Blood of My Blood, Flesh of My Flesh (Bughead)

18. Rattle Them Bones

Okay okay okay, I really swear from now on it's going to be once a week that I update XD

Thanks to those who still commented on the last chapter! 

Song for this chapter is Rattle Them Bones by Chu Dat Frawg (more on this song choice at the bottom!)

BETTY to TONI: Um

BETTY: In case you were wondering, SP's in my portrait

BETTY: So you weren't worried

TONI: Oh, thnx. I figured it was something like that

BETTY: So this is normal?

TONI: Ya. His temper rivals all of ours, but whenever he's real upset he needs to get away

TONI: He claimed once he ran all the way down to Disney World but I call BS

TONI: Point being, he'll go all wolfy for a few days to try to shove down his dreaded human emotions

TONI: and then be fine, or better

BETTY: How long should I give him?

TONI: Another day and I'm sure he'll be rite as rain

XXxxXX

Veronica finished unboxing the last package. She could, of course, carted these up their drab cardboard homes, but that wouldn't be much of a spectacle, would it now? She always loved a good dramatic flair, and taking the time and effort to transport these new clothes and shoes into their specific mall bags for Smithers to parade through the apartment was exactly what she was about.

"Veronica, the nest egg your father left us barely covers the rent of this apartment. We can't afford beyond our means." Her mother noticed. Good. Veronica pretend to be surprised she saw or would comment.

"Are you sure mother? Not even with your cushy new job working for your high school boyfriend?" Veronica asked harshly, "And please, I saw the new Valentino in your closet. What, did you just have the saleswoman magically hand it over, free of charge?"

She saw her mother stiffen, for some reason, though her accusation was insane. Sure, her mother was well known in New York and sure, her mother had met Valentino years ago at a gala in Paris, but Veronica highly doubted they'd just be throwing free money to her mom.

"Of course not," Her mother recovered swiftly, "Mija, let's be responsible-,"

"Save it, mom. I don't want to hear it."

XXxxXX

"Hey, guys? Can we, uh, talk?"

Jughead broached the subject, a rare occurrence.

It was the Wednesday after Betty's weekend excursion, after the car was torched. First day, she'd been home. Second day, she'd been busy with make-up work. Third day...well, she should tell Archie and Veronica about Polly, or some details like it. Plus, she could tell Jughead was bursting to talk about the strange occurrence that left him bandaged, and one conversation would lead to another.

Sweet Pea was still in the portal. Betty had thought about trying to edge him out today, but hadn't the time before leaving. She just reminded herself that Toni said this was normal, and would throw a sandwich or a bottled water every so often through the portrait. She knew he was still alive, because he threw the plastic wrappers back onto her bed, so there was that. She'd considered waiting until Sweet Pea was around to talk about this, but Jughead was going to bring it up today.

Thus, his question.

Archie, strumming at his guitar softly, and Veronica, scrolling on her phone, glanced up in surprise. Jughead was rarely so open about anything.