Chapter 40: Love Bites!
Based off a weird mystery comic called 'The Love Bug Will Get You If You Don't Watch Out'. I couldn't read it so I'm doing it based off seeing the cover.
*Aria's POV*
February 14th, Valentine's day. I woke up with a small smile. Last year both Dilton and Jughead gave me beautiful flowers, stuffed animals, and lovely poetry, which I still can't believe I didn't figure out it was them, as I got up in a rush. If I didn't hurry for the shower, Archie would beat me to it. This is one of the rare days where he hogs the bathroom. I rushed to get to the bathroom just as I saw Archie reaching for the door.
"Oh no you don't!" I yelled as I sped up. He did too.
"Nice try Aria! I'm first." He said. He was closer than I was. I smiled a wicked smile, which Archie saw and grew a slightly frightened look on his face.
"Allegro! Play time!" I yelled.
"No!" Archie yelled just as Allegro rushed at him and tackled him to the floor. I laughed an evil/victorious laugh just as I slid into the bathroom.
"You cheater!" He screamed out just as I shut and locked the door. I'd have to give Allegro a special breakfast for this one. I quickly jumped in the shower and washed up. I also had to shave today so I did that as well. I got out, dried off, put my pajamas back on and walked out of the bathroom, with Archie still on the ground being jumped/tackled on by Allegro, to head back to my room while using my towel to dry my hair. I then whistled and Allegro ran back into my room.
"All yours." I said before closing my door. I walked over to my closet and opened it up.
"What to wear." I muttered out as I looked around. It was a little warmer outside now, no snow, trees blooming early, and a good 50 degrees outside. I looked at my black laced dress but put it back. Not for today. I looked at the red Jessica Rabbit like dress I wore to the dance last year but shook my head no. Too fancy. I was looking at my rock shirt when I heard a knock on my door.
"Come in." I said as I put the shirt back and kept looking.
"Good morning sweetie." Aunt Mary greeted me, after opening my door, and closed it behind her before walking in.
"Good morning." I said as I continued looking in my closet instead of looking at her.
"You know, using Allegro like that on Archie wasn't nice at all." She told me as I sighed.
"I know. But this is one of the rare days he takes a long time in the bathroom, not to mention use up all the hot water." I commented as she sighed.
"That is true, but he just wants to look his best for Betty and Veronica." She commented.
"And I want to look my best for Dilton and Jughead but even I don't take that long." I added. I could tell she was smiling.
"Yes, and speaking of that, I got you something to wear today." She said to me. I stopped what I was doing and turned to look at her. I saw her holding up a shopping bag with a bright smile on her face. Now, as grateful as I am, she usually doesn't get me something that's my style.
"Um, thank you? You didn't have to though." I said, awkwardly, as I took the bag from her.
"It's not a problem deary. I was passing by a vintage store on Fred and I's date night and thought of you instantly when I saw the outfit in the front window." She said as she started walking out.
"Go ahead and try it on, I'll be downstairs waiting to see it." She said as she walked out. I blinked twice at the door before looking at the bag in my hand.
"What the heck." I said with a shrug as I set the bag on the bed. I undressed myself and pulled out the outfit. My jaw dropped before forming a big bright smile. First off, it was a jumpsuit. Never had one before but I remember seeing this and loving it. It was a halter top and 2 inches below the knees it flared out. It was a metallic light blue color but it had swirls of lavender, pink and and gold in it. Was lined in white and came with a thick light pink belt with a gold circle buckle on it. I wore that loose so the front would sag down, like it was supposed to. I found some shoes and jewelry, shoes, and a hair accessory in the bag as well. Man did Aunt Mary go overboard. But why though? I mean, I know she's always wanted a daughter to dress up but I have a job and could do this on my own. So why? I shook my wonder away and finished getting ready. I was brushing my hair and noticed it decided to wave/flip around so I decided to keep it down today, probably a good thing too with the hair accessory. I grabbed the sash and tied it around my head before looking in the mirror. I undid it and decided to wear it like a hair band instead. It was the same color and pattern as the outfit. I then pulled out thick white circle dangle earrings, with a hole in the middle and a white ball on top that was on my earlobe, and then I pulled out a thick gold bangle for my right wrist as I pulled out 2 thin lavender, 2 thin light pink, 2 thin light blue, and 2 thin white bangles on my left wrist. I then pulled out a thick lavender ring to wear as well. I looked in the bag and pulled out a pair of heels and loved them. They were open toed with light blue trimming the top and gold like metal on the bottom, which were thick heels and thick in the front so I was at least 2 inches taller from them. I did my make up in a thin line of metallic purple eye liner with a thin metallic blue eye liner and then a thin layer of black before using the black to form my half winged look. I also had on soft pink eye shadow and pink lip balm to top it off. I stood up and twirled before I stopped and smiled brightly at Allegro.
"What do ya think?" I asked him. He perked his head up and barked before wagging his tail. He approved. I pet him on the head before rushing downstairs to the kitchen. As I got closer I smelled something delicious.
*Peaches and Cream pancakes?* I thought to myself before I realized something. Jughead was here. He was the only one to make those for me. I jumped off the last 3 steps and ran in the kitchen. I saw Jughead and, without slowing down, jumped and hugged him from behind.
"Jughead!" I shouted just one second before clinging onto him. I caused him to stumble a bit but the both of us managed to balance out.
"Someone's in a happy mood." He said to me with a smile on his face.
"Why not? You're here and I smell those amazingly delicious pancakes!" I said to him as I hugged him a little tighter before kissing his cheek.
"You knew I was here from the smell of the pancakes huh?" He asked me.
"Yup!" I said with a huge smile on my face.
"I should feel upset about that but at least I now know I'm the only one who makes those for you and make you happy." He said as he smiled back.
"Oh! There you are!" I heard my aunt's voice. I turned my head to see her holding something in her hand followed by a camera.
"Jughead." My aunt called out. Just as he turned.
'Click.'
She took a picture of us.
"you two are so~ cute together." She said to us. I rolled my eyes with a smile while Jughead lightly chuckled.
"I forgot to give you these too." She told me. I tilted my head and looked at what she was holding. She was holding glasses, well sunglasses, the vintage kind that were light pink and, probably, heart shape with thin to no gold metal frame. I smiled at her.
"You didn't have to but, you're right, I love it." I said as I let Jughead go and went over to hug my aunt next.
"Let's leave him alone to cook while I show Fred you're new outfit and take a few pictures." She said to me.
"Alright." I said as I ran out of the kitchen to find Uncle Fred. I found him in the living room, reading the paper in his chair, and smiled as I put on my glasses. I went over to him and hugged him from behind.
"Thank you Uncle Fred for letting Aunt Mary buy me the outfit for school today." I said to him. I felt pat my arm a little bit.
"You're welcome. Mind if I see?" He replied before asking to see me in my new outfit. I let him go and showed him my 'Groovy' outfit. Uncle Fred looked at me for a moment before he smiled a very wide smile.
"You look lovely. Actually, you look like my mother did when she was a teenager, except she had black hair instead of red." He told me.
"I'll take it as a compliment since it shows I'm definitely your niece." I said with a very large smile.
"I meant it as a compliment, yes." He said to me with the same smile I had. That was something I noticed. I looked a little like my mom, yes, but I had my dad's eyes and smile, which Uncle Fred did too, and while Archie got the red hair from his mom and dad's Scottish side, I got my red hair, not just from my dad's Scottish side, but my mom's mom, who is my grandmother, had red hair as well. Mom's side of the family skips a in all i looked more like my dad's mom more than anyone else in the family.
"See hun, I told you she'd look great!" My aunt appeared out of no where and right next to my uncle.
"Yes yes, you were right." He said as they both chuckled.
"Smile!" My aunt suddenly said. I did. 30 pictures later, Archie had showed up and was amazed by my outfit, not even realizing it was me at 1st, and just as we were finishing up there was a knock on the door.
"I'll get it." Archie said, probably to have Aunt Mary take more pictures of me as revenge for the bathroom incident, as I started to loose my smile.
"Just one more." She said. Yeah right. One more turns into 10. She snapped a few photos just as Archie came back in with…...A walking bunch of giant flowers?
"Uh, what?" I asked.
"Salutation's Aria." I heard a familiar voice. I grew a huge smile on my face. He went overboard. I ran over and grabbed the flowers from him.
"Dilton, I love them. You didn't have to get me all these though." I said as I admired the flowers. They were primroses, pink and red, mixed with a beautiful type if ivy, lavenders, bluebells and Aloe mixed together. I then realized the vase I grabbed was actually a pot. They're planted together in a very large pot so I could keep them for a long time.
"Why wouldn't I? It's Valentine's day and this is one of the things to show you my love today." He said to me. I had baked them sugar cookies, which I put aside for them, and I had their gifts in my locker at school.
"Oh my! How lovely." Aunt Mary said, also admiring the flowers, as I smiled.
"Here, let's put them here for now." Uncle Fred said to me. I smiled and handed him the flowers so he could set them down on the coffee table.
"Thank you Uncle Fred." I said to him. I then turned back to see Dilton blushing a pink color. I tilted my head in confusion. Why was he staring at me like that with pink cheeks?
"You look beautiful." He finally said in a soft voice. I smiled and walked over to him, giving him a big hug and a small kiss on the cheek.
"Thank you, for both the flowers and the compliment." I said as I held him close. Dilton snapped out of it and smiled.
'Click.'
We heard the camera go off.
"You two are cute together as well." Aunt Mary said as she fawned over the picture she took. I let Dilton go.
"Aunt Mary, please no more pictures. I need to eat now." I said to her.
"Alright, go eat." She said as she smiled. I grabbed Dilton's hand and rushed into the kitchen before she changed her mind. Just in time too.
"Breakfast is ready." He said cheerfully with a smile. He looked up and spotted my new look.
"Woah! Aria. You look, I mean, what I'm saying is, um, ah well, you look beautiful." Jughead stumbled over his words before finally saying what he wanted to say. I smiled at him.
"Thank you." I replied as I sat down and began eating.
"Hello Dilton." Jughead greeted Dilton. Did he sound bitter?
"Greeting Jughead." Dilton greeted back. Did he sound bitter too?
"No fighting or being bitter you two. You know I love you both and I will not have arguing or showing off today." I said as I took another huge bite of my pancakes. Man these were amazing.
"You're right." Jughead said.
"Indeed. Sorry." Dilton agreed.
"It's alright." I said as I finished my breakfast just as Archie came in.
"You're done already?" Archie asked.
"Yup! You better hurry too or we'll be late." I said as I put the dishes in the sink and then went into the pantry to grab the cookies I hid. I then came out and handed them to Dilton and Jughead.
"Here you guys go. Special sugar love cookies for my two special guys." I said as they opened the bag and admired the perfect shaped heart cookies.
"Wow." Dilton marveled.
"These look amazing!" Jughead said as he marveled at them too.
"They taste better than they look you know." I said with a toothy smile.
"I bet they do." Jughead said before putting his away. I curiously tilted my head.
"I'll save it for later though." Jughead added.
"Same here." Dilton said with a smile.
"I just have to grab the rest for the school." I said as I went back to the pantry and grabbed the rest. They were cinnamon instead of sugar but still good.
"Really?" Jughead asked, slightly disappointed.
"These are cinnamon, yours are sugar." I called out to them. I came back with a bag filled with small bags of cookies.
"Plus you two got more." I pointed out to them. They smiled. I know that made them feel a little more special.
"Guys, we gotta go or we'll be late." Archie said as he rushed for the door. Oh sugar! We bolted. We piled in the car, Jughead to my left and Dilton on my right, and started to leave. Once we got out of the driveway I noticed Betty flagging us down.
"Archie stop." I said. He put on the breaks.
"Why'd ya- oh. Hi Betty." Archie was going to ask me why he had me stop him but then noticed Betty.
"Could I bother you for a ride? My car's in the shop." She asked us.
"Of course. Right Archie?" I said yes to her before asking Archie.
"Yeah, sure. Glad you caught us in time." Archie agreed and informed her as she hopped in the car.
"Glad I saw you, otherwise Archie would've drove off." I said with a smile.
"By the way Aria, love the outfit. Vintage." She commented me.
"Thank you. Aunt Mary surprised me with this, though I'm still not sure why." I said before shrugging and leaning back.
"Because she loves you." Archie told me.
"She told me last year she always wanted a daughter to dress up but a niece was good enough." I commented before I remembered something. I opened the bag and pulled out a thing of cookies.
"Here Betty, Happy Valentine's Day." I said as I handed her the cookies.
"Oh wow! Did you make them?" She asked me.
"By scratch." I said to her.
"I'll save them for later, but yum! Thank you." she thanked me with a smile. I leaned back in my seat.
"You're welcome." I said with a smile as I cuddled up to both boys for the rest of our small trip to school. For once, I hope today goes smoothly meaning, no mysteries. After the last one I have been tired of mysteries. I love them but I need a break from it all.
*Science class Aria's POV*
I had handed out cookies to my friends, basically everyone in the school except Vinnie, and was now in science class with Dilton, Archie, and, unfortunately, Reggie. I also got to see Robbie and, since I couldn't give him the cookies during gym class, I gave him cookies on the way to science class. It was 10 minutes into science class and Professor Flutesnoot was no where in sight. Weird. Suddenly a man in a lab coat came in. He was kinda hot actually. He was slightly darker skinned, Italian maybe, bald on purpose, dark eyes, and he looked like he had muscles under his charcoal suit and black dress shirt. What kind of science teacher is he? The thing is he kinda looks like Lex Luthor from the superman comic series, just as handsome actually but tan instead of black. Double weird.
"Greetings class, My name is Professor Luxord, your substitute teacher." He introduced himself as he wrote down his name for us on the board.
"Excuse me, but, where is Professor Flutesnoot?" Dilton asked out of the blue.
"He had an emergency that suddenly came up and he won't be back for a couple months." He explained as he turned around and opened the attendance book. Why am I staring? Well he is attractive for someone in his 30's. Maybe?
"Dilton Doiley." He called out next.
"Present." Dilton called out as he lightly raised his hand. Professor Luxord gave him a slightly strange look before looking at the book.
"Aria Andrews." He called out.
"Present." I said as I rose my hand half way up. He looked at me and gave me look, one I couldn't read well, before writing in his book again. Triple weird. Once he was done he closed the book, put it away, and than pulled up a giant rectangle covered in a cloth.
"Alright class, I'll set you up with a small project today, but first, a small change." He announced to us. A project? A small change?
"Excuse me sir, but what change?" Archie suddenly asked him.
"I'm glad you asked Mister Andrews. I'm combining last science class and this class together." He said before we heard a knock. He opened the door and the science class from last period came in and sat near us. I waved Jughead over when I saw him and he immediately rushed over to my other side.
"How great! I get to work with my two favorite guys!" I exclaimed in happiness. I didn't notice the look Professor Luxord gave us, especially when Jughead and Dilton gave me a quick kiss on each cheek.
"I had not arrived last period like I planned so Principal Weatherbee allowed me to pull them out of their last class for this. Also, do not get used to your current situation, that will change too." Professor Luxord added in. I tilted my head a bit in curiosity.
"More?" Archie asked.
"Yes. I've noticed you all mainly keep the same partners, so today we're going to change that." He said as he looked at all of us.
"What?!" Most of the class said in shock.
"How so?" Veronica asked.
"Well, since you and Miss Cooper keep picking Mister Andrews as a partner most of the time, for this you will be partnered up with Mister Jones." He said as he looked through a couple pieces of paper before writing something down, most likely their names, as mine, Veronica's and Jughead's jaw dropped.
"What?!" The three of us yelled out. Betty and I are the only girls Jughead can stand, and Veronica can't stand Jughead. Is he serious.
"I believe I didn't stutter." He said as he pointed at Jughead with his pen and motioned him over to Veronica.
"This is redi-" Veronica started to say but Professor Luxord looked at her.
"Then you will fail. This is going to be 85% of your grade starting now." He told her, all of us actually. Veronica pouted as Jughead went over to her. I wasn't liking this. I looked around and sighed a breath of relief when I saw Vinnie Wells wasn't here.
"Alright, now Miss Cooper, I'll pair you up with." He started saying as he looked around the class before spotting who he wanted.
"Mister Mason." He said as he partnered her with Moose. Moose was lucky because, even though he wouldn't be partnered up with Midge, Betty was smart and would help him out a lot. Midge looked a bit sad but swapped seats with Betty. This continued for a while. Midge was partnered up with Dilton, a girl named Cheryl Blossom was with Robbie Dobkins, Big Ethel was with Cheryl's twin brother Jason, wait a minute. I noticed a pattern. These people were opposites of each other. Some could still get along but just ended up being opposite. If that's true then I hope I don't get.
"Miss Andrews, you'll be with Mister Mantle." Professor Luxord suddenly announced.
"Yes!" Reggie cheered a bit too loudly while I groaned. I was not a happy camper. Once I got up to Reggie, slowly I might add, He had the biggest grin on his face as he wrapped his arm around my upper arm area, where his hand rested on my upper right arm, and pulled me closer to him.
"This is great! I finally get to spend some time with you Doll Face." Reggie said to me. My right eye started twitching.
"Reggie, I'm going to count to three and, when I hit three, you better let go of me or I'm kicking you out this window." I said in an attempted calm tone.
"But we're on the second floor." Reggie said in a slightly shocked tone.
"Oh dear, it's learned to count." I said in a sarcastic tone as I shrugged his arm off me. I heard a couple laughs.
"I'm not that bad." He said as he put his arm back on me.
"One." I said.
"Aw come on." He defended.
"Two." I said in a warning tone. He didn't move.
"You wouldn't." He said to me. I glared at him.
"Care to test that out? Two in a half." I asked before saying the last line in a warning tone. He let go of me.
"Thank you." I said in a polite voice before pulling out my science notebook and a pen. Once Professor finished partnering up people he was setting something up. I then noticed a drawing of me with a I heart Reggie top while clinging on to him with a lovey look on my face, girls in the back round with hearts and broken hearts, some crying, while Reggie had a smug flirty look on his face.
"Reggie?! What, prey tell, it this?!" I asked in an angered tone.
"What are you talking abo-nng!" Reggie started to ask in an innocent yet annoyed tone until he looked at his note book and had a freaked out pale face. That's when he realized he didn't open a blank page like he thought.
"Oh, well, um." He said in a fluster as he rubbed the back of his head. I noticed a small date on it. It was dated last year, around the time Reggie brought out those movie theater monsters and girl to be precise. My blood boiled up a bit.
"Reggie Mantle! You had no right to draw me! And this is inaccurate! Not even in you're dreams!" I started to yell at him. Thank goodness we were closer to the back of the class.
"Now class." Professor Luxord said. Everyone, including me, calmed down.
"Now, for your project, all you have to do is care for these beetles." He said as he pulled off the cloth and revealed beetles. He handed a container to each of us. I examined mine and saw it was a red lily leaf beetle.
"What kind of beetles are these?" I heard Archie ask.
"They're red lily leaf beetles, known for eating lilies." I explained to him.
"Very good Miss Andrews." Professor Luxord said with a smile. I softly sighed and smiled. I liked compliments from him. Wait! No! I have two boyfriends already!
"Now, all you need to do is examine them and feed them. That's it." He told all of us. Really?
"Well that's easy." Reggie said as he reached in the container and pulled out our beetle. I shook my head.
"Reggie! It's going to bite you if you do that! Or worse! You'll end up killing it!" I scolded him.
"Aw relax Doll Face, I can handle a little-ow!" He was saying before yelping out. He got bit.
"Darn it Reggie." I said as I picked up the scared beetle.
"It's alright little fella." I said as I pet it and gave it a lily petal to eat.
"You have to be more careful, they're fragile creatures." I said as I examined the beetle.
"You're right. By the way, did I tell you how amazingly gorgeous you look today?" He said to me. I ignored him. I than noticed something on the beetle's back.
"What's this?" I mumbled as I picked up a magnify glass and looked closer. It was a pink heart.
"How strange. These types of beetles don't have this kind of mark on them." I mumbled as I put the magnify glass down and wrote some notes.
"Reggie, did you see the mark on it's back?" I asked him. I didn't get a response.
"Reggie?" I asked as I looked over and saw him staring at me, with a lovey look on his face, resting his cheek on his fist.
"You are just so beautiful." He told me suddenly.
"Reggie! Now is not the time to flirt!" I nearly shrieked out. I noticed his pupils looked….pink?
"Reggie?" I asked again as I looked at his eyes.
'Bite.'
"Ouch." I said as I pulled back and ended up dropping the beetle. I looked at where it bit me and started to rub it.
"Are you alright my love?" Reggie asked me.
"Reggie! I-" I started scolding but when I looked up I felt…..warm. I felt butterflies in my stomach. He gave off a pink aura with hearts around him. My heart started thumping and my cheeks started turning pink.
"I'm alright. Thank you." I said as I suddenly leaned on my fist and looked at him with interest.
"Has anyone ever told you you have the most fabulous smile?" I asked him.
"As long as I hear it from you, I could care less what others say." He said as he started caressing my cheek.
"Reggie! Hands off my girl!" I heard Jughead suddenly yell before swatting his hand away from me.
"Wha-" Reggie started to say but soon Dilton came over as well.
"Reggie! Please stop flirting with her. She's our girlfriend, not yours." Dilton added in.
"What is going on here?" The professor suddenly asked.
*Third POV*
Everyone heard the commotion and was either shocked, rolled their eyes, or figured nothing was wrong sense this was normal.
"Stop it you two! How dare you hurt and yell at Reggie-kins!" Aria suddenly yelled out in anger. How dare they smack his hand and yell at him.
"What?!" The entire class, except the Professor, yelled out in pure shock. They all knew Aria loved and adored Dilton and Jughead so much and was very loyal and dedicated to them. Why on earth did she say that? No one noticed the rare beetle that bit the two was now on the move through the class.
"What did you call him?" Jughead asked in pure shock. Aria got up and started to caress Reggie's hand.
"Are you alright Reggie-kins?" Aria asked him with worry. The problem was she wasn't thinking straight.
"Yes, I'm alright Doll Face." Reggie said as he tried to sound masculine. Aria giggled.
"Oh, I just love it when you call me Doll Face." She complimented as she kissed his injured hand.
"What?!" Dilton and Jughead screamed out in shock. Even Archie was shocked. The beetle made it's way over to Veronica and suddenly bit her.
"Ouch." She yelped quietly. Midge had been right next to her too.
"Are you okay?" Midge asked Veronica before she, too, was bit.
"Ouch." Midge yelped out quietly.
"What was that?" Veronica asked. The beetle latched onto Midge's sweater and waited to be moved.
"I'm not sure." Midge replied before both girls looked at Jughead and Dilton. They then felt the same effects as Aria did with Reggie.
"Aria? What are you saying?" Jughead asked again in shock.
"You hate it when he calls you that." Dilton added in.
"Why would I hate the love of my life calling me by my pet name?" Aria asked them. Everyone flew into shock to where Archie fell off his stool.
"What?" Jughead yelped out.
"But-but we're your boyfriends." Dilton stuttered out. Aria looked at them before rolling her eyes.
"I guess you used to. I'm not sure why though, Especially when I have the sexy~ Reggie." Aria said before she clung onto Reggie. Soon Midge was next to Dilton and Veronica next to Jughead. The beetle was on the move again.
"Don't talk to Dilton like that." Midge defended him before kissing his cheek.
"Yeah! Juggy-kins did nothing wrong." Veronica added before she kissed his cheek.
"What?!" Everyone yelled in shock. Soon the beetle bit Dilton and Jughead before moving over to Moose and Betty.
"See? Someone loves you two. You don't need to fight over me anymore." Aria said while in Reggie's arms. Before Moose could argue he and Betty were bit and soon felt lovey as well. Robbie went to ask Moose if he was going to stop Midge but got bit and fell for Cheryl. When he went over to Cheryl she got bit too and fell for Robbie. This process continues quickly. Professor Luxord was so confused until he saw Aria's notes and saw the part about the heart shaped back. Now he understood. It was spreading. Before he could say anything the bell rang and the infected students left. Everyone except Archie Andrews.
*Archie's POV*
I don't understand why everyone's acting so different, especially Aria. First her with Reggie, than Veronica and Jughead and even Betty with Moose. I just lost both my girlfriends and Aria ditched her two boyfriends. What is going on? I was than stopped by Professor Luxord.
"Archie Andrews, I need your help." He said before handing me Aria's notebook.
"I can give this back-" I started to say but he interrupted me.
"You're sister and friends are in danger." He told me.
"Aria's my cousin." I corrected him. Before realizing what he said.
"Wait? Danger?!" I yelled out in shock.
"You have to help me look for this bug before things get out of control! This beetle has a heart on it's back. It wasn't supposed to leave my lab but it did. If it continues to bite people than they will all fall under a false love." He told me.
"So that's why she was acting weird. Alright, you can count on me." I mumbled the first part before saying the last part in a determined voice.
"Good, now let's hurry." He said as we began our search for the beetle.
*Aria's POV*
I was walking down the hall with Reggie, me clinging to his arm, as we got some weird looks. I'm not sure why.
"Hey Doll Face, wanna skip class and let me buy you something lovely for Valentine's day?" He asked me.
"Oh Reggie, that sounds romantic! I have a free period anyway." I exclaimed as I held his arm closer to me.
"Great, but first, I know a place where we can make out in private." He said as he whispered the last part in my ear. I smiled and looked at him.
"Reggie-kins, I love it when you talk like that." I said in a slightly seductive tone. He took my hand and off we ran, through the halls and around a few corners until we ended up at the projection room at the top of the gymnasium. No gym class so we were completely alone.
*Archie's POV*
I was rushing around, trying to find that beetle,when I noticed people were becoming couples and some were strange together. I noticed Reggie pulling Aria somewhere and decided to follow them. At first I lost them but I did find the beetle. I creeped up slowly to it before trapping it in the container it was in.
"Yes!" I shouted with glee.
"Now to find Aria." I said as I went looking for them. I turned a corner and saw Jughead and Veronica flirting. It felt like my heart was breaking for both myself and Aria. Then they ate some cookies and when they looked at each other they jumped back and freaked out. What? I went over to them quickly.
"Archie-kins! Jughead tried to kiss me. Jughead!" Veronica exasperated while Jughead freaked out.
"You tried to kiss me!" Jughead freaked as she ate another cookie.
"By the way, where's Aria? I need to thank her for these cookies." Jughead said as he ate another cookie.
"Jughead, nows not the time for, wait. Cookies?" I was trying to tell him before I questioned the cookies.
"Yeah." Jughead said as he had another.
"He is right. They are good." Veronica said as she showed me the bag of cookies Aria made for her too.
"That's it! The cure is the cookies!" I said as I grabbed both of their hands and ran to where I last saw Aria and Reggie.
"Veronica, where would you go in this school to be alone?" I asked her.
"The projection room at the top of the gym. Why?" She asked me. I started to explain as we hurried to the room.
*Aria's POV*
'Slam.'
Reggie had slammed me into the wall as we made out. I had my arms around his neck and I lifted up my left leg so he could hold it and rub my thigh better. His other hand was roaming up and down my side before he started kissing my neck.
"Mm. Reggie. I never knew you were this good." I lightly moaned out as I felt him nibble my ear.
"I've never done this before, I'm glad it's with you though." He whispered in my ear before kissing my jaw line and smashed his lips against mine again. My cheeks were burning as I felt something hard against my leg.
"Mmph. Reggie. Mmph. Hold on." I was trying to talk to him through our kissing.
"What's wrong? Too fast?" He asked me. I started to adjust myself.
"Something hard is poking my thigh. Do you have a pen in your pocket?" I asked as I tried to adjust again. I heard him chuckle before he leaned in close to my ear.
"Sorry Doll Face, it's just me." He told me before kissing my neck.
"Ah! R-Reggie!" I moaned out as I realized what he meant. I then felt him get yanked away from me.
"I told you to stay away from my girl Reggie!" Jughead yelled out.
"Jughead Jones! I am not your girl! I'm Reggie's!" I shouted out at him.
"No you're not. Listen to me-" Archie started saying before I interrupted him.
"No! You just hate Reggie! That's why!" I shouted as I went over to them. I felt Archie hold me back.
"Before you make any decisions can you at least eat a cookie?" Archie asked me.
"What?" I questioned him. Why would I eat a cookie?
"Reggie, Aria made some cookies, if you two eat one and still love each other than I won't bother you two anymore." Archie said to us.
"Well, if that's what it takes than fine." Reggie said as he bit into a cookie. He looked dizzy but then looked up.
"So, what's going on?" Reggie asked.
"See? I bet he still loves me." I said as I moved out of Archie's grasp before clinging onto Reggie.
"Right Reggie-kins?" I asked him.
"Huh? Oh yeah." He said as he smiled.
"Oh no. You need to eat one too." Archie said. I let go of Reggie and opened my mouth to protest but Jughead shoved a cookie in my mouth. I bit into it's sugary sweetness and soon felt warmth in my stomach and heart as I smiled. My cookies were delicious. I then opened my eyes and looked around.
"Why a I here again?" I asked as I felt arms around me.
"We were going to continue kissing, right?" I heard Reggie ask. I remembered the beetle biting us and how we acted after, even the making out. I turned around and punched Reggie.
"Hands off! I'm not your girl! I told you I'm dating Jughead and Dilton!" I shouted at him as he stumbled backwards.
"My girl's back!" Jughead said as he spun me to face him and kissed me. I kissed him right back before pulling away.
"So it was the beetle?" I questioned as I turned and looked at Archie.
"Yeah." He said. I than had an idea.
"Let's bring this back to the professor and, while you do that, I'll announce to eat the cookies. Trust me." I said to them.
"No problem." He said as we split up to follow through with the plan.
*Third POV*
We hurried to the Professor and handed him the beetle.
"You three are back to normal?" He questioned them.
"Yes, Aria is too. We figured out a cure." Archie told him. Before he could ask Aria soon appeared on the announcements. She had told Principal Weatherbee what was happening and allowed her this privilege, but only because he didn't want love crazed teenagers roaming around the school and not get school work done.
"Attention students, Aria Andrews here. First of all, Happy Valentine's Day, second, let's now celebrate with the cookies I gave everyone and third, if you feel confused after please read the weird mystery column that comes out tomorrow, Friday the 15th, and it will explain everything that has happened. Enjoy." She said. Everyone was a bit confused but ate the cookies anyway. The ones who were infected with the beetle bite ended up back to normal and grew confused on why they acted the way they did. Dilton apologized to Midge and ran to the science room where it all began. He got there and saw Archie, Reggie, Veronica, Jughead and Professor Luxord.
"What happened?" Dilton asked as he made his way over to the group. Before he made it over though Aria ran up behind him and hugged him from behind.
"Wah!" He yelped out as he tried to keep his balance.
"I'm so sorry! I feel horrible for yelling at you and Jughead! I'm me again and I remember I'm your's and Jughead's girlfriend, not Reggie's. I'm so sorry!" Aria said as she freaked out. She felt so horrible that she couldn't hide it.
"I forgive you, I'm just glad that's what it was." Dilton said as she let him go.
"I have a couple questions though. One. What kind of beetle is that and two. Why were my cookies a cure?" I asked Professor Luxord. He'd know.
"Well the beetle is a rare experimental beetle called Amour De Coccinelle. It shouldn't have been here in the first place but it seems my lab techs accidentally put it in with the other beetles thinking it was one as well." He explained.
"Amour de what?" Jughead asked.
"It's French. It means Love Bug." I explained to him.
"But why make it?" Veronica asked.
"Well, I thought that it would help with animals that were going extinct to mate better and, if successful, than use it two help two lovers express their love for each other. I never meant for this to happen though and I do apologize." He explained to them.
"But what did Aria's cookies have to do with curing us?" Dilton asked him.
"I get it." I said as I realized the answer. It was so simple.
"I bake my cookies with love. Especially Dilton's and Jughead's. I always felt my sweets tasted better when I put my heart into it." I explained to them.
"As cheesy as that sounds, she is correct." The professor explained. Than the bell rang. School was over.
"I need to go. I've gotta work today." Aria said before handing the professor a bag of cookies and started walking away. Suddenly Jughead and Dilton each had her hand with theirs and offered to escort her to work. She smiled brightly and agreed. Archie decided to write everything down with the help of Reggie and Veronica. Once they all left Professor Luxord smiled a wicked smile before pulling out his cell. He hit speed dial and heard the phone ring a few times. He heard the phone pick up on the other end.
"The beetle was a success, except for one thing. This girl made some cookies that broke the trance." He paused and listened to the other end.
"Very wise. I'll keep an eye on her and her cousin more. For now I'm sending a sample of these cookies. I'd like to know what's in them." He said on the other line. He then hung up and put a cookie in a plastic bag to send that and the beetle back to the lab. He sat there and started at the rest of the cookies before shrugging. He pulled one out and bit into the cookie.
"Hm. Not bad." He said as he continued to eat the cookies.
*Aria's POV*
It was now the end of the day. Pop's only had me work half time so I could spend time with Jughead and Dilton. I surprised them with a lobster dinner I had reserved for them. Now it was 9:30 and I at home with Archie as we finished up the article so we could get to school early in the morning to publish.
"And so, it just goes to show you, love can not be forced. It's a natural thing that will happen when the time is right. ~Aria. I can't believe Aria's cookies are what cured everyone. I mean, I knew they were good, but who would've thought they'd be a cure against false love. ~Archie. I guess it just goes to show you that, even if you haven't found true love yet, fake love is not the right way. It also shows that, when you do find love, no matter what race, gender, and as long as age is legal, love will find a way to you when you least expect it. ~Aria. …..Even in a little town called Riverdale. ~Archie and Aria."
I smiled at our handiwork.
"Aria? What was in those cookies?" Archie suddenly asked me.
"Archie, you know I make my cookies from scratch and love, and I'm not giving you my recipe." I told him.
"I was just curious." He asked me.
"Maybe the fake love of the love bug verses my real love I put in the cookies counteracted with each other." I explained to him.
"Maybe." He said as he thought about it.
"I'm off to bed. Goodnight." I said as I started heading to my room.
"Goodnight." Archie replied. I went to my room, changed into my purple gown, and than slipped into bed to sleep. As I slept I felt a wave of weirdness rush over me. Something big was coming. I just had no idea what.