𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒

Crossing the Lines | Reggie Mantle

Summary: Y/N, Sweet Pea's younger sister, has been secretly dating Reggie Mantle, a Bulldog and her brother's sworn rival. When Sweet Pea discovers the truth, tensions explode, forcing Y/N to defend her relationship and her choices. As she struggles to prove Reggie's worth, Y/N must balance loyalty to her brother with her growing love for the boy who should be off-limits.

Warning(s): secret dating behind a brother's back?

Word count: 1k

Authors Note: Thanks for the request! Hope you enjoy!

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Y/N TOOK a deep breath as she slipped through the side entrance of Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe, eyes scanning the dimly lit booths for a familiar face. She spotted Reggie sitting in a corner, his signature smirk flashing as he waved her over. Her heart skipped a beat, and she bit back a smile, wondering how long they could keep this up. Reggie Mantle, the Riverdale High jock, and her brother's arch-nemesis. It was thrilling—and dangerous.

"Hey, beautiful," Reggie greeted her as she slid into the booth.

"Hey yourself," she replied, leaning in to give him a quick kiss. "You know, if Sweet Pea knew I was here..."

"Yeah, yeah, he'd probably break my nose," Reggie finished, rolling his eyes but smiling all the same. "He doesn't scare me, Y/N."

She raised an eyebrow. "Really? Because last time he caught you looking at me, you practically dove behind Archie."

"That was one time!" Reggie laughed, grabbing her hand under the table. "Besides, you're worth the risk."

Her heart fluttered. Being with Reggie was the one thing that felt hers in this town. Sweet Pea, with his fierce protectiveness, could be overbearing. She loved him, but sometimes it felt like he was her shadow, always hovering, always watching.

They shared a quiet conversation, occasionally glancing around to ensure they weren't spotted. Riverdale was a small town, and gossip spread faster than wildfire. But tonight, they were lucky. No Serpents. No Bulldogs. Just them.

After a while, Reggie looked at his watch and sighed. "I should get going before anyone starts wondering where I am."

She nodded reluctantly, knowing they couldn't risk staying out too late. They slipped out the back and walked to where Reggie had parked his car. He pulled her into one last kiss under the stars, his hand warm on the back of her neck.

"I'll see you soon, okay?" he whispered.

"Okay," she murmured, squeezing his hand before watching him drive off into the night.

Y/N took a longer route home, letting the cool night air clear her head. She loved Reggie, but hiding was taking a toll on her. Sweet Pea wouldn't understand, and even if he did, his pride would be bruised by the fact that she'd chosen Reggie—his so-called enemy.

She slipped into the house, hoping Sweet Pea was already asleep. But as she opened the door, she was greeted by his voice.

"Where were you?"

Y/N froze, heart pounding as she tried to come up with an excuse. Sweet Pea was leaning against the doorframe of the kitchen, arms crossed and eyes narrowed.

"Oh, I was just... out with some friends," she said, trying to sound casual.

"At this hour?" Sweet Pea's voice was sharp, filled with suspicion. "And you're dressed like that?"

She looked down at her outfit, realizing it might have been a bit too dressed up for just a "hangout with friends." But she kept her chin up. "Yeah. Is that a problem?"

Sweet Pea stepped forward, studying her face. "You know, Y/N, I don't like being lied to. And I've been hearing rumors."

Her pulse raced. "Rumors?"

"Yeah. That you've been hanging around with a certain Bulldog." His tone was laced with disdain.

She opened her mouth to deny it, but the words stuck in her throat. She could see the hurt in his eyes—hurt mixed with anger.

"It's true, isn't it?" he whispered. "You're dating Reggie Mantle."

Y/N swallowed, her silence confirming everything. Sweet Pea's face contorted, and before she could react, he let out a loud curse, fists clenched as he turned away.

"I can't believe this," he muttered, pacing the room. "Out of all the people, Y/N. You chose him?"

She felt her own anger flare up. "I chose him because I like him. Because he's good to me, Sweet Pea. Why can't you understand that?"

"Good to you? He's a Bulldog! He's nothing but trouble. You're my sister, Y/N. I'm supposed to protect you from guys like him!"

She took a step forward, her voice rising. "Maybe I don't need your protection! Maybe I can decide for myself who's good for me."

Sweet Pea stopped in his tracks, his eyes flashing with fury. "He's using you, Y/N. He doesn't care about you—he just wants to mess with me."

"That's not true," she shot back, the certainty in her voice surprising even her. "Reggie cares about me. More than you know."

He shook his head, his face a mixture of betrayal and anger. "I can't believe you're defending him. After everything he's done to me, to the Serpents..."

"This isn't about you, Sweet Pea! This is about me. Why can't you just be happy for me?"

Sweet Pea looked away, his jaw clenched. For a moment, they stood in silence, the tension in the air thick and heavy. Finally, he spoke, his voice softer but no less intense.

"I love you, Y/N. You're my little sister. And I don't want to see you get hurt. Reggie Mantle is nothing but trouble, and I don't trust him."

Her shoulders sagged, the fight draining out of her. "Sweet Pea... I know you're worried. But you have to trust me. I wouldn't be with him if I didn't think he was worth it."

Sweet Pea sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. But I swear, if he hurts you..."

She managed a small smile, touched by his concern despite everything. "If he hurts me, you'll be the first to know. Deal?"

He hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "Deal. But don't expect me to be nice to him."

She laughed softly. "I wouldn't dream of it."

For the first time since she'd walked in, Sweet Pea's expression softened, the tension between them easing slightly. She knew this wouldn't be the end of their arguments about Reggie, but it was a start. And maybe, just maybe, Sweet Pea would eventually see what she saw in him.

As she headed upstairs, she heard Sweet Pea mutter, "I still can't believe you're dating that Bulldog."

Smiling to herself, Y/N felt a small sense of victory. She knew it would take time, but she was determined to prove to Sweet Pea that her relationship with Reggie was real. And who knew? Maybe one day, Sweet Pea might even see Reggie as something more than just a rival.