/N: Hey, everyone. I won't say much except suggest a song to listen to while reading the first section or beforehand. I usually don't listen to this type of music, but Liz Longley's "Rescue My Heart" caught my attention as I wrote this bit. Oh, and there is OOC-ness, too.
05/11/20 Update: I fixed up a few scenes.
Enjoy the read, my friends.
"The woods are lovely, dark, and deep. But I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep." – Robert Frost
It became unbearably quiet in the house, something that Pennywise didn't care for in the least. He waited in the shadows of the basement for Ruth to appear but was never greeted. His golden-orange eyes glare at the door, impatiently waiting for her with a rapid tap of his foot. Pennywise is already angry from not finding a meal to feast on last night. Well, he really hasn't been able to for the past several days now. Pennywise knows it had something to do with his and Ruth's fight from the other day. Apparently, the emotionless monster bit got to him. Granted, he is an otherworldly creature, so by definition, he is indeed a monster. However, that is not the source of his resentment. It's Ruth snapping at him for being emotionless. Ouch! Pennywise does harbor some emotion, and anger is his primary expression. Well, most of the time. He knows what fear feels like for another person, so that counts. Pennywise even understands the principal of kindness and compassion now because of his human companion. He has expressed it more than once. Love, however, Pennywise wished he knew how to grasp. It's not exactly an easy concept to comprehend when all you know is malice.
Another reason for his late-night hunts is to avoid hearing Ruth and her heart-wrenching cries. Granted, she didn't do too much of it yesterday since he did stay with her after whatever happened. Pennywise would have to admit he enjoyed that silent moment of just holding Ruth. It put both of them at ease, but there is still some tension after the train car incident. They still need to talk about it. Pennywise wished he understood why Ruth refuses to speak with him about their fight. He'll give her time, though. Ruth will come to him when she is ready to talk about it, along with the other occurrence.
What the hell is keeping her?
He growls lowly, crossing his arms and continued rapidly tapping his foot. The pompom at the tip of his laced boots bounced with each tap. Pennywise stared upwards, expecting her footsteps to approach the basement door but never did. Something inside him started to grow curious about her delay. Suddenly perturbed, Pennywise slowly stalked up the steps and swung the door wide. He glanced around his surroundings, hoping to find a clue of where she was. When he found none, something else started to bother Pennywise. Something isn't right, he can feel it in his bones. Actually, it's the same feeling from when he rescued Ruth from the despicable adults three months ago.
With another low, unsettling growl, Pennywise emerges. He peers around the basement door with a deep scowl, searching for Ruth. When she failed to make herself known, a bubble formed in his stomach. He frowns, then ventures into the eerily silent house.
"Ruth," he calls, waiting for a response.
When she didn't answer straight away, Pennywise growls.
"I am not in the mood for your stalling, girl! Now get what you need to say out!"
Pennywise waits another moment, Ruth still didn't answer. He growls impatiently.
"Irritating child! Why do you insist on pressing my nerves? Get out with it!"
When Ruth has yet to answer, his irritation escalated into rage. Pennywise storms towards the stairwell with a vicious snarl.
"Damnit, Ruth! Why are you ignoring me? You do not want to anger me further! Now answer me before I," Pennywise stops mid-sentence when he came around the corner and saw Ruth lying motionless at the foot of the stairs.
His chest constricted, held a breathe, and stomach twisted sickeningly. Pennywise stared wide-eyed with mouth slightly gaped at Ruth's crumpled form. At first glance, Pennywise sadly believed Ruth was dead. He makes a breathy sob, and eyes began to water.
"Ruth," he called in a strangled whisper.
When he saw her chest rising and falling slowly, he collapsed to his knees and frantically crawls over to her side. A whimper left his ancient red lips as Pennywise gently cradles her head in his lap. He is grateful Ruth didn't break her neck. Pennywise would be devastated if he yelled at her corpse.
"Ruth," Pennywise whimpers.
His gloved fingers gingerly brushed Ruth's hair from her face and swollen eyes, which are damp still from tears. Ruth was crying. He's not sure why, but Pennywise can only assume it had to with what happened the other day, or yesterday, or another nightmare about her father. A weight befalls on his shoulders, suddenly feeling this is all his fault. Pennywise did anger Ruth enough for her to avoid him, even though it was for a day. This feels a little like the day Ruth learned of his true nature and the dead children. Pennywise was angry at himself for letting Ruth find out the hard way when he should have told her. Pennywise was saddened by Ruth's week-long absence, too. They only reunited after he had saved Ruth from the barbaric adults. Except, this time around, Pennywise said something he shouldn't have, and Ruth is in a life or death situation again. Ruth is terribly hurt, and Pennywise somehow feels responsible. His mouth quivered downwards into a deep grimace and found it hard to swallow.
He checks Ruth's injuries, discovering her right ankle is bent awkwardly. She has scrapes on her arms and what appears to be a dislocated shoulder. Her forehead has a deep gash, including a massive bump, and a swollen bloody lip.
"Ruth, wake up," he uttered breathily.
Pennywise sat the bottom of the stairs while running his gloved fingers through Ruth's hair. This seemed to calm the raging storm within his chaotic mind. Yet Pennywise's evil heart drummed within his chest, and blood ran cold from the sight of Ruth's battered form and silence. Pennywise does not like seeing his precious friend injured like this. His eyes flickered from wild golden-orange to the piercing, bright blues. Pennywise watched Ruth for any signs of her waking, he certainly doesn't want to force her awake either. As Pennywise sat there with Ruth in his lap, a thought occurred to him. Not once has he ever touched Ruth's warm flesh. Pennywise always wondered how soft she was.
He eyes his hand for a moment, considering. Pennywise doesn't think twice in drawing the glove to his mouth and slid the fabric off with his teeth. He soon became fascinated at the chalk-white color of his cracking skin, for Pennywise has never seen what laid beneath. He stared at it for a second longer then hesitantly touched Ruth's cheek. Pennywise drew in a breath as the pads of his fingers caressed her creamy, silky-smooth skin. Ruth is undoubtedly soft as a rose petal and warm like the sun. He carefully traced her hairline into Ruth's velvety and luscious fiery locks of wavy curls, which ran through his hand with ease.
"Vivi, please wake up," Pennywise pleads with a struggle.
He watched still for Ruth to wake yet is entranced by her serene features despite the injuries. Ruth is truly captivating. When Pennywise first noticed the child's natural beauty, he was disturbed by his observation. Now, he can't seem to look away as Pennywise is mesmerized by her earthy, angelic glow. He doesn't know what it is about this girl, but Pennywise feels naturally drawn towards Ruth.
Ever since Pennywise met her, he followed Ruth anywhere she went. Well, not everywhere. Other than the two nights, he chose to stay away from her place of residence. Pennywise followed her to the drugstore and witnessed Beverly dismissing Ruth with their similarities. He saw the irritating boys alienate Ruth from their group. Pennywise saw a lot of things happen, and he felt horrible for her. Is that why he kept this beautiful child alive?
In the dark recesses of his mind, this is also the perfect opportunity for him. Ruth is vulnerable and weak from her fall. He can end things for her right here and now. She always asked him to, so why not follow through with her wish. Except, how can he bring himself to do the deed? If Pennywise did, he would sever his bond with the child and be free of feeling human emotions. His life of solitude, which has always been, would be silent once more. However, erasing Ruth from his world would cause him heartache. Pennywise doesn't want that. He's grown to adore and admire Ruth. He needs her here with him.
Pennywise frowns sadly when Ruth has yet to stir. Growing fearful for her well-being, Pennywise knew what has to be done. Despite their argument, Ruth is still his very dear friend and the light to his dark world.
The light above is low, which filtered the room in a dingy incandescent white. There is a hum of which would not go away came with it. The air is pungent with the scent of bleach and sickness, a combination that will linger in nostrils and fabrics of clothes. The occasional rings of telephones and murmurs of nurses and doctors filled the common area. There are even muffled coughs and faint sobs from family members waiting in the lobby for either good or bad news.
The sound of sliding doors fills Robert's ears as he sat on the dirty floor near the waiting room. He glances at the bizarre object, remembering the moment upon entering the emergency room. Of course, he was baffled at the contraption, but his fascination was overshadowed with fright. Ruth was awake in his arms, crying and in pain. She had come to moments ago, complaining about a stabbing and unbearable pain in her stomach. Ruth didn't realize it, but Robert knew she was already bleeding.
"Robby," Ruth whimpers lowly then groans.
Robert could only shush her gently, afraid to speak and for Ruth to hear his growing fear.
"Robby, it hurts," she whines softly.
He still couldn't say anything, just kept his eyes on the reception desk and eyed a dark-haired girl. Robert quickly approached and stood with authority.
"I need help quick," he demands with a growl.
The girl doesn't look up at him, just handed him a clipboard with forms.
"Fill out these forms, please, and wait your turn."
He rolls his eyes then hunkered low with Ruth still clinging to his neck.
"I don't have time to write whatever you need on some blasted papers, girl. My friend fell and needs immediate attention."
The receptionist slash nurse sighs in exasperation.
"Fill out the forms, and we'll get…"
"She is bleeding out, you idiot!" He yells impatiently.
"Robby, calm down," Ruth pleas with a sob.
Robert seethes, glaring evilly at the oblivious dark brunette.
"Do you want two people to die on your watch?"
The girl stares up at him then, catching his furious golden gaze. It startled her to a degree but dared not to shrink back in fear. The man intimidated the hell out of her.
"What are you…?" She trails off when her gaze caught the growing red stain at the juncture of Ruth's legs. "Oh, shit."
Robert caught her gaze again, fear evident in his eyes.
"She's pregnant."
The young woman put the two together then shouts instructions to nearby staff members.
"You two, get a gurney now!"
Two male volunteers frantically rush down the hallway then disappeared.
She then directs her attention to a nearby nurse, "Tammy, are there any OR's open?"
"Yes, three of them. Send the girl to OR Seven," the nurse, Tammy, responds quickly.
"Nurse Thorne, page Dr. Davenport to OR Seven. We need to perform an emergency operation on a pregnant female."
Seconds later, the two volunteers returned with a gurney and brought it to Robert's side. He gently places Ruth on the cushion, then steps away to let the nurses do their job.
"Robby, wait," Ruth called to him and reached for his hand.
He doesn't get a chance to hold her hand when the nurses strolled her off. Yet, Robert is quick to follow.
"Robby," she cries again, sitting up.
"Please lay down, sweetie. What is your name?" The nurse questioned Ruth as she forced her down.
Ruth glances up at the nurse, tears streaming from her eyes. She stutters but answers with a painful moan. "Viv-Vivian Gray. What what's going on?"
"You're bleeding out. Your fall might have caused trauma to the unborn child. How far along are you? And what is your age?"
"Ten weeks, I think. I just turned sixteen." Ruth lied with ease.
"Who is your primary physician? Sorry for all the questions as we're strolling into the OR. We need all the basic information we can get. Your boyfriend can fill out the paperwork while you're being prepped."
"It's alright, but I don't have a doctor. I've never been to a medical facility before now."
Ruth couldn't retort on Robert being her boyfriend when the nurse snaps her gaze on Ruth, flabbergasted. "What? Why not?"
"There hasn't been any occasions where I needed to."
The nurse rolls her eyes, opting not to argue, especially with a pregnant teenager.
"Well, now you need one. And you stay the hell back," she snapped at Robert viciously.
Ruth's eyes narrow, "Listen, lady, he's the only living person I have left. Both of my parents are dead, along with my brother. He's looking out for me as Robert is a friend of the family. So, don't you raise your voice at him."
The nurse huffs, "Sorry. You still need to stay back, though."
Robert glared at the nurse, his fingers twitching to rip at the woman's body. He hasn't had a meal in days and is growing impatiently hungry. Pennywise doesn't care if he has to feed on an adult for nourishment. This one seems like the right candidate anyway.
"Robert stays with me," Ruth bit.
"He can't. He'll only be in the way."
She then rushes forward, urgency overwhelming her bones. The nurse glances down at Ruth and the growing crimson red soaking the bed.
"Shit, we need to move."
The nurse surges forward, causing Robert to run alongside the gurney.
"No, Robby," Ruth called and reached for his hand.
He quickly snatches her small hand and grips it tightly while leaning forwards, capturing her frightened gaze.
"It's okay, Viv, don't be frightened. You're in good hands now. I'll be out here waiting for you."
She opens her mouth to say something when the nurses roughly pulled her away. The jarring movement caused their linked hands to yank apart.
"No, Robby," Ruth shouts while reaching out again.
She and he were able to touch each other's fingers before the medic's rolled Ruth down the hall in haste.
"Robby!"
He starts after her, only to get held back by a palm.
"Robert, I need you to stay here. We'll take good care of her," the nurse urged.
"You better," Robert growls.
The tone he gave off frightened the woman where she turned on her heels to scrub in.
He watched the woman disappear down the hall, dread soon weighing on his shoulders. Robert breathes heavily, then presses his back against the wall and slid to the spot where he sat previously.
That was two hours ago, maybe even more.
Now, every fiber of his being is crying out in desperation. Not knowing what is going on after this long is unsettling. He tried not to think the worse. The last thing he wants to hear is something horrible has happened to Ruth. It will kill him if Ruth dies, especially when the image of her crumbled body is still embedded in his mind. Despite the exchange they had before Ruth went into surgery, Pennywise doesn't want that to be their last conversation.
You're my best friend, Pen, her voice chimes like a bell in his head.
He felt his mouth quiver and eyes stung. This is a new feeling for him. Pennywise, feels something overwhelm his ancient evil heart. Being around Ruth, who is unafraid of him, caused him to experience human emotions other than anger, which is a norm for Pennywise. Because of Ruth's fearlessness, it made a layer crumble and weaken him to the point of resending affections. Pennywise is starting to feel something profound towards her. Although how can that be possible?
Am I falling for a human child? No, I can't be.
His human form began to tremble, including his lips and unshed tears threatening to fall. Somehow, someway, Robert can feel something is wrong. He can't lose the only thing that gives him a shred of happiness. It's something Pennywise never experienced during his entire wretched life. Now that he got a brush of it, Deadlights has a sickening feeling it will be ripped away from him.
If only that large loggerhead saw me now. Maturin will undoubtedly get a laugh out of this.
He gulps harshly, lightly tapping the back of his head against the wall.
"He thrusts his fists against the post and still insists he sees the ghost," Robert whimpers.
"Young man," a male voice called to Robert softly.
He instantly stops then glances upwards at a wiry, trim man with a salt and pepper beard, bald head, and wore silver-rimmed round glasses. Robert refuses to say anything, only glares with a frown.
"Why are you sitting here and not on one of the chairs in the waiting room?"
Robert frowns deeply, glaring still.
"I find the floor more comfortable than intolerable cushioned seats."
The older man stared down at Robert, lightly frowning and nodding.
"I know what you mean. I spent an entire day in a corner seat when my late wife was undergoing triple bypass surgery several years ago. These old buns grew so numb I wouldn't be able to feel a needle prick my ass if given a shot."
Robert scuffs in mild amusement and suppressing a grimace.
Thanks for the image, Bowling Ball. Yuck!
The man smiles when he saw Robert relax some. "Who are you waiting on for an update, young man?"
"Vivian Gray," he answers anxiously.
"Oh, you must be Robert then. I'm your girlfriend's doctor, Dr. Davenport."
Robert quickly stood, standing a hair taller than the man.
"How is she?"
The man stared for a moment, lightly frowning and sighs.
"She's okay but in pain. Vivian obtained a dislocated shoulder and broke her ankle from the fall. Although, it seems you were the one who put her shoulder back into place, which I'm thankful for. All her cuts and bruises are superficial and will heal with time. Although Vivian will need emotional support, maybe even you, as well."
Robert stares at the doctor, perplexed.
Dr. Davenport sadly frowns and reaches slightly to place a hand on Robert's shoulder.
"My deepest condolences, Robert, Vivian lost the child. She miscarried," the doctor spoke softly in a grandfather-like manner.
Robert stares briefly before glancing away with a tight gulp. He understands and is strangely saddened by the news. Robert was more worried about Ruth. He should have asked the question of what they could do instead of Ruth not telling him. Robert knows Ruth would want an abortion, while Robert, on the other hand, would suggest going through the pregnancy as Rutherford had asked of Jordan. If Jordan the Whore hadn't followed that request, Pennywise would have never met Ruth.
The argument they had is a stepping stone, in his opinion. He and Ruth will learn from their mistakes and see this as a lesson worth looking back on. They need to work things out still and be honest with one another. It's one of the core foundations of a healthy relationship. If what they have is even considered as such.
He sighs heavily and runs a hand through his hair. "I'm sad to hear that. Does Vivi know?"
Davenport's frown turns into a gentle smirk from the nickname.
"Vivi doesn't know yet. She woke from surgery a few moments ago. Typically, I'm the bearer of bad news, but I'm wondering if someone she is close with tells her. It seems only fair, does it not?"
"Maybe," Robert agreed uneasily. "I assume the babe died from the fall."
"Unfortunately, yes. When your girlfriend fell, it caused trauma to the fetus and minor complications. We made the executive decision to abort the deceased infant. The surgery went well, and Vivian will make a speedy recovery. The silver lining is that she can still have children. Assuming you're the father, I would suggest_."
"Oh, no, she's not my girlfriend," Robert interrupts with a wave his hand and shakes his head. "I'm not even the father. She was pregnant before we met. Besides, Vivi is much too young for me. I'm practically an adult."
Dr. Davenport suppressed a smirk when he noticed the pink in Robert's cheeks.
"You can't put an age on love, son. When I met my late wife, Helen, she was seven years older than me. We were so very much in love and didn't care what others thought. Helen was my better half, my soul mate, and I miss her still. I have a feeling Vivian is your Helen."
Robert stood before the doctor with a bashful frown and rubbing the back of his neck, growing red.
Inwardly, he's screaming, It's platonic, Bowling Ball! Jeez!
He clears his throat after a considerable amount of awkwardness.
"Can I see her?" Robert asks while still rubbing his neck.
Davenport smiles and nods. "You can. Come on now, I'll show you to her room."
He then guides Robert down a series of halls while exchanging light talk. The whole time Robert walked beside the doctor, he increasingly grew nervous. Why? Robert wished he knew. Maybe he's afraid of what would greet his eyes upon seeing Ruth. The image of her battered and bruised left an imprint in which he can't shake off. Perhaps, Robert is worried Ruth would turn away from him yet again.
Promise? Her voice echoes in his mind.
That was the last thing Ruth had said to him, and it echoed in his brain like an empty cavern.
Robert can feel his throat tighten, and insides squirm unpleasantly. The thought of her repeating the same mistake in pushing him away truly frightened him.
Please don't push me away, Ruth.
"Alright, here we are," Dr. Davenport's voice sounds from beside him.
Startled, Robert glances from the doctor then to the room where Ruth laid. He can see her chest slowly rising and falling, she is awake. Her eyes seemed to be staring off into space and skin porcelain white. Ruth looks sickly and bruised still, which only made his heart drop. His breath labors and lips curve downwards in a deeply saddened frown.
"Ruth," he announced timidly in her mind.
Robert saw her eyes flick from the air to him, but didn't turn completely. There is a frown on her lips and gulps tightly. Ruth doesn't say anything, which only hurts him more than he thought.
I'm losing her, he thought to himself.
"I'll leave you two be. Given the silence and the tension between you two that here is something that needs to be hashed out if Vivian is refusing to regard you fully. Take all the time you need, though. Good luck, son."
Robert doesn't say anything in return or watch the doctor leave. He stood in the doorway, silently watching Ruth from where he stood. Robert breathes unsteadily, his eyes misting still and trembled. The silence between them is so thick a knife wouldn't cut through.
After a considerable amount of time in this unbearably tense silence, Robert breaks the ice.
"Ruth," Robert calls lightly.
His voice filled the stagnant air and hung like a noose ready for execution. He sadly watched Ruth lay in the bed with her eyes staring at the wall. Ruth looked dead, but he knew she is alive. Her skin is ashen and clammy from the dim white light above. She doesn't say anything or regards him still. Robert felt a knife drive right through his heart from Ruth's silence. The only human he called a friend chose to ignore him despite his efforts to make things right again. He even saved her life for crying out loud. Maybe that feeling Robert had earlier was just his imagination.
He presses and bites at his lower lip, even a single tear trailed down his cheek before Robert turned away. If Ruth is going to remain to treat him like this, then there is no sense in staying by her side anymore.
Goodbye, Ruth.
He wasn't even out of the room when a small, strangled voice reached his ears.
"Penny," Ruth whimpers.
Robert glances over his shoulder at Ruth. She's not looking in his direction but at the wall again. He then noticed the tears streaming from her eyes. Her lips trembled and breathing raggedly. Ruth takes a sharp inhale then shudders a sob.
"I'm sorry," she struggled to say. "I'm so terribly sorry."
Ruth breaks down crying then and covers her face, shielding herself.
His features softened and lightly frowns. It's not the first for him to see Ruth this vulnerable. He's used to her crying since Ruth does wear her emotions on her sleeves. Robert can read Ruth like a book now. He knows she's genuinely sorry for what happened between them. Robert is, too. Although he still would like to understand why Ruth never told him.
Ruth shudders a breath to contain herself then turned her watery gaze on him.
"I'm a clueless idiot, Pen. I know I should have told you."
Robert regards Ruth with a frown and at the door. "Why didn't you?"
She shakily sighs, "Embarrassing as it sounds coming from me, would it be silly to admit I was afraid?"
He blinks and steps a foot in the room, "It depends. Why were you afraid?"
"I know how you are whenever the swine is mentioned. You get particularly angry, which is understandable. Sometimes it frightens me but not all the time. I noticed you stepping back when you learned the truth. I feared you would strike me. Besides, we were having a lot of fun together. I didn't want to ruin our fun by saying something and have you kill me out of anger."
Robert stared briefly, "You were afraid because you thought I would kill you?"
Ruth sadly frowns with a nod of her head.
He frowns himself, a little offended Ruth would think that. "I would not kill you over this, Ruth."
Robert glances over his shoulder at the openness behind him, hesitating in explaining further. With a sigh, he leans out into the hall then closes the door after knowing they were safe from being heard. He stares at her, watching Ruth grimacing while adjusting herself.
"You wouldn't kill me?" She questions with a groan.
"No," he answers quickly. "I'm a shape-shifting monster, as you so nicely put it, who is supposed to scorn all of mankind. I killed thousands, if not millions or more of children, even babies. I should have eaten you by now. Instead, I let you live for whatever reason. I now find it exceedingly hard to lay harm onto you, Ruth. Why is that? I haven't a clue."
"Liar," Ruth counters gently.
Robert scowls and furrowed his brows.
"No, I'm not."
"You are. If you were telling me the truth, you would look me straight in the eye."
He grew silent while starring at the space beside her head.
"You know why you let me live, don't you?"
Robert locks his gaze on hers, "I sincerely don't know why."
Ruth studies him for a moment, noting his rigid posture and rounded shoulders. She can tell there is more to it then what he is telling her. How? For as long as Ruth could remember, her instincts were just that. After meeting Pennywise and can sense his presence, it intensified. She's starting to feel his chaos and the matter of which makes him. Ruth doesn't know how it is possible, but something is drawing them together.
She sighs heavily, choosing to not press him for answers. He will share what is keeping him from killing her eventually. Ruth will stop asking him, too. She understands now that Pennywise hates the question and desires to stay quiet until he comprehends his emotions.
"Okay. I apologize if the question offends you. It's selfish of me to ask such a thing. I promise I won't ask you again. And you're certainly not a monster or emotionless. It was a heartless thing for me to say, and I regret hurting you."
Robert half-smiles. "Thank you, Ruth."
Ruth smiles then, her eyes drooping slightly. "I want to go back to being friends. Can we?"
He grins, "As do I."
"Good, I'm glad we are. You're welcome and thank you. I love the flowers you got me. They're beautiful. How did you know those were my favorite?"
Robert gently smiles, a warmth suddenly filling his heart. That's all he wanted to hear after all. "I don't root around in your head for nothing, you know. I consider it a bonus when the florist mentioned they symbolized forgiveness and all that jazz. I'm glad you like them."
She continues to smile while shifting in her bed. "They brighten up the room, too."
His smile never falters as he watched Ruth grow tired.
"I know they do. Get some rest now. You look like you could use it."
Ruth hums, grinning still. He watched her for a moment, considering something. Robert opts not to tell Ruth about the baby just yet. She needs rest, and he's going to let her. Robert turns to leave the room only to stop from a small voice.
"Pen," Ruth calls lightly.
With a glance over his shoulder, Robert sees Ruth returning on her back while muffling a groan.
"Yeah."
"This may seem like a childish request, but," Ruth pauses. She taps her index fingers together and blushes a bright pink. "Would, would you stay with me until I fall asleep?"
Irritating, fearless child.
He mischievously smirks when an idea popped in his head.
"I have a better idea."
Robert animatedly approaches her bedside and climbs onto the bed with ease.
"What, what are you doing?" Ruth squeaked, scooting over a little to accommodate his broad frame.
"Joining you," he answers without care and kicks off his shoes.
"But, but you can't be up here."
"Does it look like I care."
Ruth wanted to protest but decides against it as Robert snuggled close by her side. He even firmly grasped her hand, which startled Ruth even further. She tried to look him in the eye, but Ruth grew uneasy with his closeness. She wasn't uncomfortable yesterday when he laid with her to give Ruth comfort. It was different at that moment. Now, it feels like the moment when they were on the dirty train car three days ago. Ruth remembers the throbbing heat and the unexpected excitement she felt.
"Hum," she shudders uncomfortably.
"Relax, I won't do anything. I just want to lay here with you."
"But do you have to be this close?"
"The bed is small, to begin with. The hospitals need to make these things bigger," Robert complained.
"Well, they are supposed to accommodate one person, not two, Mr. Lincoln Log."
Robert snorts and laughs, "Shut up, short stack."
Ruth pouts and lightly nudges his shoulder with her uninjured hand.
"Don't call me short…" she started to complain but stops when a finger presses against her lips.
Her mind short-circuited from the contact, and eyes widened. There she felt the heat again, which is much stronger than before.
"Shh," Robert shushes then curls closer to Ruth's side.
She inwardly squeaks but doesn't object. Robert's closeness brought a sense of calm despite the raging storm within her mind. Ruth gently smiles, then closes her eyes to sleep. She and Robert laid in the semi-quiet room, enjoying one another's presence. Ruth listened to his light breathing, letting it lull her to sleep. She began to drift into dreamland when a small voice fills her ears, waking Ruth.
"Vivi," Robert whispered in her ear.
The tone in his voice made a shiver run down her spine and goosebumps cover her body. Ruth then felt his fingers lightly brush her chin timidly. With a shuddering breath, Ruth dares herself to lay her eyes on his. She doesn't regret it, either. Robert is staring at her sadly while touching her cheek.
"Somehow, I feel this is all my fault that you're in here. I can't begin to describe how horrible I felt from what I said and regret the pain I caused you. Will you forgive me?"
Tears brimmed her eyes and lightly grimaced, "Of course, I forgive you. You're my best friend, Pen. It doesn't matter what happens between us. Rather we fight, or something draws us apart; we stick together. And don't think for a second my misfortune is your fault because it's not."
"How is it not?"
Ruth lightly sighs then struggled to lay on her side. Robert is quick to help and draw her close. He gently cradles her injured face and brushes brown waves of her wig from Ruth's eyes. Despite the cuts and gashes, his irritating yet fearless and precious friend is still alluring.
"You said so before that I can be a klutz. When I was coming down the stairs to talk with you, I missed a step and tumbled. It's the same spot where you caught me the other day."
He scuffs lightly with a gentle smile. "Klutz."
She smiles in return. "Please don't blame yourself for my clumsiness. Okay?"
Robert warily smiles. He wants to tell Ruth what went through his mind upon discovering her crumbled form at the stairs. The image haunts his mind still, but its slowly turning into a fog since Ruth laid next to him alive. She is starting to calm his chaotic storm.
"Okay," he struggled a little.
Ruth remained to smile as she reached and cupped his face, which he leans into her touch. Her eyelids eased closed, slowly succumbing to sleep.
Robert watched Ruth sleep while brushing her cheek with a slight frown. He gulps harshly, his eyes closed, then curls tightly at her side, hugging Ruth close. His body is hurting, and bones ached. Staying in this form for an extended period is seriously starting to wear on him. However, Pennywise absolutely refused to revert to his clown form. He wanted to feel his companion near him, now especially.
The thought of losing Ruth frightened him. Pennywise understands now why he kept Ruth alive. It's not that he didn't want Ruth to be left alone in her dark world or fight to live for something more.
Pennywise, the Eater of Worlds, doesn't want to be alone anymore.