“Betty?” Jughead dropped his bag from his shoulder, a heavy thud of the books inside hitting the floor. “What are you doing here?”
Betty cooper was like an ethereal vision, the way the light of night from the window surrounded her like an aura. He had to clench his eyes closed for a moment to make sure this wasn’t another hallucination, that he wasn’t about to be saved again by his shroom induced fantasy of his first love.
She was still there, silent. Her short blonde hair was framed messily around her face, doe eyes wide in shock.
He can only assume she didn’t expect him to come home so early. He was exactly three hours ahead of when he’d usually get off. Tabitha had agreed to cover his shift so he could dedicate some time to writing. His own face was twisted in concern.
Betty wasn’t invited here. She broke in.
He watched as her fingers fumbled with the fabric of her beige trench coat, left foot sliding back, and it was only in this moment that the light from the window allowed him to see the pale cranberry coloured stains around her lips.
“Betts…” He could almost sense her fear as he tried to step closer. The way her shoulders tensed, her weight leaning back on her foot as if ready to run.
“Hey,” Stopping in his tracks, he held up his hands, keys dangling loosely between his fingers. “-Hey, it’s okay. What’s going on?” He let them fall to the hardwood floor, watching her eyes flicker down for just a moment, and took the opportunity to close his step.
“Jug. Don’t.” She cut her silence with a tense tone, eyes locked back on his. She didn’t look afraid anymore, brows furrowed as she shook her head, but he could hear it in her voice. He rose his hands higher as he watched her take another step closer towards the window behind her, her hand finally finding its way inside her pocket. Was it awful that he wasn’t even upset she was here? That he didn’t want her to go?
Her head dipped pointedly “Don’t make me explain. Just let me leave.” She pleaded quietly.
Was that lipstick she had wiped off her face? It’s been so long since he’s seen her in red. “If you’re trying to take something, take it.” He stood still, the corners of his mouth raising slightly in attempt to show her peace. “I trust you, Betty.”
Betty’s lips closed tightly, but she didn’t make a move. Jughead knew she was reading through all the possible scenarios in her mind, and -god- he hoped she landed on one that kept her there. “Then turn around.” She spoke, gaze dropping to his feet. When he hesitated, she met his eyes again. “Now, Jug.”
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