Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Angela let go of the breath she was holding after seeing her new roommates. Daisy was already in the apartment and unpacking. Her parents are already leaving them to their own devices. Daisy was cheery, greeting her like they already knew each other. Yale was already intimidating enough and Angela was afraid she would be stuck with snobs.

Daisy and her were sharing a bedroom. The single being left to their other roommate. Angela was clearly the shyer among the two, but seeing how bubbly Daisy was was refreshing. She already mapped out the entire social scene at Yale; knowing what frats were good for a party, groups to be weary of unless you want a run-in with campus police, and what professors won't make you wanna die the first week here.

They were unpacking their combined dishware for the kitchen when they heard a noise coming from the hallway.

"Honestly Elizabeth we should've been here earlier." An older woman opened the door to let a younger version of herself and a taller man in, both carrying boxes.

"I wanted to say goodbye to everyone." The younger girl said setting down her boxes in the living area.

The man followed suit, stretching out his lower back. "Could've at least brought some of the boys here to help. They would've dropped everything you know."

She sighed, "I know but there is too much happening on the southside. I couldn't drag them away just to help me move some boxes."

"At least should've made Archie." He grumbled.

"Charles there should be two more boxes in the car. I'm sure you can manage to get them." Angela assumed was her roommate's mom and all but dismissed him.

"Got it, Mom."

Daisy nudged Angela out of the kitchen so they could go introduce themselves.

The girl smiled as they approached, "Hi, I'm Betty Cooper."

"I'm Daisy and this is Angela."

"I'm Alice, Betty's mother, the man who went down is Charles, Betty's brother." Her smile was almost the exact same as Betty's.

"It's great to meet you guys." Daisy greeted.

Charles entered the door just in time, one was carrying a remaining larger cardboard box. Unlike the others which were meticulously labeled with a black Sharpie, this one had just one large letter in green. Angela squinted to make out the letter. An S? It was detailed more but before she could get a better look at it Charles took it straight to her room.

Betty left the room to say goodbye to her family in the hallway.

She came back in and shut the door with a resolute thud. Leaning back, she sighed dramatically.

Daisy smirked, "Happy to finally be on your own?"

"Happy that my mother can no longer show up when she pleases."

Betty left to go to her room to finish unpacking. Angela and Daisy cleaned up the kitchen.

Once everything was pretty much unpacked they assembled in the living room to get to know each other more. A tv show was playing in the background noise.

"Wait so are both of you guys out of staters?" Daisy asked.

Angela shook her head, "No I just live an hour away."

"I'm from a small town in New York."

Angela clinked her glass against Betty's. "Yessss, us small townies gotta stick together."

"Pfff," Daisy pouted, "Small towns are so boring."

"I prefer the quiet life. Don't you Betty?"

Betty didn't look at her when she took a drink. "Yeah."

Out of the three of them Daisy sure was the partyer. She wasn't obnoxious about it and kept everyone up to date on the latest drama around campus.

Spring break was several weeks away. Angela felt grateful that her first semester was everything she dreamed of. Her classes were great, her roommates became her closest friends.

Recently they've been telling each other stories of their childhoods. Daisy's were funny while hers were more mellow. Betty never went into much detail about her childhood. More so when they talked about high school experiences. All they knew was she was part of her school's newspaper with her boyfriend at the time and she was a cheerleader.

Daisy skipped through the door and let out a long sigh, dropping her bag next to the couch. Angela was working on her laptop while Betty was in the small alcove in their kitchen.

"What's got you so peppy?" Angela asked.

"Well one, bio sucked today, and two–" Daisy's eyes scanned the room and took in that they were minus a roommate. "Wait where's Betty?"

"Kitchen."

Daisy clicked her tongue. "Betty! Get your butt in here!"

Betty popped her head out. "What? Where's the fire?"

"I just got something to ask you two."

Betty took a cautious step out of the kitchen and into the couch. "Okay...what is it?"

Daisy clasped her hands together. "Brady is throwing the last party before spring break and I want all of us to go."

The other roommates simultaneously groaned.

Daisy rolled her eyes. "Come on guys, please? Everyone is gonna be there."

Betty was surprisingly the first one to cave. "Fine. I'm in."

"Angela?"

Her eyes flitted between the two. "Alright."

Daisy clapped excitedly, "Yay! This is only the biggest part of the whole school year. Everyone comes including other news by schools."

"Like who?" Betty questioned.

"New Haven Community College kids. They bring all of the goods: kegs, weed, and even some JJ."

Angela's eyebrows furrowed and Betty's widened.

"JJ?"

"JJ!"

"Yeah, Jingle Jangle. It's this new drug everyone's trying."

"Who supplies it?" Betty asked.

"Some gang? They look like hobos to be honest. The New Haven Serpents always supply weed."

Angela's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wow. Is this what I'm missing in city living? You guys have to deal with gangs?"

Daisy shrugged, "It's not all bad they keep their distance and don't bother nobody unless you get in deep with them."

Angela glanced at Betty. Her eyes had a faraway look to them and she appeared in deep thought. "You okay Betty?"

She was jolted out of their thoughts. Her eyes zeroed in on Daisy. "Do you think we can meet their leader?"

"What!" Daisy pointed a finger at her. "You want to meet Nix? For the love of God why?"

Betty sighed, "Back home we had a problem with Jingle Jangle in high school and it was killing kids. I wanna know if it's the same product being pushed."

"Are we finally gonna see Detective Cooper?" She said crossing her arms smugly.

"Can you do it?" she asked again more firmly, ignoring Angela.

Daisy slumped against the couch. "Yeah."

Daisy tapped her heeled foot near the entrance of their apartment. Angela was beside her leaning against the wall. They already finished getting ready for the party. Angela already had to hear it from Daisy that she wasn't dressed slutty enough. Her dress wasn't skin tight and she had on leggings underneath.

"Let's go, Betty! We have to be on time to be fashionably late."

"I'm coming, I'm coming, don't worry," Betty yelled back from her room.

Angela heard something being zipped up before she heard the clacking of heels.

Daisy whistled appreciatively. "Wow, I'm impressed."

Angela was shocked as well. Seeing as this was the most skin Betty was voluntarily showing with a skin-tight dress and fishnet stockings. Her hair was down and curled on her shoulders.

"Don't look too shocked, guys. A girl has to keep some of her secrets."

Daisy laughed and opened the door so they could get out of there.

Arriving at the party, Angela was overwhelmed. Daisy wasn't kidding when she said everyone was gonna be here. She didn't ever go to parties, so she felt completely out of her element.

Betty sensing her discomfort, wrapped an arm around hers. "These things aren't such a big deal. Just stick with us."

"I'm surprised you're not freaking out. I haven't seen you attend any here with Daisy."

Betty leaned in close to her ear. "I've been to plenty of high school parties."

The bass music thumped stronger the more they moved away from the door. Guys and girls alike were conversing. A beer pong table was set up right outside the patio door. The ceiling was covered in mood lights.

Betty caught Daisy by the elbow. "Where's Nix?"

Daisy tugged both of them into the hallway of the frat house. Most of the doors were closed and probably locked to guests. Taking a left, they went down a set of stairs. Angela assumed this was the basement. Incandescent string lights were the only guide going down along the wall. The music faded slightly, but it was still louder enough to feel the vibrations.

The atmosphere was chilled. People were talking and drinking, the majority of them in black leather. Angela huddled closer to Betty. They looked exactly like she had seen in the movies and if they had ever taught her anything is that they were dangerous.

She observed Daisy and Betty. Daisy didn't seem scared, but she was cautious. Her eyes flitted back and forth between the members in leather as if she was searching for something specific on their back. All of the members had a circular serpent motif in bright green. In white lettering were the words New Haven Serpents.

Betty didn't seem cautious or scared. She had an air of calmness and familiarity about being surrounded by them. Daisy tugged Betty forward, which in turn had her pulling Angela along.

She saw a guy that was surrounded the most. His brown hair was slicked back off his forehead. He turned his back briefly, and his jacket was the only difference. His large motif was an H with a serpent intertwined in the large letter. It struck Angela that this must be Nix.

When they got closer the members stiffened and almost got in front of Nix. The leader waved them off.

"Fancy meeting you here again Sweetheart but you know I don't sell personally." His smooth voice addressed Daisy.

"I'm not here for a purchase. My roommate actually wanted to meet you." She gestured to Betty. "She wanted to meet the Serpent leader herself."

Nix opened his mouth.

"The Serpent King." Betty corrected for him and held out a hand to shake. "Betty Cooper."

He takes her hand, "Charmed, but if you're not here to buy I don't think I can offer much else."

Betty bunched up her dress, sliding it up her left side to reveal her upper thigh. There proudly inked was a snake in the shape of an S with a crown on its head.

Nix's eyebrows rose to his forehead. "Well I'll be, we have a queen in our midst boys."

The members around them immediately relaxed and adopted a laidback posture. Nix retook her hand and kissed the back of it.

Daisy leaned in hissing for only Betty and Angela to hear. "Betty what the hell."

She shook her head lightly to brush off her impending questions. "I've heard you guys had run-ins with people selling JJ?"

Nix nodded, "They've been taking over some of our link-up spots, and some of my boys gotten into scuffles."

"They call themselves the Gargoyle gang. We've faced them before two years ago and were able to drive them out but they've made a resurgence."

"What chapter are you from?"

"Southside Riverdale."

He rolled his neck, "What do you propose we do about it?"

"The Gargoyles have a base camp south of Riverdale. Their leader Kurtz has a personal vendetta against our King but we're outnumbered to approach them on their turf. We get rid of your Gargoyle problem and get them to stop selling JJ here and when the time comes you guys help us drive them out of their camp."

His lips pursed in thought. The others shifted and talked amongst themselves.

He held out his hand to shake on the deal. "Aye, what the hell. No Serpent stands alone."

Betty nodded once. "In unity there is strength."

For the first time since meeting him, Nix smiled.

By the time they got back to their apartment. Daisy couldn't stop staring at Betty and opening her mouth every minute wanting to interrogate her.

"Betty whatever your middle name is Cooper you have some explaining to do."

Betty sighed, slumping against the couch. "It never came up."

"Bullshit," Daisy said, her arms crossed. Her posture was rigid standing over her. Angela took a tentative seat next to Betty.

"Look. My high school life wasn't as picture-perfect as most people think and yes my hometown has gangs but the Serpents are family. They've been there for me when my own wasn't and I will do anything to make sure they're all safe back home." Betty affirmed.

It was a tense silence for several seconds.

Daisy shifted on her feet. "You are nothing like I thought you were."

"In a good way or a bad way?" She smiled ruefully.

"In an I've been saying I was stuck with the two most straight-laced people as roommates but it turns out one of them is a gang member kinda way."

Betty giggled slowly followed by Daisy and Angela.

When it came around for spring break, Daisy insisted they all spend it together in Riverdale. At first, Betty wasn't sure but she eventually was worn down by her pestering.

The drive was almost four hours. Betty had to let her mom know that she was bringing her friends. Alice rolled out the red carpet for them with her patent Cooper hospitality. Betty got her room back and the other two were sharing JB's old room. They were all tired from the travel so they just stayed in the house the rest of the day.

The next day Betty did her best to show them around town one of those stops was of course at Pop's.

"This is Pop's, our safe haven growing up. It also has the best burgers and milkshakes."

The door jingled upon entering. It wasn't packed but there were a fair few for lunch. Angela glanced around in wonder. It was like she was transported back to the 1950s. She's never been in an old-school diner like this.

Pop tilted his head up from the glass he was cleaning. "Well, I'll be, Betty Cooper. How are ya?"

"Hey, Pop. I'm just back for spring break. These are my roommates from Yale." She gestured with her head.

"Betty keeps telling us you have the best burgers and shakes. We figured it was about time to see for ourselves." Daisy teased.

Pop laughed, "I don't know about that but Betty is one of the smartest people I know. Take a seat and I will be right with you."

Betty led them to the back booth which was always a favorite of hers and Jughead's. Pop came to take their order, Betty of course didn't need to give hers as Pop had it memorized since middle school.

Daisy took a sip of her vanilla shake. "Okay, you were right. This is the best milkshake I've ever had."

"Told yeah."

The bell on the door chimed again. Virtually everyone in the diner turned to look who came in. The first girl was dressed head to toe in red, from her hair to her red boots. The other girl garnered her own attention with her shockingly pink hair.

Angela couldn't stop staring at objectively the prettiest girls she's ever seen. She almost shrunk in her seat feeling self-conscious about her own appearance. "Wow." She mumbled drawing Daisy and Betty's attention.

Betty smiled and sat up straighter. The girl with pink hair and black leather saw her first and whispered something to the redhead. They made it over to their table.

"We were hoping you'd be back for a break." The shorter girl smirked sliding into the seat next to Betty.

"I figured you two were probably tired of putting up with the boys."

The more intimidating redhead, flipped her hair over her shoulder, squishing the two further in the upholstery. "Most of the underlings are still afraid of me so I'm not bothered too much."

Betty snorted, shaking her head. She remembered she had to make introductions.

"Oh, Daisy and Angela this is Toni Topaz and Cheryl Blossom. Girls these are my roommates."

Toni waved a two-finger salute to them in greeting and Cheryl brushed them off. "You forgot to say cousin as well."

Betty nodded once, "Right, the only family member who isn't crazy."

"Better anyway we gained a new family."

"Oh, are you guys also Serpents?" Angela murmured the last word.

Toni looked amused by it. "Yeah since I was born. What's it to you?"

"They saw my tattoo and there are Serpents in New Haven." Betty supplied an answer.

Cheryl raised an eyebrow, "Rolling with a different king Cousin? Does Jonesy know about this?" She quipped.

Betty rolled her eyes. "I was gonna see him at the Wyrm tonight. I was able to make a deal with the New Haven Serpents."

"It's actually a good thing you're here." Toni leaned in, "Swift and Gear caught the dealer that gave JJ to Memphis's daughter."

Betty gasped, "Are you serious? How's Memphis and Laura holding up?"

"Good as you can imagine finally catching the reason their 10-year-old is dead," Cheryl said sarcastically.

Angela and Daisy both gasped in shock. "Did the police take him?"

"We don't let the police handle gang matters Sweetheart." Toni explained, "Jones is putting it to a vote on what we do with him tonight."

Betty's mouth turned grim. "I'll be there for it."

"So what exactly is the Wyrm?" Daisy questioned.

"It's a bar on the Southside. Our home base. So wear dark clothes, nothing too fancy."

Angela put down a dress she brought. "What are you wearing?"

Betty smirked, pulling out something from her own suitcase. "My jacket."

She dressed in a white crop and waist-high denim shorts with boots. Over it was her Serpent jacket.

"I know we saw the tattoo but it didn't seem real until you put on the jacket."

Angela came in with ripped jeans and a dark blue sweater. "Are you sure it's okay that we're there?"

"Yeah, we have outsiders in the clubhouse before but you guys are my personal guests."

Daisy shrugged, "Good enough for me."

They were ready to go. Alice was doing a late night at the station. Betty led them to the garage. There was the car she'd been working on for three years. It runs but she was always improving it and Betty was really happy with it anyway. A 1970 Ford Mustang with a sky blue colorway.

"You are just full of surprises."

Betty had made this trip to the Whyte Wyrm plenty of times. The two observed the stark difference in the town as soon as they crossed the train tracks. She pulled into a packed parking lot. Bikes lined up next to each other near the entrance. The snake neon sign illuminated the steps up to the door.

"Just stay by my side. Some of them like to intimidate new people."

The first person to notice her arrival was Hog-Eye. "Coop has returned!" His voice boomed loud over the rock music playing.

Serpents' attention turned to the blonde who just walked in. They raised a glass welcoming her back home some chorused her name. Betty smiled and waved at her friends to follow her to the bar.

Angela tried her best not to gawk at the inside. They had a stage with a karaoke machine in the corner. They also had two TVs above the bar. In the middle were the plethora of high tables and surrounding the edges were booths. Lined up on the left side were four pool tables. Cheryl stood out like a beacon with her red leather jacket.

Betty took a seat next to Cheryl who was nursing a chardonnay. "Still rowdy as ever in here."

Toni wiped down the counter from her position behind the bar. "Most of the guys are getting restless with the Gargoyles."

She ran her fingers through her loose hair and sighed, "Where's Jug?"

"Upstairs. He's talking to some of the guys about the vote tonight."

She turned to her roommates. "Stay close to me or the bar. Toni and Cheryl are good for keeping away the riff-raff." She said cheekily and turned to Toni. "Anything they get put it on my tab."

Approaching a high top near the stage with an older gentleman and lady, she gave them both hugs. It was too loud for Angela to make out the exchange of words. Cheryl noticed her staring. "That's Memphis and Laura."

She came back a few minutes later. "I hope they get whatever they want from this vote." Her hand tightened into a fist on the counter. Cheryl laid her hand on top of hers. "They will."

Her face brightened again at seeing a tall lanky boy finish up at a pool table. "Jer!"

The boy's face split into a grin and made his way over. "Ms. Betty. I'm happy you're here."

He bent his head down so Betty could place a kiss on his forehead under his bangs.

"I swear you get taller every time I see you."

He chuckled, "It only took me until my junior year."

"You keeping everyone in line at school? Any trouble?"

Jer nodded, "No trouble whatsoever."

Betty pinched his cheek. "Good."

He leaned his elbow on the bar between Angela and Daisy. "Can I get two IPAs, Toni?"

Toni raised an eyebrow. "You know the rules, Jeremy. Two drink minimum for those underaged and you already had one."

"I swear one of them is for Dutchie."

Toni reached down to the cooler and popped off both lids. "Tell him he's cut off after this. I don't want to deal with his drunk ass tonight."

"Roger that T."

Angela managed to relax a bit. Even though most of the Serpents seem rough they didn't stare and seemed to be having their own fun. A group of guys descended the stairs near the stage. The last one to come down had his jacket in his hand, leaving him only in a white tank top. He looked the way to the bar eyeing Toni, his jaw moving. "There's the man of the hour. Jughead Jones."

He made a swift motion across his neck and she cut the music. His eyes naturally traveled along the counter. His eyes narrowed at Daisy and her probably because he didn't know them. His cold gaze softened and his posture relaxed seeing Betty.

Betty felt a familiar burning gaze.

"Commence the eye fucking." Cheryl murmured.

Betty rolled her eyes.

"I already told him that you wanted to propose your vote tonight," Toni told her.

"Good, I want my vote first," Betty said making her way to the stage.

The man's eyes followed her figure. His arm was raised to run his fingers through his hair. Angela noted his arms were covered in colorful tattoos. He looked like a greaser from the 50s. He got up on stage and slid on his jacket as soon as Betty was in the front.

Another guy who came down the stairs with him stood off just below the stage. He put his fingers in his mouth to release a sharp whistle. Almost immediately everyone quieted down.

"Thank everyone who was able to come to meet us here tonight. We have a lot on the agenda concerning the Gargoyles."

Boos rose from the members and Jughead had to raise a hand to quiet them down again. "I know I know but first I'd like to welcome back our queen who will kick off tonight's vote."

The group cheered again and Betty placed a soft kiss on his cheek. "As all of you know, I've been in Connecticut for school. I want to make it clear that even though I'm not physically here on the Southside I can never forget my family. With the help of my roommates, I found a Serpent chapter in New Haven. My proposal is this: The New Haven Serpents will help take down the Gargoyle house in exchange we help them remove JJ off their streets."

Jughead raised his hand, forming fangs with his index and middle finger. "All those in favor?"

It was unanimous as every member mimicked his hand.

"It's official, I promise as your King that the Gargoyles will be gone from our territory by the year's end!"

The biggest guy at the front of the stage was the first one to cheer loudly. The others quickly followed. Angela was amazed at the respect this Jughead had. In her peripheral, Daisy also looked slightly starstruck by it all and that's saying something since she dealt with the New Haven Serpents before.

"Next order of business is something that cannot be taken lightly..." He whistled and immediately a Serpent pushed a very heavily beaten-up guy close to the stage. They came up from a downstairs area the man's hands tied behind his back with zip ties.

"Holy shit," Daisy muttered beside her.

Jughead had the man by the collar and placed him on his knees. "This the dealer that gave Memphis's daughter Jingle Jangle. He's the reason that 10-year-old Julie isn't with us today."

A beer bottle is hurdled and shatters on the Gargoyle dousing him in booze and glass.

"Enough!" The rowdy crowd quiets down. "Two options: we beat him bloody here and send him as a message or we take him back down to the basement and put a bullet in his head. All in favor of option one?"

A few fanged hands raise up to send a message to the Gargoyles.

"Option 2?"

Jughead nodded his head grimly, not really surprised by the outcome. "Take him back downstairs."

He was removed from the stage and taken back down.

"Memphis you don't have to be the one if you don't want to," Jughead assured him.

Memphis was stoic and he took out his concealed gun from his waistband. "I will for my little girl."

Jughead grasped his hand in permission. "Take your time."

As he walked passed to head down to the basement many members patted his back and clenched his shoulder to give him strength.

"Did we really just watch them condemn a guy to death?" Angela whispered to Daisy.

"I mean we have no proof right?" Daisy answered feeling unsure.

"I and several others will go up to New Haven in three weeks to talk plans about getting rid of the Gargoyles for good. We will make sure that Jingle Jangle won't be in the hands of any child in Riverdale." He held up the fang signal again. "IN UNITY THERE IS STRENGTH!"

The others echoed his gesture.

Jughead motioned for Toni to turn the music back on as his focus zeroed onto Betty. He wrapped her up in his arms, his face burying itself in her neck. He whispered something in her ear that made her laugh. She shook her head at him, taking him by the hand and bringing him to the bar.

Toni laid out a tumbler of whiskey for him.

"I'm guessing the only two people in here without jackets is your doing Nancy Drew?"

"Daisy and Angela. They helped me find Nix the king of the New Haven Serpents and also my roommates."

Jughead pointed with his drink, "Thanks for watching her back. She can be a handful when she's investigating."

Betty snorted, "That's like the pot calling the kettle black Jug."

He squeezed the back of her neck in retaliation.

Angela observed them. He was good-looking if you like a 90s Johnny Depp vibe. Upon closer inspection, his tattoos carried down to his knuckles. While all nine of his knuckles had some sort of image it was his ring finger on his left hand that held the only letter: a cursive B. She could also see the faint lines of a tattoo that expanded across his chest. The color bleeding through his white top. She noted that his jaw wouldn't stop moving and that was because the the wooden toothpick peeking out of the corner of his mouth.

"You aren't who I pictured when Betty said she had a boyfriend." Daisy confronted.

"Daisy." Angela hissed, hitting her on the arm.

Jughead chuckled, "We've been getting that sentiment since high school don't worry."

"Wait, you're the shy loner that also ran the newspaper with Betty?" Angela objected.

He side-eyed her, "Wow, way to expose me, Betts."

Betty clung to his side, running a hand up and down his torso, "Stop you're a romantic at heart under all that leather."

"Cousin Betty is right, you've never lost your hobo mentality." Cheryl chirped.

Jughead rolled his eyes and turned back to her roommates. "Don't let Betty's type-A personality and sweaters fool you. Underneath it all she can be a devious one."

Daisy sighed dramatically, "Yeah well from what we learned about her in the last two weeks the next 3 years will never be boring."

Chapter Text

He was back again after a year away from the small town. Even though Chuck Clayton ended his time at Riverdale High with a suspension, he knew his Bulldogs would have his back again in the new term.

The throne he shared with Cheryl at the top of the food chain was ripe for his picking again. He figured Reggie wouldn't mind if he took his rightful place back. A year isn't that long to be gone, so he doubted anything drastic could've happened in the time he was gone.

He talked to the coach a day before and secured his spot on the football team. The letterman jacket felt like home on his shoulders. Parking his car, he couldn't help but notice the onslaught of motorcycles in the back. Teens in leather loitered nearby.

His eyebrows scrunched. Serpents? What are those trailer thugs doing on this side?

He ignored them for the time being. Entering the double doors, some of his old teammates waited for him. Notably absent were Reggie and Archie.

Chuck smacks Michael on his back, "Fill me in, man. What the hell are all these snakes doing here?"

The latter rolled his eyes. "Southside High closed, so they all came here, including their King and his thugs."

"Toss them out of here. Don't tell me Reggie and Cheryl just let this happen?"

Michael winced, "About that, Chuck—"

Down the hall, the all-star quickly spotted the Blossom red. "Cheryl!" He half-jogged to get to a set of lockers.

His hand was up in a half cocking greeting; the smirk on his lips died as he saw the red leather turn to face him.

"I heard rumors that they let you back in. I didn't think they were this stupid." The familiar bite of an insult wasn't new, but he had never had it directed toward him before.

Chuck took an accusing step forward, "Are you a Serpent?"

Her arms crossed, and she raised a challenging eyebrow. The pink-haired girl next to her glared.

"Are you controlling them around here?"

Cheryl and the girl laughed, "Oh please, while I'm not the King or Queen, I still get a say around here, but the Serpent King will not be happy hearing you're back. Let's go, TT."

The other girl wrapped an arm around Cheryl's waist before taking their leave.

His eyes followed them away. His shoulders tensed at the ominous threat of the Serpent King. Cheryl acted like the King personally knew him here at his time in Riverdale High.

He needed to find out who it is and put him in his place asap. He may have been gone for a year but he was still the King of this school and no one would take that away from him.

Chuck fit right back into the swing of things. The only difference was the slew of leather jackets that wouldn't stop glaring at him. He wouldn't say he was intimidated, but he was on edge about what he could've done to be on Serpent radar already.

Biology he shared with Reggie and Archie. He hadn't seen them all morning. The class was just about filled except the teacher had yet to make an appearance. Each lab bench sat two which Archie and Reggie shared.

"There are my boys! The big three bulldogs are back together again." He greeted with his overly whitened smile.

Others in the room continued with their conversations but quieted down some to still paying attention to their interaction.

The two shared an uneasy glance. Shifting in his seat, Reggie ran a hand along the back of his head. "Uh...about that man..."

Archie leaned back on his stool. "Why would we be cool? After what you did to Veronica, Betty, and Jughead."

Chuck scoffed, "I can admit I screwed up with Veronica but Betty and Jughead are just freaks."

Reggie took note of some of the Serpents watching, "Bro shut up. They've been waiting to sink their fangs into you; all they need is a reason."

Chuck set his backpack down on the opposite side of his ex-friends. He could feel the eyes staring at him, burning into his back. He was used to the attention but not like this. The teacher walked in to begin the lesson before he could think of anything else to say.

His first day back wasn't shaping up to what he thought it was gonna be. Besides Michael, no one else was really interacting with him more than necessary. Some snakes went out of their way to harass him. A tall one with a neck tattoo rammed his shoulder as hard as he could when passing him in the hallway and another shorter guy with his hair slicked up knocked the books out of his hands. He chalked it up to them being scared of the Serpent King. No one else seemed to share the same sentiment toward the Serpents as he does. In fact, he took note of how often the rest of the student body intermingled with the leathered snakes.

Walking down the hallway, he finally came across her. He figured he was going to run into her sooner than later. There was a limited amount of people in the hall since the bell was going to ring in another minute. The golden girl didn't seem concerned about being potentially late to her next class. She was calmly loading another book into her bag. What surprised him was that her hair was down and not at all in her usual uptight ponytail. Her outfit as well as looser. A denim skirt shorter than he'd never previously seen her wear at school and a tight blue top. He hated to admit it but she looked good.

Chuck turned his head, checking to see if any of the snakes were lingering around. Seeing that the coast was clear, he approached her locker.

"Freaky Betty Cooper. I see you're letting loose now. Did I inspire Dark Betty to make more of an appearance?" His shoulder banged against the locker next door, leaning all of his weight on it. Betty didn't react. Her eyes caught his through her mirror on her locker door.

"What do you want Chuck?"

"Can't I see how you're doing? It's been a while. You cutting loose does that apply to hookups?"

Betty snorted, "As if I would do anything with you Clayton, I'm still dating Jughead."

His lips wetted his bottom lip, "Still? Thought you would've gotten tired by now. He never did have much to offer unless you like shacking up in a dirty trailer."

Betty closed her locker abruptly. "Jug is twice the man you are."

Chuck's mouth opened to reply back but a force hit his back. His left elbow and knee hit the metal hard.

Snapping, "Watch it! You piece of—" His voice trailed off seeing the snake that stretched across his back.

The kid was younger and shorter than him. If he had to guess a freshman. The audacity that a freshman did that to him sent his blood boiling.

"Is he bothering you, Ms. Betty?"

He ignored Chuck entirely, his back facing him as all of his attention was on her.

Betty shot him a grateful small. "I'm okay Jer. I was just about to head to class."

"I'll walk you there." He held out his elbow with a kiddish smile.

She giggled and accepted.

Jer finally turned around to address Chuck. He tilted his chin up defiantly not taken aback by their height difference. "Watch you're back Jughead isn't gonna take this lightly." He warned.

Chuck laughed mockingly, "Oooh so scared of Jughead Jones. The last time he tried to fight me he went through a table. I'd like to see a repeat of that."

Betty raised an eyebrow but remained silent as her and Jer walked off.

The only person that Chuck was concerned about was the Serpent King and certainly not Jughead Jones.

The rest of the day dragged on until lunch. Chuck was sequestered to the end of the lunch line. Usually, when he was late he was able to cut up ahead but he seemed to have lost that privilege when he was gone. He was allowed to sit on the Bulldog's table but in the back.

He spied the usual table of Archie, Veronica, Betty, and Kevin but Jughead was notably absent. The Serpents had their own table and the rowdiest one. Cheryl stuck out among the black depths in her blood-red jacket, her arm around the girl from earlier. Most of them were standing in front seemingly trading stories, others sat on the benches and on the table itself.

"What are they huddling around for?" Chuck asked.

Reggie who appeared the only one to hear him raised an eyebrow. "You're joking, right? You didn't figure it out yet?"

"Figure out what?"

"They're surrounding the King."

Chuck rolled his eyes, "I put that together Mantle. I mean who is it?"

A puff of hair escapes Reggie's nose in disbelief. "Oh boy."

The Serpents parted slightly allowing someone that was sitting on the tabletop to slip through. Michael clapped Chuck on the shoulder, squeezing. "Jones is the Serpent King. Jughead Jones."

Jughead moved to where Betty sat. Kissing her temple and throwing an arm around her shoulder. Betty whispered something in his ear. Soon his steel blue eyes found him across the cafeteria. Chuck couldn't breathe. He didn't think anyone was capable of a stare like this. It was like the air around him turned frigid but despite that, the back of his neck broke out in a sweat.

Some of the students picked up on the palpable energy. The Serpents in tune with their leader halted the conversation to stare down at the Bulldog table as well. Jughead stood up prompting the rest of the Bulldogs to do the same thing.

He strutted over to the jock table. The other students watched on in rapt attention. Archie and the other Serpents looked ready to spring up at a moment's notice.

"Mantle."

"Jones."

The two imposed leaders stood face to face. Their jackets serve as juxtaposition in color and texture. One absorbs all the light and the other is brightly colored. The worn leather creaked slightly at every shift of his shoulders compared to the warm wool on broader shoulders.

"Don't want any issues. I just want him."

Reggie twisted his neck, eyeing Chuck for a minute. Michael minutely shook his head no. Chuck himself stood frozen.

He held out his hand to shake, "Have at 'em."

Jughead accepted his firm handshake and Reggie gestured with his head for the rest of the players to back off.

Chuck shook himself unconsciously, trying to appear nonchalant.

"Jones." He unleashed his most charming smile, "It's been a while. I see your cheek didn't scar."

Jughead grabbed him by the lapels and forced him back into his seat. "You get this talk once. Don't approach Betty. Don't talk to her or better yet don't even look at her. If I hear that you're tormenting girls again so help me no one is going to stop me from running you out of town again but this time with a few less teeth."

"You're in no position to demand anything from me Jughead." Chuck sneered, "You're just as freaky as your girlfriend but I can at least get into the kinky shit with her."

Jughead growled, tipping Chuck back until his chair was toppled over with him still sitting. He scrambled up and resumed a fighting stance.

"You want a repeat of your party?"

Jughead flexed his fists, tightening them up enough to crack. "Gladly."

Chuck swung first but he dodged the sloppy fist. He threw another hook that connected to the side of Jughead's cheek almost identical to the hit that sent him into the table on his birthday. Smirking, Chuck relaxed thinking that the wannabe Serpent King was down for the count. Jughead simply dropped his hands and opened his jaw testing to see if anything was amiss.

"Wow, and to think that you've gotten weaker after all this time."

Chuck stood slack-jawed. He couldn't even see a mark. He'd be lucky enough if a bruise formed later. Jughead quickly dug his own fist into his solar plexus. Chuck groaned automatically hunching in on himself. It left him unprepared for the punch to his jaw. He felt the sharp knuckles tear into his cheek and his bottom lip already opening up the skin there. The force behind it also startled him. He couldn't control his own momentum as his head pivoted viciously to the side careening his body to the floor.

He vaguely remembered to twist his head to spit out a glob of blood and a tooth or two onto the linoleum. Black crept upon his vision as it was Jughead's turn to smirk.

Jughead stood over him and patted him on the chest. "Good talk, we should do this again sometime."

Chapter Text

ughead was nervous about switching schools again. He acclimated easily into Southside High only because the Serpents had his back from day 1. Now he was indeed by himself, heading to a place where he'd know he'd stick out as Pip did in Great Expectations.

The students at Stonewall Prep didn't have to work a day in their life, lavishly able to pursue more abstract arts and literature for fun. He was going to turn down the scholarship but Betty urged him to take it.

Recalling their whispered conversation at night while in bed.

"You have an amazing opportunity here Juggie."

"I won't fit in there Betty and it's an hour and a half away."

"Think how this will help your writing."

"Only able to see the Serpents or you on the weekends? I don't know."

"Toni and I will handle the Serpents. As for me? I'll be okay Jug. You deserve to be there."

Now it was his first official day of classes. The one thing he already hated about the historic prep school is the mandatory school uniforms. Betty had to teach him how to knot his tie properly. Looking in the mirror now, it was still a little too loose around his collar but didn't have time to fix it. He pulled the sleeves of his white dress shirt and his sweater up near his elbows. Slinging his messenger bag over a shoulder he left his dorm room.

It became pretty obvious that everyone knew he was a charity case. The eyes wouldn't leave him alone as he made his way to the cafeteria. He remained unbothered, sitting down at an empty table with a healthy plate of waffles. If there was one thing he was excited about here at Stonewall it was their ever-expanding food options.

His first class was with Mr. Chipping, he met him on his walk-through of the school. Students were talking as Mr. Chipping was working on something at his desk. Entering, he heard the talking subside to only start up again in whispers.

"Ah, Mr. Jones. Welcome to our class. Please have a seat." He gestured to a desk in the third row near the front.

"Everyone this is our new student on scholarship. Forsythe Jones the Third."

He swung his bag from his shoulder to his feet in a practiced motion. "Most people call me Jughead."

The larger student next to him held out a hand. "Bret Weston Wallis. I see you're the one they picked this year."

"Cool thanks for noticing." Jughead rolled his eyes, disinterested in his handshake.

A new voice popped in, "Nevermind Brett. If you were invited on a scholarship that must mean you have talent." Jughead turned in his seat to the person sitting behind Brett.

"Donna Sweett." She tilted her head sweetly much like her namesake.

Brett puffed, "Oh please, everyone knows they bring in some charity case once a year for the school to remain in good standing."

Jughead shrugged, "I don't know what to tell you, man. I'm here for writing."

Much to Jughead's chagrin, that sadly wasn't the last time he spoke to Brett or Donna.

Fast forward a month in and Jughead was able to garner his usual reputation as a loner. What wasn't usual was the forced interactions he would have with other students, in particular girls. In the lounge areas girls would try to start conversations with him much to his disinterest. He learned to let them carry on talking while he not so subtly went back to reading his novel.

The only friend he could say he has is his roommate Moose. Back at Riverdale High, they were sort of at opposite ends of the social ladder. However, they bonded at being the only ones from Riverdale attending.

"I never thought I would see the day Jughead." He mused when they were both surprisingly in their shared dorm.

"What?"

"You're a chick magnet."

Jughead glanced up from his position on the top bunk. "That is so not true."

Taking a seat at his desk, Moose tossed a mini foam football around in his hands. "Then how come I had to turn down Stacy and Abigail when they asked for your number."

His tongue clicked, "Is that why random girls keep trying to interrupt me doing homework?"

The former football player laughed. "You have to tell them you have a girlfriend."

"It's none of their business. Besides I'm not acting any different than I did back at Riverdale."

"That's because they think you're mysterious. I have it on good authority that they find you attractive because you're studiously shy."

Snorting, Jughead's eyes went back to his book. "That's funny."

He never bothered to pay attention to anyone of the opposite sex. After all, he had his amazing hot, and sexy girlfriend Betty Cooper. He had no reason to pay attention when his mind was filled with other thoughts such as the Serpents, his writing, and Archie's messes.

Sitting in class; thankfully one without Brett; he pretended to focus on writing his paper as other students chatted nearby. The desks all near him were occupied by girls which now he realizes with a shock was on purpose.

"Look at him writing. He's so passionate." Someone sighs.

"I like his beanie. That and his sweaters make him look sooo soft." Dear lord, a snort caught in his throat on that one.

"I want him to wax poetry to me. Were you there for those presentations? His voice is so deep."

"I want to know where he comes from. Obviously, he's not from around here."

"Imagine a forbidden romance. My daddy wouldn't let me date someone that isn't rich."

Jughead sighed internally, so much for flying under the radar.

He was seething. Who knew the lengths Brett would go to maintain his place at the top of the school. Not only does Brett have his and Betty's sex tape in his possession but her investigation into the voyeur stalking Riverdale residences appear to be the same man. He has tapes of some of the Serpents, Archie and Veronica, and other students at Riverdale High. He can do anything with those tapes.

What really irks him is the prospect of Brett watching Betty in her most vulnerable form. It burns him inside regardless that he's in it with her. The only person that should ever have the privilege of seeing Betty Cooper naked is him. Brett had already played his hand. Forcing him to give up the writing contract or else his sex tape will be leaked online. He has no idea what Jughead is capable of. For once the rumors about him that the girls started worked to his advantage. They see him as soft and weak. Nothing from his past has made its way to the fortress that is Stonewall Prep.

The preppies are going to be in for a rude awakening by one Jughead Jones.

"Where's Forsythe? This is the first time he's ever missed a class." Noel stated, twirling her hair in worry.

Stacy smiled coyly. "I'll bring him some food after class is over. Everyone knows he loves to eat."

"Can you two go one day without mentioning him? It's positively grating." Brett sneered.

An explosive banging sound disrupted the class. Heavy footsteps and jeers reverberated in the hallway. Students peered out of the door down the hall. Guys and girls in black leather jackets, ripped jeans, denim, and flannel were a far cry from the preppies' usual immaculate outfits.

"SEARCH IN EVERY ROOM AND EVERY CORNER! WE AREN'T LEAVING WITHOUT THOSE TAPES EVEN IF WE TEAR THIS WHOLE SCHOOL APART!"

"YES, SERPENT KING!"

The many voices echoed in unison. Some members carried equipment such as cutters and sledgehammers.

Students that were already in the hallways froze at the commanding voice. Jughead Jones stood in the middle as others ran past and ahead of him. He too was wearing a leather jacket over a white tank top although a little different from the others. His pressed school slacks were nowhere to be found as he wore black jeans and suspenders hanging loosely. A flannel tied around his waist. His ever-present beanie was also absent from his head, his black locks curling around his eyebrow slightly untamed.

When they started entering classrooms to search screams erupted. Most of the Serpents started cutting through locker locks. Preppies ran trying to escape back into their dorms.

"Sweet Pea and Fangs you're with me. Toni, I need you to keep an eye out here. No arson okay?"

Toni armed with her own baseball bat, saluted with two fingers. "Aye aye, boss man."

Jughead grabbed Betty's hand to pull her along. She too was in her Serpent jacket, hair loose, and wearing her own pair of blue ripped jeans. She's been investigating the Riverdale voyeur for months and she wanted to see through to the end of the case just as much as Jughead.

He prowled through the hallway. He knew exactly what classroom Brett is in. He should currently be in the same class. He hoped that Brett didn't run off. It would be even more of a pain in the ass to track him down. Approaching the classroom, he heard the teacher try to calm everyone down.

"Everyone stay in here, don't make a sound. The door is locked."

Betty turned towards him, "Do you want me to pick it or do you want to do the honors?"

Jughead smirked, taking a step back to ram his foot near the door handle. The old frame gave away under his boot. The students were startled away by the breach.

"Mr. Jones?" The teacher gasped.

He pursed his bottom lip over his teeth and his tongue up to his top teeth. Making eye contact with Brett still sitting at his desk, his shrill whistle signaled Sweet Pea and Fangs. The two friends each grabbed an eye, hauling him up roughly. Brett struggled against their grip but Sweet Pea shoved a fist into his gut to calm him down.

Jughead tsked, "Brett, Brett, Brett...you've underestimated me. Do you really think I would've shown my true colors in a school full of people that already think they're better than me?"

"I don't know what you're accusing me of Forsythe."

He sighed, "You're losing time to do this the easy way."

"How about this offer, you tell your thugs to unhand me or that tape gets published on the internet."

Jughead nodded thoughtfully, pacing around slightly. He shared a look with Betty who stood with her arms crossed.

Reaching into the pocket of her jacket, she pulled out brass knuckles and handed them over to Jug.

Brett's smug face dropped. "What the hell is this?"

Jughead held up a hand and wiggled his fingers now adorned with the brass. "Consider this the counter to your counter."

His fist punched the same place Sweet Pea did moments before. Brett gasped loudly, doubling over.

Betty grabbed his neck, "Where are you hiding the tapes, Brett? Either you tell us or our Serpents will and if we do this isn't going to end well for you." Her fingers increased the pressure, her nails digging into his artery.

"I must convey Betty your orgasm face was particularly enjoyable to watch. Dare I say top ten?"

Another fist quickly snapped across his face. Girls in the class screamed in surprise. Brett coughed a bruise forming on the apple of his cheek. Jughead spun back on his foot, his shoulders heavy in anger. Wisps of black hair invaded his eyesight and he pushed it away with his fingers through his hair.

Jughead bit the inside of his cheek and motioned with his head to Fangs. He kneed Brett again in the body. Sweet Pea tore the sweater and collared shirt from the arm he was holding. Meanwhile, Jughead removed something from his pocket before taking off his jacket.

"I warned you, Brett. Now it's time to pay your weight in flesh." He flicked open his butterfly knife.

Brett tried to act unconcerned, "What—What are you gonna do with that?"

"Don't worry I've done this before, however..." Jughead cocked an eyebrow, "It's painful as hell." He shrugged his one shoulder still marked with the scar. "I should know."

Brett squirmed, his legs turned to jelly making him collapse.

"I'm offering you one last chance to tell me where the tapes are." Jughead presented, crouching down on the balls of his feet. His forearms resting on his knees.

The preppy pleaded his case, shaking his head. He sighed in mock disappointment, hanging his head.

"Pick him up." He gestured with his knife.

Pulling him to his feet, Sweet Pea bared the arm he was holding.

Jughead rested the blade at the top of the shoulder, pressing down hard enough to draw blood. "If anyone in this room is squeamish I would look away now."

Brett yelled in pain, squeezing his eyes shut. The knife angled to sweep down his skin.

"You won't find it behind any doors! It's protected by the shield!" He beseeched.

Jughead paused, letting off the pressure slightly. "That doesn't give me a location."

"Wait Juggie!" Betty's hand on his bicep stopped him from continuing. "I know where the tapes are. They have to be hidden inside the crest."

Jughead took a step back analyzing her words. Abruptly he cupped the back of her neck to draw her in for a kiss. "Betty Cooper you're incredible. Lead the rest of the Serpents to see if you can break it open. I know Hoss is carrying a sledgehammer."

He flicked the knife closed and grabbed his jacket from his girlfriend. Betty smiled at him, biting her bottom lip lightly before heading to the doorway.

"SERPENTS WE HAVE A LOCATION FOLLOW ME!"

"YES SERPENT QUEEN!"

The snakes hollered, getting riled up to break into the location. Jughead turned back to focus on Brett as soon as Betty disappeared.

"You're lucky Betty was smart enough to decode your little slip-up."

Brett sighed in relief. The tension left his body. "Can you please let me go now?"

Jughead scrunched up his face in thought. Inhaling air through his teeth his head teeters back and forth.

"Nah."

He jabbed him in the bridge of his nose. His head rocketed back straining against the hold. Blood poured down his face. Another punch went directly into his eye, immediately causing it to swell shut. His other fist knocked the wind out of him. This left him open for an uppercut under his chin. Red dribbled out the side of his mouth. Brett tried sucking in a breath through his mouth since his nose was useless. A hit to the side of his jaw and his legs buckling.

"Drop him."

His body crumbled onto the floor. Sweet Pea and Fangs saddled up to their leader. Jughead took off his brass knuckles, wiping the blood off on his white tank top. The bottom of it was now speckled with blood.

"If you ever try to blackmail anyone ever again. The Southside Serpents would gladly pay another visit or maybe we'll just bring you back to our bar. I know you've always wanted to know what my home life was like. I would love to show it to you."

Jughead left a parting kick to the side of Brett's face. His neck snapped to the other side widely causing blood to spray on the wood and partially on the desk.

A loud crash preceded by raucous cheering clued him in on the crest being a success. Sweet Pea and Fangs went ahead out the door. Jughead followed but pivoted on his foot.

"Oh by the way," He pointed casually to the teacher. "I won't be back in class. I'm going back to Riverdale High." He turned his attention to the main group of girls huddled in the corner. "As you can see, I'm not soft or shy. Don't make that mistake again."

He strolled down the hallway where the Serpents swarmed around a metal crest of the school. Each taking turns smashing it. Where the crest used to be was hallowed out with shelves. On each shelf was a multitude of black VHS tapes stacked on top of each other.

Jeremy straddled a ladder, handing out tapes to be destroyed. Betty was with Toni tossing a tape for her to obliterate with her bat. Jughead wrapped an arm around her waist, kissing the side of her neck. "Another case closed Tracy True."

Betty giggled, hugging his arms to her. They both looked up to Jeremy waving a tape.

"This one is for you Bossman and Ms. Betty."

Jughead reached up to snag the tape, his fingers running over the label that had their names on it. "Thanks, Jer."

He unwound the film inside, tearing it to shreds before smashing the plastic on the ground.

Hoss and Fangs were enjoying bashing each tape with a sledgehammer. No doubt leaving dents into the flooring but none of them cared. Time seemed to slow down as Jughead watched everyone around him having a good time. They needed this, something fun and exciting.

Sweet Pea slung an arm over his shoulder and asked kinda breathlessly. "Can we do this again?"

Chapter Text

The hostility between the Bulldogs and Serpents settled down after banning together to confront Weatherbee. That is to say, some Bulldogs and even some Serpents had a tough time seeing past their differences. There were always going to be little disputes between the two groups. Jughead and Archie tried their best to quell the more serious ones without divulging straight into fisticuffs.

It didn't help when their default number 2s: Reggie and Sweet Pea are two of the most hot-headed people.

"Come on, it's nothing but a friendly little wager." Reggie touted one morning.

Jughead snorted, "Nice try Reggie. You're just pissed because Hoss stole the girl you failed to get with at the Blossom party last night."

All of the usual suspects were in the student lounge that morning.

"Tha—that's beside the point, Jones." Reggie sputtered.

"They won't do it because they know that can't afford the wager anyway." A Bulldog snickered.

Sweet Pea stood up from the armchair he was leaning on next to Betty. "Hey, we can pay any wager you like."

The same jock stood as well. "With what money trailer trash?"

Archie calmly got between them, "Cool it guys I mean it."

"What dumb wager did you have in mind Mantle?" Dutch spoke up.

"100 and bragging rights on which group can punch the hardest on the punch machine." He pointed to the new machine that got shoved next to their only pinball game.

The jocks were pretty pleased when Weatherbee announced they got extra funding for the student lounge, however, it was because of the Bulldogs going to the district championship did they get the money so they got to choose what new game they wanted and they decided on the punch machine. It was mostly them who used it to try to impress girls.

"We're in."

"We're out."

The conflicting answers made Jughead narrow his eyes at Sweet Pea. He huffed, standing up and jaw clenched hard enough that his toothpick was on the verge of splintering.

"What was that Sweet Pea?" His cold tone had the bigger man hunching his shoulders.

This wasn't Jughead Jones talking but the Serpent King.

"Nothing Jones, Whatever you wanna do."

"That's what I thought." Jughead continued the stare-down until Sweet Pea couldn't maintain eye contact anymore.

"Jug." Betty's voice soothes his tense body.

She watched him as she set down her pencil from copying history notes. "Take a vote boys but Sweet Pea if you lose the bet I don't want to hear you complain about being unable to afford drinks at the Wyrm."

Jughead stayed quiet and she raised a challenging eyebrow. They were conversing with their eyes but Jughead relented with a nod.

Fang crossed his arms over his chest, "We're in but it's four of you against us three."

"What? Is your oh-so-fearless leader not gonna play?" Reggie goaded.

"Let's just get it over with Jug," Archie added.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, "Alright, let's just get this over with."

Reggie fist-pumped and dug in his wallet for 25.

The Bulldogs pulled crisp dollar bills and laid them out on the table. The Serpents dug into their own pockets pulling whatever loose change they got.

"Jesus Dutch really?" Fangs complained at the coins clacked loudly on the table.

Dutch shrugged, "Gotta keep coins for the jukebox man."

Jughead rolled his eyes at the nasty rubberband holding his crumpled bills together and Betty sighed, "That's it I'm getting you a wallet for Christmas."

Dutch tipped his imaginary hat at her. "Much obliged Ms. Betty."

"Okay, how are we judging this thing?" Jughead asked walking up to the machine.

"Ronnie should do it," Archie suggested.

He raised an eyebrow, "Partial much Arch? She's dating you."

Veronica waved off his concern. "I might be dating Archiekins but I couldn't care less about this sad attempt of who has the most testosterone."

"Listen up, you'll play each other in pairs. A point will be awarded to the winning side and whoever has the strongest punch will get an additional bonus point." Cheryl decided the rules.

Sweet Pea tilted his head, "Sounds good to me."

The pairings facing off ended up being Sweet Pea vs Al, Fangs vs Reggie, Dutchie vs Mad Dog, and Jughead vs Archie.

Toni grabbed a quarter from the money pile. "Call it Mantle." Flicking the coin into the air with her thumb.

"Heads."

It lands flat against her palm. "Heads it is." Al high-fived Reggie. "Do you want to go first?"

Reggie nodded, "Yep Dogs go first, Al you're up bro."

The blonde swaggered up to the machine. He made a show of stretching out his back and arm. He pressed the button to swing down the small punching bag. Stepping on his back foot, he swung as hard as he could. The bag hit the back of the machine with a thwack and the points started tallying up at a rapid pace. The Bulldogs were cheering on the machine as it passed the 600 mark and eventually slowed down. The digital display rapidly blinked 648 in red.

Reggie clapped him on the back. "Solid dude!"

The highest the machine allowed was 800.

Sweet Pea was up next. He smirked, cracking his knuckles to ready himself. His hook was fast, not wasting any time on thinking. The numbers flick by rapidly and end at exactly 733.

The veins on Al's forehead bulged.

Sweet Pea lifted his shoulders and looked at him innocently. "Oops, so sorry about that buddy."

"Serpents win the first round and they get one point." Veronica declared.

Reggie was up next, Al was right behind him massaging his shoulders. He took one step toward the bag before landing a hook. He was bouncing on the balls of his feet when the number went past 700. It ended just short of Sweet Pea's at 715.

Dutch slapped Fangs on the back as he walked up. He took his time, practicing a loose swing with his arm. He jabbed the bag with a grunt. The machine shot up fast and started losing momentum at 686.

Sweet Pea groaned in annoyance. Jughead clapped Fangs on the back of his neck shaking him lightly so he wouldn't be so discouraged.

Veronica marked a tally under the Bulldogs column. "It's tied up but Sweet Pea still has the highest score for a possible bonus point."

Mad Dog didn't waste any time going after the bag. It retracted so fast that the machine arm rocked a tiny bit. The final number was 779.

Toni whistled in disbelief. Al jumped up and down, shaking Mad Dog's shoulders. The Serpent side was quiet. Dutch was already shaking his head. "Well fuck, I'm pretty sure I ain't built like that."

He tried anyway reaching a score of only 669.

"The only way Serpents win is if Jughead wins against Archiekins and gets the highest score," Veronica remarked.

Al blew a raspberry, "As if, we already won this. Bring us home Arch."

Archie stepped up, stretching his arm behind his back for a second. "You don't mind do ya Jug?"

"What you don't think I can beat you?" He quipped.

Archie didn't say anything and hit the bag as hard as he could. The machine rattled loudly as the number soared. It flashed 788.

"Oh shit!" Reggie exclaimed.

"Pack up it Jones! I wouldn't even bother if I was you." Al crowed.

Archie thumped both of their chests with the back of his hands. "Chill guys, let him go."

Jughead walked up sighing. The rest of the Serpents thumped his back and rubbed his shoulders. He cast a glance back at Betty who was watching him and gave him a small nod encouragingly. He picked his wooden toothpick out of the corner of his mouth, flicking it into the trash can close by with practiced ease.

He rolled his shoulders and took a deep breath. In his mind-eye, he replayed every bad thing that has happened to him recently. From his dad passed out on the couch surrounded by beer bottles to his mom abandoning him. He remembered word for word the threats Penny made to the Serpents and Malachai trying to get a rise out of him by saying disgusting things about Betty.

His punch powered through the bag with a growl and wobbled the arm dramatically. The score skyrocketed quickly past 500 and then 600. Everyone held their collective breaths as it reached 700. It wasn't slowing down after passing Sweet Pea's and Mad Dog's. It started to slow down as he was about to reach Archie's score. The numbers continued to tick by however and to everyone's surprise, flashed a top score of 800.

It was silent for a couple of seconds. The Bulldogs were in shock. Al's mouth was gaped open and Reggie had his hands on top of his head. It was Cheryl that started a slow clap that broke everyone out of their reverie.

Archie actually started laughing, "Wow, you are insane Jug." He didn't feel bad at all from the loss.

Sweet Pea raised his hands in victory as Fangs started to pound on his shoulder. He turned to him shadow boxing excitedly delivering gut punches and then a uppercut to Fangs who then collided with the taller man in a hug.

Dutch was jumping up and down he almost toppled Jughead. He pushed off the over-excited youngster to reach in his front pocket. Slipping off the cylindrical tube top, he popped a fresh toothpick in his mouth.

Veronica put her pen down. "And with the highest score possible, J wins against Archie and the Bulldogs."

Reggie was still shaking his head in disbelief. He grabbed Jughead's right arm and held it out, examining it like it held the answer to man.

"This isn't bio Vesalius, quit it!" Jughead pushed him away.

"I just don't get it. You're small."

He held his own bicep, "You're talking to a kid with both mommy and daddy issues who's in a gang."

Reggie cocked his head, "Fair point."

Toni glanced at Betty who appeared nonplussed. "You don't seem surprised Betty."

"Not really, I've seen him do stuff like this before."

Toni and Cheryl shared a look, coming to the same conclusion. "Sex."

Red-cheeked, Betty was left spluttering for an excuse.

Chapter Text

It's not every day in the throws of Riverdale that the teens can do something normal for once. Veronica had to think back to her time in New York to the last time she bemoaned a group project that was assigned.

"Can we take a break? My brain feels like it's about to explode." Kevin whined. He sat at Archie's desk. The room owner already gave up his portion and laid on his back perpendicular to his bed. "Maybe we can go to Pops."

Kevin nodded, "Agreed. Maybe text Betty to join us we could use her help."

Veronica chanced a look through the window to see the neighboring house. "I think B is going to be too occupied."

Archie sat up, his hand messily rubbing the top of his hair. "What are you talking about Ronnie?"

Kevin was preoccupied with rolling his pencil up and down the desk. His eyes roamed to Veronica. "No way." The pencil clattered to the ground as Kevin stood up to stand next to Veronica.

A ladder was erected and appeared to move on its own to underneath the window across from them. Jughead Jones peeked into their line of sight climbing the rungs with well-practiced ease. Veronica finally addressed Archie's question. "She has a visit from Romeo."

Archie god love him, still didn't completely understand her reference but Veronica wasn't with him for his brains. She felt the warmth of his large body on her back, ducking his head slightly to lean a hand on the upper sill. "Oh, Jug's there."

He knocked on the window, holding on to the ladder precariously with one hand and foot on the rungs. Betty came into view and said something to him. Her face lights up, her fingers caught along the lapel of his leather jacket tugging him into a kiss.

"Looks like J came for a booty call."

This sent Kevin laughing and Archie looking vaguely ill.

"How did he not fall off that ladder?" Kevin questioned in wonder.

Jughead's free hand cupped the back of Betty's neck. He somehow slid in through the window without breaking their connection. Betty dislodged his beanie easily as Jughead shimmied out of his jacket.

"Uh, guys shouldn't we give them some privacy?" Archie asked diverting his eyes.

Kevin shook his head, "No way."

"No."

Spying through the window, they finally broke apart to mutually take off each other's shirts; Betty in a powder blue lace bra.

"Holy shit Jughead Jones got tatted!" Kevin leaned in closer, his nose almost touching the glass.

His right arm was sprinkled with them as well as his left bicep. They were all used to the green serpent on his right shoulder but the colorful additions surrounding it was a surprise. Jughead licked where her neck and collarbone met, trailing open-mouthed kisses. His hands skimmed down her sides until landing on her jeans, fingers toying with the waistband, squeezing and tugging. A bite on the top of her breast had her arching toward him. Her nails scratched his nape. He continued following down with his mouth, tongue sliding through her middle and circling her navel. He paused his ministrations and stared up at her from his knees.

Veronica spotted his lips moving but couldn't make out what he said. Betty leaned down to give him an almost chaste kiss. He smiled and undid the button of her jeans. His head disappeared then and reappeared a second later with something in his hand.

"What's in his hand?" Veronica tried to get a closer look. Kevin mushed his face against the glass, "Is it a condom?"

"It's too big to be a condom."

Jughead directed her by her hips to sit her down on the window seat. His hand with the object made a flicking motion.

Veronica's eyes widen in realization, "That's his knife."

"This just got interesting!" Kevin oohed.

Jughead put the blade of the open knife in his mouth sideways. He grabbed both pant legs to pull off the offending garment.

Archie put his hands up as if to keep them clean. "Nope, I'm out. I'm not watching my two best friends do it right now." He launched himself back on his bed and picked up a lying comic to read.

Jughead removed the knife, twirling it expertly in his hand. The tip of the blade just grazed the side of her ribs, traveling down to her thigh. Veronica watched as he slashed the knife up twice before clicking it back into the handle.

"Bitch those were expensive." Kevin mourned.

She could see the remnants of Betty's undergarment being flung away. Jughead wasted no time bending forward, his face vanishing from view. The back of Betty's head hits the window, her back arching.

"Oh. My. God." Kevin and Veronica iterate at the same time.

Betty's hands can be seen pulling at his hair enthusiastically.

Veronica crossed her arms, feeling weirdly proud and satisfied. "Well, it looks like B is thoroughly enjoying herself. You go girl."

It wasn't like she didn't think Betty's needs were being taken care of, it's just that while she has shared some of her past conquests, Betty remained pretty tight-lipped. Just by meeting Jughead, she knew he preferred to be a loner; presumably, he wasn't quite adept with the female gender.

"I will be complaining to Ginger and Tina to fix the Maple Mens List."

Veronica turned to him in confusion. "The Maple Mens List?"

Kevin raised both his eyebrows, looking at her like she was crazy. "Don't tell me you don't know about the list?"

"Uh, if I did I wouldn't be asking." Her hand on her hip cemented the fact.

"It's kind of like the playbook the Bulldogs had about the girls but this one is about the guys and is way less derogatory. Basically, girls rank who is the best at sex based on facts or suspicion."

"And who is number one?"

Kevin blew a raspberry, "Our very own ginger stallion of course."

"Wait what?" Veronica's questions dampened out his response. "What's Michael Sterling's number over there?" Her head cocking to gesture to the display on the other side of the window.

"Out of the 112 guys that attend Riverdale High, he's number 73."

Movement from the window caught both of their attention again. Jughead had wrapped his arms securely around her waist and bottom. He lifted her up still with her legs around his shoulders.

"Where can I find me a guy that I can climb like a tree." Kevin wondered.

He took Betty out of sight probably to carry her to her bed.

"Looks like shows over." Kevin sighed, setting himself back at the desk.

Archie threw his comic down, "Finally."

Veronica lingered at the window. "Eat your heart out Jughead Jones."

Chapter Text

The three kept it a secret from the private couple that they never saw them through the window. It wasn't like they were trying to keep it a secret but it was never the opportune time to bring it up.

Veronica knows that Betty and Jughead would both turn bright red, the latter trying to make scathing quips to get out of talking about it and Betty will be willfully ignorant until Veronica brings it up again when it was just the two of them.

For all she knows Kevin did in fact go to Ginger and Tina about the list. Ever since they fell out of favor with Cheryl, they've just been relegated to bitchy cheerleaders and nothing much else.

The only time Veronica could possibly entertain them was during Vixen practice. The two share and spread gossip in their corner of the locker room.

Betty and her always change next to each other near the middle. The blonde was in the middle of a horror retelling of what Alice Cooper did to her this morning. Veronica tried to pay attention but the two gossip queens wouldn't stop casting questioning glares her way.

"Alright, what do you two gossip stooges want? You've been glaring at me since Betty and I came in."

Tina opened her mouth to retort but Ginger shushed her. Betty's eyebrows raised watching the exchange.

A cracking clap broke the stalemate. "Vixens are permitted to take only 15 minutes to change. Chop chop let's move it." Cheryl ordered. Toni followed behind her.

Toni sensed the tension. "What's going on here?" She naturally aligned next to Betty.

Veronica crossed her arms after finishing putting on her yellow and white practice shirt. "Ginger and Tina seem to have a problem with me."

Cheryl sighed, she hated it when pettiness delayed or interfered with practice. "You two wannabes out with it."

"Kevin came to us this morning trying to move Jones up on the list and we just want to confirm with Lodge here that what he said was true." Ginger finally spilled.

Toni rolled her eyes, "Nobody cares about that stupid list."

"Sure whatever, move him up some spots." Veronica waved them off.

Tina tsked, "It doesn't just work like that. Kevin wants to move him to the top ten which is unheard of. We have to hear it from the source."

Betty had her hands out and took a step back, "Woah, what makes you two think I'd just share my private life with Jug?"

"Because Betty," Ginger sassed, "According to a Kevin Keller, Jones was on his knees for you in your bedroom."

Toni choked on her spit. "Betty what?!"

Betty whirled around, "V! You saw us?"

Veronica placed her hands on her elbows. "It was a complete accident. We were going to invite you to Pop's but then J came through the window."

"Details Cooper." Ginger pushed.

"No, I'm not describing anything for your stupid list. Jug keeps me satisfied, case closed."

Tina rolled her eyes, "Care to share your experience with the weirdo?" She addressed Toni.

"Jones and I didn't do anything like that."

It wasn't a secret that they hooked up once but everyone knew it didn't mean a damn thing.

"Enough of this boring foray. Move him up the insipid list already." Cheryl stomped her foot. She was slightly annoyed by her girlfriend's past being brought up.

"Don't tell me you think that weirdo is good enough Cheryl?" Ginger cocked an eyebrow and threw out her hip. "Unless your standards have fallen that low."

Tina snickered.

"Let me enlighten you, daft bimbos. It's no secret that Jughead Jones likes to eat and eat almost anything, of course, he would be very interested in tasting all that my dear cousin has to offer."

"Cheryl—" Betty's cheeks were red, she tried interrupting that train of thought. As much as she appreciated her girls for standing up for Jug, this wasn't the hill to die on.

Veronica raised her pointer finger, "He always has that pretentious toothpick in his mouth when he doesn't have a cigarette in it."

Cheryl tilted her head in acknowledgment.

"Long story short, Jones has an oral fixation. so obviously he really knows what he's doing." Toni concluded.

Veronica squeezed Betty to her side. The latter stunned into silence. "You girls should be congratulating Betty that she has someone that fully satisfies her needs. Not like the pair of you who don't have anyone."

Cheryl permanently shut down anything else with a snap and they all went to practice.

Ginger and Tina didn't say anything to them even after practice wrapped. Betty couldn't care less if they moved her boyfriend up or not. What was important to her was that he was hers. She almost forgot about the confrontation. That was until she got a surprise in her locker the next morning.

Printed to look like a diary entry, complete with a horrid loopy font, was the new Maple Mens List. She skimmed the preface seeing that Archie and Reggie maintained their usual first and second place respectively. That hasn't changed in well over eight months. Now what had her mouth drop open in shock was in capital letters the word NEW. Third place was Jughead Jones. The justification for such a ranking was the longest one on the list.

Jughead Jones while ranked 73 got the largest boost ever. This ladies is because of some eye-opening or shall we say panty dropping info. The ex-loner turned gang leader bad boy has an oral fixation. I know, I know you may be sus but everyone knows you can catch Jones at any hour at Pop's scarfing down at least two burgers. Need proof? Just watch his tongue constantly toy with the toothpick he keeps in his mouth. (We also have it on good authority that he is well-versed in the practice.) So ladies we can confidently say that Jones has the best oral game in Riverdale.

"I see you got it too." Veronica's voice came from behind her.

Betty jumped, smacking her elbow on the door. "Jeez V."

"Sorry B, I take it you read the new ranking of your bad beau?"

She opened her mouth then closed it, hesitant. "I didn't think they would actually do it."

Veronica shrugged her shoulder that was carrying all of her books, "Maybe no one will make a big deal about it, after all, everyone knows you guys are endgame."

She hoped her best friend was right, she didn't want to talk to anyone about her and Jug. She hated to think how uncomfortable he'd get when the attention is on him.

The next time Betty saw her boyfriend was in literature. It just so happens that the majority of the friend group has this class together. This was the only class Jughead allowed himself to sit in the front next to Betty. He didn't take note of the different seating arrangements around him. Ethel sat two chairs out of place to be closer to the front. Archie sent Veronica a confused expression when his normal seat was taken by a girl.

"What is happening?" He asked once he sat down in a new seat.

Veronica patted his arm, "I'll explain later."

Cheryl made her usual almost late entrance. Scowling, she took note of the desperate girls. "It smells of desperation and loneliness. Have some class sluts."

The Serpents in the back laughed. Fangs and Sweet Pea have already been filled in by Toni. Cheryl scared a girl out of her seat.

"Does our oh-so-fearless leader know?"

Toni shook her head amused, "Nope."

She smirked, "Oh well, I'm always in the mood for chaos."

The teacher began teaching, not caring that the numerous girls of the class were only paying attention to the beanie-clad boy at the front. Soon they were all given a worksheet and free to talk.

Jughead turned around to talk to Archie. His face scrunched in confusion at seeing the redhead several seats away and not in his normal seat behind him.

The girl that took his place noticed. Her hand came to perch under her chin. "What can I help you with Jughead?"

Other girls watched the exchange. Now Jughead was even more puzzled. He flicked his toothpick with his tongue to the other side of his mouth. The girl all but swooned.

"Uh...Betty?"

His girlfriend didn't look up from her work. "Ignore them Jug."

He made eye contact with Archie who returned his empty look. It was then peered around the classroom. He could feel the eyes on him, taking in his every move. He hated it. There was a reason he preferred being the wallflower. It's different with the Serpents, those are his people, his family, he knows them. These are just strangers to him, watching him like he's some kind of carnival attraction. Jughead scribbled some answers on the worksheet and abruptly stood, depositing it on the teacher's desk.

A girl that he offhandedly knows as Caroline asked him for his help on the paper. This started a chain reaction of other girls asking. His face contorting into a frown, he bypassed all of them to gather his stuff as quickly as possible and leave the class behind.

When the bell rang the three of them converged together.

"Okay, what the hell was that?" Archie finally asked.

Veronica and Betty traded a glance.

"As you're aware Archiekins, you are number one on the Maple Mens List but because of what we witnessed a week ago Jughead has become third."

Archie's eyes widened in alarm, "Kevin actually told them that we saw—" He side-eyed Betty, "—the thing that we weren't supposed to see." He finished lamely.

Betty glared, "More importantly we should find Jug."

"Good lick with that." Veronica scoffed, "He probably knows every inch of this school. We aren't finding him unless he wants found."

Betty knew she had a point but she had to try.

She checked the most obvious places first; the Blue & Gold, the empty classroom where they hold Serpents & Swords meetings, the library, and the cafeteria. She then found the closet he was living out of for three months. Nothing. Betty even pulled up his location on her phone. (They decided to mutually share their locations because too many times now they've both been kidnapped and or in a place they weren't supposed to be in.) His was still showing up at the school.

There was one last place for her to check. Right by the boys' locker room is an exit to the back of the building. The alarm was busted on it which allowed students to ditch undetected

They both had all used this exit numerous times. If they had serpent business or for investigations. A brick propped it open, tipping her off that someone was already out there. Jughead tensed at hearing the creak of the door.

"Hey, it's just me."

Jughead relaxed, dispelling a breath of smoke.

"I got overwhelmed." He shrugged and took another puff.

Betty leaned against the red brick wall beside him. He didn't move, just pressing his sole behind him into the wall.

"You obviously have been keeping something from me." His tone wasn't accusing or loud but it still held a slight sting.

Betty sighed, "I didn't think it was a big deal."

"What was it? Why is everyone staring at me like I'm a freak show from American Horror Story?"

She bit her lip, "Well, you know a week ago you came through my window?"

"Yeah? We had a great time didn't we?" His face was loosing color. "Unless we didn't...shit–"

Betty grabbed his face. "No Jug, It was amazing. It's just that Veronica, Kevin and Archie were in his room."

His eyes searched hers, putting the unsaid pieces together. He roughly jerked away, his own hands covering his rapidly red face. "Oh my god, oh my god!"

"I didn't know about it until Veronica told me yesterday before Vixen practice. And..."

"What? It can't possibly get any worse."

"Kevin went to Ginger and Tina to move you up on the Maple Men's List."

Jughead moaned into his hands. "Is that why girls won't leave me alone?"

"Yep," Betty blew out a breath, "You're officially number three."

Jughead's eyebrows furrowed, "So what? Everyone thinks I'm some sort of "sex god?" He quoted with his fingers.

"More like they're calling you the oral master but you get the point."

Jughead pinched the bridge of his nose. "Jesus Christ."

It took a couple of days for the novelty to wear off. Betty took some pleasure in watching Jughead squirm every time someone would congratulate her or tell her how lucky she was. She would give the same answer every time.

I know.

Chapter Text

It was a hard decision for Jughead to make. He was leaving his home, the Serpents, and, her. He promised Archie that he would help him escape Hiram. Betty understood that they were playing a much bigger game and that keeping the Red Paladin safe was important.

He left Toni, Sweet Pea, and Betty to handle the Serpents still held up at Tent City. They were still recovering members when they lost the Southside. Some cut their losses with the town and fled.

They were at the edge of Toledo. Jughead felt stupid for not bringing his gun but he left any identifiers except his beloved beanie. His pocket knife was useless seeing Penny hold hers against Archie's jugular.

"You thought you could escape me Jonesy?"

Jughead held his hands in front of him. "No, just bidding my time."

She pressed the knife closer. Archie had his hands up, his eyes darting for a solution.

"I'm here for you but the Man in Black really wants Red here dead. Two birds one stone kinda deal."

"What do you want Penny? I'll trade you my life for his."

Penny pouted, "And have Red rip me to shreds? No thanks."

She made a motion to slice but an object struck her in the temple. Disoriented, Archie twisted her wrist until a pop was heard. The switchblade fell to the ground.

Jughead whipped around to see a preteen girl holding a slingshot. Men in jean jackets swarmed the junkyard, flood lights switching on illuminating the scene.

Jughead and Archie both raised their hands to show they meant no harm. A guy took hold of Penny forcing her to her knees.

"You're a long way from home Snake Charmer." A voice called out tinged with amusement.

It was then Jughead realized the patches on their backs. He breathed a sigh of relief.

An older woman with black hair stepped into the light next to the girl. She had a jean jacket on, the snake curling around the top part of the T.

"it's Jug, Mama."

The older lady's gaze hardened even further. "You came into my territory harassing my son?"

Penny smiled, "Good to see you too Gladys."

Gladys gestured with her head to get Penny out of there. As soon as she was out of sight, Jellybean launched herself at Jughead. He lifted her up in a hug.

"Nice aim Jellybean." He complimented.

"I go by JB now, but thanks."

Gladys pulled her son in for a hug next. "Not that I ain't happy seeing you but why are you two here? Where's your father?"

Jughead rubbed the back of his neck. "Would you believe me if I told you Archie's girlfriend's dad is trying to kill him so I helped him escape."

Jellybean's eyes lit up. "Woah! Archie Andrews?" She whistled appreciatively, "You got hot."

Archie's cheeks reddened.

"Seriously Jellybean."

Gladys interrupted, "That doesn't explain Penny Peabody sniffing around here."

Jughead got sheepish. "Well...she's been trying to kill me."

"Wasn't the first time."

"Shut up Archie."

Gladys sighed, "Archie can stay here in protection but you have to get back to your Dad." She pointed a finger at her son.

Jughead clicked his tongue."It's a little more complicated than that but look...can I borrow a phone?"

Jellybean pointed to an old payphone on the lot. He inserted some coins until he heard the dial tone. Typing Sweet Pea's number by memory, it went through.

"What do you want?"

"Sweet Pea it's me."

"Jug? Well damn good to finally hear from ya."

"The Red Paladin is in a secure location. Penny won't be a problem anymore. "

"Good, GG has been getting more out of control here. Another kid killed himself yesterday."

Jughead sighed.

"Also..."

"What? What is it?"

"Some days after you guys left Cheryl noticed Coop wasn't answering her phone. She told Toni and they drove to her house to find it empty and Coop's phone locked in her mom's drawer."

Jughead tightened his hold on the receiver.

"Then we get a tip from Fangs that something was going down at the mental hospital."

"Sisters of Quiet Mercy?"

"Yeah, that's the one. So we sent Bree and Gears to scope out the place. They saw Coop there and a freaky nun talking to her."

Jughead exploded, "What the fuck are you waiting for? Get her out of there!"

The rest of them heard the outburst.

"What's wrong? What's wrong?" Archie tried to glean information.

"Easy, easy, we got her two days ago. She's been recovering in the trailer. Super weak. Memphis said they fed her drugs."

"Make sure she stays there alright? Have Toni and Cheryl go to the house and grab stuff she needs but she's not going back. You understand me?"

"Yeah, don't worry, she won't be leaving our sight."

"Good, I'm gonna be heading back to you guys soon."

"Sounds good Bossman."

With nothing left to say, he hung up the phone.

Archie was on him asking questions. "What happened? Is everyone okay? Is it about Ronnie? Betty?"

Jughead took off his beanie and ran a hand through his hair. "Alice..." He practically spat the name out. "Sent Betty to the Sisters of Quiet Mercy."

"You mean that evil nun place where Polly and Cheryl went to?"

Jughead nodded.

"What are you gonna do?"

"The Serpents already got her but I need to get back. Another kid is dead and something is going on involving drugs."

"Betty? Betty Cooper?" Jellybean asked.

"We'll take you back Jug. It seems like the Southside could use some backup."

Jellybean pumped her fist in excitement.

Since it was late, they stayed the night in the Toledo clubhouse. In the morning it was decided that Archie was to stay there in hiding. Gladys will call her second in command once a week to check in.

The two of them were standing outside the car.

"Well this is it..." Archie started, "

Jughead hummed.

"Thank you for dropping everything and coming with me."

Jughead brushed him off, "That's what best friends are for, we can't have the Hope of Riverdale skewered before his prime."

Archie rolled his eyes but brought him into a hug. "Take care of yourself, Jug."

"I was gonna say the same thing."

Riding back to Riverdale was comically short compared to the month it took walking and training hopping.

It was eerily quiet in town. It was Saturday but no teens were out and about. Their parents were keeping them under strict supervision. Jughead directed his mom to Sweetwater River. She had to off-road for a little while until salvaged trailers came into view.

"Stop here Mom."

Jughead led them to the main area. Serpents who were there nodded to him in greeting.

"Look who's back!" A loud voice cut through.

Sweet Pea was coming out of a trailer.

"Didn't think I would be back so soon huh, Sweet Pea?" He smiled.

He came over to wrap a tight arm over his shoulders. "I learned a long time ago to expect the unexpected from you Jones."

His eyes flicked back to the new faces behind him.

"Sweet Pea, this is my mom Gladys, and my sister Jellybean."

"JB." She corrected.

Gladys motioned to some other Serpents she brought. "Jug told us what happened so I brought back up."

"Cool. We definitely need it."

Sweet Pea walked them to the meeting grounds. A group of teens huddled around the leather chair that served as the Serpent throne.

"Guys! You won't believe what I found!"

"If this is another ill-begotten attempt at a joke, I will shoot you," Cheryl stated, not looking up from examining her nails.

"No." He said a little indignantly. "If you looked up Little Red you see what I'm talking about."

Toni saw who was behind him. "Jones!" She was perched on the arm of the chair.

Jughead moved out from behind Sweet Pea to see who was occupying his chair.

"Betty Cooper, you are a sight for sore eyes."

Her eyes lit up at the callback. "You left for a month to go on a trip with our best friend and left me to take care of everyone." She teased.

"He pouted, I'll make it up to you. Now get out of my seat."

She clicked her tongue but did as she was told. She tugged the Serpent jacket off and handed it to him.

"Thanks for keeping my jacket safe."

He unknowingly released a sigh at the feeling of his second skin.

"First order of business Serpents, everyone, meet my mom Gladys and my sister JB. They brought reinforcements to deal with Hiram. Second," He sat down in his chair. "Archie is safe and Penny is taken care of."

His eyes softened when they flicked to Betty. "Are you okay?"

Betty nodded, "I didn't want to go to the Farm so my mom called the Sisters. They're involved with the game and they kept on feeding everyone Fizzle Rocks. I just don't know how the drugs and the game are connected."

"I want that place gone."

She squeezed his shoulder. "No, we need it under surveillance. I have Fangs on the inside. Put your personal feelings aside Jug. We have to follow this lead."

His eyebrows pinched, "If you're fine then I'll follow your lead on this."

She kissed his cheek.

"No way, you're dating Betty Cooper. Archie didn't mention that. What do ya have on her?" Jellybean questioned. Betty shared an amused look with Toni. Jughead appeared disgruntled.

Cheryl crossed her arms with a smirk. "I've been asking my dear cousin the same question every day."

Jughead huffed, entering his brooding phase. "Betty isn't that innocent."

"I expected your father to be wearing that jacket. He didn't want you involved."

He adjusted it on his shoulders. "We were in a gang war with the Ghoulies and lost. Dad left the Serpents to me when he became Sheriff. Your men can stay here. Out trailer is still standing so you and Jellybean can take it."

"Where are you going to sleep?" His sister asked.

He hesitated for a second.

"There's my house." Betty volunteered.

She was instantly shut down. "No. I can't keep you safe over there. Hiram has control fo the whole town. The only safe places are Thistle House, here, and Pops. We'll set up a tent here."

His eyes met Betty's. "I'm not losing you ever again."

Betty dragged a finger over the back of his hand before intertwining them. "We investigate together or none at all."

Jughead let out a deep sigh, "Deal."

Dutch swung around Sweet Pea. "Bossman is back! I gotta say Coop did a hell of a job while you were gone. I think I prefer it."

Jughead rolled his eyes, "Haha, funny."

"It's about time a girl ran the Southside," JB said with a hand on her hip.

Toni nodded looking impressed, "I like your, sister. She's got spunk."

Jellybean flicked one of her braided pigtails. "Duh, someone had to get all of the Jones charm."

"You got something to report Dutchie?" Sweet Pea said.

He nodded, his face turning serious. "Gotta report from Fangs that he saw Hiram at the Sisters talking to the head nun."

"Sister Woodhouse." Betty supplied.

"He came with trucks and the nuns were loading crates into it. Fangs didn't know what was in them."

Jughead ran his thumb along his bottom lip. "I think it's time to go on the offensive."

"How do we do that?" Toni questioned.

He eyed the extra men his mom brought and smirked. "I got some ideas."

Chapter Text

Her mother had officially spiraled after the Black Hood mess. There wasn't a day since Hal's arrest that morbid on-lookers and media weren't hovering around the street of the now-deemed House of Horrors. Betty spent the first two weeks in the house caring for her mom.

Jughead routinely called several times a day to check up on her. Near the end of the school year, he became a full-fledged Serpent. She didn't know what to think of it at first but she told her boyfriend at the beginning of the school year she would support his need to explore his roots to the Southside.

It all started one night when Jug invited Betty and Alice to the Whyte Wyrm—the first night of freedom for Alice especially transformed her back to Alice Smith, the Viper of the Southside. At first, the gang was hesitant, after all the Register wasn't always kind to them but when FP Jones, their very own Serpent King welcomed her back, they had no choice but to play along. That's how Betty found herself among the teen Serpents every day after.

They practically abandoned their house for the Southside, FP was gracious enough to offer Alice a room at the top of the bar while Betty had taken to living at the Jones trailer.

Toni broached the topic of her officially joining the Serpents with her first, three weeks into the summer and a month after the Black Hood mess during the last month of the school year. She made a great argument, Betty had no idea how she be received in the Northside. The farthest she or Alice went was Pop's, just past the train tracks. Jughead relented when she asked him. What got her to commit fully was her mother highly encouraging it. After all, she was back in her leather.

She started the initiation process the next day and like her mother, inked her loyalty on her thigh.

Now summer was winding down, they officially received the notice that Southside High was closing down and everyone had been relocated to Riverdale High. The crew continued discussing it at the watering hole near Sweetwater River.

"So I chained myself to that piece of shit for nothing?" Sweet Pea huffed, throwing a stone into the water below.

Betty shook her head, "Not totally, you got the Northside's attention."

He rolled his eyes, "Like we need or care about what they think."

Toni plopped down next to Betty on her towel. Her pink highlights dripped water down her back. "Southside High was a bust, now we get to go with Coop." She said leaning her head on the blonde's shoulder.

Betty wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "True, now I won't be the only snake there."

"Say the word and we would've driven down there anyway for you," Toni assured her giving her cheek an exaggerated kiss.

Sweet Pea groaned, calling down to the water, "Jones! You better get up here! Toni is putting the moves on your girl!"

Jones—Jughead Jones lay sprawled out on a beaten inner tube. One of his eyes cracked open at hearing his name. "Just because it happened to you Sweet Pea doesn't mean it's gonna happen to me."

Fangs who was beside him in his own tube chuckled. Sweet Pea catapulted a rock close enough to him, sending him splashing into the water.

Betty turned to Toni. "Did you really?"

She rolled her eyes, "It was literally 8th grade. You would think some people would get over it by now—"

"—she was my first girlfriend!"

"She wasn't that into you anyway!"

He flipped her off causing Betty to giggle. Toni returned the favor by sticking out her tongue.

Footsteps crunched the leaves underneath their feet. Jughead and Fangs came back up the hill. Fangs took the chair beside Sweet Pea and Jughead all but flung himself next to Betty.

An annoying piece of hair curled into his eyes and he slicked back his hair to remove it.

"Is that why you haven't dated anyone since?" Fangs asked his best friend.

The taller man punched his shoulder. "Whatever! Not like there will be girls climbing all over us at Riverdale High. Those Bulldogs will be up our asses anyway."

Betty sighed and Jughead's eyebrow rose with concern. "What's up?"

"These three months I've spent with you and the Serpents have been the happiest few months of my life. I don't want the bubble to inevitably burst once school starts again."

He sat up, tugging at her hand, "That's not going to change, we all have each other's backs."

Sweet Pea nodded, "Yea Coop, we won't let anyone say shit—"

"—if anyone has a problem we'll take care of it." Fangs finished for him.

Betty smiled, "Thank you guys for everything."

Usually, the first day back at Riverdale High was lackluster, however with the news of the Southsiders coming in today, students felt the tension already.

"Are you sure this is a good idea, Ronnie?" Archie asked.

"The Southside should feel welcome here, and with everything that happened to our dear Bettikins, this is one less thing on her plate. Now straighten the bunting on the front please."

Archie sighed but as an ever-diligent boyfriend, did as he was told. Kevin stood next to them as part of the welcoming committee. His eyes glanced at the clock, "They should be here in five minutes."

Students milled around the hallways waiting for them to show up. Exactly at 9 am the main doors opened.

Jughead Jones who most of the students haven't seen since he transferred led the pack of black leather. He wore the jacket of the Serpent Prince, his beanie stuffed in his pocket instead of on his head. Sweet Pea, Fangs, and Toni surrounded him. His eyebrows raised, seeing the table in front.

Veronica cleared her throat, "Friends, on behalf of Riverdale students and faculty we welcome you. We've made this table so it would be easier for you guys to register, and also to find your lockers, schedules, and extracurriculars."

The clacking of high heels stopped Jughead from replying.

"Calm down Eva Peron."

Coming down the stairs was Cheryl Blossom with Reggie and the Bulldogs flanking her.

"There's the school spirit I so fondly remember," Jughead muttered sarcastically.

Veronica crossed her arms, "Cheryl. Nobody invited fascist Barbie to the party."

"Wrong Veronica, no one invited Southside scum to our school." She turned her attention to the Serpents. "Listen up raggamuffins, I will not have Riverdale's above average GPA suffer because classrooms are overcrowded with underachievers. So please why don't you find another school to deface with your hardscrabble ways."

Toni scoffed, "Why don't you come over here and say that to my face?"

The red-headed demon took a step forward, "Happily, pink-haired—"

"—don't even waste your breath, Toni."

The Serpents parted easily to let their blonde princess through. Her hair was done in waves, one of Jughead's flannels covering her black laced crop top. The huge holes in her jeans gave everyone a peek at her tanned skin from the sunny days spent on the back of her boyfriend's motorcycle. There was no mistaking the black leather of her own Serpent jacket around her shoulders.

"Oh my God, Betty?" Veronica gasped.

Archie had to do a double take and Kevin's mouth was left hanging.

Betty stopped at her place beside Jughead. "Couldn't even last five minutes without getting up to something boys?" She reached up to remove the toothpick from Jug's mouth, replacing it with her lips before returning it.

She turned her attention to the Bulldogs in front of her. "Trust us Cheryl, we don't want to be here either but now it's out of our hands."

Cheryl slightly looked taken aback but schooled herself quickly. "Betty...we were wondering what happened to you over the summer." Her eyes trailed down her new look, "I see the snakes got to you."

"They're my family and I'm not gonna put up with your Northside prejudice bullshit."

"Trading one messed up family for another, my, my."

Her eyes narrowed, "I wouldn't be the one judging family, hm? Blossom."

She scowled but wisely didn't say anything.

Archie got into the middle, placing a calming hand on both sides. "Come on guys, can't we just have a clean slate?"

Reggie whacked him on the shoulder, "Uh, you don't speak for the Bulldogs Andrews, and did you forget they came to your house looking to beat you up?"

"Maybe it's time to finish what was started." Sweet Pea took a step forward but was held back by Jughead.

"That's enough! That's enough of this pomp and circumstance! Get to class." Weatherbee's voice rang out.

Betty slung an arm around Toni's shoulders and Fang's waist. "Let's go."

No one moved until someone at the back of the pack exclaimed "Serpent Princess said let's move!"

The majority of them followed Bety down the corridor. Archie watched Jughead make some hand gestures to some of the Serpents closest to him including Sweet Pea. They waited back for his direction.

"Watch her for me, if anyone mentions Betty's family to her—"

The taller man cracked his knuckles, "We'll put'em in the ground." The others in leather nodded in agreement.

Jughead clapped him on the shoulder, tilting his head to the way the others left, and whistled short and shrill dismissal.

Sweet Pea led the others off. Jughead hung back now with just Archie and Veronica. The Bulldogs already left to go the opposite way.

"Jug..." Archie started.

He shook his head cutting him off, "No, I don't want to hear it. This was her choice. If you have something to say about it, where were you two this whole summer?" He shouldered Archie out of the way.

The group splintered during lunch. The Serpents claimed their own tables in the back corner. At the heart were Betty and Jughead. Jughead was absorbed in his meal and Betty laughed with the others surrounding them. It was the most carefree Veronica had seen her best friend. The thought spurred the guilt rising in her stomach.

She was too self-absorbed with Archie and dealing with her own family drama this summer to check on Betty. She checked in on her in the immediate days of Hal's arrest but she naively thought that with Jughead there for her it would be enough. She didn't hide her stare while Toni saddled up beside Betty.

Now she was paying the price for it.

Chapter Text

Henry brushed the beading sweat from his forehead. Stretching his back, he took in the room. Boxes littered the previous baren room. He just finished unloading the boxes in his new room. He sighed, taking the stairs two at a time to help his parents unload the rest of the truck.

When his parents sat him down and told him they were moving from their suburban house in Ohio to New York he imagined an apartment in the middle of the big city. They ended up in a small town in upper New York that appeared smaller than where they previously lived in Ohio.

He snorted as soon as he read the cheesy sign. Welcome to Riverdale—the town of Pep!

"Are there any more boxes in the truck Pop?" He asked.

His dad shook his head, "Nope!" He clapped his hands together, rubbing them. "Now all we got to do is unpack everything."

Henry resisted the urge to roll his eyes. His dad seemed to be the only one happy with the move. The police department transferred him to New York, failing to mention where in New York. Even his mom seemed slightly caught off guard by where they ended up. He watched his mom, start unpacking the kitchen, her face not giving away to distaste or anything. It was pretty unreadable.

A clap on his shoulder knocked him out of his musings. "Help me with the furniture would you buddy?"

He nodded at his dad.

An hour or three later, they got all of the living room and most of the kitchen done.

"Why don't we explore the town a little bit and see where we can get some food...hm?" His dad announced.

They got into the car, taking in the sights of the mom-and-pop stores and other houses. It was a shiny beacon in all of its red neon glory. Pop's Chock'lit Shop.

"Oh, let's try this place." His mom pointed out the window.

Henry felt like he was transported back in time to the 50s as soon as he walked in. As an avid TV watcher, he realized what cliche this is of a diner in a small town like Riverdale.

It was busier than expected but there were a couple of booths open. A waitress came by and placed three menus in front of their faces.

"Welcome to Pop's. What can I start you guys off to drink?"

Henry glanced up and promptly choked on his tongue. The waitress was beautiful, with dark hair, tan skin, and curves for days. Her gaze met his. His dad had to nudge his shoulder.

"Uh coke for me thanks."

She smiled, "No problem, I'll be back with drinks and then take your order."

He watched as he practically floated in between the booths to the back. He made the mistake of catching his mom's curious gaze.

"She's cute."

He could feel the heat on his cheeks making his freckles stand out more. He hid his face in the plastic menu. The last thing he wanted was for his mom to try to hook him up with a girl.

The waitress came back with the drinks.

His dad asked what she would recommend on the menu. She told them her standard order.

"You should really be asking my friend J, I'm pretty sure he's had every single item on the menu." She whips her head around to the counter. "Isn't that right Pop?"

"What is Veronica?"

"J has tried everything on the menu."

The old man gave a hearty laugh. "Probably three times over at this point."

The waitress now known as Veronica turned back to the family. "I rest my case." Causing both his parents to laugh.

She takes down their food order. "Are you guys just passing by here?"

"We finished moving here today." His mom said.

Veronica's eyes lit up, "Oh! On the North or Southside?"

His Dad hummed, gesturing vaguely in the direction of their house. "Somewhere over there."

Veronica nodded her head in understanding. "Northside." She gestures with her pen to the back of Pops. "The train tracks there separate North and Southside. Don't let some people scare you about the Southside, some places are dangerous but I have friends from over there and they're some of the most loyal people I've ever met."

"Good to know." His dad said.

His mom placed her hand under her chin, she shot him a look. A sinking feeling settled into his stomach. Oh please Mom don't. He willed in his mind.

"If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?"

"I'm 17."

His mom feigned surprise. "Oh well, that's the same age as Henry here."

Veronica's eyes lit up. "Oh! When do you start school?"

Henry cleared his throat, "Tomorrow."

She smiled, clasping her hands together, and gestured to herself. "I used to be the new girl in town freshman year. It would be my pleasure helping another new kid get acclimated in everything Riverdale."

Henry picked at his sleeve, "That would be great, thank you."

Veronica smiled, turning to put in their order.

When they were all finished and rose to pay the check, Veronica waved them off.

Henry smiled and waved back before exiting. He tried to school his smile in the car. Maybe this move wasn't so bad after all.

Henry never thought he would be excited to go to school, particularly one where he's coming in halfway through the year.

Riverdale High looked nice on the outside. As soon as he walked in, he saw Veronica. Now out of her uniform, she looked even more breathtaking. His eyes traveled up her outfit in a daze. It promptly shattered at seeing her arm hooked with the guy beside her.

"Henry! Let me be the first to welcome you to Riverdale High." She placed her other hand on the guy's bicep. "This is one of my friends Kevin, he can give you the 411 on everything that goes on at school."

Henry could feel Kevin's eyes checking him out.

"Oh, you're cute, in a slightly geeky sort of way. I'm sensing puppy vibes. Please tell me you at least swing for both teams?"

Henry raised an eyebrow, "Teams?"

Veronica rolled her eyes, "Ignore him, he's gay and desperate for a new man."

Kevin pretended to be offended. "Can you blame me? There are slim pickings here."

Henry couldn't help his cheeks turning pink.

"Aw, he's even cuter when he blushes, look at those freckles."

Veronica giggled, "Come Henry, we'll show you around."

They got on either side of him and linked his arms. Henry let them half drag him down the hallway. Some students cast curious looks, especially seeing Veronica Lodge on the arm of a new guy.

A group of guys with letterman jackets walked passed. An Asian guy at the head tilted his head in greeting to Veronica. "Who's the fresh meat, Ronnie?"

"New kid Henry."

Reggie raised an eyebrow, "I'm sure the Bulldogs will have fun with you new kid!"

Veronica rolled her eyes, "That's my boyfriend Reggie and the Bulldogs. The football team."

Henry's chest deflated at the mention of Veronica having a boyfriend. Of course, she has one, she's probably one of the only beautiful girls in this town.

"Fair warning," Kevin cautioned, "They like to haze new students."

"We have a lot of extracurriculars here, just take your pick. Are you a sports guy? An artsy type?" Veronica asked.

"Uh…I didn't really get involved much at my old school."

"Well, it could be time to change that."

Henry turned his head from side to side to address both of them, "What do you guys do?"

"I'm a River Vixen, our cheer team, and into the theater."

"And I'm involved in theater, yearbook committee, and ROTC."

"Wow, I mean I guess being involved around here wouldn't hurt." He shrugged,

Veronica squeezed his bicep, "Trust me when I say sometimes you really have no choice but to get involved with this town."

The next stop of the tour was the student lounge.

"Ah, there you are Veronica."

The three of them turned around at her name being called.

"What's up, Cheryl?"

"Vixen practice is going to start a half hour later than normal. Please be a dear and pass along the message to Cousin Betty as well." Her eyes clicked over to Henry.

She crossed her arms, "Well you certainly aren't the normal gingered beau hanging around."

Henry cleared his throat and offered a timid wave, "Hey, I'm Henry."

Cheryl only raised an eyebrow, "Ease up Orphan Black." She shifted to speak to Veronica. "Did something happen to Archie that you had to replace him with a clone?

Veronica rolled her eyes, "No, I'm just showing the new kid around. Archie isn't in any danger."

"That we know of." Kevin chimes in.

"Whatever." She waved her hand in dismissal. "Just make sure you pass along my message. Toodles."

They watched her walk away, flicking her mane of red hair.

"I wonder why practice is later."

Veronica and Kevin exchanged the same look. "Toni." They agreed in unison.

"Well…she sure is…something." Henry chuckled uneasily.

"Cheryl Blossom thinks she runs this school and in some ways she does but you'll be surprised who she answers to."

"And should I be worried about this Archie guy?"

Now that caused both dark-haired teens to laugh.

Kevin wiped an imaginary tear. "Archie is like if you mixed a golden retriever with a male model who was then dropped as a baby."

Veronica nodded, "Scarily accurate but he's harmless to the right people."

The bell rang again and the two dragged him to lunch.

"Let me guess, you sit with the cheerleaders and football players?" said Henry, observing the different lunch tables.

Veronica wrinkled her nose, "Ew no. We have our own table."

Veronica cleared her throat, "Attention my lovelies," She held out her hand in front of Henry, "This is Henry, our new student at Riverdale." She said, "This is Betty Cooper my other half, my best friend and this is Josie McCoy our very own rising star in music."

Henry couldn't help but stare, he nearly missed the introduction to Josie.

She raised a hand, "Hi!"

Betty waved, "It's nice to meet you."

"H—Hi."

Just like that, he was over the disappointment of Veronica having a boyfriend. God blessed him with meeting and befriending the town's prettiest girls.

Veronica sat down beside Josie and Kevin slid next to Betty. Henry's eyes flicked back and forth, Betty took pity on him and moved over. He flashed a small smile in gratefulness.

"Where's J?" Veronica asked.

Betty stabbed a fork into her salad, "Serpents and Swords."

"Shouldn't you be there then?" Kevin raised his eyebrows.

"Nope, he's deciding who's working at La Bonne Nuit."

"That sounds pretty fancy for a town like this," Henry commented.

"That's the idea darling." Veronica brushed her hair off her shoulder. "It's only open two times a week, Fridays and Saturdays. You should come this Friday, it's the busiest night."

"Uhh, yeah sure…where is it exactly? I did drive around and I don't remember seeing any place named that."

Betty elbowed his bicep, "It's a secret, if you want I can pick you up."

Pink dusted his cheeks, "R—really?"

She shrugged, "It's no big deal."

Veronica clapped her hands, "Magnifique! The dress code is cocktail attire Henry. I trust you know what that is."

For the first time since coming to school, he was alone. He scratched the back of his head, Veronica's words echoed in it. Cocktail attire? What the hell is that? Maybe I can ask my mom. On the other hand, he couldn't believe that Betty practically offered to be his date Friday night!

"Hey! There's the new kid!"

The hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He vaguely recognized Reggie Mantle's voice. Some other jocks started to bark as they got closer and closer. Henry's eyes widened as he took off in a sprint.

Shitshitshitshit, what is the least likely place jocks would go?

He rounded the corner, seeing the sign above the library's double doors. He rushed to the back corners, hiding behind a random bookcase, so he could peer over top.

"Can I help you?"

Startled, he rammed his elbow into the hardwood. "Eep!" He rubbed his elbow vigorously.

"My bad."

Henry wanted to glare, after all the tone and the smirk tugging at the corner of his lips indicated he was feeling the opposite.

"I didn't mean to disturb you. I was running from the football team."

The stranger in plaid and a jean jacket, only raised his chin. "You must be the new kid."

"Henry Mitchell."

"Jughead Jones."

He cocked an eyebrow, a question on his lips.

"Believe me, the real name is worse."

Henry nodded his head in acceptance. Since coming in, he took stock that the library was disserted sans for Jughead and him. "Are you hiding from the football team too?"

Jughead snorted, "Hell no," He crossed his legs on the table, "I'm not the biggest fan of people and I enjoy the quiet in here."

"Thanks for not blowing my hiding spot. I'm unsure if you have any friends but consider me one." Henry said before checking both sides to make sure the coast was clear.

Henry rode the bus home and was greeted by his mother in the kitchen.

"Hi, Honey! How was your first day of school?"

"It was better than expected." He chuckled in disbelief, "I think I landed a date for Friday night."

His mom gasped, fully turning her attention to him. "What! Really?"

He nodded, "Yeah, uh I was shown around by Veronica, you know the girl from Pops."

"Did she ask you or did you ask her? She was very cute."

"No, no it turned out she had a boyfriend. She sort of hooked me up with her friend Betty."

"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow, "What does she look like?"

Henry sighed, "She's gorgeous Mom." He stared wistfully at the ceiling, "We're going to a restaurant called La Bonne Nuit. I'm supposed to dress in cocktail attire."

She clapped her hands together, "Oh this place sounds fancy, and for it to be a first date too! Oh, Honey let's see what's in your closet that'll work."

Friday came around in a blink of an eye. Before he left for school that day, Betty said she would pick him up at his house. He rattled off the address to her before she had to run to the Blue and Gold.

His mom finished tying his black bow tie for him, running her hands over his powder blue suit to smooth out the wrinkles. It was a little big on him, leaving some room in his shoulders and the cuffs go slightly past his wrists.

"It's almost 8 pm, what time did Betty say she was coming?"

"8:15."

The doorbell rang almost on cue.

Henry took a breath, "That must be her." He grasped his mom's wrist, holding her back for a second. "Please no pictures Mom."

She huffed, "Fine, not this time."

He slicked back the sides of his hair before answering the door. His breath caught in his throat. Betty stood with her hair loosely styled, in a blue snakeskin printed dress with a plunging neckline that had him gasping for air.

"Betty...wow you look...great!"

She smiled, "Thanks Henry, you cleaned up...nice but you don't have to impress me, it's about getting the Veronica Lodge stamp of approval to enter."

He followed along with her chuckle with a slightly confused one.

"We should get going, it's get packed there crazy fast."

He nodded, waving his hand to his mom who did not attempt to hide along the banister.

Henry whistled lowly at seeing her ride. "Sweet ride."

"Thank you, it's still a work in progress. You interested in cars?"

Henry smoothed his hands on his slacks. "Ah no, not really. I just know Mustangs are cool looking."

Betty pulled out of the driveway with practiced ease.

"So what makes this place so popular?"

"Besides being probably the classiest place in town, it's Veronica's baby everyone is gonna support it."

"Wait," His head turned to her fully, "Veronica owns it?"

Betty nodded, "Yep, some of the students are employed there and Reggie is the manager. Not everyone can get in." She waved a hand, "Limited capacity and all that."

"Wow, I didn't think that was legal."

Betty shrugged, "Not necessarily, but if there's one thing to learn about Riverdale is that everything isn't as picture-perfect as it seems."

Her eyes almost bore into his, he had to swallow and rest his head back to break her gaze. They drove in relative silence after that.

She slowed down as she made the turn into Pops. Packed as an understatement for the parking lot. Multiple people were pulling in and out, he could see guys in white collars and black vests.

"Pops?"

"You didn't think, Veronica would run an illegal speakeasy in broad daylight did you?"

Betty doesn't bother trying to find a spot, instead pulls right up sideways to the door. A kid, a grade or two below them, immediately opens Betty's door and helps her out of the car.

"How are you doing this fine evening Miss Betty?" He kissed the back of the hand he was holding.

Henry took in all of the rustle and bustle around him. He surmised that they had to be valets. He raised his eyebrows, Veronica certainly never skips on making the experience worthwhile.

"I'm great Jeremy, you working all night?"

"Yep, Boss doesn't pay me enough." He teased.

Betty laughed louder than Henry got her to so far. "Is he already here?"

Jeremy nodded, "We saved a spot next to his."

She handed him over her keys. "You are too kind."

He merely winked.

Betty motioned with her head for Henry to go in first, the door opened automatically with a tinkle of a bell.

A line of well-dressed people almost stretched out the door. He sighed in irritation, at this rate they'll never get a table.

Betty breezed past him and raised an eyebrow, "Come on Henry, we're VIPs."

A blush rose on his cheeks. A well-built man had a clipboard in hand. He was dressed in an all-black ensemble. The only color came from the green snake slithering up his tie.

He looked up from his list and smiled, "Boss Lady! You look gorgeous as usual." He leaned to kiss her cheek.

Henry's eyes narrowed at the display. Why are all of these guys comfortable with her like this? Don't they know that she's on a date with me?

"Please tell me you're not on bouncer duty all night." She pouted.

He shook his head, "No way, I'm done in..." He glanced down at his watch, "An hour, then I can join you guys."

"Great," Betty leaned in to give him a parting kiss on the cheek, "See you soon Fangs."

He turned to the side extending an arm to let her through. Henry cleared his throat and started to follow behind her.

"Woah there slick, back of the line." A hand on his chest stopped him.

He was sent back a step, "Hey!"

"Oh sorry! He's with me Fangs, the new kid."

The man, Fangs's eyes lit in recognition. "Oh, you're the kid that got the swirly."

Henry frowned, grumbling under his breath. Yes, the football players caught up to him and gave him "the welcome to Riverdale" swirly in the guys' locker room.

Fangs hit him on the back hard enough to send him stumbling forward, "Welcome to Riverdale man."

He followed Betty around the corner to see a makeshift wall out of place in a phone booth.

"Evening, Mini-Coop, you look ravishing." Reggie greeted from the top of the stairs. He was dressed in a suit jacket and an open-collared shirt. This was the first time Henry had seen him in anything but Riverdale blue and gold.

Reggie clocked Henry beside her. "Ah, new kid, Ronnie said she invited you."

He held an arm out for Betty to take which she happily obliged. Reggie raised an unamused eyebrow at Henry over top of Betty. Henry's cheeks once again heated up without his permission. He was internally kicking himself, why didn't he offer his arm to her this whole time? Now he's got Reggie, arguably the most popular jock thinking he doesn't know how to treat a girl.

The main room was crammed full of people, servers squeezed on by with sliver platters above their heads, and the bar had several bartenders working on making drinks. Reggie directed them to a corner burgundy leather horseshoe booth. It was the only booth not occupied.

"Usual table reserved." He guided Betty into the seat, "I'll let Ronnie know you're here."

"Thank you, Reg."

No sooner did Henry choose to sit on the other side did a waitress come with a drink already in hand for Betty. "Gin and tonic with a healthy splash of lime, for the Boss Lady."

He noticed that she had a snake necklace on.

"They serve alcohol here?" He asked her after she took a sip.

"As per Veronica's words, it can't be a speakeasy without corrupting minors with alcohol. I recommend the maple rum, Cheryl made sure that it would be served at Veronca's for a discounted price."

"Cheryl Blossom owns a rum company?"

"What did I say about Riverdale? A lot of people don't play by the rules here."

Henry shook his head in disbelief, "This town gets more unbelievable by the second."

It takes him several attempts to get the attention of a server. It takes Betty making eye contact with the first server she sees and they're there waiting for her order. Henry's instantly mesmerized by how she's able to command a room and people. It was vastly different from the Betty Cooper he'd come to know in a school setting.

Betty's eyes scanned the crowd, "There's V."

He followed her eyesight, Veronica was in a sparkly mauve number, showing a vast amount of leg. She appeared to be in deep discussion with a tall guy, she placed a hand on his wrist that was in his pocket. His head turned for a second, but it was enough for Henry to catch a snake tattooed on his neck.

Betty raised an arm which caught the attention of the guy, he must have said something to Veronica as she turned around in delight, waving back at her. She said one last parting word and with a nod, the guy with the snake tattoo was gone.

People made way for Veronica to cross the room, "B! So glad you made it, it feels like I haven't seen you here in a while, even J is here more often."

Betty laughs, "Yeah, well you know how hard it is to escape my mom's watch and second you know it's not a choice, he's practically your business partner now along with Reggie."

Veronica waved off her answer and scorched in next to Betty. "At least you brought Henry like I asked," Her attention turned to him, "So Henry, what do you think of La Bonne Nuit?"

"It's amazing Veronica, I didn't think I'd see anything like this unless I was in the city."

Her eyes sparkled at the compliment, "That was the idea."

"How does this place not get busted by the cops?" He asked.

"It's probably the best-kept secret of Riverdale. During the day, the entrance is hidden by a wall in the phone booth. You need a password to get in."

"Because this place isn't totally legal?" He eyed the casino tables in the other corner of the place.

"Oh Henry, most fun isn't." She all but purred.

He wasn't sure what to feel about that. He never got in trouble or so much got a detention in his life and now he was at an illegal bar under a diner? What would his parents say if the cops dragged him home after busting the place?

"Hello, we were hoping you girls would already be here."

His worrying was interrupted by the appearance of Cheryl Blossom and another girl with pink highlights.

Her sharp gaze pierced into him. "Well plebian? Move."

He scrambled up out of his seat so the two of them could sit in the middle. A server immediately serves them their drinks like Veronica and Betty before.

Toni took a sip of her red cocktail. "I don't think we met before, Toni Topaz."

"Henry Mitchell." He tried not to sound annoyed as the date continued to be derailed by her friends. All he wanted was to have some time alone with Betty.

His eyes flicked over to her, she was talking to Cheryl quietly, not looking annoyed at all about all of these people joining their booth.

She burst out laughing, "Oh shit, you're the new kid Fangs and Sweet Pea said they watched get a swirly."

"Does everyone know that happened?" He grumbled.

"Nothing stays secret for long around here."

Henry spied a snake tattoo on her side made evident by her backless dress.

"Is there a theme tonight that I'm missing?"

"Ew, what? Theme nights are so tacky." Veronica said.

"It's just I've been noticing a lot of people here with a snake. The valet had a collar pin, the bouncer had a tie, the waitress who's been serving us had a necklace, the guy who you were talking to before coming over here Veronica had a snake tattoo on his neck and I just noticed Toni has the same one."

"That would be the Southside Serpents, the hired muscle I need to keep La Bonne Nuit running."

"A gang?"

"And family," Toni said.

"Wh—what?" He sputtered, "Aren't gangs dangerous? Like criminals?"

Toni's eyes narrowed, "Careful new kid. Dangerous? Yes. Criminals? 50/50 shot. We're a support system and help keep the Southside clean from other gangs trying to muscle in."

"We also get rid of unsavory characters that we personally don't like," Cheryl added over the lip of her glass.

"La Bonne Nuit is a lucrative business and as Cheryl put it, unsavory people want to take it away from me. Don't worry," She winked, "J keeps them all in line for me."

"Is he like the boss of something?"

"Serpent King." Betty corrected.

"Speaking of King…there's our esteemed leader now." Cheryl pointed out.

The crowd parted for him. He was also dressed in all black, the top of his collared shirt was open and the suspenders were pulled taut over his shoulders. The only color on him seemed to be the hidden ink that crawled up his forearm and splattered some of his fingers.

Henry could already feel an aura about him, similar to Betty when she had just about everyone at her neck and call, but this man just oozed danger. A man who is in control of an entire gang shouldn't be messed with.

As soon as he saw his face close up, Henry disguised his gasp with a cough. Jughead Jones?! The quiet guy he met in the library; The guy who claimed he didn't like people. He felt so stupid, declaring himself as what he thought was Jughead's first friend.

"Ladies." He greeted,

Veronica got up from her end, "J! Any problems?"

He greeted her with a one-armed hug around her waist, "No, but the night is still young."

She pecked his cheek in return, allowing him to slide in first to be beside Betty.

The waitress didn't wait until he fully sat down, a square glass and an ashtray appeared before him.

"Thanks, Monica."

"No problem Boss."

"Where have you been all night Jones?" Toni asked.

"Working. Someone has to keep them in line but I'm taking a break, I have Sweet Pea out there doing patrol." He said reaching in his front pocket for a pack of cigarettes. He felt around his body for his lighter.

Betty obtained her clutch, pulled out a cheap lighter, and lit the tip already in his mouth.

"You're a lifesaver baby."

He takes a deep drag, making sure to blow the smoke high in the air.

Betty rubbed the palm of her hands along his arm, slid up to wear his sleeves were rolled to the crook of her elbows, and back down again.

"Jug, I don't think you met Henry. He's the new kid that V showed around."

It seemed that Jughead just picked up that he was there for the first time. "We met before in the library, he was hiding from the football team. I heard they eventually found you."

Henry was at a loss for words, torn between being pissed off because Betty's attention automatically gravitated toward him and the fact he was still trying to consolidate both Jugheads in his mind.

"Nice, to see you again, I'm not going to lie, I almost didn't recognize you."

He ran his fingers through his hair, "I know, I'm without the beanie, alas V doesn't let me wear it here." He cast her a weary look.

"It ruins the carefully curated aesthetic J, you know this."

Henry couldn't help but stare at him and Betty. They were sitting awfully close together. He doesn't know why Veronica bothered to set them up when she doesn't seem to care that Henry isn't getting any chance to talk to her.

He wanted to say something so badly. Could he even challenge someone like him? There had to be a reason he was the king. He crossed his arms. Who was he kidding? He's never even been in a fight. From what he knew from the news is that gangs fight all the time.

"Ronnie!" Reggie came over in a hurry, "We have a little situation: top side."

She frowned, "How bad?"

"At least 5 guys snooping around. Heard they're dressed up nicely. My guess is Elio's men."

Veronica groaned, "Men and their fragile egos. You beat him once in blackjack for a couple million and now he won't leave you alone."

"I'll handle it." Jughead sat up from his slouch, sliding the ashtray over and his half-finished cigarette.

"Do you need backup?" Toni asked grabbing it from him.

"Dont worry about it Ton, it's your night off." He slid out from the booth, taking a stand a little in front of Reggie.

"Do you want them to receive the Serpent welcome?" He asked Veronica.

"Yes, please, I'm so over Elio sending his dogs."

He slapped the top of Reggie's chest, "We'll take care of it."

"Thank you boys!" She called out as they walked to the stairs.

Henry's smile lightened up. Finally, he could talk to Betty without any other guy around. He felt he was just getting to know her when they came back.

It looked like they had no trouble except for their half-mussed hair.

"Ah, the toothpick bros are back." Toni teased.

"You wish you looked as cool with one Topaz." Reggie fired back after accepting a toothpick from Jughead.

"Everything goes okay?" Betty asked, fixing his collar.

"Of course, they left pretty quickly after we…explained a few things to them."

Reggie nodded, shifting to sit beside Veronica and throwing an arm around her shoulder. "We should be clear for the rest of the night."

The brunette kissed her boyfriend on the jaw. "Well done boys."

She heard mumbling from the other guy next to her. "What's wrong J? You want a kiss on the cheek too?"

"I'd like to be kissed by somebody that's for sure." His pointed look rested on Betty.

Betty giggled, pushing herself closer to him. Her fingers danced along his neck and tipped his chin. Henry felt sick in his stomach, he had a feeling he knew where this was going.

Jughead tucked his toothpick in his cheek as Betty directed his head down for a kiss.

Henry averted his eyes, he never stood a chance.

Chapter Text

His lungs were on fire, and he felt his blood pulsate hot then cold. Jughead barely had enough breath to send Archie in the right direction to chase after Kurtz. Falling out of a two-story window hurt like hell, but still less on the pain scale than almost being beaten to death by the Ghoulies.

Jeremy found him first, gasping for breath.

"Shit, Boss."

He crouched down to take an arm to get him back on his feet.

"What the hell happened?" Sweet Pea asked, running up to the pair.

Jughead was leaning completely onto Jeremy, his arm hanging loosely over his shoulder as the younger Serpent held his waist. "Go, help Archie…" He waved vaguely in the direction they both ran off. "Kurtz ran through there."

Sweet Pea clenched his jaw, taking a half step toward his friend before deciding to follow orders. After he left, more Serpents spilled through the gap at the side of the house, some rushed to the aid of their fallen king.

Gears and Jeremy held him between them. His right side was burning profusely, and he could feel the steady trickle of blood coming from the side of his head.

"We have to take him back to camp." Gears said.

"What about the cook?"

"Our King is our priority Prospect." He grunted, "Now, let's move it."

It was slow going, Jughead was limping heavily. There was no way he could ride back on a bike, so they had another one of the prospects, Dutch, bring a truck. They loaded him onto the back. Gears got in the passenger side, and Jeremy sat with a sprawled-out Jughead.

Fangs hopped in too, finally seeing the state of their leader. "Where's Sweet Pea?"

"Boss sent him off into the woods after the cook and Andrews."

He nodded, placing a handkerchief in his pocket against the wound on his head. "You still with us, Jug?"

Peering at the two guys through slits, he groaned, lowly. His tongue felt like lead in his mouth. "Betty's gonna kill me."

Fangs laughed in relief, relaxing on his hunches. He banged on the cab's roof, letting Dutch know they were good to go. "Yeah, sorry we can't help you with that."

The truck led the sea of motorcycles back to camp. The moon shone high and bright, guiding them through the rough terrain. A bonfire was alight, signaling none of the other members left behind could sleep. Jughead made sure to exclude all of the women. Toni was pissed at first but ceded to Jughead's logic of brutal fights breaking out.

Gears exited the truck first, "Laura, we're gonna need your help patching up some of the guys."

Jughead became more alert, "Only one of you help me, I don't need to freak out Betty even more."

Fangs sighed but nodded to Jeremy to be the one to carry him.

"Please tell me you're the only one that's this bad." Laura saddled up to the back of the pick-up.

Jeremy got Jughead in a sitting position, his legs dangling out.

"Please take a look at everyone else. I'll be fine."

Sighing, "You're just like your Daddy." She wagged a finger at him, "Stay put, I mean it."

Jughead nodded once, watching as she left to tend to some of the other guys.

He hit Jeremy on the knee with his good arm, "Help me to my trailer."

"If you're sure, Boss."

With a few hisses and groans, they were able to maneuver him off the truck and onto his feet. Jughead pulled open the door to gasps coming from two girls.

Toni and Betty were held up in his trailer waiting for the report.

"Holy shit Jones," Toni said, helping Jeremy move him to the couch.

"Juggie, oh my god." Betty breathed out, leaning over him, checking his pulse, his chest, cradling his non-bloody cheek.

"I'm okay, I swear."

Jeremy reached into his pocket, pulling out the woolen beanie.

"Figured you want this back."

Betty took it from him. "Thank you for bringing him home in one piece, Jeremy."

He smoothed his bangs over his forehead, "It's no problem, Miss Betty."

Jughead grasped his hand in thanks.

"Tell me about what went down." Toni then led the prospect out.

Now alone, Betty took her time cataloging his injuries. Fang's handkerchief was still glued to his head, so she gently peeled it off and rinsed it underwater. She dabbed the blood off his face and hair. She sat beside him and got close enough as she dared.

"What happened, Jug?"

"Just a couple of bruises and I hit my head."

What's scary is that she isn't surprised anymore about the amount of danger they throw themselves into. When did it become their job to keep the town safe? Why did no one care except them to stop the flow of drugs that are killing kids, and gangs extorting money from businesses?

Her eyes welled with tears, wanting to scream at him to stop putting his body on the line for a town that didn't give two shits about them. (Which is ironic because wasn't it Jughead telling her the same thing mere months ago?)

She sharply inhaled at the feeling of his thumb brushing under her eye.

"I'm okay, Betts. It hurts more than running the gauntlet but less than getting rocked by the Ghoulies on Riot Night, so I'll give it a solid 7."

His voice sounded gravelly from disuse. A sense of want shot through her. When he would whisper in her ear, telling her exactly how much he needed her as he trailed kisses down her chest. Her breath hitched at the abiding memories. Now was not the time for this.

"That's not funny."

"Sorry, sarcasm and you right now is the only thing keeping me sane at this point." He leaned his head back on the couch, his hand pulling hers to bring her almost into his lap.

"Jug, you're hurt."

"And now I want you to kiss it better."

Betty giggled, allowing him to tug her closer. His fingers curled around her back, rubbing the skin at her waist where her shirt rode up.

His hand settled on the back of her neck to connect their lips. Adrenaline and dopamine flooded his system, masking the pain he was feeling. Betty opened her mouth further, inviting him in. His tongue traced her bottom lip, forcing a light moan to escape the back of her throat.

"I thought I told you to stay put." The door to the trailer rattled on its hinges. Laura wiped her bangs from her eyes and took a deep breath, seeing the young gang leaders on the couch. "Honestly, FP 3, if I were your mother, I would slap you upside the head, trying to pull something like this."

Jughead groaned, this time in disappointment. "It's not that bad, Laura."

"Then why did I have to hear from Gears that you fell out of a two-story window?"

Betty leaped up from beside him. "Jug! Are you kidding me?" She crossed her arms. "You said you only got bruised."

When he fell, he took the brunt of it on his right side. Starting at his ribs and trailing along his lower back was a spattering of mottled bruises already turning a deep purple color.

His head swiveled between the two, "And I am only bruised, nothing is broken, I swear."

Laura still checked his head, noting how he was lucky he didn't need stitches. She lifted his shirt to see his ribs.

Betty's gasp had his heart in his throat. "This is more than some bruises." Her hand skated over his back, pressing lightly into his spine.

The two women ignored his pained groan. "His lower spine is tender," Betty murmured. "I'd say he may have two fractured ribs, but luckily none are broken," Laura reported.

Betty went to the Jones freezer to retrieve their largest ice pack. She dumped an entire tray of ice cubes into it and twisted the cap back on. She came around to Jughead's side, holding the cold pack against the back of his ribs.

"You should be on bed rest for at least 3 days, but I know you're not going to follow that, so take it easy for the next two weeks," Laura advised.

Toni knocked on the side of the door frame since Laura didn't bother shutting it when she came in. "Sweet Pea and Archie are back, and they have Kurtz."

Jughead's eyes darkened, and he schooled his face. Betty tugged on her jacket before following Jughead outside.

Archie and Sweet Pea had Kurtz on his knees, hands tied behind his back. Blood coated his face, running down his neck and onto his torn shirt. The larger boys had some bruises blooming on their faces, but they didn't look any worse for wear.

Archie's eyebrows rose at seeing his other best friend. "Betty."

"You lookin' a little rough there, Jones." Kurtz warbled.

Jughead paid him no mind.

"What should we do with him, Jug?" Archie asked.

"We can't keep him here. It's too obvious and not well protected if the Man in Black or Penny decides to send Gargoyles to get him back."

Sweet Pea kicked him in the ribs. "Why don't we just get rid of him and be done with it?"

"We need him alive, he has the information we need."

Betty slipped her phone from her pocket. "I have an idea."

Her head tilted from side to side, waiting for the dial tone to pick up.

"V! I know it's late, but can I drop off something to hide in La Bonne Nuit? I promise it'll be gone before next week's opening."

She listened to the other person speaking, "Huh...thank you! I really owe you one V." She drew her phone away from her ear. "We can keep him tied up at La Bonne Nuit. They won't know where to find him."

Sweet Pea looked impressed. "That could work."

Jughead smirked, giving her a quick kiss, "You are incredible." He clapped his hands together to address the rest of them, "Let's move him there now before the sun comes up."

"You know, B, when you said you had something to hide, I thought it would be like a box of 100-count condoms to hide from your mom, not a drug cook from a gang that's currently terrorizing the town."

"A girl has her priorities, V."

"Besides, with Kurtz out of the picture, it should take some heat off your business," Jughead added. Turning his head to the side, he eyed the Serpents he brought with him.

"Alright, prospects, it's time to earn your scales. "You'll be rotating on a three-hour schedule. Your job is to watch him. No interacting, no touching, and do not let him out of your sight."

He motioned with his two fingers for one of the guys to step up first, and a kid with his dark hair in a mullet stepped up. "Dutch, you're on first watch."

The freshman saluted, "Aye, aye, Boss."

Veronica pointed a finger at him, "There better not be a fight in here, Jughead Jones, or there will be hell to pay."

Sweet Pea widely smiled, "Hear that, boys? Best behavior only."

Veronica rolled her eyes and swatted him in the stomach.

Two days later, Jughead realized he had miscalculated. Kurtz had been tight-lipped, only giving bits and pieces of information you would hardly call sense. Kurtz was expendable, Jellybean Jones was not.

Archie told him how Ricky just vanished, the same day as JB. Kurtz laughing in Jughead's face confirmed this was the plan all along. He had been sending him and the Serpents on wild chases with only vague clues to guide them.

Things were tense at La Bonne Nuit. Dutch watched from his seat on one of the card tables. His usually lax demeanor disappeared at the thought of not finding JB in time. Kurtz sat on a chair with his hands and legs tied to the back.

"I know we're supposed to be going over this weekend's plans, but please tell me they're gonna be gone by then." Josie pointed to the two gangbangers.

"Don't worry, beautiful, we'll be out of your hair in no time," Dutch commented.

She rolled her eyes, taking a seat at the bar beside Kevin.

"We're moving him to the bunker; we had to remove all traces of our investigation first," Betty said. She came to hang out with Veronica and help Reggie prepare for this weekend. It was her returning the favor to Veronica for housing Kurtz here.

"It's about time, I'm tired of his leering stare." Veronica handed a cloudy glass over to Reggie to shine.

"Not much to do around here but stare." A voice popped up from the corner.

Dutch grabbed him by the back of his head and yanked his hair. "Shut up."

Footsteps echoed down the stairs.

"Fangs? What are you doing here?" Betty asked.

Dutch hopped off his seat. "I still have an hour left on my watch."

"Jughead texted me to bring him a shirt and meet him here."

More footsteps bounded down the stairs. Jughead was in the lead, followed by Sweet Pea and two other Serpents.

"Dude, you are covered in blood," Kevin commented.

His eyes zeroed in on Kurtz and marched towards him, his nose flared in unbridled rage.

Kurtz chuckled, "No luck? What a shame. Maybe you can try again tomorrow if she's still alive for tha—"

Jughead swung his fist with a cry, putting all his anger behind it. It cracked against his jaw, the sound echoing in the nearly empty speakeasy, his neck wrenching to the side violently. Kurtz was knocked out cold on impact, and the chair he sat in was almost sent toppling if it wasn't for Dutch having a foot on the rung of the chair.

"Oh damn." Reggie winced.

Kevin and Josie flinched with gasps of surprise.

Seething, he shook out his fist. His eyes were black with rage. Betty had seen this look on his face numerous times. It was his darkness creeping in, curling around the leather on his back. The same darkness made him skin Penny's arm, kidnap Chic, and even beat Tallboy. Heat pooled in her gut, and her own darkness purred in satisfaction at the display. He needed an outlet and Betty was more than happy to provide him one.

Jughead peeled off his leather jacket, throwing it on the closest table. As Kevin pointed out earlier, his shirt was splattered with blood, mostly on the bottom, which had turned the blue into an off-purple shade. He shucked the shirt over his head and dislodged his beanie with it. "Sweet Pea and Dutch, take him to the bunker now."

Flicking his knife open with a flourish, he sliced the ropes holding him to the chair. With a kick, he tipped them both over, and Kurtz's unconscious body thunked to the floor. "Make him talk, with your brass, fists, or even your knife, I don't care how, I want answers."

Sweet Pea didn't say anything, knowing he meant business. He scooped up the cook on his shoulder and, with his head, motioned for Dutch to follow him.

Jughead scrubbed the top of his head in frustration, and his bangs curled in front of his eye. He held out a hand to Fangs to throw him his new garment. He shrugged on the white beater and took a deep breath.

His eyes locked on his classmates for the first time. "Sorry about that." He sighed deeply, "I really need a cigarette."