She was too lost in her thoughts to hear the sound of a key turning in the lock. As the door was pulled open, she went tumbling forward.

Familiar arms wrapped around her waist before she could make contact with the polished tile.

"Shit." He muttered. "You okay, Betts?"

Something came over her; she didn't know if it was the irritation of being locked in a room, or the annoyance that she felt as if she were not in on another secret, but she snapped. Ignoring the pain of her bruised knuckle, she pushed against his chest with both hands, barely moving him an inch.

"Betts...' Jughead began.

She shoved him again, harder this time.

"Betty!" He snarled, catching hold of her wrists. "Stop it!"

"What the hell was that, Jug?" Betty demanded, trying and failing to free herself from his grasp. "What the hell is going on?"

Jughead didn't answer, pulling her out into the hallway without much effort on his part, locking the door the second she was standing beside him.

He began a face paced stride, yanking her along behind him.

"Jug!" Betty dragged her feet, attempting to do anything to slow him down. "Jughead! What the hell is going on? Talk to me! Please!"

"I can't." He responded, his tone strained.

"Juggie-"

"Betts, I can't." He hissed, whirling around to face her. "I fucking can't!"

It wasn't the language that shocked her. No, it was the welt currently swelling above his left eye. She gasped, trying to reach for him, but his grip on her wrist tightened instinctively, holding her arm in place at her side.

Jughead searched her face, concern and surprise slowly melting the anger away.

"Betts." He mumbled, pronouncing the name only he could use carefully. "Are you... Crying?"

If she'd noticed her tear stained cheeks before, her rage had been a welcome distraction.

Suddenly, he was beside her, brushing the salty droplets away with the calloused pad of his thumb.

"Betty." Jughead whispered. It almost sounded like he was pleading with her. "Why are you crying? Please don't cry."

"I…" She shook her head, her pony tail bobbing. "Juggie..."

"What is it, Betts?"

"I..."

"Betty."

"I'm scared." Betty finally admitted, a fresh pool of tears filling her eyes. She hadn't realized the words were true until they had left her mouth. "I'm scared, Juggie."

It was his abruptness, his refusal to let her into his world that terrified her more than anything.

Something flashed across his features, a look she couldn't quite place, and then he was tugging her towards him, crushing her to his chest.

"Please." Jughead said, his tone deep. "Don't be afraid. Not of me."

She didn't respond.

"Betts, please." He begged. "I know this is asking a lot, I know I've given you no reason to trust me, but I need you to come with me. Please."

She managed to twist herself slightly to peer up at him. Go with him? Where?

"Juggie..."

"I need to keep you safe." He hissed, his teeth clenched. "Let me keep you safe."

"Jug, I don't understand-"

"You said you trusted me." Jughead reminded her. "Did you mean it?"

"Yes." Betty answered, without hesitation.

"I need you to trust me now." He said. "Come with me."

She looped her arms his torso in response. She would have followed him anywhere, this she knew.

Jughead didn't speak as he started a fast-paced stride down the hallway, anchoring her to him. As they neared the parking lot, he scanned the empty street, his grip tightening. His shifted, almost as if he was trying to hide her from view.

"We've gotta go." His voice was low. "C'mon."

He pulled her towards his bike, only releasing her to throw his leg over the side, straddling the contraption.

"A motorcycle?" Betty demanded.

Jughead handed her his helmet, his hands lingering over hers for a second longer than needed.

"Trust me, Betts."

Trembling now, she pulled the helmet over her head, allowing him to settle her onto the seat beside him.

She trusted him. She would always trust him.

"Hold on tight." Jughead ordered.

She grasped his shoulders.

He chuckled, despite the situation, winding her arms around his torso for a second time. The engine roared to lift, and then, they were racing out of the parking lot.