Author's Note: So a new year and a new fandom! The list just keeps growing. I had this idea of how I'd handle the events going on in the show right now and I ran with it but with a twist.
Disclaimer: I don't own Riverdale!
Warnings: Male character identifies as something more middle ground than male, but is male. Female character identifies as male but is female. Character death, Slash, swearing. Gender Dysphoria.
Genre: Mystery/Horror/Thriller/Romance
Pairings: Archie/Jughead Jones, others TBD
Summary: High School as a teenager is hard enough as it is. But what happens when your keeping a secret from your friends and your family? What happens when the popular Golden Boy is murdered? What happens when you, anatomically a guy fall in love with your male best friend? What happens when the secret you've fought so hard to keep is fighting even harder to come out into the light? Oh and this is all happening during a murder investigation? The Answer is: It's Complicated. Serious AU take on Season One.
Little Games, Bigger Secrets
Hush Boy, Hush Boy
Don't say a word
Throw on a jersey and no one gets hurt.
Hush Girl, Oh hush girl
Just bat your eyes
Play our little game,
Play our little game.
-Little Game, Benny
Chapter One- Discovery At Sweetwater River
The morning of July Fourth began just as any other. Archie Andrews got out of bed at five-forty-five, avoiding his father and stretched his arms wide. His bare chest feeling the morning crisp air as his bare feet greeted the cold wood floor of his bedroom. His long red hair that reached the small of his back was meticulously and carefully rolled upwards and hidden away for the day under a red wig, much shorter in length. The hair his friends, team mates, and his father was accustomed to. He padded over to his closet and opened it before a grimace twisted his face.
He hated this. Hated the way things were. How he was. What he had to do every single day even though it made his skin crawl. He had to hide who he was inside with who he was outside. He didn't know how he'd dress or how he'd present himself to the world if he could do it the way he wanted, he was never given the chance to find out. Because he was born like this. He was born a guy. It felt...wrong. It didn't feel like it was who Archie was supposed to be yet here HE was. He wanted something middle ground, something between male and female but not either. So with hesitation he showed every morning he pulled out gym shorts and a muscle shirt and slid them on before he went for his morning run.
It was the one thing he knew he'd never change even if he had been born right. The way he would have wanted. He loved running. It helped him clear his head. He felt the company at his side before he saw it. The breathing in and out of another person next to him. He didn't even need to look to know who it was jogging at his side. They had a long running joke about how they wanted what the other had even though he wasn't quite sure what he wanted in terms of gender. Maybe something that was a little both but neither? Outside of the roles and rules of binding gender? Ever since they realized they weren't how they wanted to be, weren't who they wanted to be. Betty. Betty hated being a girl almost as much as Artie hated being just a guy. She'd much rather have the hard and muscled physique, the body hair, the clothes, everything that came with it. Instead she was force although not so much anymore into dresses and skirts. Now a days she wore pants and T-Shirts. Sneakers instead of heels.
It drove her mother up a wall. She'd even gone so far as to chop her hair away and style it in a typical spiked style that she'd seen in a male magazine. However that hadn't lasted long. Every time she cut it she was forced into the blonde wig that now sat on her head. It was styled like his own. Always in a high pony tail. He didn't understand her in that regard. He hid his differences from other guys away from the world fearing of being looked at as a freak, where as Betty wanted to put a spot light on hers. She wanted everyone to know that this wasn't who she was. Fortunately in Archie's opinion her mother derailed every attempt to do such a thing.
"You've got to stop chopping off all your hair Betts. What if someone so you like that? In a town this small.." Archie started as they jogged.
"Oh and I suppose you'd have me keep everything to myself like you dude? That's not how I am, not how I want to be. I won't just conform to the norm Archie. I can't." Betty replied.
"I'm not saying conform to the norm I'm saying find a way to deal with the reality. The other options out there for people like us...they're great. But we live in Riverdale Betty. We'd lose our friends. Our families if we ever tried anything like those fancy surgeries. This is who we are. We need to find a way to live with it. Be a Tomboy lesbian if it helps, I don't know but don't do something that will get you hurt, in any way." Archie said.
"Oh and what are you going to do? Play football and hate yourself? You hate everything associated with sports apart from cheer leading and I doubt Cheryl is going to let you join the River Vixens in drag." Betty quipped.
"Not in drag Betts. I'd never do that, but she might be willing to take on male members. Maybe they need a guy to lift all those girls into the air or something? I could do that, I could believably grow out my hair. Make small changes to my wardrobe and distance myself from being a dumb, masculine jock. Be masculine but less you know? Change things enough to where I'm more comfortable." Archie replied.
"But you'll never be fully comfortable like this will you Archie? Because I know for sure I won't." She spat.
"No...I won't. But I'll feel better less of a freak and more myself. That's all we can do. Besides we still have our weekend date. Coastview? I'll let down my hair and you can dress masculine and take off that wig and those false eyelashes? We can be one hundred percent us two nights a week. Just try making things bearable please? Find something that makes things better or someone." Archie said blushing a little.
"I'll pretend that wasn't a blush and just heat from our jog Andrews. But...have you talked to him yet? I mean..you've been best friends as long as we have almost and he doesn't know the real you. I'm worried for you Archie." Betty said seriously.
"I'll find the right time, the right way. We're leaving for a road trip today so I'll...I'll tell him on the trip. I'll tell him." Archie said as they approached Sweetwater River.
It was about six or seven in the morning and they were positioned on the trail near the lake's shore. That's when Archie and Betty heard the infamous gun shot that echoed through the trees. It gave them pause but they instead continued on the trail intent on finishing their jog. However what they got instead was a surprise in the form of Cheryl Blossom whom had been on a boat ride that morning with her twin brother Jason. She was soaking wet and shivering in the crisp morning air.
"Cheryl...what's wrong?" Archie asked. Seeing the girl was visibly upset.
"It's Jason...he...Jason fell in...I...I think he drowned. My glove fell in and he reached out for it...The boat it tipped...I came up here but he...I think he's dead."
Riverdale
September Fifth and the first day of school was coming quicker than most wanted. They dragged the river but there was no sign of Jason and two months after everything the family lost hope. There was a funeral with an empty casket, a memorial at the football field. He was memorialized in the High School. For Betty and Archie things didn't change too much those two months. Their morning runs stayed as they were, they kept their own secrets and each others, Jughead and Archie grew distant after he had understandably missed their road trip. This would be the first day he'd seen Jughead since summer and could explain himself.
The mysterious Veronica Lodge appeared the night prior to the first day, walked right into Pops. Archie and Betty had been sitting in a booth talking to each other about the next day. What he was going to say to Jug about why he bailed and if he'd tell him about his secret or wait.
"I'm not going to tell him in the middle of the school hall. Or was it your plan to have me out myself to the entire school and not just Jug?" Archie asked with a raised brow.
"I just meant tell him tomorrow. Explain everything. Not in the middle of the hall obviously, but pull hill aside and tell him. He needs to know. You need to get it off your chest and know if he accepts you. Not knowing is driving you nuts." Betty deadpanned.
"I wouldn't say it's driving me nuts...Wait who in the hell is that?" Archie started as he was on the side facing the door.
Turning to look at the entrance of Pops diner Betty scoffed as what she supposed was supposed to look like a mysterious girl waltzed into the place wearing a billowing hooded cloak. Worst of all as she past and gave her order to Pop she seemed to linger on Archie whom squirmed uncomfortably in his seat. She approached their table as she waited and engaged them.
"So...Hey there. I don't suppose either of you can ease my fears about Riverdale High? I've heard it's well...boring." She said addressing both of them but only looking at Archie.
"Actually...You are Veronica Lodge right? I'm supposed to give you your tour tomorrow so if you have any questions I'll be more than happy to answer them...tomorrow. During the tour." Betty said in a way that made it clear the new girl had interrupted them.
"Oh...I'm sorry did I interrupt a date? I seriously apologize. Classic rich girl whom thinks everyone should include her in everything the minuet she walks in...I'm trying to work on that. New town and all that." She said looking apologetic enough.
"I'll excuse it this time, I'm Betty and this is Archie. I'm not normally like that but we really are in the middle of private and important business. It's of a personal nature. So if you wouldn't mind waiting for your order by the counter? I apologize if I'm coming off rude and I promise to get off on a better foot tomorrow." She offered.
"Oh of course. I'm actually not used to someone being direct with me. People usually don't speak frankly with me. It's refreshing. I think I'm going to like you Betty. It was nice to meet you both and I apologize again for the rude interruption. Looking forward to that fresh start tomorrow." She said with a smile before she returned to the counter to leave them to their business.
"She seemed nice enough...A little nosy but...nice." Archie offered as the girl sat at the counter.
"Yeah, I just don't trust strangers whom are new in town. Or that remind me slightly of Cheryl Blossom. Speaking of Cheryl did you see the way Veronica was eyeing you like meat?" Betty asked.
"It was kind of hard to miss. I haven't been that uncomfortable since Miss Grundy tried to pick me up like a prostitute this summer." Archie agreed.
"I'd still like more information on that, did Grundy seriously just stop her car, lick her lips, and practically ask into your pants?" Betty asked him sipping her soda.
"It didn't go down quite like that...There was lip licking yes... But she was driving by when she uh... she saw me raise my shirt up to wipe sweat off my forehead. She saw my abs I guess. She stopped and asked if I wanted a ride. I could tell it wasn't JUST a ride if you know what I mean so I said I was fine and walked on. I think she followed me a bit to watch me walk. But she went on her way soon enough." Archie explained.
"Arch...You need to tell someone about that. She might proposition another student!" Betty replied.
"I need her! She may be a couger but she's a good music teacher, music is one of the only things keeping me sane like this you know that Betts. If she propositions me again I'll threaten to report her, if I see her proposition someone else or hear of it I'll report it. Until one of those things happen the topic is closed okay?" He said his tone making it clear he wouldn't budge.
"Alright. I don't like it but I understand." Betty replied looking down at her plate.
"Good, I don't like raising my voice to you Betts, but geesh. I just want to try and have a normal year. Play stupid football, keep my head down, hopefully tell Jug how I feel and be happy, and write music." Archie said.
"I hope it works for you Archie but be realistic. Jason's death is going to have waves on this town. Regardless of what actually happened that morning there are going to be questions, how long can you hide the real you." She asked taking his hands in hers and looking him deep in the eyes.
"I'm really not that bad Betts. So I don't really love being a dude. I don't want to rush out and become a girl either. I'm not as clear cut as you. It's more complicated and the fact that I'm into guys either way makes it harder. I don't identify with male but I don't identify with female either, I don't want to wear dresses or skirts. I'd like to just dress in black, wear eyeliner, and paint my nails black all the while being left along to be whatever I want. Be a little of both I guess?" Archie questioned unsure.
"Archiekins you just want to live free of the gender roles and rules that we are forced to live by and be something different. I don't think of you as a man or a woman. I don't see a gender. Your a Archie. Neither I suppose in some ways, but a little of both in others...your complicated and I love ya that way." Betty said squeezing his hands.
"Thanks Betts...It means a lot but what do I tell him. How do I tell Jug not just about who I really am but that I like him, like more than a friend?" Archie asked torn. He was afraid of rejection from Jughead and was debating never speaking up.
"Just pull him aside and tell him to let you speak and to not say anything until you done. Explain how you feel about yourself and then about him and see what he says dude. It'll be alright. Either way don't you wanna know if he supports and cares for you?" She asked.
"I'm actually kind of afraid of the answer. What if he doesn't approve of me being like this, or worse, what if he does but doesn't like me back? I won't get over the humiliation Betty I won't. Our friendship will suffer anyway." He responds.
"Arch...Let's go home and get some sleep you over react a little when your tired." Betty replied paying the bill on the table and standing up.
Archie followed her out of the diner and after some debate they decided she would stay at the Andrews house that night. They got into the house and up to Archie's room before drawing the blinds. Betty changed into a pair of sweats from Archie's closet as he kept his back to her despite her saying it didn't matter if he looked or not. Instead he took his hair down and let it fall to the small of his back. He ran his fingers through it and began untangling the long strands only for his hands to be knocked away and replaced by Betty's.
"I hate that you do that you know, your hair is undoubtedly your best feature and you hide it under that wig of yours. What would keeping your hair down really change?" She asked having already rid herself of her wig as well leaving her spiked hair.
"It would lead to questions. About why I don't cut it, about why I hid it from everyone under a wig. People would talk. Teenagers are vicious Betts. I can't risk that, the scandal in a town this small. They'd say horrible things. It's easier to hide it." He said.
He shrugged her off gently and went to the side of the bed he always took when she stayed over. Crawling under the covers he waited until she had followed suit and was comfortable before turning to face her.
"Your like family to me Betts. I don't know where I'd be without you." He whispered through the darkness.
"I know Arch. Let's just get some sleep before tomorrow. I love you little brother." She replied.
Then they both drifted off to sleep to Archie's mutterings about only being slightly younger.
Riverdale
The following morning when he woke and had dawned his wig again he was confronted by his father. His rather laid back father if he was honest.
"Archibald I know there is nothing between you and Betty Cooper, you've practically grown up together. But when she is staying over please give me a heads up so I know that I'll be woken up by her crazy mother calling and demanding to know if she's here would you bud?" He asked.
"Yeah sorry dad... We decided it spur of the moment after Pops last night and you were already in bed. I'll plan things out better in the future, make sure you have some kind of warning." Archie replied.
"Thanks bud that's all I asked. Now don't forget, Jughead is coming over this morning. He said he wanted to walk to school and catch up? Said you guys didn't talk much this summer? What's that about? I thought you were going on that road trip..." His dad said before he remembered the date that was supposed to happen.
"Well it kind of fell through after finding Cheryl...Jug doesn't know about it being me and Betty...But thanks for reminding me." He said jogging up the stairs.
He nodded to Betty whom was already dressed wig and all as he stripped out of his gym shorts and looked through his drawers garbing a clean pair of boxers and what not for the day ahead. He sat his wig on the desk and entered his bathroom.
Sighing he turned on the water and stepped out of the pair of boxers he was wearing to get in the steaming shower. His long red hair sticking to his back as he leaned against the tile behind him. This day was going to fucking suck. He didn't know how he knew but he did. He shook his head and drenched his hair in water and began to scrub at the long strands with shampoo as he thought about what to say to Jughead about everything. Or if he would tell him at all. His stomach was in knots and by the time his shower was done and he'd slipped on clean boxers and jeans? He officially felt sick.
He took a moment bent over the sink to splash cool water on his face. He was going to have to face this soon. Jughead was coming over and he needed to be ready for that. Not feeling sick at the mere thought. This was going to be a very bad day.
He wrenched open the door toweling his hair and noticed the silence in the room. He removed the towel from his face and hair wet locks slapping his bare back. There in his room holding his wig. The one that hid everything away from the world. Betty just looked at him apologetic and couldn't help feeling like she should have done something. Because there in his room were two people. Not one. Two people who didn't know his secret. His father and Jughead just stared at him and Jughead held out the wig.
"Is there something you want to tell me pal?" He asked.
"I can explain...I just wanted to grow out my hair, not worry about gossip and questions in a small town. It just seemed easier.. That's all." He lied.
His father seemed to buy the story and excused them to talk explaining he'd shown Jug in and came in first to ensure everyone was dressed. As the door closed and his father got farther away Jughead's disbelieving eyes narrowed at Archie.
"How about the truth this time pal?" He said his voice betraying hurt.
"I was going to talk to you today...tell you everything...Apologize for everything I swear-" He began only to be cut off by Betty shushing him as she turned up the volume on his TV.
"Shut up and look at it." She insisted.
"That's right Tom, breaking news this morning in the small town of Riverdale as we come to you live from Sweetwater River with a gruesome discovery. Early this morning the police were called to the river after being informed that after two months the body of Jason Blossom whom disappeared after a boat outing on July Fourth has finally been found. Details are still coming in however at this time we know that the cause of death was NOT drowning but a single gunshot to the head. Cheryl Blossom the deceased's twin sister was also found at the scene with a gunshot wound to the stomach, she's been rushed to Riverdale Hospital but her condition is unknown. Riverdale High will be closed today and tomorrow out of respect from the Blossom family in the wake of this tragedy and we will bring you updates and information on Cheryl's condition as it comes in."
Archie stared at the TV, the wig, and Jughead not knowing what to say at the moment he knew that this was going to be a bad day but not anything like this. What the hell was happening to their town? He was confused and sure as hell not in the mood to start a personal conversation he said the first thing that came to mind.
"Holy fucking shit."
Author's Note 2: So I twisted a few things here and there but the over all inspiration comes from the song Little Game by Benny. Like it? Hate it? Let me know if you'd like me to continue :)
Cheryl: Have no fear I have no intention of killing my favorite Blossom. Her twist has plot importance and will be explained.
Format: Each Chapter will roughly cover an episode of the show with changes here and there, this is an AU after all. This one paralleling the Pilot.
Next Chapter: Archie is forced to confront his secrets and Jughead, Archie and Betty rush to the hospital to be with Cheryl and hopefully, learn what really happen to Jason. Could it really be that easy? Read and find out.