sleuth ≀ jughead jones

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Noah walked down the halls of Riverdale High, on her way to meet their gang for lunch. She hesitated, seeing them all together. Noah made eye contact with Betty, and for whatever reason Noah felt the need to turn around.

Why was Noah ruining their perfect, American dream, apple pie life?

Maybe she could get some homework done. Maybe work harder on that article Jughead gave her about the lack of recycling on school campus. A really minor article but Jughead told you it was merely meant to an end for her to get better.

"Noah! Hey! Wait up!" Noah turned around to see the Jughead Jones gracing her with his presence.

"Oh, hi." Noah half-smiled, holding her books a little tighter. Ever since bio Jughead has been a lot nicer to Noah and usually that meant someone wanted something from her.

"Aren't you coming to sit with us?" Jughead asked.

"Oh, um. Yeah, I was going too, I just remembered that I still have that article I have to finish if we want to publish by Friday." Noah smiled through her excuse. Jughead squinted down at her.

"Well, if that's the case.." He crossed his arms, for a second Noah actually thought it might be this easy, "Then allow me to accompany you on your recycling crusade."

"I don't know if you can handle the crusade." Noah rolled her eyes and continued to walk down the halls, Jughead staying at her feet, determined to make an effort for the only person that makes an effort for him.

"I think you'd be surprised at what I can handle." Jughead smirked.

"Ah yes, Jughead Jones the vault to the secrets of Riverdale." Noah glanced over, remembering all too vividly the conversation that night at the drive-ins.

"Well, let's hope my expanse knowledge of Riverdale can help with its recycling needs." He shrugged, folding his hands to keep them from touching her at all. "I've been meaning to ask.. how are things with your dad?"

"Jug, I don't know. It's weird, but I'm handling it fine." She tells him, simply.

"By not telling anyone anything?"

"Last time something at home happened and I trusted people, rumors went around that i had become a sex-crazed maniac was evil incarnate so forgive me if I appreciate the time to cope in silence." Noah whispered, "Of all people in Riverdale, I thought you might understand the need for secrets."

"Hey, hey." Jughead pulled Noah back around, a little closer than she was. His touch on her elbow softened and she swore a piece of her melted, "We are not Cheryl. I am not Chuck. I am sorry that they hurt you, but that's not happening ever again. The only thing that'll ever come out about you will be chosen by you. Trust me, I control the press around here."

"Trusting someone is easier said than done. I've only been given the option that it's only a matter of time before I have to start over again." She said, "Prove me wrong."

"I could if you let me." Jughead pleaded.

"Haven't you got enough on your plate?"

"If there's one thing that I'm good at it's keeping my plate full." Jughead smiled. Noah wanted to kiss him so bad if so many people weren't around.

"Noah Carson to the principals' office please." Everyone heard over the loudspeaker. Noah sucked her bottom lip in frustration.

"I guess we'll just have to write that article later." Noah backed away.

"Pops? After school?" Jughead was quick to ask.

"Yeah." Noah smiled and walked away, she could keep a lot of secrets but it was so hard to hide how attracted she was to Jughead.