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FP stirred the spaghetti, making sure to scratch the bottom of the pot. He really didn’t want to have to scratch any stuck spaghetti off later. He was already dog-tired and he just wanted to wash the dishes after dinner and watch TV. He drained the water once It was ready and started placing a generous amount on the two plates on the counter. He put ketchup on Jughead’s and some cheese on top. Just like he liked It. He had noticed his son had been In a bad mood and has been crying after school ever since Archie’s trail. Jughead had been coming home late. Locking himself In the bedroom. Lack of appetite. At first, he thought It might be Archie being locked up In juvie. Now, almost two months later FP was having doubts. He sighed and put pieces of yesterday’s leftover sausages on top of his plate. He heard the door of the trailer swing open just as he placed the plates on the small table.
FP: Hey Jug!
He greeted, but was met with silence. Jughead had his back on him, facing the door.
FP: Jug?
The boy turned to him slightly and FP noticed his hand swiftly wiping under his eye. Before FP could ask what was wrong Jughead grabbed his plate from the table and spoke weakly.
Jughead: I’ll have this In the bedroom. Got a lot of homework.
He was gone before FP could say anything. The older man sighed sitting down. He didn’t want to pry into Jughead’s life. He knew that It must be hard returning to school without his best friend there. But he didn’t want to pressure him. After he ate and washed his plate he realized that Jughead was In the bedroom for a very long time. He scanned the counter, his eyes landing on the box of cocoa. He half smiled, taking the small box In his hands. Maybe he could make some for Jughead and take It to him along with a snack. That way he can take a break and FP could ask him If he was okay. He smiled letting the cocoa boil and put a small bowl of cookies on a plastic tray. When the cocoa was ready he poured It Into Jughead’s favorite mug and started making his way to the bedroom.
FP: Hey Boy! Got you a small snack-
He froze when he saw Jughead crying over papers that were sprawled on the bed. FP quickly placed the tray at the nightstand and sat down next to his boy.
FP: Hey, hey, hey! What’s wrong?!(Spoke worriedly)
He placed two fingers under his boy’s chin and gently tilted his head upwards. His heart broke when two bloodshot eyes made contact with his.
Jughead: It’s him. I-I keep trying so hard! I thought If I did everything right, If everything was perfect he’d stop. But he hasn’t! He hasn’t and I don’t know what to do!
He fell Into his Daddy’s chest sobbing his heart out. FP held him tightly, rubbing his back reassuringly, whispering comforting words Into his ears. Then he saw It. All those papers that were spread onto the bed they were graded with a zero and had the words ‘Southside Bastard’, ‘Trailer Trash’, and ‘Serpent Slut,’ written on top. He couldn’t make out what the others said but he betted It wasn’t pleasant.
FP: Baby, come on. It’s going to be okay. Calm down, please. Tell Daddy what’s wrong.
He handed Jughead the cocoa and wiped the tears from his face, brushing the hair out of his tear-filled eyes.
Jughead: I-It’s my new English te-teacher. He’s been doing this all year. He said that-that he’ll make sure I’ll never be a writer. He started writing those notes In all my projects and my tests. He said I should change schools because he’ll make sure I’ll never graduate and he’ll fail my assignments every time and he’ll make sure no college will want me, and, and-
FP: Shhhh, shhhh. Calm down kid, you’ll hyperventilate. Oh baby. Why didn’t you tell me?
Jughead sobbed
Jughead: I was so scared. I thought you’d be angry at me. Or that you wouldn’t believe me.
FP: Juggie, you know better than that. Daddy’s always gonna believe you. And I would never, ever be angry at you for something like that.
Jughead mumbled tearfully
Jughead: I don’t want to go to school tomorrow. I can’t face him.
His Dad wiped the tears on his cheeks again
FP: None of that now. You’ll go to school tomorrow. But he’s not gonna bother you. I promise.
Jughead sniffled
Jughead: But how?
FP: Don’t worry about It. Just drink you cocoa and eat your cookies. We’ll watch a movie together and tomorrow It will all be alright.
Jughead smiled, a couple tears slipping from his eyes. He hugged FP tightly.
Jughead: I love you Daddy
FP kissed his forehead
FP: I love you too
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The next day, when FP dropped Jughead to school he couldn’t help but notice how uneasy his son looked. FP smiled at him and reassured him that It would be alright. Jughead left the car and FP waited for him to get Inside. It was then that he park the car a bit further down the street and stormed out. He walked up the front entrance and went straight to the principal’s office.
Front desk lady: Excuse me, sir! You can’t just walk In!
FP paid her no mind. He swung the door to the principal’s office open with force. Weatherbee spoke angrily.
Weatherbee: Mr. Jones! What Is the meaning of this!?
FP reached Inside his Serpent jacket, taking out the slightly crumbled assignments and tests that he took from Jughead last night. He slammed them on the desk, furiously. Weatherbee took the papers and gasped.
Weatherbee: I-I…I have no Idea how this happened I swear.
FP: I do. It’s that new English teacher. What kind of people you let work here, huh?!
Weatherbee: I didn’t know-
FP: I don’t care! I never want to see that man close to my boy ever again! What time does he come In today?!
Weatherbee: He Is supposed to come by In two hours. But I’ll tell him not to bother! I’ll fire him! What he did was Indescribably cruel. I am so sorry your son went through that.
FP: You better be. NO ONE talks to or treats my boy this way. I also want his assignments re-evaluated. Jug Is so talented. I will not let this jackass ruin his career like this!
Weatherbee: Of course
FP waited until Weatherbee emailed his son’s assignments to the Southside High English teacher, explain the situation, and then ask them to re-grade them before he left. He walked Into the student lounge, searching for his son. He finally spotted him and went over him. When Jughead saw him coming by he seemed surprised.
Jughead: Dad?
FP leaned over and cradled his boy’s face In his hands as he spoke softly.
FP: It’s okay baby. That man will never bother you again. Just like I promised.
Jughead: Really?
FP: Yes. I know I said you should go to school today, but let’s have a father and son day. Just the two of us.
Jughead jumped Into his arms; clutching him tightly. They left and drove to Pop’s and picked up burgers, fries and Ice cream. On their way to Pickens Park they picked up Hot Dog. They reached the park and found a nice spot under a tree. They both ate and laughed, recounting funny stories from the past. After they were full, Jughead laid his head on his Dad’s shoulder.
Jughead: Thank you so much for helping me. I didn’t think anyone would.
FP: Of course. I will always protect my baby boy. Always. So If anyone ever does something like that again you just tell me okay. And I promise Daddy will make It all okay. I love you baby.
Jughead: I love you too
They embraced and for the first time since Archie was locked up he felt truly happy and safe In his Dad’s arms. The next day after FP dropped Jughead at The White Wym for protection he drove to the school again. When FP walked Into the classroom of the teacher who had been harassing his boy. He saw the man clearing out his desk and as he got a good look at the man FP’s heart raced… this was one of his most persistent high school bullies. He barely managed to speak up, but he needed to know why all of this had been happening to him and his boy. FP spoke In a scared and trembling whimper.
FP: W-Why are you doing this? Why do you hate us so much? What did I ever do to you?
Man: Isn't It obvious by now Jones? You're filthy Serpents, and low-life trailer trash! Not to mention that unlike your son, you're dumber than a box of rocks; after all you didn't even graduate high school. Looking back I'm wondering If I had anything to do with that. Either way, you’re stupid as hell. I had my fun with you and now I’m having fun with your kid. And just cause I have been caught and have to quit my job, don’t think I can’t still easily get at your little boy. There's more to come for your precious baby boy!
FP got his courage together before responding
FP: No! You tormented me for years… I won’t let you do the same to my son!!
The man laughed at him
The man: What are you going to do about It faggy?
They heard a voice In he doorway
Kevin: He doesn’t have to do anything, I’m going to. I don’t know what you mean by “More to come.” But that’s conserved a threat! And seeing how that means you might be planning something harmful, as a son of an ex-Sheriff I’m dragging you to Weatherbee’s office until the cops come. You’re going to leave my friend alone!!
The man was dragged out. Later that day FP waited for Sweet Pea to bring Jughead back home. As FP sat on his bed; looking at a picture of Jughead holding Jellybean as a baby he suddenly heard a soft knock on the door. He sighed sadly as he saw his son with tears In his eyes.
FP: Juggie, what Is It?
Jughead slowly walked over to him
Jughead: I want you to tell me what happened Dad. I want you to tell me the whole story of you and this Caleb Branny… everything.
FP’s hands started to shake
FP: I… I’m not going to talk about this Jug. Let’s try to forget about this and move on.
At that Jughead slammed and angry hand on the nightstand.
Jughead: No! This man bullied you until you dropped out of high school and then he became a teacher and went after me! I have the right to know!! It’s my business Dad!! And we should be talking about this and healing together!!
FP sighed sadly as he patted the spot next to him. As Jughead slowly took a seat his Dad spilled everything Caleb Branny did to him growing up, and then… his Dad got to the last day… FP’s last day before he dropped out and the day Caleb Branny finally got expelled.
(Flashback)(FP’s Sophomore year)
FP was getting his things from his locker for afternoon classes before going to lunch when his locker was suddenly slammed Into his head causing him to stumble dizzily before everything went dark and he fell to the ground. When he woke up something felt off which was only confirmed when he looked down and saw the gym floor but for some reason It was a lot further away than usual. In that moment he felt ropes around his wrists and when he looked up he could see a bell and realized he was tied to the rope for the rope test and when he looked down he realized that he was naked causing him to shout for help and when he did he heard someone laughing and when he looked down he saw Caleb Branny standing below him laughing uproariously.
Caleb: Nobody's gonna help you, you loser. You're just a pathetic Serpent, a loser Southsider that nobody cares about and everyone would be better off without you! And now I'm going to leave you to hang there all night, so everyone can make fun of the worthless garbage that you are and so you starve to death!
At those words FP barely managed to speak up because It was bad enough that Caleb was a persistent bully but now he was hanging naked from the ceiling for everyone to see.
FP: Okay, you've had your fun Caleb, now let me down!
Instead of listening Caleb grabbed a giant bucket of mashed potatoes and started throwing them at FP until he was covered in freezing potatoes, causing him to shake and sob from both fear and coldness where he hanging from the ceiling until they both heard Principal Featherhead speak up.
Featherhead: That's past enough Mr. Branny! I've overlooked this behavior long enough and It's done! You're expelled as of right now, now let's move!
Featherhead dragged Caleb out of the room leaving FP hanging there feeling humiliated and broken down until he heard a much loved voice speaking up reassuringly.
Fred: Hang In there buddy, I'll get you down
Fred moved to the controls to lower the rope and get his best friend down. Once that was done Fred moved to help FP stand before leading him Into the locker room so that he could shower and redress. Once FP was dressed In his gym clothes and they were sitting on a bench FP broke down In tears In his best friend’s arms; causing Fred to rub his back comfortly.
Fred: It's okay buddy, I'm here. I've got you.
FP sniffed back his tears
FP: I know you are Freddie, but It's not okay! I can't do this anymore! Branny may have been expelled, but there's still a whole lot more Southside haters, and my dick of a Dad. It's better If I just leave. I'm gonna join the Army and get the hell out of this town before I completely lose my mind.
At that took a deep breath, because Fred defently didn’t want to lose his best friend or want his brother for life to get anymore hurt then he already was. But he also wanted to be supportive and give FP whatever he needed to feel better.
Fred: If that's what you feel like you need to do to be safe and happy, then I'll always support you. And no matter what I'll always be your best friend and your brother, and I'll always be here for you.
FP sniffed back his tears before sending Fred a sad smile.
FP: I know you will Freddie, and I appreciate that and you're always gonna be my best friend too, no matter what happens, but I definitely need to get the hell out of here.
Fred and FP sat together talking about other things before leaving school together to spend their last night together hanging out at Pop's before FP went home to pack up everything that he could think of that he would need until he got where he was going.
(Flashback over)
Jughead hugged him tightly
Jughead: Oh Dad. Does Fred know that Branny was a teacher at Riverdale High? Does Fred know about any of this?
FP sighed sadly
FP: Not yet
Jughead: You should tell him everything Dad. He was there for you back then with Branny and we both know he’ll be there for you now. He deserves to know what’s going on.
FP sighed sadly again before gently taking his son’s hand and gently kissing It.
FP: You’re right Jug. I’ll talk to him tomorrow night. While I do-
He gently kissed his forehead
FP: Want don’t you go catch a double feature with Kevin. I would feel better If you were with the ex-Sheriff’s kid. Plus It’s a thank you, Kevin helped me take care of Branny.
Jughead laid his head on his Daddy’s shoulder
Jughead: Deal
The next night after FP knocked on Fred’s door Fred could tell his best friend defently needed to talk. Fred led FP to the couch.
Fred: What's going on buddy?
FP took a shaky breath before speaking up.
FP: Do you remember that jackass, that was bullying me back In high school? You know, the one that caused me to leave town and join the army?
Fred: Yeah I do, but why are we talking about that ass right now?
FP sighed heavily
FP: Because he's back and he's been hassling Jughead. He got a job as a teacher at the high school and he's been writing messed up things In Jughead's notebook and on his assignments and purposely failing him, lowering his self-esteem and making him feel unwanted and unloved. He hurt me worst then he ever had… by hurting my Innocent baby boy! Luckily now he's locked up at the Sheriff's station, but still I don't know what to do. Another piece of my past has come back to mess with my boy.
Fred: I know FP, but you'll figure It out, especially with Branny locked up where he can't hurt Jughead or you anymore. Everything’s going to be just fine.
As they sat together talking though the news broadcast came on talking about a cop car being attacked by Gargoyles In the midst of a prisoner transfer, a prisoner that was going to be doing a year sentence. When the picture of the prisoner popped up It was Branny, causing FP to push to his feet as he thought about Jughead. Soon after seeing the broadcast FP and Fred rushed out to look for Jughead. Meanwhile Jughead and Kevin just walked out of the theater.
Jughead: Thanks Kevin, for everything
Kevin: Of course Jughead. I-
He was cut off by a senior boy
The boy: Hey! Southside loser! You got my Dad fired and locked up! And now he’s on his way to prison for a year! And It’s all your fault!! As someone who was once In that position I thought you’d be more sympathetic!!
Kevin: Your father Is nasty and hurtful to children! Neither of you deserve sympathy!! He’s deserves what he’s getting!!
The boy just smirked at them
The boy: That may be… but I talked to a gang who would gladly help me out and who would love to release my Dad so he can hurt you. I’m taking you to him Jones, whether you like It or not!
Before either Jughead or Kevin could do anything someone came up behind them and knocked them out. After a while of searching FP and Fred arrived In Fox Forest. After running In they saw Jughead tied on his stomach on a downed tree; shirtless and covered In bruises, cuts, and stabs. They also spotted Branny and a teenage boy who they could tell was Branny’s son carving Into that tree "Jughead Jones Is useless Trash." Even as FP was preparing to leap forward and attack them Fred beat him to It and was leaping forward to attack The Brannys; beating them Into unconsciousness before calling the cops as FP moved to untie his boy and pull him Into his arms, trying to soothe him and warm him up; putting his Serpent jacket on Jughead as they waited for the police and paramedics. Later Jughead slowly woke up to find himself In a hospital room. He groaned; clutching his head with a major headache. Just as he was going to hit the call box he saw his Dad and Fred walk In; Fred carrying a tray of breakfast.
Fred: There he Is, he’s awake
Fred set the tray on the end table before he and FP sat down. FP gently took his boy’s hand Into his.
Fred: Don’t worry Jug, The Brannys can’t hurt your father or you ever again. Both of them now are going to jail for 5 years. They’re In jail right now. How are you feeling kiddo?
Jughead: My head Is majorly pounding. But the guy that has been hurting my Dad for years Is locked up and being treated like he deserves… so I’m better than ever!
FP chuckled and ruffled his kid’s hair
FP: That’s my boy!
Fred smiled and shook his head
Fred: Well, now that I know you two are good I’m going to march down to that detention center and demand to see my son! I’ll see you two later.
As he left FP gently kissed Jughead’s forehead before handing him the TV remote.
FP: Watch whatever you want Juggie
FP got comfy next to his son as Jughead turned on the TV. As they cuddled together watching Midnight Texas they soaked up the nightmare of The Brannys being over and clutched to each other’s company and love; knowing that The Jones men were a team and could do anything together and that Fred would soon be able to have his son back as well!!