Betty POV:
Jug's damp hair was calming to the touch, along with the warmth and fresh scent of his bare chest as I laid my head onto it. His hands found my hair, only a tad wetter than his, tangling itself into it and letting the water seep into his pillowcase as it dripped off of his chest.
"Betts?", he whispered as he held me tighter against him. "Are the kids asleep?".
"Mhm. Well, I tucked them in. There's no guarantees that they're asleep, though.".
He hummed, pulling me on top of him and resting his cheek against my hair, disregarding the chill of the dampness of it. He only inhaled deeply, seemingly relaxing himself with the scent of my lavender shampoo that he'd carefully massaged into my scalp a few minutes earlier.
"Why are you still so tense, my love?", he asked quietly.
"Hmm? Oh, no, I'm fine. I promise.".
"Yeah... I'm not buying it. Are you still shaken up over what happened earlier?".
"I'm not going to lie to you, Jughead.", I sighed. "Yes, I've been sort of set on high alert. It's exhausting. I just want everyone to be safe. I feel so powerless because I haven't a clue of what's going on.".
"Hey, nothing is going on. Besides, it's my job to protect you. You aught to be relaxing as much as you can, so why don't you just close your eyes and enjoy this moment with me?". His tone lifted swiftly as he looked me in the eyes, tapping the tip of my nose with his and smiling before our door burst open, revealing three distressed children on the other side.
"Hey! What's wrong, guys?", I asked while sitting up, straining to still my pacing heart.
"T-There are noises outside. It's not just outside of Ash's room this time.", Trinity sputtered frantically as her siblings huddled into her side, clinging tightly to each other. Meanwhile, Jug was quick to jump out of bed to embrace them. I began to climb out of bed to follow, but Jug turned and shook his head, mouthing "I've got this".
"Tell you what.", he said calmly. "How about you all go to Trin's room for the night? I'll even stay in there with you guys, if you want me to.".
They all nodded, their eyes pleading and terrified as they rushed off after receiving a nod from Jug.
He walked back over to my side of the bed, kissing my forehead and resting his hands on my shoulders as he did so.
"If you want, you can come in there, too. I'll even convince Trinity to lend you her bed.", he suggested.
"It's okay, Jug. I think I'll be fine. Besides, this bed is a lot more comfortable for my back than hers is.".
"Alright... I guess this is goodnight, then. I love you, Betty. You come get me if you need me, okay?".
I giggled, leaning up to peck his lips. "I think I'll be just fine.", I said, my thumb breezing over his cheek one last time before he left for the night.
~~
The next morning, I got up at the crack of dawn, seeing as Jug's arms weren't there to keep me down beside me. I grumbled to myself as I got myself ready for the day, laughing as I uplifted myself.
Soon enough, I found myself downstairs making eggs and bacon for everyone to eat before the kids went off to school. The kitchen smelled extravagant, the heavy aroma swirling all around the downstairs floor.
I jumped slightly and squeaked when I felt Jughead finally hugging me from behind, laying a small kiss onto my neck before resting his head on my shoulder.
"Good morning, honey.", I greeted while reaching behind me to rub his head.
"Hmm.", he groaned in response. "M-Morning.".
"You okay? Did you not sleep well?".
"I didn't sleep at all. I kept hearing things again. I'm probably just s-sleep deprived.". He slumped further against me, and I felt his chest taking longer breaths before he began to quietly snore.
"Juggie?".
"Hmm? What happened?".
I chuckled, setting my spatula down and turning to hold him. He immediately gave in, and his legs began to wobble.
"Oh, baby, you need rest.".
"B-But you made breakfast.".
"I can make you more later, okay? I won't be offended if you go to bed. I'll be up after I drop the kids at school, alright?".
"I'm s-supposed to take them to school.".
"Not today.", I proclaimed. "You go up to bed. If you really can't resist the smell, you can have some bacon before you go.
He didn't utter another word, snatching a piece of bacon before slinking back up the stairs.
I couldn't recall my dad ever doing anything to protect me like that before my parents got divorced.
I could only hope that the kids realized how lucky they were to have Jug as their dad.
