"Shit," He muttered before flooring his gas and speeding ahead realizing he couldn't take her anywhere with his new friends following him. If they were an enemy of the serpents, which he was almost positive they were, he couldn't take her to a house they could find, and he definitely couldn't let them see her leave is car, it would make her a vulnerable target. He whipped his car taking a harsh right and speeding down the street that Pops was on, his stomach instinctively growled as he realized he hadn't eaten since before he went to Betty's work. His car flew down the streets his focus zeroing in on the road as he tried to come up with a plan, the serpents had a safe house across sweetwater that was right on the city limits of Greendale, he had to get there and fast before his audience in the other car could follow him there. His wheels rolled across the assphalt an alarming rate, and he took another sharp right finally seeing the river roll up to the side of the road, he pulled a left onto the bridge that led across the water making betty slide slightly into his shoulder, she began stirring a little as she sleepily squeezed his hand that was still in hers, her eyes opening softly at first before flying open at their alarming speed, he looked over as she gasped loudly and saw the fear in her in her eyes.

"Jug, where are we?" she asked her eyes wide as she took in the surroundings. He kept the gas floored as he maneuvered the winding road ahead of them.

"I'm sorry betts, change of plans," a serious edge crept into his voice as he willed her not to ask anymore questions until he got her to safety, he kept his eyes peeled for the small road that he knew was barely visible especially at night in the pitch black, he sped past the welcome to Greendale sign knowing they were close.

"Where are we going?" she whimpered clearly not taking his hint, the fear in her voice evident. He finally saw the small dirt road lit up by his head lights and he whipped the car to the right making her yelp. He sped down the path silently more another few miles, listening to her breathing quicken as her panic set in. A House far to the left came into view and he exhaled looking in the rear mirror and making sure they hadn't been followed that far. He slowed the car down and pulled it into the bumpy driveway before slamming it into park and turning towards her.

"I need you to trust me," He said his voice low and serious, she searched his face with wide eyes blinking too many times before nodding slightly. "Take my keys, and find the one that fits the lock and go inside, I'll be in right after you," He said hurriedly pulling the keys from the ignition and thrusting them at her. She obeyed her hand shaking slightly, and swiftly got out of the car, pulling her bag out with her.

"Where are we?" She asked once he was out of the car too, he closed the door quietly and shot her a warning look, making her visibly shake even in the darkness.

"Go," he commanded her, and she finally just listened to him hopefully understanding his need to keep her safe. He watched her make her way to the front of the small house, and he took the opportunity to grab the large black tarp that was folded on the small tool shed to the side of the house, he fanned it out before draping it over the car and making sure it was covered. He checked his pocket making sure his phone was there then made quick long strides until he was at the front door with her, she was still trying different keys as her hands shook and she couldn't even get the small metal into the keyhole, he put his hand over hers making her jump slightly. She looked up at him exhaling loudly as she took in his face.

"I got it," He tried to sound comforting as he pulled the keys from her hand and pulled them closer to his face to see before singling out the correct key and pushing it into the lock and twisting it to open the door as they entered a beeping sound started from the security system telling him he had a 30 second to disarm it, he let her walk inside first before pushing the door closed and punching in the code on a small keypad to the right of the door, the beeping ceased as a small chime went off granting them entry. He closed the door behind him flicking the lock and pulling the deadbolt above it across as well, he finally let out a deep breath and closed his eyes pulling his hand up to instinctively pinch the bridge if his nose as he let the situation sink in. He opened his eyes as he watched Betty walk slowly down the hallway and into the house.

"Where are we?" she asked again her voice echoing slightly in the small space, he walked past her and found the small lamp on the side of the couch, flicking it on and illuminating the small cozy living room. It wasn't decorated much but it had all the furniture it needed, even small throw pillows and a plaid blanket laying over the back of the couch. He hadn't been there in a long time, not since before his dad had been put away, the last time was with his younger sister when FP had told them they were going to stay in the family cabin as a vacation, and he noted that it did really resemble a quaint cottage, that could be mistaken as a vacation home if he didn't know better, but he did know better, and he knew now that it was a safe point for the serpents that was off the grid and didn't even have an address, it was a house that was only used in dangerous situations and his brows furrowed together as he remembered being there as a kid and now wondered why they had gone there in the first place and what kind of trouble his dad had been in to have to use it. He sat himself on the couch and looked up at Betty who was still standing in the entry hallway her backpack pulled tightly to her chest.

"It's a safe house," He finally answered running his fingers through his messy black hair, feeling a slight tinge of panic when he didn't feel the familiar fabric of his beanie, he didn't usually wear it, not anymore at least, but it was never too far from him. It wasn't something he kept on all the time because he found that it made him look vulnerable and young but he still liked having it, it was like an odd security blanket that he still needed around, and he felt a little lost without it, but right now it was lazily tossed in the backseat of his car and he couldn't risk going back outside to get it. "We had a tail," he continued explaining to her.

"A tail?" she still didn't move from where she stood.

"Yes, someone was following us, I don't know who or why at the moment," he let out a sigh realizing the time and feeling tired. "We have to stay here until the morning when I can call in some back up."

"Aren't you the head of the serpents though, shouldn't they come no matter what time it is?" She asked lightly clearly feeling timid about talking to him about his role in the infamous gang.

"And they will," he said matter of factly, eyeing her as she put her back pack down and walked cautiously over to the couch sitting at the far end from him. "They answer to me whenever but i'm also not a complete asshole. A lot of them have families and lives outside of just club stuff," he said shrugging but he didn't miss the small glint of admiration that crept into her face as she looked at him. And he tried to bite his tongue, but his nature was not to keep quiet and he wasn't used to filtering what he said, he raised his eyebrow at her. "Is it that surprising that I'm actually a decent human being?" He said his eyebrow raising a little higher as a mocking smile played at his lips. She looked away blushing and pulling her hand up to grab the end of her blonde hair and twist it between her fingers.

"No, it's not that," she stammered nervously "I just wasn't expecting…." she trailed off her nose scrunching up slightly as she searched for the words.

"Compassion, empathy, kindness?" He laughed trying to finish her sentence for her, she shot him an apologetic look and pulled her legs up hugging her knees to her chest. "Are you cold?" He asked reaching for the blanket behind them and handing it to her before getting up.

"Where are you going?" She asked over her shoulder as he made his way through the living room.

"Kitchen, want a soda? Water?" He asked walking over to the kitchen, taking off his leather jacket as he went and throwing it over a dining room chair. He made his way through the doorless frame and found the thermostat on the wall, cranking up the heat and quickly after rolling up the long sleeves of his dark blue Henley, bracing himself for the hot air that was about to start pouring out of the vents.

"Water please," she yelled from the other room. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and rummaged around in one of the small white drawers finding the charger before plugging it in and setting his phone down on the black countertop. He made his way to the fridge and opened it finding two water bottles and lazily walking back to the den where the small blonde had made herself a cocoon out of the blanket he had given her, and as he walked to her and held out the water bottle, she had to find a way out for her hand and he laughed out loud at the concentration on her face making her frown and she finally popped out her tiny hand and snatched the water from him. "Thanks," she pouted. The heater made a rumbling sounds as it cranked itself on and she jumped a little. He found his spot next to her sitting closer than he was before, he turned slightly towards her and looked into her tired eyes realizing one was slightly more green while the other one remained a striking blue, and his breath hitched not really sure if he had ever seen anything more beautiful and intriguing, he studied them intently finding tiny yellow specks in them and getting a little lost, she quickly pulled her hair from behind her ear letting it fall over her face and cover the green eye. He shook his head lightly trying to pull himself out of her spell.

"I'm sorry about all of this," he paused watching her "I didn't mean for you to get caught up in my crap," as he finished talking his stomach let out a loud growl and she laughed breezily forcing him to smile too.

"Hungry?" She asked still laughing a little.

"I'm always hungry," he laughed too feeling the mood lighten a little bit "you?"

"I could eat," she nodded, and he pulled himself off the couch and held out his hand out to her, she found her way out of her blanket cocoon more easily this time and let him help her up. The heater was working more now and the house was filled with warm air, she pulled her arms out of her jacket and threw it on her bag before starting to pull of her grey work shirt too. He watched her frozen in place before realizing she had a small tight tank top underneath and he let out his exhale as his eyes drank in her small frame, the low cut white material showing her cleavage, and tightly hugging her small waist, suddenly he was even more hungry but for a much different meal, he noticed her watching his eyes as her cheeks burned pink, and she quickly tried to walk past him, her scent hitting his nose and making his eyes roll back slightly. He turned and followed her into the kitchen, he bee lined for the pantry and found the cup of noodles they always kept there. Handing them to her, she grabbed them both and went to work opening them and getting them filled up with water, as she put them in the microwave he grabbed his phone and shot a quick text to Joaquin and sweet pea about their situation and telling them to call him as soon as they were awake. Betty leaned against the wall watching the two styrofoam cups rotate in the small black box as they heated up. Jughead felt his phone vibrate in his hand and looked down to see a reply from sweet pea.

You need help now?

He read the text and thought about it for a second before eyeing her again her hands pushed into her pack pockets making her chest pop out slightly, and he knew he should say yes but he couldn't stop himself from wanting to be around her more, and make her stay with him, his fingers moved stealthily across the screen.

No, it can wait till the morning. We are at greendale.

He closed his phone sliding it into his pocket making sure she wouldn't hear if it vibrated again. He felt a pang of guilt that he was keeping her there with him even though with sweet peas help they could probably make it out fine. But the thought of taking her home right now and going back to the Whyte Wyrm and sleeping alone made his stomach drop, he didn't wanna be without her right then. The microwave beeped pulling him out of his thoughts, she walked over and pulled them out while he opened the drawer next to him and grabbed some forks. She held both cups making her ways back to the couch and he followed close behind taking his from her hand as they both sat back down. He ate his impossibly quick and always let out a disappointed groan when he realized all his noodles were gone, he pulled the cup to his lips and drank the liquid that remained in the cup before putting the empty styrofoam on the table and looking back at her. She had a fork full of noodles halfway to her mouth but she was frozen in place staring at him with wide eyes, she took the bite she had ready and then pushed her fork into her cup and leaning over to put it on The table next to his.

"Are you done?" He asked eyeing hers and she laughed nodding, and without hesitation he grabbed her cup and finished hers as well feeling a little closer to satisfied. She eyed him almost suspiciously, when he finally looked up and met her gaze she looked away blushing. He pulled his eyebrows together quizzically.

"What's on your mind little one?" He asked watching her flush deepen.

"Just thinking…" she trailed off biting her thumb nail. He leaned over putting the styrofoam cup next to his and turned his attention back to her.

"Thinking what?" He implored

"If there is more than just water in this house," she responded shyly. He looked at her even more confused.

"Yeah we have soda," he shrugged, she looked at him before. looking away quickly and staring at the floor for a beat.

"I meant something stronger than soda," her voice was soft and timid and he finally understood what she meant.

"I don't know Betts, last time you were drunk…" he trailed off remembering the ways she had a straddled him and kissed him. "I'll go look," He finished hating himself for not being able to tell her no. He got up grabbing their cups and taking them to the kitchen with him, she followed him and leaned against the counter while he opened the fridge. He pulled out too bottles of hard cider and she watched him with hooded lids as he pulled his keys from his belt loop and used one to expertly pop off the tops, handing her one and taking a long swig himself.

"So why would someone be following us?" She asked looking at him with her crystal blue eyes, pulling the neck of her bottle up to her lips and taking a timid sip.

"That a pretty long list of reasons," He sighed taking another sip, "I happen to have a lot of enemies."

"I can imagine that," She sighed. He watched her trying to read her expression but all he could pick up on was her exhaustion.

"I'll find out what I can in the morning, don't concern yourself with it," he said with finality, wanting her to stay as far away from his lifestyle as possible.

"Well it's kinda hard to ignore seeing as now I'm staying in a house with a guy I hardly know because someone was after us," She rolled her eyes sarcastically, and he couldn't help the hurt that welled inside his chest slightly at her words.

"You hardly know me?" He asked raising an eyebrow "You've known me since you were like 9," He countered taking another long swig of his drink. She laughed and drank some of hers as well.

"I was 7, and you know what I mean," she looked at him pointedly.

"Fair enough," He said cocking his chin forward and nodding his head towards the door, she understood his motion and made her way out of the kitchen and towards the living room and he followed close behind, as she found her spot on the couch he sat opposite of her on the large chair and set his bottle down on the coffee table, she pulled her legs up under her and sat criss crossed, balancing her cider between her legs letting it rest on her inner thigh. "What do you wanna know?" He asked meeting her gaze.

"How old are you now?" He couldn't help but chuckle a little at her question.

"Well how old are you?"

"17 almost 18," she answered her eyebrows pulling together as she thought "and you're 4 years older than me, so you're 21?" He nodded in response.

"You went to Southside high?" He nodded again to her question but kept silent. She looked away for a minute grabbing her drink and tilting it up to take a long sip. "You're dad was the serpent leader…" he gave another slight nod "and now you are…" she trailed off and he tilted his head to the side slightly waiting for her to continue but he knew her question already and when she didn't keep talking he sighed taking a deep breath.

"FP got picked up when I was 14, and he has been locked up ever since, I took over for him… it's kind of a bloodline thing," he shrugged, leaning forward as she watched him grab his bottle and tip it completely back chugging the rest of his.

"You've been doing this since you were 14?" she asked with wide eyes, not at all hiding the shock in her voice, which didn't bother him but the hint of pity in her words made him flinch.

"Yeah," He nodded again not really knowing what else to say. She looked away again blushing slightly.

"Do you live on your own then?" she asked in a small voice.

"That depend on how you look at it, I stay at the Whyte Wyrm," He said running his finger through his hair and pushing it out of his face "There is a studio upstairs, so yeah I live alone, but there is usually always company if I want it."

"Company?" her voice took an edge to it, and he found himself oddly satisfied with her jealousy. He smirked trying not to enjoy it too much.

"I live above a bar Betts, it's full of people until like 2 am, I'm not lonely," He shrugged.

"Sounds kinda lonely to me," she huffed making him laugh.

"I'm kind of loner, lonely suits me."

"You lead a huge group of people but you're a loner?" She asked raising an eyebrow questioningly.

"I'm as much of a loner as my position allows me to be, I like it that way," He pulled his lips to the side incredulously.

"Why?" She asked bluntly staring at him her eyes searching his face with a scrutiny that made him shift uncomfortably.

"Why am I loner?" He laughed trying to brush off his unease.

"Why you do you like it?" she asked boldly raising her chin slightly. He met her eyes trying to figure out where this was going.

"Why do I like being alone?" He laughed coldly this time "I tried to give you a ride home and within a few hours I already had you in a dangerous situation, alone is the easiest option," He said daring her to challenge him. She looked at him her eyes narrowing slightly as if she were about to protest but instead she yawned unexpectedly pulling her hand up to rub underneath her eyes. When she looked back at him her eyes had lost whatever fire was brewing in them.

"Are we really in that much danger?" She asked finally.

"Until I know more, yes, we could be," He said flatly and her gaze darted to the hallway that led to the front door her posture becoming rigid.

"Will they find us?"Her tone rising with fear. He stood up stretching his arms above his head and pushing his head to one side hard enough until he heard a satisfying pop.

"I doubt it," His words were clipped and he could tell his non-answer was making her nervous "I won't let anything happen to you," He said taking a step towards her, held out his hand to her making sure he looked her in the eyes as he gave her his word.

"Where are we going?" She asked her voice fighting off another yawn as she placed her small hand in his, he pulled her to her feet, never letting go of her hand as she put her half full bottle on the table and stood impossibly close to him looking up at his through her long lashes.

"Bed."