The Exception to the Rule

Part 8

Jughead put his phone back into his pocket and finished putting away dishes. He wondered into the living room to find Archie tucked into the couch, lazily watching something on tv. Jughead plopped down on the seat next to him

"I'm going to Betty's for dinner...you should try to get up and do something with yourself, I'm sure you'll feel better. Did you see your dad on the way out?"

"Yea I did, I'm meeting Veronica after dinner. Man, I don't think I'll ever drink again" Archie said shaking his head. Jughead laughed, having heard this many times before from FP.

"I'll believe it when I see it" Jughead said to his friend, both chuckling lightly "I'm going to hit the showers. You should do the same today, pal" He finished wafting the air around Archie for dramatic effect.

Archie rolls his eyes at his friend "Whatever, man" He laughs trowing a pillow at Jughead as he walked upstairs.

Jughead proceeded with his regular shave and shower routine, choosing clothes that were more 'parent appropriate' than usual. Knowing full well that although he got along with the Coopers, anything...literally anything could set Alice Cooper off. He and Betty both had enough on their minds that no one needed any unnecessary drama. He tried not to ponder too heavily on what the night had in store for them, feeling mildly overwhelmed at possibilities.

~~~

Meanwhile Betty was buzzing around the kitchen in an organized chaos. Cooking was one of her many passions, and she knew she was good at it. It gave her a sense of pride to cook for the people she loved, and tonight was no exception to that. Just finishing up making her lasagna and put it into the oven, she quickly tidies before heading upstairs to freshen up.

Her parents were still at odds, but Polly had returned home and was living with Betty and Alice. The only stable thing about their family right now were these Sunday night dinners which Betty had insisted upon. Most weeks no drama ensued, other weeks it was like a war zone. She wasn't keen on tonight being one of those fight nights, so she chose a high collar sweater and jeans, not wanting to attract any unwanted attention to the small bite marks across her lower neckline. Downstairs she heard Alice and Polly come in, altering her of their return home

"BETTY! Dinner smells amazing!" She heard Polly yell up the stairs, while in the kitchen Alice put away groceries.

"Thanks Poll, I'll be right down" Betty turned to her refection, smearing a light pink stain across her lips before heading downstairs to greet her family.

"Your dad said he can't make it tonight. So it'll be just us girls" Alice said with a smile, though her voice indicated a hint of sadness.

"And Jughead" Betty said happily. Polly smiled wide at her sister, knowing more about her budding relationship than Alice. Betty had confided in Polly on a number of occasions, for advice and to profess her care and devotion for Riverdale's brooding writer.

"Alright, The Cooper woman and Jughead" Alice said with a shrug, pouring herself a larger than normal glass of red wine before sitting at the dining room table.

Jughead showed up right on time. When Betty answered the door she found him waiting, rocking back and forth on his heels and waring one of her favourite sweaters. The soft maroon wool that fit him perfectly, Betty loved the fabrics' feeling under her skin. He stepped inside, sliding one arm around her waist, pulling her into a very well mannered hug. She smiled at the action, sensing her mother's piercing gaze on them.

"Is she looking at us?" She whispered against his neck mid hug. The light tickle of her breath on his skin sent a shudder through to his toes.

"You know her too well" Jughead smiled pulling back to look at his beautiful neighbour then making direct eye contact with Alice in the dining room "Hey Mrs.Cooper!" Jughead called out over Betty's shoulder.

"Hello Jughead," Alice quipped with an eye brow raised "let's hurry it up over there, dinner's ready." Jughead shed his sheep skin coat stepping inside so that Betty could close the door.

Polly entered the dining room holding a bowl of salad. She smiled at Jughead, beckoning them over with a nod towards the table. They sat and leisurely enjoyed each other's company along with Betty's amazing Lasagna. Keeping the conversation light they talked about the weather, books they wanted to read and Polly's budding interest in art.

Betty dished Jughead up seconds while Alice and Polly started cleaning off the table. Once everyone was done eating, the dishes were done and the kitchen was clean, Polly excused herself to go lay down. Alice had just finished her bottle of wine and insisted on drawing herself a bath, prepared to wash the day away.

"Good Night Jughead, Elizabeth I'm sure you have some homework to take care of before bed?"

"Yes, Mother" to which Alice nodded. Jughead gave her a polite wave before she departed upstairs.

Betty turned to him, her lips turned up in a sly smirk. She stepped in closer placing her hands on his chest, smoothing the fabric lightly. She pressed her lips to his for the first time since yesterday's kiss goodnight. His lips were sweet and gentle, kissing her back softly before bringing his hands up to cup both sides of her face. Betty grabbed two fists of his sweater, pulling Jughead down into a more passionate kiss. She slid her tongue across his lower lip and was rewarded by his tongue coiling with her own. Betty mewled in reaction as Jughead dropped his hands down to her hips, gripping onto them firmly. She sighed when his thumbs grazed the skin above her hip bone as he gingerly dipped his hands under the hem of her sweater. They continued their heated embrace for a few moments before breaking apart breathless. Betty slid her hands from his front to wrap around his back and rested her head on his chest, hearing his heart beat wildly.

Jughead nuzzled his face onto the hair on top of her head, leaving a few kisses behind as he did so. "I should probably get back home, before Alice changes her mind about me" He said with a smile, resting a cheek on her head.

"It's 9 now, she'll be out cold by 11. I'll text you then, but we should be safe by 11:30" Betty said, not moving from her spot in his arms. Jughead pulled back slightly, gently grabbing the bottom of Betty's chin, tilting her gaze to his.

"Thank you for dinner Betts, it was amazing" He said before placing his lips on hers again, lightly sucking her bottom lip in-between his as he released her. She whimpered at his mouths' abrupt departure, pouting playfully. Betty didn't step away, her eyes fixed up at his clear blues, and keeping his body wrapped in her arms.

He chuckled lightly shifting them a few steps closer to the door "The sooner I leave, the sooner I'll return" he said rubbing his hands in aimless circles on her back lovingly.

"You're right" She said letting her arms drop and taking a small step back "Parting is such sweet sorrow" she quipped placing the back of her hand to her forehead with a swoon.

"That I shall say good night till it be morrow"...or rather, later..." Jughead chuckled back to her "I'll see you in a bit" He finished slipping his coat on and opening her front door stepping into the cold November night. She followed him onto the porch and watched him wonder with his hands shoved into his pockets to the Andrews. He waved before disappearing into his new "home"