#thought I'd get my Betty art in one post!

[croxovergoddess]

Boop Boop-A-Doop💛

Ko-fi + Patreon

[blubble-lake]

days are best with you! 🌄

[wyrmfedgrave]

Pics: Great Pulp Interior Art, mostly.

1. The 1st piece reminds me of a much later HPL revision tale that was about soul stealing mosquitoes¹!!

I kid you not!

2. But, the 2nd seems to illustrate the dangers of 'outside' mental influences on mere human sanity²...

3. This bit of line work seems to be a modern imitation of the early pulp aesthetic.

Still a great bit of art. Very close to Lovecraft's original description of the Deep Ones³.

4. The secret origin of Aquaman's telepathic circle/thoughts?

Hardly.

It seems to be some type of torture device - which were in heavy demand in the early pulps & Wonder Woman comics!

Or, it could be that she's a spy - using a telephone type device.

Or...

5. What a great piece! This is truly 1 of the best pulp illustrations that I've ever seen!!

It's a busy little picture depicting rather obvious Egyptian Gods in a royal tomb - &, they don't look happy...

Would go best with Howard's ghost written tale of Egyptian horror⁴ - done for Harry Houdini⁵!!

Now that's a story that I'd like to see adapted to the big screen...

But, all of that is coming sometime in my future. So, let's drop the heavy hints for later...

1914: Poetic Output.

Intro: At this time, HPL is still writing poems - as Sarah (his mom) expected him to become a great poet...

"Gaudeamus⁶" is originally thought to have been written around 1914.

It was revised in 1922, for use in "The Tomb."

The existing version comes from a 1928 letter to (it's now known) Zealia Bishop.

She was 1 of Lovecraft's revision clients & later claimed to have solely written some of Howard's work⁷ for her...

But, more about that in its proper time...

The poem itself is a boisterous party piece - hardly what you'd expect from the future master of Cosmic Horror...

But, there's a morbid streak running thru it.

Work: Gaudeamus starts off with a rather friendly greeting -

"Come (nearer), my lads, with your tankards of ale⁸, And drink to the present before it shall fail⁹."

The poem continues in a good mood -

"Pile... on your platter a mountain of beef, For (it's) eating & drinking that brings us relief."

Now the fun & games turn serious -

"So fill up your glass, For life will soon pass; When you're (all) dead (you'll not) drink to your king nor your lass!"

Then, we have a small silly mention of Anacreon's¹⁰ red nose!

But, HPL makes things creepy with -

"God split me¹¹! I'd rather be red¹² while I'm (still) here, Than white as a lily¹³ & dead half a year!"

This is followed by the (as yet virginial) writer's attempt at writing drunken 'love craft' (Sorry couldn't resist!!) -

"... Betty, my miss, ...Give me a kiss; In Hell there's no inn keeper's daughter like this!"

Then, the funniest bit comes around -

"Young Harry, propped up... as straight as he's able, Will soon lose his wig¹⁴ & slip under the table."

Now, it's back to the (nightly?) party, mixed up with a bit of creepiness -

"But fill up your goblets & pass them around - Better under the table than under the ground!"

The party/creepiness pattern seems to be the dominant one thruout -

"So revel & chaff¹⁵; As you thirstily quaff¹⁶; (For) under 6 feet of dirt (it's) less easy to laugh!"

Then, Lovecraft (ever the teetotaler¹⁷) goes in for some comedic, drunken side effects -

"... Fiend¹⁸ strike me blue¹⁹! I'm (hardly) able to walk, ...Damn me if I can stand upright or talk!"

Now, the drunk asks "Betty to summon²⁰ a chair", though he wants to go home - since his "wife is not there!"

Oh, Howard. If only you knew how prophetic you were being...

Gaudeamus ends with a last mix of drunken weakness & creepiness -

"... Lend me a hand; (As) I'm not able to stand, But I'm (happy while) I linger on top of the land!"

Explanatory notes will follow with the next posting...

(HPL's works are getting longer... &, more complicated. When he returns to writing his stories, I'll be forced to return to quotations & smaller plot descriptions.)

[upthenorthmountain]

One nice thing about drawing the same character over and over is that it lets you see your progress. I feel like I’ve made a fair amount!

When I drew that first picture in September 2014 I was 32 years old. I’d always wanted to be able to draw, but just never got round to it or knew how to get started. Like a lot of people, fandom is what inspired me and gave me the push I needed. It’s the most amazing feeling to be able to draw now, to be able to get down what’s in my head, to make things I love and am proud of. I know I still have a lot to learn but that’s where the fun is!

If you’re one of those people always thinking ‘wow I wish I could draw’, here is how I did it:

I worked through the book You Can Draw in 30 Days by Mark Kistler, which a friend recommended to me (if I'd known then about the book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards I'd have used that too, but I didn't. It's good though)

I filled up a couple of sketchbooks with terrible drawings, mainly figure studies from quickposes.com and bad drawings of my blorbos

Finally thought I had something good enough to post, posted it, received so much support and love that I carried on, and I honestly cannot thank all of you enough for that

Kept drawing and drawing, making myself do the things that were hard or that I thought were above my skill level (harsh truth: you will never get better at the hands if you don't draw the hands)

After a little while I thought 'I wonder if I can use my iPad as a drawing tablet', and started using the Procreate app (then about £4, now about £10 I think, still a flipping bargain), first with my finger, then with a stylus that came with my iPad case, then with a slightly better stylus I bought on eBay, then two years ago I got a better iPad and could have a Pencil which is AMAZING

I have also recently taken two Procreate courses on Domestika which taught me a lot of things about drawing in general and Procreate in particular and I should probably have sought this information out sooner! They were Atmospheric Scenes in Procreate: Paint with Color and Light by Ramona Wultschner, and Female Character Portraits in Procreate, by Natalia Dias, and I would recommend them both

And I kept drawing a whole bunch and my friends were super encouraging so I just kept going and didn't stop

I have tips! Things I've learnt along the way

If you use Procreate, look up and learn about clipping masks, alpha lock, streamline, liquify, Gaussian blur

Don't worry too much about brushes, I mainly just use the hard and soft airbrushes and two versions of round marker (one with low streamline for sketching and one with high streamline for line art). I have a spotty one for freckles and that's about it really for what I use 99% of the time. People will try and sell you brushes by making you think you'll be able to draw like them if you have the right brushes but you won't and you don't want to draw like them anyway, you want to draw like YOU

Use more layers than you think you'll need, you can always merge them later

You will suck at first. You will suck so bad you will want to cry. But you have to be terrible, it's the only way to get to not terrible. The only way you STAY terrible is if you give up

Just when everything seems awful and everything you draw is crap and you don't ever want to draw again, that is when you must KEEP GOING and PUSH THROUGH because you are about to level up. Persevere just a little bit longer and soon you will be staring at your own hands thinking 'HOW'

Drawing is a learnt skill. There is no such thing as Talent, just people who've spent longer learning and practicing than you have. Eight years ago I couldn't reverse park my car, either, and then I got a new job where it was really handy to be able to reverse park in the car park and now I'm really good at it. You can improve at anything if you're willing to put in the time! GROWTH MINDSET!!

[bireggiemantle]

okay I finally got around to making a masterlist of my riverdale fics. here it is :)

this includes both ao3 and tumblr fics, and I categorized it by dynamic/ship/character

CHARACTER/RELATIONSHIP STUDY:

☆ When She's Gone, There's That Odd Melancholy Feeling (Cheryl & Penelope | 812 words)

- This fic takes place during season 5a, just after penelope breaks out of prison. it's a short glimpse into her complicated relationship with cheryl, where they try to mend things despite their rocky history.

If These Walls Could Talk (Cheryl & Penelope | 977 words)

Half a Person (Jughead & His Family, Jughead & Betty | 1187 words)

- This is a very Penelope-centric fic exploring her relationship with the Blossom family, and Cheryl especially, through her thoughts on Thornhill and Cheryl’s art. Penelope is the only character actually present in the fic, although Cheryl is heavily mentioned.

The Definition of Motherhood (Betty & Archie, Betty/Archie | Tumblr Post, Unknown Word Count)

- This is a study of how I believe RiverDale Betty would view motherhood. It is a character study, and focuses on her fears around being a parent, but there is some undertones of Barchie at play as well.

- Jughead has been having recurring nightmares of his time spent down in the NYC sewers, and while they usually follow the same basic format, this dream has a different ending than usual.

I'm Somebody Else (Veronica-Centric | 1186 words)

- A season four au in which Veronica has a slight identity crisis and throws away her pearls/chops off all her hair in an attempt to distance herself from her identity as a "Lodge". Her friendship with Betty is also briefly featured in this fic.

☆ Breathe (Archie & Jughead, Archie & Tabitha | 1729 words)

Habits to Break (Veronica/Archie | 975 words)

- Tabitha helps Jughead home drunk one night, and Archie is suddenly aware of what Jughead's been going through for the first time. He reflects on some of his own issues as well and tries to fix his bond with his friend in the morning.

I Wish I Could Make Myself Love You (Betty/Jughead | 994 words)

- This is a Betty-centric fic and the first installment in a series focused on her perception of love. This is not a bughead ship fic, so please do not read it if you're looking for a romantic/fluffy piece. It's very introspective and is mainly about Betty feeling like she is incapable of loving others, or being loved by others.

- This takes place in a version of season 5a where Veronica decides she needs some space from dating all together, whether that be with Chad or Archie. She and Archie end their relationship on good terms and she finally gets to talk about some issues she's been having with somebody who cares about her.

FRIENDSHIP FOCUSED:

The Art of Unwinding (Veronica & Tabitha | 1089 words)

- Veronica stops by Pop's during a slow shift and she and Tabitha over wine, family, and relationship issues.

I'd Walk to Hell and Back Again as Long as You're Beside Me (Jughead & Tabitha | 1503 words)

- This takes place in a season 5a au where Tabitha follows Jughead after he escapes from the bunker and the two of them start uncovering some of the truths about the mothmen in Riverdale. Tabitha-Centric and ambiguously platonic or romantic.

What was Left Unsaid (Jughead & Archie | 1159 words)

- This is a season 5 platonic jarchie fic in which Archie reflects on various moments of his life from past relationships to his time in the war, and he and Jughead reconnect despite the seven year gap in their friendship.

If I'm Being Honest (Jughead & Veronica | 1736 words)

- Veronica stops by Pop's after two weeks of isolation following her breakup with Chad, and ends up pouring her soul out to Jughead about the divorce. They talk a little about his book as well, and the two of them realize they have more in common than they once thought. Veronica-Centric and ambigously platonic or romantic.

There is Safety in the Way you Hold Me (Archie & Veronica, Archie & Jughead | Tumblr Post, Unknown Wordcount)

- This is an Archie-centric fic about him navigating his nightmares in season 5. He finds comfort in a phonecall with Veronica and a conversation with Jughead, although both interactions are strictly platonic.

JARCHIE:

☆ You're Not Gonna Like What I Say (1856 words)

- Scene rewrite of the iconic "we could be roommates in the East Village" moment. Jughead stays and waits for Kevin to pick him and Archie up instead of hitchhiking, and they both make some choices they only partially regret.

☆ I Feel Most at Home in your Embrace (1281 words)

- A Jughead-centric season 5 fic in which he and Archie open up about some personal issues they’ve been having and learn to rebuild their friendship all over again.

Do Not Go Gently Into this Good Night (1466 words)

- Scene rewrite of the 6x05 confrontation scene in which Jughead kisses Archie in a desperate attempt to delay his death.

Cinnamon and Honey (1247 words)

- Plotless fluff of Jughead and Archie bonding over a shared breakfast and their jobs as teachers. Archie experiences some moments of introspection and good old-fashioned yearning.

Remember That Night (2011 words)

- This fic takes place in season 1, around the time Jughead was living at Archie's house. One night, when he can't sleep, he decides to try piercing his own ear, waking Archie up in the process, and some much needed conversations occur.

Everybody Wants You (1141 words)

- Rewrite of scene in the season 2 episode "The Hills Have Eyes" where Jughead and Archie are talking about the Barchie and Jeronica kisses. At Archie's suggestion they decide to kiss as well, and it stirs up some old feelings for Jughead.

Cold Cold Cold (Tumblr Post, Unknown Wordcount)

- Narrator Jughead/Archie. This follows Archie immediately after he gets sacrificed, beginning with him waking up and ending with him encountering a familiar (but not too familiar) face.

VARCHIE:

It Always Hurts to Say Goodbye (750 words)

- Veronica and Archie talk about what it'll be like after she graduates and they both leave Riverdale.

JABITHA:

When I'm With You (962 words)

- Tabitha's left exhausted after unpacking her and Jughead's new apartment. She voices some of the fears and concerns that have been plaguing her to him before the both of them get some rest, leaving her feeling significantly more relaxed than she did before.

Your Touch is a Temporary Resolve (788 words)

- A Tabitha-centric fic about her and Jughead cleaning up Pop’s together. Mild hurt/comfort.

In the Aftermath (Tumblr Post, Unknown Wordcount)

- A short drabble about Jughead and Tabitha navigating his newfound hearing loss in season 6b. Mentioned Tabitha & Archie friendship.

You Send Chills up my Spine (Tumblr Post, Unknown Wordcount)

- Based on a prompt asking for jabitha to cuddle. A very brief exploration of Tabitha’s childhood is included as well.

Why Can’t we Compromise? (Tumblr Post, Unknown Wordcount)

- A RiverDale au of the 6x02 rivervale scene where Tabitha wakes up due to the sound of Jughead’s typewriter. This time Jughead’s a considerate boyfriend, Tabitha isn’t possessed, and no typewriters are harmed.

Apple Pie and Early Autumn

(Tumblr Post, Unknown Wordcount)

- Based on a prompt asking for jabitha at an apple orchard. very fluffy.

☆ I’d Wake up Early if it Meant I Could Spend All my Mornings with You (Tumblr Post, Unknown Wordcount)

- A domestic fic about how jabitha spend their mornings, featuring a gratuitous amount of pda.

BERONICA:

When I Look into your Eyes, All I can See is the Monster Lurking Underneath (Tumblr Post, Unknown Wordcount)

- This is a scene from my beronica jennifer’s body au in which Veronica confronts Betty over the deaths of their friends. CW for some mild blood/gore and the mention of several characters’ deaths.

THROUPLE FICS:

Returning Home to Wherever You Are (Jughead/Veronica/Archie | 9433 words)

- This fic follows Veronica through the timeskip as she reconnects with Jughead, starts a friendship with him, and then eventually explores soemthing more. They head back to Riverdale together and it isn’t long before they both realize they have feelings for Archie as well. Jeronica heavy, although it is a throuple fic.

WIP MULTICHAPS:

☆ Leaving Tonight (Archie/Jughead/Veronica, Archie & Toni | 8/? chapters)

- Archie decides to stay in Riverdale and repeat his senior year, graduating a year later. He gets a job at Pop's and ends up running into Jughead, who then moves in with him. One night Jughead comes home covered in blood and self-healing wounds, but has no memory of how any of it happened. Archie calls Veronica in a state of panic and the two of them start researching what might be happening to Jughead, finding themselves on a long and strenuous journey to find a cure for it.

All Good Things Must Come to an End ( Archie & Jughead & Tabitha, Archie/Betty, Jughead/Tabitha | 1/? chapters)

- Jennifer’s body rivervale au. After Cheryl’s attempt at sacrificing Archie goes wrong, he’s stuck sharing his body with a demon who has a taste for blood. This fic has a lot of blood and gore in it as well as several major character deaths, so proceed with caution if that kind of stuff bothers you.

(Fics with a ☆ next to them are my personal favorites that I've written)

[sicklylittlesnowflake]

I saw your post that ya don't have many prompts and I thought I'd try??? So Like I love love love sick betty and honestly I just want all of her precious friends worrying over her and my heart just melts omg..

(I love me some Betty Cooper anon, she’s my princess and pride and joy thanks for the prompt!! Also sorry my Beronica shipping ass can’t stop whoops!!)

Betty Cooper was the girl who did everything for everyone, and never herself.

She was a giver, and was the ray of sunshine in everyone’s lives. She was the friend who was always there for others, and it was practically impossible for anyone to dislike her.

Betty Cooper was there for Archie Andrews his whole life, supporting him with his music career and listening to his songs always. She gave him feedback, lifting his spirits.

Betty Cooper was there for Kevin Keller when he felt frustrated or upset, and was always there to reassure him that there was nothing wrong with him and made him feel safe.

Betty Cooper was there for Jughead Jones in his lowest days, offering him love and kindness when he clearly needed it. She defended him from the whole town when he was ostracised for matters out of his control, his shining light that made him feel like he belonged.

Betty Cooper was there for Veronica Lodge every day. She was destined to be with her, souls intertwined by some greater force. Betty supported Veronica and served as a light when all things in her life seemed to go dark. The bit of purity when all things seemed to become corrupt with filth.

And of course, her friends loved her back.

So when Betty was in need, it was only natural for all her friends to give back.

Jughead was first to take action when Betty walked into the Blue and Gold’s offices, pale, all colour drained from her face besides fevered cheeks and dark circles.

She had come in about forty five minutes before school, feeling bad she hadn’t had much progress done on an article so decided to get a head start. Luckily, Jughead had already been there about 10 minutes prior, due to Archie dragging his reluctant ass over to school because of early football practice.

“Betts!” Jughead exclaimed, rushing towards her and feeling her cheek with the back of his hand.

“You shouldn’t be here!”

Betty smiled at him reassuringly, “Im fine, Juggy, just didn’t get a lot of sleep..”

“Didn’t get a lot of sleep?! It looks like you haven’t slept in days!” Jughead exclaimed, watching as she began to walk shakily.

“Jug, I need to finish this article for Cheryl..she really needs it,” Betty rasped. Following Cheryl’s suicide attempt, she needed the support of her friends more than anything. Her and Jughead had decided to get all the people who cared about her to write a little something for her, and Jughead had done more than he should’ve for the article already. She needed to finish this.

“Then I’ll do it, Betty!” Jughead insisted, rushing to her side as he watched as a wave of nausea hit her, wrapping an arm around her waist to support her. He lead her to the couch and dropped her gently there.

“No, Jug! You’ve done way too much already, Jug. It’s not fair on you–with all you’ve been going through..” Betty attempted to sit back up but Jughead gently pushed her down so she was lying down.

“No way, Betty. Let me take care of you for once,” Jughead pleaded.

“Jughead, you’re a great caretaker, really, but you’re going to get sick! You know your immune systems awful!”

Jughead shrugged, pulling his phone out and shooting a text.

Fuckhead Jones III: Yo Betty’s sick meet me at the blue and gold

“Well, I won’t be your only caretaker,” Jughead smirked.

Justin Gingerlake: Omw lemme get reg out of my way

Kill me Keller: What?!?!?!?! Coming!!!

Ronnie Weasley: I can’t believe jughead jones is saying ��Yo”…anyway I’m coming

Betty groaned, “Jughead!”

“What?” Jughead said sheepishly.

She softened, curling up and snuggling herself, “Jug, you got your computer? ”

“Hmm, yes, why?”

“..Can you please read out one of your poems to me? They’re very relaxing.”

“Hmm..they are a peer into my melancholy emo soul, completely exposing my vulnerable, despairing being contemplating our very existence..” Jughead joked.

“But for you Betty Cooper, of course.”

Jughead opened up his laptop and opened up a file, clearing his throat as he recited a hopeful poem, a complete different take than he usually took in his art, in his clarion, dramatic tenor voice.

Betty closed her eyes and immersed herself in his art.

Archie arrived first, a glass of water and his guitar bag in his hands.

“I brought you some water, Betty,” Archie grinned, drenched in sweat.

Jughead fake gagged, “Ugh, Arch, you reek! Clean up, will you?”

“I would have used perfume, Jughead, but you’re severely allergic, remember? Do I need to remind you of the Andrews Construction Dinner incident of 2016?”

Jughead groaned, “Don’t.”

Betty laughed hoarsely, “You’re a saviour, Archie Andrews. Also, I don’t smell a thing, Jughead’s just being a dick.”

Archie laughed then pulled a chair towards the couch and helped her sit up, far too weak to do it herself. He propped up a pillow so she was comfortable, sitting next to her and rubbing her back comfortingly as he helps her drink up the glass of water.

Betty winced as her head began to ache intensely, her head throbbing and pounding.

“Archie, you’re really a star,” Betty thanked quietly, as to not strain her voice.

“A star that’s going to be big one day,” Jughead said softly.

“In fact..Archibald over here’s written a new song, would you do the honours and play it for Elizabeth here?” Jughead grinned.

“Oh..it might make the headache worse,” Archie said.

“No, Arch, please..I love your songs.”

Jughead raised his eyebrow and smiled, watching as Archie unpacked the guitar and started to pluck melodically at the strings.

Kevin came in on the last chorus of Archie’s song, holding a damp towel.

“Oh, Kev!” Betty cooed.

“The moment I heard my best pal was in need I came as quickly as I could,” Kevin smiled and squinted at Archie.

“Not quick enough,” Archie teased.

“Fuck you, Andrews, and your annoyingly toned body,” Kevin hissed.

Archie laughed, packing away his guitar and sat down on the table with Jughead, typing away on the computer.

“Betty, have you been overworking yourself?” Kevin cooed softly, helping her lie back down on the cushion and gently draping the damp, cool towel over her forehead.

“No–”

“Yes she has,” Archie and Jughead said in unison.

Betty released a soft sigh of relief at the cooling touch of the towel, some of the discomforting heat slowly melting away.

“Kevin, you’re the very best..”

“No Betts, you are. You’re always working for others, but you gotta give back to yourself sometime. But don’t fret, we’re right by your side,” Kevin smiled kindly, as he dragged a chair next to the couch.

He cracked his knuckles to which Betty let out a noise of delight.

“Kevin, are you about to give me one of the infamous Keller Massages?”

“You bet I am, for my best gal,” Kevin grinned, as he softly massaged Betty’s temples, circulating them so that the intensity of her headaches slowly subsided. He rubbed slowly and gently, easing away her troubles and sorrows so she was only surrounded by love and support.

Veronica was the last, but the moment she burst through the doors of the Blue and Gold, in complete sweats, all their questions regarding her tardiness was answered.

Veronica was carrying a multitude of items, a luxurious furry blanket, a packet of medicine, a thermos of soup, tea bags and a box of chocolates.

“Well, that was not expected,” Archie blinked.

Jughead smirked, “That was the only thing that was destined to happen, Archie.”

“I’m so sorry I’m so late, Betty! The moment I heard you weren’t feeling well I tried to get everything ready ASAP and I ran all the way here!”

Veronica set down all her items onto a table and approached Betty, kneeling down so she could be in eye-to-eye level. She frowned at seeing her so ill and weak. Betty Cooper did not deserve to be sick. She was too good to be sick.

Betty chuckled fondly, “Ronnie..you didn’t have to..”

“Oh Betty! My poor angel,” Veronica frowned as she ran over to the table and draped the luxurious blanket over her entire frame, tucking her in to the blankets protectively.

“Are you warm enough? You must feel awful,” Veronica doted.

“Ronnie..I’m fine,” Betty giggled, feeling a lot better by Veronica just being there.

“I even got you these chocolates from Belgium, trust me, you’ll feel a lot better..”

Betty could only giggle, “Ronnie..”

She cleared her throat, “..but we are going to be late..”

“What?! No, Betty, you’re going home!” Veronica insisted.

“Can’t–my mom is away on a reporter story and my dad is out of town on a different story,” Betty explained.

“Then just stay here and I’ll give you a ride home later!” Kevin butted in.

“I can’t stay here!” Betty protested.

“We’ll tell the nurse you’re comfortable here, and don’t feel up to moving up there,” Archie suggested.

“She won’t listen to you, Arch!” Betty chuckled.

“I’ll tell her,” Jughead piped up, the gang knowing full well how soft the old nurse was on Jughead, seeing as how often he ended up in her office.

“I’ll even get us all excuses to look after you!” Jughead offered.

“No way! You can’t all look after me!” Betty protested.

“Well, at least Veronica,” Archie butted in.

Betty and Veronica blushed.

“U-uh, w-what?” Veronica stammered.

Kevin laughed, “Oh my god, let’s all stop this hetero bullshit, we all know that Veronica here is the best option here.”

“Agreed,” Jughead and Archie nodded.

“Well, we’ll leave you guys to it! I’ll drive you home later today and we’ll all check up on you later, yeah?” Kevin beamed, heading out the door as Jughead and Archie said their goodbyes as the two headed over to the Nurse before class.

Veronica chuckled as they left, and gave her a warm smile.

“Have you eaten anything today?”

Betty shook her head, “..I kinda forgot..I was in a huge haze this morning.”

“Well, I’m here to the rescue,” Veronica said kindly, her voice so warm and loving Betty swore her chills were abating.

Veronica began to boil some water in the kettle Betty had brought in for Jughead’s coffee addiction, and when it was done used it to make her a nice peppermint tea.

She opened up the soup in the thermos and passed it to Betty, who had managed to sit up while she had done so.

Betty sipped at the soup with delight, the flavours absolutely delicious and creamy, “Veronica, this is great..”

“Anything for my best girl,” Veronica cooed, watching in satisfaction as Betty ate up the soup.

Once Betty had finished, Veronica began to pop open one of the medicine packets and passed her the pill along with the peppermint tea, to which Betty obliged. Betty sighed in contentment, eyes closed in satisfaction as the aroma and tastefully sweet tangs hit her.

“Veronica..you really didn’t have to do this all for me..You’re the best,” Betty whispered softly.

Veronica blushed lightly, “..Of course..Betty, you know I…really care about you.”

“You know, you’re like this..oh jesus..this is really stupid..but you’re like the best thing in my life right now, this absolutely perfect light..”

“..Ronnie, I’m not perfect,” Betty whispered weakly.

Veronica softened, “Of course. That’s not what I meant, but in my eyes..all of your faults and little things..they add up into this beautiful beautiful person who feels like perfect. Someone so..wonderfully crafted, yet flawed..but always striving for the good.”

Betty smiled softly, “Veronica..”

“You give all the time Betty..I’m just..so glad I can give back for once. To thank you for blessing me with your company,” Veronica said softly.

“I like being with you too, Ronnie..it all feels so nice..just me and you here..” Betty whispered.

Veronica felt her heart soar and insides melt, completely warm and tingly. She couldn’t help but begin to stroke her hair softly, brushing each strand of luscious blonde hair carefully and tenderly, like she was made of magic. To Veronica at least, she was made of magic.

Veronica fondled with her hair for a little bit, taking in all of the wonder that was Betty Cooper in this beautifully silent moment. This was all a reality, and she wasn’t just some princess from a fairytale, she was real.

Betty broke the silence, a smile coming to her lips, “..Veronica..come here..”

Veronica hesitated, stunned, but was pulled in by Betty who began to cuddle her lovingly, a little influenced by the fever but genuine all the same.

“Sing to me, please?” Betty mumbled.

Veronica blushed, but finally controlled herself enough to lightly sing.

“If you be my star, I’ll be your sky,you can hide underneath me and come out at night..when I turn jet black and you show off your lightI live to let you shine..I live to let you shine..But you can skyrocket away from meAnd never come back if you find another galaxyFar from here, with more room to fly,but leave me your stardust to remember you by…”

“That’s sweet,” Kevin whispered by lunch time as he walked in, Archie and Jughead right behind him, smiling along as they admired the sight.

A sight of two sweet girls intertwined with each other, holding each other close, never to let go.