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yesnotyourturtle-blog · 8 years ago

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Fragility and Fractures

A/N: This one takes place on Jughead’s birthday. I wrote it before episode nine aired, so forgive me for continuity errors with Ethel! Enjoy :)

Jughead Jones was at a party.

Strange sentence, yes. But when said party happens to be your very own, you tend to be there.

When Betty decided to throw this party, at Archie’s house, Jughead was adamant at first- parties, while baby showers may be, were not his scene. “It’ll be fun,” She said, wide cerulean blue eyes pleading at him, and so he agreed.

But right here, right now, all Jughead wanted to do was curl up with his laptop, or even better, Betty. That clearly wasn’t going to happen, so Jughead had excused himself from the sweaty crowd in Fred’s living room, gone to the kitchen and grabbed a solo cup of coke. Sitting on the a kitchen a counter, he hoped it wasn’t laced with anything.

Nonetheless, he sipped it periodically as he glanced at his phone, listening to whatever overplayed pop song that his peers currently danced to.

He checked his texts. One from his dad.

Are you coming home for dinner?

Well, no, he wasn’t, not after he realised that the Serpents dealt with drugs.

And well, he was at his very own birthday party. He typed out a quick reply.

Not today, dad.

He shoved his phone inside his pocket, catching his foot tapping the counter with the pop song’s rhythm. He immediately stopped.

“Hey,” Came a voice from behind him. Jughead jumped, despite the noise.

“Hey.” He said, realizing it was only Ethel.

“So,” She began, going around the counter in front of him, “Happy Birthday. Seventeen!”

He smiled. “Yeah, I’m finally a dancing queen.”

The reference flew over her head.

“Nevermind. What brings you to Archie’s humble abode?”

“I heard it was your party, which I really couldn’t believe, because Jughead Jones is throwing a party? I knew I had to come here for sure.”

Jughead chuckled and looked at her. “Actually, Betty’s throwing it for me. I’m not really a party person.”

Ethel deflated slightly. “So, you and Betty a thing now?”

“Yeah, she’s my girlfriend.” Jughead blushed. He was so utterly grateful that he was with Betty. Right now, he was the luckiest guy on earth.

Ethel smiled, in a way that seemed half-hearted. “Cute top she’s wearing.”

Ah, the crown one. Jughead’s very own reference. When he had first seen it, all he could do was laugh. Betty had actively searched for one online.

“She's…” A ray of sun in his usually-dark life, the paragon of beauty, the best person he’s ever had the pleasure to meet, let alone spend time with- “cute, too.”

Ethel awkwardly nodded, and pursed her lips, still caught in a half-smile.

Thirty seconds passed with an awkward silence. Jughead decided to break it, and stood up.

“I should probably-”

“Archie still has feelings for Betty.”

Her interruption took him by complete surprise.

“What?” He asked. “He still… Does?”

Ethel nodded with sympathy. “I heard Veronica tell Kevin in PE yesterday.”

“You were eavesdropping?”

“No, I just happened to pass by.”

Jughead sighed. “Why are you telling me this, Ethel?”

Ethel’s eyes widened. “I just wanted you to be prepared, you know. And if you need someone to turn to, in case stuff happens…”

It was Jughead’s turn to purse his lips. “Listen, Ethel, I know Archie well, and he wouldn’t do this. I’m dating Betty, too… and I trust her.”

“Fine, Jughead. “ Ethel said, eyes suddenly misty. “I wanted to help.”

“There’s nothing to help with, Ethel. Thanks, though.” Jughead said, annoyed, and left the kitchen.

Half an hour later, after dancing (in his case, shuffling his feet) with Betty, on her request, they both went out to the porch, and sat on the swing.

She leaned in for a kiss. “Happy Birthday, Juggie.”

“Happy, all thanks to you.” He smiled against her lips.

She pulled away. “Oh! I almost forgot. Your birthday gift.” She bent down and pulled out a package- wrapped in blue and gold, haha, from underneath the swing.

He perked an eyebrow. “You hid it under here?”

“What can I say? Betty Cooper is always prepared.”

He laughed. “And may I ask what it is?”

“No.”

“Well, can I open it?”

“Duh.”

His fingers neatly unwrapped the pretty paper- unlike Archie and his sister, who both tore at wrapping like savages. With careful movements, he separated tape and dresses- “Will you hurry up already, Juggie?”

He glanced at her, smirking. “Didn’t think you were that type of unwrapper.”

“I’m not, but just do it already.”

He gave in, being a little more rash with his movements, and put paper aside to reveal-

“A Kindle?”

“You love reading, Jug, and I know you find it difficult finding some books you really want to read, so…Here!”

Jughead’s fingers traced its smooth surface. “Betty, this must have cost you a fortune.”

He said, looking up at her. “I mean, you didn’t have to-”

“Shut up, Jughead. I did. And don’t worry about the cost-that internship over the summer helped.” She held his hand. “Do you like it?”

Jughead hugged her. “It’s the best gift I’ve ever received.”

She grinned. “That’s not all.” And pulled out an A3 sized envelope.

“Open that.” She whispered.

His fingers prised the orange packet open, and pulled out a drawing. It was Jellybean and him, sitting in his treehouse, and he knew only one person who was so talented, especially for a ten year old- Jellybean.

‘Happy Birthday’, said a small message on the bottom right corner, right next to her signature.

“It’s from Jellybean.”

Betty smiled, eyes gleaming. “Yes.”

He pulled Betty into another hug. “How did-”

“I asked her.”

“How?”

“Don’t ask so many questions, Jug.”

“Okay,” He said, softly. “Thank you.”

He leaned into their embrace even further.

They both startled when the flash of a camera disturbed them.

“Sorry, Lovebirds. We need pictures of this legendary party.” Veronica grinned.

The couple in question groaned in faux annoyance, but smiled anyway.

It was 10 pm, and the party was still going strong. The gang, which included Jughead, Betty, Archie, Veronica and Kevin, was sitting on the grass lawn behind the Andrew house- speaking of which, Fred Andrews was going to be pissed- in a circle.

Archie was super drunk, after Reggie had coerced him into multiple shots, and even though the sixteen year old was quite muscular, he still couldn’t hold his alcohol. He was just drunkenly giggling, each word slurring, and the buzzed Veronica just rolled her eyes at his shenanigans. Jughead and Betty were amused. Kevin was indifferent.

Although, Archie seemed to be a bit stony I’m attitude towards Jughead.

Truth or Dare was currently going on, and it was the birthday boy’s turn.

Jughead playing Truth or Dare. Another weird concept. This one night was the teenest of a teen he’d ever been.

“Jughead, pick one.” Veronica said. “Truth, or Dare.”

“As the name of the game suggests,” He said. He wasn’t going to spill out his life story to anyone right now, so the latter it was. “Dare.”

“Kiss anyone in this circle.” Veronica told him.

“Oh, come on.” Kevin protested. “Give ‘im something harder!”

“Nope, that’s it.” Veronica shook her head, lips curling up.

“Really? Anyone? That’s your dare?” Jughead raised an eyebrow.

“Mhmm.”

“Then I’m not going to complain,” he said, turning to Betty, asking for permission with a questioning nod, and once he received a blushing nod back, their lips connected.

Another flash.

“Will you cut it out?” Jughead said. “At least try to be discreet.”

“Never,” Veronica said, putting her phone away. “This is going on Instagram. Hashtag Bughead.”

“Bughead?” Betty asked incredulously. “Bug- head. Really?”

“It’s endearing, and unique, and ‘Jetty’ doesn’t roll right off the tongue.” Kevin said. “So Bughead it is.”

Jughead pretended not to notice the glares Archie was throwing his way, and had been since they’d sat down.

They were about to move on, but Archie interjected. “Jughead, can I speak to you?” He mumbled.

Betty and Jug looked at each other.

“…Sure, Arch.” Jughead said. “Come get a drink with me.”

The two boys stood up, Archie slightly unsteady, and with a furtive glance behind him, at his girlfriend, Jughead entered the kitchen, redhead in tow.

Jughead took a red solo cup and lifted a bottle of coke, pouring its black contents into it. “Want some?” Jughead said.

“Jughead, did you ask Betty out just to get revenge on me?”

Jughead stopped, almost spilling the fizzy drink onto the white counter. He thought his ears stopped working. “Um, what?”

“I said, did you ask Betty out to get revenge on me? For the July 4th thing?”

“Two things, Arch. One, definitely not, and two, you’re too drunk to have his conversation.” Jughead said, looking over his shoulder with disbelief.

“Are you sure, Jug? Is it because I said no to her?”

Jughead’s hands clenched into fists. “Archie, we will not have this conversation, not right now.”

“Jug, tell me, or I’ll ask her.”

“Okay, don’t, just wait till tomorrow.”

Archie ignored him and started for the door.

“Okay, Arch, stop. No, not everything revolves around you. I genuinely have feelings for Betty and I’m almost sure she returns them.” Jughead moved in front of him. “I thought we were friends. I called you my brother.” Archie slumped.

“And you are! But what, exactly, is your problem with Betty and I?”

Archie looked at him with helplessness. “I may…”

“May what?”

“Have feelings for her.” Archie finished.

Was Archie kidding Jughead right now? The redhead was dating Valerie, and Jughead was pretty sure he liked Veronica too. Hell, he’d kissed Cheryl as well. And he’d already broken Betty’s heart.

“Archie? Are you kidding me?”

“No. I genuinely want to be with her. I made a mistake that night, the worst a mistake of my life, probably.” Archie said, leaning against the wall, hands in pockets.

Jughead took a deep breath to calm himself. He was angry, angry beyond belief, but he needed to keep his cool. Archie was drunk.

“Archie…”

“Jughead, you need to do me a favour.”

Jughead looked at him, deadpanned face. “And this favour is?”

“Break up with-”

“You think Betty’s a favour?”

“Jughead.”

“Absolutely not. I won’t break up with her because you told me too. I won’t break up with her at all, unless she ends it. Archie, no.”

“Jughead, I took you in-”

“I’ll move out, then!”

“Jughead, no-”

Jughead’s palms were clammy, his skin was crawling with ants, he was angry, furious, and he was getting suffocated in this kitchen. He needed to leave, get out, get some fresh air, anything.

“Archie, I love Betty, and you need to check yourself.” Jughead said, smooth and calm. “You’ve already broken her heart, and now you’ll probably break Valerie’s. I don’t know what to say or do that’ll help you.”

Archie’s face betrayed his emotions- both boys were irate.

“Jughead-”

“Boys?” Veronica said from the threshold, Betty and Kevin in tow. Archie and Jughead’s spat had apparently attracted attention. “What’s going on?”

Archie’s eyes fell upon Betty, and with unsteady legs, he moved towards her. “Betty, I have something to say…”

Jughead couldn’t possibly listen the the rest of it. He needed some air, he needed to leave the room, he needed all of this to stop. The universe wasn’t under his control, although, but he could… Leave.

With not word, he pushed himself off the counter, gave Archie the most hateful look he could muster up, and moved to the door.

“Jug, where are you-”

He looked up at Betty’s concerned eyes, and could only bring himself to shake his head. He needed to get out. Now. Fast. Before he imploded.

Breaking his gaze with Betty’s, he moved past her with a jerky movement and left the room, the house, Archie’s porch, and finally out on the road.

He swiveled about in two directions- where would he go? His dad’s? But any thought of going back into that stuffy trailer held no appeal. Open air was his goal.

Above Pop’s diner it would be.

Surprisingly, and thankfully, no one followed him, not even Betty. His heart twitched at that. But, with fast strides, almost running, he walked the short walk to the neon-lit building.

His mind was a jumbled mess of hurt sayings towards Archie, fearful mutterings that Betty would choose Archie, and guilt, though he couldn’t place why. In was October, not very hot, especially in Canada, but Jughead’s beanie and jacket were suffocating him.

His strides faster, relief when he finally caught sight of the neon banner- and instead of entering the front door, he went round that back, located the ladder that always seemed to be there, climbed its rusty rungs, and finally settled near the lit-up diner’s sign..He was hidden from view, but he could see people approaching. Only Betty knew of this particular hiding spot, even though it was one he visited only when he was in emotional anguish.

This counted.

He took deep breaths to calm himself down, mind still reeling.

He bit his lip and looked up at the star-studded sky, year’s worth of observing constellations with Archie leading him to identify each one immediately.

Archie.

Betty.

He was stuck in a cliché love triangle, a concept which he openly despised after reading same, boring old versions of it in numerous books. He was a hypocrite, it seemed.

He was livid at Archie. That July Fourth incident was nothing- this was crossing the line. Liquor induced or not, Archie was…

Jughead grit his teeth, removing the crown beanie from his head and setting it beside him; his hand running through his father’s raven locks, which both he and Jellybean had inherited.

It just occurred to him that he was, maybe, being overly dramatic, opting to storm off in a rage rather than stay and let communication take care of things. He was here already, though. He closed his eyes and leant back against some piping.

“Jughead Jones.”

He opened his eyes, evidently taken by surprise. “Betty?”

“Who else?” The girl in question came into view. Her arms were folded.

Jughead said nothing, meeting her gaze.

“Jughead, I heard everything.”

Dismay ploughed through his body. “From the beginning?”

Betty nodded. “Yep.”

“Betty…”

“Jughead, if you underestimate me so much that you think I’d forget our entire relationship and go back to Archie, then you underestimate me.”

Jughead bowed his head. “I was angry. So, so angry, because a part of me is always insecure that you still have feelings for him, and I’m…”

“What? A rebound?”

Silence permeated, which betrayed Jughead’s answer.

“Jughead, I’m sorry, but if you think I’m as shallow as that, then maybe this relationship won’t work out.”

“Betty, no- I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? Jug, you just walked out like that, right before I realised that he still… Whatever, but it got me thinking that you were willing to just let the whole thing we have go, because of Archie, who’s drunk!” Betty gesticulated wildly.

“I am furious at Archie, Jug, but I’m furious at you, too. Yes, it’s your birthday, but you can’t walk out without talking to me first. I thought we had a mature relationship, but communication is key, Jug!”

Jughead stood up and took her hand. “Betty, I’m sorry. I just needed air, I was furious too. And please don’t end this.”

Betty pulled herself closer. “I won’t, Jug. And it’s okay, just don’t do it again.”

Jughead kissed her, and that was his reply.

He walked her to his original spot, and they sat down together side by side, him playing with her hand and her playing with his beanie-free hair.

“How did you know I was here?”

“Simple. When you’re upset, you go to Pop’s. When you’re annoyed and frustrated, you go to the Drive In. And when you’re angry, or really, really sad, then you come here.”

“Okay, you know me well.”

“Mhmm.”

Their hands intertwined.

“Juggie, I heard you say that you…love me.”

Jughead blushed. “Um, yes, I do, Betts.”

“I love you too, Jug.” She cupped his cheeks and kissed him, slow and peaceful and reassuring and calming, everything he needed right now.

She loved him, he loved her, and even though they were just seventeen, future uncertain, what mattered was right now and right here.

“Hands down; best birthday gift ever.”

A sharp rapping on the mesh frame of FP Jones’s trailer was what woke Jughead up from his position on the couch. He didn’t want to stay at Archie’s last night, so he’d turned to his dad, whom he’d found passed out in the arm chair. After helping him back to bed, Jughead had curled up in his current position.

With a wince, he sat up. The couch had a broken spring, and his left shoulder was ever so sore.

Another knock. “Coming!” He said, pulling his beanie on and getting up.

On opening the door, he found Archie, evidently hung over, with mussed-up hair and a tired face.

No niceties. Jughead didn’t think he deserved it. “Go away.” And he made to shut the door.

“Jughead, wait, I’m so so sorry.”

Jughead stopped the door, and stared at him, brow furrowed. “And I’m supposed to believe that?”

“Jug, please, I was drunk.”

“That’s not going to excuse anything.”

“I know, Jug, please let me in.”

Jughead complied, though that didn’t mean he forgave Archie.

“You’ve been ignoring my texts and calls.”

“No shit, Sherlock.” Jughead said, plonking himself on the couch. “All I want to do is punch you right now.”

“I get it, Jug. What I did is inexcusable, and hurt both your and Betty’s feelings. I guess I took you granted.”

Jughead narrowed his eyes. “Surprisingly accurate.”

“I had a chance with Betty, and I ruined it, and I guess she’s happy with you. Part of me was confused and jealous, and after I downed,like, eight beers yesterday, it all came spilling out. My ego prevented me from understanding why Betty was happy with someone else, and when this someone else was you… I was hurt.”

Jughead, arms crossed, met Archie’s eyes with a steely gaze. The redhead continued.

“And nothing will ever excuse the fact that I asked you to break up with her for me. I don’t know what I was thinking, Jug. I am so, incredibly sorry. I’m not good with words, but I just want you to know that I would do anything to redeem myself. I hate myself because I ruined a your birthday, too.”

Jughead replied. “What about Betty, Veronica and Valerie?”

“I apologised to Betty just now. After this, Veronica and Valerie.”

“Okay.”

“Jughead, I’m going to say this again, and I won’t ever stop- I’m so sorry.”

Jughead stood up, crossed over to the counter, and leaned on it. “How am I supposed to live with the fact that I know you still like Betty?”

“I’ll get over it, like she got over me.”

Jughead bit his lip. “Archie, I’m never going to forget this, but I forgive you.”

Archie looked visibly relieved, chest heaving. “You don’t know how much that means to me, Jug.”

“Okay, but things aren’t going back to what they were before immediately, Archie. I’m still hurt, Betty’s still hurt, and who knows about Valerie, but it’s great to know that at least you’re sorry for your incendiary ways.”

“So much, so much that you won’t believe it.”

They both smiled softly at each other.

The friendship, although cracked, still remained intact.

Jughead yawned as he clocked out of his shift at Pop’s. After the Drive-In had closed, he needed a job, and after Hermione Lodge left, a spot had opened up for him. Their financial situation wasn’t great, so Jughead really needed this.

This wasn’t to say that he was tired though. He looked forward to curling up with a book, or maybe sneaking up to Betty’s room.

He shrugged off his uniform, shrugged on his jacket, switched the lights off, and left the diner with the bell ringing behind him.

He immediately tripped, though, when a flash of light and a huge ‘surprise!’ took him off guard.

“Crap.” He said, cradling the hand he’d landed on. He looked up at all his friends- Betty, Veronica, Archie, Kevin, and Joaquin.

“Oh gosh, Jug, you okay?” Betty said, bending and helping him up.

“I’m fine,” He winced. “What’s going on?”

“Well,” Betty started, a hopeful smile on her face, hands clasped in his, “After your birthday last week went, well awry…”

“We decided to throw you, or gently hand you an amazing night, the ultimate movie marathon of your choice.” “Oh guys, this is too much…”

“Nonsense.” Archie said. He was noticeably standing further away from Betty and Veronica. He’d apologised, but things were still slightly awkward.

“Come on, we must make it up to you.” Betty said, squeezing his hand.

Jughead grinned. “Okay. As long as we binge watch Hitchcock.”

Kevin groaned, but his smile said something different.

So, hand in hand with Betty Cooper, Jughead Jones walked away from Pop’s surrounded by his friends. Relationships were still mending and new ones were forming, some people were sorry, some weren’t, and betrayals still ran rampant, but he was happy, at least for now.

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