Chapter 2

Veronica

She took a deep breath before knocking on the door.

"Hi, Mr. Andrews." she greeted the older man with a smile.

He smiled, "Hello, you're Veronica, right?"

"How did you know?" it wasn't hard to hear the surprise in her voice.

"I know your mother, you look a lot like her. Are you here for Archie or Van? If it's Archie, you just missed him."

"I'm actually here to see Van."

"He's just upstairs first door on the left. I have to head out but it was nice meeting you."

She stepped into the house and said a quick goodbye before walking upstairs. Van's room was sparse with only a small twin mattress in the corner and a variety of luggage and boxes. The only thing that really stood out was the cameras on the nightstand. There were maybe five or six of them varying from vintage to professional photographer of today.

"It's not polite to look through someone's things." Van's voice interrupted her snooping.

She turned to where her friend stood in the doorway. His brown blonde hair was messy and windblown like usual but he looked tired. His usually bright teal eyes still glowed but he looked tired, like he hadn't slept.

She broke out of her staring, "Sorry, I just wanted to catch you before school. And are you alright, you look like you didn't sleep."

"I'm fine, just hard sleeping in this fucking town.", a dark look came to his face before Van changed subjects. "You're not still mad at me about the dance and the after party at Cheryl's?"

Right, she came early to the Andrew's house to get answers. After, the dance she had felt insanely guilty for kissing Archie in her partially buzzed haze and anger at Van. If she hadn't seen Van and Cheryl being too much, she probably wouldn't have even got in the closet with Archie. It wasn't her fault, she knew the boy found her interesting. His staring the first few times they had met had given it away and again, she had been really vulnerable.

"I am but I messed up too."

"Yeah, Archie told me what happened. Not your best moment, Lodge."

"Shut up, you owe me answers, Van!"

"Sheesh, I get it, let's just ignore you getting it on with my cousin and go straight to me."

Van sat down next to her on the bed, "Look, I felt horrible and I know I fucked up."

"Go on." she liked where this was going.

He continued, "I really care about Cheryl. When she's around me, I guess I kind of turn into mush. I'm sorry though, I shouldn't have just ditched you like that."

At least he acknowledged the weird control Cheryl had over him.

"Can you at least explain why? I'm sorry but I can't see why you're so in love with her."

"Cheryl Blossom is complicated and beautiful. In this world, everyone's a little bit fucked up in some way or another. The thing with Cheryl is that her problems are a little bit bigger than maybe average but I love that part of her. Maybe, I love that my messed up matches up with her messed up and we're just two overly dramatic kids in some kind of fucked up teen drama novel. And maybe I just love her, you don't have to always have a reason. But I'm sure you'll be happy to know, that I told her I'm not talking to her until she learns to be nicer to my friends."

She had expected a typical guy response like "I just do" which he had kind of ended on but there was more to it. The way his teal eyes glowed brightly, it was clear he loved Cheryl a lot.

She smiled and decided to change the mood, "You do kind of look like the perfect lead for some sappy teen romance novel."

"That's almost insulting." Van smiled. "I'm much better looking than some teen novel heartthrob."

"I'll give you that, Romeo. You still owe me a make-up date, though."

"Date? I thought we covered that you tricked me, Lodge."

"Do you want to be forgiven or not?"

"Fine but it's not a date."

"Glad you came around, Van."

Van stood, "Now get out, I need to change."

Van

He slammed his locker shut and shut his eyes for a second when he felt a migraine hit. The insomnia that had hit since he got back to town was really fucking him up. Familiar voices made him look up and he smiled cautiously at Kevin and Betty.

"Hey guys, what's up?" he greeted them carefully.

He wasn't entirely sure if Betty was pissed at him. During the party, he hadn't really done anything but that was kind of a problem too because Cheryl had kind of torn into her.

"Veronica is trying to get forgiveness with cupcakes and spa trips." Kevin made a face.

He shrugged, "Is that really a bad thing?"

"Yes, because instead of calling her out, Betty is just going along with it." Kevin answered again.

The blond girl interrupted, "There's no point in fighting her right now, if she thinks we're okay she'll be free of guilt and move on to hang with Cheryl and the other popular girls."

"Isn't it a little unfair to put all the blame on Veronica? From what Veronica told me, Archie kissed her first and was a very willing participant." he said.

From the dirty look he got from both he could tell that probably wasn't the right answer. It was true though, he loved his cousin, but he had fucked up equally. It seemed like blaming Veronica was just an easy way out.

He raised his hands in surrender, "Don't shoot the reasonable messenger. You know I'm always on your side Betty but Veronica's my friend too. Also, sorry about Cheryl."

He should've realized sooner that Betty would be angry at Veronica. The girl had always had a soft spot for Archie and Veronica was already someone she had doubted from day one. It probably didn't help that sometimes Betty had a fire in her that flared up when things really got to her. A huge fire that was poured on with kerosene.

"That wasn't your fault, Van. You know how much she hates me." Betty frowned. "And I hear what you're saying about Veronica but girls like that also just don't care about girls like me."

He sighed, "Betty, Veronica's not that bad. I mean annoying at times but she's not this evil manipulative mean girl. Also, what do you mean girls like you? You are one of the prettiest girls I've ever seen and you're a good person. So good, that I know if you actually talked things out with Veronica you might be able to become real friends."

"I get what you're saying but I've known Archie my whole life and Veronica is someone I just met."

That was true but more importantly, he didn't feel like continuing this disagreement.

He raked a hand through his hair, "Well thanks for at least hearing me out."

His phone buzzed and he glanced at the screen before frowning.

"Why the face?" Kevin asked.

He slid his phone into his pocket, "Nothing."

"Are you sure?" Betty gave him a look.

He smiled disarmingly, "Has anyone ever told you that you're really beautiful when you're serious?"

The comment predictably threw Betty off and made her blush.

"You're good, Van." Kevin complimented. "Does that whole flirting to avoid questions thing ever not work?"

He shrugged, "I would say more often than not."

"Oh, how nice it is to be a gorgeous straight guy." the sheriff's son commented.

He smiled, "Aww thanks Kevin, if I was even a little bit gay you'd be my first choice."

"I mean Betty, you have to give him props he's pretty good."

Betty glanced at him, "Too good, if you ask me."

"I'll take it as a compliment." he put an arm around Betty. "Now, let's go discuss literature or you can, and I'll sleep in the back of the class."

Kevin called after them, "Later."

When they had walked a little farther he lowered his hand and interlaced their fingers. It was an impulsive move but when he had moved closer to her he couldn't help it.

He pulled her aside so Betty's back was against a locker and he hovered over her.

"Betty, are you really okay?" he stared directly into her pretty blue eyes. "No bullshit."

She paused, "Honestly no, I'm heartbroken and kind of angry."

"Kind of? Betty I'm just going to tell you this once because I know how much you hate hearing it but the more you hold back how you feel, there's going to be a point when you can't handle the pressure."

"I…I know."

He flipped her hand over and ran his thumb over the small crescent cuts on her palm and gave her a knowing look.

"Betty, just take my advice, alright?"

"…. Okay."

He remembers when they were kids, Betty had always been bright but occasionally she got in these moods. It was hard to think that someone that was so externally perfect had a dark side to them, but it made sense. Betty was always under a lot of pressure to be perfect and after a certain point no one can take all that pressure and be completely unaffected.

"Just tell me if you ever need anything." he said and backed away. "Now, let's go suffer in English."

Van

He and Reggie stared each other down as they crouched, waiting for the whistle to blow. The tall Asian boy was good and could tackle anyone else on the team with ease, but he was the same height and had a stronger build. That and he had years of experience tackling in rugby where things were no holds barred.

"Go!" Coach shouted and blew the whistle.

He rushed forward and put all his strength in his legs as he met with Reggie, slamming him on the ground with a perfect tackle.

"Fuck Winters, you trying to tackle me straight to the hospital?" the defender groaned from the ground.

Maybe, he had put more than a little strength into the tackle but he had felt pretty hotwired since getting back. He just wanted to get the jitters out.

He easily pulled up his teammate, "Only if you get on my bad side."

"Don't worry I won't." Reggie limped a bit as he walked away.

Moose slammed his back with a bro pat, "Damn, I haven't seen Reggie drop like that since our first practice as freshmen. You gotta give me some tips."

"Hit hard." he joked and took off his helmet when he spotted his friend. "Give me a sec."

He jogged over to the bleachers where Jughead sat with a worried expression. If he was right, his friend had probably gotten into something bad.

"What's up man?" he grabbed at the chainlink fence.

Jughead glanced around to make sure no one was listening, "It's Archie, I know I didn't give you the details before but ever since summer he's been avoiding me. Then, when I was walking around the building I saw him with Miss Grundy and they looked….close."

"Close?" a frown came to his face.

Jug hesitated, "It was like they were used to touching, being near each other. And Archie has been avoiding me yeah but around the time Jason disappeared we were supposed to go on a trip together, but your cousin canceled last minute."

Archie who was on the far side of the field doing speed drills didn't seem to notice them. He couldn't help but wonder though how close Grundy was to his cousin. He really wished it wasn't as bad as Jughead was implying though. With Archie's personality he could imagine his cousin being easily manipulated by someone with a lot less morals.

"Fuck." he cursed. "What has Archie gotten into now?"

The sound of a whistle interrupted his friend.

"Let's wrap up practice early today, I gotta get going but tomorrow we're going until we can do every run without messing up. Good job today." Coach announced.

He called out, "Thanks coach."

"We'll talk later, I gotta handle something." Jughead gave him a look. "But maybe wait until you question Archie, I want answers too."

He sighed, "Got it buddy."

His friend waved as he walked off and he jogged off to the locker room. He took a quick shower before heading to his locker to change.

"Winters, you and me on a double date with the hottest senior River Vixens?" Reggie playfully slammed his locker. "C'mon bro, you know this is a can't miss."

"Sorry bro but I'm just not feeling it and I got plans." he slipped his shirt on.

Reggie elbowed Moose, "Our boy's holding out on us."

"Is it Veronica, girls fucking hot. Hey, do me a favor and let me have a turn after, huh Van?" Chuck Clayton laughed.

He held his locker door and squeezed to try and keep his anger back.

"Veronica isn't like that, okay?" he wanted to insult Chuck or preferably punch him in the face.

The thing was though, guys fucked up like Chuck wouldn't go after him they go after the people you care about. In this case, Chuck would just go after Veronica and he didn't want her to deal with that shit so he would bite his tongue. Unless Chuck tried anything, that's when he would beat the shit out of the smug bastard.

"Oh, I get it she's yours. Don't worry man, I won't cut in."

He slammed his locker and couldn't help the small insult from slipping through, "She's not my girlfriend, she's just too good for you."

Okay, that might come back to bite him in the ass later but he hated guys like Chuck Clayton. Now, time to have the best burgers in town.

Betty

She sat on the floor and stretched as the other River Vixens chatted around her.

"Sheesh, Cheryl is either psychotic or one of the most impressive people I've ever met." Veronica sat down next to her.

All day she had been holding her tongue but she just couldn't hold it anymore.

"Well at least Cheryl isn't putting on an act, acting like she's a butterfly when she's really a wasp." she glared.

Veronica replied, "I only went into that closet with Archie so he wouldn't go in there with Cheryl and more than that, I was slightly tipsy and pissed at Van."

"That's another thing, you're all over Van after making out with Archie. Are you just trying to take everyone that I care about now? Archie and I were fine before you got here and it used to be that the second Van came back to town I would be the one he talks to not someone he just met." she crossed her arms.

Van might have been gone for years but she still considered him one of her best friends. He had always cared for her and called her periodically throughout the years, sending her gifts too.

The dark-haired girl stood up, "You and Archie were fine? Pining after him and not having the courage to tell him how you feel isn't fine. And why are you bringing Van into this? He doesn't belong to anyone and especially not you."

She thought back to this morning when Van had been so sweet to her. Of course, she would care about him.

"He's my friend, and I care a lot about Van. I don't want him to get hurt by someone who obviously has a mean girl past."

"Betty, before you lecture me about making out with Archie then being all over Van why don't you think about what you're doing? You can't be selfish enough to claim you want Archie but still want Van there to. He deserves so much better than that."

That was unfair, she couldn't help that she would always have a soft spot for Van….no Nate. They had grown up together, he had always been so shy and quiet. Of course, she had a part of her that felt the need to be protective.

"And you're better?" she asked. "I've known Nate for years, even if he left. When he was the shy kid that could barely talk, I was his first friend."

"Yes, because he's not my second choice, he's my first."

So, Veronica did like Nate.

"Well what about Archie then? You don't know me, okay Veronica. Our relationship isn't something you can judge." she recovered.

"I'm sorry if you think the definition of a good relationship is walking around eggshells but don't blame me because he doesn't like you, Betty. That's just how the world works, most of the time the people we like don't like us back."

That was the last thing she wanted to think about.

Veronica's face softened, "Romeo and Juliet are the exception, not the rule."

She honestly didn't know what to say to that.

"Good news the Pussycats are in!" Cheryl announced as she walked back.

She would regret this, "Oh hey, Cheryl I was just about to find you to ask if you were free to get pedicures with me today."

"Of course, I never say no to a pedi." the redhead grinned. "And nice to see you, Nate."

Van stood in front of them with his hair cutely messed up and wet. His teal eyes glowed as he smiled at her but slowly faded when he faced Cheryl.

"Please don't call me by that name, Cheryl." he sighed.

Cheryl replied, "And don't call me by that name, what happened with your cute little last name thing with the girls you like?"

"Who knows?" Van shrugged then smirked. "Now let's go, Lodge."

She watched as her longtime friend easily lifted Veronica up and put an arm around her shoulder.

"See you around, Betty."

They walked out of the gym together and she decided that all the mean things she said to Veronica were justified. She probably wasn't the only one thinking that too. Cheryl was glaring at the doors the couple walked out of with a really scary intensity.

"Now about that pedicure." Cheryl schooled her expression and turned to her.

Oh god, what had she gotten her self into.

Veronica

"No really, he just fell straight off the fucking moped. It was hilarious but almost sad how he just tipped straight over. I was a good friend of course and ran after the scooter."

She laughed, "You just left him on the ground?"

"Of course, we were renting." Van grinned.

Honestly, after her father had been imprisoned and she had lost everything she hadn't laughed as much as she had just having dinner with Van. They had eaten their burgers a while ago and had been sipping on shakes as they told stories and just enjoyed each other's company. It was amazing hearing about all of Van's adventures across Europe and it felt like she was really getting to know him.

"Can I ask you something?" she asked.

A lot of the things Betty said to her had bothered her, but there was one thing that had made her curious.

He nodded, "Sure, Lodge."

"Betty told me that you used to be really shy but hearing all your stories, you don't seem like some quiet small town kid at all."

Van looked thoughtful, "When I was younger, I guess I was just afraid of everything. There were….reasons for that but I don't know being somewhere so different just changed me. Grandma Winters was definitely a help too. She was old school but she really cared about me, made sure I was trying to better myself all the time. Eventually, once I made some good friends I felt less afraid of trying things, of talking, of just being myself."

"That sounds amazing, I wish I had a life changing series of journeys too." she mused.

He grinned, "You'll get there, Lodge."

"Since you answered that, are you finally going to tell me why you have such bad insomnia since getting back to Riverdale?"

Van leaned forward, "Well…."

She was surprised when he leaned even closer. The distance between their faces was getting smaller and smaller, when it seemed like there was almost no space between them Van winked and sipped her milkshake instead.

Wow, she had just gotten played.

"Seriously, Van?" she crossed her arms.

He smirked, "What?"

"You are such a flirt."

"Am I?"

"You totally are."

And he was totally trying to avoid the question.

Van laughed, "To be honest, you kind of bring it out of me. I'm usually not this bad."

At least he would admit it and she did think it was true. He did make little flirty comments to Betty and her but she had never seen him react whenever any of the girls at school practically threw themselves at him. He would say a polite hi before walking away and that was it.

"I never said I didn't like it." she leaned on her hand.

He tilted his head, "Oh really?"

"I mean two can play the game." she ran her hand down his strong arm across the table.

Van gave her an intense look before standing and moving to her side of the booth. He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closely to him, looking down at her in the same intense, kinda sexy way.

"Yeah but someone's always better." he moved slightly away from her but kept his arm around her.

She admitted that she had blushed, but it was hard not to when he looked at her like that.

"C'mon, I see some people spotting our table, I'll walk you home." Van slid out of the booth and stood.

She accepted his hand as she stood and couldn't help being a bit of a flirt herself by wrapping his arm around her so she was in his embrace again.

"Let's get going then." she smiled.

Van's lips upturned a bit but he didn't move away, "Perfect night for a walk."

They walked outside and as they walked through the small town they occasionally pointed out what some of the stars looked like and made up silly names. When they reached the steps of her home, she was almost mad that the town was so small. She really liked spending time with Van.

"Well that was the best not date I've been on." she smiled.

Van nodded, "Me too. Have a good night, Lodge."

She watched as he walked away and felt a burst of courage.

"And Van!"

"Yes?"

"I know your feelings are a mess right now but I just have to make it worse by saying that I really like you."

"Veronica…"

"And even though I know you probably don't want to admit it, I know you feel something too. I can wait until you can admit that to yourself."

With that she walked inside the Pembrooke and ran past Smithers with her heart still going so fast she could hear it in her ear.

She didn't remember the last time she had liked someone so much to feel like some girl in a romcom but it was happening now and it was more than a little scary.

Van

He turned the corner and smiled at the familiar street of houses where he had spent so many hours playing as a kid. It was perfect picturesque small town stuff and nothing had changed. Except for the bright red convertible parked outside Betty's house. He also knew whose car that was and that only spelled trouble.

Like the world had somehow heard him, Cheryl Blossom came sprinting out of the Cooper house. There was a scared look in his eyes that worried him enough that he ran forward and ignored whatever conflict they had going.

"Cheryl, what's wrong?" he reached her as she got into her car.

There looked to be tears gathering in her eyes, "Nothing, why are you even talking to me Nate? Aren't you mad at me for fucking up our relationship like I fuck up all my relationships?"

"I don't care about that right now, I care that there's something obviously wrong."

Cheryl ignored him and started the car, "You don't care."

"Fuck Cheryl, just look me in the eyes and see how crazy you're driving me right now. Then see if you can say I don't care about you."

"Nate just stop…" she started.

In the heat of the moment with his emotions on overdrive he impulsively moved forward and gently grabbed her face before smashing his lips on hers. He almost forced everything he felt for the crazy difficult girl in front of him into the kiss and felt Cheryl slowly respond before they both pulled away out of breath.

"Let's talk." he pulled away and jumped into the passenger's seat of the convertible.

Cheryl didn't look at him but drove slowly. Maybe ten minutes passed of silence until she pulled up to a small lookout over Sweetwater River.

A minute passed before Cheryl finally spoke, "I asked Betty if she knew what had happened with her sister and if maybe….Polly was somehow involved in Jason's murder."

"Cheryl…." he gave her a look.

She yelled, "I know! But there was no one else that I could possibly think of. Do you realize how lost and angry and just all over the place I feel? The only person that cared about me is dead. Then I just needed to know and maybe asking Betty was a horrible idea but she went off on me."

"I know that the fact Jason is gone is seriously fucking you up but that's not an excuse for everything, Cheryl. Betty doesn't know anything and no matter how badly Polly and Jason's relationship may have ended, you and I know she's not a killer."

"I don't know what to do. Jason and Polly had planned to run away together that's why I agreed to that stupid plan of faking Jason's death. Then when he was supposed to call me, he hadn't and they found his body."

Cheryl began to sob, her body shaking as the emotions seemed to overtake her.

"Why is it that the only good things in my life are like this? Jason was my twin, he was almost half of me, Nate. How am I supposed to live knowing someone killed him?"

He had been watching her the whole time as she confessed everything and realized he had to do something.

"Live knowing that the last thing Jason would want is for you to be this hurt." he said softly.

He pulled her gently into his chest and gently stroke her hair as her tears stained the front of his shirt.

"I'm sorry I pushed you away, I just couldn't stand it if something happened to you too." Cheryl whispered. "Whenever I care about someone, they just end up hurt."

He kissed the top of her head, "You aren't poison, Blossom. You are a beautifully fucking complicated girl. No matter what shit your parents say or those dumb kids that don't know you, don't ever think for a second that you are short of amazing. I promise you, Cheryl Blossom, that you are spectacular."

Cheryl pulled away from him and looked into his eyes with the most vulnerable expression he had seen on her since he got back.

"When you say that, I almost believe you."

"Then I guess I'll keep saying it until you realize it's true."

A smile finally came to Cheryl's face and she buried her face into his chest again. It was a quiet moment and instead of trying to fill it with words, he let it happen. He wrapped his arms tightly around the pretty girl in front of him and took a second away from reality.

It felt nice.

Veronica

"Of course, it's raining today of all days." Betty comments.

She shrugged, "Maybe it's for some poetic contradiction."

"That's such a you thing to say." the other girl laughed.

She joined her and they shared a smile as they looked over the field. Today had actually been a crazy day. In the morning, Betty had extended an olive branch and apologized for everything. Then right after they had a heart to heart they had walked into the lounge to witness Archie and Reggie fighting. The redhead had gotten knocked out pretty quickly when Van had rushed in and defended his cousin, throwing a very strong punch to Reggie's face that might have fractured the boys nose and knocked him out. It had also sprained Van's hand so he couldn't play in the game.

She realized that the rain was no longer falling on her and turned around to see that Van was holding an umbrella over her and Betty.

"You're already back from the hospital?" Betty looked worried.

Van lifted his wrapped hand, "Yeah the doctor said it was nothing but I should keep it wrapped for a little to be safe. I was really looking forward to tackling away on the field too."

"I thought you were the guy that ran around the field, not defense?" Betty asked.

He smirked, "I know that."

"Well, I'm glad you're okay." she smiled at him.

Van smiled back but she could tell from his eyes that something was off. Honestly, it had seemed like that all day and maybe it was almost expected. She had pretty much told him point blank that she liked him.

"Hey, we're about to start!" a River Vixen told them.

Van gave a thumb's up, "You guys are going to be amazing, I'll be cheering from the stands."

"Thanks Van." Betty gave him a tight hug before running to the squad.

She hesitated before giving him a hug too, "It's not awkward because of…"

"No, I'm just trying to figure something else, Lodge." he reassured her. "I'll see you after, alright?"

She nodded and ran to where the rest of the girls gathered.

It was great hearing Josie and the girls singing in the background as she performed with the rest of the River Vixens. It felt so Friday Night Lights-esque and she felt like she was more and more herself. Especially when in the middle of the performance, she made eye contact with Van and he gave her a proud look.

Once the performance ended everyone cheered as the football players ran on to the field. When she looked up at the stage, Cheryl looked lost before tears began to stream down her face and she ran off the stage.

Feeling her heart go out to the girl, she ran forward to the locker rooms. She was surprised though to see a blur already sprinting towards the girl and catching Cheryl before she walked inside.

Van dropped the umbrella in his hand to lift Cheryl into a tight embrace. She inched forward and hid behind the bleacher.

"I couldn't do it, Archie he looked just like Jason did." Cheryl sobbed.

Van stroked her hair, "I'm sorry, the only thing I can say is that I'm here for you."

"Thank you."

A surprised look came to Van's face.

"So you're finally accepting that I'm not going anywhere?"

"Yes, especially after that kiss yesterday."

They had kissed? Yesterday right after they had gone on their not date and she had told him that she liked him?

Van looked almost flustered and seemed almost relieved when Betty called over to them.

"Are you alright?" Betty approached.

The couple immediately broke apart and she could've sworn even in the bad lighting of the field, she could see an almost angry look on Betty's face.

"Yeah, I just needed a moment." Cheryl wiped her eyes.

She decided to slowly walk out too, "Hey Cheryl, hope things are alright."

"She is." Van answered.

He picked up his umbrella from the ground and opened it to cover Cheryl from the rain.

"You guys go ahead, I'm just going to stay with Cheryl a bit." Van said.

Betty pointed to the field, "I don't know Mayor Mccoy said she really wanted to talk to you and make sure you're alright, Cheryl."

"I'll head over now." the redhead didn't even look at them as she spoke.

Van handed the umbrella over and stared as Cheryl walked back.

"I heard what Cheryl said to you, Van." Betty stared at Van.

He glanced at her, "Let's talk alone, Veronica…"

"Heard everything too." she interrupted.

She watched as Van took a deep breath and ran his hands through his hair, almost nervously.

"I'm sorry but what goes on between me and Cheryl doesn't involve either of you." he finally spoke.

Her friend replied, "Really? The girl that accused my sister of murdering her brother and has harassed me for years liking one of my best friends in the world, isn't my business?"

"And you know why I would care." she tried to get Van to look at her.

He shut his eyes, "Look, she's not how you think she is, Betty. Cheryl is just a little more complicated."

"You've always been like this, in love with her since we were in pre-k. This is ridiculous, Van. I don't think she cares about anyone other than herself no matter what she says. It took me a long time to figure this out but sometimes just because you like someone doesn't mean they feel the same." Betty moved forward and grabbed his hand.

Van sighed, "You never got it, Betty. What you're saying is what I figured out about you."

There was an almost flustered look that came to the blonde's face.

"You're not dumb, I know you realized a long time ago that I felt just as much for you as Cheryl. I didn't say anything when in all our occasional phone calls all you did was gush about Archie and I didn't say anything when you needed me to convince him to take you to the dance but I'm saying something now. I'm sorry if I don't want to be waiting for you like some back up plan, if Archie doesn't work out. To be honest, Cheryl has been so fucking difficult but she's never made me feel like her second choice."

Ouch, Van was being harsh but brutally honest. It wasn't far off from what she had said to Betty when they had fought too. It just amazed her that Betty had this amazing guy that clearly would do anything for her but had chosen to pine over Archie for years instead. Sure, Van had been gone but from what she had heard it had been Betty to limit their contact with each other more and more as his time away went on.

"And even though it's none of your business, Betty, I'm not dating Cheryl. All I'm doing is being there for her when no one else is. I realized coming back to Riverdale, that I'm not fucking ready for anything like that." he glanced at her. "Even if I like someone a lot."

So there was her answer, Van may like her but he wasn't going to date. It kinda stung but at least that meant she didn't have to see him with Cheryl or someone else.

Betty looked like she was about to respond but instead shook her head and walked away, almost disappointed.

"I get that you're not ready right now to date but did you really kiss Cheryl yesterday?" she couldn't help but ask.

Van looked worn out but nodded, "Yes, she was just being so difficult and I was feeling a billion things and I just kissed her."

"Right after I told you that I liked you."

"Veronica, I didn't mean to…"

She moved forward and like a scene straight out a movie jumped so Van automatically caught her and tilted her head forward so their lips met with the rain still pouring down on them. No matter what Van said about not needing a relationship, he didn't hold back when kissing her. Tightening his hold on her waist as he leaned into her.

The first time you kissed someone it was always a little awkward finding a groove but with Van it felt like they were in sync, skipping past the awkward beginning.

"I think you owed me that much." she finally pulled away.

Van lowered her onto the ground and stared at her with an unreadable expression, "I guess that's fair."

He looked at her a bit longer before wordlessly walking off.

Maybe, she could have yelled at him or forced him to tell her if he liked her more than Cheryl but what was the point? A part of her felt like she already knew the answer so until she felt like his answer would be different, she wouldn't ask him.

Van

He nervously flipped the lighter in his hand as he laid on top of the hood of the vintage blue Mustang. The cool nighttime air had that unique after rain smell to it and he felt himself relax a bit as he stared up into the night sky. Looking at all the clear constellations made him think of his walk yesterday with Veronica when they had pointed out the stars that stood out to them.

God, just thinking about that girl made him feel like a mess. Being back in town, he could feel his emotions getting tangled up more and more. With memories of his mom and dad…

Why did Veronica have to kiss him? He was messed up enough getting back and having Cheryl twisting him around every which way. Betty was better but she had hung him out to dry a bit by forcing him to help her get Archie to go to the dance. Damn it, why couldn't he just like a girl without baggage getting in the way.

Honestly, the kiss hadn't been bad though….

The loud ringing of his phone interrupted him and he answered the call.

"They're fucking dating, man." Jughead exclaimed over the phone.

He winced and pulled the phone away from his ear, "I know and I understand that Grundy's a pedophile and a fucking creep taking advantage of an innocent kid but how are we going to convince Archie of that?"

"I don't know but she's fucking with his mind, Van!"

"What do you mean?"

"Archie says on that day Jason apparently died, he was at the river with Ms. Grundy and they heard a gunshot."

At that he moved up from his relaxed position, "Seriously?"

"Yeah and instead of coming forward to the police, Grundy is manipulating your cousin to not tell anyone."

At Jughead's words he began to connect the dots in his head. Cheryl had planned with Jason to fake his death and when they had separated had heard a gunshot. When they had separated, Cheryl had thought she would hear from him but instead he had gone missing. Then, just a few days ago Jason's body had been found with a bullet wound.

Wait, Cheryl's story would fall apart once the autopsy revealed that her original story didn't line up.

The sound of a car pulling up distracted him and he looked up.

"Look Jug, I'll call you back and don't worry I'll have a talk with Archie."

He put his phone away and he looked up as Cheryl got out of her red convertible and approached him.

"I missed you." Cheryl hugged him tightly.

He hugged her back and pulled her up to the hood of his car.

"Are you doing alright?" he asked.

Cheryl nodded, "I'm fine."

"I have news."

"What?"

"I think you have to tell the sheriff the full story."

"Van, I can't then I'll be a suspect even if I would never ever hurt Jason."

"I know but I'll have someone corroborate your story with you so you'll look less guilty."

"You're going to make someone lie?"

"No, Archie was there that day. You both heard that gunshot."

"My parents…."

"I don't give a shit about your parents Cheryl, I care that you're in the clear."

"Only if you promise to be there."

"I promise."

A genuine smile finally came to Cheryl's face and as she turned to wrap her arms around his neck. He felt his heart pick up pace as she leaned closer.

"Wait."

"Why?"

The hurt look on her face made him feel guilty but he had to keep it together.

"Cheryl, I have liked you for longer than I remember but right now isn't the time. Being back has been hard, and I know you know why."

A look of understanding came to the redhead's face.

"Van, have you been to your house since you got back?"

"No, too many bad memories but I'll get to it."

There was a pause and he decided to take a deep breath.

"I'm just really fucked up right now and you're going through a lot too. I'm not ready to date anyone, let alone you who deserves someone that'll be there for you."

"You're the only one that's ever been by my side no matter what, Van." she grabbed his hand. "This doesn't have to do with Veronica does it?"

He shook his head, "No, I told her the same thing."

"Okay, but if you need someone, tell me first okay?"

He thought of his empty childhood home that he still hadn't gotten the balls to visit.

"Of course."

"This car though, isn't it the car you and your dad fixed together?"

He looked at the slightly faded blue hood they were currently sitting on and thought back to his childhood. There had been days and days spent in the garage with his dad fixing up this vintage Mustang. It had been some of the best days of his childhood until they weren't.

"Yeah it is." he answered. "But I think I might sell it."

Cheryl frowned, "Van, I know your dad was…"

"He was a monster, Cheryl. You get what I mean by that, better than anyone in this fucking town."

His eyes drifted to his palm where a faded scar stood out.

"I do."

They both fell silent and it seemed like they were in their own worlds when he lifted her hand.

"You're seriously wearing this ring?" he smiled.

Cheryl nodded, "I've outgrown it a little bit but it still fits on my pinky finger."

The silver ring was the first thing he had sent her after he had moved to London. It was just a random thing he had bought shopping around the city but it had been so long ago. The ring was made out of silver and had a single twist rose in its design.

"Do you remember what you wrote in the first letter you ever sent me?" Cheryl asked.

He shook his head, "No."

"You asked me if you thought you would ever be able to feel normal again after your parents died." she leaned her head on his shoulder. "I didn't have an answer for you then and I don't have one now but I guess that's how I'm feeling now with Jason gone."

He thought for a second, "You're never going to feel normal completely, it's always going to stick with you for sure. The thing is that no matter how badly it'll always hurt, you can still live your life Cheryl."

"And you'll be there?"

"I promise."

AN: So for a second Van isn't going to be with anyone just yet but he's going to be interacting a lot with Betty, Veronica, and Cheryl. Of course, next chapter will have a lot of interaction with all three girls as it will cover the whole Chuck Clayton incident with the hook up point book.

Tell me what you think!