Chapter #1 Paper Love
"Archie , why are you doing this to me ?"
There's a girl , in a black Saint Laurent dress and her face crumpled in hurt .
"I'm not doing this Veronica , I just need you to tell me"
"Tell you what ?" She demands
"If you love me" He says . Even hearing it makes her throat tremble . But not because Archie said it , no , Archie has said that if not hundreds of times by now . It's because she can't .
"Why is this such a big deal to you know ? You've never stressed it before !"
"Maybe it's not enough anymore"
"What ?" She's not sure she's heard herself right . The music playing isn't that loud , because there's a karaoke machine but no one is singing at the moment . Instead , laughter and calibrated talk is what fills their ears .
"Maybe we need to break up" he says finally . Archie doesn't know why he can't face to look at her , he stares were their feet are inches apart instead .
"Don't do this" she grits her teeth . Veronica Lodge would be damned is she's being broken up with at the Fusion Fiesta party that happens right before school starts , where more people are here than even attend their school . Because this is the combined get - together between the Arts freaks and Academic geeks of Los Angeles Elite . Going back to Raffles Arts Institution in a newly boyfriendless state would be drama for days , but especially when you're Veronica Cecelia Lodge . He cannot be serious .
"I think it's for the best . We've been the same entity for almost four years Veronica but you still can't -" he stops himself , running a hand over his frustrated face ineffectually . Veronica raises a perfectly arched brow , arms crossed . He knows so well she's trying to be strong and haughty but this will break her heart so much he has to be careful what he says .
"I , we need to find who we are without each other . I think it's for the best"
Archie walked away then , his shoulder brushing against hers as he left . She almost didn't want to look , but did anyway . Her person just walked out the door with a completely blank face . He wasn't happy . And for the fifth time so far , they were broken up . Again . But something about this felt very final .
You know she'll drive you crazy , yeah she's coming for ya , no she don't mess around .
no , she don't mess around
"Josie baby ! There you are my girl !" Cheryl Blossom wraps her arms , toned like the rest of her body from hours of pilates and ballet beautiful a week , around the hot bare skin of Josie's waist exposed by her crop top .
"You know I like to be fashionably late , I've just been killing time" she winks back in response .
"Oh MY GOD ! You did not" Their giggles erupted but it was just between them , like most things were . Dangling between the fingers of two very powerful , very entitled Raffles Institution select circle girls .
Cheryl Marjorie Blossom , the hot headed ( and not just because of her fiery red curls ) vixen who more than often likes to play the part of a hothouse flower when she's really tough as nails . Her cheeks are red with the life of tonight's party getting to her , and she works all the eyes on her with that sultry cool glow she can turn on like a switch .
Next to her , bumping to the music is the - oh sorry , cameras flash repeatedly of both girls in their element . "Gorgeous !" An understudy with glasses shouts over the song
That's Josephine Karlsen McCoy , but she's known as Josie McCoy . Call her by her first name , and she just might cut you . Josie's not as pretentious as Cheryl is in fact she stands her own completely without an image . She uses music as the outlet to her emotions , instead of trepidation . She's undoubtedly the most talented singer at Raffles Arts Institution , Billboard Records is already waiting to sign her on their label . It probably helps that the label belongs to her dearest parents the famous Sierra and Miles McCoy - but really , no one would accuse them of nepotism . Her talent is unarguable .
"Woah woah hey you going to sing or what ?"
"I'd rather not make a fool out of myself Reggie"
"Jones , always so self conscious . Live a little would ya ?" A jock with big bulging muscles shoves his self deemed odd ball friend as light as possible . It still sent him off his footing . "Words are my thing , but singing them into a crowd would only sabotage any chance of people hearing the quality of said words . I'm the definition of tone deaf"
Reggie doesn't hear him and walks on the stage mindlessly . The pretty jock isn't one made of a stereotype , he's made it exceptionally clear to everybody when he got on the JV football team . Something about still being a drama kid at heart , the one whom everyone adored for his childish , happy go lucky demeanour . That might be true , but it's gotten hard to believe after Reggie basically gained sixty pounds of muscle and smugness and became part of Jason Blossom and Chuck Clayton's power group .
Jughead Jones makes his way through the tropes of dancing and mingling bodies to find his best friend and partner in crime , Toni Topaz . A lot of the kids here he's seen for now are from Raffles , which means the Costal High Prep student body are either hiding in their introvert closets or just haven't cared to make an appearance yet . "Hey Toni , I missed you all summer" he bent down to hug the girl at a much shorter height , even more so when she's sitting down .
"You're the one who decided to take the trip to Ohio , Jug . I've been in LA this whole time"
Jughead Jones . His hair falls messier , longer than it did the last time Toni saw him . It's all over his forehead already almost covering his blue eyes . Blue eyes . Black hair . The skin all over him that's gotten porcelain pale since not being here for four weeks . But he looks older than he did too - like his eyes had aged a lot since the Ohio trip . Really , from an outsider's perspective , Jughead Jones is just that bad boy that you dream will change all for you . Though he might be a broken soul doom and gloom all around , what makes Jughead special is the fact that he still always dreams for things so sweet and simple . Innocent .
"Didn't go on that Tahiti cruise with Cheryl and The Blossoms then ?"
"Oh boy" Toni shakes out her newly died pink curls with a telling look in his direction "that's a story for another time . Lets go find Fangs and Sweet Pea , wanna play some beer pong ?"
"You on , Topaz" Jughead grins .
Hundreds of people dance now . The club in which the Costal Prep students had rented out is one of the biggest in LA , and it only took someone's parents to make a call and convince the owners that renting this place out to a bunch of minors for a night is a good idea . Really it should have been one of the highlights of every kid here's summer . And it usually was for Veronica , except this time .
"Cheryl ? Cheryl !" Veronica storms as fast as she can in her strapped heels to where Cheryl and Josie are just admiring the view of some shirtless boys dancing in the crowd .
"Little V ! Where's Arch ?" Cheryl coos , patting the spot next to her . Their faces already lit up at Veronica's presence .
When she got close enough , holding it in any longer seemed impossible . They share everything , after all . "I think we just broke up" Veronica reveals . It feels like a bullet just shot through her chest . Cheryl and Josie both looked at each other . Than back to Veronica .
"Well - what are you gonna do ? Do you want us to do something ?" Josie sat up straighter immediately .
"No" Veronica held her hand up at them . "Don't . I just -" tears prickled her eyes . They burned , literally . Everything he said just sunk in very very deep . Cheryl and Josie watched in quiet horror . Is Veronica really about to cry in the middle of this party ?
"Come here" Josie pulled her close , only getting so far as the younger girl pulled back strongly . She sniffed and used the back of her hand to halt the tears but it looked like she just violently hit her own face . Again , the two girls were shocked at her behaviour .
Something about being in front of Cheryl and Josie always made Veronica feel like she had to match up and not disappoint , because she's their little doll in the making to take their place as de fac to queen of Raffles Institution once they graduate . And being in that position for a year has made her more than accustomed to it , so much so that Veronica never even shows her true self to anyone these days . Maybe that's why Archie said they need to find themselves . Maybe he's right . No , no he can't be right .
"I have to go . I need to forget this" she turned her back on them and headed for the same door Archie left in ignoring Cheryl's yell of her name to talk about it together and every familiar face that may or may not notice her leaving . It's only when the cool air of summer hits her face and she's out of the club that Veronica fully breathes again . Her eyes still water and she's definitely disoriented despite not having a single drink yet tonight . She clicked the speed dial that was her driver and soon enough he came up , she opened the door and slammed it shut herself before he could .
The whole way home , Veronica feels lost . She looks out at the familiar buildings and roads and every place brings a memory of them together even this limo for gods sake - but she keeps from crying in case there's any pesky paparazzi outside The Pembrooke .
On the late summer night , August 20th to be exact . Veronica Lodge runs steadily into the confines of the hotel and sticks her card into the Penthouse slot in the elevator immediately . She's fled from one of those teenage version of socialite parties . She wraps her arms around herself , and asks how she's getting her heart broken by the boy who always does good .
(x.x.x.x.)
"Good morning Daddy . I was anticipating your arrival since the Twelfth" Cheryl sat down . Her pale gold robe was loosely tied around the waist , skin glowing beautifully .
"So that's why you went to a party and got raging drunk with your friends last night ? It's disreputable" Clifford Blossom replies . He didn't even put down his utensils or properly swallow his food to talk to her . Penelope scowled . Cheryl froze , and Jason stifled a big laugh .
"That was .. the Fusion Fiesta party daddy . You know how crazy it gets" Cheryl brushed a lock of hair out of her face . "May I have some steel cut oats with raspberries mummy ?"
"My private reporter sent me the photos . Exactly why I expect you not to go to these things Cheryl . But oh well , I know my daughter's the untameable wild child . Jason's much more exemplary"
"I agree" Penelope sips her tea .
"Speaking of , Jason come join me in the study . I have some new proposals I need your opinion on"
"Whatever for Daddy ?" Jason widened his eyes . Cheryl could not help grit her teeth at how obvious the constant favouritism is . If Jason weren't legit the best brother ever , she'd hate him more than imaginable . "You are the owner of the Blossom empire . An apprentice doesn't have any say"
"Ah but this is standard procedure Jason . You're going to make the Blossom empire greater then it is aren't you ? Has to start somewhere"
Jason nodded , standing up and excusing himself from the breakfast table . Clifford wiped his mouth with a cloth napkin , following suit . Both Blossom men left Cheryl and Penelope in a rigid state of stone cold silentness .
"What is it Dad ? Did the Toronto investors call back ? Or the North Carolina ?"
"No son this is much more grave than that" Suddenly his father's voice went lower and he turned to Jason angrily .
"Wh - what ?"
"The Costal High Prep deal . Hiram Lodge is getting into it"
"What ?" Jason asked again . His father's quiet rage had him almost sweating . "He's winning against us you idiot ! Everyone loves him . They're one step closer to handing over the key and then Costal High Prep will be in his hands . What we want he will have . God knows what he even wants to do with the land . But it's ours Jason . Nothing I do seems to be getting the people on my side instead"
"Well - isn't Hiram Lodge a criminal ? You said so didn't you ? People should know that" Jason fisted and stretched his hands repeatedly .
"Yes but that cannot be proven ." Clifford snaps "if we find some - proof that he is corrupt and expose it , it'll only appear as we're just trying to get him down"
"What if we do it anonymously ?" Jason suggests .
"All the investors know I'm trying my best to get the land over him . No one would care enough to expose Hiram except us . Although .." the older Blossom came to a realisation , stopping his frenzied pacing .
"You have an idea ?"
"Jason" Clifford turned around calmly . His son stood with a black face . "Your twin sister has been putting dirt on our hands since she discovered party drugs and bad publicity all but three years ago . The Lodge daughter , Veronica . What's she like ?"
"Pretty much the same" Jason remembers . "I know her well , she's part of Cheryl's squad ."
"Details . Specifications" Clifford sat down on the desk edge .
"She .. likes to surf and shop , she's very bossy and demanding . More so than Cheryl . And she parties vastly more , but everyone knows that . She also has the best grades at Raffles Institution . And everybody likes her , but they're afraid of her . But she's the perfect girl , she has no blood on her hands"
"Well then . The picture perfect daughter Veronica Lodge" Clifford had google searched her , and turned the tab to show Jason a photo of them at a gala with her parents . "Is about to be revealed all her dirty little secrets . Girl like that has much more to her than meets the eye" he grinned evilly . "You are going to dig deeper into her life . Do anything you can , except sleep with her . I forbid anything Lodge being a part of any one of you"
"Dad !"
"But find out what it is her angel face holds . Even the smallest sin just to put off those sure investors"
"But wait ! I can't do this - she is Cheryl's best friend . It'll crush her . And - and she's my friend too I couldn't do that to her ! She hasn't done anything wrong dad"
"Say you can't do something for this business again and I swear to god Jason" he stood up and took a fistful of Jason's shirt in his hand . The material tightened around his back , almost hurting . "I will not drop another penny towards your dream of the Mississippi State Bulldogs . And freeze whatever savings you have , and make sure none of the Blossom inheritance will reach your name. I guess you'll have to start actually working , then Jason" he whispered .
"I'll find something" Jason assures quickly . He breathed a sigh of relief when his father released him .
"Good . What are you doing tonight ?"
"A sleepover . With the boys . Archie is dating Veronica , I'll try to dig and if I can't I'll rethink anything that Veronica's done in the past that could cause suspicion . Okay ?"
"This is your mission son . Get me Costal Prep , and I'll get you into the Bulldogs"
(x.x.x.x)
Thump . Thump . Thump .
The floor makes this sound as Chuck repeatedly bounces a basketball against it . "Drop the basketball Clayton , football season is coming up" Reggie sounds .
"I don't need to worry" Chuck Clayton shifted on his back comfortably , leaning back into the pillows on Archie Andrews' bed . "You juniors do . I'm already on lock down"
"Because you're the coach's son ?" Reggie smirks at him .
"Because I'm just that good"
"Ah guys I don't know why Netflix is crashing" Archie slammed his fist on his MacBook keyboard . "Maybe we'll try in a while more" he took a pillow and tossed it violently , so hard his arm might have twisted and fell his head back on the pillows in a huff .
"Dude , relax . It's Netflix" Reggie didn't take his eyes off the flat inch TV , his thumbs moving on the controller . Archie didn't reply . His eyes were close , like he was tuning them out .
"Lets talk about the real reason Archie's so wound up suddenly" Jason said . "His break up with Veronica"
"What ? How do you know that ?" Archie shot his eyes open .
"Veronica confided in Cheryl . Who told me" he would've said 'everyone knows' but Chuck's confused face looking at Archie would have contradicted that . "And she told Josie . Josie told me" Reggie added in .
"Josie told you huh ?" Chuck raised a brow with a smile . "Anyway , what the hell Andrews ! You broke up with Lolita Lodge ? You two were supposed to be the senior power couple next year !" He scolded
"Don't call her that" Archie glared . "And - I don't really know . This is just us talking right ?"
"Bro , of course" Reggie spared one glance into Archie's eyes meaningfully before focusing his sight back on the game .
"I don't want you all to think she doesn't have any emotional depth , she does . But Veronica's never said I love you . Not once . To anybody"
"Are you serious ?" Jason leaned forward in intrigue . "Why do you think that is ?"
Archie shrugged with a tired sigh . "That's what I can't figure out . I never wanted to pressure her , but after we're coming up on four years I honestly thought she'd trust me enough by now . I know she loves me but - why won't she tell me ? Is it not enough ? Are we not enough ?" He looked to his two older friends for guidance .
"The issue's probably with her . I thought you guys were perfect enough . Then again , I don't really know Veronica personally like you do . Other than the time I went down on her of course" he added , smirking .
"Shit Chuck that's not helping at all" Archie groaned "seriously , can you all stop reminding me of the sexual encounters you've had with my ex girlfriend ?" Veronica and Archie had dated pretty regularly with other people during their breakups , and her being with one of his friends was sorta inevitable . They're the hottest boys in school and the type that Veronica likes , but they've never been weird about it as a group of friends . Just a one off drunk hookup or something - then it was over .
"She's never done anything with me" Jason shrugged .
"Yeah , Archie looks too much like you . It'd be weird" Chuck tosses the basketball at the wall again .
"Don't stress it Archie" Jason says , seeing his friend's morose face . "You two are like soulmates . You'll find your way back to each other . For right now , you need to start Junior year with your head in the game and keep pursuing Veronica like you have since day one . She'll like that"
"Come on man , Imma get you some cheese fries and onion rings for consolation" Chuck hopped up from the bed and patted Archie's back .
"Actually I think I'll come with . The chef's weird about you ordered ten tequila shots that one time" Archie followed along .
"Me too !" Reggie called "I do love my cheese fries"
"And I'll sit here and check Twitter" Jason pulled out his phone , but as soon as the three boys left the room he sat up straighter on the bed and looked around . Okay . What in this room could lead him to a secret of Veronica's , something scandalous ? Probably many of her things are scattered in this room and stuffed in the closet . He worked fast , opening it . Shocked to find there was in fact an entire cupboard of all her clothes and some heels in his shoe lineup . The only scandalous thing there was her barely covering lingerie .
He walked out the closet and sighed , thinking of anything else . Archie didn't keep a journal or diary . He just about gave up when suddenly he saw Archie's laptop . On the bed , opened on the home page . Oh shit . His hard thudded .
Would there be anything in there ? Maybe he has a Google Docs with a bunch of secrets or something . Jason checked back out the door but the long hallway outside Archie's room was still silent as ever . He hurried back to the laptop . This is the one chance .
He clicked through , finding any documents but there was just old schoolwork . He clicked into Photos , and there were many . Archie on family trips , random funny videos , dozens with Veronica . Some were much more intimate than others . Like the one of them with Veronica's head on Archie's chest , she was taking the photo herself in some limo . He almost felt bad for doing this . She is her friend after all , and exposing her would effect Archie for sure .
He clicked through more random photos , until one popped up that made him widen his eyes . Oh shit .
The photo of Veronica wearing a white thong and nothing else was definitely scandalous . She had her chest covered with her arms and she was posing at a side angle , her body arched so her raven hair was hitting the curve of her butt . It looked like it was taken on some tropical island they went on a trip together . He froze for a second , admiring her gorgeous figure and then wondering what to do .
Honestly this looked like one of those photos she'd have deep in her Instagram that's just a little too racy that when you came across you'd be a little shocked . Sure it was provocative but not that bad . Not enough .
Jason bit his lip . He kept going . The next photos were the same , but her top was always covered and it seemed as though Archie had taken all of them . Her playing around , sitting on a tree trunk . this session of photos was too safe . He couldn't do anything .
But the next photos that came up legit had his heart stop . Veronica was laying in what looked like a hotel bed and everything on her top half was bared . Completely . There were only four photos and in all of them everything showed , just in different angles and poses . She clearly took them herself .
Bingo . Jason thought . It even looked bad , her eyes seemed red rimmed like she was high . It was dated from about six months ago . His heart thudded wildly while he sent the photos to his phone . But Jason wasn't some dummy . He sent it to the phone Clifford gave him specifically to contact business partners , so if someone traced back the photos he'd be covered .
Jason couldn't believe he was doing this . As soon as the pictures were sent he backed out of everything and back the homepage . He uploaded each photo , sending it to the school drama Instagram dms . It was run by the low lives who didn't have anything to do than obsess over the other kids , and sending these in anonymously - they put it up almost instantly .
(x.x.x.x)
"Ding dong !" A pitter patter of Flame Louboutins creep up Veronica's ears . She sits completely unmoving , legs over the arm of the chair she's sitting in and groans at hearing that voice .
"You know that annoying pest who keeps texting you until you block their number , then when you finally unblock it they immediately start texting you again ? That's you"
"Sounds like a very dedicated , very loyal friend to me"
Veronica crossed her arms waiting for Cheryl to appear . She could run away and hide , but there's barely any time left so she just braces herself . Cheryl's reaction does not disappoint .
"God help you Little V what is this ?" Her jaw dropped in mortification .
"An I don't want to be bothered in my own personal confines of housing look , what is this ?"
Cheryl grimaced at Veronica's flat hair and silk pyjamas at eleven am . "A getting you an epic comeback after a break up intervention" she took a seat carefully . They were in The Lodges living room , the one that could be overlooked from Veronica's bedroom above . The other two were for show and family gatherings . "After all , your relationship with the ginger judas is about as toxic and riveting as my parents' . All the break ups , the make ups . I know you say make up sex is the best" she winks "but how amazing can one high be to endure all the terrible lows ?"
"Cheryl , don't talk about that" she glared her dead in the eye .
"How could I not ? And I get your hiding after those terrible photos of you got out there - which is the other thing I came to grill you about . Seriously for someone so smart that is a fucking stupid move"
"What ? Photos ?"
Cheryl froze . Her eyes morphed into started brows orbs . "You don't know ?"
"What ? What don't I know ? What photos I have been off social media for a weekend now what photos ?"
"Oh god , V.." Cheryl trailed off sympathetically .
"Cheryl show me NOW!" Veronica stood up in a rage . The red head's face remained emotionless . Blank . She clicked a few things on her phone and turned it to Veronica , who immediately came apart like she fell in boiling water .
"What the fuck?!"
"Veronica where the hell did those photos come from ? I have never seen them"
"Damn straight you haven't because they're private ! They're not even on my phone I deleted them ! Cheryl what was this on ?" Veronica rambled . Her mind felt like a tangled mess .
"Instagram at first . It got taken down of course for nudity . But then .. every website has it . It's practically a viral sensation . Most of the drama sites have it censored but the school kids have it . I had to freaking threaten Dilton Doylee with his life before he got if off our fucking school site"
"Cheryl.." Veronica started to visibly crumble . "Stop . It's bad but it's over . Sure people are shook , but hasn't every celebrity had nudes leaked before ?"
"Cheryl .. the only person I ever sent those photos to .." Veronica trailed off .
"What ? Who ? You sent them to someone ?"
Her voice wavered for a moment . It finally cleared and she couldn't believe she was saying it . "Archie"
"Oh my god !" Cheryl jumped to a stand "I will cut all the precious ginger hair off his head and then cut his head for this Ronnie"
"No . I will deal with him . Please don't take this from me Cheryl , he's completely obliterated a line and screwed me over but this is my battle to fight" she seethed . It's as though the raven haired princess was on a quest for revenge . "For once , do not fight me on this Cheryl" she glared .
Cheryl , immune to Veronica's powers in the daylight just plastered on the perfect smile . "You're completely right . But as your mentor , please take my advice ?"
Veronica's chest was heaving . How in the hell could he do this ? What happens when her parents find out ? They will legit murder her .
"What ?" She snapped . Taking advice from both Cheryl and Josie has helped her get to this position in the school hierarchy , so she accepted it with a pinch of salt .
"This has got to stop . You're a) going to get depressed by suppressing your social butterfly side , b) get cirrhosis with all the alcohol I can smell from your lips sweetie and c) make Archie Andrews think he's officially hurt you"
"You drink just as much alcohol as I do" Veronica deadpans .
"Not quite , we might be the same size more or less but girl your tolerance is that of a six foot seven man"
"Then don't worry about me !"
"Veronica" Cheryl leans in closer so her face is inches from hers , and she's making the face that got Amanda Carson to stick her hand in the toilet to get Cheryl's fallen bracelet in fourth grade . "School is starting . Your Junior year . That means lead roles in plays and co directing with teachers and organising shows and getting elected for captain of the vixens . Do you really wanna sit here and slump or get out there and show people who you're gonna be in the entertainment industry one day ? Or anybody at all ?"
"Okay I admit those things sound nice -"
"Exactly why you need to listen to me . Remember , you've been dying to be a junior since freshman year ?"
Veronica bites her lips and contemplate it . "What do you want me to do ?"
Cheryl's face twisted in a wicked grin . "First off this hiding , it needs to stop"
"I'm not hiding"
"You told the security to not let anyone up to see you"
Veronica rolled her eyes . "Okay what else ?"
"Take this" she reached in her black bag and handed a hangover juice shot to Veronica . It made her shudder remembering the awful taste . "Then get showered , I'll pick the outfit . We're going shopping at Barney's"
Veronica groaned again . "What ? Why ? No ! Why isn't Josie here ?"
Cheryl waved a hand dismissively . "She had a meeting with one of the producers to work on her first album . We're getting outfits . Multiple , and checking every new article of clothing at Hollywood Highland because , this year baby girl" Cheryl tapped Veronica's nose adoringly "you are going to be projecting and rejecting with us"
The red head had gotten what she wanted , already humming while strutting up to Veronica's closet and yelling for Carrie to start running Miss Lodge's bath . Veronica on the other hand , threw herself back in the arm chair seat and cursed herself for being in this position . She seriously wanted to kill Archie .
Hey guys ! New Varchie story on the rise .. tell me what you think of this . It's very AU , not even set in Riverdale . But the characters are pretty similar for the most part . So keep reading and reviewing while I continue writing