A/N: Hello, everyone! I hope you all are doing well and staying safe out there.

I have found myself caught up yet again in my edits. So, this will be the last update of the year for the rewrite until sometime in January. I will be spending time in the next coming weeks writing up the new chapters and working on some small one chapter stories, which will be coming soon.

In the meantime, enjoy the chapter.

Be safe, be kind, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Reviews are always appreciated, too. ;)

02/14 Update: I added a scene and slight dialogue changes to fix a minor plot hole I noticed.


"You know, after a month of leaving that hell hole, it still looks the same."

Ruth comments as she stood stationary outside the house she once called home. Her arms are folded over with a scowl present on her lips, and her hip jutted out. Ruth eyed the drive with scorn, recalling the moments she had run out of the house with tears, bruises, and blood. She remembers all the shouting, the cigarette burns to her flesh, and cold metal running across already scarred arms. There were even plenty of nights where Ruth cried herself to sleep or sang songs or lullabies. Every morning was the same monotonous repeat of her prior broken and lonely life. Ruth hates it and feels she is stuck in it still. Even when Pennywise is here providing her comfort and support the best he could while being her best friend, it is not quite enough. Something is missing. Closure, maybe, but it goes deeper. Ruth wants somewhere to belong and desires worth but fears it is not in the immediate future.

"Other than the "Caution, Do Not Enter" tape blocking the entrance," Pennywise adds dryly, who sat right at her heels.

Ruth blinks then glances down at her shapeshifting companion. She is still very much curious about his abilities and origins, maybe even envious. Yet Ruth wonders why the ancient inter-dimensional being allowed a human girl such as herself to become its friend. Pennywise, well Deadlights, has told her on numerous occasions he ate children who weren't frightened of him at times. So, why not her? What is different about her fearlessness? She'll figure it out soon. Right now, Ruth has some business to take care of.

"You would think they would remove it after this long." She finally replies after a moment of observing Pennywise's dog form.

"They're still investigating for clues on the whereabouts of your father, Ruth. It's a cold case. That worthless skin did her homework because she cleaned up any trace of him. They can't even figure out a clear motive, either. You may know, but they don't."

"Well," Ruth starts, stepping forward. "I'm going to change that."

His brain short-circuits. "Huh?"

"The cops are incompetent fools, Penny. They need to look beyond the surface for clues."

Pennywise flinches, watching Ruth approach. He is quick to follow. She knows something that neither he nor the police do. Whatever it is, Pennywise is sure Ruth will uncover the truth of her father's murder. Hell, Pennywise might understand why he felt the deep-rooted emotions after fourteen years.

Silence befalls them again as Ruth and Pennywise approached the door, then slipped inside the dark house without being noticed by neighbors. Ruth stood in the doorway for her eyes to adjust, sighs then marched down the hall while scanning the walls, floor, and rooms. Ruth recalls the events that led to the Birthday Fiasco. She remembers having to face Jordan and Jonathan alone, fighting them off and killing Jordan in self-defense. Ruth looks in the kitchen, visualizing Jordan's corpse with a deep, saddened frown. Walking further, Ruth looked in her old room. The image of Jonathan the Swine's innards spilling out flashed in her brain. She shook her head to rid herself of the horrid memory. Ruth even remembers the screams.

Pennywise, who is now in his clown form, watched Ruth. He can tell she recalls everything that has happened here in this house. It is a place full of horrid memories. Pennywise doesn't understand why Ruth had to come back. Yes, she wants to know about her father. But there is another reason. He noticed Ruth enter the master bedroom, quickly following.

Inside, Ruth glares about the room with her frown deepening and eyes narrowed. The last time she ventured in here, Ruth got caught. The punishment she received was severe and cost her to miss school for a couple of days. The memories of her childhood are much worse. Ruth hates this house with a burning passion. With a heavy breath, she turns to the master closet.

"What exactly are you looking for, Ruth? And are you going to enlighten me about this stalker of yours?" Pennywise inquired with a wave of his hand and leaned against the doorframe.

Ruth doesn't answer straight away. Instead, she swings the closet door wide open then stoops. He hears her rummage about and rips at something. He ventures inside to discover Ruth peeling back a rug that is glued down.

Continuing to watch, Pennywise saw Ruth strip at the floorboards. Underneath, he saw metal, a floor safe. How did she know it was there?

"I'm looking for answers, and they lie within a floor safe hidden underneath this ugly carpet. Back at the Barrens, I had a memory of when Jordan was taunting to kill me nice and slow before I butchered her chest. The chest bit made me remember this thing. I have no doubt there is something in here Jordan didn't want me to see or know since she beat me unmercifully when I was caught in here several years ago.

Now for my stalker, I can't tell you much when I don't know a lot about him, to begin with. He is basically a self-hired bodyguard. He followed me around to keep an eye on me and interfere in any altercations I had. Which, now that I'm thinking about it, I don't doubt he was the stranger who intervened when Henry and his buds were harassing me at the beginning of summer. I didn't get to thank him properly either. I did get to meet him in person, but he wouldn't provide me with his name. He's older than me. I think he's twenty since the guy is of smoking age, handsome to the point I get tongue-tied, he's tall like you, but not Linkin'Log tall, and Swedish. So, learning Svenska is going to come in handy. From the five minutes I spoke with him, he's a decent person with no ill will. At least from what I can see when he's with me.

Because of his extensive vocabulary, and something I admire immensely in my dream guy, he is intelligent. He's good-natured, humorous, can be a little irritating and intense. I can only guess he's a Scorpio. I'm a Cancer, so my sun sign is highly compatible with his. Not that I pay too much attention to astrology. I shouldn't be fawning over an adult when I'm basically a kid, well, teenager, but I can't help it. I feel we have common ground and are similar in more ways than one. I mean, is it okay for me to develop a crush on someone older than me?"

Pennywise doesn't answer. He just watched Ruth ramble enthusiastically about the stalker with a smile. That just told him his human friend gets happy whenever she talks about the guy, which is a good sign. Yet, he got lost once she started talking about sun signs.

What in the name of the Crimson King is she talking about? What the crap is astrology?

He sees Ruth reach for a dial on the safe but stops as if hesitating to unveil the secrets beneath the surface.

"Except, the last time I saw him was before Henry brought me back here a month ago. I may have been cooped up since then, but I don't recall ever seeing him around."

Pennywise remained silent and started to pick at the cloth of his gloves.

Ruth glances over at him with brows knitted close and a frown adorning her pink lips.

"When I first spoke with him, he called me kid and refused to answer any personal questions or tell me his purpose in following me. You called me "kid" that same day when you told me those stories. At the fair, he flashed me a bright smile and winked when I met him in person. You did the same thing when you cheered me up down in the sewers. There are a few other things you have done that remind me of him, especially your height. He does things that you wouldn't do and is there for me whenever you're not. Why is that?"

As Ruth named off the similarities between Pennywise and the stalker, her voice increasingly grew tight and accusatory. Pennywise does not like it either. His back straightened, then stood away from the doorframe to glare at the girl with arms folded over.

"Are you accusing me of something here?"

"You are a shapeshifter, Pennywise."

"I know that!"

"Then explain to me why there are similarities between you two."

"Oh, for the love of galaxies, it's a coincidence! Did you not say before you can sense my presence whenever I'm near?"

Ruth stared at him for a second as her lips curved downwards and shoulders slumped.

"I did," she responds softly.

"And?"

Ruth heaved a sigh then turned her gaze off him to stare at the safe. She remembers not having the cold chill run along her spine, only the calm her stalker provided. However, Pennywise does the same thing when she is with him. Maybe he blocked that ability of hers?

"I didn't sense you near. However, would you try blocking that ability of mine if you wanted to go undetected and keep an eye on me?"

Pennywise opened his mouth to argue but closed it to keep his tongue in check. He knew if he tried fighting Ruth about this, she would just find out that he can if Pennywise truly wanted to go undercover. He stares at the back of her head with a frown on his ancient lips, contemplating if he should be honest. Although, it shouldn't be up for debate.

"If I truly wanted to, then yes, I would," he answers.

She doesn't say anything, just stayed quiet to apparently comprehend the response she was given. When Ruth didn't respond after a moment, Pennywise urged himself further to clear the air.

"Believe me when I say this, but I never could lie to anyone, not even you. I wouldn't impersonate as someone for you to fawn over and spy on you, Ruth. I wouldn't deceive you like that."

Ruth looks at him then with a frown still apparent on her lips and gulps but failed to reply, which ultimately hurts. Pennywise felt insulted at her silence and couldn't help himself but voice his displeasure.

"Ouch. Really nice, Ruth. Here I thought you trusted and believed in me?"

She shrunk slightly from the tightness in his voice but stared him dead in the eye.

"I do trust you, Pen," she paused to wet her lips. "I'm just having a hard time believing you're not him."

Pennywise stares at her with a scowl, which she eventually turned away to return her attention to the safe. He hears the clicking of the dial, followed by a clunk from Ruth cracking the combination, then flips the small door open. She stops briefly to stare into the hole. Despite his growing disappointment, Pennywise approaches to peer over her shoulder. His eyes land on several things: a birth certificate, legal documents tore down the middle, polaroid's with a map of the sort, and an envelope with her name written on it. Pennywise noticed Ruth stalling in reaching for the package as it had her name on it.

"Why are you stalling?" He questions.

Ruth doesn't answer, only remains to stare at the contents. Why is she stalling? She found what she is looking for. Ruth started to reach for the envelope with her name on it, only to withdraw to snatch the torn legal papers. Upon closer inspection, Ruth realized its custody agreement papers. Rutherford and Jordan agreed that Ruth will legally stay with her father. Jordan wanted no visitation rights. She stated Jordan wanted no part in Ruth's life as she never wanted any children.

If she didn't want children, then why did she not go with an abortion?

There were other documents to answer this. Ruth shifted through the papers, finding a handwritten letter requesting Jordan about going through the pregnancy as her father didn't believe in abortion. Jordan reluctantly followed through with it and wholeheartedly agreed that Rutherford will have full custody of Ruth. Marriage was not in her foreseeable future or bothersome children. All Jordan wanted was fame and glory.

Then why did she go back on her word?

Ruth remembered Jordan saying that Jonathan convinced her to abduct Ruth. It slowly started to come together then. Ruth leaned slightly to pull out an old newspaper clipping of a prison riot. Jonathan escaped, of course, and came here to convince Jordan to abduct an infant. Jordan had given birth to Ruth two weeks prior. Her brother would do anything to ensure his baby sister's happiness. He got into Jordan's head to make Ruth's life miserable as vengeance on Rutherford. Plus, it gave Jonathan pleasure to torment Ruth.

She sneers with a scuff then glances at the birth certificate. Ruth read her name, Vivian Ruth Greyson.

Vivian? Where did Amber come from then? Ruth thought to herself.

Staring at it further, she was born at 2:08, fourteen hours, and eight minutes on the twentieth of July in 1975.

Ruth glanced away when she noticed something else. A legal name change form that is ripped in several places and unrecognizable words scribbled about the parchment. Jordan wanted to change Vivian to Amber but keep Ruth as the middle name. Why? Amber is the character that Jordan was supposed to portray in some horror thriller movie.

That's when it clicked. Ruth turned her gaze to the bedroom door, remembering the Hidden by Nature movie poster. That was the film Jordan was supposed to star in, except her pregnancy with Ruth hindered her dream of becoming a world-class actress with high standards. Keeping Ruth was just a reminder for Jordan that someone took her aspirations away. She lashed out at her because Jordan couldn't let go of the past.

There is one question that remains unanswered, well, maybe a few. What happened with Ruth's father, and where is he buried? And why, on her fourteenth birthday, did Jordan decide to kill Ruth?

Ruth heaves a sigh, venturing further to uncover the truth. She saw the thick envelope but didn't reach for it. Ruth will look at it later. Instead, Ruth found her father's will and snatches it to read out loud.

"In light of Rutherford Greyson's death, I hereby direct all my property and inheritance to my only beneficiary Vivian Ruth Greyson. Upon her fourteenth birthday, everything I own from my gallery, estate, beach house, and earnings will go into my daughter's name. Whatever expenses remain, she shall use the one hundred mill," Ruth trails off.

She reads the total over again, her eyes widening to the size of dollars.

"Um, am I reading this correctly? Is that one hundred million dollars I'm seeing?"

"More than that," Pennywise states, shifting her thumb to reveal more zeros.

"Holy shit and Shinola! A hundred billion dollars? What the hell did he do for a living to earn that much money? Whatever is left can and will be used at the beneficiary's expense. Whatever he has that needs to be paid off will still leave me with a shit load of money. It's more than enough to provide for me. Oh, I can buy some new clothes with it!"

Ruth squeals in sheer delight at the thought of clothes shopping, something she never got to do on her own. Whenever she needed a top, Jordan was always hesitant and steered Ruth to the shabby and cheap clothing line or go to Goodwill. Now that Ruth has inheritance money, she can use a small portion to purchase a new wardrobe.

Pennywise frowned at her high-pitched squeal and rolled his eyes with a sigh.

"Your girly side is showing, Freckles. So, bring it down a notch."

Ruth flinched slightly from his voice being close to her ear and sags with a pout.

"Oh, sorry," she whined, then refocused her attention on her father's will again.

She scanned over the document for a moment when Ruth suddenly remembered that Jordan's last name is really Kershaw-Lund. It clicked in a matter of seconds that Jordan only took on the Greyson name so she could get the inheritance. If something happened to Ruth, it would automatically go to the next of kin, right? To know for sure, Ruth read on. Apparently, Rutherford made it pretty clear that Jordan will receive very little if it were to happen. Jordan will only get a quarter hundred thousand while the rest would go to charity. Her father didn't have to leave Jordan anything. However, she did bring Ruth into this world. It was him thanking Jordan for fulfilling his promise.

A sickening knot developed in her stomach. Was that another reason for Jordan to kill Ruth's father? For the money? It has to be. Jordan must have seen the will and was infuriated at not getting more. She was driven by anger, spite, and greed. If Jordan didn't get her happiness in fame and glory, neither Ruth nor her father would. She tore the legal papers in half for Rutherford to see her deception before striking him down. That's what Jordan lied about.

Furious, Ruth gripped the paper to the point of ripping. She wants to cry. Ruth sniffles, fighting the tears back. She clears her throat while ignoring Pennywise's saddened gaze. Looking in the box, Ruth caught something else. There are photos and what appears to be a map. With a gulp, she starts for the polaroid but stops. Ruth stares at the stack, wondering if she should even look at them.

"Should I?"

Pennywise takes her wrist, pulling her hand back. This gesture told Ruth she should not gaze upon them. Tears continued to brim her eyes, struggling not to cry.

"Did the whore take pictures of him?"

He doesn't answer. Pennywise remained to stare at Ruth's hand, which trembled.

Ruth gulps tightly, unsure if she should be furious or saddened from learning the truth. She could be both. Ruth never got to meet her father and is angry at Jordan for taking happiness away from her. Any chance Ruth got to experience what gladness felt like it was swiped away from her.

"Ruth, are you," Pennywise begun to ask, only to stop himself.

That's a stupid question. Of course, Ruth is not okay. Freckles just discovered the truth. She's taking it better than I initially thought, that's for sure, Pennywise thought.

"Okay? No, I'm not okay. I can't begin to tell you how angry I am at her," Ruth answers with strain.

He doesn't have to know when Pennywise can feel the anger radiating from her small body. He actually shrunk back some. Pennywise can tell Ruth is one of those silent, dormant types. Push the wrong button, and Ruth will unleash fire and brimstone.

"I fucking hate her for murdering my father, and yet, I'm sad."

He watches her curiously, "Why are you?"

Ruth turns her watery gaze on him, frowning. "Jordan took someone away from me, whom I never got to meet. My father loved me, and I never got to experience that emotion. I'm finding it hard to feel his love. All I'm seeing is evidence of where he is buried and a clear motive for why Jordan killed him."

Pennywise frowns as he leaned over her and snatched the envelope. "Look, Ruth, whatever is in here, I'm sure it will give you the answers you need. Now let's grab everything and get the hell out of here."

Ruth took the envelope from him and stared at it for the longest time. She's processing everything and considering the next step. Looking inside at the contents is not one of them. Ruth will reveal its secrets later tonight. Right now, she needs to figure out her next move. They've been here much longer than they should. She glares into the closet then down at the safety box, sighing.

Ruth opened her mouth to say something when she is startled by the sound of footsteps. She glances over her shoulder at the bedroom door, where a shadow along the wall started approaching.

Pennywise momentarily reverted to his dog form. He watched as the intruder came closer to the door and growled with his heckles showing.

Whoever it is, I'll bite them if they come near!

Ruth panics and starts to crawl into the open closet when it is too late. The intruder enters the master and spots Ruth's jean-clad buttocks.

"Holy shit, Ruth?"

Ruth stopped when the voice she heard sounded familiar and seemed to calm her down. Well, maybe a lot. Ruth heaves a shuddering, heavy sigh as relief washed over her, then slowly glances over her shoulder. Her eyes then met gorgeous emeralds that are widened. Ruth turns away quickly as tears formed in her eyes and hid the pink that graced her cheeks. She then got the confirmation Ruth needed. Pennywise is not her stalker. She is glad, too, and would need to apologize to him for not believing him.

Pennywise noticed Ruth press her lips to keep from smiling, which failed as the corners of her mouth pulled back, and life returned to her cold, hardened eyes. Pennywise knows he does the same, but Ruth seemed alive. He glances at the intruder, seeing the same shift in their bright greens and a suppressed smirk. The wheels in his brain started connecting the dots, and Pennywise couldn't help but feel ecstatic someone other than him shows genuine interest in his best friend. At the same time, though, he wanted to give Ruth the "I told you so" look or even shove it into her mind. Pennywise won't do that, though. He may still be disappointed in Ruth for not believing him, but he doesn't want to upset her. He cares too deeply for Ruth to cause her distrust and heartache.

Ah, so this is her nameless stalker. Now, this is going to be interesting.

Ruth clears her throat then stood to her feet to greet the stalker with forced poise. She would love to rush and wrap her arms around him but needed to remain in control of herself, especially when Ruth now knows he is an actual person.

"Hey," she responded slowly.

The stalker gaps at her with tears brimming his eyes but refused to let them fall. He clears his throat as well, then glances away to fumble for his lighter.

"I uh didn't think anyone would be in here when it's taped off. This is the only other place I could think of to find some sort of clue to your whereabouts. Uh, why are you here?" He questioned with his voice cracking some.

Ruth gently smiles as her concerned stalker tried to light a cigarette with a shaky hand.

"Like you, looking for answers."

He glances at her from the curve of his hand and flashes her a kind smile.

"No doubt you would be considering the circumstances. Did you find what you were looking for?"

"I did," she starts but is cautious in not revealing anything.

Ruth peers around his shoulder, curious yet suspicious if he is the only one here because she knows only people of authority are allowed past the security tape. So technically, Ruth is trespassing, even though it's still her home. Ruth now wonders if he's an FBI agent or even a private investigator. She needs to be careful if he is, but she also hates being wrong.

"If you don't mind me asking," Ruth starts, only to be interrupted.

"I'm the only one here, love. Well, us and your cute friend there are the only ones. So, no need to worry about me being a cop or anything."

He finally lights his cigarette then steps in Ruth's direction.

She flinched back, then stiffened from his quick movements with arms crossing over her stomach. It's as if Ruth is protecting herself from getting punched to the gut, which Jonathan had done numerous times before his grisly demise. She can feel a dull pain and tightness in her belly as a memory swarmed her mind. Besides getting grabbed Ruth from behind, Jonathan liked coming at her for a frontal attack and land a punch to her stomach. She would double over from getting the wind knocked out of her, then fall onto the floor from a blow to the head, which currently throbbed.

The stalker quickly noticed her demeanor crumbling, even the tremble quaking Ruth's body. He pauses in his step to observe his young friend with a soft sigh and a frown. He hates himself for unintentionally springing a trigger, which caused Ruth to cower. The stalker resumed walking towards her after a short time but more slowly to not startle Ruth again.

"I'm sorry," he whispers, then came to a stop by her side. "I didn't mean to startle you. I should have told you I was moving and towards you. Maybe then I wouldn't have triggered a memory. Just know, I will never hurt you, Ruth. I'm not the person people perceive me to be. I'm different from the rest."

Ruth doesn't say anything in return, just nods in acknowledgment and staring into space.

He eyes Ruth for a moment longer than drew a hand to touch her but refrained himself. The stalker wants to at least feel Ruth's warmth and comfort her but feared she would flinch back. He doesn't want to cause more stress on her when she is clearly dealing with some issues.

"Did you find anything of interest?" He questioned softly. He hopes a conversation could help ease Ruth out of the emotional war she is in. The stalker gazed upon the documents, even caught sight of the polaroids, which he frowns upon.

The question startled Ruth slightly but turns her gaze on him then the open closet. Her eyes land on the polaroids and the map, the envelope with her name on it, and everything else.

"I did," she started in a whisper. "I learned quite a bit honestly, and things I probably should have known about a long time ago."

"Concerning your father, right?"

Ruth nods with a hum.

"I already knew my fame-hungry whore of a mother murdered my father, but she made sure no one would find him. I even discovered why she did, but I don't want to get into that. All I know is that I have the answers the police need to find his body since the imbeciles couldn't."

The stalker watches her from the corner of his eye, silently considering his options before responding.

"I am sorry to hear about your father."

Ruth said nothing at first, just squeezed and ran her fingers. She picked up the remorse in his tone and the cold detachment, something Ruth had noticed since the day they met. Ruth wants to know everything about him and how they seem so similar. She even wants to learn his name instead of referring to him by her stalker. Ruth thought of every name she could think of that would fit him best, but nothing really stuck out. She then remembered Stan almost revealed his name, and it starts with an "R." Yeah, that narrows it down quite a bit for her.

Ruth glances at him from the corner of her eye and frowns. He is glaring at the contents in the box, not her.

"Thanks. Other than that, I learned a few things about myself, too. Apparently, my famous father has me as the only beneficiary of his will. So, I became a rich girl overnight, and Amber is not my real name."

The stalker snapped his gaze on Ruth, perplexed and awed at this bit of information.

"Really? What is it then?"

She glances at him and attempts to smile.

"My real name is Vivian."

There is a long pause between them now. It's not uncomfortable, nor is it pleasant. There is this need to hold one another, and it is intense. It's as if two raging wildfires are being contained to keep from merging, even the need for conversation. Ruth is bold enough to break the ice.

"I saw Stanley today," Ruth started and fidgeted with her fingers.

"Oh," he pauses with a cough. "And how did that go?"

She turned to him with a frown and eyes him sadly with a sigh.

"I, I really don't want to talk about it," she replies with her voice cracking some.

The stalker noticed the sadness in her voice, even shame. He wondered what happened for Ruth to feel upset about hers and Stanley's encounter but dared not to ask. From the sound of it, talking about it would only further Ruth's heartache.

"I was told you were worried about me to the point of making yourself sick."

Her voice startled him out of his thoughts but says nothing and avoids eye contact while busying his fingers in flicking his lighter on and off.

"I am so terribly sorry for putting you under so much stress and concern about my whereabouts. It was thoughtless of me to not seek you out when you've been nothing but kind to me whenever we meet. When I found out what was going on with you, I told myself I needed to find you. I wanted to personally let you know I was safe. I don't trust Stan anymore to deliver a message to let you know I was okay, plus I desperately needed to see a familiar face other than my own peers."

He doesn't say anything for a short time, which ultimately caused Ruth to fidget more and rock on her heels. She doesn't even look up at him to meet his gaze. Her eyes wandered the carpet, examining every thread critically. Ruth can feel this intense and intimidating aura surrounding them from his silence that it's almost suffocating. She can't tell if he's closing himself off from expressing his emotions or finding the right words to ease themselves out of this strange and unbearable pause.

"I appreciate your apology," his soft voice disturbs the silence between them. "But it wasn't necessary. Thank you for your concern, though."

"Your welcome," Ruth returns while wringing her hands.

She wants to ask him what he did, but something told her not to inquire about his motives. Ruth can only assume he wiped her prints clean from the butcher knife to direct attention away from her. He probably didn't want her to be suspected and sentenced to a juvenile detention facility or, maybe worse, a psychiatric ward. Whatever his reason for doing such a thing, Ruth is grateful and in his debt. There will come a time to repay him.

He shakily sighs, then yanked the cigarette from his mouth out.

"I hate to do this to you, love, but I," he began only to pause to consider something.

Ruth shudders a sigh herself with tears burning her vision and trembled. She felt something crack and crumble to the pit of her stomach, which caused her to feel queasy with shoulders drooped and weak in the knees.

"You're leaving me," her voice soft and quavered.

The stalker glances down at her to see Ruth mirroring his crestfallen expression.

"Regrettably, yes. I really don't want to leave you, Ruth, but I got myself deeply involved in something that I can't escape."

"What would that be?"

He goes to answer, but Ruth does it for him.

"You can't answer that, I know. It's just," Ruth paused to search for words. "I guess I feel I'm losing someone I care about when I barely know them."

"I know what you mean as I'm right there with you. In all honesty, you're the first person in several years I have ever really spoken to and remotely interested in. We may not have gotten enough time to be acquainted, but I am going to miss you, Vivian."

Ruth stares at him with a weak smile as he spoke then glances at his hand, which is tucked in his jacket pocket.

"I'm going to miss you, too."

It is quiet between them for another moment, which is becoming constant with this run-in. Usually, it is not hard to talk when it's relatively easy. Perhaps it has something to do with the need for physical contact, and Ruth, along with the stalker, is trying to fight it. Or there is something else going on.

Pennywise watched the two converse curiously and intently. He noticed the awkward tension between them, even the desire to touch. Pennywise could see from delving into Ruth's mind that they usually don't act like this. They're generally smiling a lot and have some form of physical contact. He firmly believes it has something to do with the environment and not searching for a subject for conversation. Neither are relaxed. The tightness in their shoulders and straightened backs indicates they're uncomfortable.

He wants to say something, maybe even do something to ease them out of it. The thought of humiliating himself by getting on his back for a belly rub would suffice, but he kept himself from doing so. Pennywise doesn't want to interfere in their human affairs. Besides, his friend is talking to someone who seems so much like herself. They are different in certain aspects despite the age difference, but Ruth and her stalker work well.

Now they would be a perfect pair. Wait! Why do I even care who Ruth is paired with? He thought to himself.

After a long moment, the stranger breaks the silence.

"Come with me," he starts with conviction.

Ruth glanced at him, mouth agape, and searched his gaze.

"Wait, leave Derry?"

"Yeah, come with me. I can get you out of here, honey. It would be better than staying here hiding."

Her mind started whirling. She thought about leaving Derry for good numerous times, and Ruth has the perfect opportunity to do so. He can help her escape this hell hole and start a life somewhere else with him by her side. Her heart is no longer here in Derry. She doesn't want to be here. Everyone looks at her differently now because of her famous father, and Ruth hates that. Why should she accept their gracious attitude overnight or even a month when they all treated her so horribly? Ruth wants to leave, except something is telling her to stay.

When she didn't respond straight away, the stalker exhaled raggedly and sharply. He opened his mouth to say something but couldn't. Her silence made him question his offer and why he even bothered. He cares so profoundly for Ruth and hates the thought of her being all alone here. He doesn't want anything to happen to her and desires to have Ruth with him. She provides him warmth and hope, which has been missing in his life for so long.

"I barely know you," she starts, flabbergasted and awed. "I don't even know your name, and you want me to leave with you?"

The stalker's jaw squares, breaths raggedly, and gulps tightly, even refused to look at her.

Ruth caught his fingers curled tightly within the confinement of his pocket and trembled. She even heard something jostle around of what sounded like metal. Ruth studied him for a moment, noting the tightness in his jaw and cold gaze hardening further. As she stared at the wrinkles by his eyes, Ruth felt as if she had seen him somewhere before but couldn't figure out where.

Wait, have I seen him somewhere before?

She ultimately dismissed it with a shake of her head to ease him out of his growing anger.

"I apologize if I sounded cross, that wasn't my intention, but you must realize something. My disappearance could have spread across to other states. I know they're still looking for me. If I left with you and was somehow found in your company, they will suspect you kidnapped me. They will even pin the murders of Jordan and Jonathan on you, which we both know you had nothing to do with."

She watched as his features slowly softened, and he pressed his lips.

Ruth observed him a little more before whispering, "Look at me," then gingerly placed a hand on his arm.

He jumps slightly from her touch but regards Ruth while biting at his bottom lip. His watery gaze lands on hers, and he attempts to smile but turned into a frown. The stalker's lips lightly trembled, and hands remained in his pockets.

"Believe me when I tell you this, I may not know a whole lot about you, but I really do want to leave with you. I, uh, actually like you, and I don't want anything to happen to you when I already care, despite not knowing much. I need to stay here in Derry for the time being to keep you safe."

The corners of his mouth turned up in a soft, sad smile, and he lightly nods in understanding.

"Plus, someone made a promise to me, as did I. I don't want to leave them when I'm the only friend they have."

The stalker's smile widened slightly, then glanced over at the basset hound that is Pennywise.

"What sort of promise?"

"They promised to keep me safe. I'm returning the favor."

"You're too kind and exceptionally hard to find, Vivian. They're lucky to have you, and I envy them."

Ruth smiles then. It's not her signature, infectious bright as the sun smile but a soft, bashful smirk since the stalker flashed her a charming grin and a wink.

She would have said more or at least try to initiate an intellectual conversation with him if his arms hadn't suddenly found themselves around her waist. The stalker gently hoists her seven inches off the floor, which caused her to squeak in protest, then is pressed firmly against his chest. The prolonged need for contact dies in an instant as the stalker embraced Ruth tightly. She is startled by his quick movements but quickly returns the embrace and hugs his neck with enthusiasm.

Ruth and her stalker held each other as if they had known each other for a long time and been apart for years and with intensity. Their chests rising and falling together, their breaths in unison, and the warmth they could feel in each others' bodies felt like the two contained wildfires merging as the great ball of fire in the sky. Their hands smoothed over clothed backs, and fingers combed through lush hair. Faint quivers of sobs quaked in Ruth's and the stalker's chest as they stood in the room. The noises from outside are hushed. No wind blew through the trees, no sounds of birds or passing cars, not even Pennywise's doggy form panting. The world ground to a halt around them, leaving Ruth and her stalker in beautiful silence. It felt as though they stood there for eternity when it is only a minute. Ruth doesn't want to leave his meaningful, protective hold on her. She thought her hugs with Pennywise made her feel safe and sound, but with him, her stalker, Ruth felt like she was home.

Pennywise watched them from below, inwardly frowning at their more than friendly tender embrace. It's a hug the two needed upon first seeing each other after a month. He can see there is a connection that runs deep, and it seems to have bonded them. Pennywise just hates this will be the only time he will ever see the nameless stalker. He doesn't doubt Ruth hates it the most. Ruth didn't have to outright say she likes the young adult when her staying here in Derry showed how much she cared. It is also apparent Ruth fancies him more than the few males her age. Maybe Ruth prefers men who are a few years older than her as they seem mature and wise. Pennywise sort of falls into that category but not exactly. Ruth may see him just the same but is unsure of this theory.

He gazes up at Ruth's back, saddened for her that someone she cares about is leaving due to a calling. Pennywise understands, though. He had delved into the stranger's mind for some information and discovered a previous life very much like Ruth's. Yet, the young man is in a complicated yet grim situation he can't entirely escape. He could if he really tried, but the people he loves will be in mortal danger. Pennywise can't have Ruth leave and get involved in this man's lifeā€¦ yet. If the lad were to face his fears and the people who are tracking him down, he could live freely. He just needs to have a reason to fight and someone worth fighting for. Ruth is his reason.

The young man gazed over Ruth's shoulder down at his doggy form and gave him a look. He can see the dread, guilt, and sadness in the man's gaze, forlorn of his departure. The stranger does not want to leave Ruth behind. Pennywise can tell that much since he has grown to care for her. However, he must ensure Ruth's safety, just as she is doing for him.

Pennywise made another silent vow then. He already prolonged his hibernation for a year to take care of Ruth, provide her strength and comfort, and be the friend she desperately needed. Something the evil being never thought he would do for a child, but Ruth is fiercely loyal to him, shows him kindness, and has a tendency to stroke his ego. Granted, she doesn't want him to be too narcissistic where it could get him hurt or killed. She gives him just enough praise to provide Pennywise with strength. Ruth is indeed an ally, Pennywise never thought he would need. Companionship was just a hindrance and not a benefit to him at the time. His outlook changed once Ruth stepped into his life and displayed a fearlessness and morbid fascination about him that it is startling.

He wants her around in the future just as much the stranger does since the two compliments each other. Pennywise will protect his ally for the young man. For all Pennywise knew, he could gain a second human companion out of the male. Maybe even a family if the two were to become a forever pair once Ruth is of legal age to wed and carry offspring. With their undying love, along with their unbreakable bond with him, Pennywise would succeed in any goal he had. While it can be a weakness in his enemies' favor to defeat the deadlights, his comrades' belief in his profound abilities would help him regain the upper hand in his battle.

Yes! Protect the girl and this young man. I need allies! With these two, I will reign victorious! He settled on his haunches to continue watching with interest while plotting out how to gain the stranger's aid.

After a long moment just holding her, the stranger shifted slightly to peck a soft, tender kiss on Ruth's cheek, which surprised her but welcomed the sweet gesture. He kissed her forehead once, so why not accept a kiss on the cheek as well. She sighs softly as he settled his head against hers, who exhaled gently as well. Ruth opens her eyes to gaze upon him, seeing him staring tenderly at her.

They soundlessly stare for a long moment until their eyes start to wander to one another's lips. Ruth would like to be bold and kiss him. He will be her first kiss as it should be with someone she trusts. Except, Ruth will contradict herself after the response she gave Stanley earlier in not wanting to kiss anyone. It will only make her decision to leave with him a lot easier or even harder on him. Yet, she hates the thought of this being the last time Ruth will ever see him. It will be a missed opportunity, and Ruth always wanted to know what it would be like to kiss someone. He does show interest in her and genuine affection. Except what if Ruth is reading into his signals wrong? It could just be a friendly gesture. Besides, they haven't really established a real friendship, but it feels like they've known each other for a while now.

On the other hand, what if she is not wrong? Ruth can tell he wants to kiss her, too. It's the longing look in his eyes and the fact he keeps flicking his gaze to her lips. What if they did kiss? What would happen then? Would it clarify the attraction they have for one another, or will there be nothing there? If there is, would they be able to stop? It could potentially lead to something more and solidify their growing bond. It actually sounds nice now that Ruth thought about it. Their sweet kiss could turn passionate and driven by desire, which they would seek a satisfying and pleasurable conclusion. The vivid imagery and ghostly touch made her loins burn with intensity. She inwardly squeals, her heart quickened, and unknowingly licked her lips, even trembled as her stalker slowly drew close. Ruth figured he grew tired of the empty space and wanted to taste her anyway before his departure.

His eyes slid closed as did hers, and their breaths mingled briefly like a gentle dance, pausing the advance. The stranger's woody floral cologne wafted into her nostrils. She can smell bergamot, lemon, and cinnamon with sandalwood and musk notes emanating from his neck. His scent is warm and comforting, which Ruth recognized as Calvin. Ruth could already taste the cigarette smoke on his tongue, even a tinge of mint. She then had to wonder if her breath smells pleasant or, worse, stinks. Ruth wouldn't have a chance to check when his lips came close to touching hers but unfortunately never met. Instead, she feels his soft lips press firmly yet tenderly at the corner of her mouth and stayed there for about three Mississippi's.

Ruth suddenly felt this sense of belonging and an intense warmth fluttering in her stomach the moment he did. Ruth opens her eyes to look him in the eye, catching the stalker's warm, soft gaze and timid smile, which she mirrors. There is no denying Ruth is attracted to her stalker. It is not just the physical reaction that is beginning to surface. There is something about him where Ruth has this strange sense of calm and is oddly giddy around him. She can't tell if it has something to do with his personality or this natural vibe that draws Ruth to him like a moth to the flame. Or it could be the way he looks into her eyes. It always feels he is looking into her soul and reading every dark corner admiringly and without judgment. She hates to admit it, but Ruth feels safe around him, just like she does with Pennywise. How could two different people provide her with so much security?

"I want to tell you something," the stalker whispers suddenly. "Something I've should have told you the day at the fair."

Her head tipped slightly against his, and she furrowed her brows with a soft sideways grin.

"And what would that be?" She questions softly.

He hesitated at first but answered nonetheless. "My name."

Ruth tightened her hold around his neck and faintly trembled. She always wanted to know and anticipated to hear a refined, strong name from him.

"What is your name?"

The stalker removes his gaze on her to bring his whispering breath at Ruth's ear, causing her to tremble excitedly.

"My name is Ru," he formed a syllable in the softest whisper the stalker could muster but couldn't finish.

A sound disturbed his ears.

Ruth hears it as well since she shifts her head to gaze towards the open bedroom door.

She and the stalker can hear from in here a male voice echoing along the halls, followed by a pair of heavy boots. At first, Ruth thought it was just one person until she heard a second boom into the dead silence. Her eyes widened, and she started squirming in her stalker's arms once she realized who exactly is in the house with them.

The Clarke Brothers.