IMAGINES ▹ ROSS BUTLER

↳ i thought we were family

( I THOUGHT WE WERE FAMILY ) 
by cherylsxvixen

The four teens sat anxiously in the hospital waiting room, unable to sit still. News was quickly spreading around town about Fred Andrews and his fight for life. A few people had turned up already and stayed to offer their support. Yet there was one person who wasn't present. No one had been able to get a hold of (Y/N) Andrews. No one knew if she was even aware of what had happened. Archie's phone buzzed for what felt like the millionth time that day. He sighed when he saw it was just another text from the wrong person. While he appreciated the well wishes, he was growing worried about his sister. 

"Archie she's probably still asleep," Veronica reassured him, patting and squeezing his knee. Betty and Jughead gave a sympathetic look to the bloodied teen who couldn't settle. He only nodded in response, eyes darting around the room restlessly. Slowly the waiting room began to fill with people and Archie was jostled from person to person, each offering words of comfort.
"The bulldogs are here for you," Moose nodded as he patted Archie on the back. The boys in blue nodded in agreement behind him.

"Thanks Moose," Archie attempted a smile, feeling more alone as the crowd grew. "Hey. Where's Reggie?" He asked as the teen turned away. Despite their differences, Archie thought Reggie would have at least turned up to show support for his fellow teammate. Moose shifted uncomfortably, knowing the truth. 

"Oh, we haven't been able to get in touch. His phone is off or something," he offered with a shrug, quickly turning away to someone else.

The teens found themselves back in the same positions they'd started in. Draped over the uncomfortable chairs in silence. Veronica was cuddling Archie. Betty, Jughead, and Kevin sat opposite, keeping an eye on the door and the nurses running past. The crowd had dwindled throughout the day with promises to come back later. Archie was still ashamed for not doing anything after his dad was shot. The day was running on repeat in his head, picking apart what he did and didn't do. What he could have done was killing him the most. Despite how long it had been since the shooting at Pop's, (Y/N) Andrews was still missing and Archie felt sick. A bang from behind them caused Archie and Veronica to spin around in their seats, following the noise. Archie was still jumpy. 

"Archie!" (Y/N) shouted, running full pelt along the corridor. The slap of her converse made louder as it bounced of the walls. She was visibly upset, remnants of tears streaking her cheeks. Archie quickly stood as he saw her, taking steps closer, feeling relieved she was okay, but also upset at the sight of her in distress. Her hair was a mess, parts of it wet from the snow that had started again outside. She was wearing a varsity jacket that was way too big over her outfit from the night before. Archie didn't think twice because he was so used to her stealing his when she was cold. 

The two grabbed each other and held on tightly. (Y/N)'s eyes were screwed close, her face pressed against Archie's chest, hands grasping at the back of his shirt as if her life depended on it. Betty grabbed Jughead's arm to get his attention as she noticed a lone bulldog without his skin, sheepishly trailing along the corridor. His eyes widened as the full picture began to unravel. "Are you okay?" (Y/N) asked as she pulled away from her brother, her hands grabbing his as she looked up at him. He nodded, swallowing thickly, needing to be strong. His eyes flickered up and landed on Reggie, stood in the doorway of the waiting room. 

"Hey dude, sorry to hear about your dad," he offered, hands clasped tightly in front of him. Archie took a step back from his sister and looked from her face to Reggie's and back to the jacket (Y/N) was wearing. It took a moment for his brain to process that she was wearing Reggie's and he felt his stomach drop.