Jabitha Oneshots

Timeless

Jabitha throughout the years.

"Love is timeless, it is the memory of the past, the happiness of today and the promise of tomorrow."

2022- Ages 24 and 25.

It's been a year since the lovers met and Tabitha decides she's ready to take Jughead to visit Chicago for thanksgiving.

She's shocked to find that he's never taken a plane before but finds his excitement adorable. He looks out of the window and points out mundane landmarks all throughout the trip- his goofy smile makes her smile, and strangely, his excitement makes the flight more enjoyable to her too.

After they've arrived and checked into their hotel- a humble spot that Tabitha chose- they spend hours travelling around the city, admiring the landmarks. They make fun of the bean sculpture in Millennium Park, eat at every cafe they can afford to, and then, when it's time to stop in at Tabitha's parent's penthouse, Jughead lets her hold his hand as tightly as she needs to.

Together they made it through the awkward meal, although they both let out a sigh of relief when they are safely in a taxi headed away.

2032- Ages 34 and 35.

Jughead and Tabitha are getting married!

Their engagement isn't some elaborate, fancy event. They're sitting down for their weekly date night at Pop's when Tabitha brings up the topic of marriage. After chatting about it for a while, she poses the question: "do you want to get married?". Neither of them gets down on one knee, and there's no ring, but as Jughead yells "yes!" for everybody in the diner to hear, they both know it's more meaningful than some fancy proposal. That same night, they announce themselves as fiancés to Pop, who immediately pulls them both into a bear hug and starts sobbing. He then prepares everybody in the establishment shakes on the house to toast the momentous occasion and raises his glass to love.

Their wedding isn't quite as low-profile as the engagement. Veronica takes the reins, preparing a reception in Pop's to celebrate the event. Thankfully, through a process of negotiation, she agrees to limit the guest list to close friends and family. After exchanging vows and rings, the newlyweds are pronounced husband and wife, sharing what the romantics of the town describe as "the kiss of the century".

2042- Ages 44 and 45.

A new branch of Pop's is finally opening in New York City.

Beaming, Tabitha cuts the bright, red ribbon across the entrance to the diner as cameras flash around her. When it falls to the ground, she leans into her husband, cupping his face and connecting their lips.

"I couldn't have done this without you," she whispers.

With tears in both of their eyes, they push the door open together, allowing the press to follow them inside as they tour the establishment, hand in hand.

Later this year, Jughead manages to write his third, bestselling novel. When it hits number one on the New York Times bestsellers list, Tabitha throws a small party at Pop's and all their friends come together to celebrate.

That night the lovers lie cuddled up in bed, both realising that their dreams have finally come true.

2052- Ages 54 and 55.

Jughead is taking the trash out to the dumpsters behind Pops when he finds a scraggly little kitten cowering by the door; he instantly falls in love. When he carries her inside, Tabitha is initially furious that he even considered bringing a strange animal into the diner, but after listening to him plead, caves and lets him take the creature to the vet just outside of town.

After receiving the blessing of the veterinarian, he affectionately names her Poppy and brings her back to his and Tabitha's family home. His wife lectures him for a while, but begrudgingly admits that her little, squishy face is cute. She gives permission for the cat to stay for one night. Which turns into two nights. And then ten nights. Before either of them knows it, Poppy becomes part of the family.

"I was going to name her Tabby, after you, but I figured naming her after Pops was a better choice."

"Darn right."

2062- Ages 64 and 65.

After a lot of convincing on Jughead's part, Tabitha decides to partially retire. He can't convince her to entirely give up working at Pop's to spend time with him, but at this point, one or two shifts a week are enough to keep her busy.

Jughead still writes but now he's not aiming to publish immediately. Instead, he transcribes the events of his life. As he tells his wife, once he dies, he plans on the manuscript being released to the public with the hope that somebody might enjoy it. She tearfully agrees that it's a perfect idea but assures him it won't be happening anytime soon.

With her spare time, Tabitha's now taken up painting. Some days, she wakes early [much to Jughead's chagrin] to head to various locations around the town, capturing the sunrise in the warm colours and smooth movements of her brush. On the few occasions her husband agrees to join her, he finds himself mesmerised. Not by the striking hues, or the undeniable skill in which she paints. No. As she works, he watches her face. Even though she doesn't look the same way she did when they first met forty years ago, she's still the most beautiful woman he's ever seen.

2072- Ages 74 and 75.

The sun is beginning to set over "the town with pep". Most of the people who live there are in their homes, cuddled up by the fire to avoid the cold, winter air. But Jughead and Tabitha are in Pop's. Tabitha's vision has begun to deteriorate, so she now wears a pair of large, gold glasses and Jughead lovingly teases her for them as they cook. She smacks his arm gently and he pretends to be offended. Neither of them has changed much over the course of their lives, both as enraptured with each other as they had been when they first met.

Jughead finishes making their burgers, asking his wife for the millionth time whether she likes beetroot on hers. She shakes her head affectionately, pushing his milkshake towards him and taking a seat on a stool. The sound of cheery 50s music fills the air, perfectly complementing the cosy neon lights and delicious smells of diner food.

Now, in a world where neither of them knows what comes next, both lovers know one thing for sure- they are soulmates.

Their love is timeless.