Hostile Home (Jughead Jones)
Pairing: Jughead x reader, sad breakfast club x reader (platonic)
Description: Reader is being abused by her father and the gang wants to help (requested prompt)
Warnings: swearing, mentions of child abuse/domestic abuse, details of abuse, graphic descriptions of violence
Everyone in town knew my father hit me. It wasnât a secret, and if it was, it sure as hell wasnât a best-kept one.I constantly heard the whispers around me, the sympathetic gazes when I walked in to school or in to popâs with bruises on my arms and neck. I had eventually got tired of the staring and ended up covering my bruises with makeup. I didnât need their pity. I was fine. I could handle myself.
My friends tried to bring it up a lot. Betty always told me that if I ever need to get away and be somewhere else then her door is always open, same with Veronica. I accepted that offer every once in a while, when my dad came home so drunk that I would probably wake up with more than bruises the next morning, Iâd tell my mom where I was going and sneak out my window, locking my bedroom door so my dad would think I was asleep.
When I did end up over there, Archie would be walking in the door right behind me, cracking his knuckles and telling me the same thing he said every time, âJust give me the ok and Iâll go beat his assâ, and I always said the same thing, that it wasnât necessary and would just cause more trouble.
Jughead was probably the worst.He always wanted to knock the ever living shit out of my father. He could never just let it go. Every day when I met him at Popâs after school, we would sit in the booth all the way in the corner of the diner, and Jughead would ask me what happened the night before, and how bad it was. When he started working at the drive-in, he took a mason jar and started filling it with ârunaway fundsâ, telling me that when we were 18, we would get as far away from riverdale as possible, and I would never have to see my father ever again. Of course, I ended up convincing him to abandon that idea temporarily and buy himself a laptop.He needed to store all his creativity somewhere besides his notebooks for school.So, he bought the laptop, and then he became homeless, which then forced him to keep dipping in to the jar, and he hated it. He always felt guilty about it, but I never held him accountable for it.
Lately, my father had gotten worse. Before he had only used his hands, grabbed me hard enough to leave bruises, pushed me in to walls, that sort of thing. Now he had started using objects, and punching me in the stomach, and it was getting harder to pretend I was ok. Sometimes it was hard for me to get through the school days, but I sucked it up, and then I went home and sucked it up there as well. It was a constant cycle of sucking up my feelings, but even though it was a struggle, I did it. All my other friends had too much going on in their lives to worry about me or my family issues.
I walked in to school Thursday morning, the routine being the same as usual: Try not to limp, ignore the bruising in your chest, sit down slowly in class so you donât aggravate the bruise on your back, and when the gang asks you how you are, smile and say âgood, how about you guys?â I had it down to a T. I even had Archie and Kevin convinced, Betty not so much. Her and I livedd next door to each other, so sometimes she heard the shouting, and since She had to tell her girlfriend every single detail about everything that goes on in her life, that meant Veronica knew as well. Jughead, well, he can clearly see through all the bullshit that spewed out of my mouth, but he didnât bother me about it too much.
The morning went well, and then lunchtime rolled around at noon, which meant eating on the field with my gang, aka âThe Sad Breakfast Clubâ, as Cheryl liked to call us.I grabbed my lunch from the cafeteria and made my way outside to all my friends.I spotted them talking and laughing and I smiled. I was glad I had them, because they were my escape from the cruel, harsh environment that surrounded me. They made things better for me.
âHey y/n!â I sat down in between Jughead and Veronica, the raven haired girl wrapping an arm around my shoulders and gave me a side hug. I gave her a friendly peck on the cheek and greeted the rest of my friends.Everyone went back to chatting and talking, and I looked over at Jughead, typing away on his laptop.
âHey Juggie.â I knocked shoulders with him and his focus went from his writing to me. I scooted closer to him and leaned my head against his shoulder.
âHey.â Jughead leaned his head against mine, going back to typing on his laptop. I listened to my friends as they talked about what was happening currently in their lives and smiled.I was happy to know that good things were happening to them.I never talked about what was happening in my life, because it was never anything good. When lunch ended, I stood up, trying not to wince at the pain in my body, and grabbed my trash. I threw it out in the trash receptacle and began walking to my next class with Jughead.
âHow areâŠthings?â Jughead asked, treading lightly on the subject.
âThings are ok, my dad hasnât beenâŠbad, lately.â I lied through my teeth. It wasnât like I enjoyed lying to Jughead, I just didnât need him to worry about me. He always has so much on his mind and I didnât want to add my problems to that.
âYou sure?"Jughead raised his eyebrows, already knowing I was lying.
"Yes, Jughead, Iâm sure.â I gave him a warning look. Another body knocked in to my shoulder, causing me to cry out in pain. It wouldnât have hurt so bad if I didnât have a bruise the size of a baseball on my collarbone.The person apologized profusely and I told them it was fine. I finally found my locker in the crowded hallway, rubbing my tender shoulder.
âY/n, they hardly bumped in to you.â Jughead looked at me with concern. The first bell rang and I ignored my friend, messing with my combination until my lock clicked and I opened my locker, putting my stuff away.
âY/n, donât ignore me. Tell me whatâs going on with your dad, please, I can help you, Iâm here for you, just tell me-â
âLeave it alone, Jughead.It was nothingâ I grabbed my books for my next class.The hallways quickly emptied until it was just the two of us and a couple of other people. Jughead slammed my locker shut, backing me up until I was against them and grabbing the collar of my shirt. He pulled the sleeve down roughly, exposing the large bruise on my chest and collarbone, as well as a few others, some cuts, and bruise in the shape of fingerprints indented in the space between my shoulder and neck.
âThis doesnât look like nothing to me.â Jugheadâs jaw clenched, staring at me.
âJughead, I donât need saving, ok?Not now, and not ever.Iâm fine. I can deal with my father, just donât make things worse.â I pulled up my sleeve of my shoulder.
âY/n, you donât deserve this-â
âJughead, my mom has three kids!She can hardly support one child, let alone three! If anyone finds out, my dad gets arrested, and our income is gone!â I spat at Jughead in a soft tone so nobody could hear me.âI canât do that to my family, so I put up with what I have to, so he doesnât do it to my siblings or my mom, and so my family has food on our table and a place to live!â I turned away from Jughead, walking quickly to my next class.
âââââââââ
Jughead found me after school, apologizing and promising not to bring it up again.I accepted the apology and went to Popâs with him, the gang finding us later on. We stayed for a while, enjoying ourselves and having a nice time.Veronica invited us over to her house, and after we ate at Popâs, we went there, and we did our homework together.
âYou guys wanna watch a movie?â Veronica asked, after we had finished our study session. It went relatively quickly, considering we all had at least one class with each other, and being in the same grade meant we all had most of the same teachers. After we all agreed on a movie, I took my spot in a big comfy chair in the living room, a blanket wrapped around me. Betty and Veronica laid on the floor together, backs against the couch and curled in to each other.Archie and Kevin both took one end of the couch , legs stretched out in the middle.
Jughead passed by my chair and I grabbed his hand, tugging him back towards me. Things were still a little tense between him and I, but I didnât want to fight with my best friend. I just wanted him to hold me and be with him while I could, before I had to go home to a house of horrors. Jughead was the best thing I had in my life. He made me so happy, and he made me forget about what was going on in my life, even if it was just for a little bit, he meant the world to me, and I was so in love with hi-wait.
âYes?â Jughead looked down at me, a bowl of popcorn in one hand. I stood up and pointed at the chair, instructing him to sit down. When he did, I sat down in the chair as well, my legs thrown over his lap. Jughead rolled his eyes, a smile on his face as he tucked his arm behind my back and wrapped the blanket around us. He placed the bowl of popcorn in my lap and I laid my head on his shoulder.During the movie, Jughead would run his fingers lightly up and down my back, and my hands held on to his other,intertwining our fingers and tracing shapes in the inside of his palm. Jughead wasnât a super affectionate person, but as we had grown closer emotionally, we gravitated towards each other physically as well.
We ended up watching a couple of movies, ignoring the time. I texted my mom and told her I would be home a little late and where I was, so she didnât worry too much about me. I was happy to be here with my friend, and I wanted to enjoy myself as l could until I had to re-enter the personal hell that was my life.
Eventually, it was over, and I was snapping back to reality. We had school the next morning and I had to be home before 10, so Betty kissed her girlfriend goodbye and we all got in to Archieâs truck, Jughead and I hopping in to the trunk. I sat next to Jughead, our backs pressed against the back windows on the trunk, twiddling my thumbs. I tried to plan an escape route for when I got home, how quickly I could make it to my room without my dad noticing. I considered climbing the tree to the second story and going through my window, but I couldnât remember if I had locked it or not. I let out a defeated sigh, laying the side of my head against Jugheadâs arm.Jughead shifted so his arm was around me and pulled me against him.
âYou can always stay with Betty tonight.â Jughead suggested, knowing exactly what I was thinking about.
âHer mom is home, and itâs a school night.â I told him, curling in to his side as much as I could. I didnât want to leave. I wanted to stay right here in the back of this truck, with Jugheadâs arms wrapped around me, and my back pressed against his chest, I wanted this to last forever, but I knew it wouldnât. It never did. Archie parked in front of his house, the truck coming to a halt. I didnât move, and neither did Jug. Betty appeared around the side, a sad look on her face.
âI can always sneak you in my room.â Betty offered.
âNo, Bets, itâs fine. I donât want to get you in to trouble.â I declined politely, finally standing up and hopping out of the back. I gave her a quick hug, and Archie as well, before turning to Jug. He wrapped his arms around my waist tightly, holding me close to his chest.
âBe careful, please.â Jughead pleaded, his face buried in to the side of my neck.
â I always am.â I moved away from him, my hands cupping his face and my thumbs brushing across his cheekbones. Jughead sighed, nodding softly, and I turned away from him, looking at my house two doors down. It was a plain looking house, kind of a nice one. There was nothing wrong with it, but to me, it felt like there was a dark cloud looming over it, and I could almost see lightning striking down around it, and bats screeching as they flew away from it in terror. I put on my tough face, slinging my backpack over my shoulder and walking towards it bravely.
I quietly opened the door, turning the knob slowly and stepping inside. I already heard shouting coming from my parents, and I held my breath, closing the door quietly as well. I snuck through the hallway, making to to the stairs. I let out a sigh of relief, realizing I was in the clear. I began to make my way up the stairs when I tripped over one of my siblings toys, mentally cursing at myself for not being more careful, and realized I had become relieved too soon, because next thing I knew, the toy was blaring the tune to â twinkle twinkle little starâ loudly, and I sucked in a quick breath, starting to run up the stairs as fast as I could.
âGet your ass back down here!â I froze, turning around to see my father at the bottom of the steps. He looked angry, and almost as if he was drunk, but the alcohol had started to wear off.
âI- I have school in the morning-â
âDo you think I fucking care?â My dad slurred.â You have an obligation to be home before dark, and you long since passed your god damn curfew!â
âI-I told mom I was gonna b-be out late-â
â I donât give a damn what your mother says! Iâm the head of this household and you do as I fucking say!â I hung my head in shame, slowly making my way back down the steps towards my father, my heart racing and my stomach twisting achingly. When I reached my father, he grabbed the strap of my backpack, pulling me and slamming me in to the wall. I hissed at the pain in the back of my head.
âWhere were you?!â He screamed in my face, his face red with anger.
â I-I was at Veronica Lodgeâs house.â I spoke softly, avoiding eye contact.
âAre you fucking kidding me? You were at the Lodgeâs house??Let me guess, you were with that bastard that sleeps with the teachers?? And the punk asshole too, huh?? That no good son of a fucking Southside Serpent?? And I bet you let them in to your pants too, right? Is my daughter a fucking whore?â
âDonât talk about Jughead like that.â I defended my friend immediately, my eyebrows furrowing together angrily.
âIâll say whatever the fuck I want!â My dad brought his hand back, slapping me harshly. My head turned at the impact, my face constricting in pain. My dad brought his knee up in to my stomach, making me fall to the ground. I groaned and wrapped my arms around my stomach.
âThis is my house, and you listen to my rules!â My dad barked, kneeing me again in the face. I yelped in pain, holding my hands over my now bleeding nose. My mom came over, trying to push my father away from me, but failed, being slammed in to the opposite wall.
âDo you know what happens to people in this household that disobey my rules?â My dad shoved his boot in to my side, kicking me.âThey get punished.â
He unbuckled his belt, pulling it out through the loops, and wrapped the end around his hand. He swung the belt back and brought it forward, the buckle slamming against my face.The edge of the sharp and jagged metal left a cut on my face. My father hit me repeatedly with the belt, hitting my neck, shoulders, and sides as well. I cried out in pain at every hit, trying to shield myself from the leather belt. I ducked between his legs, beginning to crawl away immediately.
âIâm not done with you!â My father stood over me, slamming his boot down on to my knee. My bone cracked loudly and I screamed bloody murder, tears falling down my face. My father kept his foot there, digging it deeper as he took his belt and began hitting me with it again. My mother stood up, grabbing my fathers shoulders and trying to pull him off of me as best as she could. My father jammed his elbow backwards, sending her flying to the ground. He turned his attention to her, and as he was caught up in that, I crawled towards my backpack. I unzipped it quickly, grabbing my phone and unlocking it. I hurriedly texted Kevin six words. âYour dad my house right nowâ I shoved the phone back in my bag and zipped it up, turning my attention back to my dad, who was now hitting my mother.
I pulled myself up and limped towards him, using all of my strength and pushing him towards the ground. He stumbled and fell, turning and letting out an angry growl before standing up and pushing me in to the wall. He shoved his foot in to my knee again, sending me crumbling to the ground, and began kicking me repeatedly, shouting curse words at me and calling me horrible things.
After what felt like an eternity, someone started pounding at the front door, and then it was kicked in. At the door, almost as if they were my mother and Iâs saviors, were Mr. Andrews and Mr. Cooper. They came running in, pushing my father away from me quickly and twisting his arms behind his back.
âArchie!Now!â Archie was right behind the two men, holding a rope of some sort, and tying my fatherâs hands behind his back.
âThat should hold you until Sheriff Keller gets here.â Mr. Andrews spoke, glaring down at my father with a look of disgust. Mr. Cooper stood in front of him, his arms crossed over his chest, and his jaw clenched in anger. Mr. Andrews turned his attention to me as Mr. Cooper kept an eye on my dad.His jaw dropped in shock at my poor state, and he turned to my mother.
âGo get the little ones from upstairs, Iâll bring y/n outside and let the sheriff know to bring an ambulance with him.â Mr. Andrews kneeled down in front of me, turning his focus on me.
âOk, here we go darlinâ.â Mr. Andrews tucked his arms under my knees and my back, lifting me off the ground with a small grunt. He carried me outside of the house and on to my porch, where Sheriff Kellerâs car was now pulling in front of.Betty and Jughead were running out of The Coopers and in my direction, and Hermione Lodgeâs car was pulling up a moment later, Veronica hopping out of the car before it was even parked.Betty was screaming my name, and Kevin was pushing the passenger side of the cop car opened, leaving it ajar as he followed my friends to Mr. Andrews and I.
Mr. Andrews set me down on the bench of my porch, and Betty was sliding in next to me, her hand grabbing mine. A blanket was wrapped around me and Sheriff Keller was grabbing a footstool, propping my injured knee up.Somebody slid in next to me and I could tell it was Jughead, because his fingers were running through my hair and I could feel his gray beanie against the side of my face as his lips pressed in to my temple. Archie came stepping out of my house, my infant sister on his hip and my little brotherâs hand in his. Veronica took over, grabbing the baby from him, and Kevin took my brother in his lap. The both of them were too little to understand what was happening, which I was grateful for, as they gazed upon the sight, oblivious to the situation. Veronica held the baby in her arms, rocking her gently, and Kevin played peek-a-boo with my brother to distract him.
âIâm going to fucking kill him.â Jughead stood up, fists clenched. Archie blocked his way to the front door, his hands on Jugheadâs shoulders.
âKevinâs dad is taking care of it, Jug.â
âMy ass! I donât fucking care! I want his head on a fucking silver plate!â Jughead shouted. I winced at Jugheadâs loud voice, and Archie nodded towards me, his eyebrows raised as he looked at Jughead expectantly.
âThereâs nothing we can do about him, but what we can do right now is be there for our friend.â Archie lectured Jughead, and the raven- haired boy sat back down next to me, his face softening and his arms wrapping around me and pulling me in to his chest.
â I donât care what you say , Iâm never leaving your side ever again. God, I shouldâve protected you.â Jughead buried his face in to the top of my head, and I looked up to see he was crying.
âThis should have never happened to you, I shouldâve been here, I should have been hereâŠâ Jughead trailed off, his hands cupping my face gently. I ignored the pain and bruising on my cheeks, Jughead hands feeling warm and soft on my skin. My hands went over his, fingers wrapping around his palms.
âIâm never leaving you ever again, never,â Jughead pressed a kiss to my forehead.
âEver,â a kiss to my cheek.
âEver,â and a kiss to my other cheek.
I looked at Jughead, seeing something in his eyes that was almost unreadable, but I caught on. His head tilted slightly, and so did mine, and then I was leaning up and kissing him, wrapping my around around his neck.
The kiss was a bit messy, but it said everything we had been trying to say to each other for the longest time, but never found the right words. Jugheadâs lips were soft, and his hands pulled me closer to his body, and I felt safe, and loved, and protected, things I hadnât felt in a while. Jughead bit down on my bottom lip gently, letting it go between his teeth before he pulled away from me. I was sure as hell my cheeks were redder than red, but I didnât care, because the look on his face was so beautiful it made me want to kiss him again.
I buried myself in to Jugheadâs chest, looking over at my little siblings still in the hands of Kevin and Veronica. My mom was on the porch steps, talking to Sheriff Keller while Archie and his dad had their hands on her back, standing beside her for moral support. Betty stared at Jughead and I, her eyebrows raised and her jaw slacked. I let out a nervous laugh, my cheeks becoming flush. Jughead rested his chin on the top of my head, a smug look on his face.
After everything that happened, an ambulance arrived to escort me to the hospital. My mom and Jughead (after loads of persistence) rode in the back with me, and all my friends skipped school the next day to stay by my side. Jughead stayed every night at the hospital, sleeping by my side in the uncomfortable visitors chairs, until I would wake him up and make him get in the bed next to me.
When I went back to school on Tuesday, people I hardly knew were coming to me, giving me get well soon cards, and offering their number if I ever needed someone to talk to. Some of the kids even put it upon themselves to start collecting donations to help with my hospital funds and Mrs. Lodge practically lived at my house nowadays, helping my mom with the kids while I was at school, and Mrs. Cooper was always bringing us casseroles and lasagnas, since my mom was busy trying to find a job. She picked up the waitressing gig Mrs. Lodge had dropped when she went to go work for Fred, and she started taking morning shifts, and Popâs would let my little siblings sit in a booth and draw, and bring them milkshakes.
As for Jughead and I, we started putting a different label on our relationship. I now called him my significant other instead, and he called me his sweetheart, and started another job and was saving up for me again, but the jar had a new name now, and a new meaning.He was now saving up for our first house together after we graduated, and he renamed the jar âfor herâ.
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