A/N: Hey, everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend. I'm sorry it took me a bit to post Chapter 19. I had a few small projects going on, including. The Puppy short-fic, of course. This update follows immediately after the Halloween installment. You'll also get to see a flashback from three months before.
I'm currently still working on Chapter 20. I'll have it posted within a week or sooner.
Enjoy the read! :)
It was a long, miserable night. All the tossing and turning, along with the nightmares, kept Mike up. At first, he was ready for anything. Mike hardly got scared until he saw Ruth. Seeing her ghostly figure made him see Ruth as an angel instead of as a lure. Mike was so blinded with his admiration for her that he also didn't see the crooked walk. What did him in was the image of Ruth getting dragged into nothingness. The creature that got her was undoubtedly creepy.
What was it again? The Wendigo? Yeah, that sounds about right, Mike thought to himself.
The sun is absent today with thick, light gray clouds. It's bound to rain later. Mike can even smell the moisture hanging in the air. The trees are a mix of amber, gamboge, and crimson with an occasional sepia and pine against the gray. They reminded Mike of flames that danced sagely in the crisp breeze. He shivers, yanking his sweeter close to his chest.
The black Neibolt House is a stark contrast to the vivid colors of Autumn.
Mike eyes the house with apprehension. After the events from last night, he is a little unnerved to go inside now. Frankly, Mike doesn't want a repeat. All he wants is to confirm his suspicions. Mike firmly believes that what they saw was an illusion. He may not have gotten to know Ruth a whole lot, but Mike knows she is smart. If Ruth did encounter that Wendigo thing, she would have seen through the clown's rouse. Besides, he did his research earlier.
This Wendigo Ruth mentioned is a mythological man-eating creature. It is mostly based in the northern forests of Nova Scotia, along with the East Coast and Great Lakes Region of Canada. On the inland part of Maine, yeah, that's completely bogus. The clown must have gotten the idea from someone since Pennywise mentioned a friend got candy for them. Mike has to wonder who that friend is.
After learning that little bit, Mike set out here to investigate.
The others refused to come back as they didn't sleep well, either. Poor Eddie is still shaken up from zombie Ruth. He finally remembered the giant anaconda and getting swallowed by the Wendigo. That is why he went silent from outside the room. Beverly freaks out over anything that skims down her arms or hair. Richie can't look at a black cat the same anymore. He is even traumatized over watching Ruth getting taken. Ben, of course, is still a little frightened over the creature and nearly bit by Ruth. Bill, however, is doing fine for the most part. He didn't see Georgie. That's all that mattered to him, at least. Mike thinks about the burnt girl, who he thought was Ruth, sometimes. Now that freaked him out.
Mike sighs heavily, shaking his head to rid himself of his thoughts. He continued to eye the dark house before trudging forward. The yard is still very much dead and laden with rusted objects. The signpost from last night remained in its spot. Mike drew a hand to touch the red letters. Thankfully it is not blood, it's paint. It lightly peeled from his fingernail. With another huff, Mike bounded up the steps and swings the door wide to go inside.
Upon entering, Mike is greeted by an oddly pleasant smell of rose and vanilla. His brows knitted close from the scent but ventured further. Mike's brown eyes scanned the walls, thinking that the Wendigo would have damaged the walls from its branch-like antlers. Yet he saw nothing, not even the splintered wood from the thing's large hand. Everything seems normal. When it was dark, Mike couldn't see how neat and organized everything was.
"Huh?"
He looked around some more. The Victorian couch is no longer sitting in the den. In its place are a telescope and a stool. Mike approached to inspect the object further. The thing is positioned to look out towards the road on either side. He leaned slightly to look through, watching the abandoned street from which Mike came.
"Huh?"
Mike backs away to explore more of the house. He eyes the staircase, which is actually cleared of cobwebs and leaves. Confused, he whirls in his spot to the door. It occurred to him then that the supposed broken door is fixed. Mike remembers him and the others coming in when it was wide open and skewed off its hinges. Was all of that an illusion, too? Or is this warm interior a trick?
"Um, huh, that is weird," Mike says to himself.
He turns his gaze off the door to head down the hallway. It suddenly felt homey here instead of intimidating. Everything along the walls is still in a shamble, but it is not eerily cold anymore. Someone brought warmth and life to the house. Mike peered in the room of which the thing came. Nothing, it is entirely empty.
Mike looks away to head down the hall and into the supposed kitchen. It's even tidy in here but not wholly workable, at least from what Mike can see. There is a small dining table with two chairs with a kerosene lantern in the middle. There is so much that looks different since he and the others came here two months ago, well, maybe three. Mike can't quite remember when they were here.
With a hard sigh, Mike started through the door to explore upstairs. He can tell someone has made this place home. Who would want to live here is beyond him? Apparently, whoever it is doesn't realize that an evil clown resides here. Or maybe they do and don't give a damn. Mike won't know for sure what their motive is unless he met them. He can only hope that whoever made residence at the Neibolt House is kind and not an ass. Mike did intrude, after all.
He looked around the main floor once more then started up the staircase. Mike took one step when he heard a familiar voice directly behind him.
Oh, shit, and Shinola!
"Well, look what the cat dragged in," a male sneered.
Mike's jaw squares then glanced over his shoulder at his unwanted company. Henry stood at the door, his eyes somber yet focused and is frowning deeply.
"And look what it coughed up," Mike counters smartly.
Henry scowls and stared at Mike in boredom. "What are you doing here?"
Mike refuses to answer. "That's none of your business, Bowers. What are you doing here?"
Henry continued to glare at Mike with his hands tucked in his pockets. He knows why, but Henry won't say anything to him. Mike doesn't need to know anyway. It's between him and Ruth. The last time Henry stepped foot here was three months ago. During that time, Henry was making his weekly check-in with Ruth to see how she was holding up.
He, along with Belch and Victor, made a schedule to visit her. They certainly couldn't come all together and get suspected of hiding Ruth. So, they had it where Belch came on Monday's to provide her with anything she can't get herself like bedsheets and other necessities, even books. Just this week, Belch brought in fleece blankets and flannel sheets. It's getting cooler anyway. They like to talk about horror books oddly enough. It's like a mini book club for them.
Victor visits on Wednesdays and brings over home-cooked meals for Ruth. She's mostly been eating out of cans and other things that don't require heating up. The stove is broken, of course. They tried at one point in rigging it up for her to use with no such luck. Ruth ended up laughing at Victor when he attempted to ignite it, only to get a puff of smoke and black soot in the face.
Henry comes on Fridays to make sure everything was going okay for her. He even brings little housewarming gifts to accommodate Ruth. Henry saw the telescope in a yard sale and got it for her to overlook the streets. He saw the dining table at a second-hand store and brought it here with the help of his buds, of course. Henry brought over the chairs from his place since they weren't using them. Everything he got her was either free because people didn't want them or bought them.
Ruth made it apparent to them that she loves it here. Even the house guest that came with it. Henry was unnerved with that news. Apparently, some guy named Robert found out Ruth made herself comfortable here and tried to run her off without success. So, they're roommates now. Henry, at the time, never got to meet him. Belch and Victor have, which they are slightly creeped out by him. The guy doesn't say much and has this strange look in his eyes whenever they do anything with Ruth. He's like a watchdog protecting his property. Not like Ruth is one.
Henry got a glimpse of him on the day he attacked Ruth. He regrets it still. At the time, Henry was in hysteria over his switchblade still. Yet, he noticed Ruth's maturity and was lusting over her. He tried shaking it off the feelings before coming here but couldn't. The incident replayed like a filter in his head, ignoring Mike's inquiry.
Three months earlier
It's getting late, Henry thought to himself.
Typically, his visits are in the mornings, maybe even in the afternoon. Today, Henry is late. He didn't mean for it to be. Henry was out searching for his switchblade again, only to find nothing. It's driving him insane. The looks his father gives him are unnerving. Every muscle in Henry's body spasms from the memory of Butch's thick belt snapping at his skin. He cowers every time he sees him, too.
Henry hopes his visit with Ruth will distract him from his growing insanity. He soundlessly ascends the steps of the Neibolt house and enters. Henry doesn't bother knocking or make his presence known to the two residents here, just strolls in. He steps lightly to not make a sound. His eyes go wild when Henry realized this Robert guy he's been hearing about is not here. Usually, Henry would have a sign of Robert's presence. It would either be a pair of size eleven shoes at the foot of the stairs or the sharp slate gray blazer hanging on the banister. This early evening, neither is insight. That only means Ruth's housemate is out for the time being. Henry is not sure when he will be back.
Henry grins excitedly. He rushes up the steps without making a noise, watching the landing for a surprise. To his fortunate luck, nothing or anyone announced themselves. His eyes narrow with mischief. For the last several visits, Henry noticed how shapely Ruth is getting. He's been wanting to comment his observation to Ruth. However, Robert apparently has sonic ears from what Victor said and would pulverize him for the lewd comments. So, Henry kept them to himself.
Now, he has a chance. Once he set foot on the landing and headed down the hall, Henry saw his target. He watched from the shadows for a moment as Ruth gracefully waltzed into view. Henry holds his breath as she stood at the dressing table, mostly naked. Her back muscles and shoulders are exceptionally toned. Henry inwardly groans from the sight of her peachy round rear.
His eyes dilated from a teasing glimpse of her ever-growing chest. For a petite girl, Ruth is slowly inheriting her mother's sized knockers. Henry then felt a tightness in his pants as he continued to watch Ruth aimlessly dress. Her hair blazed brightly from the ball of light beaming into the room, even Ruth's skin seemed to glow. She looks ravishing.
Henry hums lightly then stalks his prey. He noticed the look in her eye as Henry got closure. Ruth is in her head and not listening to her surroundings. This opportunity is even better than he initially thought. Henry stalks closer, his wild grin growing wider. With Ruth's back to him, Henry sneaks behind her. He grabs at her left breast and covers Ruth's mouth to prevent her from screaming.
He hugs her tightly, preventing Ruth from using her arms and elbows. Ruth does thrash, though. Her heels kick at Henry's shins and try to stomp on his feet to no avail. Henry is the one to knock Ruth off her feet. With a swift kick at her ankle, Ruth loses her balance. Her muffled scream sounds behind his hand as Henry shoved her down onto the mattress. He removed his hand from Ruth's face to grab at her frantic hands, holding them above her head. Henry holds her still and pins Ruth's legs with his. He is quick in undoing his buckle and whips it out of the loops with a light snap.
Henry leans over to whisper in her ear, "Mmm, you smell lovely."
"Henry! Get off me!" Ruth screams.
He laughs and yanks at his jeans, "Scream, all you like. No one is going to hear you."
"Goddamnit, Henry, get off of me!"
She wiggles from underneath him, trying to create an opening to throw Henry off. Thinking quickly, Ruth pushes herself away from the mattress. When there was enough space, Ruth manages to roll her hip. Henry counters and flips Ruth onto her back. He roughly grips her wrists and holds them at her head. Despite her furious features, Ruth is still lovely. He eyeballs Ruth's heaving chest while situating himself between her.
"You look ravishing, Ruthie," Henry purrs.
Ruth doesn't comment. She rears forward, and head butts him. Henry grunts and groans, oblivious to the opening he gave her. Ruth manages to push him away then kicks his thigh and gut. One of her wrists comes from free. She thrusts upward, connecting his nose with the butt of her palm.
Henry yells, stunned. He recovers with a backhand across Ruth's mouth, busting her lip. Ruth's furious gaze then shifts into a terrifying vicious rage.
"GET YOUR FUCKING HANDS OFF ME!"
Ruth frantically punches and kicks him, only for Henry to block and trap her wrists. Ruth growls. She slammed her foot onto his chest and tossed him off. Henry grunts as he hits the floor, his busted nose gushing. He snatches his belt and whips it at her. The buckle connects her arm, which Ruth cries out and cowers. He doesn't know what got into him. The sound of Ruth's screams of pain turned him on even more. Henry advances, striking Ruth again at her shins and calves. Ruth crumbles to the floor, scrambling away. He swiftly got on his knees, grabs her ankles, and yanked Ruth towards him again.
"GET AWAY FROM ME!"
She tries pushing him away to no avail. Henry is stronger than her. He grabs Ruth's wrists and securely wraps his belt around them. Ruth whimpers, crying now.
"Henry, please stop," Ruth whines, struggling to get free.
"I've been waiting for far too long, Ruthie. You're mine," he growls.
Henry touches Ruth's heaving flat stomach, slowly descending to the hem of her undies.
There was a loud bang of a door slamming shut. It caught Henry's attention, even Ruth.
"ROBBY!" She screams.
They both hear rushing footsteps, but Henry failed to move away.
Fueled by a surge of adrenaline, Ruth yank's the belt out of Henry's grasp. She then slams her clutched fists at his cranium and kicks him away. Seething, Henry advances on her. Ruth fought him back with a quick kick to his thigh then at his groin. He gasps sharply and doubles, seeing stars.
Henry never got a chance to recover when someone grabs him from behind. With a vicious yank, he is tossed to the floor with a crash. The boards and windows rattled from impact. Henry stood to run but got a painful surprise when a fist collides into his mouth. He falls backward, landing flat on his back. Henry is in pain but doesn't hesitate to retreat. His attacker follows him, in which he gets a big boot to his ass, sprawling forwards. Henry hits the floor on his stomach with a grunting cough. Dazed, he gets up and heads for the stairs. This Robby guy remained on his heels.
Once Henry got to the top landing, he receives another boot to his ass. The last thing Henry sees is steps, wall, more wall, then the ceiling. He lands harshly on his back, blacking out for only a moment. Henry groans back into awareness. He's grateful for not breaking his neck during the fall. Slowly, he sits up and catches sight of Robby. The man stood tall and has a vicious scowl. The color of his eyes seemed to have darkened in pure rage. His lips pull back in an animalistic snarl.
"GET OUT!" He bellows, his voice boomed and echoes in the house.
Henry hastens to his feet with a struggle. He does not want to anger this guy any further. Robby is one hell of an intimidating person.
"GET THE FUCK OUT!"
"I'm going, I'm going!" Henry shouts, getting dizzy that he stumbles to his knees.
"GET OUT," Robby enunciates through clenched teeth. "BEFORE I KILL YOU!"
His threat fueled Henry's feet to gain control and booked it out of the house like a bat out of hell. Once outside, Henry dared himself to linger for a second. With a glance at the window, he can hear Ruth's light wails and cries from here. Henry realized something then. He did something so very and illegally wrong. He assaulted Ruth and attempted to rape her. Horror-stricken, Henry collapses to the pavement. He worked hard in getting Ruth to trust him a little, and now he goes does this. Henry broke his promise. His hysteria drove Henry out of control and succumbed to his lust for Ruth.
Fuck! I am so fucking stupid! What the bloody hell is wrong with me?
He has to leave. Henry can't be around here and have Robby, well, Robert beat the shit out of him. He unsteadily returned to his feet, crying. Ruth's cries and wails echo in his ears as Henry strolled off like a dead man waiting for execution.
Henry stares absently behind Mike. He eyes the spot where he crash-landed with a bitter frown. Henry then glances at the ceiling, guilt overwhelming his gaze. He knows Ruth is here and is sure she doesn't want him here either. Except, he needs to apologize. Henry owes her an explanation even if Ruth doesn't want one. He also knows a simple apology is not enough. Henry must take action, as well.
With a huff, Henry looks at Mike. He has an expectant glare which Henry understood. Mike asked him a question, and Henry toned him out.
"It's none of your business."
He noticed Mike clench his hand into a tight fist.
"Put that away, Hanlon. I'm not interested in fighting you."
"I'm not either, but it's better to be prepared," Mike replies cautiously.
"I'm not going to attack you. Just come back another time. There's something I have to fix."
Mike's eyes narrow, "Like what?"
Henry grew impatient. "It doesn't concern you. Now get on out of here."
"I'm not leaving until I know for sure Ruth is okay," Mike blurts.
Confusion contorted Henry's features. "Huh? What are you talking about?"
"Shit. Forget I said anything," Mike frantically answers, beginning to leave.
"No, what are you saying here? Did something happen?"
Mike then started to figure things out. "Wait, you know where she is hiding, don't you?"
Henry freaks out. He's giving away Ruth's safe place, "Alright, it's time for you to go."
"Oh, no, you don't. Answer me, Henry. Is Ruth hiding here?"
"No, no, she's not. Now let's go," Henry instructs.
He starts forward to guide Mike out the door. Henry can't have Mike discover Ruth's hiding place. Mike will talk and direct the police here, and Henry can't have that. Ruth made it abundantly clear she does not want to be found. She wants to remain here with her only closest and dear friend Robert.
Henry is no idiot, either. He can see how Robert treats and acts around Ruth. He may be protective of her, but Robert absolutely adores Ruth. There were times Henry eavesdropped on the two, watching them curiously. Henry noticed the glimmer in the guy's eyes. He even caught the genuine smile Ruth has whenever she's near him. There might be a five to seven age difference, but there's something deep and meaningful going on between them. It's surreal because they look happy together.
Henry must protect the two and keep them together. Ruth deserves happiness. He firmly yet gently grips Mike's shoulder, politely showing him out.
"If you would kindly please leave," Henry urges.
Mike shrugs him off, anger overwhelming his features.
"I'm not going anywhere until you answer me. Is Ruth here, Bowers? If she is, you need to say something to the police. They are looking for her still."
"I know that, but she is not here. Now drop it and leave," Henry insists.
He gently takes Mike by the shoulder again, pulling him towards the door. Mike refused to move and shook off Henry's hand. The last thing Henry expected was a fist colliding into his jaw. He stumbles, groaning in shock from the pain.
"Ah, what the fuck?" Henry hollers.
"Don't touch me, Bowers," Mike seethes, balling a fist.
Henry restrains himself from striking back. Instead, he stood and glared.
"You're trying my patience, Hanlon. I'm not here to fight. I need you to leave."
"I just told you, I'm not going anywhere. Now answer me. Is Ruth here?"
"She's not," Henry growled impatiently. "Now move."
Henry grabbed and forced Mike forwards.
Mike, at that point, had enough. He whirls in his spot and clocks Henry in the jaw. Bad move. Henry's patience finally gave. He recovers and throws a punch himself right in the kisser. The two boys soon found themselves in a bare-knuckle brawl.
Henry was relentless with his attacks in retaliation. He struck Mike several times in the head with his fists. His eyes land on a two by four, in which Henry quickly snatches. Henry then proceeds to brutally clubs Mike with his choice of weapon. It splinters upon impact. Mike crashes to the floor with a grunt and a groan. He struggles to stand. Mike is becoming weak from the blows and having a hard time defending himself. He wobbled and took a fighting stance.
Henry scuffs. He pops Mike in the jaw then drove a fist into Mike's gut. He hits him several times before knocking Mike down. Blinded with unrelenting rage, Henry drops to one knee and beats Mike. He punches at his head and face, causing Mike's brain to rattle.
Mike can hear ringing in his ear and vision blurring. He can taste metallic of blood in his mouth as he laid helplessly, getting the shit beat out of him.
I just wanted to see Ruth, was Mike's thought as he fell unconscious.
Henry couldn't stop himself. He proceeded to beat Mike despite him falling unconscious. All these pent up emotions of anger and lost sanity drove Henry into this blind rage. If he doesn't stop, Henry is going to end up beating Mike to death.
His silent prayer was answered when a hand harshly grabbed him from behind. The last thing he expected, though, was someone twisting his arm. Henry yells. In retaliation, he counters their move and strikes them. His fist collides into their face and is rewarded with a painful grunt. Henry then hears a recognizable voice that made his stomach drop.
"Ahh! God, fucking shit!"
Henry turns to discover Ruth doubled over slightly and covering her mouth area.
"Oh, shit! Fuck, Ruth, I'm so_." Henry didn't finish when a hand clutched his throat.
He gaps, and eyes bulged. Henry soon realized a seething Robert stood in front of him.
Despite getting the life choked out of him, Henry took a good look at Robert this time. * Robert is fair-skinned with short dark blond, maybe brown hair. No, it's defiantly brown and is combed over like Johnny Depp's. He is quite handsome if Henry were honest. Not that Henry's into guys or anything. Robert has this sinister yet sexy bad-boyish look about him with a distinctive jawline. He even has fuller lips than any normal male would have. Henry noticed faint scars going down from the bottom of his eyes to the corners of his mouth. They almost look like tiny claw marks. Robert's piercing blue eyes stare him down, which frightened Henry to the core.
With Robert's vicious expression, he could very well kill Henry this second for striking Ruth. He just might, too. Henry tries to gulp but couldn't. Instead, he stares apologetically up at the taller and much stronger male.
"Robert," Ruth calls lightly.
He doesn't say or does anything, just remains to grip Henry harshly with a vicious glare.
Henry stares, silently begging him to let go. He is beginning to gasp for air and clawing at his wrists.
Ruth rushes to get in between Henry and Robert. She lays a hand on his chest, hoping to capture his gaze only to go unacknowledged.
"Robert," Ruth starts with urgency.
He breathes heavily as Robert continued to glare at Henry, vaguely hearing Ruth.
"What are you doing back here?" Robert questions tightly and lowly.
Henry attempts to speak but couldn't. He points at his throat, hoping that Robert would understand.
"Robby," Ruth intervenes with a hand touching his face.
Robert finally snaps his gaze on Ruth, his demeanor crumbling in an instant. His furious scowl falls into startled frown and eyes softened. He stares at her, noting the light bruise at her mouth. The corner of his lips curves downwards even more.
"I'm okay, just let him go," Ruth pleads.
Henry waited an antagonizing minute before Robert finally releases his grip. He backs away, coughing and gasping for air. It took him an additional minute to get his bearings. Once Henry recovered, he turned his attention on Ruth. He gets a nasty shock when her fist connects his nose.
He grunts and groans. "AHH! Fuck! You broke my nose! Just what the hell was that for?"
"For intruding and clocking me one, asshole! Now, what the fuck are you doing here?" Ruth seethed.
Henry regards her angrily and with a bloodied nose.
"I was hoping to explain myself and apologize_."
"Apologize? For what? For assaulting and attempted to rape me? There isn't any explanation or excuse to atone for the actions you laid upon me, Henry Bowers."
He was quiet for a moment as guilt and anger bubbled in his stomach. Ruth is right, Henry's actions are unredeemable. He royally fucked up.
"I know a simple apology is not going to make up for what I did, Ruth. I figured taking action would."
Ruth stiffens, and eyes went wild.
"Attacking and beating the shit out of Mike was the answer? Just what in the fuck was going on in that mullet of yours, huh? You could have killed him."
"I know that," Henry screams, stepping forward.
Robert stops Henry from coming closer with a venomous glare, warning the boy.
Henry cowers slightly then returned his attention to Ruth.
"It was not my intention to hurt him, Ruth. I was trying to get him to leave."
"Why?" Robert chimes.
Henry glances at him. Robert is still glaring dangerously at Henry.
"Mike was going off about Ruth somehow getting hurt last night. Of course, my dumb ass panicked and asked what he was talking about. Because of my stupidity, Mike figured out I was hiding you, Ruth. He kept asking me if you were here while I kindly told him to leave. I even tried to show him out without force. Just so you know, he threw the first punch, not me."
Ruth stares skeptically at him from his side of the story.
"Why would you do such a thing?"
"Like I was going to let him discover where you were hiding or get me to talk. I was trying to protect you, Ruth, both of you."
Both Ruth and Robert have mirrored reactions of bewilderment.
"What?"
"I know what would happen if they found you. The law would tear you away from this guy. He's the only one who is giving you any sort of happiness. For all I know, they could try him as Jonathan's murderer. I was thinking of what was best for you two. Hurting Mike was far from my mind. I already had pent up emotions over the last three months because of what I did. I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am. I worked hard in getting you to trust me only just a little, and I fucked it up by attacking you."
Henry stops to rummage in his pockets. He fishes out his switchblade and hands it to Ruth.
She stares briefly, her brows furrowing.
"What's this?"
"Duh, it's my switchblade. I'm giving it back to you."
Ruth stares at him, startled. "Why are you?"
"I obviously chose poorly. I want you to hold onto it until you ever deem myself worthy again."
She remains to stare, astonished at him relinquishing his switchblade. Ruth hesitantly goes to take it from his hand. Instead, Robert retrieves the blade.
"I'll hold onto it," Robert starts and pockets it in his sharp slate gray blazer. "It's not just Ruth you need redemption from."
Henry glares at Robert with a frown then regards Ruth. He noticed Ruth staring up at Robert oddly as if appreciating him stepping in. Henry inwardly smiles.
"I have a lot of work to do then."
Ruth opens her mouth to say something when the three heard a groan. Mike is stirring.
"You better go," Ruth urged tightly with a growl.
Henry doesn't say anything, only nods. He shoots her an apologetic glance at them then rushes out.
Once he left, Ruth immediately rushed to Mike's side to inspect his injuries. She grimaces deeply and heaves a heavy sigh. Ruth doesn't like how the gash appears on his forehead.
"Shit," she mumbles. "I need your help in taking Mike to one of the train cars so I can treat his wound."
Robert defiantly groans, "Leave the boy be, Ruth."
She snaps her gaze on him. "I'm sorry, but I'm not leaving him in this condition."
"The idiot nearly got you killed, Ruth. Why would you want to help him when his involvement only made your previous predicament worse? Leave him be."
"I don't want to help him, but I must. He came here out of concern after the stunt we pulled off last night. It was fun scaring him, but your illusion made Mike suspicious."
Robert remained hesitant, scowling.
Ruth heavily sighs. "We can't have him wake up here. Please help me in getting him someplace else."
He stares while Ruth pouts, giving him a look that works like a charm.
Robert caves then. His shoulders sagged, and his head tilts backward in defeat.
"Fine," he groans.
She, in turn, smirks, which brightens her features.
"Thank you, Pen," Ruth honeyed with a slight roll of her shoulder.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I swear the things I do for you is astonishing."
He bends to carefully scoop an unconscious Mike in his long arms.
"That's because you like me, Penny Pen," Ruth replies and manages to boop his nose.
Robert rolls his eyes and groans with a faint blush dusting his cheeks. "If you hadn't started giving me those sad puppy eyes, I wouldn't be bending at your will, princess."
Ruth grins from ear to ear, "Well, you do also have the power to put your foot down and say no, Mister King of Fear."
He puckers his lips, "You know, it's hard for me to say no to you, Ruth."
"I know it is," Ruth smiles gently at him and lightly pats his left cheek. "I'll meet you over there in five."
Robert groans again, watching Ruth rush in getting medical supplies.
"Fine, irritating child," he mumbles halfheartedly.
"I heard that!"
He growls in mild irritation, then carried Mike's unconscious form out of the house.
This is undoubtedly going to be fun, Pennywise thought to himself with a grin.
A/N: We all got a glimpse of Robert "Bob" Gray in the second film. So, of course, I see him as Bill Skarsgård without the clown make-up. Plus, he reminds me of a young Johnny Depp in a particular light, for some reason.
Just so, you all are aware, I had everything plotted out and had an ending in mind until mid-chapter 17. At that point, I had a desire to go in a different direction. It's a risky move, I know. I weighed out all the pros and cons for each, which led to my decision of "You know what, let's just go for it and see how it pans out." So, yes, I deviated from the film's storyline a little bit by a year. The events towards the end will still take place. Besides, I didn't want to end things for Ruth so soon as her character arc would feel incomplete if I did. So, please don't let this no direction of mine run you off or get weirded out by it.
Anyway, sorry for the little spill.
Thanks for the read, and feedback is always appreciated. I hope you all have a great week!