▌♔ ▌INSTANTLY Jughead’s arms are wrapped around the other boy’s figure, takes a moment, but his body relaxed from being as stiff as a board. Patting Kevin’s back like what the usual bro’s do— like what he and Archie do when around the present of Reggie Mantle. Never the type that finds himself FOND of touch, or one to give in so easily to it. Affection doesn’t run smoothly in the life of JUGHEAD JONES. Not when in his family life lacks most of that. And he doesn’t usually give in to people he doesn’t hang out with as often, the two of them aren’t the best of friends. GUILTY of that. But they do hold some sort of respect for one another, well, least Jughead can admit to having respect for Kevin. Someone who he considers a good person to have throughout your life. A loyal friend, trustworthy. He’s a good egg pretty much.Maybe he senses the stress radiating off of Jughead? Or can see it in the other male’s facial expression when he forces a smile to grace his twin flesh on rare occasions. A smile only a COOPER would own, one that Alice at the time would have forced her daughters to do on family pictures. Or maybe, it’s not him who needs the hug? It could be Kevin… both of them?! Rubbing soothing circles against Kevin’s back, assures him in a soft tone, like the ones Betty does for him when he’s down in the dumps. ❝It’s going to be okay, man. We’re going to be okay. I got us.❞ And he does, those are promises he will keep through & through. He’s not a man of comfort. He’s not Archie who can open his arms out to just anybody and make it feel like home. He’s not Betty who has the warmth of a mother. He’s Jughead Jones… the lonely boy. The boy who can’t talk someone off a ledge even if his life depends on it. In fact, he’s the one on the ledge. But… if you try… that’s something, right? Like… if you’re not brushing it off.
❝Listen…,❞ Clears his throat, pulling away but still keeping a close distance, a hand on Kevin’s shoulder, squeezing gently for comfort, for support. ❝……you needed that, didn’t you? A hug… I… uh? Shit, listen I’m not really…. good at this? The talking thing. It’s not really part of my DNA. But I like to think that…. in a way, I’m a good listener. Least I’ve been told. And…. sometimes I am good at speaking some truth. If you… need anything, Kevin. I’m here, man.❞
