Aberration ≫ Jarchie

N I N E T Y

Twenty Three Years Old ❣︎ February

"It's okay, It's going to be okay." Archie whispers soothingly into his husband's ear. Jughead just sits still unresponsively as Archie rubs circles on his back. "I don't like when you stress yourself out so much. It's not healthy." He continues, sighing as Jughead offers him a weak nod. "You have to talk to me." He urges, staring into Jughead's eyes intently.

"I'm sorry. It's just the press release is in two months and gosh I'm so scared. Even more scared than I was the first time. I actually have something to lose this time." He breathes out before curling into himself more. "I don't mean to doubt myself this much. I hate that I do it so much." He mumbles as an after thought.

"I hate when you do it too."

"I just have so many people who want to see this book fail it honestly can't be any less than perfect." He sighs.

"Do you not think the book is perfect?" Archie asks. He receives a weak shrug. "Is it your best work so far?"

"I don't know, Arch."

"Well I think it is. Somehow you've improved even more as a writer. I think it shows." Archie assures.

"You're not lying to me to make me feel better, are you?" Jughead laughs slightly.

"I'm not lying. If you aren't confident that this is your best work then fuck the press release and change the book until it's something you're proud of. But if this is just your insecurity and doubt talking them kill them off already like how you did April." Archie says before earning a genuine laugh from Jughead that makes him smile.

"I love you so much." He says excitedly just as he presses his lips against his husband's softly. Archie reciprocates the kiss and gently runs a hand through Jughead's hair. Then suddenly, Jughead pulls away. "There's something else that's bothering me." He frowns.

"What's that?"

"JB doesn't want to go to college. And yeah, I get that that's her choice but it doesn't sit right with me. I mean, I know that she wants to be a make up artist but I don't think that's going to happen if she stays in Riverdale or with my mom." Jughead sighs.

"Well you can't make her go to college. She's practically an adult now she can make her own decisions." Archie points out.

"But I want her to do well for herself and there's literally nothing in Riverdale that's going to help her be successful." He pouts.

"You can't meddle in her life forever." Archie laughs.

"But you can, her charming and amazing brother in law who only wants the best for her and gives helpful advice." He says hopefully while giving him his best puppy dog eyes.

"You want me to tell her to go to college?" Archie raises an eyebrow.

"No I want you to find out what her plans are after high school and casually suggest that leaving Riverdale would benefit her." Jughead clears up.

"And you can't do this because?"

"I tried to and then she yelled at me because apparently I have my dream so why can't she have hers and how I don't believe in her. That's such bs I believe in her so much. I knew she was talented with that Make up stuff when I was 11." He smiles sadly. "I also think she just wants to be able to achieve her goal without my help." He admits.

"Can you blame her for wanting to do it all by herself?" Archie asks softly.

"I just wish she'd let me help her. Everybody needs help." He pouts.

"Are you really talking? Mr. I went to NYU with a full ride even though I missed a whole semester of school in 11th grade and I did it all by myself. Not to mention, I also wrote a best selling book all by myself in between my advanced college classes. Let's not forget how I bought my first apartment in New York City with an amazing view and how everybody loves me to pieces. Not to mention, I did it all by myself." Archie mocks, earning an angry slap in the arm from Jughead. "I just think that by offering your help, it's basically coming off as if she needs your help. And that's why she's mad. It doesn't help that she probably feels pressure to do as well as you because I mean, look what you achieved? It's probably tough on her even though you can tell she loves and supports you a lot."

"Ugh, I've never thought of it like that I'm such a bad brother." He groans.

"No you're not, I think you just have to let her do her own thing for a bit. You never know, she might surprise you. She'll ask for your help when she needs it." Archie laughs.

"When did you get so good at giving advice?"

"I got it from my dad." He smiles to himself.

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