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“Yea, I just made it back.” Toni whispered into the phone in her hand as she silently entered her apartment. She quickly glances around noticing an empty living room and then continues to lock her door. She giggles at whatever is being said on the other end of the line, “I had fun with you too. Next time we’ll try that one thing–”
“Hey! Look who’s home!” Fangs said, suddenly approaching Toni with Anthony in his arms, “You caught us right in time, we were just about to go on our walk.”
Toni smiles at the sight of her baby, throwing his arms aimlessly trying to get her attention, “Yup. Sounds great! I love–See you soon!” Toni rushes off the phone, placing it in her back pocket. She extends her arms and watches as Anthony basically throws himself into her embrace.
“Hi handsome.” She says to her son, admiring their similar features. “Hey, Fangs.”
The man grabs his chest dramatically, “Am I not handsome?”
Toni doesn’t respond, she just rolls her eyes at his playfulness. It’s been a couple of months since the pair decided to end their strange romance. Both decided that their decision to become a couple wasn’t truly based on their feelings rather it was based on their circumstance. Toni and Fangs did agree to one thing, however. They did have love for each other, just not in that way. Since then their relationship has fallen back into place, strictly being best friends and co-parenting Anthony. Toni wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Who were you rushing off of the phone just now?” Fangs asked while lacing his boots.
“Hm? Oh, uh...Just my Nana. Thanking her for the great weekend we had together. You know how long winded that woman can be.” Toni quickly lied, all of her focus still being on Anthony who is babbling in baby language.
“Yea, don’t I know.” Fangs chuckles to himself remembering all of his childhood days spent with Toni’s Nana whenever he was too sick to attend school. “Are you coming with us on our walk?”
“I think I’ll pass. A nice shower is calling my name right now.” Toni said lifting from the couch handing off her son to Fangs. The man grabbed the baby and looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
“You didn’t shower over your Nana’s?” He asked skeptically. Toni’s eyes widened just a little.
“I would have but you know how trailer water is. I’d rather be in my own bathroom.” She said casually. Fangs laughed and shook his head. Him and Anthony were heading towards the door.
“Don’t forget your roots, Topaz.” He said.
“Never will. Have a good walk.” She said to Fangs. She approached Anthony and peppered his face in kisses receiving the loudest array of giggles, “And you have a good walk too handsome.”
“Once again, ouch.” Fangs said. This time Toni took action and playfully shoved him out of the door. Once the door was shut she pressed her back against it and let out a huge sigh. She didn’t know how much longer she could keep this secret hidden and her lies about her whereabouts were starting to become sloppy. Toni smiled at the thought of her hidden adventures and although she hated to lie, this was a damn good secret.
She pushed herself off of the door and headed towards the bathroom. She stripped herself of her clothes and let the faucet run until it was the temperature of her liking. When she stepped in she relished in the feeling of the hot water lathering her skin. She turned around and gave her back an opportunity to relish in the feeling as well.
The past couple of months have been great to her. She’s been adventurous, daring, accepting and it’s reminding her of her carefree teenage days. Most importantly, Toni has been healing. She’s healing from all past factors that have contributed to her state of mind today and because of that she’s never felt more alive.
The secret that she’s hiding may be controversial but she doesn’t care. It makes her happy, and the one thing that Toni has learned throughout her healing journey is to always do what makes you happy. So who cares if she continues this charade for a little while longer? As long as Toni was happy, that’s all that mattered.
After exiting her well needed shower, the brunette wrapped her towel around her body and ventured into the kitchen of her apartment. She started a kettle on the stove and prepared herself for a relaxing cup of tea. Once the kettle whistled, she poured the hot water into her cup and took it into the living room where she sat on the couch. She sat and enjoyed the element of calm. Having a newborn baby and a rowdy bestfriend under the same roof becomes very hectic at times so Toni always appreciates moments like this.
Her peace was interrupted when she heard her phone vibrate on top of her coffee table. Her motherly instincts forced her to grab the phone quickly, making sure that it didn’t involve Anthony but when she saw the message that lit her screen she couldn’t help but smile.
<3 - missing you :(
<3 - Is it selfish to ask to see you one more time? Friday is a long time away!
Toni - I miss you more. If I see you, I won’t exactly be alone…
Toni bit her lip awaiting the next text. She’d been gone for the entire weekend so she couldn’t leave Anthony again, especially not without Fangs being concerned. This was the only part of her secret that made her anxious. Although this is fun, she’ll have to let it become a memory if her son wasn’t accepted.
<3 - The more the merrier.
<3 - I’ll go buy some toys to keep him entertained. Call when you two are on the way :)
The brunette tilted her head back with a childish smile growing on her face. She really loved this secret.
After sending a quick text back confirming that she will call she got up and rummaged through her closet to find clothes to put on. Once she found an acceptable outfit, she grabbed Anthony’s bag and began preparing it for whatever he might need within the next couple of hours. By the time she was finished, Fangs and their son were walking through the door.
“Hey, woah. You’re leaving again?” Fangs asked.
“We’re leaving.” Toni said as she grabbed Anthony from Fangs, “I have to go over some council stuff with Tabitha and she wants to see Anthony. I’ll be back in a couple of hours and don’t worry I’m taking the car.”
When Toni was pregnant she reluctantly bought a car from Reggie Mantle to ensure the security of Anthony. She misses the wind hitting her skin and not being confined every time she went out for a ride but the safety of her baby came first.
“Oh, well okay. Be safe–and make sure to check in.” Fangs emphasized the last bit of his sentence. Toni had a habit of forgetting to let Fangs know that she and Anthony were doing fine after being gone for hours.
“Will do. See you in a few hours.” The brunette said, grabbing Anthony’s bag. Once she got him settled in the backseat of her car, she pulled out her phone to send a quick text to Tabitha.
Toni - If Fangs asks, I was with you going over council stuff.
Tabitha - Get it Topaz!
Tabitha - My lips are sealed.
Toni laughed at the emoji choice Tabitha decided to send, which was the emoji with the zipper sealing its mouth. She put her phone away and turned around to face her son who was staring at her with wide eyes.
“Hey! Don’t look at me like that mister.” She said to the baby who giggled in return. “Let’s not tell daddy about this. Yea? Great, that’s why you’re my boy.”
And with that, Toni started her car and drove mindlessly past Pop’s and down the long road.
Being in Pop’s with Anthony was Toni’s favorite pastime. She would order a milkshake and watch the small boy’s excitement for the sweet treat grow larger. She didn’t let him get a lot but enough to figure out that he definitely loves chocolate milkshakes. Tabitha comes by and holds small talk in between servings, she’s designated a special spatula for Anthony’s entertainment during their visits, which he adores.
Tabitha and Toni have grown extremely close since Tabitha took over Pop’s. Toni would almost call the woman her best friend.
“So, how was your night last night?” Tabitha asked, wiggling her eyebrow. Toni groaned and covered Anthony’s ears as if he would be able to understand what was being said. “Oh please, he doesn’t even know your name. He’s fine.”
Toni rolled her eyes playfully, “It was fun. Nothing happened because I had Anthony with me.”
“Meeting the golden child? This must be serious.” Tabitha said, taking Toni’s milkshake. She grabbed a straw from her apron and stuck it in the glass before sliding in the opposite side of the booth. “And why can’t I know about this mystery person?”
Toni tensed, “They’re a mystery for a reason. I’m having fun and most importantly I am happy. That should be all that matters.”
Tabitha shook her head and slid the glass back towards Toni and a very eager Anthony reached out to grab it. Toni took her straw and let a few drops of the thick liquid drop on the baby’s tongue, he smiled happily and continued to play with the spatula.
“You’re absolutely right. Your happiness is all that matters.” Tabitha assured the brunette. Suddenly the bells above the door rang loudly followed by the sound of expensive heels. Toni knew that it could only be one person.
“Tabitha.” The redhead breathed. She glanced at Toni and Anthony and simply nodded causing the brunette to roll her eyes almost to the back of her head. “Is it okay if I collect my pick-up?”
Tabitha’s eyes darted between Cheryl and Toni, she was new to town so she never witnessed when the pair was madly in love. All she ever saw from them was hidden animosity.
“Yea! Just ask Dave and tell him that you were the one with the order from the secret menu.” Tabitha said. The redhead nodded and gracefully walked away without giving Toni nor her son another glance.
“Wow, you guys are...Heavy.” Tabitha breathed, “Hard to believe that you two were ever a thing, no offense.”
Toni chuckled, in all honesty she didn’t take offense to her comment. “Well, things change.” The brunette said as she watched the redhead exit out the diner with her order in tow. “People change.”
Tired was an understatement. Between juggling being a council member, student counselor and full time mom, Toni was utterly exhausted. Not to mention she’s still living a double life that no one knows about. The brunette wasn’t regretting keeping her current activities hidden but she began to wonder if she was ready to let it be known. That thought was for another day, right now, her only focus was making it through this meeting.
“Alright, numbers are looking good! Great work guys, seriously, all of you. These last couple of months trying to restore the town haven’t been easy but we’re making it work.” Toni said to the room of faculty members. “Just to reiterate a few of our focuses this week. Kevin, you’re going to call Josie about setting up a bus trip to New York for your theater class right?”
“Yes ma’am. My kids are excited.” Kevin assured her with a smile.
Toni nodded and set her focus on Betty, “Cooper, the new car model will be coming in when?”
“Within the next two weeks, they’re awaiting a few parts.” Betty informed her.
Toni pursed her lips, not satisfied with that answer. “Keep pushing them on that.”
“Veronica, keep up the good work.” Toni said as she watched the woman smile triumphantly, “Andrews, sorry for your loss in the semi-conference.”
Archie mumbled a simple me too.
“Cheryl,” Toni said looking at the unamused redhead who sat in the back of the student lounge like a fly on the wall. Everyone stiffens in their seats, the unspoken tension between the two will forever remain common knowledge to the rest of the group, “Our only focus is getting the vixens ready for competition season.”
The redhead nodded once, not offering anything else. Toni sighed, moving on. “Alright, that’s all I have for you all unless anyone else would like to say anything.”
“Oh yea!” Archie said rising from his seat, “Friday night, my place. I’ll have drinks and food. I have something important to tell you all.” He said, his gaze aiming towards Betty who ducked her head to avoid her blush.
“Well, see you all on Friday.” Toni said, Cheryl didn’t waste a second before brushing past Toni to exit the teacher's lounge. The brunette was too tired to be bothered so she sat in the nearest chair and pulled out her phone to pass time until she regained some of her energy. After scrolling through some of her socials, she opened her message app and clicked a familiar name.
Toni - I’m so exhausted, my body is in pain from being so tired :(
<3 - Awn. I hate to hear this.
<3 - Lucky for you, I know a natural pain reliever…
Toni blushed and adjusted her position in her seat.
Toni - Oh? Want to show me tonight, at my place?
<3 - Just be ready when I call.
“Oh that’s hot.” A voice, Kevin, said from behind her. Toni immediately locked her phone and turned towards the man who was staring down at her with a smirk.
“Kevin!” Toni scowled as she stood. “You seriously need to learn boundaries.”
The man threw his hands up in defeat, “Who’s the new beau?”
“None of your business.” Toni challenged, crossing her hands across her chest.
“Toni Topaz, you know I will find out.” He said, crossing his arms around his own chest.
Toni wasn’t worried, “Good luck to you.” The pair had a stare down. Eyes were squinted and tension rose, that was until Kevin caved and blinked back the stinging tears. Toni grinned smugly to herself, no one could ever survive her stare.
“Fine! You won.” Kevin said defeatedly, “I’m glad you’re putting yourself out there. You deserve someone that’ll make you happy, Toni.”
Toni’s face softened at his words, “Thanks Kev. And could you please not tell Fangs, I haven’t mentioned it to anyone.”
Kevin zipped his mouth and threw away the imaginary key, “My lips are sealed.”
“Are they really?” Toni asked with a smirk, Kevin shrugged his shoulders and exited the lounge. Toni shook her head and hoped that this time the man would keep his word.
“Hey Toni, sorry I’m back early.” The man said entering their apartment. “I forgot Ant’s–” Fangs stopped in his tracks when he heard a thump. Him and Anthony had left hours ago to spend time with Fangs’ mom but when his son became restless the man was reminded that he forgot his favorite sleeping toy. The apartment was empty with no signs of Toni even being home.
Thump.
“What the hell–Toni–” Fangs stopped yet again when the sounds of moaning erupted from Toni’s bedroom.
“ Oh baby! Don’t stop – I’m so close !” Toni practically screeched from behind her door.
“What the fuck…” Fangs mumbled to himself.
Thump.
Fangs quickly scrambled for Anthony’s toy and hurried and left the apartment feeling traumatized with the sounds that Toni was making.
Thump.
“Shit!” Toni hissed, “Okay, I tap out. You’re too damn good.” Toni said through ragged breaths as she watched a body snake from under the covers and hover on top of hers.
“And you’re now just figuring this out?” Cheryl asked smugly from on top of her, she lowered herself to kiss Toni’s lips quickly before pulling away to lie beside the brunette.
“Hm, that was just what the doctor ordered.” Toni said, pulling the redhead into her chest.
“I’m a damn good doctor then.” Cheryl breathed, placing kisses on Toni’s chest and the bottom of her jaw.
The pair had made amends months ago shortly after Anthony’s birth. They agreed to work on their trust and friendship first. When Toni realized that her feelings for the redhead had grown, she panicked and latched onto Fangs but quickly realized she couldn’t hide from the way that the woman made her feel. After she ended things with the man, Cheryl and Toni had privately begun building their relationship and having secret rendezvous without anyone knowing.
It was fun at first because it felt like they were teenagers being reckless again but now, Toni was tired of sneaking around and telling lies. They’ve put their differences in the past and have healed the parts of them, mainly Toni’s parts, that had been damaged. Toni was ready to show off the woman that she loved, the correct way this time.
“I think we should tell everyone that we’re back together.” Toni blurted as she rubbed the smooth skin of Cheryl’s bare arm. “At Archie’s house on Saturday, we’ll walk in together.”
Cheryl sat herself on her elbow and stared at Toni who then did the same, “Are you sure you’re ready for that babe? I’ve told you, I’ll wait however long you would like me to. We’re moving at your pace, remember?” The redhead said softly, pushing some loose strands of hair out of Toni’s face.
Toni smiled, appreciating how far the redhead has come, “I’m sure baby. You’re so great to me, so accepting of Anthony and we’re in such a better place now than before. Even though us sneaking around is...hot as hell, and fun, I’d much rather have everyone know how much I’m in love with you. The real you that you’ve become.”
Tears filled the redhead’s eyes as she listened to Toni. The brunette was right, they’ve come such a long way and their love deserved to be displayed.
“Are you sure this isn’t post orgasmic bliss?” Cheryl asked with a breath.
Toni scratched her chin and took a moment, “Maybe you’re right. Nevermind!”
“Oh shut up!” The redhead said before grabbing Toni’s chin and bringing the brunette’s lips dangerously close to hers. “I would love nothing more than to accompany you as your girlfriend. ”
She leaned in and captured Toni’s lips for a slow and lingering kiss. When they finally broke apart both women were smiling.
“It was getting harder to pretend that I didn’t like you.” Toni breathed on her lips before going in for another slow kiss.
“Oh please. If anything that turned you on more.” Cheryl mumbled as she leaned back in. They couldn’t get enough of each other.
“Everything about you turns me on.” Toni said slowly, she kissed Cheryl while she slowly hovered herself over the redhead.
“I think you should show me just how much I turn you on, Topaz.” Cheryl whispered.
“Oh, I will. Let’s try that one thing, yea?” Toni giggled on the lips of Cheryl.
Toni captured her lips once more. This time for longer. She couldn’t wait to show the world just how happy she was.
Toni was in the kitchen dressed in a robe, throwing a quick meal into the microwave. It was later in the night, hours after Cheryl had left. Even though the pair decided to make their relationship public, Toni didn’t want the redhead to be there when Fangs returned. She wanted to eventually tell Fangs before Archie’s party on Friday.
The door to their apartment door unlocked and opened revealing a disheveled Fangs and a sleeping Anthony. Toni couldn’t contain her laughter, she knew that Fangs struggled with getting Anthony down for bed. He closed the door and jumped slightly upon seeing Toni, he tried to contain his facial expressions. Toni raised an eyebrow.
“Hi Fangs.” She said cautiously, “Everything okay?”
“Yea!” He whispered, “I’m just gonna put him in his crib. You want him to sleep in your room tonight?”
Toni took her meal out of the microwave and kept a close eye on her best friend and his suspicious behavior, “That’s fine, yea.”
Fangs hurried into Toni’s room and got Anthony settled into his crib, when he returned he plopped himself down on the couch next to Toni who was enjoying her meal.
“Feed me?” He asked tiredly. Toni twirled some alfredo on her fork and passed it over to Fangs who graciously accepted it with a content sigh. “You’re a godsend.”
The brunette giggled at his theatrics, “Anthony must’ve put you through hell tonight.”
“You don’t know the half of it. I forgot baby Yoda and he had a tantrum. I had to come back to the apartment to get it.” As soon as Fangs finished his sentence, both of their eyes widened. Toni was no longer hungry, if Fangs came back to the apartment then he definitely had to have heard her and Cheryl.
“You came back?” Toni asked while trying not to seem suspicious.
Fangs nodded, avoiding Toni’s gaze. “Yea, only for a second. But the house was practically empty. Did you go somewhere?”
“Yes!” Toni said a little rushed, “I stopped by the Wyrm, I didn’t want any of the wine that was here.”
Fangs hummed even though he knew the truth, he wouldn’t dare tell Toni what he heard. “Oh okay. Well I’m tired, our boy wore me out. I’m gonna shower and head to bed. Goodnight T.”
The man said as he lifted from the couch and headed towards his bedroom. When his door was closed Toni slumped down into the cushions. She couldn’t keep this up any longer.
Friday had finally approached them and Toni was beyond nervous. She didn’t understand why. Her and Cheryl were high school sweethearts, there was never a time where the town didn’t see them together wrapped in their own little bubble. But now, everything is different. They were seen as opposites now, known for not being able to be in the same room with each other. Toni shouldn’t care what other people think of her relationship but her nerves are getting the best of her.
She threw on a new snakeskin shirt that was practically see through and found her favorite pair of leather pants. Once she was dressed, she texted Cheryl to let her know that would be picking her up shortly and then grabbed Anthony to get some play time in before it was time to leave. They sat on the floor in the living room playing with whatever toys the small child pulled out of his toy bin. After a while, Fangs finally came out of his room dressed and ready to go.
“Looking nice Toni.” He said as he sat on the floor next to their son.
“Thanks Fangs.” She said, “I’m going to drop him off at my Nana’s so I’ll just meet you at Archie’s.”
The man furrowed his eyebrows, “I can just ride with you guys, I haven’t seen your Nana in a while. It’ll be nice to speak to her.”
“Oh no, it’s fine. I’ll send her your greetings.” Toni said, cleaning up the mess her and Anthony made.
“Toni.” Fangs said sternly. “You need to tell me what’s going on with you and you need to do it now.”
Toni stopped in her tracks. Fangs has never spoken to her in that way and she wasn’t about to allow him to do so now.
“Excuse me?” She said, crossing her arms over her chest. “You want to try that again?”
Fangs stuttered, he closed his eyes and took a breath when he realized that he unintentionally riled the brunette up. “Toni–”
“Because it sounds like you just demanded something from me instead of just asking me.” Toni said, stepping closer.
“I didn’t mean to–”
“We don’t demand anything from each other. You don’t talk to me as if you’re superior. We talk to each other as equals, Fangs.” Toni said with finality. Fangs stood awkwardly, too scared to speak. Toni unfolded her arms with a sigh. “I’m sorry.”
“None taken. I’m sorry too.” He said staring at the woman, “Can you tell me where you were sneaking off to? Can you tell me why you’re barely here on weekends and why you and Anthony disappear for hours on random days of the week? And can you tell me why whatever it is, have you all the way on edge?”
Toni sighed and contemplated before she sat on the couch, Fangs followed suit. “Cheryl and I are back together.”
Fangs’ eyes shot open, “What the hell–”
“And when I say back together I mean with full force so don’t say anything out of line.” Toni warned him calmly.
He nodded and took a breath. Although they are no longer together, the man will always want her to be happy and protected. “She put you through hell, Toni. Are you sure about this?”
“She’s changed Fangs.” Toni said. Her eyes glistened with passion, “A little after Anthony was born, she reached out to me and apologized for everything. Ever since then we have been moving slowly and working on our friendship. I even went with her to one of her therapy sessions. After a while I realized that feelings were resurfacing harder than ever and it scared me, so I tried to avoid them…”
“By telling me you loved me.” Fangs said finishing her sentence. She nodded slowly.
“And then after we broke things off, Cheryl and I just fell back into each other's orbit.” Toni admitted with a smile. “I apologize wholeheartedly for not discussing bringing Anthony around her.”
Fangs chuckled and leaned back into the cushion, staring at his son. “Red may be a lot of things but she’ll never hurt a child. Between me and you, I think she’ll be a great mother someday. You don’t have to apologize about bringing him around her. I am a little hurt that you didn’t tell me this sooner but as long as you’re happy, nothing else matters.”
He swung his arm around Toni’s shoulder and squeezed her before getting up. He kissed Anthony on the head and headed towards the door. “I’ll see you at the party. Go get your girl.”
“Thank you Fangs.” Toni said genuinely. She watched the man leave and then turned her attention to her son who was sitting on the floor staring at with intrigue.
“Sorry you had to see mommy act crazy.” She said to her child, “Let’s go see your Nana.”
“Babe, are you sure about this?” Cheryl asked as the pair approached Archie’s doorstep. Toni had dropped Anthony off and headed straight to Thornhill to pick up her girlfriend. The entire car ride since then had been awkward silence and Toni anxiously tapping the steering wheel with her finger. “If you don’t want to do this, that is perfectly okay. I can walk around the corner and wait a couple of minutes before coming in.”
Toni shook her head immediately, “No. No, we’re walking in together so just follow my lead. Okay?”
Cheryl was skeptical but she promised Toni that she would go at her pace. She nodded and placed a soft kiss on the brunette’s cheek causing the other woman to melt in her embrace. “After you, my love.”
The redhead broke herself away from Toni and watched as she knocked on the door. They waited a couple of seconds before Archie swung the door open with the widest smile.
“Toni!” He exclaimed. He looked to her right and saw Cheryl standing about an inch behind her and his eye quickly darted between the two. “And Cheryl!”
The redhead was not amused.
Archie cleared his throat and stepped aside so that the women could enter, “You were the last two that we were waiting on.” He said as he closed the door. The pair entered followed by Archie. Toni’s eyes landed on Fangs who was sitting next to Kevin. The man looked at Toni with a smirk when he noticed Cheryl following behind her. Her eyes then landed on Tabitha who was standing on the wall occupying herself on her phone. The brunette didn’t hesitate to make her way over to her friend.
“Tabitha.” Toni sang, getting her attention. She snapped her head up, and looked at Toni and Cheryl with widened eyes. Toni had a feeling she would be seeing the same look for the entire night.
“Toni! Cher! Hi!” She said, trying not to sound confused. “Did you two...come together?”
Toni looked at Cheryl and then back to Tabitha nervously, “She was already at the doorstep when I showed up, so Archie let us in.”
The brunette mentally palmed her face for the lie that she told. She didn’t dare look over to the redhead.
“Hi Tab, I’m just going to go find some wine.” Cheryl excused herself, feeling a bit awkward. Toni watched her walk away with a pit forming in her stomach. She told the redhead that she was ready to expose their relationship but now she was a nervous wreck. And even though Cheryl agreed to go at Toni’s pace, she could tell that her actions were starting to upset the redhead.
“So you two can be friends.” Tabitha said, “Who would’ve thought?”
Toni chuckled nervously, she darted her eyes to where Cheryl was now standing with Veronica and Reggie, holding a very full glass of wine in her hand.
“People change.” Toni said with a hearty sighed, “Hey, where’s Jug?”
Tabitha hummed, shoving her phone into her back pocket. “That’s actually who I was texting. He went back to New York for a few days.”
Toni nodded.
“And speaking of people changing. ” Tabitha walked closer to Toni so that she couldn’t be heard, “Don’t make it obvious, but is it just me or does Cooper have a baby bump?”
Toni discreetly turned her head and quickly eyed Betty’s slightly protruding stomach. She widened her eyes and snapped her head back to her friend.
“No fucking way! That’s probably Archie’s big announcement.” Toni said, stunned. Tabitha nodded with a proud smile for cracking the code. The brunette had glanced back at the redhead who was now walking back into the kitchen by herself. She figured that she would take this opportunity to try to smooth things over with her girlfriend.
“I’m going to grab a glass of wine, I’m going to need it for this announcement.” Toni excused herself and scurried into the kitchen. When she made her way into the area she saw her girl pouring herself another glass of wine.
“Cher…” Toni sighed. The redhead turned around with a red nose causing the brunette’s heart to sink. “Baby—“
“No. It’s fine. We’re moving at your pace. It’s fine.” Cheryl sniffled before taking a gulp of her wine. It sounded as if she were repeating those words to herself.
“Babe.” Toni said stepping closer to her, Cheryl tensed and took a step back.
“I don’t want anyone to walk in on us, Toni.” She said sadly.
The brunette took another step closer and pulled her in by the waist. Cheryl relaxed in her touch and sat her glass down.
“I don’t care if they walk in on us.” Toni said, reaching up to peck her girlfriend's lips softly. “I panicked and I’m sorry. I’m just not used to all of this anymore.”
Cheryl sighed and dropped her head onto Toni’s, “I shouldn’t be upset. I don’t blame you if you’re not ready to tell them yet, I’ve been nothing short of awful. But I’ve changed, Toni. I promise.”
Toni stared at her girl, she once again sounded like she was trying to convince herself instead of the brunette. “I know that you’ve changed. You don’t have to convince me of that.”
The redhead sniffled again. She kissed Toni’s forehead lightly, “I know that I said that I will wait for you and I will. The thought of you wanting to show people that we were together just made me feel like we were finally past everything, you know? It felt like you weren’t scared of me or didn’t hate me. But when I heard you come up with an excuse on why we walked in together when you were talking to Tab it just made me feel like I was still millions of steps away from proving to you that I’m not that person anymore.”
The brunette brought both of her hands to the redhead's face and kissed her deeply. When she broke away from the kiss she stared into those pretty brown orbs and smiled softly.
“You’re not the same person anymore and I don’t hate you nor am I scared of you. I know that you’ve changed and I want everyone else to know too. I’m serious this time. I love you, Cheryl Blossom.”
The redhead smiled while absorbing the love that radiated off of Toni. “I love you more, Toni Topaz.” She leaned down and captured Toni’s lips once more, pulling her girlfriend impossibly close to her body. Toni sighed into the kiss, she felt the relief lifting off of the redhead.
“Hey Toni, they’re getting ready for the announcement—oh!” Tabitha walked in on the couple during their moment. Her eyes were practically out of her skull when she saw what was happening between the two. Out of habit, Cheryl tried to release herself from Toni’s grip but the brunette brought her hands back down to her waist and pulled her in closer.
“Hey Tabitha. You know my girlfriend, right?” Toni said with a confident smile. She looked back at the redhead who couldn’t contain her happiness. Tabitha shook her head and smiled at the pair.
“So that’s the look everybody talks about between you two.” Tabitha said as she watched them glow within each other’s presence, “Come on you two. Betty’s about to tell us that she’s pregnant.”
Cheryl snapped her head up, “What? No fucking way!”
“That’s the same thing that I said babe!” Toni responded still in disbelief, “Oh! My wine, come on let’s go.” Toni quickly poured herself a glass of red wine and handed Cheryl hers as well. The three women reentered the living room where everyone was standing around with their drink of choice in their hand except Betty.
Once Archie saw that everyone was in the room he cleared his throat purposefully. “Thank you all for coming tonight. I love all of you dearly and I knew that this announcement wouldn’t be special unless it was celebrated with all of you. So with that being said…”
He grabbed Betty’s arm gently and brought her into his embrace, “We’re having a baby!” He exclaimed happily. The entire group roared in celebration, Betty’s face was bright red from the excitement and emotion as she rubbed her small baby bump.
“We’re having a baby guys!” She said through tears. The redheaded man enveloped her in a hug.
Kevin stood dramatically with his cup and lifted it into the air, “To Archie and Betty!”
The rest of the group lifted their drinks and chanted the same, “To Archie and Betty!”
Cheryl was so elated for her cousin that she felt her own tears of joy attempting to fall. Once Toni saw how happy her girlfriend was she pulled her in by her waist and kissed away a stray tear that fell on her cheek. The redhead looked over to her with a wide smile and planted a kiss on the brunette’s lips. The pair was too absorbed into each other to notice that the roars of celebration stopped and every single pair of eyes within the room was now directed towards them.
Toni noticed first before she chuckled nervously, “Oh...We’re together again!”
A few seconds went by with no reaction, causing Cheryl to feel nauseous before the group bursted out in the same roar of cheers that had just given Betty and Archie. Toni pulled Cheryl in closer, living in the feeling of finally being able to show her girl off.
“We knew you two couldn’t stay away from each other!” Reggie chanted, lifting his beer, “To Toni and Cheryl!”
“To Toni and Cheryl!” The group said in unison.
Archie’s smile was beyond wide at the positivity that was spewed throughout the room, “Wow. Does anyone else have any big announcements?”
Veronica looked around nervously before digging in her pocket, pulling out a gigantic ring and placing it on her ring finger, “We were going to wait until we took photos but… Reggie and I are engaged!” She said happily, the taller man picked her up and swung her around.
“You hear that boys? Mantle’s getting married!” He banged on his chest with his fist.
The entire group repeated their cheers even louder this time.
Toni was the one to raise her glass this time, “To Mantle and Ronnie!”
The group raised their now half-empty drinks in the air, “To Mantle and Ronnie!”
Betty clapped happily for everyone in the room, finally free from her tears. “Anyone else? The blonde chuckled.
“I’m getting drunk tonight!” Fangs shouted. The silence followed was defining, then after a few seconds.
“To Fangs getting drunk tonight!” The group chanted together, draining the last of their drinks.
Toni laughed loudly and took in her surroundings. Everyone in the room was genuinely happy at the moment and that brought tears to her eyes. After seeing how the group positively responded to her and Cheryl being together she realized that she was nervous for no reason. She looked over at Cheryl who carried the same expression. The brunette reached over and kissed her cheek. She then raised her empty glass towards the redhead who eyed her.
“To being happy.” She said dreamily.
The redhead raised her empty glass as well and brought it towards Toni causing the glasses to clink together.
“To being happy.”