This Spells Trouble - A Riverdale Fanfiction

A Glimmer of Pink

Betty rushed to the school gate, seeing Jughead's distinctive crown beanie and Archie's mussed up red hair from afar. The two were chatting casually within the flood of students escaping school to return to their homes for the weekend. Betty almost tripped several times before she reached them, her breath quick from mild exhaustion, managing a breathy 'hey' to greet the two.

Jughead raised his hand into a static wave.

"Hey Betty. Got any plans for the weekend?" he asked conversationally.

She shrugged.

"None in particular. Are you busy? Maybe you and I could do something?"

Jughead smiled. He was doing that a lot today, and Betty couldn't deny it was quite nice to see, however weird.

"No. I am planless. What'chu got in mind?"

"I was thinking maybe another movie night?" Betty suggested.

"Sounds fun. Hey, Archie, maybe you can join us," Jughead said, turning to his friend.

Archie smiled sheepishly.

"I don't want to intrude. And I really don't want to be the awkward third wheel who ruins it. Besides, me and dad have got plans. But, have fun."

"Okay, pal. But, just saying, if anyone would be the third wheel it'd be me. It's practically my job....that I don't get paid for. I should totally get paid for that."

"You're not the third wheel, Juggie," Betty comforted, putting her hand on his shoulder.

Jughead seemed to tense at the touch, looking highly uncomfortable despite the small smile on his face.

"I'm fine about it, really. Uh, no need for pity pats, I assure you," he argued, pushing her hand off his shoulder gently.

Jughead continued talking like what he just did was nothing, but Archie and Betty both were watching him with subtle expressions of shock, and for the latter, a hint of hurt. Jughead had never been overly affectionate, but he wasn't one to reject gestures born from comfort and affection. Betty withdrew into herself, remaining quiet for the rest of the walk. When they reached the two households, Jughead said a polite goodbye before he wandered up to Archie's house, entered and then disappeared, leaving Archie and Betty alone on the empty street.

"Okay, I totally understand why you're worried now," Archie expressed. "Something is definitely up with him."

Betty remained silent, letting out a heavy breath. Her fingernail dug deeply into her palms. Was Jughead angry at her and being really passive aggressive about it? Did his dad or someone else hurt him? Betty felt toxic emotions bubble under her skin when the worst thought flickered in her mind: Did she hurt him somehow? Betty felt tears bloom in her eyes, but she didn't rub them away. She didn't know how she should feel right now. Angry? Sad? Frustrated? She was at a loss for what she should do.

She flinched when she felt Archie's hands grip hers, and unwrap her clenched fists. He gave her a sympathetic smile.

"Don't worry. I'll talk to him. But, whatever it is, I'm pretty sure it's got nothing to do with you."

"You think so?" Betty mumbled quietly, scared to talk to loud because she knew it was snag on the lump in her throat.

Archie hummed a small laugh.

"Yeah, I do. I know Jughead. He can't uphold his grudges for very long, and he only gets them if it's for a serious reason. I should know. Besides, he could never hate you. To my knowledge, you're the only girl he's liked. He'd do anything to keep what you two have."