08. i slip on some ice and you’re the stranger who catches me
“I don’t know about this.” Betty eyed the ice warily, and received an eye roll from her older sister in response. This was her first time back at the rink since a traumatic incident when she was twelve, and Betty could still feel the sting of her tailbone as it smacked against the hard ground as she fell. Her fingers hesitantly laced up the skates that she had rented from the counter a few feet away but she made no move to get up off the bench and join the merry skaters circling around. She really wanted to be spirited and live out her dreams of being Tessa Virtue but she also didn’t want to spend her Christmas break sore with her pride injured as well. Watching Polly as she grabbed Jason’s hand and left Betty to her stewings, Betty let out a soft sigh. She missed the days before Polly discovered boys and realized they were more interesting than her younger sister. Back then, Polly would’ve given her the ultimate pep talk and bribed her with a hot chocolate from Pop’s if she just gathered some courage.
Instead, Betty had to chew her bottom lip for a few minutes as she watched little Tony Turner wave at her cheerfully as his mother helped him onto the ice. Was she going to let children she babysat have more fun than her? Was she going to be Riverdale’s scaredy-cat? No. She was going to give herself her own pep talk, damn it, and she was going to definitely hold onto the rails for the majority of the time as she skated around.
Baby steps.
One foot in front of the other, Betty felt like a baby giraffe learning to walk as she slid her skate onto the ice and immediately gripped the railing. “Pol!” She called out, desperate to get some validation for her bravery even if she was still stung that Polly had ditched her. For her credit, the older blonde gave Betty a thumbs up and a genuine smile. Her and Jason were getting closer and closer to Betty and Betty let go of the railing to see if she could stand and slap Polly’s hand as she skated by..
Only to see a vicious smirk spread across Cheryl Blossom’s face as she skated behind her twin brother and spread her arm out. “Let me give you a hand, Bettykins!” She crowed sweetly but the gesture was anything but as the push forward careened Betty towards the center of the ice and straight onto memory lane. Betty tried to catch herself but instead of her palms skidding against the frozen ground, a strong pair of arms wrapped themselves around her waist. She blinked. Her eyes were staring straight at the ice and instead of being a tangled mess on it, she was being supported by someone wearing what had to be the softest dark green sweater she had ever felt and a heartbeat pumping steadily against her chest.
“Oh,” she squeaked, only flailing a little as the stranger helped to right her. Her cheeks flushed pink. The stranger, who she now recognized as Jughead Jones, smiled at her as a smaller girl skidded to a stop behind him. His little sister, Jellybean.
Naturally, she was skating circles around them both.
“You alright?” Jughead asked her, making sure Betty was steady before pushing a dark curl away from his forehead and his mouth twisting into a sympathetic grimace. “I saw Cheryl push you. I didn’t want to give her the satisfaction of humiliating you and I didn’t want you to get hurt, I’m glad I got here in time.” Betty was still gaping, unable to think of words like thank you and I’m okay! She knew Jughead from school. He was a recent transfer from Southside High and mostly kept to himself, but Archie said he was cool and he always give her a friendly smile as they passed each other in the hall. Betty had even been considering asking him to join the Blue and Gold with her, knowing he had worked on his own newspaper staff at Southside.
Betty, who had been silent all this time, was clearly concerning Jughead. “Um, Betty? Are you-”
“I’m fine!” She interrupted him, her voice a little too high and she cleared her throat. She could see a smirk spread across his lips but it wasn’t cruel like Cheryl’s, merely amused that Betty Cooper was so flustered in front of him. “I - Thank you. I’m not sure my pysche could’ve handled another wipeout in front of the public.” Just the thought burned Betty with embarrassment, especially knowing now that she would’ve made a fool of herself in front of him. Jughead Jones, the cute boy from English class who made thoughtful insights and ate lunch with Ethel Muggs, ignoring the jeers from the popular crowd.
“Oh yeah?” Jughead asked, his smirk growing into a genuine smile. “Do I get to hear about the first time? Maybe..over some hot chocolate?” It was his turn to look a little nervous and Betty glanced over at Polly, who seemed content to see Betty safe and sound and Cheryl, who was clearly disappointed her plan hadn’t been set into motion. She thought of how she had wanted to split a beverage with them and then glanced back at Jughead, who was waiting for her answer with his fingers tapping against the side of his pants.
Betty smiled. She had a feeling she’d like her new hot chocolate partner. “I’d love that.”
who’s the one to wake up the kids: Probably C because L isn’t an early riser and C has to wake her up as well.
who makes the breakfast: Definitely C, unless it’s something simple like cereal, toast, or bacon and eggs.
who’s the one to cry for everything: L. She gets emotional over everything. Every milestone or big event, she’s the one wiping tears and getting teased for it.
who’s the more discipline parent and who’s the more lenient one: L is probably more strict on Charlie because she’s not quite as wrapped around her finger as C is.
who helps with the science fair: C because he’ll always be the brainiac of the family and probably actually enjoy doing it.
who does baby talk: Both of them, but L more. It just slips out, she can’t help it.
who wakes up for midnight feedings: Both of them. C is really good at helping L out and since he doesn’t sleep that much, he hears Charlie cry before L does.
who’s the one who always worries: C is much more of a worry wart than L.
who picks up the kids early from school for some fun: Probably C but L will do it once in a blue moon.
who’s the competitive parent: Definitely L. She’s a middle child, and she’s a Virgo. She wants to be the best.
who kisses the ouches: Both of them, there’s not even a competition. A kiss from Mom + Dad always helps the pain.
who’s the sucker for the puppy eyes: C, for sure. Especially because Charlie has L’s facial expressions down pat.
who makes the “dad jokes”: C. He’s full of them and makes everyone groan around him but they love it.
who embarrassed their kid for fun: C more than L, because he just gets a kick out of it.
who’s the over protective one: C. L is protective, but she has to remind C every now and again to take a breather and let Charlie live.
who’s the “take a sweater!” parent: L because she’s always cold so naturally, Charlie is always cold.
Jack O'Lantern: For a drabble of our muses carving Jack O'Lanterns
Was it really Halloween if Emma didn’t teasingly tell Grayson, “I’m going to make our jack o’lantern have your face so it can be scary.”?
Though, she hadn’t expected him to actually smush pumpkin seeds onto her face in response. Sputtering, Emma laughed and wiped away the gooey muck. They were seated outside with two huge pumpkins in front of them and both had a carving knife and Emma had stencils for what she wanted her pumpkin to look like. Charlie was busy bopping away in her bouncer and Emma debated on doing a little cute-sy one for her. It didn’t take more than five seconds for her to decide. “We have to go back and get a baby pumpkin for Charlie!” She decided. “She deserves one too.” They could carve some shoes on it, Charlie’s latest obsession, or even just her name but they were going to be a little family of three.
Grayson gave a good natured roll of his eyes but Emma knew he was down to do whatever she suggested. The man was whipped, as fondly as he could admit it, and would do anything for his two best girls. Satisfied, Emma smiled to herself and began to carve out a devil face. It was the same design that she had drawn on hers and Grayson’s face for their first Halloween together and it brought back fond memories. To go from him playfully resisting her putting costume makeup on his face to eagerly discussing family costumes..what a whirlwind their romance had been and what an adventure. She couldn’t ask for anything better.
Emma carved out two large eyes, two holes for the nose, and her most artistic contribution was a line of stitches that covered the mouth. It didn’t take her long to finish and Emma showed Charlie her pumpkin, laughing as the almost one year old squealed in delight. Good. Their daughter took after her mama in her love for all the spooks and scaries. Emma held up her pumpkin and grinned at Grayson, wriggling her brows. “Happy Halloween, honey. Don’t cross Mama this spoopy season or this pumpkin’ll getcha!”
All of them for the text meme. For any ship of ours. Sorry you had to copy them over. ily.
The first 7 are our AU and the last 7 are our Charlie!
Send “✆” for a MORNING text.
[text] Good morning..The morning sickness is back. Is it normal for it go away and come back? Either way, I’m just chilling in my bathroom and watching Netflix on my phone in between vomit sessions. Can you bring me that tea that helped the last time? I have zero energy to get up and find it. Thank you.
Send “✉” for a text that WASN’T SENT.
[text] Can you just..love me again?
[text] I know you love me but can’t we just be in love again? I’m so homesick for you and my heart hurts every time I watch you leave. Please stay.
Send “☎” for a RUSHED text.
[text] Fuck, I slept in. I’ve been so exhausted lately. Cover for me at work until I get there? I’ll be there soon!
Send “⁇” for a DRUNK text.
[text] this is my first night out since roooo whoooo
[text] whatchu up to baby daddyyyyy
[text] i drank some cocktails!!11
[text] i miss you bye
Send “✿” for a SUGGESTIVE text.
[text] Um, so, this is going to sound weird but..
[text] My hormones are a little crazy and I was just wondering if we could like..make out for a few hours?
[text] I’m sorry, that’s so weird but I feel like I need somebody to touch me and obviously you’re the only one I trust.
[text] Never mind, I’ll just take care of myself. Sorry again.
Send “ø” for a LATE NIGHT text
[text] Hey, you up?
[text] Wanna get me some Ben and Jerry’s? I know it’s 2 AM but if I don’t get some peanut butter and caramel in my mouth, I’m going to scream.
Send “✘” for a HATEFUL text.
[text] Fuck you for still being so handsome and charming and good to me. You’re the worst.
[text] Seriously. How do you expect me to fall out of love with you when you’re this way?
[text] And NO, this is not a mood swing. Fuck you for that text coming too.
Send “#” for a RANDOM text.
[text] 4fkdgh
[text] Sorry, Charlie grabbed my phone. Apparently, the aliens are teaching her to communicate.
[text] We miss you, Daddy! Come home soon or we’ll hold your snacks for ransom.
Send “@” for a SCARED text.
[text] Charlie asked Santa for a baby sister. What if I can’t give her that? How do I explain that to a two year old?
[text] I wish you were here to tell me what to do. I hate that you’re so far away.
[text] I don’t know how to tell her that Mommy doesn’t know if she can take that pain again because I don’t want her to think she wasn’t wanted or a burden.
Send “&” for a LOVING text.
[text] Just a random little message to remind you how loved you are, how talented you are, how brilliant you are, and how wanted you are. Never forget that and have a wonderful day, honey.
Send “%” for a CURIOUS text.
[text] So this date night you keep mentioning..do I at least get a hint of a location? Wardrobe? Time of day? You’re killing me, and you know I’m impatient. Tell me!! Or I’m withholding Charlie snuggles from you.
Send “ツ” for an EXCITED text.
[text] I JUST BOOKED THE TICKETS FOR DISNEY AND BOUGHT YOU YOUR DISNEY EARS, YOU’RE GONNA LOVE THEM AND YOU HAVE TO WEAR THEM OKAY BYEEE.
Send “$” for an ACCIDENTAL text.
[text] I may have accidentally sent a half nude to one of our mutual friends.
[text] It’s fine. Everything’s fine. Though I now feel like a sister wife.
[text] He did tell me to tell you you’re a lucky man, though. In the least perverted, creepy way possible.
[text] Quick, how did I ctrl+alt+delete my dumb ass self.
Send “♀” for a HEARTBREAKING text.
[text] I really just don’t want to go home to you tonight.
[text] I can’t talk to you when you won’t talk to me.
[text] So do me a favor and spend the night somewhere else. We can try again in the morning.
“ well, hello sleeping beauty. you fell asleep on me .” // “you’re doing great, okay?? i mean it.”
“ well, hello sleeping beauty. you fell asleep on me .”
“Hmm?” As she came to, Emma vaguely registered how dry her mouth felt and that she had to sneeze. Being high up in the air always did a number on her sinuses, and her instincts were to burrow back further into the warmth of Grayson’s shoulder to fall back into the deep sleep she had been in. She licked her lips and met Grayson’s amused blue eyes staring back at her, finally letting the embarrassment seep in. Oh. Oh dear. “I’m sorry,” she murmured, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand and being relieved that she wasn’t drooling or anything else equally humiliating. She hadn’t meant to use him as her own personal pillow but the Xanax she took had knocked her right out. Emma was always a little nervous on flights and the white pills calmed her down enough so that she didn’t spend the entire ride clutching the arm rest.
Grayson didn’t seem upset though, and Emma gave him a small smile back. She was glad she had gotten him as her plane buddy - actually, she had sort of..raced to change her flight to make sure they matched seats. She hoped Grayson didn’t know that. She hoped that if he did know that, he didn’t mention it to her in order to let her keep pretending her massive crush on him was a secret to the entire cast. Straightening up in her seat, Emma pulled out her phone to see that it was only two hours past the last time she had checked and they still had about two more to go. Great. Letting out a soft sigh, Emma wasn’t sure what she should do. Reading on the plane was likely to give her a headache and she’d feel awkward sitting in silence next to Grayson if she tried to load a film on her phone.
A white earbud was handed to her and Emma glanced over to see Grayson holding up his own phone, a Spotify playlist on pause. “Want to listen?” He asked. “Don’t tell anybody, but I’ve got a secret account. You’ll be the first to see past my moody exterior.” He gave her that wink that fangirls kept tweeting in all caps about on stan accounts and as weak as them, Emma melted right on the spot but she managed to keep a casual face. “Sure,” she agreed and nestled the headphone into her ear as he pressed play. Their shoulders touched and as Grayson didn’t move away, Emma relaxed into him and closed her eyes with a small smile. Being one of the few to know the mysterious Grayson was a privilege indeed, one she intended to treasure.
“you’re doing great, okay?? i mean it.”
“Mm, shut up,” Emma groaned out as she tilted her head backwards. “Why did I ever let you stick your penis in me again? Why did I agree to this horrible idea? I’ve been through this once, why didn’t I remember the God awful pa-aaaargh,” Emma’s shouts at Grayson were drowned out by the strangled yell she emitted when another contraction hit. She barely remembered Charlotte’s birth but it couldn’t have been as awful as this one, could it have? If it was, why would she have subjected herself to the idea of labor again? Ellie’s pregnancy wasn’t as awful as Charlie’s had been - in fact, the morning sickness had been kept to only a few months and no hospital visits were required apart from check-ups and that one time when her blood pressure went over. It had been like the pregnancy with Charlie was some weird fever dream, some nightmare that had popped up and then slowly faded away to both parents relief.
“We are definitely done having children,” Emma swore as soon as she was able to breathe again. “No more. This is what you get. You’re overpowered by women and you are going to like it.” She ended her last words in a hiss and her fingers clutched at the bones in his hand so tightly that she could see his skin turning red and his mouth twisting into a grimace. She didn’t care. Emma loved her husband with every fiber of her being but there was a sick, vindictive pleasure she got out of hurting him while she pushed their child out into the world.
(Later, she’d be the one to press the ice pack against his bruised knuckles and cry big, fat tears of hormonal guilt that she had done so.)
