It was two hours later when you received a phone call from an unknown number. "Hello?"

An automated voice came on. "You're receiving a call from the Rockland County Jail. Do you accept the charges?"

"Yes, I accept the charges."

"Hello?"

"Jughead?"

"Yes, are you okay? Did you make it out in time? Are you home?"

It felt so good to hear his voice you almost cried. "Yes. I am so sorry." Your voice cracked. "I shouldn't have left you. We-"

"Hey don't. There were literally no other options. I've just been worried sick. I'm just glad that you got out. That you're safe."

"What can I do?"

"There isn't anything. Just keep a low profile. I don't need you getting dragged down with me."

"Don't be ridiculous."

"I'm serious. Look, I need to go. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"We'll figure something out."

"Sure."

"Jughead, I love you."

He hesitated. "I love you too." He finally said before slamming the phone into the cradle.

...

The next morning you rushed past your father who was already inebriated on the couch, saying you were leaving for school early to do some research in the library. The truth was you were going straight to the jail. You knew your father might answer the phone when the school called about your absence, but you had tunnel vison that morning. The only thing that mattered was Jughead.

The deputy at the desk requested your ID and had you sign the visitor log. Then asking you to take a seat in the lobby. You waited anxiously for around fifteen minutes before Sheriff Keller came out with a pitiful look on his face. You stood up swiftly.

"Good morning Sheriff Keller."

"Good morning. Look I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you need to be at least sixteen to visit someone without a guardian." 

"I'll be sixteen in two months. Please, just a few minutes."

He frowned. "I can't. If you can come back with a parent or friend's parent, they just have to sign you in."

"Sheriff. I can't." Tears began building in your eyes. "My dad won't. I don't really know anyone else in town. Please. Jughead's father is in prison. His mother and sister are in Ohio." Tears started streaming down your face. "He doesn't have any other family. I am begging you. Please just let me see him. I'll be forever grateful."

He tilted his head back and sighed. "Fine. But you only get five minutes and this stays between us."

"Of course. Thank you so much."

He led you down a long hallway that attached the Sheriff's office to the jail, soon leading you to a room with a sole holding cell. Jughead stood up from the bench as soon as he saw you. Sheriff Keller shut the door and stepped into the hall.

"What are you doing here?" He looked distraught.

"I had to see you."

He sniveled, walking up to the bars and grasping them with his hands. "Why? I told you to keep a low profile. I am going to federal prison for at least two years. Do you want that to be your future too?"

"Jughead no. That's not going to happen. We're going to fix this."

"There is no fixing this. There is no we."

"Jug." You put your hand on his and he tore it away.

"We were stupid thinking we could go up against them. I don't know how we thought we had any chance."

"So, you're just giving up. After what we saw?" You lowered your voice to a whisper. "Nano hybrid biologic creatures. They're going to turn this place into Raccoon city."

"Leave me alone."

"Okay Jughead, you're right, screw Lockheed. I only care about you." He turned his back to you. "Please just tell me how to help you."

He swiveled back around, his chin trembling. "I want you to walk out that door and forget I ever existed. I never want to see you again."

You told yourself he was just saying this stuff to protect you, so you wouldn't end up in the same boat as him. But hearing the words still hurt. "Jughead please don't do this. I love you. I want to help."

"Well, I don't feel the same way. All the love you stuff I said? It was all crap. I don't want you here. I don't want your help. Got it?" He said crossly before turning away again.

"Alright times up." Sheriff Keller called from the door. You took one more glimpse of Jughead's profile before leaving the room despondently.