The Exception to the Rule

Part 8

Jughead spent most of the day lounging around, finishing up homework, working on his book and trying to keep from thinking about his lovely neighbour. He had little success with the latter, finding himself spaced-out often throughout the day, his thoughts wrapped up in her.

Archie spent most of the day nursing a wicked hangover, to which Fred exploited by closing doors extra hard, opening all the curtains and talking much louder than normal. Jughead smiled at his actions knowing that it was all in good fun, for good reason and knowing Fred was just trying to drive a point home: 'See how shitty you feel? Remember this feeling, kid...'

"So Jug, any plans for today?" Fred asked as he and Jughead tag team the dishes.

"Yea, I'm going to Betty's for dinner"

"She is such a great girl. You guys are getting pretty serious, hey?"

Jughead felt his throat tighten, feeling what might be coming out of Fred's mouth next. Jughead was a very private person, and talking about anything, let alone girls or sex was fully out of his range and comfort zone.

"Yea..." Jughead managed to spit out before turning his eyes back to the dishes in the sink

"I feel awkward asking this, but have you and FP had 'the talk'?" Fred asks with a tone of uncertainty "I mean, I don't want to step on anyone's toes, but...you're like a son to me Jug and I just want to make sure you have all the information you need before...well, you know"

Jughead smiled to himself. He often felt more connected to Fred than is own father. Fred was the type of man you would strive to be like. Honest, hard working, family focused, and kind. FP was none of those things, if fact, FP was the complete and total opposite.

Though Jughead didn't want to talk, he felt compelled to be honest with Fred. The man had always been honest with him, it seemed only fair that Jughead return the notion.

"Yea, we've had the talk. I was 10 and FP was drunk, but I caught the basics. Besides, we've had Sex Ed class for the past few years now. Which have been fairly illuminating albeit heavy handed on the 'abstinence' standpoint" Jughead confided nonchalantly, trying to avoid Fred's stare.

The older man chuckled lightly "Yea, some things in school will never change. Listen, I'll tell you what I told Archie. I'm not going to tell you not to do it. What I will say is make sure, really sure, you both want to go through with it. Anything can happen, so be safe, and be sure. You only get one first time. And not to sound corny but make sure she's worth it. All too often we regret how we handled our first time. So if I have any advice it's: Be sure. Be safe" he finishes with an honest smile, to which Jughead returns with a nod

"I appreciate that Fred. I know she's worth it. But, I honestly have no idea what I'm doing..." He confides slightly embarrassed

"You're not alone, Jug. You and every other man on earth are in the same boat. Women are amazing and complicated creatures and if you don't know what to do or how to do it, she'll tell you. Maybe not with words per-say, so just listen to her. That applies to everything in life, it'll go a long way" Fred says with a laugh and firm pat on Jughead's shoulder

"I've got to hit the store before dinner, can you finish up with the dishes? Maybe make sure Archie does something with his life today?"

"I'll finish the dishes, but I can't make any promises for that son of yours" Jughead smiles "Thanks again Fred"

"Don't mention it Jugs, I'll see you after dinner then?"

"You will"

Fred turns, grabs his keys and heads out the door. Jughead checked his phone, Betty's last text to him was around lunch. She was at the store picking up ingredients for lasagna, one of many Betty Cooper specialties. He had not replied yet, so he quickly wrote back that lasagna was a favourite of his, to which she repaid she knew already. He smiled to himself, realizing how great it felt to have someone think of him. Even something simple like this took on an air of warmth and comfort, clearly he could love her more.