"I swear to God, if you don't stay in the back seat I'm going to make you ride in the bed." Hot Dog, trying to clamber over the front seat, gave a sad whine. "I mean it. You're going to mess up Veronica's dress."
Hot Dog bounced into the back of the truck and turned in a circle before settling down comfortably, right next to the blanket Betty had put down for him. "Figures," she sighed. "Don't you dare shed on my seats."
"You're not fooling anyone, B. You're going to miss that hairy beast like crazy."
Betty sighed. "I know, but Juggie said we could visit."
"Really, eh? I'm sure he'd love that," Veronica teased. "Come on, B," she said, noting Betty's irritated look. "You can't tell me you aren't the least bit tempted. I saw your face last weekend; you've thought about it."
"Is there any point denying it? Yes, I've thought about it. He's smart and his sense of humour is even weirder than mine -"
"-And he's gorgeous and cut and he does that thing with the cherry, and we all know what that means," Veronica cut in.
A crimson flush crept up Betty's cheeks. "That's irrelevant."
"No, it's not."
"Jellybean thinks he likes me."
Veronica pushed her sunglasses down her nose and looked at Betty. "Oh, really? And what, pray tell, could have induced you to admit that to me?"
Betty groaned and flexed her hands on the steering wheel. "Alright fine. I'm interested."
"Ha! I called it! Kevin owes me a spa day."
"You bet on me?"
Veronica didn't even pretend to be embarrassed. "Only because we love you and we want you to be happy. And maybe because we want to live vicariously through you."
"Did you forget about Archie?" Betty asked. "You know, they guy you're going on a date with today?"
"Of course not, but I don't need you to live that one for me."
They pulled up to the curb in front of Archie and Jughead's building. "Behave yourself, V,' Betty said, putting the truck in park. "Don't embarrass me. Jellybean says he's a slow mover and that's fine."
Veronica slid out of the truck and smoothed her black sheath dress. "I'll be good," she promised, pulling out her phone and texting Archie who came out a few minutes later.
"Hey girls!" he said, hugging Betty tightly. "Jug's so excited to see you and Hot Dog, but he's busy right at the moment. I'll take you up." He turned to Veronica and bent low to gently kiss her cheek. "You look stunning, Ronnie," he said sincerely.
"Thanks, Red," she said, smiling. "You're not so bad, yourself."
"Archie, this is Hot Dog," said Betty, clipping a leash to his collar and coaxing him out of the truck.
Archie dropped to his knees and buried his hands in the dog's fur. "Well hello, Hot Dog. Who's a good dog? Are you happy to be here? We're happy to have you." He spoke in a ridiculous baby voice and rubbed his nose against the dog's. Betty and Veronica exchanged amused looks as Hot Dog licked Archie's face, leaving a trail of slobber up his cheek, and wagged his tail.
"I guess that's a yes, then," giggled Betty. "Let's get him inside so you two can get to the VAG."
Archie collected Hot Dog's crate with his bed, dishes, food and toys and carried it inside, Veronica and Betty following with Hot Dog.
"That thing weighs over a hundred pounds with everything in it," Betty whispered to Veronica.
"I know, look at his arms!" she replied.
"I can hear you," Archie stage-whispered, holding the elevator door open. "You two go ahead, I'll get the next one." He winked at Betty. "Feel free to talk me up, I'll take all the help I can get."
They waited for him on the landing. "Sorry, girls. I forgot to give you the unit number," he said, leading them down the hallway and opening the door at the end. They could hear Jellybean arguing with another woman about something.
"What's going on?" Betty asked.
Archie rolled his eyes. "JB's a student mentor, and her mentee is doing a body art photography project. She convinced Jughead to be her model. It's hilarious, actually, but JB's getting frustrated."
"Jughead models?" Veronica asked.
"No, definitely not, but Annie thought he had the right look for what she envisioned, and her dad owns a really good bakery. She bribed him with food."
"Ah."
They followed Archie into the apartment and let Hot Dog off his leash. He immediately jumped onto a sun-drenched sofa and went happily to sleep.
"I guess that's his spot, then," said Archie.
"You two figure it out, I need a sandwich," they heard Jughead say as he stalked down the hall. "Oh," he said when he saw Betty and Veronica. "Hey."
They didn't answer him.
"What are you staring at?" he asked, warily.
"Bro, look at yourself," Archie suggested with a mocking grin.
Jughead was shirtless, in dangerously low-slung black jeans, and his entire upper body was completely covered in tattoos.
"Are you wearing eyeliner?" Betty asked.
"THAT's what you noticed, B?" Veronica asked, ogling him unashamedly. "You've been busy, Jones."
Jellybean came swiftly down the hall. "They're fake," she said, hugging Betty and Veronica. "I'm sorry about this; the timing couldn't be worse with you coming over but Annie can be such a flake and I had to squeeze her in."
"Don't apologise," Betty said faintly, tearing her eyes away from a smoking revolver on Jughead's forearm. "Did you do those?"
"No, I just advised. It's Annie's project."
Jughead stepped into the kitchen and opened the fridge. "And I'm an idiot for agreeing to it. It took five hours to do all this. You girls want a drink?" He looked frustrated as he slapped together a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and swallowed it in three bites.
"No thanks," Veronica answered. "We should be going. Ready, Archiekins?"
"I should just wash the slobber off my face," he said, making a face. "Two seconds."
"I forgot about the dog," Jughead said, brightening. "Where is he?"
Betty pointed out the fluffy mass on the blue sofa. "Marking his territory. You'll be able to knit another dog with the fur he leaves behind there."
He laughed and went over to stroke Hot Dog's head. "He looks happy. That's good; someone in this house should be."
Archie came out of the bathroom and offered his arm to Veronica. "Shall we?"
"We shall," she said, slipping her hand into his elbow. "Have fun, guys. Always a pleasure, Jones," she added, winking at him.
He blew her a sarcastic kiss. "Happy to be objectified, Queen V. Enjoy the art gallery."
A tall girl with brown hair and freckles came into the room as Archie and Veronica left. "JB, I think I've got the problem sorted out. Oh," she said, noticing Betty. "Sorry, I didn't know you had company."
"Annie, this is our friend, Betty Cooper. Betty, this is Annie Scott," Jellybean said.
"Nice to meet you, Annie," Betty smiled.
"Likewise. Jug, I've got it now."
Jellybean sighed in exasperation. "Sorry, Betty. This shouldn't take long."
"I've been hearing that all day," called Jughead, following Annie down the hall.
Curiously, Betty followed them into a storage room that had been converted into a photographer's studio, complete with hot lights and professional backdrops. "II didn't know you were a photographer, JB."
"I'm so not, but I use this room to shoot some of my clothes. I'm just helping Annie out with space and with the actual paintings."
Betty nodded, watching Annie prod Jughead into various uncomfortable looking positions, with repeated promises of cake peppering the conversation. "That one on his back is amazing. What is that, a Valkyrie?"
"Walking away after a battle. Annie's into mythical wars."
Jughead rolled his eyes at Betty and leaned his elbow on a stool, propping his chin up on his fist.
"Stretch your body out more, Jug," Annie barked from behind her camera.
"Should I arch my back and stick out my ass, too?" he retorted.
Betty turned her head to hide a grin.
"It's the tattoos I'm interested in, Jughead, not gender-appropriate poses."
Jellybean leaned in and whispered in Betty's ear "And his body, not that she'd say it out loud. She's crazy about him. I'm pretty sure this whole thing is a front."
Betty giggled, biting her lip and putting on a sober expression when Jughead looked at her.
"Alright, I'm done. Thanks, guys." Annie began packing away her equipment. "I'll send you copies, if you want, Jug?"
He shrugged. "If you like."
"I do," Betty piped up, blushing when she realised she'd spoken out loud. "I like the one on your back," she explained sheepishly.
He raised an amused eyebrow at her. "Did you get a good shot of that one, Annie?"
"Not the whole thing. Turn around, I'll snap a quick one."
JB winked at Betty. "Put your hands behind your head, Jay. Flex your back."
"You're getting weirder every day, Beanie," he said, raising his arms and lacing his fingers together in his hair.
Betty grinned at Jellybean and fanned herself.
"Am I done, ladies? Have you all seen enough?" he asked with a smirk, as though he knew exactly what had gone on behind his back.
"I've got it, Jug. You're free to go, and Dad knows to expect you." Annie put her camera in a padded bag and handed Betty her phone. "Just give me your email address, and I'll send you a proof in a few days."
"Thanks," said Betty, typing in her information and handing it back. "You're a very talented painter," she added, gesturing at Jughead.
Annie nodded her thanks. "It was such a challenge, honestly. A real hardship," she said ironically. She picked up her bags and waved goodbye. "See you Monday, JB. Thanks again Jug. Bye, Betty!"
Jughead sank down on the stool and ran his fingers distractedly through his hair. "Never again, JB. Next time one of your nutcase friends needs a favour, don't even think about suggesting me."
"Promise," she said. "Thanks though, Jay. I appreciate it. "
He stood up and hugged her. "I know you do, kid. And you know I'd say yes if you asked again. So please- "
"I won't," she finished. "Alright, kids. I'll leave you to your doggy bonding. I have a date." She hugged Betty and vanished.
"And then there were two," Betty said. "Shall we go chat with Hot Dog? He's delightfully non-demanding and I promise that he has no designs on you, aside from the occasional belly scratch."
Jughead put his arm around Betty and lead her out of the room. "Sounds refreshing."
"You look like you need a change of scenery. We could take him for a walk, if you want. He hasn't had one today."
The first genuine smile she'd seen since her arrival crossed his face. "That," he said, "sounds perfect."
…
Archie trailed Veronica through the lobby of the Vancouver Art Gallery, smiling at her incessant chatter.
"I haven't seen any Monet in person in years; I can't believe they're here and I didn't know. I think they've done this before, but I was just a baby."
"I looked it up," Archie told her. "It's 38 paintings all together, first showing of its kind in Canada in like twenty years. Looks pretty cool."
They reached the exhibit and she clasped his hand excitedly, eliciting a pleased, boyish grin from him. "Which way first, Archiekins? You lead, I'll talk."
He pointed to a swirling blue oil painting, surmounted by a dreamy flowering tree. "That looks pretty, so there, I guess?"
"Les Roses," Veronica murmured. "It was one of the last ones he did before he died. Isn't it incredible? It's so surreal, but it tricks you into saying it looks real."
Archie frowned at the painting. "It looks windy, somehow."
Veronica beamed at him. "Do you like it?"
"It's beautiful," he answered. "It looks like he enjoyed painting it."
"He was an established artist when he did this one so, chances are, he only painted it because he wanted to."
She stood and stared at the painting for a while, Archie watching her with a smile, then lead him to the next painting. She seemed to know something about each piece, and happily shared her thoughts with him. When they reached the end of the special exhibit, they wandered through the rest of the gallery rooms. "Emily Carr," Archie said, thinking. "That's the name of JB's school."
"The school's named after a famous local artist. Her collection here is permanent, and I love it. She did a lot of totem poles, and her skies and trees are so unique. Want to take a look?"
Archie, prepared to follow Veronica to the ends of the earth, readily assented. She pointed out the distinctive use of colour and the bold brush strokes, talking his ear off for nearly two hours while dragging him through the entire museum.
"You know a lot about art," he finally said.
"Do I?" She seemed surprised.
He laughed. "Wait, you're serious? Have you not been listening to yourself?"
"I like it," she said with a shrug. "I guess people remember things they're passionate about."
"You seem to have more passions than most people."
She smiled up at him. "It sounds like a compliment when you say it. Most people think I'm a colossal nerd, even if they are afraid to say so to my face."
"You are an enigma, Veronica Lodge. The smartest and most interesting person I've ever met, and beautiful and intimidating to boot."
"Intimidating?" she said doubtfully. "You're intimidated by me?"
"In a good way. You keep me on my toes, but I like it. I like a girl who says what she thinks, even if it is terrifying sometimes."
She laughed slightly, thinking. "I still say that sounds like a compliment."
"It definitely is." He took her hands. "Ronnie..." he trailed off, looking nervous.
"What's on your mind, Red?"
"I'd really like to kiss you, if you don't mind," he answered, leaning down towards her.
She stood on her toes and lifted her face to his, meeting his lips in the softest, sweetest kiss imaginable, with a massive painting of Venice framing the scene behind them. He smiled and reached up to stroke her cheek, and kissed the tip of her nose before pulling away.
"I don't want to take you home yet," he whispered.
"I don't want to go home." She pulled his arm around her and tucked herself into his side. "I'll let you take me to dinner, instead, though."
…
"Veronica texted me. Archie's taking her to dinner," Betty told Jughead as they strolled along the beach with a reluctant Hot Dog, who sat down every half kilometre and wagged his tail hopefully at passersby.
Jughead smiled and nodded to a bench. "Let's sit down, give this sad excuse for a herding dog a break."
"You don't sound very surprised," Betty said, sitting next to him and tying Hot Dog's leash to the bench.
"I'm not; Archie's nuts about her. This date is all he's talked about for a week. He even looked up the artist, which I'm pretty sure is a first. He knows what Impressionism means, now.'
Betty laughed. "That's adorable. He seemed different today, more confident."
Jughead leaned down to scratch Hot Dog's ears. "I told you, he doesn't usually get so flustered around girls. I guess once she agreed to a date, he relaxed a bit."
"That's good. Veronica's a sweet girl, but she's got her prickles. You need a thicker skin to see past that, to the best parts of her."
"I wonder how much credit we can take for this."
Betty leaned against him comfortably and watched a sailboat in the bay. "As matchmakers, I'd say our work was acceptable. And, since the victims in question seem happy, we can probably give ourselves partial credit."
He put his arm around her and relaxed against the bench. "And if they didn't seem happy?"
"Entirely their idea, and we had nothing to do with it."
He laughed and squeezed her shoulder. "Plausible deniability. I like the way you think."
…
Betty was getting ready for bed when Veronica crept into the apartment that night. "Hey, V. I was starting to think you weren't going to be home tonight."
"Archie drove me home." Veronica came into Betty's room and sank down on the bed, a blissful smile on her face.
"Good date?"
"The best. There's so much more to him than I thought at first. He let me talk about almost every piece in that gallery, and still wanted to take me to dinner. Do you know the last time I went out with a guy who actually wanted to hear what I had to say, instead of listening like he was stocking up points towards future favours?"
Betty sat down beside her. "Been a while?"
"Try ever. How was your day?"
Flopping back on the bed with a laugh, Betty tugged Veronica down beside her. "At the risk of sounding 16 again, oh my God he is so hot. Did you see him with the tattoos and those abs? I swear I almost drooled. Please tell me it didn't show on my face?"
"Not at all, and believe me, I was way more obvious than you could ever be. When you find out where those V-lines go, I want to hear all about it. Did he say anything?"
"No, but the photographer's sending me a copy of some of her pictures. We can squeal in private. God, that's so inappropriate," she grimaced. "We're the worst."
Veronica patted her head gently. "A body like that brings out the worst in girls."
"What about Archie's body?" Betty teased. "Are we any more acquainted with that?"
"No, but we do know a bit more about his lips."
Rolling over abruptly and sitting up, Betty grabbed a pillow and stared at Veronica excitedly. "Tell me Everything, V."
"Very soft. He uses orange Chapstick, which is weird, but I think I like it. And he actually asked before he kissed me."
"Where?"
"On the lips. Get your mind out of the gutter."
Betty whacked her with the pillow. "Where were you?"
"Oh! In the art gallery, in front of the Francesco Guardi." She sighed happily. "Venice is so romantic."
"You're adorable, Veronica. Are you going to see him again?"
"Yes. Jughead's publisher is having a gala in three weeks, and he asked me to go. I have it on good authority that you'll also be invited, as soon as Jellybean convinces Jughead that he actually has to attend his own party. Apparently, he's not sold."
They looked at each other and laughed. "This is the worst cliché, ever. Talk about seven brides for seven brothers," Betty said, rolling her eyes.
"Maybe it's fate."