#I am curious if Cheryl will come to his aid | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

all-of-the-imagines-for-eve · 5 years

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Forget About It ~ S.P. (part 5)

A/n: I didnt go to sleep after all... So yeah um here's the next part OOPS. Also I didn't realize I already have a part five so I wrote this whole thing and then found the part five aId already written except I liked this a LOT more so, here's part five rewritten! Hope you enjoy it :)

Warnings: Bullying is the biggest one tbh. Isolation.

Word Count: 5000+

MASTERLIST

You know there are some days when I really feel like this could work. Like you and I are finally gonna get it right... Then there are days like today, when you make me wanna tear my fucking hair out!

My first day back to Riverdale High was rough. The paperwork hadn’t taken long, but I had gotten used to South Side High, where expectations were low and no one gave the teachers the time of day. Where drugs roamed wild and everyone had the insignia of some gang or another.

Which means I’d made the mistake of wearing my Serpent’s jacket, to begin with.

Everyone was glaring at me. Every single pair of eyes of every single person I cane across threw daggers at me mercilessly. It was only a matter of time before Cheryl Blossom got her claws around me.

“If it isn’t Judas herself!” The red headed cheerleader greeted far too brightly. “Et tu, Brute?”

I rolled my eyes. “Do you want somethjng Cheryl, or are you here simply to get your kicks in because you need a distraction from the lack of your own pathetic, sad existence?”

Perhaps I’d been too harsh. Cheryl wasn’t like anyone in the Serpents. They all hesitated to strike back. They saw when they’d been defeated and were smarter about the approach, even if said approach was waiting until you were alone to strike. Because, unlike in the North Side, if you attacked someone in the South Side there would always be someone who stood up for that person. You mess with someone, you mess with their freuds or family. Or worse, the gang they’re in- which is the same thing, except a gang will rip you apart.

On the North Side, everyone was fighting for themself. Even if I hadn’t been an outsider here, no one would have stepped in. But, since I was a ‘Judas’ as Cheryl had so eloquently put, not only was no one stepping in, but they were thriving off of it. When I insulted her, they all turned on me with equally nasty looks and it made me feel small and in very much danger. Cheryl thrived off of it.

“Keep your head down, Serpent.” Her mockingly sweet tone had dropped to a hateful, dangerous curl. “You’re in bulldog territory now, and we’ll eat you alive.” She walked away and I was reminded of the day Sweetpea Gad come to my house to face down Archie and Reggie had told him the same thing.

I looked around and saw everyone mirroring that same look in Cheryl’s eyes. I tried not to look too terrified as I kept walking.

The day continued with everyone giving off an attitude like that. People made large circles around me in hallways and classrooms alike, squishing together so they could be as far away from me as possible. Two kids tripped me, and a third tried and failed. Shoulders slammed into me in the lunchline and eyes followed me everywhere. The traiter North Sider turned Serpent had returned, and no one was happy about it. They had made it as clear as I had.

Finally, I got some relief from school when Jughead called me. After talking for a little while though, I nearly lost my crap on him. "FP got out and you're only telling me this NOW?" I demanded.

I could FEEL Jughead wince. "He needed some time to get readjusted and have some space... Plus, you do too. How are you holding up on the North Side?"

A sigh escaped me as I tried not to reveal how anxious that question made me. It had been going... not well, to say the least. "Don't change the subject, Jones. You could have told me at least! I need to know what's going on in the South Side, you guys are my family. I'm going to lose my MIND if I find out something major happened and I missed it because no one's talking to me."

"No one's talking to you?"

My mouth audibly snapped shut. "I...” I worked my jaw in an attempt to loosen it. “No, they're not. Not returning my calls or calling me- I'm in the dark here..." I sighed, pushing a hand through my hair.

He paused. "I called to tell you they're throwing a party for my dad. I wanted you to come." His voice sounded tight.

"What's wrong Jug?"

There was a quiet that stretched long enough to make me anxious. "Penny's still on my case."

"What?" I snapped, tensing.

He rushed to explain, maybe to soothe me, but he just couldn't do both. The explanation would only make me more upset. "She targeted Betty. She has a video. It's- a mess. I don't know what's going on with everybody else but I just need you at this party okay? I know I've been distracted and told you last minute but you're still one of my closest friends, Y/n." There was a pause and his tone lightened. "My dad complains that he didn't get to enjoy your cooking." I smiled. "I didn't realize how much you... helped things, around here. I miss you."

My voice was soft when I responded. "I'll be right over Jug. Maybe yell at Fangs to get off his ass and come pick me up." My smile fell. "Or I can... I'll figure it out."

Another pause. There was so much tension and awkwardness. I absolutely hated it. "I'm sorry."

My eyes closed. "I know." Forcing my tone light and trying to ignore the false note in the words, I chirped, "See you soon! Can't wait to see that karaoke machine- maybe I'll get someone to go up there with me." We exchanged our goodbyes and hung up. I moved from the pillows and blankets on the floor of my room to the door. The room otherwise remained completely untouched, just as it had been when I very first left it. I still couldn't find it in myself to touch anything. Especially now if anything, with everything going on at school. Even aside from that, it still felt invasive, but now it also felt dangerous too. This was a life I could so easily fall into. Fade away into. With my friends ignoring me for some reason and Archie and my dad only too eager to bring me fully back to the North Side, I made my statement clear. I was a guest in this house, not apart of even this room. I could see the hurt in my dad's face but I couldn't bring myself to mend the situation. There was no going back. This wasn’t my home anymore and it never would again.

After grabbing my Serpent jacket, I headed toward my door. I was going to North again and between that and this house, the tension never left my body. It was starting to become infused into the make of my very muscles. This jacket was the only comfort I had. It caused problems, but so far there wasn't much chaos about it since I didn't speak out about the bullying and no one else made as much of a scene as Cheryl had. I'd gotten through lucky so far.

On my way out of the house, I heard Archie and my dad talking. Despite myself, the tone of their voices worried me and I paused, listening. They were still my blood after all...

"So I take it things didn't go so well with the four-letter-word, huh?" My dad. My eyebrows came together. Wait, what?

"When I'm with Veronica, as dark as things get - and they've been getting pretty dark - she makes me feel like... everything is gonna be fine. She makes things fun. I don't wanna lose that."

My heart seized. He had said he loved Veronica? Was he really so lost to them? "You won't," my dad assured. "You just have to give her some time. And space. You're a great kid Arch. Really, get out there, have a good time." He began moving but I was frozen in place. "Take the pressure off."

Our eyes locked as he entered the hallway. Why was he encouraging it? Didn't he know how dangerous the Lodges were? Was it being around the Serpents that had made me so painfully aware of the twisted North Sider who was rich and so in power as I sat alone at night thinking how about all the danger and drama we'd had in Riverdale? How much Veronica hated her father? How much she had changed and given into him since he'd been back?

My father came to me, placing a hand on my shoulder. He didn't know what I was thinking exactly but he must have got the gist because his words hit home. "We all take our own path, Y/n. If Archie can find some stability and happiness with people his age, who am I to stop him? Really." He paused as I mulled over that. "He could use his sister right now." My lips pressed together. He sighed. "I know everything that's happened, but... he's been so lost since you've been gone. You gave him a purpose and he gave you security. And now..." He shrugged, his hand falling away. "Maybe just ask him for a ride? Where are you going by the way?"

I flinched. "Sorry, I was going to ask on my way out. Um, Jughead's having a party for his dad-"

My dad nodded. "I've heard. Be safe, okay?" I nodded. He left with just that and I stood alone, on the stairs, thinking.

When I looked up again, Archie stood there. "I'm going too. You... want a ride?"

There was only a second before I mumbled, "Sure."

The car ride was absolutely silent. No nervous tapping, no conversation- not even any music. It was like we were both terrified to more more than necessary, even to breathe. When we got there and he parked, he sighed. "Y/n-" I wanted to bolt and he seemed ready for me to do so and for his words to be lost to me. But my dad's words came back to me and I forced myself to stay. I was... curious. I wondered where this boy who used to be my whole world stood as I lost my footing in the world I thought I knew. It seemed every time I was sure of myself the rug was pulled from under me. Why not go for another fall? He looked at me, unsure if he should continue or not.

A breath escaped through my nose. "Truce?" I asked, holding out my hand. He looked at it, smiled at the childishness, and then took my hand. There was a little release in the cement wall between us. It became a little thinner. The distance shortened, just slightly. We both smiled and then I slipped out of the car, returning to one of the places that felt like a real home. My smile grew to a grin.

Finally.

I didn't find Sweet Pea before I found my brother on stage with his girlfriend, both singing and the tension between them tangible.

So the problem hadn't been solved yet.

"Mad World"? Really? I stood in my place, my heart filling with sadness. They ran off the stage and I almost followed them.

But then Betty got on stage.

I froze, eyes wide and lips parted. A second later my attention snapped to the people around me. My eyes landed on Sweet Pea, who chuckled. My heart exploded in my chest. Why was I suddenly sick to my stomach? My eyes landed on Jughead next. He wasn't looking at me but before I moved to his side I heard Alice Cooper whimper, "Oh my god." When I reached Jughead, my hand touched his arm. He looked away, his jaw working. And then to top it all off, FP Jones announced very dramatically that he wasn't retiring after all.

There was suddenly so much heaviness in my chest and I turned and left, moving outside.

Archie and Veronica.

Archie in GENERAL.

Betty and her- her Serpent dance.

FP was coming back to the Serpents after all.

The way Sweet Pea has looked at Betty Copper.

My friends all going dark on me, cutting me out of their life suddenly because I wasn't around to remind them I existed anymore.

Jughead was upset, shutting me out, and I could do nothing to even slow his steady fall into whatever darkness he felt consuming him.

The whole world was falling apart and I had been desperately trying to hold on... but my fingers had slipped and I was lost again.

I didn't wait for Archie. Like I had done so many times before, just as recklessly, I stormed out into the night in a known dangerous part of town, by myself. I didn't get far before I felt a hand wrap around my wrist. I turned around, startled, to see Sweet Pea.

His smile faded as he took in my expression. I pulled away from him. "Y/n?" He didn't move, unsure what to do about me turning my back as I faced away.

"You know, this sucks." I took a sharp breath in, closing my eyes. "My father's heart is breaking because I'm turning into everything he fears. My brother lost another person as we both make reckless, desperate decisions to find stability and security. My best friend is being slammed in the face as his mistakes bite him in the ass. And my boyfriend-" I spun around to face him. "Has been ignoring me." Sweet Pea frowned. "My entire school is turning on me because I'm proud of the family I'm apart of. The family that is suddenly shunning me? GOD, what is this?"

He moved closer to me, wrapping his arms around me. "Hey, hey, slow down. What do you mean I'm ignoring you?"

"You haven't answered any of my calls," I gasped, trying to hold back tears. "I've been really alone and it's only been a little while but I'm so scared over there. I needed to hear your voice..."

His arms tightened around me. "I'm sorry. I've been busy with school and the Serpents are having a hard time with Jughead and Penny and with FP getting out of prison. My brain has just been super preoccupied. And I've been missing you too. I'm used to having you in person. We didn't ever text or call before- I just have to get used to it. I'm sorry, Y/n."

A sigh came from me. "Everyone around me is hurting and I can't do anything to stop it. To even begin to help. I'm worried, Sweets. I'm so worried..."

"I know," he soothed. There was a pause. "What did you say about school?"

Instantly my heart fell into my toes. I tried to play it off. Making a problem out of a bunch of idiots wasn’t going to do anything but make everyone feel worse. "Nothing. They're just being self righteous, dumb North Siders as usual." I pulled him close. "I miss you. I miss the South Side. The Serpents."

I pushed out all the stupid things I knew I didn't have to worry about. Archie wasn't my concern anymore. If our relationship was mended then fine, but for now I was still done with him. Sweet Pea's look at Betty, as well, was more of amusement than interest. I knew that, looking back, with my emotions a little clearer and with his reassuring hold to calm me. The Serpents weren't ignoring me. It was about perspective again. What I saw in the moment, with my silly emotions and jumping to conclusions. There was a real problem that I needed to focus on. Jughead. FP. Penny.

He rubbed my back. "What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking that I need to focus. I'm letting too much get to me." I shook my head. "One thing at a time. How have you been?"

I could hear the smile in his voice. "Of course that's your focus." I smiled too but at his next words it grew weaker. "I've been miserable. It's so cold and uncomfortable, sleeping without you. And we've been dying without your cooking. Your smile and your voice and your laugh and your hand in mine. You make the South Side so much better and I just- really miss you."

My hands tightened around his shirt, fingers pressing between my chest and his. "Sweets?" He hummed the question without saying the words. I bit my lip. I wanted to say it. Thinking about Archie and Veronica only made me want to say it more. But Archie and Veronica also made me more scared to say it. The three words. Those three damn words. "You're amazing. I'm glad we're together."

He paused. A long time. A VERY long time. "Y/n, I..." My eyes widened. The tone of his voice- was he going to say it? "I think I'm in love with you."

Oh. OH. That was so much deeper than 'I love you'. Even with the hint of question it still resounded into my bones, shaking through my body until it tingled in my toes. I was suddenly filled with light that buzzed in my system, waking me up and super charging me. I looked up at him. "I love you," I whispered, my voice cracking. "I'm in love with you." Our eyes locked and it felt so insanely right that our bodies both locked up right there. "I'm in love with you," I whispered again.

The words broke the spell and he broke into the brightest, most contagious grin. His lips found mine and everything was wiped away. Just like in those moments before, it didn't matter. Penny. FP. Jughead. Archie. Betty. The Black Hood. It could all wait for later because in this moment, nothing dark could exist in such pure happiness. The darkness of night seemed to morph around us, the stars and moon and artificial street lights and the lights from the Wyrm all becoming brighter, softer, warmer. Maybe we were young and this wouldn't last but who cared?

I was in love with a boy who was in love with me and despite the raging dangers of Riverdale, that's all that mattered for now.

We slowly parted, our foreheads pressing together. Archie spoke and I slowly looked over, still dazed. He spoke quietly, his eyes not meeting mine. "I'm sorry... but it's time to go home." He looked so defeated that my little glowing paradise was dulled, just a little. But I didn't frown, just nodded.

Turning back to Sweet Pea, I pecked him softly. "Call me when you get there okay? So I know you made it safe."

Ah, there was that glow again, at full power. I nodded. "Of course."

I might as well have been floating as I made my way to Archie's truck. I got in the passenger seat, the air inside it stifling. Archie was dark, oozing despare and agony and struggle. I was light, radiating joy and excitement and fulfillment and ease. My bright mood fought with his heavy one but I didn't notice it. I was stuck on cloud nine, Sweet Pea's kiss and words echoing in my mind to make everything so wonderful. The light and dark fought for dominance until we reached our house and Archie parked. There he finally gave in, letting my light infect him. "Why are you in such a good mood?"

I turned to him. "Sweet Pea told me he loved me." I didn't think about the words. They just came out of me. I was beaming and floating and brilliant and somewhere in my brain I worried that my success where he had failed would be like a slap in the face. I worried that he'd lash out at me and it would be ruined. "He said it and then I said it back and it felt so RIGHT." My hand went through my hair again and I sighed, melting into my chair.

Despite my distant concerns, Archie smiled. "That's amazing, Y/n." He paused. "You seem so happy there."

"Of course, it's my home. My family."

That did hurt Archie. I think both my success and my rejection were too much for him and his face crumpled. My happiness fell and I began to reach out a hand to him, lips parting. But that felt so wrong and it dropped before it even really begun reaching. Just a twitch.

I had been so ready to give him up... how did one begin to close a gap that was so incredibly wide? How do you compromise with the perfect North Sider I used to be and the South Side Serpent I now was? The... North Side Serpent? Was that who I was now?

We didn't talk for a long time. "I'm sorry, about that night. I shouldn't have left you. I shouldn’t have been out there at all." He couldn't look at me. "I'm so sorry."

"I'm genuinely glad what happened the way it did actually." He looked at me in surprise. "Look Archie I know that you're carrying the weight of our family falling apart on your shoulders, but you know what? Don't. I was weak before. Easily broken and walked all over. Now I'm strong. I have a family that doesn't just overprotect me but also lets me protect myself. They make me stronger instead of just... letting me be weak. I have a boyfriend who I LOVE who loves me and a home I feel safe and comfortable. I know our family isn’t as strong but this was the best thing that could happen to me. The Serpents are... fun." I cringed at the word. "Not always, but when they are- I don't know. It's like how you are with Veronica. What you said to Dad earlier. They make everything else disappear. They make it feel OKAY. And I know that I'm losing you, but it's not because I'm choosing the Serpents." A realization hit me and my eyes went wide. "I'm not a South Sider." The words were soft, remembering that night with Sweet Pea where he begged me to understand. Now I finally did and it was amazing. "I'm a NORTH Side Serpent." My back straightened. "You want to worry about something? You don't want to lose me? Stop regretting my time with the Serpents. Stop treating me like I sinned just because I'm not depending on you to function anymore. Appreciate that I've grown and that I'm strong now and love me for who I am, as I am. Not who I was. Not how strong I made you feel with my weaknesses. Accept me as I am, and maybe we won't just become strangers under the same roof." With that I left the truck, slipping inside the house.

I found my dad first. When he saw me, his face light up. I knew he saw it in my eyes. In my posture. In my hands and my smile and in the air around me. "How was-?" He cut off as I slammed into him, clinging to him. He gasped in surprise and then wrapped his arms around me as well, rubbing my back. "You okay?"

"I'm amazing," I whispered softly. "Everything is coming together, and... dad, I'm SO sorry. I'm sorry I shut you out and tried to be a Serpent and not include you in my life just because you're a North Sider. You're the best person in my life and I'm SO lucky to have you. I love you."

My father's chest shuddered and his hold on my solidified. "I love you too, Y/n. I'm proud to be your dad. I just want you safe. Okay?"

I smiled. "Okay."

"Do you promise me?" He asked desperately, pushing me back to hold me at arm's length.

I hesitated, meeting his eyes. "I can’r promise to be safe, dad. Even ont he North Side, things are dangerous and twisted. But-” I quickly added as he seemed to defalte in resignation. “I'll be careful. That I can promise." My smile faltered. "Duty will call, whether it be Serpents- or maybe even Betty or... Archie" he frowned at my hesitation and the odd look on my face at my brother’s name, but seemed to also acknowledged that I had included him at all. "But I will be careful."

He sighed. "I can... agree with that."

We hugged again and then I was off to my room. I texted Sweetpea to let him know I was back safe as I took off my shoes and jacket. When I finished, I jumped into bed and wrapped myself up in my blankets for the first time. The bed was actually comfortable and much nicer than the floor, but I was painfully aware of the absence of Sweet Pea where he should be - had been before I'd left - next to me. This had been the first I’d slept in a bed since I’d come back to the North Side. It felt weird not to have him there too. I pushed it away and pulled a pillow to my chest.

So it wasn't perfect. But it was quite nice all the same. I fell asleep better that night than I had since I'd been back.

Unfortunately, the next day, it was back to Hell. And the kids didn't give me a break.

Cheryl Blossom wasn't even the worst antagonizer. Tripping me, calling me names, insulting me, saying "it" instead of "she" as they talked crap about me loud enough for me to hear it, slamming doors in my face, pulling my hair, throwing harmless things at me in class, laughing ridiculously loud at me if I did ANYTHING even a little wrong... it was endless. They became more and more creative each day. Tripping in the hallway on purpose and slamming into me. Objectifying me loudly to anyone nearby. Banging on the bathroom stall I was in. Someone left a note in my locker telling me to go back "where I came from" as if I wasn't born and raised on the North Side.

The staff didn't help. Literally. I finally told them what was going on, showed them the note, asked for something - anything - but they pointed out that they couldn't punish the whole school or gave them excuses or straight up called me a liar.

I was getting bullied. Brutally.

It was only getting worse too. Halfway into the week, someone slammed their shoulder into mine and I dropped the three books I was carrying. I paused, honing my self control as kids tittered their laughter around me, before bending down. Someone whistled and I swallowed, the back of my eyes burning with tears as I picked up one book, two. As I reached for the third, someone kicked it out of my reach. I slumped in defeat when, suddenly, a hand reached down. My eyes widened as someone picked up my book. No! I looked up to see the commotion around me frozen as Archie moved to me through the students. When he looked at me, his expression was dark and angry. We hadn't talked since the conversation after the Not-Retiring-After-All party for FP and I wondered if he was mad enough to lash out at me for it. Everyone seemed ready for the Andrews sibling show down. If Archie treated me like shit I would never get another break. They’d have all their reasoning and I’d truly be hopeless. If my own brother did it...

He offered me his hand and it took me a second to realize it was to help me stand. I took it, speechless. My book still in his hand he looked at the students around him. "You think this is funny?" His voice carried and I froze, in awe. "You think this is OKAY? Because she's small? Because she's a girl? Because she's not lashing out? Because she's taking this? Because she's a Serpent?" He glared at the people around us in general. "Touch my sister again and watch what happens." He turned to me, putting an arm around my shoulders and guiding me to a more private place. I stared at him. "Are you okay?" He asked, finally offering the book. His face was gentle and his voice was soft. He was only concerned.

My eyes watered. "I..." My voice cut off. His expression twisted with pain.

"I'm so sorry Y/n, I didn't know it was like this until I saw it just now. Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you tell the staff?"

"They won't do anything about it. Because I'm a Serpent."

Archie's pain mixed with anger and frustration and heartache. He saw the tears in my eyes and relaxed, settling in worry. He opened his arms and I slammed into his chest. He held me, soothing me with soft shushing and rubbing my back. "I'm here now, okay? No more North Side attacks. I'm here too." There was a pause and then he whispered, "You were right. I won't fight your battles for you, Y/n. But I will be here to have your back. Okay?"

I nodded, relaxing against him. "It's so good to have you back, Arch."

His hold on me tightened. "It's so good to be back." We hugged for a little bit longer before leaning away. Class would start soon. "Want to have lunch with me later?"

My smile warmed. "I'd love that."

He grinned. "Perfect. Come on, I'll walk you to class." He let me wipe my face clean and we waited a second for the both of us to calm down before heading to class. We chatted, casual and pleasant. With him by my side, no one bothered us. In class no one talked to me still - no one even sat next to me, a circle of empty chairs separating me from the rest of the students. The teacher ignored my raised hand and snapped at me for interrupting if I just said it out loud. But, also left me be. And it was all because of Archie.

That lifted my heart a lot. Gave me some hope. Maybe my brother wasn't as far out of my reach as I thought.

FTL: @alexa-playafricabytoto @chipster-21 @bitchyseawitch @justanotherdaydreamersoul

Story Tags: @reblogserpent @xprblmatcprincess @black-kitten-imagines @foolsgoldxo @90skpophoe

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