If you pretend so much it feels real - Archie/Betty/Veronica

Part 3

"B, you've got some explaining to do." Veronica starts, looking directly at Betty which doesn't help her nerves that have all of a sudden crept up on her. "Look I didn't want to be here, you know that, and some assholes approached me and I tried to lie to them but I'm not a good liar. Somehow I, uh, ended up telling one I had a girlfriend and told the other I had a boyfriend but they called me out and, and I didn't know what to do." Betty's flustered now, Veronica and Archie might not even agree to her plan, but her nerves calm as she's brought into a group hug.

"Betts, of course we'll help you, don't worry," Archie's voice calms her, the panic drains from her chest as she pulls away from the hug. "Are you guys sure?" Betty whispers, almost in disbelief that it was that easy to convince them, and Veronica and Archie just share a look and nod to each other then to Betty. "B we'd never leave you at such a critical and crucial moment," Veronica's tone is sarcastic but semi-serious which makes the blonde smile gently.

Veronica links her arm into Betty's as she stands proudly, her head held high ready to face everything, at Betty's right hand side. Archie comes casually to her left hand side, Betty expects him to offer his arm to Betty but he just mirrors Veronica's actions and links his arm in her's. The positioning is somewhat comforting for Betty but the thought hits her that this, whatever relationship this seems to be, isn't real. The blonde's heart sinks, she's unsure as of why, and she almost suggests that they don't go in, that they just go somewhere else just the three of them.

Her thoughts are stopped abruptly as Archie and Veronica pull her along, her legs working of their own accord, so there's no turning back. The room is the same as it was moments ago, except warmer and busier. Betty's eyeline focuses on two familiar figures, "there," she motions with her head in their direction, Veronica hums noncommittally and Archie just nods. The boys look slightly taken aback, they must have thought Betty was bluffing (which she totally was but they didn't need to know), and soon they're standing in front of the three of them.

Jake just looks them over, his eyes roaming a bit too long over Veronica which makes Betty want to slap some sense into him. The blonde hopes he remembers their previous conversation because she doesn't want any hassle. Thankfully he just shrugs and leaves them, making his way to the bar to sit next to some other poor girl. Then there's only Harrison left staring them down, his gaze somewhat disapprovingly but Betty prays it's enough to make him leave them alone.

"Well, I can't say I'm entirely surprised. You do seem like a bit of a slut, you know, can't pick a side and all that," Harrison comments. Betty can feel Archie's grip on her arm tighten, an attempt to hold himself back and not punch the guy. But Veronica's speaking up before anyone can do anything else, "excuse you, you're just some sad lonely douche bag who insults girls that don't want to date them, you're such a fake nice guy, just accept that no one likes you and leave my girlfriend alone!" Harrison quietly slinks away with what could only be fear in his eyes, Veronica watching him as he goes, Archie moves to wrap his arm around her, to comfort her. Betty feels overwhelmed, not only did Veronica stand up for her and get rid of that creep but she called Betty her girlfriend, and now Archie is holding her close, making sure she's okay.

And shit, Betty's in too deep now. Because she wants to be Veronica's girlfriend but the way Archie is holding her makes her want to be his. She realises there's no rational possible outcome that will make them all happy, someone is going to have their heart broken because she's going to have to choose between them. She can feel tears burning her eyes, she moves from both of their grips and turns to leave.

"Betty?" She hears Archie's voice, confused but worried all the same, but she's already making her way out of the room; she turns left just before the exit and just stands there in the corridor. Silent tears running slowly down her face, she knows her makeup will be ruined but she can't help it. Betty leans her back against the white wallpaper that must have cost a fortune, her hands wiping away the stray tears as she hears footsteps approach, two sets of very familiar footsteps to be exact.

Betty's already looking up, tears gone but eyes still red, when Veronica and Archie round the corner. "Betts, are you alright?" Archie asks, hesitantly placing his hand on her shoulder, she nods in return but it's less than convincing. Veronica just looks at her, the small tight smile on her face is definitely one of concern and it prompts Betty to open up to her, to talk to them, even if she really doesn't want to.

"I just- I think I'm just overwhelmed. I mean it's been a failure of a night and, well, my mom and, I roped you guys into this. I feel so bad right now." Betty only stopped speaking when she was engulfed in a tight hug, both Archie and Veronica holding onto her almost makes Betty want to break down again. "B, none of this is your fault so stop feeling guilty. Plus me and Archie wouldn't be here if we didn't want to be," Veronica spoke up, her arms wrapped around the blonde's waist and her own head in Betty's neck. Betty muttered a quick 'okay' before smiling genuinely.

"I think maybe a late night visit to Pop's is in order, reckon it's not such a long walk from here," Archie suggested, lightening the situation slightly, as he pulled back from the hug. "You've got to be joking. Walking. In these six inch Louis Vuitton's, I think you'll have to carry me Archiekins." The three of them laughed, Betty wiped away the remainder of the tear tracks on her cheeks whilst ignoring her thoughts that her foundation would be a mess. Then the trio set of into the darkness, mind set on their second home with bright red lights and sweet milkshakes.