Ariana Andrews.

Chapter Fourteen- The Retirement Party

It had been a few days since the Black Hood's "Test" had ended. Ariana continued to see less and less of Archie, except for when him and Veronica were hanging out, and even then she didn't want to know what they were doing. She was worried for him, knowing that they could be the next targets. 

She was in her room, reading a book when Archie came in, a nervous look on his face. She sighed and put her book down, preparing herself for whatever bomb he may drop on her.

"Hey Ari?" He asked softly. "What does it mean when you say 'I love you' to someone and they don't say it back?"

"You told Veronica that you loved her?" Ariana asked, a tinge of excitement in her voice.

"Yeah, but she didn't say it back. What if I messed things up? We were doing so good and-"

"Maybe she just isn't ready yet Arch. Give her some time." 

"But what if she doesn-"

"Archie." Ariana's tone was firm, stopping Archie from finishing his sentence. He sighed, looking down at the ground.

"Yeah, I know, I know." He said softly. "Thanks." He looked up at Ariana and the two twins shared a meaningful look. Ariana gave him a small smile as he left her room, shutting her door behind him.

***

"So, the reason we called you guys in here..." Ariana, Archie, and Veronica had just walked into the Blue and Gold Newspaper office, after receiving a text from Betty telling them to meet her and Jug. 

"My dad is getting out of jail." Jughead said, a smile spreading wide on his face.

"Jug, th-that's great." Archie said. 

"It's amazing." Ariana said, giving him a smile. 

"Yeah, what heralded this miracle?" Veronica glanced at Archie as she spoke, making Ariana cringe slightly at the awkwardness between the two.

"Uh- over crowding at the jail, i guess the judge reviewed my dad's case and after Cheryl's testimony, it was..." Jughead paused, taking a deep breath. "a perfect storm."

"What do you need from us Jug?" Archie asked.

"Both of us. We have a new lead on the Black Hood case. And Jughead and I were wondering if you guys would follow up on it for us. We can give you all of the details, the articles." Betty started grabbing a few different things and putting them into a folder.

"It's just, I have to be there for my dad to help him with his re-entry, so."

"Uh- yeah, and I'm taking a break from the black hood." Archie an Veronica flipped through the folder, before looking back up at Betty and Jug.

"Wait, so, you want us to be you guys?" Veronica asked skeptically.

"Essentially, yes" Jughead paused, and Veronica and Archie shared a weird look. "What, is there a problem with that?" The two shook their heads and left, leaving Ariana alone with Betty and Jughead.

"So, what should I do?" she asked.

"You could help them-" 

"I really don't want to be putting myself in a spot to get shot again." Ariana said, interrupting Betty.

"Which is completely understandable. You could help Jughead and I with FP."

"I'm sure my dad would love to see you. He hasn't seen you since you came back." 

"Okay, Just text me when and where." Ariana offered them a smile, before leaving the Office.

***