A/N: Hello, everyone! I hope you are all having a great week so far. With the adults are out of the picture now, there are still some challenges ahead. We will get into the history of the form Pennywise took in upcoming chapters. Little bits will be revealed here.

I have also hit the half-way mark of finishing the story up. I got six chapters to go, maybe seven. Ch. 16 is pretty much done, I just need to add one more thing along with a couple of adjustments.

Just a few more quick notes before reading on. There are some elements from the book being mentioned like a certain someone. There is even a smidge from the second film. The second half will mostly be in Pennywise POV. So there will be some OOC ahead and fluff towards the end of the chapter.

Anyway, thanks for bearing with me. Enjoy the read, and thank you all for the reviews, favorites, and follows! I greatly appreciate them.

The plan is to return with a game plan in mind. Henry, Belch, and Victor will storm the threshold with the intent of brutally beating Jonathan senseless. Victor and Belch would do that deed. Meanwhile, Ruth would fight her mother, alongside Henry. It made sense that he should help her. If he hadn't taken this long to notice her scars, Henry would have helped Ruth by now. Alas, his obliviousness might cost Ruth's life. If they get there in time, that is.

They waited near Neibolt to devise a plan for seven minutes. Belch and Victor kept insisting they should just go and save her. Except, Henry needed to think things through properly. He explained to them about this voice in his head. As they put it, it's his conscious. Is it, though?

The rode silently back to Ruth's home, unsure of what to expect. Henry sat in the front like always, staring ahead. He sighs heavily. All these years, Henry never knew Ruth was going through a similar situation like him. She said so herself, "We're a lot alike." He didn't understand it then, but now he does.

"I should have never taken her home," Henry says, disturbing the silence.

Belch glances over at him with a scowl. "Victor and I told you we shouldn't. I even took my fucking time to get there, hoping that you would change your mind."

"I understand that now! Fuck! Sorry, it took me so damn long to realize the situation Ruth was in. Once I recognized the fear she had, I tried to do something about it."

"And we were ready to fucking back you up, Henry! Except, you decided to back off and leave Ruth with them."

"I know, fuck! I made a mess of things by leaving, I know."

Belch breathes heavily, fury still coursing through him. He has to be level with him as shouting will do no good for them.

"She's going to hate you, even more, you know."

"I know, Belch. All that matters now is that we're rescuing Ruth. She needs our help."

Victor remained quiet as Belch, and Henry discussed. He has this odd expression on his face as if contemplating something. After a short moment, Henry and Belch's features morphed into utter disgust.

"Argh, what in the hell is that smell?" Henry questions, eyes watering.

"I don't know, but holy shit, that's ripe!"

Henry waves his face, "Phew! Fucking shit, dude! Lay off the damn bean burritos!"

"I didn't eat any, man! Ugh, it even has some hang time!" Belch screams, sticking his head out the window for air.

Victor remained silent, inwardly grinning.

"What the fuck? Vic, did you shit yourself?"

He contorts his features, frowning. "No!"

"Bullshit!"

"I swear I didn't let go!"

"Well, someone did!"

"He who smelt it, dealt it," Victor retorts, hiding his smirk still.

Belch crosses his eyes, groaning. "I don't care who shat themselves, they need to go get themselves checked because damn!"

Henry and Belch continue to cuss at the horrible stench while Victor remained to stay innocent.

It took them ten minutes to get there. They have been gone for half an hour now. When they finally arrived, the house sat eerily quiet. Neither of them liked it. Henry was the first to jump out of the car and rushed down the drive to the door.

"Henry!" Belch whispers harshly.

Henry frantically pounds on the door.

"Ruth!"

He waited a moment, looking into the nearby window. When he didn't see or hear anything, Henry panics. His eyes are wild now, fearing the worse.

Shit! Are we too late?

He pounds laboriously and frantically.

"Ruth!" He calls, dread weighing on his shoulders now.

Fuck! Shit, no! We were too late!

Desperate, Henry reached for the doorknob to enter the home. He stops when the sound of light footsteps approaching filled his ears. He holds a breath, anxious.

Let it be, Ruth. Please, let it be Ruth.

Henry waited an antagonizing minute before the door timidly opens. He cranes his neck to peer around the edge. That breath he held, audibly leaves his lungs. Henry even sags in relief.

Oh, thank god!

Ruth stood before him, bruised and a mess. Her eyes are red and puffy from crying, her cheeks pink. Henry noticed the small lacerations from tiny shards of glass and a gash at her left brow. Her swollen busted bottom lip hung slightly, stunned that Henry came back.

"Hen, Henry?" Ruth started, shocked.

"Hey," it was the only thing he could say right now.

Henry watches her for a minute, studying her rigid body language. He can tell something happened. Henry can only assume the parents are either unconscious or dead. Henry hopes unconscious, so he can wail on them.

"You, you came back."

"We did," Henry replies, glancing over his shoulder at Belch and Victor.

Once Belch saw Ruth, he rushed over, "Ruth!"

He quickly takes her into his arms, hugging her tightly, which made Ruth cry out. The bruises on her arms stung, and the stab wounds on her right leg are still numb with pain.

"Oh, god shit, I'm so sorry, are you okay?" Belch inquired, stepping back while cupping her shoulders.

He glances down at her, finding her right leg bandaged. "What the fuck happened to you?"

"Jordan, that's what!" Ruth snarls, pushing Belch.

"She, she did that to you?" Belch stuttered, horrified.

Henry started forwards into the house, only shoved away.

"No, you stay the fuck out!"

"We're here to rescue you, Ruth."

Ruth connects a right hook to his jaw, staggering backward with a groan.

"Argh! What the fuck? I think you knocked some teeth out!"

"I don't give a fucking shit if I did, Henry Bowers!"

"Ruth, calm down," Belch replies gently.

"Don't you tell me to calm down! You should have been here twenty minutes ago!"

"Ruth," Victor approaches carefully.

"You stay the fuck away, too! If it weren't for you three, I wouldn't have gone through the hell I went through. I asked for your help, and you fucking ignored me!" Ruth screams, pointing at them.

"It's my fault, Ruth, not theirs. I made them leave," Henry defended.

"And they had the choice to listen to you, Bowers!" Ruth snaps angrily. "Just, just, what was going through that mullet of yours where you had to leave me, huh?"

All three of them stood there, guiltily. Ruth stared at them appalled.

"Seriously? You can't even answer that!"

"This voice in my head told me to leave," Henry admits finally.

Ruth's features contort into pure rage. "Your conscious told you to leave?"

He frowns, gulping with a nod. I don't think it was, though.

"Wow, because of your shitty conscious, I almost died today!"

Henry, along with Belch and Victor's stomachs, plummet. They stared at her, horrified. The three boys look away from her, guilt overwhelming their eyes.

Henry opens his mouth, only to close.

Belch is the one to disturb the silence that fell upon them. "I am so sorry, Ruth. I should have stuck to my gun and helped you. This should've never happened."

Ruth glared at him angrily.

"It was stupid of me, I know. I regret leaving you here. Can you forgive me?"

Ruth frowns deeply, furious tears falling. "I don't know if I can accept your apology or forgive you for that matter. I trusted you, Belch."

"Ruth," he pleads.

"No! No," Ruth shakily replies while pointing at them. Her tears streaming. "I want the three of you to get off this porch."

Henry, at that point, grew furious. He came to help her, and she's rewarding them with hostility.

"You're a bitch," Henry growls.

"And you're a psychotic asshole," Ruth returns viciously.

"Yeah? Well, this psychotic asshole didn't want to charge at Jordan when there was a risk of you getting hurt in the process, princess."

"How? How would I have gotten hurt?"

"Uh, hello! Big and tall dingleberry Jonathan snatched you! He could have done something to hurt you, Ruth."

Ruth rolls her eyes, "He already done that something, Henry," she replies matter-of-factly.

Henry seethes while Belch and Victor seemed glum. "Where is that mother fucking prick?"

"It doesn't matter now. The swine got what he deserved," Ruth informs with a sneer.

Neither of the boys was going to comment on that. They know what it means.

"Look, I'm sorry that I fucked up so bad, Ruth. I had my own fears, too, you know. I had to worry about my ass getting handed to me by my old man if I didn't do what I was told."

"Oh, for the love of God, you are free to make your own choices, Henry. If you wanted to run, you do just that. I've been running and hiding since I learned to walk! Now that I finally found my haven, I was brought back here against my will."

They stared briefly at her, ashamed at themselves.

"We all had a choice. We could have gone on the run together, but you had to fuck it up."

He opened his mouth to argue only to close. Ruth was right. They could have run away and been a small family of friends. Henry, along with Belch and Victor, would protect Ruth from people like Jordan and Jonathan. Except, that dream was squashed. Henry ultimately made a choice on what was best for himself, which evidently shaped Ruth's new outlook on life now.

Henry sighs heavily, leaning against the doorframe.

"I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am for the decision I made, Ruth. I should have listened to you. What's worse, it had to be on your birthday."

Ruth can only stare at him, furious still yet wounded. He watched her gulp and look away.

"I'm sorry, too, Ruth. You should not have been left alone with them. My promise to you almost got you killed," Belch chimes apologetically.

Henry snapped his gaze on Belch, "What promise?"

Belch sighs heavily, "With Jordan and Jonathan supposedly dead now, they were abusing Ruth, Henry. She asked me not to tell you or anyone else."

"What the fuck, man? Your secret almost killed Ruth, damnit!"

"I gave her my word I would never tell. I promised myself I would protect you at all costs, except I failed to do that. It's my fault, Ruth I got you in this mess."

"It's not just you, Belch. It's all of us. We should have stood up to the whore and dingleberry," Victor chimes in.

He glances over at Ruth, scanning her exhausted, beaten form. "I'm sorry, Ruth. I should have done more to help you. I saw how scared you were before we brought you back. I was gutless."

Ruth sighs, her tears remained to fall still. "You're still on my porch."

They lightly grin, her response was half-hearted. "You do know you can't stay here, right?"

"I know," she mumbles. "I need to go. I can't stay here much longer."

They nod, understanding.

"We won't keep you then. Take care of yourself, Ruth. If anyone asks questions, we won't tell them anything or that we've seen you."

Ruth blinks, "Why?"

Henry lightly smiles. "It's the least I can do to keep you safe. Go to the Neibolt House. No one will look there for you."

"Henry," Ruth starts, but he talks over her.

"We have to protect you, Ruth. We fucked up, and we want to make up for it by hiding you."

Belch lightly smirks, "It's either that or find that friend of yours you spoke about for help."

Ruth blinks quickly, nodding. "Right. You best leave before someone catches you here."

"Yeah. Take care of yourself," Henry starts to leave but turns back. "Oh, and um, Happy Birthday, Ruth."

She stares at him, attempting to smile. "Thank you," Ruth replies lightly.

He watched her turn to the door and lean against the frame for stability. She doesn't look so good. Ruth is drained both physically and mentally. Henry doesn't have to ask what happened inside the house because he already knows. Jordan and Jonathan are dead. He can only assume she did the deed to survive. It could be possible this friend of hers might have played a part in murdering the adults.

"Ruth," Henry calls.

Ruth glances at him, frowning. Henry saw it then, the sparkle of life she once had is gone. Remorse weighed heavily on his shoulders now.

I should have never left, he thought to himself.

"How can I make it up to you?"

She studies him, her frown deepening. "You really can't."

His heart plummets, and fingers curl into a fist.

"However, if you really want to make things better between whatever we have left, which there really isn't much, you best keep your word in wanting to hide me."

Henry steadily breathes, locking his gaze on hers. "You have my word, Ruth," he replies with conviction.

Ruth looked she didn't believe him but nonetheless accepted it. "You better not be lying to me, Henry Bowers. Now leave."

He is quick to turn, leaving Belch and Victor at Ruth's doorstep. The three watch him return to the car and hide in the back where Henry silently cried.

Belch sighs heavily, regarding Ruth with a sad frown.

"Trust me when I say this, I am so deeply sorry for not being here for you. Maybe then you wouldn't have gone through what had happened. I won't say anything either. And," Belch pauses to pull something out from behind.

He hands off a lavender, foiled wrapped gift. Ruth stares at it in confusion for a second before taking it from him.

"What is this?" She questions, examining the object.

"It's a birthday gift."

Her brows scrunch as she slid a finger under the folds. Once it was fully unwrapped, Ruth snaps her gaze on him, genuinely surprised.

"You kept it?"

"When you dropped it several weeks ago, I held onto it. I could have given it back to you, but it caught my eye. If you don't mind me doing so, but I read it. It's pretty damn good."

Ruth eyed the cover to Clive Barker's The Hellbound Heart, dumbfounded.

"I even kept the bookmark where you had it. I didn't want you to lose your place."

She looks back up at him, her mouth hanging open. "Thank you."

He inwardly grins. "You're welcome, Ruth, and Happy Birthday. I promise I won't disappoint you again. And um, there is a little small something inside where you left off. Take care now."

Ruth finally managed to smirk. "I will thank you."

Belch then turns, grinning madly as he lightly skipped back to the Trans-Am.

The only person that remained was Victor. He regards Ruth with a slight curve of his lips, watching her guiltily still.

"I know we're not close or buddies, but I am sorry for what happened. You didn't deserve any of it. I don't have a birthday gift, but I did let one go in the car and gassed out Mullet Brain for you," he replies with a wink.

Ruth lightly smirks, despite wrinkling her nose. "You need to lay off the chili dogs and hot peppers, Larry."

Vic chuckles, getting the inside joke between them. "Will do. Happy Birthday, Sweet Cheeks."

"Ugh, will you please stop referring to me by that?"

"Nope, I actually like it. See you around, Sweet Cheeks."

He, too, leaves, except unlike Belch and Henry, Victor looks back. Ruth remained to watch him, but so did someone else. Victor saw the golden eyes staring at him from within the darkness of her now unsafe home. He wants to feel nervous for Ruth, but something within his gut and heart that she is in good hands now. Whoever is watching them has no ill intent on harming Ruth. However, they are infuriated at him, along with Henry and Belch, for what they did.

From the porch, Ruth watched the three silently drive away. She noticed the glum expressions, but Ruth also saw Victor slightly horrified. Ruth glances over her shoulder at Pennywise, who stood behind her watching. She doesn't say anything, and neither did he.

Pennywise steps backward as Ruth unsteadily returned inside the darkened house, exhausted. She raggedly breathes and pressed her back against the door to rest. Ruth lets out a long, steady exhale from her lips then collapses onto the floor. She grunts and cries out from the impact, but it seemed Ruth doesn't care. Ruth sat there, pondering with a finger tapping on the floor.

She stares ahead into the darkness of her home, pursing her lips. Ruth glances at Pennywise, catching his eyes flicker with anger. It's understandable, though. He overheard the conversation and learned Henry brought her here. Ruth told him he did, but to actually hear him say it enraged the clown. She sighs heavily, thinking still.

"I still hate them, you know," Ruth replies softly.

He remained to stare, his teeth beginning to show from a hungry snarl.

"Even after eating the swine, you're still hungry, aren't you?"

His lips pull back further, grinning wide at Ruth's sudden tolerance of his barbaric nature.

"You can go back out," she began, fighting a yawn. "If you take me home first."

Ruth watches as Pennywise slowly stoops low to come eye level.

"How generous of you," he grins and offers a hand.

She returns the favor with a cock of a brow. "I've learned the hard way it's a kill or be killed world, Pen. For you, though, it's either eat to survive or grow weak and starve."

He helps Ruth up, hoisting her off the floor as gently he could. "I won't starve, per se."

Ruth cries, seething as he accidentally jostled her injured leg. He grimaces as she clung tightly to his neck and shoulders, waiting for the pain to subside.

"Sorry," he whispers.

With a groan, Ruth settles herself in Pennywise's arms.

"I'm fine, thanks. Will you grow weak?" Ruth inquires gently, snuggling closer with a smirk.

"Not even that," he counters with a roll of his eyes.

"Alright, what happens if you don't eat?"

Pennywise groans, slightly agitated. "It's nothing for you to be concerned about."

"I'll just keep asking."

He scowls, rolling his eyes still, "I know, you irritating child."

Ruth hums lightly, "Do you have the bag?"

Pennywise groans, the duffle bag weighed heavily over his shoulders. He's just glad it's not a girly shade of pink or purple with obnoxious buttons and charms of unicorns and rainbows. No, that is not Ruth by any means. The bag is black with white trim and a matte gray spider insignia. It's awfully masculine for a girl, in his opinion, but Pennywise won't complain. It has all the necessities Ruth needs, including some notebooks.

She's leaving behind a few journals for when the police come to investigate. Pennywise asked Ruth earlier if she wanted him to bring the bodies into the sewers. Ruth quickly answered with a resounding no. She didn't want to be reminded of the sorry excuse of humans they were. Besides, Ruth wants them to be discovered. It will unveil the truth about them and in hopes of reopening a cold case of her father's disappearance slash murder.

Ruth wants to know the truth, but in her current state, she can't take any more hard hits. Pennywise knows a few small details from the form he shifted into, which he will discuss with Ruth when she's able. He even told her about it. Honesty is the best policy, right? She'll ask him for the details when Ruth is ready.

He sighs heavily, "Check."

"What about the medical kit?"

"It's inside the Mount Everest of a bag you have."

"You sure?"

He growls, "Do you want to check it yourself?"

"Nope, because I put it there," she grins.

"Irritating child in tow, check. Why I let you live is beyond me," Pennywise groans, leaving Ruth's now forgotten home.

Ruth grins, "It's because you like me, Penny Pen."

She doesn't see this, but Pennywise scowls half-heartedly, mumbling "That I do."

Pennywise hears Ruth sigh lightly, comfortably snug against him. They traveled unseen and on foot to the Neibolt House. With a quick glance down, he finds her resting with a small smile on her lips. A corner of his lip quarks upwards in a half-smirk from the sight of her.

You irritating, fearless, tenacious child

By the time Pennywise returned home, Ruth was sound asleep. He didn't mind it, though. Ruth needs the rest to regain her strength. She had gone through hell anyway. Pennywise wished he were there a lot sooner to prevent the adults from attacking. Hell, he should have been at the Neibolt House to save Ruth from the imbeciles. Pennywise would certainly like to find those three and give them a real good fright. They deserve it anyway. Unfortunately, he must leave the boys alone. They want to make up for their mistakes.

Good for them, I guess, he thought.

He wonders now if all of the events that led up to this point are for a reason. Maybe, someone is designing Ruth's fate without his knowledge. Pennywise did hear that Bowers listened to some voice in his head. Ruth believes it's the boy's conscious. His gut is telling him it's not. Pennywise has a strange feeling the turtle is involved somehow and wants to investigate to be sure. Except, he doesn't want to leave Ruth for an extended period. It will have to wait another time when Ruth is better. Besides, he needs to search for something better tasting. The slaughtered body that was Jonathan left a horrible taste in his mouth.

Ascending the steps, Pennywise glances down at Ruth. She's still very much asleep and lightly snoring. He attempts to smile only to frown. Her silence coming here provided Pennywise a chance to ponder. The form he took on this evening to save Ruth had memories still after this long. Pennywise was able to see and feel the emotions Ruth's father felt as he laid dying. Rutherford Greyson was his name. People called him "Rutty" at times and was a famous local artist who loved his newborn daughter. The man would have done just about anything to ensure Ruth's safety. Pennywise uncharacteristically decided to fulfill the father's wish. Why he would is beyond his comprehension. Maybe there is more to him than what meets the eye.

His actions certainly don't help his case. The creature has killed thousands if not more people. The natives from when they discovered him were no exception. They tried to end his existence. He resisted their efforts by slaughtering them to stay alive. Pennywise understands how Ruth sees her world now. Ruth said so earlier, "It's a kill or be killed world." Pennywise will need to prepare himself for a different version of herself. It may be for the better, or it could be for the worse. He would have to wait and see.

He enters one of the rooms on the second floor and eyes the mattress Pennywise recently snatched. Pennywise saw some grown-ups tossing it when it looked brand new. Ruth could use it for when she returned after her time away. It just shows how much Pennywise has grown to care for Ruth. It was about time for an upgrade anyway. Plus, the bedroom has a decent view of the world. She will be able to see the sky and trees, even the road for possible intruders.

While Ruth was away, Pennywise tried lying on the couch. It was uncomfortable, at least for his lanky form. He struggled to find a satisfying position. Eventually, Pennywise ended up on the floor within moments of finally settling. Ruth would have laughed if she were around. He wouldn't have cared if she did because Pennywise likes her laugh.

Pennywise sighs heavily, slowly easing himself down. He intended to set Ruth on the plush mattress, except she clings to him still. She sighs lightly in her sleep, incoherently mumbling. Pennywise groans while prying her hands off him and keeping his balance.

Jeez, she's a freaking barnacle! Get off, damnit!

When he finally pried Ruth off his neck and settled her on the mattress, Pennywise stood. He tosses the bag to the side with a loud thud, which surprisingly didn't stir Ruth. It popped open from landing roughly, revealing some of the contents. His eyes fall on the book, which still had the wrapping covering it. He stared for a long moment, beginning to smirk. Pennywise glances at Ruth, an idea sprung in his mind.

The night is still young, he thought.

Pennywise knew he couldn't be gone for too long. While he needed a child to feast on to be rid of the taste from Jonathan, it would take time to find the ideal candidate. Besides, he didn't want Ruth to wake alone, especially in a room she doesn't recognize. Ruth hasn't fully explored Neibolt yet. She will become familiar with the layout on the second floor pretty soon. Eventually, Pennywise will bring the couch up there and near one of the windows. It will be her reading nook. The place should feel like home for her and not some weathered, deteriorating shamble of a house. Pennywise knows Ruth can't return home.

Ruth won't go to Mike's place. She made it abundantly clear that Ruth doesn't trust him anymore after he confronted Jordan and Jonathan. Pennywise understands completely. Although he did point out that Mike went there with the best of intentions. The boy was worried about her and needed to know if she was safe. Both Mike and Stan were concerned. Why Pennywise was defending the two boys? He hasn't a clue. Pennywise found himself unable to lie or be deceitful towards Ruth. Her being fearless towards him not only rendered him powerless but also altered his mindset and personality.

He's supposed to scorn mankind and be unsusceptible to the human heart. Yet, Deadlights, the Eater of Worlds, displays affection towards one human child. A girl who doesn't know what love is as Ruth never felt such emotion from anyone. She may know. Except, how do you love when you've never felt such a thing? Because of Ruth, Pennywise is beginning to understand the principle of love and kindness.

Pennywise growls lightly as he slowly ascended the stairs again.

Ruth, you genuinely are an irritating child.

At the steps, he listened for any sign of movement from Ruth. She's still asleep, the light snores are a good indication. Pennywise grins wide.

Perfect!

He is quick to enter the room and place a couple of things near the left side of the mattress. Part of him wants to wake Ruth from her slumber, but Pennywise needs to be patient. He is excited to present a special something for her. Pennywise moves away from Ruth and situates himself a couple of feet in a crouched position. He watches her sleep silently while thinking back to the unexpected visit from Maturin.

Pennywise was out searching for a gift when the prodigious loggerhead showed up. He couldn't see the space turtle, but Pennywise could hear him. Maturin kept insisting Pennywise's relationship with Ruth won't last. He took great offense to the skepticism Maturin had. Yes, Pennywise reacted like any other person would when someone won't accept or support their bond. He wanted to pummel the galaxy vomiting reptile the best he could. Alas, Maturin was unseen to his eye. Pennywise wants to prove Maturin wrong. The truth is, Pennywise wants his friendship with Ruth to last. Not for himself, but for her. Ruth deserves so much.

He understands Ruth never experienced true happiness as it was always short-lived. Pennywise made a silent promise to Ruth tonight. He will wait out his hibernation at least a year or so and not sooner than expected. Pennywise wants to prove the turtle wrong. He cares too much for Ruth to disappoint her so soon. She needs him like he does her.

With a heavy sigh, Pennywise tore his eyes off her to glance out the window. It's nearing nine-thirty, only two and a half hours left until midnight. That's plenty of time for Ruth to wake. Although Pennywise hopes sooner. Thankfully, it didn't take too long. Five minutes later, Ruth stirred from her sleep. She sighs and fluidly stretched herself. He silently crawled back to her side, patiently waiting for Ruth to see the two-small gifts. Pennywise has a third, but he wants to wait a couple more minutes.

He sees Ruth catch sight of the little gifts, gasping sharply. Ruth reached for one when she noticed him staring. They stare at one another briefly, before she spoke.

"Did you get these for me?" Ruth questioned in awe.

"I did," he answers, grinning wildly.

Ruth cocks her head sideways but smirked.

"What did you steal from the unsuspecting child?"

Pennywise pouts, slightly offended. "Nothing. I forewent a second meal this evening."

"Why? What did you go to do then?"

He glances down, pouting still. "Your birthday shouldn't end like this, Ruth."

She smirks, glancing away herself when Ruth felt her cheeks flush red.

"You didn't have to do anything, you know."

"I know, but I wanted to."

Ruth noticed him hiding something from behind his back. She wanted to ask, but he kept her from speaking.

"I can't apologize for my nature, Ruth," Pennywise started, staring into the darkened wood. "Except, I am sorry I never told you about that aspect of me. You deserved to know. I didn't say anything as I feared you would hate me."

Ruth sadly frowns, "I would never hate you, Penny," she whispers.

He glances at her then, finding her gaze on him. "You wouldn't?"

She shakes her head, lightly smiling. "No."

Ruth pauses, glancing down again. She picks at a thread, nervously. They spoke little about what happened between them before this. Not that they wanted to avoid the conversation. It was shortened rather abruptly when Henry Bowers showed up.

"I was in a jumble of emotions. I was angry and disappointed, but I was also confused and hurt. I wanted to understand and forgive you then. At the same time, though, I was upset over the fact you killed Georgie. I had to get away and take some time to sort my feelings out. I should have told you that instead of pushing you away like I did. You were concerned about me, and I was a bitch in return. It was cruel of me. I actually cried for hours after the fact. I am so deeply sorry I hurt you, Pen."

Pennywise watched her with a frown, sighing lightly. He reaches for her, cupping Ruth's cheek with a gloved hand. She leans into his touch.

"I forgive you, Ruth," he whispered.

She smiles gently, avoiding eye contact with him still. Ruth is trying to hide the deepening blush that graced her cheeks.

"Thank you for saving me," she adds.

He curves his lips, "Your welcome, Ruth."

"Now close your eyes," Pennywise instructed suddenly.

Ruth glances at him, startled. "Why?"

"Just close them," he insists, covering them himself with a hand.

"Alright, what sort of scary thing are you transforming into?" Ruth questions, highly amused.

"What makes you think I am?"

She grinned when he pulled his hand away to do something. Ruth keeps her eyes shut.

"You never ask me to close my eyes, Pen. Naturally, I assumed you want to maintain the routine we had and give me a daily fright in some gnarly form. If it's that creature thing from Slither, I will certainly freak out."

Pennywise laughs, "I'm not going to scare you," he starts while grinning. "Thanks for the tip, though."

"Agh, I probably shouldn't have told you that."

After a moment of messing around, Pennywise holds the little something out for Ruth.

"You can open your eyes now," he encourages, grinning wide.

Ruth is hesitant, but she opens them. Her jaw slacked slightly, and her eyes dazzled to life from the flickering flame of a candle. Pennywise presented her something she never had before but always wanted. Jordan and Jonathan insisted that sweets were terrible for her, so Ruth never had the luxury of having cake or cookies, not even cupcakes or muffins. Of course, this is not a birthday cake. She won't be able to eat all of it before it dried out. Instead, in Pennywise's palm, is a cupcake with white frosting. With the little glow from the candle, Ruth can see its dark in color. It's a red velvet cupcake. It's something Ruth always wanted to try.

"Happy Birthday, Ruth."

Pennywise saw it then, her bright and genuine smile. It doesn't matter what mood Ruth is in, he always manages to make her beam. Ruth truly is her happiest with him. He goes to say something, but couldn't get it out when Ruth flings herself at him. Her arms encircle his chest, hugging him tightly. Pennywise can feel her smile through the fabric of his suit. He doesn't hesitate in returning the favor, yet is being mindful of the cupcake in his palm.

"Thank you, Pen," Ruth whispers.

He smirks proudly, a cupcake can beat a book and a fart any day! Haha!

"Your welcome, Ruth."

Ruth relinquishes her hold on him. She turns within his encircled arms and laid against his chest, eyeing the cupcake with her big grin still.

"Now, how did you obtain this sweet and tasty miniature cake?"

"It's not important," Pennywise replies with a dismissive wave. "Go on now, make a wish."

She eyes the delicious dessert for a moment, considering. Ruth already got her birthday wish, two to be exact. Her safe place and a friend. What more can she want? It clicked within seconds of what her it could be.

I wish this will last forever.

With a quick, sharp exhale, Ruth blows out her first candle.