Chapter Text
Betty yelped as she was pulled into the broom closet and the door shut behind her. She felt a warm strong body press against hers and she opened her mouth to scream only to have it covered with a large hand.
"Shhh. Bets it's me!"
She quieted down and turned towards the source of the sound in surprise. "Reggie?"
"We need to talk but I don't want anyone getting suspicious."
"So... you kidnapped me?"
It was so dark, she couldn't see him but she knew he was rolling his eyes at her. "Quit being so dramatic Cooper."
"What's with the darkness anyway? Were you planning to intimidate me into talking to you. Waterboarding perhaps?"
"Har har. The light bulb went out."
"Ok what do you need with me Reggie? I gotta get to class."
"Ok so you know how, I, as Mantle the Magnificent am an expert in all matters concerning the fairer sex. Don't roll your eyes at me."
She smirked. Apparently he was as good at reading her, as she was him.
"Well, there's one girl I've never managed to impress and it annoys the shit out of me."
"There's probably more than one."
He chose to ignore her. "Bets, I need you to help me get Veronica to go out with me."
"And why would I do that pray?"
"Well, firstly, you're her best friend. Who better to turn to for inside information on the girl of your dreams; and secondly, if Veronica's out of the way, you get Archie."
She froze.
"It's obvious you like him Bets. You follow him around like a lost puppy and your face lights up whenever he talks to you. Classic tell."
"Screw you."
"So I'll take that as a yes, you'll help."
"I'll think about it. Now let me out before I suffocate."
She had been thinking about it. A lot. It was stupid of her, she knew. But at the same time it was so tempting. She really did like Archie and could never hold his attention when Veronica was around. Perhaps helping Reggie out wouldn't be such a bad idea after all. Win-win situation, hey.
She picked up her phone and texted Reggie. 'I'll do it.'
Not two seconds later she received a response. 'Knew it. Can I come over?'
'Sure.'
Ten minutes later, Reggie stood outside her door knocking sharply.
What greeted him caused him to freeze. Betty opened the door wearing black shorts with sunflowers on them and a plain black tank top. Her hair was down and she looked like she'd just come out of the shower. She looked more... relaxed. It was nice.
"Come in Reggie." She moved aside and he entered and sauntered into the dining room, flopping down on her couch.
"Yea, make yourself at home." She said sarcastically.
He flashed her his brightest smile and then turned to the TV in front of him. She flopped down on the couch beside him.
"So... how do you wanna do this? I mean, I've never done anything like this before."
He turned to her and widened his eyes before whispering. "Don't worry, baby. I'll be gentle."
"Kiss my ass." She threw a cushion at him.
"I'd love to. Turn around, will you?"
She threw another cushion at him but there was a twinkle in her eye. He knew she enjoyed their banter as much as he did. He liked that about Betty. He'd never tried consciously to impress her and so he didn't need to put up the façade with her that he used with other girls. He felt more relaxed in her company.
"Ok, ok. So I basically need you to tell me stuff about Veronica that can help me impress her. Like what's her favorite restaurant, favorite movie, favorite designer brand. Shit like that. So I can buy her the right stuff and impress her with my 'thoughtfulness' when it's actually inside info."
"And you think that'll impress her?" Betty rolled her eyes. "A girl doesn't just want guys to buy her stuff. Veronica can do that all on her own, thank you very much. You gotta have a connection. Learn to listen to her and understand her. Learn to just be there for her."
He stared at her for a few seconds. "Yea, let's stick to my plan."