I have no idea what's going to happen in this story, but I'm using an OC for the first time and hoping I can make it work believably. Time: after season 1.


Veronica straightened Archie's tie until it met her standards just so. They were preparing for a party hosted in the Lodges' penthouse, and what felt like all of Riverdale would be there. It wasn't Veronica's party but Hermione's, and the latter was doing it on behalf of the company. Hermione was hoping to smooth as many bumps as possible between the town's most influential families before Hiram arrived.

Hermione had allowed Veronica to invite a few friends, but only those who would be able to behave themselves in a more formal environment. Archie was coming along as her date, Kevin was coming alone for obvious reasons, and Betty would be there with Jughead. Jug might not have been born into the best of families, but he was quiet when need be and was less likely to cause a fuss than other guests.

Chief among the troublemakers would be Cheryl Blossom and her horrid mother. Veronica made it her goal for the evening to contain Cheryl as much as possible. There's was no telling what mood she'd be in and what sort of chaos she had planned.

When they were finished dressing, Archie and Veronica stepped out of Ronnie's bedroom and into the main area.

"Andrews men sure know how to clean up," Hermoine said with a grin towards Archie. Fred Andrews would not be in attendance tonight, despite his partnership with Hermione Lodge. A short silence fell, but shortly after, the doorbell rang and Hermione sprang back into hostess mode.

Guests began arriving in waves, and Veronica was pleased to find that she knew most of them by name. She introduced Archie to each one, though most already knew him as a local hero. Betty and Jughead arrived discreetly and immediately found a corner to talk amongst themselves.

A silence fell as the final guests arrived. There were two men and two women. The women were, unfortunately, Cheryl Blossom and her mother. The men, however, were unfamiliar to Veronica, and when she glanced at her mother for clarity, she was met with a blank stare.

"Hi, Ronnie," Cheryl said cheerfully. She was on the young man's arm, and he looked to be a bit older than his companion. "I want you to meet my handsome date, Mr. Jack West."

"It's a pleasure," Veronica said with a grin, but anyone who willingly went on dates with Cheryl Blossom was considered less than pleasurable to meet in her book. "I'm Veronica Lodge, and my handsome date here is Archie Andrews."

Archie and Jack shook hands casually. Cheryl placed her hand on Jack's chest, a gesture of possession. "Jack here is transferring to Riverdale High. He's a senior."

"Welcome to Riverdale," Archie commented sincerely.

Jack smiled earnestly. "Thank you. My father and I just moved into town a few days ago. Cheryl has been such a gracious host to me."

"We've been going everywhere together," Cheryl interrupted. "I figured someone ought to show him the sights."

"Has she taken you to Pop's?" Veronica asked.

"Pop's?"

Cheryl waved her hand dismissively. "It's just an old diner their little group likes to hang out in."

"I like diners."

Cheryl's face lit up instantly. "Which is why we must double date soon! Two stunning redheads, and two tan, dark haired beauties… I think it's a sign we're all meant to be friends."

"So, what brings your family to town?" It was Archie who interrupted this time.

"Well," Jack started slowly. "My dad is in business… and he thinks this town is about to take off. But the Blossoms and the Lodges have both had some… setbacks this year, and we just hope that the West family can help get things back on track."

There was something in Veronica that admired the way Jack West spoke. She'd heard it a million times – the vagueness, the manipulation – but it sounded so honest in his mouth. She caught herself staring at him a few times and not paying attention to the conversation. The impeccable cut of his suit was something to be admired, even if such things weren't as important to her anymore.

Cheryl's made a few flirtatious comments, but Veronica thought they all seemed genuine. Jack's responses were more measured. As if choosing how to answer the Blossom heiress was a tactical decision. After a few minutes longer, Cheryl stole Archie away to introduce him to more of Riverdale's elite.

"She's very energetic," Jack admitted.

"Cheryl's been through a lot lately," Veronica noted. "I don't know if you two are a thing or anything, but just keep that in mind."

"Yes, I heard…" He watched Cheryl talking with her mother across the room. "To be honest, I've been worried about coming to Riverdale. It seems like one of those places no one leaves."

"And you have no intention of sticking around?"

"Not forever. The best colleges aren't exactly nearby, wouldn't you agree?"

Veronica nodded. "Alright, Jack. That's enough of the pleasantries. Why are you here?"

"Excuse me?"

"Businesses don't come to Riverdale to help people. So where do your father's interests lie?"

Jack looked stunned, but his face turned into a smirk. "Miss Lodge, would you like to dance?"

"I'd like you to answer my questions."

"I think you want to dance," he insisted, his hand outstretched.

Veronica took Jack's hand and let him lead her to an open space. They settled into an easy foxtrot, and Veronica couldn't help but notice how easy it was to move with him.

"I'll be honest, I don't know exactly what my father is up to." Jack began. "I think he's hoping that I'll get… close to you or Cheryl. I don't think Cheryl minds, but for you…" He glanced around the room. "I want to come clean now, so that you know anything I say to you is genuine. I want the families of Riverdale to be able to come together as much as my father does, but I want to do it on my own terms."

Veronica's mood lightened a little. "Well, that's noble I suppose. You've got a very Princess Bride thing going for you."

"Funny you should say that. I'm a sabre fencer."

"Too bad Riverdale High doesn't have fencing."

Jack grinned. "And that's why we flew in a private coach for independent study."

Veronica hit him playfully. "Seriously? I miss fencing so much. I only took a couple lessons, but still."

"Perhaps I can arrange for you to join. I need someone to go a few rounds with."

Veronica felt her breath catch at the double meaning. Why? She didn't know anything about this guy. Besides, she was with Archie, right?

"I'm Cheryl would be glad to go along with anything you suggest. Have you asked her?"

"You think I have that sort of power over her?" His eyes flashed mischievously.

"I think you've had that effect over women before."

His face fell. "You of all people should know that we don't have to be the same people here as we were before." Jack paused. "I'd rather be equals with someone."

Veronica nodded approvingly. He knew all the right things to say, but was it genuine? "So you don't think of Cheryl as your equal?"

He laughed, enjoying the renewed banter. "Easy, Lodge. I just meant that she's pretty content to play the part. I don't blame her for wanting some normalcy after what happened. I just hope she finds her own voice away from her mother."

She could hear the disdain in his voice and found herself trying not to laugh. "Are you saying you don't care for Mrs. Blossom?"

"I would never say such a sentiment out loud."

They were both grinning fully, enjoying the evening more than either had imagined.

Archie tapped Jack on the shoulder. "Mind if I cut in?"

Jack stepped away politely and gave Veronica one last look before disappearing back into the crowd.

"Everything okay?" Archie asked.

"Yeah. He's a good guy. I think you'll like him." She kissed his cheek, and Archie gave a sweet peck in return.

At the end of the night, Veronica helped Hermione bid the guests farewell. Cheryl and Jack were among the last to leave.

"Thanks for coming," the younger Lodge said politely. Cheryl leaned in and gave her a too friendly hug before whispering in her ear. "Listen, Veronica. The Blossoms need an ally right now, so stop talking to him. Plus, he's cute, and I could use this."

Veronica was shocked by the remark. It was almost a plea, and a desperate one at that. She nodded almost unnoticeably, and Jack shook her hand one more time.

"It was a pleasure, Miss Lodge."

They were gone, and for a moment, the penthouse was silent.