CHAPTER 1: GETTING OUT

AN: Hi Everyone. I've been obsessed with the idea of these two, so I'm writing a canon divergence from Season 2 Episode 8: Chapter Twenty-Once. I'm going to focusing on Alice Cooper and FP Jones, but other characters will appear. Within this chapter, I have taken some lines from the episode. I do not own any of the characters, just borrowing them to fulfill my need for a 'current day' fic about these two. Also, if you have any fic recommendations leave them in the review or message me on my tumblr: abbie-and-her-books. Hope you enjoy!

FP is getting out. He's actually being let out. The thought enrages me. Without him here, everything is so much easier. I can't have him around, it's just another reminder of my past, a past that I have worked so hard all my life to erase. Which is hard enough as it is with Betty and Jughead insistent on repeating family history. Before he got locked up I saw him everywhere, it was like he was inescapable. It shouldn't bother me so much, but I would be lying if seeing his face doesn't always make me feel like a teenager again. I can't let Betty and Jug go to that prison by themselves, it wouldn't be right. I can drive them, so they can spend the time catching up. At least that's what I tell myself. FP is coming out.

Seeing him walk out that prison gate sends butterflies through my stomach. After all these years he still manages to do that just by his mere presence. I hate myself for it but I can't help but admire him as he greets the kids. His eyes give away what he's feeling. It's his tell. The doorway to his heart. It's as if he can hear my thoughts as I see his eyes flick over to me, his eyes narrowing at me. I can't help but bait him.

"Is it true what they say about men who are just released from prison, FP?"

"What do they say?"

"They are incredibly sexually frustrated." The disgust and outrage from the two teenagers are clear. However the man in question, simply replies "wow" with a laugh. I can't help throwing him a smirk as I walk around the car to the driver's seat. His amusement showing with his chuckle and sparkling eyes.

"To pops then, seatbelts on everyone," I tell them whilst driving towards pops. The car ride is filled with mostly small talk and discussion over what's the best thing to get at pops since he hasn't been in a while.

"The Black Hood is targeting sinners, so I'd watch my back if I were you FP. Especially once you rejoin that gang of hoodlums," Jughead speaks up to defend his pack but is interrupted by FP.

"I'm not going back to the Serpents, Alice. I've been thinking about it and it's too much of a slippery slope."

"And what are you going to do with all that spare time?"

"I'm gonna talk to Pop's about picking up some hours here, there's a sign outside."

"Well let's hope your plan's don't come crumbling down when you start drinking again." I come back with.

"Actually I'm in AA." He says lifting his teacup to his lips. "Started inside, sure as hell aren't gonna stop now."

He chuckles and raises his eyebrow at me, knowing he's won this one. It was always like this between us, bickering back and forth. I usually win. This. This is what I wanted to avoid. I've really got to stop this. Once I finish my drink I announce my leave and walk out of Pop's Diner, feeling FP's eyes on me.

He is so infuriating, acting as if everything is going to be great. Well as he said, "a snake doesn't shed its skin so easily." He'll go back to his old ways. If anything FP is a creature of habit. I try to rid the man in my mind and get on with some work. I'm sure an expose will take my mind off things.

When I return home, I go and check in on Betty as usual. Tonight, she is on the phone to Pop's.

"Thanks Pop's, Sorry for the short notice. Thanks."

"Why are you calling Pop's?"

"I'm helping Jug throw a retirement party for FP at the Whyte Wyrm. Don't freak out."