[ What's he like? Archie wants to ask. Veronica and her mother make sense; there's such a clear sense of connection that it's hard for Archie to consider anyone else being necessary to form their family unit. They feel finished in a way Archie and Fred don't, to Archie's line of thinking. But Veronica's tone dips and she's talking avoidance, not welcome, so Archie just focuses on the way their fingers lace together and lets it pass.

He'll ask later. Someday. Probably around the same time he and Veronica circle around to more serious things, though the conversation is already inevitably inching towards that territory. ]

I'll call him in the morning.

[ And hope he answered. ]

I wanted to believe he'd have gotten rid of that stupid jacket by the time I got back. Jug's smarter than this.

[ Smart isn't really the word Archie means. Archie's his friend. They've been attached at the hip since they were small, Archie's mess of a summer notwithstanding. He wants to believe that connection is stronger than whatever the Serpents are promising. ]

Are you going to stay?