By The Way

By the way

You left without saying

Goodbye to me

Now that you're gone away

All I can think about is

You and me (You and me)

By The Way - Theory Of A Deadman

November 2019 - The Afterwards

"Betty, sweetie, are you in there? It's V, open the door," Veronica knocked louder, calling her from the other side of the door.

Betty woke up with a start, her limbs protesting when she sat up to stretch. She was a bit uncertain what happened at first until she remembered why she was sleeping on the floor in the first place.

Betty hadn't moved from her spot at the front door since the night before when Jughead had been on the other side begging her to let him in so they could talk. She didn't know exactly how long he'd sat out there, but the last thing she remembered was drifting off to sleep to the sounds of his softly spoken words.

And despite how much he'd hurt her, just knowing he was close by was enough to help her fall asleep. If she were being honest, she kind of wished that he was the one waiting on the other side for her this morning instead of Veronica.

When she finally stood up, her legs were tingling from being in one position so long but she managed to steady herself and open up the door. She instantly regretted her decision, however, when she saw the look of pity on Veronica's face.

She didn't want anyone's pity, she just wanted things to go back to how they were before.

She wanted the last two days to have been just a horrible nightmare.

She wanted her heart to be back together again.

Betty just wanted to have Jughead's arms wrapped around her while he promised her that it was all a just bad dream.

That he loved her as much as she loved him and that he would be hers forever.

All she truly craved at the moment was his comfort but she was just too destroyed to let him back in. Even after all the things he said the night before, about how much she meant to him, she wasn't sure she could believe it.

He doesn't love you, Elizabeth... Remember that or you will just get hurt again... He will never love you...

She shook her head and fought the voice of her mother, tears forming in her eyes once again.

"Oh, B..." Veronica spoke softly, stepping inside to wrap her friend into a gentle hug. Betty sagged forward, tired of fighting the pain that was clawing at her chest, and wept again.

Veronica held Betty and the two girls crumpled to the ground, the latter sobbing uncontrollably against her best friend's shoulder. She clung to Veronica and released everything she'd been holding in, unashamed but utterly heartbroken.

Veronica soothed her as she cried heart-wrenching sobs, muttering incoherently about love and pain and Jughead.

The tears currently flowing from her eyes were much more cathartic, all the agony of the last two days hitting her once again– only this time, it felt freeing.

She didn't feel so alone anymore.

After what seemed like an eternity, Betty's tears began to slow, the occasional sniffle being the only sound that could be heard inside her darkened apartment. Veronica stroked her back gently, humming a melody while she comforted Betty.

The blonde wasn't sure what to do anymore. If it had been just a few weeks ago, she would've gone to Jughead for solace and guidance but that wasn't an option right now.

"What am I going to do, V? I feel so lost..." Betty confessed quietly.

"Well, B, answer something for me: Do you love him?" Veronica asked softly. Betty paused briefly, her heart constricting as she thought of her confession to him just a few nights before. She choked and slowly nodded.

"Yeah, V... I do. I love him so much it physically hurts... It feels like I'm dying without him," Betty admitted, whimpering softly in her friend's embrace. Her voice broke as she continued, "And he said he cares about me too but– what if he doesn't love me back, V?"

"I don't believe that would ever be an issue, Betty. Honestly, I've had my suspicions for a while now, but I just thought maybe he was harboring an unrequited crush on you. I never realized that the two of you were actually together," Veronica said with a small smile.

"We're not technically together.."

"Bullshit. I'll tell you this right now, if the way that boy looks at you is any indication, then he is desperately in love with you, whether you realize it or not. And I don't know the reasons why you felt that you couldn't come out and tell me at least, but it's pretty obvious how you two felt if you looked at the signs."

"At first we decided to keep it secret because Jughead had promised Archie a while back that he wouldn't mess around with me if we broke up. So neither one of us was sure how he'd react when he found out. And Jughead's already lost his entire birth family, I didn't want him to lose the Andrews' too, so I agreed."

"But then he kept making excuses and wanting to keep it secret until it all just erupted when Archie caught us. Part of me worries that he didn't care about Archie's reaction at all, he just wanted a friend with benefits who he could keep secret," Veronica exhaled loudly, rolling her eyes as she straightened them both. She took a hold of Betty's shoulders and eyed her.

"First off, you can't convince me for a second that you were just a side chick to Jughead. Second -and most importantly- fuck Archie Andrews and his ridiculous agreement! What– is he five or something? You're a grown woman who is allowed to date whoever you damn well please! He behaves as if we're stuck in the goddamn fifties with his territorial pissing contests. Stupid Ginger Judas got what was coming to him and I'm glad I told him to go to hell. I really dodged a bullet on that one, huh?" Veronica asserted firmly.

"Wait, what?" Betty asked, looking at her best friend in surprise.

"Oh, I must've forgotten to tell you. I broke up with his sorry ass the other night. Archie doesn't know who or what he wants and possibly won't for a while. Nonetheless, if he can't figure that out then Veronica Lodge is not going to be a placeholder until he does. I am worth so much more than that."

"Oh my God, V... I'm so embarrassed. Why didn't you say something before now?" Betty asked, pulling her friend into another hug. She couldn't believe that she'd been sitting here all morning moaning about her break up when her best friend was going through one of her own.

"Please, B, I'm alright. It's nothing that a few bottles of Daddy's delicious reserve rum can't handle. You were devastated and you needed me. I'm fine, I promise. Right now, I just want to concentrate on my bestie and how we can work this thing between you and Jughead out. I mean, if that's what you want, of course," Veronica said.

"I want to V but, honestly, don't know if we can. I mean, he chased me here yesterday and I couldn't even open the door. All I kept hearing was that voice in my head that kept telling me he was just going to use me for sex and then hurt me again."

"Besides, I don't know how I can even bring myself to face him after the way I acted the other night. It was a trainwreck," she admitted, picking at a non-existent piece of lint on her t-shirt.

"Hey, you'll figure it out, Betty. We'll figure it out. Okay? I won't let you go through this alone."

"Thank you, Veronica..."

Jughead continued sitting at the same corner booth he'd been in for the last few hours, drinking yet another beer and replaying the last few days in his mind. He still couldn't understand how he'd managed to fuck things up as colossally as he had, but here he was, drowning his sorrows in alcohol.

Damn, Jones. You really are a chip off the old block, aren't you... Drinking the pain away just like your old man...

Why couldn't he have just told her that he loved her back when she admitted it to him instead of waiting for her to sober up?

Why didn't he just man up in the beginning and tell everyone that they were together, regardless of Archie's feelings?

He never wanted her to think she was just a dirty little secret he was keeping hidden from his friends and family. He'd had plenty of those relationships in the past and they were completely different from what he shared with Betty.

But he was a complete idiot and just like everything in his life, he contaminated this too. Now he wasn't sure how he was supposed to go on without her. He didn't think he could, frankly...

He was so lost in his own emotions that he didn't see a determined raven-haired diva approaching him with a large box in her arms until she slammed it onto his table, startling him to the point where he choked on his beer. He looked up at her briefly in question before his eyes raked over the Glamazon box she'd banged down onto the tabletop.

"What's this?" he asked cautiously, a knot settling in his throat as he remembered Betty's letter. She didn't have to answer him– he knew exactly what it was, he just didn't want to admit it.

"This, my foolish friend, would be all the items that you left at our darling B's apartment. She asked me to drop them off here so that she wouldn't have to -and I quote- bother you..." Veronica paused, shifting her weight slightly as her tone grew more severe, "Now, what I want to know is: what in the hell you are going to do to remedy this predicament you brought about, Jones? Because right now, my best friend is passed out from exhaustion after spending the entire afternoon crying over you," Veronica crossed her arms, glaring at him as she waited for him to reply.

"There's nothing I can do to fix it, Ronnie. She believes I was just using her for sex. She doesn't want to see me or have anything to do with me. The fact that she had you bring this stuff here tells me that it's probably best if I just leave her alone. That way she can move on and find someone who isn't going to break her heart again. She deserves so much better than what I have to offer her," Jughead replied, exhaling heavily.

"Oh please," she derided, pointing her finger in his face, "That's a load of horse shit and I'm not buying it! Betty may be upset right now but that girl cares for you. So you're going to rectify this situation and prove your love to her or so help me, Jughead Jones, I'll make you regret it. I have very imaginative connections who'd be more than happy to get rid of a body for me and all I'd have to do is bat my lashes and ask nicely. Are we clear, Forsythe?" Veronica stressed in an elevated voice.

Every Serpent in the bar stopped what they were doing, a dreadful stillness falling over the crowd as they watched the pair. His men waited for Jughead to make the call, every one of them at the ready to throw the angry princess out on her ass if he willed it.

The Serpent King scanned the bar and shook his head, motioning for everyone to go about their business. He took a deep breath and calmed himself before he responded.

"Yeah Lodge, we're clear. I still don't think she'll want anything to do with me but I'll try. I mean, I can't fuck things up any more than I already have, amiright?" he chuckled humorlessly, taking a tall chug of his beer before staring at the box in front of him ominously.

Veronica's face softened as she observed his noticeable pain. Just seeing that look on his face was enough to prove to her that she was correct in her assessment of his true feelings.

"Listen, Jug. I know things aren't looking promising right now, but I'm begging you, if you love her, please fight for her. Forget about all the other bullshit or anyone else's opinion and just fight for her, okay? That's what you want, right? You want to be with her?"

"Yeah."

"And do you love her, Jughead?"

"More than anything," he conceded without hesitancy.

"Then don't give up on her, no matter how much she attempts to push you away. God knows that girl is as stubborn as a red wine stain but I know you are one persistent son of a bitch too."

"Just hold on to the fact that she loves you. And she'll forgive you, Jug. I know it doesn't seem like it now, but I know she will." Veronica encouraged him gently, squeezing his hand before turning to walk out of the bar, ignoring all of the Southsider stares as she went.

Two Weeks After

'Hey, you've reached Betty. Leave me a message...' BEEP...

"Hey Betts, it's me again. I know you probably still don't want to talk to me but I just heard this song that reminded me of you and I kinda wanted to hear your voice, even if it's just your voicemail... That's pretty pathetic, right?" he chuckled, his voice stalling, "It came on the radio and I couldn't do anything but cry, Betts. There was a line that said 'I don't know what I'm supposed to do, haunted by the ghost of you' and fuck if that isn't exactly how it feels. It's like you're everywhere around me and I can't–" BEEP...

"Dammit," Jughead groaned, tossing his phone onto the couch before running his hands through his hair.

It had been two weeks since the night Veronica paraded into his bar and threatened him with bodily harm if he didn't fix things with Betty but nothing had changed. He'd spent the last two weeks sending her message after message, making phone call after phone call, but she still wouldn't speak to him.

Not that he blamed her...

He'd even driven over to her place a few times but he couldn't bring himself to get out of the jeep to approach her door. Every time he tried, his brain would think back to the last time he was there, sitting outside her door in tears, and he'd chicken out. He'd eventually just end up back at his apartment where he'd spend the rest of the evening in a drunken fog.

She'd even been avoiding him at school as well– switching seats and not even glancing at him in the one class they shared. Now with winter break coming up, he was starting to worry that he wouldn't get to see her at all, and the thought of that just about killed him. All he wanted was to go back and make things right, but he didn't know exactly how to accomplish that.

He walked into his room, plucking his cigarettes off the dresser as he went and sat down on his bed. He lit one up and laid back onto his pillows, staring at the ceiling as he took a long drag. He told himself that he'd just need to keep trying, no matter how long it took. He would win her back, even if it was the last thing he did.

Three Weeks After

'Hey, you've reached Betty. Leave me a message...' BEEP...

"Hey, Betts. I know it's really late but I just– I mean, I just wanted you to know that I'm thinking about you and that I'll give you all the time you need, but I want to make things right between us. You're the most important thing in my life and I just hope... Well, I hope you're doing okay. Alright, bye..."

Betty: Hey Juggie...

Jughead: Betts, hey... It's good to hear from you. How are you?

Betty: I'm okay. I mean, I'm not, but you know what I mean. I actually started going back to therapy last week. I think that's helping me deal with some things I never worked through with my last one.

Jughead: I'm glad to hear you finally started seeing someone again. I know you were struggling with it after the last time. I'm proud of you, Betts.

Betty: Thanks, Jug. It started rough but it's getting better with each session. I got your message from last night and I just wanted to make sure you were alright?

Jughead: Yeah, I'm sorry I called so late. I hope I didn't wake you.

Betty: No, you didn't wake me. I didn't know what to say so I let it go to voicemail.

Betty: Did you mean it? What you said?

Jughead: Every last word, baby.

Jughead: Sorry if that was too much...

Betty: It's okay, it's not too much...

Betty: I want you to know I miss you too, Juggie. I still have some things I need to figure out so I might not answer all your calls or texts yet but I'm working on it. I just don't know if I can trust you not to hurt me yet.

Jughead: Is there anything I can do to help you trust me again? I just want to fix this...

Betty: Just keep doing what you're doing. It honestly helps to just know you're thinking about me too and that you want to fix our relationship.

Jughead: I really do. And I'm so sorry, baby. I promise I'll make things right somehow... I need you, baby...

Betty: I know, I need you too. I just need a little more time...

Five Weeks After

Jughead: Betty, I saw you at the cafe this morning when I was picking up my morning coffee but I didn't want to bother you. I know you aren't ready to talk, I just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you...

'Hey, you've reached Betty. Leave me a message...' BEEP...

"So, today I tried to go into Pop's tonight for the first time since, well– but I couldn't do it. I just kept thinking of the first night we spent there together and damn Betts, I nearly lost it... Did I ever tell you how breathtaking you look when you're laughing under those neon lights? From the first moment I saw you walk into that diner when we were kids, I thought you were the most exquisite creature on the planet... I still do..."

Jughead: Hey... I just wanted to tell you that I miss waking up to your beautiful smile. I hope you have a great day, baby...

'Hey, you've reached Betty. Leave me a message...' BEEP...

"Just sitting here listening to Johnny Cash and thinking about you. I hope that I'm not bugging you with all these messages and calls, I– I just wish you were here with me, Betts. I miss you so fucking much... Just know that I care about you deeply and I'll be right here when you wanna talk, okay? Goodnight, Duchess..."

Seven Weeks After

Jughead: Please call me back, Betty... Please...

Jughead: I just need to hear your voice...

Jughead: Betty, I'm begging you... Please...

'Hey, you've reached Betty. Leave me a message...' BEEP...

"Betty–" *choke* "Betty, please pick up... I'm so sorry to be calling like this but I just needed someone to talk to. I just got into a horrible fight with Mom about the whole situation with Archie and then..." *sob* "...I was going through my closet earlier and I found some of your things here. They still smell like you, Betts... I don't know how they can still smell like you after a month but they do and I don't know what to do with them. Fuck... This hurts so bad... Is it supposed to hurt this bad? Christ, I'm not sure if I can take it anymore, Betts... I thought that if I just got drunk again that I could forget but I can't stop thinking about you and it fucking hurts so much. Just–" BEEP...

Betty: Juggie, are you okay? My battery died and I forgot to plug it in so I just got all your messages. Text me as soon as you get this. I'm really worried about you...

Jughead: Yeah, I'm okay, Betts. I'm sorry about last night. I had too much to drink and well, you know the rest. Sorry if I scared you...

Betty: Are you sure you're okay? You sounded really upset...

Jughead: Truthfully? I'm not really okay, Betts. I feel like I'm losing everything.

Jughead: I'm sorry if I'm pressuring you too much, but I'd really like to see you face to face so we can talk about things. I know you asked for time but would you maybe be willing to do that?... Please, Betts?

Jughead: And I just want to talk... I'll be at the Wyrm all weekend but we can talk upstairs...

Betty: Idk, Jug... I'm not sure that I'm ready for that yet.

Jughead: It's okay, I shouldn't have even asked. I promised I'd give you space and I don't want to break another promise to you. I'll talk to you later...

Betty: I'm really sorry, Juggie...

Jughead: Don't be, Betty. You didn't do anything wrong. I'm the one who's sorry. For everything. Goodbye, Betty...

December 2019 - The Misunderstanding

"You can do this. You've been putting this off long enough and he just wants to talk, it's gonna be fine. Pull yourself together, woman!" Betty chastised herself for what felt like the hundredth time. She had been sitting in her car for twenty minutes, taking deep breaths and trying to steady herself before she walked into this literal snake pit again.

The last time she was at the Whyte Wyrm was almost two months ago (well, 6 weeks, 5 days, 15 hours, and 48 minutes, but who's counting, right?) when she made a complete ass of herself in front of half of the Southside. She was terrified and wasn't sure what would be waiting for her on the other side of these bar doors but she knew she needed to face her fears if she ever wanted to be with him again.

For several weeks now, Jughead had been sending her messages and calling her almost daily but she still couldn't bring herself to answer. They'd talked a few times over text the last few weeks, but when he'd practically begged her to come to see him this weekend to talk and she told him that she couldn't do it, something about his last reply worried her so much that she finally broke.

She knew it was probably a bad idea for her to just show up unannounced but she missed him too much to care what others might say. Yes, she was still hurt by everything that happened between them, but she needed to see him and make sure he was alright.

His last few texts were troublesome and it had her worried that he was giving up on them. She didn't want him to lose hope, she really was just trying to work through her own demons first.

Betty gathered her courage and stepped out of the car, smoothing down her skirt and tugging at the hem of her black crop top nervously. She felt more exposed now than she had in quite a long time and it was throwing her a bit off-kilter. Betty would've been more than happy to simply show up in her normal clothes tonight but Veronica insisted that she be 'dressed to impress'.

"Trust me, B. Once Jughead sees your ass in this skirt, he will be on his knees begging for forgiveness..."

Betty giggled at the memory of her best friend helping her get ready for tonight. She was so grateful that she had Veronica through all of this. She wasn't sure if she would've survived it without her best friend holding her hand and being the voice of reason she needed.

Honestly, she probably wouldn't have texted him back or even shown up here tonight if her friend hadn't been encouraging it like she was. Veronica wanted her to work things out with Jughead as much Betty did.

As she made her way to the entrance, she thanked her lucky stars that no Serpents were hanging out in the parking lot to give her a hard time. She didn't want any drama, she was only here for Jughead.

They had a lot to talk over and she wasn't going to let any of his friends stop her this time. Betty pulled open the doors and stepped inside, making her way to the bar deliberately as she kept going over what she'd say when she found him.

Unfortunately, Betty only managed to make it about halfway inside before she froze, her heart splitting itself back open. Tears stung her eyes as she took in the sight of Jughead and a familiar blonde in an insanely tight dress sitting at the bar together. She recognized the woman as his ex, Candy. The same ex who'd been draped all over him the night they first made love together. Even though he was faced away from her, Betty could tell they were having a very intense discussion by the way he stooped towards the woman.

Candy caught Betty's eyes from over his shoulder and grinned, sinking her hands into Jughead's hair before tugging his face to hers in a rough kiss. When he didn't immediately pull away Betty's resolve crumbled and she dug her nails into her palms, the sting having no effect on her bleeding heart.

...See, Elizabeth. He didn't want you after all...

...You were nothing more than a warm bed until he tired of you...

...He's probably been fucking that girl all this time...

...You know they've been laughing at you behind your back...

"I'm such an idiot. I never should've come here," she whispered under her breath, her jaw clenching as she watched the scene unfold. She turned away quickly, not wanting to be seen by him so she could get away.

"Candy, what the fuck do you think you're–?" Jughead pried Candy's hands out of his hair, glaring at her in confusion and anger. He wasn't sure what possessed her to think she could come to have drinks with him at the Wyrm tonight but he was gonna find out. He'd banned her from the bar over a year ago so she had no reason to be here.

And regardless of why she came here tonight, he sure as hell wasn't about to fall into old habits with her. She wasn't Betty and she would never compare to her. Nothing she could ever do would change that fact.

As he was preparing to shout at Candy for kissing him like that, Jughead noticed the smug look she wore and followed her line of sight just in time to see Betty standing in the middle of his bar. She was staring at the floor but then turned to run away, clearly having seen the kiss Candy just forced onto him. His eyes widened in fear, whispering her name, "Betty..."

Betty fought back hot tears as she ran, cursing herself and Jughead Jones all the way out the door. She felt so stupid for believing anything he said to her; begging her to come back to him, telling her that she was the most important thing in his life.

That he needed her...

...My heavens, Elizabeth. You are so gullible! All you need are pretty words and you'll come running. Pathetic...

"Betts, wait!" Jughead shouted as he burst through the doors behind her, finally catching up with her in the parking lot. He grabbed her arm and swung her around to face him but she jerked herself from his grasp.

"Get off of me, you goddamn liar! Don't fucking touch me!" she screamed, shoving Jughead back. She couldn't do this anymore. She was so fucking tired of being lied to and made a fool of. She really wanted to believe him this time but he just broke her again...

"Baby, please, let me explain–" he stuttered, trying to reach out to her but hesitating when he saw her step back and shake her head. He couldn't believe she was finally standing in front of him after all this time, looking irresistibly sexy, and already it was fucked up all over again.

"Explain what? That you're an asshole? A liar? Yeah, I got that much, thanks!" she yelled, slapping his chest a few times for good measure.

It felt good to get some of that rage out, even if she knew she wasn't hitting him hard enough to do any real damage. She just needed to get all those pent-up feelings out and he was there. Jughead grabbed her wrists and pulled her to his chest, holding her tightly to keep her from hurting either one of them.

"Betty, baby, I'm sorry you had to see that but please just listen to me for a second. It wasn't what it looked like, I swear! She kissed me–" he tried to explain quickly, needing her to know it was all just a misunderstanding.

He didn't want Candy, she had thrown herself at him and it took his drunk brain a half-second too long to push her away.

It was only Betty he wanted...

Only Betty...

"Yeah, cause that just makes it all better! You didn't even try to stop her from doing it! And what the hell is she even doing here anyway? I thought you said she was banned?! God, I'm so fucking stupid! I can't believe you had me believing you wanted to talk about us when all you wanted was a free piece of ass!" she spat, clenching her fists as he continued to hold her wrists. "Well, you won't get that from me ever again, Snake Boy. Have fun with Serpent Slut Sally in there, here's hoping you're smart enough to wrap it up before you fuck her in your private bathroom."

Betty heaved herself backward out of his grip and tried to walk away again but he grabbed her by the forearms again, pulling her back against him, his voice cracking as he begged her to understand, "Betty, no, it's not like that! Candy just showed up here and said she wanted to talk but then she–"

"Oh, yeah, she just wanted to talk alright..." she mocked, letting out a menacing laugh, "Because that's sure as hell isn't what it looked like to me."

"I promise you, I didn't even know she'd be here tonight. She showed up like five minutes before you and I was telling her to leave but then she grabbed me and pulled me in and–" Jughead begged, moisture burning his eyes as he gazed at her pleadingly.

She was beginning to believe him, his eyes speaking the truth for him. She was about to tell him that she'd hear him out when they were interrupted by her least favorite person in Riverdale.

"Boss?"

Fuck... Jughead thought to himself. This is the last thing I need right now...

"Not now, Sweets."

"Is there a problem, J?"

"This doesn't concern you. Go back inside, that's an order," Jughead commanded, not even looking back at him, hoping to show Betty he was choosing her. That he wanted to stay and explain what she saw. However, his heart sank when she pulled away from him and glared at the Serpent behind him.

Instead of doing as he was told, Sweet Pea headed towards the pair, coming to stand beside Jughead with a smug grin on his face. His eyes drifted up and down her body lewdly when he saw Betty's appearance.

"Well, if it isn't Glinda the Good Witch of the Northsiders! I didn't recognize you in those trashy clothes..." he paused, cocking his head to the side and relishing in her anger. "What's wrong, Pinkie? You still sore that you didn't get what you wanted from the wizard?" he goaded, jetting his thumb towards an angry Jughead. He was about to turn and give his second a verbal ass-kicking but Betty beat him to it.

"I don't know, asshole. You still pissed that I dropped a house on your sister?" Betty spat back without missing a beat. She had endured his bullshit for too many years and she was done taking his abuse.

Sweet Pea glowered and lunged at the petite blonde but Jughead grabbed the man by his jacket and pushed him towards the bar before he could say anything else. He then blocked the angry Serpent, preventing him from reaching her as he barked, "Sweets, that's enough... This isn't your problem. Inside, now! Or so help me God–"

"It's fine, I was just leaving," she stated flatly, turning around and walking away from the two men while they were distracted. Jughead's heart dropped into his feet as he tried to keep Sweet Pea back, wanting to reach out to her at the same time.

"No! Betty, stop! Please!" he pleaded, not wanting to lose this chance. He pushed Sweet Pea back and chased after her, hugging her to him and cupping her tear-stained cheeks. "Please, baby."

"I can't do this right now, Jug. Please, just– I need to go, I need more time. I thought I was ready but I'm not. I'm sorry," she whispered, caressing his cheek one last time before turning to leave.

"Betty, please don't go!" Jughead shouted at her retreating form but she refused to turn around.

She simply marched back over to her car and got inside, locking her doors once they were closed. Tears threatened to fall as he watched her breaking down against her steering wheel. He started towards her again when Sweet Pea pulled him back.

"Seriously Boss, what the fuck is going on between you and Cooper?" Sweet Pea asked suspiciously. Jughead bit his tongue, annoyance mixed with anger building in him at Sweet Pea's interruption.

"Don't worry about it," he replied, watching Betty's car screech out of the parking lot. He stared in the direction that she drove off, berating himself for being a colossal fuck up, until her tail lights finally disappeared and she was truly gone– again.

He felt completely eviscerated like he no longer had anything to hold him together without her. Sweet Pea nudged him, pulling Jughead out of his downward spiral, and motioned towards the Wyrm. The taller man walked off with a sullen Jughead following him back into the bar.

As soon as he made it inside, Jughead made his way to the bar and ordered two shots of whiskey, downing them in succession before motioning to Toni for her to keep them coming.

She shook her head and muttered something like 'Well, that makes sense now' under her breath but did as he asked anyway. Without warning, he felt a dainty hand winding around his abdomen and it made him tense up.

Great, just what I fucking need tonight...

"JJ..." Candy whined, making his jaw clench. "You left me all alone after that amazing kiss... That wasn't very nice of you. How about you make it up to me, baby? Pick up where we left off?" she simpered, running her hand down Jughead's chest towards his belt buckle.

A touch that used to get him excited now just made his skin crawl. He never wanted her to touch him ever again. The only woman he wanted to touch him just ran out of his life for a second time.

This time it's probably forever...

"Fuck. Off. Candy. How many times I gotta say it for you to get it through that dense head of yours? It's not gonna happen. We're not going to be anything ever again, so back the hell off," Jughead barked, brushing her off before taking another shot and continuing his brooding.

"Whatever. You're a lousy lay anyway," Candy mocked, brushing her dress off before walking away in a tiff. Jughead mumbled under his breath as he lit a cigarette, ordering a third round of double shots.

Toni reluctantly poured his whiskey and handed Sweet Pea a beer before stepping away to help other customers. Jughead stewed in his own self-loathing for several minutes, finishing his shots before Sweet Pea suggested they play a few rounds of pool with their friends.

They were on their third game -which Jughead continued to sulk through- when Sweet Pea finally spoke up.

"Hey man, you just need to relax. Don't let that bitch get your panties in a bunch," he said, taking a few gulps of his beer.

Jughead looked up at him in confusion for a second before he lined up his shot. He sunk another ball -much to Sweet Pea's chagrin- before grabbing his lager and taking a generous mouthful.

"Who?"

"Come on, man. You know who I'm talking about," Sweet Pea said, giving Jughead a knowing look. Jughead looked up to see Candy working her charms on a new Serpent recruit and he rolled his eyes. He could give two fucks about what she was doing anymore.

"Candy? Please... She isn't even worth my time, she just doesn't know when to quit," he retorted. Jughead walked around the table, strategically planning his next shot when Sweet Pea barked out a laugh, clapping Jughead on the back.

"Not her, dude. Cooper. I don't know what she did but I know she's the reason you're in a mood tonight," Jughead stiffened, pivoting to face his friend at the mention of her name.

"Look, she's just another stuck-up Northside bitch who thinks she can do whatever the hell she wants and no one will call her out on it. If you ask me, cunts like her need to be knocked down a few pegs. Hell, I'd be happy to volunteer as tribute for that one."

Jughead felt his blood boil, his friend's words striking a nerve that had been fraying for over a month now. He stepped closer to the taller Serpent, ready to make him eat those words. Make him regret everything he'd ever said or done to hurt Betty over the years.

"You wanna run that by me again?" Jughead snarled, shooting Sweet Pea a death glare that the man didn't seem to notice.

"I said, cunts like Betty Cooper need–" Jughead snapped, throwing down his pool cue before lunging at his friend. He grabbed Sweet Pea by the throat, slamming him down onto the pool table before his fists collided with the man's face repeatedly.

"Don't ever talk about her like that ever again! You hear me, motherfucker?!" Jughead screamed as he continued to wail on his friend.

Once Sweet Pea recovered from his shock, he began pushing Jughead off of his chest before tackling him to the ground. The two men rolled around on the bar floor, each getting in a few punches before Toni and Fangs finally pried them apart.

"Alright, that's enough! Fangs, take Sweet Pea home! Jug, go cool off," Toni yelled, standing between the scowling men. Jughead went to protest but Toni wasn't hearing it, "I mean it, go cool the hell off!"

Jughead complied, cursing under his breath as he stalked away, slamming the door to his office behind him. Toni turned back to Sweet Pea, giving him a harsh scowl until he finally nodded and allowed Fangs to lead him out the bar.

"Alright, the show's over, nothing to see here," she shouted to the nosy onlookers, striding behind the bar to dial the number of the only person she knew who could ever talk Jughead down when he got like this.

She just hoped they'd actually show up this time...