"Well hello, tall, dark and sexy. Is that the one Ron was telling me about?" Kevin watched Jughead approach Jellybean, and gave an approving nod. "Because I am all about that."
"I figured you would be, but no, that's not him. That's Jughead, one of guys that we ended up camping with last weekend," Betty answered, turning to follow Kevin's glance.
Kevin pouted. "Figures. He would have looked good on me."
"You should see what's under the sweater," Betty teased. "Even Veronica was impressed."
"Veronica was impressed?" Kevin drew out the name. "Was Betty impressed?" He wiggled his eyebrows knowingly.
She laughed and blushed lightly. "Betty was impressed, actually. We're just friends, but he's very easy on the eyes."
"Just friends? Let's see how you feel about that after a few shots of tequila."
"Don't even think about it, Kevin. Juggie and I are on a mission to get Archie and Veronica together, and that's enough matchmaking for one night."
He feigned a hurt look. "Enough matchmaking? I thought you had someone for me, too."
Betty searched the crowded room. "I haven't met him; he was Veronica's catch. She found him in the library and ordered him to appear here tonight. She said he looked like a cross between a vampire and an angel. I assume that's a good thing."
"If Veronica thought he was worthy, then it's a good thing. As long as we're waiting, I want to meet this Juggie."
"Come on, then," she laughed. "Just don't scare them."
They approached the bar to find Jughead with a look of deep concentration on his face, Veronica watching with rapt attention, Archie staring off into space, and Jellybean apparently torn between amusement and nausea.
"What's going on, guys?" Betty asked.
"Kevin!" Veronica was out of her chair like a shot, wrapping her arms around him. "When did you get here?"
"Hi Ronnie. Someone caffeinate your martini?"
"Irish coffee."
He raised his eyebrows at that. "Ooh, I see we're in for one of those nights. Excellent. So, who are your friends?"
Veronica dragged him closer to the bar. "This is Archie Andrews. Archie, this is Kevin Keller."
"Hey, man. Nice to meet you," Archie said, clapping him on the back.
"Likewise."
"And this is Jellybean Jones, my new favourite designer."
JB stood up and Kevin's jaw dropped. "Holy Elizabeth Taylor. Are your eyes actually purple?"
"Only for tonight," she laughed.
"Well you are breathtaking. Where did we find you?"
She nodded her head towards Jughead. "Matching set. That's my brother, Jughead."
Jughead nodded a greeting.
"Cat got your tongue?" Kevin asked, cocking his head.
"Cherry," he answered, pushing a knotted stem out from behind his teeth. "Sorry about that. Nice to meet you, Kevin." He reached out to shake hands.
Kevin made an odd, strangled noise as he returned the handshake.
"Down, boy," Veronica teased. "That one's not for you."
"Shame," Kevin sighed.
Jughead grinned. "I'm flattered, but you can do better. That took me almost five minutes."
"Patience is a virtue..."
"Kevin, I told you not to scare them. V, didn't you say there was someone you wanted Kevin to meet?"
"I did indeed. You okay though, B? You're a little flushed."
Betty looked away. "Fine, thanks. So, where is he?"
Veronica's lips twitched, but she kept quiet. Kevin caught her eye and winked.
"There he is, in the leather jacket. Over by the balcony."
Kevin turned to look. "Oh my stars. Ron, you are my new favourite person."
Jellybean leaned around Kevin for a better look. "Is that Joaquin?" She asked.
Veronica stared at her. "How do you know him? He goes to school here."
"I know, but he works at my school, sort of. He's modelled for a few of my drawing classes and God! he is gorgeous. Broke my heart when I found out he's gay. Super cool guy, but what I wouldn't give to - "
"Beanie! Boundaries, please," Jughead groaned.
"Sorry, Jay, but you have to admit that boy is damn fine."
"Absolutely, but I don't need to hear what you want to do to him. Remember? Enough shocks for one night?"
Kevin looked curiously at Jughead. "Just so we're clear, before I give you up as a lost cause: are you straight?"
"Yeah, just very secure." He shrugged apologetically.
"Joaquin, on the other hand," Veronica said pointedly, "is decidedly not straight and is extremely single. Off you go."
Jellybean hopped off her stool. "Come on, Prince Charming. I'll introduce you on my way to powder my nose."
"Who still says that?"
"Elizabeth Taylor would."
Veronica watched them walk away, then said to Jughead, "Your sister is awesome."
"I know," he said. "A lot more adult than I remember, though."
"Said the guy with the macramé cherry stem," said Betty.
He grinned and wiggled it with his teeth.
…
"You're gorgeous, you know," Jellybean said, perching on the kitchen island.
Betty laughed. "Thanks, so are you."
"Are you single?"
Betty looked at her, hesitating.
"I'm not asking for me, don't worry. I'd totally go for you but I'm devastatingly straight."
"I see you have a lot in common with your brother," Betty said, fishing a box of clean glasses out of the caterer's stash.
"Yeah, it's him that I'm asking for."
Betty stood up too quickly, whacking her head on the counter. "What?!" She squawked, rubbing the sore spot. "What do you mean?"
"He's an idiot. He thinks you're amazing and beautiful, but he hasn't figured out that he likes you yet. He doesn't date much - or at all, really - so he usually needs a push in the right direction."
"Funny, he said the same thing about Archie."
Jellybean laughed; a warm, sunny sound. "Archie is so much worse, because he's so obvious to everyone but himself. He's learning though, he's not nearly as awkward as he used to be. Jay's a bit more subtle, I just know him too well."
"You think he likes me?" Betty sounded uncertain.
"I know he does, and I think you like him. I saw your face when he was playing with that cherry stem. Gross, but I guess objectively speaking it's kind of hot."
"Objectively speaking..." Betty murmured.
Jellybean looked at her knowingly. "To me, because I'm his sister. I don't think it was so objective to you. You're into him, right?"
Betty faltered. "I like him, of course, I think we'll be really good friends. I guess I don't mind looking at him." She paused. "Are you always this direct?"
"Yeah."
"Oh."
"Anyway, take your time. He's a slow mover, but he'll figure it out eventually." She hopped off the counter. "Excuse me, I'm going to go try that scotch and chocolate combination that you made look so enticing."
Betty watched her go, chewing her lip thoughtfully.
...
"I love this song. Archiekins, come and dance." Veronica pulled Archie off the sofa and grinned at Jughead. "Jughead doesn't mind if I cut in."
Jughead laughed and saluted her with a glass of beer. "I can't say no to you, Queen V. Careful with his toes."
She stuck her tongue out at him and dragged Archie to the middle of the spacious living room, which had been cleared out for dancing.
He smiled down at her and took her hands. "I haven't forgotten that you said you have no talent for singing or dancing unless it's choreographed. Am I in danger here?"
"You should be fine, Gigantor. My 'tiny feet' won't even register on your radar."
He laughed and twirled her around. "Are you going to remember every stupid thing I say?"
"Of course, Red. Steel trap," she said, tapping the side of her head.
"Brainy and beautiful," he smiled, guiding her into a sharp turn.
Veronica stumbled and laughed. "Easy, there. You might have salsa but I have two left feet."
"I really don't," he admitted. "I know the basic steps and about three actual moves."
"Well that's three more than me. You can lead, but on your own head be it."
He gripped her shoulder and bent her into a low dip, her leg extending to compensate for the sudden shift, his lips hovering just above her collar bone. He straightened, and twirled her into another quick spin. She over compensated and collided with his chest, her arm flying around his neck. She laughed and clutched at his sleeve to steady herself. "I think you did that on purpose, Archiekins."
"Maybe a little bit. Do I assume too much?"
"You assume just right." She pressed herself against him and tapped her foot against his shoe. "Carry on, show me what you can do."
.,.,.,
"Betty," Kevin hissed. "Where are the animals?"
Betty looked up from the plate of snacks she was assembling. "The actual animals or the troop of baboons trying to dance in my living room?"
"I know where the baboons are. I meant the actual animals."
"Caramel's in my room and Hot Dog's hanging out with the security guard for the night."
"Damn. I was hoping they'd both be up here."
"You know Hot Dog doesn't like crowds. Why do you need them, anyway?"
Kevin leaned in an whispered, "Joaquin's an animal lover. I wanted an excuse to get him into your room."
"Oh, my God, Kev. Really? My room?"
"Well Veronica looks like she might need hers."
Betty followed his gaze to Archie and Veronica, moving together in a heated Latin dance. Veronica's incredible clumsiness offset by her natural sensuality and Archie's surprising ability to keep in step, they looked good together.
"Wow. That went faster than I expected."
"She was drinking caffeinated alcohol, Betty. It's a miracle she still has her clothes on."
Betty laughed. "She's not that bad."
"Not generally, but that beefcake she's dancing with is making me hot under the collar and he's not even my type."
"He's not really her type, either."
Kevin scoffed. "I think her type just changed. Anyway, can Joaquin and I play with Caramel?"
"As long as that's all you play with."
"Yay!" He squealed, hugging her. "You're the best, Betty."
"I mean it Kevin. G rated."
"Promise," he said, darting off to drag Joaquin away from the party.
"What was all that about?" Jughead asked, coming up beside her. He took a plate and piled it high with hors d'ouvres. "He seemed excited."
Betty sighed dramatically. "He's in love," she said, clasping her hands over her heart and fluttering her eyelashes.
"And he's going to consummate it in your bedroom?" He asked, popping a cheese puff into his mouth.
"Ew, no. They're going to play with my cat."
His face lit up. "You have a cat?"
"And a dog. Well, sort of. He's a foster, we can't keep him."
He looked around the apartment appraisingly. "Where are you hiding a dog?"
"He's downstairs. I'm friends with the security guard and he agreed to keep him for the night. Hot Dog is shy with this many people."
"Hot Dog?" He asked, amused.
"I didn't name him. He belonged to my brother's neighbour, but she couldn't keep him anymore. I took him so he wouldn't have to go a shelter but we need to find him a real home."
Jughead nodded. "I remember Ronnie mentioning your rescuing tendencies." He grinned. "Which worked in our favour, of course. What kind of dog is he?"
"Sheepdog. He's a sweetheart, but Caramel hates him and he needs more company than us. We're never home."
"I've been thinking about getting a dog. Is he okay with apartments?"
Betty nodded her head and laughed. "He's super lazy. One walk a day, and sometimes that takes bribery. Do you want to meet him?"
"I'd love to."
…
"Juggie, I really have to get back upstairs. Ron will think we've been kidnapped."
He had been sprawled on the lobby floor for close to thirty minutes, having an animated conversation with the shaggy dog, who Betty was sure actually understood everything Jughead was saying.
"What?" He asked, looking around. "Oh, sorry. Yeah, let's go."
"I don't want to tear you away," she teased.
He climbed off the floor, dusting off his black jeans. 'I should go back up, too. Jellybean's going to be suspicious if we stay away too long."
Betty flushed faintly. "Can't have that!" She said lightly, smiling.
"Sisters, right?" He asked, putting his hand on her lower back and guiding her to the elevator.
"Right. So," she said, clearing her throat. "Archie and Ron looked pretty cozy, eh? He almost makes it look like she can dance."
He laughed outright. "He took lessons with his last girlfriend. It was a riot watching him practice."
"Watching? You didn't help?"
He mimed zipping his lips. "I'll never tell, Betts."
…
"We're getting a dog?" Jellybean looked at him in surprise. "Who goes to a party and comes home with a dog?"
"We're not taking him home tonight, Beanie. Betty's fostering him, and I said I had been thinking about getting one."
Jellybean bit back a smile. "Have you, now?"
"Yeah. You and Arch are gone all day, but I'm home most of the time. I wouldn't mind some company."
"You could always get a girlfriend."
He made a face at her. "I think I'll start with a dog."
"Whatever. As long as he stays away from my fabrics."
He wrapped her into a crushing hug. "Cross my heart."
…..
"We've got to get going, Ronnie. The last bus leaves soon and from some reason, there are no Ubers in this city." Archie led a breathless Veronica off the dance floor.
"There will be next year, don't worry." Veronica swept her hair back gracefully and smiled up at him. "I'm sorry you have to go, I was just getting the hang of it."
He looked down at his scuffed shoes and winced. "More or less, I guess," he said teasingly.
"Hey," she said, shoving his chest playfully. "You were warned."
"I know." He leaned down and looked into her eyes. "I really enjoyed dancing with you, Veronica Lodge. I'd like to try walking, though; you seem to have mastered that. Join me at the art gallery next weekend?"
She smiled brilliantly. "Would you be offended if I asked you how many times you rehearsed that line in your head?"
"Not in the slightest. And, at least ten. Frankly, I'm surprised I got it out without stuttering."
"Good, I'd hate for you to be too comfortable around me. And yes, I'd love to try walking with you."
His face broke into a boyish grin. "That's great, Ronnie."
"Let's get you home. I see Cupid hovering by the door."
Archie looked over to see Betty, Jughead, and Jellybean watching them with amused faces. "I can't do anything without an audience," he sighed.
"It's cute," she said. "We have a little fan club."
Betty disappeared into Veronica's room and fished their coats out of the pile on her bed. "Here you go, kids. Thanks for coming."
Archie took Jellybean's coat and helped her into it before shrugging into his own. "Thanks for having us. You girls throw a hell of a party."
"It's all Ronnie," Betty said. "I'm more of a backyard barbecue kind of girl. She's the master of the classy affair."
"Either way," Jughead said. "Thank you both." He leaned down to kiss Betty's cheek, then scooped Veronica into a tight hug. "That's my last chance to try that, Queen V, before Archie starts getting jealous," he whispered to her, laughing at her blush.
Archie rolled his eyes. "Goodnight, ladies." He pecked Betty's cheek and gave Veronica a questioning look. She stood on her tiptoes and gently pressed her lips to the corner of his mouth. "Next time, Red. See you on Saturday," she whispered.
…...
Not going to lie, folks. I struggled with this chapter and I'm never putting this many people together again. Hope you enjoy it, regardless.
Xoxox
Thanks for reading!