𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑 || 𝘖𝘩 𝘔𝘺 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘔𝘺 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨

   "YOU LOOK LIKE A FUCKIN' IDIOT, CJ." Chris rolled his eyes at Malcolm's comment. He wasn't sure how many minutes he'd been listening to the teasing.

He glanced over his shoulder to see Malcolm sipping his whiskey. His tux was tight and restraining most of his movements. God, Chris could practically see the man focus with lifting the glass to his lips. It was rather amusing.

Turning back towards the mirror, he smirked. "Couldn't find anything smaller?" That earned a playful punch in the shoulder by the older man who stood beside him.

For the past five weeks, the pair had secured an apartment. Malcolm is the one to go out and grab groceries and furniture. But at night, Chris went around town and got to see what had changed since his disappearance. And it was safe to say that he felt more of a tourist than a kid coming back to his hometown.

Things had changed, that was for sure. Veronica's dad had taken control of the town, and this G&G bullshit was at large. Pops was still standing despite the attacks from Ghoulies a year ago. It was fantastic to see, even from a distance. By the time he'd been welcomed back into town, he'd heard that Archie had left for a cabin in Canada. So, he had stopped at Fred's place and had some coffee. He caught up on the things he'd missed in his time away from Riverdale.

But it was Veronica Lodge that he needed to see and speak to as soon as he could. So, he decided to get him and Malcolm some fancy tuxes. They plan to make their presence known to the town by visiting the La Bonne Nuit, owned by Veronica. It was the best thing Chris could come up with, and he wasn't going to back out on it. He even planned on performing just for extra measure.

"If I don't find myself a fine piece tonight." Malcolm let out a grunt. "I'm probably going to lose it."

"Hermione Lodge," Chris replied. "She's married, but from your past, you have no problem with that."

The older man grinned ear to ear as he pointed at Chris. "Ain't that the fuckin' truth," he chuckled. "You point me in the direction, and I'm going, man."

"Not tonight," Chris told him. "Tonight is about getting drunk and having some fun."

"Oh, come on," Malcolm huffed. "Fun is having sex, man. Or have you forgotten since the last time you fucked was over a year ago?"

They made their way out of the apartment and down the hall towards the stairs. "Who said I haven't had sex in over a year?"

"You did, jackass."

"That's wrong because I fucked your sister last week," Chris quipped. "Call her. I'm sure she'll give you all the juicy details."

Malcolm let out a laugh as he punched Chris in the arm. "You are lucky I don't beat the fuck out of you."

They continued out to their motorcycles, a small reminder to Chris that he would have to get a vehicle soon. The drive wasn't long, a mere 4 minutes at least. And by the time they showed up, Chris was gawking at the club.

It looked like something out of an 80's movie. The lights behind the sign resembled something to a beacon. Kids and adults alike were dressed in clothes that looked like they were from a movie.

Chris was silently patting himself on the back for dressing the part. Tonight would either go fantastic or would go horrible. But either way, he would take it while looking as good as he was.

"Your ex owns this place?" Malcolm muttered.

"Yeah, she does." Chris's lips parted once they entered and followed the other people down a set of stairs. "Not hard for me to believe that she got this. Considering she's a rich kid."

Upon making it down the steps, they entered the club. It was packed to the brim with people drinking. Josey, who'd been performing, had removed herself from the stage. Crowds gathered around the stage in anticipation of the next performer.

But before moving in that direction, Chris allowed his eyes to gloss over the crowd. Hoping to finally see the beautiful shining beacon of love that he'd missed. He'd been craving her touch, her words, her fucking eyes. Those eyes could solve every problem in his life. He yearned to see them once more and would be willing to do anything to see them.

Chris's stopped searching when Malcolm nudged his arm. "I'm going to get us some drinks." He stopped at the bottom of the stairs and pointed at the boy. "Don't do anything dumb while I'm gone."

The boy could only respond with a mock salute. When the man walk away, his smile fell. He made his way across the room and towards the stage. Finding a small band responsible for the instrumental's talking to one another. He walked over with a slight grin, stuffed his hands in his slacks and whistled to get their attention.

They turned a few raised a brow as he leaned down to their level. "You guys know, Oh my love by Trubarduren Robbie?" His grin widened when they nodded. "Start playing that."

With very little hesitation, they did so as he stepped up onto the stage. The piano began to play perfectly as he looked at the band with a grin.

Most of the people inside the room turned at the sound of a new performer. And it was safe to say that most were shocked to see Chris Jones back in town. Unbothered by the possible threats that may come after him with his decision being back.

Veronica was stood behind the bar with a smile on her lips as she talked to Reggie. "Oh, my love, my darling." The voice drew her attention towards the stage and she felt her heart clench in her chest. Lips parting in shock as the crowd grew bigger and bigger.

"I've hungered for your touch." Chris's eyes carried across the room to Veronica. A small smile formed on his lips. "A long, lonely time."

"And time goes by so slowly," he sang. "And time can do so much. Are you still mine?"

A few people within the crowd took their partner's hand and began to dance. And amongst those happy folk, stood Cheryl and Toni. As surprising as it was, Cheryl hadn't left the building as soon as he'd made himself known. Did she wear a smile? It was hard for Chris to tell, but he could see the beaming happiness in Toni's eyes for sure. Letting out a whistle that made his lips curl into a large grin.

"I need your love, I need your love." He let his eyes return to Veronica's. Finding her eagerly leaning against the bar. Her arms braced on the edge with her bottom lip caught between her teeth slightly.

The sight alone could've had him running off the stage and capturing her. But he held himself off, knowing that the affection and happiness in her eyes would be momentary. "God speed your love to me."

For the rest of the song, he would watch Veronica closely. Pick apart every single thing she did, even if it was just watching him. He'd been starved of her for too long, and he was only realizing it now. Maybe it didn't turn into anything more than a few lingering gazes for one another. But Chris wouldn't be complaining. He knew that she wouldn't just come running back to him with so much ease.

He also knew that he needed to build up that trust and clear his name. If that meant going to the police, then he was more than willing to do so. As long as it gave him his chance to be with Veronica once more. Because he was quickly realizing that the distance between them had been unbearable. The countless weeks of hiding away in his apartment with Malcolm. Or sitting outside the Pembrook, contemplating going inside to see her. It was all becoming too much, and he had needed to see her, even if it was only for a minute or less.

And by the time he was finished, he'd found himself at a booth with Malcolm. Cigarettes hung between their lips as Chris laughed at a stupid joke the dark-skinned man told him.

Chris took a large swig of his Whiskey. Having got a special off-the-shelf bottle from Reggie. Well, that was what Malcolm had told him, but he wasn't complaining one single bit. A few people had glanced their way, clearly anxious and curious as to Chris's return. But the boy didn't let it bother him too much. He was just wanting to enjoy his night while he still could.

Malcolm took a drag off his cigarette and slung his arm around the back of the booth. Grinning as he pointed at the boy. "The way you sang up there," he laughed, "better than I was expecting."

"Been doing it for most my life," Chris replied. "I only showed it, like, two years ago when I still went to school."

"Well, you got some soul, boy." He leaned over slapping Chris's shoulder. "Now, did you choose that song for the fuck of it or the beautiful Latina girl behind the bar?

At the mention of the girl, Chris turned his head in the direction he'd last seen Veronica. Spotting her talking to Reggie, sparing a tiny glance in his direction.

A smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he looked back at Malcolm. "I think you already know the answer."

While Malcolm laughed, the surprising addition of Toni Topaz appeared with a grin pressed to her lips. Sliding into the spot beside Chris as he watched her with a smirk.

"Well, well, well," she said. "Look what the cat dragged in. Happy to see your face."

"Toni." He reached an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his side. "It's great to see your beautiful smile once again. This is Malcolm. Malcolm, this is Toni Topaz. A Southside Serpent."

The man let out an 'ah' as he reached across and shook her hand. "So, you're the sweet gal that hooked Chris up with a bike?" He asked. "Gotta say, I have been interested in meeting you."

"Well, it's a good thing he talks about me," she quipped with her eyes flickering to Chris. "Was scared he might've forgotten about me."

"Oh, I could never forget about you." He pulled her in and kissed her on the cheek. A harmless action that both of them remember it being the same as the last time they saw one another.

"So, where's Cheryl?" He asked as Toni jutted her thumb towards the bar. He saw the redhead grabbing herself and Toni a drink. "And Olivia?"

That made the girl tense up slightly as she let out a sigh. "She fell off the deep end," she stated.  "She and I haven't spoken for a while. I think she's back at Thistlehouse."

Chris hummed in response as he took a drag off his cigarette. The sound of shoes coming over got his attention and he looked up to find Reggie. A hardened look on his face and farthest from the once playful or aggravated aura he once gave off.

"Once you two are finished with your drink, you have to leave." His statement had Chris leaning back and looking towards Veronica. She downed a cup of whatever substance and glanced over. But when she met his gaze, she looked away, almost shameful.

Chris didn't need anymore to know that it had been her request. But it didn't make the stab of pain in Chris's chest any better. He didn't blame her though. If she'd killed someone and appeared in his life suddenly, he would be kicking her out as well.

Which was why he looked back to Reggie with a raised brow. "You gonna make me?"

It was a challenge and Malcolm shifted. His hand softly rested on his Glock in case anything got out of hand. "I don't want to deal with this, Chris," Reggie commented. "Either you leave here in peace or I throw you out."

"I suggest you watch who you're talking to," Malcolm replied for Chris, sipping his glass. He and Chris had been through thick and thin for the past year. Chris has had his back and he'd done the same, that wasn't going to change now.

Amongst the four, Toni frowned, shifting under Chris's arm. "Why does he have to leave?" She asked. "He's done nothing wrong."

Before she could continue, Chris patted her shoulder. "It's all right, Toni," he reassured. "We were just leaving."

Downing their drinks, both Malcolm and Chris slid out from the booth. Finishing into his pocket and placing down a tip, Chris turned to Toni and gave her another hug before turning to Reggie. The boy's stature had changed, he was much bigger in physique and had grown a few spare inches. But his uneasiness was noticeable by Chris, damn, everyone's uneasiness around him was noticeable.

It was expected when a kid like him was known as the kid who killed Jason Blossom. And in some way, at this moment, he was living up to that name. With the music has come to a halt, a few watchful eyes focused on them and even more, murmuring's of Chris.

Chris looked Reggie up and down for a moment, taking a drag off his cigarette. Exhaling into the boy's face, the corners of his lips tilting upwards when Reggie tried not to cough.

"Fuck you, Chris Jones!"

A bottle flew across the room, aimed directly towards Chris. Thankfully, he ducked under in time and shoved Reggie away. From what he could quickly gather, three guys were heading his way. Unable to tell if they were older than him or kids that had gone to his school.

He grabbed the bottle they had been drinking from and smashed it over one of the guy's heads. Malcolm had already kicked into action by fighting another guy. There were screams, yells, and gasps filling the room, but Chris paid them no mind. His heart beating in his ears as he took a punch from another guy.

Grabbing his gun, he pistol-whipped the man before hitting him repeatedly until he was limp on the floor. The last thing before the silence was Malcolm grabbing one of the guys and tossing him through a nearby table. And by then, the room had fallen sickly silent. Only the pants from Malcolm and Chris to be heard, along with the groans from the men who'd come at them.

Chris looked around at the men who writhed on the floor. Stuffing his gun away before reaching down and picking up his cigarette and taking a drag. Stepping over to one of the men and crouching down. Pinning his knee to one of his arms and his free hand holding down the other. The screams of the man filled the air as Chris pushed the cigarette into his cheek. Stopping when no more embers were falling off the tip.

Standing to his feet, Chris walked past Malcolm who kicked another guy in the stomach. "I didn't want any trouble when I came here," Chris announced. "I came here to set things right."

Walking up the steps towards the exit, Chris turned to the crowd. "Let this be a lesson..." he paused, thinking for a moment. There were many things he could say at this moment. He could plead his innocence, make things be known to fuck with him or Malcolm. Or he could set his course. After all, he'd been finished with taking orders from someone. The idea of being in charge of himself seems a helluva lot pleasing.

And if his recent connection with a Lodge said anything, maybe he could make that happen. "Not to fuck with the Copper Horns." And like that, he'd made it known without any prior consideration. Time could only tell if Chris would regret his decision, but in the heat of the moment, he loved it.

And when he left, Veronica could only feel the anxiety that came with his words. Knowing damn well that Chris would make this happen, even if it wasn't good for him or others.