#Ethel is there because she needs to know in order to finally get over Jug. she’s trying to be happy for his sake

[diltonsstrangescience]

[cartoonfangirl1218]

Riverdale should have been a Disney show

Riverdale should have been a Disney show. There I said it. I'll admit the first season was fine Great even. Self-contained with an intriguing mystery and you waited at the edge of your seat for what will happen next. But then... Part of the problem for me is because I've read the original comics since I was a girl. I still do get some from my mom, and the way they have changed the characters just bug me.Betty used to be the girl next door, always hopeful, smart, trying to figure out the mystery. And it was perfect that she was a reporter because Betty was always someone who valued honesty so her being the roving reporter was perfect. And her taking pills for anxiety or some sort of disorder was also a nice take because she does take on so much, and tries so hard to help and be good and nice and perfect. All the stress. Archie was also great in the first season. A bit horny, but he means well, and he truly is an average American boy so his big trouble of choosing between music and football. He's a klutz and sometimes his plans go sideways but he means well, he's all for family and Riverdale and school spirit. None of this whole Red Hood/semi mafia/wrestling nonsense. I actually really liked their take on Veronica, she still a bit materialistic and thinks she can depend on her wealth to get her out of trouble but I do like their take on trying to be enterneauripal and working to act less high class society girl as she was used to. 

Jughead, I'm conflicted with. Because he's good I guess as a brooding, investigative journalist he's good. It fits the setting of the show. But I do have a soft spot for him as the sane man to Archie. Going about his business, surprisingly philosophical. And you can't forget the most important attribute to him. His love of food! I miss that. Like the one scene in season 1, I forget what exactly but basically he ordered burgers and when Cole Sprouse just protectively held the burger to him...such a nice touch. That sort of guy I can see as a DCOM. The genius ditz I guess it's called. But he's not dumb. He just prefers napping to being awake. 

Now the others...omg.I have a bone to pick when it comes to the other characters in Riverdale. Josie and the Pussycats-- they are such lively musicians who solve crimes, sometimes in space. ABsolutely wasted here. Melody barely had any lines. And they didn't have Alex or Alexandra Cabot which was such a shame. I know, I know they're in the new Katy Keene show but having them be step-siblings who used to date is wrong and weird and bad and no! Stop having the twins in these shows with vaguly incesteous feelings. It's weird!

Kevin Keller, all his storylines revolve around his bfs or lack of bfs or how much he wants a bf. The Kevin of Archie comics was so much more well-rounded. He was head of ROTC, he was class president, he ran marathons, he was Veronica's bff, he was a reporter. He had an appetite to match Jughead's. He even had a brief crush on Jughead! He was so much better than this sham. He was confident in who he was and did his best to help others feel good about themselves too because he knows not everyone is lucky to come out as LGTBQ in a supportive environment. 

Reggie. I think not giving him enough of an arc in season 1 really backfired because if he appears, it's only as Veronica's arm candy. Which is a shame because he is a good contrast to Archie. A bit richer yet a cheapskate. Thinks he's a casanova, loves being the class prankster. A modern day politician with his sweet words when all he cares about himself. Basically like 

Yet he has his hidden depths with his neglectful workaholic parents and jealousy of Archie's popularity. Cheryl. Omg Cheryl. They have ruined you here. I'm sorry, I do NOT find any of her lines iconic. It's like she swallowed urban dictionary and a gothic novel and came out all jumbled in a google translate. She may be abused but the way she still treats others like shit and gaslights her gf and makes everything about her is just...ugh!!! OMg, comics Cheryl is actually fun and iconic. She's as rich and pretty as Veronica and unafraid to use it. She wants to be a star like a modern day influencer. She's a red-haired Sharpay Evans basically. 

Also Jason, her twin whom they sadly killed off. He was also fun like a meaner, snobbier version of Reggie. But with a huge crush on Betty which I think could have been used to milk such drama. 

Polly also got hit badly. She was a good older sister. She was a reporter, and inspired Betty's enviormental-feminist activities. A sane person. Not a cult worshipping cuckoo. Toni Topaz, ah she was so good in season 2 and then they made her Cheryl's arm candy. Alas. I liked her as a friend to Jughead. In the comics, she was his equal in food contests. That's no small feat. She was cool, and joined Betty's band and... she was her own person. Remember when Toni used to be a photographer for the South Side paper. Yeah. Basically Toni as a 3d character with personality. Please return. 

Dilton. Oh Dilton. Once the smartest person in the Archie universe and they turned you into a survival freak to get killed by the gargoyle king. Or whomever. I just remember he got killed somehow. Honestly, they should have stuck to smart Dilton. They need a smart scientist there, cuz no one is using their brains in Riverdale. 

Chuck. They have done you SUCH A DISSERVICE! So so bad. Chuck was a good person! He was a cartoonist, and a basketball player and Archie's friend. (Yeah, that's right Archie has friends in the comics. Even though Riverdale makes some effort to show Archie and Jug's bond, they're mainly consorting with their gfs. In the comics, they had guy nights. Reggie, Chuck, Kevin, Dilton, Moose. Come on show. Friendships are just as important.) And what did they do, make him a lying scumbag, turn him good and then have him arrested because of what Cheryl did! No, no no. Bad writers. Just no. Ethel Muggs. You have also been wronged in season 3. Making her a crazy freak. Ethel in season 1 was nice. Ethel in the comics is nice. Plain but with a good heart even though she had a slightly obsessive crush on Jughead. Here, making her cult worshipper.... smdh.  Okay at this point I know I sound like a bitter, bitter person complaining how it'S nOt liKE tHe cOmICs. But hey, I admit season 1 was good even if they changed the characters a bit. It’s just that I watched Riverdale because of the property it derived from. Because of the comics. At the least I expected some faithfulness to the characters. Not make them all so inconsistent and crazy. 

It's just the writing is so inconsistent! The plots hop around and so do their moods. Bughead and Choni broke up for one episode and then they got right back together. Even though they had VALID reasons to break up. Nope. That made fans mad. So they had to get back together. Ugh. And Archie got attacked by a bear and was so traumatized that he broke up with Veronica because "he's changed" for like two episodes before forgetting about it and going back to Veronica. Oh which brings me to the ridiculous "love triangle" of Archie/Reggie/Veronica where she couldn't choose. Please, Archie and Veronica were reuniting and planning to go run away for a weekend together. Reggie was completely forgotten until he walked in on them. And Veronica couldn't decide because she loves them both? No, she didn't. She may have felt bad to tell Reggie but it's not because she loved him. Forgetting a guy so quickly...yeah great proof of love. Horniness maybe. But her indecisiveness makes her look bad. Don’t tease a will they, won’t they when the answer is so obvious.  If you're going to do something like that, you should have there be something called CONSEQUENCES! They can get back together but at least wait. Wait 8 episodes at least so they can have character development. But who am I kidding. Character development is not the goal of this show. The character's just move because the writer's want them too not because it fits their personalities. Such as Archie's grieved reaction for baby Teeth in season 3. 

Not only do I have no idea when (the ridiculously named) Baby Teeth appeared, much less why Archie or I should care about his death. But sometimes the show juggles too much. Too many characters. Too many plots. It's all so ugh!!! So my final thought on this is... Riverdale should have been a disney channel sitcom. Archie comics are about family friendly entertainment and sometimes imparted lessons... well so does Disney. I get the appeal of having Riverdale reach a new teen generation, but from what I can see the only big thing Riverdale on CW is that it allows alcohol and gartituous sex scenes. 

Which is another small gripe of mine. I can handle sex scenes (hello Magic Mike XXL) but so many at such inappropriate moments too It's like that scene in an action movie where they suddenly kiss when they should be running for their lives. No teen is that horny all the time. Plus there's always less is more. If one kisses so much it loses the meaning. If you think your shirtless Archie is going to distract me from lack of plot haha. No. Plot and consistency still sucks and shirtless Archie does not make it better.

But Riverdale as a Disney show can work. After all the comic stories are a bit formulaic. It's all high school hijinks. And all the characters fit an archetype. Archie, the protagonist. Veronica, the fashionista. Betty, the reporter. Jughead, the slacker. Reggie, the class clown/bad friend. Cheryl, the Sharpay, Kevin, the sane one. And if people want a season long story arc with dramatics, Disney can actually handle it too. After all they had the mysterious "threat' lurking in the background of My babysitter's a vampire season 2. Or the Juliet and Mason saga of Wizards of Waverly Place. And if people want adult situations, look on to Jessie. Rewatching an episode now, there were so many adult jokes and references that flew over my head so they could sneak those in. Heck, Disney channel is infamous for all the innuendos they manage. And they handle consistency. Cody and Bailey broke up in Suite life on deck, they actually stayed broken up for a good half season. Gabe matured from a prankster tween to teen in love in Good Luck Charlie. Actions have consequences, characters grow. Storytelling 101

And the best part is they don't even have to think too hard for the plots of the week. They literally can build on stories from the comics. All 80 years of it. And I have put some examples right here from my own Archie comics. Like Veronica literally being the fashion police. 

Veronica and Cheryl teaming up + rolling around in their money. 

Cheryl changing the Cherry Blossom Festival to the Cheryl Blossom Festival 

Archie doing his classic Valentine's Day mix up

Veronica and Betty buy Cheryl’s maid service when her father forces her to get a job. 

Jughead and Trula (Jughead's nemesis & psychoanalyst in training) get amnesia and become friends. 

A boy dares to change Veronica

Jughead falls in love with the lunch-lady 

Betty and Veronica pretending to be distressed damsels to get Archie's attention (it backfires) 

Toni and Jughead foil each other in a food eating contest. 

Betty's cast causes more pain to other students

Reggie dates Cheryl (for real) 

Reggie helps Kevin dress for the dance and his mystery date 

Riverdale Shore. 

Cabot vs Lodge

I think all this pretty much illustrates my point. Archie comics equals Disney sitcom all by itself. 

[notyourbae365]

The One Where They Both Say Yes

                                               ~A Bughead Fanfic~

Description: A sweet, fluffy Bughead fic inspired by the double Malec proposal! It’s always great when two things that I love can come together :)! Contains fluff, hijinks,  general cuteness, and the only warning is that your mouth might hurt from smiling (I know mine did while I wrote this)! I hope everyone enjoys! (Oh, and of course the title was inspired by the most amazing show, Friends.) 

                                                               ~

Betty Cooper and Jughead Jones were the perfect couple. It seemed that no matter who broke up, hooked up, or got knocked up in their crazy town, they remained steady. They had been through so much together in the 5 years that they had been dating, so it only seemed natural that it was time for them to take the next step in their relationship.

At least, Jughead hoped that was how they both felt. The dark-haired boy was currently pacing the floor in the dorm room that he shared with Archie, nervous beyond belief. He was planning on proposing to Betty tonight, and his normally collected composure was cracking rapidly. What if she thought it was too soon? What if she didn't want to get married right after they graduated from college? Maybe she would want to explore more, even see other guys? At that thought, Jughead knew he had to stop overanalyzing what her response might be, otherwise he was going to lose his damn mind. 

Luckily for Jughead’s nerves, Archie opened the door just then, back from his exams. 

“Man, have you got perfect timing. I need to ask you something.”

“Go ahead, bro, shoot.” Archie responded, sitting on Jug’s twin bed. 

“Okay, so I’m going to propose to Betty tonight,” Archie looked shocked, but he quickly regained his composure, “and I wanted to know what you think she’s going to say.” Jughead asked, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. 

“Jug, that’s great! I always knew you guys were going to get married someday, I just didn’t know it was going to be so soon! However, I think she’s going to be over the moon. You shouldn’t doubt her, buddy. I think everything is going to perfect.” Archie said, patting his friend on the shoulder.

“Really? That makes me feel so much better, thanks man. She’s been dropping hints left and right, so I think she’s gonna say yes. Hey, do you want to see the ring?” Archie grinned and nodded, so Jughead took it out of his pocket.

While the two boys were admiring the ring, they had no idea that a similar conversation was taking place in the girls’ dorm room. 

                                                             ~

Betty Cooper had been in love with Jughead Jones forever, it seemed. She knew his fears and his flaws, and loved them because they were a part of him. However, if there was one major thing her boyfriend was bad at, it was taking a hint. She had taken to reading bridal magazines when she knew he was around, talking to him about beautiful rings that she had seen in the jeweler’s window, and how she had caught the bouquet at Cheryl and Toni’s wedding. He never seemed to get it however, and she was beyond frustrated with waiting for him.

Today, that frustration was increased exponentially by a wedding invitation arriving in the mail. It would seem that Ethel Muggs was getting married. Betty hadn’t spoken to her since high school, but she was happy for her. At least somebody’s boyfriend could take a hint. 

Veronica got home just then, fresh from taking her final exam. Betty got up to greet her with a hug.

“V! How was the test?” Betty asked, beaming with pride for her best friend. Veronica feigned sadness.

“Oh, well it was.....amazing! I absolutely crushed it!” Veronica’s fake sadness had given way to a huge smile, and her and Betty jumped in excitement. 

“That’s fantastic, V! I’m so happy for you. We have to celebrate tonight. I think Archie’s finals were today too, so he can tell us how those went.”

“That sounds great. I’ll call the guys right now, and ask them where they want to go.” 

While Veronica was talking to Archie on the phone, Betty got lost in her thoughts again. A night like tonight would be the perfect time for Jughead to propose. If only, she thought. Suddenly, an idea hit her like lightning. Why wait for him to propose, when she could ask him to marry her! It was absolutely perfect, he would never see it coming! 

“Hey, earth to Betty!” Betty was jerked from her thoughts by Veronica waving her hand in front of her face. “What were you thinking about? You’re smiling like a maniac! Frankly, you’re scaring me a little.”

“I’m going to propose to Jughead tonight.” Veronica reeled back on her heels, clearly startled. 

“You’re doing what?! Where did this come from? I mean, I think it’s great, I just had no clue you even wanted to get married right now.” 

“I’ve been wanting him to propose for a while now, but he has no idea. So why not ask him instead?” Betty grinned, clearly excited.

“You’re absolutely right. Take the bull by the horns, B. I’ll help with whatever you need.” Veronica hugged her best friend, excited at the prospect of Betty’s impending engagement. 

“Thank you, V. That means a lot. Okay!”, Betty clapped her hands together excitedly, “there’s so much to do! We have to write my speech, get a ring, figure out when to pop the question.....” Betty continued naming things, blissfully unaware that her “clueless” boyfriend was doing the exact same thing. 

                                                              ~

“Okay, Arch. I think I’ve finally got the plan all figured out. We’re all going to be at the restaurant tonight, so I’m going to do it then. I’m going to tape the ring to the inside of the cover of this vintage Nancy Drew book that I got from an antique store. I’ll pretend that’s a gift I want to give her, she’ll unwrap it, open it up, find the ring and bam, one knee and speech.” Jughead finished, looking at Archie for his response.

“That’s an amazing proposal, Jug. She’s going to go batshit crazy over it.”

“I hope so. I worked really hard on this. This is going to be a night we’ll never forget.”

“Absolutely, man.” Archie checked his watch. “We better get going or we’re going to be late for our reservation. I don’t know why Betty and Veronica insisted on going to this fancy-ass restaurant. Any place that requires a suit jacket is too stuffy for me.” 

“Hey, don’t complain. This “fancy-ass restaurant” they chose is much better suited for my proposal than Poppa’s Pizzeria anyway.”

“Yeah, I know, but I guarantee the food isn’t any better. Poppa’s pizza beats crab legs and caviar any day.” Archie said, with a disgusted look. Jughead laughed, and put his arm around his best friend.

“Come on, man. We gotta go.”

                                                               ~

Betty and Veronica got to the restaurant first so that they could make sure everything was set up, Betty a bundle of nerves. 

“Let’s run through everything one more time. We eat our meal, and then I tell the waiter to bring dessert. He’ll know that means it’s time to bring to bring out a strawberry milkshake, which will have a tag that says “pull me” on the outside attached to string that is tied to the baggie that has the ring in it. Then he pulls the string, finds it, is shocked, cue me on one knee and speech.” Betty said, reciting her plan from memory. 

“It’s perfect, Betty. He’ll be so surprised! You couldn’t screw this up if you tried. Everything will be just right, I promise.” Veronica smiled assuredly at her best friend, not knowing the plan her boyfriend and Jughead had already come up with. 

It was certainly going to be a night of surprise for everyone. 

                                                          ~

Archie and Jughead arrived shortly after the girls’ conversation, and the couples greeted one another with “hello’s” and kisses. All four of them couldn’t seem to stop smiling, but both Betty and Jughead were too anxious to notice that the other seemed as nervous as they were. 

The group sat down at the table, and casual conversation was made in an attempt at normalcy by both sides.

“So Arch, how were your exams?” Betty asked, holding Jughead’s hand on the table.

“They went pretty well, I think.” Archie looked over at Veronica sitting next to him. “Hey babe, your exams were today. How did you do?”

“Great! I feel very confident.” Archie kissed her on the cheek.

“That’s amazing! I’m so happy for you!”

“I’m glad me and Bets took ours already”, Jughead said. “I wouldn’t want to have to worry about that tonight too.” He laughed, and then his eyes widened when he realized what he had said. Archie’s did too, and he quickly swooped in to save Jughead’s secret.

“Yeah, I’m nervous about graduation too. Me and Jug were talking about it on the way over here, about how awful it would be if you like tripped on your gown or something.” The group laughed, and Jughead’s comment flew under the radar of both girls. 

The men breathed a sigh of relief, and the conversation continued on. They talked about after-graduation plans, funny stories from college, and Ethel’s upcoming wedding, which the boys had also received an invitation too. Archie and Veronica did most of the talking, with Betty and Jughead insanely nervous about their proposals. Neither Archie or Veronica realized that they were both covering their best friend’s ass for the same reason.

Their meal came and was eaten, and then it was time for Betty to order the dessert. She did so with ease, not messing up at all. It seemed that everything was going perfect, and Jughead didn’t suspect a thing. That is, until....

“Bets, I have something for you. It’s a graduation present.” He handed her the wrapped book with the ring inside, barely able to contain himself. 

“Oh my gosh, thank you Jug! I actually have something for you too, but I wanted to give it to you during dessert. Can we open our things together then?” Betty asked, hoping she wasn’t being too obvious. Jughead was a bit taken aback, disappointed he would have to wait for a bit to propose, but he agreed. Veronica shot Betty a covert thumbs up for her smooth move.

Soon, Jughead’s milkshake arrived along with ice cream sundaes for the rest of the group. He started to protest and say that he hadn’t ordered a milkshake, but Betty shushed him. 

“It’s alright Jug, I ordered it. I thought it would be nice to have something sentimental tonight. Plus, your gift is inside!” Betty said, smiling excitedly. 

“Aah, clever. But you’re opening yours first, I’m too excited to see you open it.” He said, anticipating her reaction to the ring.

“Okay, fine. But only because I love you.” She pecked him on the cheek, and then pulled the string on the package. The wrapping opened, and she saw what was inside.

“Oh my gosh, is this a vintage Nancy Drew book?” Betty squealed, amazed at how thoughtful her boyfriend was. “This is amazing, Jug! Thank you!” She hugged him tightly.

“You’re welcome, but that’s not all. Look inside the cover.” Betty looked puzzled, but did what she was told. When the book fell open, she saw the ring taped to the cover, but her mind struggled to compute what she was seeing.

“Oh. my. God. OhmyGodohmyGod. Is- Is this? Are you seriously?” Betty was in shock, sitting still as a stone. Across the table, Archie was grinning, and Veronica was just as shell-shocked as Betty. 

Jughead dropped to one knee, and Betty became coherent enough to interject. 

“Hold on, just one second. I-I can’t believe this! I know this is going to sound really weird, but do you see that tag on your milkshake?” Betty said, her hand shaking as she pointed. Jughead was extremely confused.

“Are you really interrupting my proposal to you to talk about a milkshake?”  He said in disbelief. 

“Pull on it.” Betty said, still reeling. 

“Seriously?” Jug couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“Pull the damn string, Jones!” 

“Alright!” Jughead got off of his knee and sat in his chair in front of the milkshake. This proposal was not at all going as planned. He pulled on the string, and a baggie containing- was that a fucking ring? Now it was his and Archie’s turn to be completely dumbfounded. 

“Wait a second, you were-” Jughead was cut off by Betty getting down on her knee. 

“I am so shocked right now, and I know you are too, but honestly I think this is the most perfect proposal that we could have. We’ve always done everything together, why not this too? I love you so much, Jughead Jones, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and create so many more amazing and crazy moments just like this one. What do you say, will you marry me?” Betty was visibly crying by the end of her speech, and Jughead was definitely tearing up too. 

Jughead got on his knees with her, and gathered her hands in his. 

“Only if you’ll marry me, Elizabeth Cooper.” She laughed, and nodded her head enthusiastically, tears still sparkling in her eyes. 

They stood to their feet and got the rings out, placing them on each other’s hands. Archie and Veronica were beaming behind them, and they weren't the only ones. The restaurant had started paying attention, and when Betty and Jughead sealed their engagement with a searing kiss, the patrons erupted into applause. 

Betty and Jughead separated, with Betty blushing as she realized that they had just passionately kissed in front of over 100 people. The couple sat down, and Jughead, noticing his new fiancée's blush, said softly in her ear,

“Get used to it, babe. You’re going to have to do it all over again on our wedding day.” Betty laughed, the blush receding from her cheeks. They looked at each other and both thought at the same time,

I love you so much.

[floggingink]

Riverdale, “Chapter Fifteen: Nighthawks”

“DEATH DINER”??????

“Damn good coffee”: you know what I’ve never stopped and considered? how lovely the interior of Pop’s is. the ceiling tiles are styled with gentle Titanic fresco flower wreaths. those hanging lamps? Restaurant: Impossible wishes. the classic black-and-white floor, the framed art on the walls? he has neon letters saying “DINER” inside the diner. just to be fancy, be pretty! there’s a table by the far wall that appears to be stacked only with translucent glass flower vases, or bongs! Pop’s is a classy joint, and Pop is there 24 hours a day, dressed impeccably, like the ancient Greek god of caffeine, whipped cream topping

also he named it and insists on calling it not a diner but a “Chock’lit Shoppe,” because he is an angel

please contrast with Archie Andrews, who cannot use the toaster

Archie > Dawson: I like that he leaves Fred to pretty much clean up the mess, his well-meaning unhelpful morning thus encapsulating much of his Archibaldness

Sheriff Keller, actively avoiding Archie’s earnestness, left the job of calling Archie back to his deputy. what was the message I assume Archie hung up before he could hear? that they KNOW NOTHING?

“side exit”? what side exit?

Fifth period is AP English: “To quote that New Yorker cartoon…” Veronica and Jughead, Veronica and Jughead. Veronica also has an A in English. she reads Oscar Wilde, you know? she and Jughead get partnered together to do a report on Truman Capote, their teacher cannily scheduling them to present on the last day as the final flourish, two of her best students. except then Jughead got transferred. she got drunk that weekend

that cartoon is also from like 1993 so it must be one of those vintage bon mots Veronica drops

Hiram, buff!

Veronica is very snotty with him. it’s her prerogative, but dangerous, no?

Betty’s top knot, Veronica’s blue velvet coat

“Wait, I’m sorry, am I hearing acceptance?” Betty is a NATURAL EXECUTIVE CHEERLEADER

wait, has Jughead not been transferred yet? isn’t this a table outside Riverdale High? how is Jughead there?

Archie’s hand-made wanted poster is preposterously ineffectual and a thousand times more adorable and tragic for being so. Archie wants to help and get things happening SO MUCH that, even though all he knows about are the green eyes, he drew a picture of just a white dude in a cut-out ski mask. he went to Staples to make copies! he’s begging someone to tell him something

also how depressing a walk was it for Archie and Jughead to go to the sheriff’s office together

honestly WHAT PERSONAL INFORMATION did Fred have in his wallet besides the address on his driver’s license? which may have been revoked from his mystery DUI for all we know

“a 53 in Greendale” means a garrotting

FP...looks rough

his charges: arson, destruction of evidence, making a false confession, obstruction of justice, and something that amounts to failure to properly dispose of a human body. to be sure, FP did some crimes, so he could do some times. I hear you. however 20 years, from my years of expertise gleaned from watching Law & Order, seems more appropriate for having, say, throttled a grandma

Jughead, presumably using a key, the first almost-casualty of Archie KEEPING HIMSELF AWAKE for like the seventh night in a row

Sixth period is Intro to Film: “You’re the one who looks like a dream warrior from Nightmare on Elm Street 3.” niche, Jug

if his case goes to trial—for what?? he did all that shit! is he going to plead not guilty for something? make your case at sentencing, dude!

I’m writing a scene where it’s gay.: Jughead needs a hug, Archie. get over there. get over there with your big shoulders

Betty’s gray sweater with the lace Peter Pan collar and her pink almost-pencil skirt is unacceptably good

Veronica also has a vanity mirror table, but just with three white honkin’ mirrors set in a semicircle

the female gaze: Archie feels comfortable opening the door without a shirt on? of course he does. what if it had been the killer? then the killer would have truly known what he was up against

Summer + Blair = Veronica: can you believe it’s the second episode of the second season and until now no in-universe character has suggested plonking Archie down in front of A COUNSELOR OF SOME SORT

Mayor McCoy’s bodycon dresses are always slinky yet pragmatic and she always looks great

she JUST SLIGHTLY flicks her eyes down Jughead, whom she’s heartily sick of

Jughead starts to stammer, his physiological reaction when pitching ideas to beautiful women in power

why is the mayor “all for” closing Pop’s? to put it all behind Riverdale as quickly as possible?

Jughead doubts it: is Jughead being a little hard on his dad’s public defender? they’re shockingly overworked and underpaid

“YOU REMEMBER THIS MOMENT”

Betty’s face: hooooooo, what? oh god

Gay.: Midge Klump’s immaculate leather jacket is from H&M and is gay. her incredible mussy, shaggy lesbian haircut is gay, her watercolor blouse is soft femme, and the way she tosses herself against the locker is just very gay

“the Klumpster”

anything, any scenario, and I mean ANYTHING that means I can both look at Reggie AND hear about jingle-jangle has my full-throttled unambiguous endorsement. Reggie sells jingle-jangle? OF COURSE HE DOES!!!!! remember in the pilot when he asked Archie what kind of performance-enhancing drugs he was taking? WE WERE ROBBED OF AN ENTIRE SEASON OF REGGIE POTENTIALLY SELLING JINGLE-JANGLE

“What’s on your mind, Andrews? Girl trouble? Scabies? Why’re you seeking guidance from Ms. Burble?”

“You look like my nuts after football practice.” PLEASE go after Jughead again!!!!!!!

jingle-jangle is apparently like a miraculous All-Purpose Lysol drug that keeps you awake, keeps you focused, and gives you a hard-on

Reggie slaps Archie’s ass when he walks away, because of course he does

Betty would be the one to say something like “We can’t let the terrorists win” when talking about something like a diner closing

Veronica was rich: Serendipity 3 is on East 60th Street and is the home of the Golden Opulence Sundae, which you must order two days in advance. it is covered in Amedei Porcelana syrup, dessert caviar, and edible gold leaf, and costs $1,000. this is why Marie Antoinette was beheaded and I want one

little Betty did ballet and ice skating

ah, retro Betty, settled on the wrong boy

Betty met Kevin for the first time at Pop’s!

GOOD JUGHEAD KISSING GOOD HAIR JUGHEAD GOOD

Hiram brought Veronica yellow roses, for friendship

Betty and Kevin seeing the Hiram Lodge of myth for the first time, Kevin privately surprised at how much of a snack he is

I’ve forgotten why Hiram was in prison. what is Veronica’s ur-beef with him again? that he bought the drive-in land? oh and Ethel’s dad almost killed himself I guess

Serpent Daddy’s real gang name is Tall Boy, so I will continue to call him Serpent Daddy

he is tolerantly amused at Jughead’s suggestion that they just break FP out of jail

a “snake handler” is someone who is independently invested in the wellbeing of the Serpents and fixes their problems. is Betty a snake handler? discuss

Cheryl and Josie have a metallic choker apiece

Cheryl calls Betty and Veronica “Humpty and Dumpty,” because she has released her past

“But, really, Veronica, were they ever yours?” Cheryl did sort of sign them over under emotional duress, would be a questionable transfer in court, say

“The answer is a double-cherry-on-top no.”

What damn high school in America: a long-faced, kinda fly-looking jock to Archie’s immediate right stares at him during the zoom-in after Weatherbee’s announcement about Ms. Grundy, because his whole class knows they were FUCKING

there needs to be a game of Secrets and Sin toward the end of each season, just so the regular kids at Riverdale can get fully briefed on this one handful of kids’ operatic problems

Mr. Andrews felt no emotion at hearing that Ms. Grundy was killed, he is humoring his son

Penny Peabody is GREAT. I love her voice, her bangs, her filing system, her diminutive Serpent tattoo, and her 80’s bad bitch shoulder pads

time served, that’s what I’m talking about!!!

she also kind of looks like she wants to take a bite out of Jughead

Alice is still very COOL towards Archie. why doesn’t she like Archie? because she delights in not liking anyone. it’s okay

“Fine. I’ll reach out to my ghoulish friend.”

also part of Betty’s pink & gray outfit is a pair of sky-blue Chucks

Alice had to say “You’ll love this,” otherwise Veronica’s rage at hearing “anonymous buyer” would have not been self-aware enough for this show

there’s that gold octopus I liked

Veronica just kept that letter in her purse in case she got worked up!!!

oof I like her sort of 40’s naval-inspired skirt

HERMIONE IS STONE-COLD

Cheryl gets one of the most fantastic lines outside of Clue: “Hobo. Bride of hobo. Welcome to Thistlehouse. Mother’s in the conservatory.”

that blouse? that blouse, Cheryl? yes, Cheryl

the conservatory is apparently the greenhouse from Practical Magic, the greatest cinematic house of all time

Best costume bit: PENELOPE IN A TURBAN

and like a white lace nightie and kimono? yes, Penelope

I’m sitting here trying to see what they’re doing at the table and it looks like Penelope is just stirring tea like a Disney witch, surrounded by long-stemmed candles (lit), stoppered vials, some sort of decorative toucan, and tiny cauldrons full of herbs

Cheryl does have a point in that she like, was living with a killer

of course Penelope wants to watch FP get electrocuted, because she is a Stephen King villain

“If they weren’t literally an orphan and a widow, I would do it.” luckily Jughead you have the best girlfriend ever

MISSED YOU, OVER-ENTHUSIASTIC CORONER

Archie unknowingly paying Reggie back for the black eye? he should’ve just covered with that

okay but Reggie knows what he’s doing so all this indignity on his part is a bit misguided

I like that the only person so far truly feeling in their gut that these two crimes are connected is the town doofus, and he is right

“ChugMo”???

Pop should NOT be walking around saying “I thought I’d be doing this until the day I die”

I FUCKING LOVE Betty’s not even “positive attitude” or “determination,” it’s like a physiological inability to accept defeat. I think the last time she accepted defeat was when Cheryl told her she wasn’t making the cheerleading squad

Cheryl in a Gil Elvgren lingerie set checking herself out in a compact mirror is...powerful

her locker emanates a red light, like the Moulin Rouge?

she has a photograph, I think, of herself

I’ve seen Brick like thirty times: Betty first closes the door very loudly on purpose

Cheryl’s expression at Betty’s threat is everyone’s expression

my knee-jerk superego wanted to be like, Is this kind of harsh, Betty? but like...this is Betty. or this is Riverdale Betty. she’s chaotic good and this is what she needs to achieve her goals. that she does it in a pink cardigan says really everything you need to know. like Archie fucking up trying to make toast for his dad

she’s also kind of tall and has her mother’s left eyebrow, which is cute

Gay?!: Cheryl regroups with commendable speed, respecting who won this round, definite admiration for the game

HOW INTERESTING IS JUGHEAD AND VERONICA

this must be after Betty told Jughead that Cheryl was going to testify, so Jughead was like, THANK GOD, WHO IS BETTY, and felt so much love that he had to go make someone else feel better, because Jughead is a sweetheart

Jughead eats: he takes one of the individually boxed cupcakes presumably left for Veronica by Hiram

“He made an effort.” did he, Jug? he wanted to get on your good side to get your read on a murder. because he knew what you needed to see. oh, Jug. oh, Jughead

“I’m not going to presume what lies in your father’s heart.” JUUUUUGGGGGGGG

Jughead still says his dad is going away for 20 years so maybe this is before Betty talked to him and he’s just being nice!!!!!!!! or he’s not getting his hopes up. let me have this

“Thank you, Jughead. Sorry I broke into your dad’s trailer.”

I REALLY didn’t think Ms. Grundy’s ex was real. but she did have a gun! I don’t know, Christ, I don’t know anymore

Cheryl’s a psychopath: I like the implied scene where Cheryl went home and was like, Mother, I’m testifying for FP Jones, and Penelope was like, You’re doing what? and Cheryl was like, SILENTLY AND WITH MY BLESSING MOTHER

FP sitting there with his mouth opening is everyone

his court-appointed attorney doesn’t understand how this is happening but he’ll take it

“FP’s guilt has been blown out of proportion to satiate what my father’s suicide denied us.”

Cheryl’s sheaths: wait, it’s THIS dress! this dress, Cheryl!!!!!

Cheryl’s pins: Jughead gave her her spider pin back???? to say thank you!!!!

okay what is like the DA’s story here, that FP OUT OF NOWHERE, or for money no one can prove he ever received, did a shit load of dirty work for Clifford Blossom? there were NO extenuating circumstances? like, that’s okay with you?

okay, oh Jesus, Betty raises The Eyebrow at Cheryl on the stand, which I don’t even think was part of the deal!, but Cheryl IMMEDIATELY perjures herself, even though it’s not actually a lie because it’s what actually happened but she doesn’t know that, to get the result Betty wants

Betty is in a textured pink sweater now (with a Peter Pan collar) and Jughead is back in that heavy green knit from the third episode holy moly!!!!!!!

“Is that extenuating enough? Say when.”

Cheryl’s cut-out blousey dress is like Velma Kelly murderess chic, murder me Cheryl

Jughead pulled his hat off, he was so flipping relieved

honestly when he hugged his dad it was so pure, sad, and good, it was so good

Jughead’s fucking long fucking arms can never just hug someone, they like wrap around you and reposition again and again to find the perfect sweet spot

the incredible costume change into the retro waiter stuff

“You’re a fiend, mother.”

does Veronica give them the wrong milkshakes or did they decide to swap? Questions

Cheryl is back in her red velvet leg warmer and red sling-backs

Fwoopy hair is the best hair: JOSIE’S BRAID?

Betty took a page out of Toby Zeigler’s book and just announced that the Pussycats had already accepted the gig

the 2001 Josie and the Pussycats movie was a masterpiece: Valerie has “a norovirus,” so Cheryl gets to sing (like Josie is a Vixen now) “Milkshake” on top of the roof, which Pop’s is probably not insured for

MELODY GETS A LINE

Archie VERY BRAVELY showed up to Pop’s again out of support for Betty and Veronica

Hermione’s shimmery blouse

Hiram is just so handsome. SO handsome, soap opera handsome

Serpent Daddy and another long-haired hooligan and a third fairly chiseled young man enter to show that the Serpents support their local businesses

Every triangle has three corners, every triangle has three sides: what’s up with the finger on Betty’s chin!!!! is he slowing her down??? is it a bossy thing??? what’s up!!! what’s up Jug!!!!!

they disgust Cheryl

“Honor your promise to me.”

Alice is thrilled Pop’s is such a thriving hive of degeneracy

Certified pedigree: “Yeah, no, I fucking bought it.”

OF COURSE HERMIONE WAS COVERING FOR THAT SHIT

Please protect Betty: I like how everyone is like, Betty, you did it. you did all this. this is what did you, thank you. thank you for being the one who did this

the Blossom corpse: “I have a present for you.” they watch the snuff film

Cheryl’s hair: Cheryl’s top knot!

Andre is tasty but we all know Smithers is dead

Jughead went home early to make some sandwiches, which is #lifegoals, but FP really should know better by now how NOT to get Jughead to do something. it’s not by being cryptic. you have to say right-out, “She’s done X, son. She will steal your skin. She stole that woman’s skin.”

Mädchen Amick, MÄDCHEN AMICK: “You do know several drug deals went down here tonight.”

Alice is so vicious with Betty, Alice is gold

Dilton Doiley is a canonically great dancer: PSYCHO DILTON IS BACK BABY!

Archie with a gun is single-handedly the most dangerous idea anyone has ever had. I’m already in mourning for the innocent person he’s going to shoot

apparently one ingests jingle-jangle through a Pixy Stix

I hope the staging of this scene is a callback to the incomparable opening of Zodiac

These students are legally children: OKAY WHY WERE THESE CHILDREN BLOWN AWAY THOUGH

God bless Moose: RIP you bicurious boy!!!!!!!

I officially have zero theories as to what is going on, I am back to being Archie

NEXT WEEK: “THE BLOODLETTING”??????????

[trecotrash]

The Lost Weekend

A/N: I seriously can’t wait for season 2 now! Alternate Title: Happy Birthday Juggy!

Pairing: Trevor Collins x Reader x Cole Gallian

Warnings: SPOILERS! (So please watch the show first, unless you’re like my sister who doesn’t care for spoilers), and cursing.

Description: What better way to spend Jughead’s birthday then a party?

“Happy birthday Juggy,” I say as I take a seat next to him. He groans. “Okay, we’ve been over this for years now, even while I was in Chicago. You know that this isn’t going to change.”

“Always one with the traditions (Y/L/N).” He gives me a side hug. “Still up for that burger and shake later?”

“Of course! What else would we have?” He chuckles as we eat our food. “Anyways, where’s the rest of the crew?” He shrugs. 

We continue our conversation when Cole walks up to us. “Hey Jughead, you mind if I take a seat?” I look over at Jughead to search for any emotion on his face. 

“Not at all,” he says. Cole sits across from us. “So what brings you here instead of with the jocks?”

“Well, I wanted to see if (Y/N) was up for doing anything tonight,” he answers. 

“I’d love to,” I start, “but Jughead and I already have plans. Maybe some other day.” He nods and returns to the football team. 

“Wow, you chose me over some hot jock.”

“Jughead, you always come before some stupid boy,” I laugh. He chuckles. “So am I picking you up or vice versa?”

“How about we go right after school?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

The rest of the school day drawn on. It was hard enough not to look at the clock every few seconds in hopes that it would move faster. Soon enough, the bell finally rings, signaling the end of the school day. I rush to grab my things and meet Jughead in front of the school. “Ready for our annual burger and shake?”

“Oh god, I hate how peppy you are about this.” I smile and hook my arm around his as we make our way to Pops. As soon as we get in, we take our favorite booth in the back and order our food. 

“So, how’s your book going?” he asks. 

“It’s going,” I tell him. “I guess I sorta lost a bit of motivation after a while, but coming back here and talking to you made me go back to writing.”

“That’s good to know,” he smiles. 

“Hey, your happiness is showing,” I tease. We continue talking like normal as we finally get our food. After about an hour, he gets up.

“Well, I gotta go. I actually will get some writing done now.” I nod and get up to hug him. “How much am I paying?”

“Nothing, it’s on me.”

“Like it always is.” I rock back and forth and smile. “Anyways, you joining Archie and I for the double feature?”

“Every year you ask that, and every year I tell you no because it’s a you and Archie thing,” I reply.

He puts his hands up in defense. “Hey, I thought you would have thrown me in for a loop and done something differently.” I roll my eyes and smile. “Anyways, I’ll see you back home.” I wave and sit down. I take out my wallet and put some cash on the table as a tip.

“Leaving so soon?” I look up to see Trevor standing there. “Didn’t know you were such good friends with him.”

“Of course I’m good friends with Jughead. He’s like an older brother to me,” I say.

“I was talking about the football player who has his eyes on you,” he says taking a seat.

“You mean Cole?” Trevor nods. “I mean, he was sorta here for me when shit with Archie went down.” He nods again. “You know, for someone who had a lot to say earlier, you’re pretty quiet.”

“I just thought it was interesting. First, you hung out with me, and then you have a jock wrapped around your finger,” he states. “I’m just trying to figure out who you are. You’re one mystery that keeps me...intrigued.”

I stand up. “Nice to know I’m keeping you entertained,” I smile. I stand up. “Well, I have to go pay for this. You can either sit here on your own or join me for my walk home.” As I make my way to the register, I hear him stumble as he gets up. After I pay for everything, I sling my bag over my shoulder and Trevor follows behind me. “So, how did I become your subject of interest?”

“It started when you decided to befriend me the day we met,” he answers. “Now, why do you keep talking to me? You seem to be all buddy buddy with the football team.”

“Well, I like to think that it’s because you have the same interests as me,” I reply. “I mean after all, you’re one of the only people I’ve seen in the library.”

“Ahh yes, my safe haven.” I giggle as we start talking about our favorite books.

“Well, as much as I love to keep walking and chatting with you about all of our favorite authors, this is my stop,” I tell him. His smile falters for a bit. “I’ll see you at school.”

“Until then.” He gives me a hug before I walk to my door.

The next day I find myself at the Andrews resident. “This really wasn’t a good idea,” I remind Archie.

“Well, Betty has her mind set on this,” he tells me. “Plus, I really think this is something we all need.”

“Something we all need, or something you need?” I retort. He rolls his eyes. “Archie, how much did you drink?” Instead of answering, Ethel interrupts.  

“Guys, it’s really them this time,” she says. We all hide. They walk in and we all yell, “Surprise!”

I notice Jughead’s expression and sigh knowing that this isn’t what he wants. “Happy Birthday Jug.” I give him a hug and whisper, “If I had known, I would have stopped this.”

“I know,” he whispers. The lights soon turn off and Betty comes out with a cake. She starts singing happy birthday, and I immediately know what’s to come.

As Jughead blows his candles out, Veronica and Archie leave the room. Betty and Jughead move over to have their own hushed conversation, and I get a text from Trevor. 

From: Trevor Hey, didn’t know you were having a party with the football team.

To: Trevor What are you talking about?

As if on cue, there’s a knock on the door. It opens to reveal Cheryl and Chuck. “Did you really think you could have a party without inviting moi?” Cheryl inquires.

“Or me?” Chuck adds on. 

We stare at them for a moment. “Archie, where do you want the kegs?” a football player asks.

I look towards Archie, hoping he wouldn’t say what I know he’s going to say. “Screw it! One in the kitchen, one in the backyard.” 

Jughead makes his way towards the garage. I try to follow him but someone holds me back. I turn to see that it’s Cole.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

“Umm, Cheryl invited us,” he says before kissing my cheek. “I can’t believe you were having a party without me.”

“Okay, first off, it wasn’t actually supposed to be a party. And secondly, this is for Jughead’s birthday,” I tell him.

“You mean that freak?” 

“Well that freak happens to be one of my best friends.”

I storm off in search for Jughead. I run around a bit before I grab a cup of beer. I chug it and grab another before continuing my search. I find him in the garage as both his father and Archie leave.

“Enjoying your partying?” I jokingly ask. He scoffs and rolls his eyes. “You know Betty was just trying to do what she thought was best. Now, she may not know you as well as I do, but you gotta give her some credit. At least she’s trying.” 

He sighs. “I hate you, you know that?” He shows a small smile. I look out the window to see Betty walking this way. 

“Hey, I think I’m gonna go for a bit. I think someone really wants to talk to you.” Before he could say anything, I walk out. I finish my second cup of beer before I bump into someone.

“Woah there.” Trevor helps steady me.

“Well hey there stranger,” I greet. “I didn’t think this would be your type of scene.”

“Well, it isn’t,” he starts, “but seeing as you didn’t know about this, I thought I’d check up on you.” 

“How sweet,” I smile. We walk inside. I grab another cup of beer and head over to Veronica. 

“Hey, (Y/N), you don’t want to go over there,” she warns me. 

“Why not?” I look past her to see Cheryl dancing with Cole. She makes eye contact with me before turning around. She pulls in Cole for a kiss. My eyes widen as I feel the tears starting to form. She pulls away, smirking. Cole glances over my way and his eyes widen. I drop my cup and run out of the room. 

I get out of the house and start speed walking down the street. “(Y/N)! Wait!” I turn to see Trevor chasing after me. 

“What do you want?”

“To make sure you’re okay.” I scoff. “Is that so hard to believe?”

“As someone who’s trying to read me like I’m some sort of mystery to be solved and not an actual human being, yeah, I find that pretty hard to believe!” I storm off again, but he jogs up to keep up with me. “Leave me alone.”

“No.” I stop in my tracks and turn to him. “I’m not going to leave you alone, not when you’re like this.” I start to shiver. He takes his jacket off and drapes it over my shoulder. “(Y/N), as much as I’d like to figure you out, I also consider you a friend. I mean, you’re really the only person who actually makes an effort to talk to me.” I stay silent. “Do you want to go somewhere and talk? The library may be closed, but there’s a nice park right by there.” I nod. 

We start walking as I try to calm my breathing. After about half an hour, we make it to the park. By that point, all of my thoughts have caught up to me. He brings me over to the playground, and we sit on the stairs. “This is actually a pretty nice park. I’ve been meaning to see what’s here.”

“Well, I’m glad I got to be the one to take you.” I look at him to see him looking directly at me. “So, do you want to talk about all of that?”

“I just...it’s hard to think that I actually let my guard down, even after everything that’s happened,” I confess. “In Chicago, I let this boy manipulate me and pull me along on this string because I convinced myself I was in love with him. It took me a while to get away from that. I just...I don’t know why I was so upset with Cole kissing Cheryl.”

“It’s because you’re developing feelings for him,” Trevor says. “It’s not that hard to see, but you keep trying to convince yourself that you’re not.”

I raise an eyebrow. “How were you able to piece all of that together Mr. I’m-Supposedly-an-Outcast.”

He chuckles. “I’m good at observing people, I guess.” I let out a small giggle and lean my head on his shoulder. “How about tomorrow I take you out to get your mind off of things. We could get lunch at Pop’s then go to the library and do whatever you’d like.”

“That sounds really nice,” I reply. I take my phone out to look at the time. “Shit, I should probably get back to the Andrews’ resident. I mean, I’m supposed to spend the night there while my parents are on a business meeting across the country.”

“At least let me walk you home,” he says.

At some point along the walk, his hand finds its way into mine. I smile and lean my head on his arm. As soon as we get to the front door, I look at him. “Thanks for walking me home.”

“Yeah, no problem,” he grins. He lets go of my hand. “So I should probably head back home.”

“Unless you want to stay the night,” I mention. His eyes widen. “I mean, I wouldn’t want you walking home alone at this time of night. Plus, I’d really like the company since I’m not exactly thrilled with Archie at the moment.”

“Are you sure it’s okay?”

“I’m positive.”

[fxyeahriverdale-blog]

What Happened To Us?

Chapter 9: The trial of Chuck Clayton or Betty Cooper?

A/N: I edited this myself, so please be nice haha. Sorry for any mistakes!

Read the story on AO3

“Do you love Jughead Jones?” Yes. Betty wants to scream it for the world to hear, but she knows she can’t. She panics. Betty can feel herself beginning to sweat. She hates lying. She is the biggest advocate for the truth. This past year has turned her into a liar. She is buried so deep in her lies. She wants to tell the truth, but she knows that there will be no going back. Jughead definitely would never forgive her if she revealed the truth in such a public way.

She makes the mistake of looking down at Jughead whose eyes are locked on hers.

“Yes.” Betty catches her tongue quickly,”he has been one of my best friends since I was five years old. Of course I love him, he is like a brother to me.” Betty cringes at her words. A brother? Who has sex with their brother? Why would she say that? He is her boyfriend or ex boyfriend she's not sure. That is just gross.

“Incest.” Chuck coughs out. Betty cannot believe he is still being an immature douche while standing trial for attempted murder.

“Did you and the victim ever engage in sexual activity?” Alice Cooper leaps onto her feet. Oh no!

“How dare you! She is a fifteen year old girl!” Betty’s face turns bright red in embarrassment. For once she is grateful for her mother's craziness.

“Order! Mrs. Cooper, this is your first and final warning to not interrupt my court room. Only those who are allowed to can speak.” The prosecutor turns around to Mrs. Cooper and gives her an assuring look.

“The witnesses' mother is worried about her daughter and I agree with her objections. I object to that very inappropriate question. These are two minors and their sexual activity has no relevance to this case.”

“Due to the fact they are minors and the witnesses' legal guardian clearly objects to this question, objection sustained.” Betty let’s out a sigh of relief.

“Ms. Cooper what is your relation to my client Chuck Clayton?”

“We are classmates.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes.”

“It seems that you have quite a fascination with my client.” Betty can’t stop herself from rolling her eyes.“Did you on the night of September 15, 2016 walk into Pop Tate’s Chock-lit shoppe and interact with my client?”

“Yes.”

“And you asked him out on a date?”

“I wouldn’t call it a date.” Betty would never ask Chuck on a date genuinely. She hates him, so much. Her blood boils just at the mention of his name.

“Ms. Cooper that is not an answer.”

“Sure.”

“I need a yes or no answer.”

“Yes.” Betty avoids Jughead’s eye contact. She cannot believe that this is being brought up right now. Chuck is going down no matter what. He is pure evil blasting her in front of the entire court room.

“When my client arrived at the pool house at home of your classmate Ethel Muggs did you lure him into getting into the hot tub?”

“I can’t lure him into anything. Your client went into the hot tub on his own free will.” Betty shut her eyes, she knew that she just set herself up. One of her talents is publicly speaking. Today she can’t say the right thing.

“Then why did you put muscle relaxers in his drink?” The crowd in the court room gasps.

“I did it because I wanted to scare him. I wanted to get him to confess about all of the girls at school he had been sexually harassing.”

“Do you know that this is not only illegal, but morally wrong to drug a human being.”

“I don’t think that you can really talk to me about morals.” Betty bites back.

“Ms. Cooper please refrain from the commentary. You are here to answer questions. Is it true that you continued your grudge against Chuck Clayton?”

“If seeking justice is a grudge then I guess yes. Otherwise no, I didn't continue my grudge. I don't live my life thinking about how to ruin Chuck Clayton's life. He does that himself.” She cannot help it. She doesn't have a dumb grudge against Chuck. She is justified in hating him. She sees him every night in her nightmares stabbing Jughead. She disliked him for all of the years that he bullied Jughead. She disliked him when he hurt Veronica and other girls are her school. She disliked him for his stunt at Jughead's birthday. She hates him for taking Jughead away from her.

“Why did you physically assault my client on October 25, 2016 then?”

“That is a reach.” Betty says annoyed. Chuck has set her up for her to slap him and they both knew it. Betty glares at Chuck who sits in his chair smiling at her.

“Your honor this girl keeps avoiding my question.” The defense lawyer whines like a little kid. The Clayton’s are spending all of their money on a lawyer that whines like this?

“Hi excuse me, ya my name is Elizabeth Cooper not this girl. Yes I hit Chuck after he got in my face making vulgar comments to me. I should not have hit him, but honestly I don’t feel bad about it. Your client, Chuck Clayton sexually harasses women, bullies students, and stabbed an unarmed man. A man that would never hurt anyone! You just watched it on the videotape yourself and you are still up here defending him because money can buy anything. I am willing to testify the truth about what happened, but I refuse to be put on trial.” Betty gets up from her seat.

“Ms. Cooper I am not done.”

“I am!” Betty gets up. Chuck Clayton grabs her arm on her way out.

“I am taking you down with me.” He says in a giddy voice.

“Bring it on! I have nothing to lose.” Betty spits back.

“Seeing him forget you is just too sweet.” Betty blinks back tears before running out of the court room.

She doesn’t care about how much trouble she is going to get into. She doesn’t care about her mother yelling at her later for slipping up in the spotlight. She just needed to get away from there.

Betty runs in her heels out of the court room. Her breathing picks up and she knows she cannot deny the panic attack that is about to take over her body. Betty rushes past confused people in the court building. She bursts through the court doors and makes a beeline for the parking lot.

She stops in her tracks at the sight in front of her. Betty cannot hold in the scream that escapes her mouth.

Jughead had just watched Betty race out of the court room. The whole court room looked around stunned at the scene that had just taken place.

He had no doubt in his mind that he should go after her. Alice Cooper rises to her feet. Jughead knows that she will only make Betty feel worse.

“Alice let Jughead go.” Hal Cooper says and Jughead gives him a thankful nod. Jughead quickly walks out of the courtroom. It is not his turn to testify for another hour.

He walks straight for the exit knowing that she all ready left.

He opens the door as he hears a loud scream. Betty!

Jughead runs as fast as he can towards the noise. Two boys lay on the ground, one with a knife in his knee. The other with a bloody face. Both are okay, just beaten up.

Betty in on the ground curled up into a ball. Her entire body is shaking. ”Betts.” He says softly. He crouches down to her hoping that she will look up from her knees.”I’m here. It’s okay Betts.”

“Blood, so much blood.” Jughead puts his arms around Betty. “Stay. Stay with me.”

“I’m not going anywhere Betts.” She looks up at him as if he startled her. He notices that her hands are red from how tightly balled up they are. He takes one of his hands and place it in hers. She releases the other one and Jughead notices the bloody crescent marks in her palms.

“What- What the hell?” Jughead looks behind him to see half of the court room approaching the scene. Betty buries her face into Jughead’s chest.

“Help- We need help.” Betty says quietly and Jughead holds her tighter.

Jughead turns around.”Can somebody get them some help please?”

Kevin runs away from the crowd.

“Don’t shut your eyes.”

“What was that Betts?”

“Stay with me.” He froze as her words sounded all too familiar. He had just heard some of them on the screen in the court room. Betty presses her face into his chest. Her arms wrap tightly around him.

“Betty they are all right.” Jughead looks up at the guys one he recognizes as a serpent that he has seen speaking to his dad before and another one is Chuck Clayton’s friend Robby Matthews.

“We’re fine.” The serpent says wincing from the pain of the knife in his knee.

“Ya Betty we’ll be okay, don’t worry.” Robby tries to reassure her. She looks up from Jughead’s chest at the boys.

“See Betts they are okay. I am okay.” She looks up at him and he nods at her.”I am right here and I am okay. I promise. Let’s get out of here okay?” Betty nods wordlessly.

He picks her up off of the ground. She is still in shock and can barely stand. Jughead can see the huge crowd behind them with their cameras out, he needs to get her out of here.

“Trust me Betts?” She nods. He picks her up bridal style and carries her away from the scene. Betty clutches onto the collar of his jacket.

After a block he feels his shirt become damp. He puts Betty down.

“Please don’t cry.” Jughead is desperate to do anything to make her tears go away.

“Are they really okay?”

“Yes they just got into a stupid brawl. Both of them are going to be okay. Let’s go get a milkshake?” He suggests.

“Don’t you have to testify in an hour?”

“I've got something more important to do.” A smile escapes Betty’s pink lips and Jughead smiles back.

“You are not getting in trouble for me Jug.”

“I have a feeling that the hearing is going to be postponed after the commotion outside of the court house.”

Jughead opens Betty’s palms to reveal the nail marks that he had just discovered in the court house parking lot.

“Are you okay Betty?” Betty gives him a sad smile and he knows her answer. He kisses her palms. He realizes what he has done and pulls away from her.”I am sorry.” She smiles up at him and laughs.”What?” He asks her.

“Did you know that you’ve done that before?” Betty asks. It makes sense why he would get the courage to do something so intimate. He can't believe that he has done that before.

“Let’s go chat over milkshakes.” She grabs his hand as they walk hand in hand to Pop’s.

Jughead feels comfort at the familiar chime of the bells on the diner door.

“Whatever booth you want.” Betty leads them to a booth in the middle of the restaurant. She slips her jacket off not making eye contact. Her eyes are bloodshot red and she looks pale. She looks thinner.

“Betty when was the last time you ate?”

“I brought you guys breakfast this morning.”

“Yes and it was delicious thank you, but Betts are you eating?”

“You don’t have to pity me Jug-”

“Good afternoon you two. What can I get you?” Pop asks.

“Just a strawberry shake for me please.” Betty answers and Jughead is grateful that she is at least ordering a shake.

“The usual for you Jughead?”

“Of course.” Jughead answers. Pop disappears.

“I’ll eat the strawberry on my shake okay.” Betty agrees.

“Promise?”

“Would you believe me if I say yes?” He heard her underlying tone. She wanted to know if he still trusts her.

“Yes.” Some color returns to Betty’s face as her cheeks turn a tint of pink matching her lips.”Betty I’m-”

“Jughead.” He shuts his eyes in frustration at getting interrupted again.

Once he registers the voice his frustration goes away.

“JB?” Jughead turns around to see his little sister running towards him. He gets up from the booth waiting to receive his little sister’s hug, his mom trailing behind her slowly.”What are you doing here?”

He remembers Jelly Bean and his mom walking into the court room with Betty.

Jughead looks down at the booth to see that it is now empty with Betty’s milkshake sitting without the strawberry on top. Jughead looks over his sister’s shoulder to see Betty at the entrance. She smiles at Jughead as she pops the strawberry in her mouth.

Jughead hears the familiar chime at the door as Betty disappears.

“Betty came to Toledo this morning and convinced mom to let us come see your trial.” Jughead smiles. She is the guardian angel that he doesn’t deserve.

“You really like her don’t you Jug?” Jelly Bean asks.

“Do you guys want anything to eat?” Jughead asks avoiding the question.

“We aren’t staying long.” Jughead’s mom

“I’m hungry mom.”

“Okay Jelly Bean we can stay and eat.”

“You’re the best.” Jelly Bean gives their mom a hug.

“I need the restroom just order me a-”

“Turkey burger no tomatoes and a neapolitan shake.” Jughead recites his mother’s usual order.

“I’ll be right back.” As soon as their mom was out of sight Jelly Bean leaned forward.

“Jug you have to take me to dad.”

“That’s not a good idea JB.”

“Please? I haven’t seen him in two years. Please if we go quick we will have enough time before mom catches up.” Jughead sighs. He hasn’t even worked up the courage to visit him yet. His sister has no idea how bad off their dad has been the past few years. Jughead is glad that she hasn't seen him in his constant drunken state. When Jughead sees his sister's sad eyes, he knows that he can't say no to her.

“We have to go quick.”

Jughead pulls out his wallet and throws money down onto the counter.”Hold the burger Pop, I’ll be back later.” Jughead says on his way out.

“Jughead your change!”

“Just put it towards a future meal.”

Jughead and Jelly Bean run to the sheriff’s station hoping to buy some time before their mom storms in and takes Jelly Bean away.

Jughead knows that they won’t have to deal with Sheriff Keller because he is busy dealing with the fight that happened in front of the court house.

Jughead walks in and instantly recognizes one of the men as the officer that sat in his hospital room with him.

“Can we see my dad?”

“Sure. Good to see you're doing well Jughead.” Jughead smiles awkwardly as they follow him back to the cell block.

“You have a visitor FP.” FP sits up and his eyes are stunned.

“Hey dad.” Jughead says. FP’s eyes begin getting misty.

“Jughead? Jelly Bean?”

“Hi daddy.” Jelly Bean says shyly.

“What are you guys doing here? Where is your mother?”

“Probably on our heels, so we don’t have much time. This was Jelly Bean’s idea.”

“Right.”

“I miss you daddy.”

“I miss you too sweetheart. Both of you.” FP looks at Jughead hopefully.

“Betty said that you had stopped drinking and started working with Fred again.”

“Yes that’s right. How’s Betty.”

“She got mom and I to come here.” Jelly Bean says excitedly.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less from that girl.”

“Forsythe, Forsythia.” Mrs. Jones come running into the cell block.

“Hello Gladys.” FP says with a smirk on his face. Gladys scowls at him.

“FP.” Gladys rolls her eyes as she says his name.”Jelly Bean get in the car we are leaving now. This was a mistake!”

“Mom-”

“This town is toxic. This,” Gladys references their current situation,”this is toxic. Say goodbye Jelly Bean we’re leaving.” Tears are streaming down Jelly Bean’s face and Jughead’s heart is breaking. This is de ja vu.

“Mom please don’t leave. Please?” Jughead begs.

“Let them go Jughead.” His father says.

“Like I am going to listen to the convict.” Jughead snaps at his dad.

He runs after his mom and sister. Jughead’s brain is flashing back and forth between the day his mom dragged a crying Jelly Bean away from him and this current moment.

“I love you Jughead.”

“I love you too JB.” Mrs. Jones slammed the car door shut and drove off quickly leaving Jughead in the dust.

“Hey Jughead.” Kevin Keller appears outside of the station.”Have you seen Betty?”

“We were just at Pop’s, but my mom and sister showed up and she slipped out. I don’t know where she went.”

“Nobody does. Alice has a man hunt going on all over town looking for the two of you. That’s why I am here.”

“She is not here. We were at Pop’s about fifteen minutes ago which means she couldn’t have gotten too far.”

Kevin and Jughead searched different spots around town, looking for Betty. They continuously ran into people looking for her. Betty has a lot of people that care about her.

Where would Betty go? When they were kids and Betty would want to escape from her parents, she would come over to Jughead’s and they would hang out, until she had to go home before curfew. They would sit and talk in his treehouse. Lightbulb.

“I think I know where she is Kevin.”

“Let’s go.”

Jughead and Kevin approach his old house located near the river.

“Why would Betty be here?”

“Not here.” They walk down the path getting close to the river. They come upon a hidden tree house. Jughead breathes a sigh of relief as he spots Betty sitting up in the old tree house.

“How did you know she would be here?” Kevin asks amazed.

“Intuition.”

“This is some soul mate shit.” Jughead looks at Kevin confused.

“Oh right, well it’s no secret you are madly in love with the girl.”

“I am not!” Jughead can’t even believe the lie that is coming out of his mouth.”Betty.” Jughead says her name softly.

“Juggie?” Betty peaks her head out of the treehouse. Kevin awkwardly waves.”Kev.”

“Can we come up?” Jughead asks.

“It’s your tree house Jug.”

"Not anymore, but we're coming up anyways." Jughead and Kevin climb up the wooden ladder.

“It’s my two favorite boys. What’s up?” Betty says in a casual tone. Jughead and Kevin look at each other unsure of what to say. Betty has pulled herself together and she looks unusually happy. Jughead cannot understand for the life of him how Betty can put on this act all of the time. He has been around her for long enough to see the cracks.

“There are a lot of people out looking for you right now Betts.” Betty rolls her eyes.

“I can’t go anywhere anymore. My mom is too much.”

“At least she cares.” Jughead jokes and she looks at the two boys sadly.

“Wow I am such a jerk complaining about my mom. Sorry guys,” Betty says referring to the fact that both boys have been abandoned by their mothers.

When Jughead’s mom left, Kevin had sat beside him one day in class. He told him about the day his mom left when he was five years old. Jughead had appreciated his raw honesty. He knew that Kevin was the only person that could ever understand what he was going through. The only times they did talk was because they were mutual friends of Betty. Betty is friends with everyone.

“Betty you have every reason to complain about her, your mom is bat shit crazy.”

“But she loves you.” Jughead adds in.

“Let’s go home before she puts out an amber alert.” Betty says annoyed.”Thanks boys for finding me before she does.”

The three walk back onto the residential road. Kevin and Betty begin talking about some pop culture reference that Jughead hasn’t heard of, but he smiles as he walks with his friends.

Suddenly a station wagon cuts them off in their path almost taking them out.”Get in the car Betty!”

“Oh my god Mom!”

“Get in now.”

“Okay okay.” Betty’s quickly hugs Kevin. She looks over at Jughead and gives him a hug. She lingers for a bit and he lets her. He enjoys it.”Thanks Juggie. I’m sorry.”

“Bet-”

Alice blares the horn and they jump.”Jesus christ mom I’m coming!”

Betty gets in the car and slams the door shut and then Alice Cooper speeds off fast than Mrs. Jones just did. The theme of the day is women speeding away from Jughead.

“Rude she didn’t even offer us a ride home.” Jughead looks over at Kevin wondering how he always thinks of jokes on the spot.

“I don’t remember you being funny.”

“You must have hit your head pretty hard then.” Jughead smiles. Finally somebody with a real sense of humor. He now understands why they are friends.”I miss Betty all ready. She would have totally hit my arm after I said that joke.” Jughead can totally picture the scenario in his head.”I can’t even bring up her name without you turning redder than Cheryl Blossom’s lipstick.”

“Shut up.”

______________________________________________________________________

Alice’s tires screeched as she pulled into the parking lot of the police station at a frightening speed. Alice pulls into a parking spot and slams on the brakes.

“Why are we here?”

“You are here to apologize for the stunt you just pulled in the court room.”

“You have always told me to stick up for myself. You wanted me to stand up to and never talk to Archie and Veronica again, so why is this any different?”

“You embarrassed yourself up there and your family.” The words stung. The last thing she wanted to do was embarrass her family. She is sick of her mother’s bullying.

“You do a good job of that yourself mom. I am not perfect! Our family is not perfect! You and dad had a baby at sixteen that you gave away. Then Polly got pregnant at sixteen. Forgive me for wanting to create my own path.”

“You are on the path of self destruction Elizabeth.”

“Why is nothing I ever do good enough for you mom?” Betty asks with a mixture of sadness and anger.

“We will discuss this at home.” Betty’s mom says as she looks around at their public surrounding.

“I am not going in there.” Betty stands her ground.

“Oh yes you are, I am your mother and you are a minor.”

“Well it’s a good thing I turn sixteen next week. Ya that’s right it’s my birthday, which I know you forgot about. Sixteen also happens to be the age that you can be legally emancipated at.” Alice laughs.

“Oh the teenage dramatics and threats. Good luck getting the state to clear that.”

“A mother puts her daughter who doesn’t suffer from ADD on Adderall and countless other prescriptions. A sister who just had babies with her third cousin. A father stole files from a murder case. My mentally unstable mother who threw a brick through the window of her own business at her husband.” Betty feels bad at how brutal she is being.”Oh I have a case mother and I am not messing around. I love you mom, but I am not your robot. You cannot control me!”

Betty turns on her heels.”Get back here young lady or I will send the cops after you this time.” Betty turns back around and crosses her arms.

“I will turn around if you take me straight home?”

“You are going straight to your room.”

“Yes, let the grounding commence.” Betty says annoyed. Actually being grounded doesn’t sound all that bad right now.

When Betty gets home she slams the passenger side door.

“Your room now Elizabeth!”

Betty obeys her mother as she runs up to her room.

She slams her door. Betty feels her entire body fill up with rage.

She examines her clean and perfectly girly room. Her mind is filling up with all of the ugliness of the past year. Finding out Polly had been put away in an insane asylum, Jason’s murder, Archie rejecting her, Her parents almost divorce, her habit of digging her nails into her palm, the hot tub incident with Chuck, finding Polly at the asylum, Jughead getting stabbed, and him forgetting her.

Chuck’s words played on repeat in her mind.”Seeing him forget you is just too sweet.” Her head is now being fogged by darkness.

She starts with throwing her mirror to the ground. She rips to L off of her wall followed by the o, v, and e. She rips all of her pictures off of her vanity.

She picks up anything she can find and throws it. She tears apart everything in her room from her dresser to her wallpaper.

Betty has no idea how long she has been throwing everything around for, but she continues as she keeps finding things to break.

She feels strong arms wrap around her waist that lift her off of the ground. She tries her best to fight off the arms.

“Get off of me!”

“No.” The voice responds. Betty’s brain is still fogged up. She is angry. She can never have him and she doesn’t want him around her like this.

“Go away! Go away now!” She warns.

“No Betty.” The voice is stern. Betty elbows him in the stomach.

“Ow fuck.” All of the darkness escapes from Betty’s brain as she realizes what she’s done. His grip loosens and Betty begins crying.

“I am so sorry Jug. I didn’t mean to.” He lets her down. She turns around to see him clutching his abdomen where his stab wound is.

“It’s okay Betty.”

“It’s not okay!” Betty notices Archie, Polly, Cheryl, and Veronica standing in her doorway terrified. Betty looks around at her trashed room.”Get out!” Betty yells in embarrassment.

“Betty we’re not going any-”

“Get the hell out!” Betty slams the door on them. She turns around rememrbing that Jughead is there.”You too!” He reaches for her hand and she rejects him.”I said get out!”

“Betty please?” He looks at her with pleading eyes. She is so broken.

“I don’t want you here. Why can’t you just leave me alone?”

“Okay.” Jughead says defeated.

He heads for her door sadly. Normally Betty would never be this awful to him, but she is not in the right state of mind.

Jughead’s hand touches the door handle when he hesitates. Betty wishes he would just leave all ready.

He betrays her verbal wishes and turns back around.

“Jughead-”

Jughead wraps his toned arms around her.”I am leaving Betts I promise. You’re my best friend.” Friend, the word stung worse than when she got attacked by a bee hive that Archie had accidentally stepped on in the fourth grade.”Come get me when you’re ready.” He sweetly places a kiss on her forehead, something Jughead had only done when they were really little.

Betty puts her hand to her forehead to feel where Jughead had kissed her as he leaves her room.

He opens the door revealing Archie, Polly, Cheryl, and Veronica all staring at them in amusement.

“Betty asked for privacy, let’s respect it.” Jughead shuts the door behind him.

She examines the mess around and Betty collapses onto her bed exhausted. She is too tired to care about the consequences of her outburst.

Betty Cooper has finally lost it.

A/N: So she said she loved him, but then she had to add onto it!

Betty has finally lost it :(. Considering what these kids have been through by age 16 I am surprised they all don't snap. 

Next up: Betty's condition puts Jughead's quest to regain his memories on hold and the beginning of Betty's sixteenth birthday.

Also thanks everyone for voting for my next story, looks like Spring Break is the winner!