Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1

It was Tuesday after 10:00 pm and Pop’s was almost empty except for the two young women sitting 3 hours ago working between papers, bills, calls looking for sponsors and coffee, a lot of coffee.

They were Cheryl and Veronica reviewing the movements of the finances with which they have supported Riverdale High in the last month, you can say that things have getting better but it is a lot of work to do.

During this time, Cheryl noticed about 10 calls coming from Veronica's phone who immediately rejects them or in the case of the last two, she just ignores them.

V changes the conversation when Cheryl tried to asked about the person who insists on talking to her, instead, she asks Cheryl about her life during the last years (which has been a mystery to tell the truth) and she agrees to share some non-relevant data such as the fact of she’s spending her time painting, the reconstruction of his home or the recent reconciliation with Toni; information that satisfy the raven hair girl and prevents her from searching into more details that she is not prepared to share; It has been strange to see her classmates again after so many years but at the same time there is a feeling of familiarity and comfort that she didn’t feel long ago (of course, because she practically was between walls and canvases).

When the next call comes in, Cheryl insists her to answer, justifying that it may be important and she was sincerely disturbed by so much insistence. V sighs knowing that she can’t avoid it forever and although doubtful, she slides her finger on the screen and hopes that it be as short as possible or that at least He’s is not so angry because she is ignoring him.
She has no idea how unexpected the content would end up being the call ...

Honestly , V's marriage seems to go into a tailspin after her first anniversary, yes her first anniversary! she can’t stop thinking about when she became a mini version of her parent’s marriage and the worst thing is that she doesn't know how she's going to fix it, how she's going to get out of all this mess.

-Chad, talk fast. I'm working and I'm not in the mood-

-I appreciate that you wanted to surprise me and you don't know how excited you have made me! I couldn't help it and I apologize for that, but I knew we would make it! It was exactly what we needed for our marriage! - Chad replied.

His words come out with such speed and it seems that he is about to cry, honestly it was a little known side of his husband, that enthusiasm in his voice hadn’t been heard in a long time, maybe since their first moths of relationship where the world looked brighter and full of happiness.

On the other hand, Veronica certainly didn't know What Chad was talking about? but she needs him to be clear.

-Please could you be more specific? - she is already beginning to worry

-I read the email you received today about the medical admission test for Riverdale High! ...Wait, Didn't you read it? -

She’d even forgotten that the medical tests would be sent to her these days so she replies -mmm I’ve had a really busy day, in fact it is not over ye... wait a minute, Are you reading my mails ?! What is wrong with you?! -

Chad wants to avoid an argument and immediately tries to calm her down and skip the fact that he has access to her mails.

-Sweetheart don’t be mad at me because the news I have for you is going to make your day. By the way, you should reduce your work time and now more than ever, the stress isn’t good for you.
You really can't guess What's going on? -

Veronica begins to connect the dots and slowly feels as if her body is paralyzed.

the absence of a reaction from her, he decides to share the news hoping that in that way she will react - you are pregnant! Isn't it amazing? -

Silence

At that moment everything stops, a cold air runs down her back and it seems that gradually her lungs run out of air. She immediately gets up from the table that she shared with Cheryl who was currently returning from the restroom as she thought about giving the raven hair girl some privacy while she was on the phone.

Soon a beeping invades her ears, she loosely hears Chad in the background but she doesn’t know for sure what he says, she knows is in the middle of a panic attack, it’s not the first time that it happens, she can say that it’s an aftermath of the accident Although it has been a long time without having one of them.

she runs out of air and doesn't even notice when her cell phone hits the floor, that hit is the one that alerts Cheryl who asks V (who is with her back to her) if she’s ok, but when she doesn't get an answer she comes closer and notices that something is wrong, her shortness of breath and she looks terrified, Cheryl is scared and she doesn’t know what to do so she runs for help finding Jughead and Tabitha who leave the kitchen having no idea what is going on.

At this point, Verónica is on her knees because her legs couldn’t support her weight, she begins to pant much faster and feels at any moment her body is going to collapse.

Jughead notices the situation and the first thing he wonders is: From when does Veronica have panic attacks? He has read about how to help in these cases but has never had to put it into practice and of course he doesn’t think there is anyone around that can try. So he kneels in front of her and takes her hands tightly, he asks her to look him in the eyes and she struggles to keep her gaze and focus on her voice.

-Hey , Listen to me, let's breathe together okay? Try to follow my breath and please just keep looking at me - Jughead says trying to seem calm, hoping it works and can help.

Tabitha goes to get some water and Cheryl can only wonder what was happening if 5 minutes ago everything was ok.

-I know I don't have red hair or a refined lastname like Gekko ... mmm seriously Veronica? Gekko? I think Logde sounds better, just saying -
Jug could not contain her laughter. He feels relieved because V had been breathing steadier for about a minute and to her surprise she also smiled at Jug's typical comment. Although when she notice the commotion she had created, she felt embarrassed and somewhat exposed.

She received the water and drank slowly trying to process the events of the last minutes. Then, Cheryl gave V her phone -Here, he has called a couple times but I told him you were busy, I don't think he bought it but at least he stopped calling-

She’s still kind of weak and receives it replying with a great sigh - ha! He must be driving from NY to here right now ...-
They look at each other trying to understand what she means but neither comment a word.

-Thank you Jug- she feels strange to be help by Jughead -I didn't know you were so good dealing with panic attacks- she says avoiding her eyes.

-what can I say, It’s the best part of reading Lodge. remember this: you owe me a good burger and I have witnesses- he answers, giving the girls a look.

She nods and gives him a small smile.

Cheryl is about to ask that just happened during the conversation with Chad that put her in that state but just then, Archie and Toni were leaving the bar while Jughead is helping her to stand up. Arch is confused by the scene so he just ask. -What's going on? - But nobody says anything, Verónica immediately excuses herself, clumsily picks up her things and leaves the restaurant claiming she is very tired and tomorrow they have a lot of work to be done (she certainly has a lot to think about, process and hardly she is going to be able to sleep tonight). She takes a quick look at Archie before heading out driving to the Pembroke.

After the awkward silence when the door was closed, Jones and Tabitha come back to the kitchen and Cheryl asks Toni for help to grab her things up and then be able to drive home. definitely she’ll try to call Veronica and try to find out What happened? .

Archie noticed the awkward moment and tried to act normal but he couldn't stop thinking about What happened there ? Does she need help? That quick look hurts and it was worse they didn't have the confidence of those high school years and she was trusting now Cheryl or even Jughead.

He knows with complete certainty that she has a shell that rarely someone can access.she usually she hides her problems and acts if nothing happens before opened her heart and tells to someone what’s going on .

Likewise, he knows that she is married and out of her reach but whenever he saw her he felt that something in her had been lost or changed and seemed to be linked to her new side as wife. He wants to give her space but even if it’s hard, it seems to be the only option right now.

Ready to go out of there, he went to her house expecting to see her the next day at school.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2

She gets out of the car and goes up quickly to the apartment, the news she received echoes louder and louder in her mind and while she closes the door behind her, she hears that heavy silence of her empty house and feels more alone than ever.

Pregnant
Pregnant
Pregnant

Chad will surely ask her to get back to NY as soon as possible and his “controlling personality” will increase for a few 7 or 8 months? What would happen after that? for sure she will stop working in a few months until her delivery. she’s going to be the trophy wife who stays at home taking care of her baby forgetting her professional life.

It’s not fair, she shouldn’t feel so overwhelmed by the fact of having a baby, on the contrary, being pregnant should be about enjoy and learn of this stage and the process of being prepare that comes with it such as buying clothes, organizing the nursery room, choosing the name, you know that kind of things.

But no, right now she is invaded by anxiety and uncertainty of not knowing what her life will be like in the future, definitely she doesn’t want to leave Riverdale, here she feels like home and although technically it is temporary and she is in a constant struggle against his father and his "thirst of power" who is destroying the city, she prefers to stay because she has more freedom here than she had in NY with Chad.

She decides to take a bath, make some tea, and review her messages hoping the lab test won't yield the result that made Chad excited but there it was, probably since her anniversary ( a month and a half ago) her baby would be growing and she hadn't even noticed.

The last month has been filled of highs and lows, reunions with her high school classmates, arguments with her husband and her father and a new job that have possibly prevented her from noticing the delay in her period or small changes in her body that now make sense.

She has 2 missed calls from Cheryl and a text where she tells her that she hopes V is okay and that she would like to hear from her tomorrow at school. the other text is from Chad who is driving to Riverdale and now is an hour from home. She knew it! He was on his way home and there was nothing she could do to avoid that encounter. He isn’t very fond of traveling to Riverdale very often but he loves to mark territory and control her by showing her friends that they have a happy and perfect marriage and now with more reason.

She can’t fall asleep and doubts of taking those pills that usually help her when her mind doesn’t stop thinking but she needs to rest. she doesn’t know if the medicine has any contraindications for her current state so she rejects the pills and goes to bed as soon as possible, closes her eyes and hopes to be strong enough to face the next day or rather the following months.

The next day, the alarm woke her up and she is surprised not to see Chad sleeping next to her even though she knows he is at home. A minute later he comes in holding a tray with breakfast and a smile from ear to ear. She smiles trying to hide her nervousness and act as natural as possible trying to prevent an argument so early.

-Morning honey! I made this breakfast for the woman who makes me the happiest man in the world- he kisses her wife and leaves the tray on her legs and then sits on the other side of the bed and asks her -So, How do you feel? I saw you so soundly asleep last night that I didn't want to wake you up.

-Thanks for breakfast, you didn't have to. Mmmm I feel good, yesterday I was exhausted ...- she tastes the fruit that is well cut and checks her phone that rings again. -oh, I need to get ready, I have classes today- She gets out of bed and closes the bathroom door hoping to buy some time with Chad.

-You know we have to talk about what we are going to do now, I think it is better that you go back to NY, we have our doctor there and you'll be well off for sure.- he says leaning on the bathroom door.

I know, let's talk when I get back from work, What do you think? We can order something for dinner - she doesn't give him time to answer as she turns on the shower and lets the water flow.

Hours later, It’s recess time and she is sitting at her desk reviewing essays or at least she’s trying to. the truth is she’s thinking about how her talk will turn out and how much she could bargain and reach agreements with him.

She doesn't notice when the red-haired girl walks in with her snake queen lover and an extra cup of coffee for V.

-Hey girl, last night we were worried about you, How do you feel? Do you know you can count on us, right TT?- she Turns her head to look at her girlfriend, Toni gives her a smile and they turn their eyes back to V who is hesitant to tell them what's going on, but at this point all she needs was a friendly face to listen to her and maybe get an advice that can help her.

She is Verónica Lodge, a strong woman who hates being seen vulnerable or being judged by what is happening, when she feels the eyes above her waiting for answers it makes her want to cry so she takes a deep breath and straightens her back ready to talk, it’s time for her to be able to vent.

Their talk took a while, she began to tell them about yesterday's call, her friends give her a big smile and Toni who is a few months away from giving birth seems much more enthusiastic when she thinks that V is now part of the same “club”, now they can support and accompany each other at this experience. For the couple, at first sight everything in her life seems perfect but they are worried about not seeing the same emotion in V who continues to explain their situation with Chad and his constant arguments, the absurd overprotection and his particular personality that have been mostly affected by his stay in Riverdale. Finally what worries V the most is her future ... at this point she couldn’t hold back her tears, this time Toni gets up and gives her a strong hug, those hugs that tell you “everything will be fine”, those hugs that you don’t want to let go and in which you would like to remove the pain that is affecting the other person.

After a few minutes, Veronica manages to calm down and feels a little lighter.
-I know that we have spent a long time not seeing so we appreciate that you trust us because although the situation looks complicated for you, you can count on us ... after all you could come and live with us, can you imagine? We would be an excellent trio and we would raise this beautiful baby with our girl as twins- she wants to lighten the mood and it seems to work because Ronnie imagines that scene and she laughs, she doesn't know which personality is more dominant between Cheryl and Chad but they could be a super alternative family .

-Now you have to focus on you and your baby, I'm going to give you my doctor's number here in Riverdale while you reach a deal with Chad- says Toni looking for the number in his contacts.

-regarding Chad, please think it over if you really want to give him a try or if you will definitely dissolve your relationship with him. You know that neither of them is going to be easy but you are very brave and you shouldn’t be in the shadow of a man when you can go much further- replied Cheryl.

V feels better and thanks them for that listening and support, she knows that having them close to her and most of all Toni helps her to solve her doubts and learn about the pregnancy of which she doesn’t know much. she really missed their friendship so she will enjoy that reconnection.

Chad has asked her 3 times what time he will get home and she texted him back "I'll call you when I go out."

The day at school ends with a meeting of the directors and teachers of the school where Jughead asks her how everything is going and she assures him that she had a good day, she doesn’t want to give him more details so she asked back about his writing progress but he didn’t seem excited about it and replied that he’s stucked with some ideas but maybe that burger she owes him could help with the inspiration so she confirms her invitation for the next Friday and he smiles to her. somehow she feels uncomfortable when she realizes that from the other side of the teacher’s room Archie doesn't take his eyes off her as he talks to Betty.
As soon as the meeting ends, she leaves as soon as possible and drives home to face the talk with her husband once and for all.

After dinner, he pours himself a glass of wine and fills Veronica's glass with water inviting her to talk in the living room where they can relax a bit.

After talking and listening to Chad's opinion about what they should do from now, which included even a trip to Europe so their firstborn could born in the city where his sister lives and gets the nationality.
Verónica takes the courage to express her feelings and thoughts clearly, she started talking about staying and continuing working at school and of course she said the trip was a exaggerated idea due to she also wanted her family, more specifically her mother, to be by her side. To conclude, She wants to give her marriage a chance and she lets him know. at that moment. he feels a little calmer because he feared that she will leave him and end what he has built in the eyes of his family and friends from the big apple.

Finally they reached the following agreements:

1- She will stay in Riverdale for at least 4 more months and he will visit her whenever he can.
2- she will comply with her controls in NY.
3- They will agree at least twice a month on a date that allows them to spend more time as a couple.
4- After those months she will return home with Chad and they will begin to adapt the baby's room and plan the baby shower with their families.
5- they wouldn’t tell anyone else about her pregnancy until she comes back to NY and as a couple they would break the news to their families in order to avoid further pressure on them for at least a while.

At the end, the talk was easier than she expected and maybe the fact that he saw an imminent separation around the corner, made him more flexible about what she wanted at that moment.

The night ended with a movie in the bedroom where they had the opportunity to spend time together without any tension in between.

Chapter Text

It's been a month since Veronica found out she’s pregnant and things have been very quiet in her personal life. Although not so much in Riverdale since her father has been quite intimidated by the presence of her and her high school classmates to the point of spread false news about them or set fire to whatever comes his way in order to scare them away ( a childish reaction from Hiram who like little boy seems to be completely crazed of power in this kind of monopoly he's playing.

She spends part of her free time with Choni who are finalizing the preparations for Maddie's arrival in a few months, V is delighted to help them, learn alongside them and even in their shopping days she has not been able to avoid buying stuff for her baby.

As for her work, it hasn’t been easy but day by day she has won over her students who at first judged her for being Hiram's daughter and didn’t miss the opportunity to comment and even call her a "mafia princess", But we know Verónica and it isn’t the first time that she has to show how detached she is from her father's business and thanks to her overwhelming personality she has managed to earn the respect in front of them.

Besides Choni, she has had the opportunity to spend time with Archie and their friendship is slowly reviving, not to the point of telling him every detail of what’s happening in her life, but they support each other in terms of save Riverdale. Neither of them asks much about the other's personal life (perhaps because deep down it hurts and they think that one is better without the other), she knows that he is sleeping with Betty and although she was who encouraged him to had fun, it hurts that she (her old friend) is still the one under Archie's radar.

As for the pregnancy, she is one week away from turning 3 months, she has not had morning vomiting Thank God! but she finds the cravings fun because she tries different kind of food like mango with salt and lemon, pickles and spicy food that Smithers and Chad (when he’s at home) help to calm. Moreover, her belly has grown a bit so she still wears her usual outfits and some loose clothes that help her avoid raising suspicions with her friends or students.

On the other hand, Chad calls her almost daily, they use FaceTime after her work because he wants to know every detail of how her pregnancy is going and how she feels. He has visited her twice, the last one was a week ago where he told her about an international business trip that take two weeks where he will participate in an event representing his company, V thinks it’s a long time for this kind of trip but at the same time she has no interest in asking and start an argument.

After his trip, they plan to meet in NY for her first pregnancy check-up, yes, her first check-up after the blood test that came back positive because both of them have been so busy that they could only schedule a telemedicine appointment two weeks ago and after that, they agreed to schedule the first ultrasound at 3 months and Veronica started taking folic acid and prenatal vitamins.

She can’t complain, things between them have been calm but she doesn’t claim victory because first, they haven’t seen much of each other and the phone conversations have no big relevance and second, she has realized that he knows exactly when she is going to a new places because during the conversations he asks where she was (every time she goes to a different place) like he was waiting for her to omit information or lie (which she doesn’t do). she thinks her phone is tapped for sure, but she won’t say anything because Chad could get even more intense and she can use it in her benefit later.

It was Thursday afternoon and she was talking with Archie at school about remodeling the Pembroke. He likes the idea (as long as Chad wasn't around) they’re going to meet at V's house on Saturday to talk about their ideas with the construction plans and hopefully they could start as soon as possible so she can supervise the process while is in town.

-So, I’ll be there between noon and 2 pm after the practice on Saturday, ok?- he asked getting up from the chair. It was strange not seeing him with Betty 24/7 but now that Polly is missing, the blonde girl finds herself most of the time investigating the case like the old times.

Veronica nodded, closed her bag and also got up from the couch in the teachers lounge. Then, Archie takes her arm and says "I don't want to be rude but you look tired today, are you feeling okay?" ... I can take you home, my car is parking outside. Well, only if you want-.

She’s not bothered at all, it’s true that today she has felt a little low energy but she thinks that a good long bath before bed will make her feel much better. - I won’t reject your proposal, today has been an exhausting day and I want to go home now . so I’ll get my coat and I’ll meet you there-

"Sure" Archie gives him a smile and leaves the room

The way home is short but the talk was good, they talked about Mary and her girlfriend who live in Chicago with vegas. Then, he told her how they got back his house that was in the hands of the Gullies and their drug business, she couldn’t believe how well the “rescue operation” went and the extra hands that helped them, she tries to imagine Kevin in a bulletproof vest kicking butts,she just laugh. Archie misses that smile so much, he can't stop looking at her, it's hard and it hurts to remember that she belongs to another man.

Sometimes he wants to ask about her college years or what did she do in NY before this sudden plan to save Riverdale, but he doesn't want to make her feel uncomfortable and honestly he doesn't want to hear the details of her married life without him

The next morning, Cheryl and Toni pick Veronica up at her house to go to school and on the way she buys them some fresh-out-of-the-oven chocolate croissants they really like, especially Toni who loves everything that has chocolate these days.

V didn’t sleep well, she feels different but she relates it to hormones or work, today she begins exams with her students and for the first time as a teacher she knows how hard it is to plan them and at the same time want all the students to get a good score. In addition, she must take time to rate them and upload notes to the system before next week.

At school they talk for a while with Kevin about the next football game where the Bulldogs will face the Stonewall team or more specifically Reggie and Hiram, they know how crooked they can be but they trust the Bulldogs can fight this time. Minutes later and ready to start their day they go to their respective classrooms.

15 minutes before the first class, some voices of the guys start to be heard from the hall and V prepares her classroom for the first test of the day, she writes some instructions on the board, counts the copies and organizes her desk not forgetting her water bottle to start the day.

Suddenly she feels a subtle discomfort, was like her temperature is rising and an annoying sweat begins to bother her, but she takes a seat and tries to ignore her body at least until the break when she can go out to get some air (honestly she would prefer a nap).

She takes a deep breath, rests her head on the back of the seat and repeats to herself -not today Veronica, not today, it’s an important day, at the end of the day you’ll have the weekend off, ok kind of - she take a sip of the water and wait for her students but not before sending a “good morning” text to Chad who is traveling. She knows that due to the time change he is slow to respond, that’s why she puts her phone inside the drawer and begins to receive her students with a smile.

Into the classroom, the silence invades the place while the students read, turn over the pages, write and erase formulas to complement their exercises and those who have a question approach to their teacher's desk looking for help.

Verónica is definitely not feeling well, she has tried to focus on explain and answer the doubts of the guys, but her awkwardness increases as the minutes went by. She has a pain in her lower belly that started as a mild colic but has increased and is already beginning to worry her. She tries to hide and fan himself with some papers from her desk because her body temperature feels to have risen and she moves and changes her position in her seat every time she can because the last thing she wants to do is attract attention, she just wants this hour to end as quickly as possible to be able to get out of the classroom.

Some of her students have noticed her quieter than usual but they don't mention anything and focus on finishing her exam.

Verónica is getting desperate, the pain at this point is unbearable and her condition doesn’t seem to improve so she decides to stand up and leave the room without saying anything at least for a few minutes, but she just stands up and takes a step towards the door and she feels her body turn off, suddenly everything turns black.

Chapter Text

The impact of her body against the floor abruptly interrupts the silence of the room. They all look at each other -omg ! what just happened?- said one of the boys getting up from his chair and approaching to her and trying to turn her on her back but immediately his friend stops him by the shoulder -don’t move her, it could make things worse-.

They’re kind on shock and surprised by the situation, the test takes a back seat but they don't know what to do.

-I’ll go for help- a ginger girl leaves her desk and runs out of the classroom followed by a couple who take the opposite direction with the same purpose.

Minutes later, Verónica still doesn’t wake up and around her there are some guys waiting for someone to come to help her while the others watch from the seats talking quietly. At that moment the pair of boys arrives running in the company of Jughead (or Mr Jones as he is known by the students) who asks everyone to return to their seats to give him space and quickly comes close to V, noticing when he touched his forehead she probably had fever and that her breathing was smooth but steady.

- Does anyone know what happened to her? Did she complain about something or did you notice something different about her today? How long has she been like this?- he tries to ask them in a calm tone of voice as he fanning her with a folder from her desk and thinks about how he can help wake her up.

-We have no idea what happened, indeed she didn’t say anything although she was a bit quiet during this time but I thought it was because of the exam- says one of the students at the back of the place.

-That’s true, since we came to the classroom she didn’t leave her seat, I noticed she was kind uncomfortable, suddenly she got up and immediately she fainted. The only thing we did was turn her on her back and we went for help ... that's all- answered a blonde girl sitting in front of him. -She has been unconscious for about 3 minutes- she added , looking at the clock on the wall.

- Could someone get a towel and wet it in the bathroom? - was the first thing he came up with at the moment. -come on! Hurry up! he raise the tone of his voice.

On the other side of the school, Weatherbee is meeting with Toni and Archie talking about the logistics, the players and the relevance of get good scores in their tests so that way they are allowed to play, when unexpected a student enters without knocking the door followed by Ms Bell who couldn't do anything to stop her.

Both Toni and Archie turn abruptly towards the door while the director stands up and asks her to leave the office because is an important meeting and whatever she has to say can wait but not before making a comment about the lack of manners of this new generation.

The girl tries to catch her breath by resting her hands on her knees and tells them -Ms Logde fainted and needs help-.

He hears her name and immediately run out to the classroom followed by the pregnant girl that, when crossing the door, took from the reception a first aid kit that could be useful .

As they go into the classroom, about 6 minutes after the student came out to ask for help, Archie walked in wanting to see Veronica's sparkle eyes but she is on the floor unconscious with a disturbed Jughead trying to wake her up.

-Guys give me your exams, I’ll let you know when we finish them. For now please leave the room and be ready for the next class- says Toni and 30 seconds later the place was empty .

Archie closes the door and looks at the first aid kit that Toni opens - here, this can help - she extends her hand quickly moistening a cotton ball with alcohol and then passing it to the redhead who is next to her.

A few seconds later her body starts to react -It's working!!! Veronica can you hear me?- Archie feels a little relieved to see her waking up while Jug adds looking at his friends -She had been like this for about 10 minutes.-

Veronica starts to come back and the first thing she recognizes is the worried face of her friends but she doesn’t remember what happened.
- why those faces? I'm fine guys- she assures them, trying to sound credible but as soon Jughead and Archie help her to sit up she feels that twinge in her abdomen again and inevitably leans forward wincing in pain.

-You're clearly not. We're going to the hospital right now. why didn't you tell me you felt bad?- said Toni, giving the girl with raven hair a knowing look, both know that in that condition any pain is a sign of alarm but she doesn’t want to be specific about it because she knows that neither of the two men know about the pregnancy.

-What hurts ? What's going on here?- says Archie noticing the concerned looks of the two.

-Calm down, it started just a few minutes ago. in fact I was coming out of the room when I fainted, honestly I wanted to avoid all this fuss- Veronica replied with a sigh looking at Toni.

The redhead looks at Jughead loooking for the same complicity but he seems as lost as he is. He notices V's expression of pain again and turns to Toni -She needs to go to the hospital but you know how long could take there and in your condition I won't let you go alone besides, Cheryl would kill me, so I'll take her- he said giving her no option to contradict him.

Jug gets up, he knows that he has done enough for now and they are in charge of the situation so he takes her coat and the bag from the rack and brings them to the desk-What a way to start the morning Lodge, You scared me ! I hope we have good news from you soon- he touches her shoulder and both men try they help her to get up only to realize that because the pain she can’t be straightened.
-My car is outside. Toni, can you take her things? I’ll carry her- he lifted her into her arms and left the classroom with a sore and worried Veronica.

When they arrive at the hospital Archie gets in asking for help a little desperate due to on the way her pain seems to increase by the minutes. Luckily, the place isn’t too busy which lets the nurses quickly get a stretcher so the redhead can lay her there. they start walking to the ER and the nurse looks to Archie -Do you know if she's allergic to any medications or she has a medical condition?-.

Even if he used to know Veronica, he never had the need to ask about her medical history given that they never visited a hospital as a patient while they were together.
-Not that I know of- he answers not being 100% sure, when he hears Veronica's voice.
-I'm pregnant- she says in the midst of pain.
-What ? - says Archie stopping short with an expression of complete surprise.
The nurse ignores Archie and asks - How far along are you?- walking faster.

-Almost 3 months- answer V Hoping that they can help her as soon as possible because at this point she knows something is really wrong.

At that moment, they cross that door where the family or friends must stay behind and there is Archie, with a blank expression processing the news that V has just released and inevitably a mixture of feelings invades him.

About a quarter of an hour has passed and he has been sitting in a chair near the nurses station waiting patiently for some update. Then, the phone rings in his pocket and as soon as he takes it out, Toni’s name appears on the screen and he immediately answers.

-Hey- he says barely audible with a lump in his throat.
-What have they told you? How is she?- he heard Toni and Cheryl looking for answers.

He runs his hand through his hair and his hand ends up pressing on his temples -mmmmm the place is kind of empty, which is good, they went into the ER with her about 20 minutes ago - and then there is a silence when he trying to say out loud what he has tried to process the las minutes.

-She is pregnant- he struggled to articulate hoping for some surprise reaction on the other side of the line but actually he is the surprised by Cheryl's voice -Duh we already know that but Did they say something about the baby? It worries me that according to Toni she could have an infection and that explain the fever but even worse the low abdomen pain ...-.

-Wait a minute, did you already know? Why hadn't she said anything? -Of course It has not been long time since the reunion but he thought they had advanced regarding his friendship with Ronni and a pregnancy isn’t just a simple news, she couldn’t have hidden it for a long time so, How was he supposed to find it out? maybe when her belly shows up or Would she just planned go back to NY ?

-Stop being dramatic Andrews, right now is not the time to judge her! If she hadn't told you yet she must have had a reason and you need to respect that, besides, you're not asking me, but it hasn't been easy for her- Toni answers because she knows that now Archie’s mind must be driving him crazy.

Archie sighs frustrated and upset, he tries to calm his nerves because he knows they should focus on Veronica and honestly seeing the big picture things doesn’t look good at all.

-So Should we call Chad, right ? He would like to come as soon as possible. I'm going to find her phone in the bag, give me a moment- he adds as he gets up from the seat and goes to his car.

-Wait, don’t do that! - He is stopped by Cheryl's voice who explains - he’s away on business and according to V he is out of the country so he isn’t an option right now unless we have a report on her condition- she tries to find out other options when Archie protests -but we have to call someone- he can hear on the other side Toni laugh who is making fun of him - sure! You should call Hiram, no doubt in a minute he’ll be there taking her out of the hospital and then burning down the whole place-.

Clearly they didn’t have good options the best they can do now is wait for news and for V to decide what to do next.

-Toni, could you talk to Waldo? I don't know how long it’s going to take but I'm not going to move from here for now-

-Of course, he knows what happened and he told me to keep him informed. For your information, both her classes and yours are being covered by me, thank me later- adds the brunette with a soft laugh.

The school bell rings on their side and they know it's time to go back - well, I hope everything goes well for our girl. let us know any update and stay calm - Cheryl says goodbye and the call ends, leaving Archie alone again in the waiting room.

Chapter Text

Chapter 5

It's been 2 hours since the girls call, there's not much to do and Archie hangs out between old newspapers and sudokus that he honestly doesn’t know how to solve.

Suddenly, the nurse who admitted V crosses the door and walks up to him and touches his shoulder from him to get his attention.

-Sir sorry, the doctor is signing the documents for the discharge of Ms Logde and he asked me while he finishes with the patient you can go to the pharmacy and claim these medications. The lady mentioned you could find her ID in her purse. -She says cordially although her expression is neutral.

While he was relieved that soon she could get out of there, the woman wasn’t quite specific regarding her condition, so trying to be the most convincing and after receiving the formula he asked -could you tell me what happened? How is she?.-

He sighs -I know I’m not family and you can’t share that information with me but just between us, right now no one in her family can be with her and I need to know how to help her- his heart beats hard against his chest because he knows that despite the years, Ronnie has been one of the most important people for him after his parents and although they’re not really close, he would like to be more present in her life again.

The nurse looks around making sure there are no doctors close and sits next to him looking into his eyes - She arrived with a diagnosis of "Inevitable abortion" as her name indicates it’s very difficult to stop it. These miscarriages are usually common before 20 weeks of pregnancy and are very difficult to prevent. I'm so sorry, now she needs to rest and take her medications to avoid infection.-

At this point Archie feels her heart sinking in his chest and he wishes this awful situation was just a bad dream because he hates that she's going through this without someone to support her and to be honest, he doesn't think Chad or Hiram are good for her.

-Thanks for the information, I'm going to the pharmacy and I'll be right back- the red haired boy gets up slowly and leaves the building looking for V's purse. The news is a bucket of cold water and he feels impotence because he doesn’t know how to make her feel better.

He is two shifts away from being called at the pharmacy when he checks his phone; it’s now a quarter past noon and he has some messages from Toni, Waldo and Betty who asks him where is he?. Well, she hasn't seen him today at school and they agreed to have lunch together because was the only time where they could share due to her investigation and his job. He texted her back that it’s better if they have lunch other day and as soon as he has time he’ll call her or they could talk at home later. After that he’s called to take Ronnie’s medicines.

He doesn't spend much time back in the waiting room when the nurse comes out pushing a wheelchair with Veronica in it. The first thing he notices is her face a bit pale and her slightly red eyes that reveal how hard she is handling the situation.

They leave the hospital in complete silence and help her get into the car. the couple thank the nurse and he gets into the car, he puts on his seatbelt and turns to see Verónica who has her look lost at some point in front of her.

-How are you?- he immediately regrets asking that question; what a stupid question!.
-I'm fine- She answers fast and cutting, surely avoiding showing some kind of pain in her voice.

Archie doesn't want to pressure her to speak, so all he has left of her is to nod slowly and start the truck. "I'll drop you off at the Penbrooke, you must rest," he says randomly and she turns her head towards the window without saying a word.

After a few minutes he parks in front of the large building and turns off the engine.
She unbuckles her belt, picks up her things and before opening the door she turns to the man -Thanks- she breathes deeply and continues -you didn't have to wait for me to come out, I could have called Smithers- but Archie interrupts her -Ronnie isn’t a bother, that's what friends are for.-

She feels a chill when hearing her old nickname and she would love that things were different at this moment but then, she remembers that she left her phone at school and despite she hesitates to ask him for a favor she decides to do it.

- I know you have a thousand things to do but I left my phone in the classroom desk so I need you to take it and could I turn it off once the last class end? remember not before, just after the last class finishes- she hopes he doesn't ask about it, she doesn't want to give him the explanation of why of her specification.

Archie naturally frowns, he thinks he has an idea of the reason of her request, his name could be related with her husband Gekko, however, he is willing to help her in any way so he replies -of course, after school I’ll bring it to you.

-No! - She opens her eyes and looks at his face - you don’t have to, don’t worry. tomorrow if we meet, you could give it to me or if not, on Monday at school, there is no rush. Again Thank you so much for today-

It’s there when she opens the door and gets out of the vehicle giving Archie no time to help her with it.

Veronica starts walk towards the entrance unable to stop some tears from falling by her cheeks when she hears the horn of the car and immediately wipes her face and turns seeing that she forgot her medicine bag and Archie is getting out to get them to her.

Immediately he notices her face and how sad she is, he really hates this situation. He would like to be able to stay with her and make sure that she’s well and repeat as many times as necessary that everything is going to be ok. Instead he insists on asking her -Are you sure you're okay? -

-I'm going to- she barely says without any expression on her face, retaining so hardly that lump in her throat so she receives the bag and quickly comes into the Pembroke.

After a moment standing looking at the frontal door of the big building with no idea of what to do, he gets back in the car and takes his phone where Toni and Cheryl are bombarding him with calls and messages. Archie replies he is on his way to school while he starts driving to the school looking for some advise about this situation.

Chapter Text

Chapter 6

The day was quite exhausting, right now they are finishing the last hour with the students when Archie walks to the economy classroom to pick up V’s phone. when he takes it out of desk, the screen lights up and he can see how the record of missed calls and messages from Chad apearse quickly while they increasing the tone as they aren’t answered.

He feels frustrated because he knows she deserves someone better but he can’t do anything about it, he turns off the phone like she asked him for and keeps it in her jacket.

Then, he met the girls at Toni's office and updated them about Veronica. They both looked very moved because they knew how difficult it was for her to assimilate the situation at the beginning and how much she had been excited regardless of whether things with Chad worked or not.

-Babe, get ready and let’s go to the Pembroke, she can't be alone, she needs us right now- says Cheryl worried looking at Toni who nods and starts to get ready.

-Let me know how’s it doing. It’s going to take me some time to get everything ready for tomorrow's practice but as soon as I get out of here, I'll stop by to visit her- adds the redhead as he leaves the office.

-Okay, thanks for what you're doing for her Andrews, she needs us close now- Toni gives him a smile and knows that he does it with pleasure, V and Archie have always had a kind of connection that goes beyond of sex or if they are together or not.

An hour later and already at night in the town, Archie gets in his car and listens to the voice message that Cheryl sent him where, worried, they said that Smithers didn’t let them come in by order of Verónica, according to him, she needs to rest and she didn't want ANYONE to interrupt her.

This left them more concerned because they know she prefers to push everyone around her away before asking for help. They can't do much there and Toni needs to rest so they leave the place, tomorrow they’ll try it again and wish Archie good luck to hear from her.

He stops at Pop's around 7pm to get some food, V probably hasn't even had lunch yet and it can be a good excuse to let him go in.

Right after Veronica get back from the hospital she can't help crying, she goes to the kitchen to put down the medicines and then she goes to the bathroom where she fills the tub with warm water and goes into it hoping to find some peace.

She’s feeling so many things right now, she’s feeling so overwhelmed that she wishes all her pain and guilt would go away. She comes out of the bathroom exhausted, she puts on her pajamas, lies in her bed and hopes to get some sleep and forget her life for a while.

She wakes up a little disoriented looking for the time thinking she must call Chad before he goes crazy for not hearing from her during the day and even more when Archie should turned off her phone.

It’s after 7 at night and Verónica is in the living room, she turns on her laptop and fills a glass of water trying to get ready for talk with her husband. She has no idea of how’s going to be his reaction but she needs to be strong.

She opens FaceTime and selects the contact with the photo of the two of them in one of her trips and waits for him to answer, every second she waits is endless and makes her more and more nervous.

Unanswered

She tries again and that is when his face appears on the screen, she takes a deep breath and tries to calm that trembling in her hands that invades her.

-Finally! Tell me what was SO important today for you to ignore me all day and turn off the phone by the way! Are you hiding from me? What's going on?! At least I know you were in school all day right?- He says quite agitated, almost shouting at the screen.

- Really ? so all this time you have been follow my location by my phone ?! What kind of psychopath did I marry with ? your insecurity is that big that your brilliant idea was to monitor every step I take? wow, You really have no limits Chadwick- she says quite mad because she knew he was controlling her but not to this point and the worst thing was that she allowed him.

-Do you think I was ok knowing that you are living in that town with your “super friends” from high school that I don't know anything about and to whom your dad hates so much without doing anything about it?- He says with a bitter smile on his face and immediately continues -Could you better stop avoiding my questions and answer what has my pregnant wife been doing all day?.-

Immediately upon hearing that word she feels a lump in her throat and begins to play with her fingers, avoiding looking at the screen.

-I’m not longer... mmm I ... I'm not- she says while her voice broke and looks up to see Chad's reaction.

-You’re not longer what ?- he asks with no idea what she means.

Why does he have to make it so difficult? Veronica thinks.

-I had a miscarriage this morning- at this point her cheeks are wet by the tears that keep falling while she tries to hold back crying.

-Come again? I don’t understand- He moves closer to the screen quite despaired and Veronica surely didn’t expect the question she is about to hear from the person on the other side of the computer.

Meanwhile Archie comes into the reception and Smithers greets him -good night Mr. Andrews-

-Good night Smithers, I've come to give to Veronica her phone and deliver her dinner- he hopes the old man might lets him come in without problem.

-Mr. Andrews I'm sorry but Mrs. Gekko forbade me the access of anybody to her apartment until further notice-

-I know, but for sure she has slept all afternoon and hasn’t asked for food, right?.-

-Look, I’ll be honest with you, I’m worried about her and you know me, I wouldn’t hurt her, I just want to help her... please let me get in or would you prefer to call Hiram? Right now she needs us- he's desperate to go upstairs and hopes Smithers will accept his request.

The butler hesitates for a moment but he knows the guy is right .

-Okay man, go up and let me know whatever she needs," he says not sure about his decision he just made.

Archie smiles at him and heads for the elevator not knowing the scene he is about to hear.

When he reaches the second floor and the elevator doors open, he walks towards the apartment but before knocking the door he can hear an argument between V and Chad. He knows it's not proper to stand there listening to other people's conversations but he can't help it, he just hopes that after the call he can come in to see her and make sure she’s going to be okay.

-What did you do Veronica? Is it a kind of revenge for having access to your phone? -Chad said crudely.

Veronica has never, never, never imagined that now he is blaming her, at this point she is so surprised that her heart starts to beat strongly and the anger invades her body -What did you just imply? seriously? Do you think I killed MY baby because my controlling husband tapped my phone?-

Archie feels the need to break that door and smash Chad's face upon hearing what he just said but he doesn't do it because one, Veronica wouldn't forgive him and two, Gekko isn't there which would only make things worse.

-We know from the beginning you didn’t want to have children so if you add one plus one ... there you have it- he says with tears in his eyes, his words are breaking Veronica and he knows it so he continues -I thought the accident had shown you that life can vanish in a snap Veronica, we could have died that day ! And I know that I say it a lot but it seems that it doesn’t affect you.-

-Excuse me !? Tell me who had to go to the therapy after spending months in the hospital after the accident in order to recover, to be able to handle the panic attacks that I had never had in my life; I lost my job in the NY stock, the job that I loved and by the way I was doing better than you but you refused to let me come back when you were also in that helicopter, it's not fair! If you think after that day my dream was to be a mother and stay home 24/7, you’re wrong !!! In fact it’s the opposite, I want my life back, feel useful again doing what I like but it seems you never understood it- Veronica at this point is crying and she can’t understand how she went from being a wife trying to recover her marriage to be accused of taking the life of her baby.

Archie can't believe all the pain that Veronica has been dealing with lately, he had no idea about the accident or that she let this alpha man control her life like that.

He thought she was happy with Chad, he even remembers that karaoke day where he surprised everyone singing and looking like the “Perfect couple” but at the same time, he must have seen the red flag when he saw Chad in the classroom everyday during the week in which he decided surprise her. Why hadn't he noticed ?! She doesn't deserve this.

-Do you think I don't know your family is able of paying anyone to fulfill your whims? Why did you ignore me all day while I should have been the first person to know? I guess all your friends already know it and must be delighted with the news just like you- his voice is full of anger and he’s hurt because he saw in Veronica's pregnancy the opportunity to have her back.

-The only job you had was to carry our baby for 9 months and take care of him or her but you couldn't even do that ?! What kind of maternal instinct do you have girl ?!- Chad says as he bangs the table a couple of times at the end of his question.

-It wasn’t my fault! I didn’t do anything ! This morning I felt kind of sick and then It came a point where I passed out during class and then-
she can't finish when Chad interrupts her, raising his voice - I don't want to hear your stories, it doesn't matter anymore! Can't you see that there is no more baby, there is nothing to do! -

The conversation is out of control and she couldn't be more destroyed, she was naively waiting for some kind of support from Chad. Is her husband right? Throughout the whole conversation he hasn't shown any kind of interest in her and she's fed up of feeling that way.

She continues crying uncontrollably and is unable to talk to him.

-You know what? You've already done enough for today and I don't want to keep wasting my time. I hope you sleep in peace given that you got what you wanted.- he closes the computer ending the call and Veronica's screen turns black reflecting her defeated face and she also closes frustrated her computer.

Verónica feels that she can’t take this anymore, while the idea that the miscarriage had been her fault was running through her head, she didn’t thought that Chad blamed her so crudely. the doctor mentioned that these cases happen more frequently than you think but now she believes the possibility of be the guilty for her loss is greater.

She hasn’t stopped crying since she hung up the call, she feels that there is no way to get rid of that pain that burns her chest.

Archie takes courage and knocks the door twice which makes Veronica jump, she turns her head to look at the door hoping not to make any noise so the person on the other side of the door leaves, but Archie knocks again -Ronnie I know you're there, It’s Archie-

-If you bring my phone please leave it on the floor or with Smithers, you shouldn't have come up- she says trying to sound calm.

-Please V, let's talk- Archie leans his forehead against the door and closes his eyes waiting for her to open the door .

-I don't want to talk.- she says as she wipes her tears.

-ok, so let's not talk, just open the door- Archie is trying to mediate, he knows isn’t going to be easy but he is willing to enter through a window if necessary.

-Leave me alone please- she starts crying again -Just GO! -She raises her voice, actually she doesn't want to be mean but she knows how insistent he can be and she doesn't want anyone to intervene.

-Ronnie listen to me, I care about you I just want to come in for a while-

-Not now Archie and not with the argument that you care about me because it's not true! I have always been the second choice for everyone and you know it! or don’t you remember the blonde girl who used to be my bestie?
I’m the problem, you know? I’ve never been enough, there is always someone better and I am fed up! - V argues getting up from the couch and takes a few steps toward the frontal door to make sure he hears her message.

She understands Archie's silence that in some way endorses what she just said. She cant help feel like a failure who hasn’t been able to form a happy marriage, she isn’t even sure she chose the right man, she was so afraid of getting pregnant that she ended up with an abortion and she couldn’t do anything for her baby, her body even failed in caring for him and about her professional life she doesn’t even want to talk.

She turns to the table and takes the glass of water (which is still intact since he filled it) to smash it on the wall followed by a gasp which makes Archie reacts from the other side of the door knowing he must come in right now.

Veronica falls to her knees next to the wall and the uncontrolled crying returns while Archie tries to bring down the door but he fails. The bell rings announced the arrival of the elevator and a scared Smithers comes out of it, probably after hearing the scream or the blow of the glass.

-What's going on? Why hasn't you come in yet?- he asks in amazement waiting for answers

-She doesn't want to open the door but I need to get in. She's not okay and I'm afraid she’ll do something against herself- he takes the older adult by the shoulders making sure he understands the urgency of the situation -Don't you have a copy of the key?-

-Of course, let me check on my desk- he returns by the elevator and Archie goes with him so he can go up again as soon as possible.

A minute later, Archie runs up and desperately opens the door looking for Veronica who she is leaning against the wall with her knees against her chest and her hands covering her face while she cries uncontrollably .

-Ronnie, Ronnie- he takes her from her arms and tries to make eye contact with her. Please calm down, I need you to breathe- he says running his hands up and down over her arms.

-I can't, I can't do it, it hurts and I don't know how to make it stop- her words are broken by crying.

- it's my fault, I know it's my fault! He's right, I couldn't do anything to take care of the baby. I've failed again and it's all my fault!- It hurts that she’s saying all those things but he knows he should let her vent and listen to her may be the best option in the meantime.

She takes a deep breath and continue -In a way I deserve it, you know?, I haven’t been a good wife and I refused to have a baby so when I get pregnant I had a chance to fix my marriage and then the destiny or the life took away from me that hope and now I have nothing- her eyes and voice are full of feeling while Archie feels a cold air runs through his body and has goose bumps because it’s the first time he has seen Ronnie so broken, so far from the version of Verónica that he met in high school.

His impulse to protect her leads him to wrap her in a hug drawing her body and then rocking her slowly while repeating like a whisper -shhh none of this is your fault, don't be unfair to yourself because I'm sure you were doing a good job... You’re not failing, he hasn’t the right to make those judgments when he hasn’t been here to support you. This kind of things happens and looking for guilty isn’t healthy for you.-

He doesn't know how long he's been moving back and forth in that hug but it seems to work; her breathing is much calmer, the crying seems to have ended although he doesn’t know if she is awake or maybe she fells asleep. He unconsciously kisses her on the top of her head, remembering the smell of her hair that, despite the years, It still feels the same.

He realizes she could have a fever again and he’s not sure if it’s because of all the crying or it could be an infection.

-hey- he tries to get her attention.

-Did you take your meds? Are you burning- he asks, putting his hands on each side of her face, feeling her temperature against his cold hands. she answers by shaking her head from side to side in denial.

Archie gets up from the floor and heads into the kitchen to fill a glass of water and read the prescription that V hasn't gotten out of the bag yet. She stands up too and apologizes to him as she heads to the bathroom.
-I just stained my pajamas- she says looking embarrassed with a low voice.

As she get into the bathroom, Archie says - why don't you take a bath, it'll help you with the fever. I’ll wait for you-

V nods and closes the bathroom door. A few minutes later, he can hear the water running and starts to organize the food he brought and for obvious reasons he has to reheat in the microwave. He lets Smithers know that he is handling the situation and then he sets the table.

When they’re ready to eat she claims she has not appetite and even though he doesn't want to push her, he suggests she try to eat as much as she can so she can take the medicine.

She eats half of her fries and barely bites her burger a couple times, even though he doesn't think it's enough he takes it as an advance. he walks to the kitchen looking for the glass of water and makes sure she takes the pills.

She doesn't say much at dinner and when Archie asks something she answers with yes, no or ok. Archie knows her blank stare that seems calm actually hides the fact that her mind is spinning around about her situation.

When they finished, he clears the table and organizes the dishes into the dishwasher suggesting Veronica to go to bed and try to sleep.

Archie walks into the room that looks almost the same than when they were teenagers and the flashbacks invade his mind with all the good times they shared there.

She lies on the left side of the bed and he uses a thermometer to make sure she no longer has a fever and gives her a small smile when he checks that her temperature has dropped.

-You don't have to stay, I already held you today with all my drama. I don't want Betty to feel like I'm taking you away from her or cause trouble between you two... So thank you and don't forget to close the door when you go out- she says avoiding looking at his face again, instead she plays with a strand of her duvet.

-hey, I don't want to leave you alone and just to be clear you don't cause any trouble between Betty and me. She'll understand if I stay tonight So I’ll stay- he says trying to be as clear as possible. -and before I forget, here is your phone turned off as you asked- He takes a few steps leaving the mobile on her nightstand.

-You won’t stay, I am fine and tomorrow morning you have practice with the bulldogs so you will go home to rest so tomorrow the boys will have their coach on time for practice. End of discussion- She doesn't want to keep holding him back and she hopes he comes back home as he should be.

- Okay, I'll wait until you fall asleep and then I promise to go home. That doesn’t mean that I won’t come here tomorrow. so rest well, I turn off the lights- he turns around, turns off the light and stands in the doorframe watching her for a few minutes until he knows she has fallen asleep and gently closes the door.

Once Archie returns to the living room he still feels the heaviness of the place and his eyes are directed to the broken glass that V smashed against the wall. He picks the pieces up carefully, he uses the broom to get rid of the smallest bits of glass and tries to dry the wall and carpet with some towels.

He promised to go home and although he would give everything to stay and make sure she’ll be fine. He will fulfill his duties and for now he’ll go to rest after this bad day.

Chapter Text

Chapter 7

The next day Veronica doesn't want to get out of bed, Smithers knocked on the door a couple of times telling her that her breakfast is ready but she texts him she will be out soon and that he better leave it there at the door.

She can't help feeling an emptiness in her body that thanks to the pills she's taking and the bleeding that probably would stop in one or two weeks remind her of the loss she had. During the night she slept little since the conversation with Chad was played over and over again in her head, she got up a couple of times strictly to the bathroom, and right now that morning has arrived, she has little desire to leave the bed.

She turns to her table and remembers that she hasn't turned on her phone since Archie gave it to her, so she reaches out to grab it and see if Chad sent any messages after last night (she knows she shouldn't expect anything from him, but very in deep down he wanted there to be some sign that she cared at least a little bit).

The screen glows against her face and the notifications come in. She not only has messages from Chad trying to communicate with her yesterday before their argument but also from Cheryl, Toni, and Jughead who wanted to know if he is okay; she texts them a short reply "thanks for the concern, I'm fine" and not seeing a signal from her husband after the video call, she blocks the phone and sets it aside. She settles under the covers looking at the wall, surrounded by the silence of the place trying to organize the ideas and thoughts that flutter in her mind.

Archie hardly slept last night and in the morning before leaving for the practice he was approached by Betty who wanted to know what had happened yesterday since the messages they exchanged at noon were the only thing she knew about him. She hopes that he will give her some information about his day but he takes an apple from the table and runs off apologizing and arguing that he is late for school (when in fact he doesn't want to and doesn't know to what extent he can share Veronica's situation and specifically with Betty).

When he gets into her car, he leaves a message for Toni telling her about the episode that Veronica had last night and he realizes that she had never seen her so bad and they must find a way to help her.

He must accept that during the practice her mind was in another place, he knew he had to encourage her in some way and the only thing that came to his mind was the remodeling, it was a project that could help her a little and he could be there for her in the process.

After he finishes the practice with the boys, he organizes the material to be able to go to Pembroke, not without letting V know that he's on his way and he'll bring food.

Upon arrive at Verónica's apartment, he notices the breakfast tray that she hasn't touched and proceeds to knock on the door, hoping to see her in a better mood or at least calmer.

He hears the movement of the lock and there she is still in her pajamas a little disheveled, he wants to runs to give her a hug and a kiss but he knows it wouldn't be a good time so instead, they exchange a smile as she takes a step to the side and lets him pass.

-Ronnie, I don't want to start with a sermon but you know you have to eat - he says looking serious at her.

-I don't have appetite today- She plays with her fingers as she heads to the living room.

-It's a shame because I brought the best pasta for lunch and I needed your help to finish it- he tries not to pressure her knowing that she loves pasta- I even ordered that garlic bread that you like so much or at least that's what I remember -.

She can see his effort to help her so she replies that she will try but first they can talk a little about the remodel she has in mind.

Already seated at the table with the plans of the house and a notebook where Verónica has written down her ideas, Archie is encouraged to ask
-How do you feel today? -

She doesn't know how to answer that question but convinces him she is calmer than yesterday and that she surely needs a distraction.

-You don't know how grateful I am to you for all your help yesterday, I know I didn't treat you good and I'm sorry, I don't know what would have happened if I had been alone- she says while looks him in the eyes, that look that transmits so many emotions to their eyes and reaffirms that connection that both have regardless of whether they are or not together but that confirms that he is there for her and vice versa.

-You know I do it with all the pleasure because I care about you and I want to help- he rests her hand on V's shoulder accompanied by a big smile.

She shares a few ideas and Archie writes a list of stuff to start shopping but he just can't stop admiring her shapely eyebrows or her olive skin and he gets lost in her face, her beauty is still there even in her bad days. God! he missed her too much, by her side, everything seems much easier and more comfortable.

-I'm going to need a favor from you- she says putting a strand of hair behind her ear while reading a page from her notebook and then ripping it off and crumpling it like a ball.

-Everything that is in that room (she points to the back door) is to take out, I need you to take the stuff to Toni and could you tell her that she can keep what she needs and donate what she doesn't ... Could you do that for me? - adds V closing the notebook increasing the curiosity in Archie to see what‘s in the room.

-Of course. I already have the list so I'm going to call the providers, if we get the materials we can start in a few days - he says looking at his notes.

-I would be happy to help as long as I can, as long as I don't have schoolwork. could be during my days off. you know, could be simple tasks I'm not even close to being a rookie but ill try my best. What do you think?- She wants to help and knows she needs to be busy right now.

The redhead laughs at the insistence -That sounds good- he stands up and goes to the kitchen.
-For the moment, We deserve a break. I'm going to get ready the lunch while you set the table ok?-

During lunch they had a simple talk, V didn't seem interested in eating and repeated the same behavior from the night before. In the end, she took a few bites of her pasta, and the garlic bread appeared to cheer her up.

-Could you mind taking those things to Toni’s place today? I want to have that space ready ASAP.

-Sure. Do you want to help me? After packing everything in the car you could come with me to Thornhill and you can go outside for a while, they have been asking a lot about you.

-NO- she says standing up abruptly. It was almost like a scream but when she realizes that he noticed the sudden change in her, she continues trying to sound casual -next time, I'm going to take a bath and I'll stay to grade some essays but thank you. Please close the door when you leave ... I'll see you Monday at school, okay? -

-Alright. if you need something you know I'm 20 min away. Please take care- at that moment he wants to stay but at the same time, he doesn't want to press her.
Still, he adds
-Can I hug you?-

She nods biting her lower lip as he walks to her and just right when she's into his arms they can't ignore that electricity through their body and the fast beating of their heart by the touch of the other person.

The height difference allows him to cradle her in his arms and rest his chin against his head smelling her shampoo while she feels protected and of course she likes that feeling, she closes her eyes, and focus on listening to his heartbeat, the peace he transmits to her right now, and how much she had missed.

They don't realize how long that hug took but it seems to have reset them. As soon as they get apart they share a warm look, she goes to the bathroom and Archie to clean out that room that she wants to empty so urgently.

A minute later, after Archie finished organizing the kitchen, he can hear the shower running and prepares to take the things into his car. He opens the door to the room and his stomach falls to the floor when he realizes what is there.

Besides the desk or the old chairs that were there, what caught Archie's attention were some toys, clothes, and even a children's chair he found in one corner of the room.

Now he understood the rejected reaction of Veronica to his invitation. He took a deep breath and began to get things out as quickly as possible to finish before she got out of the shower.

Veronica knew that she had wouldn't be able to get the baby stuff out on her own. She feels foolish about getting excited so quickly and impulsively had bought those things. She listens to the moves outside and her heart starts pounding as some tears run down her cheeks and mix with the water that falls from the shower because with that room empty she thinks it could be less painful but at the same time she is grateful that Archie is there to help her.

When she comes out of the shower, she knows by the silence of the place that Archie is gone and is grateful that he didn't question her and gave her space. She picks up the phone waiting for news from Chad but there is no sign of him and inevitably she feels insignificant and realizes how much disinterest he has shown with her since no matter how difficult the news of her baby was, he didn't ask how is she? not once and that says a lot about him, about them as a couple, about their marriage that now more than ever she's sure it must come to an end this game of control and appearances and also stop them from hurting each other because Chad has made it very clear what he thinks of Verónica and she isn't going to stand it anymore.

In her room, V puts on the pajama, closes her curtains, and lies down on the bed. She starts to think about how good it feels to share time with Archie again, some memories come to her mind and she recognizes from small details that she has lost part of her essence; she wonders where is the independent and determined Veronica with a bubbly personality who doesn't depend on a man's opinion to live her life?.

At first, she thought that it was something common of her new role as a wife, that love is transformed by time and she had to give in to avoid arguments but she was so blinded that she ignored those red flags that she has once ignored.

She texted Archie asking for the number of Mary who at this moment would be the only one who can help her because she is sure that any lawyer in NY would be exposed to manipulation or extortion from Chad and she won't take the risk. A few minutes later she gets Mary’s number and proceeds to call her.

Archie parks in front of the Thornhill mansion and knocks on the door, Cheryl welcomes him and they come into the large kitchen where is Toni gives them coffee and they sit on the island to talk.

-To what do I owe this honor, Andrews? I thought you were at Veronica's. Don't tell me you couldn't get in today- asks Cheryl

-Well... I come from her house, we were talking about some details of the remodeling because you know, I think right now she needs a distraction and it seems to work. We have lunch or that is what I tried because Veronica refused to finish her plate of food and mmmm she asked me for a favor. That's why I'm here- the redhead says, settling into the chair drinking from his cup.

Toni looks at him curious and adds. - ok at least she had good company. We were thinking about going to visit her today but we had an appointment with the doctor but we will find the time to go ... but spill the tea Archie, what is this favor about? -

Archie sighs sadly and looks at them -she wanted to me to clean out one of the rooms and asked me to bring you what was there-

-oh, thats weird, she hadn't mentioned anything about it- Toni frowns at confusion.

-I don't think she told you because it wasn't in her plans. So besides a couple of pieces of furniture she wanted to get rid of this. You join me? He gets up and look at them waiting for an answer from them.

He opens the trunk of the car and they instantly understand the situation. They look at each other with sorrow and remember that they were with V when she bought those things and they certainly know shopping was one of the activities that helped to motivate Veronica to get excited about her pregnancy. It breaks their hearts that everything has happened this way, they take out the bags rmembering they were very happy for V and the arrival of a nephew for them and a friend for Maddie.

-Thanks- is the only thing Toni can say as Archie finishes putting things down.

-We have the same toys but we will still make sure of donating them ... Follow me, let's leave them in the living room, and then we'll organize them- says Cheryl carrying one of the bags and leading Archie inside.

Chapter Text

Chapter 8

As soon as Archie gets home and closes the door Betty calls him from the kitchen.

-Hey you, long day? Have you eaten? I'm cooking something if you want- says Betty, turning on the oven.

-sounds good ... How was your day? Any news from Polly? -Answers while he takes off his jacket and sits down in the kitchen.

-Nothing new, we've been running in circles and we're out of time ... mmm Archie- she clears her throat
-I think we have to talk- the blonde says softly, and immediately Archie feels a shiver in the back.

“Sure, I’m listening" Archie crosses his arms waiting for the blonde to talk.

-I don't know how to say it ... I've been seeing Jug. I mean, at first, it was strictly to investigate the mystery of the missing girls but now I think we are reconnecting and honestly, I don't know what happens or what could happen between us.-
- Archie, You are my friend, we agreed that what we were doing was just a friendship with benefits but I think the time has come to stop, it doesn't feel good when I want to try it again with Jug - the words come out so fast and he's sure she has rehearsed that speech several times and now it seems to have lifted a great weight from her.

-Seriously? both of you want to try or just you?... Look, I just want you to be happy and if that's what you really want to do, I get you. We both knew “this” was not serious and neither was going to get enthusiastic. Lately, I have noticed we didn't even find time to talk and that is due to all the craziness that Riverdale brings us- he looks at her waiting to see her reaction, and continues.

-You know that we're still friends and you can count on me for whatever you need-

-Thanks Arch, I'm not sure if he's on the same page but I feel we need each other right now and I'm going to try. Who knows?-

Archie nods his head and they both smile, after all this time some things never change, having returned to the city has made them re-evaluate the course of their lives, and unexpectedly, they have reconnected with their old lovers.

She puts some vegetables into the microwave and turns to see Archie's blank expression, she could knows what's the reason.

-Mmm, don't you have something to tell me? A little bird told me you visited the Pembroke after the practice today. Does it mean you are also giving yourself a chance with V? Oh wait! Now, are you trying a trio with Chad? - She gives him a playful look letting out a laugh.

He takes a big sigh but doesn't laugh which makes the atmosphere a bit uncomfortable. -It's more complicated than you think- he runs his hand of his neck trying to stay calm.

-No! don't tell me that Veronica is getting divorced- says Betty totally surprised getting close to him.

“She should ... I honestly have no idea if that relationship is even a bit healthy" he says, frowning as he remembers that conversation two days ago.

-So what is it about? -She rests her arms on the table waiting for an answer.

-I'm not sure if I can tell you-he seems to be struggling to share or not the information.

-Archie. V, and I used to be good friends I know we are not in a good place right now but she is important to me -she looks at him with her pleading green eyes.

-mmm Ronnie was pregnant but then she had a miscarriage and It has been very difficult time for her- he says playing with a sheet on the table avoiding Betty's eyes.

-God! When did all this happen? Who is with her? Where is Chad? she asks a little upset.

-last Friday morning, we were at school, he felt kind of sick and when we got to the hospital there was nothing to do ... on the other hand, Chad seems to be on a trip and they are not on good place ... Can you believe he told her all the fault of the abortion was hers? He is a bastard! Honestly, Betty, we know Ronnie usually is strong and she faces her problems but this time she is different, I had never seen her that broke. With Toni and Cheryl we try to keep in touch with her or stay there for her because now she is alone and you know Hiram is the last option to call.- he clears his throat and then adds -Listen to me, you can't tell her that I told you-

She is completely shocked -I can't believe it! This is very unfair, of course, I will not say anything, all this situation about Polly has not given me a break and that's why I haven't had the opportunity to talk with her but it leaves me calmer that you are there to help her, Let me know if you need anything- she says she with a sad expression, wondering What moment everything got complicated again? right after they stepped in Riverdale everything began to get out of control in their lives.

She prepares to set the table and turns to serve the food letting both, Betty and Archie worried about

Mary spent a couple hours on the phone with Verónica and although she is in Chicago, Mary is willing to travel to help Veronica and tells her that there are a few procedures and documents that she can carry out while she arrives at Riverdale and Chad returns from his trip.

Besides from giving her professional help, she tells V that she can counts on her for whatever she needs because after all this time Mary keeps appreciating her a lot for all the support she gave Archie and their family.

Veronica knows Mary had been a # 1 fan of her relationship as well as Fred, She feels identifies or a kind of empathy with her personality so it's a great gesture from Mary that supports her In this important step in her life.

She isn't sure if she's taking a good decision but deep in her heart she feels at the end of all this mess she is going to take a heavy load off her shoulders. She's taking small steps to take back the reins of her life an take back the version of Veronica she's missing.

after the talk with Mary, she texts Archie thanking him for taking the stuff to Toni and wishing him good night.

Archie smiles at his phone, he's surprised by her message and replies with "sweet dreams, I can't wait to start the remodeling".

After the last few days, both of them were able to rest much better that night.

Chapter Text

Chapter 9

A week later in Riverdale, the disappearances have stopped, Hiram seems to be calm although his silence is still suspicious and the guys begin to meet more frequently in the White wyrm where the nights are full of conversations, karaoke, and drinks, this is the way they distract from the madness of the city and their routine.

Betty's working with the FBI, Kevin and his father and thanks to some cameras on the road and phone calls they have found an important clue about Polly's location and she's closer to find her (alive if it's possible) and take her back with her twins and mom who miss her so much and honestly Betty does it too. at the same time, she feels frustrated of has failed as a sister but bringing her home can be a new beginning for her family.

With Jug, things haven’t been easy because although the connection between them is there, they have had to deal with their demons separately, and right now they’re trying so hard but have a long way to go. They’re living together enjoying the time they spend together investigating make them feel like the old good times, the research has slowly advanced and Jughead's book has taken shape (she is still his # 1 reader and is glad to see how his narrative has his stamp again), and writing again keeps him busy distracting him from his alcohol problem.

Chad han't communicated in any way with V, if it were not for the charges on his credit card, Verónica would think that something had happened to him. She has accepted the invitations from her friends to go out after school it wasn't easy at the beginning but the company and the talks feels good even if she can't help crying with the pillow every night she goes to sleep.

Her anxiety increases with the days because soon her future ex-husband will return and she doesn't want to give him time for anything other than signing the divorce papers. She has spoken with Hermione about the separation without giving more detail, her mother doesn't seem to be very convinced of the real reasons why her daughter is making this decision and has tried to convince her not to do it, that this is just a bump in her marriage and give Chad a chance (which V already tried and it didn't work).

Veronica should trust her and tell her the truth, she's her mom after all! But so many years in Hiram's shadow aren't a good reference to help her with this situation. Hermione always insists on justifying Chad and it's something Veronica doesn't want to do, not again.

Toni has invited her for dinner a couple of times and the conversations are often trivial about work or the city; Both avoid talking too much about babies or anything related that makes them uncomfortable but it is difficult due to the obviousness of the snake queen situation. Sometimes they have been surprised by the sudden kicks of the little girl and can't ignore the moment that ends with a short talk between the three of them cheering the baby to kick again.

Archie, on the other hand, has visited her frequently since she has begun to store the remodeling materials and his energy and enthusiasm is spreading to V who takes her time off to buy some furniture and decoration stuff for her house.

He has been a great company for her the last few days, bringing her coffee to the teacher's lounge, texting, and sharing some meals. She enjoys that support and closeness, although she also knows that as long as she doesn't finish her marriage with Chad, she can't have the slightest opportunity with him (Not to mention that she doesn't know how serious things are between him and the blonde girl).

Now they are at the Pembroke organizing some boxes in the hall when Archie reminds her that she cannot miss the dinner at her house, she nods with a smile and tells him she will be here and promises to bring dessert. This dinner is going to take place in two days when Mary arrives in town and Archie, who hasn't seen her in a long time, wants to welcome her as she deserves.

- We're ready to start, so tomorrow I'll bring my team to start and move toward as much as we can. What have you thought about the schedules?- he asks as she places the last box on the floor.

-Smithers is here 24/7 so they could take advantage of our hours at school so they can get the work done while I'm away," she says looking at her notebook to check the calendar.

-Perfect, sound good. I'll let you know if we have to make modifications. Now I have to go. See you tomorrow- the redhead smiles as he approaches her kissing her cheek and gets out of her car to go home.

Driving home, he meditates on the last days with Ronnie, he knows that it's not the time to make decisions or to talk about them but he is willing to wait for her as long as she signs the divorce papers. Now more than never Archie knows that he is not willing to let her go again, in the meantime, he will continue to support her in whatever he needs to regain her trust and show her that she is her girl.

Chapter Text

Chapter 10

-So I'll see you tomorrow" says the redhead with a silly smile on his face.
-Of course, I'll be there- she also smiles. The "good night" texts or the phone conversations before sleeping when they dont see each other during the day are part of the new routine that helps them go to bed with a smile printed on their face.

Shedoesn't know if is a good idea to ask the question she has in mind but she prefers to do it right now than face to face - and is Betty invited to dinner too? -

There was a short silence from Archie, perhaps because that question was not expected, things with Betty are over, but he also knows that Verónica doesn't know that information so it may be the best time to be clear about the situation.

-Veronica ... listen to me, Betty and I are not together, although we had something casual when we came back to town, we had a talk about us, we realized that our lives are going in different directions, we need different things right now, and our feelings also are with other people, now we are just friends, the kind who want the best for each other.- He honestly hopes that it is clear and he expects some kind ofreaction from Ronnie.

-mmm Are you sure about that? Just friends? - She says without thinking much, inside her she is jumping for joy to know that he has closed his chapter with Betty hopefully for good and she has noticed that lately they don't get together so often but she wanted to ensure not to get excited in vain.

-of course! Plus I have gossip to you, but it may seem more obvious than it sounds - Archie hopes he'signited her curiosity a bit.

-oh! and you weren't going to tell me? I'm mad now - she pouts and she can't stop the laugh and Archie joins her too.

-Betty and Jug are giving each other a chance You know with Polly’s situation, their investigative souls are connecting again ...- he wishes he can do the same with both of them soon.

-wow, some things never change right? -She doesn't know what to say, this news is good because even though she thought that Jug was spending more time with Tabitha she's glad that those two are together again. -That means tomorrow there will be the two of us and your mother? I was wondering how many dessert servings to bring- that last minute excuse came off super natural or that's what she thinks.

-I get you, of course the dessert! ok so Tomorrow will be a good day so better rest and see you tomorrow, bye- he responds already lying on his bed looking towards his desk where there is an old photo of Verónica which he found from some boxes in the attic and put it back in its place ... looks forward to updating the picture soon and finding a place for it in his room.

The dinner at Archie's house was a great, Archie after a long time was able to spend time with his mother and catch up,and although Mary feels restless at the time of difficult that the city is going through, the whole situation where they almost lost their house and the threat Archie's plan may pose to Hiram. She lets him know she doesn't want him to be affected or attacking any way but she also knows her son has the same sense of belonging to Riverdale as Fred and there is no human power to get an idea out of their heads.

The next day, Veronica spends most of the morning at the Andrews' house discussing the next steps about her divorce.

-Well, what do you want to do with the properties you share? Mary asks, checking the list that V gave her.

-I want back those that belonged to me when I was single and about the bank accounts we can divide the amounts in half, he can keep our apartment and the cars in NY - she answers, underlining the paper.

-Okay, it seems fair to me- Mary approves, opening her computer.

After a while, they have finished drafting the agreement and hope to send it to Chad as soon as possible.

-Let's hope that he and his lawyer accept the agreement and can sign the divorce papers- says Mary carrying two cups of coffee to the table.

-I hope so, all this stuff makes my anxiety popped up and I need a peacefull mind again- she receives the cup and drinks a little.

-I am very sorry for everything that is happening to you Verónica, the good thing is that you are taking control of your life again, I promise you that everything will be fine, you’re a strong woman- says Mary to the brunette.

-You don't know how much I appreciate your help. My mother keeps trying to convince me not to keep going with the divorce but she doesn't recognize how unhappy I am right now ... she even doesn't know about the misscarriage because I know she would find a way to justify Chad's behavior and I don't need that. I already feel bad enough about what happened and I need support from woman to woman you know? She should understand me, I don't know when I allowed so many things to happen- V stops talking wiping a tear that falls down his face.

-Honey, I unersatand you completely, a marriage brings mutual personal growth and unconditional support but when one part loses its essence he or she must evaluate what he is doing and take the control to be yourself and happy again. So yo're doing the right thing, I‘m proud of you, I‘ll be next to you during the whole proces, you know you can count on me. You're on the right way- she gets up from her chair and they give each other a hug, a motherly hug that V would expect from Hermione but of course receives from Mary.

Straight before she finished her coffee, Verónica says goodbye and she will invite her to the Pembroke once it's ready, Mary is welcome any time.

On the other side of the world, Chad finds himself getting on a plane back to New York after a few days between clubs, alcohol and some girls having casual sex. He now he is ready to go back and try to get his wife back from him.

The next day great news reached the town from the FBI who thanks to an undercover mission monitored with the police and Betty, who managed to rescue Polly from the hand of the TBK who had her held together with other girls in a town a few hours from New york.

Thank God they captured this man alive and he is being heavily guarded towards a maximum security prison. Right now Polly and the other victims are on their way home but not before being admitted to their hometown hospital to examine her health.

Everyone is waiting for the arrival of the girl and they get together to be with Alice and Betty who, between some tears of happiness and a little anxiety, can't wait to meet the blonde girl again and have a new beginning for the family.

Among the guys are Verónica and Tabitha talking with Jughead who tells them with more detail about his participation duringng the rescue; They had been doing an exhaustive follow-up of several security cameras and calls from the office where Charles used to work in until an oversight by this man exposed him and that was the only option to rescue the girls. Veronica feels her phone vibrate in her pocket and her face changes when she reads the screen, she apologizes to her friends and walks away towards a door to be able to answer.

-Hi?-

-You never stop surprising me Verónica, I just got home and I find the envelope with a divorce agreement. What's this all about ? Is it another of your ways to get my attention? -He is upset but his voice is low so she tries to control herself.

-you're one to talk! You disappeared for almost a week let me know very clearly how much we need each other and if it weren't for the card charges at the shabby bars you were in, I would have thought you had changed your identity ... you know It's time to stop this, Chad. I'm going to take a load off my shoulders and I'll take it off to you too because with our most recent conversation added to your behavior in recent days you finally showed me how much you care about me . So do yourself a favor and read the papers. - she manages to answer with a calm voice.

-At least you would have warned me of your decision, now I have to find a lawyer. Do your parents already know about this? You are making a mistake, without me you are nobody here in NY and if you wanted your job back now it will be impossible. So you can stay in that stupid town and when it is totally destroyed, do not come crying to me asking for help because I warned you.-

-That agreement is my notice. And you are the one who is making the mistake here because I don't need a man to get what I want, you're afraid of being my shadow so you control me to make sure you don't let me stand out at work . Don't worry about my parents, they don't have to give any opinion about our relationship and I don't think your family should either, so I’ll be waiting your answer- she doesn't give him time to reply and finish the call.
She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath trying to calm her nerves when she is interrupted by a familiar voice.

-Hey, what are you doing out here? Polly is coming - Archie asks curiously.

-Chad just landed and obviously he isn't happy with the mail we sent him- she replied putting the phone in her bag.

- I would be surprised if he had taken it well ... don't worry, he has already been warned- he answer taking her hand and walking inside, a siren announces that the ambulance arrived.

the reunion was touching, Polly looks thiner but her eyes reflect the emotion of this moment. Polly and her family have a long way to go, she must spend a few days recovering in the hospital and at the same time they need psychological support to face the post-traumatic stress that this kind of situation brings.

Even if Betty has avoided it for a time, she still needs a professional treatment too, she must be completely honest about her mental state so that they can really help herbecause now it is not about obtaining authorization to return to work on more relevant cases in her work but about having a true recovery after the incident with that monster and the fact that they captured him gives her the security and strength to close that cycle and move on.

The return of Polly gives a hint of calm to the guys and the town, since the disappearances stopped, they know the next step to return Riverdale to the normally is to get Hiram away from the town once and for good.

After a week an important day for Verónica has arrived, she drove with Mary to NY and while Archie wanted to go with them, his responsibilities in the city prevented him.

They arrive to Chad's lawyer place who promptly receive themso when everyone is present in the room they begin the meeting. Chad doesn't stop looking at Veronica, she feels quite of intimidated and doesn't know how to act in front of him but Mary, noticing her discomfort, takes her hand under the table and after looking at each other, she return her attention to the lawyer who expresses some changes that they made to the document.

Verónica is relieved that Chad is willing to sign the document and don't take this to court. V knows that it is mainly because he wants to keep his good reputation and his family’s in the city, as well as a trial would expose him and his perfect life jeopardized his job.

After a few minutes printing the final document, it's time to sign it and Chad is the first to take the pen, but not without first asking V -Do you really want to do this? Do you want to give up the life we lead in this city? Here you can get everything you need and want!-

-completely sure- She looks at him confidently trying to hide her impatience about ending this meeting.

He smiles bitterly, signs the document and then passes it to V to the other side of the table.

Mary's smile when seeing the divorce signed by both of them encourages Verónica who after a long time din't feel so light, is closing a difficult cycle in her life but is now she's motivated by the changes this new period will bring.

suddenly Chad leaves the room without saying anything and his lawyer excuses him by saying goodbye to the two women.

-Welcome back Miss Logde!- Mary says excitedly as she gets up from the chair and picks up her things ready to leave that place.

-Finally! I can't believe it, I made it! I made it! Thank you very much! honestly it had been difficult if we had not acted so fast- Veronica's smile from ear to ear is incomparable and she can now breathe lightly.

She sends Archie a message with the good news followed by a selfie with her mother, this photo of her warms Archie's heart when he recognizes that smile and those eyes full of true happiness. She can't wait to see her when she comes back to hug her and never let her go again.

Finally it seems that everything is heading.

Chapter Text

Chapter 11

Six months later

Currently Riverdale continues goingng forward to return to normality, the guys have worked very hard enlivening the town again, day by day they receive more and more support from the citizens, who are important for that reactivation.

Hiram has stopped attacking them due to Soldale's inauguration that is taking place very shortly and he seems to be quite busy with it. Although his lack of creative ways to disturbing them has given some peace of mind, the guys haven’t stood idly by and have organized in the Pembrooke a kind of "operations office" where they meet frequently to compile evidence against Hiram that justifies all the damage and fraudulent deals that put Riverdale out of business.

While Jughead is finishing his book about the kidnappings and the story behind the TBK, Betty focused on finalizing her training process with the FBI and has already been assigned to lead and permanently organize the FBI unit in the Riverdale area. They recently bought a house near Alice Street to be closer to the twins and their family and adopted two cats that complement their family for now.

Betty cannot feel better after all that nightmare is over, the change on her life was great because after her sessions with the therapist, she has enhanced the bond with Polly who on the other hand began to study nursing at the community college of the town, she started her internship at the local hospital and shares her free time with the twins which have allowed Alice to focus on herself and lead a group of women who support each other in their businesses and at the same time generate employment in the city.

Little Maddie came into the world a few months ago, she's a healthy baby who has filled her home with light, especially Cheryl who seems to have returned her faith in humanity after the arrival of her baby and has been seen to smile much often. Even if Betty and Kevin are her godparents, the rest of the group is delighted to visit her and pamper her with all kinds of gifts and although Toni appreciates all the love that the little girl receives, she has also reprimand them saying that she considers that so many toys and gifts are not necessary and instead she jokes encouraging the couples to give Maddie a friend who she can play with but none of them seem ready yet.

Then we have Archie and Veronica who now live together in the Pembroke after Mary decided to stay in the city for a while with her wife, Archie felt kind of intruder but when he told V that he would move at the fire station, she practically dragged him to her apartment, after all, he already had some clothes in a corner of Verónica's closet. Four months ago they formally announced their relationship during a karaoke night (even when all their friends already knew it because the absence of her wedding ring and Archie's colnstant company gave them clear signs of their relationship, likewise, they love the idea).

The weekend begins and Verónica agreed to take care of the baby while Cheryl and Toni have their romantic “date of the month”, an idea from Kevin after the couple spent the first month between diapers, milk, and bags of tea for their dark circles.

Archie was in the kitchen cooking something for lunch when he approaches the room and is immediately mesmerized by the scene in front of him and takes a photo with his phone. Veronica is sitting on the couch next to the bed while she holds a sleepy Maddie wrapped in her white blanket and she admires her features in complete peace until she notices the redhead's looking at her.

-Hey, how long have you been standing there?- She gives him a smile as he approaches her and kneels in front of her.

-I love seeing you with Maddie, you are very good with babies, you know that I haven't managed to sleep her even once and instead look at you! you are an expert- Archie says while he puts her hand on V's knee.

Veronica gives him a glassy look due to the tears that accumulate inher eyes and with a sad smile she replies - Maybe Chad was wrong and I do have maternal instinct- she shows a weak smile while using the sleeve of her sweater to wipe the tear that falls down her cheek -every time I see her I ca't stop thinking about my baby, I know it could sound stupid and my pregnancy wasn't advanced but you don't know how happy I was and the uncertainty of knowing if I would be a good mother. After all I have continued to blame myself for not being a good one by not being able to prevent something bad happening to him.-

-Don’t say that Ronnie, look how good you do with her...listen, maybe it was not the right time and things with Chad weren't working either, but look at us now, we are taking it easy learning from the mistakes of the past, you know that I am not going to let you go again and just have to let me know when you are ready we could try to sttart a family because if there is something I am sure of is you are the person who I want to spend the rest of my days with ... I'm so in love with you and I will be waiting for you because I’m sure that you will be the best mother in the world- he says taking her hand and giving a kiss on it.

--Thank you Arch, you are absolutely right, now I feel that things are in our favor, our relationship is stronger than ever and being a mother is an experience that I don't want to miss but I think I still need time - She tightens the grip of their hands and he helps her to get up to give her a kiss and put the baby carefully on the bed to give them time to eat.

Sunday morning runs smoothly, Archie and Veronica enjoy a relaxing soak in the tub that usually ends in morning sex to brighten up their day off.

-Ronnie, do you want to order food from Pops? In a couple of hours they will arrive and I don't think we have time to cook- says Archie as he dries his body with the towel ready to get dressed.

-Of course, let me finish here and I'll call there ... the same burger as always, right? -She stops in front of Archie pinning up the hair with her hands asking for his help with the zipper of her dress.

He leaves kisses on her bare back while slowly raising the zipper, she bites her lip inclining her head back in search of his mouth to connect in a kiss, she turns and tangles her fingers in his wet red hair while he lowers his hands down to her back until he reaches her hips where he takes it to bring her closer to him, little by little the kiss becomes more passionate, V gets rid of Archie's towel and he guides her to the bed where they would be comfortable. Unfortunately, they are interrupted by the doorbell so they stop and V is the one who walks to the door, adjusting her dress again.

-Kevin?! I think there is still a couple hours for our meeting- she says as she stands aside to let him in.

-I know V, and I'm sorry but this package arrived at my house and I'm sure it has something to do with your dad- he shows them the brown envelope when he enters and says hi to Archie who looks out from the room.

-that's weird, we need to be careful with this kind of information but first Are you hungry? We can eat something while the others arrive- Archie takes the phone while he calls Pops.

-That sounds good, could you order onion rings? Kevin responds sitting on the couch.

In the living room are meeting Kevin, Jughead, Betty, Toni, Archie, and Veronica looking for information about the new clue that came to them, inside the envelope, there was a list of names and bank accounts.

They know that Hiram isn't stupid and he does everything through intermediaries (that is why it has taken them so long to have enough evidence) he hardly leaves any loose ends so they hope that with those names they will find some real evidence that goes further of a testimony because it can easily be manipulated.

-the person who sent this list must have worked closely with Hiram for a long time because where else would he get these names?- Jughead says as he searches his computer for the record of one of the men related in the list.

-I know, he has no limits and it seems that most of them currently have or have had problems with the law or in the worst case they are dead- Betty sighs in frustration, resting her head on the back of the sofa.

-We could talk with these two, apparently they are retained in the same place- answers Jug looking at the guys as he shows Betty the names -I love to play good cop bad cop ... isn't it, agent cooper? - He winks at her and she immediately blush.

-Toni could join me so we can talk to this other one who works for the mayor of Midvale an hour from here, maybe my dad can go with us too, What do you think Toni?- Kevin says, printing out the information on the man he just got.

At that moment the bell rings, they open the door and there is Smithers who brings another mysterious envelope,it was left in the back of the building exactly where there are no cameras to check.

-I think you should be careful about what you are doing because if someone is sending you this kind of stuff, he or she knows your intentions and if your father finds it out he could react not in the best way or possibly these mysterious mails are a trap. so that's my advice - says Smithers in a low voice as if he were telling them a secret.

-Thank you Smithers, we will keep it on mind, we have good information so we don't want to let my dad get his way this time.- Veronica answer receiving the envelope and closing the door.

-ok let's see what it brings- she opens the envelope to find a document with some recent information.

She quickly reads the document in her hands - according to this, my dad has been moving a large part of the money that the government sent for the town for years to one of his accounts under the prisons name and now he sends that same amount to an account in NY trying to invest it in the stock exchange, obviously he's going to benefit and invest it in you know where- Verónica gives the document to Jug who is sitting between Betty and Tony and shows them the annexes it brings.

-this is recent! How long during his time as a mayor did he stop giving Riverdale it's budget? And the worst part is that no one from the administration said anything - says Betty outraged.

-Surely, he paid their silence, that's already new low! Nobody seemed to notice or wondering about how bad the town was when we arrived- Archie feels angry but at the same time there seems to be a light at the end of the long tunnel to find the truth.

While her friends talked about theories and evidence about her father, Veronica has a feeling about the help that Hiram could be receiving and things would get ugly if she is right.

-We can work with this information and see what else comes out of here- Veronica looks at Archie who nods his head.

That night V couldn't sleep thinking about the possibilities that her father had new partners in crime and had done so much damage to the city. Even if he is her father, her hero when she was little, she was sick of him hurting them , that he had no limits or shame of his actions. That last name and her background always made people relate her with criminals and this time making her father pay once and for good would be a personal victory where she would begin to clear her name and do the right thing.

Chapter Text

Chapter 12

Verónica is talking on the phone with one of her colleagues from The stock market, she busily writes on a piece of paper and the constant move of her crossed leg reveals the nervousness and anxiety of this call.

-I appreciate that you send me those documents by e-mail. I owe you a dinner wherever you want the next time I visit the city, you’re the best! - She says writing her email’s password on the computer.

-Tell me you have something ... I think this time we’re getting closer, my mother is finishing writing theindictment documents with the evidence we have and says that we are on the right track - comes Archie from behind to give her a massage in the shoulders and leave a kiss on her forehead when she looks up at him.

After a long sigh, she takes off her glasses, placing them on the table - come here, take a sit - she answers, looking at him with concern.

-Chad is the one who is helping my fatherwith the money transfers, they're organizing investments in the stock market and obtaining big profits back-.

-I thought they didn't get along- she says confused

-I don't know, we can expect anything from them, and deep down I knew this could happen, But this time Archie we have the pieces of the puzzle! The document I just received has the information of the town's money that we think transferred to the prison account, my friend sent me the movements of the investments Chad follows and they coincide with the amount that he has been sending during the last months but here is something strange ...- she remains silent checking the documents that were sent to her.

They both focus on the screen and she continues - the amount that Chad is depositing back to my dad doesn't match with the investments earnings and here we have two options: Either Chad is taking his slice of this business or ... he's stealing some part the money from my dad and just make up the numbers-.

-If the second option is the real one, I think Chad is in a huge trouble and not only with justice but with Hiram. It's important that we find out where he is, we must follow him so when the police receive the evidence, they can capture him as soon as possible - Archie picks up his phone and dials Jughead's number to tell him this big update.

-Babe, we can't waste time, lets print the documents and take them to my mom. Are you join me? -the redhead tells her while she puts on his jacket.

-I don't think so, I'll try to contact some knowns in NY just in case they have information about Chad so I'll let you know if I find something- she stands up and places a soft kiss on his mouth.

Veronica makes a cup of coffee and tries to find out about the whereabouts of her ex-husband. Apparently, neither Katy nor her friends have a clue about him as they say he has become even more reserved and hardly goes out to public places. Inevitably she feels anxious because she realize she didn't really know him and now barely understands why he's working with Hiram or even worse trying to fool or steal him ignoring the consequences that he may face.

After the failed calls looking for new info, she tries to log in to his bank accounts and apparently Chad is so uncreative that he keeps the same old password which allows her to enter to investigate a little bit. In addition to the regular expenses of the cars or outings to dinner, she's surprised to notice a constant in the last movements where it seems he has been staying frequently during the weekends close to Riverdale and the expenses of his account on those days are large numbers. In fact, the last payment was a few hours ago at the same hotel not far from there.

She takes her phone and calls Betty hoping her research skills will help her.

-Hey B! I need you right now and you can't say no- pleads the raven hair.
-Of course what happens ?! Jug just told me about Chad and your dad ... while you were married, was there an alternative business that he told you about or did you suspect the of?- says the Betty trying to find background between the two of them.

-Honestly, while we were together I though they didn't have a good or even close relationship so I'm as puzzled as you are ... but that's why I'mcalling you B. I'll pick you up at your house in 25 min and I promise to tell you about this telenovela. ok? -

She leaves a quick note to Archie before leaving the apartment explaining that she'll be with Betty and he can call her if he needs it.

After a couple of hours of monitoring and late at night, Betty and Verónica are parked outside an unknown bar after they followed Chad's car from the hotel he's staying, there they could confirm that he's a frequent customer and a hotel worker even addded he always goes alone.

The cars of those who have entered this place and their bodyguards give them an idea of what they may be doing in there: poker and gambling, not just any type of gambling, of course, these people may be betting figures of more than 6 zeros, islands, propieties or who knows what kind of eccentricity. This means that Chad is playing with fire and he doesn't know how dangerous this “hobby” can be when the ambition blinds people.

Meanwhile, Betty doesn't miss the opportunity and installs a locator in Chad's car, in order to monitor him. She uses the waiting time to show V how to geolocate Chad's location by installing an app on her phone not without warning her to use it responsibly since it is illegal not to have the permission of the owner of the phone or a court order that supports them.

-You know what? being a detective is quite exciting, the adrenaline of not being discovered and all these spy toys are incredible! Look how easy it's to track a phone location ... I'm sure Chad will be my dad's Achilles heel- says the delighted raven hair, checking the newly installed location app.

-Take it easy Agent Lodge, you have to be careful, we can get in trouble and your career as a spy would end very quickly - Betty cant help her laugh surprised by the enthusiasm of her friend, she looks like a 5 year old kid with a new toy in her hands.

V pouts and lowers the phone on her legs -okay, I promise to be careful- she raises her right hand to the level of her face and tries to show a serious expressio but fails.

-I think we've done today's mission. I'm exhausted and Archie asks me when we'll be back so maybe it's time to go home- she ends up by putting on her seatbelt and starting the car.

-Okay, the car locator is not as simple as the phone I only can monitor it from the office but I will keep you informed... anyway it was a great day for the V & B team- says Betty imitating Veronica putting on the seat belt.

Two weeks have passed and the boys have been following Gekko very closely who has continued with his betting routine, but apparently his streak has not been very good lately since withdrawals from his account are becoming more frequent and deposits are scarces.

They have taken turns to follow him and a couple of days ago Jughead and Archie witnessed a confrontation between Chad and a couple of men outside the gambling bar followed by a firm hit on his face that left him on the ground. The boys take a picture of the two strangers and come back to the Pembrooke to share the new information with the group.

After they show them the picture, Toni easily recognizes them as Hiram's thugs. This evidence supports the version they have and based on what they just saw, Hiram discovered that Chad has stolen part of his profit and Chad is trying to recover the money with the bets or they're investing that money through the bets. Whatever the case it seems that things for this couple are not going as planned.

On Friday afternoon Archie and Veronica share a bottle of wine while chatting and working on their computers when suddenly Veronica straightens up and turns the screen to Archie -Chad bought a flight to Europe… and that's not all! he's been making withdrawals from his account for the past few hours... Archie, he's going to escape !!! We have to stop him ...-

-Ronnie pull yourself together, take a deep breath. If this is real he is fleeing from your father and maybe from the authorities but I don't think he has discovered us so that's good, we have a little edge.- he takes his phone and open FaceTime to call Betty who after two tones answers from her office.

-Hey Arch, How are you doing? -

Veronica immediately shows into range of the camera to make sure she is being heard and practically releases all the information in one breath.

-Don’t worry V, this time we're going to be prepared, if his flight departs from NY I'll alert our airport team, catching him trying to leave the country will be much better considering his suspicious activity and being in a public place will be more difficult for Chad to run away.
On the other hand, considering that he's going to take the train from Riverdale to NY we can make sure he takes that train sending a couple of agents to watch him until he gets to the airport- The blonde girl says as she type in the computer.

-Could we get to the train station earlier ? Hopefully from there we could wait he arrives at the JFK without any setback- Archie says making sure he understood the plan.

-That's right- replied Betty noding -let me contact some colleagues and I'll send you the details later...see you tomorrow, it seems that our mission will finally have some action! Now Dafne and Fred, I'm going to make a couple call, tomorrow could be a big day!!! oh I almost forgot it, Archie I need your mom to send me the documents we've been collecting so I can send them to the central-.

The redhead smiles and hangs out the call to send a voice message to his mother who promises to get everything needed to Betty within the next 30 minutes.

Archie notices how quiet Veronica has been after the detailed description of the plan that Betty shared and tries to get her attention by leaving a kiss on her shoulder, but seeing that she doesn't react he gently takes her chin with her hand turning her face towards him.

-Hey ! I know that right now that mind is working and creating multiple scenarios with Chad tomorrow but I’m sure everything is gonna be fine-

She really hopes he's right this time and they won't have any surprises - do you promise? we hardly would have another opportunity like this and we’re close to concludewith this mess once and for all-

-Of course, this time we have the backing of the FBI so let's trust them, they are the professionals. Tomorrow we can see him get on that train and then we will wait for confirmation of his capture, but for now I recommend you a relaxing bath. What do you say? - He gives her a playful smile.

-Are you hinting to have a pre-celebration right now? - She says softly in his ear - I don't think I can resist your plan but I hope we have a real celebration when they are behind bars, deal? -

He brings her closer starting to unbutton her silk blouse and she straddles him crossing her arms over his shoulders and starts planting kisses on her neck and earlobe, heat begins to radiate through their bodies when they gets up from the couch to go to the bathroom.

Chapter Text

Chapter 13

The day begins full of concern and expectation for the guys and more specifically for Veronica who han't even eaten a bite of her breakfast thinking about the eventual capture of her ex-husband and hopefully her father’s soon. It hurts her think about his father in jail, he's her father after all but after all this time he didn’t have shown a bit of regret so it’s the last option to stop him.
Archie has tried to calm her down by letting her know that he’s there for her with hugs and he has even insisted her on eating something because he is worried about her anxiety level although he understands her mood.

They finish the call with Betty and Jug where they go over the plan and make sure everything is under control, the agents are settling in place and the four of them are going to meet at Betty's house to drive to the train station on time.

-Arch, Toni asked me to stop by her house to take her the computer she left the other day ... so I'll take the car and we'll meet at the station, ok? - She comes over to hug him from behind while he chooses a jacket to go.

-Seriously? Does it have to be right now? Can't you wait until tomorrow or Monday?- He takes her hands and turns to face her.

-I won't be late, right after I leave Toni's house I'll drive to meet you guys on time ... tomorrow I hope we can relax and celebrate here at home together- she ends up pouting that does not convince him at all.

-So, let me go with you at least, I'll let Betty know- he says taking V's face in his hands trying to convince her but she tells him not to be exaggerated and that it won't take long and he can also tell her how everything is going while she arrives.

Reluctantly he says goodbye with a sweet soft kiss and closes the door behind him ready to meet Betty and Jug.

Veronica knows the story isn’t quite credible but at the same time she hopes Archie doesn’t call Toni and discovers that everything is an invention. She is anxious and won’t allow Chad to escape or sneak from the police so she uses her cell phone to locate her ex-husband's phone and leaves the apartment with the idea of escorting him to the train station without being seen and meet her friends as planned.

Upon arriving to the meeting point, Betty, Jug, and Archie were escorted to the control room where with the help of the cameras around the place they would easily identify Chad and the two undercover agents were already in position and ready to board the train for NY in less than an hour.

Archie was uneasy when he had no response from Veronica but assumed she was driving and would soon be there soon, he looks at his phone frequently expecting to receive a call from her while the minutes pass by.

-She will arrive, V won't miss this moment, in both places here and at the airport the agents are prepared and the possibility of catching him is quite high- Betty gives him a pat on this shoulder and offers him a cup of coffee to calm the atmosphere and help pass the time.

- I hope so, that man has done a lot of damage and this will help Ronnie to close the cycle with him-she leans against the nearest wall and gives a weak smile to them.

Veronica has been following Chad for some time and is about 10 minutes away because she doesn’t want to alert him and ruin the plan.

Suddenly, Chad's car stops, and she instinctively does the same and stops by the shore without the understanding what is happening. She stares at the screen of her phone verifying she has signal or that it isn’t an error from the app but everything seems to be working and after about two minutes, Chad’s location moves again.

She sighs in relief and starts her car again, but the surprise comes when Chad's empty car is found on the side of the road and she is shocked, she looks back at her phone and the location continues to move but now it is not following the route to the train station and what you start to feel immediately is panic.

She is struggling to control her breathing and focus on a logical explanation for this sudden change, but the distance between them keeps getting longer and she doesn't know where he's going so she speeds up and calls Archie who answers on the first ring.

-Why don't you answer the damned phone? Tell me you're on your way-he responds a little upset.

-I'm sorry I was driving, originally that was the plan … but now something really strange is happening Archie, I've been following Chad from the hotel but-she tries to explain but Archie interrupts her.

-You are doing what ?! Veronica, are you crazy? You know how dangerous it can be, he can notice you and the plan will go down the toilet ... wait a minute ... how do you know his location? -

-it was a gift from Betty?-she says shyly feeling trapped.

At that moment Archie gives Betty an annoyed look and activates the speaker on her phone to share what V has to say to them.

-I know you're mad and I'm sorry but I wanted to keep an eye on him until he get on that damn train and I almost made it but from one moment to another his car stopped and after a few minutes he seemed to have continued without any problem but the point is that I just pass his empty car !!!... his location keeps moving but oppositely and I have no idea where he is going. We need to catch him !!!- Her hands start to sweat as she hits the steering wheel and she waits for the answer from her friends on the other side of the line.
-damn! What should we do now?- Archie is pissed off and Betty comes over to talk to V.

-You must be careful, we don't know who he's with now or if he's going to get to NY in another way so I need you to stop and wait for us there- she tries to think about a way out.
-I can not! I’m not going to stop, we’re going to lose sight of him- V still focuses on the route she must follow.

-Don't be obstinate Veronica! So all this time that was your plan? At least you would have told me! Stop that car right now and wait for us there, I won't let you be close that man again. Are we clear?- he says losing his patience.

-I knew you wouldn't support the idea, you wouldn't let me do it and you would get angry just as you are right now- she says raising her voice.

-Ha ! and look how things are going! Nothing is going as planned and the last thing we need is to put any of us at risk! ”His nerves are getting worse and he knows he shouldn't have left her alone.

-Guys calm down! We better get out of here right now, and use Veronica's location to get Chad’s location - Jug gets up and goes to the phone to warn V and grab Archie's shoulder trying to calm him down - you better be cautious and don't get too close-

Betty apart from the group to talks with the agents and they agree to divide the group and escort them wherever Chad goes.

-please Ronnie, Jug is right, promise me that you will be prudent and keep your phone with you all the time, we will be there as soon as possible ... I love you- Archie takes the phone close to his face while Betty gives them a signal to leave the place and they head towards the car.

-I'll be fine, hurry up. I love you too Archie- she smiles with the last sentence and at that moment the call ends.

The FBI car follows them while Betty drives and Jug gives her the indications. At this point, V is about 30 minutes away and still hasn't stopped.

- Why was I so stupid and left her alone?! I know how stubborn she can be and she fooled me ... I hope this is all over soon because I'm losing my patience- Archie speaks from the back of the car and leans his head back closing his eyes for a moment.

-Leave it arch, now it's not worth blaming yourself... if you had surprised her she would have found another way to do it anyway- Jughead tells and everyone in the car knows she's right.

When the point on her phone stops, Veronica feels a cold wind run through her body. She has been driving through a place that she didn't recognize and realizes how desolate it is, there are a few houses or warehouses distanced from each other and no one around bringing about her feels confused because it doesn't make sense that after he tried to disappear leaving the country, Chad is thinking of hiding in a place like this.

In the distance, she can see a car parked next to a warehouse that seems to be abandoned and it is then when she turns off the auto about 4 or 5 meters. She doesn't recognize that car which increases her curiosity, she also knows that her friends will take at least half an hour to arrive so she doesn't plan to stay there without finding out what is happening, so without thinking too much she takes a quick decision that she will regret later.

She gets out of the car, closes the door very carefully, not before leaving his cell phone silent, starting a voice recording (just in case) and setting it in her jacket.

V walks very quietly, at first striving to look through the car windows trying to find any familiar object but she has no success. She continued on his way to the warehouse and when she gets closer to the place, she starts to hear a male voice that doesn't exactly belong to Chad so Veronica approaches a little closer and tries to see through a small hole in one of the windows that are carelessly covered with cardboard from the other side, she struggles to reach to a better view but what she sees takes her breath away.

She tries to process what she's seeing, when the sound of a gun being loaded next to her ear leaves her paralyzed, the man advising her not to move while covering her mouth with his hand and taking her with him into the warehouse .

Chapter Text

Chapter 14

Veronica's location stops and even though they has a reference, they don’t recognize that place.

Archie tries to call her but each tone where there is no answer increases his frustration and the feeling that Veronica would not stay still obviously takes over his mind and he doesn’t like it. They still have a long way to go but they hope to be on time, he wishes Betty would increase the speed but he knows it is impossible so in the meantime, he picks up his phone and calls Mr. Keller to inform him of the situation, he immediately offers their police support and they go towards V’s location, it is possible that they arrive first.

Back at the warehouse, the man slowly walks in with Veronica who tries to scan the place and see if she recognizes more people or even if there is any other way to go out.

-Look who is here! Isn't it cool? The lovebirds are still connected- Reggie scoffs walking to Hiram.

-Did you send my daughter to save you? What a coward you are Gekko ... but Welcome Mija, you arrive just in time- he offers a smile to Veronica who walks slowly towards them.

In the place is Hiram well dressed as always, he has taken off his suit’s jacket and his white shirt is well buttoned but his sleeves are folded over his elbows pointing a gun at Chad who is gagged and tied in a chair a little beaten with his nose bleeding, and Reggie who pushes her right next to Chad's chair and then brings a rope to tie her hands behind her back and comes back to the front with a satisfied smile.

When V rests her gaze on her father, she notices his reddened knuckles and the anger that invades the look on his face.

-What the hell is happening here? Dad, are you crazy? -She decides to speak trying to get his attention and he answered without taking his eyes off Chad.

-It seems that your taste in men isn’t good Mija, here your dear ex-husband thought that I’m stupid and wanted to take advantage of our business to rob me ... and when he was cornered he tried to flee the country !!!- This last part came out with a mocking laugh as he had been caught.

-Are you stupid?! I warned you to stay away from him and you didn't even hear that, did you? What is the need of putting money above everything ... is it not enough what you have or what your family gives you? Is that boring your life that you start looking for dirty money through my dad? You know I've spent the last years of my life trying to get away from him to convince everyone that I have nothing to do with him and his twisted business because he has no cure! -Verónica yells at Chad who doesn't look up and his posture shows resignation.

-Auch! That hurts darling - says her father bringing his hand to his heart showing an expression of pain. -I didn't force him to do anything! He came to me by himself asking for participation in my business because he knows how well I am doing money, but he guesses what? he is a beginner, even for gambling! Thank God you got divorced !!!- He smiles at her.

-Veronica help me! I didn't want to do it, this got out of control and then I didn't want to keep that money, but I had to pay some debts- he says in a low voice and raises his pleading look without having any idea that Veronica knows where he had hidden that money, but she wasn't going to give them that information because although she would love to see Chad's reaction when discovered, she would prefer that he was captured by the police and had no opportunity to escape, but now nothing is certain.

-Wait a second ... What are you doing here? If you didn't know about our business then why were you following Chad?- Reggie asks, approaching V's face, who feels that her heart begins to beat strongly against her chest and her body betrays her, beginning to tremble subtly but uncontrollably.

-I knew he was around Riverdale and I just wanted to see him and know how he was doing- it was the first thing that crossed her mind although that doesn't fully explain how she followed them after the car change.

- So did you put a chip on the man? Wow Veronica that's another level ... Does Archie know that you are following your ex?- He turns to go back to Hiram's side and gives V a suspicious look knowing he has important information to annoy the redhead after all.

-Enough Mantle, this became much more interesting than I imagined," Hiram says, lowering her weapon for a moment and advancing towards the chair.

-Don't you see it? It is a great opportunity to explain many things before ending with you Gekko, and I hope not to disappoint you since we have a special guest.-

He walks behind Veronica and stops dragging another chair in front of their two to settle in and continue.

-I knew this whole helicopter accident thing was a bit strange, I know the rental company and I had never heard about a problem like the one that happened to you, and I thought it was unusual! ... the curiosity was bothering me so I hired a couple of pretty good private investigators who quickly handed me some interesting information that I'll share with you today-

She takes a look at Chad who seems to be trying to figure out how much the man knows, but He doesn't have much time to react or speak because Hiram approaches him again and asks him -Are you going to speak or a cat got your tongue?.-

Veronica has no idea what he’s implying and she watches the scene hoping one of them continues.

-talk to us, idiot !!!- That scream is followed by a fist on the right side of Chad's face that turns over the chair to Veronica's side, who jumped because of her father's sudden rise in tone.

Immediately, Reggie comes to lift the chair again and Hiram continues talking - you will be surprised to know that this gentleman and his distinguished family paid a fortune to rig the report and sink the rental company at all costs ... but - he clears his throat -Your favorite dad had access to the first report which they believed it was "disappeared" and everything indicates that he ...- he says, tapping the gun subtly on his forehead
-he had everything planned, the weather was perfect that night, the helicopter had all the documents up to date that indicated the good condition and the report cites: "The cause of the accident was human"... it is a joke! he practically expected you weren't too high to kill you or too far from the place so that they can help you with medical assistance as quickly as possible.-

She cannot believe it and turns her head towards her ex-husband, hoping that he replies or defend himself but when she sees that his bowed head doesn't move, she feels her heart sink, and her vision becomes blurred by the tears ready to fall through her cheeks.

-Chad, say something! You wouldn't dare to do something like that right? You were manipulating me all this time tying me to your side making me feel guilty for everything I did or did not do for our “perfect” marriage! Are you really that sick that at the best psychopathic style you would have planned a helicopter accident to tie me up to you? What was your plan? become me a mother full time so you could lock at home for the rest of my life? Or would you keep looking for creative ways to kill me?- At this point she is crying and yelling at him with her voice full of pain, although she divorced him a short time ago she didn't know the limits of this man and the danger that he represented.

She wishes so hard to have her hands untied and to be able to hit him but at that moment Hiram takes her arm and pulls her away from him.

-Even days before he was looking for his benefits and the amount he would receive for your life insurance- Hiram seems to be enjoying this confrontation.

She takes a step back and tilts her face down processing the information his father just dropped. she wants to run away but instead she tries to stop crying so she can talk.

-How long ago did you know that? Or when were you going to tell me? because if I remember rightly, this meeting wasn't planned at all- Veronica looks at her father and just now he seems to have noticed the pain in her eyes.

-I was going to find a way, I swear you ... at the end of the day he is no longer part of the family and I had plans to finish him off any moment.

- hopefully I’m clear enough to you that nobody messes with my family. Your faults at this point are unforgivable so I'm going to give you the opportunity to say your last words- Hiram gives Reggie a knowing look and they both hope the man will react because if it weren't for his heavy breathing after the hits he has received, they would think he fainted.

-Sorry Veronica- he says almost inaudibly but he doesn't even raise his head, he's resigned, he'sready to die and that's where Veronica starts to feel more restless, not even in her worst nightmares she would have imagined she was witnessing this scene. She wants to stall for time because she knows the guys are on their way and if they hurt or kill Chad they will have no way to connect him with Hiram's business and all their researching will be in vain.

-Dad, don't do this. wouldn't it be fairer if he returns you the money somehow and you let him go? Please don't kill him! - She begs but neither her father nor Reggie seem to be paying attention.

-Mija, I don't know if you have noticed but life is not fair, who ensures me that if I let him go, he won't run away again and he will get away with it?- -maybe you're right and I shouldn't do it, or maybe I don't want to… you know what? I'll give Reggie a chance to show me what he's made of ... what do you say?- She anxiously awaits the answer and although the young man has never killed anyone, he would do everything possible to please his boss.

- It would be a pleasure sir-he tries to sound convinced as he takes a few breaths trying to chase away the pressure and relax his body while he aims at his target and tries to focus.

-Don't do it Reggie, you're not a killer! And Chad isn't worth it either, please don't do it !! - she tries to convince him but Hiram immediately replies -I trust you, it's very simple, you just pull the trigger and that's it.

Veronica feels how the tension increase more and more and her heart beats in her ears as she looks helplessly at the scene. Hiram has an expression of enthusiasm on her face, Reggie begins to sweat and Chad just closes his eyes waiting for his end .

-Please no! - Veronica shouts again.
-Do it damn it! - Hiram also makes himself heard.

At that moment everything seems to happen in slow motion, The sound of the shot followed by the slam of the body falling to the ground make echo in the place and after a few seconds Chad opens his eyes and lifts his head towards Reggie who has an horror expression, then he lowers his head and sees Veronica on the ground with a sleepy gaze and a bloodstain that slowly grows on the ground.

- Did you call ME a beginner ?! look at your partner... I bet your plan wasn't to kill your daughter who by the way had nothing to do with this matter! You know what? I think you deserve the award for “Dad of the year” - says Chad laughing bitterly without any idea where he got the courage to talk to Hiram and make fun of him in the face.

Without thinking twice and filled with anger Hiram snatches the gun from Reggie, picks it up, and shoots Chad just as he should have done at the beginning, hitting him in the forehead and then lowering it a little to hit him right in the middle of the chest, making sure he doesn’t have any chance to survive.

Meanwhile, Reggie stayed motionless seeing the image of Veronica injured on the floor, he seems unfazed by the two shots that ended Chad's life.

She doesn't know why she got in the way, she naively thought she could avoid the shot, but now she is on the floor with an inexplicable pain in the left of her hip, vaguely listening to Chad's last words before the two shots that seem to come from far away, and little by little she feel that she's leaving, her vision is clouded and she loses consciousness, feeling strangely peace.

Chapter Text

Chapter 15

By the time the two police patrols arrive, they can hear the gunshots inside the scene.

They act fast loading their weapons and getting out of the car when one of the officers turns on the megaphone speak out:
-Get out with your hands up! the police are here! -

The other agents were in position behind the car attentive to the response of those who are inside, of course, they didn't have any idea of how many people are there.

-What are they doing here?- Hiram whispers at Reggie who after hearing the voices from outside, seems to react and runs to look through one of the holes in the window.

-There are two patrols! what do we suppose to do now?- Reggie says impatiently.

He doesn't have an answer from his partner whereby he turns to look in his direction but Hiram is no longer in the place, suddenly a door closes in the distance and he realizes he is alone. it takes him a few seconds trying to decide between giving up or trying to escape, he doesn't know if he can fix what he did, it is a terrible scenario.

Now, he is sweating and can't think clearly and the fear of being caught invades him, he keeps his weapon in his pants and now it seems that escaping is the best option because if they see the bodies there they will blame him while Hiram, the brain of this will be free of guilt.

He runs away without looking back through the same door that Hiram used minutes before and can see him running away among the long grass that surrounds the place.

The policemen don't notice the first person getting out of the place but when Reggie does it, the sound of the door was louder and alerted them so Keller immediately gave the order to a part of the group to follow them and catch them alive, while two of them advance into the warehouse to clear the perimeter.

A few seconds later the FBI cars arrive at the scene so he heads over to Betty's car to update them on the situation.

The first thing the guys saw when they arrived were the cars, two police cars, Verónica's and the other one they didn't know who it belonged to. When Archie saw that V wasn’t there knew that something was wrong.

They get out of the car as fast as they can while Kevin's dad talks -We arrived just minutes ago, two people fled from that warehouse and my men are behind them because I doubt they have some other way to escape other than running look their car. As you can see, the area is very quiet and sparsely populated so we hope to find them soon... Betty could your guys from the FBI drivr by the same road for a few more miles? Maybe they seek help to get off the perimeter and that car doesn't put up suspicions -

Betty nods and informs her companions the plan and they give her a radio to communicate just in case tey find out more info.

Archie approaches to Veronica's car and checks through the windows to see if her phone is there because she hasn’t answered his calls in the last hour, but he can't see anything.

-Do you know anything about Veronica? -say the redhead worried. The only thing he wants at this moment is to have her by his side.

-They are already checking the area, two of my men are trying to get into the warehouse and soon we will be able to have more news. we’ll find her, don’t worry - the sheriff clarifies.
-Did they not see who it was? For sure it was Chad who ran away - says Jughead

-well, possibly we’re talking about two people, one of them could be Chad, they came out from the back and we could barely see them but we are going to catch them-

Suddenly, he is interrupted by a message from his radio confirming they have caught one of the Fugitives announcing his name "Reggie Mantle" and right when that name is heard clear and loud the three boys seem to connect the information as their stunned looks cross and Hiram's name comes out of Jughead’s and Archie's mouth at the same time, prompting both Betty and Mr. Keller to communicate to their men the possible name of the second fugitive and facilitate the search.

The sound of broken glass draws everyone's attention, it was impossible to open the front door so the windows were the second option. then, one of the cops yells -Sir, there are two bodies-.

They run to the place, Archie is the first to have access to the broken window and recognizes her immediately when he sees her raven black hair and her body lying on the floor; his heart is out of control inside his chest, his breathing begins to shake and repeats in a broken voice
-no, no, no Veronica don't do this to me!-
He jumps the frame and reaches her in a few seconds, a chill passes through his body at the paleness of her skin, the blood that surrounds her body, and the ropes around her hands.

He tries to take her pulse but between the shock and the shaking of his hands prefer to look for the origin of her injury and begin to pressure the side of her abdomen.

-What the hell happened here ?!- He barely hears Jughead who comes up behind him and helps untie V's hands and then look at Chad, he doesn't get too close but he is shocked to see the scene.

-Let me try- says Betty passing by him kneeling close to the head of her friend focusing on finding a sign that her heart is still beating.

Everyone seems to stand still waiting for the blonde's answer -her pulse is weak but I can feel it, we have to hurry- she looks at Jughead who is next to the policemen who are checking on Chad and shakes his head making him infer that he is dead and they both focus their attention on Archie who He has a look of panic as he takes off his jacket to press the place where the bullet got in.

-We can't wait for an ambulance, she doesn't have much time- Jug takes Archie's shoulder who nods his head and quickly take her in his arms running to the car.

Jug is stunned at how is Betty handle the situation because even though she has some training to address these kinds of situations, it is her friend who gets shot ... Even when he is not that close to V, his stomach turned and he was really worried but it's Betty who took the lead in the situation and led them as fast as she could to the Riverdale hospital where after calling her sister Polly, she assured them that she was waiting for them with the medical team for when they arrived.

-Ronnie please don't you dare to leave me alone, remember we have plans for us in the future ... please, please think about us ... I have told you a lot of times: you are the strongest woman that I have met, so don't disappoint me ... you are safe, we are with you but I need you to resist, please Ronnie ...- Archie sobs in the back seat pressing his wound.

Betty and Jughead share a look of sadness while the redhead talks and she suggests him in a whisper to check Veronica pulse again.

He obeys and turns his body as much as the seat belt allows and breaks his heart to see the couple, Archie doesn't take his eyes off V, his hands are covered with blood and his leg can’t stop moving impatiently. He tries to grab her wrist in the middle of the desperate words of his friend and to distinguish her faint pulsations but he truly fears they will stop at any moment.

-It's still beating- he answers in a low voice and begins to recognize some houses in the town. In a matter of a few minutes, Veronica will be in the hands of the doctors and hopefully, she will come out of it alive.

Chapter Text

Chapter 16
As Polly had said, when they arrived at the hospital a couple of doctors were waiting for them and in less than a minute they had put her on the stretcher and crossed that door where they could not pass and then the silence invaded the place.

Kevin arrives at the hospital and confirms the police finally captured Hiram a few minutes after the guys left and now he's into custody, the FBI being aware of Hiram's case will charge him as soon as possible and hopefully clarify the situation where Chad lost his life.

For sure it is good news after all the time they have spent gathering evidence against him, but they still think about Veronica´s health status and the bloody scene in that place.

-What the hell happened there?
Kevin says, trying to understand the situation.

- We all have the same question Kev, all we know is that Veronica got out of the initial plan and took the risk to follow Chad just to be surprised... When we arrived she was unconscious, her hands were tied and was shot. we took her here as soon as we found her.- answers Jug passing his arm around Betty's neck who immediately lays her head on his chest.

-If she hadn't followed him, we would have lost his trace and he would have died anyway, Hiram wouldn't have spared his life after all- The blonde girl keeps reviewing and thinking about the plan and what would have happened if she had lost V.

-I'm sorry, but I would have preferred Chad would be lost than Veronica getting injured... Who shot her? Chad was tied up too and as far as we know there was only Hiram and Reggie .... Hiram and Reggie!!! her dad and our ex classmate, One of those two idiots dared to shoot her- Archie rambles under his breath as his eyes travel over the V blood staining his hands.

-Archie, those two will have to face justice and we'll have answers about what happened today. if they don't say anything, Veronica will when she wakes up- Kev tries to be optimistic about the situation.

Betty's phone rings so she moves away from the group to answer it, that's when Toni and Cheryl arrive noticing the expressions plus the blood on Archie's hands and clothes, the girls know the situation got more complicated than they thought.

-The news of Hiram being captured has flown around town and people seem to be anxious to know if it's true or not, they´re glad about the idea of peace and calm returning to town- says Toni sitting next to Archie.

-She told me she would goto return the laptop you left at home the other night and then we would meet at the train station.... but now we're here hoping she's still alive and gets through this soon - for the first time since they came in, the Archie raises his head to look at Toni who notices how angry and sad he is.

-How could I be so naive and stupid! I left her alone when she needed me by her side to protect her!!!- Archie stands up and suddenly kicks one of the chairs in front of him, leaving a dull sound in the room that makes more than one person jump.

-Hey! Look at me, I understand your pain and frustration but it isn't good for you to get out of control like that - Jug grabs him by the shoulders trying to bring him to his senses.

Polly comes out of the restricted access door and walks towards them.

-Any news about Veronica?" says Betty who just finished her call.

-No guys, she's still in the operation room, but don't worry, she's in good hands. The intervention will take time but there is something you can do while you wait and it would also help Veronica," she says.

-Whatever it is, What is it? - says Archie trying to control his breathing in the uncertainty and helplessness of not being able to be with V.

We need blood donors, any type of blood as long as you are healthy and you are not taking medication... so, those who think they can help us just follow me, the rest should wait here" she finishes with a calm smile showing them the way.

Archie is the first followed by Kevin and Cheryl. Toni due to the recent delivery, is not recommended to donate yet and in the case of Betty and Jug both are taking some medication that stops them from doing it, so they go back to sit in the waiting room.

After walking down different hallways they come into a large room - sit down here, I'll take your vital signs, we'll fill a form and then it will take about an hour to finish the process. - Polly begins to get ready.

Unfortunately Archie can't donate because his blood pressure is out of control and although he insisted on doing the process again, Polly refused, but she convinced him to stay with his friends to calm him down and keep an eye on him.

Archie has been sitting for several minutes looking at the ceiling recreating over and over again the events of the day and he can't help thinking about the decisions he could have changed to prevent this disaster, he blames himself for what happened and the lump in his throat feels bigger with the time they have to wait. They have so many plans together, he can't imagine life without her, without her impish smile or that feeling of happiness that invades him every time he sees her eyes.

-Here, this will help clean it up - his thoughts are interrupted by Polly who hands him a wet towel to wipe himself and a clean t-shirt that the hospital provides for patients who come in needing clothes; he notices that the blood on his clothes and hands has dried so he receives the towel and begins to clean himself, he can tell that the smell is beginning to bother him but as he changes his clothes the characteristic hospital smell is stronger.

Kevin and Cheryl spent most of the time talking about some sort of doctor show where they seem quite interested in sharing some details of the cases that are quite bizarre.

-Thank you guys- manages to articulate the redhead interrupting their talk.

-You don't have to thank us red- says Cheryl and adds, "I know it's no comfort but you know Veronica, she is very stubborn and we can't turn back time, but at least (thank the universe) you guys arrived on time to help her... Cheer up, we are all here for V and we won't leave her beloved redhead alone to bring out her inner Hulk here at the hospital and hit everything in his path, you have us all by your side.

He just nods knowing that it is true what she says and he appreciates all that support.

-Well guys thanks for your help, please finish your snack, take it easy, no sudden moves and that's it, you can go back to the room.... I'm going to ask how Veronica's intervention is going and I'll see you outside," the blonde even hands Archie a snack and walks out the door.

Right when they enter the waiting room again, they can notice the worried expressions of their friends, while Jug holds a transparent bag with what seems to be Ronnie's clothes, Betty holds V phone and Archie's heart races, did they give any news when they were out? And after imagining awful scenarios, he asks - any updates? What's going on?

Toni, Betty and Jug share a few glances trying to decide who explains the situation.

Chapter Text

Chapter 17

The blonde girl takes the lead while she takes a few steps forward.
-They are still in surgery, they have not been able to stop the bleeding, she has lost a lot of blood and they are evaluating if there is damage to her organs, so it will take a few more hours.

Betty takes Archie by the arm with a sad look on her face and the others follow them taking a sit, she clears her throat and continues -that report was given to us by a resident who is assisting them and she was the one who brought the package, she put the things in the bag and told us that she noticed a phone inside the jacket, when she took it out of her pocket the screen went on and a voice recording of about 1 hour was running so she stopped it and saved it thinking that it would be important, that's why she gave it to us- she looks at Jug who start speaking.

-The police will surely come shortly and they will try to collect evidence while V wakes up, her phone may be great interest to them and they will take it into custody. It's up to you Arch, we listen to that audio before the police arrive or give it to them and wait for them to report it to us, "Jones looks at the red hair man still holding the bag in his hands .

It doesn't take him long to make a decision.
-I think it would be better to send the file to one of our phones so in case they arrive we can have a backup of it; I don't want to implie anything Kev but some of the cops could be Hiram allies and I don't want to risk them deleting what could be evidence against him. Besides, I need to get rid of this doubt and find out what really happened in that place.

Archie is even more anxious because he didn't think that Veronica left her phone recording, it was something brilliant and he doesn't know why he had not thought about the location of her phone before.

Betty remembers the app that V used to follow Chad and she doesn't miss the opportunity to delete it from her phone because although V used it with a good intention, she would have legal problems for using it without any kind of permission, she feels guilty for having shared this app to her friend who is now debating between life and death in part because of her.

The boys shared the file to the group and get their headphones to listen to the recording.

Everyone can feel the tension as the audio is playing, it feels like déjà vu compared to the day they discovered the video of Jason's death and in Cheryl's case the goose bumps shake her body.

While they have long seen Reggie working for Hiram, they had never imagined him participating in a scene like this and wonder what kind of things he is able to do for money or the approval of his boss.

The audio is a bit difficult to hear at specific times due to the friction of the clothing and the movements that diminish the quality of the sound, but as long as she was still she could be heard clearly.

situation and had not shown some sort of empathy for his own daughter to protect her was horrible; This reminds her of Hal, who no matter how many opportunities he had to change or enjoy his family he was overcome by the revenge and his mission to "cleanse" the town of sin by killing anyone who crossed his path, in Hiram's case he was blinded by money, power and shady business dealings.

The blonde has to take a minute to calm her nerves while Jug embraces her in a hug.
Archie closes his eyes and tries to focus on the audio at the moment when Reggie is assigned to shoot Chad. He swears he can hear his heart pounding against his chest complementing Veronica's heavy breathing in his ear. Suddenly, between the screams of V and Hiram the guys are surprised by the shot followed by a sharp blow that makes them jump by the surprise and proximity of the impact.

Cheryl connects her glazed look with Archie's just when Chad decides to mock Hiram expecting some reaction from the redhead but then, they are left breathless when they hear two more shots that by the silence that remains in the recording they deduce that they killed Chad.

Cheryl at that moment detaches the earphone from her ear to apologize and almost runs out of the place so Toni follows her to make sure she is okay.

The redhead needs some air and as she passes the door Toni's hug gives her the opportunity to release what she feels, she has a lump in her throat and it is inevitable to think that this situation reminds her of Jason and how his death destroyed her family.

-Promise me that we will do everything we can to give Maddie the best family," says Cheryl.

-Of course babe, count on it, we will have our ups and downs like everyone else, but remember that between us there is love and our life engine will always be our little girl, so never doubt that I will fight to have a family with you," answers Toni giving her a sweet kiss that reassures her.

-I feel bad for V, what is the problem with our parents? If there was an award for the worst parent in town, they would be fighting for the first place, I wouldn't know who to give the first place" Cheryl sighs.

-Don't even mention it, if we had known about her "super plan" I would have tied her up myself if necessary... but we can’t go back so let’s be positive, she is going to be fine, we have to be together to support her when she wakes up" Toni takes her hand while they go back into the hospital.

Going back to the waiting room...

Archie hoped that Hiram would show some humanity and succor his daughter or at least call an ambulance but he showed not a hint of it and his running away is what fills Archie with anger.

Archie removes his hearing and can't help but cry, he's angry, frustrated, anxious, desperate and surprised, he doesn't know if Veronica is going to make it and that's what terrifies him the most, that fear of not knowing what's going to happen and not being able to do anything about it.

A few hours later, after several cups of coffee, the police show up, they took V's phone and asked about her condition, assuring they will return as soon as he wakes up.

Finally out of that big white door comes the surgeon with an exhausted expression and asks for her relatives, everyone is a little tired and anxious but they get up immediately to hear the news.

The doctor explains to them the procedure that was performed and how difficult it was, they can breathe now knowing Veronica although weak, came out of surgery alive, the next hours will be vital for her condition but he assures them that they did their best to face a very complicated hemorrhage that almost ended Veronica's life in the process.

Archie asks if he can see her and the doctor tells him that she is being set up in a room but in a few minutes they will be able to see her one by one.
It is late at night and after all the stress of the day and a little calmer, Toni and Cheryl must return home to take care of Maddie but they will be watching for any news and will be back soon to visit her; Kevin goes with them to find out from his father how the case is going and the only ones left in the room are Jug, Betty and Archie.

Arch tries to keep calm as he walks behind a nurse through the hallway of the ICU. The machines’s sound in the rooms he walks by echoes in his ears and the distinctive smell of the place brings back some bitter memories of when Fred was shot and almost died in hands of the Black hood.

When he crossed the door frame, the first thing he notices is how small her figure looks on the bed making her look much more fragile breaking his heart instantly and as he gets closer to her the pallor of her skin doesn’t unsettle him as much as the machines that surround and help her to keep her stable.
He moves slowly around the place, pulls a chair closer to the bed and sits quietly on it taking a few minutes to look at her and detail every faction of her face as the nurse leaves him alone in the room.

He takes her hand and the electricity that runs through his body tells him that she is still with him.

-Ronnie, you can't leave me alone, you know that, right? Not in this moment where we are just enjoying our new beginning, not after everything we have lived, not without giving us the opportunity to start a family, to show you that I can be as good a father as my dad or let me fall in love with you as a mother... please!!!! I know you are listening to me and don't think I will forget that your stubbornness has you here in this state, you will listen to me later when you wake up because I need you and you don't know how much I love you- The lump in his throat gets bigger and he has to take some time to recover and tenderly caress her hand looking for her grip to get stronger but she doesn't move.

It will be a long night but for now that he is by her side and doesn’t going to leave her alone again, he tries to gather strength to wait for her as long as it takes.

Chapter Text

Mary arrived early in the morning after packing some stuff for Archie to change his clothes because she knows he won't leave the hospital until Veronica does.

The redhead didn't sleep much and the back pain he feels when he wakes up it's a clear reminder of it . He left the room only once to say goodbye to Jughead and Betty who got coffee for him which he received assuring them he was going to be fine.

When his mother arrived he put the phone on charge, tried to contact Hermione but failed as her voicemail rang every time he called, he agreed to take a quick shower although he didn't even last 5 minutes.

When he comes out of the bathroom, his mother finds herself talking quietly to Veronica about his obstinate, well how obstinate are of both of them, while she adjust the pillow and comb the girl's hair.

- I bet he has never showered so fast in his life, if you don't wake up quickly he is going to look like a grumpy panda and I don't want to be the only one trying to drag him to do things... he listens more to you than to me- Mary keeps talking even when she knows her son is listening to her.

-Did her mom answer ?" He says as He dries his hair with the towel.
-No, but don't worry about it, she's going to be fine, she's got us.

She gives him a hug that ends up being quite comforting for a few seconds until a movement coming from Veronica's bed alerts them.

V is waking up and looks distressed, she tries to speak, but they can't make out what she's saying, she moves her body as if she wants to break free and looks as if she's having a nightmare. Archie runs to take her by the arms trying to calm her down telling her that he is there for her, that she is going to be fine but being intubated makes the moment more terrifying for Veronica who manages to open her eyes but does not understand anything of what is happening.

Mary returns with the help of two nurses who move him aside, so they can help Veronica.

The nurses act quickly, while one of them suit the bed and holds her by the head, the other removes the tube that was helping her to breathe (which hurted her throat a little with the reaction a few minutes ago) The cough makes her notice the pain in the area where the bullet entered but when she tries to reach the zone, her attention is focused on the glass of water with a straw in front of her that helps her to relieve the discomfort in her throat.

She is disoriented, uncomfortable, in pain and trying to remember what happened, everything seems like a déjà vu of the helicopter crash, her brain seems to be just now coming to consciousness so she focuses on the cold water that is slowly running down her throat and her breathing is slowly regulating.

The nurse holding the glass turns her head to the back of the room where the two visitors are attentively watching the scene, she looks at the boy asking him quietly if he would help her with the glass of water while she goes to get the doctor; he nods quickly and approaches the bed kind of nervous although seeing her conscious brings him some relief.

Their eyes connect and immediately everything around them disappears, it's just the two of them and they take a few seconds to enjoy that connection.

She is overcome by a feeling of guilt and a need of protection that causes her eyes already heavy with tears to let them roll down her cheeks and she reaches out her arms demanding a hug that the redhead doesn't refuse to respond to. His arms feel so good around her body that she would like to stay between them forever, feeling her heartbeat is a melody that calms her as she experiences a bunch of feelings through tears.

Archie is so relieved to have her back in his arms after what it felt like a thousand hours, an eternity, he closes his eyes and lets her vent as he strokes her back with his hands gently in silence.

After a few minutes she is conscious enough to speak as she remembers the tense moments before she lost consciousness.

-Chad is dead, isn't he? she breaks the embrace, looking into his eyes for an answer and he nods slowly.

-I ruined everything! If only I had waited outside for you guys, maybe we would have caught him! trust me I tried my best trying to follow the plan or at least to caught him but clearly it didn't turn out the way I thought it would....

-What were you thinking when you exposed yourself like that? -What were you thinking? his voice was low and rough-

-At first I just wanted to know what Chad was planning and then when I got caught I thought I could persuade my father but everything got out of control, now I ruined everything! -

-Not everything is ruined, your great idea to record with the phone possibly help us to sentence your father and Reggie by the way because he almost killed you- -It's not all ruined!

-He was just under my father's influence" she says quietly.

He laughs bitterly - He is not less guilty in this situation Veronica! If we had arrived a few minutes later we would be preparing a funeral for you right now because those two weren't able to help you and thought of themselves first... what would have been the point of all the investigation or your great last minute idea?

Those words are hammering her head because she knows it is true, she was very stubborn and almost lost her life trying to catch them, her heart sinks knowing that her father did nothing to help her, she knows they don't have a good relationship but at least he would have tried to help her in a life or death case but once again, she receives a slap from life that wakes her up and reminds her how narcissistic her father is.

-I'm sorry," she says quietly, avoiding Archie's gaze. She puts her hands to her face to hide the crying that invades her, she has several thoughts fluttering in her mind, her intention was never to cause so much chaos and now he is so mad at her.

-I need a minute to think," he excuses himself and leaves the room and Mary runs after him, she alone in that white room trying to think of a way to apologize and make up for her mistake.

A few hours have passed, Betty and Jughead brought a nice arrangement of flowers and did not miss the opportunity to scold her for such a risky decision. She emphasizes that she never meant to mess things up and Jug tries to make the moment lighter with his comments.

-I don't think red is your color, you know? I think you made it one of my least favorite colors as of yesterday.
Veronica gives him a mad look and shakes her head .

-Hey, it's not funny at all!" Betty says, hitting him with her purse.
She comes closer to taking the brunette by her hands -I don't think I would have ever forgiven myself if something worse had happened to you,from now I'm going to keep my eyes on you for at least 6 months... I'm serious V, I'm glad you're better, awake and holding Jughead's bad jokes.

-You should know that the police may be coming to take your version of the story, they have the recording from your phone and we tried to convince them to use it as testimony but by protocol they need your official version. I'm sorry V, but the FBI has your father and Reggie, you know that with them the thing is different so we're going to trust in justice- She gives a crooked smile waiting for her friend's reaction.

V tries to ignore the lump in his throat -mmm I can't say I'm glad but we had no other choice, I think my father made it totally clear that he doesn't care about me at all so I shouldn't feel any kind of guilt right? Even if it's hard to tell the heart not to feel-

-I got you, our parents aren't an example to follow in any way but we have each other to avoid falling into that kind of behavior, you are not alone, did you hear me?- she tries to encourage her friend while the brunette nods.

-Do you know anything about Archie? He's pretty upset with me, I don't know if he's coming back.

-You have to understand, give him some time, you don't know how bad he was with this, seeing you unconscious, full of blood brought him back memories of Fred, trust me, the scene was pretty scary and not to mention the way to the hospital, we thought that in any moment you were going to stop breathing- Jug remembers that feeling and shivers go down his back.

-He will be here soon, he never left your side at any moment and if he could have gone into surgery with you he would have done it because he loves you, he loves you more than anyone else in the world and I think he would have died in life if you didn't make it - Betty adds.
Veronica nods slowly for now she can't escape from the place to go look for him.

The doctor came to see her and explained how complicated the surgery was and how careful she must be with her recovery. She will be under observation for at least a week and then she will continue her process from home. He authorized the police to visit her tomorrow to let her rest a little.

Mary and Archie return to the room after what seemed like ages.

-I think we should go, you two should talk." Betty excuses herself and gathers her things but Archie makes a hand gesture and stops them immediately.

-It's not necessary, you stay, I just want to say something very brief and then you can continue talking.

Veronica looks confused at Mary looking for some kind of clue about what is going on, her heart is beating faster, but she avoids looking at her and so now V feels by their faces it isn't good what he has to say.

Chapter Text

At that moment her hands start to sweat and she helps herself with the sheet to dry them.

Archie clears his throat, sits on the bed and gives a quick glance to his mother who encourages him saying softly "you can do it", he nods and turns his head looking Veronica straight in the eyes.

-I've been thinking a lot during the last few hours, I needed some time to clear my head and I realized I don't want to wait another minute to tell you how I feel.
Ronnie, you are the woman of my life. Since the day you walked through that door at Pops, nothing has been the same in my life . You have always been there for me as a friend or girlfriend, through thick and thin, you always seem to know what's best for me even when I don't know it myself and I can't think of anyone else to be with me for the rest of my life. I know I have made mistakes, I still think about our last year in high school because it didn't end the way I thought it would, but life gave us a new chance so I'm going to hold on to it because I almost lost you yesterday and I honestly think I would have gone crazy if I wouldn't have been able to see those beautiful eyes again. Let me show you that I can be a great husband and father, that I can give you that love story you so deserve and I will be by your side to encourage and advise you when you need it-.
-That's why I want to ask you: will you marry me?- at this point her eyes are already full of tears although he is not the only one in the room who is overcome with emotion, she takes out a cobalt blue box and then exposes the beautiful ring inside it.

She compared to Archie couldn't stop the tears, after the moment of tension at the thought that the boy was going to left her, her heart swelled with emotion, a feeling of joy flooded her, she knows that Archie isn't good at expressing his feelings and his words were so sincere that she quickly nodded her head and with her hands she reached his face to join his lips in a sweet kiss that he responded with the same eagerness.

-Definite, that was a yes- Archie turned to his mother and friends who approached the couple to congratulate them.

-You know your father would be as excited for you as I am right now, he knew she was the right girl since you were in high school so you have his blessing since a long time ago..." Mary takes them both by the hand and then hugs them excited that Veronica is now part of the family.

-We are very happy for you guys, thank you for making us part of this great news, we have work to do, don't we Betts?

-You mean find a good suit for you? she laughs knowing she didn't mean that and adds
-I'm joking... Jug means we'll take care of each other's bachelor parties," she hugs him playfully.

After some minutes where they fantasize about the details of the wedding and made sure to let them know that they would help them with whatever they needed Jug and Betty say goodbye . Archie escorts them out while the two women stay in the room.

Veronica has been lost among the beautiful details of the ring, both the stones surrounding it and the delicate detail of the engraving enchant her.She thinks that even though she had already been through an engagement and marriage to Chad, this moment felt so genuine and far removed to the formality and elitism that surrounded her first marriage.

Mary pulls her out of her thoughts by taking her hand - isn't it beautiful? If I hadn't gone with him, I would still be wandering through the options the lady at the store gave him, sorry if we took a while, we had quite an emotional talk and I'm glad I was there to give him advice-

-Thank you, Mary it means a lot to me,for real-

- Sure, you're part of this family now-

After Mary leaves the hospital to go rest, Archie comes to the room and neither of them can help but smile, while He never imagined having made the proposal in a hospital, it felt much more genuine without the need for a big event.

-I can't wait to come home with you so we can celebrate properly," Veronica sighs as she plays with the redhead's hair.

-I know, but first I need you to be 100% recovered... I want you to remember that I'm here for you, for anything you need or any plan that crosses your mind... Most likely the police will come to take your testimony, they already have the recording you made from your phone so that should be enough to get a case against your father- he looks at her expectantly studying her expressions but she immediately avoids eye contact and replies with a short "okay".

He certainly didn't want to erase that smile he loves so much off her face but he doesn't know how long the process against Hiram will be and that's why he needs her to count on him.

The redhead makes space to lie down next to her and although they both have a lot on their minds, they focus on the comfort of being together and their tiredness allows them both to fall asleep easily.

Chapter Text

It has been more than a couple weeks since V was discharged from the hospital, her recovery is going well and she is trying to get back to her routine while Archie reminds her to take it easy (although he knows she is stubborn) but after checking with her doctor about her physical condition he is more reassured that she can get back on track not only in her work but also with respect to her intimacy.

They are now having dinner from Pop's with their friends at the Pembroke.

Jug has just passed out wine to all of them and Veronica clinks her glass to make a toast.

-First of all, I thank you for being by my side and supporting me, not only today, being such a crucial day, but also since we met again in Riverdale.

-We love you V- The blonde interrupts as she raises her glass and the others follow her.

- And I love all of you guys, I really can't imagine a better family my support group, with the investigation against my father paid off and it is thanks to everyone's contribution that today we achieved a definitive sentence for Hiram and Reggie-

She can feel a knot in the pit of her stomach from the mixture of emotions but continues.

-Let's close this long chapter of war against him and let's focus on the good team we are to make this town a worthy place to live and to see our children grow up happily- she turns to see Maddie who is playing with her stuffed animal.

-Cheers- They all raise their glasses and toast with the calm that they are already beginning to enjoy.

Archie arrives from behind and turns her towards him, taking her by the waist to share a kiss for the victory that they know has not been easy to achieve.
When the kiss ends, she looks at him without moving too far from his face, "Thank you for giving me the strength to get to this point.
He smiles relieved and kisses her again to let her know that he is there for her, that is all he wants right now, to be by her side.

- stop lovebirds, let's start with the karaoke night right now," says Kevin as he pairs the microphones to the sound system.
Archie rolls his eyes at him and Veronica laughs and takes him by the hand to settle in the living room and check on her phone what song they are going to sing as Toni comes out of V's room where they have just put Maddie to bed and are ready to enjoy the night.

Kevin puts on a Broadway-style show and the girls in the group decide to get up to dance with him and create the atmosphere the moment requires while Jug steals some French fries someone left on the coffee table.

Then comes the round of romantic songs and the dedications are not long in coming when Betty makes Jug blush and he gets up and hugs her shyly but doesn't get him sing when it is Archie's turn to take his guitar and the atmosphere feels like a dejavu of his high school years.

The Karaoke round ends with the girls singing "Dancing Queen by Abba" at the top of their lungs with choreography included and a little drunk but definitely starting a new stage of their lives that they hope to share as a group.

The next morning, Archie has woken up earlier and contemplates during a few minutes how good it feels at that moment to wake up with V by his side and details the features of her face that the sunlight begins to light.

Veronica stretches as she settles her body and tries to get her eyes to adjust to the light only to meet the redhead's amused gaze and immediately approach him.

-Are you watching me while I sleep again? I bet I looked awful and that's what amuses you," says the girl as she rests her head on one of his biceps and caresses his abdomen.

-Of course not, I just feel grateful that I can wake up next to you even if your snoring doesn't let me sleep more," he says trying to sound convinced and she pats him on the chest at his recent statement.

- hey!!! I don't snore... or do I? - she leans on one of her elbows to see him with a pout on her face and tries to discover the truth.
He tries to remain serious but can't stand V's expression and they both start laughing out loud.
- come here and say hi properly- She comes over and plants a soft kiss on his lips and settles back into his chest.

-I wish the atmosphere always felt like this, calm and hopeful, I had a lot of fun last night," she smiles remembering their friends.

- It definitely feels good, now that the whole trial is over, Could we talk about our wedding? or do you think you need more time" Archie adds.

-I think it's time to take a step forward and what a better way to do it than with our wedding, I would like we share our ideas about how this event could be. I know it's your first marriage and you would like to have a big party but sometimes the sense and essence of the moment is lost so I was thinking about something more intimate with the people we now consider family... but of course I also want to hear your opinion-

-I couldn't agree with you more, I thought you would propose a big party and I'm willing to give you what you want but I prefer a thousand times something simple and meaningful as you propose it.-

V raises his head with a genuine smile and rests his jaw on his chest to make sure they are on the same page.
-So ... we'll do it that way and then we'll enjoy a well deserved honeymoon but we'll talk about that later...".

- I was looking forward reserving the church and I had a couple of places in mind for the reception but you are the ones in charge and I understand the idea ... At least can we choose matching bridesmaids dresses? - says Betty while looking at the wedding dress options in the store.

-Of course you can, B, that's why you are here too. On the second floor are the options for the bridesmaids and you will have the option to choose them... just remember that you must at least match in color.-

- I don't think it will be an easy task but give us the color and we'll try, right Cheryl?- says Toni behind them and the redhead assists sharing a happy look with the others while clapping her hands clearly excited.

In another store not far from there, Mary, Archie, Jug and Kevin are paying for their suits, it took them less than an hour to try them on and make the adjustments to fit each one; it was definitely more than easy for them since Mary had a clear idea of what she wanted and the boys didn't object even for the color of the ties so they decide to go to the White wyrm for drinks waiting for the girls to finish shopping.

By the time they showed up at the bar, more than 3 hours had passed and they had already had several drinks as well. They ordered the first drinks for the girls and settled down to share how complicated it was to get them all to agree, justifying their delay.

-You don't know what we had to do to pick a color for the bridesmaids dresses- says V giving Archie a tired face.
-We had to write down the choices on pieces of paper and ask the salesman to pull one out," laughs B. sheepishly.
-Of course, but when the first one came out none of them were convinced and I didn't understand it, they wrote the options by themselves!!!- V rolls her eyes looking at Toni and Cheryl who laugh at the situation.

- It's true I don't know who would write pastel pink as an option to be considered...we agreed that the third paper would be the color of choice and there we had the salesperson who was very accommodating to our requests," comments Cheryl.

-Of course He had to be, since the purchase of 6 dresses was at stake, including your mom's, Archie's and Tabitha's, who said she agreed with any decisions made by this crazy trio of ladies", Veronica clarified, accepting that the situation was quite particular.

-So what was the winning color?" asks Kevin, adding to the conversation.

-It's a secret and until that day you will find it out," says Betty, seriously trying hard to hide her laughter.
-Really? pff you would have saved us the story and the curiosity... instead we had plenty of time to come here without those high school girls' games" says Jug who together with Archie were a little drunk and became the signal for the two of them (Betty and Veronica) to take them home to rest.
-I realize that they had too much time to drink but it's our fault for the delay, right? come here, it's time to go" B gets up and takes Jug who fortunately can still walk alone.

-That's right, it's our cue to go too. Thanks girls for all your help, we are in contact to give you the last details- Veronica adds leading Archie towards the exit following Betty's steps.

Chapter Text

The big day has arrived, the backyard of Archie's childhood house is decorated for the ceremony and reception and right now only the wall of the room separates them, where they are getting ready. The girls keep taking pictures of themselves in the large mirror wearing their pretty wine-colored dresses they picked out at the store while V comes out of the bathroom where she is dressing up.

V's dress is simple but very elegant, made of satin with a long length drape that subtly shows off one of her legs when she walks, it is fitted to the body with drop sleeves and a flower crown that complements the loose waves of her dark hair; She opens the door and the girls are thrilled with the whole look.

-This is definitely the best choice you could have made," says Tabitha in awe as she had never seen it before.

-Did you know it was much easier to choose my dress than the three of them?" she gives her a knowing look and laughs at the girls as she remembers that day.

The sound of the door interrupts them and they see a Mary smiling from ear to ear as she sees V.

-Oh Veronica you look so beautiful!
-Thank you Mary," V replies with a shy smile.

-Let me take a picture of all of you ladies" she says as she grab Cheryl's phone and the girls pose around Veronica.

-Here it is," she hands the phone back to them as they check on the picture and adds, "Ok girls, it's time!!! the boys are ready and the guests are waiting for the bride to come.

The bridesmaids give V a last hug before they start to go down stairs and they can slowly see the lights appear in the garden adding a fairy tale touch to the atmosphere. The girls smile at the guys standing next to Archie who looks nervous as he starts to play with his hands, while Pop Tate, FP with Alice and Polly with their children are on either side of the place.

There is a short pause before the bride enters and the guests stand and turn to see her.

The black-haired girl enters hand in hand with Smithers and Archie can't hide his happiness with tears lighting up his cheeks as he realizes she's actually walking towards him after so many years, now life is giving them a new chance.

Kevin in a quick move gives a tissue to Archie who tries to pull himself together before meeting her halfway. Smithers smiles at Him and makes him promise to be with her for the rest of their days since he doesn't know how much time the loyal worker has to be near them, which makes Veronica touched and gives him a big hug before take by the arm to Archie and walk to their place while the others take their seats.

The ceremony was short but full of feeling, Thoughts begin to invade Veronica's head as from the center table she watches her friends dancing on the dance floor, where Archie and Jug are trying to coordinate the moves Kevin proposed but clearly fail in the attempt and she recognizes that this moment feels so genuine and so spontaneous, so different from the wedding with Chad where they didn't miss the opportunity to brag about money or thtat was the "right"moment to talk about business while it seemed that very few were enjoying the event and she was convinced she had made the best decision.

Archie's soft grip on her arm seems to snap her out of her thoughts and he invites her to join a slow song that is perfect for the two of them. Already on the dance floor, he embraces her by the hips and she clasps her hands around his neck and they begin to move to the rhythm of the song letting themselves be absorbed by the atmosphere of the moment when Archie catches her attention again and she looks up listening to what he has to say.

-Thank you for making me the happiest man in the world, you and only you have that power in my life and look (points to the sky) even the stars had to witness our union.

She is so happy that the emotion prevents her from speaking, she wants to keep this moment forever in her mind and although she has ignored the fact that no one from her family is there for her today, she must convince herself that they'renot good for her and that she is better without them.

-I thank God he gave us the chance to find our way back together because he knows I couldn't be in better hands," she says.
Both of them are teary-eyed and they seal that moment with a long kiss that the guests cheers in the background.

It's time toss the bouquet and even though there are few guests, all of the women come to the front, Veronica is part of a plan she has kept secret for a few days and looks at her accomplice to know if everything is under control, after he nods she is ready for the show.

Archie takes out his phone to record and starts the countdown from 3 to 1, but when the time comes Veronica doesn't throw the bouquet but turns to walk straight to her blonde friend who doesn't have an idea of what's going on.

-this one is definitely for you- says V as she hands the bouquet and she can feel how her friend's hands start to shake and she even struggles for a moment to hold it.

-no no no V what are you doing?- She manages to put the words together but Veronica's convincing face and everyone's eyes on her make her more nervous.

The brunette takes her by the arms to turn her around and that's when she notices Jug's figure kneeling with a trembling smile ready to give his love speech.
Archie can't hide his excitement and shouts a - You can do it Jug- while their relatives recover from the surprise that Jughead had prepared.

- Betty after all these years of back and forth sometimes I start thinking that you are too good for me, that maybe I don't deserve all the good things that come from you... but I also think that I am nobody without you, that it is because of you that I feel like a better human being, that it is because of you that I tried to be the best version of me, that I can't imagine a smarter, funnier and sexier woman that would be willing to spend the rest of her life with me... so without further detours I ask you: Betty Elizabeth Cooper will you marry me?- Jug finishes, hoping he has convinced her but every second feels like an eternity as he waits for the blonde's answer.

-I don't think I have a life without you by my side and you have definitely taken me by surprise which is not very easy to do - everyone laughs and there are some tears rolling down the audience and she clears her throat to add. - Of course I am, I'm ready to be your wife Mr. Jones.-

He stands up quikly, places the ring in her hands and then kisses her beloved while everyone comes to congratulate them.

Mary brings some glasses of water and Betty drinks it to come to her senses from the surprise to question Archie and Veronica about what just happened, her other friends and family are just as surprised and are willing to hear the story behind the news.

The day of dress shopping Jug had a chance to talk to Archie about his plan and wanted to know what his friend thought and if he agreed to give up a space at his wedding to propose Betty to which Archie clearly couldn't refuse and called V to tell her the plan while the others were choosing dresses at the store. Of course she was more than happy to accept that request and was going to do everything she could to make sure no one suspected.

After dinner, Archie stands up and talks to his guests -You don't know how important it was to have each one of you today, thank you for being part of this special moment and for being surprised by the surprises of the night... We have to go to pack our bags and get some sleep because the honeymoon awaits us, you know we love you all and I just want to tell you to enjoy the night- They receive a round of applause while they say goodbye with fraternal hugs from each one of them.

-Oh, I almost forgot, I just shared with you the video of Jug's proposal so you can laugh at their surprised faces." They walk out the door of the house where they say goodbye to their mom who asks them to enjoy themselves but also to keep her updated about their trip.

Chapter Text

Since they came back from their honeymoon a couple of months ago, the two lovebirds Veronica and Archie have enjoyed their first months of marriage, it even seems like a dream from which they don't want to wake up. They have started new traditions: they always share a cup of coffee in the morning (they would like to share the shower too, but they failed over and over again to be on time for their meetings) or the one where every Friday they plan a different date, a space just for the two of them where they can take their minds off the work that keeps them so busy most of the week, obviously most of them finish in a big night of passion as it's hard for them to keep their hands off each other for long.

For Riverdale, things have been pretty harmonious, new projects have been popping up for the town and thanks to the support of the guys, there is a new breath of fresh air for the population which has been the center of so much craziness in recent years.

Kevin and Betty have worked together with their institutions in order to restore safety to the community; Cheryl, Tony, Archie and Jughead head up the new youth center where they inspire kids from different branches of the arts to forge a future according to their abilities and skills from dancing, boxing, painting and writing, and who better than the four of them to guide them. Then there are Veronica and Tabitha, who are focused on some renovations for pops and a couple of new venues to be opened in two nearby towns, which is a dream Tabitha wanted to fulfill for her grandfather who visits them frequently to keep up to date and give his opinion on possible changes to the place.

One working morning while Archie set the table for breakfast, Veronica got the mail from Smithers and closes the door to head to the dining room to classify it, they have food coupons, a couple of magazines, some confirmation and documents for the new locals (which makes her very happy) and an envelope from the army for the redhead which makes her a little uneasy.

-This is weird," he looks at the envelope curiously.
-I thought you had finished your business with them," says the brunette while drinking some coffee in front of him.
- I did, let's see what we have here", he tears the paper and unfolds two sheets of paper that he begins to read mentally.

Veronica looks at him expectantly trying to read the redhead's expressions and when his brow furrows, she reflexively imitates him waiting for him to tell her the contents of the document.

- I am required for a two-month training at Texas's base.
-What, why, of course you're going to say no, aren't you? there's no need for you to go," she's starting to get annoyed and looks at him looking for the same answer from Archie but he just looks down at the paper.

-Why don't you say anything? are you really considering it?-
Archie opens his mouth to answer, but V's phone interrupts him which gives him some time to think about what to say.

- Hi Tabitha, how are you doing?...
Yes, I just got the documents...
perfect, don't worry, I'm on my way....
See you . Bye.-
She gets up from her chair quickly and approaches Archie.

-I hope you think carefully about what you are going to do, I'll talk to you later," she kisses him on the cheek, picks up her coat and the papers to leave the apartment.

Archie is surprised and thoughtful at the proposal so He takes his phone to call an old friend.

That afternoon at Pop's

V is drinking a milkshake at one of the tables after finishing a follow-up meeting about Pops with Tabitha and her grandpa who is really excited about how close the expansion of the business is, he can't wait to see it happens.

Suddenly, the door opens and Betty walks in, takes a look around and approaches the table where her friend is sitting.

-Earth calling Veronica," she says as she sits in front of her.
The brunette looks up and smiles slightly and then greets her friend.

- What a surprise to see you here B-

- Well, since this town has learned how to behave I have more free time to come and say hello, I went to school but Jug will be busy all day and then I ran into Archie who told me I could find you here.

And here I am, how are you?
- V, everything is going great with Jug, he is about to release his new book and I am very proud of him... I was thinking about my free time I have an idea that I wanted to share with you as the entrepreneurial guru that you are-

-You flatter me, of course I'm all ears.

-I want to reopen the city newspaper but this time adding digital publications to reach more public, I could lead the criminal case section, I could open a space for the community center kids showing their talents and maybe we can attract sponsors for them or for new programs in the city... What do you think? - finishes the blonde with a smile from ear to ear attentive to the response of her friend.

-I love it! B, I love how excited you are about it, clearly you can count on me and I know Jug will be happy to create content for the city too!-

-Thank you V, your opinion is very important to me- -It's a very important thing to me-.
Immediately Veronica stands up and gives her friend a big hug and then sits down next to her and rests her head on her shoulder.

-What are you thinking about? Problems in paradise?" the blonde bows her head and extends her hand to her friend.

Veronica, although she doesn't want to complain, tells her about the recent offer for Archie and what she thinks about it.

-You shouldn't get ahead of yourself V, I don't think Archie would agree to go away for two months when he has so many things to do here.-

-I'd like to believe that, but this morning He wasn't sure about the decision.

His phone shakes in her pocket and when she takes it out the screen notifies a new message from the redhead.

-Speaking of the devil..." V shows Betty the phone and then opens the message.

"We need to talk, I'm coming home - A"

-I'm sure this is not going to end well," she replies with an ok, putting her phone away to leave for the Pembroke.

-If you need me, call me, ok?"- the blonde says goodbye and watches her walk out the door.

-I'm home- She says, closing the door when Archie comes into the room.

-Let's get straight to the point, whatever you have to say just say it at once, you're going toaccept the proposal, right?

-Don't say it like that V, listen to me," he comes closer and puts his hands on either side of his face.
-This is my chance to clear my name after everything that happened with my last mission, and it will takes only 2 months.-

-Clearing your name? I thought you had already done it after the trial against your superior, didn't you? -

-Of course, I did, but I feel that I was in debt to the institution and somehow this is a good opportunity, it won't even be out of the country, I already have someone to cover for me at the youth center and since the league is on a break there are no practices to cover-

-Well, so you have everything organized and the decision has been made," she takes a step back and tries to keep her tears at bay.

-I feel that you are overstating a little Ronnie, you don't have to react like that, It will only be two months, the time flies and then I can say that I closed a cycle and we can keep enjoying our lives together.-

-Am I Overstating? I am your wife now, you know I have always been in total disagreement that you have any relation with that institution .... and if something happens to you? What if they assign you for some mission and you can't say no to them? You can't leave me alone for two months! this is not fair, it's like you have an endless contract with them... I had even forgotten all about them because I thought you were free of them but look at us now- She seems to get everything out of his mind as if she had no time to do it so now she is short of breath, V is really terrified of the idea that Archie is still serving the army and that something could happen to him, that She could lose him because there is always a chance that anything could happen.
-Come here and breathe Ronnie, look at me- He takes her face between his hands again and tries to regulate her breathing, he didn't want to cause that reaction in her, but there was nothing to do, earlier in the morning he had confirmed them his participation in that project and with that same quickness with which he answered, they sent him his tickets to travel in two days.

She looks at him imitating his breathing and manages to calm down in a few minutes, he takes her by the hand and guides her to the couch so they can sit down.

-Love, nothing is going to happen to me, I'm going to train a group of soldiers, I'm not going to move from the base... even though there are no visitors, I promise to call you every day, this time will go quickly and you will have me back very soon.-

A few minutes of silence pass where V is processing the information and although she doesn't like the decision he made at all, she knows that she promised to support him in any way she could, she just hopes that what he just said is true.

-When are you leaving?- she looks up, playing with her fingers.

-The day after tomorrow-

she gives him a weak smile and adds, - I see, there is no turning back, it is a decision taken... anyway thanks for understanding me and listening to my opinion- she gets up quickly from the sofa to go to the bathroom where she gets ready to go to bed, while Archie stays immobile on the sofa watching her leaving the room with an unpleasant feeling in his body, because V is right in being so cautious with everything that has to do with the army, but this time the activity for which he was called doesn't represent any danger to him (if it did he wouldn't risk himself) and the thought that he can do something good for that institution is something he cannot let go. He knows how upset V is and knows he must give her space to calm down and maybe tomorrow she will have digested the news better.

In the bedroom, Veronica is so upset that she takes a couple of sleeping pills, lies down on the bed and closes her eyes because she doesn't want to spend the whole night over thinking about possible scenarios about that stupid decision.

Chapter Text

Two days later...

Mary gives her son a big hug while the others wait their turn to do it; the airport is quite busy today with its familiar atmosphere of farewells and expected returns... That's what Veronica is thinking about, the return of her redhead, usually she doesn't depend so much on someone's company as she likes her independence but this time she is getting used to her married life with Archie and she doesn't want to let him go.

-Come here,” he pulls her closer, taking her by the hand, pulling her out of her thoughts to bring her closer to him and cross her hands on the brunette's lower back.

-Promise me you'll take care of yourself and you'll call or text me every day,” she looks at him pouting.

-I promise Ronnie, I love you,” he closes the gap between them with a kiss full of feeling, they want to hold on to each other and keep the taste of their kiss for the time they won't be together, neither of them would like to separate but they are interrupted by the black-haired man.

-This is where in slow motion they separate and can't take their eyes off each other and we stand there like extras waiting for someone to say "cut,” he tries not to laugh at the looks from the group.

-Someone is jealous of not getting a hug,” Archie mocks as he says goodbye to him.

-I recommend Veronica to you, if you need anything, don't hesitate to let me know,” he approaches the blonde who nods as she receives his hug.
-She smiles and returns to Jug's side.

-Let us know when you get settled in and don't forget to wear sunscreen honey - his mother being his mother even as a married man.
They all laugh at Mary's reminder and escort him to the check-in line where they hug goodbye and watch him disappear into the crowd.

After lunch at Mary's house, everyone goes home and V uses the silence of the place to get some work done and distract herself as only she can.
2 weeks later...
Late at night Veronica arrives in a hurry at the Pembroke to connect with her redhead on what would be the second virtual date they would have and although the first one was not so successful because of the difficulty in the network, he promised her to work on it to have at least a decent evening.
V didn't have time to order food so he quickly checks the kitchen and pulls out some sushi pieces and a red wine from the fridge to go with it.
After a few minutes she manages to see on her computer screen that charming smile that makes her feel so good.
- Finally Mr. Andrews, Hi there” she laughs even though she knows how difficult it has been for him to connect.
-I told you I would fix it.
-Tell me what did you do today?.
-You know, paperwork and phone calls... The two places have been very well received by the citizens, the sales have been maintained and the employment generated is the best part, Pops is very happy and he doesn't miss a chance to visit the restaurants and verify that everything is according to tradition... I'm boring you, right?
-What? I would never do that, have I told you how sexy you look talking business? I'm glad everything is going so well... Not much really happens here, we plan the exercises and circuits daily, we follow a pretty structured schedule but we are used to it and I must confess I'm working much more time at the gym?

-mmm I like that, I hope when you get back I can attest to how much you've worked those muscles - she gives him a mischievous look and they can't help but laugh at the ideas running through their minds.

As he tells her how he managed to get a Burger from the cafeteria cooks and save it until the video call she eats from his sushi plate and notices how hungry he was as usually he could eat two but given the circumstances he finished this one in about 3 bites.

-I want to show you something- he picks up his phone and starts walking, after a minute he stops and turns the camera to let her see the beautiful starry night that accompanies him and V is moved by the nice detail and the beauty of what she gets to see.

- This is one of the things I love most about this place, everything feels so unreal that I sit and daydream about our future and so many things I want to do with you.

- sounds great, what do you think could be our next adventure together?

-Well, I would like to start with something simple... it could be going to a concert or a festival where someone we really like is performing, I don't know, we could start a cooking course together or even be part of a marathon... what do you think?

-I love it! you know how much I would love to enjoy a music festival?! we will definitely keep adding ideas to this list, let me start a shared document and we will add ideas that we can discuss later, do you think?

-I like it...” he takes a few seconds to look at her thinking about how lucky he is to have her and adds, ‘I don't want to hang up now but you know I have to get up early, so I think our date ends here Mrs. Andrews’.

Veronica gives him a little smile and picks up her empty plate and leaves it on the sink to go back to the computer -you have no idea how much I miss you-

- I miss you too-
- Don't forget about me, I love you.
-Don't even think about it, I love you too, good night -she blows him a kiss and ends the call with a silly smile on their faces.

Chapter Text

The results of the tests for part of the group were not good, this is due to the adaptation process of some or to the demands of the second week that hit them harder. In any case, Archie feels a little frustrated for the boys as he knows the potential they have but hopes that a good shower will help him feel better.

With the sun going down, he comes out of the bathroom to put on a dark blue sweatshirt, arranges his dirty clothes and reaches for his phone to check the messages he received during the day.

His mother sends him an image of an old photo she found of him as a little boy on his father's shoulders while they were enjoying the pool and knowing his mother she must have sent it to everyone she knows... he stares at it for a few minutes and can't stop thinking that he misses his father, his guide, his advisor, he wonders if he is proud of him and the decisions he has made after his departure.

He answers with a short message to his mother and continues looking at his phone when he realizes that Veronica has not seen his message and this worries him a little, he decides to dial her but it goes to voicemail and proceeds to call Betty because surely they went out and she forgot her cell phone or at least he tries to convince himself of that version.

-Archie,” the blonde answers.
-Hey, Betty, how's everything going in Riverdale?
-Everything is going very well indeed, and how are you? To what do I owe the honor of your call?
-Are you with V?
-No, I haven't seen her since Thursday when she came home for dinner.
-mmm, today she didn't answer me and her phone is off and you know how rare that is for her, don't you?...I don't want to exaggerate but maybe something happened to her?
-I don't think so, she must be busy with something else?
-I don't know... could you check if she is ok?
-Sure, let me see if Jug took the car or if I should call a car?
the blonde's footsteps are heard on the other side and the sound of the garage door opening for her to speak again.

--the car is here, give me 20 minutes and I'll call you back-.
-I'll wait for your call, if no one answers the door, we have an extra key under the stuff next to the door-.
-I hope I don't have to use it anyway, she's fine, you'll see-.

After finishing the call he lies down a little on his small bed and closes his eyes for a moment hoping to hear from V when sleep overcomes him due to the long day.

Betty knocks several times on the door but there is no answer, she hesitates twice to take the key but curiosity gets the better of her and she uses it to enter the apartment.
The closed curtains are the first thing she notices, followed by the silence of the place.
She goes to the couple's room and after opening the door she silently notices the figure of her friend lying on the bed and slowly approaches trying to find out what is going on.

The redhead's startle at noticing someone looking at her is followed by a quick moment of confusion trying to figure out if she is dreaming or not. Betty stands still waiting for her friend to react and tries to scan the scene for more information.

-What are you doing here? I forgot we were supposed to meet today,” Veronica blurts out the questionnaire as she sits on the bed when the discomfort on her face is evident and she runs to the bathroom to vomit.

Betty doesn't have time to answer any of the questions as she follows her friend's eyes and for a moment she doesn't know what to do.

Hearing her in the bathroom makes her react and she goes there to help her with her hair and grab a towel and dampen it to bring it to her when she is done.

-Here you go.

V turns to sit down and lean her back against the wall, receives the towel and wipes her face gently while taking a deep breath.
The blonde sits down next to her -you look terrible-.
-I feel terrible.
-Tell me what's wrong-.
-I think the sushi I ate yesterday made me sick, I think I've thrown up even the bad thoughts- she lets out a small laugh.
-Why didn't you call me? I could have come to help you earlier
-Sorry, I don't even know where I left my cell phone... besides I didn't want to bother you, I thought you were with Jug, I thought with a nap and the medicine I would feel better but evidently I am not.
-Ok, let's charge your cell phone, let me make you some soup and you take a bath and then call your husband to whom you haven't answered today and you are worried in a state far away from here”, she extends her hand to help her to get up and she agrees to the blonde's proposal.
Betty ends a call with Jug while V picks up the dishes from the table and puts them in the dishwasher, puts the cell phone on charge and will soon call Archie who will surely scold her for forgetting.

-I'll stay with you tonight, Jughead apparently won't make it so we can have a girl's night out.
-I love the idea! Let me get some great face masks we can use,” she acknowledges the ringing of her phone and runs to take the incoming call.

-Tell me you're okay.
-I'm fine.
-What happened to your phone today?
-I forgot to charge it, I think I got food poisoning from the sushi I ate last night.
-so you're not well-
-I will be, the help you sent made me a delicious soup and will stay with me today.
-Tell her thank you very much, I practically ran her out of her house.
-As exaggerated as you are, you would call the fire department.
- if it was necessary you know I would do it... you proved my point, it's hard for you to ask for help- -I didn't think it was necessary.
-I didn't think it was necessary, I thought I would feel better after a while.
-Well, I hope tomorrow you will feel better, today we didn't get good results with the boys but so far we are just starting so I will be patient.
-Well, you will know where they need to improve and keep on adjusting the program for them, they still have time... you and they can do it...
- Thank you, tomorrow will be a new day and I hope next week will be better.
-You will see that it will be.
-Rest and don't let the phone unload, I love you, good night-
-love you more bye-
-bye-

After a long marathon of Harry Potter movies both girls fell asleep in the living room and it wasn't until the next morning that Betty opened her eyes and took a moment to stretch her limbs on the couch where she slept.

She hears a door open and looks in that direction to see a still pale Veronica coming out of the bathroom after what seems to be a long shower.

-Did you sleep well? We didn't have time to move to the bed.
- It wasn't necessary, your sofa is quite comfortable, it was like a restful sleep... How do you feel, I'd like to say you look better but you don't...-
V sighs dejectedly and adds.
- the round of vomit came back this morning and I doubt there was any trace of that sushi left... I don't know what else I could do
- I think I know who to call - the blonde takes out her phone and after dialing a number she holds it up to her ear while the brunette tries to figure out who she's talking to.

After the call, which took no more than 5 minutes, B explains to her sister the situation of her friend, proceeds to put on her shoes before V's eyes and adds
-Polly is going to help us, let's go to the hospital.
-It's no big deal!- replied V being somewhat against going back to that place and less so when she sees that it's not a big deal what's happening to her.
-I just want you to feel well so we are all calm, come on, she has helped me even in my days of the month where the cramps are unbearable.

V reluctantly agrees and they finish getting ready in a few minutes and then leave the apartment.

Polly takes them to a room on a somewhat lonely floor of the place and begins to take V's signs to record some data about her. They will do a complete blood test to rule out any other cause and while waiting for the result they spend the time playing candy crush and exchanging messages with their respective partners justifying their departure from V's apartment with some shopping needed to prepare lunch.

After half an hour Polly enters the room.
- After this first study we were able to verify that if you are a little dehydrated but not intoxicated, this vomiting will surely keep happening for a few more weeks, but don't worry, it is normal.
Both girls look at her with more questions than answers.
-I don't understand, if I am not intoxicated then what is causing this ?
-Well, the analysis shows you're pregnant, Congratulations!!!- she finishes with a smile waiting anxiously for the reaction of both of them.
Betty turns to her friend with a smile from ear to ear to give her a tight hug while V puts her hands to her mouth and trying to process the news she has just been given.

The three girls share a fraternal hug with some nervous giggles and tears in their eyes trying to catch their breath.

-I can't believe it! I mean we hadn't looked for directly but we hadn't refused the idea either and look at the moment it has arrived- V tries to gather her first thoughts.
-This is so exciting! Do we know how much time she has?

- the results give us an approximate of 2 and a half or 3 months but until we have an ultrasound scan it could not be more exact, I can help you for the time being with some vitamins for you to start taking and you should be on the phone to confirm your first appointment with the specialist, most likely for next week.

-Thank you- is the only thing that comes out of V's mouth while in her head there are endless thoughts.

They leave the place with some saline solution to hydrate her and the vitamins prescribed by Polly. As they get in the car Betty doesn't hide her excitement and starts talking about how she's going to be an aunt again and that she can't wait to tell Archie and our friends and that's when V interjects.
-I'm not going to tell Archie...yet....
-What? Are you nut? That man is going to freak out!
-that's exactly why B, I don't want him to leave his responsibility in Texas for me, when it's our chance to get this whole army thing over with, he's got a month and a half to go and it gives me time to know if my body is really ready for this new pregnancy-
-What if I tell him now and then I miscarry again! Archie will be disappointed and I don't think I can do it again, he would leave his responsibility for nothing! And he would realize that if I am not able to give him a child he can't fulfill his dream of starting a family and I don't know if he would want to continue with me.

-Hey Hey! Veronica look at me for a second- she take her friend hands and make eye contact with her.

- Look at the whole movie you got yourself into... first of all the abortion you had was not your fault, it doesn't make you more or less of a woman because you know the number of cases is high even if it's not talked about much, don't think about that when you have a new opportunity in front of you ! Second, you know Archie loves you more than he loves himself and I don't believe for a second that he will blame you or leave you for something neither of you can control and third you have a very tight support network and we are here for whatever you need so let us walk you through this new process... Everything is going to be ok-.

-I hope with all my heart that it is, I couldn't think of a better father for my children than Archie (it is inevitable that a soft smile lights up his face) and I know he will be very happy, but when he finishes his training I will be approximately in the fourth month and the risk will have passed or diminished at least, so I still think it is better if I don't tell him for the moment and to avoid leaks in town I count on you, Polly and my doctor to keep it a secret until then.-

Betty is not sure about this plan or her decision but she won't push her any further because although somewhat exaggerated, she has valid reasons.

-It's okay... I'm so excited! I'm going to be an aunt again !!!- They can't help their big smiles and the illusion of having a new member in the family.