Soulmates - Core Four Fanfiction

- 11 -

TRIGGER WARNING: ABUSE
♥betty♥

"I need you", the voice I longed to hear rings in my ear.

I smile to myself, thankful that he still wanted to see me even though I think I was the root of his state.

"I'll be there in 5." I say.

Thankfully, the woods were just by the trailer park so if I ran I could be there quick. And obviously, I run. I always do when he needs me.

He hangs up and I pick up my bag, making sure the zips are all closed and begin running. Soon enough, I find myself panting, standing at his door. I knock. The heavy footsteps on the other side make me more and more anxious in await. I wanted - no, needed - to see him after hurting him, and more so after reading the letter.

The door opens to a teary eyed Jughead, no beanie, no jean jacket, just his hair flopping over and a light grey wife beater. His usual attire when he goes through this. But the difference was the slight blue under his right eye.

"Jug," I say, my eyes glassy as well, wanting to reach out my hand to touch the discolouration but cautious to see if he wanted my comfort since I was a reason behind him being upset.

He pulls the door wider, moving to the side so I can come in and closing the door behind me.

"I didn't know who else to call. You're always the only one there." he says, moving his fingers on the kitchen counter as he looks down at them. "Tell me what I say wasn't you forgiving her. Tell me anything but that, Betts, please."

"Jug," I say stepping closer, "She just bombarded me with a hug when she asked to talk to me. I shouldn't have even let her talk to me in the first place, I'm sorry. I would never forgive her, not after what she's put you through." I put an hand on his arm, hoping that he could look me in the eyes.

And he does. I search for what he's feeling, but its all just sorrow.

His chest rises and falls, and his eyes move as they scan mine, a little quick smile forming before he pulls me into a hug.

"What else is going on, Juggie?" I say, rubbing his back with a comb through his hair.

"My dad. He was home when I came home and he did it again. Took out his anger on me. Called me a pussy for being in an upset state."

My heart drops, the last time his dad did this was years ago, when we were only 9. He always got angry, that's why I was always so cautious around him and protective of Jug, but he hadn't laid a hand on Jughead like this since back then.

I squeeze him tighter against me, "Oh Jug. I'm so sorry."

"I just needed you, Betty. And I was scared that I didn't have you either," he says, his voice quivering holding me tighter as if he was scared I'd disappear.

"You always have me, never ever have that thought. You're the most important person to me in this whole universe."

He sniffles, "I shouldn't be."

I furrow my brows, leaning back so I can hold his face in my hands. My heart falls to my stomach when I see the bruise on his cheek closer.

"I'm no good, Betts. When I try to put up the front that I'm okay like I did for Veronica it's not enough. But when I show my emotions, I get fucking punched and called a pussy. You shouldn't have to care about someone as useless as me."

My lip quivers as tears stream down, "Jug." I run my thumb gently on his bruise, earning a slight wince. I can't help but to cry hearing what he has to say while also looking at the darkening aftermath of his father's hands. "Don't you dare say that. You aren't useless. Stop talking about Veronica, stop thinking about your dad, you shouldn't let them get to you like this."