#And someone pointed out once that Archie!Blues has this habit of running off when he’s emotionally overwhelmed

[siblingshuffle]

Day 12: Regret.

This is a snippet of Sibling Shuffle’s version of Spiritus Ex Machina!

And the theme is regret!

This isn’t very happy. I mean, we’re talking about a mother who was so scared of losing her child that she technically killed her herself and is now confronting that choice. Of course it is.

It’s also a little longer than normal, so be forewarned! ————————

“Speaking of robot girls,” Dr. Light mentioned, “Blues has been very excited to see Tempo again. Did you bring her with you?”

Dr. LaLinde froze, the mirth melting from her expression “…Right… of course…” she murmured, averting eye contact as she turned around. After a moment, she led a girl who appeared to be around Blues’s age to the group, seeming more melancholic than before. “…Quake Woman,” she addressed the girl, “You remember Dr. Light and Blues…”

‘Quake Woman?’ Roll wondered. The girl was clearly a Robot Master, yes - Roll’s sensors didn’t give any indication that she was organic whatsoever - but Blues and Dr. Light had been referring to her by the name “Tempo”.

“Yes. Hello,” Tempo-- Quake Woman-- whichever, waved. The movement was strangely stiff, with no discernible emotion behind it. 

“Why’s she calling you your Robot Master name?” Blues asked, smiling confusedly as he waved back. “You’re not working right now, are you?”

“I am not. However, ‘Quake Woman’ is my name. I am a geological surveyor robot,” Quake Woman responded. Her voice was… strange. It lacked inflection, but it sounded as though it had been designed with a range of emotions in mind. In fact, now that she thought of it, Roll hadn’t noticed her making any obvious facial expressions, either…

Blues nodded slowly, his expression faltering as though unsure of himself. He shook it off so quickly, however, that Roll had to wonder if she had imagined it, “Uh, okay…? I’d like you to meet my little sister, Roll. Roll, meet Tem— Quake Woman, my best friend.”

“Hi!” Roll grinned, extending a hand to shake. “Blues told me a lot about you!”

Quake Woman took her hand, but, looking at Blues, said, “Your statement is illogical.”

Roll blinked, tilting her head and staring at the girl. “…What do you mean?”

“Blues referred to you as his ‘sister,’” Quake Woman responded matter-of-factly. “That statement is illogical. Robots cannot have familial relations.”

Blues stared at Quake Woman, baffled. “What…?” He asked, glancing over at Dr. LaLinde as though expecting answers from her. “...Dr. LaLinde?”

Dr. LaLinde didn’t look at him.

“…Quake Woman…required some adjustments. She’s fine.”

“…What kind of ‘adjustments’?” demanded Blues, his voice low and apprehensive as he studied Dr. LaLinde’s expression, his eyes searching for something that he couldn’t seem to find.

Dr. LaLinde swallowed, biting her lower lip. Her voice was tight when she next spoke. “…I…I’ll…let you get reacquainted.”

With that, she stepped away into the crowd. Roll’s gaze followed her, noticing how stiff her posture was. And with how abruptly she had left… something was definitely wrong.

Dr. Light placed a hand on Blues’ shoulder. “I’ll be right back,” he told him before running after her.

Blues just stared numbly in the direction the two roboticists had disappeared to. Hesitantly, Roll reached out her hand to him, but Blues withdrew, pulling his scarf up to his cheeks and turning around sharply. Before Roll could stop him, he slipped away into the crowd in the opposite direction, leaving Roll and Quake Woman alone.

————————————————————————

“Noele, wait,” Dr. Light called out, catching her by the arm before she could lose him. She stopped but didn’t turn to face him. “What’s going on? Tempo - and you, as well- are acting strangely,” Dr. Light eventually asked, a mix of concern and confusion coloring his expression.

Dr. LaLinde still didn't turn to face him. “…You have a lot of people you should catch up with, and there’s not a lot of time to do it before you have to be onstage for the debate,” she said, her voice tight.

Dr. Light nodded. “You’re right, but that can wait,” he insisted. “Something’s going on with you.”

Dr. LaLinde took a shaky breath. When she turned towards him, her eyes were more tired and sad than he’d ever seen them before.

“You know that you can talk to me, right? Any time that you need me, I’m here for you,” he offered gently, taking her hands in his. His eyes were filled with a warmth that could melt the sturdiest of defenses - a familiar, understanding, comforting warmth, but one that burned if Dr. LaLinde tried to look directly into.

Dr. LaLinde extricated hands from Dr. Light’s.

“Thomas, I know you mean well, but…” she shook her head. “…nothing is wrong.”

“…You’re sure?” Dr. Light asked, his voice soft. He knew Dr. LaLinde was brilliant, the dark circles under her eyes made him wonder how much sleep she had been losing as of late.

Dr. LaLinde inhaled sharply, but nodded, though her eyes remained downcast. “I’ll see you at the debate, Tom.”

Dr. Light watched her leave again, a sense of helplessness, concern, and worry pressing down on him.

Dr. Light couldn’t help but reflect on the LaLindes he had known before - the vibrant, happy family that only nominally resembled the lifeless one he’d just met. It seemed impossible to reconcile the two, yet he knew they were one in the same.

Dr. Light sighed deeply, his hand combing through his beard, his mind racing with questions and concerns. The loudest question of all, though, was this: what happened to the LaLinde’s?

————————————————————————

Story Notes:

My autocorrect tried to call this segment “Sorry Notes” and I think that’s kinda fitting lol

I know you guys know what happened, and furthermore that Dr. LaLinde had sympathetic reasons. However. No one else does at this point on the timeline. All they know is that Dr. LaLinde seems sadder than normal and Tempo isn’t emoting at all. And it’s freaking Blues TF out—

Dr. LaLinde mostly keeps her reasoning to herself because of grief & guilt & regret (as well as the narrative reason of “it makes for a better story if we don’t learn her reasoning until the timing it took canonically”)

DISCLAIMER: Dr. LaLinde is a very compelling character to me! I like that she’s a flawed parent trying her best! In fact, I like all of the LaLinde’s! They’re awesome characters and fantastic foils that I could go on for hours analyzing if I had the time! That aside, though, Dr. LaLinde is a foil to Dr. Light just as much as Tempo is to the Light kids. They’re both parents who care deeply about their kids and would do anything to protect them. The thing is, Dr. LaLinde took it too far by removing the possibility for Tempo to feel anything at all, pain included, and ended up hurting herself and others in the process.

This is a snippet from before any of the Healing Journey character arc starts - she misses her Tempo, yes, but she can’t really bring herself to admit that she was wrong quite yet. Surely it’s better that she removed the part that was her child but kept the part that was a tool. Surely then it would hurt less. Surely it’s better to feel nothing than to feel pain. She must be doing the right thing. She doesn’t know what she’d do if she were not.

Can you imagine having to re-introduce your newly-emotionless child to your child’s former best friend though. Can you imagine that.

I didn’t write it in here (because it would end up turning into a whole novelization of the Sibling Shuffle version if the first comic in this arc by that point), but Blues is so distracted that he ends up knocking over Kalinka and meeting the Cossacks in a way that is similar to the original story, just with the Cossacks not getting to catch up with Dr. Light quite yet.

Everyone ends up present for the debate, with Roll meeting Kalinka when they sit next to each other. Blues ends up storming out of the lecture hall after connecting a couple dots, and from there the Emerald Spears attack.

————————————————————————

Art Notes:

Reference: Tempo’s introductory panel.

Someone pointed out that her eyes half-lidded “made her look high” so I just didn’t make her eyes shiny instead. This is a serious emotional scene lol

Lowered the color saturation & brightness slightly to play more into the mood

[douxie-casperan]

Rise of the Titans and the assassination Hisirdoux Casperan’s character development

I’ve been ranting so much since Wednesday morning that I finally condensed by thoughts of WHY this one subject keeps setting me off namely the utterly diabolical way they handled Douxie and Archie’s relationship in Rise of the Titans and how it wasn’t just enough to hit him with the nerf bat.

Please note I’m at the point where I literally cannot tell the difference between Aaron headcanons, Teny headcanons and my own they are all mixed together in the blender that does funky things. I also apologise for typo/weird wording it’s half 1 in the morning and I’d rather sleep than edit.

~

If asked to sum up Hisirdoux Casperan there are certainly several things that come to mind:

Sees the value in people as a whole and will find do anything if there is a chance of help someone out

Prefers tactics that disable/banish rather than kill an enemy yet willing and able to pull the trigger if circumstances become forced

While not academically inclined he is very capable of thinking on his feet and outside the box calling back to his time on the streets where a split-second decision making is the difference between being caught and not

Terrible at planning he’ll be in there figuring it out as he goes along which is what makes the previous point so vital to literally how he goes through life

A natural charmer that would let him talk his way out of trouble 9/10 providing a perfect cover for his distrustful nature and reluctance to be touched by random people

Very down to earth, humble and never one to brag unless outright sassing someone

Will bang out some hot tunes at the drop of a hat, his love of music has never wavered once since he caught the bug despite instrument hopping ironically becoming a jack of all trades much like his magic style

The earliest memories he can recall are him as a young boy lost in the woods where he was for an unknown amount of time before his soon to be familiar finds him amongst the roots covered in dirt and drying tears, there is nothing before that. Unbeknownst to him is the colour of his magic matches the blue of a lost mother’s eyes and the song that haunts his nightmares as much as fire could well be hers though there is no way to be sure. From that moment on Archibald, shortened to Archie, would become his entire world and their friendship only becoming closer during the years they prowled Camelot together trying to keep themselves in one piece until the fateful day Douxie tricks the wrong person leading him straight into the path of the famous wizard Merlin Ambrosius.

It's no real secret that Merlin is a very closed off person who keeps his emotions as well guarded as his secrets, prefers the style of negative reinforcement over positive encouragement and is a very strict perfectionist in his. At this point in his life he can be very easily described as a disaster that is genuinely doing his best with every little mistake held of his head and his future self when brought back to that time period is belittled by Lancelot (Errand boy) and Arthur (Boy) too meaning it’s hardly a wonder his confidence was very fragile revelling in the times where he could do things without being told off for it. With Morgana largely ignoring him too (Though personally I like to think as he got older she’d occasionally take an interest until the blistering arguments with their master started to talk over daily life) a certain disguised dragon would have remained a lifeline and give that physical affection he craved much like being told he’d done well never seemed able to earn.

With Killahead he’d lose that home and family he made leaving just the two of them behind struggling to figure out their place in the world that had abandoned them.

There wouldn’t have been the words for it back then but the way he had been treated prior was outright abusive instilling very bad habits into Douxie yet by irony he was always willing to give people the benefit of the doubt and help those in trouble without thinking earning a reputation as the Shepard of Fire. He refused to become like him seeking to be better, perhaps not as a wizard (Even though he was learning new charms and spells along the way) but certainly as a person. Despite everything he suffers through or witnesses in the intervening years, the loss of friends and kindling of far newer ones he never loses his good heart 

That said is it any wonder that after rightfully sassing Merlin for resurfacing, ignoring his existence despite being in the same town and only visiting him to run a finding errand that all the confidence he’d managed to build completely from scratch after Camelot wavered causing him to fall back solely into trying impressing his old Master who was acting like his humble apprentice must have coasted the past few centuries who himself fell back into old habits of belittling? It’s only when Merlin started to truly listen and acknowledge that this was not the same Moppet he once knew after Excalibur was fixed that their relationship finally started to become more like equals. After the defeat of Janus the changeling that broke into the castle he touched Douxie’s shoulder with a genuine smile and for a second he simply didn’t know what to do because the old man never did this before his brain kicked into gear and realised he’d finally earned that one thing he’d been so desperate for his entire life: That in Merlin’s eyes he could be more than a failure who only caused problems for the closest thing to a father figure he’d ever had, never solved them.

A staff will be earned, history would be set back on trap by banishing Morgana tag teaming with Archie because they know one another inside and out, as promised he’d get the kids back to the present but soon after things would go badly wrong. They’d lose Jim and because of his very nature he’d make a gamble to try and get him back because that life is worth trying for just for in a moment of surprising selflessness Merlin would be sacrificed to save him. The only constant in his life apart from Archie would apologise, openly express pride and how the greatest thing he’d ever done was saving this orphan, call him son for the first and final time before turning into ash in his arms. There would be no time to grieve for things will barrel into the crescendo of Douxie sacrificing his own life to buy everyone time to escape because if they did that everything he’d ever done would be worth it with one last whispered goodbye.

(Zoe sees him fall, so does Archie – His heart would break if he was conscious just like theirs does when his body crumples into the ground)

On the very fringes of the Light Realm he is gifted one more conversation with Merlin in a truly heart-breaking sequence (THANKS TENY) where they can just talk without any fear of consequence or politics and just be completely honest. Douxie is allowed to stand equal to Merlin, to have the hug he’d needed since he was a child and be allowed to simply let go of every pretense and cry his heart out because this can never happen again. He’s allowed to say goodbye to both his master and Morgana who had both shaped so very much of his life but like the painting he’d always remained firmly in the long shadows of until that moment.

When Hisirdoux Casperan finally leaves Wizards if we just accidently deliberately put the shawarma back in along with checking in with Zoe before departure, it is with having learned to live during his wandering years but this is the point of true freedom because he can finally escape into his own light with Archie by his side to keep Nari out of the hands of those that would see the world harmed. It won’t be easy but it feels possible somehow even with the knowledge everything is simply running on borrowed time.

Then Rise of the Titans happens.

At first everything is genuinely fine! No more running, they engineer a solution shut the Order’s magic down to make them a lot less dangerous and potentially at least incapacitate them until they can come up with a longer-term solution but all the best laid plans and all that. Douxie’s quick thinking stops the train from crushing any of the people below and it’s a very him style move to switch places with Nari to stall for time because for some reason the plot disabled Claire from portaling her or any of the threatened people/heroes to safety. He openly sasses the Order despite knowing the consequences will be bad for him because once again he’s managed to trick them, buy time that at the other end isn’t even slightly utilised until he’s forced back into his own body in excruciating pain. Archie immediately mobs him with comfort just as he has done every single time the wizard is distressed or collapsed with exhaustion without thinking because that is what their bond is like, incredibly close and far more than the Soul Bond mark that connects them together. They’re very alike in that regard, you have to earn the right to touch while equally knowing exactly what form the other needs the most in that precise moment in a way very few others could.

Bar the moment of figuring out that an illusion is in place to hide where the Order is opening the Genesis Seals and the brief insistence on reconnecting with Nari somehow Douxie manages to forget everything that makes him who he is after this point choosing to stand in the background being very no thoughts head empty or can only use the most basic spells of his youthful days not the seasoned master wizard he should be. Nomura is treated like an innocent slip rather than an outright death he did absolutely nothing to prevent (Not to mention the stupid daytime thing) nor seems to care particularly about afterwards yet with Nari’s he’s allowed to openly grieve in a gorgeously animated visual showing how he’d failed to keep her safe despite everything. He did nothing to help here either mind despite allowing himself to be tortured in the same piece of media to keep her safe, just watched another loss happen right in front of his eyes in his conga long line of them.

Then there’s Archie, oh god then there was Archie.

The dragon who even here he’d been shown to have an incredibly close bond with him decides you know what sod that tell him goodbye I’m going to make a joke about having a kingdom now dad and me are trapped in here forever. Douxie on his part looked sad for all of three seconds saying that he hoped he’s happy like it's a pet that wandered out into the world one day and never came back instead of a lifelong companion that has been there for as long as he can remember. He was now completely alone in the world since Zoe was also written out entirely and because every bit of his background had been forgotten about it somehow meant nothing. This wasn’t “I know you miss him, I know you need to grieve but you are running out of time” moment like things had been with Charlie, this was “cool shapeshifting dragon cat is now stuck in a plot hole that’s a shame” with zero pay off or any of the genuine reaction that should have been there or hell even trying to Ohana him back that very second because it never should have happened in the first place. Then even this wasn’t enough somehow, they managed to de-power Douxie even further into uselessness bar the (Admittedly nifty!) sticky feet stunt, the one who fought Skrael and Bellroc to a stalemate was shunted aside with barely a thought and his head would somehow get even emptier.

The one person who knew the danger of time magic the most stood by and said nothing.

The one person who would suffer the most by a reset because the lynchpin to his issues would be asleep if you got it wrong and should have drilled it into Jim’s head the best time to aim for stood by and said nothing.

The one person who had just suffered the loss of his familiar, best friend and only family along with the almost sister like Nari stood by and said nothing.

Then to add further insult to injury the caption when Douxie and Archie is shown says Some go their entire lives living an existence of quiet desperation because every drop of his character growth, his ability to finally start addressing his trauma instilled back in the 12th century, the staff he longed for was instead openly mocked by going “Aww he got his cat friend back how nice!” Everything he’d rightfully earned and had now would be unable to progress until certain criteria are met because it hinges entirely on the Trollhunter going to Merlin’s tomb and there’s only so much your support network of two (One if she’s written out) can do, the root of the majority of his issues all stem from one man.

And this folks is why I’ve been going on multiple rants about Douxie in particular, everyone was hit with the out of character bat to some degree in this film but when they came for him they didn’t just stop after they took his legs out because they wanted him to suffer from something he’s never had any control over to begin with all over again. Abuse survivors deserve better, these characters deserve better and we as viewers deserve far far better writing than we were forced to endure.

[statticscribbles]

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Summary: Betty/Andrews!Reader-  You make a point of looking out your brother’s window any chance you get to see Betty.

“Archie I’m leaving your shirts on your bed.” You shout downstairs to him, after sorting your laundry into separate piles. “Can you put-“ You’re about to shout back down for him to do it himself, but you spot Betty walking in front of the window and you swallow your sentence. “Just this once.” You respond, keeping your eye on Betty as she paces back and forth. She’s talking to someone and you can see Kevin reach an arm out.

You assume they’re talking as Betty almost jumps out of view; you frown turning your focus back to putting Archie’s shirts away for him. You sneak a glance out the side of the window to see Betty and Kevin both looking in. You focus on folding your own shirts instead of trying to sneak more glances at Betty. Despite being good friends with her you couldn’t help being shy, having a huge crush on her was something you tried to avoid thinking about, considering how much she’d talk about your brother.

You’d heard her and Kevin talking in hushed tones about Archie one too many times for you to brush it off as coincidence or Betty helping Kevin get over his crush on your brother. You knew they were both smitten, and as much as it hurt, you’d prefer to see Betty happy than asking her out. ———————————————————————————

You don’t mean to make a habit of putting Archie’s laundry away, but almost every time you’re folding his laundry you manage to catch sight of Betty. She’s not doing anything particularly interesting, or scandalous; most of the time she’s pacing her room, or writing into a journal at her desk. You keep yourself next to the bed, stealing side glances out the window. You only make eye contact twice, you’re sure both of your faces are pink as you turn back to the laundry.

Archie’s downstairs when you realize you left your favourite shirt in with his clothes. You pull it from his drawers, folding the shirts you rumpled before pulling your shirt on and turning to the window out of habit. Betty Cooper stands frozen in hers. You wave nervously and she returns it before practically diving out of the way. Archie calls you down to leave for school and you walk with him wondering what just happened.

—————————————————————————————– “I still don’t understand why you won’t at least try out for cheerleading. Cheryl’s not as scary as she was. I’m sure she’d be happy to have you join the team.” You shrug him off. “It’s not that. I just don’t think I’d be good enough.” “Good enough for what?” Betty appears by your side falling into stride with you and your brother. “Y/N wants to try out for the Vixen’s.” You glare at Archie turning to explain you’re not planning on following through but the excitement on Betty’s face has you hesitating. “I was wondering if you’d be willing to show me some moves? Just so I’m not totally lost when-“ Betty nods tugging you into a hug. “This is going to be the best! You can come over after school and practice if you want!” —————————————————————————————-

“Y/N hey!” You wave to Betty as she calls out to you. “Hey Betty, did I miss anything?” She beams excitedly starting to talk to you about all the routines Cheryl is making everyone learn for the next season. You sigh changing glaring as you pull your top down after having tangled your arms in it. Betty stays quiet as you curse at your shirt before pulling the shorts for your practice uniform on. “I don’t understand why Cheryl has to make us learn all new routines every time. Like we can reuse some of the moves, no one will notice.” Betty laughs shaking her head. “It’s good for us to learn new things.” You nod along with her, following her to the gym you wave to Veronica and Josie. “It is but not when I get muscle cramps that last for the entire day. I’m still not used to all the movement.” You whine half heartedly glaring at Cheryl. “I have a couple heat packs you can use, to see if that helps? I can give them to you after practice.” She turns to focus on Cheryl and you smile back at her. ———————————————————————————

You try your best to focus on your own clothes, on your own bubble of space but that goes out the window when Betty walks up, half dressed holding out the heat packs. You take them muttering thanks trying to keep your gaze as far away from her lack of sweater top as possible. Cheryl stops you before you leave, calling you back with a wave of her hand. “It’s pathetic you know.” You frown at her. “I’m trying to learn the routine’s best as I can.” “No, that’s fine, you and Betty, you’re pining after each other like lovesick puppies, it’s annoying, fix it.” She states and walks off leaving you to activate one of the heat backs shoving it under your shirt. “Holy fuck.” You whisper as you walk out, the normal ache you feel from practice is almost completely gone. You’re so distracted by not feeling pain that you stumble into Betty face first. “Shit, sorry Betts.” She smiles brightly. “No problem Y/N, you okay? You know if you were having that much trouble you could have asked for help again.”

“Trouble?” You look up confused. Betty nods, her eyebrow creasing in worry. “Cheryl said she held you back cause she was saying she might have to cut you from the team. If you’re struggling that much with the new routine we can practice after school, you can come over. No one will be home this weekend so you don’t have to worry about embarrassing yourself I swear!” She smiles brightly nodding and you can’t help but nod back. ‘Sounds great.” She turns and you catch her arm. “Betty, thank you. For helping.” She smiles hand patting yours. “Anything for you, now I have to go help with the blue and gold I’ll see you at lunch.” As she walks off and you watch her go you catch Cheryl’s eye she mouths a “you’re welcome” before retreating with the rest of the squad. ————————————————————————————-

You’re nervous, despite living next door to Betty and having been over to her house too many times to count, knowing that Cheryl Blossom had a hand in arranging this makes you wary. “I wanted to thank you for the heat packs, those saved my life the other day.” She smiles. “It’s no problem, now where do you want to practice?” “Your room? Just in case someone comes home, besides I have most of the big moves down, it’s really just the timing.” She smiles nodding to the stairs. “Well good thing you won’t be alone practicing.” She opens the door to her room and you wave to your brother who stands at his window. “You have a great view of him, half the girls on the team must be jealous of you.” You nudge her and she shakes her head. “Not much of a view to be honest. Nothing exciting happens, mostly laundry.” She laughs and you mock being offended. “I’ll have you know I work very hard folding his shirts.” “Why do you do it anyways? He can fold his own shirts you know.” You nod panicking trying to find a reason.

“Chores. Have to put away all the laundry, besides his room is a mess anyways.” You chuckle. “Sorry I’m probably not painting him in the best light I swear he’s better than I make him out to be, totally justified in having a crush on him anyways.” You shrug, rambling slightly as Betty fiddles with the music. “I don’t.” She turns to you and you furrow your brow. “You don’t have a crush on him? But you and Kevin talk all the time about him..” You speak. “Well yeah Kev’s really into him, I’m not that interested.” “Oh you go for the brooding loner type like Jughead then?” You laugh as she starts the track abruptly, pulling you up to have you mirror her steps. You try to brush off how bothered she looks and as you both finish the routine she offers you a half smile.

“Sorry, about earlier. I’m not into Jughead. I; I prefer girls.” You stare Betty keeping her eyes on the ground. “I’m a girl.” You clap your hands over your mouth as Betty looks up at you. “Fuck; I mean like that’s okay that you like girls, I like girls too and I mean have you seen Veronica, or Josie, like you can totally get with either of them, hell you can get with anyone you want to be fair, I bet half the Vixen’s would wanna get with you if they liked girls too; sorry I’m rambling.” “Oh, well I don’t particularly like Veronica or Josie in that way. They’re good friends.” You smile, nodding. “That’s good the. I’m pretty sure Archie is way too into Veronica he whine’s about her any chance he gets. It’s annoying.”

“About being able to get with the Vixen’s..” She starts and you’re already running through all the others trying to figure out which one she has a crush on, or at least would want to hook up with. “Yeah?” Your mouth goes dry as she bites her lip. “Are you in that half?” She smiles and you’re sure your face is as pink as her room. You swallow better to get the rejection over with. “Yes, but it’s-“ “Good.” “Good?” You repeat looking confused as she just smiles more. “You should pull the curtain.” “I should?”

“Do you want your brother to see me kissing you?” You jerk forward wrenching the curtain over he window. “Sorry; was that too much?” You run your hand through your hair shaking your head. “I can tone it down if you want.” Betty’s hand reaches for yours, pulling you close. “I don’t want you to change, I like you for a reason.” You nod letting her pull you flush against her as she presses her lips to yours.

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take the risk - Chapter 2

Archie Sutton wants to be a professional surfer. Gorillaz is a garage band that plays on the beach. Archie’s infatuation with one of the members makes everything so much better. But will a little rock in the ocean halt him from achieving his dreams?

Here’s chapter 1 if you missed it

Au by @putinsstepdad

Tagging @uncamurdy2 because it’s starchie

Read it on ao3 here

6k works/over 10k in total so far

There’s a song for every chapter

Thank you so much for the support<3333

(If you see any weird things like “<em>” it’s just formatting stuff. This is pasted from my ao3)

some then a cut

~

"‘Surfs up?’ That’s literally the worst name I’ve ever heard for a competition. Actually, no. Scratch that. That’s the worst thing I’ve heard for any kind of title. It’s like they ripped off seventies hippie slang and was like ‘Perfect. This is what we’re naming our competition. Not cliche at all.’”

“I never thought someone who doesn’t even surf was so passionate about surfing competitions.”

Lindsay rolled her eyes. “I’m not actually worried ‘bout it. I just think it’s a stupid name.” Archie laughed at her comments and mumbled out his agreement.

Surfs Up really was a stupid name for a surfing competition yet it’s the best one to go to if you want to make it as a surfer professionally. It was Archie’s one chance in becoming an actual professional surfer to the point where he could make money and leave the beach he was at to chase his dream. It sounds all very one-pathic and like a sugar coated goal but this was real stuff. Winning Surfs Up immediately gives you a spot in nationals which in itself has a dozen perks. Even if you don’t win you get featured in enough magazines to boost your title. Not to mention that the competition was only a few short months away.

Maybe morally speaking, your title isn’t everything. Surf speaking, your title is your career. It’s a job being an influencer like any other where being higher up in the media scale meant your talent is good enough to be seen by everyone, no matter your interest (or disinterest). Archie didn’t really care whether or not he was social media famous--though that is nice to think about--he just wanted to make it to the big leagues to compete. Competitions are fun for Archie, but he also longs for that sense of work; for that one thing that’ll drive him every day to be better than he is now.

“Stupid name or not, I gotta win.” Archie grinned and bit the inside of his cheek. He was playing with the grooves in between the long, thin pieces of wood that put together the top part of the picnic table he and Lindsay were sitting at. It was hot today. Very hot, and being on the beach today made it way hotter next to the steaming sand, but it was nice in the shade beneath the umbrella that stood up from the middle of the picnic table.

There were lots of people out on the beach this morning, mostly just families of mothers and fathers with their kids enjoying the sun and swimming the afternoon away. Besides that, it was actually pretty quiet. The ocean made sounds against the sand on the shore, waves crashing on top of itself, seagulls doing their usual chirps. It was always quieter on the strip where he and Linsday sat before their afternoon shifts, the strip was busy in the evening where tourists bought their souvenirs and the families from the beach came to grab dinner.

“Think you’ve got it this year?” Lindsay asks and Archie nods.

“Damn sure hope so. Told you, last year was just a test run.” Archie responds, focusing on the grooves in the wood more than he would normally. “I love this beach but...I can’t be here forever.”

The last part of that sentence made Archie’s throat swell up and almost hurt saying it. This beach to Archie was like his backyard, his van his home, and the restaurant his family. The concerts he’d go to at night and the years it took of memorizing the ocean in front of him, he didn’t want to leave it, but Archie was willing to give anything to be a professional.

What would probably suck the most out of that whole transition of switching beaches every week and travelling everywhere for work is that Archie would no longer be able to see the Gorillaz in their amazing beach concerts. It was one of the very few, what you may or may not call “social situations” that Archie would include himself in voluntarily. Not only that but Gorillaz was so fucking amazing. The beach concerts were the best, Gorillaz music echoing against the buildings on the strip and only about a hundred, maybe two, at the beach watching. Not many people advertised when or where their music was playing, the Gorillaz being huge examples of that, so there weren’t too many that showed up because nobody knew what band or at what time. Archie only knew because he worked on the beach and either he heard the music or somebody told him who was playing at the amphitheater down the strip.

“Yeah, I get it.” Lindsay responds with a warm look. “I don’t think you should be here forever either. No offense.” She grins and brushes her dark hair back over her shoulder with her hand.

“None taken.” The side of Archie’s lip curls into a smile but slowly transitions back to a more glum look while he picks up his phone that was faced down on the table and clicks the bottom button to turn on his screen. He bites his lip and stares at the pink and yellow There Is No Future album cover set as his current lockscreen and his face turns into disappointment at the lack of notification. He doesn’t really know exactly what he was expecting but checking his screen became a recent habit of his and it was getting on his nerves.

“Still nothing?” Lindsay asks. She knows about the whole Gorillaz ordeal. Lindsay knew a lot about Archie, actually. They’ve been working together for three years and he lives at the restaurant, how could she not?

“Hm?” Archie turns his attention up and sets his phone down. He didn’t even realize he wasn’t paying attention in the first place.

“That guy you met, he hasn’t answered?”

Archie was actually a little upset at the thought of Gorillaz for the past few days. He hasn’t received a single text since talking to 2D that one night at Seasides and it was beginning to get to him. It was more an anxious feeling than anything, like the silent regret of giving 2D his phone number in the first place. It was probably too forward and 2D was just being nice by taking it. Archie calmed these thoughts by telling himself that 2D was most likely busy, or there just wasn’t a show that they were doing. That last one was a little weird because Gorillaz typically performed once a week or two on the beach or in a local bar, but here Archie is about four weeks later and a little deprived of the great Gorillaz content he craves so much. The Gorillaz didn’t owe Archie anything, to be fair. Still, he wants to support them in any way possible.

Archie shook his head and shrugged one of his shoulders. “Yeah, no text yet.” Lindsay gave a somewhat cryptic look through her green eyes.

“That’s strange. Are you still going to their concert tonight?” She asks, taking Archie a little by surprise, he hasn’t heard a peep from the band in what feels like a decade.

“I didn’t know they were having a concert tonight.” Archie confessed honestly. This is how he found out a lot of the time, though. Mutuals talking upon each other until one brings it up and Archie plans the night around the one event. “But yeah, I wouldn’t miss it. Are you going too?” He asks and Lindsay shakes her head, her straight hair falling back in front of her shoulders and waving and whipping with her movements.

“Got class in the morning and we both work until close.” She speaks effortlessly. Lindsay was the same age as Archie, well, a year younger technically but same graduation class. She attended college while still living with her parents and is really close to graduating with her bachelors in general health and then she’s going into sports medicine. Archie looked up to her in a way, always working and gets things done no matter how hard. Given she still complains all the time but anyone would with her schedule.

Archie nods and observes his phone for a brief second but averts his eyes back up to Lindsay once he realizes. Lindsay notices and laughs at Archie.

“Just ask him out already, geez.” She chirps teasingly.

“I don’t have his number!” He exclaims back and Lindsay covers her mouth to muffle her giggles. “I mean if I did I still wouldn’t. I’m just waiting for a text.”

Just a text.

“Well you have fun with that.” Lindsay continues her childish giggles and stands from the picnic table to stretch. Archie takes this as his signal to also stand and grab his phone to check one last time but a thin dainty hand with short and chipped yellow nail polish covers his screen. “Just go to the concert, Arch. Reunite with your super hot band guy and then when you’re about to kiss, yell at him for not texting you back.” Archie chuckled sheepishly at Lindsay’s comment putting the weirdest image in his brain. Always the most charming speeches from her.

“Okay.” Archie breaths out with a shake of his head and Lindsay laughs again, hitting his arm with her palm lightly.

“Shift starts in an hour and I wanna run home for a few minutes.” She stretches again. Archie nods and gives her another okay and waves to send her off. He lifts his phone to click the button that was probably going to break today from turning his screen on so much.

Nothing. Archie sighs.

He shouldn’t let this one thing get him down, it was only a text message, how petty. Archie could still go to the concert tonight and see them, maybe talk to 2D if he gets the chance but no bets are being taken. Archie looks over away from the strip to the ocean. It was unbelievably blue and perfect out, given the families might leave with a few more sunburns than anyone would ask for, but still the perfect day. Archie breathed in the warm air and slowly exhaled it out. Maybe he’ll go out for a wave or two before his shift.

The day is extremely fast paced yet endlessly long and exhausting like all saturday’s at Seasides. Saturday’s were the days off, the weekend away, the day in the sun before going back to work or school the next monday. At least that’s kind of how it goes for most people, everyone that doesn’t work a beachside job like Archie. He can’t really complain with the number of good things he gets out of his job like minimal hours and being thirty feet away from his bed and not needing to work for any particular bills or anything, but working Saturday’s sucked because it was crowded and full of kids and sand and water--not that Archie can defend him complaint with that one either without being a hypocrite.

Point is that it’s been a long day and Archie can’t decide whether or not he wants to get up from his old boxy futon that feels like heaven right now or go to the Gorillaz concert that he only just found out about this morning with Lindsay. He lifts his phone and opens his messages to see a list of people he’s talked to over the past few months, dead end messages and nobody he really keeps up with besides maybe a “can you come into work asap please? Thank you.”

There were no new messages. Irritated at himself, he turned his phone completely off and sat up on the bed quick enough to have his hair fall in front of his face, the yellow-green becoming more apparent so close to his eye that he couldn’t focus on it entirely. He brushed it back with one of his hands and used the other to check the time on his wrist.

It was already almost ten thirty and most beach concerts only ran from ten to eleven, rarely longer because of beach rules to have everyone off by midnight. If Archie wanted to see the Gorillaz he’d have to go now even if he was only five minutes walking distance from the amphitheater, but first he’d have to get out of these greasy smelling clothes.

The stage was beautiful, like always. Black flooring on top of grey concrete that made up the entire bottom part of the theater, thick black tent-like fabric on top and directly next to it were all the stage lights that could shine any color on any band. Also along the lights were Archie’s favorite part, the fog machines. For some reason they just made everything so much cooler and exciting. All of this was set in the sand faced away from the ocean.  

The Gorillaz set was really good tonight, too. There were a couple of songs that he hadn’t heard before, which he’s assuming is the reason he hasn’t heard of any concerts recently either.

During the concert Archie watches 2D without even really thinking. He’d slowly look away to take in the view of something else like Noodle’s guitar or which part of the drum Russel is hitting, but his eyes would always move back to 2D like a magnet. 2D was in a very casual getup of jean shorts and a very ripped and worn plain grey t-shirt that was lazily tucked into the front of his shorts. Through some of the many rips in the shirt Archie could see 2D’s pale torso and he could only wonder how somebody could manage to stay that pale so close to the equator. On the off chances when 2D lifted his arms to get the crowd to cheer or sing with him, his shirt rode up and Archie could see a little more, but the harsh defined lines of his hip bones were about the tip of what exposed. His hair was sweaty and messy and bounced around his face while he moved about the stage and his black eyes looking around mysteriously. At one point Archie swears 2D is looking in his direction because he doesn’t blink or move for a few seconds and Archie can feel a weird tension crawling up his back, like it was signaling him to look away but he couldn’t.

2D’s singing was all the more exhilarating, stinging every inch of Archie’s skin and making his muscles vibrate with every movement that 2D made. Why Archie was memorizing all of these fine details? He didn’t know. Maybe it was just because he hasn’t seen a performance in a while. On one hand it freaked him out and made him question every thought in his head but on the other hand it was exuberance and he never wanted it to stop.

But what caught Archie’s eye the most was the fact that he’s never seen 2D out of jeans and a jacket. That in itself wasn’t surprising and sounds kind of silly worded like that, but it wasn’t because 2D was wearing shorts that caught him off guard, but everything around it. Archie could see pink and purple bruise-like scars that covered 2D’s shins and forearms. With them there was also divots in his skin here and there, similar to acne scars but instead of a lot of small ones he had a few big ones, the type of scars from chunks of flesh being taken away from the skin but they were very aged. 2D’s marks weren’t new enough to be actual bruises, they were scars for sure, and Archie knew exactly what they were from.

Their set was over before Archie even knew it--probably because he got there later than ever--and he was conflicted. Gorillaz exited the stage and people started shuffling off the beach almost hurriedly, people needing to get home to sleep before work in the morning and some just rushing to get warmer. That was a downside to the beach at night is that it’s like a desert, hotter than hell during light hours and freezing cold during dark hours. Archie internally debates on leaving with the crowd so he doesn’t look like the last one standing on the beach for no reason, but he also feels like he should talk to 2D. What Archie didn’t know for sure is that while he was tossing ideas around in his brain he was standing in that spot for longer than he thought and he didn’t budge until a voice broke him out of his tranced state.

“Are you ‘ere for the after party?” The voice questioned and made Archie nearly physically jump where he was. Archie turned to the voice and met with a face a lot closer to his than he was expecting and he jumped back scaredly. 2D laughed and his black eyes squinted from his raised cheeks. Archie’s face heated, embarrassed.

“A-after party?” Archie asked. He’s never been to an after party for Gorillaz before, how has he been missing out on these?

“It was jus’ a joke.” 2D’s laughter caught the end of his sentence and Archie felt even more embarrassed but before he could answer 2D placed his hand on Archie’s back, making his speech pause. “Come on, we’ve been waitin’ to see ya.”

Archie’s brows furrowed in thought, wondering how they’ve been waiting for him if they didn’t know Archie was going to be there in the first place. Or maybe they did know and he didn’t know, still never receiving any notice by text or anything of the sort. Strangely, that seems like more of the case here.

2D lead Archie to the back of the stage that contained the electric set for lighting and sound on for the stage. Russel was currently playing with it, flipping switches and turning knobs in ways that Archie would never understand or care to learn.

“Good?” Russel asked loudly, like he was shouting to someone else. A smaller voice shouted back from beside Archie.

“Good! Next!” The fainter voice sounded back. Bands were in charge of setting up and taking down their own equipment along with taking care of the sound and lights by themselves and it seems like they were all preparing their leave.

2D and Archie approached Russel and 2D’s hand left Archie’s back and returned to his side, a part of Archie wishing it hadn’t.

“Russ, this is, um…” 2D’s voice stopped midway trying to introduce Archie and comprehended the thought that he never learned Archie’s name.

“Archie.” He helped out and reached to shake Russel’s hand and Russel smiled fondly, holding Archie’s hand and shaking it briefly before returning to his work on the electric box. 2D gave Archie a stare visible enough to receive Archie’s attention but 2D looked away as soon as he made eye contact.

“Thanks for the help.” Grunted someone behind them, breaking the tension. “Don’t worry, we cleaned up ourselves no thanks to you.” Archie noticed this man as Murdoc, the bass for the Gorillaz.

“What, you need a hand carrying amps?” Russel chimed in, closing the electric box and standing up next to 2D. “I thought you were stronger than that, Muds.” He snickered and Murdoc’s face changed from anger and annoyance to a bit more egotistical.

“Yeah right, like I’m that weak.” Murdoc replied and Russel raised an eyebrow. They both knew exactly what Russel was doing and yet Murdoc was falling perfectly into it.

“So what did you need our help for?” He asked back and tied the knot. The insult finally setting into Murdoc’s face and the rest of the band laughed. The teasing was amusing to Archie, he was interested to see the types of relationships they all had with each other. As they were talking, the last band member approached, a young woman only standing to about five feet in skinny jeans and a leather jacket. This was Noodle.

“Murdoc, Noodle. This is Archie.” 2D said proudly now that he knew Archie’s name and Archie exchanged a smile with Noodle and well, he smiled at Murdoc but he didn’t really give anything back but he shook Archie’s hand politely enough to count as something.

“Introductions are nice and all,” Murdoc began. “But we gotta be off this sand in ten minutes and I don’t feel like interacting with beach security so if we could go before then, that’d be great.”

“Yeah me neither, we should go.” 2D answered and they all began shuffling towards a van. At this point Archie didn’t know whether to just go back to his van or not but once again, 2D interrupted his thoughts with, “Are you coming?”

“Okay so I’m just going to break the ice here and ask how you two know each other?” Noodle asks with a corona extra in her hand and sits in a folding chair at a small circular wooden dining table. They were hanging out in 2D’s garage, or moreso his parents garage--supposedly they weren't home--but surprisingly cozy with couches with so many signs and tools against the walls that Archie couldn’t exactly tell what color it was. Not high end or decked out with expensive items by any means, but a cool hang out spot.

Archie takes a seat next to Noodle and glances at 2D, wondering if he’s going to answer Noodle or if Archie should do it himself. 2D was preoccupied in the fridge looking at his whole two beer options to notice that Noodle asked a question. Archie chuckled at 2D’s befuddlement but turned his attention to Noodle.

“I work at Seasides.” He answers as Russel and Murdoc take seats on the opposite side of the table.

“The diner we booked last month?” Murdoc asked and popped open his beer. Archie nodded and explained the situation further. He left out most of it and left in just the part of them meeting and Archie being a fan of their music; he thought it might be better to leave out the whole waiting for a text thing.

“Why do you work there?” Russel asks out of curiosity and starts shuffling a deck of cards. 2D sits next to Archie after he finally made his decision on what beer to take.

“Money, why else?” Archie responds with a small laugh. He earns a small “that’s true” and continues. “I just need enough for food and surf competition entries. That’s the-”

“You surf?” 2D and Noodle ask in unison and Archie looks at them a bit confused.

“Yeah. Have been since I was little.” He answers.

“That’s so cool.” Noodle says back and picks up her hand of cards that Russ dealt out. 2D just stared at Archie which was both flattering and amusing.

“Wait...Sutton?” 2D asked and Archie felt a familiar feeling in his nerves. He was asked that exact phrase probably five times a day from little kids at work right before he was asked for an autograph or picture. To adults he was just another kid that liked surfing, but to the kids he was a celebrity. It was cute.

“Yeah, that’s me. Didn’t recognize from the hair?” He joked, his light green locks still flowing down unlike during competitions. It was the biggest reason he wasn’t easily recognizable outside of comps.

“That’s crazy.” 2D says, still baffled. “I’ve seen you at competitions before, you’re amazing.” The gushing by 2D made Archie’s insides twist and his face heat up. Archie smiled with a slightly nervous laugh.

“Ditto.” Archie answered and opened his beer, never looking away from 2D’s eyes. They stayed staring at each other while Archie opened, drank, and set down his beer, never breaking gaze and not stopping until they’re both smiling like complete weirdos.

“Must be why you’re a server, then, yeah?” Murdoc snarks and Noodle flicks the side of his head. Murdoc flinches and puts his hand over the place she flicked.

“Ow--hey! It was a joke, calm down.” He retaliated and Noodle contentedly smiles.

Archie was asked a lot of questions about himself. His job, where he lives, competitions he’s done before, etcetera. It was all just the basics of describing how he lived in a van and never left the beach unless he had to--which was still never. And Archie learned a lot about them, too. Noodle lives at home with her foster parents because she’s only seventeen and can’t really leave yet. Her biological parents are full Japanese but she has no idea who they are, only that she was put in foster care at eight years old and adopted quickly by a nice older couple. Noodle also graduated high school at sixteen and is supposedly the smartest book-wise out of the group.

Russ apparently suffers through living with poltergeists and other spirits that don’t leave him alone, plus he dropped out of school early senior year, but otherwise leads a pretty happy life with friends, music, and his full time job as a cook in a diner downtown. Murdoc graduated with bad grades because he started working at fourteen and never had time for anything else. He grew up with a verbally abusive family and he only dedicated time into guitar and work, moving out at seventeen and finding Russel through a roommate ad until he was eighteen and could sign a lease of his own but only moved a short two floors down in the same apartment building as Russel.

2D worked part time at a gas station and lived with his parents, which is actually their garage that they were seated at now, but he didn’t stay there often. 2D suffered from a list of traumas like a car crash that fractured his eyes and made them go mostly black, given the white or red spot that Archie never noticed from afar, and a shark attack when he was really young that gave him the many scars along his arms and legs.

“You get inna lot of trouble, don’t you?” Archie asked 2D when he heard the story and 2D laughed with a nod. 2D didn’t respond to him, Archie just memorized 2D’s smile. Slightly crooked teeth, one gold tooth on the bottom and a little discoloration on his to front teeth--cigarette marks. Blue hair, black eyes, thin lips. 2D glanced up and Archie looked away.

Russel and Murdoc are the ones that began the band in the year that they lived together. Russ already knew drums and ukulele meanwhile Murdoc knew bass and together they had some form of a band, but they needed another guitarist and a singer. Soon enough, after three weeks and a few different interviews, they had met Noodle. 2D was picked up after Murdoc found online videos of his singing and piano playing, finding out that this blue haired kid lived in the same city only a few miles away from them. Thus, Gorillaz was born and they began making music, only performing at local bars in their downtime until they could make a full career out of it. Yet they haven’t, but Russ said that they now have tickets and merch to some of their concerts so they bring in a little bit of money.

They’ve all been sitting in the garage for an hour now, playing round after round of rummy and telling endless stories to Archie about their jobs and concerts, like when equipment dies during a set or one time where 2D literally forgot the lyrics to a new song and had to stop midway and start a new song. They told Archie a lot of stories and he told a few back about surfing and working, but he didn’t have anything near as interesting as poltergeists or crazy car accidents.

It was the strangest feeling, too. Archie never once felt that night like they were idols or celebrities like a standard band member would, but why should he? They were all just young adults just like him that had jobs but also happened to be in a band--who made super good music, might he add. Archie kind of forgot about how he looked up to them in that one short hour and molded into the conversations like he would with anyone else. It was a rush, in a certain garage-full-of-tipsy-young-adults sense.

Archie took a liking to them all. Murdoc made weird jokes that nobody really laughed at, Noodle played hard and won almost every round, Russ was strategic and laid the most sets, meanwhile 2D stared blankly and confused and always discarded things he could actually play. Archie was convinced that 2D didn’t know how to play and it was amusing to everyone, but they all acted like he just got bad cards and cheered him on. It was baffling that he actually won a couple rounds. 2D still didn’t even notice until he realized he had no cards left and asked who took them.

“Beer run. Who wants another?” Noodle asks and stands. Everyone raises their hands besides Russel.

“I gotta drive you two back, don’t forget.” Russel added giving a look to Murdoc and Noodle. Noodle gave a thumbs up and proceeded her journey to the fridge.

“How you feelin’, Arch?” 2D asks with his face leaned against his hand. 2D stared at Archie lazily and lightly tapped Archie’s knee with his knuckle. Archie laughed at his lightweighted state.

“I’m feeling fine, how are you?” Archie asks back and bumps 2D’s knee like he just did. 2D smiles and giggles but doesn’t answer the question.

“Pet names already?” Murdoc teases. “Doesn’t that usually come after the date?”

“Who’s on a date now?” 2D squints at Murdoc. Archie was a little afraid to think what he thought Murdoc was implying.

Archie was gay, and he wasn’t really the most open about it. He never hid himself but it’s not something he told straight up unless he was asked and only to people he knew. Lindsay didn’t find out for at least a year working together, but she never freaked out or treated it like bigger than it is. Archie was just so used to being treated like he was the abnormal one in the group. It was part of the reason he dropped out of school so young, it was annoying being asked about your sexuality every day. Murdoc didn’t make Archie uncomfortable, only experiencing the weird feeling of treating his sexuality like it’s normal.

“Stop makings weird, Muds.” Noodle criticized and bumped the back of his head with his beer bottle before slamming it down in front of him. Murdoc flinched again and squinted at her while she passed around drinks.

“I’m gonna have a concussion by the end of the night because of you.” Murdoc spoke and Noodle opened her beer with a smirk.

“Good.”

“So,” 2D starts to veer off their topic while he shuffles cards for the next round. “What do your parents do, Archie?” It was almost like the question was on cue, interrupting the thoughts in Archie’s head. All the attention was on him now. He cleared his throat.

“Uhm, well, my father has always been into construction and electric services. Last I knew my mother was a sales rep but she changes jobs a lot, I don’t know what she’s doing now.” Archie explained. It was weird to call his parents by “mom” or “dad” in any context. He hasn’t called them that since he lived there. Long time ago.

“Last you knew?” Russ asks and Archie nods. He’s not sure if he should go in depth on his whole relationship or not. Archie chooses the latter.

“Well I uh, we haven’t talked in a little while. M’not sure what they’re up to.” Archie shrugs and opens his new beer.

“It’s nice to keep in touch while you’re still young.” Noodle answers and lifts the cards being dealt to her. “Not all of us can do that, y’know?” She asks and Archie nods. It’s not her fault that she doesn’t know how Archie falls into that spectrum.

“Yeah, I’ll visit soon.” He lies and lifts his cards and his beer. Archie doesn’t believe it’s time for him to visit home soon in any means, but they don’t really need to know that, so he stays quiet.

Another hour of drinks, cards, and dumb drunk jokes passed and it was nearing one in the morning. Their laughs and dizzy brains started to tire out and Russ was the first one to call the shots, throwing his cards down and giving an “okay we should go before I get too tired and can’t drive.” Apparently Murdoc had some hot date to get to (which was a total lie, nobody would be going on a date with Murdoc at one in the morning), and Noodle had to sneak in before getting in trouble for being out too late, though it was late enough for her to get in trouble anyways. That said, Russ, Noodle, and Murdoc said their goodbyes and nice-to-meet-you’s and shuffle into Russel’s car, driving off to their respectful homes. 2D and Archie were left in the garage, Archie helping to dispose of empty bottles and pick up cards despite 2D telling him that he didn’t have to. “It’s just cards, no big deal,” Archie spoke and 2D just shrugged it off.

“I should probably go, too. Are you sober?” Archie asked and 2D gave him a nervous look.

Shit.

“Uhh, no.” 2D says bluntly. “But I have room if you wanna just stay. I kind of don’t want to kill you tonight.” Archie laughs.

“It’s cool. I can call a cab.” Archie says with a stretch. It feels like his brain was swirling around in his head and he only had a couple beers. Archie searches around in his pocket for his phone but quickly noticed that it wasn’t in his usual spot in his back pocket, finally remembering that he left it on his futon when he got fed up with the text messages. Or lack thereof.

“Just save the fifteen bucks and sleep in my bed.” 2D says lazily and Archie smirks at him. 2D’s words set into his eyes and he got flustered. “No wait I didn’t me-”

“Oh, so you do just want me in your bed?” Archie mocked. He wouldn’t make that sexual of a joke if he was sober but neither of them were innocent now. 2D’s expression changed and he stared at Archie skeptically.

“Well obviously.” 2D said back very seriously. Archie was surprised that 2D was playing along now after trying to take back his flirty comment. “Whole plan all along, you couldn’t tell?” Archie blushed subconsciously. Or maybe it was just the alcohol. Either way he was flustered.

“No, sorry. Too focused on your body I just couldn’t look away.” Archie was surprising himself with the amount of gay comments he was springing out, and to 2D of all people, and what was more baffling is that 2D didn’t care. 2D held his arm out and waved it towards Archie.

“Then help this body up. ‘Think I might fall if I tried myself.” 2D commented and Archie gave him a look that said “really?” 2D knew exactly what he was thinking and nodded. With a dramatic sigh, Archie pulled 2D’s arm and lifted the man to his feet but 2D just crashed into Archie with a tired bump and a couple giggles. The closeness Archie had to 2D’s face now was intense and ran the same familiar tension up his spine as they stood with Archie’s hands on 2D’s waist and 2D’s hands on Archie’s biceps. Archie looked from one of 2D’s eyes to the other and 2D just stares back without much expression, or maybe it was just his eyes. It was always his eyes.

This is the part in the story where one person kisses the other, but Archie doesn’t think he has it in him, he's not drunk enough to do that. Archie darts his eyes away quickly and wraps one arm around 2D to sturdy him and keep him from collapsing on the garage floor. 2D holds onto Archie while they walk into the house and they don’t talk along the way besides Archie asking “where do I go?” and hardly getting an answer out of 2D. Archie bumped into a few walls because of 2D's towering height being hard to hold up and 2D only responded with giggles and gripping onto Archie for support.

Eventually Archie finds a bedroom and walks in with the drunk 2D and throws him on the bed almost mercilessly. 2D only grunts in response and Archie laughs. He’s pretty sure 2D was sleeping on the way to his room because as soon as he hit the bed, he was dead. Archie stood at stared at 2D for a moment before laughing again and walking over to attempt to pull 2D’s lazy form up higher on the bed but barely winning. He’ll have to survive completely clothed and half off the bed tonight.

Archie didn’t even bother trying to find a couch or another bedroom to sleep in, he was too tired and the house was almost too dark to see in for that, so he just flopped next to 2D in this decent sized queen bed and let his head spin itself to sleep. But before he fully drifted off, he felt the bed shift and noticed 2D rolling beside him. Archie stayed still, mostly because he couldn’t move if he tried, but also because he assumed 2D was just getting comfortable. He was pretty much right, with the small exception of 2D rolling over almost onto Archie. Okay, he wasn’t on top of Archie but 2D snaked his arms around one of Archie’s and leaned his head against his shoulder and fell right back asleep. Sleep cuddler, he never would have guessed. Archie was too tired and sure his body was already asleep so he couldn’t respond anyways so he just let his brain whirl to sleep along with it.

Man, what an insane day.

[noorakardemmomesaetre]

The Baddest Thing

The perfect girl-next-door reputation has preceded Betty Cooper all her life, just as the rough and angry Southside Serpent reputation has preceded Jughead Jones. Could a simple dare in a small town diner challenge everything? 

Pairing: Betty Cooper x Jughead Jones 

A/U:  Jughead Jones has been an established Southside Serpent since his sophomore year of high school. He was never friends with Archie, Betty, Kevin, Veronica or Cheryl. Betty has been an established cheerleader since their sophomore year and her best friend Veronica has been dating Cheryl since then.

“Oh, really? And what’s the baddest thing you’ve ever done, Betty?” 

Betty’s face flushes as she glances warily at her best friend, Veronica, whose arm is slung lazily around the shoulders of her girlfriend, Cheryl. It’s a Saturday night and they had all been craving milkshakes and burgers post their late night movie binge. Betty had just been defending the fact that she was not as perfect as her reputation made her out to be. She, in fact, had a dark side. Cheryl, despite Veronica nodding supportively, obviously didn’t believe her. 

“I’ll tell you what’s the baddest thing I’d like to do,” Kevin giggled from his seat in the booth next to Betty, turning his gaze to the Southside Serpent that had just walked through the door.

A hush had fallen over the restaurant as the door thumped shut, a silent mixture of respect and fear filling the air. Betty fought the urge to whip her head around, instead choosing to casually glance at him over her shoulder.  

 Jughead Jones.

The Southside Serpent leather jacket complimented the wild dark curls he made no attempt at hiding under his signature gray crown beanie. Suspenders hung around his jeans and a motorcycle helmet was tucked under his arm. Seemingly indifferent to the situation, he glanced around the restaurant and Betty found herself sinking in her seat.

Like he would notice her anyways.

He cocked an eyebrow at the restaurant customers’ general staring, as if he were daring someone to say something to him. And with that look, chatter commenced again, the patrons’ attention back to their plates.

“Jones, the usual?” Pop Tate called out to Jughead, a soft smile on his face, never one to pass judgment. Jughead Jones may be the son of the head Southside Serpent, but Pop Tate treated him like he does everyone else. No fear. Jughead nods, walking to the booth on the other side of the restaurant, filled with serpents.

Even at Pop’s, the line between the Southside and Northside was clear.

“I have an idea,” Cheryl said, a smile dancing on her cherry red lips as Betty turned back to the table. She didn’t know why the beanie-clad boy set her on edge every time she saw him. Why she felt like she stopped breathing when he entered a room. “Let’s play truth or dare. Betty, you first.”

Betty’s eyes widen, knowing that the way Cheryl’s eyes were glistening meant nothing good for her. In fact, she wondered if she should feign a stomach ache and get the hell out of there before whatever horrible truth or dare challenge Cheryl has thought up for her ever comes to light.

But flashbacks of their earlier conversation give Betty pause. She was tired of everyone, even her best friends, writing her off as some goodie-two-shoes sweater-wearing Stepford daughter. She was so much more than that. And she wasn’t afraid of a challenge. 

“Dare.” The word tumbles out of her mouth before she has time to give it any more thought and Cheryl’s smile widens. Shit.

“Hmmm, exactly what I wanted, but not what I expected. Surprise, surprise Betty Cooper, maybe you do have some bad in you.” 

Cheryl was swirling the straw of her untouched milkshake, pretending to think up a dare, as if she hadn’t brought up the game with a sole intention already in mind.

“Cheryl, this is unnecessary,” Veronica says, shaking her head, but Betty is determined. Kevin is looking at her and she knows he’s riveted by the situation.

“I dare you to kiss Jughead Jones. Right now. In this diner.”

Betty feels her heart drop, her fingers curling into fists causing her nails to dig into her palms, her attempts to stop that painful habit quickly forgotten.

“Cheryl, no,” Veronica snaps quickly, shaking her head and dropping her arm from behind her girlfriend, “Betty would never do something like that.”

“I know,” Cheryl smirks, kissing Veronica on the cheek before glancing back to Betty, “but a dare is a dare, Betty dearest.” 

Kevin looks at Betty before nonchalantly glancing behind them, towards the serpent booth. Betty follows his lead, knowing in her heart she’s not doing the dare. She would probably pass out just walking over there.

Jughead was sitting next to Joaquin DeSantos, another young serpent Betty knew about, but had never spoken to. He was talking to a couple of other members that sat across from them, his hand waving about as they all laughed, including Jughead. She was surprised at how his whole body seemed to light up when he laughed, the sullen brooding that usually adorned his face absent for a few seconds.

“Tick tock.”

Cheryl was watching Betty, tapping her long red faux nails on the table impatiently. Betty took a deep breath, looking at her palms before she made the decision. She would take the dare.

And obviously regret it in the morning, but tonight, for once, she wanted to be someone other than the preppy blonde nice cheerleader. She wanted to be Betty Cooper, dark side included. She wanted to do something bad.

She stood, stepping out of the booth, and running her fingers through her ponytail, giving it some extra bounce.

“B?” Veronica’s voice was laced with confusion and concern as she watched her best friend turn around to face the other side of the restaurant. Cheryl was leaning forward now, her wide eyes contrasting with the smug smirk on her face. Betty glanced at Kevin and he shook his head once, as if to tell her this was a mistake.

But Betty didn’t care if it was. As much as this was about her proving she wasn’t perfect, Betty couldn’t deny the fact that she had thought about Jughead Jones’ soft lips pressing against hers, rough and urgent, more than once.

She began taking the steps towards the serpent booth, ignoring her pounding heart. Since when was Pop’s so large? She felt like every step was weighted with how many eyes were watching her make her way down the row of booths.

Joaquin was the first to notice her, tilting his head and raising an eyebrow as Betty walked towards them. When Betty was only a few feet from their table, she thought about turning back.

Forgetting all about this stupid dare and running home to her warm sheets and pastel pajamas.

But she was committed and almost all of the serpents had turned to look at her at this point, their faces a mixture of confusion and amusement. Almost all of them.

“Betty fucking Cooper,” Jughead sighed as if her name alone exhausted him, dropping his burger on the plate and turning to look up at her, a smirk playing on his lips, “to what does the Southside owe the pleasure?”

Her face immediately betrayed the cool and collected façade she was working so hard to portray, surprise at how he knows her name blatant in the way her mouth fell open at the sound. Why the hell had she allowed him to say anything at all? She should’ve just walked up, kissed him, and then ran for her life. Was she supposed to have a conversation with him now? And then kiss him? In front of an audience? This was so incredibly stupid.

But his voice sounded so rough and gravelly, his eyes a stormier shade of blue than she could have ever imagined, and the way his hands wrapped around that burger… 

For God’s sake Betty, get it together!

“I…uh…need to talk to you,” she says, trying to make her voice sound stronger than she felt. Joaquin eyes her suspiciously, but there is a kindness behind his eyes that is making Betty feel a little more at ease.

“What could the Northside princess possibly need to talk to me about?” Jughead is looking past her, at her friends and half the restaurant that is now watching them.

Shit. She was just going to have to go for it, but she hadn’t accounted for the awkward angle she was going to have to kiss him at from where she stood. Her standing and him sitting in a booth. Not exactly prime for stealing a kiss.

She glances behind her, at Cheryl who is wearing a smirk that says “you know you aren’t going to do it, Betty Cooper, turn around while you still can,” at Veronica whose eyebrows are furrowed together as she takes in the scene, and at Kevin who has his hand held up in a weak thumb’s up, an encouraging smile on his face.

Betty looks back to Jughead who is now staring at her expectantly as she straightens her shoulders and steps backward, a new stroke of confidence coming from the warmth his gaze seemed to be perpetuating through her body. 

“Why don’t you come and find out?”

Joaquin’s eyebrows shoot up as he looks between Betty and Jughead, the rest of the serpents murmuring to each other in surprise.

Jughead laughs to himself and shakes his head, sticking his tongue in his cheek. She bites her lip and takes another step back, wondering if this seduction act is doing anything for him.

Especially when his haughty attitude is doing everything to the side of her that unknowingly craved this dare.

Jughead glances at Joaquin who’s smiling slightly, an impressed smile Betty thinks. His eyes fall to Betty, taking her in, crawling over every part of her body, leaving her feeling a bit exposed. Just as she’s about to cave in to perfect Betty Cooper and tell him never mind, he places both hands on the booth table and stands.

He’s so tall…and handsome? she thinks as he walks towards her, shoving his hands in his pockets, and raising both eyebrows expectantly once he’s standing what feels like only inches in front of her. She can feel the heat between them and fights the urge to step back.

“Well?“ he starts to say, but Betty’s already on her tip toes, lips pressed against his. 

He doesn’t kiss her back…at first. And then she feels it, his lips pressed against hers, his hand on the back of her neck. She had only meant to give him a quick peck and leave, but her arms reach up and wrap around his neck, pulling him closer to her. His taste, the way he’s gripping her waist, it’s making her want to throw him on a table right there. Show him what dark Betty is really capable of. She flicks out her tongue, grazing his bottom lip, and his lips part, accepting the invitation. She feels free for the first time, standing in the middle of Pop’s, kissing one of the head snakes. She lets out a soft moan against his mouth, one she hopes only he could hear, before she hears the cheers ripping through her thoughts. 

Joaquin’s eyebrows are raised, higher even than before, and a small smile plays on his lips when they break apart. Betty looks up at Jughead, taking in the way his eyes are filled with confusion and surprise.

She turns around, forcing a cheerful Betty-Cooper smile and trying to ignore the crude comments some of the serpents are making as she heads back to her friends. 

She sits down, enjoying the looks of shock on Veronica and Cheryl’s faces, the proud look on Kevin’s, but she’s not listening to anything they’re saying. She touches her now slightly swollen lips, turning around to see Jughead looking straight at her from his booth. He smiles, a small real smile, and winks at her before continuing his conversation with Joaquin.

There was one thing Betty knew for certain…that was definitely the baddest thing she’d ever done.

_____

If you made it this far, I appreciate you so much! Hopefully this was okay, I’m a little nervous about posting it. I apologize for any mistakes that were made. I would love to post Jughead’s side of this event if that would interest anyone! Anyways, hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! ❤

[peterpparkrr]

(Betty Cooper x Reader): She’s Perfect (2/4)

Summary: Reader met Betty at the internship over the summer and developed feeling for her. Since her parents are detectives they’re brought in to look at the Jason Blossom case, and reader moves to Riverdale.

A/N: Hope you enjoy this! Look out for the next part in a day or two (apologizes for any spelling and grammar mistakes) ((also Grundy literally doesn’t exist lol))

Part 1 / Part 3 - Part 4

The next morning  you were still eating your breakfast when the doorbell rang. You quickly dumped your dishes in the sink and raced to put your shoes on before opening the door.

“Sorry we’re late,” Betty said with a shrug as you grabbed your backpack and slung it over your shoulder.

“That’s fine, I was running behind too,” You reply, flashing the two of them a sheepish grin as you step out onto your new porch, “I woke up late,” You explain, “I’m not used to living in such a quiet town.”

“That’s totally fine,” Archie replies, “I was the one that made Betty late in the first place, she was super eager to your place on time.” He says, which you notice cases Betty to blush slightly.

Archie and betty spent the walk telling you about the different teachers and their other friends so that you’d be somewhat prepared when you got to school.

When you walked in they led you to the main office where Archie helped you get your schedule and locker number.

“You guys get started on your tour,” betty told you, “I‘m giving my own to another new student so I’ll catch up with you guys later.”

“Alright, see you Betty,” You said, waving slightly.

“Bye, Betty,” Archie said before leading you out of the main office and into the now crowded hallways of Riverdale High, “Betty likes to start off her tours with fun facts about the history of the school but I think that’s sort of lame so if it’s alright with you we’ll just jump right into it.” He says, rubbing the side of his neck nervously.

“Sounds good,” You tell him was a nervous smile.

After pointing out all of the standard features of Riverdale High (lunchroom, lounge space, gymnasium, all of the classrooms you had classes in) Archie led you to the Auditorium.

“This is the auditorium, school plays, talent shows, concerts, etcetera take place in here,” He explained, “I hope you don’t mind… but I kind of need to talk with someone who’s practicing in there right now…” He trailed off nervously.

“Oh! I don’t care!” You said, “I mean, I’ll just hang back, it’s no big deal.”

Thanks,” Archie said, sighing with relief before opening the door and leading you in, on to the stage.

There were three girls wearing cat ears sitting around, practicing some song you’d never hear before in the middle of the stage.

The two of you stood there, watching the three of them jam out together, you were in awe of them, and it seemed like Archie was too.

Suddenly one of the girls saw the two of you standing there and stopped abruptly, “Excuse me, this is a closed rehearsal.” She said.

“I’m sorry I’m giving a tour and...” Archie started, gesturing toward you, causing you to smile sheepishly at the other girls, “Josie, right? I was hoping I could talk to you about some songs I wrote?”

“Let me just stop you right there. You’re staring at our pussycat ears, which is rude, but let me break it, and them, down for you,” She said, standing up, “ The Pussycats are building a brand, creating a signature look, okay? We’re telling a story. Last year, we won Rockland County’s Battle of the Bands. This year, we’d like to build on that success, continue telling our story with songs we write.”

“I get that. It’s just - “Archie started before Josie, the girl cut him off again.

“Read my glossed lips, Justin Gingerlake. Not...Gonna...Happen.” She stated, mockingly waving him off.

You raised your eyebrows before shrugging and walking out, you could here Archie right behind you.

“Archie, listen,” You started once you were back out in the hallway, turning to face him, “You shouldn’t listen to that girl.”

“(Y/N), you’re new here. Josie and her band are the best musicians around, if they don’t want to help me… I don’t have anything.” He told you.

“Well, I bet you’re pretty good,” You told him, “I’m a pretty good judge of those kinds of things.”

Archie blushed slightly, “Thanks, let's get to class,” he said, leading you down the hallway.

Betty’s tour was going… fine. Veronica seemed decent, at first Betty thought that she wasn’t going to be able to make it through the entire tour, Veronica just gave off this air of superiority. Betty had gotten used it it now, and it helped that Kevin was here to help her explain some of the more... quaint aspects of Riverdale.

As she was walking around explain things Veronica suddenly stopped.

“Oh! Who’s that?” She asked, grabbing Betty’s arm and looking down the hallway where Archie was leading (Y/N) on her tour.

“Oh, that’s Archie and (Y/N),” Kevin interjected as Betty seemed at a loss for words.

“Red-headed Ansel Elgort and that (Y/H/C) knockout? Wait, Is he your boyfriend?” Veronica asked seeing the look on Betty’s face as she watched the two of them walk down the hallway together, deep in conversation.

“No, he’s straight,” Kevin answered at the same time that Betty replied, “No, we’re just friends.”

“They’d make a cute couple,” Veronica said offhandedly, “Don’t you think?”

“No,” Betty said a little too quickly, surprising Veronica.

“To clarify,” Kevin started, “Archie and Betty have always been endgame. Plus, Betty met (Y/N) over the summer and is conflicted because she doesn’t know which one she likes more. If they end up together, that’d destroy Betty.”

“Well, you should ask one of them to that semiformal you were talking about,” Veronica replied, taking in that information rather well.

“She should, but I heard it might be getting cancelled. Because of what happened to Jason.” Kevin replied, “They’re going to tell us at the assembly.”

“Who’s Jason and what happened to him?” Veronica asked, confused.

The gym was packed with people, you were sitting with Archie and Moose, one of the football players you’d met briefly this morning, who didn’t actually seem that bad now that he wasn’t with that other guy, Reggie. You’d seen Betty walk in with a raven-haired girl (probably the girl she’d been giving her tour to), they were sitting a few rows over from you.

You listened as a girl, Cheryl, gave her speech about her brother Jason, the one whose death your parents were investigating. She mentioned that the semiformal wasn’t cancelled but other than that you’d pretty much tuned her out.

Before you knew it, it was lunch. You trailed after Archie, a habit that you’d decided wasn’t all that bad, joking with him about something that had happened in class. You were sitting between him and Betty, along with Betty’s friend Kevin, who you were already getting along with (you’d heard plenty about him from Betty over the summer and she’d talked about you with him too).

Archie was playing you guys some of his music off his laptop when the raven haired girl from before walked over, “Can I join?” She asked.

“Yeah,” Betty said as Archie closed his laptop.

“Hi, I’m Veronica,” She said, introducing herself to you.

“(Y/N), Nice to meet you,” You replied, smiling at her as she set down her tray.

“What are we doing?” She asked.

“Listening to one of Archie’s songs,” Betty replied.

“I thought we were going to have to pretend to like it, but it was actually really good.” Kevin said, leaning in.

“Same, I was so worried I was going to hate it,” You said, smiling at Archie, “I was genuinely really impressed.”

“Wait, that was you singing?” Veronica asked, “Something you wrote?”

“It’s rough.” Archie said.

“No, it’s great.” Betty cuts in, trying to reassure Archie.

“It’s incredible, actually, the little snippet I heard.” Veronica adds, “Is that your thing? Music? Are you doing something with that?”

Archie nods, “Yeah, that’s the plan.” He replies, “So how are your guy’s first day’s going? Good?”

“Yeah,” You reply with a grin, “I really like it here.” You added before turning to Veronica, “What about you?”

“Not to be a complete narcissist, but I thought people would be more…”

“Obsessed with you?” Kevin says, filling in for Veronica, “Any other year you’d be trending number one, for sure. This year though, it’s all about Cheryl trying to win the best supporting psycho Oscar for her role as Riverdale High’s bereaved Red Widow.”

“Hey guys, I gotta go, I’ve got a meeting with the music teacher about doing lessons.” Archie says, standing up, “Then I’ve got football tryouts so…”

“You play football too? What don’t you do?” Veronica asks, surprised.

You laugh, even though no one else does, “Bye Archie!” You call after him as he walks away.

“I should probably go too, I wanted to go meet with someone about joining student council.” You say, packing up your books, “It was nice to meet you guys,” You said to Kevin and Veronica, “I’ll see you later, Betty.” You add.

Once (Y/N) was gone Kevin turned to Veronica, “And no, Blue Jasmine, no, she hasn’t asked either one of them to the dance-”

“Not yet, and don’t talk about Archie or (Y/N).” Betty cut in moments before Cheryl Blossom walked over.

“Veronica Lodge, I’d heard whisperings. I’m Cheryl Blossom, may I sit?” She asked, “Betty, would you mind?” She asked, pointedly.

Betty sighed but quickly slid over.

“So, what were you hens gossiping about?” Cheryl asks as she sits down in the seat that had just been vacated by Betty, “Archie’s Efron-esque emergence from the chrysalis of puberty? Or maybe that new girl, the supermodel, how did find such hot friends?”

Betty shoots Veronica a look before Veronica has a chance to respond, “Extracurriculars, actually.” Veronica fibs.

“Cheerleading! You must.” Cheryls says, “I’m senior captain of the River Vixens.”

“Is cheerleading still a thing?” Kevin snarkily asks.

“Is being the gay best friend still a thing?” Cheryl shoots back.

After school you were walking out of the student council meeting and decided to text Betty.

(Y/N) 4:04: Hey, are you still at school? Stud co just finished Betty 4:05: yeah, I’m at cheer tryouts with Veronica in the auditorium, we should be done in a bit if you want to wait for us (Y/N) 4:05: Awesome, I also texted Archie, we’ll be out on the football field whenever you guys are done

You walked onto the track and saw Archie right away, it’s really impossible to miss that bright red hair. You waved at him shyly, flashing him the best smile you could muster. He waved back when he saw you. You sat down on the bench nearby and watched him try-out, and you had to admit, you were pretty impressed with how good he was.

Betty was talking to Veronica about Polly when she saw Veronica perk up and call out, “Archie! (Y/N)!” She called out. Betty looked up to see (Y/N) and Archie standing a ways ahead of them on the track talking and laughing.

“You’d better pick one of them.” Veronica said, turning to Betty.

You and Archie both turned when they heard Veronica call out to them. Your smile turned into a grin when you saw Betty.

“Hey,” You said to the two of them and you walked to meet them.

“Nice outfits,” Archie said, causing you to realize that they’d made the cheer squad.

You break out into a grin, “Ah, Congrats you guys!”

“Betty here has something to ask you about the back to school dance,” Veronica said, not taking her eyes off Betty. You stood there for a moment, she was going to ask Archie to the dance, or you. You couldn’t really tell who.

“I was wondering if you guys wanted to come with the two of us,” Betty said, somewhat awkwardly.

“Huh?” Archie asked.

“What?” Veronica said, turning to Betty.

“It’s your first dance at Riverdale,” Betty said, looking between you and Veronica, “you should have someone to go with, even if it’s just a group of friends.”

“I mean, I’d love to,” Veronica replied, glancing back over at you and Archie.

“I don’t know if I’m really in the head space right now,” You stalled, you’d just gotten to town after all, going to a dance filled with strangers isn’t your idea of a fun night.

“Oh, that’s okay,” Betty replied, sounding totally rejected.

“No, totally unacceptable (Y/N)-kins,” Veronica butted in, “You’re coming to the dance with us, all of us,” She added, looking pointedly at Archie.

“I’m in,” Archie responded, raising his hands up in defense.

“Okay,” You said with a shrug but a small smile, hopefully you’d be over this thing with Betty by then and could enjoy the dance, even if it was just as friends.

[douxie-casperan]

a memory of their father :)

The first few months behind the looming walls surrounding the castle’s innerworkings were proving stressful to say the least. Everything was so different to what Douxie had grown used to from the clothes he was expected to wear, the strict rules he was expected to follow and court manners which he was having additional instruction on multiple times a week on to ensure he could only ever give the best impression. When asked why this was so important the answer he received was a simple one, it is better to put your best foot forward than start on the back and have to work even harder to reach the same place. Prodding for clarification because that didn’t make much sense, after a small sigh he was informed that should anyone regardless of status discover his origins after he had already proved himself with a willingness to adapt it should not hurt his personal standing with them. Politics of the Court are like an ever evolving yet constant game of chess and by doing some of the leg work himself it would improve how people would interact with him more than relying entirely on his title of apprentice to carry him through.

To the now 10 year old it still sounded a bit silly but if it would help make life easier in the long run and given who said it, he didn’t see any reason to argue though he could not wait for those lessons to finally be over lest his head simply fall off from the amount of information he was being expected to memorise just to blend in.

Now for him the biggest novelty of being in Camelot as a citizen (?) was never having to worry about food after a lifetime of it being a constant worry and in how the kitchen staff sometimes snuck him a little bit extra for his plate or pouch and fussed as if he was one of their own. He always did try to be polite if he saw any of them, maybe that had something to do with it? Then he’d managed to try so many brand-new things already too! Lumbolls were possibly one of his favourites, those and the ryschewys though in both cases they are a bit on the special side in not being made often but whenever he got his hands on either after splitting them in half to share with Archie just like they used to while savouring each and every bite down to the last tiny pastry fleck.

His day to day duties when not indulging his ever growing sweet tooth weren’t quite what he had been expecting but he took to them with great enthusiasm anyway with an underlining fear of seeming ungrateful at the unique chance he’d been given accompanied if he did otherwise. These were often in the form of cleaning with a broom or scrubbing with a brush where directed, fetching enchantment ingredients required from the stores or occasionally elsewhere, sorting the books on shelves to finding one that might be needed and more often than not simply carrying things or acting as an extra pair of hands when the wizard needed. He didn’t mind particularly, it felt like he was being useful with the knowledge that if anybody asked he could truthfully respond that he was an errand helping the nerves. Sure they might have used the odd opportunity to do some exploring where they probably shouldn’t have been but knowing the terrain was important as was a quick escape route when knights are wandering around. Being a bit late from going the long way was a much better option than running into any of them, if the life before now had proved anything it was that being cautious was wise, the ones who disappeared were usually the ones that relied purely on luck and didn’t have at least three places to bolt for if things started to turn…

He wasn’t about to let his fear of where a mistake could lead him hold him back from doing anything but he wasn’t exactly about to ignore it completely either. Week by week his mental map was growing and most simply assumed he was getting better at navigating the halls which was true in a sense at least.

The other important note was how use of any form of magic was not permitted unless under the strict supervision of his regular lessons which included the cuff being held in Master Merlin’s workshop as a precaution both as much for himself and any who might realise it was more than for mere decoration. He was also told that if he stuck to this very important rule while being careful about how much he said beyond the closed door he would be allowed to keep his familiar with him if with an additional request that he posed as a cat. In both cases neither would be forever, it was simply important to keep up appearances and thus help ensure their safety in turn. Both figured the room they had been given Archie would be allowed to stretch his wings but they were always careful just in case someone might barge in and hoped might even be allowed to while being tutored as well soon. They were allowed to talk as long as there was no risk of being overheard mind, it was such an ingrained habit at this point neither could figure out why it needed to be brought up in the first place.

Today though was one of those that felt like the work was never done thanks to a chore list longer than a horse’s leg designed to keep him out of everyone’s hair while a big meeting was going on about things he didn’t have the privilege to hear even a hint of. Presently that left him on his hands and knees scrubbing away at the floor that had suffered more than it’s fair share of feet tracking through and was starting to become unsightly as a result with a cat, sans glasses just in case, pointing out any spot he missed while enjoying his own opportunity of being leisurely in the quiet afternoon sun. While he works it is the man who had been so curt in the morn who is currently occupying his thoughts, the same who felt like a as enigmatic now as he was the day they had first met.

"Hey Archie, is this what having a father is like?" Douxie asks suddenly out the blue whilst sounding a mite unsure, his previously focused expression turning into a frown that stares down at the brush he is holding.

"Or parent even, I don't really have any point of reference."

“Hmm? Ah, you are referring to the Master Wizard I presume.” He gets a nod in return and is given rapt attention by his charge.

“Certainly strict as one I would say and he does at least appear to have your interests at heart even if his methodology I cannot say I always agree with.”

“How so?”

“While there are times where your exact pronunciation matters such as spellwork for instance needing to be very precise and yours can lapse at times, he seems to act like any of the descriptions of usage is somehow beyond your reading comprehension unless a single sentence is stretched out by the syllable then repeated over and over until we’re all positively bored of hearing it. Quite a contrast given he still expects you to transcribe extracts to improve your handwriting ability,” comes an answer with a tail twitch.

“You will struggle to say some words in the expected manner which is more than fair but that does not mean you are unable to read anything put in front of you when it is the common language you are already used to.”

“Oh.” Douxie’s brow knits together in thought as it did make sense but there had to be a reason, never he did was without one, he’d come to realise that already.

“Unless it is something I should not be seeing yet?”

“Perhaps, it is not the impression he is giving me however. I do wonder however if he’s stalling deliberately? We are being kept in the dark there might be something else going on we are yet to be aware of.”

“Well he is the Master Wizard that must mean you have a few secrets and I am sure we will find out eventually!” He says taking a moment to give his arms a good stretch, a firm shake then goes back to scrubbing humming away a little as he does.

“It has only been a few months so far, maybe being mysterious is his big thing and it is all a test.”

“Indeed, we just might yet.”

It was late eve by the time he was finally finished with everything which had culminated in locating an older tome documenting the usage of tools from his sneaky glance at the first few pages though he darted away at the first sign of footsteps coming. Merlin had returning bringing a distinct lack of tension in his shoulders compared to what had been there for what felt like weeks causing the pair to look at one another confused not daring to say a word. The meeting is not mentioned nor is any question directed in regards to what had been accomplished either which was very unusual when he seemed to be keeping tabs on what sorts of things they had been up to when not under his feet. After checking that what he had asked was not sitting on the bench with a satisfied sound that could almost be taken as relieve, his cloak sweeps round as he takes the few steps to place a hand on the young boy’s head with a smile akin to the one he had once given at the gates causing him to blink a little bewildered.

“Well my boy, it would appear your patience has paid off. From tomorrow how do you feel in regards to learning some real magic?”

Douxie’s grin could not have been any wider if it tried.