Betty's POV

Yes, I kissed Archie again..but I did it for good reason. Just as I was about to get on the back of the bike I saw Hiram's shadow in the window. He didn't believe us and I don't even think the kiss between Archie and I sealed the deal. Hiram knew me too well, I loved Juggie with everything in me. He made me feel safe, protected, loved, beautiful and badass. I was never just his girlfriend, I was his equal...his other half. That's why I fell so hard for him. Hiram knew I wouldn't give all that up just because Archie saved me one time. If this had actually happened I would've gone to the ends of the earth until I found Jug and was able to convince him of my love and loyalty. Which Jug would never doubt for a second. 

When we pulled up to the Sodale construction site I got up off Archie's bike and limped over to my boyfriend. "Baby" Jug sighed as I leaned into his chest.

"Jug Hiram knows...I even tried to throw him off by kissing Archie. Nothings working." I said crying into his jacket. 

"He's always one step ahead...oh god I bet that kiss gave Andrews a head rush." Jug laughed as I kissed him. "As long as it's never a kiss like that I won't have to beat his ass." Jug said as I looked up at him.

"What should we do?" I asked.

"Exactly what he wants us too. Fangz and Sweet Pea covered the construction in gasoline. One false move the place is going up." Jug smirked as he looked at me.

"Like fireworks on the fourth of July." I smiled at him.

"The Serpents very own Independence Day Betts...and it's all thanks to you. We couldn't have...I couldn't have done this without you." Jug stuttered.

"Oh, Jughead Jones...you've made me some of the darkest days light in my life. And for that, I'll be eternally grateful to you till death do us part." I said as I kissed him. He handed me the match. 

"After you throw it, you better run." Jug laughed. I put the match between my teeth as I smiled at him. I nodded as I managed to limp up to the would-be entrance to the new prison. I looked back at the Serpents as they stood with my boyfriend. I saw Archie walking to Jug as they laughed about him in a Serpents' jacket and how Jug never thought he'd see the day.

"Well, a lot of things have changed Jug, including me. I've changed." Archie said as I threw the match into the gasoline as the building lit up so did the past. Every murder committed by my father, adultery, crime, and suicide attempt gone in the blaze. Just like that Riverdale was brand new again. As the building burned as watched the flames dance through the wood and crush every metal panel and board that could've destroyed my future. I made it back over to Jug and everyone was clapped as he picked me up and spun me around. 

"Betty Cooper you saved Riverdale. " Jughead said as he kissed me.

"No Jug, she saved us." Archie smiled as he stared at me and suddenly I got that weird feeling all over again. I think it was seeing Archie in that jacket. Seeing him do what he wanted instead of what he was supposed to. It changed me. It made me see Archie in a different light. One that was almost comparative to Jug. Not that I had much time to explore those feelings because the next day at school Archie was arrested for the Arsen...no one else was charged. Hiram told him he was coming for him, and there wasn't a damn thing V, Jug or I could do about it. What started as Arsen Hiram was going to make sure ended in Archie getting framed for murder...

***AUTHOR'S NOTE***

This story is continued in Book #2 titled The Losing Game. We find the core four struggling as they begin to enter the season three storyline. The summer was a bust in Riverdale and school is starting again for the now Juniors.