Pop Tate’s White Elephant gift exchange is assumed to be like any other, full of smiles twinkling bright like the lights on the Christmas tree, but things begin to deviate from the ordinary when Betty unwraps a unique gift. Her carefully selected package contains an ornate nutcracker and she is instantly taken by the figure’s charm. She holds the wooden man close her chest, already sure of his place in her home.
Betty tenderly places the soldier at her bedside to stand guard through the night. Curling up under her blankets, under his watchful care, she falls fast asleep—unbeknownst that her gift is far more than wood and paint. What she assumes to be a carved holiday figure is really a trapped prince, cursed by an evil witch to forever wear a mask of empty Christmas joy and frivolity, never again knowing the warmth of his own flesh.
Jughead Jones, the ill-fated Prince of the Southside, falls hard and fast for the beautiful blonde whose hands he had the fortune of falling into. As she confides in him her hopes and fears, the cruelties of her family, and dreams of a future she may never have, he feels his long-dormant heart, however intangible, throb in his hollow chest. He aches to escape his prison, walk amongst the living, and steal Betty away from the heartlessness of those around her. But how could he? He was but a prisoner of misfortune and circumstance, straddling the fine line between reality and dreams.
It’s only at the stroke of midnight that Jughead discovers he can slip into Betty’s dreamscape. Sweeping her into his arms, he confesses his own wishes for a life he had never believed he could have and the truth of his star-crossed tale. If only he can convince Betty that he is real and a future that they had both dared to wish for was within their grasp, then together, they can break the curse and set themselves free.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, @elizabethjonesiii! I had the good fortune of being your Bughead Secret Santa As you know, we share a love and appreciation of fantasy and fairy tales. I leapt at the chance to create a Bughead holiday fairy tale tailored just for you! You’re a bright spot in this little corner of the internet, Peyton, and I’m so happy you are in it. Thank you for always being supportive and kind. I appreciate you so much. Cheers to another year of joy and Bughead! XOXO
