//

"The Coopers. The Stepfords of Riverdale. High school sweethearts who got married and had two beautiful daughters, Polly and Betty Until Jason Blossom happened. And now, we would hear from the person who was closest to him those days leading up to his disappearance Polly Cooper. How a casual conversation turned into an epic, forbidden romance. How, for reasons still murky, their respective parents tried to tear them apart. How their break-up was short-lived, because Polly soon learned she was pregnant with Jason's baby. How they became secretly engaged with his grandmother's blessing and her heirloom ring, and made plans to run away together, to start a new life. And how their dreams of escape went up in flames."

It was a late night at the Andrews home. Ricky was in Archie's room as he and Jughead played a video game while Archie was on his phone.

"Gotta stop blowing me up," Jughead told Ricky as he kept pressing different buttons on the game controller.

"Well, you're going the wrong way," Ricky replied, still staring at the screen. "You're going the..."

"What are you doing?"

Shortly, both of their avatars lost their health and died.

"Come on. That was the worse game we've had," Ricky stated.

"You're the one who keeps accidentally killing me," Jughead replied.

"War is hell, Jug," Archie spoke up.

Jughead scoffed as he turned to the redhead. "No, Archie, hell is other people."

Fred knocked on the door before entering, "Hey, guys, getting pretty late and..." he stopped in his tracks. "Whoa! It's kinda ripe in here. Does someone wanna open a window?"

Archie stood up, "I got it," he answered.

"You settling in, Jug?" Fred asked.

"Oh, completely," Jughead answered. "It's like Archie, Ricky and I are just roommates in a college dorm."

"Oh, great. What does that make me, the RA?" Fred asked.

"No, you're the fourth roommate," Ricky added.

"All right, guys. I got a big day tomorrow."

"Yeah, breaking ground on the SoDale project, right?" Archie asked.

"Yeah. Indeed, we are." Fred looked to Jughead. "Sorry, 'cause I know it's kind of a sore spot with you, Jughead, about the drive-in."

"As long as you build something beautiful in its place," Jughead replied.

"Well, I don't know about beautiful, but it's gonna be big. Night, guys."

"Night, Dad," Archie and Ricky called to him as he left the room.

"I'll beat you both later," Ricky stated with a yawn and standing up.

Archie scoffed. "I doubt that."

"Are you probably just get us both killed...again," Jughead replied.

"Hey, not my fault you don't know where to go," Ricky stated. "Night, guys."

"Night, Ricky," Archie told him.

"Night, Rick," Jughead added.

***

At school, Ricky sat in the student lounge with Betty, Cheryl, Kevin, Archie, Veronica, and Jughead.

"Polly's convinced herself that no one wants her baby," Betty told everyone.

"Besides, of course, the child-snatching Blossom monsters," Kevin stated before looking to the redheaded vixen. "No offense, Cheryl."

"None taken," Cheryl replied.

"So your mom and dad want Polly but not the baby, and the Blossoms want the baby and not Polly," Ricky stated.

"That's a true Gordian knot," Jughead added.

"My head hurts already," Ricky spoke.

"It's an impossible situation," Betty agreed.

"Betty, come on," Veronica spoke up. "An impossible situation is being invited to both the Vanity Fair Oscar party and Elton John's Oscar party on the same night." Ricky and Kevin gave her shocked looks to which she responds with, "Which happened to me one year, I know. This is merely an annoying situation. But luckily, I've been percolating on an idea, hellishly simple in its conception." Veronica smiled. "What if my mom and I were to host a baby shower?"

"Count me in," Cheryl stated.

"You want Polly to feel loved and supported, right?" Veronica asked Betty.

"Yeah, but ideally by her own parents," Betty answered.

"Okay, so, baby steps, girl. Get Polly and your parents in the same room in a public setting where they can't fight, and, voila, let the healing begin."

Ricky cleared his throat. "Excuse me, Ronnie," he spoke to Veronica. "Am I expected to come to this thing?"

Veronica smiled. "Of course! You're Betty's boyfriend, so..."

Ricky became a stuttering mess as his face turned red and Betty smiled bashfully. "I...I, uh..."

Ricky had yet to ask Betty if they started dating or if they're actually a couple.

"Oh, my God, you guys, relax. It's just a word that starts with the letter 'B'," Veronica told them. "Betty, what do you say?"

Alice came in. "Elizabeth Cooper."

"Mom?" Betty questioned.

"I need you," she pointed to Veronica too. "And you."

Both Veronica and Betty stood up as they both followed Alice out.

***

Shortly, Cheryl was walking with Ricky, her arm interlocked with his.

"So Ricky," Cheryl began with a smile. "How was your first date with Betty?"

Ricky paused. "We haven't exactly had a first date yet..."

Cheryl stopped. "And for why? Haven't you guys made out several times?"

"We kissed a few times not made out."

"But you like Betty?" Cheryl asked. Ricky nodded. "And you haven't asked her out on a real date or what you two weirdos are?"

"No, ma'am," Ricky answered.

Cheryl looked down the hall to see Betty going up to her locker, opening it and putting her books in. "Well, now's your moment."

Ricky panicked. "Now?"

Cheryl rolled her eyes. "No, baby boy. Now tomorrow at this exact time. Yes, now."

"But..."

Cheryl pulled him forward. "No buts. Seize the day, Ricky." She arrived in front of Betty with Ricky. "Betty, darling Ricky has something to ask you and it cannot wait."

"Cheryl," Ricky said.

"I'll leave you two alone. Toodles," she walked away.

Betty turned to Ricky. "What is it?"

"It's about...us," Ricky began. "I mean we've been...kissing a lot. And I know you've been busy with Polly but I would like to know. What exactly are we? A couple or..."

Betty paused. "I think so. I mean, we like each other, right?"

"Yeah. I mean...I hope so. You like me, right?" Ricky asked anxiously.

Betty chuckled but answered, "I do, yeah."

Ricky grinned. "Great because I really like you and..."

Betty placed her hand over his. "Hey, come on. You don't have to be nervous around me," she stated.

"Okay," Ricky said. "I was wondering if-when...you're not busy, do you want to go on a real date? As much as solving crimes are fun."

Betty nodded. "Yeah, I'd love that," she answered.

Ricky giggled which only made Betty smile much bigger. "Great. Uh, how does next weekend sound?"

"Sounds good."

"Good." The bell rang for the next class. "Well, I gotta go to math. I'll call you?"

"Yeah," Betty answered, pecking Ricky's lips before he walked away

***

Ricky came downstairs as Archie came home and Fred was on the phone.

"Don, I just need a few guys from your crew," Fred spoke with frustration. "A couple to get me started. I did check." He saw both of his sons coming down so he finished with, "I'll get back to you, Don."

"What was that about?" Archie asked Fred.

"It's all good. How was your date with Val?" Fred questioned.

"It was good. I got you some slices," Archie replied, placing a small pizza box down.

"Did something happen at work, Dad?" Ricky asked.

Fred gave in with a sigh before answering, "Cliff Blossom made my crew an offer they couldn't refuse so they walked. Every last one of 'em."

"Screw em, then," Archie stated.

Ricky nodded in agreement. "Yeah! Anyone who'd rather work for Clifford Blossom than you is crazy, Dad," he added.

Archie noticed the look on Fred's face and questioned, "Dad? What is it?"

"Dad, you always make us talk to you about our problems," Ricky stated. "You're turn."

Fred answered as he looked down at his open beer. "The business...It's in trouble," Fred told Ricky and Archie. "Has been for a long time. Big jobs are just few and far between. That's why this SoDale thing is so important to me. I can't break ground without a crew, so every day I'm just hemorrhaging cash. We've got equipment sitting there, supplies, bills that are past due."

"Dad, why didn't you tell us?" Archie asked. "I had no idea."

"Fred answered, "It was never supposed to get this bad. You work your ass off to build something, and in one false step you could lose everything."

"No, Dad, you're not losing anything. We'll figure this out," Ricky replied, grabbing a slice of pizza and biting into it.

***

Once school was over the next day, Archie and Ricky gathered their friends and half the football team to help out at their Fred's construction site.

Ricky got out some tools as Fred stepped out of the trailer with Hermione. "What is this?" Fred asked.

"Your new crew," Archie stated.

"Reporting for duty, Mr. Andrews," Ricky added with a small salute.

"I appreciate it, I do, but isn't there something more important you need to be doing? Like going to school, playing football?" Fred asked.

"We can work after school, after practice and on weekends. Until you find a new crew. Help keep things on schedule," Ricky stated.

Fred looked hesitant causing Archie to say, "Come on, Dad. We worked for you the whole summer. And these guys..."

"We're bruiser studs, Mr. Andrews," Moose spoke before glancing at Jughead. "At least some of us are."

Hermione whispered to Fred causing to agree, "All right. Here we go."

The boys followed Fred off to start working.

***

As Ricky moved some large rocks out of the way, Kevin spoke to him, "Ricky, I'm kind of surprised that you can move so much."

"What do you mean?" Ricky asked as he adjusted his hard hat.

"You're tall but you're kind of scrawny," Kevin replied. "Thought this kind of weight might drag you down."

"Hey," Ricky spoke in a defensive tone as Jughead came over, putting a large rock in the wheelbarrow. "If this lazy guy can do it, so can I," he stated, motioning to Jughead.

As soon as Jughead had placed the rock down, he smacked the back of Ricky's head through the hard hat which made him flinch, just scaring him. "I'm anything but lazy," Jughead told him.

"So potato, does that work?"

"Hey, Keller! Looking good, looking buff. We should get you on the team," a football player called out.

"I prefer my contact sports one-on-one, you know, like Boxing," Kevin replied.

As Archie rolled the wheelbarrow away, Jughead and Ricky followed. "Pretty handy with that wheelbarrow, Archie. You know, if the whole music thing doesn't pan out, you can always have manual labor as a fallback," Jughead stated.

"Don't even joke. I did this all summer long, remember? My dad loves this kind of work. And I love him, but..." Archie trailed off.

"No, I know. Your dad's path is not for you. Trust me, I get it," Jughead replied.

"He works his ass off for me, bro, but never asks for anything."

"He always has our back, even when we mess up. So if having his back means I gotta haul some rocks, then..." Ricky began.

"Bring it on," Archie finished.

"Agreed. Your dad's got my back, too. More than some people," Jughead muttered.

"Exactly."

***

As the day got darker, the boys came in Fred's trailer causing Fred to say, "Hey, guys, you were a life-saver today. I appreciate it. Hard hats go in the bin, and there's sodas in the fridge."

"Crap. Hey, guys, I forgot my phone," Moose stated before exiting.

"Hurry, Moose or I'm not saving you any soda," Ricky stated, tossing his hard hat in the bin and grabbing a soda.

Sparks outside and lights flickering made everyone hurry and exit the trailer.

They ran outside, up ahead Moose was on the ground getting attacked by men in dark clothes.

"Hey!" Ricky yelled out.

The men jumped at his voice, throwing their crowbars in the back of the truck, getting inside and driving away.

"Moose, are you okay?" Archie asked as Moose groaned in pain.

"Stay down. We'll get you some help," Fred told Moose.

Ricky got out his phone to call Sheriff Keller as he asked, "Who did this to you, Moose?"

"No clue. But they said, as long as we keep working, they're gonna keep coming back," he answered.

Ten minutes later, Sheriff Keller made it to the SoDale sight. "What the hell happened?" he asked the group.

Fred spoke as Ricky gave Moose and ice pack. "Moose, over there, he caught a couple of guys working over my equipment with a crowbar and then they got the drop on him."

"Who were they, vandals?" Sheriff Keller asked.

"Cliff Blossom has made it abundantly clear he would love nothing more than to see this whole project go belly-up," Fred replied.

"I doubt that Blossom's gonna hire some thugs to bust up your site and beat up some teenagers."

"Oh, the Blossoms may surprise you, Sheriff Keller," Ricky stated.

"Maybe it wasn't him," Archie spoke. "I mean, this is Serpent territory, right?" At this, Jughead and Ricky share a look. "Maybe it was them. Pissed that they had to leave 'cause of this project."

"Serpents?" Kevin questioned in doubt.

"Yeah."

Jughead stepped forward. "When I worked at the drive-in, the Serpents never bugged me," he stated.

"I use to go to the drive-in a lot with Jug. They'd leave us alone," Ricky added.

"Did you see any snake tattoos, anything on their jackets?" Sheriff Keller asked Moose.

"It happened pretty fast," Moose answered.

Ricky placed a hand on Jughead's tense shoulder as Sheriff Keller said, "All right, I'll talk to Blossom, but I mean I don't think we'll get anywhere unless we can ID these guys."

"That is such bull," Archie snapped.

"Arch, come on," Ricky called.

"If this was Clifford Blossom asking for help, you would say yes."

"Archie," Fred also called.

"What, Dad? It's true."

"It's also not helping."

***

The next day, Ricky went to Pop's with Betty, Jughead, and Veronica as the two boys explained to the girls what happened.

"Poor Moose. Is he okay?" Betty asked.

"He's healing," Ricky answered.

"His name is Moose. He's fine," Jughead added which earned some chuckles.

Archie came into Pop's, stalking over to their booth sitting beside Veronica. "Guys, what the hell? I've been texting you," Archie told the boys.

"I forgot to take my phone off silent," Ricky stated, now pulling out his phone.

"Archie, Jughead, and Ricky just told us what happened yesterday," Betty spoke to the redhead.

"Though I checked out at the words 'construction' and 'site'," Veronica added.

"Moose and I are going to the Southside to find those Serpents. You in?" Archie asked his brother and best friend.

"Whoa! Hey, you didn't say it was the Serpents who beat Moose up," Betty spoke.

"'Cause we don't know that for a fact," Jughead replied, staring down Archie.

"We don't and even if you find the guys, he's probably stronger than you are if they took down Moose," Ricky added.

"Well, it's still worth a shot if it might help Dad. Kevin's boyfriend can get us in," Archie replied.

"Get you in where?" Veronica asked.

"To some bar where the Serpents hang out. If Moose spots them, we call Sheriff Keller and get these goons arrested."

"Archie, the Serpents are dangerous. They're drug-dealers," Betty stated.

Jughead made a face while Ricky questioned, "What? Says who?"

"Polly," she answered. "Remember? Trev told us that Jason was dealing drugs? It was for the Serpents."

"You heard my Dad, guys. Clifford Blossom is trying to torpedo him. Sheriff Keller basically blew him off, right in front of us. Somebody needs to do something."

Archie stood up causing Jughead to say, "Archie, going into that bar is a bad idea."

"You'll regret going in there," Ricky warned.

"Ricky, are you coming with me or not?" Archie asked his brother, pulling on his varsity jacket.

Ricky glanced back at Jughead then Archie. "Sorry but no. I'm not going," he answered.

Archie sighed but looked to- "Jughead?" Jughead didn't move. He scoffed, "Thanks for having my back."

Once he walked out, Betty turned to Ricky. "Shouldn't you go after him? Make sure he doesn't-"

"No, he'll learn soon that going to the Whyte Wyrm is a bad idea," Ricky answered.

***

At the Whyte Wyrm, a girl in a leather Southside Serpent jacket wandered up to the bar, sitting on a stool.

The pink and brown-haired bartender turned to the girl. "Let me guess, a Shirley Temple?" she asked.

"My dad won't let me drink anything else," McKenzie Parker replied with a shrug.

Toni fixed up a Shirley Temple for her as she spoke, "So where you've been, Mack? I hardly see you these days."

"School and drama have gotten in the way," McKenzie answered.

"From your Northside friends, I'm assuming," Toni replied, handing her drink to McKenzie.

"Your assumptions are correct," McKenzie answered. "Plus my friend Ricky likes this girl-"

"Ricky, huh?" Toni asked. "Am I ever going to meet this Ricky? From what you describe, he sounds like a sweetheart."

"He is. He's a good guy," McKenzie stated, sipping her drink. "He doesn't hate the Southside."

Toni hummed with a smile. "Ooh. If Ricky's a Northsider and doesn't hate the Southside, then he's a blessing. I might have to date him if it doesn't work out with his girl."

"Hey," someone called. McKenzie glanced back to see it was Archie with Moose, Kevin and Joaquin as Ricky's brother went up to Mustang.

"What? You got a death wish?" Mustang asked.

"Oh God," McKenzie muttered, sliding off the barstool and trying to hide behind some of her fellow Serpents as she got closer.

"Archie, back off," Joaquin told him.

"What the hell is this?" Mustang asked Joaquin.

"You like beating up teenagers?" Archie asked.

"This isn't the first time one of you Bulldogs has come in here, looking to cause trouble," Mustang replied, shoving Archie.

The Serpents held back Kevin and Moose while Mustang shoved Archie on the pool table ready to hit him.

"Uncle Mustang, leave him alone!" McKenzie yelled, trying to hurry forward but someone louder than her stopped him.

"Hey!" FP yelled. "That's enough, Mustang. Let 'em go." Mustang and the other Serpents who held back the Northsiders backed away. "I'll take care of this."

"What the hell are you doing here?" McKenzie asked.

Archie saw her in her Serpent jacket. "McKenzie? What the hell? Does Ricky know-"

"Yeah, he does," she cuts him off.

FP looked to the Northsiders. "You guys can go," he told them.

McKenzie was about to walk back to the bar when she slapped Joaquin's arm. "Idiot," she muttered, knowing that he brought them here.

"What?" he questioned as he exited with Kevin, Moose, and Archie with FP trailing behind.

"Not you, Red, you stay," FP told Archie as they were out of the Whyte Wyrm.

"I'm good," Archie replied to the Northsiders who waited back for him. At that, they walked away.

"What the hell are you doing here?" FP asked.

"Looking for the thugs that trashed my dad's equipment. We figured it was the Serpents, angry for getting kicked off their land, but now that I know you're a Serpent, I'm thinking this is personal. Going after my dad, his company, that is payback, right? For when he fired you?"

FP shook his head. "Man, you've got a bigger imagination than Jughead, and that's saying something."

"This isn't a joke. My dad could lose everything."

"You think I'm responsible?" FP asked, raising his voice. "That I've been, what, waiting all these years for a chance to get back at your old man? No. No, kid, life's too short. You don't know that now, but you will." Archie glanced back to see Fred pull up in the truck, getting out. "I called him the second you set foot in the bar," FP added.

Fred looked to Archie. "Get in the truck, Archie."

Archie did as he was told, getting in and sitting on the passenger's side.

But all he could think about was Ricky at the fact that he knew that McKenzie was a Serpent and if he knew, that meant he had to know about FP.

"So what, you're a Serpent now?" Fred began to FP. "Thought you left that behind."

"A guy's got to make a living," FP replied. "And not many people would hire me, after-"

"Right. It's my fault you run with criminals that rough up teenagers and trash my equipment?"

"You really think I'd come after you? That I'd put you and your kids in danger after everything you've done for my boy?" FP said. "Look, I'm sorry for your troubles. How bad is it?"

"I got no crew. I got no cash. Never been worse," Fred replied.

"Let me ask around. See if any of my guys have heard who it could be."

"I'd appreciate it."

FP patted Fred's shoulder. "You'll pull through, Fred. You always do." He glanced back at Fred's truck. "But you might wanna keep tabs on your oldest boy."

Fred turned around to see Archie was gone and no longer in the truck.

***

Meanwhile, at Polly's baby shower, Ricky kept walking around to make sure that there was enough food for the guest and putting the presents on the table for Polly to open later.

Betty approached, hugging Ricky's side. "You're sweet to be here," she stated. "I know this isn't exactly a date-"

"What?" Ricky questioned. "Organizing a baby shower? It's absolutely the best first date ever," Ricky joked, leaming down to kiss Betty.

Betty looked to the door in surprise as she saw- "Mom!" Betty took Ricky's hand in hers, pulling him over to an anxious Polly as Alice approached. "Polly, look, Mom's here!"

Sensing this was a family moment, Ricky took the bag from Alice. "I'll just put this on the gift table," he muttered, walking away.

Veronica approached Ricky. "You know, helping out with your girlfriend's sister's baby shower gives you extra good boyfriend points in my book."

Ricky hummed, placing the small bag on the table. "Dating or not, I would've helped Betty and Polly out regardless."

Veronica smiled. "Ricky Andrews, I thought the perfect boy didn't exist. Clearly, you have proved me wrong."

The door to the room slammed open when Cheryl strutted in, pushing an expensive stroller with her mother trailing behind pushing Nana Rose who had her hands full of gifts.

"We're here!" Cheryl exclaimed with a large smile. "No big deal, it's only the best stroller money can buy."

Polly looked it over. "So expensive."

"All I ask in return is that you make me your baby's godmother," Cheryl told her which made Polly look nervous. "Kidding!" Polly chuckled at this. "So not kidding." Cheryl pushed Nana Rose's wheelchair. "Come on, Nana Rose, let's get you a good spot by the food."

Later, Betty called that is was time to open presents. Nana Rose was first, giving Polly a necklace. Betty stood next to Ricky and Alice.

"This necklace reads the baby's aura. Predicts the sex," Nana Rose stated.

"Nana has dementia and gypsy blood," Cheryl added.

Nana Rose suddenly gasped. "Oh!"

"What? Is my baby okay?" Polly panicked.

"Babies. It's twins. One of each!" Nana Rose told her.

Alice leaned over to Ricky and Betty. "This is occultism at its most ludicrous," she whispered which made Ricky snicker to himself while Betty gave Alice a look. "But I'm grateful to be here."

"Oh! Thanks, guys!" Polly told Nana Rose.

"Okay, now Mom's," Betty said happily to which Ricky passed to the gift bag to Polly.

Polly pulled out the tissue paper and pulled out a small nightlight. "It's my nightlight. When I was a little kid. "How did you-Where did you even-"

"I saved it," Alice told her. "I know how much you loved it and how it made you feel safe. And I wanted you to be able to pass it down to your own baby one day."

"Alice, it's lovely," Hermione told Alice with a small smile.

Penelope spoke up, putting her cup of tea down. "Open ours next, dear."

Archie stepped into the room, putting a firm hand on Ricky's shoulder which made him turn to look at his brother. "Arch, hey."

"You were protecting him and McKenzie," Archie stated defensively. "That's why you didn't tell me."

Ricky stood up, immediately knowing what he was talking about and pulling him away from Polly but Betty and Veronica followed. "Whoa, Archie. Relax. What happened?"

Archie turned to Betty. "Did you know that McKenzie and Jughead's father is a Serpent?"

"No," Betty answered.

"That's why you and him tried to stop me from going to the bar, so I wouldn't find out. After everything..." Archie stated.

"That wasn't my business to tell," Ricky replied. "It was between Jughead's family and Mack's. Not ours. Look, if you want to know more, talk to Jug. He can explain, okay?"

'But not right now. This is Polly's day, so you two need to check yourselves. I mean it," Veronica cut in.

"Bro, come on-" Ricky spoke softly.

"No, save it," Archie cuts off Ricky. "We're brothers, we're supposed to tell each other this kind of stuff-"

"Not if it's none of our concern," Ricky nearly snapped.

Sensing the tension between the two Andrews siblings, Veronica escorted Archie out. "Come on."

Once Veronica and Archie were gone, Betty looked over Ricky once before walking over and sitting in a spot back beside Polly.

Ricky walked out and stepped into the hallway. He searched through his contacts on his phone for Jughead. He pressed the call button, listening to the line ring.

He heard Jughead answer so Ricky responded with, "Hey, Jug. Archie knows about your dad and McKenzie."

***

Ricky picked up the gift tissue and trash all around the living-room after the baby shower when Betty finally stepped out Polly's room.

"Polly's finally asleep," she stated. "What a mess."

"I agree," Ricky stated. "I was going to tell you about me being friends with Serpents until you said they were dangerous and drug dealers but McKenzie isn't and neither is her family."

"I know McKenzie, Ricky," Betty replied. "Even though she's a Serpent, she's not dangerous. Did you think I'd judge you for having Southside friends?"

Ricky shrugged. "I mean, look at Archie and how pissed he was because I knew FP was a..."

"Ricky," Betty spoke softly, wrapping her arms around Ricky's shoulders. "If we're gonna be together, I want you to be who you are, fully and completely because I like you for who you are."

Ricky smiled. "Good, I'm glad."

He leaned down to kiss Betty who enjoyed his warm embrace before pulling back. "But...do you think FP might know something about Jason Blossom?"

"He might," Ricky stated. "I told Jughead he should probably ask his dad."

"Good." She pecked his lips. "Now I know it's late but how about a date at Pop's."

Ricky nodded. "Sure but you're paying," he joked as he took Betty's hand, exiting the Pembrooke.

***

Meanwhile, Jughead and McKenzie were in Sunnyside trailer park, approaching the Jones's trailer.

Jughead entered the trailer first to which FP said, "Jughead!"

McKenzie followed behind Jughead. "Dad, we kind of need to talk," Jughead told him.

"Hi, FP," McKenzie greeted though they saw each other often.

"McKenzie," FP greeted. "Um...Why don't you guys sit down?"

"This isn't really a social call," Jughead replied.

"No. I didn't expect it would be after Archie showed up at the bar," FP stated.

"We know the Serpents had some kind of drug thing going on with Jason Blossom."

"What? Where'd you hear that?" FP questioned.

"Jason's girlfriend. AKA Betty Cooper's older sister," McKenzie answered.

FP sighed, sitting on The couch, seeing there was no point in lying. "The kid needed some money to get away. A clean-cut kid like that, no one's gonna suspect him of running, so we helped him, he helped us."

"Jeez, Dad. Did you tell the cops that?" Jughead asked.

"What do you think?"

"Well, they know now. Polly told them. So if they haven't been by yet, they will be."

"You never talked to Jason? Personally, did you?" McKenzie asked.

"My guys gave him some product. When it wasn't delivered, we figured he'd took off with our stash, until..."

"Until Jason's rotting corpse was found at Sweetwater River," McKenzie finished with a huff.

"Anything else you wanna ask?" FP questioned.

Jughead had an anxious expression. "Did you have anything to do with Jason Blossom's death?" Jughead asked.

FP gave him a look of disbelief. "You really think I could do that?"

"It's the dark ages, Dad. I don't really know what to think anymore."

"I'm not a perfect father, Jughead, no getting around that, but I'm no killer."

Shortly, McKenzie exited the trailer with Jughead.

She stopped him by taking his hand. "Look, if you're wondering if I know anything about Jason Blossom, I didn't before and I still don't."

"I know," Jughead answered quietly.

McKenzie nodded. "I don't want to ask this but do you believe him?"

"I do," Jughead answered. "Do you?"

"I do," she answered as well. "I believe you, Jughead."

McKenzie stared into Jughead's eyes when he spoke. She could tell he wanted to believe in his dad and that he could do better.

But she stared into his eyes because she felt something for Jughead, something that goes past the line of friendship.

Jughead was feeling the same thing because his eyes kept flickering to her lips in question as he leaned towards her.

It was instinct for McKenzie to connect their lips together, shutting her eyes as Jughead cupped her face to make the kiss last as her hands reached up to fidget with the hairs resting on his neck.

Something about Jughead made her feel safe and different from the way she felt about herself when she was with the Serpents. She didn't feel like a piece of Southside trash that anyone would just kick around.

Jughead made her feel...important.

***

Later when Jughead made it back to the Andrews's home, Ricky and he entered Archie's room who was practicing guitar.

"I should've trusted you," Jughead spoke up. "There's no excuse. I was afraid that the Serpents and my dad were the ones doing those messed up things. I didn't wanna believe that was true."

Ricky sat down as he spoke, "I didn't say anything about being friends with the Serpents because you immediately jumped they did the damage to Dad's construction site. And FP...we've known him since we were little."

"I mean...He's my dad, Archie," Jughead added.

"I get that. I do. But guys, you can talk to me about anything," Archie stated. "Jug, you're like..." Archie whispered. "You're like my brother.

Jughead chuckled. "Nice bro-whisper, Archie."

"I'm not scared to admit it," Ricky stated. "You are my brother," he nudged Jughead before turning to Archie. "You're my brother too. Whether I like it or not, I got your back."

"You are my brother," Jughead admitted to both siblings which made Ricky grin. "Both of you. And I'm here for you guys and your dad. So what can I do?"

"Pray for a miracle," Archie answered.

***