Summary: Even though she can control it, there's still a part of her that fears what she can become. She's changed, he's noticed, no longer the 'wild-child', but in truth haven't they all?

Characters: Ruby/Red & Archie/Jiminy

Genre: Angst/Friendship/Hurt&Comfort

Pairing: Slight Red Cricket

Rating: T

Notes: So...lack of Archie this season. Me no gusta. To compensate, fanfiction shall be written but this is just a short little ficlet. Set after 'Broken' but before 'Child of the Moon.'


A Friend In Need

DivineMist


It's when she bumps into him with a glazed look in her eyes, mind miles away, that he finally asks her whats wrong.

"Ruby-Red, are you alright?"

They're standing on the sidewalk, about a block from the diner. The weather is warm even though the clouds are slightly overcast, creating a gloomy effect on the town. She's wearing a red sweater, hood pulled up, concealing her face and hiding the mass tresses of her brunette hair. Trying to hide, to avoid the world and demons taunting with her memories. Trying to ignore the reality of past actions. He knows the feeling well.

Wearing a pair of dark jeans and a pair of flats to boot, her makeup toned down, only a brush of mascara and red lipstick. She's changed, he's noticed, no longer the 'wild-child', but in truth haven't they all?

Archie reaches out a hand and places it softly on her shoulder, gauging her reaction. Ruby glances up at him, shock etched on her features, along with an essence of pain. He can see her fighting for words.

"Archie...Jiminy, I'm uh...I'm-fine."

He tilts his head to the side, catching the hesitation in her words as she pushes her hands into her pockets, avoiding his gaze. She bites a lip and he can't help but wonder what happened to the vivacious woman standing in front of him.

Letting his hand fall back to his side, Archie pauses, not wanting to leave the broken soul standing before him, but not wanting to push too hard to make her speak.

"Well, if you ever want to talk about anything, I'll always be a friendly ear."

He waits for a moment wondering if she'd take hold of the olive branch, before slowly turning to walk past her. A warm hand slipped around his arm and Archie stopped in his tracks as a low whisper of 'wait' passed into his ears.

Ruby feels him tense under her touch, and she wonders if he can see her face heat up underneath the red hoodie. She releases his arm as if burned and instead glances hesitantly into his eyes. Even though she can control it, there's still a part of her that fears what she can become.

Archie gives her an encouraging smile, nothing but friendliness in his stature. She gives a small one in reply. He is her friend, though she never noticed before, always there silently watching. The selfless soul who tries to help others. Maybe I should take him up on that offer to talk sometime...

Taking a deep breath, her lips set in a smile she continues.

"Thank you Archie. You really are a true friend."

He seems shocked at her confession, ears turning pink as she walks away, giving him a small wave. Turning back around, he walks on, a grin planted firmly on his face.