Story eight = I probably can't effectively summarize all that has come before. I think the best orientation is that a lot of bad things have happened to Jughead, but it's sort of come together into a new way of life for him - and for his friends and family.
We also had a little cliffhanger of sorts at the end of the previous story (Jughead did something complicated that is definitely going to haunt everyone), but by and large this is the Archie's-band-goes-on-tour-and-has-a-LOT-of-baggage-in-tow story.
I really hope you enjoy. I am excited to see where this story leads!
-Button
00000
Prologue
00000
"This isn't going to work." Archie folded his arms. "Think of something else."
Jughead folded his arms beside Archie.
"Every other option I see at this moment involves a significant risk of a stampede." Brand shook his head harshly. "I am not equipped to extricate people from that, let alone treat crush injuries."
"You were sure it was a bluff. Are you less sure now?" Archie demanded. He uncrossed his arms.
Jughead uncrossed his arms.
"Andrews." Brand was clearly losing patience, but trying to keep his voice steady. "There are a lot of failure modes here. It's definitely a bluff, and that makes it less dangerous – but not a whole lot less if we can't pull something off right now."
Archie sighed heavily, studying Brand as if he'd be able to figure out a better plan just by staring at his head of security. He ran a shaky hand over his face.
So did Jughead.
"Cut that out," Archie finally snapped at his best friend. "I get it. You're ready to jump in the path of a bullet for another Andrews."
Even Archie was startled by the resentment he heard in his own voice.
This time Jughead broke the pattern and shook his head emphatically. "Come on, man. This is so not about that."
"Do not yell at your journalist, Andrews; that rarely ends well. Besides, do you really think I'd be suggesting this if I thought it would be dangerous for Jones?" Brand demanded.
Archie's eyes narrowed, but after a few moments he huffed a small laugh of defeat. "All right; fine. That's the first argument you've made that I literally cannot disagree with."
Archie watched as Jughead and Brand looked over at each other. Something seemed to pass between the two, and then Brand lifted one shoulder in a shrug and Jughead smothered a laugh.
"But this right here?" Archie motioned between Jughead and Brand. "It does not inspire confidence. In fact, it makes it seem like you're not telling me everything."
"And?" Brand looked sincerely puzzled.
"He's saying we aren't acting like we work for him, Brand," Jughead said, the lightness of his tone making the edge in his voice even sharper.
"No, I am not-," Archie heard himself sputtering; he sounded way too defensive.
"We're wasting time," Brand cut him off. "Don't think too hard. That's why you pay me the big bucks: to do that for you when situations like this one arise. Now let's move."
Archie wished for the very first time that he was a part of the wolf pack.
Or that he had no reason to depend on that stupid entity that Brand Davies had dreamed up and given a name.
Because working with them was getting more maddening by the day.
00000
And we're off! I'll be hoping to get a 'real' chapter up before the end of December. I hope you'll consider coming along for the ride! :) As always, I'll enjoy any and all notes, insights, feedback, and just messages saying "hi, I'm reading." Just having you all reading is so appreciated!
I wish you all the best as we enter what is traditionally a very busy time of year. May it be restful and lovely!
-Button