𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄 || 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘴 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘯

IT HADN'T BEEN IDEAL THAT CHRIS STARTED UP HIS GANG. Not when there was as much heat on his ass as it is. But as he heard from his brother, with the rising control the Gargoyle Gang was gaining, he felt the need to step up and do something. Give the Gargoyles something to be afraid of because the Serpents weren't doing shit about it. So, who better to entrust with this task than Chris himself?

And Chris won't act like he had managed to gather up people overnight. That was something he was sure was damn near impossible. But he had an idea and shot it out to Malcolm, who thought it was good enough. Partner with the Serpents; bring on whoever needed the extra cash. How Chris would do it; was still to be decided by the boy.

And that was why he was attending the meeting of the Southside Serpents. Chris had a cigarette hung loosely between his lips. He could see a large number of Serpents gathered around. All of them have their respective conversations with one another. They had no idea he was showing up, which was clear as day from the shocked looks on their face from his presence.

"Jesus, Chris." Betty made her way over to the man who smiled. His arms opened to engulf her in his embrace. The warmth invaded her pleasingly as he rubbed her back gently. Once again, most people hadn't known of Chris being back in town. But after last night, word spread like cancer, and it was only a matter of time before the Sheriff found out.

Pulling back slightly, Chris admired the blonde. Her beaming smile reached the corner of her lips beautifully. Her hair pulled back in her signature ponytail he knew wouldn't have changed. She still looked as beautiful as the last time he saw her.

"Betty Cooper," he muttered. "You still are as beautiful as ever, sweetheart."

His words warmed the girl's heart, as well as caused blood to rush to her cheeks. Softly cupping his face, she gave a bashful smile. "And you are still as sweet as when we were kids."

"When did you go snake?" He mused, smoothing his hands over the leather jacket that hugged her top.

She gave a shy smile and shrugged. "I wanted to protect your brother," Betty said. "This was the only way."

He smiled softly, giving her arm a gentle squeeze before moving past her towards the group. Some of the Serpents were, understandably, anxious with him being around. Others were less than welcoming of his presence at their meeting.

"Why the hell is he here?" Sweet Pea barked. "Last time I checked, this asshole didn't like the Serpents and didn't want to join. And what the hell are you doing still alive?"

As Jughead went to speak, Chris placed his hand on his little brother's shoulder. Reassuring he would deal with his old friend and the rest of the group that may feel the same.

"Toni, I'm going to flip a coin for your bike."

That immediately had the girl standing up from her seat and staring at the boy incredulously. "What the hell do you mean?" She questioned. "Don't throw me into this dispute between you two."

"If it's tail's, Sweet Pea keeps the bike, and I leave town, to never return."

"Woah, now hold on," Jughead jumped in. "Let's just calm down, guys. We aren't doing any of that sort."

"Chris, don't do this," Betty pleaded. "You just got back."

Of course, Chris ignored the pair and continued to stare at Sweet Pea, who held his gaze. A challenging look in his eyes that had the corners of Chris's lips curling slightly.

"If it's head's," Chris paused, "I fuck your mother and sister, Sweet Pea. And you get to call me dad for the rest of your life."

Sweet Pea's expression fell within an instant, and FP had a hard time containing his grin. The rest of the Serpents had backed down at that point with Sweet Pea shuffling back. Even Cheryl held an unapologetic smirk of amusement.

Jughead smirked. "Now, on with the meeting," he said. "It's come to my attention one of us has been dealing Fizzle Rocks. Slinging dope is not what Serpents do."

"So, from this moment on, we're going clean," he announced. "There will be no selling or doing drugs. Any crime of any kind will not be tolerated. If anyone breaks the Serpent Code, will be exiled. Permanently."

"I think it's pretty ridic that you vanish for a month on some vision quest with your bestie," Cheryl says, "only to return with your murderous brother and to lecture us about responsibility."

"We got no money coming in, Jug," Fangs added. "I mean, how are we supposed to eat? Survive?"

Great questions that needed answers, but Jughead couldn't find the right thing to say. There wasn't much any of them could do at this point. Giving Chris just a tiny insight into what he was, likely, going to deal with if he didn't find any work fast.

And thankfully, FP stepped up for his youngest son. "We'll figure it out and get back to you, Fangs," he reassured. "Onto other business, Chris here has an offer he'd like to present you all."

Chris took a drag off his cigarette and inhaled deeply as he looked at the group. "I'm sure you have all heard what happened at La Bonne Nuit last night."

There was a collective of nods and murmurs of acknowledgement. "So, you have likely heard that I am starting my gang, The Copper Horns," he stated. "It will be in direct companionship with the Serpents."

"And I know you are all Serpents by blood or have been with them for years, and I won't take that away from you," he said. "But if you run with me, you represent me and my brother."

"Do you have any jobs lined up?" Fangs eagerly asked.

"Not yet," Chris sighed. "But I have a few connections, and you should expect it sometime by the end of today. Jughead will make sure word gets around to you all."

They all nodded as Chris tossed his cigarette to my side. "You need my contact, Jughead will give it to you," Chris told them. "But don't call me if you aren't looking for a spot with me. I'm not dealing with all that bullshit."

Making his attempt to walk away, Betty had caught up to him. Grabbing his arm just as he started up his bike and was seated on it.

"What the hell are you doing?" Chris frowned at the question, lips parting in confusion. "Starting up a gang? You just got back. Why are you looking for more trouble?"

"I'm not looking for anything, B," he stated. "Someone like me, I can't get a normal job. I'm known as the person who killed Jason Blossom."

"But we know you didn't."

"We?" He let out a laugh. "You mean, you, Jughead and Archie? As nice as that is, three people won't change the course of my life. I need money to get back into school and to survive."

Betty seemed stunned for a second. Staring at him before her brows knitted together as she took a step forward. "Has no one told you?" She whispered.

Chris frowned and cocked his head to the side slightly. "Told me what?" He asked. "You guys have been keeping something from me?"

Before she or Chris could continue, Jughead's voice could be heard. "Betty, can you come over here for a second?"

She glanced back at Chris as he shook his head, his frown still pressed to his features as she bit her bottom lip. When she attempted to walk away, he caught her hand. "What aren't you telling me?"

Swallowing the lump in her throat, she whispered, "You need to talk to Veronica. It isn't my place to say."

And with that, Betty walked back over to Jughead to assist him in whatever he needed. Leaving Chris to clench his jaw and ride back to his apartment. Left to overthink and guess what Betty was hinting at. It had to be something that would concern him continuing down this path. But it didn't exactly matter that much, considering Chris didn't have many options for money. Whatever he had leftover, combined with Malcolm, would help them last a month. He needed a source of income, and fast.

There wasn't much anyone could do or say that could change what he'd decided on. It mattered how he did it and if it was bringing any trouble to the people around him. As long as he kept his morals intact and protected the people he loved, he was doing the right thing, right?

Chris fiddled with the apartment keys and pushed them into the lock. Twisting it and popping the door open and stepping inside. Kicking his shoes off, took note of Malcolm's boots, and sighed as he walked towards the kitchen.

"Hey, Malcolm!" He called. "You want a beer, man?"

"I would like a Whiskey, Chris."

The voice had Chris stopping in his movements. Closing his eyes as he exhaled deeply and turned to find not only Harry-fucking-Lodge, but Hiram as well. The two wealthy brothers sat at the kitchen table with Malcolm nowhere to be found.

"Where's Malcolm?" Chris asked as he glanced at his pistol on the counter in front of him.

Harry noticed and sighed as he tapped his fingers on the table. "I emptied the gun before we showed up, Chris," he stated. "Can't be giving you any ideas."

"And your friend is fine," Hiram reassured. "He's doing some business for us. Nothing dangerous, just a quick drop off."

"We heard you started a gang," Harry said with a tiny curl at the corner of his lips. "Good stuff. Never thought you would move from your parent's shadow."

Chris let out a humourless laugh. "That's pretty rich coming from the guy working for his little brother," he bit back. "Sounds like you're in the same boat as me, Harry."

"Hey." Harry raised a finger towards the boy in a warning. "I would watch how you speak to me. As far as I am concerned, you still owe me. Malcolm's fulfilling his end of our bargain, but you. I haven't decided when I will need you."

Chris couldn't understand why he thought he would've been able to escape the reaches of Harry Lodge. The bastard had his hand in everything and had eyes everywhere. Why Chris believed he could get away; was a question devoid of an answer.

What he did know is that, if Harry and Hiram had wanted to kill him, they would've done it by now. Or even had Malcolm do the deed. But they had done nothing besides talk and talk. Giving no hint at the reason for them being in his brand new apartment.

Hiram motioned with his hand at a seat opposite to them. "Please, Chris," he said. "Have a seat. I've been eager to meet you for quite some time."

"Why's that?" Chris huffed. "Because I killed Jason Blossom? Or that I dated your daughter?"

As he took a seat, Hiram smirked and nodded. "Both actually," he confirmed. "I've been intrigued, you could say, by what I've heard. You survive a bullet to the head, a pole into the stomach. You just seem to cheat death everywhere you go."

Chris didn't reply, he merely stared at the man. "I would even say," Hiram leaned against the table with a smirk forming on his lips, "you live between life and death."

No response was yet again given by Chris, who stared at the man unrelenting. Not showing any form of possible emotion that could spew out from his eyes or body. In all honesty, Chris was nervous. Probably the first time in a very long time. What hadn't helped was Harry pulling out a pistol and resting it on the table in front of him. Lips curled into a smile as Chris didn't dare glance at him or the weapon.

"We're here to make you a business offer with this new gang you started up," Hiram said. "We will pay you and your members for the drug shipments you get to around town and Greendale."

"You'll still be in companionship with the Serpents, but will work under us," Harry added. "You answer to us, and us only. We'll supply you with vehicles to do the deliveries and other jobs we need you to do."

"And why would we do that?" Chris questioned the two men.

"Because," Hiram sighed, "your family, friends, and daughter are on the line."

The mention of a child, Chris's child, had him shifting in his seat. His jaw clenched and unclenched uncontrollably as he tried to get comfortable in his seat. But he opted to lean forward, hands clasping together as he glared at the man.  "What the fuck did you say?"

Before he could stop himself, he grabbed Hiram by the collars of his suit and lifted him to his feet. Pushing him and pinning him to the wall. His chest heaved out puffs of air as he fumed with anger. This was the first mention of him having a daughter. Which did seem to add up with Betty's prior words and warnings.

From the left of them, Harry had his gun levelled at Chris's head. Finger resting on the trigger, ready to pull at any moment.

"Your daughter, Cassie, is under my and Hermione's protection," Hiram said. "But, if you don't take this chance, you'll never see her or anyone you love again."

Chris stared at the man, wanting nothing more than to put him through the worst imaginable torture he could come up with. But with the risks, he let the man go and stepped back. Containing the rage and fury brewing under the surface of his eyes.

"I would like to see her."

"Not possible," Harry stated.

"What the fuck do you mean?" Chris questioned. "That's my fucking daughter and you're telling me I can't see her?"

Hiram raised a hand, motioning for Harry to lower the gun. The older brother did so as Hiram adjusted his suit and stepped towards Chris. "You'll be able to see her," he reassured. "Sometime soon, I'll have Veronica bring her over and you two can talk. As I guess last night wasn't the greatest time for either of you."

Pulling out a burner phone from his pocket, Hiram handed it to the boy. "This is how we'll contact you and how you'll contact us," he explained. "Whenever you drop off a shipment, you text me. Bring the cash over and we'll distribute it out evenly."

"No telling your men and women what you guys are delivering," Harry said. "No stealing any of it. If you do, we will know and there'll be consequences."

The man handed Chris a stack of money as Hiram walked towards the door. "Use that to distribute out to your gang and for the deliveries."

With no other words, both of the men left Chris's apartment. Leaving the boy in his thoughts to writhe and wish for a better life than the one given to him.