Bad Beat Jackpot (Jughead x Reader)

Chapter 97

He interlaced his hand in yours as he walked you to Cheryl's front door. You pulled out your alien keychain that now held both the key to Jughead's as well as Cheryl's. He placed his hands on your hips. "I think I am going to take my dad up on his offer for a father son camping trip this weekend."

"Isn't it a little cold to be camping?"

"No, we've done winter camping plenty of times. I was originally going to tell him no, so I could focus on my writing. But maybe I just need to step away for a moment."

"Yeah, I think that's a good idea. Some time in nature can recharge you."

"I hope so."

"Jughead," you said seriously, clasping onto the crooks of his arms. "It's only been a couple of weeks. And there are still so many more things we can try. I've done a lot of research. There are different diets, herbs, acupuncture, music and craniosacral therapy. And that's just the tip of the iceberg."

He placed his hands on your cheeks and looked at you kindly. "I appreciate you taking the time to look into that stuff. But all of that costs money. Usually lots of money. And that's not something my dad or I have right now. I've already racked up a lot of medical bills."

"Maybe I'll be able to sell some things and make some money."

"You need to keep that for yourself, not waste it on me."

"It wouldn't be a waste."

"We can't be sure any of that stuff will work."

"If there's even a chance. I just want you to be happy."

"Hey." He stroked your cheek. "I am so thankful for you and everything you're trying to do. But you need to think rationally. Think of the next few years. You'll need clothes, school supplies, money for college applications. I'll be okay."

"I know how important writing is to you."

"And to you too. I don't want to be the reason you can't enter a writing contest or go into a writing program that you're accepted into. Please, just forget I said anything. I'm getting better."

You frowned. "Jug. How about a compromise?"

He raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"We'll just do the free, cheap things. Like aromatherapy, healing music, brain healthy foods. Just incorporate them into your life. It can't hurt."

"I..." He seemed to be pouting.

You gave him a little kiss on the nose. "Okay?"

A smile snuck onto his lips. "Okay, fine." He gave you a tender kiss on the lips. "Well, I'll be upstate the next two days, probably without service. But I'll call you when I get back."

"Okay. I hope you have fun."

He pulled you into a hug, wrapping his arms snugly around you. "I already miss you," he professed as he pulled away.

...

You spent the next couple of days organizing your room and drafting an outline for a novel that would take place in an elaborate old residence filled with secrets. Thistlehouse certainly provided the inspiration for the narrative. You'd also made a playlist of brain healing music and different superfoods that might be beneficial to Jughead. Cheryl had several diffusers around the house, and she had lent you one for your room along with bottles of frankincense, lavender and cedarwood.

On the third day, Cheryl, Toni, and Nana Blossom had left for a quick voyage to Marsha's Vineyard, taking the butler with them. Meaning you'd have the house to yourself for the next two days. You were happy to see Jughead's name light up your phone late that afternoon.