Disclaimer: Not mine, just letting them out to play.
Warning: There's sex and well… angst. Be warned. They're out of character, but I think it works.
Changes: nothing can ever stay the same
Part 3: Can't Fight these Feelings
"Hey Betty," Archie called from down the hall before running to catch up with her when she paused, "I was hoping we could talk."
Looking down she adjusted her bag. "I don't know Arch, I kind of have a lot going on right now."
He looked disappointed, and couldn't hide it, at one time that look, so honest, would have made her melt. "Oh, well maybe later?" He started to walk away when he thought of something. "Oh, Ronnie, Jug and me were thinking that it might be time to start up the band again. I still have to talk to Reggie but what do you think? Or, would things be weird? Ron said…"
"No," she rushed, cutting him off, "It wouldn't be too weird. I mean, if Reggie's up for it and you all want too, I guess it would be fun."
He grinned. "Great, I'll talk to you later. And Betty, I'm sorry I couldn't be what you wanted."
She watched him go with a frown before turning towards the door, seeing, leaning casually with a grin, against his locker, Reggie. It had been almost a week since their indiscretion, but she had yet to work up the nerve to talk to him. Sighing, she began walking.
"It was a dirty thing to say to you," he said as she passed.
She stopped and faced him. "He didn't mean it as a bad thing."
"Still," his grin grew, "A pretty shitty thing to say."
She took a step towards him. "He didn't mean to…"
His grin broke her off. "You're not dating him anymore. You don't have to defend him. Hell even Veronica, his REAL girlfriend, doesn't defend him as constantly as you do."
"Why are you being so mean?"
"Because I'm a jerk." He moved closer to her.
Rolling her eyes her breath hitched. "No you aren't. You just don't want anyone to know any different." She smiled, their eyes meeting. "I know you better than that."
"You know me naked," he clarified, "there's a difference."
He started to walk away.
Closing her eyes she swore under her breath. "Hey," she waited until he turned, glad that he stopped, "I'm sorry. For being distant, and for not being able to talk to you."
Grinning he winked. "Now, that wasn't so hard was it? Not awkward at all. I'll see you tomorrow." He bowed and left.
She frowned. "Jerk."
"Hey Betty, thank your dad for letting us practice here while he's away."
Betty smiled at Archie as she helped Veronica put her keyboard away. "It's really not a problem. The car is away for the week so the garage is empty. Its once he and mom get back that you'll have to find someplace else."
"Where did they go?"
"Cuba. Polly Chick and me chipped in and got them a second honeymoon."
Veronica smiled. "I'm sure they love it. How does it feel having the house to yourself?"
"Weird, but nice."
"Well, Mother and Father still agree with me that it would be wonderful to have you stay with us."
"I may take you up on that later, but for now, its nice having a little bit of peace."
Archie came up behind Veronica and kissed her cheek. "Ready?"
She nodded. "Sure. Archie is taking me out to diner. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Hey Jug, want a ride?"
"Sure, later Bets, Reggie."
"Bye Juggie." She watched them leave before looking at Reggie who was just finishing putting his guitar away. Despite his earlier tricking, it still felt weird to be alone with him.
She looked around, hands dug deep in her pockets. She smiled. "They looked happy, didn't they?"
Wanting to be near her, he stepped closer. "What about you?"
She turned so that she was facing him fully, and, looking him over, she shrugged. "I'll live."
"Do you wish that it was you that he kissed?" He moved so that he was close enough to hear her breathing, reaching over and touching her cheek, where Archie's kiss had been upon Veronica.
Her eyes closed, and she leaned into his touch, breathing in his scent. "Part of me does." She looked up at him. "Reg, why so many questions?"
"Curious." He ran his hand down her neck and back up her face before tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Can I ask you one more?"
She swallowed, her eyes on his face, his lips. She never dreamed that she would feel this for Reggie Mantle; she couldn't remember her stomach tightening so much, not even from a kiss from Archie, when she could have sworn her love was everlasting. "What?"
"Can I kiss you?"
She smiled as faint memories told her that this was what she had asked of him. "Is it only a kiss you want?" She asked even as his lips fell upon hers.
His kiss burned, sending shivers up and down her spine, leaving her clinging to him, needing to hold onto him in order to not fall.
He pulled away, needing a breath, a cocky smile on his face, "Never."
Grinning she pulled his lips back to hers, with a need that surprised even herself, holding him closer when he lifted her off the ground, her legs instinctively wrapping themselves around his waist.
He leaned her against a wall, his hands moving over her clothed body, pleased and excited that she was responding with as much need as he was, as much as she had the first night. And without the backing of alcohol he almost let himself believe that she truly did want, if not need, him too.
They lay together without shame, their bodies mingled, her bedding in wrinkles around them. He kissed her forehead, noticing the smile she wore. "What?"
"Oh, I'm still getting over the fact that I, Betty Cooper, had sex with Reggie Mantle."
"Multiple times. In the same day."
"Cocky bastard."
He laughed. "Hey now, I can't help that I'm just that good."
"I guess it helps that you're a man whore."
He frowned. "Hey now, that's hitting below the belt. Besides, I didn't hear you complaining an hour ago."
She shrugged. "I'm sure I could find better." She made a move to leave, "Just let me check my address book…"
"Oh no you don't." Pulling her back beside him he kissed her.
Clearing her throat she blushed. "So Reggie, it seems that despite myself I keep ending up in bed with you."
"Is that a bad thing?"
She frowned. "Actually, I was kind of hoping you could tell me."
"Tell you what?"
"What's going on here?"
"Besides two people basking in great sex?" She nodded. "I don't know."
"Wow, that was profound. I don't understand how you're not acing English."
"Look, I never imagined that I'd ever have you in my bed. And now, here I find myself in yours. I don't know what's happening." He smirked. "Not that I wouldn't mind it happening again."
She grinned before again blushing. "Man, Midge was right, you are turning me into a sex fiend." She started to giggle before he cut her off with a kiss. "Not that I'm complaining." She said before he rolled on his back, taking her with him, both wanting more.
Okay, so I cant seem to get them out of the bedroom. Look for more of the same next Chap.
