'

'It was a mistake...'

'And sometimes mistakes have consequences. I have to go.' Toni looked Cheryl in the eyes. 'Have a good night with Reggie.'

That was a low blow and she knew it, but Reggie as well as the rest of Cheryl's friends had made her life hell. And deep down it hurt that the person that was suppose to love her still tolerated them after everything they've done.

'Toni wait...' Cheryl reached out taking Toni's hand in hers as she attempted to walk away. 'What do I have to do for you to forgive me?'

'Nothing,' she said still facing away as she pulled her hand back. 'You care too much about your friend's opinion. After everything they've done you've stuck by them. I never wanted you to choose between me and them and I would never ask you to, but if someone gave you a black eye I wouldn't be their date to prom-'

'Reggie doesn't matter. I don't care about him-'

'Exactly, but yet you're here with him.' Toni let out a breath. 'I really thought you loved me, I'll give you your dues Cheryl, you're a great actress, you had me fooled.'

'Toni...'

'Don't,' she snapped. 'I'm going now, don't bother following me.'

Toni was sure she'd left her heart with Cheryl as she walked away. Her body ached for her to take a few steps back and tell the redhead that they could work it out, but she was too stubborn.

'Everything okay?' Hugo asked when his date approached him. 'You look upset.'

'I'm sorry H, I'm not really being a very good date. I've just- I've got some things going on and I'm just not in the right space to for this right now. I hope you can forgive me.'

He looked at her before shrugging his shoulders, 'that's cool. We can still have a good time as friends, if that's what you what?'

'Yeah,' she said. 'I'd like that.'

•••

Toni met up with her friends on the dance floor as the night went on, their arms wrapping around her as soon as they saw her, bringing her into their dance circle. A genuine smile grew on her face as she concentrated on her friends and not the conversation she had with Cheryl earlier.

The bubble she was in with her friends was popped not too long later when the DJ attempted to quiet everyone down for the announcement of prom king and queen. Hushed whispers of anticipation could be heard throughout the gym. Toni didn't need to guess, she knew exactly who would be king and queen just so the universe could rub salt in her wound.

'And this years prom king...' Toni was suddenly pulled from her thoughts by the sound of the DJs voice, 'Reggie Mantle!'

The sound of the bulldogs whooping and barking made the pink haired girl cringe, would they ever grow up and stop acting like morons?

Toni rolled her eyes at the smug look on his face as he accepted his crown, fisting the air a moment later as he cheered.

'And prom queen goes to... Cheryl Blossom!'

Whistles and cheers filled the room as Toni watched the redhead climb on stage with a fake smile plastered on her face. To the outside world she looked happy, but Toni could see straight through her.

'Congratulations both of you,' the DJ said as Cheryl was crowned. 'Do you have a few words for your classmates?'

Reggie leaned in against the microphone, 'Bulldogs forever!'

That's it? Lame, Toni thought as her eyes moved to the redhead when she stepped in front of the microphone, Reggie standing boldly beside her.

'I just wanted to thank everybody who voted for me,' Cheryl said, her eyes scanning the room until they fell on Toni. 'I, uh...' Reggie nudged her with a slight frown, the redhead never stuttered and here she was doing it in front of everyone. 'At the beginning of the school year all I wanted was to be crown prom queen. It's all I cared about, but now I know I don't deserve it and to be honest I don't want it-'

'Cheryl, what are you doing?' Reggie whispered, the microphone allowing everyone to hear him.

She completely ignored him, 'the person I was is the person that won this crown by causing distress and fear upon my classmates along with my friends. That's not the person I want to be anymore.' Her eyes were burning into Toni as if she were the only person in the room. The only person she cared about. 'I had the chance to be with the most wonderful, selfless person and tasting even just a little of that love has changed me...'

The whispers of students surrounding Toni should have got her attention, but she couldn't take her eyes off of the girl stood on the stage.

'So I want her to know that I'm so sorry...' Cheryl took a moment. 'Toni, I really am, but I want you to know what I feel for you is real.' Gasps filled the room as people tried to piece together what was happening. 'I know I hurt you. I broke your trust and I swear I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you.'

'T, what the hells happening?' Peaches whispered to her as Cheryl climbed off the stage, but Toni couldn't even reply. The lump in her throat growing by the moment trying to force the tears back.

The redhead stopped directly in front of her biting her lip as her nerves continued to rise, 'Toni, I truly do love you with everything inside of me. I love you more than anything and I should have appreciated you more. I should have been honest with you from the beginning. I understand if you turn me down, but I'd really love to share this dance with you even if it's the last one we ever have.'

Everyone peeled their eyes from the redhead to Toni who stood frozen in her spot as she picked at the skin of her fingers. The choice was in hers, the doubt she had about Cheryl's feelings for her dissolved, she knew how much it took for the redhead to do this.

Cheryl slowly held out her hand bracing herself to be pushed away, but she had to try just once more, she couldn't live with herself if she didn't give it her all. Her breath hitched when she felt Toni's hand land in hers, she didn't want to cry but she couldn't stop the stray tear from falling and running over her small smile as she held Toni's hand in her own rubbing her skin with her thumb.

Neither of them expected the sound of cheers and clapping from people around them. The world around them disappeared just like they used to when they were together. Hundreds of eyes were on them now, but they didn't matter as the redhead pulled Toni to the middle of the dance floor. The music playing leaving no option but to slow dance.

Toni saw the redhead hesitate as they faced each other, everything wasn't fix, but this was a start. It was enough for Toni to make the first move and wrap her arms around Cheryl's neck, she began to sway as she felt hands fall gently on her waist.

'Thank you for this,' Cheryl said quietly. 'I've longed to be near you for so long. I really am sorry Toni.'

'I know you are,' she admitted. 'I know how much it took for you to stand there and do that.'

The redhead couldn't stop the tug of her lips at that, 'you're worth it. I mean it, I'll do anything I can to make everything up to you if you just give me the chance.'

'We'll talk about it,' Toni promised, 'over many milkshakes and movies.'

'I'd love nothing more... maybe tomorrow?'

'Tomorrow.' Toni nodded, a sense of complete awe wrapping around her as she looked up at the redhead.

'It's a date,' Cheryl slipped out, her mouth forming the perfect o as she cursed her words, she didn't want to run before she could walk.

'Screw it,' Toni said as she pulled a startled Cheryl forward crashing their lips together, the cheers of her classmates fading into the background as the redhead kissed her back before she pulled back with the goofiest smile on her face with nothing but love in her eyes. 'This may be the most romantic day of my life.'

'So far,' Cheryl placed a soft kiss on her temple.

'I love you,' Toni slipped out, but she meant it with everything inside of her.

The redhead beamed, 'I love you.'

'And Cher?'

'Yes TT?'

'You look beautiful too.'

Cheryl bit her lip, bringing her lover impossibly closer into a kiss as the song they were dancing to came to an end as a new chapter of their lives together began.