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Jughead used to like walking home at night. Everything was quiet and peaceful. He finally had time and quiet to unwind from the stress of the day. But these last few weeks, ever since the notes and the messages started, he hasn’t been enjoying walking home at night so much. He almost considers calling his Dad to pick him up but decides against It In the end. His Dad has been so tired lately. He could see the bridge just over Sweetwater River just further down the road. He sighed with relief knowing that after It he would reach the main road where there’ll be more people.
Unknown person: Jughead Jones, at last I get to leave my mark on you.
Jughead didn’t have time to turn around as the person behind him grabbed his hair and pulled him to the ground. Jughead yelped at the pain on his scalp but the boy Immediately kicked him hard In the stomach. The kick forced Jughead on his knees and forced the oxygen out of his lungs. A punch In the face threw him to the ground once more. The teenager kept throwing punches and kicks all over his face. Jughead could barely breathe through the pain. His face was a bloody mess and he could feel the bruises blossoming all over his body. Before long he started getting dizzy. One especially strong kick on his spine had him shrieking and his vision blurring before he completely blacked out. Maybe he should have been afraid but his last thought before letting his eyelids slip close was how relieved he was to be rid of the pain, even If through unconsciousness. Later, Jughead jerked awake, panting hard. He could feel his face dripping. Memories flashed before his eyes and the pain exploded In his body. He groaned, sitting up.
Reggie: Easy, Jones. Easy. Take deep breaths.
Jughead turns to where the voice came from and blinks a few times to clear his still blurry vision. His focus zeroed on Reggie holding a washcloth. Then on their surroundings. La Bonne Nuit. He furrowed his eyebrows In confusion. Did Reggie break Into Pops…and then La Bonne Nuit. Jughead spoke sarcastically.
Jughead: Guess I won’t be able to have kids anymore, huh?
Reggie laughed softly, using the cloth to wipe a spot under Jughead’s chin.
Reggie: You’ll be just fine. By the way, I didn’t break In. I know that’s what you’re thinking. Pops trust me with the keys. So does Veronica. I am her number one helper and employ after all.
Reggie then stretched his hand to search the pocket of Jughead’s serpent Jughead. He pulled his phone out and started texting someone.
Jughead: What are you doing?
Reggie: Texting your dad. I just told him that, long story, but you are at La Bonne Nuit and If he can come pick you up. After all, your Dad Is not like my asshole of a father. He always cares for you… worries about you… loves you.
Jughead smiles appreciatively. Meanwhile, FP heard his phone chime and he Immediately lifted It to look at the screen. He worriedly ran a hand through his hair seeing It was from Jughead. The boy was already an hour late and he had been worried sick. He quickly put on his Serpent jacket and made his way to his bike. Worry wrapped around his heart, squeezing It Impossibly tight as he turned the engine on. He swore that If anyone hurt his boy he would end them. Meanwhile, Reggie pulled on the hem of Jughead’s shirt; speaking softly.
Reggie: I have to undress you. I need to check for cuts and bruises. We don’t want any of your wounds to get Infected.
Jughead: Okay
It hurt to move, but Reggie helped him get the shirt off and rubbed his back through the tears that filled his eyes and the painful whimper that escaped his throat.
Reggie: It’s okay. We’re almost done.
He helped Jughead unbutton his pants and allowed Jughead to use his shoulders for leverage while he lifted his hips off the floor so Reggie could pull them down.
Jughead: Thank you(Mumbled)
Reggie just smiled and he was about to Inspect for further Injuries but his eyes couldn’t help but wander down Jughead’s chest and finally to his boxers. He was surprised to see a full boner. Jughead seemed to just realize himself. A pretty blush spread from Jughead’s cheek down to his collar bone and he looked away slightly embarrassed. It had Reggie’s own member acting up. He cupped one hand on Jughead’s cheek urging him to face him, look at him with those beautiful eyes of his. The other hand caressed Jughead’s chest and It slowly made his way down to his stomach. Jughead sighed contently, eyes never leaving his. Their faces were Inches from each other and Reggie closed the gap, capturing Jughead’s lips for a gentle kiss. The doors of the club burst open and an apprehensive FP entered, worriedly scanning the room. His eyes landed on the two boys. The second he spotted the bruises that lingered on his son’s body and the fully dressed Mantle boy leaning over him, he saw red. He rushed to them, grabbing Reggie and dragging him away from his son. Jughead spoke In fear.
Jughead: Daddy, no! Wait!
FP couldn’t hear him through his anger and his Instinct to hurt whoever did this to his precious boy. He shook Reggie violently; screaming In the Mantle boy’s face angrily.
FP: What the fuck do you think you’re doing, huh? You think you can just break In here and force your way Into my boy, huh?!
He punched him In the stomach hard before the boy could answer. There was no way In hell that FP was going to let the Mantle kid, the had bullied his son and made his life at school hell since elementary school get away with forcing his poor baby boy In the most horrible way possible. He wouldn’t let him get away with hurting people just like Marty Mantle did. Jughead was crying something out but FP was far too angry to comprehend what It was. He could feel the boy shake and tremble against his hold. The tears fell like waterfalls; Reggie sobbing hard!
Reggie: I-I’m sorry. I ju-just, I found Jug o-on the road. And he was so hurt! I just wa-wanted to help him! I only wanted to help. Ple-ease, please sir, do-don’t hurt me! Please!
FP took a sharp breath; hearing his son sobbing too
Jughead: Dad, please let him go! He’s telling the truth! Please!
FP finally snapped out of whatever trance he had been Into. He saw Reggie’s terrified, tear-stricken face and his pale skin. He Immediately let go and Reggie crawled away from him and behind the counter. “What am I doing? I’m hurting an Innocent kid who just wanted to help my son. I am no different that Marty Mantle.” Thought FP. Knowing he had to make things better and not able to bear Reggie’s fearful whimpers and pained sobs he followed him behind the counter and knelt down next to him. He laid a warm hand on his shoulder but Reggie Immediately flinched away, confused eyes seeing nothing but his father ready to beat him. It was as If kindness was foreign to the boy who wept and shook, curled up In a ball. FP placed his hands around him slower this time so he wouldn’t scare the boy. He brought him close so his head laid on his shoulder.
FP: I’m so sorry Reggie, I was confused and worried for my kid and I over reacted. But this Is not the first time you have been hurt Is It? Marty Mantle Is an asshole who will never grow up and you’re moving Into Tent City with us and The Serpents Immediately! I promise I’ll protect you like my own and not hurt you. As long as you keep protecting Jughead like you did tonight and promise that your bullying days are over.
Reggie weeps, wrapping his own arms around FP and burying himself on the man’s chest to try and keep himself together. Jughead, took a deep breath, relieved his Dad finally understood that Reggie wouldn’t hurt him.
Jughead: Well, that won’t be a problem, considering we’re now dating/
FP, smiling gently
FP: In that case, welcome to The Serpents and Tent City, The Second Serpent King.
A week later after Reggie got used to things It was time for the crowning ceremony at the White Wym. Reggie sat on stage In front of everyone. FP walked over to the mike.
FP: This Is an honorable day In history, one that some of you have been waiting for, the first Serpent tribe with a double Serpent King. Although In the end It doesn’t matter what gender The Serpent King chooses as their partner. But still, I am beyond happy with Reggie! And now, It’s time to crown him as your second Serpent King!
Everyone cheered. Reggie felt Hog Eye’s thumb go on his forehead; smearing snake blood on before draping a Serpent jacket on his shoulders. FP spoke loudly and excitedly.
FP: Our second Serpent King!
Everyone cheered again. As Reggie's crowning celebration continued at La Bonne Nuit Reggie was hanging with Sweet Pea and Fangs when he realized that It had been a while since he'd seen Jughead so he decided to go looking for his lover. With that In mind he made excuses to his friends and went upstairs. When he got upstairs he saw Jughead sitting In a booth staring at his phone with tears In his eyes.
Reggie: Babe, are you okay?
Jughead: I was just looking at these pictures of me and Arch when we were little and thinking about how much I miss Archie and how much I wish that he was here to celebrate with us.
Reggie smiled as he pulled out his phone and showed his own pictures of Reggie and Archie together In elementary school.
Reggie: I miss him too Jug, but we should get back to the party. Everyone wants to see you.
Jughead smiled gently as he wiped his tears
Jughead: They want to see you more than me… guest of honor.
Reggie chuckled
Reggie: Well, the guest of honor can’t celebrate without his King. So let’s go.
That said the couple went back to the party and went to enjoy the cake that FP and Jughead had made for Reggie. As Reggie walked over he saw FP already grabbing a slice.
FP: There he Is!
He cut Reggie a piece before raising his glass of Mountain Dew.
FP: To our second Serpent King! Long may he rein!
Everyone repeated. As Reggie took a bite of the cake his throat suddenly closed up
FP: Reg hey! You okay kiddo?!
Suddenly Reggie fell causing FP to quickly catch him
FP: Reggie! Someone call an ambulance!
He lowered the poor gasping boy slowly to the floor
FP: Hang In there kid. Hang In there.
Veronica called an ambulance. Twenty-minutes later the ambulance had arrived at the hospital and Reggie had been taken Into the back to be looked over as Jughead stared after his beloved with tears In his eyes.
FP: He'll be okay baby, whatever happened we'll figure It out and take care of him.
Soon after FP said that a doctor walked out and over to them, speaking to FP once he reached them.
Doctor: Mr. Jones, It seems that Reggie suffered an allergic reaction to something that he ate tonight but we treated that and he's resting now, so I can take you to see him now.
That caused both of The Jones men to realize that Reggie Is allergic to strawberries… they put strawberries In Reggie’s chocolate cake! Blaming himself fully; Jughead ran out of the hospital In tears.
Sweet Pea: I got him! You stay with Reggie!
Jughead’s Right Hand chased after his tear-filled King. FP walked Into Reggie's hospital room and over to the kid’s bed. Once there he ran a hand through Reggie's hair.
FP: I'm so sorry kid, I should have checked with you to see If you had any allergies the minute you moved Into Tent City!
At those words Reggie spoke up In a tired and very weak whisper, startling FP.
Reggie: It's not your fault FP, I should have told you that I was allergic to strawberries sooner. I just hope Jug Isn't blaming himself, It's not his fault either.
FP gently kissed Reggie’s forehead. Meanwhile In the hospital parking lot, Sweet Pea spoke as he kept his arm around Jughead’s shoulders.
Sweet Pea: Deep breaths Jones, deep breaths. You know It’s not your fault… It’s no one’s fault. But your man needs you! So Instead of sitting here In one of your miserable sulking moods, why don’t you go be there for him!
Jughead sniffled and nodded yes.
*****
Soon Jughead ran In, In tears as he threw himself onto Reggie’s chest; sobbing Into It. Reggie pulled him close and kissed his temple whispering soothing words to him until eventually both boys fell asleep. In the morning as Reggie and Jughead were watching TV In Reggie’s hospital bed when FP rolled In a wheelchair.
FP: Let’s go home boys. Hop In Reg!
Reggie laughed hard
Reggie: FP, I just had an allergic reaction, I don’t need a wheelchair!
FP laughed hard back
FP: Mantle, I’m trying to spoil you and treat you like the Serpent King you are! Get the hell In the wheelchair!!
Reggie laughed and rolled his eyes before complying. As FP was wheeling him down the hallways. But a flyer caught Jughead’s eye and he made them stop.
Jughead: Guys wait!
FP wheeled Reggie over to where Jughead had stopped. Jughead was looking at a flyer for a Halloween party Riverdale was having at Pickens Park this year.
Reggie: What do you say Jug, you want to go?
Jughead: I’d like that
FP: The costume shop It Is. Let’s get you two some fun costumes. Then It’s Pops for supper.
They stopped at the costume shop where Jughead picked out a werewolf and Reggie picked out a pirate.
(Time jump, Halloween night)
FP had agreed to let Jughead go a Halloween party at Pickens Park with the rest of the teens In town but as FP was relaxing on the couch; eating Pops food and watching Alice do the news he almost chocked on his sip of soda; hearing Alice talk about how some of the people from the Halloween party got sent to the hospital because of they ended being razor blades In some of the apples and candy. FP's heart dropped as he saw the footage of people's cut up mouths and them being put In ambulances. He quickly leap off the couch and used the landline and kept trying to call his son, but Jughead wouldn't answer; causing FP to run his fingers stressfully through his hair. FP decided to wait outside for his little boy to come home. At Midnight, FP finally saw Jughead and Reggie running over to the trailer; causing FP to quickly pull Jughead tight Into his arms.
FP: Jug! Oh god, why didn't answer your phone?!
Tears filled Jughead's eyes as he heard the extreme worry In his Daddy's voice.
Jughead: Some student... thought It would be funny to lock mine and Reggie's cell phones In their car and drive off... Reggie decided to take me to get us new ones right away... while there we saw the news at Pickens Park... I know we both should have called you... I'm sorry... I'm so so sorry!!
FP yelled angrily as he laid his hands on Jughead's shoulders.
FP: You're sorry?!
He took a deep breath
FP: You're sorry?
Jughead nodded yes as the tears ran down his face. FP breathed as he slowly pulled his son back Into his arms. As he put his son's face In his hands he spoke again.
FP: So you had fun regardless?
Jughead nodded yes. FP gently kissed his forehead. They went Inside and went straight to bed. But later that morning Jughead woke up to find himself laying on a basement floor with his hands tied In front of him and In nothing but his boxers. He looked over and saw his and Reggie’s costumes laying across the room. Jughead cried out as the man stalking him for weeks now walked In.
Jughead: Who are you?!
The boy took off his mask
Thomas: A boy at Greendale High School who really hates Serpents. Luckily Greendale doesn't have as many as Riverdale. But the only way to stop Greendale from becoming the same as Riverdale Is by killing them off one by one. But first, I need to get their leader out of the way. And If It wasn't for that Mantle boy being smarter and staying away from you, I wouldn't have had to take him too. But he made the choice to become yours and be the second Serpent King, so now he gets to suffer too.
Tears ran down Jughead's face
Jughead: Leave him out of this!!
Thomas: I would have... god, It's bad enough that Greendale has filthy witches!
He put the knife down that already had blood on It... "Oh god, Reggie!!" thought Jughead. Thomas picked up a blowtorch.
Thomas: I'm going to give you the same treatment as witches... fire!
He held It to Jughead’s stomach and Jughead let out pain filled agonizing screams. After Thomas was done he just laughed.
Thomas: Oh, that must hurt. Let me help sooth It.
He grabbed Jughead, threw him In a cold water filled tub, and held his head under. As soon as Jughead passed out Thomas threw him back onto the floor.
Thomas: See you and your boyfriend when I am done with school, Little Serpent.
****
As Thomas returned that night Jughead shivered as he remembered the news he saw last night before being taken.
Jughead: At the Halloween party... It was you... you're the one that put razor blades In the apples and candy and sent all those people to the hospital, aren't you?
Thomas just shrugged
Thomas: Hey, I knew snakes eat too, so It was perfect. Hopefully, some of those people were your friends?
Jughead: Luckily no, I don't even know those people.
*****
As FP stood In front of The Serpents he spoke.
FP: I want to know and I want to know now! Did anyone see anything this morning?!
The Serpents mumbled to themselves until Toni spoke up.
Toni: I saw one of the Serpents walking out of Tent City with two garbage bags, I thought that they were just going to the dump to take care of some garbage.
FP sighed sadly
FP: Toni, what you saw, I don't think they were a Serpent and I don't think It was garbage he was carrying. Whoever It was snuck Into Tent City and kidnapped Jughead and Reggie!
Soon Fangs walked over with Sweet Pea.
Fangs: I have to agree, we explored the outer parts of Tent City, we found a pile of ashes that we think was once a Serpent jacket.
FP: We need to start looking for our Kings Immediately!! In unity there Is strength!
The Serpents repeated. As the Serpents spread out to find more clues of what happened to Reggie and Jughead and their whereabouts, Reggie let out another scream of pain as Thomas shoved the taser Into his stomach.
Thomas: I do love the smell of burnt snake
*****
It was another day where Thomas walked Into the room after school. But little did he know; Jughead grabbed something with his tied hands and now had the upper hand. Jughead was prepared as Thomas walked over to him.
Thomas: Enjoying your time with me, Little Serpent?
Jughead slowly stood up; sliding his back up the wall. Thomas laughed.
Thomas: Does the snake need to stretch out?
Jughead turned around; revealing a spray can. Before Thomas could do anything Jughead sprayed It Into Thomas's face; causing him to scream In pain and not see a thing. Jughead used the opportunity to explore the basement, until he found where his boyfriend was being held. He saw Reggie sitting on the floor crying; the word "Loser" carver Into his arm; still dripping blood onto the floor. Jughead quickly rushed over.
Jughead: Reg! Honey!
Reggie looked at him with his tear-filled eyes.
Reggie: Jones, thank goodness. I thought he killed you.
Jughead: We have to get out of here!
He sat with his back to him; Indicating for Reggie to untie his hands. As soon as Jughead was free he spoke.
Jughead: Baby, why didn't you to try to run or fight at all? You're not even tied.
Reggie sighed sadly
Reggie: Look down Jones
Jughead saw a pool of blood by Reggie's right leg.
Reggie: He said a filthy Serpent, especially a Serpent King, doesn't belong In sports, so he broke my leg.
Jughead gently helped him up
Jughead: Lean on me sweetheart, I'll help you walk. But we need to get out of here before Thomas catches up.
He helped Reggie as Jughead found his way to the basement stairs. Once up, they saw many and many hallways and doors. Reggie shivered, something about this place made both of them know something evil and terrible happened here.
Reggie: Where... where are we?
Jughead: I don't know, looks like a school. But that means there has to be stuff here that will help us fight against Thomas... or anything else! Come on! Let’s check the cafeteria kitchen for some knives.
Reggie: Babe, what If this Is an elementary school? Butter knives are not going to do It. Let's check the gym Instead. A hockey stick would be better than a butter knife.
Jughead: Then let's hurry! The longer we stand here the more time Thomas has to catch up to us while we're weaponless!
Jughead continued to walk with Reggie and soon enough they were In the gym basement ruffling through everything.
Reggie: All of this, still left behind
He grabbed a hockey stick and threw It to Jughead; causing Jughead to catch It. But as soon as they walked to the open doorway Thomas was there. He pushed Reggie and Jughead away from each other.
Thomas: Trying to help your little boyfriend slither out of here, how sweet.
Jughead quickly stood up; weapon ready.
Thomas: You can kill me If you want... but I have this place to rigged to blow... In 3... 2... 1...
Suddenly there was a huge explosion. Thomas ran out; leaving Jughead and Reggie. Jughead and Reggie were trapped; burning boards blocking their way out. Jughead cuddled with Reggie on the floor.
Jughead: We're not going to die honey, we're going to get out of here.
As Jughead and Reggie huddled together on the floor they thought about everything that they’d been through that had led to them becoming a couple and they knew that despite everything they wouldn’t change anything.
Jughead: I love you Reg, and no matter what happens to us I don’t regret anything except maybe not getting together sooner.
Reggie pulled Jughead closer even as the smoke started to overwhelm them. Reggie managed to barely speak.
Reggie: I love you too Jug. I’m right here, so If we don’t get out at least we’ll be together In the end.
Reggie gently kissed Jughead’s forehead before they were both overwhelmed by the smoke and they ended up passing out on the floor. Soon Greendale fire trucks and ambulances were pulling up In front of the burning elementary school and soon as some of the men were working to put out the fire others were rushing Into the building to see If there were any people trapped Inside. Soon after that the four firemen who had entered the building walked Into the gym basement and saw the two teenagers lying unconscious on each other on the floor. At the sight, the men made quick work of putting out the flames before carrying the boys out of the building, putting breathing masks on them, and loading them Into the ambulances to head for the hospital. Meanwhile across the river In Riverdale FP was sitting on the couch watching TV and trying not to think about what could be happening to the boys when a news broadcast Interrupted his thoughts.
Newscaster: This Is CiCi Carter reporting from the remnants of Greendale Elementary where a terrible fire left the building a shell of its former self once again. Further Information states that two teenage boys were found trapped In the building and as of now nothing Is known about their Identities or how they ended up In the building. But according to my sources they’ve been taken to Greendale Hospital to be looked over.
At those words FP leapt up and raced out to the truck to drive the short distance to Greendale, the hospital, and the boys. Soon after that FP rushed Into the hospital and demanded to know about the boys, needing to confirm his thoughts.
FP: I’m looking for Jughead Jones AKA Forsythe Pendleton Jones and Reggie Mantle. I saw the report about the boys In the fire and I think It was them. Please tell me that they’re here, and that they’re okay!
Receptionist: Yes they’re here. But let me page the doctor so she can give you the details and take you to them.
Soon after that a tall woman In a doctor’s lab coat walked up to him.
Doctor: Mr. Jones?
At FP’s nod she continued
Doctor: It seems both boys suffered from smoke Inhalation, but neither were touched by the fire. The one named Reggie has a broken leg, had the word “Loser” carved Into his arm, and was electrocuted. The one named Jughead, while he has second degree burns on his back, we have come to the conclusion that someone did that to him and It was not caused by the fire. It also looks like he had drowned earlier. Both boys are very dehydrated and Jughead Is a little sick from being drowned In Icy cold water. But they’ll be okay.
FP shuddered and took a deep breath
FP: Can I see them?
The doctor nodded as she spoke.
Doctor: Of course. If you’d follow me I’ll take you to them and you should be able to take them home In the morning.
She led FP down the hall to Jughead and Reggie’s hospital room. He saw that Jughead was either asleep or passed out but Reggie was wide awake and watching Jughead with worry In his eyes, causing FP to rush over and wordlessly and gently pull Reggie Into a hug; holding him close as the boy shook and sobbed In his arms; causing FP to run a soothing hand through his hair while the other hand rubbed his back. Reggie whispered In a weak but relieved voice.
Reggie: This time, he protected me
FP smiled gently
FP: That he did. And you’re both safe now. I’m here now Reggie, I’ve got you. Jughead will be okay.
He could feel Reggie shake harder
Reggie: I want to go home! I hate hospitals! I spent my life In these buildings… every time my father hurt me!!
FP: Shh
He gently kissed his cheek
FP: You have me now, and I’ll never put you In one of these unless It’s to check on the health of my Reggie. We’ll go home In the morning Reggie. But right now you need to rest.
He gently helped Reggie lay down and get comfortable. He whispered as he gently ran his fingers through Reggie’s hair.
FP: Sleep
Reggie slowly closed his eyes as FP gently kissed his forehead.
FP: Sleep(Whispered)
As he glanced as his sleeping son he sighed sadly
(A week later)
As Jughead was typing away on his laptop Reggie walked Into the trailer.
Reggie: What you working on babe?
He sat on the couch and kissed his cheek
Jughead: I found exactly what I was looking for at the library this morning.
He pushed the big red book towards Reggie. Reggie read the title, “Hell School.”
Reggie: Is this the abandoned school we were trapped In?
Jughead: Yes. But It wasn’t Greendale’s actual elementary school, otherwise I’m sure we would have been out of there the minute we woke up! You thought Riverdale’s history with The Serpents Is horrible… you should read Greendale’s history with witches and anyone else with powers! It looks like we were In the middle of nowhere… and for good reason! That school… was a secret school to educate and protect children of witches and warlocks and children who had powers. Eventually, people found the secret school and burned It to the ground… children and teachers locked Inside.
Reggie: Oh god… that’s terrible!!
Jughead: It Is. Eventually, the building was rebuilt as a historical reminder and totem. Every time some bigoted Idiot burns It… It somehow rebuilds Itself hours later. And the other thing… It protects people… we weren’t burnt at all… I don’t think the flames touched us at all. But I also read It hurts It’s haters… that why Thomas Hill was hit by a car and killed after running out.
Reggie: Damn! So, you’re writing about the school?
Jughead: I’m adding Info about the school. But I’m writing In support of witches and people with power. And how the hate and treatment for them Is wrong just like people treat Serpents. How just like Serpents deserve every right so do people with powers! I’m writing for the justice of the building and the people that lost their lives In that building and to Insult the people that wanted them and the building gone!!
Reggie gently grabbed his hand
Reggie: You have such a big heart sweetie. But-
Jughead let out a gasp and moans as Reggie laid his hand on Jughead’s cock.
Reggie: Let’s make some magic of our own
At that, Jughead seized Reggie’s shirt hard and smashed his lips onto Reggie’s. Soon, It led to Reggie on top of Jughead and thrusting hard Into Jughead’s front hole.