A/N: Hello, everyone and Merry Christmas! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. I was hoping to update on Christmas Eve or even yesterday, but apparently, the chapter is a lot longer than I anticipated. So, I won't say much. After this one, I'm going to take a little break to outline the final four chapters, which includes an epilogue. During this time, I will also be finishing up another short story for Home Alone that I started.
If you would like to see something happen before I conclude the story, which I'm predicting will end in February or earlier, let me know either through a PM or as a review.
In the meantime, enjoy the lengthy chapter.
Things haven't been entirely the same since her fall. Well, since the miscarriage and the argument. Her relationship with Pennywise shifted on its axis a little. Probably for the better, too. When Robert, ahem Pennywise, told her about the baby, Ruth took the news surprisingly well. She wasn't too horribly upset but saddened nonetheless. Ruth may not have wanted the child, but she was willing to go through the pregnancy to follow her father's footsteps. The child could have gotten a chance at life. Except, it was taken away due to her clumsiness.
Ruth would like to be a mother someday. The only way she will let that happen is if Ruth found her forever partner, her soul mate. Getting raped and impregnated by her uncle is not how Ruth wants it. Ruth wants to feel loved for once in her miserable life. Well, she does feel loved in a particular aspect. It's not the kind of love she would have hoped, but it's something at least. Her relationship with Pennywise seems to be on a more platonic at this point. There might be something more, but it's always hard to tell when he's in his clown form more often now. She wonders why that is.
They learned to be honest with each other now and not keep secrets. They understand things can't all be rainbows and butterflies. Every relationship has its challenges, theirs especially. For over a month now, Ruth and Pennywise had a few other arguments, but nothing too terrible mind you. They're just testing boundaries and which buttons not to press. Apparently, asking Pennywise what he looked like underneath his clown suit caused an unbelievably awkward and weird spat. She was just curious, anyway. So, what was the harm in inquiring of an adult male, who is an otherworldly being of what he physically looked like? Now that she thinks about it, the question is pretty private.
Ruth is by no means a pervert, but she does have a childlike wonder at times. Her mind actually begun to drift somewhere that shouldn't go. Ruth roughly shakes her head and curls herself in a deep fetal position. She silently reaches out and brushes her pink fingers across the lettering of her father's memorial statue.
Ruth sighs sadly as she laid on the cold ground, wondering what it would be like if he were alive. They would be over the moon happy near a fireplace and having hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows. This is the first year Ruth truly felt sad. For fourteen years, she never knew who her real father was until her birthday. After learning the horrid truth, she wished her father was around to give her love and gifts. Ruth never had a real Christmas, and it's only a few short hours away, too.
These last few weeks were difficult for Ruth. It depressed her greatly since Pennywise's antics don't do much for her. He's tried multiple times in cheering Ruth up to no avail. She hasn't told him the reason behind her behavior yet. Ruth partially wants to keep it to herself, but she knew what would happen if she did. Maybe, Ruth is having a harder time grasping her father's death more than she initially thought.
Maybe that's why she's here now. Ruth desperately wants to be near her father despite him being in the ground. She doesn't care if it's not natural to lay on someone's grave. All Ruth wants right now is to feel the connection between them. Her first Christmas should be with him anyway.
She sighs heavily again while tracing the letters, her eyes misting with tears.
"I wish you were here, papa," Ruth whispers sadly. "I may not know you by heart, but I miss you terribly."
Ruth sniffles while brushing her fingers on his memorial statue still. She laid there silently, listening to the cold settle on the ground. Ruth can hear the fresh coat of frost crackle on the grass. Her breath levels and lightly snores from the pleasant sound of silence.
As she lightly slept, Ruth dreamed, but it seemed more like a memory than anything else. Her environment is a little fuzzy, but she can see walls. From the haze, Ruth can tell they are beige in color and pictures hanging nearby. She couldn't figure out what they were. The only thing Ruth could see is a man smiling brightly at her. He is young, maybe in his late twenties or mid-thirties, and has curly strawberry blond hair. There are freckles all over his fair-skinned face, which are darker than hers from age. From what she could see, his big grin revealed white teeth.
"There is my little star," the man gushed happily.
Ruth can hear herself as a baby hiccup and lightly whine.
"Aw, don't cry, baby girl."
Her eyes remained on him as the man held her up from his chest and stared down at him. She lightly giggles and wiggles in his hands, blowing raspberries. He chuckles while beaming, then pulls her close and placed a big kiss on her nose with a 'mwah.' Ruth giggles and babbles while reaching for him.
"That's my girl," he replies.
He brings her back down and pulls baby Ruth close to his chest, near his heart. Her father, Rutherford, lightly swayed in the chair and hums softly. He smiles fondly and kisses the top her head as a single tear trailed down his left cheek.
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine," Rutherford sung in a whisper.
His voice is low, a little gruff but melodious that it's soothing.
"You make me happy when skies are gray."
Baby Ruth yawns against his chest, smiling as Rutherford hugged her close.
"You'll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away."
He stops to watch the tiny bundle sleep with a gentle smile. Rutherford brushes the little bit of hair on her head and stroked her cheek.
"I love you, Vivian," he whispered softly.
Ruth woke from her brief slumber from a voice in her ear. She's a little started but overwhelmed. Ruth may have been a baby then, but she remembers what her father looks like now. Ruth recalls how warm he felt and the touch upon her head. She feels it still, even a strange sensation running along her arms. Light tears fell from her eyes as Ruth glances up at the statue, grimacing deeply.
So very much, the voice sounds in her mind.
Ruth stood from the frozen ground, eyeing the statue still. She reaches to touch the cold metal and cups the cheek while stroking it with her thumb.
"Papa," she whispers with a slight struggle.
Ruth doesn't hear the voice anymore, but she knows who whispered in her ear. It was her father. He may not be in a physical body, but her father was here nonetheless. It's enough for Ruth to get past the depressive state she's been feeling this past month and a half. While a lot of things brought her down, the sense of not having her real father around saddened Ruth more.
With a long steady sigh, Ruth decides to leave and return to the Neibolt House. She's been gone much too long now and has a feeling Pennywise is wondering about her.
"I'll come back tomorrow morning and wish you a Merry Christmas. Maybe I'll have Pen come with me this time."
She steps away and starts to leave only to pause briefly. Ruth glances over her shoulder at the statue, eyeing it with a sad frown.
"Good night, papa," Ruth whispers then lightly jogs to the cemetery entrance.
From behind her, the bronze statue, accompanied by a light fog emitting from the ground, watched Ruth leave the cemetery.
The night grew colder as Ruth walked alone down the dark streets of Derry. No moon shined to light her way as the forecast predicts snow to fall later tonight. As frigid as it is now, Ruth, along with the whole town, will wake up to a white Christmas morning. It won't be a first, though. Several other white Christmases occurred here, one in 1957 and another in 1973. There was the massive blizzard of 1978 in February, but that really doesn't count. It's time for another, which Ruth feels it will be this year.
Ruth smiles at the thought. If it does snow, maybe she can convince Pennywise into a snowball fight or build a snowman. She hopes to do both since Ruth never had the luxury of either. Remember, Ruth was the Bastard Kid, and no one wanted to play with her. Just thinking about it made Ruth sigh heavily and frown.
Jeez, why do I always bring myself down by thinking about the past? Why can't I? Ruth's thought trails off when she felt an all too familiar sensation.
A cold prickle ran along the length of her spine to the tips of her toes. Ruth frowns, yet inwardly had to smirk. Pennywise is near and probably hopes to catch her off guard. She scoffs at his soon to be a futile attempt. He knows now that Ruth can sense his presence whenever he's close by, but it doesn't stop him from trying, though. Ruth assumes Pennywise is going for one last attempt to draw her out of this funk. She'll explain everything soon anyway.
Ruth sighs as the feeling intensified, "Did you forget that I can sense your presence, Pen?"
He doesn't respond, whines, or groan in exasperation.
His lack of acknowledgment, Ruth began to grow a little afraid of what he has stored for her.
Oh, god, what is he planning now? He better not spring out like a jack-in-the-box. She thought, then heard a yell.
It wasn't an ordinary yell either. It was a high-pitched growling that made Ruth's skin crawl. She glances around for the source only to squeal a startled scream. Ruth falls backward to the ground with an 'oof' when a small, deep green monster with large pointy ears and gnarly sharp teeth lunges at her. Despite the shiver, Ruth clocks the creature on the noggin. It grunts from the impact and drops to the frozen ground with a cackle.
The cackle escalated into a goofy, masculine laugh as Pennywise slowly reverted to his clown form.
"YES!" Pennywise yells victoriously with a raise of his arms.
Ruth answers with a growl.
"What the hell, you jerk!" Ruth screeched while shivering.
Alright, that was a good one.
Pennywise laughs still and clutched at his sides. "What in the world was that anyway? You sounded like a freaking pig squealing!"
He guffaws still while Ruth pouts and crosses her arms, "Urgh, shut up! Just what provoked you to transform yourself into a creepy Mogwai, well gremlin?"
His laugh turns into a light chuckle, then regards Ruth with a big toothy grin. "Those little guys wreaked havoc on Christmas Eve in that lame movie, Ruth. It seemed fitting since it is nearly Christmas."
She rolls her eyes. "So, you frighten me on Christmas Eve because of a movie you saw? Gee, thanks a lot."
Ruth felt a bubble of disappointment develop in her stomach. Despite their friendship and his need to scare, she hoped he would put it off for the night. She wasn't in the mood for one, especially when the voice of her father rang in Ruth's ears. With a sigh, Ruth glances up from the dark pavement to the house. She notes the pitch blackness inside and out. It's Christmas Eve, and there are no lights on her new home. Ruth wanted to decorate for the holiday, but doing so would give away her hideout. Any sort of festive fun would highlight the supposed empty house.
She sighs then turned her gaze off the house to the ground again. Ruth can hear popping and snapping of bones position in place, a voice soon followed.
"Come on, Viv, it's all in good fun, you know."
Ruth frowns, "I know," she answers lowly.
Pennywise, who reverted to his Robert persona, watched her briefly. Robert sighed when he noticed the dried tears and pink gracing the apples of her cheeks from the bitter cold.
"You went to go revisit his grave, didn't you?"
Her silence answered his question, which Robert can only frown deeper.
"I know you miss him, Ruth. It's okay to even if you hardly know him. Is that why you've been depressed lately?"
Ruth looked up at him then, frowning herself. She doesn't respond, which is enough of an answer. He feigns a smile then offered her a hand. Ruth only glared at him.
"Come with me," Robert lightly urged.
Ruth's brows furrow and frowns some more, "Why?"
Robert grins strangely. "I have something to show you."
She stares up at him briefly then reluctantly took his hand, frowning still. "What are you up to now?"
He grins at her with an odd sparkle in his blue eyes. "You'll see."
With a gentle pull, Robert fluidly yanks Ruth from the asphalt to stand on her feet. He holds onto her hand, squeezing it tightly to reassure Ruth.
"Come on," he whispers and gently tugs her with him.
Ruth trembled lightly, but it's not from the cold that quaked her body. There is something in his tone that made her nervous and fidget with her coat buttons.
"Seriously, what are you up to? You're making me nervous."
Robert pauses for a moment, smirking mischievously, which Ruth couldn't see. "Hmm, can't say, and don't be nervous, either."
Hesitant still, Ruth lets Pennywise guide her to the house. She was quiet to decipher his body language but couldn't with the dark. Ruth also tried not to overthink this or overreact, let alone process a single thought for him to hear.
They remained silent as Robert guided Ruth, his grin never faltering. When they approached the door, he suddenly stops and whirls behind Ruth. Before she could question, Robert covers Ruth's eyes with a piece of thick fabric.
"What, what are you doing?" Ruth asks with fear bubbling in her stomach.
He gently grasps her shoulders and squeezes them tenderly. Robert leans and bends to draw his lips to her ear, whispering.
"Relax, I won't do anything to hurt you and don't be afraid, either. What I want you to see is a surprise. I don't want to give it away upon entering our home."
Ruth wanted to glance up at him, but the cloth over her eyes created a barrier.
"Our home?"
Robert grins wide as he returned to stand in front of Ruth and cups her cheeks with his hands. "Yes, our home. We made it so."
He doesn't see this, but Ruth smiles in the dark. With a quick few steps, Robert guides Ruth inside. Upon entering the foyer, he removes her coat with ease, then frees himself from his own and places them on a nearby coat rack. Robert takes both her hands and ushers Ruth down the hall backward. His backward step caused him to stumble, along with Ruth, which she tumbles and collides into his chest with a light grunt. She chuckles softly, Robert as well.
"What are you trying to do?" Ruth wonders, starting to feel at ease as her nervousness faded into anticipation.
"I was hoping to walk backward, but my size eleven human shoes got in the way," he laughed.
She scuffs breathily, "Klutz."
He mirrored her reaction before swirling in his spot and walked properly down the hall with Ruth in tow. It was a short few minutes until Robert slowly drew Ruth inside a room, which is strangely lit somehow. He glances behind him to consider something then gently pulls Ruth further in, grinning still. Robert had Ruth stop about ten feet away from the doorway and lightly closes it behind him. He gently smiles at her back before moving towards the back corner to his right. In a couple of steps, Robert quickly flips a switch on an antique phonograph and sets a vinyl record on the turntable.
"Can I take the blindfold off now?" Ruth questions anxiously from where she stood.
"Not yet," he answers, watching Ruth as he set the needle on the spinning record.
Soft instrumental music filled the room then, causing Ruth's head to twitch sideways.
"Is that," she paused, listening. "Christmas music I'm hearing?"
Robert's grin widens, he caught the curious tone in her voice.
"It is."
He then slowly approaches Ruth from behind and gently gripped her shoulders. Robert guides Ruth forward a little more, who rightfully stumbles.
"Whoops. Pen, what exactly are you doing?" Ruth questions softly.
"How much do you trust me?"
There was a twitch of a smile then. "With my life."
The answer startled him slightly but smiles, nonetheless. He positions Ruth, who trembled in anticipation then reached for the blindfold to gently untie it. Once removed and wanting to tease Ruth further, Robert quickly places his hands over her eyes. Ruth groans in frustration with a pout and folds her arms.
"Ugh, will you stop teasing me already?"
Robert grins with a light chuckle, "Alright, alright, I promise this is the last of my teasing."
Ruth smirks while lightly bobbing on her heels with excitement. "Should I cue a drum roll?"
He snorts, "That won't be necessary."
After a brief moment, he removed his hands from her eyes and spread them out to his sides with a step back.
"Tada," he softly exclaimed.
That was Ruth's cue to open her eyes. When she did, the smile she had falls into an awed gap, and eyes widened. Ruth even held her breath as she stared ahead and around the room. It's beautifully lit and decorated with warm white lights that hung from each corner of the room, which met to the center of the ceiling. The chandelier, which hung there, is delicately covered with holly leaves and fully-bloomed poinsettias. There are five-point stars, which hung as well, are meticulously placed about and lightly swirled in their spots. In a corner stood a fresh pine tree as the lovely forest scent filled her nostrils. The evergreen has lights adorning its branches, along with golden tinsel garland and ornaments, which glowed from the warm white and velvet red bows. Atop the tree is a massive, gorgeous eight-point Bethlehem star that shined bright. Her eyes scanned the beautiful tree to the base. Ruth then saw five perfectly wrapped presents with glittery bows.
It took her a moment, but Ruth shuddered a breath, and eyes misted with unshed tears. Ruth attempts to speak but couldn't find the words. She is speechless.
"I know we couldn't decorate outside, so I brought the holiday inside," Robert explained.
His explanation snapped Ruth out of her stunned stupor, while slowly glancing over her shoulder at Robert. "Wait, you did all of this?"
Robert grins, "Not all of it. I wouldn't be able to do all of this by myself, you know. While it was all my idea, Henry and the boys were happy to help. If it wasn't for the portable generator Reggie had, this wouldn't have been possible. Besides, you deserve to have a first and real Christmas, Vivi."
Ruth refused to look him the eye. Her mouth remained to gap with tears threatening to fall. For the last few days, she noticed Pennywise being oddly secretive and fidgety. Anytime she came close to this room, he always tried to divert her attention. His futile attempts to scare Ruth were to distract her from what was going on in this room. Ruth hadn't seen much of the boys lately either, this is why. It's a Christmas surprise, and she's touched.
After a prolonged silence, Robert stared at Ruth's back, patiently waiting for a reaction. Although he does gulp tightly, growing nervous.
"Is," Ruth paused, breaking the silence between them. "Is this why you've been secretive lately? Because you were doing all of this for me?"
From behind her, he smiles gently before responding. "It is. I would do anything for you, Vivi," Robert announces with conviction.
Ruth grimaces deeply, her tears now beginning to fall. She shuts her eyes tightly before whirling around and rushed at him. Ruth doesn't give him enough reaction time when she flings herself at Robert, causing him to rock backward a little. He grunts from the impact but quickly encircles Ruth in his arms and hoists her off the floor. Robert hugged her tightly as she softly wept and sniffled onto his blazer collar, even sobbed.
"Shh," Robert shushes lightly, cradling the back of her head.
"Thank you," Ruth whispers with a struggle. "Thank you so much," she repeats, hugging him tightly around his neck. "I love it. I absolutely love it."
Robert grins into her hair and lightly grips a handful. Ruth didn't mind it, though. In fact, the feel of his hand calmed her tears. She smiled herself and ran her fingers through his, earning a soft moan. They stood like this a lot longer than they should as the atmosphere in the room shifted. Ruth's heart drummed in her chest. She can feel Robert's on the verge of bursting out, even felt him a trembling, it's a good shudder, though. Ruth has the same feeling.
"You're trembling," Ruth breathed in his ear.
"I'm alright," he answers softly, curving into the embrace.
Ruth hums lightly as she clung onto his neck as Robert remained to hug her close. Other than him embracing Ruth after saving her from the adults, this is the longest they had held each other. They are enjoying it, too. Robert gently unclenches his fists from her hair to smooth over her lightly frizzy locks. He feels her sigh lightly and squirms ever so gently. That's when Robert realized they held each other much longer then he anticipated.
He slowly bends for Ruth's feet to settle on the floor and pulled away slightly. Ruth gazes up at him with a bright smile, something Robert hasn't seen in a while.
"Thank you so very much. It is unlike you, but extremely thoughtful. Thank you, Robby."
Robert would have to agree with her about this being unlike him. He doesn't go out of his way to cheer up anybody or do things like this, Ruth is an exception. If the creature in him didn't follow it's gut in protecting the girl, none of this would have happened. Their unlikely bond wouldn't be this strong either. Pennywise was hesitant at first in revealing this side of him, the Robert "Bob" Gray persona. He always hid behind his intimidating, goofy mask as to not show that there is a seriousness beneath his somewhat childlike demeanor. He's been using this form for months now, not because Ruth admires this side of him but to show the complexity of who he is. Of course, Deadlights has yet to reveal his true form to her. He has talked about it numerous times with Ruth but never chalked the courage to show the real nature of his body. He wonders what Ruth would think of him if he did. Either way, no matter what Pennywise told her, Ruth idolized him and accepted his way of life. The Eater of Worlds had never felt safe until he met her.
He fondly smiles down at Ruth while caressing her pink cheeks and temples.
"Your welcome, Vivi."
She smirks before pressing her lips then glances down only for a second. Ruth returns her gaze on him only to catch something hanging above them. Her brows furrow, and lips pursed slightly.
"Is that what I think it is?"
Confused, Robert glances up to find what Ruth saw. He held a breathe as a mistletoe hung directly above them. Robert inwardly cringes and curses.
Damnit, Reg!
He told Belch not to hang the thing in here as Robert felt the little controversy would force something more meaningful between him and Ruth. If Robert, well Pennywise, wanted anything like that to happen, he would let it occur naturally and not through a holiday tradition.
"Yeah," he starts tightly with a heavy sigh. "That's a mistletoe. I told the rotund boy not to place that thing there."
Ruth chuckles lightly, "Well, that rotund boy, as you so nicely put it, believes something is going on between you and me."
Robert rose a brow, considering something. Ruth started to pull away, but he kept her near. His eyes remained to glare at the little bundle as he stroked Ruth's cheek.
She feels particularly soft today, he thought.
"Robert," Ruth called to him softly.
He sighs gently then captures Ruth's gaze again.
"It is tradition," Robert whispered.
Ruth's heart leaped to her throat and held her breathe. She clung onto his blazer as Robert remained to embrace her at the arms. Without her jacket, Ruth began to feel the cold of winter prickle through her mauve sweater. A chill traveled from her shoulder blades to the small of her back, creating goosebumps. She then remembered the warm lights surrounding her. Realization struck her hard like a lightning bolt.
Is it him I kissed? But, but it's platonic, right?
Ruth felt she was hurled back in her dream. It's indeed cold like December snow, and the room is illuminated in a warm white glow. Only this time, it is so very much real. The instrumental Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas softly played in the background now. Robert stood so close to her that it is almost intimidating. The look in his eyes made Ruth tremble but pleasantly. It's anticipation coursing through her veins. The tips of his fingers ghost over the flesh of her cheek and jawline, creating goosebumps. She lightly breathes through parted lips, her eyes never leaving his. Ruth can see something changing in Robert's supposed cold gaze. There's warmth developing in his magnificent blues.
There is a brief, light silence between them as they stood beneath the mistletoe, yet it is disturbed.
"May I?" Robert whispered like a zephyr breeze.
She couldn't breathe then and trembled with eagerness.
Oh, holy sweet baby Jesus, it's him! Ruth inwardly squeals.
Ruth barely nods, softly whispering like a breeze herself. "You may."
Robert's fingertips trace from her chin, jaw then into her hairline, cupping Ruth's face. He holds her gaze as he bent and leans. Ruth slowly stood on the tips of her toes to gain height while gripping his blazer for balance. Both of their eyes close, centimeters from touching. That small gap closes when his lips brush Ruth's ever so lightly. It felt like a feather at first before his mouth molds perfectly with hers, kissing Ruth fully. It is short, sweet, and light even tasty from remnants of spiced eggnog on Robert's lips. She had to wonder when he drank such a scrumptious beverage.
He pulls back gently, stares into Ruth's eyes, and licks his lips. Ruth mimics to taste his breath on her mouth. She is quite taken aback at the sensation that is left behind after their first kiss. Something stuck out that both knew was there. Their platonic relationship is not what it seems. There is defiantly chemistry here but are both afraid to speak. To be sure it wasn't a fluke, Robert leans into Ruth again and captures her lips. Ruth doesn't hesitate to wrap her arms around his neck to pull him down further and stood taller on her toes.
Ruth imagined if she were to EVER kiss him, which Ruth thought would never happen, it would be timid and sloppy. Pennywise, well Robert, wouldn't know how to kiss a person. Except he took Ruth by surprise. It's not by any means chaotic laced with uncertainty. He knows what he's doing because holy sweet cannoli's Robert is a magnificent kisser. His lips are surprisingly soft and full, conforming to Ruth's thin mouth perfectly. Their second kiss this evening is fervent and loving. They mirrored each other's movements fluidly like mated dolphins and hearts drummed rhythmically inside their chests.
She breathes through her nostrils and moans. Ruth would like to pull back and blush, but god help her, she is enjoying this. Her fingers played with small locks of his short hair while Robert's entangled in her lush waves. Ruth's toes cramped from the height difference and would like to set the flats of her feet down. She inched herself down, except Robert had other plans. His arms snake around her hips and gently hoists Ruth off her feet to dangle a foot off the ground. She makes a slight squeak from the movement but kept her mouth on his. They both breathed heavily, absolutely refusing to pull away.
Oh, my god, it's not a fluke! Hot damn he's a magnificent kisser, Ruth to herself.
Ruth could be mistaken, but she could have sworn Robert grinned. A low rumbling groan fills Robert's chest, hugging Ruth tightly. He curves as Ruth arched, molding and fitting perfectly against him. He deepens the kiss with a slight angle of his head, even gently nips at Ruth's bottom lip. She gasps, giving Robert his opportunity. He slips his tongue in between her teeth and caresses the roof of her mouth, earning a light hum. His tongue is just like any other and not the long, doggy one Ruth seen on one rare instance. Although Ruth had to wonder what other areas he can reach with it. Just thought of it caused Ruth to moan loudly and followed his lead.
Compared to Ruth's kiss with Stan, she felt a spark with the boy. With Robert, though, Ruth has this wild inferno blazing in her stomach, and dare she say her loins. He got her motor running fiercely. A searing warmth even fills her heart as they remained lip-locked. Stan didn't do this to her. Ruth understands now. She simply had a crush on him. She developed a desire for the creature without even knowing it.
She realized something then. Pennywise, at the time, was agitated after they left Stan that day. Ruth recalls telling him that he is her number one, most dear friend. Yet, Ruth's first kiss was with Stan. Pennywise got Ruth to laugh and smile first, he was even the first person to hug her. They had a lot of first together. He should have got to kiss her, except Pennywise was robbed of that opportunity. That's why he was upset. Well, she's making up for it now. Ruth is still his first kiss.
For the longest time, they stood there underneath the mistletoe, enjoying their passionate kiss. Eventually, Robert slowly eases up and breaks it with a light smack. There was a slight sigh of disappointment from Ruth, which is understandable. Ruth was savoring the intimate moment with him. He was, too. Robert didn't want to stop, but they needed to catch a breath. He hugs her tightly and lays his head on Ruth's, breathing in deeply. Ruth's signature warm rose perfume filled his nostrils. He always liked that scent. Ruth is a kind, delicate flower, after all.
He shallowly gulps then opens his eyes the moment Ruth did. They stare briefly, not saying a word. Robert saw it, Ruth's infectious smile. The corners of her mouth spread wide, showing off her pearly whites with a shuddering sigh. He then saw tears, but they are not of sadness or anger. They are tears of pure joy.
Robert himself grins and not his usual creepy one either. He loves that smile of hers.
"Merry Christmas, Vivi," he whispers, his grin never faltering.
Ruth's smile broadens, lighting up the room more than the Christmas lights.
"I like it when you call me that," she whispers in return.
Robert toothily smiles, "Vivi."
She bites at her lower lip, blushing an intense pink. "Merry Christmas, Robby."
He is quick to capture her lips again for a searing kiss. Robert likes the way it rolls off her tongue. The kiss is relatively brief when Robert suddenly remembered another gift he has for her with a light hum. Ruth pouts, which Robert found cute. He grins then slowly sets Ruth back on her feet.
"I have one more gift for you," he whispers then steps away.
Ruth beams, watching him step towards the Christmas tree.
"Okay, what else could you have gotten for me other than this gorgeous display?"
Robert glances over his shoulder at her, "I would have to show you. Now close your eyes. I don't want to spoil this surprise for you."
From this short distance, Robert saw the excited gleam in her eyes. Ruth closes her eyes, grinning. He is quick to snatch the present. It made a sound, which Robert places a finger at his lips, shushing it.
Slowly, he returns to Ruth, who remained to have her signature bright grin. Robert took a moment to admire Ruth. She glows in the warm white light, her smile only made Ruth more mesmerizing. He stares for a long moment, mouth gaping. It felt as if he, Pennywise, is caught in his own deadlights. His first and only dear friend is absolutely stunning, something he already knew. Except, after seeing Ruth so happy because of him, she is a marvel, an absolute spectacle. Ruth is like a glamour only in human form.
He realized something then as Robert stared still. The creature in him is falling in love with Ruth. Yet, he is terrified to the core due to this realization. How did he develop such a complex emotion for a human girl?
"Pen?" Ruth's voice calls lightly, her eyes still closed.
Her small voice snapped Robert out of his head. He clears his throat then holds out the gift, grinning. Instead of having Ruth open her eyes, Robert urges the little present towards her face. It makes a cute little whine and licks at her nose. Of course, Ruth wasn't expecting it. Her eyes snap open and gasps. Her features light up even more and grin wildly. Robert proudly smirks as he held the rescued basset hound puppy, which wore a velvet red Christmas bow around its neck. Its little tail wagging fiercely that it created wind.
"Oh, my God, he's flipping adorable!" Ruth squeals excitedly.
She snatched the puppy from his hands and hugged him. The little guy yips and whines happily as it licked at her face, making Ruth giggle.
Robert watched the two, pride swelling in his chest at Ruth's happiness. He might be a big baddie with a taste for frightened children and takes pleasure in scaring them, but there is nothing more satisfying than seeing pure joy grace Ruth's features. Pennywise obtained a new desire in which gives him an abundance of confidence and strength, Ruth's happiness. Her presence alone provides him with unbelievable amounts of energy. He wonders why that is.
"Thank you! Thank you so much, Pen! He's absolutely adorable. How did you get him?"
He smiles and rubs the puppy's ear. "I rescued him from the cold the other day. This daring little pup caused my meal to run away. I scared the boy as that…"
Robert doesn't get to finish when Ruth wraps the scarf that is around his neck in her hand and yanks him down. It caught him by surprise and nearly toppled over. The last thing Robert expected was Ruth's lips smashing against his. He grins excitedly and kisses Ruth for the fourth time this evening.
Robert enjoys these moments with her. He wanted to kiss Ruth a long time ago. Pennywise planned on being her first kiss but was robbed of the opportunity. If it wasn't for Stan, he would have been Ruth's first kiss tonight, even though it is still his. The kiss doesn't get to last too long when the puppy yips and licks at their chins. Ruth groans before pulling away with a slight pout but smiles up at Robert.
"Hmm, is my goofy killer going soft on me?" Ruth whispers in wonder.
Robert deeply growls and wraps an arm around her waist. His eyes flashed gold, a predatory yet proud grin follows.
"He's still very…much…the same," he growls lowly while caressing Ruth's chin.
Ruth smiles in admiration with a gleam in her eyes. "That's good to hear. I don't want you to change too much on me. Even though I do like this side of you."
"I'm only like this with you, Ruth. You know that."
"I know," she replies softly while standing close with the puppy squirming happily. "But, you're still my goofy killer."
Robert glares softly then leans his head on hers with a content sigh. "I am, aren't I?"
Ruth responds with a hum then drew her hand away from his soft scarf while still smiling fondly at her dear companion.
"Now, what should we call this cute little guy?"
She motioned to the basset hound puppy and held him near her chest.
Robert grins at their new friend while rubbing the pup's ears then flicks his gaze on Ruth.
"I think you should name him."
Ruth thought about it briefly when she remembered her father singing to her as a baby. Rutherford is too long, and Ford doesn't seem to fit well.
"How about… Rutty."
Robert blinks and furrowed his brows. "Rutty?"
"Yeah, in memory of my father. Unless you have something else in mind."
"No, I'm fine with that. Although I was thinking along the lines of a horror-based name such as Oriok."
Ruth deadpans, "If I were to name him something from a horror movie, it would be a little easier than that. And isn't that the vampire in the 1922 German film Nosferatu?"
He grins proudly, "Right you are. Oh, what about Stripe?"
Ruth chuckles, "No, way, honey. We are not naming him after a gremlin. How about Freddy?"
Robert blows raspberries, "As in the crater-face dream killer, Freddy Krueger? Ha, no way!"
She pouts, "Rutty, it is."
"Oh, even better, Copper."
Ruth perks, "As in the doctor from The Thing?"
She looks down at the puppy, smirking with a hum. "Copper, I think it fits."
"Don't get me wrong, I like Rutty. It just kind of comes off as ready."
"Hmm, you're right. Copper is a good name, especially since my father has the same hair color as me."
Robert grins, "There we go."
Ruth mirrors with a flush of color sweeping across her cheeks before yawning. Robert quickly notes it's getting late, Christmas is arriving soon anyway.
"It's getting late. We should head to bed. Christmas is tomorrow anyway."
She nods in agreement and yawns again. "Okay, but I do have one request."
Robert moves past her but beckons Ruth to turn with him. He nods in the direction of a semi-lit corner of the room. "Already got it covered."
Ruth turned to the corner and saw her mattress tucked snuggly near the wall. There are several thick blankets to shelter her from the cold and a couple of pillows. She even noticed her nightclothes neatly folded on her bed. Ruth then saw a brand-new fluffy plum purple robe hanging nicely over a chair.
She smiles gently, then glances up at him, "How did you know I was going to ask?"
"I know you too well, Ruth," he replies with a smile. "I'll leave the room for you to change. Let me know when you are ready."
Robert then started for the door while Ruth watched him leave, smirking. "Are you planning on staying with me tonight, Penny Pen?"
He regards Ruth with an excited grin that sent a delightful shiver down her spine. "I fully planned on it."
Ruth flashes him a smile, blushing madly. She watched him leave the room then lightly bounced on her feet. Her grin from earlier resurfaced from the searing warmth enveloping her heart. Robert, ahem Pennywise, is doing something to her Ruth never thought possible. His gesture in bringing Christmas into their home and getting her a stray puppy as a gift filled Ruth with joy, a burst of life. Ruth is beginning to feel the one emotion she never felt before, love.
She is quick to change into her form-fitting flannel pajamas, even left some buttons undone to show some skin. Not like anything is going to happen tonight mind you. Ruth made a quick rap at the door to signal Robert that she was ready then headed for the mattress. Copper trotted over before Robert entered the room wearing flannel pajama bottoms and a somewhat clingy long-sleeved shirt. She glances over at him only to turn away just as fast upon seeing the conformed top. Ruth opts not to say anything as she crawled to the side near the wall. Robert quickly followed then ushered Ruth over to settle in his arms, cuddling with wide grins. After they settled close, little Copper nestled himself atop Robert's chest with a light happy groan.
Robert glances down at the pup then at Ruth, his smile never leaving his lips. "Goodnight, Vivi," he whispers softly.
Ruth hums appreciatively, snuggling closer while grinning. "Goodnight, Pen."
Before drifting off to sleep, they seal their new dynamic with one last kiss for the night.
Come Christmas morning, the duo woke to a pleasant surprise. White virgin snow laid on the ground, which reached their shines. It's enough snow to build a fort, if they so desired, and a snowman. Pennywise is doing just that after gawking at the pristine, glittery white powder for ten minutes.
She glances up at him, who is having fun rolling a giant snowball for the base, which is a cute sight at an inhuman speed. Despite the silver suit, his wild orange hair stood against the white, including the red markings on his face. Ruth smiled fondly at him as she loaded her polaroid camera with film. She is quick in reloading then snaps a photo of Pennywise placing a medium-sized ball for his snowman. With a wave of her hand, Ruth peers down at the shot and grins.
Perfect! Maybe I should be a photographer and an artist, Ruth concluded with enthusiasm.
She glances over her shoulder into the house to eye the room of which her and Pennywise, aka Robert, laid last night. Upon waking, Ruth excitedly rushed over to the Christmas tree to open her gifts. Reggie got her a new charcoal and graphite set, along with a sketchbook. Victor found the LP for Blue Öyster Cult's Agents of Fortune Ruth was looking for, along with Paula Abdul's Forever Your Girl, and the Saturday Night Fever Motion Picture Album. Henry, surprisingly enough, got Ruth an exceptionally nice pocketknife with a curly maple handle.
Ruth loves her presents from the boys. She was especially surprised by an unexpected gift from Mike. She might contact him later so they can talk. Mike deserves to know what's going on now, right? He earned it, at least. Except Ruth is still very much wary of him. Mike's Christmas gift was her own copy Of Mice and Men, along with Donovan's Brain. Her two favorite novels. The card he left told Ruth that he is keeping his promise to keep her safe. Mike even figured out that she is hiding at the Neibolt House. She's not exactly happy about that but is somewhat glad he's trying to regain her trust, even though it is futile.
The Christmas present, Pennywise, got her was the best out of the five of them. Surprising her the way he did with Christmas lights and tree, a passionate mistletoe kiss, and bringing in a stray puppy as a pet for her was an absolute first. Pennywise did say he will do just about anything to ensure her happiness. If he takes the initiative to make her smile, then Ruth should do the same. Ruth would like to be the first to make him smile. She even has an idea on how to do that, too.
She sets her camera, along with the polaroid shot, aside. With a grin, Ruth stoops low and goes on the prowl.
Pennywise hums lightly to himself as he set the last and smaller snowball atop for his snowman. He stood back with hands balled at his hip to admire his work so far with an approving nod and hum.
"Perfect. Hey, Ruth! Are you getting …?"
He doesn't get to finish the question when a generously sized snowball smashed into his face. The impact startled him, which knocked Pennywise backward and plops into the snow with a grunt. Because the ground is thick and deep, his body formed a perfect imprint of him. Pennywise spews the soft white powder from his mouth, lightly growling. He then hears a light laugh, not several feet away from him.
Pennywise perks from the sound, his signature grin surfacing. Oh, now there is a first.
"Are you going to answer back? Or did I take out my big goofy killer with one hit?" Ruth questions as she formed a ball in her palms.
She saw him bolt up and geared herself to thrust a snowball at him again when a burst of cold collided into her face. Ruth makes a surprised oomph of a grunt and falls back. She, too, creates a perfect imprint from the deep snow. Upon realizing he threw a snowball, ignited something in her. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and a wide jovial grin surfaced.
"How's that for an answer?" Pennywise questions with a wild grin.
Ruth sat up from which she fell and hurled a couple in his direction. They whirl past him as he dodged sideways, his enormous feet sinking in the deep snow. As the clown is not accustomed to walking in this kind of weather, he stumbles with his arms flaying beside him to keep balance. Ruth seizes an opportunity to chuck a couple at Pennywise's tottering form. One bursts in a cloud of white at his shoulder while the second zooms past his red nose. She saw him grin before falling forward with a plop.
She can only laugh while running towards him. Her feet sink as well, but Ruth has run through the snow before. Her feet made a powdery crunch beneath her as she skillfully rushed at Pennywise with a handful of snow in her palms. Ruth tugs at his puffy collar back and shoves her ammo down his suit.
The moment the coldness from the ground reached his skin, Pennywise jerked upright with a shocked grimace. "YEOW, wow that's cold!"
Ruth can only laugh and trudged through the snow while scooping and forming balls into her now wet gloved palms. Her fingers are frozen despite them being covered, her nose, along with her cheeks are a fierce red from the bitter cold. Ruth saw Pennywise morph into his Robert form after getting over his shock and ran after her with difficulty, at first.
She squeals in delight when Ruth saw the glimmer in his eyes and hurled several snowballs at her, only to miss. Ruth joyfully laughs as she ran and gathered ammo. She thrusts a couple herself, which Ruth nailed him in the chest and in the head. A fine dusting of snow coated his dark hair and melted on the side of his face. Ruth then hears him burst into laughter. That's a first for her, she got him to laugh. She caught him rushing after her, but Ruth is quicker to dodge his arms, along with the fistful of snow. He lightly throws the powdery substance at her, earning a giggle from her lips. Robert reaches for Ruth, only to come up short when she darts out of his reach. He is quick to follow.
As they had their impromptu playful snowball fight, Pennywise couldn't help but wonder who Ruth really is. She is doing something to him, which he never thought possible. Ruth is drawing something natural out of him, and that is accepting love from a child. Except, Ruth is not just an ordinary child with a horrible past. She is turning into a gorgeous young woman who is growing stronger despite the struggles. Her threatening Beverly showed him Ruth can stoop to extreme levels. She was remorseful but felt invigorated. He can also see something beginning to surface deep within her core, and it's a light source that Pennywise is attracted to. He couldn't tell if it is her soul regaining life or his presence is providing Ruth a purpose. It's hard to know at this point. All Pennywise knows is that Ruth is a constant factor in everything he does now.
He stops thinking of what Ruth could be and refocused his attention on catching her. She has zoomed past him several times while he was in his head and laughing. Her joyful mirth always seemed to give him energy. Robert felt a burst of it then lunges for her. He succeeds by snatching Ruth from behind, who rightfully squeals in delight and giggles. Robert intended to whirl her around and embrace Ruth, except Robert, had lost his footing. He falls sideways to the ground with Ruth in tow. She rolls onto her back, laughing, while he spun atop of her, chuckling himself.
Ruth breathed heavily from all the running she did to avoid him, even Robert panted. He gently situated himself over her, smiling broadly. Robert leans then captures her lips as if it were normal for him to do. Ruth didn't seem to object. In fact, her hands grasped onto his shoulders to balance him and moved with him. Ruth moans softly in his mouth and hooks a leg at his knee, drawing him close. Robert couldn't help but groan and laid against her with his fingers touching Ruth's forehead.
Like last night, the two of them moved fluidly and kissed fervently in the snow. They didn't care if the damp coldness seeped into their clothes. All they wanted was to taste one another and feel their racing hearts drum within their chests. Ruth cups his jaw and moans pleasurably from Robert's hand gingerly grasping her leg and drew it at his waist. She can hear the snow shift as his leg glides forward to keep her in place. Her body reacts with an arch and embraces him around his back. Ruth's gloved fingers roved around the material, feeling the tautness of his muscles. Robert surprisingly moans from a sensation soaring down his spine, which in turn made him kiss Ruth harder. His tongue darts in her small mouth, Ruth follows suit, which they end up battling for dominance. He knew when it went a little too far when Ruth arches her back, pressing herself at his chest, and lightly bucks her hip.
Robert groans and breathes sharply through his nose, kissing Ruth slowly this time before gently pulling away. He locks his gaze on hers, seeing no disappointment or a cute pout. Apparently, Ruth figured she took a step in a direction in which he didn't want to go yet. It is true to a degree, but deep down, Robert wanted to. He can very quickly lose himself and just take Ruth right here. Except, he knew it is much too soon to even consider a more physical and intimate relationship with her. They've only just started. Only what did they initiate? He knows their platonic dynamic shifted last night, but what did it become now?
He sighs while staring down at Ruth, mesmerized still at the beauty beneath him. Her fair, creamy skin glowed from the winter sun, the pink in her lips seemed redder, and the color in her cheeks made Ruth look like Snow White, only with brilliant ginger hair. Ruth's lush and velvety smooth locks splayed underneath her head like waving flames against the white.
"Winter fire," Robert whispers suddenly while running his fingers through Ruth's gorgeous hair.
She softly grins up at him, "Isn't that from Ben's poem?"
"It is," he paused briefly and gazes into her hazel eyes. "But I understand the analogy, though. Your hair is stark in contrast to the white beneath you. Whereas mine, you're the light of which pierces the bitter cold darkness of my world. You're beautiful."
Ruth bit at her lower lip as a fierce pink swept her cheeks and nose, smirking. Without second-guessing of what she was doing, Ruth sat up slightly and presses her lips against his lovingly. Robert doesn't object since he's kissing her back with equal fervor.
They laid in the snow, lightly making out for the second time this morning, and they showed no signs of stopping anytime soon. Well, maybe. Someone stumbled on the scene and couldn't help but rudely disturb them.
"Hmm, looks like the mistletoe worked," a voice that belongs to Belch replies in amusement.
Robert slowly stopped kissing Ruth and pulls away much to her disappointment. She pouts up at him while he stared with a light smirk and caressed her cheek. He sighs softly then laid his forehead on hers, ignoring their audience.
"Yeah, it sure seems like it. Get a room you two, jeez," Henry's voice follows in mild disgust.
"Nah, let them stay like that. Oh, as a matter of fact," Victor voices.
Victor is quick to snatch Ruth's camera to take a picture of the two for a keepsake. He saw from the corner of his eye the photo Ruth took earlier and couldn't help but frown. He saw the clown of which is Pennywise lifting a big snowball atop the other with a gleeful smile. Victor stared at the photo for a moment, really just zoning in on the eyes. He remembers seeing gold eyes staring at him from when Victor left Ruth's house on the night of her birthday. Those are the same ones.
His brows furrowed then turned his attention on Ruth and Robert. He positioned the camera to snap a photo of the cute pair and snatches the snapshot. Victor waves the picture in his hand, then glances down at it. He grins at the adorable scene of the two but couldn't help put two and two together. Robert is continuously near her and is extremely protective of his female companion. That's when it dawned on him. The clown in the picture is the same person that is with Ruth now.
How he knows for sure? It's the grin in both photos. Robert is not who he seems to be. A little disturbed at his findings, he pockets the picture for the time being until Victor can speak with Ruth in private about it. He now wants to know the truth, and Victor is going to get it out of them one way or another.