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Chapter Text

Veronica swayed with Archie, rocking side to side as a slow, sappy song played just a little too loudly from the speakers. Archie couldn’t take his eyes off of Veronica. She couldn’t bring hers to meet him. She felt his hands press on the small of her back and she tried not to jolt, shrinking away from his grip.

“You having fun, Ronnie?”

“Mhmm.” Veronica gave a weak smile back at him, nodding, then looking away, searching the rest of the dancefloor for Betty and Jughead.

She felt guilty. She told Archie she’d go to the homecoming dance with him, but Veronica couldn’t bring herself to enjoy this at all. She knew Archie wanted something more from this, and she thought she did too, but the attraction she felt towards him, like those seven minutes in heaven and those early moments when they both met up after practice and just became infatuated with eachother over walks back home and chats on benches, it had all started to fade, being replaced by something much more tame. Yeah, she could imagine herself going out to the movies with Archie, but only if they were accompanied by Jug and Betty. She spotted Jughead standing by the punch bowl, but couldn’t manage to find Betty. She felt a light tap on her shoulder, swiveling her head towards it, only to find empty space. Betty stood on the opposite side, impressed at herself pulling the oldest trick in the book on Veronica.

“Sorry to interrupt you two, but do you mind if I borrow Veronica, Arch?”

Archie looked back at Veronica before resting a hand on his hip, and the other on his chin, feigning deep thought. “Well… I was having a wonderful evening with this young lady right here.” He pointed at Veronica. Veronica huffed, rolling her eyes.

“God, you are way too corny sometimes, Archie.” She chuckled.

Archie jolted away, stepping back and clutching his chest in pain. “Ronnie, Betty, help!”

Veronica dropped to the floor, pulling Archie up and throwing his arm over her shoulder. “Jesus, Archie, are you alright?!”

Jughead strolled by. “Give him a second.” He managed to get the words through a mouthful of cupcake.

Archie winced for a moment, propping himself back up. “Yeah, I’m good, everything’s fine, it’s just that”— He looked Veronica in the eye— “Words hurt, Ronnie.” He said with a smirk.

“You gave me a fucking heart attack!” Veronica gave him a shove on the arm.

“Like the one I just had?” Archie laughed

“I’m gonna remember this when you’re on your deathbed, Andrews.” Veronica poked him in the chest.

“Hey, that’s gonna be pretty soon if you don’t start being any nicer!” Archie pointed at her.

“Let’s hope not though!” Betty cut in with a toothy smile. She grabbed Veronica’s hand, tugging lightly and leading away from the group.

Veronica felt her heartbeat quicken, Betty’s hand on hers was like a shock to her system. Suddenly she had tunnel vision, nothing else mattered and it wasn’t like she could even handle thinking about anything else. She watched as Betty turned around to say something to her, and all she could do was quickly nod and smile, because boy did she need a moment to take in everything happening right now. Between the way Betty's hair just seemed to effortlessly fall to her side, the flashing lights on the dance floor, The way Betty’s dress showed off how cute she was while also showing off the biceps she usually hid away with long sleeved shirts and sweaters.... And the thumping of the speakers that made it hard for her to think about anything else (that was definitely it).

Honestly though, she paused, what the hell was happening? It wasn’t like her to be so off her guard, especially at an event like the homecoming dance, a place where anything could happen, and an audience was ready to watch. This was Riverdale, after all. There were appearances to keep, people to impress, and all she could do was think about how pretty Betty Cooper looked. She felt her cheeks get warm, and was immediately thankful that all of the reds, blues, and purples of the dance floor’s lights hid her blushing.

“Hey! Don’t be gone too long!” Archie called out to Betty and Veronica as the two made their way further from him and Jughead..

“Yeah, sure thing, dad.” Betty mumbled to Veronica before rolling her eyes. Veronica snorted. Betty’s grip on her hand tightened. Veronica felt her heart thump against her chest. The two kept going, making their way out of the gymnasium.

“Well, thanks for saving me from dancing with Archie for the entire night, but where are we actually headed, anyways?” Veronica asked as the two walked down the school’s hallways.

“Uh,” Betty looked up, trying to think. “Well, I forgot something in homeroom that I needed to finish my homework, so... I thought you might want to come with me and check for it!” Betty sounded surprised by the words coming out of her own mouth..

“Uh huh.” Veronica grinned. “you’re pretty bad at bluffing, you know that, right?”

“Well I guess the excuse never mattered, because you sure do look happy to be tagging alongside me right now.” Betty raised her eyebrows.

A terrible liar, but Betty Cooper was still the most astute person Veronica knew. She was at a loss for words, then she felt Betty's fingers trace her palm. The two looked at eachother for a moment. It was moments like this that she really hoped Betty wasn’t just trying to be a really good friend. This was it, the excitement, the electricity that she craved, that she just couldn’t feel with Archie.

Betty looked back ahead as they made their way to the end of a hallway. She tried to open a door to a classroom, but the doorknob wouldn’t budge.

“How do you expect us to —” Veronica started, but Betty had already worked a bobby pin and paperclip into the lock, jostling them around and turning the knob. The door clicked open. Veronica put a hand on her hip. “—and where’d you keep those?”

Betty tapped the bracelet sitting on her wrist. “Gotta be prepared.” She shrugged, walking into the room. Veronica shook her head, letting out a laugh.

Veronica stood back for a moment, watching Betty step inside, The ruffled edges of her dress knocked against the seats of the chairs that none of their classmates had pushed back into their desks. Betty paced over to her desk, kneeling down and searching inside of its supply holder, under the seat, and looking around. She looked up to see that Veronica hadn’t set foot into the classroom.

“What’s wrong? Get in here already!” she motioned over before continuing. “You don’t want a janitor or someone to catch us loitering around.”

Veronica breathed in, looking up for a moment. Here we go, she thought to herself. She stepped inside. The only light coming into the room was from the moon. The way Betty’s hair caught the ribbons of moonlight, complimenting the light green of her eyes, it made her almost too pretty to look at. As they locked eyes, Veronica closed the door behind herself, slowly stepping forward.

“So, really, what’s that thing you had to come all the way back to homeroom to find?”

Betty stood up, brushing her dress off. Veronica strode up slowly to her. She was so nervous that she almost felt calm. She watched Betty’s posture straighten. Veronica, stepping up to her, maintained her eye contact. She always felt like she had a clue about Betty. She thought about what it would be like to ask her on a date, to walk up to her and kiss her, but this was the real thing. There was no going back, and if she was wrong about what she thought she felt with Betty...

“Remember, there is a right answer.” Veronica tried not to sound nervous while she prodded for a response..

Betty draped her hands around Veronica’s shoulders, circling a finger through one of the curls of Veronica’s hair. “You, obviously.”

Veronica could feel herself melt around Betty’s hands. She stood up on her toes, bringing her hands to Betty’s cheeks and gently pulling her in. Betty closed the distance, meeting her with a kiss. Veronica felt like she could be lost in this moment forever.

Betty broke away for a moment. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted this.”

“I’ve got an idea.” Veronica smirked. She wanted Betty to know without ever having to be told, just how long she’d had her eyes on her. Betty rested her hands on Veronica’s cheeks before pulling her in for another kiss.

Veronica’s hands made their way to the small of Betty’s back as she leaned backwards, pulling the two on top of Betty’s desk. Veronica took the lead, painting Betty’s cheeks with kisses. All this time they’d spent as friends, she’d watched Betty deal with so much, so quickly. Veronica wanted to be her comfort.

Betty put a hand behind Veronica’s head, the other behind her leg. As the two started to make out, Betty placed one of her thighs between Veronica’s legs. Veronica took the cue to go further, letting her. Before the two could keep going, Veronica slipped off the edge of the desk, Betty’s arms wrapped around her, breaking her fall and hoisting her up.

“Holy shit.” Veronica laughed, feeling her head rest around Betty’s biceps. She wrapped her legs around Betty’s waist.

“Almost lost ya for a moment there.” Betty smiled.

***

“So you lost both of the ladies?” Jughead picked up a cupcake from the gigantic spread of party food in the gymnasium.

“It happened so fast, I barely realized that my date was gone for the rest of the night.”

“Well, tough titties, Arch.” Jughead watched Archie start to slouch, as he looked at the ground. “However.” Jughead said. Archie picked his head up like a golden retriever after hearing someone mention a walk. “Mr. Mantle’s been eyeing you for a while, now that you’re alone.” Jughead pointed right at Reggie, who was leaning across the bleachers next to Dilton Doiley and staring straight at Archie. Once he realized he’d been spotted, Reggie’s gaze shifted with haste.

“You’re kidding.” Archie laughed at Jughead. Reggie took a sip from a flask, offering some to Dilton without even looking at him. Once Dilton took a swig, Reggie slipped the flask back into the pocket of his blazer. Archie turned to Jughead in disbelief, then looked back at Reggie, who’s gaze came back to Archie, unflinching this time. Reggie kicked off from the bleacher. He gave Dilton a pat on the shoulder before making his way towards Archie and Jughead.

Archie felt himself start to panic. It was that chaotic wave of emotion when all control had certainly been lost and all you had to rely on was instinct. And Archie didn’t have great instincts, as reluctant as he was to admit it most of the time.

“So,” Jug looked archie in the eye. “you’re gonna tell me you haven’t been crushing on that doofus for these last couple months? At all?”

“Jug, it doesn’t matter. He’s Reggie Mantle, There’s a laundry list of reasons that I can’t!”

There really were. What were the bulldogs going to say? Not just that neither of the football team’s co-captains were straight, but also about the fact that they just so happened to be into eachother? He already could hear the jokes about the extra practice hours they spent together. Jug was accepting, but what about Betty and Veronica? Were they going to start seeing him the way they saw Kevin Keller? Was that even so bad? He didn’t want to lose the type of relationship he already had with them. And what about Fred? Archie was sure His dad would be supportive of him coming out, but the town delinquent was gonna be a hard sell. Archie’s head was like a bee’s nest, buzzing with thoughts.

“Oh, but you can.” Jughead cut off Archie’s train of thought. He took a sip of punch while pushing Archie forward with his other hand.

Archie stumbled onto the dance floor, looking back like a lost puppy. The scent of cinnamon and smoky wood wafted towards him and he turned back, almost bumping into Reggie’s chest. “You smell good.” Archie blurted out. “Did I say that out loud?” Archie felt his cheeks warming up.

“You did, Andrews.” Reggie chuckled with a nod.

“Crap.”

“Don’t sweat it, red. I put in some effort. It’s good to know that it’s going noticed, right?”

“Oh.” Archie’s heart was galloping, he felt like he drank two coffees and then threw in a couple of redbulls right before stepping onto the dancefloor. He tried to form the words. “Well-d”—

—“So you wanna dance, or...?” Reggie shrugged, throwing his hands up.

“Yup! Yes, thanks!” Archie was tumbling over his own words as he watched Reggie raise an eyebrow. He breathed in for a moment, trying to stay calm.

“You’re gonna do fine.” Reggie laughed. He reached out and Archie took his hand. The two started to sway with the music, and Archie felt himself getting closer and closer to Reggie’s body. Reggie put a hand behind Archie’s neck, and Archie gave in to the comfort, resting his head on Reggie’s chest. They kept swaying, turning slowly. Archie caught a glimpse of Jughead, who Archie could have sworn was sleeping standing up, if it weren’t for the thumbs up that Jughead had pointed his way, making him laugh.”

“What’re you looking at, red?”

“Nothing.” He giggled before looking up into Reggie's eyes.. “By the way...”

“Yeah?”

“...It’s stupid, don’t worry about it.”

“Out with it already.”

“You’re comfy.”

“You’re goddamn right I am.” Reggie said with a smirk.

***

Holding eachother, listening to the faint echoes of the music from the gymnasium, Veronica pulled Betty close again, holding her face for a moment and looking into her eyes.

Even if it was in the cramped and uncomfortable Riverdale high classrooms, having this moment together, alone, it was nice. Not at all how Veronica had imagined their first kiss and everything after to happen, but it felt right.

While Veronica was lost in thought, Betty took the moment to lean in and kiss her on the cheek.

“Flattered to know that you just can’t stop kissing me.” Veronica laughed.

“Hey,” Betty pointed her finger at Veronica’s cheek. “It’s a very kissable face.” the two kept laughing, taking in the rest of the moment before an announcement blared across the speaker.

*ALRIGHT RIVERDALE HIGH, WE’VE GOT 3 MORE SONGS LEFT, SO GET YOUR LAST DANCES IN!*

“Shit.” Betty froze, biting her lip as she started to hesitate.

“You want to finish the dance with everyone out there, don’t you?” Veronica looked at Betty with adoration.

“Is that totally corny of me?” Betty laughed.

“Not at all.” Veronica got up and returned the previous favor by planting a kiss on Betty's cheek before taking her by the hand. They ran down the hallway. As the pair made their way onto the dance floor, they settled into a sway, Betty held Veronica in her arms, and Veronica draped hers over Betty's shoulders.

“Thanks for making tonight so amazing..” Veronica whispered.

“I think you’re the one to thank.” Betty smiled.

“Would you be ok if I kissed you in front of everyone here?”

“You sure we’re not gonna hurt Archie’s feelings?”

“He and I were never really dating, just kinda flirting. Plus...” Veronica pointed behind Betty, who turned her head to see Archie and Reggie sharing a kiss. “I think he’s gonna be just fine.” Betty turned back, and Veronica surprised her with a peck on her cheek before moving to her lips. They swayed to the music, Letting the dance come to a close.

Betty hugged her. “I’m so glad you moved here.”

“Me too.”

Chapter Text

Hi, this is just a quick update to say another part is on the way! Since writing the last part of this story, I've written two research papers and applied to graduate school. needless to say, it was a stressful year. Now that that stuff is out of the way for the most part, my writing inspiration is returning! I thought it would be sooner, but i guess these things come slowly, especially when there's been a pandemic on top of it all. I just wanted to let anyone who's been paying attention to my stuff here know that I will be continuing to write a bit more. We'll see where it goes.

Additionally, I'd like to say that I'm switching up parts of the ideas going into my writing. I started riverdale fic with the idea of going specifically for the world portrayed in the show, but ever since reading the comics, I've fallen more in love with that world. I'll be using my idea of the comic characters as more of my inspiration from here on out, so this fic isn't necessarily just a riverdale fic anymore, moreso an archie characters fic, though it does generally take place in the world of riverdale. Does that make this an AU? who knows. Juggling these concepts is kinda hilarious to me because when you write nothing is really set in stone till you publish the words, and even then, it's not impossible to edit the words or those concepts. In addition to loving the comics, I part of this conceptual change is because I'd like to make sure there's less of an emphasis on the idea that these characters should be informed/inspired by their actors. I'd like to keep this work separate from who they are, and allow it to be fiction enjoyable on the merit of the way I and any reader may think and feel about the actual characters.

I know this isn't a big story drop, but I hope you enjoyed this ramble, if you are keeping up with my writing on here at all. another (actual) part will be out in a bit!

Chapter Text

Jug jumped onto the sidewalk before the limo ever stopped. The forces of gravity and inertia seemingly having no hold on him as he landed, unbothered. Smithers didn’t even so much as flinch as he watched Jug barrel out, suggesting he wasn’t the first person to do this. When the car did stop, the rest of the gang hopped out, dusting off their clothes and scoping out the place. On the outside, Thistlehouse seemed a little haunted, but now that Cheryl was in control of the property, it was a more stylish type of haunted. The gates were no longer a dreary faded grey, but a bold, deep crimson. The exterior of the house had been cleaned up, a fresh paint of red on wood no longer burdened with overgrown shrubbery and moss. Veronica didn’t think it was possible for an entire building to exude Cheryl's confidence, but Thistlehouse stood boldly, as if it owned the color red.

Smithers stepped out, calling to Veronica as the rest headed towards the doors- “I’ll be waiting for your group’s return, Miss Lodge.”

Veronica spun around. Shocked at the mere implication of him being forced to wait alone in the dark, just for a bunch of what would be very drunk and very tired teens. “Absolutely not, Smithers! Go home and rest.”

“You’re too good, miss.” Smithers lowered back into the driver’s seat. “I will be waiting on your call, though!”

“No convincing you to take the night off, huh?” To which Smithers shook his head at Veronica with a chuckle.

The group walked towards the house, Archie and Reggie in the lead. Before Reggie could knock, the doors to the mansion flew open. Cheryl stood in the center, flashing a smile.

“Glad you could make it!-” Cheryl clapped her hands together then halted, caught up in genuine thought. “A word to the wise, though, Fashionably late is so 2015, Veronica. Don’t let too much of Riverdale’s suburban lethargy rub off on you.” She shot a quick frown to Betty.

Veronica squeezed Betty’s arm, pulling her down for a whisper as Cheryl began showing the group around the house. “I love her, but I’d kick her ass for you.”

Betty smirked as the group followed into the house.

It shouldn’t have been surprising that the vixens were all popular. What was surprising was that Cheryl tolerated so many drunken, sweaty teenagers filling up her mansion. Of course, she’d let things slide if there was ever some hellraising to do. Veronica squeezed through a crowd, making her way to the kitchen. Walking to the island, she eyed an array of large, fancy bottles of liquor, spotting a stack of red solo cups that looked terribly out of place in a mansion. She couldn’t judge, this party wasn’t worth breaking dishes over, and solo cups always got the job done. Pulling one off the stack, Veronica looked for a drink, settling on acerum; it was the closest to anything she was familiar with. She looked at the label, a bold red ring around the bottle, with ‘BLOSSOM’ in bold lettering. Right under it was a tiny picture. Clifford and Penelope Blossom, standing confidently at the sides of a maple tree with a tap in its center. On the left side of the tree, Clifford held a young boy that Veronica could only assume was Jason Blossom, and on the right, Penelope held a baby girl, with a face immediately recognizable as Cheryl’s. Hell, if the Blossoms knew how to do one thing well, it was market themselves. Veronica thought. She threw back a shot, barely hesitating before pouring another round for sipping. Looking around, she gazed at Archie and Reggie, who were already drunk and dancing on eachother. Her gaze shifted to Jughead, who stood atop a table, drink in one hand and chip bag in the other. Veronica smirked as she watched Jug, fully lost in thought, and confident about it. He turned, noticing her, then looking around at the people dancing around the table he stood on. Looking back at Veronica, He mouthed- “I’ve got the high ground,” nodding at his own statement. Veronica nodded back with a smile, reassuring him that he was making perfect sense.

Veronica took another sip of her drink as she started to wonder what was taking Betty so long. Was the line to the bathroom at Thistlehouse really that long? -What if Betty realized she was dating a shell of a human being pretending to be a good person and left the party to avoid her?- She took another sip of rum. It wasn’t helping chase the thoughts. She poured some more in her cup- enough to last the rest of the night. Was she even ready to let Betty in? A town tragedy did wonders for bringing kids together, but would the trauma bond last? What about her own mess of a family?

“Lost in thought?”

“Fuck!” Veronica whipped around, jumping back, only to see Cheryl, smirking while taking a sip of wine from a glass.

“Bold of you to be the only one drinking from a glass right now.”

Cheryl took another sip- “Bold of you to assume I’d have it any other way.” Lowering her glass, she focused her Gaze. “Really though, You look troubled, Veronica.”

“Are you keen from experience?”

Cheryl grimaced for a moment, chewing on the thought. “Yes, actually. For the longest time, I’ve lived in a house full of miserable people, including myself.”

Veronica felt a pang of guilt.

“Oh, don’t give me your pity.” Cheryl snapped at her. She grabbed Veronica by the hand and looked her in the eyes. “Let’s talk those feelings out.”

The two made their way up the stairs, and to keep her balance, Veronica held on to Cheryl for dear life. She didn’t plan on giving up the ghost at Thistlehouse. At least not today, if it had to be here. She tightened an arm around Cheryl’s stomach, leaning her head against her back.

Taking a swig out of her bottle of hard cider, Betty paced over to the island in the kitchen, watching the two disappear into Cheryl’s bedroom.

“So, why is one Veronica Lodge drinking like she wants to vanish?” Cheryl sat at the edge of her bed, sipping on a sweet red wine. She turned her head, to watch Veronica, who she had attempted to lay gracefully on the bed, shuffle around until she could plop herself dead center on the mattress.

“Am not.” Veronica felt her cheeks burning up.

“So, that's what you came all the way up with me to my room to discuss? In private? How you're totally fine?”

Veronica frowned. “You’re the one that dragged me up here.”

Cheryl turned her head to look Veronica clearly in the eyes. “I understand that you're buzzed, drunk already, even, which is impressive in its own right, but if you want to waste the night avoiding your feelings, you don't need to do that right here.”

“I'm not avoiding my feelings.” She said, confident in her subtlety.

“Now we're onto something, aren't we?”

Her attempt at subtlety.

Veronica eyed Cheryl, like she was trying to size up what secrets she could keep.

“Well I guess it's news to you that I'm dating-”

“-Betty. Go on.”

“Jesus Christ! We got together tonight! How fast does news travel here?”

“Got together officially.”

Veronica felt her ears burn.

“Besides, you're so slow to these things, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that you didn't know I was gay until today.”

Veronica had to think about whether she actually did know.

“Oh my god.” Cheryl stared at her wide eyed.

“Wait, no-”

“I was joking at first! I thought you were the sharp one in your group, Veronica.”

“Fuck you, I knew!”

“Mhmm.”

“Swear to god!”

“Sure thing, Ronnie. Now, where were we? Well- Not with Betty, the girlfriend that you're already avoiding.”

Guilt clawed at Veronica’s throat.

“We can't get anywhere with this if you don't start talking.”

“Do you think people ever catch on?”

“To?” Cheryl cocked her head at Veronica, furrowing a brow.

“I mean, I can only be confident for so long every day. You know.”

Cheryl nodded slowly.

It's like, I get home after spending the day with Archie, Jughead, and Betty, and sometimes I need to take a nap right then and there. And I beat myself up over it too!” She sighed.

“It’s like my brain is saying ‘you didn't do anything all day, Veronica, get over yourself.’ But I did! I was there for them!” Veronica took in a giant breath before sighing again. “and I can't deal with the idea of having to put on that act the whole time just to keep her.”

Cheryl’s shoulders lowered. “Yeah.” She nodded, still working through her thoughts.

I've just gotten so used to having this... emotional mask, on, that I wonder if Betty even knows who I am without it.

Cheryl lifted her wine glass, tilting her head back and finishing the drink. She looked out the window for a couple moments in thought, before glancing back at Veronica. “If I'm being honest, I can't even tell that I'm doing it half the time anymore. It's just safer to always have the armor on.”

Veronica raised her cup at Cheryl. “Champagne problems, eh?”

Cheryl threw her head back as she laughed. Not a stifled giggle or anything of the sort, it was a full on snort, she shook her head and sighed. “That's one way to put it.” “But look,” she raised her finger, pointing at Veronica- “we may be better at the whole hiding-our-emotions part, but that doesn't mean we're the only ones with masks on.”

“Have you met Betty? It's almost unfair how good she is sometimes. She's...pure.”

“Have you met her?” Cheryl scoffed. “She's a powder keg of anxiety. Anxiety that clearly isn't being dealt with.

Veronica paused, in thought.

Cheryl added on- she drinks so much coffee in the morning you can see her buzz around with energy. I haven't seen her stand still for a single moment in all our lives. And honestly, we're all better for it, she has so many emotions she hasn't dealt with. It’s not going to be pretty when she does start dealing with them.

“Ok, you're one to talk though. You don't think you bullying her had anything to do with that?”

“Touché.”

“Are you ever going to apologize to her?”

“Are you her?” Cheryl locked eyes with Veronica. “That's my business with Betty. You are not her personal agent.”

“Fair enough.” Veronica let up.

***

12:34 AM

Betty Cooper: kev wyd

Kevin Keller: ?

Betty Cooper: can you drop by cheryl’s? I'm freaking out and idk where everyone else is

Kevin Keller: ok slow down what happened? Also imagine thinking that I wasn't already at this party

Betty Cooper: meet me by the basement door? I've just been pacing around

Kevin Keller: this better be good cooper

Betty Cooper: well i think Veronica’s making out with Cheryl rn so

Kevin Keller: omw

Betty slipped her phone back into her bag. She leaned against a wall, standing in the middle of one of the many corridors within Thistlehouse. This was the only one that lead to the basement, though. As she continued to stare into space, she took another sip of her hard cider. She turned the bottle around in her hand, reading through the label and picking apart the details. If she got nothing else out of this party, at least now she knew what to ask Reggie for the next time he was doing a liquor run. She tapped against the bottle with the digit of her thumb, trying to occupy her mind.

“I know I told her I'd be her best gay, but I'll mangle that New York hotshot if she breaks your heart.

Betty looked up. “Thanks for putting everything on pause for me.”

“It's fine, you honestly probably wouldn't be surprised at just how bad the boys of Riverdale high are at dancing.”

“We can tack it onto the long list of reasons I'm a lesbian.” Betty laughed at her own joke.

“The sense of humor’s still there, that's good!”

“What can I say?” Betty shrugged. “I guess I'm used to the worst happening in this town by now?”

“Have you decided how you're gonna deal with this?”

“That's what I got you to come here for. Kev, duh.”

Kevin pointed a finger gun at betty.

“... So?”

“Well I think you should confront her about it.”

“Sounds like a shitshow.”

“Better than spending weeks just wondering if you’ve been cheated on.”

“Point taken.” Betty started to pace. Kevin followed her lead as they made their way back through the crowd. “I think I’m going to need another drink to deal with this.”

“You know Betty, I would tell you to pace yourself, but If you don’t figure out your drinking limit soon, you never will. Have at it.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing.”

“Thin Ice, Kev.” They walked towards the kitchen.

Kevin pursed his lips at Betty before taking a sip of his drink. He watched Betty fumble through the now incredibly disorganized cases of liquor until she found another box of Angry Orchard hard cider.

“Last one in the box! Good things can still happen to me.” she waved her bottle at Kevin.

He shot her a thumbs up before turning to scope out the current vibe of the party. People were getting too sweaty and too drunk. The mood was starting to cool down, but nobody was leaving anytime soon. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glance of Cheryl and Veronica, making their way down the grand staircase. “We’ve got movement!” Kevin blurted, reaching out without looking to tap Betty on her shoulder. He jabbed his thumb against her cheek, Jostling it for a second before realizing. He pulled his hand back, rubbing his fingers together now that they felt a little powdery. He looked down to see makeup all over his thumb. “Oh.” He looked back up at Betty. “Oh.” He backed up. “You know what? It’s probably time for me to get back to the cute gay boys of Riverdale anyways. Tell me how it goes with Veronica!”

Betty was already downing the first half of her drink by the time Kevin scurried off. She had bigger fish to fry anyways. She watched Veronica and Cheryl chatter together. They laughed and Veronica hugged Cheryl before wandering off in Betty’s general direction. Betty watched Veronica beam with glee as she stopped for a moment to enjoy the party, cheering Archie on, who was still dancing, while Reggie had tapped out and was just watching at this point. Cheryl made her way around the house, probably to tend to the rest of the Vixens. - Maybe she was figuring out who’s girlfriend to steal after she got bored with Veronica. - Betty thought, - Be honest with yourself though- She could feel her thoughts moving faster than she could control them. -Cheryl wouldn’t get tired of Veronica because she’s actually interesting, Unlike you. New York? A checkered past? At least it gives her substance. What do you have? Getting bullied by Cheryl and then fawning over Archie for your whole life up till last year?- Betty had started to space out, only snapping back to the real world in time to watch as Veronica made her way to the kitchen island. She thought about slinking away to avoid her. Maybe it was the alcohol, but the only urge she felt was to stand her ground.

Veronica started. “How-”

“Enjoying the party?” Betty cut her off. “I couldn’t tell, since, you know, you were spending all your time with Cheryl Blossom,”

Veronica stopped, stunned. “Huh?”

“I mean maybe it wasn't even your fault, but all I know is that this was supposed to be my night with you-” Betty scoffed, rolling her eyes. “-and here Cheryl Blossom goes, ruining it like she does most of the fleeting moments of good I've scrounged up in Riverdale.”

“Betty, what’re you talking about?” Veronica was tensing up. Her arms folded and her nostrils flared.

“What I'm saying,” a lump caught in Betty's throat. “I mean, all I could think about was tonight, right?” The tears were already falling down her face. “-And how I wanted to enjoy my time with you-” her breath was hiking, her brain wasn't making sense out of words anymore. “-and you, you go and spend it all with Cheryl!” She was sobbing, in the middle of the kitchen, and heads were starting to turn and watch.

Veronica reached her arms out. Betty tried to push them away but Veronica stepped forward. Betty sobbed into Veronica’s collar, and Veronica ran her hands over Betty's hair, patting her on the head. “Let's go outside, we can walk and talk, ok?”

Betty sniffled, nodding without looking up. Veronica wrapped an arm around Betty and led her outside of the house. On the way out she caught the glances of Archie and Jughead. Veronica made no movement towards them, but it was all in the way her eyes conveyed it- I'll take care of this.

The two trailed outside, wandering around the long pathway that led out to the gates of Thistlehouse. Betty was still sniffling, leaning her head against Veronica.

“I'm sorry.” Betty whispered.

“For what?”

“For being… me, when you're always taking care of me.” Betty pulled away. The two continued walking, next to each other.

“That's absurd.”

“Huh?”

“You were right to confront me. You wanted to spend time with me and I completely wandered off.”

Betty stopped walking. “Were you and Cheryl…?”

“...That's what you thought was going on?”

“It's stupid, I know, I'm sorry.”

Veronica rushed in to hug her. “I wasn't doing anything with her, we were just talking, but you don't need to be sorry.” She nudged Betty's chin up with the knuckle of her thumb. “Betty, I get it, and you don't have to apologize for worrying.” She moved in to kiss her on the cheek, stopping just before- “I want you to trust me, though.”

Betty laughed with a nod, sniffling. Veronica gave her a peck on the cheek before going back to a full, warm hug. The two started down the street again, Veronica leading the way. Betty kept her head resting on Veronica's shoulder while the two walked, holding hands.

The pair was far enough from the party to get privacy, but it was all still Thistlehouse, a whole entire slice of Riverdale that just belonged to the Blossoms. And nobody dared enter a plot of Blossom land uninvited. Veronica wondered if Cheryl felt lonely cooped up all in one place. She’d have to talk to her again, sometime soon. Veronica looked down at Betty. “You know, I was talking to Cheryl because she saw me freaking out.”

Betty furrowed her brows, laughing lightly.

“What's so funny?” Veronica smirked, nudging Betty lightly with her shoulder.

“You never freak out.”

“I've got news for you, pal.” Veronica laughed.

“Oh really?” Betty smirked, her spirit raising. “What’s out there that scares Veronica Lodge?”

“Honestly?-” Veronica tried to think of a way to make it sound more delicate, but she blurted out “-dating you.”

“Oh.”

“Ok, so I don't mean that as horribly as it came out.”

“Are you not ready? Because Veronica, I don't want to force something that you're not into.”

Veronica held her tongue long enough to respect Betty finishing her sentence before immediately following up- “I’m all in.”

“Oh.” Betty repeated herself. “That's good.” She let out a breath she didn't even realize she was holding in. “So what's the matter?”

“I know you hate when people call you perfect-”

“-I’m far from it.”

“But Betty, you're so... good!” Veronica blurted, exasperated. “You're so good, and sometimes...I don't know- it's like sometimes I don't know if I'm even worth all of that good.

Betty chewed on the thought, frowning for the most part, but forming her next sentence carefully. “How can I convince you that you are?”

Veronica shook her head. “You know, I don't think that you can.” She paused before continuing.”I think I just have to trust that you know why you're choosing me- why you believe in me. And honestly? Betty, that's terrifying.” She went on- “I mean it’s like, I know who I am, and for a long part of my life, I’ve had the potential to be my best self, and chosen not to. It almost doesn’t surprise me that you thought I might have cheated tonight, because without people like you, Archie, and Jug in my life, I probably would’ve.”

Betty lifted her head from Veronica’s shoulders, meeting her eyes. “But you have us around, don’t you?”

“But what If one day, for some reason, I don’t?”

This time it was Betty taking the lead, pulling Veronica in and kissing her on her forehead. “Well,” she started to run her fingers through Veronica’s hair, “It would be pretty darn stupid for any of us to just let go of eachother like that, don’t you think?”

Veronica nodded. Betty held her hand a bit tighter.

“And Ronnie, I’m sorry, but me thinking you’d do that to me… that was my insecurity getting the best of me.”

“You don’t need to be sorry.”

“I am, though.”

Veronica sucked in a breath. “Well, I am too. I owe you a whole entire night.”

Betty smiled at her. “Lucky me.”

Veronica gave her a kiss. “Then... would you mind if I spent the night at your place?

“Sounds great.”

The pair kept walking for a bit, hand in hand.