I finally got motivation and inspiration enough to resume writing on the Riverdale fan fic, which is good. Oddly enough, it was inspired by my disgust with how much The Take applauded the writers for betraying Jughead's asexual nature and character arc.
I'm trying to keep true to Jughead myself by making sex a basic function that he doesn't mind doing under the right conditions, but he has no sexual attraction to anyone at all. That seems far more in keeping with the true personality and profile of Jughead than them putting him in a conventional, monogamous, highly physical love affair with Betty Cooper.
I followed the Archie, Betty, Ronnie arc to its logical end as well: since it was always destined to be a permanent love triangle, why not make it a poly deal? And since Val still craves Archie on some level, why not include her as well?
There is still plenty of room for conflict in the tale without adding needless romantic drama over cheating, blackmail, etc. I especially like the idea of Jughead becoming the main detective in the group. He's most invested in solving the hit on his old man and getting justice for FP. Plenty of time to do that if lovers are only an occasional diversion, as they are for him.
Also, regarding my Time Warp birthday wish tale, the dark turn that it's taking now is not likely to stay quite so bleak, at least not for some folks. It's just very dark for now. The main character, possibly a sociopath, possibly not, is convinced that he is either a god or demigod, thanks to his new powers, thus above the law and social norms.
Even so, he's not beyond reach for the right kind of appeal to him. I won't say much more, but even the hardest hearts have their soft spots...most of the time. Particularly if he can somehow relate.