Jabitha Oneshots

Need Someone

A 5x17 fanfic featuring Jughead comforting Tabitha after she found out about the death of Squeaky.

"But it is a match for Lynette Fields," Dr Curdle Junior said, handing Betty the DNA report and nodding curtly.

Tabitha's entire body went limp, and she felt as though all the oxygen had been drained from the room.

"Oh my god, Squeaky."

She instinctively reached out towards Jughead, hooking her fingers around his sleeve and leaning towards him as he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. The moment only lasted for a few seconds before she pulled away, crossing her arms and trying to blink away her tears.

I'm being stupid, she thought to herself. Neither of them will care. Betty's sister's been missing for months and Jughead's been through so much...

Despite the lump in her throat, she tried to refocus into the conversation. It'll be all over soon.

As soon as Tabitha had arrived back at Pop's, she sank into the back booth, buried her head in her hands and started to sob. It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair that two parents had lost their only child. It wasn't fair that the world had lost a bright young woman. And it wasn't fair that Tabitha had lost her friend. She quickly drained the strawberry milkshake she'd haphazardly prepared for herself, hoping that the artificial sweetness would wash away her grief. Curling into a tight ball, she rocked back and forward against the vinyl seat, clamping her eyes shut. I feel so alone, she whispered into the empty diner. After a while, her tears subsided, and she slipped off into a fitful sleep.

Upon awakening, the first thing Tabitha noticed was the smell. The room had an unusual odour; an ambrosial, unplaceable scent mingling with the familiar sweetness of a chocolate milkshake. She knew she wasn't in Pop's anymore, but where was she? Hesitantly opening her eyes, she noticed a thin ray of light streaming in through the narrow window to her left. Her legs were covered in a brown, threadbare blanket and her head was propped up on a cushion peppered in small holes. In front of the couch was a coffee table littered with the remnants of several past meals and crumpled, ink-stained papers. This, she realised, is Archie's garage.

"Oh, hey, you're awake."

Tabitha sat up abruptly, pivoting towards the door to see Jughead step into the room holding a bag of Pop's in one hand and a small pile of clothes in the other.

"Jughead?" she whispered; her voice hoarse from crying. "How did I get here?"

She pulled her legs up to her chest, allowing him to slide onto the couch beside her.

"I found you passed out in a booth when I went to start my shift last night, so I figured the least I could do was get you somewhere safe."

A dull blush crept over Tabitha's face, and she crossed her arms defensively.

"I'm sorry about that, I shouldn't have—"

She was cut off by Jughead placing a tentative palm on her shoulder and grabbing her hand. His touch cast a warm, comfortable feeling over her body, and she felt a strange urge to lean in closer, to feel safe within his embrace.

"You have nothing to be sorry for. I'm the one who needs to apologise. I should have been there for you when you needed somebody last night."

Tabitha smiled wearily, squeezing his hand. "Well, you're here now."

"I promise never to leave you like that again, Tabs. And, if you need to talk about this, about Squeaky, we can do that."

Reaching up to wipe her eyes, she became aware of the dried tears and makeup covering her face. She figured her hair was messy and her clothes probably smelled disgusting.

"Could I take a shower first? I mean, if that's ok with you?"

Jughead handed her the pile of clothes he had placed beside him.

"I figured you might need something to wear, so I pulled out a couple of my old shirts. None of my pants will fit you but these should be big enough for you to cover yourself anyway."

Tabitha ran her fingers over the well-worn fabric, tracing the S shape on the top shirt.

"Are you sure you want me to stay? I don't want to be too much trouble."

Inching closer, Jughead brushed a stray curl behind her ear.

"Don't be silly, I'm not leaving you alone today, alright? You can shower in the house, have some of the food I brought from the diner and then we can just take a day off and hang out."

"But what about Pop's?" she asked, "Both of us have shifts scheduled."

He chuckled gently, nodding in acknowledgment.

"I've already called in some favours. You're a very popular boss, y'know."

Tabitha leaned gratefully into his side and Jughead wrapped an arm around her body.

"Thank you, Jug. For everything."