Catching Feelings

...Is Just a Wish - Part 3

She does get another chance to speak to Jughead later that day at Pops after school. Seeing his unwashed crown beanie sitting in his usual booth she immediately makes a beeline towards it and sits across from him.

His frown at her presence certainly does not dissuade her from giving him a large smile.

"Give any more thought to my offer, Fitzgerald?" She asks, quickly stealing a fry from his plate causing him to frown and move it closer to his body. Her smile stays in place.

"I was hoping you would forget all about it Zelda, and don't touch my food." Despite her earlier frustration at him with how their first conversation went, Veronica realized that she enjoyed that he could actually keep up with her references.

"Not a chance" she replies and orders a chocolate shake and cheese fries when the waitress comes by.

"Your paying for my food then." She almost agrees immediately but holds herself back.

"Sure, if you say that you agree." He frowns and angrily stuffs a handful of fries in his mouth. "You had a question..." She trails off ignoring his loud chewing, which she was sure he is doing just to annoy her, hoping they could pick up where they left off.

He slowly finishes chewing while unnervingly examining her. She fights the urge to fidget because Veronica Lodge does not fidget especially under a boy's stare.

"Why are you so determined to push Archie away?" The question is sincere if his tone is any indication so she decides that the truth is the best way.

"Because Jughead, if he lets me Archie can easily be the guy I fall in love with." He opens his mouth to respond but she continues. "He could be the guy that shoulders through my defenses, but in the end, it could only end in heartbreak."

Veronica can't meet his eyes after her confession feeling vulnerable. She doesn't like the feeling so she silently buckles her armor in place. Steeling herself to meet his eyes, she is taken aback by his voice.

"That's bullshit, Veronica. Archie is the last person who would break someone's heart." His tone is fierce and protective and she smiles.

She hopes when this thing is over and done with he will be that fierce and protective friend for her.

"He wouldn't do it intentionally, but anyone with eyes can see that Betty and Archie are practically soulmates. It's only a matter of time before he realizes-" he cuts her off with a scoff

" Why does everyone keep saying that!?" She's taken aback by his sudden anger but quickly understands when the realization hits her.

While Veronica knows Jughead isn't secretly pining for Archie and what a pretty picture that would make, the same can not be said for a certain blonde cheerleader.

She wonders how she didn't see it. Jughead is only ever around one girl. Betty, who happens to be smart, attractive, and pretty much the epitome of nice, would, of course, have this outcast completely in love with her.

It makes so much sense, hell if she were playing for that field Betty would be the first girl she would try to talk into experimenting.

Betty could chase away the darkness. Much like Archie, she was a shining light on a pathway towards redemption.

"Jughead," She starts trying to keep a neutral natural tone "Are you crushing on Betty?"

"No." The answer is immediate, but Veronica knows it's a complete lie since he can't seem to meet her eyes.

She opens her mouth to rescind her earlier offer but he cuts her off.

"I'll do it." She frowns and watches the waitress set down her order. "Don't" he says when she tries to open her mouth again. "I agreed, now do we have a deal, Bonnie?"

She looks at him and sees determination so she knows any more talk of his feelings won't go over well.

If she pushes him he would probably say something volatile and storm out. He'd be hostile to her, ignore her, and any chances of becoming friends would be blown.

She chooses to keep her mouth shut and goes over her options instead.

There is a part of her that wants to say forget it, just pay for all the food, and walk out of this diner. It's what she should do, things have gotten a little complicated for her simple plan. A small tiny part of her wonders if Betty could eventually develop feelings for the brooding boy. Then Veronica could have Archie herself.

It could be perfect.

There's another part though, This part wants to see her plan come to fruition, wants to see Archie and Betty together, wants to be friends with Jughead. Wants to be the good Veronica. This is part wins out.

"You got a deal Clyde".

They shake on it.

Veronica pays for his meal.