I have six jobs, and am applying for another because the six don't pay enough/have enough consistent hours to sustain my upcoming vehicle purchase (So ready to stop sharing with my dad - I'm 22 and like I said, have six jobs) and my looming student loans.

If it weren't for you guys and your excitement over this story, I am sure I would have dropped it by now, even though I do really enjoy writing it!

Now let us all get our angst fix from this chapter.

Chapter Fifteen: Jughead

The world feels like it's spinning when I try to sit up. Betty and I fell asleep in the middle of the room, holding onto each other in the most comfortable position we could find, trying not to pull the chains too tight.

I knew that I was exhausted, but the fatigue that has been threatening to take over for the past two days is really taking its toll now. I only know how much time has gone by because Betty told me. It's felt like much longer.

Something shifted overnight. I had been functioning with incessant headaches and aching body for the past day or so, but my head is pounding, and the florescent lights are like knives stabbing into my eyes.

"- Jug, are you listening to me?" Betty's voice filters into my ears, and I look up at her from my spot on the floor. I thought I sat up? Did I not make it that far?

"What?"

She's clearly frightened, concern etched on every corner of her face. Do faces have corners? My brain isn't working quickly enough to think it through.

"When was the last time you ate?" She questions, making me groan. "What?"

"You broke my rule," I grumble, stomach gnawing at me from inside.

"What rule?"

"Not to talk or think about food."

"Jug, I'm serious," Betty sighs.

"So am I," is my testy response. Ignoring my problems was so much easier when I didn't have a companion to remind me of them.

"Jug."

"Pop's," I tell her, mouth watering at the thought of a double cheeseburger with bacon, lettuce, and ketchup. At this point I'd even accept the lettuce. Hell, give me a salad. I'd accept anything.

"That was wasn't food, Jug!" Betty protests. "You had three milkshakes!"

"Yes, I am very aware of that, Betty." My eyes scrunch shut against the lights, which seem to be shifting.

"Have they at least given you water?" The question makes my face flush a bit in embarrassment.

"I've been drinking from the bucket."

"What?" Betty demands loudly, making me flinch.

"Not my proudest moment. Dead skin cells aren't exactly appetizing."

"But they haven't fed you anything?"

"They must be trying to maintain my perfect figure," I grumble, attempting the joke.

"Do they want you to starve?" Betty is obviously pissed, sitting beside me with her legs bent, reminding me that I'm still lying down. Absently, I wonder if I should get up, but decide against it.

"Betts, people go without food all the time. I'll be fine," I wave her off, wishing she'd talk about things that don't remind me of how miserable I've been. As if every slight movement isn't enough of a reminder.

"Not you." She does have a point there. "Also, most people who go two and a half days without eating aren't also being tortured and at least get water to stay hydrated!" Again, she has a point, but it's not particularly helpful at this point.

"Unless there's a bag of curly fries at the end of this lecture, I'm not really interested," I groan, finally pushing myself into a sitting position, closing my eyes briefly as the room tilts to the side.

"I'm not trying to lecture you," Betty replies with a bit of indignance.

I let out a sigh, massaging at my temples. "I know, I know. I'm sorry, Betts. It's just…"

"I know," she replies softly, her voice almost a whisper.

"Talking about it won't fix anything," I add gently, furrowing my brow as I look to her. "They won't give us any food."

"They will if they want you to live," Betty counters, face twisting in determination.

"I'm not convinced they do," I scoff, glaring at the door that I know someone is lurking behind.

"If you die, their leverage is gone. They need you alive."

"Again, talking about it won't fix anything. They won't give me anything if they think it will make my life less hellish."

The classic Betty-Cooper-Always-Gets-Her-Way look takes over her features as she rises to her feet, nearing the door.

"Betty, what are you doing –"

"Making sure you don't die down here!"

"Betty, no!" I jump to my feet. It's really a horrible decision, which I realize the moment I keel to the side. Betty's hands are instantly grabbing at my arms, trying to steady me. I hold onto her, blinking rapidly as my vision becomes fuzzy. "You don't want to bring them in here, Betts, trust me –"

I clamp my mouth shut at the deadly glare she shoots my way. "I'm going to help, Jughead, so just let me help!"

"But this won't help!" I protest, gripping her forearms. "I told you, I'm fine!"

"Excuse me!" Betty shouts, turning to face the door again, holding onto my arms so I can't fall. "I need to speak with someone!"

"Betts!"

"Hey, are you listening out there?"

"Betty, stop it –"

I fall silent as a new, gruff man throws the door open with a sour look on his bearded face. "What?"

Swatting me away as I attempt to stand in front of her, Betty holds her ground. "I want to speak with Venom," she tells the man.

"Oh yeah?" He scoffs, looking Betty up and down with a lingering gaze. I have the overwhelming urge to punch him right in his smug face, but hold myself back. It's hard enough to stay standing, let alone win a fight with this guy. "And why should I give a damn about what you want?"

"Because unless you all want to lose your leverage in this hostage situation, you have no choice but to give Jug some food," she snaps, voice icy.

He laughs at that, taking in my bedraggled state. "We wondered when you'd finally cave."

"Yeah, well, I haven't," I growl, pulling Betty away from him. "So you can leave now."

"What seems to be the problem here?" My heart drops at Venom's voice. I look up to see him standing in the doorway, steely eyes boring into my own.

"Nothing –"

"Jughead needs to eat something," Betty cuts me off with determination, head held high.

"Is that right?" Venom asks, entering the room and closing the door behind him.

"No –"

"Yes –"

"Damnit, Betty!" I shout, losing my cool. "I said I'm fine!"

"That's bullshit and you know it!"

"Children!" Venom interjects, pulling us apart. The action causes me to stumble against him, head spinning as my legs shake beneath me. He holds me up with a firm hand hooked under my armpit, keeping me close to his side. "There's no need to fight. Jughead, if you want food, all you need to do is ask."

"Go screw yourself," I snarl, voice weaker than I intended it to be due to the raging migraine that has only increased in pressure since the argument started.

Venom's free hand latches onto my neck, pulling me close enough so he can whisper into my ear. "If you don't watch yourself, I'll take your pretty girl for myself, you hear me?"

Defeat courses through my body, chilling me to the bone. Eyes cast on the floor, I don't respond, afraid of saying the wrong thing and having Betty pay for it.

"I said do you hear me?" Venom growls, fingers tightening on my neck.

"Yes."

"Yes what?"

"I understand!" I yell, unable to stop myself. My eyes flick up to meet Venom's, and he must see my fear, judging by the sick grin that forms on his face.

"Trigger," Venom nods to the man, who has moved to guard the door. As if Betty and I have any chance of getting out. "Go grab our friend some food."

My attention is forced away from Trigger's exit as I'm shoved to the ground, collapsing gracelessly in a heap. I look up at Venom, feeling utterly drained, but still fighting against the instinct to give up.

It would be so easy to just lie down and take it. Accept everything that's happening to avoid any more pain. I'm definitely exhausted enough. My head is pounding, my ribs are aching, my stomach is churning.

But there's Betty to think about now. If I drop, then I won't be able to protect her anymore. Not that I've been doing a great job to begin with.

Her presence has simultaneously made everything more and less bearable. The horrible loneliness has decreased, but the terror from this whole situation has skyrocketed. I'm so afraid of doing something wrong and having her pay for it.

It doesn't take long for Trigger to return, now carrying a pizza box, which he drops next to my head unceremoniously. I look at it longingly, but don't move until Venom kicks my leg.

"Eat."

There are only three cold slices left inside, but I don't care. Trying to ignore the eyes fixed on me, I take my first bite. I'm barely able to process the relief of food before Betty cries out in pain.

Cliffhanger!

Poor Jughead is so exhausted and worn down, and poor Betty just wants to protect him. My babies. I'm sorry for hurting you this way.

(Or am I?)

As always, thank you all so, so much for the support. It is so encouraging for me to know how much you enjoy this story, and I love hearing all of your ideas!