Thread by @Astro_Latte

Somehow the stupid look that flashes over Archie's face is the most recognizable. His red hair a mess, the flannel tight over his biceps, and jeans VERY TIGHT. Archie Andrews looks like he just rolled out of a Hallmark movie about a small town hot dad trying to save a christmas.

Jughead doesn't get a chance to get a word out before Archie is across the parking lot and wraps Jughead in the tightest hug, he swears he feels his back crack.

"Daddy! Don't hug strangers!"

"It's alright, Freddie. Jughead isn't a stranger," Archie laughs, pulling away to show off Jughead like he's some sort of trophy. "He's Daddy's best friend."

The girl named Freddie's nose scrunches, her eyes narrowing as she looks Jughead up and down. It's kinda intimidating.

It's weird to be called a best friend to a man he hasn't seen in nearly a decade. Not since his wedding.

Archie doesn't seem to care, craning his neck at his rental car. The lock is busted, Jughead knows that much. Usually Betty was the one who was handy with these things...

Archie plucks the keys from Jugheads hands, inspecting them before raising an eyebrow. "Who gave you keys to a Rolls-Royce?"

And Jughead groans. "Dang it, Smithers."

"Ah this is a Ronnie special," Archie hums. "One sec."

He climbs up the stairs and leaves Jughead with the kid.

The girl named Freddie slurps her strawberry millshake, obnoxiously loud. He is sure she's doing it on purpose.

"If your Daddys best friend why don't I know you?" She asks.

"Same reason why I don't know you."

Freddie slurps louder. Kids hate him. It's why he never wanted any.

Archie leaves Pops with a woman because OF COURSE he does. She's in an apron, Jughead recognizes her as one of waitresses.

She follows Archie to Jugheads rental car. "You think you can pop this open for Juggy, Tabitha? Ronnie gave him the wrong keys."

"Ah, so THIS is Jughead!"

Jughead arches a skeptical brow. "You say that like I have a reputation."

"You do in my family," Tabitha laughs, resting a hand on her hip. "I'm Tabitha Tates. My grandfather told me all about you before he retired. Like 7 burgers in a single sitting? Dude, you're like a myth."

Being known for eating a lot of burgers is better than being the kid detective who married the daughter of the Black Hood and never came back.

"Even if I unlock it, he needs keys to drive," Tabitha says. "You're better off leaving it here. I can get the keys for you tomorrow."

"Will that be okay?" Jughead asks, looking over the parking lot. "Wanna make sure it's still here tomorrow."

Tabitha looks unimpressed. "You think someone is going to steal this piece of trash jalopy?"

"Worse things have happened in this town," he argues because it's true.

"Ugh, you're one of THOSE," Tabitha sighs, turning back towards the diner. "Look, I gotta get back to work. Archie, take your brooding pal here and get him to where he needs to be before he gets anymore tragic."

"Bye Auntie!" Freddie waves as Tabitha pinches her freckled cheeks.

"Thanks, Tabitha," Archie hugs her goodbye. "Tell Ronnie I say hi."

"I'll let the boss know."

She goes inside and Archie sighs. "Sorry, man. Hope you don't mind riding with me."

Jughead smirks. "Only if you're still a terrible driver."

"Lots of tude for a guy without a ride."

Jughead follows Archie to his car, but he's beaten to the passenger side by Freddie. She frowns up at him, her tiny hand on the door handle.

"I sit in the front with Daddy," she informs him. "You can sit in the back."

Jughead looks to Archie who shrugs. "It's kinda our thing."

This is why he hates kids. Six-year olds shouldn't be allowed to call shotgun.

Still, he tosses his bag in the back and buckles in. Archie glances over his shoulder. "You staying at the Five Seasons?"

"I'm uh...crashing at the house."

"...oh!"

"Yeah..."

"Easy drive then."

Jughead leans back and watches the town pass by when Archies pulls out of the parking lot.

Archie taps the steering wheel to the song on the radio. Freddie glares at Jughead through the side mirror, her brown eyes full of suspicion behind her red bangs.

He glances away.

"You seem bummed how much the town changed," Archie jokes when they're at a stoplight on main street.

They're nearing the Southside, and what was once considered the underbelly of Riverdale looks anything but. He sees fresh train tracks, a park in the distance and a new school.

Jughead scoffs. "I'm fine with change."

"Sure," Archie says, leaning back in his seat. "Says the guy who's worn the same beanie since 4th grade."

Jughead glares and Archie just grins wider. It's annoying. Archie is too happy - too PEPPY. Is this the same guy who fought a bear?

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