Opposites Attract | Bughead

Welcome to The New Riverdale

2 Months Later

Jughead's POV

Graduation was far from my expectations. I thought it was just walking on a stage, shaking someone's hand, and grabbing a piece of paper while wearing a weird blanket thing. Turns out, it's a lot more than that; it's a rite of passage. Words couldn't describe how proud I was of Betty, of Sweet Pea, of myself; how proud I was of everyone.

The afterparty was lovely. Everyone dressed formally and proud parents accompanied their newly-grown children. One parent I didn't expect to see was my own. 

"Juggie," Betty whispered, pulling on my sleeve. "What is it, Betts?" I asked, looking at her smile. "Look." She pointed toward the open doors of Riverdale's Recreational Centre and I saw my very own father walk in. He wasn't followed by a parole officer or dressed in a jailbird suit. He looked normal, civil.

"Dad," I gasped, walking towards my father as we hugged tightly. I can't remember the last time I hugged my dad; maybe I was eight, maybe even younger than that. "Jug. God, Jughead, I'm so proud of you," he said, holding me even tighter. 

"I-I thought you were serving twenty years," I said quietly so no one else could hear. "I got out for good behavior," my dad chuckled. "Why didn't you tell me about your graduation on your visit last week?" he asked, putting a hand on my shoulder. 

"I knew you couldn't come. I thought there was no point," I replied, ashamed. "How'd you find out?" "Your little Betty stopped by," he smirked, motioning back to her she walked up and shook Dad's hand. "Afternoon, Mr. Jones," she smiled. 

"You are too precious, Cooper," I smiled, looking at my steady. No, Not just my steady; my soon-to-be-fiance. 

The rest of the celebration was lovely. Toni and Sweet Pea were thrilled to see my dad since he's always been more of a father to them than their actual families. I was soon approached my Alice and Hal Cooper who took me aside from my friends, where I was greeted with a small box. 

"We picked it up on our way over," Mrs. Cooper told me as I opened the little box that contained Betty's dream engagement ring. "It's just her size. We made sure before we ordered it," Mr. Cooper smiled. 

"Please, Jughead, promise me that no matter how far you two go or what may occur, promise us that you'll take care of our little girl," Mrs. Cooper, nearly cried, putting her hand on mine. "Of course, Mrs. Cooper. Always," I swore. "Oh, please, Forsythe. Call me 'Alice.'" Hearing that really made me feel accepted into this family, but soon, it would be time to make it official.

---

I saw Betty standing out in the moonlight on the balcony of our Recreation Centre, looking out at the stars. This is the time.

I walked slowly, nervously fondling the little ring box in my pocket. "Juggie, I've been looking for you everywhere. Where were you?" she asked, concerned, putting both of her hands on my shoulders. 

"My dad had to talk to me, sorry," I fibbed. She giggled saying, "That's okay," and trying to close all possible space between us. "You're so good, Betty Cooper. You're just filled with kindness. You're so beautiful; inside and out." 

"Where's all this coming from?" She smiled. "I've always felt this way. Ever since Sweetwater." Those were the last words I said before I got on one knee and pulled out the ring. 

"Juggie," she gasped with tears, putting both of her hands over her mouth. "Elizabeth Blossom-Cooper, would you do me the greatest honor and make me the happiest man in the world by becoming Elizabeth Blossom-Cooper Jones?" I asked, betting the whole world. 

"Yes, yes, yes, yes! Yes, I'll marry you!" She exclaimed, jumping around and smiling as I stood up. I smiled, taking her hand away and kissing her.

We kissed for what felt like hours. Betty Cooper will soon be my wife. I will soon be legally bound to the Betty Cooper. 

---

About an hour later, we were at The Coopers' house, celebrating both our high school graduation and our recent engagement when Betty and I decided something important. All this time we had planned to go somewhere integrated and accepting. But within these last seven months, that had become Riverdale. The Northside-Southside segregation had dissolved, Cheryl Blossom could freely fall in love; we were that integrated and accepting town. 

We didn't want to leave our family and friends. It was no longer "Farewell, Riverdale," it was "Welcome to The New Riverdale."

"Why me?" Betty asked as we sat upstairs in her room, door open, of course. "What?" "Why did you chose to fall in love with me? I bet there are tons of Southside gals who could steal your heart faster than a thief with jewels." "Well, that's the thing, Betts." I smiled as she raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Opposites Attract."