#Boy's trip to England to meet Kevin's family oh god

[troublesomecousin]

"Yep, everyone. It's how you can tell we're all related." Kevin nods, but it's clear he's feeling a little more himself as something like a smile comes onto his face. That hadn't been much of a joke, but he had said it with some level of humor. Figures he could only truly be serious for so long before some deflecting made an appearance, but hopefully, not so much that it made Evgeni think he was being any less genuine. "Sure, we all carry it different, but it's our strongest family resemblance...that and our attractive jawlines."

He looks Evgeni in the eye only for a moment before he turns his attention down to their hands. The pressure of the other's grip made some of the tension leave Kevin's shoulders, and he returned the squeeze, doing his best to clear his thoughts and just focus on that feeling.

He may have had a hard time convincing himself of any real goodness within him, but Evgeni said it with such conviction that Kevin almost could have sworn he felt his opinion beginning to sway. That was the trouble with letting people work their way into your life. They started to actually have an impact...though maybe it wasn't so bad depending on who it was.

"You have entirely too much faith in me. I'm gonna have to do something about it," he replies, kissing the top of his boyfriend's head before allowing himself to relax back into the sofa. He felt better, but it still felt like there was something buzzing around in his head. "I think I'd like you to meet them...my family, y'know, the ones on the other side of the water. Like, proper meet them. My mum knows about you, what I've told her anyway. I think you two would get on. You both have this unshakable belief in me, it's weird. I feel like you could bond over it. And I know she'll want to feed you."

"I'm sure." Kevin could take some solace in the fact that Evgeni would never keep him guessing, never make things unclear; had he thought Kevin was dragging him down, hurting him and making him grieve, he would have said so. But this? To take all those worries and doubts Kevin tried to hide away and cradle them in his arms? That felt as natural as holding him. "We're just talking," He assures with a smile. "and talking is not wrong."

If anything, Evgeni had wondered what more honest conversation would look like with him— not that he thought Kevin was constantly lying to him, but just...covering up the tender parts of himself. Ignoring the things that he couldn't share easily, which, if he were really being honest with himself, Evgeni had as well.

Kevin brushes off this mystery person he referenced and Evgeni's lips purse ever so slightly. One tender part remains covered...but another is revealed. Small steps.

"Everyone?" That seems like a potent badness. Evgeni thinks harder, brows furrowing and lips tightening further (he's so painfully expressive, one could almost read his thoughts by expression alone). "...You must be a bit, ah, watered down then." He finally murmurs out, eyes darting to look at Kevin. "I like you. So you cannot be so very bad."

Kevin's hand is given a little squeeze. "The good thing about badness," Because if there was anyone who could find a silver lining in anything, it was probably him. "is that it is not all of you. There is good in you too. I have seen it...and in my experience, good is just as potent as bad; perhaps even more."

[riverdale-is-just-okay]

An English Rose

Jughead x OC

Word Count: 2278

Summary: There’s a new student at Riverdale High. She’s from a wealthy background as she’s the daughter of a big shot, British businessman. Jughead’s not happy, given his history and past dealings with people like Lodges. So he’s not very trusting of the new girl, but Lottie is determined to prove that she’s more than just her privileged background.

Warnings: Nope, don’t think so

A/N: So I’m English and I thought this might an interesting idea to explore and why not show Jughead some love. This story might just be a one off, I’m not sure if I can develop it further, it might be crap, I don’t know. Let me know what you think. Anyway, hope you like it!

Tag List: @lolabean1998 (just let me know if you wanted to be added to the tag list for any of my stories).

"Another Veronica, great," Jughead mumbles from his position on the couch in the student lounge.

"Who is?" Kevin asks.

"That girl, the one stood with Betty." He directs the boy's attention to the pair, stood talking by the door. The blonde was stood with a tall, dark haired girl dressed in a light blue skater dress and pristine white heels.

"Oh, heard she's related to royalty," Kevin says with a big smile.

"Not every British person is connected to royalty." Cheryl rolls her eyes.

"What we talking about?" Veronica sits down on the spare couch, Archie by her side.

"The new girl." Toni says with her eyes on the door.

"Stop staring." Cheryl playfully bats her girlfriends arm.

"So have we heard?"

"Kev, thinks she's a princess," Toni mocks.

"What?"

Jughead scoffs. "She's a princess all right."

"Please explain."

"Jug thinks she's another y-" Kevin's words are silenced by a dramatic cough from Jughead.

"So," Toni starts. "As far as we know she's from England, a daughter of some rich businessman."

"So what is she doing in Riverdale then?"

"That's where our trail of information runs cold."

"Well let's find out. As much fun as this speculation of the mystery girl is, I'd much prefer some actual facts." She stands up. "Betty?” she calls. The girl walks over, followed by the topic of the group’s conversation.

"Hi, guys," she says. "This Charlotte, she come all the way from England." She smiles excitedly.

"You can just call me Lottie."

"Well, Lottie, it is a pleasure to meet you." Veronica offer her hand. "I'm Veronica Lodge."

She accepts. "It's lovely to meet you too, Veronica."

"This is Archie Andrews." She points to the redhead still seated.

"Hi."

"Hello."

"And Kevin Keller, Toni Topaz, Cher-"

"I'm Cheryl Blossom." The girl stands.

"Since we're using full names - I'm Charlotte James." She laughs nervously.

"Oh and that's Jughead," Veronica says pointing to the pouting boy in the corner.

"Jughead?” Lottie questions unsure whether she's being tricked or not.

"Yeah, problem?"

"Not at all. It's lovely to meet you." She looks back to the bulk of the group. "All of you."

"Sit, please, we have questions." Veronica takes her seat by her boyfriend. Betty takes the spare seat next to Kevin.

"You do?" Lottie sits besides Jughead, the only open seat. She smiles to the boy, but his head remains down as his attention goes back to his laptop.

"Yes-"

"They think you're a princess," Jug spits not looking up.

Veronica rolls her eyes at the boy.

"Not a princess, sorry to disappoint. But I have met the Queen."

"Really?" Kevin perks up.

"No." Lottie giggles.

"Oh,” he says defeated.

"So you're from England?"

"I am. Manchester to be exact.  My father's name is Robert James, the notorious businessman and CEO and founder of James Industries. The company has expanded and my dad wanted to follow it over to keep an eye on it. And as I am a minor I came along too. And I think that is everything." She smiles. "Oh, wait, the company is fairly run with no criminal or under the table dealings. I am not a mob daughter," she laughs nervously.

They stare blankly at the girl. Then they all look to Veronica.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"Let's just say, my family has a shady history when it comes to business."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"Not at all. It's over now. And I'm sure Riverdale will happily welcome a wholesome family business with open arms."

"Thank you. Actually, my father's throwing a party this evening. A business thing to smoosh associates. But if you're free, it would be nice if you all could came. Keep me from being bored to death."

"We would love to!" Veronica beams. "We'll be there."

"Sounds great," Betty says.

"Perfect."

Jughead just rolls his eyes.

"I'm not going," Jughead says between chews of his burger. He sits in the cafeteria with Archie and Veronica opposite him and Betty by his side.

"And why not?" Veronica sighs.

"Come on, Jug.” Archie nudges his friend. "Could be fun."

"Fun? How is being in stuck in a room with a load of stuffy suits gonna be fun?"

"We can dress up..." Betty offers.

"More reason to stay home.”

“Do you always have to suck the fun out of everything, Jughead?” Veronica rolls her eyes. “We are all going and that is that.”

“Just think of the food,” Betty whispers. Now that’s how you persuade him to do something.

“Wow,” Betty whispers as the group steps into the oversized lounge. “This place-”

“Puts the Pembroke to shame?” Jughead finishes.

“Excuse me?” Veronica eyes widen.

“He’s got a point, V.” Archie shrugs. “This place-”

“Is incredible,” Betty says, sticking her tongue out at Jughead, finally able to finish her statement.

“Whatever, let’s find Lottie.” Veronica steps forward. “She must be here someone.”

“Amongst all the middle aged men and trophy wives,” Jughead spits.

“I’m suddenly feeling under dressed.” V smooths her black fitted dress.

“You’re feeling under dressed?” Toni tugs out short plaid skirt, pulling it further down her fish net wrapped legs.

“You look beautiful, Cha Cha.” Cheryl wraps her arm around the girl’s waist.

“And we’re still not over that nickname?”

“Never.” Cheryl winks.

“Well, you look sensational as always.” She looks the girl, dressed in a classic red dress, up and down.

“Maybe we should go?” Betty says nervously.

“We got Jug in a tie, we’re not wasting this.” Archie shakes his head.

“Hiya,” Lottie calls walking up to the others. She seems to just have appeared from nowhere. The pale pink, strapless bodice hugs her upper body and the full skirt swishes as she walks, the longer train trails behind as she crosses the room. “You guys came,” she smiles.

“Of course.”

“You look beautiful,” Betty says.

“I’ve already tripped over this three times,” she laughs. “You all look amazing.” Her eyes fall to Toni. “I love your jacket.” She tilts her head. “Is the snake symbolic?”

“She’s a Serpent,” Cheryl says proudly.

“A Serpent?”

“That’s for another day.” Veronica steps forward taking hold of Lottie’s arm. “Your apartment is gorgeous.”

“Thank you, drinks everyone?”

"Jughead?" The boy looks up to see Lottie smiling down at him. "May I?" She points to space on the couch beside him. He shrugs. "Okay." She sits. "Are you all right?"

"Fine."

She nods. "Why are you sat here on your own?"

"I'm eating."

"I can see that." She's silent for a minute. She stares forward fiddling with her fingers. "You don't like me very much do you?"

"I don't not like you."

"Well, something is wrong. You've been sitting here with a face like a smacked arse all night."

"You been watching me all night?"

"I took a few breaks, but you're pretty hard to miss."

"I didn't want to come."

"Then why did you?"

"My friends made me."

"Right. You don’t have your own mind?” He’s quiet. “Well, I'll leave you to sulk, shall I? Because I am getting the feeling I am the problem." She smiles, then stands.

"Sorry," he mumbles. "I've not had great experiences with people like you."

"People like me?"

"Rich-"

"You think I'm a rich bitch?" she laughs. "There's no need to answer that. People always assume. I'm from money so I must be a selfish, narcissistic, ignorant cow. I've been surrounded by people like that my whole life. And I don't like them either, that's why I try my very best not be that. But clearly I have failed if you think that little of me. Have a nice evening, Jughead." She shakes her head and walks away.

"I'm from the Southside of town," Jughead says standing behind Lottie's shoulder. She turns to face him, excusing herslef from the conversation in was in with two of her father’s associates. "My whole family have been dumped on by well to do people. My home, my dad's job, my life even have been stolen by wealthy business people."

"Your life?"

"I almost lost it because of a power crazed mobster."

“Maybe you can tell me about it, your life, one day and I can tell you about mine. I’m more than just money, be nice you show you that.”

"I've just had bad experiences with people who have money."

"I understand. But maybe give me a chance to prove I'm different. Despite this-" She gestures to the ostentatious surroundings of the party. "Maybe I can stop you pouting in the corner and putting a dampen on the party."

"It really did seem to be swinging until I turned up."

"Exactly, it needs all the help it can get." She looks over her shoulder, then back to Jughead. "So are you gonna give me that chance?" she asks.

"I don't think I need to," he smiles. "I've been kinda shit and you're still being nice."

"I'd still like that chance." She offers her hand. He accepts and he's pulled through a door. The music and chatter slowly grows quiet as they walk through a long hallway. "In here." She gestures him into a large room with a cream carpet and walls, a large bed positioned in the centre and mahogany side tables and dresser and a over-sized chandelier hangs from the ceiling.

"This is your room?"

"Yes, why?"

"It's bigger than my whole trailer."

"Oh. I could find a smaller room..."

"Got a closet?"

She laughs nervously.

"Joking."

"Of course. Sit, please." She points to the bed, then walks to the dresser pulling off her heels. "Thank God, my feet are killing," she smiles to the boy, who just watches her. "Truthfully I'm not a big fan of parties either.  That's why I invited you all, thought it would be a little bit less hellish if I had some friendly faces. They seem to be enjoying themselves."

"It's more their scene, than mine. But you didn't really invite me."

"I did." She walks over to him. "I invited all of you. I wanted you all to come."

"Really?"

"Yes. Why?" She sits beside him. "Why wouldn't I want you to come?"

"I'm more of an after thought, an addition to them."

"Want to know a secret?" she whispers. "I wanted you to come the most."

"You did?"

"Yeah. What can I say, the odd, loner boy absorbed in his laptop, who clearly did not like me, intrigued me." She shrugs.

"I could get offended by that."

"Is any of it untrue? Exactly." She laughs. “Although, I shouldn't assume, seeing as I told you off for doing that.” She dramatically flops flat down to the bed, her top half hanging off the edge. She fusses about, sits back up holding onto a bottle of champagne with a grin on her face..

"Most teenagers hide Vodka..."

"Drink?"

"I'm good."

"Most teenagers accept."

"I don't drink. My father's an alcoholic."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"He's sober now. He's doing well, almost six months. He's really turning it all around."

"I'm glad to hear that." She puts the bottle to the floor. "My mother was killed by a drunk driver," she says. "You don't have to say anything. It's okay. I just... you shared something difficult with me. I thought I'd do the same. I meant what I said, I’d like to know about your life. Maybe I can explain my family wasn’t always this way. My dad worked hard to get where he is, he did it on his own. And he didn't do it by tearing down or destroying others.”

“Tell me,” he says.

She nods, then takes a deep breath. “My father is the... greatest man I know. He’s so strong and brave and resilient. I was quite young when my mother died. But I could still see how much it broke him. How much he wanted to just fall apart, to give in to it all. But he didn’t. He managed to pull himself out of bed each day and keep going. Because he knew I needed him. He was strong for me. He took care of me.  He did everything to make me happy, feel safe and loved. He worked hard to repair our life, to get all of this. He kept the business going so he could give me a good life. And our life now is the result of nothing, but hard work, commitment, determination and love. Now I’m old enough, we keep each other from collapsing even when it feels like the only option, we manage to hold each other up.”

Jughead stares at her in silence. He didn’t take her eyes of her for the entirety of her speech. He doesn’t want to speak, he wants to hug her, feel her close to him. So he does. He pulls her into a hug and she accepts wrapping her arms around him tightly.

Then there's a knock at the door. “Lottie?” She pulls herself out of Jughead’s arms and hops off the bed, quickly makes her way to open the door. Her new friends greet her on the other side.

"Hello?"

“Finally,” Kevin sighs.

“We’ve already tried six rooms already.” Betty smiles.

"Room for a few more." Veronica raises her eyebrow to Jughead sat nervously on the bed.

"Of course. Bored already?"

"Only so many times you can hear old men talk about... what were they talking about again?" She turns to Archie.

“Data something...” He shrugs.

She laughs. "Come in." She gestures and the group piles in, all giving the eye to Jughead. Lottie pauses by the door. She smiles to him. He smiles back. Maybe this English Rose isn't as bad as he once thought.

A/T: Thank you for reading, hope you liked it, thought I’d expand and try writing with a different character. It means the world that you take time to read my work.

A/A/T: Also, if you’ve got any ideas for future stories or characters you want to just let me know.

Thanks again, all my love,

Oli x

*main blog: a-girl-stuck-in-a-fantasy-world