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FIVE; WHITE IN A FIELD OF BLACK

     KALANI LEARNED FIVE new things about Reggie. First thing — Reggie liked to buy flowers. She didn't yet learn the reason behind it, but there was always a fresh bouquet of roses at her door when she left for school in the morning. Her mother would have to keep buying vases at the local market just to keep them alive.

     Second thing — Reggie was probably the sweetest boy alive. Archie couldn't even compete with him. Reggie made sure that Kalani always knew how much she meant to him. During class, he would pass her notes that had small compliments in them. Although Kalani would roll her eyes and call him names, she truly adored them with all of her heart.

     Third thing — Reggie was defensive. A recent rumor about Kalani being the next person to be written down in the football players' book had spread. Reggie was quick to shut every single whisper down by spreading a new rumor that he would pummel anyone who spoke ill of his girlfriend.

     Fourth thing — Reggie was actually very funny. When he didn't have classes with Kalani, he kept thinking of brand new jokes to tell her the next time he saw her. She never knew humor was a trait she needed in a boyfriend, but Reggie opened new doors for characteristics she needed to look out for.

     And the last thing — Reggie had a daily routine. Get up in the morning, text Kalani to make sure the roses were delivered to her door, get to school, find Kalani, go to football practice, tutoring with Kalani, then go home.

     Kalani took pride in knowing that she was present in half of his daily routine.

     However, dating Reggie didn't stop her from reality. Jason Blossom was still dead, and Betty and Jughead were out for his killer. Luckily, Grundy had disappeared from Riverdale, so Betty didn't have as much on her mind. Kalani hasn't spoken a word to Archie since Grundy's leave, but she supposed he needed time to cool down. Reggie wasn't much of a help either — when they would walk down the hallways, he would announce to everyone that he and Kalani were dating, and that he was the luckiest student on campus.

     "This is how my dad had his Jason Blossom murder board before it was trashed," Kevin said, pinning another notecard to the board. After the night at the drive-in, Kevin came home to discover that his house was ransacked. There was currently an ongoing investigation since Kevin's dad was the town sheriff.

     "Any leads on who did that?" Jughead questioned. Currently, Kalani, Jughead, Betty, and Kevin were in the newsroom, sleuthing. "And what they were looking for?"

     "Definitely not Reggie," Kalani spat in horror, removing his notecard from the board. She didn't even know how it got up there. Jughead exchanged a glance with her. He wasn't very fond of her new beau. Jughead supposed Kalani tried to mend things, though. The best she'd gotten close to was Reggie shaking Jughead's hand.

     "Nope. No fingerprints. They stole a bunch of files, background checks, and all the video and audio tapes of police interviews," Kevin informed the group.

     They heard the click of a door, and Trev entered. "Hey, Betty," he smiled brightly.

     Kalani raised a curious eyebrow as Betty greeted him.

     "Sorry to interrupt."

     "Uh, no, it's okay," Betty said cheerily. "We're just working on-"

     "Our murder board," Jughead finished for her. Betty nodded awkwardly.

     "Well, I just wanted to make sure we're still on for tomorrow," Trev spoke.

     "Absolutely. It's a date," Betty assured.

     Kalani took a seat on the desk next to Jughead. She giggled at his shocked expression. "You like her," she singsonged quietly. Jughead nudged her and rolled his eyes. She laughed loudly.

     "Going on a date with Trev. Does Mama Cooper know about that?" Kevin inquired.

     "Kev, I'm not on house arrest," Betty said unconvincingly. They all shot her a look. "Okay, she's out of town at a Women's Journalism and Spa Retreat. Anyway, it's not a date date."

     "You just called it a date. You literally said, 'It's a date,'" Jughead pointed out. Kalani couldn't stop laughing.

     "That's just my cover. Really, it's an intelligence gathering mission. We should focus on the one thing we have access to that your dad doesn't — the kids at Riverdale High. You know, maybe Trev knows something about Jason that he didn't think was important," Betty said.

     Kalani slapped her knee and wiped the tears away from her eyes. "Alright, I've had enough entertainment for today. I'm gonna go watch Reggie at football practice."

     "I hope he gets hit," Jughead muttered bitterly.

     Kalani stuck her tongue out at him as she exited the room. She found herself on the sidelines of the field, watching as Archie got attacked viciously. She winced when his body collided with the ground, and even more so when Coach Clayton began to yell at him.

     As soon as Reggie saw her, he jogged over to where she was. "Hey, beautiful rose," he said, taking off his helmet. They exchanged a small kiss.

     "Hey," she responded, slightly distracted. "What's going on with Archie?"

     Reggie shrugged. "Not playing well today, I guess. You didn't have River Vixens practice?"

     "No, Cheryl's too emotional about Jason to organize a routine for us."

     "Mantle!" Coach called, face stern. "Get your ass back on the field!"

     Reggie smirked, leaning down to place another kiss on Kalani's lips. She heard some of the football players hollering in response to his gesture. She shook her head at his antics and watched him sprint back towards the field.

     Another figure caught her eye. Actually, it was two figures.

     Cheryl and Lucas were talking softly to one another in the stands. Lucas was holding her hand, listening intently to every word she spoke. Kalani noticed that Lucas wasn't acting like he did with everyone else. There was a certain gentleness he was holding with Cheryl.

     Kalani watched their interaction for a while. She wasn't taken out of her trance until she spotted a flash of red hair run by her. Her hand caught Archie's forearm before he could escape.

     He sighed. "What is it, Kal?"

     "Are you alright? You haven't been playing your best lately."

     "Beautiful rose," Reggie said cautiously, approaching his girlfriend. He kissed the top of her head and Archie looked away. "I'm hitting the showers. I'll try to hurry out so I can walk you home."

     Archie tore his arm away from Kalani's grasp. She didn't get a chance to mutter another word before he was just another boy in the herd, heading towards the locker room. Reggie's arm weaved its way around her shoulder.

     "What's wrong, beautiful rose?"

     "Worried," she whispered.

     Reggie couldn't help but feel jealous. Kalani's feelings for Archie, platonic or not, was a constant reminder to Reggie that they used to date. So, when Coach Clayton offered the varsity captain spot to him against Archie in the locker room, he willingly accepted the challenge. Archie needed to learn his place and the fact that Kalani was Reggie's girlfriend, not his.

     When he exited the locker room, he was happy to see Kalani leaning on one of the lockers, waiting for him. He greeted and thanked her with a kiss.

     "Coach offered me the spot for varsity captain if I can prove myself," he informed her on the walk home.

     "Captain?" Kalani was confused. "Archie's been wanting that spot."

     "Yeah. He's not pulling his weight, so Coach had to make a decision."

     "But you're not going to take it, are you, Reg?" Kalani spoke. She felt Reggie's hand slip from hers. He stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, frown painted upon his face. "What is it?"

     "Is there a reason you're always concerned about Archie?" He asked.

     She could see the conversation would head down south if she responded incorrectly. She cleared her throat. "We've been friends since we were kids. Both of us have completely dismissed the remembrance of our dating history, Reg."

     "And that's it? Just friends?"

     She chuckled and stepped closer to him, pulling the back of his neck down so they could kiss. Reggie rested his hands on her waist, forgetting the existence of Archie and why he was jealous in the first place.

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     "Betty, you're positively radiating Nicholas Sparks. Tell me everything about this Trev," Veronica said as they walked through the bleachers.

     "Oh, there's nothing to tell. Just one of Betty's sources. There's nothing romantic in the offing," Kevin answered sarcastically.

     "Why is everything weird here? Why can't a date just be a date?" Veronica asked rhetorically. The group gathered around Archie, and Kalani made sure to maintain a safe distance. "What about you, Archie? How's life in a PG world?"

     Everyone's eyebrows furrowed. Veronica had a smug look. "PG? Post Grundy. What, too soon?"

     Kalani laughed. Archie shook it off. "Coach Clayton says I have a shot at being varsity captain, so I'm not thinking about anything else right now."

     Kalani fidgeted at the mention of the varsity captain spot. She knew Reggie really deserved it, but with all that Archie's been through, he needed it.

     "You're back to being boring," Veronica said, unamused.

     "Are you maybe throwing yourself into football as a way to avoid your feelings?" Betty suggested.

     "I'm not avoiding anything, Betty. I'm trying to get my life back on track."

     "I can help with that," Valerie interrupted, joining the group. "I know Miss Grundy was tutoring you."

     "Understatement of the year," Veronica mumbled. Kalani snorted.

     "But there's this amazing songwriter from New York. He's an adjunct at Carson College. Incredible mentor. He does some coaching on the side and I told him about you. You want to meet him?" Valerie offered.

     "Yeah, I'd love to. But football-"

     "No, Archie can and he will," Betty said, slapping Archie's shoulder for encouragement.

     "Call him if you want, but do it soon." Valerie stuck a piece of paper with the guy's number on it in Archie's jacket pocket. "His spots fill up soon."

     Archie spoke genuinely. "Thank you, Val."

     "Hey, now you have zero excuse for avoiding music," Betty reminded as Valerie walked away.

     Kalani's mood dropped when she heard the shrill voice of Cheryl. She was even more disheartened to see Lucas by her side, holding her hand. "Sorry to interrupt Sad Breakfast Club, but I'm here to formally invite you to Jason's memorial at Thornhill this weekend." She began handing out invitations to the whole group. Her eyes narrowed when Veronica took the envelope. "To my surprise and chagrin, mother added you to the guest list. In case you're tempted to steal our silver candlesticks, don't. We'll be searching bags."

     Betty looked at Veronica in sympathy when Cheryl left. "Hey, try to remember, she is burying her brother."

     Kalani excused herself to catch her cousin. Luckily, Cheryl was passing out the next set of invitations and she caught Lucas before he could follow. "So that's what you were hiding from me?" She scoffed. "You're dating Cheryl?"

     Lucas rolled his eyes. "You don't need to put a label on anything, Kalani."

     "You're holding her hand!" She exclaimed. "The most affection you show your hookups is a quick makeout session in the hallway."

     "Beautiful rose," Reggie hummed, approaching his girlfriend. He interlocked their hands, calming Kalani down a little. "Come on. Let's grab a snack."

     "Pay attention to your own relationships, Kalani, and stop intervening yourself into mine," Lucas spat. He shook his head and returned to Cheryl's side.

     Reggie kissed her temple. "Come on, beautiful rose. I'll buy you whatever you want."

     Kalani groaned in frustration and began storming down the field. She stepped on plenty of picnic blankets and sandwiches along the way, but she ignored the shouts of argument. Reggie was in pursuit, attempting to relax his fuming girlfriend. She was muttering to herself angrily. "How can he talk to me that way? We're cousins! He's practically my brother! I mean, why is he hiding so much about his relationship with Cheryl? Why would she mean so much to him?" They approached the cafeteria and she slammed down a few dollars on the counter.

     Reggie smiled at the lunch lady charmingly. "Just a muffin, please."

     He led Kalani back to the lockers while she was still cooling off. He didn't know much about Kalani's relationship with Lucas, but he supposed their bond must've been strong to get Kalani this way.

     When they reached his locker, Reggie unlocked it and pulled out a jersey. It had the number fourteen printed on the back underneath Reggie's last name. "Here you go, beautiful rose." He handed it to her as she chewed her muffin angrily. "I want you to wear it whenever you'd like."

     "Can I wear it when I'm punching Lucas?"

     He laughed and kissed her forehead. "Whatever you'd like, beautiful rose. I just enjoy the pleasure of knowing you're wearing it."

     She threw her arms around him and planted a kiss on his lips. He smiled at her eagerness. "Thank you," she said. "I don't know what I would've unleashed on Lucas if you weren't there to calm me down."

     He rubbed her back soothingly. "I'm here for you, beautiful rose. That's a promise."

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     "Reggie's just trying to protect you, you know."

     Archie sighed and cradled his hand. "It's really better if I stop hearing you defend him, Kalani."

     After exiting River Vixens practice, because surprisingly, Cheryl was in a much better mood to organize a routine to keep the girls preoccupied, she caught Veronica patching up Archie's hand. Reggie had already informed Kalani of Archie's injury, and that when Reggie tried to give him intelligent advice, Archie shot him down because of his growing ego.

     She slid into the spot next to him. She took a deep breath before starting her speech. "I care about Reggie a lot, Archie. He makes me happy, and for the first time in a long time, that holds a significant meaning in my life. I know you two have this constant rivalry, especially since Coach Clayton's pushed varsity captain spot out in the open. I'm asking you to be civil, Archie. To see Reggie's side, or at least for my sake, become friends with him."

     The redhead scoffed. "So you want me to give the spot to him?"

     Kalani pinched the bridge of her nose in mild irritation. "What is it with you these days? It's like everything I'm trying to say comes out as mixed syllables. I'm asking you to give Reggie a fair fight, and giving a fair fight means that both of you aren't injured."

     "Kal, if I tell Coach Clayton about my injury, the position will be out of my hands for sure." His eyes were filled with a sudden rage. "I don't understand you. One minute, you're asking everyone in school not to mention Reggie's name because you're mad at him. The next, you're kissing him and talking about him like he's the last love you're ever going to have. Have you forgotten that I was your first?"

     "Of course I haven't, Arch!" She spoke in disbelief. "What we had was real, but at the same time, it was forced. What I have with Reggie-"

     "I can't take this," Archie mumbled sullenly, standing from the seat. He threw his bag over his shoulder, wincing at the slight pain running up his wrist. He started his journey down the hallway but Kalani stood up in frustration.

     "What's happening with us? I thought we were going to start making an effort with our friendship!"

     "Beautiful rose," a voice called near the end of the hallway. Reggie was watching the scene unfold carefully, trying to learn when it was his time to step in. It seemed that a lot of things were burdening his girlfriend, and he needed to try to diminish the baggage. "Come on. I'll walk you home."

     "Go on, Kal," Archie nodded. "It looks like Reggie is all the company you need these days."

     A hand gripped hers as she watched Archie's football jersey disappear around the corner. "We should get going. A load of homework tonight."

     "Tell me something to get my mind off of him."

     Reggie's mind began to turn into scrambled eggs. "Uh, Jason's memorial is in a few days. That's going to be a train-wreck, isn't it?"

     And he was right. Kalani arrived to Jason's memorial in a sleek, black dress that went down to her knees. Reggie matched her in a black suit. The two made their way to the front of the Blossom home, offering their condolences to the family. Penelope Blossom was continuously fond of Kalani, and she greeted her with a hug.

     "I'm glad you could be here, Kalani. We always love having you around the house."

     For some odd reason, the Blossom family took a liking to Kalani. A liking that was not appreciated on the other side.

     She saw Lucas standing near the front, saying hello to people as if he was already a part of the family. Reggie tightened his grip on her hand. "I'll head inside. Do you need me with you?"

     "No," she said. "I can handle it."

     Her approach to her cousin was off-putting. Lucas' whole frame tensed and he spoke before his brain could stop him. "I don't want to hear it today, Kalani. This is important to Cheryl and we're not going to ruin it."

     "I'm not asking for a fight, Lucas. I'm asking for an explanation. Why is there such a need to keep yours and Cheryl's relationship a secrecy? Why can't you tell me what's going on? I don't understand."

     He chuckled dryly. "Because you would only judge, Kalani. You and Cheryl aren't on the best of terms and I know what you would say about her. Believe it or not, Cheryl has a heart and she's given most of it to me. We have a strong connection. I won't let you ruin it."

     "Do you really think that low of me? You think that I would sabotage your relationship with Cheryl just because I don't like her? If you're happy, I'm happy, Lucas. Jughead hates Reggie with every limb in his body, but he wouldn't dare do anything to him as long as I'm with him. I can say the same for you and Cheryl."

     Lucas threw a nervous glance. "You're sure?"

     She chuckled. She couldn't believe the whole drama with him was over nothing. "Of course, you asshole." She threw her arms around him and they laughed as they hugged.

     Kalani excused herself to head inside, where she took a seat next to Reggie. She was careful not to throw any looks at Archie, and Reggie squeezed her hand from beside her.

     All of their heads turned when Archie excused himself to speak to Penelope. They watched the conversation between the two as Archie gave her Jason's jersey. Their eyebrows jumped in surprise when Penelope grazed Archie's cheek with her fingers.

     Kevin was quick to question when he returned. "Did she just touch your hair?"

    Betty leaned forward. "That was really sweet, what you did."

    "She deserves it more than I do," Archie explained.

     Veronica came over. "Days like today really puts things in perspective, huh?" She took a seat in the row with Kalani. "I mean, at least we're here. At least we're alive."

     Reggie drew circles on the back of Kalani's hand. "Everything alright with Lucas?"

     Kalani observed as her cousin took a seat in the front row. "Perfect," she said truthfully, leaning over to kiss him. She didn't miss Archie's wince of disapproval from the row behind her.

     The music suddenly started, and all eyes flew to the tapping sound on the floor. Cheryl began making her way down, but caused everyone to go into a state of shock. She was wearing all white, from head to toe. She stuck out like a sore thumb in the sea of people wearing the darkest color they could find in their closets.

     "Oh my God," Veronica muttered just as Kevin said, "Yes!"

     Cheryl kept her head held high until she reached the podium. Her parents were looking at her with disgrace. "Welcome to Thornhill," she started. "Thank you all for coming. If you'll kindly take your seats, I'd like to start the memorial with a few words about Jason."

     The whole room was on edge. Penelope and Clifford Blossom were ready to interrupt their daughter, but Veronica stopped them before things could get any worse. Cheryl was already making a vivid statement, and having her parents argue would only spur on drama.

     "The last time I saw Jason, I was wearing this dress. I know it's impossible, but I swear, when I put it on, it feels like he's in the room with me." Cheryl took a glance at the picture of Jason next to her. "Even though we were twins, I used to demand I have my own birthday party. Until one year, out of the blue, Jason convinced me we had to combine them into one. It wasn't until years later I found out why — it was because no one wanted to come to mine, and Jason didn't want me to know. He protected me, every single day." Her voice began to become choked up. "I wish that day at the river, I protected him." She turned to the black coffin and threw her body over it. "I'm so sorry, JJ. We failed you, all of us!"

     Veronica stood to comfort Cheryl, who was practically sobbing. Penelope stood up to gain control of the reigns once more.

     "I think we'll adjourn now to the Winter Salon for a light supper."

     Kalani exchanged a nervous gaze with her boyfriend. Lucas was up on his feet as soon as Penelope dismissed them, taking Veronica's place to comfort Cheryl. She looked like she was more comfortable in his arms.

     "We should go," Reggie spoke quietly. "Can't afford to be rude."

     All of their friends had found different places to roam except for Archie and Valerie, who were making small talk at the bar. Kalani poked around at her food, albeit Reggie scarfed down his. She heard someone clear their throat and she looked up, finding Archie's eyes.

     "Want to talk?"

     "Depends. Will the talking turn into yelling?"

     Archie shook his head amusedly. Reggie made a disgruntled noise and Kalani reached over to kiss his cheek as a sign of reassurance. Valerie took her place and began to distract Reggie from the fact that his current girlfriend was talking to her ex-boyfriend.

     They found themselves outside, away from the judging gossip inside. Archie apologized first. "You were right. Reggie's only looking out for me, and I realize that now. Coach is deciding who's going to be captain tomorrow, and I've already settled on giving the spot to Reggie."

     Kalani smiled thankfully. "It'll mean a lot to him. Football is so important to him, you know."

     "You're more important to him, Kal."

     She rolled her eyes as if he was being ridiculous. "Don't be so sappy, Archie. Reggie talks about football more than he compliments me."

     Archie laughed. "Do you know how many times I heard about you accepting his jersey at practice? He was bragging about it to everyone. His cheerleader girlfriend was going to wear his jersey around and most of the guys on the team, who don't have girlfriends because they're asses, got upset with him. He didn't care. He probably would've shouted at the top of his lungs how much he loves you if Coach Clayton hadn't interfered."

     Kalani scratched the back of her neck. "I suppose I need to start eavesdropping on your football practices. A lot of talk about me goes on in there."

     "Trust me," Archie said. "There's more. Reggie's mouth won't shut when it comes to you."

     "And your point is, Arch?"

     "That I've accepted it. That you make him incredibly happy, and he makes you happier than I ever could. That I either have you as my friend, or nothing at all. I need you, Kal. I miss you."

     She smiled. "I guessed you would. I'm pretty hard to stay away from."

     "In that, you are correct."

i'm certified ross butler trash

p.s. even tho reggie's being re-casted in season two, ross will always be my reggie!!