[ she doesn't look disappointed or anything, don't fret, but her eyes widen a bit because no, wait. no. shush, Archie. don't back down. she doesn't want him to back down, not ever, especially not with her. and maybe he doesn't think he is, but she does. maybe a day or two ago she would have felt a little relieved by this easy out, but after the last few days, recovering from the conclusion of the Black Hood mystery and what happened to both him and Betty? no.

so she doesn't look disappointed, but she does shake her head. just a little bit. stands up a little straighter, even as she tilts her face towards that touch. ]

But I need you to know something, too. [ this isn't the perfect scenario. it's not on his porch, with mistletoe and snow falling all around them, but it's the moment they've been given and she's not going to let some wild sounds from behind a mysterious door they're standing near ruin it. ] I made a mistake, trying to convince you I couldn't go there with you. That I wasn't already- [ wait, she's jumping ahead ]

You deserve so much more than- not knowing. You deserve the kind of epic romance that people write songs and sonnets and movies about. [ also not her point. man, that door is distracting. she takes a breath. ] A year ago, I would have taken what you just said and ran with it. Because before you, before Riverdale, I was so selfish, and so scared of something real, that I would have rather run than try and let someone get close. Especially someone as genuinely good as you. But you've helped me become the better version of myself I've always wanted to be. You make me want to be even better, every day. Which is why I know now, without a single doubt, [ she grins, reaching up to hold his face, too. push her fingers into his hair at the nape of his neck. ] that I love you, too, Archie Andrews.