[ The more serious topics of conversation drop, and Archie's relieved for a split second. He's being selfish, maybe. Insulating himself for an entire summer while life went on in Riverdale and his friends dealt with the fallout of the secret they'd dragged into the open was likely a selfish thing to do. Archie's fingers twist restlessly though Veronica's as she speaks, before settling back to lace their hands firmly together. ]

You can stay if you want. It's not...I don't think it's unfair. Not to me, at least.

[ Though Archie didn't always have the best grasp of what is and isn't fair. But he still doesn't take to the idea of unfairness Veronica's presenting to him, though her own well being pulls him up. ]

This is just about the best welcome home party I could have gotten, Ronnie. But I'll understand if you don't stay. I get it.