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riverdale-retread · 3 years ago

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Riverdale S5 E12 (Jaime/Hiram) - 5 Things I loved/ 3 Things to consider

5 Things I loved

1. The music selections for the Jaime to Hiram transitions were delirious and filled me with joy. I admit up front I’ve never heard any of these songs before, so if they turn out to be a horrible kind of misappropriation or desecration or something I will feel bad. In any case - Riverdale commits to giving you a dose of the surreal every episode. The difficulty with doing that in this episode is that the stories being told in it are unusually straightforward, even staid, for Riverdale. So they went to town with the sound track.

There’s a song (Demolicion by the band Narco) that sounds like it’s being sung by the Tasmanian Devil from Looney Toons on a bender - it’s just rawararwrarawrar. All these songs about Hiram ‘being bad’ and mentioning the ‘devil’ are so on the nose that the nose gets broken and pushed right into the skull (the title of the song is literally Devil Devil).

2. I love that Hermione Gomez wears huge 80s glasses that completely overwhelm her little face and yet Jaime hits on her and thinks the world of her. It helps to have that face, I grant you, but as someone who took the Dorothy Parker quote, Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses, very very personally back in the day, I LOVE that Jaime/Hiram has no such qualms. Did everyone notice the bust of Nefertiti that’s positioned right behind Hermione the whole time Hiram is successfully asking her out? I did and it cracked me up.

3. I loved that nothing in this story about Jaime Luna makes Hiram Lodge even a little bit sympathetic to me. Hiram is an out and out villain, and I love that. I’ve been sick of villain backstory narratives that are like, Bad Things Happened To This Man So We Must Identify With His Homicidal Impulses that keep coming out, but this episode didn’t do that.

a) Hiram is in so many ways a textbook abusive husband, and the only thing that distinguishes him from the more stereotypical abuser is that he doesn’t actually punch his victim (he just shoots at her using other people’s guns). Abusers blame their victims for ‘causing’ them to commit abuse. The same is true here. The story that Hiram tells Reggie about his life pretends to be about his father, but is actually all about the fact that it’s Hermione’s fault that he’s a gangster. She’s the one who likes the fancy clothes and the fancy car, the one who names him Hiram Lodge, the one who is turned on by Hiram working for gangsters, the one that goes to the gangsters (rather than his father or her mother or any other adult) to get Hiram out of jail. It’s all her fault and she owes him. This is in addition to his usual, You’re my wife and I own you.

I am right back to being very worried about Hermione.

b) Hiram pretends to be giving ‘life advice’ about fathers and sons to Reggie. Hiram has direct knowledge that Marty Mantle is a piece of shit, and that Reggie has a very trouble relationship with him, and that Marty absolutely does not respect Reggie at all whatsoever (“Reggie is a fool.”) Hiram uses Reggie and then ditches him when he’s done. Hiram makes Reggie an accessory to murder, which nets nobody anything at this point other than Hiram’s own blood lust - and possibly tying up loose ends because Vito is someone who can correct this yarn that Hiram is spinning about his origin - then breaks his heart. Marty Mantle is not only a dad who beat his son - he’s a dad that does not ask his son “Where did you get the money” when the son pays off a huge debt to a known criminal, and is only relieved that he’s no longer on the hook. He also tellingly asks Reggie, “That’s what you got from my story?” indicating that this is a story rather than a testimony.

4. I loved the very anti-straight men commentary the show keeps sneaking in. Like, straight marriage is the worst, especially the ones that produce biological offspring, according to Riverdale. Marty Mantle absolutely despises sex. He’s a guy who sells sexy cars to other guys for a living, and yet he hates talking about getting laid in one. He hates his beautiful sensual son, too, for being sexually successful and comfortable in his body. Both Reggie (described by the gay-bi Fangs as “very straight” even after kissing him) and Hiram (who is basically a Hermione-sexual at this point) have comically fetishistic relationships with cars and shoes, lovingly wiping down these objects at the start of each day. All the straight men say the word “shame” several times -I’m ashamed of you/ I feel shame/ so ashamed/ shame.

5. I continue to adore “I am not in high school any more” Reggie Mantle. Growing up to be a slightly sleazy car salesman is the one of the few character developments for Grown Riverdale that both makes sense and isn’t depressing. Core Four, Cheryl and Polly are all extremely depressing and supportable with logic. Toni and Fangs make out OK but they were also underdeveloped in the first four seasons. (I am too upset to talk about Sweet Pea). I was moved by his tearing up while very quietly confronting his father, and I was moved by his boyish attempt at trying to show his new boss that he’s not just the muscle. Oh and he’s so beautiful, did I say that already? There’s so much face in Reggie’s face - strong brows, deep set eyes, those cheekbones, that jawline, that MOUTH.

Three Things to Think About

a. Why is Jughead narrating this? Jughead is unusually wrong about a lot of things in his opening narration, and I assume this is intentional. Jughead seems to use the words hero and protagonist interchangeably, and also I guess hasn’t seen Joker because most villains and antiheros also always get their origin stories too. (There’s a theory that what we’re watching is the Betty Cooper serial killer origin story, for example). Has Jughead not watched “Citizen Kane” because he asks “What is his rosebud?” about Hiram, BUT WE ARE NOT TOLD. Jughead sounds jealous of Reggie, frankly, and he’s wrong when he says Hiram collects lost souls. What OTHER lost souls does Hiram have near him? And who the heck is S5 Jughead Jones calling LOST?

b. What Reggie really wants to do - and possibly also Hiram - is to wear a suit and carry a briefcase. It’s just very White Collar Aspirant that isn’t fully explored. Like, how the 50 shades of grey movie was really about sitting in a board room negotiating a contract and having pretty women in suits bring you tea - that was the erotic highlight of that movie. We live in capitalism, so getting to use the accoutrement of the Wall St capitalist is the true fantasy.

c. The point of this episode that the show is making to the viewer is this: A straightforward narrative, where gangsters act like gangsters, and fathers and sons have realistic misunderstandings and conflicts, is something we’re capable of doing. We just don’t want to.

#riverdale s5 #riverdale positivity #riverdale review #i did very much like the stuntcasting of making the Hiram actor's son play the young Hiram #i guess they had to do it but using hermione's original actress to play her mom does NOT work #that lady looks 100% front desk and not even a little bit housekeeping #this was a brazen fail of bechdel test for riverdale which doesn't do that great to begin with #ready for some high octane creativity and craziness from riverdale soon #SPOILERS #Hiram lodge #reggie Mantle #marty Mantle #hermione lodge

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bonniebird · 4 years ago

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Sweet Pea x Reader

Requested by Anon

Halloween 2020 Masterlist

Halloween 2020 event rules

Halloween Prompt list

“Hey Sweet pea, where’s your jacket?” Fangs asked. It had dawned on him as he watched Sweet Pea talking that he hadn't seen him wear it for a few days.

“(Y/N) asked to borrow it.” He said casually.

“You just let (Y/N) take your jacket?” Toni asked him dubiously and he shrugged.

“Oh come on guys, you know (Y/N)!” He objected when Toni snickered at him. “So small, that big eyed look you get when (Y/N) wants something.”

Sweet Pea looked positively flustered as he spoke. The group began teasing Sweet Pea when Cheryl rushed in, dragging Kevin along behind her.

“You will not believe what is happening!” Cheryl said in a tone that was caught between devilish delight and polite horror.

“(Y/N)’s halloween costume is insane.” Kevin said.

“I thought (Y/N) said we all knew what the costume was?” Betty said as you hurried into the room, followed by Jughead who was shaking his head.

“Wow.” Toni muttered as Cheryl agreed with her.

“Does my costume look spooky to you?” You asked the group as you did a little twirl.

“Are you dressed as a south side serpent. Isn’t that a little… rude?” Betty offered and she saw your eyes go wide.

“Oh! No! I just meant to be Sweet Pea! He’s so big and scary. I couldn’t think of anything else that was scary enough!” You explained as you shuffled your feet. “I have another costume that Ronnie gave me but it’s kinda short.”

“Well if you’re trying to be Sweet Pea you’ve got all this wrong.” Toni explained as she hurried over. “You need the neck tattoo.” For a moment she let you panic as if you’d end up with one before the halloween party later that night but you snapped the top off a sharpie and started drawing on your neck.

“You need to look more angry about everything and… kinda like you haven’t slept in weeks because the sandman is scared of you.” Jughead said and Betty hopped up from the seat next to him.

“I can do that for you, eyeshadow should do it.” She said cheerfully.

“We should swap jackets too. That way you’ll look more like… me.” Sweet Pea said reluctantly as he handed over his vest. You gave back his jacket but didn’t have time to see the smile on his face as he shrugged it on because Cheryl had turned your head for Toni.

“Does it look better now?” You asked nervously.

“Wait!” Fangs said quickly. He hurried away and came back over with a large white sticker. He peeled the back off and stuck it to the front of Sweet Pea’s vest.

“Fake Sweet Pea. Nicer than big, real Sweet Pea.” You read as he sat back down.

“Hey! What’s this!” FP said as he entered the room with Archie and his dad. “Nice Sweet Pea costume (Y/N), it really came together. Jug, I need you and urm boys.” FP motioned.

“What’s going on?” Betty asked quickly.

“Somethings come up, I’ll let you guys know as soon as I can. Arichie found something.” FP explained. Betty reluctantly nodded and watched them file out. The bell rang and you all started to head to your classes.

“So, to be clear. You’re telling me that… you’ve been kidnapped by the gargoyle king. Almost murdered by Ghoulies, saw the black hood running down Betty’s road. Yet the scariest thing you could think of was Sweet Pea?” Toni teased.

“He looks so mad all the time!” You insisted and she chuckled.

“I don’t know. I think there are some times when he’s with a certain someone that he’s happy.” Cheryl said as she linked her arms with yours.

“Yeah, you and Fangs do cheer him up a lot Toni!” You said cheerfully, waving to the group as you hurried over to Veronica who was waiting at the door for an update on where Arichie had rushed off too.

“We… We all agree that Sweet Pea had an obsessive crush on (Y/N) and that (Y/N) is oblivious to it. Right. I’m not the only one getting that vibe?” Kevin said quickly as they headed on further down the corridor.

“It’s more than a crush. Since the Gargoyle king incident, then the Ghoulies. Sweet Pea had a couple of the Serpents camp in the woods by (Y/N)’s house until we were sure they were dealt with. He’s the reason FP had been giving Jughead and (Y/N) rides to school.” Betty explained as they walked down the corridors.

“Aw but they would make a cute couple!” Toni said in a mockingly disappointed voice.

“They would T! He’s so big and blergh and (Y/N) is the tiny physical embodiment of a pom pom ball on a fairy light. It would be a thing I guess.” Cheryl agreed.

“So I’m hearing that the plan for the Halloween party is to get (Y/N) and Sweet Pea to… I guess acknowledge that they like each other? I feel like if we make them fall in love at night or whatever they’d freak out.” Kevin popped up as they filled into the classroom and took their seats.

“Believe me, Jug and I have tried. They’re just, wakedr around each other.” Betty muttered as you pulled her books from her bag.

“It’s not impossible though. All the groundwork is there; we just need to make the night tres chic.” Cheryl summed up as the teacher walked in. Betty shrugged and let out a long sigh. Jughead had likened you and Sweet Pea admitting you liked each other to getting two opposite ends of a magnet to stick together.

#sweet pea #sweet pea x reader #bonniebird #halloween2020 #halloween 2020 #riverdale

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thetaoofbetty · 4 years ago

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We all interpret things different, but I don’t see how anyone can watch last night’s episode and think they’re going to do more with Jug and Tab and it’s going to lead to some type of love triangle. In previous episodes, they didn’t give off any romantic vibes, no built up tension. Seeing them be playful together was even weird because it came out of nowhere. Like you pointed out, the almost kiss was 100% awkward. It was all to get Jug to talk about Betty. And in their conversation, neither one confessed romantic feelings for the other. If you claim to like Tabitha, you should want her to have a storyline outside of Jughead. Not to mention, they made the inevitable Bughead reunion more obvious.

i really think they’re wrong on this one, tbh. and i never got romantic vibes from him, at all, in any of their interactions. i could see it a few times from her but nothing overwhelming, just a slight interest, and now seeing her initiate the kiss, obviously that had a narrative purpose. which was to have the conversation about how his ex was toxic and he’s not recovered from the breakup with betty.

this is really, really obvious if you watch the episode with any sort of objectivity. and you’re right, the playful banter stuff is out of nowhere and it’s definitely a plot device because none of their other interactions are like that. and i’d hesitate if i were anyone before using him high as a kite as some sort of affection for her, that is not the serve you think it is, you know?

i think they needed a character for jughead to be friends with, tbh. because he’s not going to be doing any of this with archie or veronica. and they had to keep bughead apart. the kiss was definitely a plot device to get him to talk about betty to someone. and apparently so we can find out just how toxic his ex is.

i saw essentially the same thing, yeah. which is just, if even the b/as know that’s riverdale speak for not happening, i think it’s pretty clear. if you have evan using that language it’s not looking good for them. i did also see that evan (this is third hand by now so do not quote me) said that the tabitha is a good friend to him and that they have a strong friendship. and that bughead will talk about the voicemail at some point. (release the tapes, ras 🔪)

#besos!#anti-barchie #anti-jabitha #riverdale spoilers #anonymous

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lilhemmo · 5 years ago

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So I am absolutely in love with your writing and I was wondering if I could request a sweet pea/reader fic where reader takes care of her younger sibling(s) after her parents dip out on them and sweet pea is there to help her the whole way and they just become this cute little family

you’re so kind! I hope you enjoy what i’ve written :) feel free to request more!

ask box | wattpad | ao3 | mobile masterlist

“They’re gone,” you whimper, tucking your arms into your body as you allow yourself to crumble for the first time in a few months. Your jaw shakes as you try not to crack and cry. You’re unsuccessful, tears leaking down your cheeks and dripping on the hardwood floor underneath your feet.

You can’t be too loud, your three year-old sister and ten year-old brother are in the bedroom just a few feet away. You don’t want to wake them, it’s hard enough for them to sleep already.

The house is quiet, too quiet, but you refuse to make a peep because it might break the silent glass bubble surrounding your barely-there family.

You know that the Serpents know, they have to know. They had to see your parents driving away in one of the two cars sitting on your lot. They had to hear as the car started up and spun out of your driveway. They had to hear your sister’s screams and your brother’s cries. They had to know.

The Serpents’ main selling point is that they’re a family. But, they can’t be what you won’t let them.

Even so, you don’t send back the food that appears on your doorstep each night and you don’t tell the guards lingering around your home to go back to their posts. You do not actively seek their help, but you don’t turn them away either.

It’s strange, though, when a certain Serpent is lingering by your truck after school one Friday afternoon.

“Sweet Pea, I already told Jughead that I don’t need people following me around to make sure I don’t get stabbed.” You try to laugh it off but your words are thick in your throat. You wave your hand and swallow before hesitating to look him in the eyes.

He’s quiet, like he always is, but he opens the passenger side door to your truck and nods, “Get in.”

“I have to go pick up Jamie,” you shake your head, “I don’t have time for this.”

“He’s already with Toni, and so is Sam. She’s taking them to the zoo this afternoon and going to breakfast at Pop’s tomorrow.”

You take a step back and your eyes grow hot with the threat of tears, “N-No, they’re not her responsibility, they’re mine. I-I need to go and get them. I-”

“Get in,” he repeats, reaching out to barely touch your elbow, but enough of a warmth to break you from your anxious bout.

If you’re honest, Sweet Pea doesn’t scare you. You’d grab him by his ear and throw him to the ground if you really wanted to. But, you don’t think you want to. In fact, deep down, you’re grateful.

Yet, you can’t tell him that, and so you stomp your way to the truck and climb in, crossing your arms and glaring out the truck window. He takes the keys from your bag and revs the engine before pulling out of the Riverdale High School parking lot and heading towards the Southside.

You’re surprised when he pulls up to his own trailer, parking your truck behind the building. He takes your bags and walks close to you as he takes the steps to unlock the door.

Quiet has fallen on the both of you and he doesn’t break the barrier as he walks around the tiny kitchen, preparing something from a casserole dish. You settle into the couch, curling in on yourself like you do in the dark late at night when you’re the only one left awake and the burdens of this life settle heavy against your shoulders.

You pick a spot on the wall to stare at and focus on it, counting the specks on the wallpaper until a jolt against your shoulder breaks you from your trance. You suck a sharp breath in between your teeth, your body shaking as you look at the perpetrator.

“Just me,” Sweet Pea says gently, placing two plates of lasagna on the coffee table before turning to look you in the eyes. “I didn’t mean to startle you, I’m sorry.”

You shake your head and wipe furiously at your face, “No, it’s my fault. I went out of it for a minute, I wasn’t paying attention.”

Sweet Pea flashes you a quick smile, but it’s sad you think. He looks away from you and the two of you eat in silence until your plates have been cleaned.

He turns to speak again, but you blurt: “I’m tired.”

Immediately, he reaches out to touch your elbow and move closer to support you however you might need it. He rubs his thumb over your forearm, “That’s why I had Topaz take the kids. You need some rest. I made up the bed -”

“I’m so tired,” you whimper, feeling like the same scared kid from the night your parents fled. Your fingertips shake and your eyes water, but you still try to hold yourself together in the presence of another person.

“I know,” you’re surprised to hear him whisper. He’s close to you and you feel the warmth of his arms slip around your shoulders. Sweet Pea whispers against the shell of your ear as you try to keep yourself stiff against him, “It’s okay, I know.”

You’re not sure why, but you allow yourself to wilt into his arms and let out a grotesque sob, your whole body quivering under the stress you’ve been under for the past few months.

You cry loudly, your voice shaking as you talk, “I love them and there’s nothing I can do, you know? It’s not my fault that my parents left us, is it? Did I do something wrong? I-I can’t-”

“Stop,” Sweet Pea speaks sternly. His hold on you tightens, “You can’t do that to yourself. Everyone has choices - they made theirs.”

“How am I going to do this, Sweet Pea? I barely got custody, thank God I was eighteen and working two jobs when they up and left us.” You sniffle, tucking your head further into his neck. Your hands find purchase in his body, anywhere, just so you can make contact and know that there’s someone else here with you. “I can’t raise two more people, I can barely raise myself!”

Sweet Pea tucks his knuckle under your chin and he tilts your head back so you look him in the eyes, “Serpents take care of one another. Let me help, whatever you need.”

And oh boy, he’s not kidding.

Sweet Pea starts taking your little sister, Samantha, to daycare and eventually to kindergarten. He makes sure to spend time with Jamie, throwing a football and a baseball and teaching him tips and tricks in the auto shop he bought from Veronica Lodge. They spend afternoons in the Wyrm, waiting behind the bar for you to get home from your second job working at the bookstore owned by Betty Cooper.

You are constantly reminding him that you don’t need charity and you can get by on your own, but when Jamie is asking why Sweet Pea has to work so late and Sam wonders why you’re taking her to school instead of SP, you stop asking questions and just accept the good deed.

The rumors start a couple of months in - that you’re shacking up together, that you’re sleeping together, that you’re secretly dating, that you’re pregnant with his baby.

You’re always running from something, it seems. And so, this time, you run away from your feelings.

You don’t want to be considered somebody’s object, but when you see Sweet Pea cradling Samantha in the backyard hammock one October afternoon, you try to wonder how awful it might be if he just stuck around at night.

You will not be reduced to a love interest, not with how hard you’ve worked to put your siblings through school and provide them with a good home-life. And yet, when Sweet Pea encourages Jamie to go to baseball tryouts and he makes the team and you buy all of the new team garb and make it to every game, you think that having him accompany you to these events for the rest of your life might not be the worst thing.

It’s Spring Break and somehow Sweet Pea has talked your boss into allowing you a whole paid week off of work so you can all take a “family field trip”, as your siblings so affectionately refer to it.

“You don’t have to do this,” you tell him as he packs the suitcases into the back of the truck. You reach up to touch his shoulder, “Seriously, Pea, I don’t expect you to cart us around and call it a ‘family vacation’. It’s just-”

He ravels you up in a hug and rests his chin on the crown of your head, “Stop being such a bum, okay? We’re going on this vacation and it’s going to be the best vacation you’ve ever been on. Now stop whining and help me get the kids loaded up.”

It’s so weird having him call them ‘the kids’, as if they’re your children you’re looking after. He says it all the time, but when people inquire about your siblings, he talks about them as if they were his own. The only reason anybody local knows that they’re not his children is because the Southside knows what happened to your parents, and they quietly correct anybody who has the mind to think differently.

Sam and Jamie are sound asleep in the back, the night sky twinkling in the distance as you ride with the windows down. It’s hot, but not miserable, and on the highway there is enough wind to keep you from sweating.

“Thank you,” you speak up after a couple of rock songs you’re too familiar with play on the radio. You look across the dash at this man who has so quickly become your best friend and confidant, “I don’t know if I’ve ever told you thank you before.”

Sweet Pea shrugs, “Thank you isn’t always so straightforward.”

You tilt your head and cock a brow, “And how is that?”

“Well,” his cheeks go pink, “in the same way that you don’t always directly say ‘I love you’ to someone, I don’t think you have to actually say ‘thank you’ to mean it.”

You’re chewing on your lip and he takes your silence as a prod to keep going, “You say thank you to me when you bring me coffee in the mornings and when you let us watch the Fast and Furious series on repeat even though I know you don’t care for the first few movies. You say it when you smile at me when I pick up Sam and take Jamie to ball practice. You’re even saying it now when you’re looking at me like that.”

“Looking at you like what?” you ask defensively, pressing your fingertips to your lips. You’re worried the colors of your irises have spewed your deepest secrets.

Sweet Pea smirks, “Like I hung the moon. It’s nice, when you look at me like that. Nobody’s ever looked at me like that, like I did anything good.”

You can’t help it when you reach across the dash and take the hand tapping on his thigh in your own fingers. You look at him even though he can’t stare back at you because he has to keep his eyes on the road.

“You’re the one good thing other than those kids in the back seat that’s ever happened to me,” you tell him, squeezing his palm for emphasis. You feel tears well up in your eyes but you don’t care because he’s seen them too many times. “I know my parents stepping out on us was wrong and I should hate them for it, but I can’t. We’re better off without them. With you.”

There are no more words that pass between the two of you until you’re telling the kids that you’ve arrived at the lake house you’ll be staying at for the next couple of days. You help him to unload the bags and get your siblings settled into their respective rooms.

Immediately they both want to jump in the lake, so you help them to get sunscreen and swimsuits on as quickly as possible. Sweet Pea lays out a blanket near the lakeshore and the two of you find your way to it with a pitcher of lemonade and a couple of peanut butter sandwiches.

You’re sitting far too close to be just friends, but you don’t care because his body is warm thanks to the shirt that’s missing from his torso, and so you lean into him with grace. Sweet Pea rests his arm behind your back, your legs pressed against one another as you watch Jamie and Sam splashing around in the lake.

It’s unexpected but not unwarranted when he presses a chaste, gentle kiss to your temple. You swear it’s just the sun beating down on your face, but your cheeks turn red and you feel heat wash over your body in waves.

“Can we do this forever?” he asks you, nudging his nose against your hairline.

Your throat goes to sandpaper as you stare up into his eyes, panic swimming in your irises but his gaze never wavers.

“Um, well, I-” Your breath leaves your body as he gets closer to you, the tip of his nose nudging against yours. You touch his cheek with your fingertips and even though they’re shaking, he doesn’t care as he leans into your caress.

“I love you,” he blurts in the most graceful of ways. His hand is hot against your skin as he cups your cheek. “I’ve loved you for a while now but I didn’t want to tell you in case you didn’t feel the same, but Topaz swears that you-”

You cut him off with a kiss.

Your lips meld together, hot in the spring sun. Your hands are all over each other as you try your hardest to get closer even though it’s difficult with the way you’re sitting and the company surrounding you, splashing just a few yards away in the lake.

“I love you too,” you breathe, allowing your palm to slide down from his face to his bare pectorals. He tilts your head with a gentle knuckle under your chin, a laugh bubbling on his lips.

“So, forever, huh?” you ask him, a smirk baited on your lips to match the lilt of teasing in your voice.

Sweet Pea hugs you tightly anyway, kisses peppered into your hairline as you both laugh in the sweetness of the afternoon. You turn your head to gaze out at the water, watching as Sam and Jamie swim about in the lake, and you know that this is the family you’ve worked so hard to have. This is the family that makes every day worth your while.

This is the family you deserve.

a/n: i actually really loved how this turned out!! sorry it’s such a slow burn, even for a short drabble! request more if you liked it!

tagging: @thesweetestsweetpea @sweetpeasbabydoll @the-gargoyle-queen @sweetpeasjelloshot @princesweetpea @southsidewrites @southsidearchive @wayward-river @brittanyvengeance @jinxfanfics @theangriestpea @cactiem @serpentcentral @griffins-and-gargoyles

#sweet pea #sweet pea x reader #sweet pea imagine #sweet pea one shot #sweet pea fanfic #riverdale #riverdale x reader #riverdale imagine #riverdale one shot #riverdale fanfic #my writing

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ronniesqueen · 5 years ago

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A Journey To Find True Love

We start off with Archie as the bachelor, Ronnie is in his season. The story progresses, and she becomes the next bachelorette after he finishes his season. Both of them go on their journey to find true love.

I will be writing this AU in the form of a tv show. Since, we all know that “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” are reality tv shows.

Previously on “The Bachelor”

Valerie confronted Archie about some of the women being here for the wrong reasons

Archie reached out to Ethel, because he trusts her

She goes on to advise him that Cheryl and Josie had talked about being the next bachelorette

Archie, completely devastated, mentions it to Josie during their hometown date

Josie explains to him that the conversation was taken out of context, and that she and Cheryl were really just rooting for each other to be the bachelorette if they don’t get proposed to by Archie.

Josie and Cheryl were simply rooting for the other to be happy, because they had grown a close friendship

Veronica, Josie, Betty, and Cheryl remain.

The tea will continue to boil, you guysssss ;D

Okay.

Without further ado,

Buckle up, buckaroos!!!

Week Four.

Charchie’s Hometown Date

AND....

The Rose Ceremony

(setting: Confessional Booth.)

Cheryl was applying her cherry red lipstick as she was sitting down in front of the camera. She put her pocket mirror in her purse. “Today I had the most interesting phone call with Josie,” she said, putting away her lipstick as well.

“Apparently, Valerie thought it would be a good idea to completely throw both of us under the bus, in a last attempt to get Archie to send us home. And I am just-” she stopped mid-sentence to roll her eyes.

“How the hell would VALERIE know if I was ready for marriage or not?” she yelled, biting her lip. “You know what? I know exactly what this is. She’s bitter. She’s angry. She’s jealous. Josie and I got roses, when she got sent home. I got the one-on-one, she barely moved a finger to have time with Archie. This is her pathetic way of getting revenge on me.”

She moved closer towards the camera. “I’m in the mood for chaos.”

(setting: Andrews Household. Kitchen.)

“So, last hometown date! How do you feel man?” Jughead asked, patting Archie on the shoulder.

“I’m excited,” Archie, straightening his tie. “I can’t wait to see Cheryl. She’s so gorgeous.”

“You’re not basing this off looks right?”

“Of course not Jug,” Archie chuckled. “If I was, that would suck. Because they’re all so beautiful.”

“What do have planned today?” Jughead asked, sitting down next to him. “She’s a Blossom. She might be a little bit harder to impress, because she already has everything.”

Archie laughed. “She’s not what I expected a Blossom to be. She’s actually way more humble than anyone knows.”

(setting: Pops)

Ethel was sitting by herself, having a chocolate milkshake.

Cheryl stormed inside, and knocked the milkshake out of her hands. “What the HELL did you say to Archie?”

“I spoke my truth,” Ethel said, looking at her straight in the eyes. “He asked me who I thought Valerie was talking about, and I thought it was appropriate to tell him what I heard.”

“Well you heard WRONG.”

“No I didn’t,” Ethel said, standing up. “I heard you and Josie talking about becoming the next bachelorette.”

“You misinterpreted that conversation COMPLETELY,” Cheryl yelled. “Josie and I were not insinuating that we only came to become the bachelorette. We came here to find love with Archie, just like you. I was never in this for the fame, I am not that type of person, and I am pissed off to hell, that you think I would do that!”

“Did I want to talk about you with Archie? No! Of course not! But you weren’t there, Cheryl. You didn’t see how devastated he was over what Valerie said to him. Believe me, I never would’ve shared that information with Archie if he wasn’t genuinely hurt and confused.”

Valerie entered the diner. Made eye contact with Cheryl, and approached her. “How’s your hometown date?”

“You BITC-” Cheryl began, when Ethel held her back.

Cheryl stared Valerie down. “What you did honestly reeks of desperation.”

“Cheryl you are such a joke,” Valerie said. “There’s nothing that ever comes out of your mouth that is really you. You’re always putting on a show and saying the craziest things anyone’s ever heard of.”

“You’re the joke, you showed up on night one dressed in a ridiculous sloth costume,” Cheryl said. “How far did that get you? Hmm?”

“I only didn’t make it far because YOU kept hogging Archie every chance you got. Why would you ruin that for me? Because I had a calm and concise conversation with you?” Valerie demanded.

“You absolutely did NOT have a calm and concise conversation with me. You were unbelievably rude that night. You attacked me and said terrible things about my character.”

“No I didn’t attack you,” Valerie said. “But I think I should have.”

“You already did, Valerie!” Cheryl yelled in frustration.

“Maybe I should’ve told him it was you,” Valerie sneered. “I mean let’s face it. The only reason you made it this far with him, is because of your looks. He got distracted by the shiny object once again.”

“That is far from the truth and you know it. You are only attacking me because of your own insecurities. If you spent this much energy trying to build your relationship with Archie, maybe you would’ve made it through.”

Cheryl started heading out the door. “Now if you excuse me, I have a date to go to.”

Ethel followed her outside. “I’m sorry, Cheryl. I never should’ve just assumed. I wish I could’ve gone to you and Josie directly.”

Cheryl smiled. “Thank you.”

(setting: Riverdale Rink)

Archie stood outside. He quickly spotted Cheryl, and ran towards her. “Hey cutie,” he said, picking her up, and spinning her around.

“Hello love muffin,” Cheryl said, kissing him. “God, I missed you so much my red headed knight.”

He laughed, hugging her from behind. “I woke up today, thinking about how much I really just wanted to make you feel like a princess today.”

She smiled at him in awe. “You make me feel like one every day.”

“Well I’m glad,” he said, kissing her hand.

She turned around to face him. “So,” she asked. “What brings us here today?”

“We are going ice skating,” he said, leading her inside.

She gasped in excitement.

(setting: Riverdale Rink)

After skating for about an hour, Archie and Cheryl decided to walk around the concessions.

“You really stuck the landing,” Cheryl laughed.

“I did my best,” Archie laughed.

“You might’ve knocked over a few children here and there but I still give you an A+ for the effort,” she giggled.

“Aww don’t remind me,” he chuckled. “That poor kid never saw it coming.”

She laughed harder. “It was like a fly hitting the windshield.”

“You are so-” he began laughing hysterically.

They kissed softly for a moment.

“Would you ever...” Archie whispered. “Want kids someday?”

She smiled at the idea. “Absolutely.”

“They would be the most uncoordinated little angels,” Archie laughed.

“But great at sports,” Cheryl said. “Just not the ones that involve ice.”

Archie smiled.

“And musically gifted. They’d get your talent,” she continued.

He started to blush.

“I don’t know if..” he began, feeling uncertain. “I would ever be as good a dad as mine is.”

She took his arm. “You’re loving. You’re supportive. You’re there. Always,” she said, smiling. “I have no doubt in my mind that you would be an amazing father someday.”

He kissed her. “Thank you. For, everything. Reminding me who I am. Believing in me.”

“I know building each other up is healthy for a relationship,” she said.

He grinned. “I feel really confident in where we’re at.”

She blushed. “So do I.”

“So,” Archie said, sitting down. She sat on his lap. “Who am I meeting tonight?” he asked, smiling.

“Mother and Nana Rose. My father is...well, I told you about him.”

“I’m so sorry. I can’t even imagine.”

She put her head on his shoulder. “You made all the difference.”

He kissed her forehead.

“Archie,” she began, looking up at him. “I’m falling in love with you.”

He pulled her close. “I know that I’m falling in love with you, Cheryl.”

They kissed each other passionately.

(setting: Thornhill)

Archie and Cheryl stood outside, holding hands.

“I’m nervous,” Cheryl whispered to him.

“I’m right here,” he said, squeezing her hand.

She smiled. Opened the door.

“Mother, Nana Rose,” she called out. “We’re here!”

Penelope Blossom and Nana Rose came down the stairs to greet them.

“Hi,” Archie said, smiling politely. “I’m Archie Andrews.”

“Are you the bachelor?” Nana Rose asked.

“He definitely is,” Cheryl said, giggling.

“You...” Penelope whispered. “You look just like him.”

“Mother,” Cheryl began.

“It’s okay,” Archie said. “I’m really honored to be here meeting you guys.”

“Cheryl. A word?” Penelope said, walking out of the room.

Cheryl gave Archie a kiss on the cheek before reluctantly leaving the room.

(setting: Dining Room)

“You need to marry him,” Penelope said. “He’s perfect.”

Cheryl laughed. “I really love the idea. But...I’m surprised at you. Why are you supporting this? Aren’t you supposed to lecture me about whether or not I’m ready for this?”

“He’s the closest you will ever get to finding love.”

Cheryl was taken aback. “Excuse me?”

“He’s handsome, he’s well dressed, he says he’s honored to be here, and...he resembles him so well..”

“Uh..” Cheryl began. “Well, I guess we are.....on the same page?”

Nana Rose entered the room. “He is so kind. He truly adores you, Cheryl.”

She blushed. “I feel the same way.”

“Are you falling in love?” Nana Rose asked, smiling.

“I am,” she said, eyes lighting up.

Penelope exited the room. She entered the living room and sat down on the couch next to Archie. “What exactly are you thinking right in this very moment?”

“Uhh..” Archie said, slightly uncomfortable from how close she was siting. “I’m hoping that I made a good impression on you two. Because..” he said, feeling more confident. “I care very deeply about Cheryl. And, I wanted to ask you personally, if I’m so lucky...”

“Yes,” Penelope instantly said.

“What?”

“Yes you have my blessing to marry her. I’ll plan the wedding now.”

He laughed. “I’m really grateful for your blessing, Mrs. Blossom.”

(setting: Outside Thistlehouse.)

Archie and Cheryl were making out, as they waited for Archie’s limo.

“I had,” Cheryl said between kisses. “The most amazing time with you.”

“You want to know something?” Archie asked between kisses.

“Hmmm?”

He pulled away to get a better look at her face. “Your mom gave me her blessing.”

Cheryl chuckled. “She was so weird about that.”

He laughed. “I noticed but I didn’t wanna say anything!”

“You are so-” she laughed hysterically.

Archie’s limo arrived. “I will see you in a few hours,” he said, giving her one more kiss.

“Can’t wait,” she said.

(setting: Bachelor Mansion. Three hours later.)

Veronica was sitting on the couch. Betty entered the mansion.

“Hey V!” Betty greeted her with a hug.

“Hey B,” Veronica said, hugging her back.

“How was it?” Betty asked, smiling.

“It was amazing. He took me to Pops for the first time.”

“Awww!” Betty squealed. “God, I love that place. I grew up getting milkshakes with my mom and my sister.”

“Yeah! They were really delicious,” Ronnie said. “We also went hiking. Stopped by a waterfall. And I kid you not, Betty, there was a rainbow.”

“Oh my god,” Betty said. “That’s so sweet.”

“How was it for you?” Veronica asked.

“He asked me to meet him at Riverdale High, on the roof, which I thought was weird. But then he shows up in a freaking helicopter,” Betty laughed at the memory.

“Wow,” Ronnie gasped. “Did you guys view the city?”

“We did,” Betty said. “It felt phenomenal. Then, we went to beach at sunset, and had a glass of champagne.”

“That is so romantic,” Veronica said, swooning.

Josie entered the mansion. “Hey guys!” she greeted them.

“Hey Josie,” Veronica greeted her.

“How was it?” Betty asked, smiling.

“Um, it was great. We did have a moment where he wanted to question me because Valerie had accused me of not being here for the right reasons. So that was really tough. Luckily he trusted me, and we were able to move back on track.”

“Dang, that sucks. I’m sorry,” Ronnie said.

“That’s good he trusted you though,” Betty added.

Cheryl entered the mansion.

“Cherry bombshell!” Betty greeted her, giggling.

“Hey boo,” Josie greeted her with a hug.

“How was it?” Veronica asked, smiling.

“It was splendid. Truly splendid. Although, I learned that Archie, athletic as he is, ice skating is not his strong suit.”

“Oh god,” Betty laughed. “How many times did he fall?”

“Too many to the point where he knocked over a few children,” Cheryl laughed.

Veronica and Josie laughed out loud.

Chris Harrison entered the room. “Ladies. Time for the rose ceremony.”

The four women hugged as they wished each other good luck.

(setting: Rose Ceremony)

Archie entered the ballroom. He looked at all the women, dressed very beautifully. Ready for him. He took a deep breath. “This rose ceremony is the most difficult out of all of them so far. Because...I’m saying goodbye to someone who I was falling in love with. You guys have to believe me when I say, meeting your families was such an honor for me. And this week was so amazing. I had the best time with all of you. Truly. From the bottom of my heart.”

There were three roses on the table.

He sighed, as he picked up the first rose. “Veronica.”

Veronica walked over to him. “Ronnie, will you accept this rose?”

“Absolutely, Archiekins.”

He smiled as he picked up the second rose. “Betty.”

Betty walked over to him. “Betty, will you accept this rose?”

“Without a doubt.”

He grinned, then sighed. Final rose.

Cheryl and Josie looked at each other in a panic.

Archie picked up the final rose, taking a deep breath, biting his lip.

Josie and Cheryl held hands.

Archie shut his eyes for a moment. Then he opened them.

“Cheryl.”

She walked over to him. “Cheryl, will you accept this rose?”

“Yes, my red-headed prince,” she whispered.

Chris Harrison entered the ballroom. “Josie, I’m sorry. Take a moment. Say your goodbyes.”

All four women did a group hug.

Josie had tears streaming down her cheeks.

“Can I walk you out?” Archie whispered.

“Mhm,” she agreed. The two exited the room.

They sat outside by the fountain.

“Did-did I do something wrong?” she asked, crying.

“No you didn’t,” Archie said, hugging her. “When I left your house I knew something was off. I knew that you were having doubts.”

She sighed. “I was never afraid to commit to you. I was afraid of what that type of commitment could do for my singing career.”

“I overheard your conversation with your mom.”

“Oh,” she whispered.

“Josie, it’s okay. I don’t want to pressure you into an engagement if you’re not ready.”

“Archie, I promise you..” she began. “I came into this wanting to be engaged. But...when you met my mom, it started to hit me. This is real.”

“I understand,” he said, rubbing her shoulders. “I’m proud of you. You’re pursing your dreams and you will make it big one day.”

She smiled.

“I told you I would always support your career, and I meant that,” Archie said.

“Thank you for everything,” she whispered, giving him one last hug.

She got inside the car, “Goodbye Archie.”

“Goodbye Josie.”

He rubbed his eyes as he went back inside the mansion.

Betty, Cheryl, and Veronica walked over to him. “So that was, umm...” he began. “Really hard for me. Because I was falling for her. But, I’m still really excited. Next week, we’re going into our three-on-one. And then after that, we’re going to fantasy suites!”

-------------END CREDITS---------

#charchie #with a hint of barchie #a hint of varchie #and a hint of archosie

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bughead-fic-request · 7 years ago

Text

I would like to thank @leaalda for making these amazing banners.

This is an effort to spread the word about all fan fiction writers in our little fandom. If you would like to be featured or nominate a writer, please contact me. Please reblog this post if you can and check out some of @stillscape work!

1. First things first, if someone wanted to read your stories where can they find them.

All my Riverdale fics are here, on Ao3.

2. Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m on the far side of 30 and I’ve had the same tumblr avatar since 2011. I gave up trying to pretend to be cool in my junior year of college, when I got drunk at a party and spent the rest of the evening yelling at people in iambic pentameter.

3. What do you never leave home without?

Just the usual boring stuff--wallet, keys, phone.

4. Are you an early bird or a night owl?

Kind of both, actually? Which is a problem, because I don’t do well on minimal sleep.

5. If you could live in any fictional world which one would you choose and why?

I suppose Harry Potter, but only because I can’t think of a better answer.

6. Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met?

Anthony Hopkins?

7. What are some of your favorite movies/TV?

Oh my god, so many. TV: Parks and Rec, obviously. Recently: GLOW, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, GoT, Better Call Saul, Fargo, BoJack Horseman...I watch a lot of TV.

8. What are some of your favorite bands/musicians?

I don’t keep up, honestly. My iPod is perpetually full of late ‘60s/early ‘70s rock.

9. Favorite Books?

AS Byatt, Persuasion; Michael Chabon, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay; Margaret Atwood, Atlas Grace; Hanya Yanagahira, The People in the Trees; this list could go on for pages and pages so I’ll wind it down with my favorites from the Classics Shelf, Pride and Prejudice and Anna Karenina

10. Favorite Food?

The one thing I’ll almost never turn down is sharp white Cheddar cheese, so we’ll go with that.

11. Biggest pet peeve?

Noisy eaters.

12. What did you want to be when you were little? What do you want to be now?

I wanted to be either Pablo Picasso or an astronaut. Neither of those quite worked out.

13. What are your biggest fears? Do you have any strange fears?

I don’t think I have any strange fears. I’m averse to very large spiders and creepy deep sea creatures, but I’m not exactly afraid of either. I would just prefer to not look at them or be near them.

14. When you are on your deathbed what would be the one thing you’d regret not doing?

I do hope I’ve published a book by the time I die.

Okay… let’s talk about your writing!

15. Which is your favorite of the fics you've written for the Bughead fandom?

I haven’t written all that many, but I’ll say all the roads we have to walk.

16. Which was the hardest to write, in terms of plot?

Same answer. It’s really the only one that has a (long) plot, though.

17. How do you come up with the ideas for your fic(s)? Do you people watch? Listen to music? Get inspired by TV/movies?

They usually just arrive in my brain. all the roads came from my desire to read a fic of Jughead also being at Betty’s internship, and I couldn’t find one, so I started writing it--but before I got to the starting point of that one, I wanted a detailed prequel that I couldn’t find, so I wrote that too.

18. Idea that you always wanted to write but could never make work?

I’ve been able to make most of my ideas work eventually. It just takes time and effort.

19. Least favorite plot point/chapter/moment you’ve written?

Hmm. There are a few moments I wish I’d written a little differently, but more in the sense that I didn’t choose the right words. I’m sticking by all the plot points I’ve written.

20. Favorite plot point/chapter/moment you’ve written?

For Riverdale, I think it’s the New Year’s Eve video call at the end of chapter 3 of for the life of me.

21.Favorite character to write?

All-time, it’s probably Ben Wyatt. But for this fandom, I enjoy Betty and Jughead equally. I feel like my favorite other character to write is Veronica, but I’ve barely written any Veronica--so Cheryl, maybe? Jughead’s mom has been a fun exercise, but since we haven’t actually seen her on the show, she feels almost like an OC to me.

22. Favorite line or lines of dialogue that you've written?

This is my favorite passage, I think, which is from Chapter 4 of for the life of me:

One day towards the end of January, as they stand up to leave the cafeteria after lunch, Betty Cooper fixes her eyes on him, squints, and tilts her head.

“Mustard?” he asks. He resists swiping at his face only because he’s holding a plastic tray of flabbergasting detritus.

(He hasn’t eaten anything with mustard on it.)

“No.”

“Then what?”

(Ketchup, crumbs, giant hole in his shirt, he’s bleeding profusely from an unknown orifice, he’s developed a second head?)

“I think you got taller,” she says, thoughtfully.

Huh.

“What, like since we sat down?”

Betty makes the noise he’s noticed her making a lot lately. It’s a little laugh that’s somewhere between a snort and a chuckle but is definitely neither one of those things, and he cannot figure out a single word to describe it.

“See you in English, Jug.”

She’s right, he realizes later. He’s only about two inches shorter than Archie now, instead of four.

And that’s all it is in the end. He’s not a black hole collapsing in on himself while consuming every object within his gravitational pull. He’s just having one cosmic-joke-level inconveniently timed growth spurt.

(Which Betty Cooper noticed before he did.)

But my favorite single line is this, from Kevin trying to convince Betty to buy a more adventurous wardrobe: “Fine.” He throws up his hands. “Be that way. Keep dressing like a permanent tribute to the 2012 J. Crew Easter collection.”

23. Best comment/review you’ve ever received?

I always appreciate when people say something I’ve written has personally resonated with them, or given them all the feels, that kind of thing. I also love when someone points out a subtle detail that I wasn’t sure anyone was going to notice, since I generally try to live by the show-don’t-tell rule of storytelling. Or “I just found this and stayed up all night to binge the whole thing.”

24. How do you handle bad reviews or comments?

I don’t know that I’ve ever really gotten any. Sometimes I’ll get a comment and I can’t tell whether the author actually liked what I wrote, to which I usually just thank them for reading.

25. If you could change anything in any of your stories, what would it be?

Listen, literally every time I read anything over, I find at least three sentences I could have written better.

26. What is your favorite story you’ve ever written? Any fandom?

Well, this is going to make me sound like a crazy person, but I once wrote a fairly epic one-shot RPF of the Parks and Rec fandom pulling off a jewel heist. It had about 30 people/characters (because Andy Dwyer and a few characters from VEEP also showed up), and it was completely insane, and I don’t think I’ll ever hit that level of magic again.

27. What are you reading right now? Both fan fiction and general fiction?

General fiction: I just started Octavia Butler’s Seed novels. Fan fiction: I’m living for @lessoleilscouchants’ (my youth ain’t) tangled up in bad decisions, @onceuponamirror’s Heart Rise Above, @christah88’s Don’t Drink the (Maple) Water, and @cooperjones2020 Second City (as of this writing, I’m behind on reviewing those last three! I promise I will once I finish my chapter draft!)

28. Do you have an advice for writers that want to get into this fandom but might be scared?

Just do it! But before you do it, do your very very best to have your spelling, grammar, and formatting tip-top, because getting those things wrong are often turnoffs for readers.

If you’re nervous about posting or getting constructive criticism, ask someone to beta for you. Most writers, me included, are honored to be asked to beta and will do it when we have the time.

Be involved in the fandom. Leave comments on other people’s stories. Leave friendly messages in other people’s tumblr inboxes! Write meta commentary for scenes or characters and post that.

#bughead author spotlight #fan fiction #fan fiction writers #Bughead #bughead fanfiction #ao3 #jughead x betty #betty x jughead #betty cooper #jughead jones #riverdale #stillscape #all the roads we have to walk #life of me

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allskynostars · 7 years ago

Text

Strong, Chapter 6; No Good Could Come

Sorry it took me so long guys, but here it is! Catch up on AO3

***

When Jughead woke that morning, it took him a moment to remember why there was a blonde girl wrapped around him.

And then it came back to him.

He turned his head slowly, as not to wake Betty, and took her in. Her leg was thrown over his waist, her head on his chest. They must have fallen asleep like this and not moved at all, he thought to himself. A smile grew on his face as he watched her sleeping form. She looked even more beautiful as she slept, and he hoped the heavy beating of his heart didn’t stir her. He glanced at the alarm clock on his bedside table. It was only 6am, but he knew his Mother would be home in a few hours, and Jellybean would definitely notice the fact that the guest bed had not been slept in.

Grudgingly, he pulled himself out from underneath her gently. She made the smallest noise at the loss of his presence, but settled back down into his pillow. He stood there for a moment, admiring how her golden hair was splayed against his pillow. She looked so innocent, wrapped in his sheets, and if he could he would just stand here all day and watch her. Instead, he grabbed his phone from the bedside table and snapped a silent photo. He slipped on a pair of sweats and snuck to the guest room. He ruffled the covers in an attempt to make the bed look slept in, satisfied with his efforts. On the way back to his own room he placed an ear to Jellybeans door, listening for any sign of activity. But of course a 14 year old would not be awake before 10am on a Sunday. He owed her a rather big, soppy apology today.

Jughead closed his own bedroom door quietly as he snuck back in, and stood against it for a moment. This was the first time he had had a girl in his own bed, and the fact that it was Betty made it far more special. But he was concerned for a moment she would worry when she woke, did they move too fast last night? The thought had crossed his mind, but damn, it just felt so right.

He moved to sit on the edge of his bed, drinking her in all over again. Betty had moved to lie on her front and her tshirt had ridden up slightly, exposing the skin of her lower back. His hand reached out instinctively, his fingers itching to touch her again. Her skin was so soft it felt like silk on his fingertips as he caressed her back slowly. His fingers ran underneath her t shirt, splaying against the rest of her back. It was a few minutes before she stated to stir under his touch.

“Mmm.” She purred, a smile grew on her face. Jughead pulled his hand from underneath her t shirt to brush away the hair that had fallen on her cheek and tucked it behind her ear. Betty leaned into his touch, snuggling into his palm.

“Morning, gorgeous.” His voice was husky in the early hour, and it also probably had to do with the way she glowed. Betty opened one eye to look up at his face.

“Hi.” She said shyly. “What time is it?” Jughead glanced at the alarm clock.

“Just past 6.” His hand still cupped her cheek, his thumb ran along her cheekbone mindlessly. “How are you feeling? After..” His eyes averted hers for a moment. He felt her smile again under his hand.

“Jug, I feel amazing.” Her hand reached up to rest against his own against her face. “Does it feel fast to you?” Jughead just nodded slightly, a feeling that he would associate with dread slowly crept up on him. “But not too fast, right?” And just as quickly that feeling was gone. He caught her gaze again.

“It felt right, to me.” He said lowly.

“Me too.” Her eyes were so bright, and the way she was looking at him made his heart dance in his chest. This was all foreign to him, to actually feel something? This was a new concept. And it scared the shit out of him. “I should probably..” She nodded towards the door.

“You’re safe for a little bit.” He smirked. “I messed the bed up, so it doesn’t look so suspicious.” Another brilliant smile passed over Betty’s face.

“You’re not just a pretty face, are you Jones?”

“So I’ve been told.” He laughed. Betty shuffled further to the other side of the bed and pulled the covers back. She gestured with a nod of her head. And who was he to object to a pretty girl inviting him back into his own bed? Once he was snuggled in once again, Betty reached her fingers out slowly to caress the graze on his cheek, his darkened eye.

“It doesn’t look so bad, in the morning light.” Her voice was so soft and her face so close to his he could feel her breath against his cheek.

“Neither do you.” He smirked, earning a blush from Bettys cheek as she ducked her head.

They lay there, with her head tucked into his chest, their legs so entwined nobody knew whose was whose, for hours. They talked about films, books, parents, sisters, school. Jughead learnt a lot about Betty in those few hours. Like how she much she loved rain, that she preferred vanilla to chocolate and the way her eyes lit up when she spoke about Polly. Like how much he enjoyed the way his name sounded on her tongue. He stole kisses from her all morning, as many as he could. He’d never wanted to just be close to someone like this before. But then it hit 9 o'clock and they heard Gladys’ car pull into the driveway, and as Betty tried to climb from his bed, he wrapped his arms tight around her waist from behind and held her prisoner with his head pressed to her back.

“Juggie!’ She whispered a yell, giggling into his ear. "I gotta go.”

“Meet me later?” He asked with his lips against her shoulder. He felt her ease into his hold as she turned to face him.

“Okay. Text me.” She placed her lips softly to his own, and when his grip had loosened she wriggled free and got up from his bed. She stopped at the door and turned to get a last glance at him. She gave him a smile, and he hoped that was enough to last until he could see her again later. Then she was gone, the door closed again. He sat up against the wall, just staring at where she had been a moment ago. Was it possible to miss someones presence that instantly? She was only in the other room, he thought. Get a hold of yourself.

He lay back in his bed with a smile, he could still smell her in his sheets.

-//-

The sunlight pouring in between the gap in the curtain told Jughead he had fallen back to sleep. As did the clock, that read 11.42pm. He threw back the covers, realising he still had on his sweats from his early morning mission so he pulled on a t shirt and headed to the stairs. He peeped into the guest room and saw that the bed was made and Bettys things were gone, so she must have left already. Jellybeans voice met him at the bottom of the stairs, it was silent for a moment and then she spoke again so he figured she was on the phone.

“I know right?” Jellybean eyed Jughead as he made his way into the kitchen. He looked around into the lounge and mouthed to his sister,

‘Where’s Mom?’

Jellybean mouthed back 'Supermarket’<\i> before continuing on in her own conversation. “I told you, that’s what she does Ellie!” The look on her face did not match the tone of her voice, and Jughead felt a sweep of pride at how uninterested his sister was in gossip. She narrowed her eyes at him then, and he felt last nights guilt all over again. He put his palms together and attempted to take on a puppy eyed look.

I’m sorry’ He mouthed silently.

“Yeah, well, she’s a knob anyway.” She answered through the line but still had her attention on her brother. She picked up an apple from the fruit bowl in front her her and lobbed it at Jughead. He caught it, smugly, and she turned to face away from him. He moved to stand in front of her again.

“Ellie, I gott-” She broke off in a light laugh as Jughead took her free hand between his own, and got down on his knees to beg. “It’s Jughead.” There was a pause as she rolled her eyes through he phone at her friend. “Don’t start that shit again, he’s too old for you and he’s my brother. It’s just wrong.” Jugheads brow rose in question. “Oh my god no, no. I’m hanging up now, bye.” She dropped the phone in disgust with an exaggerated shudder. Jughead was still knelt in front of her.

“What was that about?” He asked, amused.

“Just Ellie and her weird obsession with you.” She shuddered again. “Don’t worry, I’ll tell her you’ve got a girlfriend now.” There was a smirk on her face that could rival one of his own, but before he could protest Jellybean shook her hand that was still clasped between his own. “You gonna stay down there all day?”

“Jellybean, my dearest, most favourite Sister-”

“Only Sister” She interrupted, tilting her head. He rolled his eyes before continuing.

“Even so, I could never have asked for a better one. Please, will you forgive your jerk off of a brother, for being a total knob and betraying your trust?” His eyes were trained on her face, and his voice dropped as he got serious. “JB, honestly kid, I’m so sorry. I’ve been kicking myself all night. Truly, I mean it.” Jellybean took him in for a moment, as if she were considering her options. “And as recompense, you can tell Betty my real name. Hell, tell anyone you want ever if it’ll help you forgive me.” She sighed.

“Get up, loser.” She yanked on his hand and pulled him up with her. She only came to just the middle of his chest, but the girl had some strength. Jellybean wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him tight. Jughead smiled and wrapped his own around her shoulders, resting his face against the top of her head. “I forgive you, Jug. I know how you get, I was just worried about you.” He squeezed his sister a little tighter and placed a kiss to the top of her head.

“I know, I know. You’re always looking out for me. Who’s the real kid here, huh?” He felt her laugh against him.

“And for the record,” She pulled away and leaned her head back to look up at him, “I’m not going to tell Betty, Forsythe. That’s your cross to bear, kid.” She mocked, a smug smile on her face. He laughed, ruffling her hair.

“You’re the best, Jelly.” He let go of her and headed to the fridge, reaching in for the milk carton. He was screwing off the lid as Jellybean spoke again.

“Oh, by the way Jug?” Jellybean asked. She was stood in the doorway, her arms folded with a small smirk pulling at the corners of her mouth.

“Mm?” He took a swig from the carton as she asked.

“Can you ask Betty to be quiet next time? Be considerate of the minor in the next room.” She deadpanned. Jughead didn’t even have a chance to swallow his mouthful before he spat it all over the kitchen bench. He wiped at his mouth with the back of his hand, his eyes wide with shock.

“Wh-What are you.. You didn’t.. JB, how do you even know what you heard? Which was nothing by the way, I have no idea what you are talking about.”

“Oh, please. I’ve seen Girls.” And then she was gone, her long hair swaying behind her through the door way. Jughead stood there for a moment, not really sure what he should do now. His sister had heard them, and he was horrified. He was still stood with the carton of milk open in his hand as Gladys came in through the door, dumping groceries on the island.

“For god sakes, Jughead. How many times have I told you not to drink straight from the carton? Use a glass.”

When there was no retort from him as she expected called out to him. “Jughead?” He shook his head from the daze and looked towards his Mother.

“Sorry, I uh..” He screwed the lid back into the milk carton and hastily shoved it back in the fridge. He grabbed some paper towels and haphazardly wiped up the mess he had made, before murmuring something about a shower and leaving the kitchen.

“Some help would have been nice!” She called out to him, sighing defeatedly.

-//-

“Dude, you should have heard Frankie. He went nuts.” It was later in the day, the sun sat low in the sky. Jughead was hanging out with Joaquin in his garage, just like they used too. They were spread out on shabby couch. Joaquin was recounting what went down when he got back to the Wyrm the night before. “He was pissed you weren’t there, Jug.” He snorted.

“Of course he was.” His hands were in his pockets, fiddling with his phone. “It was no biggie. They were kids, prospects. I doubt they’ll be getting patched now. Plus, we handled it.”

“Yeah, well..” Joaquin paused, avoiding Jugheads gaze. “Frankie wants retaliation.”

“What?” Jughead asked angrily. Retaliation only ever made things worse. If that was the case, he would not be having any part.

“And he wants us to act it out, Jug.” Joaquin said is so lowly Jughead had almost missed it, almost.

“Fuck off, no. No way.” He stood up then and started to pace the length of the garage. “What did Vipe say?”

“He said absolutely not, obviously.” Joaquin watched him pacing. “I know he’s the pres, Jug, but sometimes Frankie gets in his ear and -”

“No, not about this.” Jughead interrupted. “Vipe wouldn’t have forgotten what happened last time.” He caught Joaquins eyes with is own, speaking without words.

“Come on, man. The only reason FP got in the shit was because your Mom testified against him, Jug.” He gave Joaquin a warning look.

“You think I’ve forgotten?” He snapped, instantly regretting it. “Whatever, we’re not fucking doing it. It was only a weed sale, for god sake. Frankie can get fucked for all I care.”

“Well, now, what am I missing here?” Cheryl’s voice broke the tension as she leaned in the doorway, one of her perfectly groomed brows raised in a question. “Because that mental image is not pretty.” Jughead jumped.

“Jesus, Cheryl. You scared me half to death” Jughead exclaimed, his hand on his chest.

“Only half?” She pouted. “A shame.” Her heeled boots clipped against the concrete floor as she made her way into the garage. “Don’t worry, Daddy won’t let there be any retaliation.”

“I wouldn’t put it past Frankie to just do shit on his own. You know that Gaz and Jord-” Cheryl cut Joaquin off with a sharp, red tipped finger in midair.

“Only if he wants his head cut off.” She eyed him suspiciously. “Have you told Jughead yet?” Joaquin looked towards his feet, he shuffled them together awkwardly.

“Told me what?” Jughead snapped, his gaze trained on Joaquin. Cheryl broke the momentary silence.

“Our little Jared Leto here passed his initiation, he’s officially a patched Serpent.” There was a slight hint of pride in her voice, her head tilted as she turned to face Jughead. He, on the other hand, was less happy about it.

“When?” He asked, monotoned. Joaquin finally looked up at Jughead.

“Last night, after I got back. Viper was pleased with the way I, we dealt with it, and it’s coming up a year since I started prospecting.”

“Good for you, man.” Jughead tried to sound sincere, but he knew his words fell flat. “So, when you getting your tatt then?” The double headed serpent tattoo would be the nail in the coffin. As soon as the ink pierced Joaquins skin, he would be lost to Jughead and belong to the gang. Officially. He always thought of Joaquin like the brother he never had, he was his best friend. But he wanted into the Serpents in every way that Jughead did not.

For Joaquin, the Serpents were a choice.

“Wednesday, after school.” He looked up at Jughead again, hope in his eyes. “You gonna come watch, Jug?”

“Of course he is.” Cheryl answered for him, something she’s rather good at. She already has her tattoo. It’s discreet, she opted for a more dainty shape on her left side rib cage. When she’s wearing tops that fit loose, sometimes you could see it, rearing its ugly head against her pale skin. “We could finally book you in for yours at the same time, FP JR.” Cheryl was baiting him, and he knew it. How had the day started out so perfectly and turned to such shit?

“Fuck off, Red.” He snapped. There was no chance in hell Jughead was letting anyone near him with a needle if that was the end result. This wouldn’t be his life, therefore he would not mark it permanetly to his being. He grabbed for his leather that was swung over the back of the couch, he had planned on leaving soon anyway but the Junior comment had pissed him off more than he realised. “I’m out.”

“Jones, wait.” Cheryl had followed him outside, much to his distaste. He ignored her anyway, throwing a leg over his bike. “What happened last night then? With you and Doris Day?”

“Her name is Betty. And, how the fuck did you know about that?” He racked his brain for a moment, trying to recall if he’d told her. He was certain he hadn’t. Cheryl just dismissed his comment with a wave of her arm.

“Oh Jug, my sweet innocent Jug.” She laughed humourlessly, shaking her head. “Daddy has eyes on all of you, everywhere.”

“Jesus christ.” He muttered, running his hand down his face. He spoke through his fingers. “That’s fucked up, Cher.”

“I know.” But her voice was too light for her to of meant it. She crossed her arms. “Tell me.”

“Hell. No.” He sounded out the words for added impact. Cheryl rolled her eyes.

“Whatever, you’re no fun.” She went to walk back inside, but turned to face Jughead again before be pulled his helmet over his head, her hair nearly flicked him in the face. She lowered her voice. “Be careful, Jughead. I know you actually like this one. But, if she gets too close, there’ll be eyes on her too.” This time she meant it. Jughead pulled his helmet on, but made no attempt to start his bike.

Fuck.

He should have known, no good can come from this. From anything. Not for him. He doesn’t get good, he doesn’t deserve good. He scrunched his eyes tight as it all fell on him, as he thought about how stupid he had been. Betty was worth more than him, more than this, and besides, he was leaving. He’d made a vow nothing would stop him.

Not even those deep sea eyes of hers, or those soft lips that he could swear had been moulded to fit with his. That laugh that rung in his ears.

Fuck.

-\-

“I’m sorry I couldn’t come meet you, Jug. It’s just, my Mum was kind of on my case all afternoon.” Life had handed him one tiny blessing in the disguise of Alice Cooper. She was in over-bearing Mother mode today, which meant Betty wasn’t able to meet him. He was now laying on his bed in the dark, staring at the ceiling.

“It’s okay, Coop. I get it.” She had text ahead to let him know, and he couldn’t deny the relief that flooded his veins. After his afternoon revelation he wasn’t sure he could see her beautiful face and let her down. He was always letting people down.

“Somedays I wish I could just leave, you know?” She sounded wistful. He wished she wouldn’t.

“Makes two of us.”

“Actually, my sister.. she put this crazy idea in my head that I could go to London for a year or two. Get away from small town living, thinking, give myself a break from my parents.” She paused for a moment, and Jughead waited for her to carry on. He was looking for the perfect place to cut in. “At first I thought she was kind of crazy but, if I’m honest, now I can’t stop thinking about it.”

He thought back to what Cheryl had said earlier, and he knew the underlying message in her warning. This wouldn’t work. They were too different, she was all light. She would be doused in his dark.

“Maybe you should.” His voice held no tone.

“Oh. I mean, it’s kind of expensi-”

“You’ve got that rich friend right? What was it, Victoria?” He knew it wasn’t, of course he knew. He remembered every word she ever spoke. Right now he hated that.

“Veronica.” As Betty corrected him her voice wavered.

“Right, can’t you just ask her to borrow money?”

“Jug, it’s just an idea. I haven’t even finished school yet.” She laughed but it held no weight.

“Graduation is only a few weeks away.” He was pushing.

“I know but.. Jughead, whats going on? Are you okay?” She could obviously sense his standoffish behaviour, but he was doing this on purpose. He was giving her an out before it got too far. Even though deep down he knew, somehow, already, he was too far gone and that this was going to hurt. God, would it hurt.

“I’m trying to leave too, Betty. I’m hoping to get a scholarship for Washington College.”

“That’s great.” She sounded genuine, he knew she was. That’s why he felt like a prize winning asshole when he took a deep breath and spoke.

Here it goes, the shove.

“So yeah, this, whatever this is. It’s not gonna stop me leaving.” He said it so harshly it burned his own ears. Betty was shocked silent for a minute.

“I would never expect that. Woah, Jug, do you know me at all?” He could hear the hurt in her voice, and he wanted to take it back already. He yearned to swallow his words back again. But instead he closed his eyes tight and pushed some more.

“Maybe it’s better to stop it before it starts. I mean, who finds something real at 17 right?”

“Before it starts? Isn’t it too late for that?” Her voice trailed off, and as much as he knew he was hurting her he didn’t want her to think he just used her for a quick fix.

“Betty, last night, it was amazing. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but I just think it’s for the best.”

Silence.

And then she emits and empty laugh.

“I know what this is, Jughead. But whatever, if it makes your little black heart feel better then fine. Gotta keep up appearances right? Laters.” And then she was gone. The disconnected tone echoed through his whole head.

Betty sure as hell wasn’t :an idiot, and he sure as hell was. But this is what happens to him, even though this is of no fault but his own. He’s not allowed to have anything for himself, and sure as hell not the pure soul of Betty Cooper. He would tarnish her. Nothing good was allowed to happen to him, not in this god forsaken town.

He made a mental note to avoid the house on school nights.

#strong #allskynostars fics #Bughead fanfic #Bughead fanfiction #Bughead au #betty x jughead #riverdale fanfiction #Jughead jones #Betty Cooper

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serpent-jugheadjones · 7 years ago

Text

The Partner Revealed - Part 5

Pairing: Jughead Jones x Reader

Description: Their investigation on Jason has to take a break while they try to save the Drive-In.

Warnings: None I can think of.

Word count: 5384

A/N: Can’t believe I’m already on Part 5. You guys are awesome for the reading. Sorry it’s such a slow burn. Yep, there’s a subtle Supernatural reference... Thank you @jugheadxreaderinyourhead for helping me with vocabulary.

Jughead’s point of view

Jughead is woken up by loud noises at the Drive-In. He goes down, still in his boxers, ready to strike in case it’s a burglar, but it was just the manager. Seeing him makes Jug feel at ease again, relaxing his muscles, although the fact that the man is putting things in boxes can be a little concerning. “Hey, Jake. What’s up?”, he asks, puzzled. “Here’s your payment, Jughead.” The man hands him a thick envelope. “This is a lot more than I earn.” He tries to hand him back the envelope, for he might have given him the wrong one. “Oh, you don’t know yet. They’re shutting down the Drive-In.”, Jake says, while throwing his belongings into the cardboard box in a somewhat rough manner. Jughead stays silent with a dumbfounded expression. “It’s the month’s salary, next week’s advance and a little extra for all these years of good work.”, Jake explains the amount of money and goes back to packing. “Why?”, he simply asks, still thinking it could be a complete joke. “It was bought off.”, the man says sadly. Just like for Juggie, that place means a lot to him. “You should read this.” Jug takes the letter in his hands with the explanation from the Mayor. He can see the man reminiscing about his youth, talking about how he used to take his dates there, or that he worked at the projection booth douring high school, having managed the Twilight for most of his adult life, just as in many occasions they’d talk about all those things. But it was all going down now.

Jake loads his car with the last of the boxes full of memorabilia and personal objects. He closes the trunk door and shakes Jug’s hand, who is now fully dressed, including his beanie. “Take care of yourself, kid.”, he says with a lot of weight on his words. Jughead is left standing there, looking at everything like it’s both the first and the last time he’ll ever do, until the car is no longer visible. He remembers when he started working there and Jake found him sleeping on a thin mattress on the floor, head on his backpack. He was scared to death of being thrown out and fired over it, but the man simply walked out and came back half an hour later with a rollaway bed, a pillow and some blankets he assembled in the projection room without a word. With all that in his mind, he doesn’t even have time to think about what Betty found out regarding Archie and what she might do with such information.

He returns to his room and sits down on the bed, staring at the letter for a while, not being able to read past ‘It will be demolished’.”. His home away from home, the place in which he has had a few happy childhood memories is being torn down. Jughead looks at the envelope containing his last payment and then at the projection room he’s been living in for the past 2 years, wondering what the hell he’ll do next. He just grabs a jacket and leaves, walking for miles without paying attention to anything. The words from that piece of paper stand out in his mind: anonymous buyer, shut down, scheduled demolition… He adds a few on his own, like jobless and homeless. When this upset boy finally stops to look around, he recognizes the front door he’s standing on: Y/N’s. “When did she became the person I go to when I’m in need?” he asks himself and turns back. “Jughead!”, she shouts. He’s already walking away, not wanting to trouble that outstanding girl with that, when he feels her hand holding his. (She’s not gonna let him go.) He’s actually incredibly thankful she did that. Truth is he doesn’t want to be alone in that moment. He’s just not good at asking for help.

They walk in still holding hands. “Do you wanna talk about what happened?”, she asks, letting go of his hand. “If you don’t mind, that’s the last thing I wanna talk about.”, he answers, missing the warmth of her touch. “I have pizza. Pizza makes anything better.”, she says, taking out the box from the fridge and putting it on the pizza pan to heat it up. “Agreed.”, he tells her, but what really makes him feel better is seeing her. “Your parents aren’t home yet?”, he inquires, looking around, noticing pictures of her as a kid on the walls. “No. There was an emergency somewhere, with some patient.”, she tells him with little interest. “And they just leave you?” He wonders if that sounded rude. “I’m used to it. To be honest, I enjoy it.”, she tells him and he relates to her fondness for being alone, although right now he prefers being with her. “It’s my mom that doesn’t like it. My dad is the love of her life – she can’t stay away from him. But she’d like to be home more often.”, Y/N explains and he wonders if his dad was the love of his mom’s life; if so, how he stopped being.

The pizza is eaten before any slice even has a chance to cool down. Then they talk for hours, about the first time they watched ‘A Clockwork Orange’ and could barely blink, their favorite potato chips flavors, how they both love Edgar Allan Poe, some video games they both play and even a little bit about things he wrote before starting the novel. Jughead even forgets about the Drive-In. That girl makes him feel things he never felt before. He’s never even had a crush on a fictional character and now all he wants to do is be there, looking at her and hearing her talk about things they love. “I can’t help but notice you haven’t used the free food ticket I gave you.”, he remarks, wondering if she hasn’t used it because she’s not into him. Besides, it can be the last time he’s able to. “Wasn’t aware there was an expiration date.” They both laugh. “I was saving it for tonight, obviously. Come on, Jones. Buy me dinner.”, she says with a confident smile, something he had never seen on that pretty face before, and it matches her. “It’s a date… Did I just say that out loud? No, thank god. Also, did I just call this a date?” He rambles in his own mind.

Y/N’s point of view

The Chock'lit Shoppe isn’t far from her home. Even in the slow speed they’re going, it won’t take them too long to get there. “Sheriff Keller stopped by this morning, before you.”, Y/N tells him as they walk. “He’s been going around door to door.”, Jughead reports. “He heard about the fight and wanted to know about my involvement with Jason.”, she says mockingly, with air quotation marks, immediately noticing a barely perceptible frown on Jug’s face. “I told him he should come back another time, when my parents get home. I’m pretty sure he found that suspicious.”, the girl adds. “He doesn’t have any idea what he’s doing. I mean, nothing like that was ever supposed to happen in Riverdale.” He stops as the Sheriff drives by them not failing to stare until he was out of sight. “It’s starting to look a lot like Salem during the witch trials.”, he delivers it eerily and she can see he’ll use that in his novel.

They arrive at Pop’s parking lot. The red light form the neon sign shading their faces, the amazing smell of food being cooked inside watering their mouths. “Jughead!”, someone shouts and they turn around. Betty, Veronica and Kevin are walking towards them. “Hey, guys.”, Jughead responds unexcitedly. “And who’s this?” Veronica asks curiously. Y/N’s just about to answer, detecting Jughead’s difficulty in finishing his sentence. He’s stuttering on ‘she’ when Betty finally answers for them. “This is Y/N Y/L/N. She’s writing with us at the Blue and Gold.”, the blonde reveals and both Veronica and Kevin move on to a different conversation. “Am I?”, she inquires with a quite puzzled expression. “Yeah, if you take my offer.”, Betty concludes hopefully. “What offer?”, Jug asks, even more confused than Y/N. “Betty called me last night inviting me to work with you guys, but I’m not a writer.”, she says, expecting that would be the end of it. “Acording to my mother, you are.” Betty is not comfortable to bring her parent into the conversation, but she’s kinda desperate. “Alice is kind to say that. But if that internship taught me anything, is that I’m not cut out for it.” Y/N tells her, remembering how hard she had to work to keep up with the Coopers. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m starving.”, Kevin interrupts, already walking in. “I’m Veronica by the way.”, the raven-haired girl introduces herself, shaking Y/N’s hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m a fan of the DIY manner you used to deal with the Chuck situation.”, Y/N says, observing Betty doesn’t take that the same way Ronnie does.

Hermione Lodge comes to take their orders as they sit in a booth. Jughead chooses the place in front of Kevin and Betty quickly sits next to him, leaving both Jug and Y/N wondering if she didn’t notice they arrived together for a reason, but neither being able to tell the girl. Veronica is already sitting next to Kev, so Y/N finds a chair to sit at the corner of the table, felling a bit left out. “So sorry about the Drive-In, Jughead.”, Kevin says, taking a sip from his soda. “What about it?”, Veronica asks indifferently, like she’s just making conversation. “They’re shutting down and demolishing it.”, Kevin explains, as if it was some simple small town gossip. “The Drive-In closing is just one more nail in the coffin that is Riverdale... No, forget Riverdale, in the coffin of the American dream.” Juggie sounds as if he was holding that in all day and now she knows why he looked so doom and gloom earlier. Y/N has a hard time processing the news but doesn’t fail to notice how poetic Jug is, even with the saddest of things. “This doesn’t make any sense.”, she agrees. The Drive-In is where she’d go with her father to watch cult movies and then they’d discuss their opinions afterwards at Pop’s. She can’t imagine that special place not existing anymore. “As the godfather of indie cinema, Quentin Tarantino, likes to say...” Jughead starts, but is cut off by Kevin. “Please, God, no more Quentin Tarantino references.” Y/N definitely doesn’t feel the same way as Kevin over Tarantino references. “What? I’m pissed. Not just about losing my job, the Twilight Drive-In should mean something to us. We should be trying to save it.”, Jughead claims desperately and Y/N is just about to back him up. “In this age of Netflix and VOD, do people really want to watch a movie in a car? I mean, who even goes there?”, Veronica asks rhetorically, making Y/N look at her with contempt, wanting to prove her wrong. “Me.” Y/N starts saying, but is cut off by Kevin, who she thinks has the annoying habit of doing that. “People who want to buy crack.” They both look at each other reprovingly. “And cinephiles, like me and Y/N, car enthusiasts.” Jug looks at her thankfully, really appreciative of her help on the subject. “Anyways, it’s closing because the town owns it but didn’t invest in it. So when an anonymous buyer made Mayor McCoy an offer, she couldn’t refuse...” Jughead is trying to explain, but Veronica cuts him off. ”Anonymous buyer? What do they have to hide? No one cares.”, she speaks her mind, laughing. “I do.” Both Y/N and Juggie say at the same time. “Anyways, you guys should all come to closing night. I’m thinking ‘American Graffiti’, or is that too obvious?”, he changes the subject a little bit. It’s visible he’s already thinking of other options. “Anything starring Audrey Hepburn, or Kate Blanchett.”, Veronica votes and Y/N thinks it’s probably because the girl herself looks like she’s been taken out from one of those movies. “Or ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’.” Kevin suggests and Y/N wonders if they only enjoy movies they can relate to. She also wonders the same about herself. “You do have Tom’s jaw, Kevin.”, she says. “Thank you.”, he says and she’s not sure if it’s utter thankfulness or sarcasm over being compared to a killer, although a very handsome one. “Betty, your choices?” , he looks at the blonde girl who’s been silent this whole time, snapping the girl’s attention into the conversation for what seems to be the first time so far. “Maybe ‘Pretty in Pink’. How about you, Y/N?”, the Cooper girl wants to know, and Jughead stares at Y/L/N intently. “I think ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ is a good fit.”, she shoots. Hermione arrives with their food, putting an end to that debate.

“That’s an odd combo.” Kev says and looks at the trio who just walked in, making everyone turn heads. Archie with his dad and Miss Grundy, of all people. Betty quickly walks out without Jug or Y/N even having a chance to stop her. They know perfectly well that approaching him like that isn’t a great idea. “What’s happening?”, Kevin asks confused, just like Veronica. “Trust me, you don’t wanna know.”, Y/N responds, hoping they’ll let it go, but it actually makes them more interested. As soon as Betty walks out with the ginger boy, their curiosity grows. Unfortunately, none of them is about to tell why the blonde needed so desperately to talk to Arch. Y/N has just met Betty, having no long lasting friendship loyalty to her, and she doesn’t even know Archie, but she wouldn’t want to be told on if she was in that situation. “What’s happening out there? Do we know? Is it about me?” Veronica asks hurriedly and Y/N thinks how self-centered that girl has to be to think everything is about her. “I have a strong inkling.”, Jughead says vaguely. “I’d stay out of it if I were you.”, Y/N advises the New Yorker and she looks surprised Y/N even knows what’s going on. “But you’re you and I’m me. You do you, girl. I’ll be back.”, Veronica spits on her way out. Kevin respects their privacy out of fear of the unknown.

Jughead’s point of view

Alice shows up to pick Betty up before things get worse. Archie walks back in to his table as if nothing has happened and Veronica looks both pissed and surprised at the same time. “I’ll leave this to your very capable hands.”, Jug tells Kevin, who is desperate for gossip. “Y/L/N, if we may?”, he says pointing at an empty booth on the other side of the diner and she quickly gets up waving the ones staying good bye. They sit in front of each other, just the two of them. “As it should’ve been all along.”, the beanie-clad boy adds trying to salvage what could’ve been their first date. “Why didn’t you tell me about the Drive-In?” That’s exactly what he’s expecting her to ask. “I wanted to forget about it.”, he says sadly now that the anger has gone. “I want to be able to help you, Jug, but I can’t if you won’t let me.” He can hear the honesty in her voice. “Help me print out and distribute the flyers about the last screening?”, he asks for her assistance. “Absolutely. But we shouldn’t give up yet. We have to hit pause on Jason’s investigation. It’s not like we have any new leads anyways.” He nods in agreement. “We should talk to Mayor McCoy about keeping the Drive-In.”, she suggests and he realizes it would be incredible if they could find a way to change her mind about the sale. He’s also amazed at her tenacity to fight for something that is probably doomed, because it’s the right thing. After all that happened this night, he’s glad he didn’t call it a date. It would’ve been a complete epic fail. He pays for Y/N’s food as she hands him the ticket. “Keep it.”, he tells her. “Give it back to me when you need a free meal.”, she says, putting the piece of decorated paper in his jacket’s pocket. He can feel her finger gently touching his body. If they weren’t in a diner full of people, he would’ve probably kissed her.

Jughead arrives early at school to hand out as many flyers as he can. Archie finds him on one of the hallways and starts rambling about Betty discovering his affair with the music teacher. Jug cares about his friend, but he has more important things in his mind, like the roof over his head that is about to be demolished. Even if he didn’t, saying nothing was the most moral choice. He couldn’t either betray Arch and tell Betty not to do anything or warn the red-haired guy without going against Betty, who wasn’t wrong. He assures his friend Betty wouldn’t do anything to hurt him. Despite everything, he can’t miss the chance for some irony. “We’re both trying to hold on to something much older than us.”, he says, as he glues a poster on the school’s wall with a near perfect drawing of James Dean, made by Y/N, revealing the movie of choice: Rebel Without a Cause. Could he make it more obvious he’s falling for her?

Y/N is waiting for him outside after their last class, for they planned of walking to the town hall and talk to the Mayor. “Interesting friends you have.”, Y/N states, referring to the previous night’s scandal. “Archie and Betty are my friends, the others were just there…” He knows how mean that sounds. “So, only the womanizer jock/musician and the absent-minded blonde? Not the gay kid? Or the deluxe rich girl?”, she hits him with the same level of sarcasm he strikes the world with and they both laugh.

Mayor McCoy is not pleased with their visit and she makes that pretty obvious by not giving them her full attention, messing around with papers they are sure could be dealt with after the 15 minutes they asked for. Jughead looks longingly at the town’s model in the middle of the room and Y/N walks right to the Mayors desk in a stern way, demanding to be heard. “The Drive-In is a piece of this town’s history. You want to throw a 75th Anniversary Jubilee while you destroy our roots?”, Y/N asks with conviction and Jughead doesn’t think he could’ve put it better himself. “It’s called progress, Miss Y/L/N. Do you think we kept everything exactly like it was 75 years ago?”, the Mayor asks like Y/N is a kid and that angers Jughead. “There must be something we can do to keep it.”, he demands with a hint of desperation. “I’m sorry, but the Twilight Drive-In it’s a blight that’s become a cesspool, and a hangout for criminals… and transients.”, she says with little regard to the people who love that place. “And the deal’s done. Andrews Construction is scheduled to demolish the lot on Monday.”, she adds happily like that’s a job well done. “Mayor McCoy, when I was a kid, my family and I would go to the drive-in all the time. We couldn’t afford tickets for everyone, so my sister Jellybean and I would hide in the trunk until we parked. We’d sneak out.”, he chuckles and notices the soft expression on Y/N’s face who was listening attentively. “It’s like I’m home.” He emphasizes the word ‘home’, hoping that a more sentimental way could get to her. “Thank you both for your input on this. But the future of Riverdale is at stake. There’s nothing I can do.” She motions them to the door.

Jughead has the look of defeat all over him. “We’re not giving up. We can talk to Mr. Andrews. If he backs out, it will at least slow it down until we find a permanent solution.” She cups his cheeks talking very close to his, making Jughead’s heart skip a beat. He takes a moment to regain control of his body after she let go of his face. “I should be the one to do it. I’ve been best friends with his son all my life.”, he says trying to find an explanation to why he doesn’t want to involve her in this without having to mention his drunk father. “Makes sense. Let me know how it goes. I have to meet Betty for something anyways.” He thought she would be hurt by being left out but it actually surprised him she has plans with the blonde cheerleader. “Are you guys friends now?”, he asks with jealousy. “I wouldn’t go that far. She asked if I was in for some sleuthing. It’s probably Jason-related and she just wants my opinion.”, she explains. “So, about tomorrow… I can borrow my mom’s car. And I was wondering if you’d like to watch the movie from the audience’s point of view one last time?”, she asks with so much insecurity he thinks it’s cute. “I’d love to. I’ll fix the roll and meet you there.”. He looks at the beautiful smile now forming on Y/N’s face, not realizing he has the same one on.

Y/N’s point of view

Y/N stands at the address Betty texted her. Despite she’s not late yet, the Y/H/C girl has her doubts if she’ll really come or if this was just a prank. Thankfully, before she has time to fall into a panic attack over it, she spots the blonde Nancy Drew walking her way, alongside the raven-haired princess. “So much for letting this go.”, Veronica says as Y/N now realizes they are standing in front of Geraldine’s car. “Wow. Are we really breaking into Grundy’s car right now?” Y/N asks while Betty pulls out a slim jim out of her bag. ”How do you even know how to do that?”, Veronica asks whispering and looking around. “My dad and I fix cars together. Thank God, she drives an old…” Betty looks at the other girls with a proud look since she has successfully opened the blue beetle’s door and they all get in. “I have to say, when you said sleuthing I figured it was about Jason and not breaking in the music teachers car.”, Y/N whispers and Betty quickly looks around the car. “If I’m committing a felony, I need at least to ask the question. Are you doing this because you still have feelings for Archie, or…”, Veronica asks and that makes Y/N huff and fall back on her seat felling her body hit something. “No. We’re doing this because Grundy has Archie under some kind of sexual spell, and he won’t listen to reason. We’re looking for anything that proves Grundy isn’t as clean as she says she is.” Betty says. “Probably what you’re looking for.”, Y/N says and hands her a lock box she found on the back seat and Betty expresses a deep ‘thank you’ with her eyes. “Bobby pin.” She looks at Veronica who obviously had many hidden around her perfect wavy hair. “Ok, Ms. Gyver.” Veronica hands her the bobby pin and she masterfully opens the lock. “Nancy Drew detective handbook?” Y/N asks impressed. “Yeah!” Betty is proud to be compared to such a wonderful writer. She opens the box pulling out a driver’s license with the name “Jeniffer Gibson” and Ms. Grundy’s picture making the girls question the teachers real identity. However, what really surprises them is the gun Betty pulls out. They hear noises in the house. “We gotta go.” Y/N urges, already opening her door with as much care not to make a noise as she does when sneaking out of her room when her parents are home. Those little outlaws leave.

Betty convinced them they should tell Archie about what they found. Y/N really wants to be left out of it as she doesn’t even know Archie. But she was involved in it either she likes it or not. Obviously the red-haired wasn’t too pleased about the illegal actions the girl took, but he couldn’t deny that it’s suspicious for his lover to have an ID with a different name and a gun, considering a student was shot. He said he’d deal with the situation on his terms, not Betty’s, and Y/N thinks he’s right. Even if what the lovers are doing is wrong, it’s not their business. They leave with a very angry Archie slamming the door on them.

Y/N hadn’t looked at her phone while she was out breaking the law with Betty and Veronica, so when she get’s home, there are a few texts to answer. She skips her mom’s, going directly to Jughead’s.

From: Jughead

No luck with Mr. Andrews.

From: Y/N

Then let’s think of something else.

He doesn’t reply after that and she’s sure it’s because it must be a lot to take in. She has a lot of unfinished homework to get to. Since they became friends, she’s been spending her time in getting to know him rather than schoolwork. Fact is her parents wouldn’t be pleased if her grades started getting lower, which creates a strong conflict, because she really wants to keep his friendship. Y/N decides to sleep a bit less to try to make everyone happy, including herself, by making a cup of coffee to get her through those papers. She eventually falls asleep on the desk with only a few words left to write on her last essay.

Y/N takes one last look at herself in the mirror before leaving for the Drive-In. She’s not usually worried about her clothes the way Veronica and Cheryl are, because she feels there are more important things than appearance, but right now she wants to look good. She chooses a black see-through buttoned-down shirt that barely shows her bralette underneath, a red wine jacket, dark gray skinny jeans and simple converse shoes. She lets her Y/H/C hair loose and natural. The girl even attempts on wearing some lipstick, giving up at last because it feels too much.

She arrives quite excited at the Twilight, only second to the Serpents, who were probably there a lot earlier. Looking at the big sign showing “Rebel Without A Cause” makes her blush. The girl parks her mom’s 1967 Impala in the middle of the field where the lights from the concession stand won’t be visible and the noise from the gang won’t be too loud. The smell of fresh popcorn fills her nostrils and she buys two buckets, since Jughead will be joining her. Not too long goes by and the whole space is filled with cars. It has been a while since the Drive-In is this crowded. So sad to think it will be the last time.

Half the movie has gone by and Jughead is still in the projection booth. Y/N wonders if she’ll be stood up one more time. The Serpents are being loud and obnoxious, making it hard to hear what the characters are saying. Thankfully, Y/N has watched it many times before, enough to memorize the lines. She can faintly hear someone screaming back to the gangers, telling them to shut up. When she looks behind her, she sees Verocina sitting back down in Kevin’s truck. Everyone hunks in agreement.

The passenger door opens and Jughead sits next to her. “Took you long enough.”, she says, handing him a half empty bucket of popcorn. “Yeah, I ate it.” He chuckles, resting his hand on the back of the seat. “Smooth.” She thinks, glad he did that. Jim has just kissed Judie and Y/N faces him. He’s leaning in, getting closer to her face, brushing the locks of hair away from her face, glancing at her lips. She’s desperately waiting for him to finally reach her. Perfect mere inches from contact are ruined by one of the Serpents turning on his bike to leave and the noise makes him back away, quickly opening the car door. “I should get back to check on the film...” Before she even has a chance to reply, he’s already out of sight.

Jughead’s point of view

Joghead closes the projection booth and slides down till he hits the ground. “What the fuck was that?” He has never kissed anyone, never even wanted to. But then there he was, just about to do it, and he truly wished it had happened. Best of all, he could see she did too. If that darn bike hadn’t made him self-conscious of the risks of his actions, he probably would’ve. He’s not used to being scared, so he just left her there to be alone in his safe haven one last time, but in deep regret.

The movie ends and the loud noise of cars leaving makes him look from the small window at the field. Her car is the only one still parked. Jug wants to go down, but he can’t face her now. His phone buzzes.

From: Y/N

Do you need a ride?

From: Jughead

Nah, thanks. I still gotta fix some stuff, it’s gonna take a while.

From: Y/N

Ok. Good night, Jug. Sorry we couldn’t save the Drive-in.

He’s relieved at her messages. He was expecting her to be mad but it seems as if she could read his mind and know he was just afraid of being rejected. Jughead watches her driving away, wanting to scream for her to come back. Instead, he keeps his mouth shut with dread. He proceeds to pack his bag with whatever he can make fit, mentally preparing to leave for good in the morning, not even sure yet where he’ll go to, his dad’s place being the last one on the list. When he finally lays down, both his mind and body are tired and he falls asleep immediately, letting his unconsciousness continue the act he left unfinished earlier.

He grabs his heavy bag containing all his belongings and some souvenirs from the Drive-In. He takes a look at the walls that were about to be destroyed and he wants to add something of himself to that place. He tags “Jughead Jones Wuz Here” adding a crown on top with spray paint. After leaving his mark on the world, he’s ready to leave but is met face to face with the Southside Serpents’ leader. Anyone else in his place would probably shiver, but he was at ease. After all, the man standing in front of him is his father. FP may be an alcoholic gang-banger, but he truly cares about his son. He ensures his father he will be fine, mostly trying to convince himself. And he leaves The Twilight Drive-In without looking back.

#Jughead Jones #Jughead Jones x Reader #Riverdale #Riverdale Imagine #Jughead Jones Imagine #Forsythe Pendleton Jones III #Thank you mom for proofreading #thank you jugheadxreaderinyourhead for being awesome #Jughead x Reader #Riverdale Imagines #Jughead Jones Imagines #Juggie Jones #fanfic #imagine #Jughead Jones III

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tea-and-cardigans · 7 years ago

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What Fools These Mortals Be - Chapter 9 - More Strange Than True.

Thank you everyone for patiently waiting for the next update for this story. This was one of my favourite chapters to write so I hope you guys enjoy it as well. As always a big shout out to my awesome, amazing, astounding beta @jandjsalmon who is such a supportive person both in my writing and just being there as a friend. Seriously I get excited every time I see your email in my inbox. And the gorgeous aesthetic above is by @itstenafterfour who I am so happy to see has rejoined us, you go girl.

Chapter 9: More Strange Than True

Chap 1 / Chap 2 / Chap 3 / Chap 4 / Chap 5 / Chap 6 / Chap 7 / Ao3 / FF.net

Veronica’s apartment, if it could even be called that, was every bit how Betty imagined it would be. It was the penthouse of the historic Pembrooke Apartments right in the heart of Riverdale. From the doorman in the lobby to the wrought iron on the roof, everything screamed old money.

Once, as a gift for Betty’s 21st birthday, her mother had arranged for her to stay on a lower floor of the building for the weekend. She’d spent the night relaxing in the oversized bubble bath, momentarily forgetting her every day stresses. It was that night of freedom that had prompted her to start looking for her own apartment when she permanently returned to town. She hadn’t wanted those moments of solitude and rest to be a one-time thing.

Betty may have stayed at the Pembrooke before, but the penthouse suite was something else entirely. The large glass windows of the lounge overlooked glittering lights of the small town below them. She ran her fingertips gently across the glass as she took in the view. Veronica had insisted that she drive Betty over to the apartment from the theatre, letting the boys make their own way across. Betty couldn’t imagine that Jughead and Archie would be sharing the car ride over. Kevin had had to step in a few times during the rehearsals to separate the two of them, particularly as they acted out the fight between their two characters over her character, Helena’s affections. Their performance had seemed a bit too real.

While they were waiting, Veronica pulled a bottle from the fridge and opened it with a loud pop, the cork hitting the roof. She handed Betty a flute and poured her a not small glass of what Betty could only presume was genuine French champagne. Veronica poured her own glass. “No harm starting before they get here,” she explained, before clinking her glass against Betty’s and they both took a sip. “Now remember, guys like Archie love to talk about themselves. Just build him up, flatter him, maybe even giggle a little and he will be putty in your hands. Meanwhile I will keep Mr. Dark and Broody occupied.”

“Good luck,” Betty scoffed.

“Oh, I have my ways,” Veronica said with a wink and a twirl of her hair around her fingers. Betty was reminded of her talking to Jughead at the theatre, her hand resting on his arm and wasn’t so sure she was comfortable with whatever ‘Veronica’s ways’ included.

Soon enough there was a buzz on the intercom and Veronica walked over to the panel, greeting the two men, the taller one at the back of the other had his hands thrust in his jacket pockets as he scowled at the redhead who was smiling confidently into the camera. Betty downed the rest of her champagne quickly before Veronica opened the door and the night began.

She took her final bow on the stage as she continued to clench her fists. The pain grounded her if only briefly. They were all just a mass of faces in front of her. ‘I have always depended on the kindness of strangers’ the words rung in her ears. What a joke. Kevin went to congratulate her and she walked straight past him, a brief glancing look in his direction. She went to her locker grabbing her belongings from the shelves and shoving them quickly into her bag.

“Betty.” Kevin was beside her locker now leaning heavily up against it as his eyes flicked over her taking in her hurried expression. “Where’s the fire?”

“What?” she snapped in his direction and he took a step back from her and she wondered briefly if he saw it now. The part of her that she was always trying to squash down that had surfaced now, had been masked by her performance, but had not dissipated with the final fall of the theatre curtain.

“I just mean you seem in a hurry. The rest of the company was going to the Whyte Wyrm to celebrate.” She grabbed the last of her belongings, shoving them into her bag before slamming the locker door shut. Kevin jumped a little at her forcefulness before continuing, “It might be a good opportunity to blow off some steam.”

Betty considered the invitation before nodding. Why the hell not?

Archie had started talking to her almost as soon as he’d walked in Veronica’s door. Betty had thought that she would have had to beg and steal his attention from Veronica so she was pleasantly surprised. For tonight at least, he seemed happy enough to speak to her which only made her more nervous that she would say the wrong thing. Not only that, but she was distracted by the goings on across the room. Veronica had pulled Jughead away as soon as the two men had entered. He had reluctantly followed as she spoke in his ear. Veronica continued to talk animatedly at him as Betty stole glances at them.

“Betty?”

“Sorry, Arch. I am listening. Just a bit - distracted.”

“Performance jitters.” He took another swig of his beer, forgoing the expensive champagne for something a little more familiar. Jughead on the other hand was continuing to take sips of the Coke he had asked for when he had been offered a drink. Betty knew he didn’t drink, not since his dad. “I get them too believe it or not.”

“Yeah that must be it.” Veronica’s hand was resting on his elbow as she spoke to him and Betty tried to recall if Veronica always touched people when she spoke to them or whether she was making a special exception for Jughead.

Betty reminded herself that Veronica had said she was going to distract him so that she could speak to Archie and finally work up the nerve to ask him out on a date in a relaxed environment without Jughead getting in the way. But it wasn’t like he was turning her affectionate gestures away either. She had imagined that he would. Or at least put distance between him and Veronica. He never let anyone in his personal space. Well… that wasn’t exactly true. He used to let her in, didn’t he?

“It must be hard acting opposite Jughead,” Archie interrupted her thoughts again. She pulled her eyes away from across the room to focus on Archie who had obviously noticed her watching the other pair.

“Why? What do you mean?”

“Well, he isn’t exactly an actor is he? And he’s always been a bit weird, even in high school.”

“It’s not been too bad,” Betty admitted. Well, it had been but not for the reasons that Archie was alluding to. “Besides he is doing really well now.” Was she actually defending Jughead to the man who had been the main object of her affection for years? Yep, looked like she was.

“Well, I think you’re doing great given the circumstances.” There was that award winning smile. She had waited so long for it to be just for her and yet, she couldn’t bask in her own success.

“Thanks Arch.” She noticed that he had already finished his beer while she was still sipping her champagne.

“Hey, I’m going to get another beer do you want another drink?” Betty held out the still nearly full glass to him, shaking her head as he moved to the kitchen. She wasn’t sure how she hadn’t noticed Archie was a drinker before. Thinking back she could remember very rarely seeing him sober at the wrap up parties, or any other the company get togethers to be honest. There was a giggle that pierced through the room, and Betty’s attention was drawn back again to Veronica who was now tracing a finger along the outline of Jughead’s jacket. Betty pulled her bottom lip in between her teeth, clamping down to keep herself silent as she tried not to look towards them. She wanted to march over there and stop them. Snap Jughead out of whatever spell Veronica had managed to weave.

She wanted to distract herself with Archie, to drown out the memories of earlier times with Jughead that kept being dragged to the surface every time she looked at him. With this in mind, she moved to the kitchen to speak to Archie once again, knowing that she should be content with his attention but she was finding it difficult to fake it.

The night continued on with the two pairs moving in separate orbits. Despite being occupied with Archie, Betty continued to internally question why Jughead hadn’t acknowledged her at all, instead choosing to spend his time with Veronica. Her company for the evening was now crashed out on the couch snoring softly. She had spent the evening trying to get to know Archie - she really had - but the words, the conversation didn’t come easily and she found herself wondering if that was the reason she had never really had a chance with him in the past. Maybe it wasn’t because she was the second choice or the bottom of the food chain or any of the other excuses she’d built up in her head… but maybe because she was better than him. Maybe they really didn’t have anything in common. Maybe she had outgrown a schoolgirl crush that she had been foolishly holding onto for years. Maybe? Then why had she asked him on that date?

“I should be getting home,” she said finally when Veronica came over to check on her.

“It’s still early,” Veronica argued, a questioning look on her face when she noticed Betty gathering her jacket and keys. Jughead had followed her over, a bowl of chips in his hand as he munched on them as he observed.

“I’m tired and well,” she moved her head towards the sleeping figure on the couch.

Veronica laughed and hugged Betty tightly. “Did you get what you were looking for?” she whispered into her ear, and Betty wasn’t sure how to answer that question. Veronica pulled away from the embrace and Betty could tell she was searching her face for the answer. “Do you want me to call you an Uber?”

“I can take Betty home.” Jughead volunteered, his hand already on her back pushing her towards the door. She looked towards Veronica for saving. She couldn’t deal with this kind of emotional upheaval right now. After everything tonight, Betty was already questioning her actions over the course of the last few years and being stuck in a car with Jughead would only remind her of things she couldn’t have.

Her friend didn’t seem to get the message though. “Only if you drop this one off first.” Veronica pointed towards the slumped figure of Archie who had drank far too much and conked out on the sofa not long after Betty had finally plucked up the courage to ask him out on a date. Ridiculous as it may seem, Betty truly did want to confirm or deny whether Archie had never really been the man for her. It was hardly fair to judge him when she couldn’t even keep her mind occupied on something other than the man in the crown beanie across the room.

Jughead turned towards Betty, “Can you help me get him down into the car?”

Betty wanted to refuse his offer, but she didn’t know if she had the word, and she had to admit to herself that she would rather be driven home by Jughead rather than a stranger, so she sighed in agreement and helped Jughead lift the very heavy and very drunk Archie out of the apartment. Veronica gave her a little wink as she closed the door behind them.

“So you finally got your wish?” Jughead said grumpily as they got back into the car after maneuvering a very uncoordinated Archie Andrews back into his childhood home. He had managed to murmur a barely coherent thank you as Fred Andrews took his weight from them. Archie had sobered a little on the ride and was able to stand swaying slightly with the support of his father. He had also mumbled that he would see Betty next Monday after dress rehearsal for their date and Betty had simply smiled at him, while she could practically feel the daggers that Jughead was sending his way.

“I guess I did,” she whispered in response as she folded her hands on her lap, playing with the fabric of her skirt, pointedly keeping her gaze out the window. Her apartment was not far from her old childhood home on the same street as Archie’s house but they travelled in silence. He stopped at her apartment building and she noticed that she hadn’t had to give him directions-he had remembered. “Thanks,” she said sharply as she got out of the car, not meaning to slam the car door as hard as she did when she closed it. Her head was all over the place and she wasn’t sure that she could blame it all on the champagne. Jughead was soon beside her.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m walking you to your door,” he didn’t even wait for her to argue with him instead taking the lead and waiting by the entry for her to enter the code.

“You don’t have to.” She punched the code into the keypad and he opened the door allowing her to go through first. She was on the first floor and he followed her to her apartment door. She turned the key in the lock, eager to escape into her safe haven where she could at least attempt to collect and re-order her thoughts without distraction. “Thanks again,” she managed as she went to close the door, not wanting to meet his eyes. His hand stopped the door from closing and her face finally turned up to his. What she saw there nearly took her breath away.

“What are you doing Betty?” He stared at her, his gaze is intense. She tried to will herself to look away- to close the door in his face but she couldn’t.

“Doesn’t concern you Jughead.” She turned away from him and walked further into the apartment, knowing that he would follow her – this conversation was long overdue. She heard the door shut and turned to see him behind her. There was something in his eyes, almost like desperation. She knew she’d seen that look before.

“He doesn’t love you, he doesn’t even notice you,” Jughead murmured under his breath.

“He noticed me tonight,” she replied simply and it’s not the taunt that she intended it to be instead it sounded sad, almost regretful coming out of her mouth. Everything about this situation was irksome. Of course it was now her who couldn’t seem to focus on her end goals. Instead Betty’s attention was divided between the person she thought she should be with and the person who… well, she couldn’t allow herself to finish that thought.

“This isn’t you, Betts. Giggling like a schoolgirl at every inane word that comes out of his mouth. You’re better than that. You don’t have to pretend.”

“Really, Jughead?” Her temper flared. She moved towards him, and with her heels on she was almost his height as she held his gaze. Her hands were flexing by her sides and she felt the familiar bite of nails piercing skin and the eerie calm that came along with it yet set her on edge at the same time. “Because you saw the real me.” Hot tears were filling her eyes and she blinked them back furiously. “And you didn’t want it. You didn’t want me.”

Betty spotted Jughead behind the bar, pouring drinks for the other actors. She thought that maybe he might have taken some of the night off to share with the rest of them but he was always about business. She had made her appearance with the rest of the company for the majority of the night. Faking her laugh, feigning interest, but now she was bored. Now she was craving something else entirely. She straightened her appearance before making her way over to him, delicately perching herself atop one of the bar stools. She caught his eye and he made his way over leaning on the bar in front of her.

“I’d ask if I can get you anything but I think you may have reached your limit.”

“You watching me again, Juggie?”

“Maybe.” A shy smile crossed his lips as he continued to wipe a glass before filling it with water and moving it across the bar towards her. “You’ll thank me tomorrow.” She took a sip from the glass eyeing him carefully. Noticing the way he had this one loose curl that seemed to fall over his eyes, she noticed he would twist it in his fingers sometimes when he was nervous. Like he was doing right now. She leaned over the bar slightly aware how low her top was and the view she must be creating for him.

“I could thank you now.” Her tone was low and seductive and he eyed her warily. He shook his head, moving away from the bar as if he didn’t hear the words from her mouth or he was trying to pretend he hadn’t heard them. She finished her water, like a good girl and watched him as he served the last of the patrons before turning towards her again. The bar crowd had started thinning out, the company was going their separate ways, leaving her and Jughead as she noticed Reggie and Moose drunkenly stumbling out of the bar together.

“I’m closing up, Betts; do you need a ride home?” She ignored his question as she hopped down from her stool. He was closing the blinds when she trailed her hand up his back. He turned immediately to face her. “Betts?” his voice was soft.. She loved the way he looked at her, as if she was the only one in the room the only one who mattered. She pulled on the material of his flannel shirt bunching the fabric in her small hands as she brought her lips to his. He moved his lips gently against her own, while her tongue plundered his mouth, seeking more and more. She took his bottom lip in between her teeth pulling roughly as he groaned into her mouth. She needed more; she needed to feel something, to feel desired, wanted. Something anything to take this overwhelming feeling of nothingness away. She was numb and wanted him to make her feel again.. The deep nail shaped crescents in her palms just weren’t enough anymore. Her hands pushed eagerly at the flannel shirt as she pulled it away from his shoulders and letting it fall to the floor.

His hands cupped her face, holding her steady in his hands. She pushed against him and he fell to the couch, looking up at her, stunned as she started to undo the buttons on her blouse. She approached him slowly before she peeled the blouse away from her body, dropping it next to his shirt and revealing the black lacy bra she had chosen for the evening. She noticed his Adam’s apple bob as her body was revealed and she lowered herself down onto his lap. She could see him trying to form words and instead pressed her lips against his again urgent and needy. She pulled the beanie from his head setting it beside them as she allowed her fingers to thread through his hair, pulling roughly so that she had access to his neck. Her lips trailed down his jawline to his neck, a scrape of her teeth had him bucking against her in response. She smiled wickedly at the response and moved her hips against his in experimentation. He let out a groan and she moved her hands down from his hair to his belt buckle. Her fingers tried to undo the buckle and the clink of metal filled the space between them but before she could complete her mission, his hands found hers and he stopped her.

“Betts.” His voice was scratchy and low and she could feel the heat pooling in her belly. She moved to continue but he held her steady. She looked into his eyes and he looked at her with soft eyes that she could only interpret as full of pity. Ignoring this, Betty moved her lips to his again, eager to continue, wanting to be loved. Wanting to feel something.

“Betts.” He said again as he pulled his mouth away from hers, his hands tightening around her own. There was a sharper tone to his voice now and she felt like a scolded child. He wanted her didn’t he? He looked at her like he wanted her; he had said that he wanted to kiss her that night in her apartment. He had brushed his lips so briefly against her own with the promise of more to come. Then it clicked and she wanted to laugh. But at the same time she wanted to scream and cry and yell. That was when she was sweet Betty Cooper, unmarked by grief and tragedy. Not now that she was tainted. “You’ve been drinking.”

“I know what I want, Juggie.” One more try. She moved in to kiss him again and he turned his face away. She tried not to let the hurt show on her face at his rejection but she was certain she’d failed. She could feel something inside of her crack.

“Betts, stop.” He began to speak but she had already started moving. She grabbed her shirt from the floor. “I -”

“Save it, Jughead.” She pulled her blouse back on, doing up the buttons as quickly as she could. Her fingers not co-operating as she instead just clung the material to her body with her fist. She was an idiot. Nobody wanted this messy version of herself. No, they wanted picture perfect girl next door Betty Cooper. “You know my mom told me about the Jones’. Trash, the part of Riverdale that everyone else pretends doesn’t exist. So don’t you dare think that you can sit there and judge me. You are note better than me.” Her free hand was again clenched in a fist by her side; she had to press hard to begin to feel the familiar biting sensation of nails cutting into the flesh of her palms. She could feel the wetness there. He looked in horror at her hands and she pulled them back against her chest.

“Let’s talk about this, Betts.” He stood up from the couch moving to wrap her in his arms. She pushed him away looking at the blood that was now on his white vest. He noticed too, his hand reaching out for her. “Betty, let me bandage those.”

“Get the fuck away from me, Jughead. I don’t need your help or your pity.” She walked out of the bar, shrugging her jacket on to ward off the biting cold which struck her body as soon as she was out in the open. No-one had ever seen her hands. She had become so practiced at hiding them away, concealing her pain from everyone around her. Not only had Jughead Jones rejected her, he had rejected the part of her that no-one else had seen, the part of her that she was sure that no-one could ever love.

He didn’t say anything, as if he was letting her words wash over him. The tears were already burning behind her eyes, a tightness in her throat begging to be released. The urge to wrap her tiny hands into fists was overwhelming. He reached out to grasp her hand as if he could read her mind, read what she was thinking about doing.

“That’s not how it was at all, Betts.”

Sooooooo, let me know what you think

#bughead fanfiction #bughead #betty jughead #Mywork #Betty Cooper x Jughead jones #WFTMB #au fanfiction

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clichesadmusic · 7 years ago

Text

It Doesn’t Care

Summary: Jugheads life had been slowly falling apart for as long as he could remember, but it all really went downhill one July 4th.

Trigger Warning: Self Harm, Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Sexual Abuse, ��Alcoholism, Drugs, Attempted Suicide.

Ship(s): Jarchie, maybe Beronica

My Whole Life Is A Lie...Or At Least It Has Been Since The Summer

Why me.

Why does weird shit always happen to me.

Was Jughead's first thought when he awoke, well, not really. His first thought when he awoke was why am I alive and am I lying on a bed right now. His eyes felt as if they were being pulled down with weights and his whole body hurt whenever he moved.

Silently he began panicking, what if he was kidnapped and they took him to their murder den. The again he was about to jump off a bridge when they took him so that defeated the point but what if they took him to their weird sex dungeon and Jug was gonna be stuck here as their gross personal sex toy.

In the midst of his panic, he didn’t notice when someone walked into the room until they placed what sounded like a plate down on a table beside him. At the sound, his eyes snapped open and he saw bright red hair then his eyes travelled down to the face to reveal

“Jason?” Jughead croaked eyes widening in surprise. “Okay that’s it I’m definitely dead.”

Jason chuckled and picked a glass up from the table beside him. “Here drink this.”

Jughead winced as he brought his arm up to grab the glass. Hand shaking from the strain as he brought it up to his nose to sniff. “What if you’ve poisoned it.”

The redhead (“The wrong redhead,” his brain supplied.) rolled his eyes. “Why would I save you from pitching yourself off a bridge just to poison you.”

“Good point.” Jughead narrowed his eyes and took a sip, immediately gagging as it tried to retreat back up his throat bile following it.

Swiftly Jason pulled a bowl out and placed it in front of Jughead. The brunette clutched the bowl like a lifeline as he emptied the measly substances from his stomach into the bowl until he could do no more than gasp breaths inside.

Finally, he stopped trying to throw up his intestines and felt a hand rubbing is back. Suddenly Jughead remembered that Jason was an older brother, this was probably something he had done for Cheryl more times than he could count. “C’mon, you need to lie back down. Whatever you took did a real number on you,” Jason said softly, slowly manoeuvring Jughead onto his back.

His vision swam as he stared at the ceiling, Jason turning into a red blur before his eyes fluttered shut and sleep overtook him once again.

~*~

Archie slammed the door behind him as he stormed back into the house toward the kitchen, throwing his jacket on the counter. He threw open the cupboards, knowing he had to eat but not caring when he didn’t even know where the most important person he ever met was at the moment. He slammed a bowl down beside his jacket and poured cereal and milk inside, knuckles white where he was holding it.

The elder Andrews wandered into the kitchen, lead by the slamming and crashing caused by his son. “Whoa, what did that cereal do to you,” he questioned walking to stand across from the redhead.

Archie dropped his spoon into the bowl and leaned back on the counter behind him, sighing. “Jughead’s missing.”

Fred moved around the island to put a hand on his son's arm. “Arch, this isn’t the first time Jug has gone off for a little while without telling anyone. I’m sure he’s fine.”

“No, this is different Dad. The last time anyone saw him was on Monday before school, it’s Friday, that’s five whole days and no sight of him.” Archie dropped his head. “I just don’t know what to do, I’ve been searching for him for the past couple hours but there was nothing.”

“Well, where did you last see him?”

Archie looked up, face scrunched in concentration. “It was.” his eyes shot open. “On Monday! At Pops! He was…” Archie’s voice trailed off.

“He was what Arch?”

“He was in the phone booth outside, he was crying but he left before I could ask him what was wrong.”

Suddenly the other Andrews left Archie's sides and ran out of the room, quickly returning with two coats in hand. “We have to find him.”

~*~

Jughead woke again to light streaming through windows in front of him. He sat up, head pounding, and looked around through squinted eyes at the room. There were sheer white curtains on the window, a dresser and a bedside table pushed up against the wall.

Jughead swung his legs over the side of the bed, quickly taking notice that he was still in the same clothes as when he was on the bridge just stripped down to his shirt and attempted to stand. His legs shook as he stood and he almost fell as he took his first step but he just continued, walking towards the dresser. When he reached it he practically collapsed onto the wood top, with a lot of effort he managed to pull open the top drawer in which he found his plaid shirt and jacket. He pulled them on with weak arms then reached up to scratch his head. His hand grabbed his hair as he realised his hat was gone, the one thing that had been constant in his life, besides Archie.

Adrenalin rushed through his body as he stumbled towards the door, panicking without his safety net. Just as he reached it, it was pulled open to reveal Jason on the other side.

Jughead paused and stared. “So I guess I wasn’t dreaming.”

Jason chuckled. “Nope, but you need to sit back down. You’ve been passed out for two days.”

“Two days!?!” Jughead spluttered, running his hands through his hair. “Wait, where is my hat.”

Jason grabbed his arm and he shivered from the contact as he was led back to the bed. He collapsed to a sitting position and his eyes began watering at the idea of him losing his hat forever, never to be seen again. Just when he was about to break down in earnest Jason began speaking.

“Here, this is yours.” He pulled a grey object out of his back pocket and presented it to Jughead. “Sorry I took it. It was really dirty so I washed it really quick.”

Jughead snatched it from his hands and began inspecting it, carefully making sure each point and button was exactly as it was when he last saw it. He stopped when he found a spot on the hat, slightly darker than the rest of the fabric. It happened when he and Archie were in 7th grade, there was a sudden downpour as they walked to Archie's house after school and Archie had snatched the hat off of his head and shoved it in his bag so it wouldn’t get wet. With most people, Jughead would have throttled them for taking his hat without his permission, but this was Archie so they just began running the few blocks to the Andrews household. When they finally rushed into the front hall, laughter falling from their mouths as they shook off. They ran up to Archie's room and collapsed onto the bed as Archie rummaged around in his bag searching for Jughead's hat. As he pulled it out his expression when from triumphant to sorrow.

“What’s wrong, Arch,” Jughead inquired. “Just give me the hat.”

“T-there's a stain on it,” Archie had stuttered. “One of my pens must have been uncapped and was resting against your hat.” Archie held the hat forward for Jughead to see the dark spot on the back of his hat.

“It's…” Jughead started. “It’s alright Arch, we’ll just wash it out.”

It never properly came out, leaving a permanent spot on the back of the hat.

Jughead clutched the hat tightly in his hands and brought it up to his face, burying his nose in it, wishing that he could just go back to when everything was simple. Before Jason, and Grundy and Jellybean and his dad and his mom and everything that went wrong….but it’s impossible so he just sat there in clothes that were too big for him, in front of the one person everyone thought was dead, and just broke down.

~*~

Sometime later Jughead, after recollected himself, him and Jason moved from the bedroom into a living room that looked incredibly cosy, nothing like how he would imagine a Blossom to live.

There was a worn leather couch with a fuzzy blanket draped across the back, a black coffee table with coffee ring stains decorating it and a moderately sized tv in front of a closed window.

“So….this is where you’ve been all this time?” Jughead shuffled his feet, not knowing how to act in this situation.

Jason moved to sit on the couch, motioning for Jughead to follow. “Not the whole time, just for the last week. Before that, I was out of town, but I had to come back to talk to my father.” He spat the last word out as if it were poison and Jughead immediately felt for the guy, he knew exactly what it was like to have a shitty dad. “I was on my way to the mansion when I saw you, and well, you know what happened after that.”

Jughead shuffled in his seat. “Yeah...sorry you had to see that. I uh, didn’t expect anyone to be out at that time.”

Jason sighed and started Jughead straight in the eye, with more honesty than he had seen in one person since Archie told him that he loved him. “I know. That’s why I’m glad I was.”

~*~

Archie and his dad had been driving around for almost an hour, going around to all of Jughead's usual haunts but to no avail. It was as if he had disappeared, but Archie would not rest until they found him.

“Let's check the park one more time,” Archie demanded.

“Arch, we’ve already checked there three times. We have to go home, maybe he’ll be at school tomorrow but you need to sleep. It’s been hours, we’re not gonna find him if we’re so tired we can’t see,” his dad reasoned.

“But dad….what if he’s hurt. What if something happened.” Archie moved forward to the front of his seat.

Suddenly Archie's dad turned to him then pulled the car over. Fred switched the car off and turned toward his son. “What is going on between you and Jughead,” his father demanded.

“I uh, I don’t, I, I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Archie stuttered, turning away so the other Andrews couldn’t see his blush.

“Archie I’ve know you your entire life, don’t bull shit me. You know you can tell me anything.”

Archie sighed and turned back to face the other man. “Jug and I...were dating, after the game when we made up. It was perfect, the night the drive in closed.” Archie trailed off but began speaking again after a short pause. That night, it seemed like so long ago but it was just last week. He remembered how it was so cold in that room, shivering even under his heavy varsity jacket and how beautiful Jughead looked in the light of the projector, how the harsh shadows were cast on his thin frame.

That night when Jughead came over, Archie was going to confront him about why all of his clothes were too small, and why he at every meal as if it would be his last. But he never got the chance, when Jughead had told him they needed to break up he was so consumed by anger and heartbreak he couldn’t even remember what he had been so concerned about, barely hours before. And when he saw him, broken down in that phone booth, he couldn’t even do anything to help, just stare as Jughead terribly thin frame ran into the distance. So he couldn’t give up now. Not like he had then.

As Archie poured all this out onto his dad, he couldn’t help but feel as if he had just skinned himself, leaving all of his inner workings bare for the world to see and judge but his dad just turned back to the front with a nod, started the truck back up and began driving back towards their house. “We need to find that boy,” he said determined now. “But to do that, we need coffee.”

Archie just chuckled and turned to look back out the window and as they passed an alley way he saw a figure limping out of it, an unmistakable hat crowning the head. He jolted in his seat and turned to his dad lightning fast speaking frantically. “Dad turn around now, it’s Jughead, I just saw him, he was limping, he’s hurt, we have to go, now.”

Fred immediately spun the truck around, silently thanking that there was no one around to see, and sped back to where Archie had seen the boy.

Before they even stopped Archie was clambering out of his seat and running towards the now slumped over the figure on the side of the road.

He slid down onto his knees and cupped Jughead's face in his hands, searching for injuries. Immediately he saw blood leaking from underneath the boy's precious hat. “Oh Juggie, come on, open your eyes, let me see you,” he mumbled frantically stroking his cheeks. After what felt like years, Jughead's eyes fluttered open and slowly focused on Archie but as he did his eyes began darting around, a hysterical look behind them. Archie backed away a step, hands hovering over Jughead. “Jug, what’s wrong, what are you looking for.”

“J-Jason,” he stuttered.

“Sweetheart, Jason’s dead, he died during the summer,” Archie said calmly. Despite how he wanted to just wrap Jughead up and carry him home he kept his hands away.

But Jughead just grabbed his biceps and pulled him closer. “You don’t understand, Jason is alive, we were just walking to your house when.” Jughead was trembling as he shook his head. “His dad came, and he took him, Arch we have to go save him, it was the Blossoms all along, Jason's death was a cover story for something far more sinister.”

Something in the way Jughead's eyes glinted convinced Archie of everything Jughead was saying and he just pulled the other boy into his arms resting his hands on his waist as the brunettes went around his shoulders. Archie turned his head toward his father and utter three words that would change everything once again.

“Jason’s still alive.”

#jarchie #writing #my writing #tai wrote a thing #jughead jones #fanfiction #jughead x archie #archie andrews #tw abuse #tw drugs #it doesn't care

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rreyskywalkerr · 7 years ago

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Independent Study

I got a little impatient and decided to post one of my stories on here tonight. I hope you guys like it!

Summary: Betty Cooper needs to find a male model for nude portraits. When her other friends refuse, she resorts to asking her crush, Jughead Jones. No smut (sorry).

Word count: 1200

---

“Guys, I have a huge favor to ask,” Betty breathed as she rushed into the cafeteria. “It’s a doozy, so don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“What is it, B? I’m sure at least one of us will be able to help.” Veronica spoke from across the table, delicately spearing a strawberry with her fork.

“I know for sure that you would help me if you could, Ronnie, but you can’t. I have to do a series of nude portraits for a study of male anatomy in figure drawing. Normally, a professional model would come in, but the school board didn’t approve, so we each have to find our own model and work independently.” Betty looked distinctly embarrassed at the situation, her cheeks stained a delicate pink.

“Now when you say nude,” Kevin spoke up from his place next to Veronica. “You don’t mean actually nude, do you?”

“Unfortunately, yes. Although I’m going to pose you so I don’t have to draw your junk. That’s not something I’m interested in doing.”

“Normally I would say yes, but there’s just no way I would feel comfortable doing that.” Kevin’s face was the epitome of apologetic as he refused his best friend.

“I’m with Kevin here, Betty. I’m so sorry, but I just can’t,” Archie chimed in. Betty visibly deflated at hearing this.

“Guys, you do realize if you don’t help me, I’m going to have to ask Reggie Mantle, right?” She might as well play the guilt card if she was going to get this done.

“Ask Reggie to do what?” Jughead had just joined them at the table, munching an apple. “What did I miss?”

“Betty has to do nude drawings of a dude for her figure drawing class, and these guys are being chickens,” Veronica answered before Betty could chicken out herself. She’d had a crush on Jughead for the past year, and he was the last person she would ask to help with this project.

“Oh, well I’ll do it. I mean, that’s what friends are for, right? I wouldn’t want to be stuck with Reggie Mantle either.” Jughead and Betty both blushed at his answer, while Kevin and Veronica exchanged amused glances. Betty and Jughead had been dancing around each other for months, and their friends were sick of seeing them pine after one another.

“Are you sure? I mean it’ll be pretty awkward and it’s gonna take a couple of one-on-one sessions. You’ll have to pose in like a million different positions.” Jughead cut off her ramble with a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“Better me than Reggie, right?” Betty gave a nervous smile at this, as Jughead turned to scold Archie and Kevin. “And you were seriously gonna let her ask Reggie? What’s wrong with you two?”

“Shit. I don’t know what I’m going to tell my mom. She definitely won’t approve of you naked in my room,” Betty chuckled nervously. “Would you be horribly averse to posing in the Blue and Gold office if we lock the door?”

“If it keeps Mama Cooper off our backs, I’m fine with anything,” Jughead replied

---

“Okay, for the first few sketches, you can keep your underwear on. I’m not at all interested in drawing genitals,” Betty instructed Jughead as he stripped after school in the Blue and Gold office. “I’m going to be doing basic front, back, and side views to start. After that, we’ll try something else.”

She tried not to stare, she really did, but seeing her crush strip in front of her sent a thrill down her spine. Not now, Betty. Not here, she thought to herself. Stay objective. Be professional. But it was hard, dammit. His long, lean form had really filled out over the years. Gone was the willowy beanpole Betty once knew, and in his place stood the sturdy, slender Jughead Jones. Who knew this was hiding under all those layers?

The first few poses were very simple: front, back, and side views made up her first four sketches. She needed twenty total. Next, she averted her eyes while Jughead removed his underwear.

“Where do you want me, boss?” he asked innocently, hands mercifully covering his crotch. As Betty moved him into all sorts of different positions, the tension in the room rose to stifling levels.

“I know I said multiple sessions, but I think we can get this all done today. You’re a natural. Honestly, I’ve never had a better model. You actually hold still,” Betty said dreamily as she glanced over her completed sketches. “And don’t worry, I’m not drawing your face, so nobody will know it’s you.”

“Well that’s a relief,” Jughead said with a smirk. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to keep the ladies at bay.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing,” Betty inquired.

“Well, I wouldn’t want to disappoint them. After all, I only have eyes for one girl,” he trailed off cryptically, leaving Betty in a state of slight panic.

“Okay we have about five more poses to get through and then we’re done,” Betty stated primly, trying to maintain her sense of professionality.

---

“So who’s this mystery woman, Jughead?” Betty asked once he had put his clothes back on and the pair were walking down the street toward Betty’s house.

“Well, she’s this amazing artist and journalist,” Jughead started, sneaking a coy glance at the girl beside him and smirking. “And an excellent cook. She’s the best friend anybody could ask for, and has the most beautiful golden blonde hair and bright green eyes.”

Betty suddenly stopped in her tracks and turned to him. “Jughead?” She started hesitantly, “You’re not talking about me, are you?”

“Of course I am, Betty,” he answered as he cupped her face in his hand. He used his other hand to grab hers. “You’re kind, smart, generous, beautiful, genuine, and just generally amazing.”

“Oh, Juggie,” she whispered as she closed the distance between their lips. Their kiss was everything she never knew she needed. Her hand quickly found the back of his neck and toyed with the hair peeking out from under his beanie. They broke away quickly, not wanting to draw attention to themselves in the middle of the street. As the couple continued down the road, their hands found each other and their fingers intertwined. Betty was about to say goodbye at her front gate when Jughead stopped her, looking nervous.

“Um Betty? I was wondering if maybe you would want to go to the Bijou with me this weekend?” He asked anxiously, his free hand moving up to rub the back of his neck.

“Don’t we usually go together?” Betty answered carefully, not wanting to say the wrong thing.

“Well yeah, but I mean like on a date with just the two of us. But if you don’t want to, that’s fine too,” Jughead added as a last resort, offering her an escape.

Betty’s reply came with a soft, lingering kiss on his lips. “I’d love to Juggie. I’ll see you tomorrow!” She cried as she flitted up the path to her house. Jughead was left in a daze on the sidewalk with a far-off, dreamy expression and the biggest grin he’d ever worn.

---

I might do a follow-up. Let me know what you guys think!

#bughead #bughead fanfiction #riverdale #riverdale fanfiction #betty cooper #jughead jones #betty x jughead

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wordsonpages1-blog · 7 years ago

Text

Admiration to Love

Another from my Perfect Enigma series on ff.net to celebrate 500! This one is really special to me and I hope you like it xx

Love.

One word. Four letters.

It seemed simple enough. However, Jughead Jones quickly learnt that this was false. Love was by no means simple. It was complex and intricate and strange and to an extent incomprehensible.

As a young boy he was enthralled by the concept of love. He would find himself captivated by the way his parents could forget about their woes for a few glorious minutes and dance around the kitchen with huge smiles on their faces and full hearts. It was that along with the classic films their family would watch at the drive in that had awoken the romantic in him.

The one that would blush when he thought about holding hands with the pretty blonde girl that lived next door to his best friend. He was five years old when he met Betty Cooper. She came over to play with Archie one afternoon while Jughead was staying with the Andrew’s. At first he had been apprehensive about sharing time with his red-headed pal, afraid this bright bubbly girl would steal all the attention, but he quickly learned he had nothing to worry about, instead finding himself amazed by her easy integration into their game of pirates. The next time he went over to Archie’s he was the one who suggested asking her over to play, fighting red cheeks and sweaty palms the whole time. Back then he was blissfully unware of what that all meant, unaware of the reality of feelings, all he knew was that he was going to marry Betty Cooper.

When he was ten he had moved past his childhood crush and could barely remember it existing at all. His mother found great joy in merciless teasing with respect to the subject matter, but Jughead was already developing a cool apathetic nature as a result of constant yelling and tears at home, and was mostly unfazed by her light hearted jabs. He would spend nights with his sister holding her close and playing her classic rock albums to drown out the noise, meanwhile fighting off his queries regarding when it was that mum and dad stopped liking each other? They still danced though. And Betty was still one of his best friends, their little trio- the red-headed golden boy, the classic girl next door and the boy from the wrong side of the tracks- solidified. He remembered one day in fourth grade Archie had been sick and Jughead was suddenly an easy target for Reggie Mantel. The burly boy had strode up to him with a mean grin in place stealing his beanie off his head and dropping it in the mud, stomping all over it and laughing as the scrawnier boy’s face twisted in anger and anguish. Suddenly a blur of blonde hair and pastel pink barrelled toward them, shoving the bully hard, surprising them all with her strength before starting on a lecture about manners, picking up the beanie and dragging Jughead off somewhere to rinse it off.

That was the first and last fight Betty would ever be in. It was also the first day Jughead realised how strong, determined and loyal Betty was; his eyes glowing in admiration as she stood by him and made it all better for a second. When he recounted the story to Archie the next day upon his return to school, he noticed Betty shying away from the attention and blushing; he didn’t know if it was because he was telling Archie or the heroic implication of his words and the picture of her they painted that caused such a reaction.

By the time they were thirteen Jughead was regularly sneaking out of his house at night, once he was sure Jellybean was asleep, because he couldn’t take the sounds of hushed arguments, tired sighs and slamming doors. So he would crawl out the window of his tiny house and walk around town, revelling in the sense of adventure and mystique his escapes held as he dodged street lights and passing cars. Sometimes he would retreat to the tree house hidden in the woods surrounding Sweetwater River he had built with his dad when he was a kid. Archie, Betty and himself used to spend hours amongst the greenery, imaging great nothings and grand somethings, telling secrets and sharing jokes. The memories were engrained in the wood and it calmed him. One night he snuck up into the little hut having left behind a heated argument about money and shady business deals- at this point he began to wonder what made love die- only to be greeted by his female best friend. She appeared as shocked to see him as he did her and an awkward silence had ensued. The dark haired boy recovered first from his surprise moving to sit next to her where she was leant against the wall. He studied her, trying to conjure up some logical reason as to why she could possibly have needed to sneak out of her house at this hour. Her usually bright eyes seemed dull and red rimmed, her shoulders were slumped and she kept sniffling every few seconds.

“Needed an escape?” he asked instead of pointing out the painfully obvious fact that she had been crying. Betty nodded, offering him a small smile that was so far from the beaming ones he was used. Jughead sighed, unsure of how to proceed.

“What are you doing here?” she asked in a tone that was merely curious. Jughead shrugged his lanky limbs drowning in his dad’s old flannel shirt. “Couldn’t sleep, too much noise in my house.” He was never able to lie to her, he tried it once in sixth grade and the guilt he had carried around for weeks afterward just about killed him. He couldn’t bring himself to tell her the whole truth though either, so he went with ambiguity, the most objective choice he could make.

“They want me to be perfect Jug and I can’t be that,” she finally whispered after another period of silence. In that moment Jughead realised how exhausted and insecure Betty was. Memories of her fiddling with her clothes anxiously and freaking out when her hair would fall out at school and stressing over a B+ collided as he felt an odd ache in his chest. He knew Betty’s parents could be intense but he had never realised the toll it had taken on her until that moment. She was so good at keeping it together and giving her all to everything. He had always admired her resilience, but never as much as he admired it right then.

“You don’t need to worry about that Betts,” he replied casually, scooting slightly closer to nudge her shoulder with his own.

“You’re perfect just the way you are.”

And from that night onwards Jughead noticed when Betty’s smiles were genuine and when they were strained, when she was stressed because of her own concerns and when she was stressed because of the parental pressure to be perfect. He noticed when she was pushing herself too hard but assured everyone she was fine and when she actually was fine. It was like her admission that night had awoken clarity in him, as if she had left a window into her soul slightly ajar for him and he couldn’t resist taking a peek.

His admiration for her only grew with each observation he made.

He didn’t know it then, but that night was the night his “crush” on Elizabeth Cooper had resurfaced. He was thirteen and still mostly unsure of the female species so his inclination toward her was undefinable. He was unaware that what he felt wasn’t merely friendly, but rather adoration. She was a constant and he hadn’t yet ventured into enough endeavours with other girls to realise they didn’t all make him see things the way she did. And so to his ignorance, on the very night Jughead Jones began to believe that love was extinguishable, finite and only burned within certain limits, began to question what it was that people did to cause such a tragic death, he had begun to fall in love, to discover its essence first hand.

When Jughead was fifteen everything began to change. It was at this stage he realised that love didn’t always die. But even in these circumstances, it wasn’t always enough. He thought maybe that was worse. Romanticised gestures and everlasting romance was a falsity people found comfort in to distract themselves from the tragedy unfolding before them. He would see the pained look on his mother’s face every time his father came through their front door wreaking of liquor and cigarettes; it was a look of pure betrayal only someone in love could possess. Her blue orbs were haunted by ghosts of the man she once knew, juxtaposed by the stranger before her. Her heart was breaking as she began to realise she couldn’t fix this, couldn’t do anything to get back to the way things were. And Jughead felt his own heart break a little as he felt the sting of betrayal two fold- for his mother and for himself.

And at fifteen Jughead began to despise his own weakness. He did his best to ignore the way she would steal his breath when she laughed at one of his jokes. He did his best to convince himself that she was not by any means cute when she rolled her eyes at him and Archie’s play fighting and brotherly banter. And he tried his damn best not to notice how much more gorgeous she was getting with age- beauty engulfing her further with each year, maturity bathing her in an even greater glow. But as much as tried to resist, he could not deny the fact that Betty held a special place in his life. He liked her. He wanted to resent her for it, but every time she smiled or hell even looked at him he just found himself falling deeper down the rabbit hole of attraction.

It was on a particularly hot day at the beginning of summer, just before school let out that Jughead found himself letting go of all pretences and admitting that maybe she wasn’t just his friend. Their little friendship group had been hanging out at their usual lunch table when Cheryl Demon Spawn Blossom and her little posse approached. A smirk laced with mirth poisoning her features as her eyes gunned down Betty. Jughead felt a sickening wave of nausea overcome him, wishing with all he had that whatever was about to happen wouldn’t.

“Betty,” Cheryl spat as she arrived at the table, causing the blonde to turn toward her question dying on her lips as she too became aware of the fiery girl’s purely sinister gaze. “I just wanted to do my good deed for the day and remind you how many calories are in those fries your about to eat, I’m sure you don’t want to make that dress even more ill fitted than it already is? I’m surprised your mother hasn’t already picked up on the extra pounds, very unlike her.” Cheryl’s tone was biting and dripping with a sickly sweet residue- her own personal venom.

Jughead watched Betty carefully, eyes hard and muscles alert as he fought every urge he had to literally force an apology out of Cheryl. Although he was acutely aware of the way the toxic words had stung the girl across from him, he found himself once again astounded by her bravery and strength, looking Cheryl directly in the eyes, and holding her gaze for a moment before shaking her head continuing the conversation she was having with Kevin. He wanted to congratulate her for not stooping to the devil incarnates level, wanted to let her know how amazing and kind and wonderful and how much bigger of a person she was than her opposition. He wanted to tell her that her response had been the classiest, and most reserved action anyone could have taken which he greatly admired. But those words didn’t flow out of his mouth. Instead he found himself shooting a, “You’re such a fucking bitch,” to the red-headed girl who was beginning to re-treat from their table, scowl set in place.

All eyes locked on him, his three friends and Cheryl gaping at him in shock.

“What did you just say,” the Blossom princess sputtered. Jughead raised his brows coolly.

“I said you’re a bitch. Betty is amazing the way she is and there is definitely nothing wrong with the way she looks, so can you just drop it?” Cheryl turned in a huff, stomping away in a dramatic scene only she could cause. Archie turned to him with surprise still evident on his face, before shaking his head and returning to his lunch. Kevin patted his shoulder from his spot next to him, “That was incredible,” he gasped completely encapsulated by the theatrics and commotion. Jughead just shrugged, taking a sip of his water trying to disengage from the event. He was struck by a pair of gracious blue eyes staring at him intently though. Betty reached across the table to place her hands atop his free one, “Thank you,” was all she said, but that one word was laced with so much sincerity and genuine admiration Jughead was incapable of stopping the intense pounding of his heart, the male pride that swelled within him and the affection blooming in his chest.

In that moment he was torn. Conflicted between being transfixed by her purity and the revelling in these wonderful sensations she created in him and despising it all, building up walls so that he could remain immune to the effects of this affection and the disaster he knew would follow.

By the time he was sixteen Jughead’s family had fallen completely apart. He finally understood the expression of a broken heart with full clarity. He watched as his mother drove away, Jellybean in the back seat, face pressed against the window, summer rain pouring down and casting an even more morbid atmosphere around the event. No matter how many times he showered he could still feel his mother’s tears on his skin. No matter how much he pictured happy memories from what felt like a life time ago, he couldn’t shake the image of his father, chest wracked with sobs, as his eyes exposed the utter devastation he was feeling. After that they had become empty, all light leaving his persona and yet to make a reappearance. He knew then that love had the ability to bring you to a loss. His father loved his mother but he had lost her because that wasn’t enough. His father had lost his ability to love properly. Every time he looked at him all Jughead could see was bloodshot eyes and hardened features, stumbling limbs and stained clothes. All he could smell was alcohol and misgivings, all he could hear were slurs and angry musings. He felt the whole in his chest expand with each glace, each whiff. At sixteen he learnt the true pain love could bring. He learnt that you could love someone and despise them simultaneously.

He packed up his limited things and moved out after that realisation, further solidifying the concept that you had to lose to love and that you lost when you loved, in his mind.

But then after a summer away, she returned. Their town was forever changed that summer and Jughead knows he was too. But as Elizabeth Cooper waltzed back into town on a seemingly calm afternoon he understood that not everything had changed. He didn’t know how it was possible to miss her so much that summer. Maybe it was the fact that Archie had disappeared, that his family was no longer a static concept but he missed her so much it hurt. And when he saw her the afternoon of her arrival, the pair crossing paths in the small bookshop on the edge of town and she smiled at him and embraced him in a tight hug, that only Betty Cooper could carrel him into, the brooding teen felt all the darkness fall away for a few glorious moments, the world fading to white noise. He revelled in her presence feeling his heart contract as he realised just how much had changed since he had last seen her and how positively relieved and elated he was that she hadn’t been one of those things. She was still Betty and he was still Jughead and despite the death of Jason Blossom and the falling out of old friends, the mysterious absence of family members they were as easy and innate as they had always been.

And of course it was when she had recruited him to work on the Blue and Gold with her, when they began solving the murder, spending almost all their time together, further capitalising on how well they knew each other, lending emotional support unrivalled by anyone else to one another, sharing secrets and sacred information, forging a trust that went beyond years of close friendship and uncovering each other’s layers one at a time, to leave them bare souled and raw in front of each other that he realised he had been falling in love all this time. It was then that he understood no matter how hard he fought against the up until now dreaded emotion due to fears indoctrinated into him from a young age-fears of intimacy and letting people in- it was redundant. Because he was in love with Elizabeth Cooper and he was fairly certain there was little he could do to change that fact. And it was when he kissed her and she kissed him back and they fell together, fell into this relationship, bred this relationship and nurtured it until it developed into a grand entity that he realised she loved him back; she had fallen in love too.

And it was then that Jughead thought maybe he understood love after all. Because there was a reason they called it “falling in love”. Because it could happen quickly before you even have the chance to register what’s happening. Or it could happen slowly- prolonged. Because it can make you feel weightless and free. Because it’s terrifying and exhilarating. Because it’s clumsy and liberating and exciting and wild. Because it’s not pretty and it can throw you around in every direction and slam you into the ground. Because it can hurt when you come down from the high and the impact can be painful and it can break you.

But sometimes when you fall you fly. And he was willing to take the risk of falling if it meant he got to fly with her.

#bughead #bughead fanfiction #betty x jughead #jetty #betty cooper #jughead jones

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thatonelucky · 7 years ago

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Twist of Fate (Pt 2)

Hey guys! Part 2 is finally here after days of procrastination and exams! I quite like the direction of the plot so far. It’s something I’ve never seen before which is nice. Hope you all enjoy!

Part 1 : Here

Betty finally spoke out, praying for the moment to finally be over. Jughead's face flushed red as he remembered she didn't know her way around.

"Sorry, sorry. Um, yeah it's right through here." The beanie-clad boy stumbled over his words, eventually managing to form a coherent sentence. He looked over at his new roommate and noticed her eyes shining in amusement. They were walking past the open lounge area and into a hallway that consisted of 3 doors. One, that Betty assumed held residency of Jughead, had a large poster on the outside of "A Rebel Without a Cause". Betty stopped, entranced by the poster.

"You like "A Rebel Without a Cause"?" She asked, studying the poster more thoroughly. It wasn't a promotional poster, it looked like it was made for some place called the Twilight Drive-In. Betty had heard of that place, it was in the next town over called Greendale. She often went there and put in some suggestions but soon heard it got closed down due to lack of funding.

"Yeah, I'm a sucker for the classics. Don't get me wrong, Nicholas Ray did a great job. But I'm more of a Tarantino guy myself. I don't know what is it but I find something so intoxicatingly beautiful about his work. It's always a masterpiece, you can tell this guy loves what he does. I don't know, I guess I just respect that. True art forms." Jughead babbles on whilst Betty listened, intrigued by the topic. He was shocked that she hadn't even looked the least bit bored. He'd never gotten this far before without either being told to shut up or boring people half to death.

"I fully agree! As a kid I used to love "Pulp Fiction" but lately I've been more about the "Kill Bill" series. And although Tarantino is possibly the best director in this generation, I'll always have a soft spot for Ray. I wish I could've lived in the 50s." Betty responds with enthusiasm and actual knowledge. Jughead is shocked. He can't help but crack out a goofy grin, maybe this roommate wouldn't be so unbearable. Although, nothing could be worse than Archie Andrews. "Also, is this from the Twilight Drive-In?" Betty thought it was a long shot but she had to ask, it was all too familiar.

"Yeah, how did you know that?" He quipped, wondering how on earth she knew the place he'd spent his entire childhood. Jughead was very defensive over his childhood. It was filled with a lot of heartbreak, betrayal and distrust. He was born into a house that lacked solidarity. His father was a raging alcoholic; his mother was a selfish, egotistical maniac that shouldn't have been graced with the ability to reproduce. His sister was the only stability that Jughead could grasp on to. Jellybean was the only thing that he stuck around for.

The drive-in was an important part of his childhood. He would sneak himself and JB through the back and into the crowd, just to spend at least an hour or two away from their parents. Jellybean never got enough sleep, neither did Jughead. The arguing, the smashing of fragile objects, the crying. Sometimes it got too much. His dad would come home one night, reeking of cheap booze and cigarette smoke, and then his mother would snap.

The drive-in offered clarity and escape for the two children. Though it was short lived when social services caught the bruises on Jughead and the burns on JB. Nothing was said but the police knew what had been happening. The Jones name had a reputation in the town of Greendale. The family with the town drunk, the selfish bitch, the outcast boy and the sweet little girl. It wasn't longer before both kids were put into the social system and separated.

How he got the poster was another story. One he isn't quite proud of but it needed to happen. When his 3rd foster family had refused to shelter him any further, he ran away. Jughead went back to Greendale. He didn't know what he was expecting, he had been gone for 6 years and as a 16 year old he didn't exactly look the same. He tried finding his parents and instead found a sight that broke his heart.

At the drive-in, Jughead saw his father's old truck. He aimlessly walked over, expecting to see him passed out in the back. But instead he saw his father who looked cleaned up and sober, his mother who was smiling, cuddled next to her husband. But the sight that broke his heart the most, Jellybean wrapped up in both of their arms, looking like a completely different kid.

Jughead didn't bother staying to watch the movie. Not even "A Rebel Without a Cause" could make him stay. He had been cheated, rejected and most importantly, he had been broken. Even his own family can't stand to have him around. Ripping a poster from the wall, he made his way to a destination he was uncertain of. With hot tears stinging the frozen skin of his face, he wondered why no one had the capability to love him.

"I used to go there all of the time as a teenager. I loved it there." Betty gushed, not turning to look at Jughead but instead focusing her attention on the poster. It's not like Jughead kept it up there to torture himself, it was a powerful reminder that the past is the past . And although it may be painful, it helped us to get where we are now. Betty turned around to the door opposite Jughead's, noticing the bright yellow post-it note on the door saying "Betty Cooper's Room". The handwriting was messy but Betty found it charming.

"Ah, yeah. That's your room. The room down the hall, just there, is my office." Jughead pushed open Betty's door and helped her to carry her stuff inside. The room was moderately large. It was about the size of Betty's room back home, maybe a tad larger. The walls were neatly painted a pastel green that looked almost white. It was furnished with all the necessities; a bed, a walk in wardrobe, a desk and a tall lamp tucked away in the corner. She seemed to have her own bathroom as well. A low set window sill was parallel to her bed, it was very wide. Betty already had ideas of all the aesthetic Instagram photos she could take. The view was incredible.

"This room is beautiful. Are you sure the rent is high enough?" Betty stared, doe-eyed. Jughead didn't know what to say. He couldn't tell the truth, not yet. Instead he merely shrugged, offering her a boyish smirk. "That's not exactly an answer Mr..." Betty trailed off, suddenly realizing she didn't even know her own roommates last name. Then again, they had only met 10 minutes ago.

"Jones. It's Mr. Jones." Jughead offered, still smirking at the blonde haired girl stood in front of him. He looked down at his watch, noticing the time. "Well, I better leave you to unpack and get settled. It around 4 now so when do you want dinner?" He asked, opening the door wider to step through. Betty nodded, quickly throwing her backpack onto the ground before beaming up to him.

"You cook?" She asked, amusement evident on her features. At first, Jughead wanted to reply saying that he was forced to learn due to his prior parents being a waste of space. Instead he settled with a wink.

"I can do a lot Cooper. Eating food is a huge hobby of mine." He threw back, chuckling slightly. Betty returned with a small giggle and unzipped her suitcase, pulling out items of clothing and packing them into the wardrobe. She seemed to have a lot of clothes, this reminded him of Veronica almost instantly.

"I'm a good cook too. How about I start packing now and come help you at around 6? It can be a roommate bonding session." Betty joked, disappearing and reappearing whilst putting her stuff away in various locations. He statement make Jughead's heart swell. He didn't know this girl but she seemed nice enough. He truly did believe they were going to get on just fine. Maybe he could add another member to the Scooby gang. Which, at the moment, only consisted of him, Archie and Veronica.

"Sure, Cooper." Betty poked her tongue out playfully at his remark, watching him pace out of the room. She continued packing but at a faster rate this time. A huge part of her couldn't wait for 6 o'clock. Jughead walked into the lounge and threw himself onto the couch next to Archie, who was playing Fallout 4 on the 65" flat screen Jughead got gifted last year.

"How's the new roommate? Lasting well without me and Ronnie?" Archie's eyes were glued to the screen but Jughead could tell he was teasing. Slapping his arm softly, he was about to reply when the front door swung open. Stood in a navy blue dress, obviously accompanied with pearls, was the raven-haired princess Jughead learned to love. She had a huge grin spread across her deep red lips, her eyebrows raised in anticipation. Speak of the Devil and she shall appear.

"Where's this new roommate I've heard so much about, Juggiekins?" She too teased, coming over to embrace him in a hug, placing a firm kiss on his cheek. Instinctively, he wiped his cheek which only making Veronica smirk. Betty heard someone come in and decided to check out who it was. Little did she know what kind of surprise would be hitting her.

As soon as she walked into the room and saw Veronica, her heart stopped beating. God seems to have graced Betty with one of the greatest gifts she could've asked for. It seemed almost too good to be true at this point. When Veronica spun around the meet Betty's gaze, her jaw fell. Her lips were parted and both girls stood in shock. Jughead and Archie sat, confused at what was happening.

"Ronnie?" Betty beamed hopefully. The next few seconds were a blur, The girls ran towards each other at full force, knocking them both onto the ground. They were hugging whilst loudly crying and muffling incoherent words. Jughead was beyond confused by now. How did they know each other? After what felt like forever, the girls separated. Both were crying yet smiling so happily.

"I can't believe you're here. This is so crazy!" Ronnie cried out, pulled Betty into another hug. Archie was about to speak up until Ronnie pulled back again. "Boys, this is my long-time internet friend, Betty Cooper. We lost touch sometime last year but, oh god am I glad to see you." Veronica explained. "We have so much to catch up on, come on!" In an instant both girls were at their feet, running into Betty's room and closing the door.

"Wait. I'm confused. So your new roommate is best friends with your sister?" Archie whispered quietly, not wanting the girls to hear. Jughead was still in a state of shock. How had he never known about Veronica knowing Betty? At dinner he'd always heard her babble on about this friend she had but he never listened. Now he's starting to wish he did.

"Don't ask me pal, we're in the same boat." He spoke out, still bewildered. How is it that the girl he chooses out of 50 other applicants, just happens to be his sister's best friend? That's not a coincidence, that's the work of the lord above.

Jughead didn't want Betty to know that Veronica was his family. It'd bring up too much personal family stuff for their friendship at the moment. In time, he wants to share everything about himself. Who he really is, his job, his family, his aspirations. But right now, the story was far too complicated and Jughead was in no frame of mine to give that out.

He reminisced about the past. The heartbreak after the drive in, the weeks alone in the cold, Hiram Lodge spotting him sleeping behind a dumpster in Brooklyn. He was on the brink of death but the Lodge's took him in, treated him like a son. They fed him, built up his strength and gave him a warm place to sleep. Jughead was forever in their favor. It wasn't long before the adoption occurred and Jughead was officially Forsythe Jones-Lodge. Though he preferred to go by Jones. He may hate his family but Jones is more fitting for such an obscure name.

"Maybe it won't be so bad. Betty doesn't seem like the type to judge. Just tell her about the past and tell her about the Blue and Gold. Stop building up walls and refusing to knock them down." His red headed friend squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. Jughead couldn't though. The sad look in Archie's eye only proved that Arch didn't believe he could either. It takes time to trust. Even if he feels like Betty will be different, he didn't want her to be his reckoning.

I hope you all enjoyed this part 2! It’s slightly longer but not as long as I’d like it to be! After I get my exams out of the way I’ll be able to write more! These two weeks cannot come fast enough. As always, feedback is very much appreciated and it warmed my heart to see how many of you loved part 1! There’s gonna be a lot more!

((Subtle plug but my asks are open too if anyone wants to send in prompts for a one shot or just generally wants to talk! I don’t bite ;P))

**PART 3 : here **

#bughead #bughead fanfic #jetty #bughead fanfiction #betty cooper #jughead jones #archie andrews #veronica lodge #varchie #riverdale #riverdale fanfic #riverdale fanfiction #thatonelucky

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fxyeahriverdale-blog · 7 years ago

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What Happened To Us? Chapter 1: Over Betty Cooper’s Dead Body

The town of Riverdale has been hit by a nasty Civil War. People are on the same side are beginning to turn against each other. Jughead Jones ends up in the hospital with a traumatic brain injury during the latest town incident. While Jughead fights for his life, Betty is no longer fighting for peace. She is fighting anyone and anything that wants to rip them apart.

AO3 Link

Betty held onto Jughead’s hand for dear life. If she let go she was afraid he would notice. He would think that she is leaving him. She would never leave him. No matter what state he is in.

“Honey he will still be here in the morning. You need to get some sleep.”

“I am not leaving him!” Betty responds stubbornly.

“Elizabeth, let’s go home!” Betty looks down at her unconscious boyfriend. He looks so peaceful. She always loved watching him sleep. One of the few moments his precious beanie is off of his head. A piece of his curly hair covering his left eye.

She wishes more than anything that she could shake him awake and he would adjust his arms around her. She would give anything to hear him groan about being woken up. How sexy his tire voice is. If only she could just hear his voice. One more time. She would do anything.

“He is my home.” Betty lets a tear slide down her face. She squeezes his hand.

“You teenagers and your dramatics.”

“I guess you can say I get it from my mother.” Betty snaps back.

“Elizabe-”

“Over my dead body will you take me away from Jughead mom.” Alice sighs cursing the stubbornness she passed down to her youngest daughter.

“The Doctors said there is a big possibility he is going to be like this for a long time.” Betty tenses up at her mother’s words. The idea of being like this for a long time makes Betty sick. Tubes going in and out of his body.

“Mom.” A very pregnant Polly appears in the doorway. She notions to her mother to meet her in the hallway.

Betty turns her attention back to Jughead. She runs her fingers through his messy raven hair. Her fingers lightly run over the bandage on his forehead.

“How did it come to this Juggie?” Betty asks with misty eyes.

“I never got the chance to say goodbye to Jason. At least give Betty that chance.” Betty hears Polly’s raised voice in the hallway.

“You are not going anywhere.” Betty whispers to Jughead. She lightly places a kiss on his chapped lips.”I can deal with my fucked up family and this fucked up town, but I can’t do it without you here. I love you Jug. You made me fall in love with you and I will be very angry if you leave me now! Please come back to me. I’ll do anything.”

Alice and Polly enter the room.”Betty has anyone told FP? Or Gladys.”

“I don’t think so. His foster parents were here earlier. I should tell him.” Betty admits.”I can call the police station.”

“You can go see FP in the morning. After you get some sleep. The police want to talk you about happened. I told them they can talk to you in the morning.”

“But what if he wakes up while I am gone and I am not here?”

“Then you can see him in the morning.”

“I don’t want him to be alone.”

“I can stay with him.” A new voice says. Betty feels anger well up in her body at the sight of Archie Andrews. Veronica Lodge at his side.

“I can’t believe even a little part of you thought that it is okay to be here right now.” Betty’s fists curl up.

“Betty please.” Archie pleads.

“Archibald Andrews you are upsetting my daughter.” Alice joins in.

“Mom we should give them some space.” Polly says.

“But-” As Alice objects she is being dragged out of the room by Polly.

“B how is he doing?” Veronica asks genuinely.

“How can you be standing by his side right now? After what he did?” Veronica looks confused.”Jughead could die and it’s all his fault!” Betty says his hatred in her voice.

“I am sorry Betty!”

“Damn it.” Blood is pouring out of Betty’s palms now.”You are always sorry Archie. Sorry always makes up for the fucked up actions of Archie Andrews. Everyone forgives you and we all move on with our lives until you do the next fucked up thing.” Veronica and Archie are both taken aback. They have never seen her this angry before. Betty Cooper saying the word fuck is not very common. She does have some Alice Cooper in her.

“Woah Betty.” Veronica interjects.

“Betty you are bleeding.” Archie notices blood gushing from her palms.

“Don’t you dare try and change the subject Archie! You have rarely ever been a good friend to Jughead. He needs his friends and family here for him right now.”

“I am his best friend!”

“When were you his best friend Archie? When you ditched him to fuck your music teacher during last Fourth of July? Or when you went behind his back to search FP’s trailer? When you did not speak up to say that I had nothing to do with your scheming, almost breaking up our relationship? Or how about when you blamed him for your dad getting shot? You know how much Jughead loves Fred. Or how about when you convinced Riverdale that Jughead and the Southside Serpents were responsible for Fred getting shot without any proof? But please continue about how you are such a great best friend Archie.”

Archie is speechless.

“Can somebody fill me in?” Veronica breaks the silence. Betty gives her a death glare.

“Ask your boyfriend. Why don’t you fill your girlfriend in about betraying your best friend. But not here. Why don’t you go to your dad’s room down the hall. Let Fred know that you finally got your revenge.” Veronica whispers something in Archie’s ear. He looks at her hesitantly and then walks out of the room.

“What if I stay with Jughead tonight?" Veronica offers. Betty considers the option for a moment. She is one of the few people she would trust to be staying with Jughead, besides Kevin. Kevin is currently visiting his cousins in California. Sheriff Keller made a smart move by sending him there for a few weeks. Things have gotten really bad in Riverdale.

“Hey guys.”

“Are you really still here?” Annoyed, Betty turns around to see Archie in the door way. Archie points to the bed.

Everyone turns around to see Jughead blinking his eyes open.”We’ll get a doctor.” Veronica says quickly.

“Where am I?”

“Jughead.” Betty runs to his side.

“Betty Cooper?” Jughead looks at her confused. Almost like he is surprised to see her there.“Where am I?”

“The nurses are coming.” Veronica announces.

“You are at the hospital Juggie.”

“Hospital? What happened? Who is she?”

“Excuse me.” A team of medical staff rush into the room.

“I need everybody out.” Betty is pushed out of the room.

Betty cannot shake the feeling. The look on her face when he saw her. Almost as if she was a stranger. He asked who Veronica was? He did just wake up from a day long coma.

“Do you want to go to the bathroom? Wipe off your hands?” Veronica asks. Betty nods.

They walk in silence to the bathroom. Betty grabs some paper towels. She runs them under the sink. Veronica sighs. “B I have no idea what happened tonight, but I am here for you. Even if you just went all Alice Cooper on Archie.”

“I thought he was dead. While waiting for the ambulance at Southside High, his eyes shut. His whole body went limp. I thought he was dead. All I could think about was things he hasn’t done yet. He has never been to a city before. His road trip with Archie was supposed to be his first time. His novel is almost finished and-”

“And now he is going to have a chance to do all of these things. We just witnessed ourselves that he is awake. Jughead is a fighter. You guys will have all of the time in the world to be together.” Betty nods.

"Why did he look so confused to see us then?"

"He did get stabbed he is probably in a lot pain and on a lot of meds." Betty felt sick at the thought of Jughead being in so much pain. Betty examined herself in the mirror for the first time. Jughead's blood still in her hair and on her clothes. She quickly looked away.

“I am sorry if this puts you in a difficult spot.” Betty focuses on the stinging on her palms as she runs the paper towel over her cuts.

“B I am always here for you.” Betty gives her best friend a hug.”Jughead is really lucky to have you.”

“I know I was harsh on Archie, but I just-” Betty could not find the words.

“You would do anything to protect the people you love.”

“Exactly.” Betty throws the bloody paper towels into the garbage. She is grateful that Veronica did not bring her self inflicted wounds at the moment. She is too exhausted to explain.

The girls head back into the corridor.

“Miss Cooper.” Betty hears the Doctor’s voice.”Is Jughead’s family here?”

“No they are not.”

“I need a family member here to discuss Jughead’s condition with.”

“What is his condition?” Betty asks nervously.

“Where are his parents?”

"Betty is practically the only family he has right now. Just tell her." Veronica snaps at the doctor.

“His dad is in prison and his mom lives in Toledo. He has foster parents, but his mom has other children that she needed to get back to.”

“Stop with the soap opera cliff hanger dramatics and just tell the poor girl what is wrong with her boyfriend!” Betty has never been so grateful to have Veronica Lodge at her side.

“The stab wound will heal, but his head took a bad hit to the ground. He is suffering from a traumatic brain injury and it seems that he has some memory loss. We will not be able to determine how bad the injury is until we do some tests and scans. As of right now the last thing he remembers is about some road trip he is getting ready to go on with his friend. Would you have any idea when that would be?” Road trip? The fourth of July road trip with Archie.

“He was supposed to go on a road trip with Archie, but that was fourth of July. That was almost a year ago.”

"I asked him what today's date it and he said July 2nd." Betty and Veronica both froze.

"He doesn't remember anything past July?" Betty rephrases the Doctor's words.

"As of right now Jughead has no memory of anything that has happened in the past nine months of his life."

#Bughead #Riverdale #Bughead Fan Fiction #Betty x Jughead #Jetty #Archie Andrews #AO3 #Betty Cooper #Jughead Jones #Angst

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crankpendletonplays-blog · 8 years ago

Text

Operation Cobra-Jughead Jones

Pairing: Jughead x reader Description: reader is in love with Jughead. Jughead is with Betty. Warnings: SAD SAD SAD ANGST I’m on my way to the hospital to take my mom and I was feeling this after seeing a spoiler from 1x06 sigh THIS HAS 4,274 WORDS AND IT TOOK ME FOUR DAYS CAN YOU BELIEVE —————————

I watched it happen from the very beginning. I noticed the very first time Jughead looked at her differently, the very first time he blushed when she complimented him, the very first time Jughead showed signs of jealousy when Trevor had asked her out. I watched it all unfold from the very beginning. When Jughead told me he and Betty kissed, I did my best to be the extremely supportive best friend, convincing him to show the pretty blonde he was interested in her. When he did, I helped him plan the entire date out, from where to when, to picking his outfit out for him since he was absolutely helpless when it came to dating. I smoothed out the shoulders of his shirt, fixed his beanie, and sent him on his way.

That night, when he came back to my house to replay all the highlights of his date, he had a smile on his face almost the entire time. It was something I had only seen a handful of times, so even though my heart was breaking, I was still happy that something made him smile this big, even if it wasn’t with me. When Jughead and Betty started dating, I began to slowly lose my best friend. He and Betty were always going together on the “super sleuth” cases, and I was hardly ever invited despite being the graphic designer and editor for The Blue and Gold. It didn’t bother me though, because I figured I would just see Jughead at Pop’s. I was wrong.

Jughead and Betty liked their alone time. They hardly ever invited us to hang out with them, and when we did, the rest of us felt like we were intruding. If I did have any alone time with Jug, his nose was in his phone, texting Betty the whole time. As supportive as I tried to be for the both of them, I was tired of pretending. All I ever did was pretend.

I walked in to the blue and gold after school, the room vacant. Jughead had probably waited for Betty outside of her history class so they could walk together to the newsroom; he used to do that with me all the time. I sighed, sitting down at one of the seats in the room and pulling out my laptop. I set it on the desk and began designing the cover for this week’s newspaper.

Eventually, Jughead and Betty showed up, not even noticing I had been in the room. They were chatting about something, both blushing and bumping each other playfully. I mentally rolled my eyes and kept my nose in my laptop, not wanting to watch them be all lovey-dovey or whatever. A minute passed, which turned in to five, and then ten, and then fifteen, and by this time I was beyond upset. Neither had said a word to me at all.

I finished the designs for the paper and quietly closed my laptop, zipping open my bag and stuffing it in before lifting it over my shoulder. I stood up, my chair emitting a sharp noise as the heel of the object scraped against the old tile floor. Jughead and Betty’s heads turned at the sound, watching me push my chair back in.

“Oh my gosh, y/n! When did you come in?” Betty asked. I know she didn’t mean it in a rude way whatsoever, she was one of my best friends, but it angered me. Deciding to keep my anger bottled in, I acted like I didn’t hear her, making my way towards the door of the classroom. I walked out, making my way down the hall.

“Y/n! Wait!” Jughead called my name, and a hand grabbed my shoulder, turning me around.

“What’s wrong?” Jughead inquired, his hand sliding down my arm to go to my wrist. I yanked my body back lightly, looking at him in surprise and disgust.

“What’s wrong?” I repeated, my tone of voice obviously showing signs of outrage at this point. “Jughead, if you don’t know what’s wrong right now, then I guess we aren’t as close as I thought we were.” I turned away from him, walking down the hallway again.

Jughead grabbed my shoulder again, turning me and grabbing my hand. “Don’t say that.” Jughead spoke softly, his jaw clenching.

“Really? Jughead, you did not notice I was in the room for fifteen minutes! You did not become aware of my presence in the slightest! And that isn’t even the first time!” I screamed, shoving him away from me harshly. Jughead stumbled back, frozen in shock by what I had just done.

“You don’t even care about me anymore! I don’t even exist to you!” My fingers dug in to my palms as I yelled at him.

“So yeah, we aren’t as close as I thought we were. In fact, I’ve never been farther apart from you.” I turned, walking away again.

“y/n!" Jughead called my name and I stopped.

"Don’t, Jughead.” I cut him off, turning to face him one more time. “For somebody who claims to be an amazing observer, you sure are pretty damn oblivious.” I walked down the hallway of the empty school, turning a corner and making my way home.

-------------------------------------------------------

It was 5:39 when my phone rang, interrupting me from my moping over Jughead and Betty. I had stayed home from school the past few days, blaming it on how “sick” I had been feeling, which was bullshit, but only I knew it was bullshit. Or so I thought.

“Hey Ronnie.” I answered the phone.” Now’s not a good time- “

“Too fucking bad, princess. Get your ass up, I’m here.” I heard a knock at my door downstairs and Veronica hung up. I grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around me, rubbing at my nose a bit to make it look red and grabbed a box of tissues. I wadded a couple up and threw them in the trash so my fake sick story would still be believable.

I padded downstairs slowly, hearing the incessant knocking and ringing of my doorbell. I took a deep breath before answering the door. There stood one of my best friends, hands on her hips and an irritated look on her face.

“Alright, time to stop moping and start moving on.” The black-haired girl stepped in to my house, closing the door and pointing upstairs.

“Who said I was moping?” I fired back, dragging myself up the stairs.

“Oh, come on y/n! You may be able to fool Archie, Betty, Jughead, and the rest of the entire world, but you can’t fool me. I know you aren’t sick, I know you and Jughead fought, I know you like Jughead. Its written all over you!” Veronica flung open the door to my room and marched to my closet, digging through it like a wild dog.” It’s kinda sick, actually. You look at him with literal heart eyes.Honestly, I would have gone for somebody a little more chiseled, but hey, we all got our own kinks- “

“Ronnie.” I cut off her incessant rambling, “Why are you knee-deep in my clothes?”

“Because, sweetheart.” Ronnie stuck her head out of my closet.” There’s a party tonight, and Jughead and my future wife are going, and we are going to show those two idiots who they really belong with.” Ronnie went back in to my closet, holding up numerous amounts of dresses, skirts, and eye-catching tops.

“Jughead is going to a party?” I queried, unconvinced.

“Yeah, it’s a thing with the cheerleaders at Cheryl’s, an Jughead is going to be the ‘supportive boyfriend’ or whatever.” Veronica scoffed at her own words, adding mocking quotations with her fingers before going back to digging in my closet.

“They’re probably going for more clues about Jason.” I mumbled, my mind drifting away a bit.

“For someone who only wears like, 4 outfits, you sure do have a lot of clothes.” Ronnie commented, pulling out a dress and examining it before hanging it back up.

“My mom tries.” I sighed, flopping back down on the bed.

“Oh, no you don’t. Get your happy ass up and get in the shower. You look terrible, which is weird for me, because you usually look incredibly fuckable.”

“Wow, thanks Ronnie.” I spat back, sarcasm laced in my tone. I got up and grabbed a towel from my drawer, walking in to my bathroom and taking a quick shower. I shaved my legs, as demanded instructed by my friend, and Ronnie did my makeup and hair, curling it and putting it up in a pretty half-do. I admired Ronnie’s work, hardly even being able to connect this me with the person that sat in my bed this morning, dark circles under her eyes and her hair in a knotty bun. She had also found a long sleeved black dress that came down to my knees, tucked away in my closet somewhere

Ronnie had brought over a dress for herself to change in to, and slipped on her shoes. She looked up and our eyes met in the mirror, a distressed look on my face.

“Listen, tonight is for us, okay?” Ronnie rested her hand on my shoulders, turning my chair so I faced her.” I’ve been sitting around and moping too, trust me, but we shouldn’t mope. We deserve so much better, alright? So, let’s just go out and have fun. We deserve that much, alright?” Ronnie held out her hand and I took it, pulling myself up and letting my arms go around her neck to embrace her. We both grabbed our purses and linked arms before walking down the stairs of my house and out my door. -------------------------------------------------------- “Ronnie, I don’t think I can do this.” I stood at the front door of the house, my heart racing.” I really can’t do this.” I turned away from the building, wringing my hands out in front of me.” I’ve been doing it for so long, and I don’t think I can pretend any more, and- “

“Y/n!” Ronnie grabbed my hands, holing them in between hers.” You can do this, ok? You’re y/n freaking l/n!! You are one of the strongest women I know, and you are fierce! You can’t let Jughead, or Betty, or anyone get to you! Don’t let them ruin your moment, ok? Because you are looking hot as hell- “Ronnie lifted one of my hands, twirling me in front of her, and I giggled- “And I’ll be damned if I let you let them mess with that.” I hugged Ronnie tightly before she linked my arm with hers and we walked in to the Blossom mansion.

The music wasn’t too loud, which was a kind gesture for my sensitive ears. Cheryl had already roped together some kids for a game of spin the bottle, and I had spotted Archie, Betty, and Jughead near a corner of the room. Ronnie had already gotten me away from the sight, pulling me to the kitchen. I only grabbed a bottle of sweet tea, ignoring the alcohol that lined the counter. Veronica did as well, unsurprisingly. Veronica was a very old-school classy person. If she did drink, it was usually only one glass, and something very light, as I had found out one night that I had slept over at her house.

“There’s my girls!” Kevin wrapped each arm around Veronica and I’s shoulders. “Operation ‘avoid Jughead and Betty because they’re little whores who have been ignoring us to suck each other’s faces’ has commenced!” I laughed at Kevin, giving him a weird look for the name he had chosen.

“Lets just call it Operation Cobra, you know, for short.” Veronica suggested.The three of us made our way to the middle of the dance floor ignoring our other friends. It was obvious Veronica was laughing and talking at a bit of a higher volume, as well as being extra touchy and flirty to get the attention of our friends. I didn’t so much as glance at Jughead, because I knew that once I did, it was game over, and I would be running home and hiding under my covers. After a little while, I went to find a quiet place in the house, wanting to be alone. Parties weren’t really my thing, so I didn’t understand why I even agreed to go, but to be fair I was having a nice time

I sat on Cheryl’s back porch, my legs swinging off the edge as I looked out at her backyard. The graveyard with all her relatives didn’t really help boost my happiness, but at least I had gotten away from the incessant bass drops the music was giving off.

“Thought you were sick.” I turned my head to see Jughead leaning against the wall, legs and arms both crossed. My heart started beating wildly and I felt a lump in my throat.

“Thought you didn’t like parties.” I retorted, turning my head back around to face away from him.

“Touché.” I felt Jughead’s presence as he sat down next to me, our thighs brushing together. For a couple minutes, I didn’t say anything, scared that if I did I would burst in to tears.

“You look really, uh, nice tonight.” Jughead looked me up and down and I raised an eyebrow.

“I mean, not that you don’t look nice all the time, because you do.” Jughead scratched the back of his neck.” Because you know, you’re really beautiful, but you already know that I think that, because you know, you’re my best friend, and uh… yeah.” Jughead looked away

“You know, I’m not a mind reader.” Jughead chuckled lightly. I could see him staring at me out of the corner of my eye. I did my best to ignore him, crossing my arms and keeping my gaze away from his.

“Look- “Jughead gulped audibly, hesitating before lifting his hand and resting it on my shoulder.” I don’t know what’s going through your head right now, or what you’re dealing with, but I’m here for you- “

“Really? Are you really “here for me?” I shrugged his hand off my shoulder, moving to stand up. I was furious at this point.” Jughead, I have talked to you maybe a handful of times since you and Betty started dating! You have cancelled every single one of our plans since then! Every time we’re together working on the blue and gold, you and Betty hardly even notice I’m in the room! – “

My hands went to my temples as I slowly paced back and forth on the deck of the porch. Jughead now stood in front of me, one hand shoved in the pocket of his jeans and the other running his hand down his face in a frustrated motion.

“And maybe I wouldn’t have been so angry about it, if you would have at least showed any sort of remorse, but you don’t! You don’t apologize, you don’t even text me in advance to let me know, you keep me sitting at Pop’s for hours, and you never even show up! I don’t even know why I still do it? What’s the point?” I began to walk past him but jughead held his arm out, stopping me from leaving. His hand grabbed my hip, turning me to face him.

“I’m sorry, y/n, I really am- “

“No you aren’t, Jughead! You aren’t sorry!” I pushed him away from me.” You aren’t sorry! If you were really ‘sorry’, you would have been there for me! You wouldn’t have skipped out on our plans! You wouldn’t have left me waiting all the time! Or you would have at least texted me to tell me you wouldn’t make it! Or even apologize!” I shoved my index finger against his chest, pushing him away from me once more.” But you don’t! You don’t apologize, or even feel any remorse about it, because all you care about is yourself! You don’t care about the consequences of the choices you make, because it doesn’t hurt you!” I screamed, tears streaming down my face as I ended my rant. Jughead had a shocked face on his look, as if he was surprised that I had just stood up for myself. I couldn’t blame him. All I ever did was let people use me as their personal door mat. I didn’t want to be that person anymore.

“Y/n, I’m sorry, I do care about you, it’s just, I- “

“Save it, Jughead!” I shoved past him, running back in to the house and out the front door. I heard calls from my best friend and turned around to see Veronica and Kevin.

“Hey, hey, hey.” Veronica stood in front of me, blocking me from walking down the path towards the gate to leave Cheryl’s home. Her hands wrapped around my arms, stopping me from moving.” What’s wrong, what happened?”

“What do you think happened, Ronnie?” I spoke loudly, my hands moving wildly in front of me.” Jughead is an idiot! That’s what happened!” Kevin now stood beside Ronnie, and her hands went to my face, wiping away the tears. “I’m in love with a fucking idiot! That’s what happened!”

“I know sweetheart, I know.” Veronica hugged me tightly.

“He doesn’t care, Ronnie. He doesn’t care. He doesn’t care that he hurt me, or anything. It doesn’t matter.” I moved to look at her again.” Why do I have to be in love with him? It could have been anybody else! Why him?”

“I don’t know, honey, he’s a jerk, I don’t know why he- “Ronnie cut herself off, staring off behind me. I turned around to see Jughead standing ten feet away, arms at his sides and his lips parted slightly.

“Did you say you’re in love with me?” Jughead looked at me with wide eyes, waiting for an answer. I shook my head, diving between Ronnie and Kevin and running towards the gate. Jughead began to follow me, but Kevin and Ronnie held him back, letting me slip away. -------------------------------------------------- I was halfway down the trek to my house when I passed by the Riverdale park. I sighed, steering off the sidewalk and towards the big dome-shaped jungle gym. I was just going to mope at home anyways, so I wasn’t in a hurry to get there.

I dropped my heels to the ground next to me, swinging my purse over my shoulder and climbing up to the top. I sat down in the middle, the solid platform cold against my skin. I didn’t care though. I pulled out my phone, ignoring any notifications I had. I checked Instagram, scrolling through Jughead’s account. I switched over to Betty’s, seeing multiple photos of her and Jughead. I didn’t exactly know why I was forcing myself to look at these, but I was.

I shut my phone off, wrapping my arms around my body. I hadn’t brought a jacket, another thing to beat myself up over. I looked around the park, my eyes eventually catching someone else’s. Jughead.

“What are you doing up there?” Jughead looked up at me, his hands in his pockets.

“I like it up here.” I defended.

“Can you come down?” Jughead asked me.

“No.” I protested.

“Then I’m coming up.” Jughead sighed, beginning to climb the structure. I scrambled to grab my purse, trying to get off as fast as I could, but it was too late. Jughead had climbed up, grabbing the bars on each side of my body and hovering so my lower body was trapped under his. He looked up at me, his chest heaving from climbing up as fast as he could, mixed with the sting of the cold weather. Our breaths could be seen in the winter air, mixing with each other and disappearing. I stared at Jughead, waiting for him to say something.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Oh yeah, hold on. Let me ruin my closest friendship real quick by telling him I have super hardcore feelings for him when he’s dating someone else!” I spat sarcastically.

“Ok, that’s fair.”

“Whatever, Jughead, just let me out.” I started to shuffle under his body, planning to duck under his arm, but he blocked me, climbing farther up. We were now eye level, his face only inches from mine. Jughead stared at me, not saying anything.

“Are you gonna say something?” I asked him, my eyes flickering between his.

“I don’t know what to say.” Jughead admitted. I rolled my eyes, pushing him so I could get out from under him. Apparently, I had pushed too hard, because next thing I knew, the boy lost his balance, stumbling off the bars and falling in to the grass on his back. I gasped, shouting his name before climbing down quickly and jumping off the last few bars.

“Jughead! Are you ok!” Jughead groaned in response, sitting up and rubbing his head. I dropped on to my knees beside him, my shoulders on his hands.

“Peachy.” He answered sarcastically. I rolled my eyes, standing up and brushing the dirt off my dress.

“Whatever, I’m going home- “

“Did you know Veronica liked Betty?” I spun around, looking at Jughead.

“Yeah.”

“Well, I didn’t.” Jughead sighed, standing up. “And Veronica told her. Turns out, a big part of the reason Betty was dating me was to try and get over her, and convince herself she wasn’t gay. When Ronnie told her, she broke it off with me.” Jughead chuckled half-heartedly.

“Jug, I’m sorry.” Sympathy was laced in my voice. I stepped back toward him, patting his shoulder with my hand.

“It’s ok, really. I was dating her for kind of the same reason as well.” Jughead looked up at me, his eyes locking with mine.” You see, there’s this girl that I really like, and she’s been my best friend for quite a while.” My breath hitched in my throat, my hand leaving Jughead’s shoulder.” I’ve been kind of a shit friend to her, and I haven’t really been hanging out with her, more like avoiding her. It’s a really shitty thing to do, and I feel, like, really, really shitty about it.”

“Jughead, I, I can’t...” I turned back towards the dome jungle gym, walking towards my shoes. I felt Jughead’s hand on my shoulder and then my back was against the monkey bars, my body trapped by Jughead’s.

“I didn’t want to lose you.” Jughead admitted.” You’re everything to me, and I don’t know what I would do without you in my life. When I started dating Betty, I thought it would help me get over you, and then I could stop feeling the way I felt.” Jughead looked me in the eyes, his face no more than a few inches away from mine once again.” I watched what happened to my parents, and yours. They were just like us. They were best friends, and…” Jughead hung his head, cutting off his own words.

“Jughead.” I reached my hands up to cup his face, lifting his head to look at me.” We aren’t our parents, ok?” My thumb brushed against his cheek, wiping away the tear that had fallen down his face. Jughead smiled, his eyes flickering down to my lips, and mine doing the same.

“I’m in love with you.”

“I’m in love with you too.” I laughed lightly, my arms wrapping around his neck. Jughead’s arms went to my waist, pulling me flush in to his body before he pressed his lips to mine. I sighed in to the kiss, feeling relief that Jughead felt the same way about me as I did him.

Jughead bit gently at my bottom lip, pulling it between his teeth as he broke the kiss. I giggled, burying my face in to the crook of Jughead’s neck. ----------------------------------------------------- “I see my work did some justice.” I heard Ronnie call out. Jughead and I turned around on the sidewalk we had been on to see our friends.

“We have been looking everywhere for you guys! Where were you!” Archie called out, jogging towards us.

“Oh, you know, climbing jungle gyms, pushing Jughead off them, the usual.” I joked, looking up at Jughead. He smiled, rolling his eyes. Ronnie and Betty walked up to us, hands held together.

“Hey, nothings gonna be… awkward, right?” Betty asked, looking at Jughead and I.

“No, Betts, everything’s good.” Jughead looked down at me, squeezing my hand.

“Ok, good.” Betty rested her hand on Jughead’s shoulder giving it a friendly squeeze before dropping it.

“Wait, so, you two?” Archie asked, looking at Ronnie and Betty, who nodded.

“And you two?” Archie looked at Jughead and I. Jughead nodded and I blushed, hiding in his side. Jughead wrapped an arm around my waist, leaning down and pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

“Honestly, I’m not surprised.” Kevin shrugged, walking towards us.

“Hey, we’re all heading to Pop’s, you coming?” Archie asked Jug and I.

“Archibald Andrews, do you ever think I would turn down a burger and fries from our ever so famous chock-lit shoppe?” I put a hand over my chest in mock offense.

“Of course you and Jughead are together, why was I even surprised.” Archie rolled his eyes, walking away from us.

“That obvious, huh?” Jughead spoke aloud, looking down at me.

“Yep.”

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