A/N: Hello, everyone! I hope you are all doing well and staying safe.
I made some tiny changes, added a scene, and reverted to my original ending for this chapter.
I forgot to mention it in a footnote when I envisioned the Swedish Stranger/Stalker, I see him as Bill Skarsgård as Roman Godfrey in Hemlock Grove. I know Bill has blue eyes. However, having green would make it less obvious about a certain plot that I don't want to give away just yet.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the read!
"PEN!"
Ruth barges into the house, tears streaming from her eyes. She glances around, hoping to see him lurking in a corner—no such luck. With a heavy, shuddering sigh, Ruth forces herself further into the decaying home. Her legs wobbled from sprinting back here, which Ruth finally collapses onto the floor.
She sat on her shins, wheezing. Ruth doesn't know why she had to rush over here. It's not like Pennywise is going anywhere soon. At least she hopes not. Ruth wouldn't know what she would do if he wasn't around anymore. She will most likely just fall through with her plan of drowning herself at the quarry. It would be ideal, anyway.
Ruth strangled a whimper when she remembered her encounter with Richie. She never thought he would express concern for her, let alone help or try comforting her. It was surreal. Ruth could have told him what happened and everything else. However, her fear of Jonathan or even Jordan finding out she talked, they'd kill him after murdering her. Ruth still hates herself for speaking with Mike. She doesn't want to drag someone else into her problems.
Now, the thought of locating her handsome stalker and seeking his help sounds promising. They are kind of chummy, but Ruth can't trust him just yet. Although Ruth feels like she can. She may not know why he's stalking her or his name, but there is something about the guy that she feels safe around. There is a reason why he's refusing to answer any of her questions. Just thinking about him brings her a sense of calm, even irritation.
Jeez, even when he's not around, the guy manages to irritate and calm me? Why is that? I do hope he's okay, though. I haven't seen him for a couple of days now. Well, mostly because I kept myself here.
She sat on the floor, shuddering a heavy sigh as her breath finally calmed down some.
Ruth then stood to her feet to locate Pennywise. They might not exactly be friends, but Pennywise is, in a way, her protector and deserves to know what she plans on doing. For all Ruth knew, he probably won't even care. She is an irritating child to him, and wished on several occasions for her to go away. Maybe, she shouldn't go see him. Except, something deep within her lonely heart, Ruth wants to know if he cares for her at all.
She turns her watery gaze to the basement door. Ruth remembers him lumbering down there several days ago. She can only assume he stays down there. It seemed logical.
Ruth fluidly stood from which she sat then apprehensively approaches the door. Her fingers lightly brush the panel, then grips the handle. She flings the door open and quickly descends the steps.
Upon landing on the dirty basement floor, Ruth hears an ungodly roar. Her eyes grew the size of saucers, searching for the source. She doesn't see Pennywise around but the reverberating growl within the room.
"Whoa, just what in the hell is that," Ruth says out loud.
She hears the unnatural, animalistic growl again. Ruth searched the room where she then discovers the well. The unnerving sound resonated deeply from within the mouth. Ruth's heart drummed in her chest, frightened by the roar.
"What the hell? Are you making that horrifying sound, Pen?"
Ruth slowly inches herself close to the well. She leans ever so slightly over the gaping maw of the well upon approach. The growl sounds once more. The hairs on her body stood on end, terror webbing deeper. She wants to listen to the voice in her head in ignoring the demonic sound, and run. Except, her gut and heart think differently.
Go to him, they tell her.
From inside the well, Ruth heard the deep painful growl again. Her heart aches terribly at the sound of Pennywise's suffering. Yet his voice frightened Ruth. She breathes heavily, and lips quivered. Ruth heaves a sigh then braves herself to sit on the rim. With another heavy breath, Ruth descends the walls. She is entirely unaware of what awaits her below.
It's dark in here, much too dark.
Ruth traveled down the darkened maze of the sewer. She kept a hand on the wall to feel her way through. As her hand and feet guided her, Ruth can still hear Pennywise's deep painful growl. She doesn't understand why she feels frightened by him now. Well, it is a demonic tone. Ruth likes his goofy, masculine voice and grew familiar with it. Yes, Pennywise imitates sounds from the characters he transforms into, but to hear something unnatural from him is terrifying.
She heaves a sigh as Ruth slowly follows the sewer pipe. Ruth wished she knew where to go. Of course, she could always go by the sounds he's making. It would make sense, right? However, Pennywise's growls seem to echo. It is hard to pinpoint the source.
Ruth stumbled, cursing under her breath. "Argh, damnit. Which way?"
Ruth stops. Her hand leaves the wall to search. She feels nothing but air on her right, an opening. Ruth eases herself forward and steps down from a two-foot drop. She traveled for a bit, following the beastly growls that are getting closer. Ruth breathes deeply, growing even more nervous now. She can see a decent amount of light ahead, but it's gray like a rainstorm. Ruth eyes the opening, frowning.
"Okay," Ruth starts, breathing deeply.
Ruth slowly approaches, recalling everything that led up to this point. The attack from earlier remained to haunt her, especially the pain which lingered still. Not like she wants to think about it. It's about the only thing Ruth can remember right now. She tried to reminisce the "good times" with Pennywise, but his ungodly groans reminded Ruth he is a creature. Ruth's fear for him is becoming exposed. The painful throb of her head and a sharp ache continues to be a factor.
She approached the opening, discovering the heart of the sewers. Her eyes slowly adjust to the new source of light, which Ruth is glad. The light source is coming from above, it seems. As she entered the sewers' atrium, Ruth is taken aback at the enormous size and clutter of trash.
Well, it's called a sewer for a reason, Ruth thought.
Exploring further, her eyes land on a closed stage wagon. Plastered on the side in carnival-style lettering is "Pennywise the Dancing Clown." Ruth gawks, fascinated at the thought of him performing.
I guess he really does dance. I wonder if Pen knows any disco. Oh, now that will be a fun sight to see, Ruth thought to herself.
Shoving the image aside, Ruth continues to investigate the grounds. She saw a lot of clothing, but the sight of children's toys made her heart drop. Ruth then glances upwards. She holds a breath from finding the floating decomposing bodies. She would think seeing death hanging above her head would freak Ruth out. No, the lifeless corpses made something in Ruth to be morbidly fascinated, even envious. Yet, a question is answered. She gulps, frowning deeply. Ruth wants to cry, but she has done that already.
So, Pen, is responsible for the children going missing? I don't understand. Why would he do such a thing? Why would he keep something like this from me?
She hears a frustrated growl, followed by a painful howl. Ruth snaps her gaze off the dead to find Pennywise slowly easing a wrought iron pole from within his jaw.
He grunts and groans, "Curse it! Damn that adolescent bunch. They are going to pay dearly for this." Pennywise growls. His voice is deep and menacing.
Is Ruth frightened by his demonic tone? She is very much afraid. Ruth never heard his voice like this before. Her feet want to turn away and run. Yet, rage overwhelmed her senses. The sight of him gripping a metal rod, which protruded from his jaw and through his eye, angered her. Someone hurt him, and it's one of the Losers. Ruth knows Richie is afraid of clowns and wouldn't drive a pole into Pennywise. So, it has to be someone else. Her best guess is her almost twin Beverly Marsh. She's the only tough girl amongst the group of boys.
Now she is in a conflict of emotions. Should Ruth be afraid of the terrifying creature that is Pennywise or angered at the Losers for hurting him? She could be both. Ruth is starting to grow fearful of him, yet is upset he never told her about the dead above her head. She should confront him about that and not feel scared. He would just feed off of that primal instinct when Ruth knows Pennywise wants to devour her, so to speak.
She ignores the instinct to run. Instead, Ruth moved forward. Ruth deserves to know the truth.
"Who did that to you?" She inquires loudly.
Pennywise stalls, growling.
"STAY AWAY!"
Ruth doesn't stop.
"Let me help," she replies in controlled anger.
"I said, STAY AWAY!" He snarls in her direction, his eyes blazing a furious gold.
"No."
"Come near me, and I'll end your very existence in an instant, Ruthie!" He venomously barks, emphasizing the name Ruth despises with a passion.
Except, she knows he won't. His threat doesn't faze her. Ruth defiantly approached him. She didn't give him enough time to yell at her when she quickly grips the pole. With one hand, Ruth fluidly yanks it out of his twisted jaw with a sickening rip. Pennywise lets out a short cry.
She watches him massage his jaw to relieve some of the pain, then replaces it with a quick snap and crack. Ruth glances down, noticing his exposed green reptilian-like hand. Her eyes widen from the sight. She is a little taken aback but is also quite intrigued. Ruth wonders what kind of creature Pennywise really is. Ruth suddenly felt a desire to examine his hand as her own fingers twitched to touch him. She refrained herself from the possibility of him hurting her.
Whoa. Tread lightly here. Pennywise could hurt me with those Godzilla claws. Although they do look pretty cool, Ruth told herself.
"Irritating child, I'm going to devour you." He growls with teeth showing and glaring intensely at the crown of her head.
His growling voice startled Ruth as she was lost in thought, trying to decipher what he could be.
She boldly looked up at him and stared Pennywise right in the eye. Well, tried to since his face is a little disfigured at the moment. Ruth watched as his features slowly reconstructed in odd fascination. She doesn't offer a comment on his accelerated healing abilities, even though she would like to.
Ruth inwardly shook off her growing fascination towards the creatures. She is still angry with him for not telling her about his nature and the dead children.
"Really? Would I be like the corpses you have floating above our heads?" Ruth questions tightly.
Ruth pauses, catching his furious frown. She missed his clawed hand twitch into a fist and trembled. She smiles crookedly, crosses her arms, and leans slightly forward. This has always been Ruth's way of challenging him on his empty threat.
"If you really did eat those children like Mike and the others said, then kill me." She taunts.
He growls deeply, inching closer to her.
"Do not test me, you nuisance." Pennywise enunciates with an angry snarl.
Ruth regards him with a disappointed frown, his tone terrifying her all over again.
"Why didn't you tell me?" She questioned with hurt evident in her voice and gaze.
Pennywise stares at her, growling lowly. He's angry still at the bunch from earlier and hungry. He can smell the fear radiating from Ruth now. She's afraid of him. Pennywise victoriously grins. He eyes the girl, his clawed fist twitched to rip Ruth apart. The evil clown pauses upon noticing the deep gash at her brow and busted lip. Someone had struck Ruth hard. The thought of someone laying harm onto her sickened him for some reason.
Her question goes unanswered.
Without hesitation, Pennywise reaches for her. Ruth flinches back. He's not surprised by it, honestly. His intentions are not what they seem, though. His non-clawed hand gently rests at her forehead, his thumb lightly brushing her skin. What provoked him to inspect the wound is beyond him. He presses tenderly, causing Ruth to gasp sharply. She grimaced and refused to look him in the eye now. He sees tears cresting and felt Ruth trembling under his touch. Pennywise had thought she is afraid of what he might do to her, but that is far from the reason.
Ruth suddenly drops the pole, letting it clatter to the ground loudly. She is quick to rush out of his reach. Pennywise uncomfortably watches her stoop low at the tower's base and rummages through the piles. She's avoiding him now and has a deep frown. Why?
"I'm going to the quarry," Ruth started, her voice strained and devoid of life.
Pennywise remains silent. He sees the bruises on her arms. His chest constricts, and lips quivered into a furious scowl.
"I'll figure out how to weigh myself down. I'll probably just hold onto a heavy rock," she continues.
His gold eyes scan onto hers. He then noticed the lifelessness in Ruth's earthy jeweled orbs.
"I wanted to see you one last time. I'm regretting it now. At least I would have believed you liked scaring people for the fun of it still and not murder them."
He watched as Ruth's tears streamed down her cheeks now, and lips trembled into a deep, pained grimace. Pennywise smells the male's cologne and alcohol on her. There is another scent that made his innards lurch, blood. His glowing gold eyes zeroed in on the source of her inner thigh. He can hear her scream when Ruth sneaked back into her bedroom. Ruth fought with Jonathan to keep him away but was knocked unconscious from being thrown against the window sash. Pennywise listens as her breath quickens, struggling to keep herself together. She hugs her stomach, choking back a sob with a struggle.
She gulps, breathing deeply. "It hurts still," Ruth whines.
Pennywise didn't have to guess. The scoundrel defiled the poor girl. His jaw sets, his fingers curled tightly into a trembling fist, and eyes glowed even brighter. The male forcing himself on Ruth angered Pennywise immensely. He should track the monster down and slaughter him.
The brute will pay, Pennywise growled to himself.
The unthinkable act broke Ruth.
He watched as she finally broke down crying. Ruth lets out a strangled whine, bending in half to lay against the pile of belongings. Her wails echoed in the atrium, shouting to the dead world around her. If the corpses could feel sympathetic, they would. They would even cry with her. The sight, even the sound of her anguish and despair, only made his anger skyrocket.
Where is the scoundrel? I'll slaughter him! Pennywise fumed.
"Why? Why couldn't you kill me? I wouldn't have gone through that!" Ruth screams.
Pennywise can only stare as guilt befalls and weighed heavily on his shoulders. If he had, Ruth would not have been raped. What happened to her is his fault.
"Please," Ruth pauses, strangling a cry. "Just kill me already! I can't take it anymore! I'm done! Please, kill me! I don't want to live." She begs while sobbing.
He sadly stares at her hunkering form, frowning. The sickening feeling in his stomach turned into a horrible pang, and his chest tightens. Ruth's plea festered in his brain like a disease. Pennywise concluded he does not like the sound of her wailing. He doesn't even care for the sight of a disheartened Ruth. Ending her suffering would be ideal.
He growls unhappily then swiftly moves.
Ruth laid along the ground, crying. She waited for him to devour her like he always promised. It never came. Despite the anguish, her curiosity made Ruth glance in his direction. He wasn't there. She looks around, realizing Pennywise is nowhere to be found. Of course, his sudden disappearance confused her. Yet, Ruth felt a pang in her heart.
He's letting me live still. Why?
The thought of him abandoning her like this brought on a fresh set of tears. She deeply grimaces, violently shaking and convulsing from hard sobs. Ruth made a whine.
He's torturing me_
Her thought is interrupted when a loud clatter of a crash reverberated in the large cavern. Ruth bolts upwards, startled. The last thing she expected to hear was the sound of a needle scratching like a record player. Her head twitches sideways, the tears instantly stopping.
What the hell?
The scratching record player sounds again, drawing Ruth to stand. She slowly skirts the perimeter of Pennywise's Tower towards the stage. The stage wagon door that was initially closed had sprung open.
Within seconds, music blared in the open like a foghorn. Ruth stood bewildered when she recognized the song as Bee Gee's Stayin' Alive.
What is he doing? I don't understand.
For added effect, which Ruth doesn't know how Pennywise managed this, a disco ball drops from the middle of the atrium. She marveled at the white, bright pink, purple, and green spectacle illuminating her fair creamy skin. Ruth's widened eyes sparkle lively, where a faint smile formed on her lips. She glances over her shoulder at the right moment to see a spitting image of John Travolta sliding into view. With his back to her, the Pennywise John Travolta takes the iconic stance from the movie poster. She slapped a hand over her mouth to keep from laughing because this is so unlike him. At the same time, touched.
Pennywise would like to console her, except he doesn't trust himself enough. Fear is still radiating from her body, and he doesn't want to accidentally hurt Ruth. Talking about what transpired could help, but Ruth needs to calm down first. So, why not try and do something completely different? He needs to calm Ruth down and hopefully get her to laugh. If Pennywise gets her to smile, his mission would be even more of a success. She needs this.
Comforting children is not in his nature. Except, Ruth is different. The poor girl lost her way and welcomes death like an old friend. Ruth needs someone to help her fight, which he will be more than happy to provide. She doesn't have anyone to guide her. Hopefully, this grand gesture will turn that frown right side up. With a determined small glance over his shoulder, he winks at her with a grin. Pennywise then breaks out in full disco mode to You Should Be Dancing.
Ruth lowers her hand to unveil trembling lips turning into a bright smile, and tears brimmed her eyes. She felt warmth swell in her heart from the delightful gesture. Ruth watched him dance before turning away to wipe a few tears from her cheeks. Ruth wants to be mad at him, but she can't find it in her heart to hate him. She sees a different side of him that the others don't. Or perhaps, Pennywise reserves this particular behavior only for her.
Unbeknownst to her, Pennywise had approached and offered a hand. When Ruth looked up, her gaze lands on his. He beams brightly and winks in a familiar fashion. She could have sworn Ruth saw that smile once before but couldn't think where.
"Shall we?"
She wanted to frown at the peculiar gesture but put it in the back of her mind. Instead, Ruth grins, then happily took his hand and joined the John Travolta Pennywise on stage. Her previous state dissolves in an instant. Ruth joyfully laughs while dancing with Pennywise the Disco Dancing Clown.
Pennywise learned something new about Ruth today. She loves to dance. During their time together, he witnessed something no one else would, her real smile. It's a smile that brightened the room more than the colorful disco lights. Ruth smiled so brightly it took his breath away. Ruth had a ball dancing with him for hours on end. They even danced to Michael Jackson's Thriller, which Ruth was more than happy to show Pennywise the moves. He had morphed into the singer for an added effect, which Ruth marveled at his ability.
He may have slightly humiliated himself in stooping to this level, but it was well worth it. The evil creature found that laughter gave him a strange and unsustainable high. It can't be just any child's laughter to provide him with this feeling. It must be Ruth's. He would much rather hear her cute giggles then those wails of anguish any day. Ruth has an infectious laugh. Pennywise heard Ruth laugh once before when she flung him as a snake at Twitchy Eddie, but it was for her enjoyment. To draw out a natural, carefree and joyous mirth because of him made Pennywise realize something. Ruth is her happiest when she is with him. He sees Ruth in her purest form when no one else ever will. He gives her a burst of life.
Pennywise knew then he is in trouble. He has grown quite fond of Ruth and does enjoy having her around. He grinds to a halt at this realization with a deep frown adorning his lips. The music halts with a scratch, causing Ruth to stop as well. Pennywise is quick to turn away, reverting to his clown form.
Ugh, damnit, Ruth! Argh, no! Irritating child! Don't say her name! Freckles, her name is Freckles! He yells at himself.
"Why did you stop?" Ruth questions, watching him stalking away and disappear.
Once he vanished, so did the disco ball and lights. They popped out of sight, leaving Ruth in the slate grayness again.
She glances over her shoulder towards what Ruth believes to be the backstage. It looked more like the ghostly bowels, as seen in Poltergeist.
"Pen?" She called, inching herself closer to the abnormality.
"You will not return there," his voice cuts through a disturbing silence she didn't know was there.
Ruth glances upwards, finding Pennywise sitting on the pile five feet above her.
"Return where?"
Within a blink, Pennywise jumped down and stood inches from her. He stares her down from the length of his nose, and eyes burned gold. Ruth's chest tightens but doesn't back away this time. He inwardly scuffs at her bravery yet admires it. It's not very often Pennywise meets children like her. Their courage usually makes them foolish. Except, Ruth is no fool. She is an intelligent young lady, something he also appreciates.
"You know where. Going back to what is supposed to be your home will be the death of you."
Ruth stared back at him in understanding because she knew going back is not an option. It will only get worse for her. Staying here at Neibolt will guarantee her safety. Except Ruth knew she couldn't stay here for long periods. Jonathan and Jordan will figure out she's hiding from them. Would they come looking for her? Possibly, but Ruth doesn't know that for sure. For all she knew, they may want her to disappear.
If she doesn't go back, they will think she went missing like the others. Neither Jonathan nor Jordan will put any effort into looking for her anyway. They never wanted her, Jordan said so herself. Maybe, remaining here is for the best. The Neibolt House is her safe place, after all, which Pennywise willingly provided. She trusts Pennywise to protect her from harm.
"You know, I won't go back there," Ruth replies with conviction.
"No, promise me. Promise me you won't go back there."
He wants to say her name. It's on the tip of his tongue. However, Pennywise won't say Ruth's name. It's a sign of attachment. Despite him realizing he enjoys having Ruth around and is fond of her, Pennywise must not get attached. He must deny these growing affections for her.
Pennywise is nothing like Maturin. He's not loving, gentle, or kind, let alone compassionate. Pennywise, or Dead Lights, is the Eater of Worlds. He eats children, for crying out loud! The creature should have eaten Ruth by now. He can't do that because why? The girl lost her way and welcomes death with arms wide open. Ruth wants to die. So, why is he showing kindness, let alone protecting Ruth?
He scowled at her, whereas Ruth regarded him softly with a frown.
After a moment, she locks her gaze on his and answers, "I promise."
He doesn't say anything, only nods in approval. Pennywise turns away to get some rest.
Ruth watched him leave while searching his back.
"Dead Lights," Ruth lightly calls.
He halts. Ruth doesn't refer to him by that name. He glances over his shoulder at her, discovering Ruth shuffling in her spot. She's not looking at him, only her feet. It took her a moment, but Ruth regarded him. Her eyes locked on his, shyly smirking. Ruth even has a dusting of pink on her cheeks.
"Thank you."
Pennywise stares, unsure if he should say anything. He's never been thanked for anything before. For some odd reason, those two simple words made his chest swell. It's a feeling Pennywise can't quite explain. He felt proud. The evil being managed to turn Ruth's frown right side up. Pennywise cheered her up, and he's glad about it? What the hell is this child doing to him?
He shakes his head, growling.
"Irritating child," Pennywise grumbles under his breath, retreating.
Ruth watched him leave, searching his back still. She's beginning to understand his mannerisms and behavior around her. Pennywise has been referring to Ruth as such since they met and rarely refers to her as Freckles. He has never called Ruth by her name. Ruth wonders if him not referring to her by name is a sign of attachment. Pennywise has yet to tell her the reason for keeping Ruth alive. Ruth is starting to believe Pennywise is taking a shine to her, maybe. Who knows with him. For all she knew, Pennywise could be buttering her up. She'll have to wait and see.
She wants to question him further about her discovery. He does have a lot of explaining to do. Ruth is not angry at him, at least not yet. She is more so disappointed right now. Once Pennywise clarifies everything, maybe then Ruth will understand. For now, Ruth will let him rest. He needs it anyway. She might follow suit. The events from earlier and now dancing with Pennywise made Ruth tired.
Ruth does smile fondly from them dancing and having a gay ole time. She especially enjoyed boogieing it up to You Should Be Dancing, along with Boogie Shoes. Pennywise had some smooth moves. It was fun stepping back and just watch him go like Michael Jackson and John Travolta combined. Everything about it was enjoyable. Plus, it distracted Ruth from what Jonathan did to her.
She turns on her heels to leave the sewer, smiling still. Ruth prefers the couch then the sewer ground. Plus, it will give Pennywise his space. Her eyes land on a toy Ruth remembered seeing in a history book of toys when she turned. She gasped excitedly and drops to her knees.
"Clarabelle!"
Pennywise watched her from afar once he saw the excited gleam in her eye from the clown doll. The smile that followed brightened her face even more. The young girl's elation heightened when Ruth found another, she called Bozo. Pennywise would have never thought clowns would put a smile on her face. Her infatuation for them may be why Ruth wasn't afraid of him at first.
He scuffs then turns on his left side to rest. He stares into the darkness of the sewers for a moment when it suddenly became unappealing and lacked life. With a gentle sigh, Pennywise peers over his shoulder at Ruth, who is exploring the grounds. Wanting a better view, he switched sides. He stares out into the atrium to watch the charming girl scavenge through the belongings with her bright, infectious smile etched on her features. He sees her squeal happily upon finding a Teddy Ruxpin and hugged it close. His lips curve into a faint smile from the sight of her happiness.
At least she is smiling now, was Pennywise's last thought.
After ten minutes of looking around, Ruth's excitement wore off and grew tired. She stared at the toys she had found with eyes drooping and pouting a frown. Ruth sighs then gazed around the large atrium for someplace to lay down for a bit. She has no strength in traveling the sewers now. Eventually, her eyes landed on a sleeping Pennywise, who slept on his right side. Ruth's brows furrow when she distinctively remembered him facing away from the opening.
Maybe he wanted a different view, Ruth rationalized to herself.
She curiously watched him from afar, noting some things Ruth never noticed before. He may appear an adult who acts like a child at times due to his tantrums, is actually kind of cute. Despite his relaxed features, Pennywise has this mysterious, boyish charm about him underneath the white. Ruth wonders if the red lines going from his eyes to the corners of his mouth are painted on or are actual markings. She is even curious about Pennywise's Bozo-like wiry hair if it is soft or not. Ruth can defiantly see he has a muscular and toned physique underneath that silver clown suit despite being lanky. The muscles in his biceps and thighs seemed to flex as he slowly breathed, egging her further to look.
Not that Ruth should be checking him out when his clown form is just one of his preferred personas. However, she honestly couldn't help herself but stare at his masculine frame. Of course, Ruth is not studying him in a lewd or perverted fashion, unlike some men and women do. She is genuinely curious and fascinated by him, along with what he could really be underneath all those layers. There is also the passing thought of what Ruth would look for in her male partner when she is a mature adult. Ruth wants a guy that is the opposite of what Jonathan is, so she won't be reminded of him. She thought back to the handsome stalker Ruth got to meet at the fair. Ruth remembers the sultry look in his eyes when he glanced her way and smiled. His features were masculine, yet slightly boyish: no facial hair around his mouth or face, perfectly thick lips, and a defined jaw. He had this bad boy vibe, but from what Ruth could tell just from the grin he flashed at her, the hunk treats girls right and will love her with all his might. She might be thirteen, but those are the types of guys Ruth is attracted to. The guy speaking Swedish is an absolute bonus. Ruth would like to put her Svenska speaking into practice with him even though he is a little older than her.
Maybe one day I will, she thought.
Ruth puts her dream man in the back of her mind to inspect Pennywise up close. She wants to touch him but feared she will get caught. Although she is an irritating yet brave child.
With a silent huff and putting the fear behind her, Ruth cautiously approached his sleeping form.
Oh, god, what am I doing? I shouldn't be doing this, Ruth tells herself.
She ignores her own advice.
Once Ruth got to Pennywise's side, she carefully inched herself close to his serene face. She hesitantly drew a hand over to barely trace the line from his eye to the corner of his red lips. Now that she is near, Ruth realized the crimson markings are a part of him, along with the pale white color of his skin. Her hand hovers over his mouth to feel his breath against her palm to make sure Pennywise is still asleep. When she knew he won't stir, Ruth reached for his hair only to stop. If she were to run her fingers through his wild orange hair, Pennywise would surely wake. Ruth opts not to touch him despite the sudden desire to do so. Instead, Ruth decides to direct her attention to his gloved hands. Curiosity overwhelmed her from remembering Pennywise's reptilian and Godzilla-like claws. With a quick glance for possible waking, Ruth ventured to take his hand. Again, Ruth stops herself when a thought crossed her mind. She wouldn't want to be touched while trying to sleep if someone drew a wrought iron fence post through her jaw.
Ruth sighs gently because she knew what would happen if he were to wake from her touch. She will get yelled at and probably told to leave him be, which Ruth really doesn't need right now. Ruth doesn't want to be alone. She will live up to his supposed wishes and brush off her desire to touch him. Instead, Ruth decides to rest here with her arms providing a shield from the cold metal pipe for her head. Ruth settled herself as comfortable as she could on the ground with her head resting on her arms and stared at Pennywise's sleeping form. A ghost of a smirk crosses her lips while she soundlessly watched him. Ruth finds just being near Pennywise is oddly calming; even the serenity in his features eased the raging storm within her soul.
What are you doing to me, Penny? She questions herself.
After a few minutes of staring, Ruth's eyes slowly fluttered closed, succumbing to sleep.
A moment after Ruth fell asleep, Pennywise reached over and lightly places a hand on Ruth's head. His gloved fingers gently brush and play with the soft ringlets of her hair. A fond smile crossed his lips while Pennywise mindlessly petted Ruth's hair, whispering under his breath.
"You're safe now."
When both woke from their slumber an hour later, Pennywise told Ruth everything she needed to know. He didn't want to but knew Ruth deserved an explanation. Pennywise talked about his nature, including killing Georgie, which Ruth wasn't too happy about. He even went on to tell her about Patrick, but she didn't particularly care. Ruth never liked the tall dingus, to begin with. Pennywise chuckled at, of course. He apologized for not wanting to say anything and openly admitted being afraid of what she would think of him and left. Pennywise confessed he grown accustomed to their interactions and wanted Ruth around. She helped eased his monotonous life of solitude.
After everything he told her, Ruth surprised him with her own confession. Ruth likes their interactions as well and reassured Pennywise she would not leave him over this. While she was upset about him killing Georgie, Ruth understood his need to feed and live up to her promise by staying at Neibolt. It is her designated safe place, and wouldn't want to go anywhere else, even though there is another option.
Ruth told him about Stanley and that he had a place for her to go if she was in trouble. She assumed he knows something about her situation and is helping in his own way. Ruth wants to trust Stanley but is finding it hard to do. She once trusted Mike and doesn't want a repeat. Pennywise understood Ruth's doubts but reassured her that Stanley is probably a better choice to trust. He never did like Mike anyway.
Once that long-winded discussion was finished, Ruth and Pennywise discussed arrangements for her since she will be staying here at Neibolt permanently. It's the longest they've talked as their usual conversations are minimal, but it helped build the communication between them. It's something they need to have if they want to establish a firm friendship.
They are close to having one, too.
In the next week, something will change the paradigm of their relationship.
The only question is, in what way will it affect the odd duo?