Tear In My Heart [Bughead]

n i n e ↛ v.l

Arriving to the Cooper's, I look around the house in search of Betty but she was nowhere to be found. I eventually gave up and collapsed against the bed, reaching lazily for my cellphone. As soon as I send in a text, I toss my phone aside on the bed and sigh as I stare at the ceiling. "I refuse to let Cheryl and Vanessa ruin me," I whispered to myself. I begin to daydream for a while until my eyes widen at the sight of a bottle of prescribed pills. Before I could even attempt to read the label, the loud bedroom door slam disturbs me.

"Elizabeth Cooper!" Alice yelled loudly enough to startle me. "Where is she?" She asked calmly as she realized Betty wasn't present.

I shrug. "I just sent her a text actually."

"Right," she examines my face for a good five seconds before asking, "want something to eat?"

All of a sudden, the idea of Betty at Pops popped into my head causing me to quickly grab my belongings and rush down the stairs shouting, "no thanks Mrs. Cooper!"

A few minutes later, I reached my destination and took a quick look through the window to reassure myself that she was there. As soon as I spotted her blonde signature ponytail, I headed straight towards her table but stopped right in my tracks as I realized Archie was right beside her. They seemed engaged in a conversation of their own so I quickly ushered my way out and practically collapsed against someone else's body.

"Jughead? What are you doing here?" I asked astonishingly, dusting off the dirt from my outfit.

"The real question is what are you doing here?"  he shot back as he tugged on his beanie and adjusted the misplaced strands of hair.

"I was looking for Betty. Now what's your excuse?" I smirked, knowing perfectly well what his intentions are.

"Just getting a burger, you know the usual," he responded almost too convincingly.

"Then why were you so surprised to see me? I come here often, so unless you felt guilty for doing something you aren't suppose to, you would have never asked me what I was doing here."

He sighed, "Clever. Y'caught me."

"You're here for Betty, aren't you?" The grin in my face grew bigger in satisfaction.

He shyly nodded his head.

Oh boy is he head over heels for Betty. Poor girl is too clueless to realize.

"How about this..." I hummed the last word, in deep thought of an elaborate plan. "I'll call Archie, tell him I have something important to discuss with him, and you'll have her all to yourself. Sounds like a plan?"

"Your explanation better be well thought out. Archie's already skeptical about my persistency when it comes to dialoguing with Betty," he explained, taking a few glances at the couple in pure disgust.

"No problem, i've got this," I responded confidently as I prepared to call Archie. Before I could continue doing any further, Jughead remarked, "I know you aren't just doing this for me."

I lift my head to face him slowly and raised an eyebrow.

"It's clear to me you like Archie," he answered my doubts firmly.

"What? Of course not. I'd never do that to Betty."

"You're not betraying Betty by catching feelings for Archie. You can't just push your feelings aside or prevent from falling in love with someone for anyone. If you like Archie, i'd say...go for it. Betty can always find better."

A large smirk grew on my face, "like who?"

He rolled his eyes. "I give you great pointers and you only comment about that last part? What a disgrace you are Ms. Lodge."

I shake my head no with a large smile, "totally dodging questions, though, aren't ya?"

He remained silent.

"Thanks for the advice, bub," I finally say, landing my hand on his shoulder.

As soon as those words left my mouth, the door to pops swung open causing the bells hung above the door to sound. I turn my head to take a look at the culprit and felt my heart sink to the ground.

"Veronica, Jughead? What are you two doing outside of Pops?" Betty asked looking genuinely astonished at the uncommon pair.

Archie's arms were crossed against his chest, staring directly at Jughead.

"Jughead and I decided to come eat here," I responded, discreetly stealing a few glances at him.

"Jughead, that's not cool. Betty already told you she was spending time at Pops with me. Asking Ronnie to lie for you to cover up your true intentions aren't working," his eyes were still glued to Jughead who gave him a deadly stare in exchange. I stood there in surprise at how cold the both of them have been acting towards each other. Since when are they this competitive?

Is Archie acting this way for Betty?

"I'm not trying to cover up anything. You and Betty were nowhere to be found, so I asked Jughead if he'd like to tag along with me to Pops. I practically had to drag him because he refused to interject... whatever's going on between you and Betty," I responded trying to sound as truthful as possible.

With my response, Archie cooled down just a little and the tension began to diminish.

"Well, have fun eating together," Betty replied as she left with Archie.

I facepalmed and coincidentally, so did Jughead.

"This is a recipe for disaster," I mumbled while pacing around anxiously.

"You think? Maybe coming here was a mistake."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Has Archie ever mentioned anything about me to you?"

I could tell Jughead was trying to contain his smile, "I mean, you're his friend after all."

"Not in that way. Like, has he ever mentioned liking me in a nonfriendship kind of way," I played with my fingernails (which by the way are perfectly polished thanks to all those mani pedis).

"So it's confirmed. You definitely have a thing for Archie," he clapped his hands in accomplishment.

"Okay, yeah, but I also want my favorite ship to sail!"

"Favorite ship?"

"Yeah... you know, when you pair to people you think are cute together and support them as a couple."

"And may I ask what's this ship you speak of?"

"Are you serious? Bughead!"

He practically choked on his spit. "What?"

"Betty plus Jughead equals Bughead, silly goose," I laugh hysterically at his surprised reaction.

"I kind of dig."

"What?"

"Uh, I said you laugh like a pig."

"Sure you did," I chuckle. "And do not!"

✽

Next chapter is going to be a good one.(;

Also I changed my twitter to @tragicgray which is a stan account. follow me if you love tacos.

THANKS FOR 8K READS AS WELL. You guys are really supportive and I appreciate it.