Jay Halstead-Mason and Moose Mason returned to their hotel room after the post-wedding lunch, the excitement of their day still glowing in their smiles. As soon as the door shut behind them, Jay pulled Moose close, his hands resting lightly on Moose's waist.
"I still can't believe we're married," Jay whispered, his forehead leaning against Moose's. "Mr. Halstead-Mason. That has a nice ring to it."
Moose chuckled, his voice warm. "You're stuck with me now, Mr. Mason."
They both laughed, sharing a lingering kiss before the laughter gave way to soft murmurs and tender touches. They fell onto the bed, hands exploring and lips locking as they savored the peace of being alone together.
Veronica and Reggie at the Pool Room
Meanwhile, Veronica Lodge and Reggie Mantle found their way to the hotel's pool room, where the atmosphere was serene and dimly lit. The sound of water lapping against the pool tiles echoed softly as Veronica dipped her feet into the water.
Reggie sat next to her, playfully nudging her shoulder. "You looked amazing at the wedding, by the way."
Veronica smirked. "You're just noticing now, Mantle?"
Reggie leaned in, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I noticed all night, but now's my chance to tell you."
Their lips met in a fiery kiss, the chemistry undeniable. They wrapped their arms around each other, the rest of the world fading away in the privacy of the pool room.
Archie and Natalie's Texts
Out on the hotel patio, Archie Andrews reclined on a lounger, scrolling through his phone when he received an unexpected text message from Natalie Manning.
Natalie: Hey Archie. What do you think about me visiting Riverdale?
Archie sighed, typing back quickly.
Archie: I think it's a bad idea.
Her response was immediate.
Natalie: Wow, rude. Don't you want me to visit Cheryl, Betty, Toni, Veronica, and Josie?
Archie frowned, his fingers hovering over his phone screen.
Archie: It's not going to happen, Natalie. Leave them alone.
Natalie: Too late to decline. See you soon.
Archie groaned, leaning his head back against the lounger. "Great," he muttered to himself.
Jay and Moose Talk About Family
Back in their room, Jay and Moose lay intertwined on the bed, their conversation taking a more serious turn as they looked toward their future.
"Have you ever thought about kids?" Moose asked softly, running his fingers along Jay's arm.
Jay smiled. "I've thought about it a lot, actually. I'd love to raise a family with you."
Moose's eyes brightened. "What do you think? Boy or girl?"
Jay laughed. "Either would be amazing. But... I don't know. I have this feeling it'll be a boy."
Moose grinned. "A little Halstead-Mason running around? I like the sound of that."
They kissed again, their hopes for the future wrapping around them like a warm blanket.
Cheryl and Toni Hear Something
In another hotel room, Cheryl Blossom and Toni Topaz were deep in conversation about the previous night.
"You know, that punch you threw at Natalie? Perfect execution," Cheryl said, swirling a glass of wine.
Toni smirked. "Well, someone had to protect you from her nonsense. You've got to admit, it felt good."
"It did," Cheryl admitted, her smile faltering as she heard a faint breathing sound. She set her glass down, narrowing her eyes. "Did you hear that?"
Toni frowned, standing. "Hear what?"
Cheryl gestured toward the closet. "Breathing."
They exchanged a wary glance before Cheryl mustered her courage and opened the closet door. Natalie Manning was crouched inside, smirking.
"Boo," Natalie said smugly.
Cheryl jumped back, her shock quickly morphing into fury. "What the hell are you doing in our closet?"
Natalie stood, brushing herself off. "Oh, relax, Blossom. Stop being such a crybaby."
Toni stepped in front of Cheryl, her voice low and firm. "Natalie, leave. Now. The police are still investigating you, and if you don't leave, I'll have no problem giving them more information."
Natalie hesitated, glaring at them both. "This isn't over."
"Yes, it is," Cheryl shot back. "Now get out."
With a final glare, Natalie left the room, and Toni shut the door behind her with a sigh.
"She's like a cockroach," Cheryl muttered. "Impossible to get rid of."
Toni smirked, pulling her close. "Don't worry. I'll always have your back."
Cheryl smiled, leaning into her. "You better."
The Gang Reconvenes
After Natalie's dramatic exit, the gang regrouped in the hotel lobby to share updates on their day. When Cheryl and Toni recounted the closet incident, everyone groaned in unison.
"She's really going to try to come to Riverdale, isn't she?" Veronica asked, exasperated.
"Not if I have anything to say about it," Archie said, holding up his phone. "I've already told her not to come."
"Do you think she'll listen?" Kevin asked.
"No," Cheryl said flatly. "But she'll regret it if she tries."
As the group rallied together, their bond was stronger than ever, ready to face whatever challenges came their way—even Natalie Manning's relentless antics.
