𝐒𝐎𝐋 | ˢʷᵉᵉᵗ ᵖᵉᵃ

• E I G H T •

« El Extraño »

          Veronica's private speakeasy was packed for the night. Though Jughead was with his girlfriend, he couldn't keep his eyes off Clemintine. Since their shared kiss during G&G, she was the only thing on his mind. But as always, he would have to repress those feelings. For now, at least.

Clemintine sat by her lonesome, her mind in the clouds. Without realizing, however, her eyes were watching Sweet Pea as he walked around the bar.

"Ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen." Kevin's voice pulled Clemintine back to reality. "On behalf of Veronica Lodge, I thank you, one and all, for coming to the grand opening of La Bonne Nuit. Now, please welcome to the stage, the one and only, Miss Josephine McCoy."

Clemintine's eyes instantly found Sweet Pea's tall frame at the mention of the singer. She didn't know what she was expecting. Maybe she was hoping for his eyes to be on her, but that wasn't the case. He was clapping, cheering, and smiling; just as he should be.

As Josie sang, Clemintine found herself thinking about her insecurities, which she thought she had gotten rid of. Josie was beautiful, especially in that dress. And her voice was amazing. She was also thin, with flawless skin. Clemintine was the opposite. She had such a large scar on her stomach and had gained some weight over the summer, not to mention she had designer eye bags from all the crying she's done over sleepless nights. No wonder Sweet Pea liked Josie.

Clemintine stood from her seat and walked towards the door. Jughead watched her retreating figure.

"I'm going to check on Clem." Jughead whispered to Betty, who nodded in response. The boy quickly followed after the female. "Sunny, are you okay?" He caught the girl outside.

"I'm fine." She smiled lightly. "I can get over him. I can accept that they're together and he's happy, but it's going to take some time."

Jughead nodded in understanding. "Okay."

"Go back in." Clemintine's smile faltered for a moment. "Enjoy your night."

Jughead stepped closer to his friend. "I can tell that you don't want to be alone right now."

Clemintine shook her head. "Just go back inside, Jug. I'll be okay." She always felt like a burden."

"No." Jughead pulled out his phone, sending his girlfriend a quick text. "I'm not going to leave you."

Clemintine nodded, sniffling. Jughead pulled her into his chest, rubbing her back gently.

"Let's go." He spoke after a moment of silence. Clemintine nodded, following him to his bike.

Back inside, Josie continued to sing. Reggie slowly made his way over to Sweet Pea, standing beside him. "I gotta thank you."

"For?" Sweet Pea responded; brows furrowed.

"Breaking Clemmie's heart. She really channeled that anger into something wonderful."

Sweet Pea's jaw tightened. He turned his body to face Reggie. "What are you trying to say?"

"She's never given you head? Wow, that's a surprise. And I think you'll be happy to know that she's great in bed, or rather, car. Not that she'll let you get it in."

Sweet Pea struggled but held his composure. It took everything he had in him not to attack Reggie. To kill him. "Fuck you." Was all he said, before pushing Reggie harshly and walking out.

Jughead and Clemintine had reached her house by now. Jughead stopped the bike, waiting for Clemintine to get off first.

"Thank you, Jug." Clemintine pulled Jughead close. "I don't know what I'd do without you." The two walked into Clemintine's empty house, and up to her room, where they had hung out plenty of times.