IMAGINES ▹ ROSS BUTLER

↳ called out

( CALLED OUT )
by themenof-riverdale

It's been a month since I've been living with my cousin, Veronica, and her mother. My parents always travel for work, so sending me to live with the Lodges seemed like the best way to keep me supervised.

Veronica and I have never been close, and that hasn't changed with us living together. I've met her friends, Archie, Betty, Kevin, and Jughead. They are all nice, but they tolerate me as though I'm the weird cousin visiting from a remote town that's smaller than even Riverdale. Well, they're not wrong.

In school, I keep to myself, only socializing when I absolutely have to, such as with group assignments.
I just wanted to get through this year without attracting too much attention to myself.
–
I heard Veronica and her mother arguing outside my bedroom door but I thought nothing of it. That is, until she burst through my door and demanded that I accompany her to a club with some people from school. I was going to ask 'why me?', but her troubled expression convinced me to do otherwise. I changed quickly and followed her, not saying a word.

The second we entered the club, Cheryl, Josie and Reggie bombarded Veronica with half-drunk sloppy grins. When they saw me, their expressions faltered but Veronica hollered for shots and their attention switched excitedly. I opted not to drink, thinking that at least one person should remain clear-headed.

Th night went smoothly; drinks were flowing and soon enough, everyone found themselves sitting around a booth. I stood to the side, looking out of place while they chatted. One of the managers came over and said that V's card had been declined. She didn't have any cash, so everyone looked around, slightly concerned.

Sighing, I pulled out my card and told him to use that. He walked away and the other mumbled thanks.

With my card returned, the others stood up and started leaving the club. They parked a few blocks away so the drunken walk began and I tried not to laugh too much.

Reggie was at the back of the group, next to me, giving me wary glances.

"Why'd you even come tonight if you weren't gonna have any fun?" He asked.

I glanced at him and his smug smirk caught my attention.

"She asked me to be here, so i came," i replied, looking straight ahead.

"You look cute."

That took me aback. I didn't know what to say so I nodded instead.

"I've seen you around school; you don't have any friends and you leave right after school ends. You're so weird," he said, offering an exaggerated chuckle after.

I tried not to be too offended, but I retorted "At least I don't insult people whom I barely know."

He scoffed, "what?"

"You play to be some badass jock who can go around saying anything to anyone. I hate bullies; you're just perpetuating the stereotype."

That silenced him. Thankfully, we reached the cars and I watched as everyone else said their goodbyes.
–
The next day at school, I was at my locker, gathering my books for first period, when I heard the all-too familiar sound of the football team making their way through the hallway. I glanced at them before turning back to my belongings.

"Hey," a voice said behind me. I could sense that the person wasn't going to leave, so I turned around.
What was Reggie doing? Was he still drunk?

"Hi," I replied, hiding my surprise.

"Let's go, Mantle!" Moose yelled a few feet away.

Reggie glanced back and I could tell he wanted to say more but couldn't. He merely nodded and followed his friends.
–
That night, I decided to get away from the Lodge drama and have dinner at Pop's. I was surprised to see Reggie sitting there alone.
I took a booth at the window, and when Reggie saw me, he rushed to take the seat opposite me.