"Hiram Lodge, huh?" Gladys clicked her tongue. I sit on the ground, leaning on Archies legs while feeding a bottle to Tori. "That good-looking short stack was always trouble. But why go after Archie?"

Jughead shakes his head. "Archie was the only one that stood up to him, defied him." He explains.

"Not to mention, I also date..." He shakes his head. "Dated his daughter." I reach up, engulfing my hand in his.

Jellybeans face lights up. "'Dated'? As in, no longer dating? As in, single?"

I snort, laughing as Jug looks at her in disgust. "Relax, Jellybean."

"It's JB, now, Kid Kerouac." She snaps back.

Archie and I laugh as Gladys looks at us. "Archie. Have you spoken to your dad through any of this?" She asks.

"I wish. I wish I could see him, tell him how I'm doing." His hand slightly tightens around mine. "But it's too risky. He'd drag me home by the collar. Riverdales not where I need to be." He says.

"Pig's ready!" Lugnut shouts.

We all begin to stand up. "All right. You heard the guy. Archie, go get yourself a hot meal. Cheeks the best part." I laugh, standing up and placing Tori on my hip. I walk up to Lugnut, who seems to give me the same vibe Sweet Pea does.

"You know, blonde, I wouldn't see you being much of a serpent." He smirks.

I scoff, adjusting my baby. "Yeah, well I didn't see you being much of a gentleman, but most of the time I'm right." I shrug. He rolls his eyes, handing me a small plate of food. "Who's the kids dad?" He asks.

"Another serpent." I admit. "He and I are no longer together." I sigh.

Lugnut sits next to me, frowning. "Damn. Is that why you and ginger seem to be all lovey dovey?" He questions. I gag in fake disgust when Jellybean and Archie walk over, dragging Penny Peabody by her feet.

"What the hell?" I murmur.

Tori sleeps in a back room as I stand with Archie, Jughead, Gladys, and the other Toledo serpents. My anger was higher than anything, and Penny was about to get a stiletto in her eye.

Gladys sighs. "You know, Penny, I'm not shocked that a bottom-feeder like you is working with Hiram Lodge." She says. "You always has unfixed allegiances."

The blond serpent traitor scoffs, laughing. "That's rich, coming from Gladys Jones."

"Yeah, well..." Gladys hums. "I am surprised that you're not ratting him our right now. He must have something real good on you, Penny-slot." She continues.

"I'm no snitch." Penny replies. "But I will say this, Hiram won't stop. Not till he gets what he wants." She looks at me and Archie. "And right now that's the two teens playing house with the little baby you're hiding from me." My head stops. What? She looks back at Gladys. "And there's nothing that you, or your little Lord of The Flies crew, or Jughead here can do."

"What does he want Emilia for?" Gladys asks.

Penny only chuckles. "Hiram won't stop."

Gladys sighs. "Well, speaking of my Jug," She begins to take her jacket off. Lugnut looks over at me, whispering 'sorry'. I furrow my brows. What's going on? "I saw the work that you did on him. You carved him up like a Sunday roast." She tosses her leather at Lug.

"That was business between me and him."

"Yeah, well, I'm his mama." Gladys smirks. "So it's between me and you now." She slowly picks up a knife, observing is. "All right, everyone, go inside, me and Penny here, we're gonna have us a little girl talk."

Jughead steps forward. "Ask her about what Hiram wants with Em and Tori. Ask her about G&G, how Hiram fits into it all." He says before walking away.

"Roger that." She says.

Penny might be better off dead.

The three of us walk back to Gladys after a while. She's wiping an awful amount of blood off her hands. "What happened with Penny?"

"Just give me a second, Jug, okay?" She says, completely out of thought. "Let me think. I just need to think."

He only pushes forward. "She talk about the game?"

"Jug, come on." Archie days, knowing it wasn't the time.

"We know she was tracking Archie for Hiram. Was it a quest from her master? Is Hiram more than the Man in Black? Is he the Gargoyle King?" He pesters.

"You are so caught up in this damn game, you can't see three feet in front of you." His mom snaps. "The big prize isn't Archie's head, it is Riverdale. Jug, if you had your wits about you, you would realize that Hiram chased you out of town just to get you off the chess board. So you were as far away from Riverdale when he made his big play." She shakes her head. "But you took his biggest chess piece, which is Emmy and that little baby."

I furrow my brow in confusion. "What?"

Gladys looks at me, her eyes wide. "Hiram sees you as a way of fixing a mistake he made years ago. A mistake nobody should know."

"Mom, we have to-"

"Jug, Emmy is the only one in this who can survive and I would rather her not know and stay safe than risk pissing off Hiram and making that kid an orphan!" She shouts. I jump slightly, my heart beginning to quicken.

Jughead is silent for a moment. "So it's not about ascending to the Kingdom?" He says quietly. "It's about claiming the Kingdom. And if Hiram is the Gargoyle King, then he is responsible for re-introducing G&G to Riverdale and the deaths of those kids."

Archie wraps his arm around me tightly. "Mrs. J, what do we do?" He asks her.

"I'm still trying to figure that out, sweetie." She admits.

"Are we okay here?" Jug asks. "I mean, is Archie even safe?"

Gladys nods. "Yeah, of course he is.

Archie and I walk off, taking a little stroll around the yard. "This is insane." I breathe, looping my thumbs in the belt loops of my skirt. "I'm literally a golden trophy and you're like the big scary dragon according to Hiram."

"Well, Id rather be a big scary dragon than him getting to you." Archie admits.

I open my mouth slightly, shaking my head. "Archie, I don't need you protecting me." I stop in my tracks, looking up at him.

"But Em, you're a mom. You didn't want this for Tori yet it's exactly what's happening. You don't need to run. You're safe." He says, his eyes becoming red with oncoming tears.

Shaking my head, "And you're not." I cup his face. "You're my best friend. We met in day care and we have grown closer over the years. We've been up and fucking down but you're the only person I've had, Archie. You're all I have." We're only inches apart, tears streaming down our cheeks.

"But you have to go back-"

"And I will." I cut in. "But not tonight." I whisper, leaning my forehead against his.

Archie's arms tighten around me, a sob escaping his lips. "Please don't leave me, Emmy." He cries.

I make a shush sound, looking up at him. "I'm not. I'm not leaving anytime soon." I hum.

And for once in my life, Archie is the one who kisses me first.

I instantly kiss back, no hesitation needed. My arms loop around his neck, the salty tears mixing with the taste of his mouth. It's like we mold together perfectly as he lightly pushes me against the wall.

"Okay, lovebirds. This is PG." We pull away, turning to see Lugnut, laughing his ass off.

Heat rushes up my cheeks as I flip him off, walking away awkwardly, Archie's fingers looped with mine.

I sleep next to Archie in a small bed, Tori, sadly, in her stroller. I feel Archie pull away, the breeze going against my back. "Arch-"

He shushes me in reply, creeping towards the open door. I sit up slowly, his shirt covering my body. "As it turns out," I hear Gladys say. "Peabody had a lot to say. The bounty on your pal Archie, it's not just on him and finding Emmy and getting her to Riverdale." Archie looks back at me and I stand up, the shirt reaching my mid thigh. I stand behind Arch, his arm reaching back and holding me in place. "It's on anyone who's with them or is helping Archie. Which means there is a target on your back now, too, Jughead." I suck in my breath, holding my hand to my mouth. "It's the same if he goes back to Riverdale. Archie's dad, Archie's friends, everyone is at risk, which is why you got to cut him loose." I grip on Archie tighter, knowing he feels like absolute shit. That's the only right way to put it. I know he blames himself, but he can't risk himself because Hiram Lodge hates him.

"I'm not just gonna ditch Archie, Mom. And neither will Emmy." Jughead snaps. "He's our best friend."

Archie pulls away from me, stepping out. "Your mom's right, Jug."

"Archie, stop." I plead. We just had a moment a few hours ago, where I said I wouldn't leave him yet here we are and he wants to leave me.

"No, Em." He steps farther into the room. "You guys got me this far. That's more than anyone else would've done. You guys can go home." He says.

Jughead shakes his head in frustration. "What are you taking about? You can't go out there alone."

"Jug, Hiram almost killed us back at the farm, Penny tracked us here to your mom's. I've put her in danger. I've put Jellybean in danger. I can't keep doing that." Archie snaps. I wipe another tear, shaking my head in disbelief. "Wherever I go next, it's got to be alone."

I watch the two hug each other tightly, feeling a pain worse than a break up. We had been a trio since elementary school. It felt like we were splitting up, something I never wanted. "All right." Gladys says quietly. "So it's decided. Arch, we'll get you a ride to the border. I know a guy up there who can help. Emmy, someone will be coming with your car and supplies. Jughead, you can stay here as long as you want."

The Serpent King stays silent for a moment. "No, I think I need to go home." He looks at me, my red tear stained cheeks as I lean on Archie's chest. "Hiram Lodge needs to get taken down. It's only gonna happen from the inside."

Archie and I walk away, beginning to gather a few things. "Archie, what about you and I, I don't want to lose you." I say quietly as he shuts the door.

He shushes me like I did hours ago, pulling my head to his chest. "You're not losing me. We will find a way. We always do." I nod as he pecks my lips. "Come on, lets pack Tori's stuff."

I finish dressing Tori in a warm gray sweatsuit and red headband when we hear a knock. "Hey, Jug, you mind getting that? It's probably Archie's ride." Gladys says. Jug does so silently, when we see Fred Andrews walk in.

"Dad." Archie breathes, hugging his dad. My heart jumps in joy. Jughead and I open the door again, stepping out to see FP standing there with Gladys.

"Forsythe!" I squeal, running over and hugging him.

He groans in surprise. "For a runaway who doesn't eat much you got some muscles." He looks at my hair. "And some interesting locks." He chuckles. He looks at Jug.

"I see Mom called you." Jughead says.

FP holds up our jackets. "Thought you might be missing this." I smile, taking my red one and sliding it on. Jughead takes his, hugging his dad. "I heard Penny was here causing trouble."

"No problem at all." Gladys shakes her head and Jughead and I share a concerned look. "I don't think we have to worry much about Penny anymore." She hugs me. "Now you go get with Archie and Fred."

I smile, nodding. I hug Jughead, kissing his cheek. "See you boys on the other side." I hum.

We arrive at the border, and I dye Archie's hair. He looks in the mirror, adjusting it. "Never knew Archie Andrews could look so good as a brunette." I tease, shoving his shoulder.

He rolls his eyes, "Are you gonna go back red when you get home?" He asks.

I think for a moment, clicking my tongue. "You know, good question. I'm kinda digging this look." I laugh. He sighs, walking out of the bathroom. We see Fred holding a white packet, and we share a confused look. "What's that?" I ask him.

He hands it over. "It's so Archie can be the other legal guardian of Tori." He says. "Hiram Lodge...he will want to either be the one or someone close to him be the one to sign that line." Fred sighs.

"And Archie and I already agreed he would sign it, so if he does now Hiram can't do a thing." I think out loud. Fred nods and Archie gives me a worried look. "Don't worry, Bubs, Tori will see you again soon." I smile sadly.

"This is crazy." Archie mumbles, taking the pen. Fred and I share a laugh as Archie signs it. I squeal, hugging him tightly. "I'll miss you Emmy." He whispers, cupping my cheek.

I give another sad smile. "This isn't goodbye, you know me, I always come back."

He chuckles. "I guess so." He kisses me softly, smiling into the kiss. However, we are rudely interrupted by Tori, who makes a cooing sound in reply. Archie walks over, brushing his fingers on her cheek. "I'll see you soon, little girl." He whispers, kissing her forehead. I hug Archie, "I'll see you soon."

"Soon." I whisper. I look at Fred. "Call me when you get home." I say. He nods, smiling silently. I walk to my car, letting out a breath.

He was really leaving.

I head down the road into Riverdale, confused to see FP and Jughead. I pull to a park, stepping out slowly. "What the hell?" I ask. "What's going on?"

"They put Riverdale under quarantine." Jughead says, glaring.

I look over. "What?" I snap. My heart quickens. Hiram did this. He did. "I'm Emilia Blossom. Hiram Lodge is expecting me to come home." I say loudly.

The police share a look. "Pull apart."

I look back at Jughead. "We'll find a way for you to get in." I whisper. "Just, stay close." I hum.

"Be careful, Em." Jughead says. I nod, hugging him and FP tightly.

"Where are you gonna go?" FP asks me.

I sigh, looking down the street into Riverdale. "I have to go talk to a certain serpent."

I slowly approach Sweet Peas trailer. Which had been damaged majorly, but still standing. Fangs opens the door, his eyes wide. "Emmy, you're back!" He looks around, pulling me in. "Sweet Pea is in the bathroom. I understand you two will need to talk so I wont intrude, um.." He looks at Tori. "We have a lot to talk about." He says. I furrow my brows in slight confusion as he slips out the door. I sigh, setting Tori's carrier on the floor while I sit on the couch.

Sweet Pea comes out minutes later. "Fangs, who was at the-" His dark eyes catch my green ones. "Emmy." He whispers.

I stand up. "Sweet Pea." I slowly walk over, but he steps away. "I'm sorry-"

"Sorry?" He snaps at me. "You lied to me. You told me my daughter was dead! Our relationship fell apart because of it! You took the first 4 months of my girls life away from me! I didn't even get to see her!" He slams his hand in the wall and I jump in surprise.

"I did it to protect her!" I yell back. "She was a baby! I'm sorry I don't want my child involved with this stupid G&G shit, but she is anyway!" I throw my hands at my side. "Hiram Lodge is protecting her and I don't know why and he's the mastermind of all of this shit! I didn't want her in this!" I walk towards him, but he pushes me aside.

"I don't care! I would have understood, Emilia! All I wanted is to see my baby! I wanted to meet her! I wanted her to come home!"

"Sweet Pea.." I whisper, realizing he hadn't seen her.

"I wanted to have a family with you because I love you! But you decided to be fucking selfish and keep her away from me!" He paces the door angrily.

"Sweet Pea!" I yell again.

He snaps around at me. "What!?"

I gesture over to the couch. "She's right there." I say quietly. Sweet Pea turns around, looking at the brown eyed baby, who wiggles in her seat. He creeps over, kneeling down. He stares at her, almost scared to touch her. His hand nears her face, and I see a tear roll down his cheek. "You can unbuckle her." I say, teasing him slightly. He does so, fumbling with the buckle as he pulls her out, bouncing her lightly in his arms. He lets out a laugh, crying.

"I saw her so many times, and I never knew." He whispers. "She's so beautiful." He looks back up at me, a lightbulb going off in his head. "Emmy, let me come back to Thistle House."

I raise a brow in concern. "I'm sorry, what?"

He steps forward. "Toni is moving in, and with Riverdale going under quarantine I need you all to be safe." He says. "Emmy, I fucked up. We both did. Please, let me come back home and we can try to parent her together."

My heart aches slightly, remembering the times we decorated her room, our first kiss, the day we met. And then Archie.

"Sweet Pea, someone already signed being her legal guardian." I say, surprised. "Archie is, legally, her gaurdian." I whisper.

"What?"

"I'm sorry! Look, we, we can figure this out. We can something." I ramble following SP back to the carrier, where he placed Tori.

He slowly turns around. "Emmy. I'm not asking for much. Let's talk to some lawyers, get something worked out. Just let me come and stay at Thistle House." He says to me, grabbing my hands.

I roll my eyes, sighing. "Fine."

_________

they're not back together kids sorry. i got really tired and lazy in the ending hehe. i used like all of my phones battery for this and i don't have a charger omg