So I have tried to write this chapter twice now. But this seemed to be the best place for it.

I have no rights to Riverdale or these characters.


Jughead nixed the bowling shirt idea from his dad, "no way in hell I'm wearing that," he commented.

FP grinned, "boy."

"Not going to happen."

"Then what are you going to wear?" FP argued.

"In one of those photos you had a plain white tee," Jughead said, "I'll go the classic route."

Shaking his head, FP could tell that Jughead was nervous. So, he decided to not argue with him.

Standing the bathroom, Jughead looked at the gel sitting on the counter, "no," he said turning out the light.

"Grab the gel," FP called, "you have Betty do it for you."

Growling he turned back and grabbed the gel, "I can't believe I'm doing this," he whispered.

Betty stood in her mom's bathroom and looked in the mirror. She didn't recognize herself. Her hair was waved. Her eyeliner thick. Lipstick darker than Betty had ever worn.

Standing up, she took in the whole outfit. The matching set her mom had picked out, shocked her. A thick black lace top with accenting ribbons and a deep V. Matching black lace cheeky with ribbons across the butt were under the skirt.

Spinning, Betty blushed. She couldn't wait for Jughead to see her. Adjusting the necklaces her mom had put on, "do you feel comfortable?" Alice asked looking her daughter over.

"I do," Betty nodded, "it's just a dance mom."

Alice nodded. She still wasn't sure this was a good idea. Her daughter looked almost like a spiting image of her in high school. It was unsettling.

FP pulled at the collar of his sweater as he and Jughead walked up the steps to the Cooper's house. It had been years since he had seen or been this close to Alice.

Ringing the doorbell, Jughead took a deep breath. He had no idea what to expect, but it wasn't the Betty who answered the door.

Betty opened the door and smirked. Jughead looked like an all-American athlete. Something he would hate.

"B…Bet…" Jughead sputtered. Betty looked incredible. She looked every part the Southside Serpent.

"Betty, you look… different," FP managed, while his son put his tongue back in his mouth.

"Thank you, FP," Betty said, "come on in."

Stepping back, she closed the door after Jughead and FP entered, "FP," Alice started, "you look…" she stopped. He looked more handsome than he had in high school.

Jughead still stared at Betty. He couldn't take his eyes off her, "you look," he tried again, "I…"

Betty smirked again. Standing on her toes, she pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, "it's okay," she whispered as his hands found her waist.

"Before we go, I need your help," he whispered pulling her close.

"Hmm."

Pulling the bottle of gel from his pocket, "I can't bring myself to do it."

Betty laughed and took the bottle. Setting it on the steps, "okay, I'll fix your hair before we go."

Nodding, he followed her to the dining room, "your house is so neat," he commented.

"Mom doesn't like clutter," Betty added, "so there's little crates everywhere, which then looks like clutter."

Jughead laughed as they sat down, "thank you for inviting us Mrs. Cooper," he said.

"You're welcome, Jughead," Alice commented, "I wanted to get to know you. Besides knowing that you climb through my daughter's window."

FP coughed, "how many times boy?" he asked.

"Twice."

Glaring at his son, "no more."

Jughead shrugged. Betty squeezed his hand.

"So, besides this unusual theme, anything going on tonight?" Alice asked as they passed around the food.

"Veronica nominated us for homecoming king and queen," Betty explained.

Alice coughed, "you're on homecoming court?"

"Yeah."

FP looked at Jughead, "you're okay with this?"

Shrugging, "wouldn't be my first choice, but Veronica has been supportive of us dating, so…" Jughead finished.

Alice and FP looked at each other, "okay, what is going on?" Betty demanded to know, "you two keep sharing looks."

"Your mom and dad won homecoming king and queen when we were your age," FP explained, "just brings back memories."

"Not something they need to worry about," Alice commented.

"Excuse me?" Betty accused, "you don't think we could win?"

"No… that's…. not…" Alice stammered.

"Why? Because we're opposites?" she argued, "I think it's time we head to the dance," she finished standing up.

"Betty," Jughead reminded.

"Oh, right, your hair," she nodded, "come on. I'll fix it in my bathroom."

Taking her hand, Jughead letting Betty lead him upstairs. This was new.

"Are you sure tonight is a good idea?" he asked as she ushered him into her bathroom.

"Yes," she snapped, "sorry…"

Sitting on her closed toilet lid. Pulling her between his legs, "it's okay," he said as his hands glided up and down the smooth leather of her skirt, "it was awkward for everyone."

Betty laughed as she squirted some of the gel onto her hand, "ready?"

"No," he commented, closing his eyes.

Rubbing her hands together, Betty gently pushed the gel through Jughead's hair. Using just a little more, so that his hair would keep its natural body, she grinned when he opened his eyes.

"I like it," she whispered.

"Don't get used to it," he said looking in the mirror she was holding. He looked like his dad had in high school.

"Hmmm…"

Standing up, Jughead pulled Betty against him and kissed her. His hands disappearing beneath her leather coat.

Betty's hands disappeared beneath his letterman's as they their tongues fought for dominance of their kiss.

Sighing deeply, she felt him push her back against the wall of her bathroom. Rising to her toes, Betty pressed harder against Jughead's chest.

Alice stood in her daughter's room and watched her make out with her boyfriend, "Alice, don't," FP warned.

"Don't tell me what to do FP," Alice snapped, "she's my daughter."

FP laughed, "let them be teenagers."

Spinning to glare at him, "do you remember when we were teenagers?" she accused, "we did that same thing and more."

"I remember," he noted.

Staring at him. Alice was livid. How could he just stand there? Did he care at all?

Breaking the kiss, "okay, we need to stop or we'll miss the dance," Jughead said heavily.

Betty looked at him, cheeks flushed, "okay," she mumbled.

Pulling her back, "it's not a hard stop," he whispered in her ear, "just a pause till we're alone," he finished pressing his lips to her neck.

Looking over her shoulder, Betty stiffened. Her mom was livid. FP was smirking.

"You two ready?" FP asked, "I'll give you a ride."

Both nodded and separated. Walking down the stairs, Jughead stopped, "I'll be right out," he said.

Alice walked into the dining room and began to clear the table. Dinner had been a disaster.

"Mrs. Cooper," Jughead asked.

Stopping she turned to look at the boy, "I'm not going to pressure Betty," he explained, "I like her, a lot."

Alice nodded, "I can't really explain it," Jughead confessed, "I was furious about having to go to Riverdale High, but now…"

"She's special," Alice commented.

Jughead nodded, "if only she would stop gnawing on her lip," he mused turning to leave.

"Jughead," Alice said, "please take care of her. She's been through a lot."

"I will."

Watching Jughead walk out of her house. Alice Cooper couldn't help but smile. She may not trust the teenage Serpent, but he was strong. And strong was what her daughter needed.

The drive the dance was quiet. Betty embarrassed to have been caught by their parents. Jughead thinking about Mrs. Cooper had said. FP remembering all sorts of memories about him and Alice Cooper in high school.

"You be a gentleman tonight," FP told Jughead as he helped Betty out of the truck.

"He always is," Betty grinned taking Jughead's arm.

Jughead nodded at his dad and shut the door.

"You ready?" he asked as they walked up to the school.

"As I'll ever be."

Opening the door to the gym, Betty felt the rush of warm air. It was nice compared to how chilly it had gotten.

Stepping into the gym, Jughead looked around. It looked like a party store had thrown up all over Riverdale High's gymnasium.

"What in the world?" he mused, taking in all the streamers.

He stopped when he noticed that people were staring. For once it wasn't at him.

Betty had stopped when they walked inside. She felt nervous. People were staring at her. And whispering. Just like when her dad had killed Polly.

Bawling her hands into fists, she was stopped when Jughead forced his fingers between hers, "I'm right here," he whispered.

Veronica's mouth was on the floor. Betty looked incredible. Her best friend looked every part a Southside Serpent.

Archie glared. Betty looked like a whore. But he would fix that, tonight.

Cheryl made her way through the crowd. People were staring. "What is going on?" she asked, looking around.

Her gaze stopped when she saw Betty Cooper dressed in leather, "Betty," she stated, "I didn't recognize you."

Betty smiled, "that's what I was going for."

"You succeeded," Cheryl agreed, "for tonight and tonight only," she started, "you can wear leather better than me."

"Thanks Cheryl."

"I can't believe how hot you look," she mused as Betty and Jughead wandered further into the gym, "I may have misjudged you, Betty Cooper."

Grabbing some punch, Jughead sputtered when he took a sip. It was more vodka than punch.

"Sorry," Betty apologized, "I should have warned you."

"All good," he coughed back the burning in his throat.

Betty gently swayed her hips to the music. Taking the hint, Jughead let her lead him onto the dance floor.

Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her close. Betty looked up at him and bit her lip.

"Betty…"

"Hmm…" she teased.

Capturing her mouth, Jughead gently bit her bottom lip. Betty sighed into the kiss as Jughead bit her lip.

Not able to help herself, she pushed her hands into his hair.

"Again, still at school," Kevin teased, walking by his friend.

Betty pulled away and scrunched her nose at him, "walk away Kevin," she demanded.

Kevin held his hands up in mock defeat and walked away.

Jughead laughed, "he cares about you," he stated, watching Kevin walk away.

"Kevin is a good friend."

Kissing her head, "I'm hungry," he said, "we didn't really eat at dinner."

Betty laughed, "you're always hungry."

Nodding in agreement, "come on they always bring in Pop's burgers."

"The best kind," Jughead stated, walking towards the food table.

Following behind him, Betty caught Archie's eye. She could tell he was annoyed. But for the first time in a long time, she didn't care. He wasn't her all important anymore.

Gripping the dvd a little tighter, Archie headed towards the dj table. It was almost time to announce homecoming court. As well as the winners. Unfortunately, that meant giving Betty and Jughead crowns. But that was perfect payback for Archie. He had the perfect acceptance video to show the whole school. One that Betty wouldn't want out.

"Do you have it?" Reggie asked, coming to stand beside Archie, "and man, Betty actually looks hot."

"Shut up, Reggie," Archie seethed.

Picking up plate, Betty followed Jughead to the bleachers and sat down beside him.

Jughead choked on his burger when Betty put her legs over his. He got a view up her skirt. And there wasn't much there.

"Betty," he coughed, "I…"

Betty gently patted him on the back, "it's okay, Jug," she whispered leaning closer, "they match my top."

Coughing again, Jughead stared at her.

Looking at him, "are you okay?" she asked, suddenly concerned.

"Yeah," he whispered, "I just…"

Blushing, "maybe I took this whole 'come as someone you aren't' thing to far," she admitted playing with her necklace.

Jughead pulled her onto his lap, her skirt rising slightly, "don't apologize," he smirked, kissing her, "you're the Serpent tonight."

Betty kissed him soundly, "you don't mind?"

"A little," he admitted, "but now I know what's underneath all that pink," he teased.

Shoving his shoulder, Betty kissed his neck softly when he leaned back.

Running his hands up her legs, Jughead groaned softly as Betty's hands traveled up his chest under his dad's letterman's.

"Animals in captivity mate less than you two do," Cheryl commented, watching the two make out for the second time that night.

"Thanks Cheryl," Jughead sassed.

"You're welcome, hobo," she retorted, "now disentangle so that homecoming king and queen can be crowned."

Betty stared at her, "they were named?"

"Not yet," Cheryl snorted, "I can't very well name them and have the light shine on you straddling the hobo, can I?"

Jughead and Betty looked at each other. They had won.

"Put a good girl in a sexy leather jacket and skirt and suddenly she thinks she doesn't have to listen," Cheryl grumbled as Betty slid off Jughead's lap.

"I heard that," she commented.

"You were supposed to," Cheryl responded, making her way to the stage.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," she spoke, "can I have your attention?"

"Always," someone called, "anytime you want it, Cheryl!"

"Not in your wildest dreams," she chided, "I'm here to announce Homecoming King and Queen," she kept on, ignoring the whistles, "Homecoming King is none other than new guy, Jughead Jones," she smirked as Jughead walked up on stage in his dad's letterman's, "Homecoming Queen is our very own Betty Cooper," she finished as Betty made her way to the stage.

A huge applause went us as Cheryl put the crown on Betty's head, "you deserve this," she whispered.

Betty looked at Cheryl who was actually smiling at her, "he treats you like the queen you now are."

Archie stood off to the side. He had slipped the dj a $20 to play his dvd when Betty and Jughead went out for their first dance. He now appreciated that they put up a big screen behind the dj.

Holding his hand out, Jughead smirked when Betty placed her hand in his. He never would have thought he would be in this place right now. One at a high school dance. Two dressed as a prep. Three having just been crowned Homecoming King.

Pulling her into his arms, Jughead squeezed Betty's waist as her head settled against his chest.

"Is that Betty?" someone called as the music cut.

Betty pulled away from Jughead and stared at the screen. It was her and Jughead on it. They were in the Blue and Gold.

"Oh my god," she whispered.

"Wow, Serpent Slut takes on a whole meaning when she's asking for it," someone called out.

Everyone's eyes in the gym cut to Betty. She was mortified. Looking around she saw Archie, grinning.

Walking over, "how could you?" she whispered as tears poured down her cheeks.

Archie leaned close, "you can't replace me with a Serpent," he whispered, "you had to pay."

Before anyone could stop her, Betty slapped Archie, "I had to pay," she seethed, wiping the tears from her face, not caring that her make up was smeared.

Jughead put a hand on her shoulder. She shook him off, "I kept your secret, Archie," she growled, "I didn't tell a soul!" she screamed, "not even Veronica."

Veronica stared at Betty, "what secret?" she asked looking at Archie.

"She's lying," Archie sputtered, glaring at Betty, she wouldn't. She couldn't hurt him. It went against her nature.

"I'm lying," Betty laughed, finally losing the rein on her emotions, "that's rich, Archie."

"Betty," he warned.

"Betty," Jughead hesitated.

"No!" she snapped, "I'm tired of being looked at this way."

Jughead looked at her and realized now what Alice Cooper had meant by take care of her. Betty's stress level for people believing she was the perfect girl next door was about to blow.

Standing beside her, he took her hand and squeezed it. A nonverbal 'I'm here'.

Betty looked at Jughead. He was standing by her.

Archie scoffed, "what is he your saving grace," he questioned, "you just like your mom, a Serpent slut."

"And you're a man whore," Betty exclaimed, "one who only got into music because he was screwing Ms. Grundy, the music teacher."

Archie stared at her the blood draining from his face.

Veronica looked between Betty and Archie. The rest of the gym stood still watching the former friends have it out.

"What?" Veronica asked, "when did this happen?"

Betty looked at her friend, "I'm sorry V," she admitted, "he told me I couldn't tell you or he would…"

"Shut up Betty!" Archie threatened.

"Back off, Red," Jughead argued.

Principal Weatherbee took to the stage, "this dance is over!" he stated, "everyone go home. Archie Andrews, I will see you and your father in my office on Monday."

Archie shoved past Betty and Jughead.

Veronica stared at her best friend, "how long?" she cried.

"Almost all last year," Betty admitted, "I'm so sorry V."

Jughead watched Veronica run out of the gym. Turning he looked at Betty. She was fighting back tears.

"Come here," he soothed pulling her to him.

"I can't believe I did that," she agonized.

Jughead kissed her head, "it's not your fault."

"I'm a horrible person," she cried.

Stopping he cupped her cheeks, "Betty Cooper you are not a horrible person," he corrected, "you're a person who has kept a lot inside. Lots of things that are not your fault or under your control."

Betty huffed looking up at Jughead, "none of that makes you a horrible person."

Shaking his hands loose, "Jug," she groaned.

"Do you remember what you told me when I saw the scars on your palms?" he asked sitting on the bleachers.

Betty looked at him, "you said, 'I'm supposed to be perfect. Well guess what I'm human, so that's not possible,'."

"You remember that?" she asked wiping her nose.

Jughead smiled, "of course," he said, "it was the first time I got to see the real Betty Cooper."

A tear ran down her cheek. Jughead wiped it away with his thumb, "ready to go home?"

Shaking her head, "can I come over for a little while?" she asked, "I don't want to chance running into Archie."

Jughead nodded.

Taking her hand. The two walked to his trailer.


Hmm maybe Betty enjoys being a Serpent a little to much. Freedom from being the girl next door. Did you like it?