Chapter 10: Halloween Party!
* Aria's POV*
It was only a week before Halloween and I was in a small panic. I had yet to find a costume for Veronica's Halloween party. Thank goodness it was on a Friday. I wanted to be unique but that was difficult. I loved Halloween to no end but I always try to do something out there. I also don't like repeating my costumes and I've already done that enough times. I'm not going as a fairy or a princess because my mom would dress me in that a lot. Zombies and ghosts were out of touch for me, Vampires are over rated and yeah no werewolf yet. I know that at my age 'Sexy' costumes were in but not for me nor this small town. It was Monday and I was waiting outside of the school for Archie to take me to the mall.
"The one day I forget my skates." I mumbled as I saw him exiting the school with Veronica clinging on to him as he walked out.
"What the?" I questioned as he got closer to me.
"Archie? Aren't you going to take me to the mall still? I'm still looking for a costume and the mall is the last place to check." I reminded him as he then paled a bit before smacking his head.
"Oh! I'm sorry Aria I can't today. I got a project to do with Ronnie." He said as I got upset.
Lately he's been pushing me off after our werewolf mystery. Yes I did heal and I got my stitches taken out early, aka yesterday, but he's been a bit bummed about the lack of mysteries and pushing me away like he has has been making me mad.
"Archie you promised!" I started yelling.
"I'm sorry Aria. I can take you tomorrow-" He started before I cut him off.
"FORGET IT! I'LL WALK!" I screamed as I stormed off away from him and Ronnie and ignored his calls.
*Some nerve he has! He pushed me away over the weekend and is now pushing me away again! He promised!* I thought in anger as I noticed Geoff heading my way and waving to me.
"Hey Aria!" He said as he saw my anger.
"Hi Geoff." I mumbled still angered by Archie.
"Did you and Archie get into a fight? I saw you two talking before you screamed at him." He told me as I sighed.
"He's been pushing me away ever since the werewolf mystery and to top it off he promised to take me to the mall to hunt for a good costume and he blew me off for Veronica. I just don't get it. He promised." I said as I started calming down a bit.
"Whoa dudette. That's rough. Do you need a ride? The guys and I were heading down to the mall to look for group costumes anyways. Would you like to join us? It's no bother and the mall is pretty far. We could help you to if you'd like." He said as I perked up at that.
"Yeah! Sure if you guys don't mind. It would help a lot." I replied with a smile as Geoff and I walked to the others.
"No worries. We never mind having you around." He said as we approached the others.
"Hey guys. Aria's gonna join us to the mall since her ride ditched her ok?" He said as I heard a bunch of yups and yeahs and saw them nodding as we headed out to the parking pulled me to his Jeep while the others hopped in there cars and we were off to the mall.
"Sorry that I dragged you to my Jeep but since I offered I wanted to be the one to take you." He told me as I smiled at him.
"Thats ok. Would've been nicer to say so then pull me but I understand." I told him as he mumbled a sorry through his chuckles. We soon made it to the mall and I was happy about that. We huddled into a group and began at the 1st costume store we saw.
"So….What kind of group costume are you guys looking for?" I questioned.
"Well we were thinking cowboys or sports team or something along those lines." Tyler piped up from near a rack.
"Yeah. Something from a movie as a group could work to." Jimmy hollered from the shoes.
"Oh I get it." I told them as I continued looking around.
"Maybe you would like to join us?" Ronin asked as I thought about it.
"Maybe. Lets see what we can come up with 1st." I said as we continued to look around. After a while we decided to head to another store. Then another. Then another. We hit a fourth one and found a lot more costumes. Apparently they were overstocked and lacked in a few customers so this helped us a lot.
"So whats this about a ride ditching you?" Jimmy asked as he randomly appeared next to me making me jump slightly and glare at him.
"Don't do that! Scare the grey hairs in. * Sigh*. Archie promised to take me here but he decided to be with Veronica today and brake his promise towards me." I told him after I scolded him for scaring me.
"That's not right. Did he say why?" He asked me.
"He said they had a project to do together but I know Archie could've waited until tonight or tomorrow. He's using it as an excuse to have an early date with her." I explained as I picked up a witch hat and examined it before putting it back.
"That's not right at all. If he made a promise then he should keep it." Jimmy told me as I nodded.
"Exactly." I added as we continued looking.
"Hey! Maybe we can do something from Batman!" I heard Tyrone say as we then saw some batman costumes.
"Sweet!" I nearly shouted as I grabbed Jimmy and pulled him towards the rack. There were villain costumes like Penguin, Two face with make up set, Scarecrow, Riddler, Joker, and Killer Croc for the male villains and I saw a Poison Ivy costume to complete it all.
"Perfect! I can be Poison Ivy! I already have the red hair. I can also help with the make up effects." I said as I pulled the costume off the rack and saw the one piece green corset with green fishnet leggings. I looked over at the shoes and saw the green ankle boots and went into the dressing room. I walked out in the costume and the boys were staring at me in shock and awe.
"Need help deciding who should be who?" I asked as they continued to stare at me with open mouths.
"You guys act like you've never seen a Poison Ivy cosplayer before." I said as Geoff was the 1st to snap out of it.
"You look incredible." He said as I smiled. I decided to Help them with costumes. Tyrone was bulky with muscles so he was going to be Killer Croc. Jimmy had an extra sly grin so I thought he would make an awesome Riddler. I already decided Ronin would be a perfect Penguin. I convinced Collins to be Joker while I convinced Tyler to be Scarecrow. That left Geoff as Two Face. They tried on the costumes and they fit perfectly so we purchased the costumes and I thought it would be a good idea to go to the arts and crafts store to pick up a few extra props like fake Ivy leaves and a hot glue gun for my costume. The guys wanted extras done as well so I picked up a few extra things to improve there costumes.
"Thanks for taking me with you guys. I really needed this." I said to them.
"It's no problem at all Aria. Your always welcome with us. All you have to do is ask." Ronin said with a smile.
"Yeah! Your super cool!" Geoff added as I smiled and lightly blushed.
"Idea! How about we go back to my place for snacks while we work on our homework and costumes." Tyler piped up as I smiled at them.
"Well actually I should get home but I can spruce up your costumes a bit while you guys do your homework. Besides I'm already done with most of this week's homework anyways." I told them as they gawked at me.
"Wait! Your just about done with this weeks homework? For all your classes?" Collins asked in complete shock.
"Well except French class but that shouldn't be much of a problem." I said as I looked at the shocked boys.
"What?" I asked them. Was it bad that I got my homework done early to have more free time?
"Dudette. That's awesome! You must be super smart. Well I mean I know your super smart with the mathematics you told me about but never thought smart as Dilton." Geoff confessed as I shrugged my shoulders.
"I figured I'd have more free time if I finished early." I confessed.
"Are you sure you don't wanna come over?" Tyler asked me again.
"I'm sure. Maybe tomorrow? I can help you boys with your homework plus I still need to work on an art project. Maybe I can find something to inspire me." I noted.
"Of course! We can work on our art projects tomorrow. We can help." Tyler jumped in for the others. I smiled and agreed. Geoff was nice enough to take me home. I waved goodbye as I walked into the house. I went into the living room and saw Veronica on Archie's lap, twirling her fingers through his hair, and flirting with him.
"Project huh? What's the project? Mouth to mouth?" I asked bitterly as Archie suddenly flew up, dropped Veronica off his lap, and spun to look at me.
"Aria. Where-" He started but I cut him off.
"I'm fine Archie. Geoff and the guys were kind enough to bring me to the mall and helped me find a costume. I have plans for tomorrow as well so no need to worry. You can continue this lesson with Betty tomorrow too." I scolded as I went up to my room.
"Aria wait!" Archie hollered.
"What? Betty?" I heard Veronica screech as I closed my bedroom door. I put the costumes and props on my bed as I took my shoes off and put my head phones on to listen to 'Sad But True' By Metallica as I got started. I decided to start improving the cheap, stupid looking Riddler cane by using paper machete and black, green, purple, and gold spray paint. I made the cane black and purple with green and gold glitter and made a Styrofoam and machete question mark glued to the top of the cane that was black and gold with green glitter on it. That was harder said then done. I also improved the bolo hat and tie to go with the tux. For the two face one I improved the wig to make it look better along with making a better version of the coin. I took some fabric and made a new vest and tie for the suit as well as added new cuff buttons onto it. The Killer Croc one I added a few rips to the pants, got rid of the ripped top, and added a wire bent, move able, realistic tail to go with it. I even found some fake teeth that wouldn't hurt him at all. I didn't have to do much with the Joker costume except redo a hat I bought to go with it. It was kind of like a fedora but not really. I even added a thin red feather for touch and added a few joker cards to the pockets of the suit. The Penguin costume just needed a better top hat, better umbrella, which I added a small penguin logo on it and a penguin head on the handle, and a monocle. The Scarecrow costume was the hardest one of all. I completely redid the whole thing. I added more rips and patches, added rope as well, make a whole knew mast to make it scarier, added a hat, used less straw, and even added a gas mask to be effectively scary. With my costume I just added vines, leaves, and fingerless gloves to my costume. I even added a couple flowers here and there to make a better plant effect. I pulled all the make up aside and put all the costumes in plastic bag hangers and neatly hung then in my closet for the night (Side note: It took me all week. This was just a prep of what I started and got done the day before Halloween.). I yawned and stretched as I turned off my tunes, got into pajamas, and slipped into bed.
*Next day.*
I only got four hours of sleep so I was pretty tired all day. I even lagged behind in gym class. I was glad when the day was over. I asked Geoff if it was ok if he could give me a ride to Jimmy's and then back home. He agreed. We were at Jimmy's house right now eating junk food and doing some work while listening to some tunes. I decided to use my large canvas as I looked at the boys and thought of what to draw. I saw the way the boys were posed, two on there stomachs, one sitting on a chair in the corner with a canvas, two on the couch, one also had a small canvas, and one leaning just right against the door frame with a small canvas as well. I saw the scene with the shadows and smiled. I got to work drawing the boys as best as I could, hoping they wouldn't move much, and tried to time things just right like when Tyrone threw popcorn at Geoff while they were on the floor, or while Tyler was leaning against the door frame captured the shadows against that sly smile of his. It was almost 8 o'clock now and I was tired. I started falling asleep when Geoff came up to me and said it was time to go home. I covered up my art work and got ready to leave, saying goodbye to everyone, and let Geoff take me home. I thanked him and said goodbye as I went into the house. I saw Betty curling up with Archie. All I did was scoff, catching there attention, and walked off.
*Friday AKA Halloween*
We got to leave school early and thank goodness we could. Archie has been trying to talk to me all week and I decided to ignore him. He had Jughead talk to me and I explained how Archie pushed me away and that if I wanted that then I would rather be home. Jughead understood and would talk to Archie for me during school hours. I waited for Archie by his car. Jimmy said he had the guys carpool so we could get ready at Archie's place instead of lugging costumes around and waste more gas. I saw Archie approach me, alone, with a worried look on his face. He got in front of me as I tapped my foot.
"Well?" I questioned with very little attitude towards him. He sighed and looked at me with sad eyes.
"Aria I'm sorry. I had no idea I was hurting you that much. I just didn't want you to get hurt anymore being around me and I thought you would've been fine with your new friends. Guess I forgot how much I was ignoring you. I didn't mean to push you off on Monday either. Your right. I should keep my promises." He said in hopes I'd forgive him. I just looked at him.
"Aria. Please. I'm sorry. Forgive me?" He asked as he gave me those pleading eyes.
"Uhg donuts. Alright. Just enough of that look and the grovelling. I'll forgive you as long as we go top Pop's and maybe a movie on Sunday." I told him with a small smile as he smiled widely and hugged me tightly.
"I promise. I'll make time for you." He said as I hugged him back.
"You better or you'll wake up to all your clothes in the tree." I told him as he chuckled. I wonder if I should tell him I'm serious or let him think it's a joke. I'll let him think it's a joke for now. We got in the car and headed to the house.
"So you never told me what your costume was." I said as we continued on our way home.
"Oh right. Well I'm going as a knight to impress Betty and Veronica." He said as I laughed.
"Seriously?" I questioned him.
"Yeah." He said. I just laughed.
"Oh yeah? What are you going to be?" He asked me as I smiled at him.
"The guys and I are going as Batman Villains. I'm Poison Ivy." I told him as he looked at me.
"Really?" He asked me.
"Well thats what happens when you go last minute." I told him. He nodded as we pulled up to the house.
"By the way Jughead is coming over." He mentioned as I beamed up.
"Cool. The guys are coming over too so I can help with there costumes and make up effects." I added in.
"Really? Do they really need help?" He asked me as I glared at him.
"Yes! I've made improvements to all the costumes and the make up will definitely take a while as well. Don't judge me! You know I love Halloween and take it seriously!" I told him as I slightly pouted at the end while he laughed.
"Trust me. I know." He said as we went inside. I ran upstairs three times to grab everything as I set up in the living room.
"Really Aria? In here?" Archie asked as I shrugged.
"My room's too small and I thought you didn't want boys in there?" I questioned as he glared at me.
"I don't!" He said with his fists on his hips.
"Exactly. Plus your room is bigger so you and Jughead will be fine." I said to him. Before he could say anything else the doorbell rang.
"Oh fine." Archie said as he went to answer the door. I smiled as I displayed the make up sets and the mini mirrors to help. I heard footsteps just as I finished. I turned to see Jughead and the guys.
"Hey Aria. Found these guys outside looking for ya." He said casually as I went up and lightly hugged him. I failed to notice the guys mixed looks. I pulled away and smiled at him.
"What's your costume Jughead?" I asked as he shook his head and tutted.
"Thats a surprise." He said as I giggled.
"Hey guys. Your costumes are over here." I said as I led them to my temporary studio. I turned back to Jughead and Archie and smiled at them.
"Let me know if you two need help as well." I said as I went to my costume.
"Will do." I heard Jughead say as they went up to Archie's room. It took a long while but I helped them get into there costumes and mostly helped with the make up effects. What can I say? I work fast when need be. After I finished I got myself ready. Once we were ready we snapped a few pictures to save the moment.
"Wow Aria! You look great! And you did well with them." I heard Jughead say as I turned and looked at him before I giggled at him. He was dressed as a lion.
"Say can you do some make up on me to? To make me look real?" I heard him ask as I nodded.
"Sure. Can you just get a few with us together first?" I asked him.
"Sure. No problem." He said with a nod and smile as I tossed him the camera. After a few pics I did a light amount of make up on Jughead and made him look a little like the cowardly lion from the wizard of oz except more ferocious.
"Hey Jughead what's taking so-WHOA!" We heard as we all looked at Archie, frozen, staring at us and looking a tad freaked for a bit before he regained his composure.
"Wow Aria. You've gotten better. I thought they were the real deal." He complemented my work as I giggled again.
"I just finished Jughead too." I said as I spun him around to look at Archie.
"Wow! I'm impressed." He said as Jughead looked in the mirror before he lightly yelped and jumped back.
"Is that me?" He turned and asked me as I nodded yes at him. We hurried to the cars and made our way to Veronica's mansion. I'd never been there before so it was huge and impressive for me. We knocked on the door and an elderly, pudgy, balding man answered the door.
"Yes?" He asked.
"Hi Smithers."Archie said to him.
"Veronica is expecting all of you." He said as we went inside.
"Hello. I'm Aria." I said politely as I looked at the man dressed as a royal guard like in Aladdin.
"I'm Smithers, Veronica's servant. Please let me know if you need anything." He said as I lightly smiled at him.
"I'll try not to." I said as I got dragged to the party.I looked around the large, overly decorated, party room filled with snacks, punch, balloons, streamers, people in costumes and such and was thoroughly impressed. There was even a game area and it looked like you could win things like tiny teddy bears and Halloween props. That impressed me more. Then again, Veronica was rich, so this was nothing.
"Archie! Aria Jughead!" We heard Betty's voice as we looked over and saw her make her way over to us. She was dressed as a princess, more specifically, Princess Cinderella (Animated one.) in the blue gown with glass looking plastic slippers.
"Wow! Betty! You look gorgeous!" Archie said as I stopped myself from rolling my eyes.
"Archie you look so handsome as a knight." She said as she awed at him before seeing us.
"Wow! Jughead you look like a real lion!" She awed at him.
"Thanks. Aria did the make up." He said as she then got a glimpse of my costume.
"Wow Aria." She said before she saw the boys in there costumes.
"Amazing." She added.
"Yeah! Aria fixed them up over the week. She's amazing." Jimmy said as I blushed lightly.
"Jimmy." I mumbled out of embarrassment as Betty looked at me.
"Is that why you've been tired? Either way these look amazing." She complimented.
"Thank you." I mumbled.
"Oh Archie-kins." We heard Veronica say as she then popped out of nowhere and clung on to Archie. I looked at her costume. She was dressed as Princess Jasmine and even did the hair in her style.
"Wow Ronnie. You look amazing!" He said as I tried even harder not to roll my eyes.
"I know. Hmm. Your not in the costume I expected but a Knight does suit you best. I'll take it." She said as she examined him before clinging on to him again.
"Hey. He's my date Veronica." Betty said as she clung onto Archie's other arm. Soon it turned into tug of war as I snuck away from the group and went to the snack table to eat something. I was hungry after all. I was filling my plate up when I heard snarling from behind me. I turned my head and saw a werewolf behind me. I grew in shock, thinking back to the incident that happened a few weeks ago, and shrieked as I dropped my food and punched the side of it's head really hard. I heard a familiar scream as it fell on the floor. I was trying not to tear up from the fright.
"Aria!" I heard as I saw Tyrone pick up the werewolf and Ronin pull off the mask to reveal Reggie. I was slightly hyperventilating, even after seeing Reggie, as I glared at him in anger.
"Reggie Mantle! You scared me half to death. Didn't you remember the werewolf attack?" I nearly screamed at him.
"Whoa Aria! Calm down. I didn't know it was you. By the way you, Doll Face, look super hot in that!" He said at first defending himself before completely flirting with me.
"Her name is Aria, NOT Doll Face." Tyrone snarled as Reggie looked at him and then freaked out.
"Wah!" He wailed as he then started running in mid air, from Tyrone's grip, before he was released and ran off somewhere.
"Are you alright Aria?" Ronin asked as I nodded.
"Yeah. I'm ok." I said as I bent down and started cleaning up the food I dropped.
"Aria. You ok?" I heard Archie before Veronica spoke.
"You don't have to get that. Smithers. Clean this up please." I looked and saw Smithers starting to clean as I helped him. Guess that shocked him a bit.
"I'm sorry Smithers. I got scared." I told him as he smiled at me softly.
"Thats quite alright Miss Aria." He replied as the mess was soon cleaned up.
"Reggie can be a jerk." I heard Betty say.
"He said he didn't know it was Aria." Tyrone stated as I got up just for Jughead to hug me. I oofed and was a bit shocked at that to be honest.
"Aria are you ok? I heard you shriek and saw Reggie run off in that werewolf costume." He said as I muffled out that I was ok. Jughead let go of me and looked at Archie.
"I thought you were going to tell her that Reggie always dresses as a werewolf for Halloween every year for the last five years if you count this one." Jughead said towards Archie as I glared ice at him.
"What?" I muttered darkly. I guess my glare and dark voice scared everyone around me as I heard Archie chuckle before making up some dimwitted excuse and led Betty and Veronica to the dance floor. I just shook my head as I grabbed a new plate and started filling it again.
"Man. And I thought I was scary." I heard Tyrone say as I chuckled a bit.
"Yeah my temper is a force to be reckoned with." I said as I finished filling my plate and began eating.
"Want us to wait for you?" I heard Ronin ask as I shook my head no.
"You boys go ahead. I'll meet you guys around the room later when I finish." I said as Ronin and Tyrone nodded before leaving. I looked and saw Jughead next to me, plate full of food, as he began eating.
"Mind if I join?" He asked as I shook my head no.
"Go ahead." I said before biting into my cupcake. Jughead and I ate and talked a bit.
"So. *Munch* How long have you done costumes and make up?" He asked me as he devoured a cupcake in two bites before starting another.
"I've been improving costumes since I was nine and make up effects since I was thirteen. I might not sew well but I can do quick fixes and improvements. Can't make outfits yet but I'm learning." I said as I finished the last of my food before throwing my plate away in the trashcan we were near.
"Cool." Jughead said. Before we could finish the conversation someone came up to us. It was a girl dressed up as Dorothy from the wizard of oz. I recognized that hight and teeth anywhere. Big Ethel.
"Hey Aria. Love the costume. Hey Juggy." She said in a flirtatious way towards him as I froze. Juggy? Were they dating? Did she have a crush on him? Did he have one on her? Many thoughts ran through my head as I heard Jughead speak.
"Don't call me that." I looked at them. It was obvious from his facial expression that she liked him but he didn't like her like that.
"Aw you look so cute as a lion. How about you gain your courage and dance with me?" She asked as he shook his head.
"How about I stay cowardly and run." He said before he bolted with Big Ethel following close behind him.
*So she likes him but he doesn't like her like that? What a relief. Wait? Relief? Why? I'm not dating him? I don't even think he likes me like that. Do I like him like that?* I thought to myself. Before I can think about it I heard someone behind me.
"Well I'll be super Immaculate. Aria? Is that you?" I heard Dilton ask as I turned to look at him and smiled. He was dressed as a scientist. More specifically Albert Einstein.
"Hey Dilton. Or should I say Einstein." I said in a teasing way as I saw him looking me up and down. I looked at him, smile slightly fading, and blushed a soft pink.
*Why is he staring at me like that? I know I'm not the only girl dressed in a slightly sexual way.* I thought as I remembered Veronica's costume and remembered a few other girls dressed as sexy cats or cheerleaders or witches.
"You look amazing. Your hair is perfect for Poison Ivy. I even like the ivy's and small flowers on you." He complimented, snapping out of the daze, as I blushed a bit harder.
"Th-thanks." I stuttered lightly. Why did I stutter? Did I like him? But Jughead? I mentally shook my head as I continued to talk to Dilton.
"I didn't have a lot of time to pick a costume out so Geoff, Tyrone, Jimmy, Tyler, Ronin, Collins and I went in a group as Batman villains." I explained as I fully turned to him to talk to him better.
"Well I like it." He said as I giggled.
"Yeah. I improved the costumes and even did the make up. I even did Jughead's." I said as Dilton looked at me in shock.
"Made improvements? And the make up? Amazing." He said as I blushed lightly again. I then heard 'Monster Mash' start to play as I smiled at Dilton.
"Come dance with me." I said as I grabbed him and pulled him to the dance floor as the song was playing. I began dancing to it (Like in the Just Dance game.) While Dilton just stood there.
"Aria. I don't-" He started but I grabbed his hands and got him to start dancing.
"Just follow my moves." I told him as I let go of him and showed him how to dance to this song. He was slowly starting to get the hang of it and we were soon dancing and smiling together. Once the song ended I saw him smiling.
"I never danced to that song before." He said as I smiled at him.
"Fun wasn't it?" I asked as he smiled.
"Yes it was." He replied as another song came on and we began dancing again. Dilton was a funny dancer and I giggled at it. He told me in the middle of dancing that he couldn't dance and I giggled and told him that what he was doing was a form of dancing. He chuckled and we danced to another song. In the middle of it Jughead came over.
"Mind if I join?" He asked as I smiled at him.
"Not at all." I said as the three of us were doing the twist to 'Twist and Shout' By The Beatles. We were smiling and enjoying ourselves.
*3rd POV*
Jughead had finally gotten away from Big Ethel. He missed 'Monster Mash' because of that and he really liked that song. He looked over and a song came on he saw Aria and Dilton dancing together. They were smiling and laughing a bit and this made Jughead feel weird. Normally he wouldn't care but Aria was dancing with another guy and Jughead didn't like that all too much. Even if it was Dilton.
*Ever since she came here I've felt different around her. I even let her put make up on me. After that werewolf attack I've felt something. I even share my food with her. What's wrong with me?* He thought to himself. Once he heard 'Twist and Shout' by The Beatles he let the small jealousy get to him as he got right next to Aria, opposite side of Dilton, and caught her attention.
"Mind if I join?" Jughead asked as Aria smiled at him.
"Not at all." She replied as the three were doing the twist and enjoying themselves. Dilton and Jughead had a single thought through their heads.
*Aria is fun to be around. I like her a lot.* as they caught eyes with each other. You would swear there was a small lightning bolt between them as if to challenge one another to a fight but was soon ignored and replaced with smiles towards Aria when the song ended and 'Thriller' by Micheal Jackson came on.
"I love this song!" Aria exclaimed as she showed Dilton and Jughead how to dance to it. They had been watched by Archie, who was still with Betty and Veronica, as the girls talked about who was a better princess. They soon saw Archie wasn't paying attention and saw him look at his cousin having a good time and teaching Dilton and Jughead how to dance to 'Thriller'.
"Wow. She got Dilton and Jughead to dance." Betty said with surprise in her voice and a smile on her voice.
"I've never seen Dilton dance before. And Jughead usually eats at these parties." Veronica added in as Archie smiled.
"Yeah. She can bring the good out in people. It's incredible how Jughead has grown attached to her. Also nice to see that Dilton's not being taken advantaged of." He pointed out as another thought crossed his mind suddenly. Do Dilton and Jughead have crushes on her? And if so do they realize it? And does Aria? He tried to think back to the moment she arrived to now but it was cut short when Betty and Veronica pulled him out to dance as well. Archie decided not to think about it for now.
They weren't the only ones who saw this event. Geoff had seen this as well when 3 girls, dressed as cats, complimented his costume. He mentioned Aria and her work as the four saw her dancing. Geoff wished it was him out there with her but he saw how happy she was. She saw Jughead every so often and Dilton mostly in class so he liked the fact that she tried to spent time with everyone. He decided that after the song he would ask her to dance with him.
Unfortunately he wasn't the only one who thought that. Ronin was smiling in the corner of the room just watching Aria dance. Jimmy had been showing off when he saw Aria dancing and wondered about asking her to dance with him as well. Tyrone and Tyler were bobbing for apples, trying not to ruin Aria's work, and when they stopped they saw Aria smiling and dancing. They smiled because she was smiling and having fun. Lastly Collins had finished eating as he watched Aria with a smile on his face but a glint in his eyes. He had been watching from the moment she pulled Dilton onto the dance floor and even when Jughead joined in. He was determined to get her to notice him more so tonight.
Over by another set of games Reggie glared at Jughead and Dilton dancing with Aria. He wanted Aria to himself. Then Again he also wanted Betty and Veronica but still. He really had no idea that the Poison Ivy girl was really Aria. If he'd known that he wouldn't have scared her. He truly felt sorry for that. He might have been a jerk, especially to Archie, but after she saved him in the jail from the beast he did change slightly. He didn't want to scare Aria with the wolf costume at all. He understood that fear and didn't like the fear he saw in her eyes when she saw him like that. It bothered him to no end. Even if she did punch him, which he admitted to himself that as harsh as it was, he deserved it. He hated the fact that he let that bulky jock, Tyrone, scare him. He later found out who it was and also found out Aria did the make up of all the boys, including Jughead, and redid all the costumes. He watched her dance as he thought of something. Maybe, just maybe, he could win her a prize as an apology. Maybe he could be less him and talk to her.
*What does she see in Jughead and Dilton anyways? Jughead's weird and Dilton's a nerd.* Was all he thought as he made his way up to her. He was going to get her attention and apologize whether she liked it or not. He was determined.
*Aria's POV*
'Thriller' ended and I smiled at Dilton and Jughead.
"That was fun!" I said with a smile. Before anything else could happen I felt myself get pulled away. I looked and saw Dilton and Jughead looking for me as I looked at who was pulling me away.
*Reggie?* I thought as he pulled me into the kitchen to be alone. Once there he stopped pulling me and spun me around to look at him.
"Listen to me before you walk away." He said as I glared at him.
"What do you want?" I asked bitterly as I saw his mask was off of him.
"Doll-I mean Aria." He started off taking me in for a lop. He just corrected himself and called me Aria. Except for the werewolf scare he never calls me Aria. I looked at him to see small sadness in his eyes.
"I'm sorry I scared you. I really had no idea that was you. I was going to have the mask off when I approached you so you wouldn't scream. Even though it was harsh I deserved to get punched. I wanted to pull you aside and tell you I'm sorry. I didn't want some one to interrupt us. Can I show you how sorry I am? I never properly thanked you for helping me out as well. Can I win you a prize?" He confessed and asked me. Ok! Now I'm shocked. Reggie corrected himself and called me Aria, He apologized, he wanted to properly thank me and say sorry away from people and even got me alone to say so, admitted to deserving the punch I gave him AND wants to win me a prize to thank me and say sorry? Other than pulling me away from people rudely this was different for Reggie.
*Am I in the Twilight Zone or something? Seriously? Did dancing to Thriller open up a portal that sucked me into a parallel universe to where Reggie is nice?* I thought as he waited patiently for my answer. I just sighed and folded one arm around me while I used the opposite elbow to rest on my hand so it prop up my arm to use my hand to hold my head as I shook my head lightly.
"Reggie. I'm sorry I punched you but I did that out of reflex to be honest." I sighed again as now both arms are folded in front of me as I looked at him.
"I guess I could forgive you. And I accept the thank you as well. You don't have to win me anything but it was nice to hear you say sorry at least." I said as he then smiled brightly.
"I'm glad you forgive me. I'll win you a prize from one of the games Ronnie set up. I'll even let you pick it out." He said in determination.
"Reggie you don't-" I started but he then grabbed my hand.
"No talking out of it Doll Face." He said with a smile and pulled me out of the kitchen to the games as I had a thin line across my lips and slightly furrowed brows. He went back to the nickname and his old self like that. He had pulled me past Collins and Jughead as he brought me over to one of the games with different prizes. I tried to tell Reggie he didn't have to but he didn't listen. He played the game and won a chance at the prizes as he brought me over to the stuff.
"Alright Doll Face. Pick whichever one you want." He told me.
"Reggie please stop calling me that." I told him.
"Alright then my rose." He said as I groaned at that one.
"It's because I'm Poison Ivy isn't?" I asked as he nodded. I groaned again as I looked at the prizes.
"Reggie stop holding Aria hostage." I heard Collins say behind me as I looked and saw him and Jughead glaring at Reggie.
"Yeah. Stop being a menace." Jughead butted in.
"I'm not holding her hostage." Reggie started before I stepped between him and the other two.
"Guys. Calm down. Reggie just wanted to apologize to me in private thats all. He just won me a prize to say so." I said as I shocked both of them.
"Reggie? Apologize? Now I've heard it all!" Jughead said in a state of shock while Collins looked at me.
"So he's not bothering you?" Collins asked me.
"Oh no. He is. But it's ok. It's only temporary before I spend time with everyone else." I said as I heard Reggie say "Huh?" Before I looked at him.
"Reggie I need to spent time with other people as well. That's why I came to the party. To see everyone." I exclaimed as I picked out my prize, a cute little stuffed spider, and walked away with Jughead and Collins after thanking Reggie.
I danced with Collins, played games with Tyrone and Tyler, talked to Geoff a bit, ate a bit with Ronin and Jimmy, Talked to Big Ethel before she chased Jughead again, Talked to Betty and Veronica for a while, hung out with Moose and Midge, Avoided Reggie a bit, taught Dilton another dance, and in the end Archie, Jughead and I said goodbye to everyone as everyone headed home. Betty was staying the night with Veronica, Dilton had a ride home, The boys were heading out, but not before they gave me a hug and gave me a mini plastic cauldron full of sweets, and Reggie wanted to take me home but I declined him nicely before Archie tried to jump in. We were on our way back home now.
"So Jughead. Are we taking you home or are you staying the night?" I asked as I looked at the time. The got to the party around 5pm and now it was almost 11pm.
"Archie said I could stay the night so I will." He said as I smiled.
"Horror movie and snacks?" I asked as he smiled at me.
"Sure. Why not." He replied as Archie rolled his eyes.
"Honestly Aria." He started but I glared at him.
"Dare you to say something Archie! You know I watch at least one horror movie on Halloween." I told him as he chuckled lightly.
"Yeah alright. But I'm heading to bed." He said while pulling to the driveway. Jughead and I didn't even wait for him to turn the engine off as we sprung for the house, I unlocked the door with my key, and headed straight to the living room to prep the movie while Jughead went into the kitchen and grabbed the popcorn and drinks. By the time Archie got into the house we were set up and began watching Halloween.
"This one? Aria you've seen this." Archie told me as I rolled my eyes.
"I know but I like this one. Plus Jughead hasn't seen it in a while so it works out." I mentioned as Archie shook his head with a sigh before muttering goodnight and headed upstairs to sleep.
Halfway through the movie I guess I fell asleep. I heard snoring and woke up to me laying partly on Jughead, head kind of on his chest, snoring, still in our costumes, on the couch, TV still on, and his right arm around me while his left hung off the couch. I blushed hard. How could I fall asleep? And on Jughead too? When did he fall asleep? I decided to wake him up so Archie wouldn't see this and have a cow.
"Jughead." I whispered as he stirred a bit.
"Jughead?" I whispered slightly louder as he stirred a bit more.
"Jughead!" I whisper scolded and nudged him as he snapped awake.
"Huh?" He mumbled groggily before he looked at my blushing face and realized what position we were in and that we most likely fell asleep like this on accident. His cheeks suddenly went red as he let go of me and nearly yelped. I quickly covered his mouth.
"Shh. Don't wake Archie up. I don't want a cow for a cousin." I whispered as I released his mouth and got off of him quickly.
"Aria?" Jughead started but I stopped him.
"It's ok. We fell asleep thats all. Nothing happened." I said with a small smile as I stretched.
"I'm hopping in the shower." I stated and headed for the stairs. When I got near them I stopped and looked at him.
"Oh! And let's keep this between us ok?" I asked as he stretched and nodded. His cheeks were still a little pink, as were mine. I smiled and went up the stairs into the bathroom before having a mild panic attack.
*Cheese balls! I fell asleep on Jughead? What is wrong with me?* I thought as I quickly showered and then darted into my room with a towel wrapped around me and my costume in my hands. I hopped into my jean pants and my black 'Little Monster' top and walked out my room. I heard the shower going and figured it was Jughead. I went downstairs and saw the mess was half way cleaned up. I cleaned up the rest and started making eggs, bacon, and pancakes. Jughead came downstairs, freshly clean from the shower and dressed in normal clothes, as he smelt the food and started drooling.
"Smells yummy." He exclaimed as he went to snatch a piece of bacon before I smacked hi hand away.
"Jughead. No! Nonono! You need to wait." I told him giggling as I kept lightly smacking his hands away from the bacon bowl. I moved them in front of me but that only caused him to put his arms on each side of me, head over my right shoulder, and body slightly pushed against me as I blushed gently while trying to keep the bacon away from him and cook the eggs and flip the pancakes.
"Aw come on Aria! Just one?" He asked while trying to get some. I was now trying to wiggle away form him as I giggled and gently blushed from this.
"No Jughead. No. Jughead! I said no!" I started gently scolding before it became strict. I had finally managed to squeeze away from him only to keep trying as I got to the fridge to grab butter and syrup and put in on the table before getting some OJ for the table to.
"Aw. Don't be mean." He said as he almost succeeded on getting one before I spun around him and giggled some more.
"Huh?" He said in a shocked tone as he the spun around to see me continue cooking and setting the table.
"You need to wait." I told him as I piled more bacon into the bacon bowl.
"But I don't wanna." He pouted as he then leaned against me again to get the bacon. I whined at this and went lightly pink again. Before anything else could happen we heard a cough. We both froze as we looked behind us to see Archie, in his jeans and black top, leaning against the doorway just staring at us with a slightly amused look on his face.
"Having fun?" He asked as he lightly chuckled. I blushed harder. How long was he there?
"Hey Arch!" Jughead said before reaching. I then grabbed the spatula and gently smacked his hand just as his finger touched a piece of bacon. Jughead yelped lightly as he then jumped back and held his hand.
"Jughead sit!" I turned and pointed the spatula at the stool as he looked at me.
"But-" He started before I looked at him again.
"Sit!" I demanded in a slightly playful tone before he complied. Archie soon joined him as I quickly finished the food and brought them over to the table.
"Did you guys enjoy the movie?" Archie asked as I stopped mid track.
Jughead casually said "Yeah. Still good and creepy. Went to bed after though." and started eating as I gently sighed and began eating breakfast. All in all Archie never found out about the couch thing, Jughead went home later that day and soon Sunday rolled around and, as promised, Archie spent the day with me as we ate at Pop's. We ended up going home and I tortured him with watching 'Where The Red Fern Grows' and 'Rio Bravo'. I liked those movies and he didn't and he knew that I knew but we both knew I would take this opportunity for revenge and I did.