Author's Note: Long time no see!
I know that it's been a minute but I've seriously missed you guys. There is a little bit I want to fill you guys in on.
I know Riverdale Season 3 has premiered already and I've watched it a bit and honestly I'm not crazy inspired by it. I know you guys are gonna kill me for saying that but that's how I feel. Even though we are only a few episodes in, it's just all over the place. It's so crazy and I honestly don't know how I feel about it but I'm trying to not give up on it. Lemme know how you guys feel about S3 so far! Love it? Hate it? Let me know!
Also, since the premiere of S3 is pretty long, I decided to break it up into two parts instead of have one super long chapter. This will allow me to really get into detail about everything that's going on.
In this update, Summer is quickly coming to and end and there are 10 million things on Max's plate. Not only does she have new responsibilities as co-leader of the Serpents, but there is a quelling threat that will put everything she loves at risk.
Enjoy!
DISCLAIMER! I DO NOT OWN RIVERDALE OR ANY OF IT'S CHARACTERS! I ONLY OWN MAX LOGAN, HER FAMILY, MY STORYLINES, AND ANYTHING YOU DON'T RECOGNIZE!
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"I can ignore the noise that's going on around me, as long as I'm with you..."
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Chapter XXXIV. Bubble of Peace
The sun was peeking up as Sweet Pea tossed around in his bed to notice that he was sleeping alone. He remembers last night very clearly and he knows he didn't go to bed alone. Groggy and confused, he sat up and noticed that his girlfriend wasn't in bed with him. Throwing on some sweats, Sweet Pea got up and went to his window, seeing Max fixing up a motorcycle that she has been working on.
Since Riot Night, Sweet Pea and Max have been hopping from couch to couch until they could scrounge together a permanent living arrangement. They didn't really stay in the same place for any longer than two nights. While Max had a place in the Jones home, she didn't feel comfortable leaving Sweet Pea on his own. They needed to be together, now more than ever.
"You're up early" Sweet Pea kissed her shoulder as Max worked on the engine.
"I promised Morrison I would have his bike fixed up by today" Max turned her wrench. "Can you give her some gas..." Getting on the bike, Sweet Pea turned the throttle, making the bike turn on like it was brand-new.
"Purring like she's new" Sweet Pea smirked.
"He said he'd pay me double for it" Max winked. For some extra cash, Max has been fixing up cars and bikes.
While this past Summer, Max was enjoying honeymoon bliss with Sweet Pea, she also had a bunch of things on her plate. Not only did she have to scrounge together money for a new living arrangement, but she had Rafe on her mind. She also had a new set of responsibilities given that she was now a leader of the Serpents.
"You still saving up?"
"Yeah and I still don't have nearly enough" Max sighed, running her fingers through her lilac hair.
"Look, as much as I hate his guts, maybe you're grandfather..." As much as he enjoys couch hopping with her, Sweet Pea wants more for Max. He wants her to have a home, for her to be safe.
"Not a chance" Max cut him off. "He's been calling me all summer and he still hasn't gotten the hint. He feels sorry for me and the old hag hates me. I don't want any part of them. Especially if they had anything to do with this..." Max referred to the demolition of Sunnyside Trailer Park and the chaos that has ravaged the Southside.
"You need a house, a place to live. Especially if you wanna bring Rafe home" Sweet Pea surprisingly became the voice of reason. He hated seeing her struggle like this. "He answering any of your calls?"
"He's still ghosting me..." Max kicked a nearby trash can. Since her trip up to San Junipero, Max was trying to salvage her relationship with her younger brother. All Rafe wanted was the truth and that was the one thing Max was afraid to give him. While she felt that keeping him in the dark kept him safe, Rafe knows a lot more than Max wants to let herself believe. "If I could only tell him the truth."
"Nothing is stopping you..."
"Can we not talk about this anymore?" Max pleaded to her boyfriend, walking up to him. "I need a distraction..." Max purred, running her finger along his Serpent tattoo on his neck. Smiling, Sweet Pea threw Max over his shoulder and brought her back inside.
As they engaged in another intimate moment, Max felt her heart swell. Through the trials and tribulations, Max was able to count on Sweet Pea to be that rock for her. He became her rock, her pillar. She had a hard time believing that people would be there for her. But Max took a chance on Sweet Pea and he didn't let her down.
After another round of passionate lovemaking, Max and Sweet Pea laid on air mattress, wrapped up in each other's arms.
"What time do you have to be at the courtroom?" Sweet Pea asked her. On top of all the other issues that she was dealing with, Max also had to be there for Jughead; who is reeling over the arrest and trial of his best friend: Archie Andrews. While Max was personally invested in this, there was no denying she had some respect towards the Northsider. She saw that he was willing to fight for the Serpents, so the least she could do was be there for him.
"In about an hour, hopefully Red doesn't have to get locked up" Max breathed out. "He doesn't deserve it, especially for the crook: Hiram Lodge."
"You don't have to tell me twice" Sweet Pea chuckled. "Have you heard from Toni?"
"I mean, I texted her but she hasn't texted back" Max breathed out. Toni's new relationship with Cheryl was also an adjustment for Max. She wasn't used to sharing her best friend with someone else. "Is it bad that I'm still weirded out over this?"
"You're not only one. She was the one that wanted us out, now she's one of us" Sweet Pea bitterly chuckled.
"It's crazy how life works" Max smiled. "Toni told me they're coming back today. Cheryl wants to throw a pool party at Thornhill. She's inviting everyone. We should go..."
"You wanna go to a pool party?" Sweet Pea looked at Max, almost surprised.
"Look, I just want to have fun. I want us to enjoy our bubble of peace before it bursts" Max leaned on Sweet Pea's chest, smiling at him. "Let's go..." With everything going on, all Max wants is to be happy with the people she cares about.
"Looks like we're going..." Sweet Pea kissed between her eyes. "How much time do we have left?" Smiling, Sweet Pea tackled Max as they prepared for round three. In that moment with Sweet Pea, there were the moments of happiness that Max has known.
After another distraction, Max and Sweet Pea finally made their way over to Riverdale Courthouse for Archie's trial. Sitting in a packed courtroom with very little air conditioning, Max was hoping for the jury to reach a verdict. She doesn't know how many more times she could come here without physically melting.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the evidence and testimony that was presented in this court tell a dark story..." the prosecution made her way over to Archie. "That Mr. Andrews has a history of violent behavior. That he started not one but two masked vigilante groups. That he assaulted an innocent boy who was helpless with two broken legs. That he went wilding in the Southside of town and threatened to shoot a young woman in the face..." Hearing that statement made Max roll her eyes in disdain. While she may not be a saint, Archie was way better than her and didn't deserve to have his reputation desecrated the way it's being. "That while partying with his friends in the town of Shadow Lake, Mr. Andrews ran into the woods and shot the victim, Cassidy Bullock, point blank in the head. Now Mr. Andrews claims that it was his girlfriend's father's doorman who shot Mr. Bullock. A shot Mr. Andrews claims to have heard, but not seen. Who knows the truth of what happened that terrible night in the woods near Shadow Lake? I'll tell you who... that man. Archie Andrews may be a varsity athlete and he may be a sensitive musician, but he is also a cold-blooded killer."
"Ladies and gentlemen, we know for a fact, that Archie Andrews constantly puts the needs of others ahead of his own. We know he helped solve the murder of Jason Blossom. We know that he offered both friends and enemies shelter when they had nowhere else to stay. We know that he punched through a river of ice to save the life of his classmate Cheryl Blossom. Let me remind you that there were no witnesses to the actual killing. There was no murder weapon, there was no motive. At the end of the day, all the prosecution has is cloudy testimony from unreliable people. Now it is my solemn duty as a mother to protect my son. But as an attorney, it is my duty to adhere to the facts, to the evidence. There is nothing here that proves that Archie Andrews is anything less than an innocent boy. Thank you..." Mary Andrews sat back down next to her son.
"Thanks mom..." Archie whispered.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the charge is first-degree murder. You may retire to begin your deliberations..." The judge banged his gavel.
"All rise..." the Bailiff exclaimed.
After hearing the arguments, Max and Sweet Pea were bumming it outside as they waited to hear the final verdict.
"You think he's gonna get locked up?" Sweet Pea asked, chugging down his water.
"Hopefully not. He doesn't deserve to get locked up" Max took a long drag of her cigarette. This summer was also a fight for Max to kick her cigarette habit. "Especially not for that crook..." As they stood out there, they were joined by Nathaniel Hart.
"Why are you here?" Max didn't even bother making eye contact with her grandfather. That was how little she felt about him.
"Figured I would show my support for your friend..."
"More like being here for Hiram..." Max took another drag. "You're not fooling anyone and you're sure as hell not fooling me."
"I'll make this up to you" Nathaniel said before walking back inside.
"Like hell he will" Max scoffed. "Have you guys found him?"
"Not yet, we're still looking around" Sweet Pea wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
"Where did that dog go..." Max muttered to herself as she threw her cigarette butt onto the ground and stepped on it with her foot. After Riot Nights, Hot Dog; the Serpent's spirit animal disappeared. Searching high and low, the Serpents could not find him. Max was starting to get worried and she couldn't help but think something bad was happening with him.
"Guys, it's time..." Jughead told his fellow Serpents.
Walking back inside, everyone went back in their seats so they can hear the final verdict.
"The jury is still deliberating. But I've dismissed them. They're sequestered and I've instructed them not to read anything about this case, nor to discuss it with anyone. We'll reconvene Tuesday morning after Labor Day" the judge revealed. "My advice to you, young man, is to spend this weekend with your family and your loved ones. That's all..."
...
After a long day in court, Max quickly changed into something more comfortable. Changing into some acid wash high waisted shorts, black crop cami top with a square neckline, and her black heeled combat boots. With her lilac hair up in a messy bun with her black bandana on, Max also had her red plaid flannel around her waist.
Once she changed, Max along with Sweet Pea headed to the Serpent camp. Now that Sunnyside was nonexistent and they no longer had control over the Whyte Wyrm, the Serpents have been squatting out near the riverbed. That was the only place they had left. With makeshift tents and very little supplies, the Serpents were getting by day by day.
"You hear anything?" Jughead asked as he and Fangs approached her and Sweet Pea.
"Not yet, but we still have some people looking around" Max informed him.
"We know that Hiram Lodge has taken over the Southside, cause he's been colluding with the Ghoulies. And we need to know what he's up to exactly. Alright Fangs, you're up. I need you to find the Ghoulies new lair, okay?" Jughead turned to him. "If you see them, don't engage with them. This is just a recon mission. We can't be risking another gang war. We just need a confirmation of whatever Hiram's up to it has nothing to do with the Serpents or Riverdale High..."
"Will do..."
"Keep your blade in your boot. First sign of trouble, you're out of there" Max put a hand on Fangs' shoulder.
"Got it..." With that said, Fangs left to go do some recon on the Ghoulies and Hiram Lodge.
"I'm gonna go check on everyone else..." Sweet Pea kissed the top of Max's head as she and Jughead went to check on Archie and FP. Once they left, Max looked at the mock Serpent tattoo on Jughead's bicep. Chuckling, "When are you gonna get the real thing?"
"Soon... Jughead laughed, looking at his arm. "Still healing up."
"Well, it looks ridiculous. You need the real thing" Max playfully shoved him.
"Hey kids, come take a look. Might be my best one yet" FP smirked as he finished up Archie's Serpent Tattoo. With the possibility of Archie going to jail, Max and Jughead thought it would be a good idea to get him some protection.
"Well, how does it feel to be an honorary serpent?" Jughead asked his best friend.
"We don't throw that title around very often, so you should be flattered" Max chuckled.
"It's pretty savage guys" Archie responded.
"Archie..." Jughead sat down. "First thing I learned at Southside High is that you need to run with a crew to survive..."
"He's right..." Max added. "There are gonna be Serpents in juvenile detention, find them, tell 'em you roll with us. That tattoo is your in, use it."
"Yeah, they're right. To a point, Serpent ink will keep your body safe" FP agreed. "But you still need to worry about protecting this. I speak from experience" FP pointed to his head. "You're mind is the first thing that goes when you're locked up. If you keep your head on straight, you can get through anything. And you gotta keep your wits about you, Red."
"How'd you do it, Max?" Archie turned to the Queen Serpent. It was no surprise that Max has spent her fair share in lockup. But despite the time that has been taken away from her, Max still seemed pretty put together.
"Knowing that there were people waiting for me when I get out" Max revealed. "Getting locked up is already tough on 'em, coming out messed up isn't gonna make things any easier..."
...
The Serpents and the Bulldogs were at Thornhill, enjoying the last few days of Summer before the start of the School year. They wanted to go out with a bang. Sitting at the pool alongside Sweet Pea, Max was staring at her phone. It was a picture of her and Rafe on his last birthday. She missed her little brother. Max had a hole in heart the size of Rafe.
"Hey, you good?" Sweet Pea wrapped an arm around her waist.
"Yeah..." Max tried to put on a strong front. She was tired of being weak. She hated making Sweet Pea worry about her all the time.
"Hey, you're not fooling me..." Sweet Pea tilted her chin up. "I got you, everything will work out..." Smiling, Max cupped Sweet Pea's face and shared several kisses on his lips. Laughing, Sweet Pea brought Max into his arms. While they were distracted in their moment, they didn't realize Josie had a eye on them.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you..." Toni commented, noticing Josie's wandering eye on Sweet Pea.
"Huh?" Josie snapped herself out of it.
"Max hates sharing. If she catches your eye on something that's her's, she isn't gonna be happy..."
"I have no idea what you're talking about" Josie played dumb. Over this past summer, it was no secret that Josie has had her eye on the taller Serpent. If it was an attraction or anything otherwise, Josie thinks something of Sweet Pea.
"I'm just saying, for Sweet Pea, it has always been Max. And if he had to pick between you and her, he will always choose her..." Toni advised Josie before going to join Cheryl.
"Guys, it's Hot Dog!" Fangs ran up to the two of them.
Concerned, Max and Sweet Pea joined Fangs, Jughead, Cheryl, Toni, and Betty in the boathouse. If Max's suspicions were right, the Ghoulies had something to do with Hot Dog's disappearance. "Are you absolutely sure that this was Hot Dog?" Jughead asked.
"One hundred percent man. They must've snatched him on riot night. He looked skinny, I don't think the Ghoulies are feeding him enough" Fangs explained.
"We're lucky those animals aren't slow roasting him on a grill" Sweet Pea growled.
"What do we do, guys?" Toni asked Max and Jughead.
"We'll be going behind enemy lines. Outnumbered, open to attack from all directions, and risking another gang war" Jughead explained. "But no Serpent left behind, right? That includes our spirit animal. We're gonna deploy after dark, it's gonna be a stealth mission. It's gonna be quick."
"Jug, the last time you went into Ghoulie territory, you were beaten within an inch of your life" Betty said, concerned for her boyfriend's life.
"This time, he isn't alone" Max spoke out. "We're not looking for a fight. We're just gonna grab Hot Dog and go."
"We're gonna be quick, Betty. They won't even know we were there" Jughead rationalized.
"Okay then, we'll I'm going with you" Betty spoke out.
"No."
"No, don't you dare tell me that it's too dangerous, Jug" Betty refuted. "I'm a Serpent and a warrior, Jughead. So, if you're on the front lines, so am I..."
"What do you think?" Jughead turned to Max.
"I think... if she can handle it, why not?" Max shrugged her shoulders. While there was still a part of her that loathed her, Max had to admit she respected Betty's moxie.
"Okay, let's bring Hot Dog home. Shall we?"
...
Later that night, Max was gathering some supplies that the Serpents will be needing tonight. Putting her father's pistol in her Serpent jacket and her switchblade in her boot, Max was preparing for a fight even though that's not the prerogative. While they were just gonna grab their dog, Max wasn't putting anything past Penny Peabody and the Ghoulies. She wasn't gonna be surprised if they tried to pull something over on them.
Once she got everything, Max heard horns from outside. Going outside, Max saw Jughead along with Sweet Pea, Fangs, Betty, Toni and Cheryl waiting for her.
"You ready, Queenie?" Jughead smirked.
"As ready as I'll ever be" Max returned the smirk as she hopped into the back of the pickup.
When they got to the Ghoulie Camp, the Serpents were waiting outside doing surveillance to make sure they were clear.
"God..." Max's heart drop as she heard Hot Dog's whines.
"It's been an hour and no sign of anyone" Toni breathed out.
"Alright, Sweet Pea keep car the warm in case we need to make a getaway. The rest of you, keep an eye out" Max advised them as Jughead got the bolt cutters. As the two Serpent leaders made their way to the fence, the rest of the Serpents kept a lookout.
"Hey" Jughead whispered as they approached the frightened pooch. "Come on, buddy. Let's get you outta here." As Jughead cut Hot Dog's chain, the lights immediately flashed on and the Ghoulies lead by Penny Peabody came out.
"Hiya Jonesy, Max. Welcome back to the Southside." Penny sneered as the Ghoulies surrounded Max and Jughead. "I thought this mangey mutt might get you to show up. We need to talk."
"No, we don't, Penny" Jughead growled. "We're here for the dog."
"If you didn't want trouble, why have you been sending spies all summer, trying to get into our business? Back off. Unless you want a replay of Riot Night."
"You know, Penny. Threatening us isn't the smartest move, cause right now..." Max got in to Penny's face. "We have absolutely nothing to lose..."
"Max, don't..." Jughead pulled her back. "Yeah, we've been sending scouts. We were looking for Hot Dog. Now that we've got him, we're good." Once Jughead released Hot Dog, the dog quickly jumped into Max's arms.
"Not so fast..." Penny started. "Your jackets. The Southside isn't yours anymore. That means you're no longer the Southside Serpents."
"Oh suck it, you old hag!" Max sneered. "These jackets are ours! They mean nothing to you!"
"We could always just take it off your limp dead bodies" Penny stalked toward them. "Oh, Jonesy. I also heard Ponytail's a Serpent now, your Northside Queen. Maybe we'll go after her next. Or maybe Max's little brat up in San Junipero..." Penny definitely crossed a line when she threatened Betty and Rafe. Max felt something in her snap. It was one thing for Penny to threaten her, but threatening her loved ones was a line no one dares to cross.
Before Max could rush Penny, Jughead held her back. He knew that look in her eyes and Jughead didn't want a war erupting right now. "Fine. You can have the jackets as long as you and the Ghoulies stay out of the Northside" Jughead bargained.
"Oh, you don't get to make demands..." Malachi threatened only to be met by an arrow in the shoulder.
"Cheryl!" Jughead shouted as Malachi screamed in pain.
"Told you I was in the mood for some hell raising" Cheryl smirked, her bow and arrow, cocked and ready to shoot.
"That's it. Just kill 'em all" Penny ordered the Ghoulies.
Without thinking twice, Max pulled out her father's pistol and aimed it at Penny's forehead. "They take one step and a bullet goes in between your eyes..."
"Max..." Jughead sneered.
"I prepare for everything" Max put her finger on the trigger, ready to pull it. Penny put her hand up, stopping the Ghoulies from rushing at them. "I think you remember the shot my dad was, I got that from him. I don't know if you heard, but I don't miss..."
"Congratulations, you just made the Northside fair game..." Penny threatened them. Tired of Penny's threat, Jughead and Max grabbed Hot Dog and left. "See you soon, Jonesey, Maxie."
When they got to the pickup truck, Max immediately got into the passenger side seat and Jughead jumped into the back.
"You okay?" Sweet Pea asked her.
"We're good" Max looked down at a sleeping Hot Dog in her lap. "Let's just get out of here..." As Sweet Pea started up the truck, Cheryl kept her arrow raised just in case the Ghoulies pulled a fast one.
...
Later that night, Nathaniel was at the Whyte Wyrm in the New Southside with Hiram and Olivia in front of him.
"Olivia has showed me something very... disparaging" Hiram walked in front of Nathaniel. "Something very unbecoming of our agreement."
"What are you talking about?" Nathaniel looked at both of them incredulously. He didn't appreciate being back into a corner by his wife and his business partner.
"This..." Olivia threw a folder on to the table. "What makes you think it's okay to give those Southside Parasites our money? Our assets?"
"You have a short memory. Last time I checked, this is my money. My assets. I've built this company from the ground up with no help from you" Nathaniel glared at his wife. He remembers being 14 years old and working for years at the oil wells along Sweetwater River before rising in the ranks to become the "Oil King of Riverdale". That was all Nathaniel. He grinded out his dream when no one else believed in him. He created something out of nothing. He did this all on his own before Olivia even came in the picture. "Those 'parasites' are my grandchildren. Our grandchildren. I'm giving them what they rightfully deserve. What you took away from them..." Nathaniel stared a hold at Olivia.
"You know..." Hiram buttoned up his jacket and stalked towards Nathaniel. "This causes a... conflict of interest. We don't know what side you're really on."
"For a long time, I wasn't sure what side I was on" Nathaniel stood up. "But right now, it's clear what side I'm on."
"I don't think you know what I'm capable of..." Hiram threatened.
"Believe me, Hiram, I know exactly what you're capable of. I've seen it" Nathaniel got in Hiram's face. "But my granddaughter taught me something important..."
"What could that child taught you?" Olivia looked at him in disbelief.
"She taught me not to be afraid. I'm no longer afraid you, either of you. I refuse to be indebted to either one of you. You want to kill me? Do it..." Nathaniel challenged Hiram. "That doesn't change the fact that Max and Rafe will get the money and assets under my name. And there's nothing you can do about it." Hiram and Olivia looked like a vein was going to pop in their foreheads. "If we have nothing more to discuss, I'll be on my way..."
As Nathaniel was walking out, he turned to Olivia and Hiram. "You're not going to win..."
"What are you talking about?" Hiram looked at him.
"This fight you're going to pick with Max and her friends. You're not going to win..."
Author's Note: Well that just happened...
There is a bit to unpack here, so please bear with me.
First, obviously Sweet Pea/Max. I wanted to give them their moment of bliss before it all falls to s***. It's clear that Sweet Pea is Max's pillar of support through everything. With Rafe, Hiram, Penny & The Ghoulies, and Nathaniel, Sweet Pea is everything for her. You can see how much he loves her. But this season, their relationship is going to be tested in every aspect. What do you guys think of Max/Sweet Pea?
Josie seems to have a wandering eye on Sweet Pea. In the show, Josie & Sweet Pea are kinda adorable but a little random. What do you guys think of the pairing? Also, Toni giving Josie a warning about trying to get in-between Max/Sweet Pea.
Also, Max giving Archie some sage-like wisdom as he prepares for trial. It seems like she has developed a new-found respect for the Northsider.
We also got our first taste of Jughead and Max as the co-leaders of the Serpents and they've got a big hurdle in front of them in the form of Penny Peabody and the Serpents. What do you guys think of the tandem of Max/Jughead?
Finally, it seems Nathaniel is done being Hiram and Olivia's lapdog. Even though she doesn't see it, Max is having a big impact on Nathaniel. I mean, it's pretty ballsy to tell Hiram to kill him. But it's clear that he isn't afraid to fight back anymore. What do you guys think of the tense encounter? It seems like the teacher is going to show the student who's the boss.
What do you guys think of the chapter as a whole? Yay? Nay?
I will be introducing two new characters that will be a big part of Max's journey this season. Her individual journey will be completely independent to Jughead's. Also, let me know what you guys think of Season 3 so far.
I'm gonna try to be better with updating, but I'm glad Riverdale is back!
Please Read&Review!