Cherry Bomb - A Bughead Fanfic Part 4/??
after taking a break for a while, I decided to continue this. I’m sorry it has been so long, and I’m sorry if it isn’t what you guys were hoping for. thank you so much if you’re reading this, and I really hope you enjoy it! <3 anyways, without further ado…
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Betty stood before her antique, white-colored desk, glancing at her tall reflection with a little frown. After returning to her house, Betty’s mother ninja attacked her with questions on her whereabouts. Even though Betty had told her exactly where she was going and what she was doing. It’s like every time the prodigy mechanic/journalist waltzed through that red door, Alice was waiting like a predator, ready to pounce on its mostly innocent prey.
Still, the blonde teen had somehow managed to wiggle out of her mother’s ferocious interrogation like she always did. She slipped out of her greasy work clothes (an oil-stained tank top and cuffed blue jeans) and pulled on a pale, baby blue t-shirt which tucked smoothly into a cream pleated skirt. Betty nervously tugged at the hem of her skirt, uneasy with her fashion choice. Although, she could hardly consider it her fashion choice. Her mother was so controlling that she went to the length of reining over Betty’s wardrobe. While Betty could pick a limited number of garments, they still had to be approved by the strict fashion police, which just so happened to be Alice (who assigned that role to herself, of course). It was pretty insane, really. It was like that woman wanted to cover up Betty’s every flaw, polishing over it with preppy clothing - which only made Betty’s imperfections even more present. Alice was a control freak, not only over herself, but over everyone close to her. She had to be perfect, they had to be the perfect family.
That was one of the multiple reasons Betty was so self-conscious, and one of the reasons her job was so great (she actually enjoyed her work clothes, they fit her style better). She felt like the clothes Alice picked out didn’t fit her personality whatsoever. Still, she had to maintain the whole ‘perfect, good girl’ thing - at least, that’s what her mother said. Of course, those weren’t her exact words, what she actually said was ‘you have to look clean and tidy Betty, appearing organized is attractive.’ Yet, that was the one thing Betty wasn’t, and hasn’t been for a long time. The only reason Alice allowed Betty to wear her work clothes was because, hey were, in fact, for work. Plus, it’s not like Betty could do oil changes and tune-ups in a skirt. Even then, it took a lot of pleading and persuading to get her mom to let up - and she was still bitter about it. Whenever the topic of Betty’s job was brought up, her mother would make a sour expression - pursing her lips into a pout as if she tasted a tart lemon. Alice didn’t care for Betty’s part-time occupation - as if that wasn’t obvious - but it made money, and for that, the stuck-up woman couldn’t complain.
It didn’t help that whenever Betty reluctantly agreed to going to the mall with Ronnie, <i>every time, it was like torture. Her best friend would urge her to buy something for herself, squealing about how good it would look on her. And Betty would be tempted, simply because it would feel so good to do something for herself for once - to buy something she would feel confident in, something she could wear and feel like Betty.
One time, Ronnie had managed to drag Betty to the mall since she needed some good digs. The pair had strolled from shop to shop, Veronica’s hands getting even more full with every stop. It turned out when the posh, raven-haired girl had said shoes, she meant an entire closet. At one point, they stopped at a shop because Ronnie had seen a dress on display that she ‘simply had to have’. Something on a rack had caught the Betty’s eye - a leather jacket the color of sunset in autumn when the days are on the brink of becoming shorter. She had even allowed her yearnings to take her as far as trying it on.
Looking in the mirror, Betty felt like a new person. Someone so self-assured and confident, she didn’t even recognize herself. She fell in love with the item immediately. When Veronica saw her in it, she went mad, jumping about and screaming her approval. But, much to Ronnie’s disappointment. Betty didn’t commit to it. Betty would never cave, simply because if she actually did give in to temptation and purchase something she craved, Alice would have a heart attack, but not before throwing a fit and disowning her. Betty wasn’t ready to stir that pot, not yet.
Clothes shouldn’t be used as an excuse for being shy, or anxious, but it was just one of the numerous things that Betty wished she could change about herself. So, as Betty silently judged herself before her mirror, she worried over the upcoming events of the evening that had yet to take place. She had told a bit of her past interactions with Jughead to Veronica, although, the girl had been too tied up with Reggie to give much insight. Betty had summarized the Pop’s scene, and the motorcycle fix-up, but she left out the whole drive-in scenario. She felt like that was kind of personal for Jughead, and it wouldn’t be fair of her to gossip about his family issues and whatnot. Veronica was still excited about Betty actually interacting with the male species. The social butterfly seemed to think she gave the best advice (she broadcasted it so often), and multiple times before, she had told Betty that she’s ‘missing out’ and should ‘get some action’.
Romance had never been Betty’s top priority, and she wasn’t sure if it ever would be. There had been one time, back way when - when she still played on the playground, and jumped in puddles, and climbed trees. When everything was easier and the world was still a mystery. All her childhood, Betty had pined for the boy next door, who just now happened to be her co-worker. The good-hearted ginger had been the love of her life, the one she devoted her first story to. He had been her prince charming, her knight in shining armor, her happy ever after. It was cliché, and it was pure, and it was foolish - so, so foolish. Young Betty thought he hung the moon and painted the sky, but when she couldn’t handle the tremendous weight of the truth that hung over her shoulders, everything changed.
Freshman year, Betty confessed. She had decided to do it in a public place, thinking maybe it would be easier to do it that way. When it finally came down to it, and she released the secret out in the air for all to know, Archie had brushed it away like a speck of dust. He didn’t return her feelings, apologizing for it. He gave her all he could, words of consolation, but none of it matched up to what she had given him, the one thing she had to call her own - her heart. Betty had never been so broken. After Archie had said his piece, Betty kept up her composure like she always did, but as soon as she excused herself politely and got herself to a private place, she let it all out. It was when she first started using her pain as a release, sinking her nails into the flesh of her palms. It had taken months for the blonde to talk to Archie again, but since they began to work together, Betty had to get over her grudges and adorn her perfect smile.
Betty was sure that the next time she would see Veronica, the dark-haired girl would be all over her, asking for info and details about this ‘mysterious boy’. That would be hard to answer when Betty hardly knew how she felt herself. She literally just met the brooding Serpent in the last 24 hours, and still, he was occupying a large quadrant of her mind that she should be using for writing articles and other things. Betty kept telling herself the reason she was thinking about him so often was because she was about to -possibly - see him again. She didn’t let herself think about how interesting he was, with the classic, dark style. She didn’t let herself ponder about his quirky beanie that appeared to be glued to his inky locks.
Betty quietly made her way out of her room, tip toeing down the wooden stairs with focused caution. Maybe, just maybe, this once, she would be able to escape the house without her mother butting in. But…as predicted, the woman with the hearing of a bat appeared. Abruptly, Alice slithered right before Betty’s path. Betty gasped in surprise, which nearly snowballed into a frustrated scream. She curled her fingers tightly, feeling them fit perfectly into the familiar crescents on her palms which have been worn in after years of pent up emotions screaming to break free. Betty continued to clench her hands into fists, gritting her teeth as her nails dug into the tender flesh. Betty forced a fake smile, eyes hard.
“Where are you going? It’s late,” Alice snapped in a curt tone.
“I’m going over to Pop’s with Veronica. We wanted to catch up over a milkshake,” Betty lied smoothly, this wasn’t her first time. Lying wasn’t bad when it was for the greater good, right? This article was important, and Jughead needed an explanation on some things. Plus, she had to see him again, especially after the latest interaction. Betty had the urge to make sure he was okay, or, at least in decent condition. He had looked so crushed before, nothing like his usual cocky self.
Alice gave her a skeptical look, eyes squinting as she looked her daughter over. Betty shifted her weight from foot to foot, impatient for her answer. God, did this woman know how to torture people. Finally, Alice gave Betty a begrudging nod, signaling her release. “Fine, but you have to be back by no later than 11:00,” Alice ordered, wagging a threatening finger in Betty’s face. While most children would groan at the early curfew, eleven was pretty flexible considering who Betty’s mother was. Betty gave her mother a genuine grin in response, bouncing to the door. She left with a little wave, ponytail swinging as she shut the door and skipped down the stairs. Betty hopped into her red Camaro, waking it up with the turn of her keys. It was a ten minute drive to Pop’s, but that day it felt like an hour since her nerves were so high.
When Betty arrived, she rushed out of her rickety car to the front door of the diner. She had to calm herself before opening the door, her hands were shaking with anticipation. Betty scolded herself for the way she was acting, you would think she was about to go skydiving or something. She took a deep breath as she scoured the inside of the building, ignoring all the people who weren’t wearing a crown like beanie. Jughead wasn’t there yet, after glancing around the room three times, she finally gave up and sat down at a booth by herself. Betty reached up and separated her ponytail into two parts, pulling them apart to make it tighter. The little act soothed her a bit, making her feel more put together.
After fifteen minutes, Betty started to become antsy again. She bounced her leg under the table, causing the seat to shake. A woman on the other side of the seat, sharing the booth opposite from her turned around to give the distressed girl an annoyed stare. Betty ducked her head, immediately putting a halt to the vibrating. She apologized hastily, only to find Jughead sitting on the other side of the booth when she turned back around. Betty let out a little gasp, bonking her knee against the table when she jumped, heart racing. A hand flew to her chest, as if she could steady her uneven pulse by pressing a hand to her heart. Jughead’s eyebrows inclined in inquiry and slight amusement, a small smirk charming his brooding features.
Betty scowled at him, wondering just how he materialized out of thin air. “What are you? A magician?” Betty barked in irritation, heaving a huge sigh. Jughead leaned back retrospectively, crossing his arms over his chest, smirk growing wider. Although, his notorious cheeky grin wasn’t as authentic as it usually was. Betty chided herself for noting the difference, she was just supposed to be here to talk about the article, not get invested in his emotions. Once again, she had to remind herself that she had only just met him the other day.
“Actually, I’m a wizard,” Jughead corrected sarcastically, but his voice was slightly gravelly - as if he hadn’t gotten any sleep that morning and his exhaustion stuck with him all day.
Betty rolled her green eyes, shaking her head, which caused her blonde ponytail to swish back and forth. She tried not to let her mild concern show. Jughead leaned forward, resting his crossed, leather-clad arms on the table. The weary smirk left his face, suddenly becoming serious, and just a bit sullen - another emotion which Betty regretfully noted. Jughead was the first to speak again, addressing the elephant in the room. “So, why did you tell me to come here, Betty?” Jughead inquired, staring her down with his slate grey eyes. A shiver walked down Betty’s spine without her authority and she shrugged, unable to form words while staring into his gaze. She looked away, trying to grasp a coherent sentence, but the slippery words didn’t want to piece together.
“I’m writing an article on the drive-in and its shut down. I wanted to ask you some questions, but not before filling you in on what I know. After what happened before…” Betty trailed off hesitantly, before continuing. “I just thought you’d like to hear some things, I don’t know how much you’re aware of.”
Jughead just stared at her quizzically, before nodding nonchalantly. Betty took that as a green light, and told him what she knew - about how when she went to the drive in to investigate, FP told her he was there to shoo away customers. His reasoning was so that it could be sold easier, thus meaning he could maybe get Jughead to come back home considering that was where he was staying temporarily. Betty still couldn’t get over that fact - that he had been living in a drive in by himself. It broke her heart and revealed a new part of him that she had never seen before. FP had said the buyer was anonymous, and no one knew who actually purchased he property, which was one of the major answers Betty was digging for, although, she highly doubted Jughead knew.
Betty told him about her article, and why she was writing it. She wanted to fight back against the new owner of the lot, force them to realize that there were people who didn’t want to drive in to be taken down - people who cherished memories of breezy summer nights, the musty scent of dust that was somehow comforting, classic movies that never got old, and even, the thrill of a first kiss. Jughead nodded along to her speech, which had somewhat transformed into a rant once she really got into it - her passion for the place blindingly clear. She wanted an example of someone who adored the drive in for what it was, which Jughead fit perfectly. Once she finished explaining, Betty started her casual questioning. She didn’t want him to think this was like an interrogation of sorts, so she tried to keep it light, staying away from sensitive subjects.
“So, how long have you been going to the drive-in?” Betty asked as she pulled her pen and paper out of her khaki cross-body purse. Jughead shifted in his seat, either out of discomfort or in an attempt to get comfortable.
“We used to go when I was a kid - my family and I - ever since I could remember. It was something we did every Saturday. I guess you could call it a tradition. It was always my favorite part of the week, it was what I looked forward to. When we were actually there it always lived up to my expectations, the dirt that wedged it’s way into the crevices of our clothing no matter where you sat, the licorice twists and stale, buttery popcorn, the flickering of the projector as the wheel began to spin - most of all, the anticipation of the lights dimming and the movie starting. Back then, it seemed magical. It still is, but not for long,” Jughead relinquished in a distant voice, obviously reminiscing childhood memories, while Betty scurried to jot down each and every juicy word. It was exactly what Betty had been looking for - gold - and it was only the first question. If she hadn’t been supposed to write everything down, she’d be in awe at his way with words, almost like it was an art. To be honest, the blonde journalist was a bit envious of this skill that he kept behind closed doors. That was definitely not what she had expected from the Serpent.
Betty nodded, glad to find that her mouth hadn’t fallen open in surprise. Although, her features did display a faint hint of shock, her green eyes a tad bit wider than they had been before his recollection. Jughead was too caught up in memories of the past to notice, grey eyes stormy with clouds of time gone by. She noticed a hue of wistfulness, as if he yearned to go back to being a child. Sometimes Betty wished she could, too. Back then, everything was easier. The monsters stayed away and the world was good. That wasn’t the case anymore. Betty cleared her throat quietly to hook Jughead’s attention, before volleying him another basic question. Yet, she figured after that detailed response he gave, she wouldn’t need much more. Betty had prepared for the brash, witty Jughead she had met not long ago - not this complex stranger sitting before her.
“What do you think of the drive-in closing?” Betty inquired, yet the answer was obvious. Jughead raised an eyebrow at her, arching it in a way that said ‘you’re kidding, right?’ Betty bobbed her head, urging him on. She needed his response to put in the article, having a quote (especially from him) would help with stimulating the article. A waiter brought a coffee to the table, leading Betty to the conclusion that he must’ve ordered it before seating himself and startling the living daylights out of her. Jughead took a long sip, before leaning back once more and sighing deeply. He readjusted the knit beanie atop his head, then delved back into it.
“I think it’s bullshit.” Jughead stated offhandedly. Betty made a disapproving sound, glancing up from her pad to toss him a sharp glare. Jughead’s eyes were narrow slits, rolling them in frustration. “Oh, my bad. I forgot the princess was present.” Betty flinched at his words, her knuckles turning white as she harshly gripped her notebook. She hated that name, or any name similar to it. Betty was far from perfect, and far from a princess - and she despised acting like it, being someone who she wasn’t. It was like someone mixing you up with the wrong person, but thinking that’s who you were for all your life - calling you by the correct name, but with completely unrealistic expectations. The notebook was improvising as a shield for her palms, so carving her nails into the paper as a substitute of her skin would have to suffice. She bore her eyes into her notebook, staring hard at her scribbled handwriting. Noticing Betty strain, Jughead’s taut features softened just a bit. He sighed again.
“I didn’t mean to upset you, okay? I’ve just been having a hard time is all. That doesn’t mean I have the right to let it out on you. Let’s just wrap this up,” Jughead withdrew. Betty nodded, letting out a ragged breath as she loosened her iron grip. He was right. She didn’t know how much pain he was in, especially after everything that happened to him. He had the right to be upset. Hell, he had the right to be angry, furious even. Betty knew she would be.
“You can swear, I’ll just have to censor it out. Sometimes kids read the paper, and I just don’t want them to learn new potty words from our paper, you know? Anyways, you can keep going when you want,” Betty disclosed, reasserting her pen and paper. Once she was situated, Jughead started for the last time.
“It’s unfair that the drive-in is being shut down without the consent of the town. There should be a vote of some kind, or something more democratic. I wasn’t even aware of the drive-in being sold until it was already bought, and by then, it had been too late. There are still people and families who enjoy spending time there and watching old school films that aren’t on TV anymore. If we lose this part of Riverdale, we lose a part of its charm, a part of its history. It would be a shame and a waste and I find it revolting that someone could tear it down without batting an eye at what’s at stake,” Jughead huffed out. He hadn’t realized he was leaning so far forward that he was practically out of his seat until he reeled himself out of his second rant, this one much more vehement. He seated himself rightfully again, leaning against the window and looking out of it until Betty finished writing.
When Betty was done, she glanced up to stare at Jughead, completely in awe. This was the last thing she had expected from him, and she was delightfully surprised. She found her heart beating rapidly against her chest, enthralled by his fierce drive and motivation - much similar to hers. Betty had the sudden desire to pull him close to her, comfort them both in a way that they both so desperately desired. Yet, she fought her immediate urges to get close to him, instead putting up her notebook and pen. When she finished, she called out to him to get his fragmented attention.
“I’m gonna go…” Betty trailed off, wanting to add so many things. Like, ‘when can I see you again?’ and ‘will you be okay?’ and ‘you’re attractive,’ but instead she went with “This article should be finished soon. I’m planning on finishing it either later tonight or tomorrow morning. Should I let you know when it’s done?”
Jughead shrugged coolly, then nodded. “Sure, why not. Maybe I’ll swing by, say, at 8:00 in the morning? Is that enough time?” He asked in a way that almost made it sound like a date. It was foolish and hopeless, especially considering the circumstances and the fact that it totally was not a date, but Betty’s feeble heart twirled around, doing a little dance. She grinned a little too much, beaming somewhat, and Jughead tried so hard not to give her his melting heart right on the spot - but, as it turned out, it was already hers anyways.
Betty stood up, gathering her things. She faltered, hesitating before the booth as unspoken words that needed to be said filled her head. She had so many things to tell him, so many things to ask him, but none would pass her lips. Jughead attempted to help her out, giving her a curious look.
“Is there something else?” Jughead asked.
“I just wanted to…uh…thank you for coming here. You didn’t have to, but you did anyways, and that was nice of you. So…thanks,” Betty blurted out, her words all rushed and stumbling over each other. It wasn’t exactly what she had in mind of saying, but at least it wasn’t something completely idiotic.
Jughead smiled, really smiled, and it was the first time Betty had ever seen that genuine expression light up his dark features. It was all teeth and bright eyes, lopsided just a bit to the point where he nearly resembled a puppy. It made her knees weak, her stomach lurch out of her abdomen, and her heart go ricocheting all over the place - throbbing like crazy. Betty’s breath hitched, and she prayed to everything good that it wasn’t audible. He shrugged again, like it wasn’t a big deal.
“Only for you, Bets. Trust me, I wouldn’t have come if it were anyone else. I know the drive-in’s in good hands with you,” Jughead vouched, his face and words both capsized by honesty. Betty wanted to throw her arms around him, and squeal with glee at the same time. She was so flustered, and the red blush burning her cheeks and neck spoke for itself. Those words meant the world to her, and for whatever reason, it meant even more coming from him. It felt so amazing to have his approval, yet she had been so unaware of it. Betty couldn’t hide the goofy, but slightly shy smile from spreading across her face heated.
“Thanks, Juggie. That means a lot,” Betty affirmed, unable to keep the giddy grin off her face. She wanted a way to show him just how much it meant to her. Betty fumbled around for a moment, just standing there as she tried to find a way to display her heartfelt emotions. On a whim, she leaned quickly leaned forward and pecked a chaste kiss on his cheek, just above one of his cute moles. She gave him a bright smile and dashed away before her action could register to either of them. When his brain started functioning again, the stupidest smile took ahold of Jughead’s face. Even as he walked out to his bike, it wouldn’t go away. She had kissed him, Betty had kissed him. His world was crashing down around him, but none of that mattered. Betty was there, and she was everything he could imagine and more. She was his light, and he was so ready to blindly follow it to the end of the world.
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