././𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓛𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓦𝓮𝓮𝓴𝓮𝓷𝓭/./.

Weekdays, from 8:25 a.m. to 3:01 p.m., we adhere to a strict regimen, everything in our lives controlled. But then something like the murder of Jason Blossom happens, and you realize there is no such thing as control. There is only chaos. Nevertheless, some of us strive to impose and maintain order, in what is fundamentally, an orderless world. A fact which would very soon be confirmed, in ways none of us could have foreseen.

"Veronica, there's something we need to talk to you about," Betty softly told V while Archie and I split a container fruit, that he brought for breakfast.

"Bring it. After the morning I've had, I'm ready for just about anything." Veronica sighed, putting down her coffee. I wanted to ask what was wrong but was worried I would be prying into her personal life.

"Okay. While Archie was with the Blossoms while their board was in town, he, um... why don't you tell her? You were there." I look at Archie not wanting to be the one to see that sad look on her face.

"Why is this suddenly feeling like a friend-tervention?" Veronica jokes.

"I overheard Mr. Blossom say he's the one responsible for your dad being arrested and put in jail," Archie quickly says while Veronica's face melts into that of disgust. "Are you kidding? Why the hell would Clifford Blossom have anything to do with why he's in prison?"

I shrug my shoulders, watching as Veronica tries to digest the new information about her father.

The bell rang, and we all began walking to our next class. Betty and I were taking a journalism course, "Hey, don't forget it's Jughead's birthday," Archie said, walking with us.

"I completely spaced," I facepalm myself, feeling horrible about forgetting my boyfriend's birthday. I knew how much he hated celebrating it, and I guess I just got used to not doing anything.

"What?" Betty smiles, "Jughead's birthday, why didn't he say anything?"

"It's tomorrow. And he doesn't like making a big deal out of it. Every year, he does to a double feature at the Bijou. It's like this tradition. Last few years, I've been his movie-buddy. But now that he is with you..."

"Arch, I am sure he would still love to have you come with us," I tell him.

"No, I don't wanna be the third wheel," Archie shakes his head. While I nudge him in the shoulder, "Oh, come on. Nothing's changed, it's still like old times. Betty will come too," I look at Betty, hoping she isn't busy.

Betty nods," The Four Musketeers."

"Awesome," Archie says before walking away from us while Betty turns to me with a smile.

"We should have a party, and you should invite Mr. Jones."

I scoff, "Juggie hates parties. He's never had one."

Betty's smile drops, "You are kidding, right?"

I shake my head, "Nope. He doesn't like them...But I will invite FP. His dad should be with him for his birthday."

I pull my phone out of my purse and begin scrolling through my contacts looking for his number. Once I find his name I call immediately. The phone picks up on the first ring, "Yes. Jones."

"Hey Mr. Jones, this is Adelaide Cooper-Blossom," I speak into the phone, "Jughead's gir-"

"Girlfriend. Yeah, I remember," he mutters into the phone.

"Well, I was calling because it's Jughead's birthday tomorrow and I wanted to see if maybe you would come see a movie with us? Maybe grab dinner?" I ask, watching Betty bite her lip in excitement.

"Does he know you're calling me?" Mr. Jones asks.

"I thought maybe I'd surprise him," I tell him, already thinking that maybe this idea was not the best.

"Man, you know there's one thing that Jughead likes less than surprises, and that's his birthday. Kid's never even had a party. Never wanted one," I hear the sadness in his voice with a dark chuckle.

"That was why I thought it might just be nice to have some dinner or watch a movie," I continue.

"Anyway, I think the best gift that I could give to Jughead would be to stay away. But I appreciate the call, Adelaide," Mr. Jones says and quickly hangs up.

~❃~

I was walking into the cafeteria to meet with Kevin so we could walk to Advanced French together when I noticed Chuck Clayton, sitting near Ethel.

I froze watching as his eyes moved up to my own. He moved from his seat and walked over to me. I wanted to leave or run, but my legs were glued to the floor.

Once he finally stood in front of me, I just looked up at him like a deer caught in headlights, defenseless. He looked at me sadly, "Adelaide, I ju-"

"Get away from her, Chuck," Betty stood next to me. I could physically feel my body relax, knowing that Betty would not let Chuck do anything.

"Easy," Chuck held his hands up as if he was the vulnerable one, "Look, I only came over here to apologize. You don't have to go Dark Betty on me again."

I felt my face redden in anger, he was the same jerk that he was before.

"I'm not going!" Betty screamed before sighing and lightly saying, "I'm not going Dark anything," she turned to me with a smile, "Adelaide, is Chuck bothering you?"

I shake my head, just wanting to leave, "You can relax, Betty, it's fine."

Chuck smirked, "Yeah, Betty, we're fine." The smirk made me flashback the same revolting smirk he had given me when he was trying to touch me.

My face contorts into that of disgust as I shake my head, "Yeah. I was just leaving," I quickly turn around and leave the room, heading straight for class.

~❃~

I was standing outside of Mr. Jones's trailer as I waited for him to come so I could try to convince him one more time to come to Jughead's party. I knew that Jughead really looked up to him and even with everything he did, I think he would appreciate seeing his dad come.

I see him walk up to the trailer, taking off a pair of yellow gloves, "Mr. Jones," he jumped, causing me to wince not wanting to scare him, "Sorry, I didn't mean to ambush you," I smile watching as he walks inside before ushering me inside as well, "I know you don't do birthdays, but Jughead and I always eat pizza with some friends after the movie, and I think it would mean a lot to Juggie if you came. You mean so much to him."

I watch as FP reaches In the fridge before pulling out a beer.

"Don't think I haven't seen the way he looks at you?" FP laughs, raising his glass towards me, "My boy is head over heels for you. Haven't seen him so happy."

I feel my cheeks flush as I think of the adorable raven-haired goof, "So does that mean you will come?"

"Man, you don't quit, do you?" He laughed, taking a sip of his drink.

I smile brightly, "Rarely, if ever. I really think it would mean a lot to him. And you being there...That would be special."

~❃~

Mom and I were cleaning from dinner for tonight when she suddenly decided to say, "I had a terrific meeting with Principal Weatherbee, who agrees that the Blue and Gold can benefit greatly from my professional guidance - as your new advisor."

I smile oddly trying to think of why she would mention this now, "That's great, Mom."

"Isn't it amazing that I get to spend more time with my girls?" She bumps her hip with mine, "Forget about Hal."

I smile putting away the last dish before turning to see a plate of dessert in her hand, "Why don't you drop this over by Archie, I know Fred left them home alone for the week."

I bite my lip, wondering if I should tell mom about telling Jug about Chuck, "Mom, when you and Hal started dating, did you tell him everything about what was happening to you?"

She nodded, taking a deep gulp of her coffee, "I sure did, and I wish I hadn't. I shared a lot of things with him, my secrets, fears, doubts. And he ended up using them against me."

I furrow my eyebrows in confusion, "What secrets"

"Let's just say that there are some things about myself that I struggle with."

"I trust Jughead, Mom," I tell her feeling guilty for not wanting to tell him about Chuck.

"Of course you do. And you should," she smiled before moving the plate closer to me, "But just not with everything."

I nod my head taking the plate from her hand before walking over to the Andrew's household. I simply opened the door with the key that I was given by Mr. Andrews before stepping into the kitchen, "Hello?"

"Juliette?" Jughead calls out as I enter the kitchen to see both Archie and Jughead eating what looks like their second pizza. He smiles noting the food in my hand, taking it away from me before smiling, "Archie and I were both thinking about a John Landis double feature at the Bijou. American Werewolf in London and Animal House."

"That's awesome," Archie smiles, taking a slice of cake and putting it on his plate while I sat on the barstool next to Juggie, "Except it's just you and AJ this year."

"Dude, come on. That's a primal betrayal. You have to join us," Jughead tells him, while I roll my eyes.

"I already tried to convince him," I smirk at Archie, knowingly.

"Why do you hate your birthday so much, Jug?" Archie suddenly asks.

"PTSD from when I was a kid," Jughead sighs, "I don't know. Things were always messed up at home usually because of my dad, and there was this arbitrary day that we would just get together and pretend things were great, we were normal," I wrap my arm around his bicep, leaning my head on his shoulder, while Juggie leaned his head on my head, "Just made me feel really lonely."

~❃~

"One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight," I called to the girls, while Cheryl paced in front of them, "One, two, three, four..."

"Stop," Cheryl called out before turning to Veronica with her arms folded on her chest.

I sigh, looking at Veronica, "You're late, V, we've already reviewed the new choreography for Homecoming."

Cheryl walked closer to her before slowly explaining, "That means you'll be in the back, where your presence will do the least amount of damage."

Veronica sneered, "With you both front and center, no doubt."

I furrow my eyebrows wondering what I had done to upset Veronica.

"But of course. We do have the maddest skills on this squad," Cheryl said without hesitation.

Veronica glared at Cheryl, "And because you're a Blossom, we have to accept whatever you say as gospel truth?"

"You're welcome to challenge us, Veronica, but you'll lose," Cheryl said. Any other day I would let Cheryl learn her lesson, but she was going through a lot, and I would not let her get hurt. Even if I had to fight Veronica on it.

"We live in a democratic society," Veronica told my sister, "Let's let the Vixens decide who's cherry on top."

"Challenge accepted," I walk in front of Cheryl looking at Veronica with confidence that was not my own. I had to make sure that Cheryl would not be ridiculed in front of the entire squad.

"Great," Veronica sarcastically said, obviously not happy that I sided with my sister. Veronica snapped her fingers, and someone turned on the music.

We both began to dance to the music until the song ended. Veronica was looking at me with a shocked expression, probably not aware that I was part of an elite dance company for six years until I retired my pointe shoes.

Betty smiled before walking up to face the group, "All those for Veronica?" Nobody did anything, including Betty.

Cheryl smirked, walking up next to her, "All those for Adelaide?" Everyone began clapping, and I smirked walking up to Veronica, "Never underestimate me."

~❃~

The lights began to dim in the theater as Juggie and I both sat in our seats. The theater was mostly empty with only a few other people in the room.

Jughead's arm was resting on my shoulder as he whispered, "Hey, I was talking to Kevin. He told me that you and Chuck had some scene in the cafeteria yesterday."

I froze, not wanting Juggie to know about what went on with Chuck, "It wasn't a big deal."

"What exactly happened between you guys that night?" Jughead pressed, looking at me concerned.

I moved my head away from Jughead and towards the screen, "Veronica asked me to keep the details under wraps, okay?"

"Yeah. All right," Jughead said, noticing my cold shoulder, "No worries...I only asked because you made it sound like you were upset."

"I'm just upset that you chose a horror movie," I playfully push his shoulder, "Knowing how scared I get."

He smiled, giving me a kiss on the cheek, "That way, I get to hold you in my arms when you get scared."

I gasp, slapping him on his shoulder, "You are evil, Jughead Jones."

Jughead hums in response before leaning forward to press a kiss on my lips. I smile into the kiss, placing my hand on his neck to pull him closer as the movie begins.

Once the movie ended, we walked to Archie's house, to hang out with Betty and Arch as tradition. I giggled, pushing the door open, while Jughead made fun of me for jumping into his arms in the first half hour. We walked in wrapped together, with Juggie placing playful kisses on my neck.

The lights were off, and when I switched them on, our friends jumped from their hiding spots. "SURPRISE!"

I flinched, not expecting anything surprising after watching a horror movie for over two hours. I looked at Jughead to see a shocked expression mirroring my own.

I looked at Betty, knowing this was her idea. I couldn't help but feel like they didn't tell me because of my original objection and the dance battle with Veronica.

"Happy birthday, bro," Archie walked up to us first giving Jug a brotherly hug before turning to me and placing a slobbery kiss on my cheek. My nose wrinkled as the stench of alcohol filled my nose. Archie had definitely been drinking.

Although Jughead was smiling, I could tell that he would have rathered the more casual, intimate thing that we usually did.

I smiled as Veronica walked up to him next saying, "Happy Birthday, Jughead," in Spanish.

I smile at her before noticing Kevin and who I assume to be his boyfriend walk up to Juggie. I was about to introduce myself, but Betty pulled me into the kitchen before I could object.

The smile on my face immediately dissolved once we were alone, "I can't believe that you would do this behind my back," I say quickly, trying to squeeze all my words in, "I told you not to do this, and you did it anyway! Betty, I swear-"

"Sing," I was cut off by a candlelit hamburger cake being shoved in my hands before Betty pushed us outside.

The smile snapped its way back on my face. I was not about to let Juggie know how upset I was, he didn't need any fights right now.

Betty dimmed the lights as we both began singing Happy Birthday to Jughead. It felt like as I walked up to him, we were the only two people in the room. I allowed myself to get lost in his forest eyes as I allowed him to guide my body towards him.

"That was haunting, Juliette," Jughead whispered In my ear.

I press my lips on his cheek, with a sad smile, "Blow out the candles and make a wish!"

Jughead watched Veronica leave the room before turning to me, "I wish it were just the two of us right now." He then blew out the candles in one long blow, which was recognized by Kevin. We all clapped before Jughead set the cake down and pulled me into the kitchen for ice cream.

My eyes widened when I saw Veronica and Archie in an intimate embrace. Jughead stopped behind me, "Sorry."

I awkwardly pointed to the fridge, "Just coming to get ice cream. Ronnie, is everything okay?"

She sighed, "Yeah, no, I'm just not in a party mood like I usually am. And speaking of, I am sorry about cheer practice today."

I wave my hand, "No problem."

"That makes two of us," I heard Jughead mutter, turning to leave, while Betty walked in.

Betty looked offended, pulling him from leaving the room, "Whoa, wait. You're not actually upset that I threw you a party, are you?"

Jughead sighed before leaning forward on the countertop, "It's nice, Betty. I appreciate it. It's just I would be happier if was just the five of us in a booth at Pop's."

Betty shook her head, "Yeah, but we always do that. I wanted to do something special."

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions," Jughead quoted, unamused.

Betty scoffed, "Why is everything so doom and gloom with you, Jug? Why can't it just be normal for once?"

"I'm not normal," Jug hissed at my sister, "I'm not wired to be normal."

The doorbell rang, stopping the argument, although Jughead was seemingly getting more upset.

"How many more people did you invite to this thing?" Jug glared at Betty and me. I can't believe that he thought I had a part of this.

Betty shook her head as we all walked to the door, "No one. Inner-circle only."

Kevin opened the door, and I saw Cheryl and Chuck walk in with a crowd of partying teenagers behind them, holding kegs and god knows what else.

Cheryl took off her sunglasses with a smirk, "Did you really think you could have a party without inviting moi?"

Chuck smirked at me, "Or me?"

I gulp, turning to look at Juggie, with a fearful expression. This night could not get any worse.

"Archie, where do you want the kegs?" A stranger asked.

"Screw it!" Archie looked at Jug before smiling, "One in the kitchen, one in the backyard."

I heard footsteps behind me and turned around to see Jughead leaving the house. I was about to chase after him, but, Cheryl's hand grabbed mine before ushering me towards the main room where a bunch of people had already taken to grinding on each other.

"Dance with me, sister," she smiled before putting me in front of her so we could both dance to the beat with the others. I was about to object when I noticed Chuck standing by the door, staring at me.

I smiled at her before we both began dancing. Cheryl and I use to go clubbing all the time in France, and I was used to her using me to impress any of her 'victims.' I knew that she was gay, she knew that she was gay, but she isn't ready to come out, so I play along.

Eventually, after Cheryl and I had both been dancing for a while, one of the football players walked up to us. I smiled before handing her off to him and leaving the room. Chuck had left for some strange reason, and I wasn't one to object.

I quickly ran over to the garage, where I know Jug is hiding. When I walk in, I see him slumped on an old armchair, putting Vegas, with a glum expression.

"You do know my dad has a drinking problem, right?" Jughead glared at me.

I frown, "Yeah, Jug. I do. I didn't plan this party," he didn't seem convinced, "It was just supposed to be Archie, Betty, you, and I," I say while Jughead glares at me unconvinced, "I did invite you dad over but that was just because I thought you would like it if he came," Jughead didn't seem to care about what I had to say as he looked at the wall.

I glower at the boy before huffing, "I know it isn't the best birthday but let's just go out and have fun like normal teens."

"In case you haven't noticed, I'm weird. I'm a weirdo," Jughead yells, sitting up from his chair, "I don't fit in, and I don't want to fit in. Have you ever seen me without this stupid hat on? That's weird."

Jughead took off his beanie before throwing it at the wall.

I ignored the pain in my chest, "Why are you saying this, Jug?"

He was scaring me as he began to kick things out of his way to walk near me, "Jughead. Betty planned this party behind my back," I felt my hands curl into fists, as I hear him scoff, "This isn't about me, Juggie. No. This is about you and your constant torture fest about how you don't fit in!"

I watched as he began shaking, "Does it ever occur to you just how different we are? Like on a cellular DNA kind of level? You're the Rich Girl. The Cheerleader, for god's sake. Innocent. Beautiful. Smart. The Perfect Girl-Next-Door," I feel tears lining my eyes as I begin to shake my head, "I'm the damaged loner from the wrong side of the tracks who just happened to luck out."

"Why are you doing this?" My voice trembles as I try to stop myself from crying. I won't let Jughead hurt me.

His eyes narrow, into a grim look, "Come on. Who are we kidding? We're on borrowed time."

I walk closer to him, but he only walks back, "What is that supposed to mean?"

"I am not one of your projects. I am not going to sit here like some idiot until you're sick of slumming it with me?"

I step forward and slap him in the face. Jughead looked at me like I was crazy but, I just continued hitting him on the chest. Letting the tears, I was holding back stream freely down my face. Jughead just stands there, unmoved, letting me beat him until I am too tired to continue.

Once I am done, he grabs my fisted hands and pulls me forward. I look up at him, my eyes sore from crying so hard, while he simply whispers, "Juliette."

I can see the pain in his eyes as he watches me, but I just shake my head, yanking my hands out of his, stumbling to the door, "You win, Juggie. We are over."

We walk out of the room, heading straight for the door, wanting nothing more than to leave. Cheryl stood in my way, however, "Oh, but you can't leave now, sister. We haven't even played our game yet," she smiled before locking the door, "Listen up, party people! Everyone has their secrets, and we've all done our fair share of sinning. That's one thing my dear brother's death has revealed. So let's play a little game to get those secrets out in the open."

I see Jughead running through the crowd before heading straight to me, I could tell he was about to say something, so I quickly walked into the living room, "Let's start," I mumble.

I found a seat next to Betty as we both shared a small armchair. I heard Juggie ask what Secrets and Sins was, causing me to look at me sister for an answer, "It's a variation of Truth or Dare. In which we own our truths by telling it like it is."

Cheryl smiled before circling the room like a vulture, "I'll start the game with...Veronica Lodge."

"Naturally," Veronica smiled, tired of the entire day's events.

"Let's begin," Cheryl snapped before smiling, "With the day you and your mob wife of a mother came to town for a so-called fresh start. Tell us, Veronica, what's so fresh about defiling Archie Andrews in a closet?"

Ronnie rolled her eyes, "That was your doing."

"Moving on," Cheryl ignored Veronica's comment, obviously forgetting that small fact, "To dear Daddy Lodge. Isn't it true that your father, from prison, illegally purchased the drive-in land? Which makes me wonder, what else is he doing from behind bars?"

I knew Jughead was staring at me, but there was no way I was going to forgive him that fast. I continued to ignore his presence as I stared at my horrible sister.

"Well, I can't speak for my father, but I can think of someone with a very dirty secret. Specifically, Cheryl killing her very own brother," Veronica said, trying to throw a jab at Cheryl, although it was a far reach.

Cheryl seemed bored by her, accusation, "Everyone knows how much I loved my brother."

Veronica squinted her eyes, prying further, "Exactly, but did you love him maybe in ways that a sister shouldn't love a brother? And as you got older, Jason started to think it was strange, unnatural. So he chose Polly over you. So you shot him between the eyes with one of your father's many hunting rifles."

I feel myself become sick at the thought.

Dilton Doiley jumped up with a childish joy, downing his beer, "This game is sick. I wanna go next."

"That's the spirit, Doiley," Chuck said like he was a coach, "What secrets do you have to reveal to us?"

"I saw Ms. Grundy's car by Sweetwater River, the day Jason went missing. I told Adelaide, Betty, and Jughead, and then, Ms. Grundy quit her job and left Riverdale, like, two days later." Dilton smiled at Archie, "And let's not forget that Archie was also at Sweetwater that morning."

Cheryl proudly looked at Archie, "Oh, my God, color me shocked, Archie Andrews. Is that why you became a mediocre musician overnight? Because you and Ms. Four-Eyes were pulling a Mary Kay Letourneau?"

I was watching the clock, praying that when the hour was up, I would be able to escape this horrible party, but Chuck only continued to make it worse, "Wait. What? Andrews was banging a teacher? Well, damn, I wish I would've known. I would've added you and Ms. Grundy to the book of conquests."

Veronica rolls her eyes, "Classy, Chuck, as always."

Cheryl diverted the group's attention back to Archie, "Wait a second, that also explains why Archie can't seem to keep a girlfriend to save his life. He's got serious Mommy issues."

"Anything to say for yourself, Arch?" Chuck smiled, sending me a wink, leaving me feeling disgusted, "Were you a victim or a perpetrator?"

"Dilton Doiley plays with guns," Betty says, noticing Chuck's insinuation.

Cheryl turned her back to Betty, "Big whoop, Betty. So Doiley's a psychopath, everyone knows that."

Chuck rubbed his hands together, "Well, I guess it's my turn now, "Betty and I both froze in our seats, "Boy, do I have a twisted secret to reveal. Starring Betty Cooper and her sweet sister, Adelaide."

Cheryl's eyes flickered to mine in fear, I noticed her place her hand on Chuck's bicep whispering something into his ear. He pushed her off, not interested.

"Leave them the hell alone, Chuck," Archie threatened.

Chuck screamed, "Shut up. Look, you may get a free peepshow every night, which coming from Addy must be nice," I shiver in disgust, "but you do not know Betty. Hell, Betty doesn't even know herself. Everybody knows why I got suspended.

But what you don't know is that Betty dressed up like a hooker, in a God-awful black wig, drugged me, handcuffed me in the Jacuzzi, and I almost drowned until she got me to say what she wanted to hear," I felt tears line my eyes as Betty and I just stared helplessly at Chuck, "And then, she really lost it. She actually thought she was Polly, but hey, I'm cool."

Chuck rubbed his hands toogether pointing at me, "Adelaide made it all worthwhile. Who knew, the innocent schoolgirl was a slut," Cheryl looked at me confused, but I couldn't say anything with the lump forming in my throat, "Yeah. she dressed up all slutty and in the hot tub, she couldn't stop begging for me to give her some," Chuck smirked, "relief...I guess some people just couldn't fulfill her needs," Chuck said and if I had the confidence to open my eyes, I am almost certain Chuck was looking at a very angry Jughead, "Too bad Veronica stopped us before we could finish," Chuck smiled at me, "But, hey, I've got the car parked out front if you want to finish what we started."

My eyes snap open on fear as Jughead didn't let Chuck continue as he punched him straight in the jaw. Chuck hit him back with all his strength, sending Jughead straight into Archie's table. FP jumped into action, wrestling Chuck away from Juggie.

Jughead stood up, storming up to Chuck, ready to send another punch his way. I ran up to him, pulling his arm back, crying for him to stop. I knew that my strength was nothing compared to Jughead's but hoped that it would cause him to stop.

Jughead's arm stopped midair from hitting Chuck before he brought it down. I tried to control my sobs as I watched Cheryl look at me with pity.

I felt Jughead's arms wrap around my waist, pulling me into him. I tried to hide in his jacket while FP kicked everyone out of the house, threatening to call the police.

Once everyone left, my tears had stopped, and Jughead pulled me into the kitchen. I wiped away the leftover tears on my face before glaring at Juggie.

He looked at me sadly, putting his hands on my cheeks and stroking my cheeks with the pads of his thumb. I noticed a cut on his cheek and was about to pull away so I could take care of it, but Juggie only moved his hands down to my waist to stop me, "Don't go," I could hear how broken he was as he whispered, "please."

I bring my hand up to his face, "Your cut-"

Juggie shakes his head, staring only at me, "I don't care about that right now."

He looked at me, nervously, before taking off his beanie and handing it to me, "I want you to have this."

I look up at his hair, unguarded by its usual cap, and I can't stop myself from combing my fingers through the silky black curls. I saw Juggie's body relax as he let go of all the tension that he had been dealing with all night.

I smile at the beanie before holding it in front of him, confused, "Juggie, I know how much this means to you."

"It means nothing to me, Juliette. Not when I am with you," Jughead whispers to me, "I don't need to prove anything or scare people off when I am with you, Juliette because I know that no matter what you will look at me, the real me. You make me want to be the person that you already believe that I am. I didn't mean what I said before, I was just scared. But I need you in my life. I love you, too much."

I felt my heart stop as he said those five words, "Y-you...you love me?" I ask him, clutching onto the beanie that was still in my hands.

Jughead repeated his words, again, this time slower, "I love you, Adelaide Cooper-Blossom."

I look at the beanie in my hands, Jughead's wall, his barrier against everyone that he has ever met, before looking back up at Juggie who is looking nervous as he watches me, "You don't have to say it back."

I laugh, smiling at him, "If we do this, you have to promise me that you will start trusting me."

Juggie nodded, "I will. I do. You mean the world to me, Juliette."

I smile, stepping closer to him, placing the beanie on my head, "I'm all yours, Jughead. Always."

Jughead smiled, the happiest that I had seen him tonight, before leaning down and attaching his lips in mine. This kiss was full of love and passion as Jughead moved his lips from mine to my chin, constantly whispering loving words between every kiss. Jughead's kiss became more passionate as he left a wet trail going up my neck.

When Juggie's lips finally found mine, I was left in ecstasy. Our lips moved together in a dance, not missing a beat. I moved my hands higher to wound themselves in his dark black locks that I loved so much. We had never kissed like this before, it was new and exciting.

I never knew how amazing this could feel. I felt Juggie's tongue swipe across my lips, causing me to gasp in surprise, never having kissed any further than what Jughead and I had done before. I felt his tongue slip into my mouth, as both of ours meant in an intimate match of dominance, which I lost.

I thought that the kiss would never end until FP walked in, "Jughead!"

We broke apart, with Jughead's arms still wrapped around my waist, "Dad?" I blushed, noticing the lip gloss around his lips as he left the room to speak with his dad. Brushing my hair out of my face, I try to control my heated cheeks after getting caught, making out, by my boyfriend's dad.

Once he came back, we both decided to go to Pop's, and celebrate his birthday the way he wanted before the night was over.

As stood in from of Pop's, I took off his beanie and handed it back to him, "Here. I understand, now, what it means to you."

Jughead smiled, pulling me into a small kiss before placing the cap back on my head, "I wish you understood what you meant to me."

I nodded before bumping my shoulder into his, "I look better in it anyway."

Jughead scoffed as he opened the door for me to walk in, "You wish. I bet that with my black eye, I might be the hottest boy in class."

I laugh as we both slide into his usual booth, I notice the bruise forming on his cheek and the black eye that was already standing out, "And all this time, I thought you were a lover, not a fighter."

"I'm both," he nuzzled his face into my neck, causing me to giggle, "I've got layers."

"You were doing something nice, it's just that sometimes, when people do nice things for me, I short circuit, "Jughead sighed, "Maybe I'm not used to it. Maybe I'm scared. Of getting hurt. Or being rejected for being myself."

I pull his bloodied knuckle up to my lips and give them a kiss, before looking down, "I should have told you about Chuck," I hesitate before looking up at him again, "I lied because I was embarrassed. But you have to believe me when I said I did not want..." I stopped myself from saying the words, knowing that it was too much to bear.

Jughead's arms pulled me closer into him, "I know," he rubbed my arm before saying, "But next time something like that happens you tell me right away, Juliette. I don't care if-"

I place my lips on his, to silence him, "I will."

Whether you believe in order or chaos, in the end, it's the same-We are either in control of our lives, or merely think we are.