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Chapter Text

Finney Rose Blake went missing in September on his way home from school. There were no witnesses, and nothing that could possibly help the police find the poor boy. Leaving nothing but a bitter taste in the mouth when thought of.

Finney Blake had been trapped in the god forsaken basement for who knows how long. He lay upon on the dirty old mattress, wasting away as time flowed on. He felt numb despite the many bruises and cuts adorned his small, malnourished body. Even thinking about how be obtained them made his stomach curl. The night of his attempt to be free, he was caught. The action was not left unpunished.

The grabber had his way with him. Touching him in places he didn't want him to touch, whispering obscenites into his ear. The worst possible part about it was that the grabber had been using such a calm and sweet voice all while raping the poor boy. It was almost like he was trying to make it better. It ultimately only made Finney feel worse. He whispered words that made Finney want to die then and there.

"Why did you try to run? I thought things were going so well?"

"I didn't want to make you do anything you didn't like, but you leave me no choice Finney."

"It'll feel good soon, don't worry."

The words only made the hatred stew. He didn't regret his actions, he had the choice to not keep him there, and it 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 felt good. Overall...he was just hoping–praying even....that Robin, Bruce, and the other ghost children weren't watching the scene unfold before them. He didn't want them to see him like this.

Once the grabber was satisfied, he'd offer him a "treat" something along the lines of soda, or even candy, as if he hadn't just violated him in such a vile way.

Sometimes the grabber came down the stairs as usual, but not to feed him, to watch him sleep, or to rape him once again..but he had went to tease and gloat. The grabber had taken items from each of his victims. He had taken Vance's choker; placed tightly on his right wrist. He had taken Bruce's lucky rabbits foot; haunting as it dangle from one of his pant loops. He had stolen griffens bike lock...he said it wasn't very effective. He had stolen Billy's watch and wore it on his other wrist. He had also stolen Robins belt. Finney remembered Robin telling him that his father gave it him before he died and Finney's blood boiled. To see such a precious thing around the monsters waist was unforgivable. The monster even had the audacity to whip him with it when he had supposedly misbehaved. Then he had taken Finney beloved rocket pen....he had taken Finney into his lap, rubbing his shoulder while fidgeting with it. Making small comments on how cute boys had such nice things...and once he found the flash light on it he breathed a small "woah" right up against his ear and said it was neat. He wanted nothing more than to snatch his beloved pen back and gouge the man's eyes out with it. Then he had finished his teasing, leaving with the rocket pen in hand.

–

The grabber had left him there in the basement after one of his sessions...he refused want to put his clothes back on, knowing what the grabber did to him in it. Yet he knew that being uncomfortable would be better than being exposed. He would put the clothes on and lay stiff on the bed trying to think of better things.

Like space.

Finney loved space. He found it so fascinating. He wondered why space had no sound, or why the universe was the way it was, or perhaps how a star would taste. His room was covered in space posters, famous astronauts and diroahmas of space adorned the walls with care. He had all the important planets hanging from his ceiling in the correct places, he even had a night light of space. Which although embarrassing to admit, he adored it. The way it would glow and project stars on the ceiling made him feel something special as he lay in bed, his space pajamas adorned over his body, it always made him feel better after being beaten by his own father.

Right. His father.

He wonders how he's doing. Is he worried about him? Does he even miss him? That'd be something. Does...does Finney even miss his own father? He guessed he would but...he didn't like his father all that much, but deep down he still loves the man who used to take him to baseball practices, who used to get him candy on his way home from work, and who used to stay with him when he had a nightmare so his mom could still sleep.

His thoughts then moved onto his mother, his body relaxing a little at the thought of her.

He had seen pictures of her when she was younger and he thought she looked so cool. Her name was Sunny but every called her "Fiz" due to her obsession with soda. That's the reason why she named him Finney, he giggled and found it silly at the time but he liked it. His mother was such a bright person. So he never really understood why. Why, when he came home on the day of his big baseball game win in the 5th grade, he found her lying lifeless in her own bed. After that, of course everything went downhill. His father became the way he was now, his mental health declining at a rapid rate, and people had begun to recognize him as "the kid with the mom who killed herself" and he hated it. He hated how that was the first thought that came to mind when people saw Finney Blake.

After that he tried to keep bits of her with him. Like listening to her favorite music. She liked Kate Bush, ABBA, The Mamas and the Papas, and The Runaways. She liked soda and leather, she had a leather jacket that she would wear like a second skin. He kept it to have something physical with him, but he never wore it outside of his room. He would upset his dad if he did, because he knew that he was basically a carbon copy of her. From the hair color down to almost the same face, and he knew his father hated it. Then again he shouldn't worry about Finney anymore, because after almost a month in the basement, Finney Blake was murdered.

The grabber had taken an axe to his arm, blood gushing from the open wound. Screaming at the top of his lungs but was cut off by the axe taken to his throat. He didn't know why that day was the day he died, he guessed the Grabber had gotten bored of him. The phone rang like crazy, ringing, ringing, constantly ringing. Yet it went unanswered as Finney couldn't feel anything and the grabber was most likely ignoring it. The last moments of the murder were slow. The ringing in his ear muffled the Grabbers shouts and as his consciousness faded away, the Grabber walked back upstairs, a bloody blur moving slowly away. His throat was practically mush due to the mutilation. He couldn't tal...he couldn't do anything. But he tried, which fell on deaf ears as his words reach those who could not be seen.

"..'m sorry.."

I'm sorry.

Finney Blake was sorry.

An apology was what came out of his mouh. An apology to Billy, Griffen, Vance, Bruce, Robin, and so many others. He apologized to the ghost boys for not avenging them. He apologized to Robin for not standing up for himself when he really needed to. He apologized to his english teacher for how he would never be able to turn in his late work like he promised. He apologized to the sweet old lady who greeted him every morning as he left for school. He apologized to his father for not being able to be the son he wanted. But most importantly, he apologized to his mother as he would no longer able to care for Gwen, leaving her in his fathers hands.

Gwen...

He loves Gwen, he would do anything for her as so long she was full, healthy, and had a big smile on her face. No matter what she asked, he would do it. Even if he replied sarcastically or threw playful insults at her during their playful banter sessions. Gwen was who he would always look forward to come back to. He can't imagine how she feels. Her so called visions failing her...he would miss that. He'd miss her telling him about them, tucking her into bed when their father was black out drunk, making her food and going grocery shopping together, the list goes on. How could he leave her alone like this? He sobbed out a few more apologies, even though it would never enough to express how sorry he was and how prayed the grabber wouldn't take advantage of his cold, lifeless body.

Those beyond the human eye wondered.
'Why was he sorry?' He had done nothing wrong for him to be saying sorry, if anything, he's the one who should be receiving the apology. One of the many on the other side went to Finney and hugged tightly, with the others soon following. They hugged tight even though Finney could not feel it. They hugged until Finney's eyes stilled, looking at nothing. They hugged until his breath ceased. They hugged until his heart stopped.

They hugged until Finney Blake was dead.

Then the new phone rang.

Chapter Text

The phone? Why is the phone ringing?'

Finney Blake was confused to say the least. He died, yes? So why was he up? He was able to move around as if he didn't just get brutally murdered in some disgusting, biohazard of a basement. Then white overtook his vision, he gazed at his surroundings and was surrounded by nothing but white. He could only assume this was heaven. Though, it looked a little different then what he thought it would be. So much for paradise.

Ringing filled his ears.

There it was again.

He turned around frantically searching for the source of the ringing. Then his eyes landed on a phone. It was grey; shiny and new. 'What the..?' He thought, as he took slow steps to the phone. He stood in front of it for a moment, letting it ring. As he reached for the phone his hands shook with anticipation. Placing it against his ear, he pondered. Maybe it was the ghost boys, calling to give reassurance or to welcome him into the after-life...the after-life...he really was dead wasn't he? It was such an odd thing to think about. He had been raped and murdered by a monster. And for what reason? Was it something he did? Because if so, he would've fixed it if he had been told. Why was Finney Blake deserving of such a life, of–of such an end? Why didn't Finney get a mom? Why didn't Finney get a father who loved him no matter what? Why didn't Finney get friends and why was he the one who got bullied by some un-empathetic pieces of shit? Why didn't Finney escape the grabber? Why didn't Finney live? What could Finney possibly have done?

Then the person spoke.

"𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘺, 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦? " the person on the phone had a lighthearted voice, there was light static covering the voice but words got through nonetheless. Ignoring his spiraling thoughts, he answered. "Yes, yes I'm Finney...and you are?" He asked, hoping to rid his confusion. The voice let out a broken laugh which only confused him more "𝘑𝘦𝘦𝘻𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵?" She laughed again and Finney froze in complete disbelief.

His mom? No it couldn't be, could it? Well he guessed it made sense, he was dead, so was his mom. They were bound to meet in the afterlife...but his throat started to ache and tears welled in his eyes. "Mom...Mama? C'mon is that really you?" His voice cracking on his own words. He inwardly cringed at how desperate his voice sounded and how his body felt such relief and joy....because the day he had found her; cold and lifeless, he swore he'd give her a piece of his mind when he died. Yet here he was, realizing just how much he missed his mom.
"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴!" Finney let out a laugh, along with a sniffle but the sad smile faded into a frown because his realization of of just how much he missed her came with a sense of guilt. "Mom, I'm sorry...'m so sorry," he mumbled, voice wobbly and tired. "𝘚𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺? 𝘚𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘺?" She asked, as if it hadn't been obvious. He had fucked up so bad...he had failed to escape, he failed to 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡 the grabber, he failed Gwen, he failed 𝘩𝘦𝘳 so why was she acting so oblivious? If anything she should be scolding him or yelling about how much disappointment she felt.

"I'm sorry I couldn't live. I died and I couldn't kill 𝙝𝙞𝙢 and I know I should've done better, but I'm here with you now–" he was going to say more but his mother cut him off. "𝘖𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴. 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘴𝘰 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨, 𝘐'𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶! 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦-" she continued to spill reassurance and praises and it made Finney cry, but even so a small smile graced his lips. "-𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘸𝘢𝘺?" Now that was just weird. Of course he was dead. He was there for his death. He felt his own blood on his bruised skin. He felt himself lose consciousness. What kind of question was that? What was she on about? "𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘺, 𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘺, 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘐 𝘥𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘰 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘵? 𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦–𝘠𝘖𝘜 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦" there was no way those words meant what he thought they meant. Did his mom's terrible explanation actually mean a second chance? He could save the boys? He could survive? Robin...Robin didn't have to die?

"Mom..a-are you? But how-?" He stuttered completly distrusting of the words of hope that spilled from the phone. "𝘖𝘩 𝘤'𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐'𝘮 '𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭' 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘎𝘸𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮? 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘺?" She cackled and Finney felt a smile on his face and more tears flow. "You're- You're not lying mom, please, you're serious?" He blubbered out in disbelief and searched to see if he wasn't actually making all this up. God he hoped it was real, he prayed it was. "𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘢𝘮!" She sighed a bit and then continued. "𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘎𝘸𝘦𝘯, 𝘴𝘰 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘰 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬, 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦." Finney croaked out a laugh and held the phone tight. He felt relief, it was unbelievable yet amazing. He sniffled, but had begun to feel something strange...was he going back now?

"I'm going now right?" He rasped with a sad smile, his mother only hummed in confirmation. "Can...can I still talk to you? Please I need to-" He asked, hopeful that this wasn't their last talk, or until he died, again. "𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘶𝘱 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵." He could only assume "our phone" was Finney's house phone. He nodded, genuinely smiling for the first time in a long while....

Then he was back.

He cracked open his eyes and saw his nightlight. He had covers over his body. He had on his space pajamas. He was home, after so long he was home. He felt so much relief he could cry. He was finally out of that basement and finally back home. And for once in his life, he actually felt safe in a place he usually walked on eggshells.

He wanted to get up. To look at himself and examine what he looked like because he had forgotten. He wouldn't dare get up though. His father might be home and he didn't want to wake him or alert him that Finney was up past curfew. So he laid there, completely still as he gazed at the stars being projected onto the ceiling, his fan acting as a soothing white noise. A creak made him tense and his eyes widen in the darkness, thinking his father had come to see him, but only for it to be the only other person in the house. "Finney? Are you up?" She whispered as she held a blanket in her hand. "Yeah Gwen, what is it?" He asked quietly. He couldn't believe it. She was here in front of him, after what felt like an eternity since he saw her, there she was. Seeing her made him want to bawl his eyes out.  "Can I sleep with you tonight? I had..a dream," she mumbled the last part but Finney happily agreed. She waddled up to his bed and laid next to him, kicking off her slippers and relaxed as a content sigh left her. He limbs felt stiff as he hugged her and patted her shoulder–much like he did when trying to sooth her out of a tantrum when they were younger.

"Do you wanna tell me what the dream was?" He whispered and she paused, thinking if she should or not. "It was weird...awful toom..you were...dead and I just couldn't, I–couldn't help but think–" She didn't even have to say it. "That I'm gonna leave like mom?" When the words left his mouth, her breath hitched and she nodded. "I won't leave like that, I promise, I swear I would never leave you like that...trust me?" He said, and she smiled and nodded seemingly less tense and closed her eyes to sleep.

Finney stared at her. Of course he'd never leave like that...well...if he ended up in that basement again, he'd rather kill himself a hundred times over then let that no good dirty piece of shit kill him, but that wouldn't happen this time. He would save the other children and then kill the Grabber with no hesitation and no regret.

But that's for another time. Now? He was going to enjoy a good nights rest in a warm, soft, and cozy bed with his sister.

He closed his eyes and let sleep lull him away into a nice dream–a memory really, but either way...it was nice.

Chapter Text

Finney woke up to soft pittering of rain hitting his window. His half open eyes gazed at the slightly open window, staring outside for what seemed like hours. Gwen lay completely knocked out next to him, drool on the side of her mouth. He smiled and used his sleeve to wipe her face. She scrunched it and turned over. It was quiet. His father was probably gone, but that was preferable and the atmosphere was nice. However yesterdays problems are now today's problems.
The entirety of the situation was a big pill to swallow. After all it's not every day you get fucking murdered then go back in time right? Plus the fact everyone else was none the wiser felt off putting. Well maybe the other kids were aware too. That'd be something, but past all of the traumatic events, it was kinda cool. It was like having a really cool super power.

Finney surprised himself by how nonchalant he felt about the whole situation, but he thinks if he did feel anything other than nonchalance, he'd have a mental breakdown. Pushing that aside he sat up, careful to not wake Gwen. He needed to have a good look at himself.

Walking up to the mirror attached to his dresser he realized he looked like utter death. Pun intended of course–well it's not that he didn't always look awful before but now it was horrific x10. His hair was longer, he looked tired as always, but he seemed skinnier. Then he noticed the scarring on his neck. It looked ugly, jagged with lifted skin and he knew exactly where it was from. He guessed the other scars were there too, but he didn't wanna look, if he did, he'd probably wake Gwen to an all out meltdown. The more he stared, the dirtier he felt. That gave him an idea.
A shower. A nice, skin melting, shower. That sounded heavenly.

With that dea in mind, he walked to his closet to grab some clothes. When opening it he gazed at everything, nostalgia hitting him like a wave but quickly, his stomach turned as his eyes stopped at a specific shirt.
The one he wore when he got kidnapped. He took it in hand, taking it off the hanger and folded it. He didn't wanna wear it anymore. Not after the disgusting memories it held. Shoving it under the bed, he grabbed a different shirt, one that a picture of a rocket on it. Speaking of rocket...

His pen.

He still had it.

He rushed to his school stuff that sat in the corner of his room near the window. He rumaged through it and pulled it out. Finney just stared and a quiet chuckle came out. He felt so relieved to have it. It wasn't in the monsters hands anymore. Holding it close to his chest he got back up, grabbing his shirt and heading to his dresser drawer. He grabbed underwear, jeans, and a pair of space themed socks. Clothing and rocket pen in hand, he headed to the bathroom. As he walked down the familar hallway, he felt safe. Something he never expected to feel there. He opened the door to the bathroom, setting the clothing on the counter and discarded his own. The shower was turned to the hottest it could get and when Finney stepped in, he just stood there. His hands wrapped around his neck where the scar was, and his hands came into contact where he had a huge scar from where the axe made contact with his arm. It had a weird texture. Welp he was going to have to stop wearing short sleeves. Finney wondered about the belt scars. They were probably still there, but he couldn't see how bad they were. Hopefully they weren't too crazy because if seen, he'd have to explain a lot of shit he didn't wanna explain. It's not like he was gonna have to take his shirt off in front of anyone though. The real problem however, was the neck scar.

He had a jacket that zipped up all the way to his mouth but he barley ever wore it because it was too big. Though, it looked like he doesn't have much of a choice.

Finney stayed in the shower for a while, he washed his hair first then his body right after, making uncomfortable faces when in contact with the scars. After he cleaned himself though, he just stood there letting the water hit him, but he figured he should get out soon, lest he fall asleep in the tub. Scrunching his hair up in towel, he let his feet rub against the bath mat on the floor. It was nice to shower by himself. He brushed his hair and dressed himself, wondering if Gwen woke up yet. She hadn't. Something must've tired her out yesterday. Speaking of days, what day was it? How far did he go back? If he was gonna prevent the kidnappings, he needed to know how much time he had. Stoping kidnappings, wow that was actually something he'd have to do. This shit was real. He could die. Again. Finney started to tremble and he tried to calm himself. "I need to go on a damn walk..." He mumbled. He was sure Gwen was gonna be fine, their dad left for days at a time every once in a while, and his work didn't end for another couple of hours.

So he got ready to leave. He put a sweater on for extra warmth, then his rain coat and his rain boots. Both being dark blue, because his mom liked the color unlike Gwen's, who was yellow because their grandma liked the color. She got it for her before she passed. Letting out a small sniffle he grabbed the umbrella ready to head out but paused as he grabbed the handle. 'I should bring something, just in case' he thought. Walking back to his room, he set the unbrella near the door and went inside, pulling something from under his bed. It was a little box of money, tucked away where no one but Finney could find it. Finney had been working at a dog shelter. Surprisingly it gave really good money, but Finney thinks it was because he did most of the work due to the fact he was the only employee. He worked there for the money when his dad forgot to buy groceries. Which was almost always and even when he did, it was barely sufficient. Finney didn't mind the work, the animals were nice and cute, plus the owner was nice. He grabbed a couple of tens because he planned to stop at the Grab 'n Go. Putting them into his pocket, he walked into his closet and grabbed something that sat on the top where the shelf was located.

A pocket knife.

His dad got it for him on his birthday to man him up. This was after his mom passed and as he himself declined, so did the gifts but he internally thanked his father for it. His father got him brass knuckles too but a knife was more efficient. One slice of the throat and they're gone.

Finney kinda didn't like the fact his mind when straight to that but who gives a shit.

With the money in his right pocket and the knife in his other, he felt secure. He had put his rocket pen in the same pocket as the knife. Figured he could keep his hand in the pocket to hold the pen. To keep himself grounded and to feel safe and content while also being able to grab the knife if he needed to slash a motherfuckers throat. Everything was secure and he was ready to leave. He opened the unbrealla as he stepped out. It had a mildewy smell and the air felt humid. Finney loved the rain, it was so...he couldn't put it into words. He locked the door behind him, and with that, the walk began.

He walked along the sidewalk, occasionally jumping into puddles and kicking a couple of rocks. He hummed to himself as he walked, he had to focus. He had to figure a way to save the other boys. Befriending them was the best course of action. Of course, that was no easy task. Finney wasn't exactly outgoing, and he didn't exactly 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 to know people. He had Robin and he had Gwen, that was enough. But this was life or death. Literally. So he guessed he'd have to suck it up. From what he'd heard from the phone, the most difficult of the bunch would be Vance. I mean that was no surprise. The guy was a big ball of seething white, pure rage but again, suck it up Finney, either you risk getting beat up like you do almost every day or let him die. It was the former. He sighed as he reached the Grab 'n Go. Vance wasn't at the pinball machine–thank goodness–and the cashier was reading a magazine.

He grabbed a little basket and walked to the soda section. He open the fridge and pulled out three bottles of grape soda, along with two orange sodas. Gwen preferred orange while Finney grape. It was his secret little obsession. Putting them in the basket he walked to the snacks. He grabbed two chocolate bars, a thing of M&M's and a bag of skittles. He payed, grabbed his bag, and continued his walk.

Back to the boys. Though it'd be hard, he was determined to save them. He swore he wouldn't let even a single hair on their heads be hurt. They deserved the world, and Finney was planing to give it to them. He would absolutely spoil the shit out of Gwen and the ghost boys. He just needed to befriend them first. Now again from what he heard from the phone, Griffin was the easiest. Nobody knew the guy, "practically invisible" were his words. Don't get him wrong, he knew what it was like to be invisible, Finney just got a little more attention then Griffin did, it was all negative though so he guessed being unknown was better. Yet the question was, how was he supposed to befriend Griffin?

Finney passed the skating rink. Most of the other kids at school hung out there, so it was always bustling and loud, but it was dead due to the rain. Only a single person sat under the building, taking cover from the rain. Finney looked harder, and–
"Speak of the goddamn devil." He whispered as he looked at the one and only, Griffin goddamn fucking Stagg. My were the gods in his favor today and this was an opportunity he wasn't going to waste. He walked towards him. Griffin looked like a kicked puppy as he looked down at his lap, no sweater or coat in sight. He was probably freezing. When Finney got close enough Griffin noticed and looked surprised but a little startled.
When they were a foot apart they just kinda awkwardly stared at each other.

"Um," Finney started, and Griffin perked up. "Are you okay? You look cold," he mumbled. Griffin thought he might've just died on the spot. Who was this guy? Not that he was mad the stranger was asking about his well-being, no, he was actually kinda happy, just confused. "Yeah, no, I just–I just forgot my jacket and I didn't know it was–like gonna rain y'know?" He said, hugging himself for warmth. "Okay, um do you–I uh, okay hold on" Griffin watched as Finney put down his umbrella and his bag, took off his rain coat, then his sweater and gestured for him to hold it. Griffin did so out of pure confusion as he watched him put everything back on and pick everything back up. "Uh?" Griffin mumbled as he awkwardly tried to avoid eye contact. "Put it on, you don't want to catch a cold do you?" Finney said and Griffin looked flustered. "Oh! No–I couldn't, I don't need it," Griffin stumbled on his words, trying to deny it. "Please, besides you look like you're about to freeze, also– do you need me to walk you home or something?" Finney asked inwardly hoping he wasn't being too forward and that he'd just accept. Griffin just looked at him dumbfoundedly.

Who was this nice stranger? He was offering his jacket? He was offering to walk him home? The hell? Griffin was just adorably confused as to why a complete stranger would help him. However....he 𝘥𝘪𝘥 need to get home, his mom should be home in an hour or two and the rain didn't look like it was ready to let up anytime soon. So he accepted. "Uh...yeah...yeah, thank you, I appreciate it," he mumbled and watched as the stranger smiled. "Great, my name's Finney Blake, what's yours?" The stranger–now known as Finney asked. Griffin got up and slipped on the jacket. "Griffin...Griffin Stagg, nice to meet you Finney."

Chapter Text

"Why don't you go outside today? The whether is nice and besides, you haven't gone outside for anything besides school," a woman dressed in business casual attire asks. Looking into the mirror hung by her front door, she ties her hair up and makes sneaking glances through the mirror towards her son. She sighs as she grabs her bag and puts over her shoulder. Turning to look at the boy resting on the couch, she swiftly crouches down in front of him. "C'mon Griffin, it's not good for you to be couped up in here all day!" She encouraged, holding his hands. Griffin thought it was stupid, even if he did go outside he wouldn't have anyone to talk to. All he would do is go around the streets of Denver, alone, looking like a total loser. It had been so long since he actually called someone his friend and it made him feel bitter everytime he saw a group of kids hang out, or two friends whispering to each other whilst big smiles rested on their faces, he hated it so much.

Because that's what he wanted.

He wanted someone he could talk to. Griffin craved to have someone he could share homework with, someone who would listen as he complained about school. The idea of being able to be close enough to have inside jokes with each other and stupid nicknames only those in the friend groups would get. He 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥 to be close to someone and have sleepovers and go hang out somewhere like a normal kid. Yet some reason, he didn't get that. In fact, no one seemed to notice his presence at all. It was like he was a ghost, just watching as the other kids laughed and talked to one another while he sit there alone. He hated feeling lonely.
"Just...try for me honey." He hated that sympathetic look in his mothers eyes. "I'm going to work now, okay? Be good for me and think about what I said! Be safe, I love you bunches," the woman said and leaned down to kiss him on his head and cheeks. She ruffled his hair with a smile and grabbed her keys. The door shut and a click that followed, letting him know it was now locked.

Griffin sighed and got up to walk over to the window. He peered out through the curtains and watched as his mother left for work. Sighing, he flopped himself back onto the couch. It wasn't like he didn't like staying inside either but like time and time again he didn't exactly have anyone to fucking talk to.
Besides most of the kids at school are assholes anyway.

Example A: Alix Martino. Two entire grades above him and he decided it was appropriate to give Griffin a swirly for apparently "making a face" at him. Not his fault he was fucking horrendous looking. Then he had to explain to his mom why he smelled like shit and his hair was damp. Griffin knows that she probably knew he was lying but let it go nonetheless.

Example B: Lacy Middleton. It was the classic "fake ask out" prank. Don't even get him started on that one. Plus, if you're gonna do the prank, don't have your friends stand less than five feet away as giggle their heads off as it happens. Also she wasn't very good at hiding it. She looked constipated as she held her own laugh.

So on and so on. Honestly anything other than the negative attention he got, he went completely unnoticed. He always sat in the furthest corner of the classroom, never doing group work nor participating in any partner activities. Before he knew it, even the teachers had begun to forget his existence. He was kinda greatful for that though, it meant he could skip out on presentations. So one point for Griffin. Not to mention when you're quiet, people tend to say shit in front of your face while you're there. They act as if he can't hear them. Griffin sighed as he stared at the clock on the wall. Maybe he should go out today, after all the house did feel stuffy. More so than usual.

With a groan, he got his ass up and went to put on his sneakers at the door. He took his spare key with him and left for yet another, boring, friendless day.

---------

He had walked to the park in search for the swings. That had to be Griffin's favorite thing–well besides the spinny thingy that makes him dizzy. Arriving to the playground, he took notice that there had only been one or two kids so far and neither of them were playing together. He swung his feet back and forth and spaced out as he watched kids come and go.
He watched as various children came and went. All the while he sat on the swing set by himself. Griffin gripped the swings chains as he couldn't help but feel a slight stroke of jealousy as he watched the other kids laugh and throw jokes around their little groups. Time went on–an hour if he had to guess–and the other kids left. It was then Griffin deemed himself bored, so he figured he might as well go to the ice cream store and buy himself something with what little money he had from his allowance. Once more the walk there was filled with silence. When he had gotten there, it had been another good 20 minutes that passed. Griffin stayed reserved as he went up to the guy and asked for a small scoop of vanilla in a cup. The cashier looked at him with a flat and tired expression, responding to his request with attitude. 'Someone should really take the stick outta his ass," he thought bitterly. Griffin made sure to take a deep breathe as he handed over the cash and sat on the sidewalk to eat his dessert alone. He scrunched in on himself, feeling the looks other people were giving him.

Time had once again passed, quiet and lonely, and he finished his ice cream. It had been long throw away, so now he just sat there, playing with the gravel. A sudden wetness overtook the feeling in his hand. Looking down, a single drop of water rested on his knuckle. Looking up, he then noticed gray clouds starting to form. 'Fucking wonderful,' he thought bitterly. That was just his luck wasn't it? Griffin didn't like the rain, it always made him feel gloomy. More gloomy than he already was.

Reluctantly he got up from the sidewalk and made his way back home, ready to tell his mother how his uneventful day went. The rain started as a drizzle and soon enough, it began pouring. Forced to seek shelter at the empty skating rink he sat on the floor–damp and cold–as he put his knees to his chest. Sitting there, he was left with nothing but his thoughts. Reminders of how he had no friends and how it would've been nicer to be stuck under here with someone than stuck under there with no one. His sigh was heavy, just as his chest. It was tiring being fed up with yourself. Staying like that for a while made him nervous, he didn't want to walk back in the rain, but he also didn't want to sit there. It was cold and his ass sore from sitting on concrete. Griffin chewed at his finger nails as he weighed the options he had given himself. Listening to the rhythmic pattern of the rain. He rocked back and fourth, growing more nervous at his lack of decisiveness. There was a empty grocery bag discarded a few feet away from him, maybe he could use that? His ideas were starting to become limited.

Then that's when Griffin noticed him.

A few feet away was a boy. A boy with blue rain boots and a blue rain coat. He was walking towards Griffin, holding a big white and baby blue pokadot umbrella. His other hand rested in his pocket with a plastic bag hanging off his wrist. Griffin scrunched up his face in confusion. Who is that? Why was he coming over here? Surely not to talk to him, no way. Maybe he just wanted to sit down for a bit before he walked home? Yeah that's probably it. Griffin lowered his head, still eyeing the boy–attempting to keep his staring unnoticed–as the boy moved even closer. Griffin flinched slightly when the stranger stood a mere foot away.

"Um," the boy hesitated. Griffin went wide-eyed. Holy shit a person was talking to him and he wasn't yelling or cussing him out. "Are you okay? You look cold." The boy asked, a little unsure of himself. What the fuck? Why is this random stranger asking if he's okay? Not that Griffin was unappreciative of it, no of course not, if anything it was the complete opposite. It was just surprising and truth be told, he was really cold. Griffin didn't know this kid, and he was sure the kid didn't know him, so what's he doing? "Yeah, no, I just–I just forgot my jacket and I didn't know it was–like gonna rain y'know?" Wow way to go dumbfuck you stuttered, can't you talk like a normal person? Griffin internally cursed himself out at his own incapability to socialize. He can barley have a regular conversation with someone, it was no wonder that he doesn't have any damn friends. He hugged himself, out of insecurity and the cold. "Okay, um do you–I uh–okay hold on," the boy said, stumbling over his own words, just like Griffin had.

The boy set his stuff down, and shimied off his rain coat to reveal a thin sweater underneath. He then removed the sweater and gestured for him to take it. Griffin, confused as hell, took it and watched the the boy put himself back together, minus the sweater. "Uh?" Griffin mumbled, unsure as to why he was still holding the strangers sweater. Did he want him to hold it cause he felt too hot or something? Maybe he was gonna take it back and put it in the plastic bag. "Put it on, you don't wanna catch a cold do you?" The boy said. Wow Griffin was dead wrong, and he felt himself grow red at the kind gesture. Why was he being so nice? It's not like he had anything to give in return?  "Oh! No–! I couldn't, I don't need it!" Griffin stumbled, trying to gesture for the stranger to take it back. The boy chuckled a little.
"Please, besides you look like you're about to freeze, you're practically blue." Griffin felt himself blush even more. "Also– do you need me to walk you home or something?" The strange boy asked. Okay that's just weird. Who the hell is this weirdo? Sure he's nice–too nice even but the guy just offered to walk Griffin home. It felt weirdly nice and Griffin felt a bit better. Plus...he did want to get home, he needed to finish his chores before his mom got home after all. The rain didn't look ready to let up at all, and this? 'This is an opportunity,'  Griffin thought. Maybe he could finally make a friend after being uncoticed for so long. Maybe this is his chance. So with that settled, he agreed. "Uhh...yeah..yeah, thank you, I appreciate it." He mumbled, still unable to understand why the stranger just looked at him and smiled as if he won the goddamn lottery. "Great, my names Finney Blake, what's yours?" The boy–now known as Finney beamed. Griffin got up, a barely noticeable smile on his lips as he dusted himself off and slipped on Finney's sweater. "Griffin...Griffin Stagg, nice to meet you Finney"

And so they were off. They walked side by side in silence...well for like a minute or two before Finney started talking.

And Finney started talking...a 𝘭𝘰𝘵.

As they walked Griffin listened as Finney rambled on about random things, spewing out whatever he could think of to keep the almost one-sided conversation going. It was nice. He liked having someone to talk to....though Finney was a little....weird. He made a lot of death related jokes but he let it slide, only giving a small concered glaces. Who was he to judge other people's humor? Sometimes a van or a black car would pass by and Finney's bubbly attitude did a one-eighty and he blanked out as he waited for the vehicle to be out of sight and then switched back into talking Griffin's ear off once more. Griffin was a little weirded out–I mean the guy made a joke about how he'd rather kill himself than have to present in front of a classroom then offered him some candy or a soda–which he glady took–as if he didn't say what he said but again, Griffin didn't mind.

Finney was really nice. He was very open about himself, he liked space, he loved grape soda, and hated Twizzlers. He even asked Griffin about himself, which caught him off guard since no one has ever asked before. Rather, it had been a long time since someone was genuinely curious about his likes and interestes. He told Finney he liked comic books and bugs. Then he felt his heart soar when instead of being creeped out, Finney asked if he had any specific bugs that were his favorite. Griffin might've cried on the spot. Why was Finney–a boy he met twenty minutes ago so open and nice? The boy offered him soda and candy he bought with 𝘩𝘪𝘴 money for Christ sake. The boy was very sweet and Griffin like he said before– just met the guy. Maybe everyone here in Denver wasn't an asshole.

Time went on and they talked more, getting to know each other. Then before they knew it, they reached Griffin's house. Griffin, who wanted to be home in the first place, wished the walk was just a little longer so he could talk to Finney more. "Is your mom home?" Finney questioned, even though there was no car in the drive way. "No...she'll be back in a little while...you can stay if you want, like–like until the rain stops, or whenever– it's your call, you don't have too, it's not like I need you to, sorry that sounded rude it's just, um..." Griffin paused his unintentional ramble and looked at Finney who stared back with a blank look. Griffin wanted to disappear on the spot, he probably went to far, I mean they weren't close and the rambling made him look stupid. After all why would he go inside Griffins house? Wasn't like they were friends or anything and it made Griffin look desperate as fuck. He cringed as he waited for a weird look and a hard no.
"Yeah sure, I have time!" The doubt washed away as Finney's happy response left his mouth.
Holy crap, today was just his day wasn't it?

Griffin unlocked the door with shaky hands. He was over the moon, he couldn't fucking believe it. Someone was actually talking to him–HE EVEN CAME OVER! This was so exciting yet so nerve-wracking at the same time. What if he said something weird and it made Finney leave? What if he was too boring and Finney left? Oh what if he only agreed to come in out of pity? Griffin tried to calm the growing knots in his stomach as they walked in.

"You can put your coat here and leave your boots at the front door!" Griffin exclaimed as he took off his own shoes and waited for Finney to do the same. He watched as Finney put down his plastic bag gently and took off his coat and boots. He took something out of the coat pocket and put it in his pants one but Griffin didn't care as to what it was. He walked into the living room and Finney followed. Griffin had noticed that as soon as Finney came in, he had been very gentle and quiet with his movements. Acting as if someone was asleep in the other room, careful not to wake them. Odd, but then again, Griffin didn't care.

As they continued to talk, Griffin found he related to Finney in a lot of ways. Like how they both have negative reputations, well the negative part is more in Finney but yeah. How they've both been victims of the dating prank, yeah there were a lot of those. But once they had both figured out that people just talked and gossiped in their presence like they weren't there, they just knew that both of them had some secrets to share. For instance Finney had told Griffin that "apparently Aaron Ortega was caught cheating on his girlfriend with Lexy Cunningham and then they started a huge fight" or how Griffin had told Finney "that one of the staff was hooking up with one of the students parents–most people assumed it was Abraham Jones because he sucked at science and still got an A+ somehow." It was good to laugh–to talk to someone his age and feel so many emotions that he hadn't felt in a long time. It felt good to make Finney laugh, he was proud of himself.
"No, because I full on choked for a good minute on that chicken we had for lunch last week! " Finney exclaimed as he explained that's the reason why he started bringing his own lunch to school. Griffin had actually full on snorted when Finney had made a made a choking sound as he demonstrated how he choked.

They talked and talked and talked, time went on, so invested in their own world that Griffin didn't even notice his mom had returned home. The only reason he heard the door being unlocked was because Finney stopped talking, perked his head up to the door and watched as it unlocked and opened like a puppy.

They watched as Griffin's mom walked in, shock overcoming her tired face as she saw someone other than her son in their living room. "Oh," she mumbled, still a little dazed at the other boy sitting on her living room couch. Finney stood up first and Griffin scrambled to follow. "Hello Ms. Stagg, my name is Finney, it's nice too meet you." Finney soothed in the most polite voice Griffin had ever heard. She looked–again–shocked but it soon melted away as she smiled and shook his hand. "Hello sweety," she said softly and looked at Griffin. "Now where did you find this sweet thing honey?" Griffin blushed from embarrassment at the nickname. "I picked him up off the street" he mumbled and his mom gave him a slightly confused look as Finney chuckled.

Turning back to Finney she smiled brightly "Well it's nice to meet you Finney, I hope Griffin hasn't given you trouble now has he?" She asked smugly and there was a quiet 'mom!' from Griffin. Finney only smiled "Nope, he's a delight miss," he replied sincerely and Griffin once again swore he almost cried. "Well it's nice to finally see Griffin making friends, take of him for me will you?" She chirped as she patted Finney on the back. Griffin turned red and gave a small glare to his mom.

"Of course Ms. Stagg. I'll make sure to take care of Griffin no matter what, you have my word." Finney pledged, tone suddenly serious. Griffin didn't know why, but when Finney had said that, he suddenly felt safe, he felt in that moment no one could hurt him. It was there for a good minute and before it eventually faded away. 'Well that was fucking weird' he thought and then zoned back into listening to Finney and his mom. "Are you sure you won't stay for dinner?" She asked, disappointment clear on her face. "No I'm sorry, maybe next time!" He said, small smile on his face. He then watched as they traded house phone numbers.

'Next time? There's gonna be a next time?' Griffin thought excitedly, feeling hope fill his body at the idea of a new friendship. He watched as Finney got ready to leave. Maybe he was finally getting what he wished for after so long. His mind filled with thoughts on how the future of this friendship was gonna go. Inside jokes, nicknames for each other, sleepovers, hang outs, sitting together at lunch if they had the same one. He felt over the moon. "I'll walk you out!" He yelled and Finney nodded, putting on hand in his pocket, the same one he had his hand in when he had first found him at the skating rink.

They stepped outside, the rain had let up and it was just cloudy now. Finney still had the coat hood on though as he turned to say goodbye. Griffin built up what little courage he had and asked "We're...we're friends now right?" Griffin swore he had almost gotten a heart attack from asking that alone. 'Stupid ass nervousness' he cursed himself again as insecurities filled his mind again. "Of course." Finney stated and smiled as he fidgeted with his bag.

Griffin felt like he might burst open with joy. He felt himself get excited and so the next words just slipped out. "S-SO SInce we're friends now...we uh–we should have nicknames for each other....right?" He stuttered and he felt his soul leave his body. Oh gosh he was getting way too ahead of himself. 'Why in the ever buttloving fuck would I say that? Holy shit that made me sound desperate as hell.' He thought and felt himself cringe. "Yeah...I guess you're right." Finney said, after all, Robin gave him a nickname, why couldn't Griffin? Griffin beamed with relief "O-OKAY! What uh....what uh, should I call you?" He asked nervously. Finney didn't wanna say "Fin" because that name was reserved for Robin in a sort of way and even though he liked Griffin, he felt like he should call him something else.

"How about my middle name, it's Rose, so you can call me, like, Rosey or something I dunno," he shrugged. It was a lot more corny when Finney said it out loud. "Perfect, Rosey it is! You can call me...Bugger or BB cause I like bugs and stuff" Griffin stated. His heart was pounding.

They both stared for a moment. Laughter then bursted from both of them. "Holy shit this is so corny!" Griffin yelled and he laughed into his hand. Finney snorted "Yeah it totally is!" Griffin shrugged, still laughing "Oh my god we're still calling each other that though, that way when people ask they'll be confused as fuck" Griffin said as his laughing calmed. "Alright then see ya later, Bugger" Finney snorted, kinda not over the corny-ness of the name but waved as he started to walk away. "Yeah! S–See ya' Rosey!" Griffin yelled, seemingly too excited at the idea of the new friend he just acquired, then the corny name.

As he watched Finney leave, Griffin thought that maybe rainy days weren't so bad after all.

Chapter Text

Finney wished the rain would come back.

He wanted to hear the soothing sounds of the rain as he walked home instead of the deafening silence as he occasionally watched cars pass by with weary eyes. Letting the umbrella drag behind him on the floor, the dragging substituting the silence. Whilst he walked he thought about the former encounter with Griffin.

Griffin Stagg was such a sweet boy. How could anyone hurt him? How could such an angel be put through what he went through? He was so different from when he was in the basement, I mean Finney understood, he changed too. For instance, he no longer could look at a van or a black car with ease, nor could he stomach the thought of scrambled eggs. He hated it. He hated that the grabbed made him fear such ordinary things. He liked eggs, scrambled was his go to in fact, but he could no longer think of it and not get sick. That disgusting piece of shit had taken so much from Finney and the other boys. It made his blood boil at the very thought...but that made him think....

If he did successfully save the boys–and himself, he would have to kill the grabber.

Finney blake would have to become a murderer.

But for some reason, he didn't seem to mind. In fact, the very thought of bashing his head in with his baseball bat filled him with relief and the thought of caving the grabbers face in with brass knuckles adorning his fist made him happy. It was scary to think he could feel so nonchalant about these grusome thoughts but he could care less. The grabber had taken their hope, their freedom, their 𝘐𝘯𝘰𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, and killed them as if they were nothing more than an old toy he didn't find amusing any more. Finney was all more than ready to kill the son of a bitch if it was the last thing he did. He wanted so much of the grabbers blood to be drenched on him that it would never wash out. He wanted to give the other boys the world. He wanted to spoil them and do anything they asked of him. Because that is what they deserve, that is what they need. And Finney was all more than willing to give it to them.

He hadn't realized he had gotten to his house, he was so spaced out he must've been on autopilot.
The car was still gone. Finney felt relief as he took out his key and opened the door. "Finney! Where did you go!? I was really fucking worried!" Gwen had come out of her room and to the door when she heard the keys jiggle in the lock. She felt safe in doing so as she knew it wasn't her father from the lack of car noises outside and the lack of banging and heavy footsteps. "Sorry Gwen, I went out to the grab n' go" he apologized as he handed her the bag. "Oh! Did you get– yes! Thanks Finney" she smiled as she took the bag into the kitchen. He smiled as he took off his coat and shoes. Wait....'I forgot my jacket at Griffin's' he thought but quickly moved on as it wasn't a big deal.

"Are you hungry?" He asked as he watched her put the soda's in the fridge and the candy in one the cabinets only they used. "Yeah" she replied.
"Okay I'll make you something then" he said as he went to the pantry to see what they had. Finney was used to cooking, Gwen even cooked once in a while. It was a routine that had been placed for the past couple of years. After their mom had killed herself, their father had completely changed, grief consumed him to the point he wouldn't cook for his own kids. They figured they could wait it out, that he would come around, but they had expected too much. For so long they ate nothing but canned food and prepackaged shit that left them feeling greasy and nauseous. "Okay Finney thank you, do you need help with anything?" She asked as she played with her hair. "No thanks, you go and watch TV, I'll call you when it's done" he said as shooed her off with a smile. She gave a hesitant look as she reluctantly left and went into the living room.

Finney pulled out the potatoes they had in the pantry and washed a few. Finney had remembered when he decided to take matters into his own hands, when he decided that he wanted Gwen to actually have real food instead of crappy TV dinners that tasted more artificial than real. He didn't mind cooking for Gwen, it always made him happy to see her full and happy.

He just wished he didn't have to.

He wished he would come home, food already being cooked. He wished someone would tell him to go wash his hands and then ask about how his day was when he sat down. He wanted someone to take care of him. But he didn't get that choice. With his father barley taking care of himself. Who was going to care for Gwen if he wasn't there? Who was going to make her breakfast? Who was going to make sure she woke up on time? Who was going to help her with homework, and listen to her talk about her day? Who was gonna make her dinner? Who was supposed to tuck her into bed and assure her everything was alright and let her be comforted as he soothed her from a nightmare? Finney Blake was basically his and Gwen's parent.

When Gwen was sick, he'd call in for the both of them because he hated to leave her like that–alone and feeling like shit. He walked with her to school, and then back home–minus when she went to Susie's. He was the one who picked up the phone and listened to Gwen's teacher when she was misbehaving. Hell, he even fucking attended the parent/teacher conferences in place of his father. He'd tell the teacher that their father was busy–too busy to be there and he would relay the message, which he never did. Their father would on occasion answer some phone calls, he even went to one of Gwen's PTA's once. Gwen had been so happy that day, she'd been so happy he just showed up.

He loved Gwen so much and he always will. No matter what happens, he'd always take care of Gwen and no matter how mad he got, he would never put her down, hit, or yell at her.

Finney hated yelling. Sure he did it once every damn blue moon but Finney was quiet. He was soft spoken and he didn't like when he yelled. It felt like he was acting like his dad. When it came to people younger than him, like Gwen's age, he would treat them with as much care as possible. He'd call them sweety and be as gentle as he could, because he knew that some of the kids he's spoken too–who were mostly in Gwen's class–might've appreciated it. Because he sure did. Finney appreciated when teachers treated him with assurance and spoke softly to him with a smile. It wasn't much but it could brighten his day. He treated other in such a way because you never know how it was a home, after all, he was in the same boat.

He was almost done with the food now, his inner tangent coming to a hault. He wiped his hands on his pants and walked over to peer at Gwen. She sat in her pajamas looking at the TV and hugged her knees to her chest. He smiled and sighed. "Gwen, set up the table will ya'?" He said and Gwen whipped her head around. "Yeah, sure" a smile on her face as she got up and walked into the kitchen. She grabbed two bowls and two spoons, she set each down at two chairs that sat across one another and grabbed napkins. He has gotten the pot he made soup with and brought it to the table. She sat down and rolled up the sleeves of her nightgown. "You want me to fill it to the brim?" He asked, smile clear on his face. "Of course! I've been sleep all day and I'm really fuckin hungry" she said enthusiastically and Finney only chuckles as pours the soup into both bowls. Gwen's having more than his.

Baked potato soup was a common thing they had. In fact, soup in general was a lot of what they made. Rice was also one them, paring them with different meats and sauces. Something easy for them to have due to the limited options.

They sat there at the table, clinking of silverware and small chatter filled the kitchen. "So where'd you go anyway?" She asked, taking a spooful of potato soup, making sure to get extra potato bits. "Well like I said, I went to the grab n' go.....and I made...a new friend!" He said and Gwen paused mid chew, raising a brow. "You...made a friend?" She asked suspiciously. Finney nodded with a smile and she squinted her eyes. "But you're....you" she mumbled, gesturing to all of Finney. "Haha, you dick, I'm just....getting out of my comfort zone yknow?" He laughed as he ate. She snorted "If you say so–I mean I'm all for it, because you have exactly-" she held up her hand with her pointer finger up "-one friend so-" Finney was about to speak up hut Gwen but him off "-I don't count, I'm your sister" she said and Finney just rolled his eyes.

"Yeah I know, I know" he mumbled and picked at his bowl. He paused for only a moment and a barley noticeable smile made it's way to his face.

"But I'm sure that won't last long..."

Chapter Text

He was acting off.

She watched Finney come home that day, saying he made a new friend. She was so excited when she heard him say this, it was nice to know he was hanging around someone other than Robin. But he was acting strange. Something happened that day and she didn't know what. Gwen hated the fact that something was wrong with her brother and for some reason, he just wouldn't tell her. She watched as day by day as Finney went to school and went to work all while having this....sad look. Finney seemed to always be thinking. Sometimes when they walked to school, Finney would hold her hand. He held it tightly and made quick glances onto the street. It was so confusing. He seemed so nervous to even go outside.

A part of her thinks it was because of Matty, Mat, and Buzz. She hated those assholes, they always picked on Finney and would say the most stupidest shit imaginable, and she hated that Finney didn't do anything about it! But why would he? She already knew Finney didn't like to fight, he didn't like to argue, or yell, hell that guy only cussed every once in a while. Gwen thinks it's because Finney thought of himself as similar to their father when he yelled. There was one incident when he yelled, he had yelled at Gwen.
She didn't remember why but Finney had been fed up and yelled. It startled Gwen and she flinched, and when Finney noticed he apologized until he cried. Finney Blake hated showing how angry or how sad he was.

But sometimes he would allow himself to sob in his room. Gwen could hear him. She didn't say anything.

It only happened on really bad days. Like when the group of bullies that liked to pick on him went too far, or when their father was extra brutal. But it seemed to happen more often now...
She had gotten up to get a glass of water–not needing to be extra careful as their dad wasn't there–and she heard the shower running. It was around 4:00am and she was going to knock and ask what he was doing. Well, that was until she heard him crying. She paused and pressed her ear to the door. Finney was saying stuff, weird stuff. She heard bits and pieces and it made her even more worried by what he said.

"Why won't it come o-off!?"

"God fucking dammit why is it always me?"

"I'm gonna kill him, I swear to God I'm gonna kill h-him"

Each sentence said in broken whispers. She wanted to ask him what was wrong. She wanted Finney to confide in her like they always did but he didn't and she didn't wanna push and have Finney end up closing himself off even more.
She noticed he would cry in his room, sometimes if the door was cracked open she would see him holding onto his rocket pen and rock himself back and forth. His hair was longer, and he appeared to be skinner. He didn't wear short sleeves anymore and one of his shirts was missing. She also notices he didn't buy nor eat eggs anymore even though he liked them, but Gwen didn't mind. She didn't like eggs.
It was also odd when they met up with Robin.

Finney would look at Robin like he would disappear at any moment and he always made sure to walk Robin home after their study sessions on Wednesday without fail.

Gwen didn't like that Finney was different. He was more mature, he was extra fidgety and she always saw him sneak something in his pocket. It was always the brass knuckles or the pocket knife. Why would he need that? She asked herself, did he not feel safe? Did someone threaten to hurt him? Or had someone already hurt him? He often put his hand to his neck and hold it there like he needed to protect it. That's when she noticed the faint scar, it hadn't always been there. So who did that to him? Because when she finds out, she gonna kill them. But what scared Gwen the most were her dreams. The dreams where she would see Finney lying on some dirty and disgusting mattress, shirt off and eyes dull. There were even ones where we would appear to be being held by someone. The person was larger–probably an adult–and he seemed to caress Finney and was too touchy. It made Gwen sick because the dreams always meant something.

Was that his future? Or did it already happen and the dream was to help figure it out because Finney wasn't going to tell her? The dreams scared her and every time she had one, she would go into Finney's room and sleep in there with him. He would pat her back and ask what happened, he'd even read her a story if she asked. Finney was so caring and he always looked out for others over himself, so to see such a kind hearted person in such a state broke her heart. Finney would always be the person she loved the most, and she hoped for Finney it was the same, and she hoped Finney would end up telling her what was wrong so they could fix it, together. Just like they always did.

=============

Finney scrubbed at the dogs fur in a repetitive motion. He sleeves were rolled up and his hair was tied into a little pony tail with a few stray strand stick out. He had been working for two hours at the very least. Finney walked Griffin home and then went on his way to work.
"Blake, you taking your break now–or at 7:00" a man, who was burly, had one arm, and wore a plaid button up shirt asked. Finney momentarily stopped washing the dog. "Uh, I'll go ahead and take a break at 7:00" he said. The man gave a smile and nodded.

Finney had gotten to work at 4:00, school let out at 3:35, and it took him ten minutes to walk Griffin home and ten minutes to walk to the dog shelter. What Finney did was clean the cages, bath the dogs–feed the dogs, help people who came in pick a dog by describing what the dogs were like–basically all the hard labor. The owner–aka the only other guy who works there and the one who asked about Finney's break schedule–had difficulties moving and so he did mostly paper work and helped people fill out adoption papers. But Finney didn't mind it at all, after all the pay was actually pretty good. He was just guessing the owner felt bad for making him do all the work plus he was pretty sure he was the only kid he could tolerate, after all, the owner didn't exactly like kids. Besides, the owner was like a dad to him–more than his real one could ever be.

As he rinsed the dog off, he thought about the ghost boys. It had been two weeks–it currently being Thursday–and Billy's kidnapping date was approaching. Finney grew more worried as days went by, he hadn't even seen the guy much less talked to him. He asked people what classes Billy was in but only to receive a weird look and a shrug. He was starting to get irritated with himself. He knows Billy went missing on his bike route, and he didn't wanna follow him around like a weirdo but tracking him down and telling him the sole purpose of tracking him down was to go on his paper route with him would only end with him receiveing an uncomfortable look and rejection. Why was this so difficult?

He sighed and look back at the dog he was currently grooming. It was a big golden retriever with a single brown spot of fur on the left side of it's belly. It was seen out in the street and somehow ended here. The dog had a collar but it seems the tag for the address and the dogs name had fallen off. He scratches the dogs head and it barked while rolling over. "You're a good girl aren't you?" He said with a smile. He grabbed the hair dryer and started drying her off, laughing as he watched the dog try to bite air. He dried the dog until she was damp, until he had to stop. He saw the door open from the back and figured he had to answer it since the owner was on his smoke break, and he didn't like being bothered on his smoke break.

He tried to go out through the back to get him once–telling him there was a customer asking for help–so he could continue to clean out one of the cages. "Why don'cha go suck on a lemon" he said with a laugh, he immediately started coughing afterward. "Karma" Finney said and the man only smiled and gave him the finger. But moving onto now, he unplugged the hair dryer and gave the dog a treat before walking out of the bathing area.

Before he could fully go to the counter he stood in shock behind the door as he gazed upon one of the boys he needed most.

Billy Showalter.

He stood at the counter looking at some of the dog treats on display. This was too good to be true. The universe was in his god damn favor today wasn't it. "Hi..do you need help with anything?" He said, and Billy flinched and looked at Finney. He looked shocked, probably because he didn't expect anyone his age to be working there. "Uh, yean–YEAH! H-Have you seen a dog–of course you've seen a dog, you work with them–b-but have you seen a dog, a golden retriever come here, not like come here by itself but did y'all get one or find one??" He questioned. He stuttered and rambled on as he fidgeted and moved his eyes to anywhere but Finney.

Finney found it kinda cute, he didn't expect Billy to be so fidgety, it was nice to see him like this.
"Yeah we have like 3 golden retrievers, if there perhaps a distinguishing feature the dog has? O-or yknow something to tell em apart?" Finney asked and Billy nodded. "Yeah, she has a mark on the left of her stomach, it- it's a spot of brown fur" he said, hope pouring outta him. "Yes actually! I just finished bathing a dog that fits your description" Finney said and smiled as Billy's face lit up. Finney held up one finger for a moment and went into the back to get the dog.

He came back out–golden retriever on the leash and watched as Billy knelt down. "Bessie! Bessie girl c'mere!" He said and Finney watched fondly as the dog ran to her owner and started licked him and jumping around excitedly. "Thank you! I don't know what I would've done if she wasn't here!" Billy said, relief and thanks pouring out of his voice. "It's no problem really" Finney said and then paused. He wanted to ask Billy his classes but that'd be weird right? Oh fuck it whatever.

"Uh-hey you go to my school right?" Finney asked hesitantly. Billy looked up in mild surprise. "Uh yeah actually, I've seen you around–we have first period together–but I don't ever go to first period. It- it's not like I'm skipping school, no of course not–my mom would KILL me if I did, I just miss it almost everyday cause of the paper route and-and they let me make it up by staying an hour later than I'm supposed to" Billy rambled, looking a little flustered. No wonder Finney couldn't find him in the morning. He nodded as he watched Billy pet the dog nervously, not knowing what to say. Then a lightbulb went of in his head. This was perfect.

"Hey–if you're okay with it, I, could help you with your paper route?" Finney said and Billy looked up with an expression Finney couldn't quite read. "–I just, yknow, two people are better than one and I wouldn't mind, as long as your okay with it, you don't have to say–" Billy cut him off. "YES!" he yelled and Finney flinched at the sudden shout. Billy must've noticed because he apologized after. "Ahem–sorry I didn't mean to shout, I just- no ones ever offered because–people obviously don't like getting up early but I'd-I'd" he paused and composed himself a bit. "I appreciate it, honestly–and this is gonna sound stupid–but it'd be nice to have someone to talk to besides...talking to..my dog" he said and Finney could tell he made himself cringe. Finney laughed at how cute it was. "I feel you, I'm the only one who works here beside the owner and even then, I talk to the dogs sometimes too" Finney reassured and Billy looked up at him like he was God damn Jesus Christ.

"Holy shit you're so nice–but don't you have your own work load of well...work?" He asked, and Finney shrugged it off. "Nah it's all good, I don't mind getting up early, I mean, I do it anyway." He said and watched as Billy grabbed the leash and got up. He grabbed Finney's hand and shook it tightly "Thank you, I-I really mean it!" He said, smile still plastered on his face. He looked down at his watch and went wide-eyed. "Sorry! I have to, like go, but I'll-oh here!" He stopped and grabbed a pen from the counter, writing down a number on a piece of paper from his pocket. "That's my house number–caLL ME, BYE!" he yelled, halfway already out the door. Finney watched him leave, a little dumbfounded at how easy it was. He looked down at the paper and stared for a good minute before smiling. He grabbed it and put it in his pocket along with his rocket pen.

He already had Robin, then he got Griffin, now he had Billy. He was able to save them.

Three down, two to go.

"Blake, you goin on break?" Finney jumped at the voice and turned around to see the owner. "Yes! I'm going" he said and ran past the man with one arm. He went into the back and sat down at the little worn out table that sat with empty soda cans and paperwork scatteed across it. He pulled out his own papers, mostly homework from school and started to pull out a pencil.

Then the phone rang.

He looked up at the beige phone that sat unplugged on the counter, surrounded by various dog accessories and treats. It seemed to be breathing. He stared at the phone in silence before putting his pencil down and walking up to the phone. He slowly picked it up, static was loudly brought to his ear and faintly, humming could be heard. There was a radio on the opposite of the room covered in paper and more soda cans–some beer cans too and Finney set down the phone before waking to turn on the radio. He turned it on, and We'll meet again by Vera Lynn played from the speaker. He went back to the phone and heard a satisfied hum from the speaker. He set down the phone and it no longer appeared to be breathing. Finney smiled and sat back down and continued his work.

The owner then came in, staring at Finney, then at the radio. After a minute, he eyes looked glossy and he sat next to Finney as he set down a manilla folder and started to write as he hummed the song. Finney stared for a second before turning to the radio and that's went he noticed it. The picture of a man and a woman standing next to Vera Lynn, with what he assumed to be her signature. The woman in the picture held onto the man's single arm with a big smile. It must've been the owner and his wife. Finney sat there, blankly staring at the photo and only came out of the trance when the owner ruffled his hair. He turned to look at him and the owner only gave him a sad smile. The owner went back to his work, still humming the song and Finney did the same. He hummed the song as well and they both sat there enjoying the music.

In moments like these, Finney missed his mother dearly.

Chapter Text

Today was the day.

It had been about a week since their first interaction, and Finney was pleased with himself for being able to set the perfect date to go with Billy. He had called the phone number Billy had gave and a man answered the phone. It startled Finney to hear a man on the phone, which led him to use the most polite voice he could muster. The phone was then passed to Billy, who sounded excited to hear his voice. They talked, deciding when to actually go on the paper route together. Finney had work every Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and sometimes Sunday if the owner wanted him to come in (He really went in no matter what day if he was asked to)  and he also had baseball practice early in the morning because their coach preferred it that way. Plus he had to make sure Gwen walked home safely when her choir class made her stay after school. So Finney was a busy person to say the least. But they finally did it, they found a day–well in reality, Finney made damn sure it was that specific day.

Finney Blake was so relieved, he now had the ability to save Billy.

His breathing was off that morning. He nervously gathered his clothes and went to the bathroom, trying to wake himself up a bit more. He went in, setting down his clothes and towel, he turned on the shower to its highest degree. Getting in, he didn't take time to appreciate the warmth of the water as he washed himself. He scrunched his face as he still felt his heart clench when his hands went over the scars. Finney wished the water was hot enough to burn the disgusting feeling away...but he didn't have time to dwell on that. Today was the day Billy would've been kidnapped. But he wouldn't be if Finney had anything to say about it. He turned off the shower and rubbed his face with a sigh. He dried his hair with Gwen's blow dryer and put on his clothes. His shirt was long sleeved with a picture of the galaxy. "You're out of this world!" was printed in bold white letters, sure it was corny but Finney liked corny things. He put on his jeans and navy blue socks while simultaneously brushing his teeth.

Finney rushed out of the bathroom and put on the sweater that covered his neck. He didn't want the awful scar to show, and it made him feel even more gross when he knew the grabber would be looking at them at some point along the ride. Shaking off the thought, he grabbed a piece of notebook paper from his math journal and a pen from his binder.

'Going to school first, sorry I can't cook today, I'll tell you more later. Love you Gwen!'
He walked to her door and opened it slightly. She laid on her bed, sprawled out and drool on the corner of her mouth. He held in a laugh as he went over to her and kissed her head, leaving the note on her side table.

He closed the door silently on his way out, making haste to his room. A more determined energy to him than before.

Finney walked back into his room and searched for his brass knuckles and pocket knife. Finney wasn't going to take ANY chances. If the motherfucker tried anything, Finney was prepared to slit the fuckers throat like he did to Finney. He shivered and rubbed his neck at the thought. He grabbed his backpack and shoved his binder inside. Hooking it over his shoulder, he walked out of the room but he stopped and checked himself in the mirror. Something was missing. He thought for a moment before going to the bathroom and putting his hair into a small pony tail and grabbing his baseball hat. He didn't want the grabber to be able to recognize him so easily. Better safe than sorry. He checked himself again, and was satisfied that he looked more presentable than when he had first met Billy. After all, he was in his work uniform, covered in dirt and mud. Not to mention he was sweaty and tired.

He sighed and patted his clothes down before walking to the door. He paused as he grabbed the handle.

The bat.

His baseball bat would be a nice addition to his choice of "defense" weapons. He rushed into his room to get it, checking the time he whispered irritated words as he anxiously worried about being late and Billy leaving without him. The baseball bat stuck out a bit of his backpack but it want too noticeable so it should've been fine. He ran to the door again and this time, double checked his pockets for the knife, the brass knuckles, and his emotional support rocket pen.
Oh plus his keys, he needed those.
He opened the door and was greeted by the crisp air. He speed-walked to the side of his house. On the side, a blue, old, and insider bike lay leaned against the brick of the house.

Finney didn't use it often, he preferred to walk. But walking wasn't safe anymore...well neither was biking but at least biking was faster. He grabbed the cold handle bars and brushed off the dirt that was on the seat. It looked presentable enough. He nodded and hopped onto it, he rubbed the leather handles as he started to peddle. It was so odd to ride the bike, but it was a nice feeling, something he could get used to. As he rode past houses, people, and occasionally a stray dog he thought about what the people were doing. How interesting their lives are, or if they're mundane and boring like his used to be. He looked ahead and noticed the road was gonna turn into a small slope and he stopped peddling and let the bike take him down by itself. He unconsciously smiled as he swerved side to side. A breath was let out when  he came to Billy's house.

"Finally" he mumbled and parked the bike in the drive way. As he slowly walked up to the door, he felt his cold hands fidget with each other. He slowly popped his knuckles and his thumb, pretty much every bone he could possibly pop in his hand to ease the nervousness. Once there was no more bones to pop, he flexed and rotated his right wrist as he knocked with the left. He was met with silence until he heard shuffling. He flinched as a man with ashy blonde hair opened the door. To Finney's surprise, the man had a warm smile on his face. "Ah, you must be, Finley? Er- Finney? Sorry my mistake, I'm gettin old, can't remember names for the life of me!" The man laughed heartily and it eased Finney a bit as he nodded. "Well come on in! It's freezing out here, don't want ya' catching a cold now do we?" He asked as he moves aside and gestured for Finney to go in. Finney liked how nice the man was and hesitantly walked in.

The house was cozy, brown and beige with occasional white covered the room and he looked around, noticing baby photos and vacation pictures. Finney smiled as he looked at them. "Oh my! Hello sweetheart, you must be Finney!" Finney turned to see a woman with light brown hair. Her hair was short and she worn a cardigan with a cozy green. "Yes Mrs. Showealter, I'm Finney" he said as he tilted his head forward. "Wow, how polite! No need to be so stiff sweety it's okay!" She assured and Finney thought he just might die. These people were so sweet. It was unbelievable. "Come here, sit down, Billy's gathering the papers, he'll be down in a jiffy!" She smiled and gestured to sit on the couch. As he sat down, he sat slouched and played with the hem of the sweater he wore. "Billy had been so excited for you to come along! He's been talkin bout how you're the nicest guy he's met!" She laughed and Finney smiled even though it wasn't exactly true, I mean, a lot of people were dicks in Denver. High Schoolers are mean.

"Oh and he told me you worked too! Oh you're such a hardworkin' young man!" She announced and Finney finally understood where Billy got his chattiness from. Not that it was bad, it was actually nice. Speaking of Billy, he came running down the hallway, bag of newspaper in hand. "Finney! What's up!" He exclaimed, big smile on his face. Seeing such a smile made Finney light up too "Hey Billy! You ready?" He asked and Billy gave a thumbs up. "Yep! Are you" he asked back and Finney nodded. They both started to head towards the door before being stopped by Billy's parents. "Okay now you two be careful alright? Mommy love you" she said and smothered him with kissed and Billy turned so red from embarrassment. It was such a sight to watch. "Mom..." He mumbled and his father patted his head before giving him shoulder pat. "Listen to your mother, be carful" and at the mention of being cautious, Finney suddenly went less fidgety. He grabbed Billy's shoulder and looked Billy's parents in the eyes. "Of course, we'll be super careful...don't worry" he reassured.

Billy didn't expect the voice change. The seriousness in Finney's tone actually made Billy feel safe for some reason. Finney has this determined look and Billy couldn't help but feel very pleased for some reason, it just felt right.

They headed out the door and onto their bikes. Spliting the papers in half, putting equal amounts in each basket. Billy's parents watched them drive away before going back into the house. As they drove past house after house, they made small talk and occasionally gossiped about school drama. Finney found out Billy was pretty decently known, but he wasn't popular. He didn't get bullied often, other than the occasional comment from the kids in higher grades but it wasn't too bad, which Finney was thankful for.

Billy on the other hand found out Finney was anything but popular. Someone who doesn't make an effort to talk to someone unless they talk first. Which Billy found extremely weird. Finney seemed to be an easy going person. He was polite and sweet, hell, the guy offered to do extra work for a stranger. He had heard of Finney before. Sometimes he would overhear other kids–or even some of the kids he hung out with talk about him like he was weirdo. "Finney the freak" and "Finney the fag" was passed around a lot. Heavy on the second one. But Billy just couldn't wrap his head around it. The guy was a total sweetheart, the fact that Finney hadn't punched someone's lights out after all the shit the other kids give him was beyond him. Well, he knew Robin–not know, know–but knew of him, and surprisingly he hung out with Finney. Some kids guess Robin was just using Finney for home work but Billy thought otherwise. He wanted to pry but that was rude and he didn't want Finney to dislike him. So he kept his mouth shut.

As Finney and Billy biked down more roads and passed out more papers, Finney grew more anxious. Where the hell was the grabber? His nose and his cheeks were rosy and his knuckles were white from gripping the handle so hard. He couldn't relax, not even for a moment.

That's when he saw it.

The black van with Abracadabra printed in green on the side.

His breath hitched and Billy noticed Finney tense up. Billy glanced at where Finney was looking. It was back in with Abracadabra on the side. Billy got the chills. There was no reason for him to feel creeped out by the van, so why'd he feel so dirty all of a sudden. He watched warily as the van slower next to them. Billy flinched when he saw Finney's eyes harden. He looked ready to kill.

"Excuse me boys...have you gone down hooler street?" The man asked. He had gray hair and wore sunglasses over his eyes. But somehow Billy knew his gaze was predatory. Before Billy could say anything, Finney beat him to it. "No, I'm sorry sir, but we have an extra paper if you'd like" Finney said and grabbed the paper and gestured it towards the man. There was a pause. Finney felt safer with the hat and the sweater. The man seemed to be analyzing Finney, but he wouldn't get jack shit. Because the only thing you could be able to see from his point of view was his cheeks, nose, and the freckles that adorned them. "Why thank you young man, how kind of you" the man said. His voice was smooth and low which gave both Billy and Finney the chills. The man grabbed the paper and drove away.

They both untensed. "What the fuck, that guy was a total creep" Billy said, his face contorted with disgust. Finney laughed and agreed. Finney watched as Billy easily moved on from the van and he was relieved he had the luxury to do so. Because Finney couldn't stop thinking about it.
The man knew Billy would take this route, so he must've been following the boys days before the actual kidnapping. So, did he watch Finney too? It made him sick to think about. But...it wasn't time to think about that.

Billy was saved and that was all that matters.

======

The day passed by slowly. Billy had sat with Finney in first period, it was a nice change, having someone to talk to. He saw Robin later that day.

"Hey Fin, what's happening?" He asked and Finney's heart swelled at the nickname "Just, keepin on, keepin on" he replied, smile wide on his face. Robin and Finney talked through math and Finney occasionally stopped to actually listen because he knew Robin wouldn't. When he had left class, his full and happy heart sunk when he saw Matty, Mat, and Buzz. That wasn't a very fun time.

The day moved even slower after that. He ate his lunch by himself, he never knew where Robin went, Billy went to the library to sort out his missing work, and Griffin was having lunch in the theater room. So he sat there alone and drank two milks, the second one he snuck past the lunch lady's because they didn't like it when students got more than one. It was Finney's little secret, he did it every time. What can he say? He liked milk. As the day ended he went back on his bike and met up with Gwen. She sat on the back of his bike, talking about their day until it was time to seperate. He watched as she went over to Susie, who waited by the same gate every time Gwen would spend the night. Susie was a sweet girl, her hair was always in pigtails and had colorfull beads in her hair. He smiled as Gwen waved goodbye and he began to peddle home.

----

The sky darkened quicker than yesterday, it was dark when he got back home. He delayed it a bit, considering he didn't like coming home to a quiet house anymore. It reminded him of the basement. It was silent, and it was freezing. But he'd take a silent house over his dad being there and unfortunately, the universe wasn't in his favor today. He sighed, as he saw the blue–almost black car in the driveway. His dad was home. He parked his bike on the side of the house and cracked his knuckles again, braceing himself for the yelling–maybe beating, coming his way.

He unlockes the door and stepped inside, being as quiet as he could. His father didn't make a peep, which was good sign. He set down his bag and took off his shoes, putting them on the shows rack. He steadily walked to the living room, he was met with his father who was sat in his chair, bottle in hand. He looked dazed, tired too. Finney wouldn't normally take the chance to talk to the drunk but today was different. "Dad..." He whispered, stepping out more to make himself known. His father's hand twitched and he looked up at Finney. He stared for a moment before his eyes widened. He looked shocked, and Finney scrunched his face, trying not to cry as he saw his fathers eyes tear up.

It was one of those nights.

"Sunny? Sunny honey?" His father called and he clenched his fist as his pathetic excuse of a father looked a Finney like he was god himself. "No dad...it's Finney" he said, voice cracking. His father sighed and his lip quivered. "Sunny..." His father said, voice broken and he looked ready to bust into tears. Finney sighed and walked over to his dad and held his hand. The man set down the bottle in his other hand and now held both of Finney's hands in his own. "S-Sunny....I missed you" he said and Finney nodded "I know..." Finney said and Terrance held tighter. "Why....Why'd you do it Sunny? Was it something I did? Please Sunny tell me, what did I do to make you leave" he said, and hot tears ran down his face. Finney sniffled "No...no, no, you didn't do anything..." He said, as he watched his father cry. "C'mon...you're tired.." Finney said as he pulled upwards to encourage his dad to stand.

His father obeyed and Finney patted his back and his father mumbled broken and drunken apologies. Finney didn't wanna hear it, Finney didn't think he was all that sorry if he continued to hit him and Gwen. He layed him down on his bed, taking off his shoes and covering him with a blanket. His father was asleep now, knocked out as soon as he hit the pillow. "Love you dad..." He whispered and for some reason, the words hurt to say.

He walked back into the living room, picking up bottles and putting things back into place. Once he finished he paused and looked around the room. He didn't even notice the tears starting to fall. He crouched down and put his head into his hands. He whispered curssess and gripped his hair in frustration. His throat hurt and his head hurt too. He was so caught up in it, he missed when the phone rang the first two rings. When he composed himself a bit more, he answered the phone.

He only sobbed harder when the voice of his mother appeared on the other line.

Finney cried a lot that night, and after it was all said and done. He passed out in his room. With only his pajama shirt on and boxers, he covered himself in his blanket, leaving the rest of his infinite worries for tomorrow.

Chapter Text

Finney's eyes felt heavy as he woke up that morning. His head ached as he flipped over onto his stomach. He sighed into his pillow and played with his own hair for comfort. Trying to forget how shitty yesterday was. The house was quiet, meaning his dad was still asleep or was gone. He prayed for the second option.

Reluctantly, he pulled himself from his warm covers and made his way to the bathroom. He discarded his clothes and turned the water all the way up making sure it turned his skin red when under. He got in and for a good while, just sat there, not doing anything but thinking.

Billy had been saved, but Griffin's kidnapping was on the approach and he had no fucking idea where he got kidnapped. Finney just guessed he would have to be glued to his side that day....oh and then Vance...how the fuck was he gonna pull that off? I mean c'mon the man was a sheer mass of rage most of the time and when he wasn't, he was with his friends. Vance Hopper passed by him in the halls sometimes and spent most of his free time with his damn pinball machine. Besides the kids Vance hung out with were like two people and they were sophomores, while Vance, himself, and the other ghost boys were freshman. (Vance got held back) probably because he always skipped school.

Finney remembered Vance had once sent a kid to the hospital and somehow not gotten arrested due to saying something about self-defense or some bullshit. Okay, maybe Finney was exaggerating when he said Vance was angry ALL the time. Vance knew how to be calm. He was calm when playing pinball, and he was calm when he decided to take a break from the game and eat a snack from one of the chip racks. Finney just needed to be careful with his words.
Either that or he was just gonna have to stalk the dude, which was, totally not creepy.
He sighed as he sunk further in the tub. He 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 didn't wanna go to school today. Yesterday had been so much for him. He had seen the goddamn grabber for fucks sake. Not to mention his dads little episode..

Finney didn't know whether he preferred his dad to be angry and just beat him or be...really sad. It made him feel physically sick to see him cry and repeatedly spew apologies as he hugged him. It made him want to scratch his eyes out and tell him shut the fuck up. That he wasn't really sorry and that their mom was gone and he wasn't his mom. But he couldn't do that, he'd never. Deep down he knew for some reason he still loved his dad. Besides Finney still took care of him. He cleaned up his bottles and cleaned his room, not to mention tucking him into bed just as he did last night.

Finney stopped his thoughts as he knew the water would be cold soon. He washed his hair and his body, once again making a face when his hands touched the scars. He dresses himself, space shirt as always but this time, he wore shorts that reached his knee paired with long socks that reached his calf. He adorned the same neck covering jacket as always and put the brass knuckles and pocket knife in his pocket. He then left without Gwen by his side.

He left rather early, and didn't have to go on Billy's paper route since something happened with the papers that were supposed to be delivered. But that gave him time to stop by the grab n' go for something to eat.

When he did get there he spotted Vance. Walking past him, Finney took subtle glances as he got a redbull from the fridge and a small pack of chips a'hoy. Vance put on a small smirk on his face when he won, it wasn't obvious, but it was there. Finney smiled at that. It was nice to see Vance happy, like he should be. Turning away and paying for the food, the cashier gave him a look. The cashier picked up the redbull and looked back at Finney. "You're parents let you drink this?" He asked, eyebrow raised. "My parents let me do a lot of things" he said drily and the cashier shrugged and let him pay. As soon as he stepped out of the store he opened the drink and chugged a good amount before eating a cookie. "Sorry liver but I'm probably not gonna live past 14 so whatever" he mumbled as he wiped away crumbs from his face. He took another sip of his redbull and took a deep breathes as he headed to school.

=====

Finney sat in English class, Billy by his side as the teacher droned on about the Odyssey. Finney personally liked to learn about the Odyssey, Greek mythology was fascinating in itself, of course it could never be space absolutely not. But it was still nice to listen to. He glanced at Billy when he had felt him tap his shoulder. Billy handed him a small piece of folded paper. He grabbed it and unfolded it while Billy went back to facing the teacher.

–Dude this is sooooo boring–

He smiled at the paper before grabbing his pen and writing back.

–Yeah, but you know what isn't boring? The fact that I found out moose apparently has a baby mama–

He passed the paper back and watched in amusement as Billy's eyes widened and his jaw dropped. He stifled as laugh at how appalled Billy looked before he started to write. He took the note again.

–ARE YOU BEING SERUOUS–

Finney snickered but pretended it was a cough as the teacher looked over.

–Yes 100%–
–p.s. it's serious–

He handed it back and Billy read the note before making a face. Finney watched as he wrote something, then erased, wrote it again, then erased again. He handed Finney the note.

–This is why I'm failing english so badly, and we even have a test next, next, wendsday–

Finney smiles again.

–no wonder.–
–p.s. it's Wednesday–

When Finney passed the note back he watched as Billy quickly wrote something and when Finney looked down he laughed out loud.

–FUCK–

It wasn't even that funny but he laughed out loud for some reason. The teacher looked at them before she sighed and walked over. Finney panicked, if the school called his house and his dad happened to answer because he wasn't there then he'd be in so much shit. It was a small chance of happening but it was still a possibility. So for some fucking reason, he tore the paper in half and shoved the right half in his mouth while handing the other to Billy. While Billy watched Finney shove the paper in his mouth he went dumbfounded but put the other half into his mouth too. 'WHY THE FUCK DID I DO THAT???' he thought as he cringed from the paper in his mouth. The teacher looked at them both. "Do you have something to share?" She asked, her coffee breath wafting into their faces. Finney shook his head as did Billy. As she walked away Billy spit out the paper and looked as him in utter confusion.

Finney spit out his paper and could feel himself turning red. Billy watched as Finney cheeks went rosey and felt himself smile at how cute it was. Sure the paper thing was weird but Billy did it too. He didn't know what made him follow Finney lead, but it felt right.

They spent the rest of the class holding the soggy paper in hand and immediately put hand sanitizer on afterwards.

============

Griffin looked at Finney in disbelief. "So...you decided to put the paper in your mouth??? Rosey what the hell" Griffin laughed as Finney sunk in his chair. It was now biology and they were in partners chatting away while doing work. "I don't know! I panicked buggy, I didn't wanna get in trouble" he replied as he answered the third question on their worksheet. "Yeah–okay mr. paper eater, and the other kid eat the paper too?" He asked and Finney nodded. "Who was it again? It started with a B" and Finney looked up as Griffin tried to think of who Finney mentioned. "Billy Showalter the-" Griffin cut him off. "The paper boy? Wow how coincidental, paper boy eating paper, funny" Griffin dead panned and Finney gave him a blank look.

"Okay whatever, are you having lunch in theater again?" Finney asked and watched as Griffin groaned and layed his head on the desk. "Yeah the theater teacher has been doing so much shit she wants us to study even during lunch" and Finney laughed as Griffin clinged onto him. "Rosey help, I don't wanna have lunch in theater anymore" he whined as he hugged tighter. Finney smiled, but yet, gave him a look of longing which he didn't notice. "I know it sucks, but I'll get you some sour gummy worms, I'm going to the grab n' go after school" he said and watches as Griffin brightened. "Yes! Rosey you're the best!" He exclaimed and hugged his side. Finney returned the hug and sighed with content.
He loved the look on his face when he gave him something, Finney loved spoiling Griffin. It filled him with relief and happiness to see the boys get what they deserve. He couldn't wait to spoil them all.

=======

Finney gripped his backpack nervously. For some reason, he had shut down after third period and for some reason felt drained. So for the first time ever, Finney Blake was gonna skip. His heart pounded as he watched the crowded halls and people stop at their lockers. He had seen kids sneak out before, they had just, walked out during passing period. It was amazing how much the adults didn't give a shit. He was near the back staircase, farthest from most administration. His hands were shakey and he was sweating profusely. So he kinda went on autopilot as he walked out the doors.

The cold air cooled him down, taking him out of autopilot once he realized he was outside.
He felt kinda giddy, yet nervous as the new sensation of skipping school. He didn't have to worry about walking Billy home, nor Griffin, and Robin hadn't even came that day, which kinda made him a little–well, extremely nervous but he pushed it aside.

He stood there for a good while, contemplating on what he'd do now. Not like he would know–due to the whole never skipping before. So he settled on going to the grab n' go to get Griffin's promised sour gummy worms.

He walked the streets of Denver with his rocket pen in hand. He clicked it on and off as he watched closely as cars went by. Occasionally a person would be walking as well, and Finney would always put on hand in his pocket where the knife was located. Just in case.
Then they would pass without as much as a glance. He would sigh in relief once out of sight and go back to playing with his pen. He came to the grab n' go, noticing not many were inside. As he heard the bell chime when he opened the door, he saw the lack of Vance at his pinball machine. He stared at it for a moment, trying to see what Vance found so amazing about the game but ultimately failed and instead went to get a soda from one of the fridges. He had gotten grape soda as always while grabbing the sour gummy worms and decided to treat himself to a big bag of skittles. The cashier–now different from this morning–looked bored out of her mind as she sat there looking at a book. As Finney walked up to the counter he could practically feel annoyance radiating off of her. "Will that be all?" She asked, ringing up his items with very little care. "Yes ma'am" he mumbled she counted out his change and then put it into his outstretched hand. "1.47$ is your change thank you come again" she said and Finney could tell the words that came out of her mouth actually meant 'Please hurry and get the fuck out so I can go on my smoke break'–or something along those lines. As he did walk out, he did in fact see her pull out a pact of cigarettes and started smoking right at the counter.

Finney's intuition: 1

He held the bag in hand and managed to open the bottle with the pocket knife, almost slicing his hand off in the process but still. He wandered around the streets, taking small swings of his drink. Along the walk Finney had realized an opportunity. He could walk the streets and eventually he would come across the van. Which meant he could find the grabbers house. Then he could kill him.

He just worries about his alibi, and the grabbers brother...and how he was gonna kill him. Planning a murder wasn't easy and it made him nauseous thinking about it. Thinking about the grabber in general made him feel dirty, like he was back in the basement. Finney despised the effect the man had on him, to the point of even thinking about him freaked Finney out. Yet it also angered him. It made him want to scream, hit, and break things. But he pushed it down, knowing anger clouded his judgement. If he did let his anger get the best of him, he'd probably would've killed the man when he saw him on Billy's paper route. He gripped the pen in his pocket, soothing himself from the awful thoughts. As he finished his bottle he noticed a boy on the corner of the next street. He looked nervous, like he was watching for someone.

Finney wondered if he looked like that when he watched for the grabber everytime he stepped outside.

As he got closer he heard yelling. "YOU THINK YOU CAN DO WHATEVER THE FUCK YOU WANT DICKHEAD!?!?" Finney flinched at the yelling and the nervous boy who was previously looking away from Finney made direct eye contact with him. He walked towards him, Finney now remembered seeing him in lunch, hanging out with Vance on the rare occasion Vance even came to school or wasn't in the office. "Hey kid you can't go this way" he warned, yet he looked more nervous than intimidating. "Why?" Finney asked as he tried to look past him.

"Just–just fucking go away alright, we're doin something and it's non of your fucking business" he said, exasperation clear in his voice. He really wanted Finney to go away huh. And as Finney finally saw past him he knew why.

Vance fucking Hopper was being held by two boys, each holding one of his arms. A third boy was in front of him, anger clear on his face. Vance had a bloody nose, his hair was messy and his gums bled as he looked pissed off at the kid in front of him. "NOT MY FUCKING FAULT YOUR DUMBASS BROTHER SAID THAT SHIT" He yelled, and tried to throw a punch but was held back. "Oh c'mon! He was just stating a fact dickwad! Your mom is nothing but a whore and you know it!" The kid yelled and Vance grew even more livid. And with that, Finney grew livid too.

Who the fuck were these piece's of shit? Who the fuck did they think they were to be saying shit like that. They didn't know what Vance had gone through, they didn't know what Vance deserved. That had no right to be treating him that way. No one did. He deserved the world and so much more just like the other boys. As Finney continued to gaze upon the awful scene, his brain for some reason had went back to the grabber. For some reason, his brain had made him see the grabber instead of a dumb high schooler.

His brain made him see a threat.

Something that could kill Vance....after coming back, Finney had established one thing. Any situation no matter the severity of it–is a possibility of death. He could've died, if buzz, Matt, and Matty, had gone to far. He could've died on his way home from school. He could've died if his father had gotten just a bit too hostile in his anger. And he could've died if the grabber had suddenly decided to take him first instead of the other boys. Now Vance, had a chance of dying if the boy went too far. All Finney could see was a threat, all he could see was the grabber, hunched down beating Vance just like he did Finney and the others. He saw the grabber kill him and have his way.

So when Finney's mind had gone blank, he didn't see anything wrong with what he did as his mind fogged and he moved on his own.

Before he could think, he smashed the bottle on the head of the boy who kept watch. The boy fell to the ground, blood seeping out of his head. Finney didn't bother to check if he was alive.
He walked over to the group and dropped his plastic bag that held the skittles and gummy worms, instead taking out the brass knuckles he kept in his pocket. Vance had looked over in a sort of angry and confused way as did the other boys. More confusion than anger. "What the-" before the boy could speak, Finney hit him square in the jaw, making him fall back, bruise already forming and watched as a tooth flew out of his mouth. "You son of a bitch!" One of the guys that held Vance started to let go–probably to beat Finney up but it was a bad move as Vance grabbed onto the boy with his loose arm and made his head collide with Vance's knee. The boy fell to the ground, blood coming out of his nose at a worrying rate and turned to the other boy and kicked him in the stomach. The boy collapsed, holding his stomach as he tried to gasp for air. Vance stomped on his shoulder and a cry of pain filled the air. Vance had paused, his breathing ragged as he turned to the strange boy who came into the fight outta nowhere.

Vance's eyes widened as he turned to see the mysterious boy on top of the boy who was yelling at him getting absolutely pumlled. For some reason all Vance could do was stare as he watched the stranger hit him repeatedly with brass knuckles. Blood covered the weapon and the boys hand but what Vance payed attention to most was the look on the boys face. The boy looked beyond what could be called livid, he looked hauntingly pissed and it made Vance feel funny. He actually looked kinda cool. The entrance the kid did was badass and he didn't even give the boy who yelled at him time to think before he started beating him with enough force to kill. Not like he'd ever admit it though. There was something about this kid that made Vance feel...well not angry, but very calm. Which freaked him out. He had no idea who the fuck this was so why was he so entranced with him. He broke out of it when the boy and gotten up. Blood was on his mouth. 'Guess the guy threw in a good hit or two' he thought as he watched the boy catch his breath.

Now Vance wasn't exactly a people person, so he didn't exactly know what to do to clear the awkward atmosphere as they stood there while the boys who tried to jump him ran away. Out the corner of his eye, he also saw a fourth kid being gragges away unconscious and felt bitter as he knew who it was. So much for friends huh. His attention went back onto the boy when he had walked over to a plastic bag on the floor and picked it up, dusting it off. He shuffled himself to the sidewalk and leaned against the red fence. The guy looked tired and Vance just awkwardly stood there. He's never felt so awkward around someone before, but he didn't like it. So to seem more confident he walked up to the guy and sat next to him with his arms resting on his perched knees. They sat there for a while, not saying anything as cars drove by, some people walked by too and gave concerned looks yo the bloodied up boys. Vance was ready to just leave, if the kid wasn't gonna say anything and Vance sure as hell wasn't then there was no point in just sitting there. As he moved his hands to push himself off the ground, a bag of skittles entered his vision. He looked at the boy and after a moment the boy shook the bag and raised his eyebrows. Vance wouldn't normally take shit from strangers but...he was a sucker for skittles.
He held out his hand and watched as the boy opened it and poured a rather generous amount into his hand and the into his own.

They sat there eating skittles and occasionally giving each other glances without the other noticing. Vance kept his signature stoic face while Finney had his softened and relaxed. If you were to see them from an outsiders point of view, they looked like they shouldn't be anywhere near each other. Hell, Finney looked like someone Vance would bully. He was small, thin, and baby-faced. He talked quietly, always being polite to older folk and barley cursed but clearly from what Vance had seen the kid knew how to throw hands. The atmosphere around the two was surprisingly nice. It felt...refreshing, something Vance didn't know he needed.

Vance didn't notice Finney pull out stuff from his bag until he tapped his shoulder. He gestured towards some bandages and some bandaids as he pointed to his own cheek. Vance figured it meant he probably had a cut on his cheek and leaned forward as a way to let him know it was okay. "....I'm Finney" the boy–Finney mumbled. It was quiet, and barely over a whisper. Completely opposite of how he was earlier. "Vance" he stated simply, but it was enough to make Finney smile.

He smiled like he struck gold and Vance didn't know why.

Finney had smiled at the fact he now had an opportunity. The opportunity to save Vance Hopper. He was surprised at how Vance was so calm despite how he usually was, plus the stoic face and tense body language. He always seemed to have his fists balled up like he was ready for a fight. Finney liked to notice the small things and hopefully he would be able to get to notice more.

As victim number 3, Vance Hopper was now Finney's to save and spoil.

Chapter Text

Vance's cut had been cleaned and patched whilst Finney stayed as they were. They ached against the chilly air and made it uncomfortable as it dried on his face.

They continued to sit there quietly snacking on candy. Vance's ass started to hurt from sitting on the concrete and he was bored of just sitting there doing nothing, yet he didn't wanna leave. For some reason it felt nice to be next to Finney.
Perhaps it was the sense of familiarity, even though he had never met him until now, plus he was kinda cool. I mean c'mon the kid knocked two kids out. Not to mention both kids were bigger and older than him and Finney looked like a twig, a soft, puppy-like, twig. He glanced at Finney a few times as he sat there eating candy. He looked at the cuts carefully and watched the boy pulled out a rocket pen thingy at some point and start to click it. Probably to distract from how awkward it was.

But aside from all that, Vance needed to get home. His mom already didn't like the fact he skipped school, got into fights, and smoked. The least he could do would be to get home on time. He then got up, knees popping and all. Finney's head snapped to look at him and they just stared at each other from a moment. "I gotta go" he stated, face blank yet awkward.

Finney could feel his heart drop. He didn't know why, after all there was no reason for him to feel such dread. Perhaps it was the fact Finney somehow knew that Vance was always at a risk of danger. That he was being watched and could have been taken at any time, and he would be responsible for it happening. Vance turned to leave, but before he could leave Finney panicked and said "I'll walk you home!"

Vance looked back at him with a weird look. Vance didn't even know Finney, yet he offered to walk him home, scratch that, he beat up two kids for Vance. This kid was just not making sense. "No offense but I don't need you to do that like we're some from some dumbass romance classic 'let me walk you home' type shit" he stated, and Finney gave him a blank look, but he couldn't be annoyed at Vance. After all, he didn't understand the severity of the situation. "Okay, well, no Offence but, about oh thirty minutes ago you were almost getting your ass handed to you by a couple of douches who looked like they haven't touched soap in the last five months" Finney dead panned and Vance looked surprised at the rebutle. Clearly not expecting that to come out of the boys mouth, and to be honest, Finney also had no idea where that came from. He expected himself to be a bit politer because he knew better. Although, it was in fact true. After all, like he said, he did almost get beaten up less than forty minutes ago. Vance looked at him and sighed while he rubbed the area between his eyes. "Okay whatever" he sighed again.

Relief filled Finney's body and he couldn't stress enough how thankful he was that Vance allowed to walk him home. Finney brightened and got up, grabbing his backpack and his plastic one.

He followed Vance like a puppy, making sure to always keep pace, and was looking around the area. Though, when Finney looked around, it was more of in suspicion than in curiosity. He almost seemed paranoid as he glanced at cars driving by. Especially black cars. He watched as Finney tried to shrink himself and hide his face a bit more. Vance found that distasteful for some reason. Seeing this kid act all off made him feel off, and he didn't like it. So he started talking to make him stop fidgeting.

"What's up with the rocket thingy" he mumbled and he must've hit a switch or something because as soon as the word 'rocket' left his mouth the kid perked up and his eyes got all happy lookin. Finney must've like spaced, because after he asked, he wouldn't fuckin stop talking about it. He mentioned his favorite planets, his favorite constellations, how he wanted to go to space when he got older and how he even had space pajamas. Which Vance guessed that Finney didn't realize he said he had space pajamas because if it were Vance he wouldn't have told a soul about it. But overall, it was nice to hear the kid talk. He held his hands in his pockets and occasionally asked a question or two, or made a comment but eventually let Finney ramble on.

As he did so, Vance stopped to think...'why the hell am I walking with this kid?'

Most of the kids at school didn't well, like him per say. Either that or they'd shit their pants when they even got a glance at him. The teachers didn't like him either, I mean, sure maybe he got into a few fights on school grounds and punched a few of them in the face, ON ACCIDENT, while they tried to put him away from getting kid he was beating up. But it wasn't his fault, the guy was talking shit about his mom, and he wasn't gonna let that fucking slide.
Not to mention he only ever hung out with two other people and they both were sophomores.
But from what it appeared, he wasn't friends with them anymore. I mean, the guy who he thought he was pretty chill with was literally the watch dog for the people jumping him. I mean fucking come on, Vance literally bought that guy snacks and even had the guy stay over a couple of times too. He didn't even do anything to the guy and he just backstabbed him like that.

He is so dead when Vance sees him again.

Then that's when Finney came in.

Finney had hit the guy over and knocked him out with a glass bottle! That shit was like straight out of a movie and it was cool. Not to mention the fact this kid pulls out brass knuckles (how did he even get those???)and starts beating the shit outta the guy yelling at him. No hesitancy, he didn't even utter a word and that gave Vance goosebumps. Normally anyone jumping into one of Vance's fights, they would be fighting against him, but it was nice to have someone on his side.

His hands stayed in his pockets, face blank and eye brows furrowed as usual. At some point he watches Finney's face make a look of recognition at one of the houses a ways down from Vance's. "What?" He asked, still looking straight ahead. "Huh?" Finney asked but quickly realized what he asked. "Oh..my friend lives there" he mumbled and then glanced back at the house again. "Really?" Vance mumbled. "Yeah, I'd think you know him. He's kinda like you" Finney said and Vance stopped to mentally scroll through the people he's heard of at school. There was moose, racist and homophobic dipshit. Nobody knew what his real name was. Then there was Sarah Mackle, a girl who everyone was pretty sure she killed someone. Then it hit him. There was this kid named Robin, people often talked about how he was the second toughest kid in school right after Vance. Sometimes kids would make sure to say it to here he would hear, to see if he would get mad and then beat up Robin or something to "assert dominance" like a 5th grader who didn't get enough attention at home. Aside from that, Vance was willing to place a good 20 dollar bet that Finney could be one of the toughest in school. He didn't know why, but there was something hidden there, a hidden feeling and he didn't know what it was. But maybe it wasn't so bad, he was just gonna have to see where this went.

They had finally gotten to Vance's house. It had a bunch of garden knomes and flowers scattered around the garden. A tire swing hung from the tree while a chair swing hung from the porch. A beige car sat in the driveway, and the garage had a good dent in it. Vance walked up to the door and pulled out his keys. "...I'll see you later" Finney whispered, turning to leave but Vance grabbed his wrist, which made him flinch but he said nothing. "The fuck you mean 'I'll see you later' you still got a big ass cut on your cheek and I'm pretty sure he got you in the arm pretty good too, plus I know how to repay people" Vance said, and turned the key, pulling Finney into the house. "MA I'M HOME" he screamed and Finney flinched again at the yell, cursing himself for it. "VANCE JAMIE HOPPER IF I SEE A GOD DAMN OFFICER AT MY DOOR I AM NOT GONNA BE HAPPY" a voice yelled from down the hallway, clearly annoyed. A women stepped out of what he assumed to be the living room and walked toward them. Her hair was curly, and bounced when she walked. It was an orangey red, tied in a high ponytail, she wore a tank top with sweats and a cigarette in hand. "Yo-" she cut herself off when she noticed Finney. "Vance did you beat this kid up?" She asked, noticing dried blood. "No ma, I got jumped and he helped" the woman looked tired from just hearing his words. "Of course you did, what the fuck" she sighed, hand rubbing at her temple. She turned to Finney, her face softening at the boy who seemed to be standing as straight as he could. Compacting himself as if he was taking up too much space. "Okay sweety why don't we get you cleaned up, hm?" She asked nicely. Finney nodded "Please if it's okay with you, I really appreciate it Ms. Hopper" he said and Vance's mom looked surprised. Finney didn't know why but it went away when she shooed him to the couch. Finney sat there trying his best not to messy the couch or the nice carpet.

Vance followed his mom to the hallway closet as she grabbed the medical stuff. Having a kid who got into fights, you were gonna definitely need stuff like that. "So he helped you huh?" She asked, and she again was surprised at how Vance's face changed from his usual blank one to something short of a smile and admiration, even if it was for a second. "Fuck yeah he did. He straight up knocked a kid out with a soda bottle and then pulled out brass knuckles–BRASS KNUCKLES MA, I mean c'mon I don't even think that's legal. He beat the other guy to a pulp, never even uttered a word while doing it. Not even a peep when he got hurt. Plus both of them were sophomores" Vance's mom looked at him, eyes squinted. "You mean, that little boy over there? The itty bitty one who looks like he'd rather die than make his own doctors appointment? That's the kid that knocked out two kids a grade above him?" She asked, clearly not believing him. Vance's sighed, annoyed at the suspicion. "Look I don't complement people often because I don't know if you've noticed but the people here in Denver are pieces of shit" he stated and turned to look away and glanced at Finney from the doorway who was popping his knuckles and rubbing his hands together. Fidgeting was something this kid did a lot.

His mom sighed "okay" she mumbled and closed the closet door. She walked into the living room and Finney turned to attention, sitting straight and quiet. "Hey there sweetheart, let's get you cleaned up hm?" She asked and knelt down to his level. She gestured to the cut on his cheek and he turned it toward her. She cleaned and bandaged it, putting a cute bug sticker on. Finney smiled, thinking of Griffin. "Anywhere else?" She asked and Finney shook his head buy Vance call him out on his bullshit. "The asshole got his arm pretty fuckin good, look, even his sweater is torn" Vance said and Finney mentally cussed Vance out for saying so. He didn't even notice the tear, it didn't even hurt so there was no point in taking off the sweater to clean it. Even if it was probably gonna get infected Finney would rather die than have them see the ugly scar on his arm. Vance's mom turned his arm over and looked at the tear. "Okay Finney, why don't you take this off so I can patch up that scrape and then I'll fix up the tear" she said, putting a small smile on her face. Finney really didn't wanna take it off but he didn't want Vance's mom to get mad at him for not obeying. Failing to do such a simple task, surely would only have him get yelled at, or even worse, hit.

So he took it off. Slowly unzipping it, making sure the pocket knife and brass knuckles didn't fall out. He held the rocket pen in hand, clicking it in a rhythmic pattern, hoping he wouldn't accidentally freak out and throw up from how anxious he was. As it came off, Vance's mom made a face, so did Vance. Finney held the sweater in his lap, and looked away from them. He didn't wanna think about how disgusted they must've felt. He clicked his pen faster to calm himself down. Vance couldn't helphelp but stare at the big ass scar on his arm. 'How the fuck did he get that?' He thought, he also noticed the scar on Finney's neck. Vance then felt sick for some reason, he suddenly felt dirty and sad. He rubbed at his chest, feeling a sort of ache, like phantom pain. He didn't say anything though. He didn't wanna bring up what seemed to be a reminiscent of a murder attempt judging from the size and place of the scars. He would just have to wait until Finney was willing to tell–was wanting to tell–what happened. He wanted to know more about this weird ass kid who seemed to have just popped up into existence outta nowhere. It would have to happen in due time. Vance's mom looked worryingly at the scar, and went pale at the neck scar. From the history of Denver there was nothing about attempted murders in the last two decades. Denver was small, the most crime it was shop lifting and maybe one or two hit-and-runs. The boy was shaking as she patched the scrape. She wanted to comfort the poor thing but decided not to utter a word as she got back up. Finney was so thankful to the both of them for not saying anything. If they did, he was pretty sure he'd start bawling.

"Okay I'll got sew this up alright? Be back in a minute" she said, walking out of the living room and into the kitchen. It was quiet, both not saying anything. Vance sighed and flopped onto the same couch Finney was sitting on. He kicked off his boots and laid back while Finney sat still just watching him get relaxed. "...Where'd you get the brass knuckles?" He asked, and Finney seemed surprised by the question. "My dad got 'em for me for my birthday..." He muttered and Vance raised a brow. "He....I used to get picked on so he got them for self defense yknow?" That was only half true. Finney's dad did get them for self defense in a way. But it was basically telling him to man up and go fix it himself, and he was still getting picked on. But Vance didn't have to know that.

"You got picked on?" He scoffed "I feel like that's Bs from the fact I've seen you knock two kids out twice your size" he remarked, and Finney laughed. "It's not like I try to beat people up, I have better things to do thank you" he replied and Vance made a fake angry face. "Woah okay, that was a jab at me wasn't it?" He inquired, sitting up and crossing his arms with his fist balled up. "What!? No-" they continue to quietly bicker–Vance being the louder of the two.

Vance's mom listened from the kitchen as she sewed up Finney's sweater. A smile rested on her face as she heard Vance talk. Vance was a quiet kid despite his reputation. After Vance's father had passed, he shut down completely, and got even worse when his grandpa did too. Now it was just her and Vance. She took him to speech therapy and even counseling but it only helped so much. Then as Vance got older he started skipping school, he even started smoking. He even got into fights which gave her so much gray hair you'd mistake her for an old lady. Then those two sophomores came every once in a while. She didn't like them due to how bad of an influence they were. They didn't even seem to actually fucking like him. She tried telling Vance but he shrugged it off. He was a little too naive when it came to socializing. But this Finney boy seemed sweet, seemed like a good influence.

She just hoped she was right.

==========

"You sure you have to go now?" She asked as she helped Finney put his sweater back on.  "Yes ma'am I'm sorry" he assured, zipping the sweater up.  "Okay, well–" she handed him a piece of paper with a number on it. "This is our house phone, feel free to come back soon, Vance is gonna miss you" she said, smile on her face while Vance scrunched his own. "What? No I- OW!" he yelled holding the back of his head where his mom had smacked it. "We don't need to give a ride home or anything?" She questioned, worry in her voice. "No ma'am, I'm actually staying at a friends tonight, it's just a few houses down" he mumbled and she whispered an "okay" before rubbing his head.
She smiled again, and waved as Finney walked out the door. She waited until he was two houses down before closing her door. "He's a nice boy, you got a good one" she laughed heartily as Vance looked at her, rolling his eyes.

--

He walked down the sidewalk, quietly holding onto the straps of his back pack. It wasn't until he was in Robins front yard did it fully hit him. He could save Vance Hopper. He even had his home number. HE MET VANCE HOPPER'S MOM. THAT WAS FUCKING NUTS. He laughed in both relief and in joy as he flailed around in the yard, acting like a kid on crack. He calmed himself down, and went up to Robins front porch. He knocked giddily waiting for someone to answer. He couldn't wait to get Robin about the other boys he collected so far. Footsteps could be heard and he smiled widely as Robin opened the door. He was wearing a wife beater with beige cargo shorts. His hair was tied in a ponytail and a bandana odorned his head like always. "Hey fin!" Robin exclaimed as he saw who it was. "Hey Robin, I have something to tell you" he stated, smile still on his face. "Come in" Robin said as he moved out the way letting Finney walk into the house.

Music played from the kitchen as the air was filled with the smell of food. "Máma is cooking Picadillo today" Robin said, smile smug as he knew Finney loved Picadillo. "Really? Awesome, I haven't had it in like forever" Finney loved Picadillo, his favorite part was the potato. He really loved potatoes no matter how they were made. As they entered the kitchen Robins mom could be seen and heard singing with with music.

She turned around and jumped in fright from not hearing them walk in. "Oh, Dios mío, una advertencia para la próxima vez, Robin-" she cut herself off when she noticed Finney. Glee spread across her face as her sons best friend waved and let out a simple greeting. "Ah, trajiste a tu pequeño novio otra vez, ¡hola finney!" She said happily and for some reason Robin went red.
"¡Mamá! es solo mi amigo!" He grumbled as he crossed at his arms. "Sí, claro, y nunca he fumado hierba" she said sarcastically. "¡mamá!" He yelled, taken aback and she only laughed at him, and continued to move around the kitchen.
"Vas a tener que dejar de ser un pollo, ¿lo sabías? Ah, y saca la basura por mí." She stated as shooed Robin off. Robin grumbled and went to the trash can, taking out the bag that overflowed with trash.
"Pollo mi trasero... no soy un pollo" he muttered and walled past Finney with an apologetic look. Finney didn't know why as he didn't speak Spanish but figured it was something about taking out the trash. Robin came back inside and sighed, he took Finney's hand and dragged him upstairs into his room. "Sorry about her Fin, she's, yknow" he sighed and Finney just said that it was fine. Finney set his bag on the floor near the door next to Robins shoes and his own. Robin jumped into his own bed, leaning against the head of it, legs crossed and outstretched.

Finney quickly hid the weapons in his bag before Robin could notice but still kept the rocket pen in hand. He flopped onto the end of Robins bed, legs from the knee down hung off. Finney grabbed Robins legs and set them in his lap while Robin gestured for the pen. He handed it to him and watched as he clicked the flash light part on and off. Robin was probably the only one he'd let touch his pen, the other boys maybe, but he'd be super anxious about it and take it from them immediately after they appeared to loose interest. Robin suddenly smiled "Okay, so what were you gonna tell me?" He asked as he continued playing with the pen.
Finney brightened, excited to see Robins reaction at the fact he was able to take to THE Vance Hopper without getting his nose blown into his face. Not to mention the other boys.

"Okay, so I was skipping–" Robin made a face of surprise and opened his mouth to say something but what cut off "Yeah I know, first time for everything I get it–but anyway, I'm walking right?" He looked at Robin and he nodded. "I'm walking and I end up seeing someone getting jumped!" Finney announced and Robin looked suspicious "Who? And what'd you do?" He asked, as he glanced at the cut on Finney's face. He brought a hand to it and gently rubbed at it with furrowed brows. "That's the thing, it was VANCE HOPPER" he stated giddily and Robins eyes looked ready to buldge outta his skull. "No fucking way–are you serious!?" He asked and Finney nodded rapidly. "What'd you do?" Robin questioned, still rubbing the bandage. "I–and don't like, freak out–I knocked two kids out while Vance took the other two" he breathed and Robin looked at him in disbelief.

He looked at Finney's skinny body and then to his baby like face. "You knocked two kids out?" He asked. Finney nodded. "You?' He asked again, suspicious intense. Finney groaned and rolled on his side, still facing Robin and holding his legs. "Yes, me. How do you think I got this?" He asked and pointed to his cheek. Robin made a face and rubbed it again. "Who was it?" He asked and Finney raised a brow. "Hm?" He hummed, and Robin asked again. "Do you know who gave you the cut?" And Finney shook his head. Robin sighed and seemed to be thinking deeply–still rubbing the cut. "Okay I'll figure it out" was all he said and Finney had no idea what the fuck that meant but let it slide.

A knock was heard on the door and they botb looked at it as Robin shouted 'come in!'. A man opened the door, he wore sunglasses on his head and jeans, his shirt said–
"F-emale
B-ody
I-nspector"
And lastly sandals adorned his feet. "Hola tio ricky" Robin greeted and Finney waved. "Your mom said the Picadillo is gon be ready soon" he said and walked away, closing the door as he took a sip of beer that was in his hand.

Finney turned back to Robin with a smile, and Robin did the same. They then continued their endless chatter whilst Finney talked about the other boys and Gwen.

≠============

Their dinner had already been eaten and they even watched a movie afterwards. Since it was of Robins choosing it was of course horror, but surprisingly Finney didn't get as scared as he normally did. He unconsciously wondered if it had been because of the grabber. Knowing what true, constant, and genuine fear dulled that of fake screams and obviously fake blood. Finney had seen real blood. He watched as it gushed out of the man's head, the man who tried to help.
He saw the man's brain and his eyes roll back as he didn't even get to scream before he tumbled to the floor. Quite literally dropping dead.

As Finney showered after Robin, he remembered the all too vivid memory of the discussion acts of indecency. He scrubbed his skin raw, begging to be clean and grew frustrated at how his skin felt sticky and dirty. He sighed and turned off the faucet. He stepped out, putting oh his pajamas. They, of course, were spaced themed, and Finney was glad they were long sleeve.
Robins mom got them for him on his birthday for him to keep here, along with a few other clothes. That why he could spend the night whenever. He liked to stay a Robins a lot. He walked out of the bathroom, teeth brushed–he also had his own toothbruah– and hair damp, he turned off the lights and slid into Robins bed where Robin laid with his eyes closed.

An hour went by, sleep escaping him every time he seened to be drifting off. He looked at Robin as he breathed. He was alive, and it felt so unreal. He travelled back in time, he can talk to fucking dead people, he'd seen a man be murdered, he'd been raped. Finney was planning to murder someone. Finney Blake would be a murderer before the year ended. He would kill the grabber, making sure blood spilled. It felt sickening to think he would also be another monster. But if it was for the boys, for Gwen...for Robin, he didn't mind being a monster so long as they were safe and happy.

He felt cleaner in Robins bed as he laid next to him. So with the knot in his stomach relaxing it, even by just a bit, he let sleep consume him.

-----------

Robin couldn't sleep.

He opened his eyes about 20 minutes ago. The time now being around 3:00am. He grumbled as turned to look at Finney. He slept peacefully, one hand tucked under the pillow and one hand under his head. Robin stared at Finney for a long while taking in how pretty Finney looked.

But he scrunched his face. Finney had been acting weird. He started to look at Robin with a sad look, and now he was fucking knocking people out in fights? That wasn't like Fin at all. He looked skinner and his hair was longer. Every assurance of how he was "okay" or "I'm fine Robin" was utter bull crap. He knew how to tell when Finney lied and he wished Finney would open up more even if it was just a little bit.
Robin scooted closer to Finney and put a hand on his waist. Finney was really warm, he liked that. But soon the feeling of content faded as he noticed what looked like to be scars peeking from behind. He brushed Finney's hair out of the way and pulled the back of his shirt and noticed long scars adorned his back. Maybe even more than he thought since he couldn't possibly see it all with only the moon light. He then looked at Finney's face, analyszing the new bandage he out on after the shower.

His eyes trailed down to Finney's neck and his blood went cold. What appeared to be a scar on his neck went almost all the way around.
Robin did a double take.

Was this why Finney started wearing that jacket that went to his mouth? Finney had never worn that jacelt before. And he surly didn't have those scars before. He felt scared for Finney. Yet angry too. Anger to whoever did this and anger to himself for not knowing sooner and not knowing who did it because he couldn't kill them without knowing. He felt a bit hurt at the fact Finney didn't trust him enough to tell him, but his worry only grew and he thought that, maybe it had been so bad he never said anything. He then freaked out as Finney's face began to scrunch and he curled in on himself, shaking. Robin didn't know what to do so all he could do was hug Finney and basically pray.

Finney stopped and seems to relax, which made Robin relax too. He gave Finney a solemn look and stared once again for a good while before sleep eventually took him over once again. Still holding Finney in his arms.

Chapter Text

Albert Shaw had a dream.

It was a nice dream. Perhaps his favorite dream, the best one he's ever had. His subconscious imagined a pretty little boy with freckled rosey cheeks and a cute button nose. His hair was curled and soft, reaching to the point it covered his neck. He had thin arms and the sweetest dimples.

When he had awoken from the dream, he grew sad at the fact the perfect boy was simply a figment of his imagination.

Days went by as he followed the first boy he planned to take. But...as soon as he was going to pounce....there he was.

There was that perfect boy. How was this possible? He asked himself. He scrambled through his thoughts as the boy handed him the paper, analyzing the boys barley visible face. It was him, the boy from his dream. It had to be. He could just feel it, and as he drove away, he couldn't help but feel excited. He knew what this was. It was fate! God must've put this pretty, clean, and perfect boy on this planet just for him. It only confirmed his suspicion more when he had seen him hanging out with what would've been his second victim. He felt like he knew this boy, but he wanted more. Albert Shaw wanted to feel the boys skin underneath his hands and play with his fluffy hair. God he wondered how he sounded. He also bet the boy was a pretty cryer.

Oh how we wish he could just scoop him up now. But he had to be patient. Now wasn't the right time. After all, the room below had to be just perfect for the perfect boy. He believed the boy would like soft colors, and with his petite body, he would get cold easily. So he needed lots of blankets just for him.

Though, somehow the boy seemed to sense he was watching. So he could never follow him home, nor could he even attempt to take him away with how the boy usually tried to stay in large crowds or residential areas. But, him sensing that he was there only made Albert even more sure that they were designed for each other. Destiny at its finest.

He was sure his plan would go smoothly.

======================

Gwendolyn Blake a dream.

An awful, awful, and disgusting dream. It was about her brother. She saw glimpses of a man. A man who seemed to ooze of disgusting properties and immorality. She saw a basement.
Dirty and with barley anything in it. But who was in it made her feel scared. Her brother laid on a dirty mattress.

He was naked...covered in bruises and...bites. One bite looked like it would leave a scar. She wanted to throw up at such a sight. She saw blood between his legs and she wanted so desperately to wake up and go to her brothers room. To see he was in fact safe and sound asleep in his bed. But then the vision changed. Finney was clothes again, but his clothes were dirty, down right horrendous. Then the man came and opened the door in the basement. Axe in hand she watched her brother die. She watched him get murdered right in front of her eyes. She screamed in horror at the blood and tried to pry the man off of her older brother. Which led to no avail. She wanted to scream. But she felt her blood boil as the man had the audacity to apologize and then blame Finney for the man's awful crime.

She threw up in her dream, but it felt so real. She felt dizzy as the man walked back upstairs. But not before giving Finney a kiss on his eyelid, which Finney seemed to not noticed. She wanted to hurt the man for hurting Finney. She wanted to kill the man. But what she heard next broke her heart into pieces. Her brother apologizd.

Why? Why should he be apologizing for the monsters cruel ways? Why should her older brother–who had been nothing but good, and nothing but kind–suffer in such a way? She wanted to say it was a nightmare, but it felt so real. And it didn't feel like a vision of the future. It felt as one of the past. Nothing special made her think this way. She could just feel. It didn't make sense though. Unless...Finney also took after their mother's abilities too. She begged it not to be true. She begged it be some fucked up nightmare her fucked up brain made up. She begged her father be right just this once.

---

She sat in her dads chair, something neither of them almost never did. She had woken up in a cold sweat at Susie's. Susie woke up, her bonet halfway off her head and asked her what was wrong, she brushed it off telling her it was a simple nightmare. At least that's what she prayed it was. She waited for Finney to walk through the door and ask about the dream.
She just prayed Finney wouldn't react in the slightest. Except for maybe a weird look and a nonchalant "Gwen it was just a dream, nothing bad has, or is, going to happen" she bit her nails as she watched the clock tick by.

Tick.

Tick.

Tick.

Tick.

Tick.

Tick.

Tick.

Tick.

Tick.

Click–

There it was. The sound of the door unlocking.

She watched as Finney walked in. He took his shoes off and went into the kitchen to set down a plastic bag. He turned to leave but jumped when he noticed Gwen. "Holy– Gwen! Not cool, I could of had a heart attack" he laughed. Gwens solemn face never changed.

Finney's face morphed into concern when he noticed. He began to think, maybe their father had hit her, maybe someone had picked on her, or maybe, she just had a rough day. Why couldn't it have been any of those things? "What's wrong?" He whispered, carrying himself to the chair, kneeling beside while he rest a hand on her arm to comfort her. She felt her throat close up a bit. "Finney....I had a dream" she said, and Finney's face softened. "Wanna tell me about it?" He asked, smile soft on his face.

'No' she thought. Knowing there was even a slight possibility of her worst fears being true. Knowing that if he did admit to the events in the vision being true, she wouldn't know what to do. Would she scream? Cry? Throw up? Probably all three if she's being honest.

There was a heavy pause.

"You....were in a basement" she started and by the look on Finney's face, her stomach twisted into a knot, already aware of the dread that would soon consume them both. "You were naked...hurt. There-There was man, he-he was h-hurting you" she spilled, but she choked on her words. Finney's face held ache, and pain. She held his hand and squeezed tight. "He-he um.." She couldn't say it. And by the looks of it, Finney didn't want her to say it either. His skin already felt dirty again. "He killed you" she breathed out, barley over a whisper. Her eyes welled with tears. "Gwen...it was just..." He paused, knowing full well, that if he said 'dream' he'd be lying straight to her face. "But it wasn't...was it?" She asked, small pained smile on her teary face.

Finney was suddenly back in the basement. His hair felt greasy and his skin covered in dirt. Bites and hickeys covered his once unscarred skin.
"No...no it wasn't" he whispered, and Gwen's eyes went wide. Even if she already knew, it still hurt to hear. "WELL THEN WHY?" she suddenly yelled, which caused Finney to flinch back at these sudden outburst. She calmed herself. Not wanting the neighbors to complain about the noise more than they usually did.

"I-I mean.." She paused, then breathed.

"What happened? Why were you so hurt? Finney...he r-" Finney covered her mouth, not wanting her to say it. His hands trembled and they were wet from the tears that flowed down her red cheeks. He already knew what he did. He didn't need for it to be said aloud. Gwen tore his hands away, anger and hurt clear on her face.
"That doesn't explain who that man was, or-or when this even fucking happened!? That doesn't explain the fact-" Finney cut her off. His mind went blank as he suddenly felt numb.
He didn't wanna lie to his sister anymore, nor did he wanna admit his own reality. Even so, he spilled all of the bottled up information he had been keeping an it felt so relieving yet, so horrifying.

He told her of the missing boys. Her face morphed into shocked. He told her he was kidnapped. Her eyes widened in horror. He told her, the monster had raped him. More than once. Her face, said many, many things. He told her how he came back. How he talked to mom. Her face now unreadable. He even mentioned the scars. Finney looked away, not able to meet her eyes without throwing up, crying, or both. he wanted to take a shower and rub his skin clean and raw

Gwen sat there, still as can be. She ran the information over and over and over again. All of her thought came to one conclusion over and over. How could this have happened to Finney? Finney who has, and will, never do anything wrong. The Finney who read her bed time stories and the Finney who made her breakfast and lunch. The one who took care of her when she was sick. The one who got a fucking job just to buy groceries when their so called father wouldn't. How could such a horrible thing happen to the one she loved most in this world. She couldn't comprehend why such a horrible thing happened to such a sweet and good person. Robin flashes through her mind. He'd surely be furious too.
She wanted to kill the man. No, she wanted to kill the monster who made her brother hurt so much.

They stayed silent. Then Finney's spoke, a smile on his face. In the moment of silence he made a choice. He already told Gwen the disgusting truth, why not go a bit further? "I'm gonna kill him" he mumbled and went on, not looking at Gwen's face. "I'm gonna bash his brains in Gwen. I want his blood to be on my hands–my clothes, my shoes, my face, because I want it to hurt Gwen. And I'm sorry you have such a pathetic excuse of a brother. Before the years ends, your big brother is going to become a monster" he stated, now chuckling from what seemed delirious emotions. There he went again. Apologizing. And he was acting as if killing the man in the mask was a bad thing. In fact, Gwen wanted to help, she now wanted blood to be spilled on her hands too. "I wanna help" she said and Finney looked shocked and looked at her as if it was the bashit craziest thing he'd ever heard. "What!? No-" he sighed and rubbed his temple. "Gwen do you not understand? I'm going to kill someone. I'm going to kill a human being. Blood will literally be on my hands. This isn't a movie, nor a game. Don't you understand?" He begged.

For once, Gwen thought of her brother as an idiot. "Of course I fucking do. If anything you are doing this world a favor by getting rid of him" she huffed. She relaxed and grabbed shoulders. "He is no man Finney. He is nothing but a monster, and you couldn't have done anything in the moment" she whispered and Finney grew angry. "Yes I could! If I had just walked past, if I just, if I just-" she cut him off "What? If you had just what? Finney, you are not at fault. You never were and you never will be." She said and Finney paused, letting the word sink in. All he wanted since he had been in cold and dark basement–no–all he had ever wanted was someone to say was that it wasn't his fault. He couldn't control everything, and he didn't even have a say in most things anyway. So he sobbed, he sobbed into her and hugged her tight. Feeling selfish for wanting to be comforted in that moment.

Gwen felt disturbed at how Finney cried. Finney didn't cry. At least not in front of her. She felt as though Finney needed to be selfish more often. He deserves to be selfish, and Gwen was all the more willing to indulge in it if he ever so happens to be. She held him and ran through the conversation. Her brother was anything but pathetic. Her brother would not be a monster when he killed the monster in the mask. He would be a hero. Her hero, just like he always was. Her hero who chased away the monsters in the closet and under the bed. Her hero who did her hair in the morning and walked her to school.
Her hero who tried to stop their father from beating her and who had bought candy for her everytime they went out to a gas station or lended her money for the vending machine at school.

So what if Finney killed someone? That didn't change the fact that Finney was her big brother. The person she cherished most in this world. And she would be glad to help him in any way she can. Even if that made her a murderer too.

They stayed there for a while. They rocked back and forth to sooth themselves. Eventually, they had gotten up, grabbing blankets and pillows, putting them in front of the TV. They grabbed ice cream and watched cartoons, both mentally agreeing they would talk more about it later. But for the time being. They'll enjoy their childish shows and act as if the conversation didn't happen.

Chapter Text

Gwen's head was muddled with her own thoughts as she scrubbed the dirty plate in her hand.

Her face rested in a blank state, heavy eye bags on her face and her heart beat was heavy. She scrubbed away as she reviewed what happened just hours before. It was almost incomprehenable. Such sickening things really.

Finney had spilled his thoughts and it led Gwen to wonder. Why did it have to be him? Her brother had done nothing to deserve this. Finney was possibly the most wonderful person in the world. Her older brother was her everything and she was sure he thought the same. And how could anyone do such a sick and vile thing? It pissed her off. If fact, she didn't even know where to begin with how angry she was.

She sighed and rested her elbow on the kitchen counter, laying her head on her wrist. "Gwen?" She jumped, and turned to find Finney standing in the entrance of the kitchen. His voice was hoarse from yesterday. After they had watched cartoons, they went to lay down, turning off the lights and putting on Finney's space night light to sooth him. It was a blur, considering the emotional exhaust and just how insane it all sounded. "Yeah?" She replied, drying her hands. "What are you doing up so early?" He asked, hugging himself, swaying a bit. She smiled 'he's still sleepy' she thought and walked to the fridge. (Sometimes Finney would just lay on the floor after getting dressed, somehow dozing off on the cold ground. With how much sleep he needed, he would fall asleep anywhere to be honest.) She smiled. "I'm thinking..." She then muttered, grabbing a water bottle and then going over to hand it to Finney.
"Hm.." He hummed, taking the water and chugging half of it on the spot. He sighed, putting the cap on and handing back to her.

She closed the bottle and looked at the clock hanging above the kitchen table.

It was around 4:45 and school started in two hours-ish. They knew they weren't going back to sleep, and they both didn't have an appetite. The reasoning being Gwen's stomach was too much in a knot to eat. If she did she'd probably throw up. Finney on the other hand just preferred not to. Said it made him queezy most of the time.

"Let's go for a walk, hm?" She asked, small smile on her face. Yes, that was a good way to clear their minds and talk. He nodded, humming with a returning smile. "Okay, I shower first, or you?" She asked and Finney held up his pointer finger facing himself. She nodded, and shooed him off. As he walked away she stayed still, just staring at his disappearing figure.

She heard the shower turn on. Her head perked up toward it, and she walled to the bathroom door. She sat down, back to the door and hugged her knees. Gwen remembered when she had happened to wake up once during one of Finney's...episodes. She heard sobs and even heard the sound of the throwing up. At the time, she felt so scared for not knowing the reason for her brothers suffering. It didn't feel any better now that she knew the reason.

===========

Gwen watched as her brother tied his shoes. He wore a red, long-sleeve shirt and dark blue jeans. She stared at the shirt, knowing that he had stopped wearing his T-shirts all together. Even his night shirts stayed kept away. She remembered Finney mentioned scars, it made her anxious to think of what they looked like. 'How bad they were?' She thought, eyes glued to Finney's neck. She hoped he would be willing to wear t-shirts again without wanting to hide his scars.

Finney moved around the house picking up things for their walk and school. He grabbed his bag, and then put a pack of sour gummies in the bag too. She wondered who they were for. She'd ask later.

Her eyes harden as she watched him grab a knife, and brass knuckles. He walked over to her, knife in hand. "Here, just in case" he whispered. Her heart clenched as she took the weapon. The fact he was probably carrying this thing around every time he went out made her realize just how big of an impact that rapist fuck had on him.
She began to remember Finney had stopped eating eggs, how he'd look into the street as cars flew by with caution, how he made her call him every time she made it to Susie's. She felt pained for him and also felt bitter at his unwillingness to tell her what had happened. But she had to be patient, and she had to reassure it wasn't his fault. It never was, and it never will be.

Finney slipped on his usual sweater and walked out the door with Gwen behind. He sniffled as he locked the door. Shaking the door knob for good measure. He turned back to her, and they began to walk.

They walked around in silence. Occasionally, stray dogs and cats zoomed by. They saw a couple of raccoons too. They walked past bus stops, and in neighborhoods that they were sure contained many families. Street lights were on, and the sun was rising. It was still quiet, the sound of a cricket went off every once in a while.
"Let's go to the grab n' go" Gwen said, breaking the silence. Finney responded with a simple "okay".

They walked to the store, glancing at the sun rise and basking in the calmness. Finney grabbed Gwen's hand when they crossed the street. Looking left and right before making a speedy walk across. Two bikes were locked on the bike rack of the Grab n' go, and the sign that glowed in red letters read 'open'. They walked in, the person at the register barley even giving them a glance before looking back at the magazine they held. Gwen had skipped her way to the candy section whilst Finney headed straight for the soda. Gwen scanned through the candy deciding which one would be her pick of the day. Her eyes stopped at the candy "Big league chew" and she squinted, trying to remember something and why it seemed so important. She brushed it off as she simply thought! 'I'm sure it'll come to me later' and grabbed a twix bar. Finney on the other hand had grabbed grape soda as he always did.

With everything in check they walked up to the cashier and watched as the person put on the most fake ass smile they'd ever seen. They gave each other a look as the cashier rung up their items and Finney finger-spelled
"F-A-K-E" and Gwen smiled, as she brought her hand into a fist, moving it back in fourth while nodding. They grabbed their items and said thank you, leaving the store with smiles.

Gwen unwrapped her twix bar while Finney opened his soda with the knife he gave Gwen. He gave it back of course, again, couldn't be too careful. Gwen was still stuck on why the "Big league chew" gum still bothered her. She thought for a while before it hit her like a fucking truck. Finney mentioned one of the boys that was supposed to be kidnapper chow was a baseball player, that baseball player being Bruce Yamada. She knew Bruce Yamada's sister.
"Holy fuck" she whispered and Finney side-eyed her as her eyes went wide. "Finney, Bruce Yamada, I'm friends with his fucking sister!" She exclaimed practically bouncing with excitement and watched as Finney put pieces together. "If I could get Amy to somehow invite me AND somehow you over–" she started "-Then I could be able-" Finney continued.

"-to save Bruce!"
"-to save Bruce!"
They yelled simultaneously and Finney looked absolutely thrilled. "Yes! Oh my god how come I didn't think of that before holy crap Gwen you're a genius!" He yelled and Gwen smiled widely.
"Oh god I had no idea what I was gonna do for Bruce, I mean the guy goes to a different school" he breathed a sigh of relief as he wrapped an arm around Gwen. "That's because I'm a god damn genius" she boasted and Finney chuckled and nodded. Finney smiled, trying to insure himself that it would surley be different this time around. But he then began to ponder why it happened in the first place. He glanced at Gwen as the words "God's plan" flew by in his mind.

"Gwen" he asked softly. She looked up at him, concern hinting in her face at the tone he used. "Do you think God planned this? For this to happen to me?" He asked. He wondered if maybe done something unforgivable and he didn't even know it. Gwen was all for believing in Jesus and shit but...

"Honestly, God's plan can suck on my nuts right now for all I care" she retorted, and Finney legit snorted at her response. Not expecting her say "suck on my nuts" and then Gwen laughed at his snorting. She ended up wheeezing and it made Finney laugh harder. They both turned red from how much they laughed. After calming themselves Finney checked the watch on his wrist. The time being 7:20am. School started at 8:35am so they had exactly the right amount of time to get to school from where they were. The silence came back and as Finney took a sip from his soda–"Yeah, no, but really. I've got huge balls and god can choke on th-"–Finney spit out his drink. Some definitely went out his nose and he also choked.

================

Finney stood in the hallway as his teacher lectured him. Turns out, it wasn't enough time to actually yknow–be on time. Gwen made it to her class since it was the first door near the entrance but Finney's was all the way across the other side of the school. So now, Finney's English teacher scolded him for countless amounts of tardies.

"Finney I know you have a lot going on but you've barley even made an effort to show up on time. Why last class I saw you goofing off with another student. Said student normally does not misbehave, neither do you and I really hope you will not have negative impacts on each other-" Finney had his eyes down, blank and mindless and he listened to the teacher drone on about how she expected more of Finney and how he was such a good student with potential. Kinda reminded him of how his dad would subtly belittle him. Throwing offhand comments that hit close to home but not too obvious so that he could say it in front of others.

Honestly a part of him couldn't help this feeling of paranoia. That she was going to hit him.
He cracked his knuckles and fidgeted with his hands in discomfort. His mouth was dry and his stomach churrned in sickness. "I'm afraid I'll have to give you lunch detention" He exhales through his nose shakily as he focused on her words again. "But this is only for today no need to worry" her tone changed into a soft, comforting one. Like someone who liked to say everything was okay to someone who clearly was not okay. "Yes Mrs. Huckinbuldge" he mumbled. She smiled and patted his back while he tensed his shoulders.

They proceeded into the classroom, Mrs. Huckinbuldge going to her desk and Finney to his sat next to Billy's. Billy raised a brow and leaned in once he sat. "What'd she say?" He asked. "Lunch detention" he whispered and Billy made a gag noise, his face sulked as he leaned on his shoulder. "And just when I was finally gonna have lunch with you too" he whined and Finney rolled his eyes with a small smile. They then turned their attention to the teacher as she began to speak, starting off with the bell ringer as per usual. Students began taking out they're books and journals as she talked.

Finney silently enjoyed the sound of pens and pencils on paper.

===========

"I'd rather have a heart attack then be here right now" Finney mumbled, he stood in front of a door with a piece of paper tapped up to the wall that read 'Lunch detention' and he cracked his fingers again. He held his lunch tray in his hand, a pink pass sitting next to the wrapped burger. He shifted the tray into one hand and raised his other to knock on the door. He heard shuffling and the door swung open. It was a man who had almost no hair yet a full length beard. "Yes?" The man asked and Finney quietly hummed as he gestured to the paper on the tray. The man took it, lifting the glasses that rested on his neck to read it. "Ahh, another one for the collection, eh?" The man laughed and Finney felt uncomfortable at the way he said it but pushed the vomit that wanted to come up down.

"Well, come, come, pick a seat. Pick up the paper right here-" he pointed to his desk "-and work while you eat, I'll pick them up by the end of class. Failing to complete at least half of the worksheet will gain you another detention" Finney thought that was utter bull crap but if he did at least half then he wouldn't need to come back. Then he would be able to sit with Billy and Griffin (if he wasn't having lunch in theater again). As Finney grabbed a paper he turned to search for a spot.

As he took a step forward he stopped in his tracks as he saw two extremely familiar faces.

Robin Arellano and Vance Hopper.

He knew it was them almost immediately. Robin from the familiar bandanna and Vance from his curly blonde hair and denim jacket. Of fucking course they were in there, no wonder they almost never actually went to the lunch room. Robin hasn't gotten into THAT many fights lately so he assumed it was because he didn't do the damn worksheet. He glanced at the paper he picked up and noticed it mostly contained maybe. No fucking wonder Robin didn't do it. No offense to Robin he loved the guy but by God did he suck at math. Vance on the other hand was probably in for fighting. In fact he heard from Griffin that Vance ended up fighting a dude just yesterday in the upstairs A-hall bathroom.

Go figure.

He obviously wasn't gonna sit directly next to Vance. I mean what if the guy was having a bad day–he probably already was from being in here– and decided to cave his face in. Plus just because he's been to his house and helped him out in a fight doesn't mean they're suddenly bffs now. Vance sat in a chair next to the window while for some damn reason, Robin decided to sit two fucking seats away from the the guy. He sighed and walked up to Robin.

Robin looked ready to scowl at whoever invanded his personal space but his eyes widened to the point they might've popped out of his skull. Finney grabbed a chair from another desk and pulled it to a little off center of Robins desk–almost at the desk next to his so Finney now faced him. Unbeknownst to Finney Vance glanced at the new addition to the detention room and did a double glanced at who it was.

Finney gave a quick returning glance as he pulled out a pencil and began to work.

----------

Robin sat  in lunch detention, the worksheet he was supposed to be working on now folded into a paper airplane. He ate the sliced peaches in the small ass cups they made him take at lunch. He took one sip of the milk but decided he wasn't gonna drink it and closed it back up. Robin sat there staring at Vance Hopper who sat two seats away staring outside. Robin analyzed him, thinking about how Vance,–the guy who had broken more noses than he ever will hearts, the guy who didn't hesitate to cut a bitch when he felt like it, the guy who bashed someone's face in for so much as saying pinball sucked–was actually nice to Finney Blake.

Finney looked like someone Vance could crush between his thumb and index finger, and Finney didn't fight. But overall Finney didn't have to, that was Robin's job. As he took glance he paused as he thought he saw Vance look at him too. He brushes it off and continued to eat his peaches.

Vance on the other hand stole glaces at Robin as he held  the crumpled up worksheet in his fist. After his encounter with Finney he decided to pay attention to gossip a bit more. Trying to see whether or not Finney actually was another rough tough kid like he and Robin were but he just didn't notice. He was proved wrong as he did find out that Finney wasn't one of those kids but he was at least friends with them. Kids spoke of Robin and Finney being a weird duo. Apparently Robin Arellano "the second toughest kid in school" and "Finney the fag" (he almost punched the motherfucker who said that on the spot) were not a good match. People spoke of how they wondered why Robin would ever hang out with a "weirdo" like Finney, or how it was impossible to even think of how they became best friends. It made him agitated because like he said before people in Denver were fucking dicks and Finney was actually decent.

Sometimes–rarley even–they'd get quiet and say "maybe he feels bad since...that..happend to Finney right?" Now he had no idea what the fuck "that" was but he'd be lying if he said he didn't wanna know. He noticed Robin also taking glances at him, he figured Finney must've said something to the guy cause he looked ready for murder. Curious murder. They continue the side-eyes and glances.

That was until Finney actually fucking walked in.
Robin's eyes buldge as Finney pulled up a chair and sat down. Robin gave a questioning look and Finney used his hands to sign "late" and Robin nodded as he knew too many tardys would definitely get you thrown in here. He watch Finney take out a pencil and start working, occasionally eating his burger and taking sips of milk. Seeing this, Robin slowly unfolded his paper and took out a pencil of his own. Finney smiled and it made him smile too as they occasionally showed each other their papers for each question. At some point when Finney finished his milk, Robin handed him his and Finney looked up at him with a soft smile mouthing a "thank you". Robin melted a bit at that with a smile as he nodded.

Vance watched as they did, noticing how Robin would stare at Finney with adoration. He thought 'Well what do ya' know, this fucker is smitten' with an eye roll.

He glanced at his own crumpled up paper in hand. He stared for a while before sighing and uncrumpling the paper. As he smoothed it out he saw kids giving scared glances toward him. Vance scoffed and began to get up. All the kids tense, even the teacher tenses, thinking he's about to have to stop another fight and get punched in the face. Again. The kids more worried on how Vance was gonna try and beat someone up with paper because if anyone could do that it was Vance. But to everyone's surprise he moves to sit next to Finney and Robin.

Robin is literally gaping like a fish while Finney has his eyes wide and scanned over Vance for signs of aggression. When thankfully seeing none he goes back to work. Vance pulls a pencil out and holy fucking shit he actually starts working on his worksheet. Finney smiles as he worked, and Robin smiled because Finney smiled. If Fin didn't mind, neither did he. Vance didn't smile but he relaxed himself a bit. Face stoic as usual. Silence filled the air along with scribbling of pencils on paper.

In all honesty the kids weren't allowed to work together on worksheets in the detention room. But the teacher allowed it because at least those specific two weren't getting into fights. And for once they were actually doing their work. The teacher internally thanked the new boy, deciding to give him a candy by the end of lunch because holy fuck those kids scared him and if that new kid could keep them in check, that's a load off him.

Chapter Text

Finney sighed in relief as the bell rang. Signifying that lunch was finally over. Something he'd never thought he'd be grateful for but he was out of the detention room nonetheless.

Finney packed up his things and grabbed his tray, walking toward the big trash bag near the teachers desk. Robin, and Vance for whatever reason followed behind. As he gave his worksheet to the teacher, he was handed a strawberry candy. With a raised brow all the teacher could do was gesture to Robin and Vance and that was all he needed. He walked out the door, holding it for Robin, and Robin for Vance. Finney was still amazed that Vance hadn't said a word to him or Robin. Even more shocking he hasn't punched his jaw clean off, but he was grateful to not gain more bruises than usual.

But what absolutely just confused Finney the most was that Vance walked with him and Robin. I mean, Robin was understandable because they share the next class together, Vance however....well he didn't exactly know where Vance went. The guy only came to school to pick a fight/or have someone pick a fight with him. He never went to class. He remembered earlier in the year the teacher called his name the first few weeks but stopped trying, knowing he wouldn't be there. He didn't remember which class, but he kinda hoped it wasn't the one he and Robin were going to. As much as he loved them both, Robin was already a handful and then Vance? Dear Lord somebody get him help.

He could feel stares as he walked down the halls. From students and teachers alike.

From outsiders points of view, it looked like two bodyguards escorting their employer. Vance hands rested in fists (scary I know) and his eyebrows furrowed. That seemed to be his resting face most the time. Robin had a hand in his pocket, and the other wrapped around Finney's neck. At some point he saw Mat, Matty, and Buzz looking at them with either disgust and anger...probably both, and Robin glared at them.

Now sure it was nice being able to be close to the boys he planned on saving but God this shit was embarrassing. He wanted to dig himself a hole and die to be honest. They were approaching their class and Vance STILL hadn't left them to go do whatever Vance did. They finally reached the door, and the teacher turned to face them. "Ah, good morning Finne-" she stopped mid sentences and gawked at Vance who stood behind them. "Uh...grab the...the um, worksheets on the table and, make sure you take out your text book.." She mumbled, still shocked to see Vance. Finney nodded and went inside grabbing two worksheets and going to his table.
Robin followed behind and sat next to him on his left. Vance also walked up to Finney table, but someone was already sitting in the third and last seat. Surly he'd pick one of the empty tables, or maybe even sit in the beanbag area the teacher had. "Up, now you fucker" he commands.

'Welp there goes that fucking thought' Finney thought as his jaw slightly fell slack. The kid scrambled up, scared shitless and goes to a different table. The teacher doesn't even say anything and Finney didn't blame her, if he had her paycheck, he wouldn't say shit either. Vance plopped himself down and laid himself back, crossing his arms and rolling his head back. Robin tapped his shoulder, and he whipped his head around to look at him. "What the hell is happening right now???" He asked, and Finney shrugged, just as confused as he was.

He didn't expect Vance to be this nice to him. After all, he only ever talked to the guy like, once. But now that he thought about it, the conversation was nice, Vance seemed pretty chill despite the "look at me and I'll rip your throat out" look.

Class went on with the frequent glances from the students. The teacher even watched their table like a hawk, expecting that any moment Vance would suddenly drop the calm act and lash out. Thankfully he didn't but still, it was unnerving to have the toughest kid in school sitting directly next to you. Vance wasn't even doing actual work, he was just sitting there copying down what seemed to be Finney's answers. But he didn't mind, Robin would so the same thing because he didn't really understand, and would just ask Finney to tutor him later.

And with that, the class ended successfully.

-----------

"Later Finn" Robin said, patting him on the shoulder. He walked away only to do a 180° and come back to him. "And lemme know if yknow–" he quickly gestured to Vance who was leaning against the wall, hands in pockets. "–starts messing with you, I mean he's cool n' all but yknow, el chico no es exactamente estable" Robin whipsered. Finney smiled "Don't worry, I'll be fine....probably" he whispered the last part to himself.  Robin nodded and pat his shoulder once again, finally leaving to his next class.

Finney glanced at Vance who still leaned against the wall. He didn't know what class Vance had next as again, the guy almost never showed up. So he just started going to his next class.

He walked along the halls, noticing Moose standing by his locker, staring directly at him. 'Well that's not good' Finney thought, and started to think of ways to avoid getting his ass kicked when Moose suddenly looked away, startled for some reason. 'Okay weird' he thought, Finney knew he didn't scare Moose, if he did, something was wrong. Finney looked to his other side and almost jumped when he saw Vance walking beside him. 'What the hell!? I thought he went away–' Finney thought frantically, he kinda wanted to ask why Vance was walking with him but just settled to his class was probably in the same hallway.

As he approached his claws, Vance still hadn't left to find his own class and Finney was pretty fuckin sure he didn't share this class with Vance.
Cracking his knuckles and inhaling, ready for a punch in the face–"What's your next class?" He asked quickly, and Vance just looked at him, face blank. The silence was awkward and Finney regretted asking. "Speech" he stated and now it was Finney's turn to give him a blank look. "But, that's...in J Hall, not in H Hall" he said hesitantly. "So?" Vance asked and that's all that needed to be said.

The day went on, and Vance followed him to his remaining classes. Teachers said nothing as they felt they're low paying salaries, little sleep time, and low patience was not enough to deal with it.

============

Finney waited at the main entrance door, scanning the crowd for Gwen. Griffin was held back inside the building for rehearsal and Billy just left, saying he was gonna take his dog to the vet today. Robin had detention, of course, and Vance had left a while ago without a word. So he stood there alone, watching them each walk away feeling slightly better that they walked in crowds.

"Finney!" Gwen called, running up and crashing into him. They both almost tumbled over on impact "Gwen get your heavy ass off me!" He yelled and Gwen smacked his arm lightly. "Yeah whatever you ass, c'mon! We gotta hurry our bitch asses up!" She yelled and dragged Finney away, rushing to wherever they were headed.
"Okay! Listen up!" She started, still maneuvering through the groups of students scattered along the front of the school yard. "I managed to ask Amy–Bruce's sister if you didn't know–if I could come over but I said I had to bring you right? Because like, you needed to 'keep an eye on me'" she said the last part as she moved her hands to make air quotes. "Okayyy, and Bruce if obviously there" Finney added. Gwen gave an eyes roll.
"Yes Finney very good–and not only that! Apparently Bruce sucks ass at English! Well, not sucks, sucks, but he's mediocre I guess and I said you'd tutor him!" She cheered, smile clear on her face.

A smile soon spread to him as well. He was so lucky to have Gwen helping him even if she didn't have to. He was so lucky Gwen even believed him in the first place. Finney was greatful to have Gwen by his side through this whole shit show.

They speed-walked down the side walk, rushing past students walking home and almost got hit by a car crossing the street. They soon came to the baseball field. Ah..Finney remembered this. It was bittersweet to think about. He remembers Bruce's team winning and how he got told "his arm was mint" which made him feel good at the happy but small memory. On the other hand though...that so happened to be the day of Bruce's kidnapping. His bike had been abandoned, and black balloons adorned the handle bars. Gwen had told him about the vision but he told her not to worry. That it was just her head messing with her. It was nothing but a bad dream. He was wrong. So very wrong. She should have be worried. HE should have been worried. They both should have been fucking terrified of the vison. But he was too ignorant to see that but he was just glad he could change that.

The weight in his chest became lighter as he saw bruce, standing with a bat and ball in his hand, his sister Amy by his side. Amy looked over and her face lit up with a smile. "GWEN! HI!" She yelled enthusiastic, waving her arms around excitedly. Bruce looked their way, and his face changed when he saw Finney. One of familiarity, or at least that's what thought. Gwen and Amy gave each other a hug then turned back to their brothers. Gwen used her hands to gesture towards Finney "Amy, this is the one who I was telling you about, yknow the one who can help Bruce!" She stated and Amy smiled. "Oh! Finney right? Thank god cause Bruce sucks absolute balls at English" she sighed and Bruce's cheeks went red.

He smacked the back of her head lightly, whispering "shut up..." receiving a middle finger in return. He sighed with a smile and looked at Finney. "Sorry about her, I'm not THAT bad I swear she's just being a dickwad as usual" Finney chuckled and Amy rolled her eyes.

Bruce and Finney watched Gwen and Amy talk as they began to walk to their house. Totally opposite ways of Gwen and Finney's. Occasionally Bruce asked a question or two for small talk but overall was quiet while he dragged his hand across the fences of the neighborhood. That as until baseball was mentioned.

"No way! You play baseball too?" Bruce asked, big smile on his face. Finney nodded, smile just as big. "Ah that's cool man! What position?" He asked "I'm a pitcher, you?" Finney already knew what position he played, but it was polite to ask. Plus it would be a little weird if he already knew.
"Guess!" Bruce said, putting his hand in his pocket. Finney pretended to think before making a concluded face. "Batter, you look like you can swing a bat" he said and Bruce looked amazed. "No way..huh, ladies and gentlemen of the crowd he seems to have gotten if first try!" He said, speaking as if there was an audience to hear him speak. Finney smiled even wider if possible.
"Yeah but I-I do play batter, helps work arm muscle" bruce spoke, a Finney made a face of understanding.

That sounded like it could come in handy. If he were to somehow get Bruce into teaching him how to properly swing a bat AND build arm strength in the process, then it would make shit easier. Now to just real him in. "I've always been the pitcher, coach says I got the best throw outta everyone else–" Finney didn't brag often because he felt as though he didn't have the right to, the one thing he was actually kinda confident about was his throws. He made sure he earned those bragging rights. Practice does happen to pay off sometimes. "–but I think I'd like to know how it is from the pitchers view, how they play the game yknow? I get deeper understanding of the game that way" he said and internally wanted to choke himself.
'Help understand the game better' my ass what kinda shit what that! He thought, but surprisingly, Bruce seemed to look as though he heard something revolutionary. He nodded "I've never thought of it like that–oh, OH! Maybe, if you're cool with it, I could teach you how bat and you teach me how to pitch, deal?" He asked, extending his hand. Finney felt like heaven just fucking blesses the shit out of him. 'Thank god for this kids kindness' Finney thought

Finney smiled and shook his hand. "Perfect see you...Saturday? If that's okay?" Bruce questioned and Finney nodded. Bruce smiled and turned back to face their sisters who continued to chat away about their own stuff. Finney let it sink in, he let himself bask in Bruce's kindness and the easiness of his agreement. Of course it wasn't gonna be any easier from here on out, in fact it was probably gonna be a pain in the ass. But, for now Finney would allow himself to enjoy the moment.

Then there were five.

Chapter Text

It smelled of air freshener, cheap cologne, and medicine. Finney sat in the break room as he filled out both school work and filling out a permission slip for Gwen. Something along the lines of allowing her to participate in science experiment.

The soft music on the radio mixed with the sound of pencil on paper, creating a soothing atmosphere. Mr. Perliskye–the owner–left a while ago, going to the convenience store for snacks to stock the fridge that sat in the break room. He appreciated Mr. Perliskye taking the time of day to stock the fridge, because on some days that was all he ate. Finney thinks Mr. Perliskye knows that, but chooses not to say anything which Finney greatly appreciates. Finney sighed and put some of the papers he was working on away. He glanced at the beige phone, half expecting it to ring. When it didn't, he leaves the break room, deciding to manage the front desk for a while. It was quiet as shit. It was a slow day apparently. Time went on and only one family had shown up.

He felt his eyes droop as he laid his head in his hand. He hadn't gotten much sleep the night before, a nightmare taking over his mind and ultimately made him decide to just lay in bed, staring aimlessly at the ceiling. It was quiet and Mr. Perliskye still wasn't back yet. His mind went elsewhere, to the boys to be more specific.

He had finally managed to acquire all five boys he needed to save. Sure, he wasn't close, close, with them yet but in due time they would be. Billy's kidnapping date already went by, Finney being there to distract the grabber from focusing on Billy, but that's where the issue came in. If Finney wanted to actually get away with saving the kids and killing the grabber then he couldn't be seen with the kids on the dates they were meant to be kidnapped. Billy's wasn't avoidable, but everyone else's was. Then there was another issue. Finney didn't know EXACTLY when and where the boys were taken. He didn't know the times, nor the location specifically which was just an overall pain in the ass. What he knows for sure is, Robin gets taken the day Matty and his gang beats him up, and Bruce gets taken after their game. What he doesn't know, is exactly when and where Griffin and Vance got taken, he also doesn't know the specific times and places of when Robin and Bruce got taken. Yeah, that's not a lot to go off of, and that's a shit ton of "I don't knows".

And this isn't something where Finney can just say " fuck it I'll wing it" no that's straight up bullshit. Finney felt frustrated at the fact he even had to do this. And he can't even guarantee his own safety. He sighed and leaned back in the chair. If he was gonna get away with killing the son of a bitch then he needed a plan, a clean (wanted a very bloody) way to kill, and an alibi.  Despite not knowing the EXACT day Griffin goes missing, he knows it is in the next week or so, but to Finney's dismay yet again, he doesn't know fucking where and when. Honestly he feels like pulling his brain out of his head, washing it in cold water, and putting it back in for a refresh. But of course that's something he couldn't do.

Finney would have to resort to sticking with Griffin like glue until he was safe. He also had to make sure both him and Griffin were able to avoid being seen by the grabber. Finney groaned as yet another dilemma suddenly intruded into his thoughts. How was he going to be able to juggle all the boys and the grabber?

Finney had to make sure he attended to all of the boys, take care of Gwen, go to work, go to baseball practices, baseball games, go to school, actually keep up with it trying to get passing grades, save the boys from getting kidnapped, and kill someone. It made him want to actually impload. He thought of Gwen offering to help but he didn't want to subject her with so much stress. Besides it was his job as her older brother to take care of her, not the other way around. When it came to attending Gwen, he also had to think of the boys. Speaking of, he almost forgot about Robin AND Bruce's tutoring sessions. Not to mention Billy's paper route.

Finney felt like bashing his head into a wall for a good lil brain scrambling before just going out into the street, letting the grabber find him, and attempting to kill him at any sort of contact. He sighed and rubbed his temples. Finney figured it'd be a lot easier if they all knew each other instead of just all being separated into different agendas as if telling any of the boys he was friends with the others would lead to some sort of betrayl. Even if he did attempt to make them all one big friend group how ould he even manage to do so?  Billy and Bruce would be up to it sure but, the others? Not so much. Vance would bash a kids head in for even making eye contact with him. Griffin apparently didn't like meeting new people despite Finney gaining he friendship quite easily. Robin...Robin just didn't like people in general. (Even if Vance and Robin had a small but tense 'I am mildly okay with you but don't fuck with me' type situation) Well, except Finney, Finney was always an exception which he kinda prided himself on.

Speaking of Robin, Finney had just remember he hadn't been spending much time with him. He guessed it must've gotten lost in his scrambled brain.

He looked at the clock that hung off to the side, just an hour and he would get to go home. He sighed as he heard the bell to the door ring. Putting a smile on his face, he got ready to.greet the customer.

---------------------------

Gwen sat with Finney on a curb, eating ice cream out of cups with sodas by their sides. Gwen, ate strawberry vanilla while Finney ate chocolate. Grape and orange soda sitting to their left and right. Kids laughed and talked around them. To be honest they didn't even know why they stayed instead of just leaving with their ice cream. Wait, never mind they knew exactly why, their father was supposed to be home today.

They had seen the car in the driveway and decided to say "fuck that" and just go back later when their father was asleep.

They both sat there, blank expressions on their face. Both just thinking and staring as nothing in particular. It was a comfortable silence until Gwen voiced a question. "So how are you gonna do it?" She asked, not even looking at him. He knew what she meant but played dumb. "Do what?" He asked, also not moving his unfocused gaze. "How, are you gonna-" she fingered spelled K-I-L-L "-him, hm?" She asked taking a bite of ice cream. He sat there silently thinking of various ways. "I dunno, but I want it to be bloody" he whispered settling for a non specific but relative answer. She hummed and nodded, eating more ice cream.

"I'm thinking of getting the boys together somehow, so that way they can always be in pairs yknow?" He mentioned, crossing his legs while Gwen nodded "Sounds okay, but non of them seem to yknow, go with each other" she retorted making a face. "Well slick back high buns don't go with your hair but I don't say anything" he laughed and Gwen snorted, giving him the finger "Fuck you too" she gave him a stink eye, pretending to he offended.

The silence came back, both just enjoying each other's presence, ignoring the other groups of people around them. They stare blankly in front of them both thinking while they ate. Finney sighed and contemplated something. Gwen looked over curiously. Nudging his arm with her elbow, he looked over to see her giving him a "speak your mind" look. He sighed again, looking up at the sky before leaning of the handicap sign next to them. "Okay so, you do know there's a chance I will die right?" He mumbled "Yeah...I know" she whispered. Gwen knew what could happen. After all, Finney was going FOR the kidnapper instead of the other way around right now. She knew that one say she could come home, Finney being nowhere to be seen, and their father gone as usual. She'd ignore the feeling of anxiety in her gut she'd always feel when she didn't see Finney at home and assume he'd be staying the night at Robins. But then the house phone would ring, and as she felt her sweaty palms pick up the phone she knew the announcing of his death would break her.

She hoped, prayed even, that this wouldn't happen. She would make sure of it. He sighed, putting on a little smile "Well I did always say I wanted to be like mom when I grew up" he said trying to lighten the mood. Gwen sighed and let out a dry laugh "That's a terrible fucking joke" she giggled. It wasn't even that funny, hell it considerably wasn't funny at all, thinking of the fact that Finney would end up like their mother. Dead, in the ground, six feet under. But she laughed, and then he laughed. They laughed away at the morbid joke while people gave them weird looks and glances. They thought they might as well enjoy themselves in the moment.

......

Fuck he was really gonna have to get the boys all in one friend group without it turning to shit huh?

'Might as well put it in to motion"

Chapter Text

Billy Showalter was a very average person. He had a loving mother and a supporting father. Food always being available to him when he got home from school everyday. He had a warm bed and clothes on his back, not to mention a dog whom he loved so.

He wasn't popular, but he wasn't a loner either. Billy had a couple of friends, his grades were mediocre, and he even had a job as a paper boy. But as time flew by, it felt like every day was the same. That the same day was just repeating over and over. It felt very bland, stale even....
Though, something very odd had started to occur. At some point, Billy started to feel a sickening twist in his gut when he started his paper route. He was clueless as to why he felt so unnervingly frightened. I mean, he always took the same paper route. He rode past the same houses, threw paper at the same lawns, and crossed the same streets. But for some reason, something just didn't feel right.

It went on for a while, the feeling of paranoia never fleeting. Though, he did have his dog Bessie to keep him company. That made him feel better at least. He could always look down and see Bessie happily trotting next to him, big smile on her cute little face. Billy had just told himself that nothing bad would happen to him if he just kept her by his side....

Then Bessie disappeared.

Billy had got up as he normally did. He had gone outside to grab Bessie as he usually did before going on the paper route, but felt his heart sink when he noticed a half bitten leash. He told his mom, only for her to respond that they would look for her after school. He begrudgingly agreed, and took the paper route once more, it feeling much more ominous than before. He felt much more scared, terrified in fact. He sighed in relief when he had finished, reluctantly going to school.

Hours went by, he sat in class after class, just waiting to be let out of school to look for Bessie. When the dismissal bell finally rang he thanked God and rushed out of the door with speed he didn't know he had. He was pretty sure he pushed a kid over while going out, but who cares. He walked the streets and still no sign of Bessie. Billy was about to start bawling. That's when Billy had a thought, one last glimmer of hope. The dog shelter. It was a place where people went to adopt dogs, well obviously yeah, but surprisingly they also did groomings and occasionally health stuff for dogs. He didn't know if they were allowed to do that but to each ones own.

He ran over to the shelter, praying that Bessie would be there. Billy promised himself along the way he'd get a better leash. The other one was cheap anyway.

He huffed, breathing heavily as he stood outside the front door to the shelter. A sign that read 'Open!' with paw prints for decor hung on the door. He opened the door, a jingle of a bell going off. No one sat at the front desk. It was empty, except for muffled noise coming from the back. Billy waited, looking at dog treats on display, thinking which Bessie might like best. "Hi..do you need help with anything?" Billy flinched, not expecting someone to talk so abruptly. He kinda stared at the person behind the counter. He looked young, like his age. It was kinda weird to see someone else his age working. At an actual job no less. Paper boy was more of a side thing, didn't pay too little or too much but still. Billy was sure this job payed better.

The boy behind the counter had his sleeves rolled up, some of his shirt was wet, and a few soap suds stuck to him. He has a baby face, his hair tied into a little pony tail. The guy looked like he was nice. "Uh, yeah–YEAH! H-Have you seen a dog–of course you've seen a dog, you work with them–b-but have you seen a dog, a golden retriever come here, not like come here by itself but did y'all get one or find one??" Wow way to go dumbass. First thing that comes out of your mouth and you stutter. Billy looked anywhere but the guy, too embarrassed to make eye contact. "Yeah we have like 3 golden retrievers, if there perhaps a distinguishing feature the dog has? O-or yknow something to tell em apart?"  The boy asked and Billy filled with hope.

"Yeah, she has a mark on the left of her stomach, it- it's a spot of brown fur" he said, practically jumping with hope "Yes actually! I just finished bathing a dog that fits your description"  the boy said and a smile graced Billy's face in pure delight. He watched the boy go into the back and as he watched the familar cute puppy face appear he practically jumped for joy. "Bessie! Bessie girl c'mere!"  He called, the dog rushing over giving kisses to Billy's face and him rubbing her belly in return. "Thank you! I don't know what I would've done if she wasn't here!"  He thanked, now believing the boy was a saint for having kept Bessie safe. "It's no problem really" the boy said but Billy disagreed. He was really appreciative.

"Uh-hey you go to my school right?"  The boy asked and now as Billy looked closer. The dude did seem familar. Billy was pretty sure he had him for 1st period English, amazing he noticed even though he was almost never there. "Uh yeah actually, I've seen you around–we have first period together–but I don't ever go to first period. It- it's not like I'm skipping school, no of course not–my mom would KILL me if I did, I just miss it almost everyday cause of the paper route and-and they let me make it up by staying an hour later than I'm supposed to" he wanted to punch himself for making himself look like a guilty person. He just wanted to make sure this kid knew he wasn't the "skip school to go smoke" or "I bang tons of chicks even though I definitely shouldn't" type of person. Though, it did quite the opposite. He felt himself turn all shades of red.

"Hey–if you're okay with it, I, could help you with your paper route?"

Wait what?

Billy kinda stared blankly at the offer. I mean, no one just offers random strangers to do their job for them–er–with them. I mean he had no reason to. Sure they had first period together but it's not like they actually knew each other. But, he could use the help, and the company would be nice. Not to mention the idea of a new friend did sound enticing. Then, there was a feeling.
A feeling that he should definitely, absolutely, positively, should say yes. It felt odd, but right? Did that make sense?
"–I just, yknow, two people are better than one and I wouldn't mind, as long as your okay with it, you don't have to say–"  Billy panicked, he didn't know why but he did "YES!" He shouted abruptly but regretted yelling as he noticed the boy flinch.

"Ahem–sorry I didn't mean to shout, I just- no ones ever offered because–people obviously don't like getting up early but I'd-I'd" he paused and composed himself a bit. "I appreciate it, honestly–and this is gonna sound stupid–but it'd be nice to have someone to talk to besides...talking to..my dog" he whispered the last part. Kinda embarrassing that this hints at the fact at either you have no friends you resort to talking to your dog OR your friends aren't all that great where you resort to talking to your dogs. Whoopie, both sound completely sane. Billy perked up at a soft laugh.

"I feel you, I'm the only one who works here beside the owner and even then, I talk to the dogs sometimes too" the boy said, small smile on his face. Holy crap, this guy felt so easy to talk to. "Holy shit you're so nice–but don't you have your own work load of well...work?"  Billy had of course noticed the guy worked at this place–duh–so he wouldn't want to overwork him simply because he was lonely and didn't wanna be talking to only his dog when delivering papers. Also, hello, again a stranger being overly nice. He didn't wanna force the work on him. "Nah it's all good, I don't mind getting up early, I mean, I do it anyway."  The boy said, and Billy settled with it, still a bit unsure but took the answer anyway. He grabbed Bessie's leash, and glanced at his watch, his eyes widen at the time. "Sorry! I have to, like go, but I'll-oh here!"  Billy stopped to write something down on a piece of paper.
"That's my house number–caLL ME, BYE!"
He yelled, halfway out the door, not able to see the reaction of the dude he just left behind.

And that was the beginning of his friendship with Finney Blake.

When he had first learned Finney's name, was well, Finney– he had a sort of–moment I guess. It was because the name sounded all too familar.
"Finney the fag" was a well passed around phrase in their grade. He never knew who Finney was but never indulged in throwing the phrase around with remarks and giggles. But now that he knew Finney personally, fuck whoever started the demeaning phrase, and they can fucking catch these hands.

Billy was absolutely confused as to how Finney was such a target for bullying. Well, maybe not entirely confused, most of the kids in their grade were dicks so no surprise there but Finney didn't deserve that. From what he had learned so far about him, he seemed really sweet. He was respectful to teachers and his parents, he took care of his little sister and he worked with dogs. (Mostly focused on the dog part but anyway)

In Billy Showalter's eyes Finney Blake was a saint and sure that might sound like an exaggeration but Billy genuinely felt like Finney was some sort of angel accidentally born on earth. Because there was no possible way for someone to be that nice. Someone who'd offer to help a stranger with their job just because they SEEMED to need it, someone who works his own job and doesn't even so much as curse out kids who literally beat him up. Not even a slight look of agitation, it was befuddling. Billy found it so hard to comprehend as to why this boy seemed to pick him out of all people to be friends with, he was Billy the paper boy. Not Vance Hopper who could offer protection, or Robin Arellano who could boost reputation. He was the paper boy.

But for some reason Finney treated him like he deserves to sit on a pedestal. Finney would help anytime he was stuck in class, he'd grab something from the gas station and give it to him at school just because. When he'd come to his house he wouldn't judge if his room was an absolute disaster, hell the guy helped clean it up. Then there was just...something about Finney that made him seem familiar.

Something safe.

Billy Showalter believed he was blessed to have a friend like Finney Blake.

=====================================

Griffin Stagg had always been in the background. Always invisible, nothing you'd ever look twice at. Friends was something he was foreign too but as he grew older he learned to live with it.

He told himself he didn't care he went trick-or-treating by himself every year. He didn't care that he's never had a birthday party with friends because he couldn't invite any because he didn't have any. That he didn't care that he heard his mom verbally express worry for his lack of friends and ability to socialize. He didn't care that absolutely no one, knew who he was.

But he did care.

He did care that everytime someone heard the name "Griffin Stagg" they'd say "Who?" with a confused look. He did care that when teachers called his name for attendance they'd look at their roster paper with a raised brow. He cared that people would bump right into him and say "Oh sorry, I didn't see you there" like he was actually invisible.

He wanted to have friends and to be seen for once. He wanted to have someone's attention focused on him and only him. He wanted to have sleep overs and stupid little nicknames that only friends understood. To be able to have inside jokes and to be able to make each other laugh from just looking at each other. To have the trust to tell them anything without judgement. To share secrets and talk casually. They wouldn't judge how much money you have or how you look, all they would see was Griffin. And they would recognize the name Griffin Stagg, and say "Yeah I know Griffin, he's my friend" with a smile on their face.

He'd fantasized of making friends and even dreams too. He would fall asleep and dream of maybe bumping into someone and making friends, or buying comic books while someone came up to him to talk about their shared favorite superhero. Sometimes when it was a really good dream, he'd wake up and cry knowing the person wasn't real. That the friendship wasn't real. But he sobbed really bad after one particular dream. He dreamed of a boy who helped him, he didn't remember what he got help for exactly but nonetheless. He dreamed after he helped they became inseparable. That they stayed friends for years. He bawled his eyes out when he woke up, he didn't get outta bed for a while.

Then Finney came into the picture.

It was like a fever dream. It felt impossible, in fact when Griffin still thinks about it he, thinks Finney is some made up imaginary friend. When he met Finney it was cold and rainy. Those were the days he hated the most because even without the rain his days were gloomy, the rain just enhanced it. But the boy had appeared out of seemingly nowhere. Plastic bag and umbrella in hand. The boy gave his sweater and let him take shelter under his umbrella. WHILE HE WALKED HIM HOME!! It was just mind boggling.

Someone actually noticed him. Someone talked to him! And he was so nice too. How could someone be so nice? Griffin wasn't a very emotional person..well he was but he just did it in lonesome, but with how good Finney was treating him he almost started crying and hugging him on the spot.

Finney was an angel. He walked Griffin home, he was so easy to relate to, he even kept being his friend afterwards! And for some reason he just felt safer with Finney, happier. It felt like he was floating when he hung out with Finney, the feeling of safety and being cherished lifting his heart. If felt like he was on top of the world, that he couldn't be touched. To be honest Griffin wanted to be selfish of this newfound friend. He wanted Finney to be his best friend, them against the world but that was yknow, selfish. But wasn't he allowed to be? He suffered for years without anyone by his side. Now he had Finney, so maybe he'll be a little selfish and try to hang out with Finney as much as possible. Hog him up until Finney would no longer let himself be associated with Griffin. Because Finney had given him everything he wanted.

Finney had let him know he could trust him. Finney had given him no judgement buy instead comfort. They shared the same interest and inside jokes. They shared secrets and talk casually. They even have corny little nicknames for each other. Buggy and Rosey. Every time Griffin saw a rose he though of Finney and he was just so greatful to be his friend. He felt even more selfish to expect more from Finney. Like how he expected any day now, he would get to have a sleepover with Finney. That would be wonderful. It'd be his first one. Maybe they'd watch movies and talk, or maybe read comics and play games. Perhaps they'd gossip about people at school and eventually fall asleep super late. Maybe they'd even fall asleep early despite promising to pull an all nighter.

Griffin now enjoyed rainey days.

==========

Vance Hopper considered himself a simple person. He found everyone to be a simple person actually. Most people he came across were very one-dimensional most of the time. A lot of kids at his high school were either dicks or weirdos and he was pretty sure people put him in the "dick" category. But it wasn't his fault he was violent. People just really knew how to piss him the hell off.

He hated almost every motherfucker at his high school even the people he didn't know, he hated em. Maybe one to two exceptions here and there. Robin Arellano was a good example. The guy was good people in Vance's opinion. He could fight, he wasn't a bully, wasn't overly cocky and all "ooh I'm gonna fight you for the spot of top dog" despite how he knew people wanted to see that fight go down. He had two friends, or well, they sure as hell weren't friends anymore. Apparently just for defending your own mother. No one insults his mom, the guy who did just happened to be the guys brother.

The assholes ended up finding him while on his way to the skating rink. That was his go to place for skipping. They cornered him, holding him down. While he was held, for some reason his heart spiked. He felt uncomfortable and gross and he didn't know why he felt so sickeningly anxious.
Vance shook it off as he listened to this guy blab on about he shouldn't have hurt his brother. That he didn't even enjoy being "friends' with him. Not like he cared, the dude was annoying.

He braced for a punch or two to come at him before he eventually got loose and fucked the guy up but the weirdest shit happened. A boy, one he didn't know just comes in and beats the absolute shit outta him. He watched dumbfounded as a stranger adorned with brass knuckles on his hand starts to punch the asshole repeatedly. Seems like the two that were holding him felt the same as they did nothing to help him, or maybe it was the fact as the stranger punched, he looked creepy as hell.

The boy got punched and didn't even so much as acknowledging the hit. He just continued to punch. So much blood came out of the boy getting his face flattened, Vance couldn't believe he didn't pass out yet. Plus the boy looked really pissed, like "you owe me money" pissed. Eventually the situation died down, he was left in an awkward silence with a boy who just beat someone black and blue.

He ended up taking the boy home–well, the boy more took him home if the offer to walk him was anything– but the boy was soft spoken despite the hardcore display from earlier and was extremely polite to his mama. That earned him brownie points. He noticed a mark on him which for some reason concerned him greatly but said nothing. After, he talked with the guy on the couch like old friends. And that was also weird because Vance didn't talk much, even with the guys from before, he always stayed quiet when hanging out. But for some odd reason, he felt the need for spill his heart out, to tell this boy every little thing he was thinking. He felt calm.

That was the day Finney blake entered his life.

After that whole fiasco he ended up coming to school in search for Finney. Only, he ended up in the detention room during lunch. Now he was reminded why he didn't go to school.
He sat in a lined up desk, just blankly staring outside. He noticed the Robin kid there too, no doubt in for fighting for something like that, totally expected. But what wasn't expected, was Finney fucking Blake to casually stroll on in and sit next to Robin.

Finney was weird. Well not weird, but confusing. After the whole fight thing, he decided to find out who Finney actually was, which totally wasn't weird. Though, what he did find was not pleasant. Most kids actually knew of Finney but for not good reason. For some reason Finney was just "the school freak" he didn't know how he hasn't heard of him until now. People threw around "Finney the fag" a whole lot and he's surprised he hasn't punched someone's lights out yet. He had no doubt he is fully capable of doing so, so why'd he just put up with it?
He asked a kid about Finney and they gave him a run down of basically what Finney was known as.

A weak, scardey-cat, queer freak. Which excuse Vance, was total bullshit. Finney sure as hell wasn't weak if him knocking a kid out had anything to say about it. He also seemed pretty brave, not that Vance would EVER say that aloud. The last part he would leave Finney to tell. There was also something that everyone seemed to know but when he pushed they grew kinda uncomfortable so he dropped it. Anyway-
Vance watched Finney work on the worksheet paper given with Robin. He watched as Robin stared at Finney like he hung the damn moon and even give his milk up to Finney despite him already having fuckin two.

After detention he chose to follow Finney to his next classes not caring if he looked menacing while doing so. Vance had decided something, he was gonna find out why Finney Blake made him feel so...weird. He was gonna get to the bottom of the enigma named Finney and he sure as hell was a persistent motherfucker.

Wait, what does Finney consider him as?

==========================

Bruce yamada was a pretty popular guy, with a good family and he went to a nice school, plus he played sports. He went to a private school near pokler street, close to the baseball field where he spent most of his free time.

Sometimes he'd see another boy there, big jacket covering his seemingly little frame and a baseball hat covering his face. Every so often a younger girl would accompany him. He's never talked to either of them considering they always seem to be done by the time he gets there. He was fine not knowing who they were even if it bugged him a little bit but whatever.
That was until his little shit sister was actually useful for once. Turns out his sister happened to know the two mysterious people from the playground. Gwen a girl with light brown hair and Amy's age apparently had an older brother willing to tutor him in English. Which was kinda embarrassing since he wasn't used to asking for help.

That was the day he met Finney.

Finney was cool dude. He was nice and easy to talk to, he made Bruce feel at ease for some reason. Made him feel a sense of familiarity, he could tell Finney was good people. And for some reason Finney radiated a sense of security and safety, Bruce didn't know why but he felt like he could put his life in Finney's hands and he'd be fine which was weird but eh. Also, another weird thing, he always smelt peppermint when Finney was around. Like at some point he noticed the smell, confused as to why the smell of mint came into his nose, he ignored it, until the tutoring started. Finney had got up to use the bathroom twice, both times the smell of mint leaving with Finney and then reappearing when he came back in. It was very odd, he even asked him about it.

As he wrote down an excerpt, he asked "Do you smell mint?" Finney had given him a certain look at the word mint but ultimately said no. Bruce just left it at Finney using a minty shampoo and gotten used to the scent.

The study session went great! Finney was so easy to understand and actually knew how to make Bruce not feel overwhelmed with the material. They had decided to set up more study sessions, deciding on which days was difficult since Finney actually had a ton of shit to do. He doesn't know how he hasn't burned out yet. He didn't know a lot about Finney. I mean how could he? He only met him once, and it was for studying not a hang out. But he wanted to know more, Finney seemed like a good guy. He was soft-spoken and talked to him like he was a mom, very encouraging. He always gave him compliments even when he did the simplest things, it felt very rewarding. And it may have boosted Bruce's ego.

He wanted to get to know Finney better, maybe even be friends with him. It was gonna be hard with the whole different school thing but Bruce could make it work. Besides their sisters knew each other, they were gonna see each other regardless.

Finney Blake was an interesting person, Bruce couldn't wait to learn more.

==========

Robin met Finney...what, kindergarten?
Classic new kid, didn't have any friends cliche yknow? Finney was the typical quiet kid whilst Robin was typical outgoing kid. Opposite attract and they clicked. All very cliche, especially when at some point the words "it was fate" popped into Robins head.

Robin had knew Finney for years. He knew him like the back of his hand and same went for Finney. He knew Finney loved grape soda and how fixated he was on space. Robin knew never to raise his voice at Finney and to always ask him if he had all his stuff when leaving his house after a sleepover, knowing everytime Finney did in fact for get something. He'd seen Finney get annoyed, get happy, sad. Robin knew everything about him and he loved it. He loved that he was one of the only people outside of Finney's family who knew him better than Finney knew himself. That they were inseparable, and that they probably knew what each other thought before they even said it.

But....

Something was off with Finney lately. Finney seemed different. It was like he flipped a switch one day and suddenly he was just...well different. Finney suddenly had longer hair and was skinnier than he last saw him. He thought Robin didn't notice but of course he fucking did, how couldn't he? He noticed even the littlest things about Finney. He noticed the eye bags, the weariness and the skittish behavior. Sure Finney had his own little things he always did, like somehow hearing his mom approach the door or hiding something he was doing even if it wasn't bad. But this was different, he looked scared. And that pisses Robin off.

Who was scaring Finney? Was it Buzz and his gang, or perhaps Moose again? Did Finney not feel safe? To the point he couldn't even tell him? But Finney always told him everything.
He told Robin when he got bullied, he told him when he was upset, Finney even came to him when...when his mom killed herself. So, how drastic was this to the point he didn't say anything? His worries grew when he saw scarring on Finney's back. Was someone physically abusing him? His father wasn't exactly a nice guy so Robin had his suspicions. Maybe that was why Finney no longer wore short sleeves anymore.

Robin wanted to know every single thought that went on in Finney's head. He wanted to know every single worry he had and make it go away. He wanted him to tell him what was wrong as he always did but he didn't wanna push and make Finney back away instead of come forward. He'd wait but he didn't know how long, Finney would take his time or Robin was gonna figure it out. Robin cared about Finney, he wanted him to feel happy because

Robin liked Finney.

Robin liked Finney a lot....

=====

Finney sneezed

'Is someone talking about me right now?" He thought

Chapter Text

Finney had woken up to what could only be described as the worst headache he had ever had in his life time. He groaned as he knew he didn't have the choice to just stay in bed and pop a few pain killers, some part of him hoping it'd just kill him but no, he had a lot of shit to do.

This week was the week of Griffin's kidnapping. So for the next several days, Finney was going to stick to Griffin like glue, not letting him out of his sight even for a moment. It was a Friday so he'd have to find some excuse for each day until the next Friday to be extra clingy to Griffin. He just hoped it wouldn't annoy him to the point that he would no longer be able to protect him. He didn't want to overwhelm Griffin with his sudden overload of "quality time" together but it was after all, for a good cause. It was either Griffin gets annoyed for a little while and might not wanna even talk to Finney after this or....I dunno, fucking get kidnapped and die maybe?

Honestly, Finney would rather get hit with a car than move from the warmth in his bed but one of his boys needed saving and Griffin Stagg would be saved if Finney had anything to say about it.
With that in mind, headache pounding away, and a sense of paranoia, Finney readied himself for school.

====================

Griffin felt like utter and complete shit. Everything seemed to be too loud and everyone he came into contact with seemed to irritate him. He had; had some tough weeks before but this week seemed to be different. For some reason, since Monday, he had felt an overwhelming feeling of impending doom loom over him. It getting increasingly worse day by day. Not to mention the fact that for some reason the universe decided this was the week that he needed every negative thing it could come up with thrown at him.

He had failed his geography test, which only earned him a big lecture from his mom about it. Some girl had once again faked asked him out again, to which he obviously knew since as the fake confession was taking place, two girls laughed from about two meters away. His theatre teacher STILL kept him in for lunch. And to fucking top it all off, yknow, the icing of the mother fucking cake, he hadn't seen Finney ALL WEEK. Their teacher had been out all week for a funeral and no substitute could be found in time so they of course split. That would be fine and everything..except for the fact Finney and Griffin weren't in the same group. So Griffin was pretty fucking exhausted, and irritated, and annoyed, and...well he was a lot of things. One thing that was going for him was he no longer needed to stay for rehearsal after school so now he could hang out with Finney after school so he just wanted the week to be over so badly. Just needing to push through today and finally home free.

Some part of him wanted to curl up and cry while another part of him wanted to punch every person in sight but he had self control. He just had to make it through today, just today and he would be able to see Finney, go home, and forget the whole week even happened. He bounced his leg as the teacher droned on about algebra, not knowing specifically what equations since he didn't care to listen. He looked at the clock, just 25 more minutes and he'd make sure he was the first one out the door. While the teacher faced the board, writing different mathematical problems, he packed some of his stuff quietly. Putting away his binder and some of his papers into his math folder, zipping up his backpack, leaving only his closed math journal. He raised his hand as the teacher turned around.

The teacher looked at him through her brow.
"Yes...young man?" She asked and Griffin almost rolled his eyes into the back of his head. Of course she didn't know his name. "May I go to the bathroom Miss?" He asked politely. The teacher glanced at her watch and back at him before slightly gesturing to the door. He got out of his seat and left, no one paying him any mind as the door shut behind him. He walked to the bathroom, avoiding the smokers who eyed him as he walked in. They looked at him as if he was intruding on them when all he was doing was using the damn bathroom. As he finished up he saw them leave out the corner of his eye. He sighed finally happy to be alone after such a stressful day. He zipped himself up and began to rub soap all over his hands, ready to bask in silence but..you don't always get what you want.

"Ohhh, hey dickface!"

Son, of a fucking bitch.

You've got to be kidding. It was his final period of the day, he just needed to get through 20 more minutes and he was home free. But no, Griffin just had to go to the bathroom and what did he get? Three pieces of shit who were no doubt there to bully him. He eyed the three boys who just walked into the bathroom, and almost groaned at their familiar faces. Now Griffin, although hated being practically invisible, would choose that any day rather than being picked on. He turned off the faucet and reluctantly turned around, awkwardly drying his hands on his own clothes. Griffin sighed as he eyed the one in the middle. "Donny" he mumbled, the boy, now know as Donny smirked.
"Hey there small fry, haven't seen you in a while huh?" Donny asked as he stepped forward which caused Griffin to step back.

"Y'know, I'm surprised!" Donny started and Griffin prepared himself to roll his eyes at any moment. "I am shocked. I've seen you ACTUALLY hanging out with someone. Like genuinely talking to another human being....but despite my shock yknow what I'm not shocked about?" He asked as he crossed his arms, the two lackeys behind him snickering. Griffin narrowed his eyes at him.  He was talking about Finney and Griffin was pretty sure he wasn't like where it was gonna go. "Out of everyone you talk to, you talk to the schools fag!" Donny laughed and Griffin almost did a double take. "I mean I already thought that faggot had a boyfriend–Robin, real tough guy yknow?–but seems he moved on yeah?" Griffin could feel himself getting heated at how much audacity this lousy piece of crap had.

"So how is it? Does he give good head huh? I bet Robin was absolutely loving it since he kept him 'round for so long–oh hey! Why don't ya tell him I've got something for him to suck on right here huh?" Donny laughed as he grabbed his own crotch at the last sentence. The other two laughed as well, making encouraging comments. Griffin was just absolutely beffudled at the sheer audacity this guy had. He was absolutely fucking livid. Who were these assholes, where did they think they got the right to talk about Finney like that? And the fact he'd say such a thing while grabbing his own crotch? That was so wrong in so many ways. He'd let Donny get away with picking on him but for some reason he just couldn't let him talking about Finney slide.

Finney was a fucking angel if Griffin had anything to say about it. It didn't matter if Finney was gay or anything of the sort. Who gives a shit! Griffin was pretty sure he'd still like Finney even if he was a fucking axe murderer. That's just how loving of a person Finney was.
Not to mention, from the way so many people talked about Finney being gay, it made them seem a whole lot more suspicious than Finney ever would be. Plus, implying that Finney gave head to every guy he talked to was just over the line. No one should be talking about him at all. So when Griffin threw a punch straight at Donny's face, he wasn't exactly thinking straight. But did he need to? Did he need to be thinking straight to defend his only friend? No, no he didn't, because he thinks Finney would do the same.

Griffin doesn't exactly know how to fight but he did everything he could think of. He punched, sctrached, and kicked–well as best as he could with two bigger guys trying to pull him away. Griffin made sure to kick Donny in the balls multiple times. To the point Donny started to cry and fold to the floor. He sighed as he felt a punch to the gut.

Welp, may the consequences of his own actions be mundane.

He was lucky he got away with only a bruise to the cheek, well, and a bunch of other bruises and cuts which weren't visible but it was the latter. As he walked back to class, hair a mess and bloody lips he thanked that no one noticed him come in. He looked at the clock, only five minutes until they left. He grabbed his math note book and put it in their class basket. Grabbing his backpack Griffin just decided to leave early. Not like anyone would notice anyway. With that, no one even glanced at Griffin as he walked out the classroom door and no hall monitors said a thing as he slowly made his way to the double doors.

------------------

Griffin leaned against a tree as he watched kids spill out of the school. He watched as groups formed and walked away laughing. A couple holding hands as they leaned up on one another, and students walking into the direction of the skaing rink. His eyes searched the crowd for Finney but felt disappointment as he was nowhere to be found. 'Maybe he didn't come to school today...but he'd call and tell me right? Or maybe he wouldn't...fuck what if he went with another friend instead of him. Should he just walk home by himself?' As his thoughts raced, the insecurity of losing Finney as a friend resurfaced and he felt queezy. Maybe he should just walk home now huh? Griffin sighed as rubbed his sore elbow.

"Hey! Buggy!" His head snapped up as heard the familiar nickname. Eyes widening as he saw Finney's face...and a girl, he watched them both walk over. "Hey Buggy, um, you don't mind if my sister walks with us do you?" He asked. Ah so that was his sister, Finney talked about her but Griffin had never met her. Her name was Gwen if he remember correctly. "Hi Rosey, and uh yeah I don't mind! Um as long as you can still come to my house afterwords" he felt himself regret the last part, it made him sound like he was forcing Finney to hang out with him. "Okay perfect, I got to ask you something later anyway!" Finney exclaimed and Griffin felt his heart almost drop, what if he asked to stop being friends. That'd be a total nightmare.

"Hey I got places to be yknow" Finney and Griffin looked at Gwen's annoyed expression. Finney rolled his eyes, and bowed down exaggeratedly "Oh yes your Highness, I didn't know you were oh so busy" he said in a fake fancy accent, Griffin covered his mouth to hide his smile. "Yes because I have a life thank you, also Rosey?" She eyed Finney up and down. Finney patted Griffin back and they all began to walk. "Yeah me and Griffin have nicknames for each other, he's Buggy and I'm Rosey" he said, and made jazz hands. Griffin smiled at the mention of their nicknames. "They sound corny" she replied bluntly and Griffin felt his face burn in embarrassment.

"Oh my god, I know you're not talking about being corny" Finney chuckled and Gwen narrowed her eyes. "If fact, you remember that time, back last year when-" Finney started and Gwen freaked as she recalled the memory, shoving her hands to cover her mouth. "Absolutely not we don't bring that up!" She said and they both laughed. Griffin watched them as they happily talked. He gripped his backpack as they suddenly turned to look at him. "Hey Finney told me you have theatre right?" She asked and Griffin nodded, she suddenly smiled, it being sly and Griffin suddenly felt suspicious asas shivers ran down his spine. "Holy crap lemme tell you the shit I have heard on her" She started to talk about all the rumors she had heard from others, teachers and students alike, Finney piping in occasionally to agree and share some of what he had heard as well.
Griffin smiled wider, as he gazed at them. The Blake siblings were wonderful people.

----------------

Finney and Griffin walked the streets, cars passing by and a few kids on the streets, also walking home. Griffin felt his palms grow sweaty and his knees get weak. Gwen had left a while ago, being dropped off at her friends house. Now it just left Griffin and Finney alone in silence. The reasoning to Griffin nervousness was because Finney had said he wanted to asked something of him earlier and he was dreading to find out what it could be.

Finney on the other hand held a calm expression on his face, hand in pocket, gripping his rocket pen as he glanced at every car and person that went by. Finney had been preparing himself to ask Griffin about the sleepover but decided to wait as he noticed Griffin's bruised cheek. Finney sighed heavily and Griffin glanced over to him.
"So...what's with bruise? Hm?" He asked, slightly tapping his own cheek and Griffin flinched. "It's nothing dude I swear" he said hastily and Finney nodded his head and continued to walk forward.

Another beat of just silence went as they walked and Griffin gave haste glances at Finney. He wasn't gonna ask again? He wasn't gonna..push him to answer? "I'm not gonna like, push about it cause, I can't make you say what happened but" Finney turned to Griffin and took out a hand from his pocket to point. "If you do, wanna talk about it, I am all ears" and with that Finney looked ahead once more and said nothing. Woah, talk about a mind reader. Griffin also looked forward, contemplating on whether or not to tell of what happened in the bathroom. I mean, it's not like Finney would make fun of him or anything like that nor would he call him a wimp but...he didn't wanna force Finney to listen to him whine and complain about being bullied, being able to do nothing about it.

The soft silence continues, nothing but the sound of their shoes on concrete and a few birds in the trees.

"Yknow what..." He started and Griffin jolted, turning to look at Finney as he gripped his backpack tightly. "Yeah?" Griffin asked cautiously, sweat dripping.
Finney popped his knuckles inside his pockets.
"My sister is having a sleepover at her friends tonight and I was thinking-" Griffin's eyes widen as he doubted his own ears. A small gasp leaving his lips as he awaited the now expected question. "-that you might wanna have a sleepover too?" before Finney could even look at Griffin's face to analyze his reaction Griffin yelled in agreement.

"YES! Uh, yes that sounds great, cool, yeah" Finney laughed at the outburst and Griffin felt awkward at how he answered.
"Sorry but yeah, my mom was actually not gonna be home tonight. She has an overnight shift so this is perfect really" Griffin said excitedly and Finney smiled, it faltering for only a minute as the thought of the grabber sneaking into Griffin's house and taking him away into the night without his mother non the wiser. He shook the thought almost immediately. Surely that wasn't really what happened right? Even so, Finney was there so if that was what actually did happen, he'd be there to put a stop to it.

Griffin, unaware of Finney's thoughts gained a pep in his step as he thought of how the sleepover was gonna go. His once dull and painful day had now brightened. Now able to forget about how shitty Donny and his gang were for the next two days. Wait.
"How are you gonna spend the night? You don't have any clothes." Griffin asked and Finney pointed to his backpack. Now that Griffin looked at it; it'd seemed like it was about to burst open at any moment. "Already prepared it, yknow for in the case you said yes, and if you said no...then I would've just taken it home" he shrugged and Griffin felt a sense of joy that Finney had already prepared which had meant he was thinking of Griffin hours before the question was even asked.

Griffin noticed his house come into view. With a couple of glances back and forth between his house and Finney, he tapped Finney's shoulder "I'll race ya!" He exclaimed and bolted while Finney just watched Griffin run. A smile went on his face. Finney then started to chase behind. He knew he was faster than Griffin but he'd let him win just to see him happy.

He'd do anything to see him happy.

Chapter Text

"Okay, you can set your bag over there and I'll uh-
I'll be right back!"

Griffin watched Finney walk into his room and set his bag near his night stand. The bed was messy and a few shirts scattered the floor. Griffin regretted not cleaning it sooner and was embarrassed Finney saw it in such a state. His mother has told him to do it earlier only for him to brush it off. Now it came to bite him in the ass. He just hoped Finney didn't mind the mess.
He walked out of the room, down the stairs and into the bathroom.

Finney sat on Griffin's bed, analyzing what the room contained. Griffin's bed was messy and a few shirts were spread out. He had a bookshelf, looking closer most of the books were fantasy books and encyclopedias on insects. A desk sat by the window, papers and writing utensils scatters on it. It was messy and unkempt, like a teenagers room should be. Yes, Griffin was a normal teenager, a teenager who had not been kidnapped and killed by a monster who lurked in the shadows and it was going to stay that way. The window. Finney remembered the thought that came into his mind earlier, of the grabber breaking in. He got up and walked to the window, it was open. A click later and it was now locked, it was now safe and sound. He just stared put the window, into the yard and then into the road, eyes beginning to unfocus.
"Hey! Uh Scooby Doo is on right now...you think you'd wanna watch it?" Griffin asked, popping his head back into his room.

Finney turned from the window and just stared for a second, face blank. Suddenly Griffin regretted asking if he wanted to watch a stupid kids show instead of something cooler. He probably thought he was lame now if anything. Stupid stupid brain, why must you spout nonsense before you think? Finney's eyes focused back together, registrating what he'd just said. "Oh- yeah! I love Scooby Doo!" Finney smiled and Griffin stood a little dumbfounded at the sudden answer. "Okay! Let's go downstairs, I have snacks in the pantry too if you'd like" he stated as they began to go downstairs. Closing Griffin's door as they left. They go down the steps, splitting apart as Finney goes into the living room and Griffin it no the kitchen.

Griffin ransacks the pantry for the snacks he deemed the best. Grabbing a box of Ding Dongs and Space Food Sticks–he thinks Finney would like these a lot–he puts them on the counter before pausing. He rushes back to the stairs taking a glance at Finney who was turning on the TV. Rushing up to his room, he moves to his bed, crouching under it to grab a big box that was hidden behind clothes and empty water bottles. Opening it, he pulls out Pop Rocks, Funyuns, Nerds, and Pringles. Usually this his snack stash for only his personal usage but he was perfectly fine it's sharing with Finney. Rushing back down,  Griffin can hear a commercial playing as he grabs what he left on the counter.

"Oh hey–woah" Finney says as he looks at the bundle of snacks in Griffin arms. "Hey" Griffin huffs out as he sets it all down. As Finney goes to say something Griffin starts walking away only getting out a breathful "Hol' on" before going back upstairs. Finney can hear thumping upstairs, then silences, the a big thump. He flinches at it. More footsteps are heard and Finney just stairs at the ceiling as a 'You Don't Have To Die To Collect'–Allstate Insurance commercial plays on the TV.  "Okay I got it!" Griffin says as he come down the stairs, blankets and pillows all in hand. Finney gets up and grabs two pillows that fell from Griffin's hands and onto the steps.

"We can sleep in here tonight" Griffin commented, and Finney nodded. They kinda just stared at the pile of snacks, pillows, and blankets. With hands on hips Griffin's sighs "Alright let set this up before it comes back on yeah?" He announced "Yeah, let's put the poofiest ones on the bottom, right?" Finney replies and Griffin's nods.

They start to move stuff to the side grabbing a big and poofy floral blanket on the floor and spread it out. They layer each blanket until they both deem it comfortable to lay on. The Scooby Doo intro then begins to play and they rush to lay down, setting up pillows in a rush a grabbing the sacks, putting them in between each other for easy access. Finney gasps "Oh my god, Space Food Sticks. Thank god for Buggy" he says with a smile and Griffin smiles back, happy to start the sleepover off so well.

-------------------------

"No I'm telling you Dolly Parton is my Lord and savior" Griffin States, staring at the TV "Totally get that–also are you not Christian?" Finney asks, squinting at Griffin as he mouthfulls poprocks. "No! No. Why? Why would you think that?" Griffin asks nervously, Finney giggles and points at him "because I've seen you at church" a look of distain comes across Griffin's face. "Oh my god you saw me in my dumbass church outfit!?" He groans and slams his head into the pillow. Charlie and the chocolate factory is playing on the TV, empty wrappers are scattered around where they sat for the past two hours, watching TV and talking. "Oh c'mon you didn't look that bad" Finney laughs while Griffin groans "Yes I did, dude I don't even believe in God, my mom is the religious one" he huffs and roles over onto Finney.

"Oh, totally get it, my sister is like a Jesus fanatic but I think she's gettin outta it" he says watching as the oompa loompas start singing as the first kid fucks up and falls into the chocolate. "Would you risk it for that chocolate" Finney asks, pointing at at the TV. Griffin looks up at the TV watching as the kid is basically drowning in chocolate. "Yes, one hundred percent yes, but you wanna know what I really wanna try? It's those edible flower teacups" Finney gasps "Oh my god yes, they look so good, a good crunch right?" He asks and Griffin nods "Exactly!" They smile at the agreement. They open a bag of Funyuns as the movie continues.

----------------

"I love Spider-man, marry him if I could" Finney states and Griffin's laughs. They both lay on the pile of blankets, comics spread out every where. Finney held a Spider-man comic in hand while Griffin read one on the Fantastic four.
"Honestly, I'd marry wolverine" Griffin says, flipping a page in his comic. Finney scoffs "With that bright ass yellow super hero suit? He looks like a highlighter" Griffin gasps and hits Finney's shoulder. Finney laughs and it spreads as Griffin also begins to laugh.

Suddenly, Griffin snorts and it went silent. Both look at each other, Griffin red as a strawberry and they begin to laugh even harder. Their cheeks turning Rosey as they run out of breathe. Griffin curls in on himself laughing and Finney's laugh dies down and he just looks.
He just looks at Griffin, at his smiling face, at his crinkled eyes, listening to his laugh, and how he's curled up in laughter and not in pain. Like how it's supposed to be, like how it was always supposed to be. Griffin's laugh also dies down as he notices Finney's stare. He smiles "What?" He asks and for a moment, Finney just stares. Eyes watery "Nothing" he says, voice raspy but not Griffin didn't notice.

Finney sniffles and looks at the clock hanging above the couch "Ah we should take our showers now yeah? It's actually really late" he says. Griffin looks at the same clock, it read '2:43am' and his eyes goes wide "Woah you're right, should I get in first or do you-" Finney shakes his head "You go in first I'll go in after" Griffin nods as he gets up and walks off.
Finney watches him walk away, he stares at the doorway Griffin walked out of until he heard the shower being turned on. He sighs and gets up, knees popping as he grabs left over candy wrappings and empty snack boxes. Walking over to the kitchen he almost slips and makes a loud bang when catching himself, for a second, his heart stops. Listening for an angry shutting door and heavy footsteps he hold his breathe. Wait, he can breathe easy, this wasn't his house, he was okay. He sighs and walks to the trash can to throw away the trash in his hands.

He walks back into the living room and fixes the blankets and pillows that laid on the floor.
He stacks the many comics Griffin had brought down an hour earlier and puts them in the corner. Finney turns on the TV and watches whatever came on it, which happened to be jaws, on a low volume. It felt very familiar, he imagined Gwen sat beside him, head resting on his shoulder.

-------------------

"Lemme know if you need anything" Griffin says before closing the bathroom door, leaving Finney inside by himself. He stays silent, staring at the door broke turning back to staring at the mirror.
Setting his pajamas on the bathroom counter, he sheds his clothes, shivering at how cold it was.
Finney looks in the mirror, at the scars.
He touches the one on his neck, his arm, and on his stomach. Turning around, he sees the belt scars, but only a little. This seems all too familiar. Finney remembers...being in the grabbers bathroom.

He remembers smelling like shit, feeling like shit, and looking like shit. Head aching and hair greasy, the grabber had allowed him to bathe in his bathroom. The grabber locked the door from the outside, the bath already filled just like now.
He shed his clothes, and looked in the mirror, the same belt scars except they were raw and an angry red color. Finney stepped into the bath and sunk down, pulling the curtain to where only a sliver of him could be seen. Just enough so he could see if the grabber walked in. His heart almost dropped when he actually did but he thanked God that it was just to take his dirty clothes to wash and not to touch him.
He didn't wanna be touched.

Finney shivers at the memory, he starts to walk to the filled bath but stops. He turns and locks the bathroom door. He knows Griffin wouldn't walk in unless absolutely necessary, like the house catching on fire but it felt needed. He even did it at home. Finney finally let's himself sink into the bath, letting himself soak in the warm water but only for a second. He didn't feel comfortable leaving Griffin downstairs by himself, call him paranoid because he probably is, but he decided to be quick with his shower.

---------

Finney walks downstairs, his body adorned with long sleeve space pajamas. Rocket themed socks on his feet. He notices the living room is simply lit. He walks in only to see Griffin laying down, blanket over himself and eyes closed.
Finney smiles and goes over, allowing himself to lay down as well. But he doesn't fall asleep, no.
He stares at the ceiling, thinking of nothing in particular. He just listens to the clicking of the clock on the wall, and the occasional car to pass by. A dog barked at one point.

As he gets drowsy, his eyes then start to close...
"It happened in the bathroom" his eyes snap open and he flinches. He thought Griffin was asleep but he guessed wrong.
"What did?" Finney asked even thought he knew exactly what Griffin was talking about. Griffin sighed "The bruise.." there was a pause "was...these, just these stupid assholes" Griffin spat and Finney hummed "they were talkin bout you" he whispered and Finney turned his head in Griffin's direction "they were?" He asks and Griffin nods. He hears a sigh and some rustling.
"Yeah they were saying rude shit bout you, mostly about....rumors" he whispered the last part and Finney knows exactly which rumors he was talking about.

"I just got pissed and started swinging. I kicked him in the nuts more than once too, he even cried" Griffin chuckled and Finney smiles. They sit in silence "Who were they?" Finney asked and Griffin hums in question. "Who were they?" He repeats and Griffin scoffs "Donny Dalvin, Scotty Wilkinson, and Ollie Thomaston..." He groans and holds his own face "I made a big fuss and they still kicked my ass...totally lame huh?" He scoffs again but this time it's directed toward himself. Finney shakes his head "No, no dude. I really appreciate it...you're a real one for that yknow?" Griffin smiles at his words "No problem Rosey...I'm okay so it's no problem at all" he says and Finney nods "Yeah"

Yeah, no problem at all. Griffin would never have a problem again so long as Finney was around. He'd have no worries so long Finney stuck beside him and Finney would make sure of it. Just like how he made sure every window and every door was locked when Griffin took a shower, and how he made sure to keep a knife in his pocket when he slept. Finney sighs, getting comfortable. He turns on his sigh and curls up, pulling the blanket over his shoulder.

Right, everything was gonna be okay. As long as he was there they were gonna be okay.

Chapter Text

'Fuck'

Finney's back hurt like a bitch, not to mention the arm he had slept on was sore. Propping himself up on his elbows, he looked over to Griffin. He laid peaceful and unbothered next to him. Finney leaned in, close to his face.

He was breathing.

Good.

His hands were cold and his head hurt "okay.." He whispered to himself as he rocked a little back and fourth. "Oh good morning" Finney flinched and whipped his head around to see Mrs. Stagg peeking her head from around the corner. He relaxed his shoulders "Good morning Mrs. Stagg" she smiled and waved him over. Giving a glance at Griffin he slowly got up as to not wake him before heading to the kitchen.
He peeked his head into the kitchen, the smell of pancakes filling his nose. "Okay now honey I'm makin' pancakes, you think you up to havin' some?" She asked, sweet smile on her face. She reminded Finney of his mom. He nodded "Alrighty, you want some chocolate chips in your pancakes darlin? Just a lil something extra, oh and what about bacon? Eggs maybe hm?" At the mention of his eggs, Finney turned to see a pan full of scrambled eggs on the stove, sizzling away.

"Yes...yes chocolate chips would be great Mrs. Stagg" he mumbled, still staring at the eggs. 'Stop fuckin staring at the eggs dumbass, you're making yourself sick' he thought "How many?" Mrs. Stagg suddenly asked and Finney only spared her a glance "Um just one and bacon, no eggs, definitely no eggs thank you" he was quick to make sure she heard his decline to the eggs. "Okay that'll be ready in a jiffy!" She exclaimed, smile still on her face. Finney felt uncomfortable, his chest was tight, and his throat hurt.
"How much bacon- huh?" When Mrs. Stagg turned around, Finney was nowhere to be seen.

Meanwhile, Finney had raced himself to the bathroom, locking the door behind him.
"Okay, okay, okay, okay....kay.." He whispered to himself, flailing his hands around, pacing the bathroom as he felt the bile come up his throat.
"Okay nO-" the toilet seat made a loud bang as it was pushed up and hit the back of the toilet and a thump as Finney fell to his knees.
His throat burned as throw up expelled from his mouth and he heaved forward as he held his cold hands together. His mouth tasted awful and his legs shook. Suddenly there was a knock and all Finney could imagine was the grabber behind the door, pissed and about to break the door open. Ready to hurt him for locking the door.
"Rosey? Rosey you okay?" Oh my god...it was Griffin. That's right.

"Rosey! Are you okay?" It was louder this time. It wasn't the grabber, it was Griffin, and he was asking if he was alright...Grffin was so sweet.
"Yeah..Yeah! I'm okay, all good" he said, smiling to himself. He was okay.
He flushed the toilet, standing up and just stood still as he collected himself. He scrunched his face at the taste of puke in his mouth. "Ugh.." He mumbled, moving to the sink to turn on the water and rinse his mouth. He opened the door with his right hand "Hm?" He muffled, mouth full of water "Oh- hey- are you all good?" Grffin  asked, glancing around the bathroom for any reason too worry.

Finney spit the water out "Yeah, I-I'm all good–hey yknow I was just thinking, you wanna go to the skating rink later?" He asked and watched as Griffin's face lit up with a smile, which made him smile too "Yeah, that'd be great! I've actually never been skating" he laughed and Finney looked at him with wide eyes "You've NEVER been skating?" He asked, in disbelief.
Grffin turned red and hugged his elbows "No, I'm too scared I'm gonna bust my ass and fall–plus I've seen Moose walking in there one too many times" Finney raised a brow "Moose? Really?" Griffin nodded and Finney nodded to himself as if he was thinking of something.

"Well if he DOES happen to be there then...fuck it I dunno, pray and run" Finney said. Griffin snorted and leaned against the bathroom door "Pray and run? Dude if he sees us and starts chasing us I'm gonna scream" Finney rolled his eyes and started to leave the bathroom. Griffin followed behind, both walking too the stairs. "Why would you scream?" Finney asked and Griffin looked at him like he was crazy "I'm sorry, but if I see 195 pounds of pure hatred hurling toward me faster than when Mrs. Patrice got divorced I'm screaming for my life" Finney laughed at the ridiculous statement and Griffin hit his arm.

"Dude I'm serious that's fucking scary! Like–imagine PINBALL VANCE HOPPER running at you like you beat his pinball score" Finney laughed even harder as they reached the end of the stairs "I'm being serious! Why are you laughing!?" Griffin asked, despite also laughing himself "Why are YOU laughing" Finney chuckled. Griffin groaned with a smile "Because YOU'RE laughing–and I asked first!" He stated, both turning into the kitchen. Mrs. Stagg glanced at them with a sweet smile as she watched them sit at the table. She set down two glasses of orange juice. They both looked up and thanked her, Griffin then turned to Finney and made a 'go on' motion. Finney rolled his eyes as he reaches for his glass to take a sip "Oh my–because Vance is actually a chill guy" he almost spat out his drink from how Griffin looked at him.

"What do you mean chill guy? I've WATCHED him pummel two kids faces in because they took the last two bags of skittles at the gas station, take said candy, then pay all in less than 10 minutes" Griffin said, and Finney sighed "Yeah I know, but here's the thing–Vance is chill, just don't piss him off" Griffin looked at him with wide eyes and furrowed brows "HE'S ALWAYS PISSED OFF" he shouted and Finney laughed. Then, Mrs. Stagg placed two plates in front of them with a raised brow. They both thanked her as she got back up to get her own plate "So boys, who's this Vance guy?" She asked and Griffin looked ready to go on a tangent.

"Oh mom I dunno, maybe a PSYCHO lemme tell you all the stuff I've seen let alone heard alright? Okay so-" Finney watched as grffin began to rant. He watched Mrs. Stagg sit down with her own plate of food and smiled as she listened to her son talk. He watched Griffin detach from the main point of his story to start another then go back to the main point only for him to do it again later. He saw him spill a piece a food and Mrs. Stagg laugh. Finney smiled at the scene.
Such a perfect scene, he thought.
The curtains were open and the sun shined on them in such a beautiful way. Almost as if it shined for them to bask in.

Finney could imagine them eating like this every day. That Griffin would talk about his day and his mom would listen and vise versa. He imagined the lights on and it being jubilantly loud. The complete opposite of his home. Where you needed to be quiet, where it needed to be dark. But here, here you could feel the vibrance and the familial love and it was beautiful.
Why it should be like this every day, and it was going to. In moments like this, in these, moments of clarity Finney always came back to the thought of the basement. How the boys were before it. He doesn't know if they were happy before but he was gonna make sure they were.

"Oh yeah that's fine! In fact I'll drop you off if you'd like!" Finney snapped out of his thoughts as he looked over to Mrs. Stagg. "No that's okay mom, we'll be okay right Rosey?" Griffin asked, looking over at Finney with a smile which he gladly returned.

"Of course"

---------------

"So you're telling me you're telling me you own a pair of skates but you've never skated?" Finney asked, watching as Griffin tied the laces of his neon green skates. The skating rink was filled with people from their school. Everything was bright and different colored neon lights flashed and blinked everywhere. The carpets were miss match colors and it smelled of nachos and hot dogs. Probably because they chose a table near the food stand. "Yeah, I got them like, a month ago but I just haven't gone until now" Griffin said, adjusting the tongue of his skate. He stood up wobbly and almost fell forward before yanking at Finney's arm "Oh fu- jeeze buggy am I gonna have to get you one of those little rolly helpers?" Finney asked smugly and Griffin gave him the finger.

They both skated, well Griffin more shuffled than skated but they both reached the entrance of the rink. Griffin slowly stepped in, holding onto the side for dear life. Finney stepped on no problem and even skated in front of him. "Show off" Griffin scoffed with a smile "You know it" Finney replied, giving finger guns. Griffin sighed and clenched his fist before grabbing onto Finney's arm. "If I fall I'm taking you with me" Griffin muttered and Finney smiled at the wobble in his legs.

Finney held his arm and they began to skate. Other people flew past them and occasionally a person with a roller helper passed by. There was even a guy with no skates, he was just walking around on the rink. Finney and Griffin watched a girl jump and twirl in mid air with skates and land unharmed. "Now that's just fucking magic for something what the hell" Griffin exclaimed and Finney laughed. They weren't even halfway around the rink and two four minute songs had already been played on the speakers.
While Griffin tried to get the hang of it and skate without holding onto the sides like it was his lifeline, Finney looked around the place.

A few little kids with their parents skating with the helpers and people on dates.
Kids from their school littered the place. Most of them sitting at their tables talking instead of actually skating. A fight had broken out between two groups and were escorted outside before it got serious. Most of them were popular and this was known to be their hangout spot.
Supposedly because the people who work here don't care if you drink, smoke, or do any other drugs as long as there's nothing physical then they ignore it. Finney's eyes scanned the crowds of tables, watching kids share cigarettes and even one guy snort something in a corner.

That was until his eyes landed on someone with black hair. Someone with black hair and a baseball hat. Who wore a baseball jacket.
It was Bruce, but it wasn't a TOTAL surprise to see him here, he was a popular guy after all. He gets along with everyone. Finney used to hear about him at his school despite him going to a completely different one.
He watched Bruce talk with two other guys. They ate chips and drank soda while Bruce seemed to have nothing. Griffin suddenly tugged in his arm.
"Hm?" He hummed and Griffin looked wide eyed "What?" He gasped "You see Moose?" He asked and Griffin pointed to a table that was mostly covered in darkness next to the party rooms. "That's pinball Vance Hopper" Griffin whispered and Finney squinted his eyes to look at the dark corner. And sure enough, Vance Hopper was sitting alone at the table, eating skittles and smoking. "That's weird..." Finney mumbled and Griffin must've heard because he nodded "Uh, yeah. I thought his hangout spot was the Grab n' go" he mumbled.

But what surprised Finney most was that Robin sat down with Vance. "What the fuck?" He didn't mean to say it out loud "Exactly" Griffin agreed, nodding his head as he began to skate–wobble again. Finney skated beside him, still staring at Robin.

What was he doing with Vance?

----------------

"Yeah and I literally watched Samantha walk out with cigarettes. They weren't even hidden well they were sticking out of her pocket!" Griffin  rambled and Finney took a sip of grape soda. "Yeah I know, she doesn't even try to cover up the smoke smell"

They had been there for two hours already. The place was still bustling and Robin and Vance were still sitting in the dark corner table. Just what the hell are they doing? Finney glanced at them every once in a while and even at Bruce when he got up to actually skate.
This was a little weird to say the least. It was odd to see all of his boys in one place. Griffin, Bruce, Robin, Vance; Billy just needed to be there to complete the group and it was weird everything was going smoothly. So far the grabber hadn't made any appearance, Finney even checked outside to be safe. Sure he didn't know exactly when Griffin was kidnapped but he knows it's this week and he's not taking any chances.

He looked back at Griffin and noticed his eyes looking behind Finney instead of at him. They were weary. As he was about to turn around, ready to defend, an arm landed on his shoulder and he flinched. "Finney?" He fully turned around...it was Billy. "Oh- Billy? Hey, what are you doing here?" He asked, glad he didn't punch Billy in the face on accident.
"Oh, well I do side deliveries yknow? I just dropped off two boxes of corn dog sticks and I saw you" Billy explained and he glanced at Griffin. "Uh who's this?" He asked and Griffin perked up at the mention of himself. "Oh that's  Griffin he's my friend" Wow felt weird calling him but his real name after calling him buggy for so long. Griffin greeted Billy with a hand shake and Billy returned the favor. "Hey you wanna sit with us?" Finney asked and Billy looked hesitant.

"I mean like if it's okay with you–and you, yknow I wouldn't wanna bother and I don't even have skates or-or-or any like snack money so-" Billy rambled but Finney patted his shoulder "It's good I got it!" Finney reassured and Billy stared for a second, glancing at Finney and at Griffin before a small smile settled on his face.
He sighed "Okay" he said, sitting down at the table. "So what are you doing here?" He asked "He's never been skating so I thought it was high-time he did" Finney replied and Billy looked wide eyed. "You've NEVER been skating?" He asked with a chuckle and Griffin turned rosey.
"Yeah but I like it...plus I find it to be a weird first time" Griffin replied softly.

"How so?" Billy asked
"Well I saw Pinball Vance for starters" he explained and Billy's eyes almost pop out of his head. "PINBALL VANCE" he yelled, good thing the music was loud. Griffin laughed and nodded.
Finney watched them talk. They clicked, and Finney just couldn't help but smile. It was a nice change from this morning. It was content.

He wonders if all of his boys met it would be this nice. He sure hopes it is.

Chapter Text

Robin Arellano considered himself a pretty chill guy. He even kicked kids asses smoothly and calmly. But he knew he had a habit of flipping the lid when it came to Finney. Can you blame him? Finney wasn't a fighter and was his best friend for years and for years to come.

I mean he's basically bully repellent to Finney. Hell, he even punched a teacher in the face once because Finney told him said teacher embarrassed him in front of his entire social studies class. He got an earful from his mother for that one. So when he started to notice the notorious Pinball Vance Hopper following Finney around at school, he figured something was up.
Finney had talked about Vance at one of their sleepovers which was already suspicious enough as it is but it was just plain weird that Vance joined them in math class one day after just skipping most the semester.
The afterwards started following Finney to his classes. It was weird considering Vance never acknowledge anyone unless he was mad at them or needed something from them.

So that's why Robin was at the skating rink. For answers, and how does he know Vance is there? It's a small town, what do you expect?
It was loud and smelled of smoke and weed. He gagged at the smell and he swore he almost passed our from all the flashing neon lights.
Robin scanned the crowd, walking past the booth where you needed to pay to get in, the guy in it giving only a tired glance.

Wow how professional.

He almost got ran into a few times and honestly was about to just walk out and hope to catch Vance another time but then there he was.
Pinball Vance Hopper in a his glory, sitting in the darkest and furthest corner, smoking a cigarette.
He walked over to him and Vance spared him a glance before going back to smoking. Robin just stared him down for a good minute.
Vance put out the tiny cigarette in his hand before flicking it onto the carpeted ground. He took another out his pocket. Lighting it, he took a long drag from it before sighing. "What?" He asked, clearly annoyed. Robin sat himself down and Vance eyed him.

"What are you sticking around Finney for?" He asked and Vance now seemed to be more..willing to be in the conversation. He raised a brow "Fuck you mean?" He asked, taking another drag of his cigarette. "I mean you following him at school and him beating up two sophomores for you" Robin said and he thinks he almosted popped a blood vessel when he saw Vance's mouth twitch upward with a smile.
"Hah, yeah what about it?" Vance asked and Robin sighed to calm himself. "I'm just making sure you're not planning some weird shit alright?" And Vance chuckled a little and robin could feel his eye twitch

"What are you? His guard dog?" Vance questioned pulling out an almost empty bag of skittles. "Lo juro por Dios- look it's just weird you of all people start hanging around Fin, of all people" Robin stated and watched Vance as he ate some of his skittles silently and scrunched his face when he ran out. Robin sighed "Alright, I can wait" he said and leaned back against the wall and Vance watched with an amused smile as he leaned back and closed his eyes.

-------------------------

Finney was in disbelief. How could Robin and Vance just sit in the exact same spot for two hours straight without saying a thing to each other. Earlier it appeared they were talking about something but now it was radio silence.

He turned to the rink where Bruce skated alone. Finney squinted 'Weren't there two other guys with him?" He thought as he watched and waited to see the two guys Bruce was with to come back. No one showed so he watched as Bruce skated alone. Kinda sad honestly, for someone so popular he seemed to be rather lonely. Finney looked back at Griffin and Billy who seemed to be getting along well. Finney liked that, if the others got a long just as swimmingly then his plan would fall into perfect place.

A few more minutes went by of Finney glancing at each different part of the rink. From his table, to the rink, and then to the dark corner table, before ultimately deciding to take a somewhat skip of faith. "Hey I'll be right back, I'm going to the bathroom" Billy and Griffin turned to Finney and both nodded as he got up to leave.
They watched him go in silence, watching him dodge other skaters and a few kids running around. Griffin glanced at Billy "Nice isn't he?" He asked and Billy glanced back "Yeah" he responded before another pause of silence.
"Hey, how did you meet Rosey?" Griffin asked and Billy looked at him weird "You mean Finney?" He asked and Griffin turned a little red "Yeah sorry" Billy chuckled with a smile.

"Well, I don't know if you know this but he works at a dog clinic, shelter thing right? My dog went mis–her names Bessie–my dog went missing and she needs up at the shelter. He's the one who found her and-and then he was all like 'You go to my school?' And I was all like 'yeah' then he ended up offering to deliver papers with me and I just thought it was really nice yknow?" Billy finished his rant and Griffin looked a little surprised "Wow does he do that everyday?" He asked and Billy shook his head "Nah just every other" Griffin nodded before a pause of silence.
"So uh, how'd you meet him" Billy asked and Griffin perked up "Oh well I was out yknow, and it started to rain and I forgot an umbrella, hell I even forgot a sweater and he just happened to be there. He offered to walk me home and even gave me his jacket–oh and he was also carrying some snacks from the grab n' go and he let me have some" Billy nodded "Guess he's just a nice person isn't he?" Billy asked and Griffin paused broke smiling "Yeah really nice" he said and they both shared a comfortable silence as they both had their thoughts linger on Finney.

--------------

Contrary to what Finney said, he didn't go to the bathroom. Instead he moved to one of the snack stands. "That'll be 7 dollars and 50 cents" Finney nodded to the cashier, handing him a ten dollar bill and putting his wallet back in his pocket. "Thank you" he said, receiving his change and the multiple different Candy's, which he stuffed in his pocket.

Finney decided he was gonna ask Vance to sit as his table, and yes he did buy skittles for bribery. I mean why not? But first, Bruce was going to be the first addition to his table. Starting out simple yknow, before going to the two fighting machines in the corner.
He skated over to the rink entrance, making sure none of the boys noticed, made sure to put up his hood just in case. Bruce was just a little ahead of him so he skated a little bit faster till he was right behind him. "Bruce?" He made it sound like a question rather than a statement. Bruce flinched in surprise then turned around, smiling once he noticed it was him.
"Oh hey Finney, I didn't know you where here" he said, bright smile on his face.

Finney smiles back "Me neither man–hey I was wondering if you were here with anyone" and Bruce shook his head "I was but they kinda bailed on me" Finney nodded and they skated for a little bit before Finney decided it was a good time to pop the question "Oh, you could sit with my table if you want" Bruce looked a little flushed "Oh no I wouldn't want to impose on you and your friends" he said nervously and Finney chuckled "Nah man I want you sitting with us, plus I gotta ask you about Gwen's next play date with Amy" Finney encouraged and Bruce smiled brighter "Alright lemme just use the bathroom and I'll go okay?" He started to skate away before Finney grabbed his shoulder.

Turning around Bruce was greeted with three bags of pop rocks. Finney gestured to take them and Bruce gasped a little "Oh my god I love these!" He exclaimed and reached his hand out to take them. But not before looking at Finney for an assuring look to take them. "Thanks Finney!" Bruce said and Finney waved it off "No problem, and our table is right next to the DJ's booth!" Bruce gave a thumbs up and put the candy in his pocket before skating away.
Finney watched him leave, before sighing and turning to leave the rink. 'Okay time for the big guns' he thought as he skated toward the dark corner.

He skated past groups of teens smoking and caught eye of a few beers and one make out session. It smelled awful and Finney wanted to hurry and get Robin, Vance, and himself out of there. Neither of them seemed to notice him skating over, perhaps the hood hid it.
"Robin?" He asked, once he got close enough and Robin looked at him in shock and Vance also glanced at him in surprise "Finn? Hey, what are- uh what are you doing here?" Robin seemed a little skittish which made him suspicious. He wasn't doing anything bad back here was he?

"I was here with some friends, you wanna come sit with us?" He asked and Robin looked at him smugly "Friends? Finn you can't count Gwen-" Finney smacked him with a smile "Oh my god it's not Gwen dickwad" they both laughed.
"Fine, I'm coming I'm coming" he said, getting up and clasping onto Finney's arm. As he began to walk Robin noticed Finney didn't follow, instead he stood staring at Vance. Robin raised a brow, looking between them. Vance also raised a brow and Finney pulled a bag of skittle out of his pocket before making eye contact for a good minute. Seeing if the bribe was gonna work.

Vance took one long last drag of his cigarette before taking the skittles and getting up. Finney smiled and grabbed Robin's arm. He happily walked back to his table, Robin beside and Vance following behind. As Robin  was about to say something Finney pulled out a thing of Zotz and handed it to him with a smile.
Robin chuckles fondly as he takes it and keeps himself quiet with a smile. Finney could see Bruce leave the bathroom and knew if they walked just a tad bit faster they'd meet and then go to his table. Bruce noticed Finney with a smile but soon it turns into surprise as he notices Vance and Robin.

They both meet at his table and Finney watched Griffin and Billy's mouth go slack as they come face to face with Pinball Vance Hopper, Bruce Yamada, and Robin Arellano. Finney waves and sits down with Robin still beside him.
Bruce takes a seat next to Billy and Vance at the farthest end of the table. Griffin pulls Finney closer to him and whispers in his ear.
"I thought you said you were going to the bathroom! This-" he gestures to their new seat mates "isn't going to the bathroom" Finney chuckles "relax it isn't the end of the world, plus" Finney pulls out a bag of twizzlers and handed it to Griffin. He takes the bag and stares at it before opening it begrudgingly and eating one.

Finney shakes his head "Twizzlers are nasty" he mumbled and Griffin mocked offence "Kiss my ass these are fucking delicious" Griffin exclaimed and Finney puckered his lips but yelped when Griffin shoved a twizzler in his mouth. Finney pulled it out, fake gagging "I think I saw my life flash before my eyes" he said, Griffin rolling his eyes. Billy chuckled "That's a little over dramatic don't you think?" He asked and Finney turned to him "Maybe, but don't you think basically having a break down over not wearing you're favorite jacket is dramatic?" Billy hugged himself and held his own jacket "It's a very nice jacket thank you" Billy said and before Finney could retort Griffin gasped

Finney whipped his head around "What? Did you see Moose?" He asked and Griffin shook his head "No it's just Matty and his gang" Finney lost all tension in his shoulders and looked in the direction Griffin was and put his hand up to his chest "Oh god he looks like Ronald McDonald on crack" Finney mumbled and from the end of the table Vance's lip twitched upward. Finney noticed and smirked "Did I, Finney Blake, just make pinball Vance smile?" He asked and the other boys turned to look at him "No" he stated simply "Oh but I think I did" Finney said and Robin leaned against him "I dunno man, I think I saw a smile but I dunno I don't have my glasses" Finney huffed a laugh "Of course you don't, you never have them"

"Wait you wear glasses?" Bruce suddenly piped up "Yes, yes he does. He just doesn't wear them because he thinks they make him look nerdy" Robin hit his shoulder "No! They're just practical in a fight" he defended and Finney hummed not believing him "I'm serious!" He exclaimed while Finney turned away "Well glasses make people look rather distinguished" Bruce chimed and Robin looked at him with a scrunched face "What?" He asked but before Bruce could go into depth Robin started again "look, they just aren't practical when fighting!" He explained
"You can't fight if you can't fucking see" Vance chimed in and Robin turned to him with a blank expression "That's true" Billy commented

"You shouldn't be fighting anyway" Finney scolded and Robin turned to defend himself but Vance spoke first "Imagine you're fighting and you hit somebody else thinking it's the person you're beefing with cause you can't see shit" Robin threw his hands up "That's not how glasses work!" He exclaimed and Vance just shrugged taking another handful of skittles into his mouth. Speaking of candy he didn't give billy his. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bag of gummy worms. Finney watched a smile grace Billy's face, such excitement and graduate being shown from merely receiving a bag of candy. "Thanks Finney" he said, opening them straight away.

Finney simply nodded as he turned his eyes to observe the others eat their candy. Bruce saw him looking and gestured a packet of strawberry pop rocks toward him. He took it with a smile.
"So when do you think Gwen can have a play date with Amy?" Finney asked, opening the pop rocks "Ah, it can be next weekend because she has a project this week and a decathlon meet"
Finney looked happily surprised "Decathlon? That's amazing, she's really smart"
"Yeah, I'm really proud of her! Oh and I have to say again I appreciate you tutoring man" Finney brushed it off "Not a big deal, I tutor Robin all the time-" Robin interrupted "Okay not ALL the time" Finney gave him a blank look.

"Yes I do" Robin shook his head "Yknow I pegged you to suck at history instead of math but color me surprised" Griffin quiped and Robin looked offended. "What the hell does that mean? And I'm not THAT bad at math!" Robin defended and Finney couldn't help but snort at the lie.
Robin whipped his head to look at Finney and faked hurt. "And I thought you were on my side"
"I am!" He laughed and Robin shook his head again. The group laughed–Vance only giving an unnoticeable smile.

Small talk continued as time went by. Finney could only explain this to be pure bliss.
Nothing else could explain it. This was what true happiness felt like and his boys had gotten along so well. What more could he ask? Nothing is his answer, because he already got what he needed.

All he needed to do was insure it.

Chapter Text

The mind works in strange ways. Disgusting ways even, and an example of the mind being oh so vile would be non other than Albert Shaw's.
Thought he'd beg to differ, after all his mind had shown him such a wonderful thing. And that thing was the boy in his dreams–or rather, of his dreams. Disgusting yes, but to him sweeter than any candy you could taste.

Albert was sure he had the dream for a reason and Albert Shaw was also sure he saw the boy enter the skating rink. He was sure of it.

He nervously circled the block a few times. This was a bad idea, surely it was. He should be more careful. After all he was going to take the boy. It wouldn't be good if people saw him lingering around him. It would draw lots of suspicion but...he wanted a look.

No.

He NEEDED to take a look. He needed to see his pretty little face. He needed to see the boy he would take to be his. Albert Shaw was a disgusting man and he was fine to say it because he didn't care.

======

The air was once filled with the scent of weed, cigarette smoke, and the feel of joy. I mean the scent of weed and cigarettes were still present yes but the feeling? Where did it go wrong?

What was with the sudden change? Earlier, Finney had felt completely at ease. Laughing and enjoying himself with his boys but something changed. He no longer felt safe and a sickening feeling twisted in his gut.

He kept glancing around him. He kept trying to look for the grabber without making it obvious to the others. He didn't want them to notice just how nervous he truly was. He didn't want them to notice his fear or his anger. For himself and for them. Robin tapped his arm. When he looked over he was met with a look of worry. It practically was nonverbally asking if he was okay. Finney smiled at the consideration before nodding. The nod was hesitant which led to Robin not believing him of course.

He shook his head lightly, trying to rid of the shiver in his spine. He felt dirty for some reason. So he sat straighter and also began glancing around them. Just in case.

Robin noticed Finney's behavior. It was akin to when he was at school, searching for Buzz and his little gang to see if he needed to run. To prepare for a beat down. It was fear–or anxiety at the very least. So he sat straighter, scooting just a little closer to Finney.

Vance noticed Robin sit straighter and glanced at Finney. He seemed to be on edge which cause him to also feel on edge. He copied them both; sitting straighter and clenching his fists. Reaching into his pocket and pulling out a switch blade. He held it in clenched fist like something would magically pop out of nowhere and he needed to swing. If Finney wasn't feeling safe then something was wrong.

And...he could feel it too. Vance felt something wrong and vile gurgle in his stomach. He felt something similar to phantom pain and it ached in his chest. And for some reason his eyes forced themselves to look at Finney's neck.
'What if-' yeah he wasn't gonna dwell on any ideas or theories on Finney's scars. Wasn't any of his business unless Finney made it his business.

Billy, Griffin and Bruce didn't seem to notice that Finney, Robin, and Vance straightened but they surly felt something as they now looked less comfortable.

Finney's eyes darted around the rink. Food, rink, popular kids table. Food, rink, popular kids table. Food, rink, popular kids table. Food, rink, popular-

Then he saw him. He swore he felt his blood run cold and his heart stop just like it did before. Albert Shaw, better known as the grabber entered the skating rink in all his fucked up glory
His heart began to pound–good he was glad it was still pumping–and his eyes widened. He put his hood on swiftly and kept his eyes trained on Albert. The monster seemed to be analysing the area. It was as if he was looking for something. It was as if he was looking for someone. Oh shit...he knew they were there. And he was looking for them. There was no way he could take all of them, and in such a crowded place no less. There was just no way....but that didn't do anything to settle his worries. He didn't want the grabber to even look in their direction. Finney didn't want to allow his eyes to gaze on his boys. Only he was allowed to cherish them, unlike the grabber who had defiled and tarnished them.

"H-Hey! We should go to the ice cream place a few blocks down!" He exclaimed, as he kept glancing back and forth between the grabber and the table.
"But I don't think I have any mon-" Finney shook his head frantically "NO! No it's okay, I can pay!" Robin gave him a look of suspicion. He looked at what finney's kept glancing at.

It was a man. He had wrinkles, gray hair–kinda greasy, and pale skin. Overall he seemed like a regular older man. But Robin's gut wouldn't allow himself to believe it. There was something about that man that made his stomach do flips and he suddenly felt irritation creep up his neck. He was also apparently freaking Finney out, so yeah not a good sign. He was about to ask if Finney was alright and about the creepy man but he stood abruptly.

"C'mon! I'll even walk you all home after!" Of course he was going to walk them home after seeing the fucking grabber. Not to mention, how did he know they were there? He didn't know what Mrs. Stagg car looked like right? Oh my god what if he did. Would he take Griffin from his home? Holy crap what if he knew where all his boys lived. What if...he knew where HE lived. Gwen wouldn't be safe. He needed to leave, and he needed to leave now.

"Are you sure? We didn't tell my mom since it wasn't part of the pl-" Finney grabbed Griffin hands and squeezed them tight. "Please" was all he said. He couldn't be bothered to think of an excuse and he didn't have enough energy to try and convince him. Finney had way too much on his mind. Mostly utter terror for his boys and Gwen's future wellbeing, plus murder.

Billy stared at Finney's face, at his face of worry and desperation. Billy felt something at the moment and it wasn't a feeling of joy or even relatively positive. It was the same feeling he felt that day. The day when Finney first started delivering papers with him. When the man in the black van stopped and asked them a question. "Okay, let's go" he said and noticed Finney's sigh of relief.

Billy knew something was off, it's as if his brain wrote a big warning sign in bright neon colors. Making his fight or flight go off even if there seemed to be nothing relatively dangerous other than Moose and the weed he smoked.
"C'mon!" Finney rushed, grabbing Robins arm who let himself be dragged away from the table and to the exit. Robin let himself be dragged, deciding to drag the answers out of Finney later. Vance also began to get out of his seat. Switch blade still in hand, out and ready. Which then lead the other boys to follow.

Finney saw Albert go to the bathroom, perhaps to make himself look less suspicious. I mean if you saw a haggard and sleezy looking man with seemingly no children at a place teenagers were known to hang out at for no reason, wouldn't you be suspicious? But Finney knew exactly why he was here, to take Griffin. Or maybe he was here to take him. Or any of the other boys!
It didn't matter who, they just needed to get out of there quick.

They walked out the door. Finney noticed the black van parked in the far back, seems the grabber tried to hide it in some way by putting it afar but failing due to the size. And Finney would noticed the van no matter where or when it appeared. He'd always notice the van that took him. They began to leave, Finney taking up a fast pace which the others all followed.
Finney leaned into Robin, as if covering him from being noticed by anyone. That anyone being the grabber if he popped up at any moment. Robin tugged at his arm and he looked to see a concerned face. 'What's wrong?' Robin didn't have to say it; it was practically written on his face. Finney contemplated telling the entire truth in that moment. The truth of how he died and how Robin himself died to.The truth that Finney planned to murder someone. Spilling all his worries and sorrows. But settled for...

"That van, the black one with abracadabra written on it. Don't go near it–you see it coming to you; you run or you go to someone's house and ask to be let in you hear?" Robins face showed nothing but concern and confusion. "Fin what-" Finney clutched Robins arm so hard he thought he cut Robins blood circulation "Please" it was shaky and simple yet it was desperate and an order more than anything.
Robin's face hardened and a pause before he nodded. Got it, the magic van is bad news.

Finney sighed in relief at Robins agreement. Now all they had to do was get to the ice cream place.

Then, he'll make a call.

==============

"I fucking hate mint" Vance stated mildly and Robin looked at him slack jawed. "Mint is fucking amazing pinball" Vance glanced down at him before rolling his eyes.

Finney watched them begin to argue about ice cream. Bruce, Griffin, and Billy on the other hand discussed what they were gonna get while looking over the various amounts of flavors to choose from. He watched, no, admired them head in hands. They got along so well.
"I will die with chocolate chip mint pinball!"
"Then die with it you bandana loving weirdo"
Well, more or less got along but all the same.
He chuckles at the squabble before having his attention focus on Griffin who left Billy and Bruce. "Hey" he started off slow as if Finney needed to be handled carefully at the moment.

"Yes?" He asked softly and watched Griffin glance at the other boys. Once he made sure they were all occupied he leaned in a little bit.
"Are you okay Finney?" Woah okay, Griffin must be very concerned if he used his real name.
"Why wouldn't I be" Finney asked, trying to chuckled it off even though he knew damn well he wasn't. Griffin sighed and Finney knew he wasn't being very believable. "I heard you throwing up this morning," uh oh "and you were acting off at the skating rink" Finney just stared at Griffin. Stared into his eyes and the concern shown in them. The chatter of other people around them becoming dull. "No" he whispered, the answer almost going unheard because of how quiet it was. Finney reached for Griffin's hand.

"But I'm going to tell you what's wrong I promise" by the look Griffin gave him, he didn't believe Finney whatsoever. It was understandable, I mean, Finney was a liar. He put his hand up in mock surrender "I just need time, but I'll tell you, I'll tell all of you," he reached his hand out, closing his hand to only leave his pinky figure out. "I just need some time" Griffin looked between Finney's finger and his face before returning the favor. Finney smiled before reaching into his pocket for a 20 dollar bill. He handed it to Griffin "Can you please get me cookies and cream, I need to make a call real quick" Griffin nodded "Of course, cup or cone?" Finney smiled as he got up "Cup" Griffin nodded and left to the counter.

He turned to the phone by the bathrooms and left to call Gwen. He needed a second pair of eyes and ears.

Chapter Text

Gwen nearly had a heart attack when the house phone rang.

She rushed to it, but not without almost tripping over a beer bottle and smashing her face in. Quickly picking it up she gave a quick glance at the hallway and strained her ears to see if her dad woke up. Hearing nothing she sighed in relief and answered the phone. "Blake residents, Gwen speaking"

"Gwen it's me" oh, it was Finney. What could he possibly be calling for? At her own internal question a wave of horrible thoughts washed over her. Things like 'what if he was being watched by the grabber?' Or perhaps 'what if he was attacked and needed help?' It was a relief when found to be none of those things.

"Gwen...." He started out hesitant and that made her nervous. "Yeah?" She asked, awaiting the question that could mean something bad, terrible, or horrifying. There was a sigh on the other line. "Gwen I know I said I didn't want you involved and I don't. I really, really don't." Gwen rolled her eyes

She sighed, a little exasperated "Finney..I know you're worried about my saftey I know, but I want that monster gone and I want as much blood on my hands as yours will be" Finney smiled on the other line, even though Gwen couldn't see it.
"I know and I appreciate that, but it's dangerous....and that's why I'm hestitant to ask this of you" she groaned "Just tell me! Finney you're an ass okay? But your also my brother and I have to like, care about you and shit. So spill before I find where you are and whoop your ass!" she exclaimed–but not too loudly–and laughter filled the line. "Okay message taken asshole..." His voice faded a bit. A pause of contemplation.

"I know what street he lives on," there a pause as Gwen took in the information. "Are you sure?' She asked quietly and was only answered with a hum on the other line. She bit her lip a little, and picked at the skin. "What street?" She awaited an answer and when there was none she repeated herself but in a much more stern way.
"What street Finney?"

She heard a sigh and some shuffling on the other line. "He lives on Hooler street. I went with Billy on his paper route and he ended up slowing down next to us and asked if we'd gone down it" Gwens stomach churned a little at the thought of The Grabber being so close to Finney. Being at arms length with a kidnapper. "Listen Gwen, I want you to bike down the street okay? But all I want you to do is see if you can spot the van. No getting close to the house–you see it, you get out of there, understand?"

Gwen would say she understood but if she was being honest..if she did see the van and it was parked in the driveway of The Grabber's house she wouldn't do nothing. She could imagine herself walking up to the front door and knocking.

She would hear the door being unlocked and as soon as the door opened she'd punch the man square in the nose.
Off guard, he'd have no time to react and she'd rip both his ears off. Perhaps she'd bring a rock with her to bash his head i-
"Gwen, do you understand!" Right, Finney was still on the line. Reluctantly she answered "I understand"

Finney sighed "Good" and another moment of silence went by. A breath left Gwen as she heard Finney talking to someone on the other line.
"Gwen, I gotta go okay? Remember don't do anything other than look, and if you see it leave..." She nodded but Finney couldn't see it.
"....Gwen I love you; you know that right?" He asked and what a question it was.

Of course Gwen knew that. "Duh Finney.....Iove you too" she could practically feel his smile through the the phone. "I'll see you at home, bye Gwen!" She said her goodbyes and hung up the phone. Gwen stood there for a while, thinking of nothing. Her mind was blank as she listened to the hum of the fridge.

She glanced at the clock and then back at the phone before going back to her room.
At the moment she wore a pink dress and a sweater; pretty, but it wasn't exactly good attire for a getaway. If she was going to go to a neighborhood that had a kidnapper lurking around and she needed to get away, a dress wasn't gonna cut it. Instead, Gwen changed into dark navy overalls and a black shirt. Dark colors in case things got dicey.

She grabbed her school satchel and dumped out all her school supplies and instead replaced them with kitchen knives and a can of paper spray. Finney had insisted she got it just in case.
Maybe a big rock would also be good to pack.
She slung her satchel over her shoulder and made sure to lock the door quietly as she left.

She adjusted her satchel and put her hair into a ponytail. Sucking in a deep breath she went to the side of the house and grabbed her barley used bike out of the vines that seemed to grow on the bike. It needed to be dusted down and probably cleaned extra thoroughly but it didn't matter at the moment.

All she needed to do was find where a kidnapper lived. Easy right?

===========================

'My hands are sore' Gwen had thought.

Her hands gripped the handle bars so hard her knuckles turned white. For some reason her stomach grew tighter and tighter the closer she got to Hooler street. What also seemed odd was that the closer she got, the emptier the streets became.

It was as if people knew not to come down the street. Perhaps they also had a bad feeling about it, a voice in their head that warned them not to approach because something dangerous lived here. And if Finney was right, then there was in fact something–or rather someone living here which caused a feeling of impending doom.

It was quiet, eerily so as even the birds silenced their chirps and no dogs barked aloud for all to hear. A shiver ran down her spine.

There were plenty of cars in plenty of people's driveways. A yellow bug, a white Jeep, Corvette stingrays–but no black van. She grew antsy as she still found no sign of it and was about to go ahead and turn back. But then there it was. In all it's awful glory.

She came to an abrupt stop as her eyes took in the image of a black van with the word 'abracadabra' painted in green letters, sitting in the driveway of an old house. Gwen didn't do anything. In fact, she thought she stopped breathing as she just stared at the vehicle.
She could picture her brother being taken and shoved into the back of it. No one noticing the abduction and it would silently drive away. Then Finney would be brought inside, somehow also going unnoticed; never to be seen again.

Gwen gagged at the thought before looking between her bike and the house.

Finney had said not to go up to the door. To leave as soon as she saw it...but something pulled her to it. Deep inside she wanted to go up to the door and knock. The Grabber would open the door curiously, wondering why a little girl would be knocking on his door.
Then she'd tell him she knew everything; watch color drain from his face. And for the finale, she'd pull a knife out of her satchel and stab him.

Not the best idea considering it was broad daylight, she'd have no alibi, and her clothes would probably be covered in blood.

Plus, she'd want Finney to have the first hit. It was only fair.

Oh hey, the windows were open. Maybe she'd go up to them and get a sneak peek inside. See what he looked like. She sighed as thoughts circled her mind and picked at her lip.
She shouldn't linger around too long, or else someone would notice. And that someone could be The Grabber. Gwen shivered at the thought of his disgusting eyes looking at her.
It would be best to go now–besides it was getting dark and the night was much more dangerous than the day.

With that, she turned her bike around and pedaling fast as she could, she prayed her father was still asleep.

==============

Gwen stood outside her house. Her eyes stared hard at the living room window.

The light was on. She turned it off when she left.

She'd been standing outside just staring for so long. No movement, no fidgeting. Just the awareness sinking in of the inevitable fate that was behind the front door. Knowing full well that yelling and perhaps even a few hits would come her way. Gwen had been so focused on the window she didn't notice Finney coming up behind her.

He stood next to her, also staring into the window. "Finney" she stated plainly
"Gwen" he stated back as they gave each other a glance. They stayed there in silence, contemplating if they'd rather sleep outside than go into the house and get yelled at. Gwen almost went with staying outside. Anything was better than being hit. Finney on the other hand didn't exactly like the feeling of sleeping cold and with nothing but his own clothes for warmth.
He'd already had plenty of that. Finney tapped her arm and she went to put up her bike.

He walked to the door, Gwen following as she had swung her satchel around her shoulder.

Pulling out his keys, Finney gripped his backpack tightly before turning it. Music spilled out the door and a dim light came from the living room. It felt nostalgic, in it's own messed up way,
They walked in, calmly taking off their shoes and setting them neatly at the door. Gwen clasped his hand as they both walked painstakingly slow to the living room. They both shivered a little when they saw Terrance sitting in his chair staring at nothing. Bottles littered the ground and the one in his hand was half empty.

"Hello daddy" Gwen whispered as she dipped her head in respect. Finney did the same but without a verbal greeting. Terrance tapped his finger on the chair, his deep breathes splitting silence and his furrowed brows telling worst was to come.
"Gwenny" he said and it scared them a little at how calm his voice was. "Yes daddy?" She asked even quieter than before. He huffed and shifted in his chair. "Where'd ya go? Hm?"

"I went to Susie's daddy. I left some of my school papers at her house" she excused, making sure her eyes never left the floor. He hummed, nodding his head and rocked back and fourth in his chair. "Boy" he said, more aggressively than when he was addressing Gwen. "Yes?" He asked

"Where did you go?" His voice was much more stern. "I was out with my friends," he watched Terrance stop rocking "the ones from my baseball team" Terrance nodded and began rocking again. He never really did like Robin for some reason. Probably his personality. Robin  was too rebellious for his liking. He remembered when he pulled him aside, saying he was a bad influence. But then other times Terrance would forget Robin even existed.

He remembered before this life, when Robin had first gone missing. Terrance asked if he knew someone named Robin Arellano, forgetting that Finney did indeed know him.

Terrance took the last swig of his beer before putting it down on the table next to him.
"C'mere" they both looked at each other before moving to stand next to Terrance's chair.

Without looking at them, he clutched the armrests of his chair. "Do you both think I'm fucking dumb?" They felt fear swirl in the pits of their stomach. "I've taught you better than to be forgetful Gwenny. And you can't lie to me boy. I know how teenagers are" Finney clentched his jaw but said nothing. He finally looked at them.
"Now tell me what the fuck you two were actually doing" it was a trick.

Terrance had a way of figuring out a way to hit them no matter what. If they had changed the answer in order to appease him, he'd grow angry at how they had lied. Even if they kept their same answer–insisting on it–he'd hit them and scream of what liars they were. Talk about trust issues. They said nothing and Terrance sighed; exasperated.

"I asked your mother..if she was fine" they both felt their eyes sting a little. It was never good when their mother was brought into the conversation. And it was extremely unnecessary at the moment. "She said 'yes of course I am' yknow" they saw him tense up and it made them tense up too. "But it was a fucking lie" his voice was shaky. But it was not of grief or sadness; it was of rage. "It was a fucking lie! So you better not be fucking lying to me goddamnit!" He screamed as he looked at them, his eyes red.

They said nothing, because no matter what they said, it'd always be the wrong answer.

Suddenly he grabbed Finney's jaw and he tried suppressing his yelp and Gwen her gasp.
"I want the truth dammit!" He yelled once more.
And once more they said nothing. Insisting would only hurt them more. Finney felt like his jaw was about to snap off from the grip. At the silence Terrance practically growled and threw Finney to the side as he abruptly stood to leave.

Finney hit the edge of the table and clutched his head. Gwen bent down to check it and only glanced back at Terrance once. She watched him walk away from the living room and heard him grab his keys. He was about to be drunk driving.

She hoped he crashed and died.

Gwen was surprised at her own thought but quickly waved it off in favor of checking finney's head. There was a cut on his brow, nothing too bad. It was actually miniscule compared to other times. "I'll go get the baindaids" Finney nodded as Gwen rushed to the bathroom.

Finney went into the kitchen for a paper towel. Blood was on his fingers and it was sticky.
He wondered if the grabbers blood would feel just like it. Gwen came back into the room with a box of baindaids. The cut would need at least three. She took them out and held them out to show him the pictures on it. Three baindaids, three red firetrucks.

He nodded and closed his eyes, letting her put them on his eyebrow. Finney sighed when she was done.

They sat in silence as they both looked at the baindaids and listened to the air conditioner buzz away. "I saw it" Gwen broke the silence.
Finney perked up "The van?" He asked and Gwen hummed with a nod. He nodded back before another minute of silence. "I saved Griffin" he mumbled and Gwen smiled at Finney's own proud smile. "Good" she paused "Who's next?" She asked and Finney smiled before turning full body to her. "Vance Hopper" her eyes widened and she opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out. She closed it for a second.
"That's-...woah holy crap" Finney nodded with a chuckle.

"I'll pray he doesn't beat your ass" she put her hands in a prayer motion. Finney chuckled and leaned back into his chair. "I'm going to bed okay?" He said as he got up and Gwen nodded.
"Yeah same here, today was fuckin something else" yeah it was. Sending the Gwen to scout the Grabber and his dad actually being home and awake? Least to say, it was eventful.

Before Finney rounded the corner, he stopped.
"...I plan to kill him before he even trys to go for Robin" Gwen didn't look at him but he felt the acknowledgement. "We. Plan to kill him" she quiped and Finney smiled at her words.

The words of the future and a sting to his brow, Finney collapsed into his bed, promising himself to shower in the morning.

.

.

.

.

𝘌𝘹𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘳
𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘥𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦
𝘉𝘰𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦–
𝘈𝘮 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴?
𝘚𝘸𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦

𝘐'𝘮 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨

Albert Shaw considered himself a poet.
Not officially no, but when he came to the boy in his dreams he'd be anything.

Perhaps writing a note of passion and giving it to the boy anonymously would draw suspicious.
Surely not the best idea of course. But oh how he couldn't help himself. Besides...there was this feeling..a feeling that told him the boy wouldn't go to the police and it was eerily strong.

And...he was right.

Finney found the note the next day. He'd parked his bike in front of the Grab n' go for a soda. Only for him to notice the note on his bike.
He didn't change his facial expression, nor did he even acknowledge it. All he did was get on it and ride away. Ignoring the feeling of eyes on him.

He did take a few unnecessary turns until he felt it dissapear though.
Gwen was surely going to have a fit.

Chapter Text

"Who does this fucking weirdo think he is? Shakespeare?" Gwen scoffed as she read the letter in front of the TV.

Finney shrugged as he made himself a bowl of cereal. "The man kidnaps children Gwen, of course he's fucking weird" she rolled her eyes and read the note again. She scoffed once more before crumpling it and setting it next to her. She rolled over onto her stomach as she watched cartoons absentmindedly. "So how we gonna kill him?" She asked calmly. Finney sat down next to her, bowl of cereal in his lap.

"Not sure, but I know one thing; it's going to be bloody" Gwen pursed her lips and nodded.
There was a a moment of silence as the TV played and as Finney ate. It was broken by a quiet laugh by Gwen. Finney glanced at her as he brought the spoon to his lips. "What?" He asked and she chuckles again. "Nothing–it's just.." She sat up and turned full body to him, head in hands. "You and me planning a murder–and doing it as if we're just talking about something more minuscule like school" she shrugged "Seems funny to me" Finney side-eyed her "You got a weird ass sense of humor" Gwen gave him a dead panned look. "Fuck you"

Finney rolled his eyes with a smile. He gave it more thought before chuckling to himself as well. They really were planning to kill a guy, and they did it so casually. He grabbed the wadded up paper and uncrumpled it. Reading over the words again, he wondered just how reckless The Grabber was. He sure as heck wasn't like this last time. Maybe he finally started losing his mind. Started to act loopy after a while.

Gwen rolled into her back and stared at the ceiling. She looked a little dazed. Finney raised a brow at her. She sighed and picked at her nails.

"Think of it Fin..we finally kill the motherfucker and it's smooth sailing from here," she turned to her side and stared forward "twenty years from now we're gonna be married–you to Robin, me to Susie–and we're gonna think back to now and we're going to" she paused to laugh "we're going to fucking–reminisce on how we killed a guy" Finney thought of it too. Robin would be outside next to Susie, both over the grill as they watch kids run around their yard. The other boys would be sitting in lawn chairs, chatting away as they sip on drinks. Finney and Gwen inside; preparing other foods. And they'd just talk and laugh as they remembered the day they both killed a man in cold blood as if it was a fond, and sweet memory.

And it would be. Killing The Grabber was going to be etched into their minds as a proud moment. Not one of fear, hate, or resentment, but one of justice, pride, and happiness.
He also imagined that Robin would know–maybe even the other boys–but that may be far-fetched.

Gwen kicked her feet giddly "Oh god, I look crazy being so excited to kill someone" Finney just smiled as he took a sip from his bowl. "You're not crazy Gwen, I'm just excited as you!" He exclaimed, trying to convince Gwen that it wasn't bad to want to rid the world of evil. In fact, it would be an act of good will if anything. "Guess your right" she didn't sound fully convinced but it was going to get there. "So when do you think Mr. I like children is gonna target Pinball Vance?" She asked, sitting up and turning the volume up on the TV.

Finney thought about it as he went up to go put his bowl away. Vance was kidnapped in spring and it was most likely on break. He remembered walking into the Grab n' go on a breezy Wednesday afternoon, only to find the pinball machine alone; no Vance Hopper in sight. Which in all honesty was very odd. It was spring break, if anything Vance should've never left it's side.
It was only when he saw the cashier put a missing poster in the window was he fully aware that Vance had been taken.

He stepped outside and gazed at the poster with a feeling he couldn't identify. Finney looked back between the poster and the pinball machine inside through the window and felt his stomach churn.

No one used the pinball machine after Vance went missing.

He shivered at the memory but shook it off.
"During spring break" he said, coming back into the room with a banana and an apple. "That's not too far away.." Gwen said wearily. Finney nodded and gestured the two fruit to her. She took the Apple and bit into it. "Okay, so ideas," she took another bite "how are we going to get The Grabber alone, kill him, and have an alibi" she muffled.

Finney sat next to her and peeled the banana "Well, I think I got the alibi covered" he stated proudly as Gwen raised a brow. He let the silence hang in the air for dramatic effect "Mr. Perliskye" Gwen raised both brows in surprise.
"Your boss? Really?" She asked with a squint and Finney nodded proudly.

"Yeah, besides we may not even need an alibi. Gwen, who's going to suspect two children of murder?" He asked lamely. Gwen nodded at the point. "True..but we dont even know how we're going to kill him yet" there was a silence as Finney chewed his lip, looking away. Gwen slowly looked at him. She squinted her eyes and looked him in the eyes. "You're not thinking of...killing him, here? Are you?" She asked and by the look of Finney's face, that's exactly what he had in mind.

Gwen groaned "Finney, that would mean that creepy ass man is going to be INSIDE our fucking house" Finney also groaned as he took a bite of his banana. "I know Gwen I know–but," he swallowed the food in his mouth "-if we kill him here it's less likely someone is to see us!" He defended.

Gwen scooted closer "What about the body? What're we gonna do with that?" She had a point. What would they do with the body?

Finney was about to spout ideas but was put to a halt when their house phone rang.
They felt the air still and the noise of ringing silenced all other sounds in the room. No longer did the fridge hum, nor did the air conditioner buzz, no. Just the sound of silence being broken with a ringing phone. They both gave a glance to one another before Finney stood and walked over to it. He leaned on the wall, and put the phone to his ear.

Static was all he could hear. His eyes darted around as he waited for anyone to say anything.
He huffed as he wiggled to get his back more comfortable on the wall. Gwen looked at him with a raised brow. Must've been–

"Gwen I have to go"

Gwen watched her brother let go of the phone, not even bothering to put it back in place.
"What!? Where are you goi-" he rushed to put on his shoes, almost falling over "Vance, Gwen!" Was all he said, and that was all she needed to hear as he rushed our the door. No coat, no weapons, and one shoe practically falling off.

She watched him run out the door and into the street, practically a blur as he runs. Gwen just stands there and stares after him, hand on the door. Her fingers clench on the door, as she felt annoyance and worry. She had no idea where he was running off too and wouldn't be able to look if he never came home that day.

There was an annoyance creeping up her spine at the fact she was left out the loop. Though, he'd end up talking to her about if anyways and that comforted her if only a bit. So, she closed the door and locked it; both bottom and top locks. Her eyes made one quick look to the phone.

For a second she stared at it before putting it to her ear. She waited to hear something; something other than static. A scowl painted her face as she felt a little embarrassed to think she would hear something. Her thing was dreams, the phone was Finney's thing. She put it back and untimely walked away from it.

She sat down, watching cartoons waiting for Finney to return.

Hoping he'd return.

=================

Vance felt queezy that morning. His stomach gurgled and of course led to him assuming the nausea was caused by hunger.

He cussed and held onto his stomach when it didn't go away after eating.

His mom has rubbed his stomach and gave him medicine but to no avail. It was almost as if the stomach ache was caused by anxiety.
But what did he need to be anxious for? And besides, Vance Hopper doesn't get anxious. So why did he feel so...paranoid? It ticked him off that as he was in the comfort of his own home, he didn't feel fucking comfortable.
So he did the only thing that he knew for sure would satiate him.

Go to the pinball machine.

He'd dug around his room for an hour to find his glove full of quarters. The glove being from when he was six, that's when he picked up his adoration for pinball. He kissed his mothers cheek and had went on his way to the Grab n' go.

It was empty most of the time, except for when a couple of kids from school would come in looking for snacks and junk food. Most would stay on the complete opposite side of the store, away from the machine where he stood for hours at a time. He picked up his pace, his boots making heavy stomps as he started to speed walk. But his chest started to feel tight and he suddenly felt the need to run.

He gave a glance around, quick and trying to make it look unsuspecting. There was just something about that day. Something off and it pissed him off that he couldn't put his finger on it.

He finally felt his tensed shoulders relax when he heard the familiar jingle of the Gas n' go's bell ring when he opened the door. The cashier sitting at the register also looked pretty bigger and older than himself. It was comforting in a way. Say if anything went South in the little convenience store he'd be able to rely on him for help. But nothing would happen. Because nothing happens in Denver.

His eyes scanned the different options of candy yet landed on the same one every time. He grabbed a pack of skittles and payed for them before settling himself in front of the pinball machine.

For an hour, all that could be heard in the store was the loud dinging of the machine and an occasionally crackling sound from the skittles package. From time to time when he'd eat a few skittles, he'd be reminded of the skating rink, and thinking of the skating rink, he'd think of Finney.
Vance wasn't a talkative person but Finney on the other hand considerably was. The time they met, Finney talked his ear off about space crap but surprisingly he didn't mind. Weird how he'd randomly see something and think of Finney or the day of the skating rink. It wasn't bad though. Quite the contrary.

Speaking of Finney..what was up with the neck scar? Now Vance isn't nosey by any means but you have to admit the scar does raise eyebrows.

Suddenly, the bell to the door went off, along with a slam. Vance swiftly turned around with his hands still clutching the machine and low and behold Finney Blake standing there, panting and looking as if he had been running from a serial killer. The cashier looked at Finney in surprise as the door slowly closed behind him. They had a little stare off before Vance spoke.

"What the fuck"

Finney smiled at the curse. He gave a little wave "Hi" he said simply. Vance just gave a nod, a confused one. Finney waltzes over to the machine on Vance's left and looked over it.
"Why do you like this game so much?" He raised a brow as he looked down at Finney.
His eyes looked over him and noticed the kid was in his damn pajamas. "It's fun" he stated and Finney nodded as he watched him play. Vance kept looking between Finney and his game.

What was he doing here? Why's he so out of breath? Also, why the hell is he in pajamas?
So many questions he wasn't gonna ask. So no answers. Finney leaned back and sighed at the loud pop that originated from his back.
Speaking of back...

Vance looked at Finney's and noticed the tag sticking out of his shirt. But that wasn't important. What was important was the different lines–scars–peeking out from the shirt itself.

Vance isn't nosey.

He quickly removed his gaze and focused back on the game. Finney just stood there watching him play. Not really knowing when he made a good or bad choice in the game considering he had no idea what was going on nor how to play.
Time moved forward as nothing but the occasional customer or the cashier every once in a while flipped a magazine page ruined the silence.

But it didn't last. Nothing really did, did it?

The bell at the door rang. Finney didn't look at the door, focused on going back and fourth between admiring Vance and the game.
He'd suddenly felt his heart thump and reflexively put his hand to his heart. He hit the spot a couple of times as if to jump start it back into place. Vance pulled out another coin out of his glove but before he could put in, Finney yelped and fell to the floor with a thud.

Vance, ready to defend, snapped his head to Finney's direction but had to focus it downward to Finney who was now on the floor. He was now on the floor next to another. It was a man, he wore funny sunglasses and a top hat. Well, he did. It had fallen to the floor with impact.

"Ah! Oh jeeze, sorry young man, these eyes can't see very well" Vance felt a shiver run down his spine as he looked at the greasy headed man on the floor. Who was way to close for comfort.
Also pretty sure he'd see better without those fucking dark ass shades. It wasn't even sunny outside. Vance crouched next to Finney and his eyes widened at Finney expression.

It wasn't one of fear or anger, it was one of panic and even shock. "It's fine" Finney's voice was monotone and he quickly stood with the strange man's hat in hand. The man got up too, eyes focused on Finney's face.

Finney offered up the hat without a word. His eyes darting between the man and the cashier who also seemed to be watching the creep.
He'd put on a big, toothy grin on his face. The smile looked familiar and it creeped Vance out even more. When he oustreched his arms, it almost looked like the guy was about to give Finney a hug. Vance put a hand on Finney's should in case he needed to pull the shorter boy away from the man's clutches.

The weirdo only spared Vance a glance before looking back at Finney.

Thankfully the man didn't go in for a hug. Be weird if he did. Though, the guys hands touched Finney's and lingered there for a second, almost caressing them. The man smiled and put it back on. They watched him turn to leave but looked back and said "Go front range!" putting a fist up with a smile before leaving without buying anything.

Front range was the name on Finney's baseball uniform. Finney paled at the thought of The Grabber watching him play. "Did you know him?" Vance piped up and Finney whipped around full body to him. Instinctively he reached to caress the scar on his neck and then his back before deciding to delfect the question. "Do you wanna come over?" He asked and Vance just looked at him as if he grew another head.

"I take that as yes" Finney decided as he walked to the door and outside. Vance follwed, still confused at what just occurred but his eyes darted to the man he just saw get in a black van.

Finney noticed this as well but he didn't want to try and lose the van as it followed him home, no.
He wanted The Grabber to follow, because he was heading straight into a trap. Maybe not a complete trap; but a trap nonetheless.

The roar of an engine sounded out in the air.

And so the plot thickens.

Chapter Text

Albert Shaw had bought a pack of baseball cards.

Each one holding a picture of various famous baseball players. He thinks the boy would love these. Remembering the time he happened to stumble across one of the boys games made his head swim fuzzily. The uniform looked wonderful on him.

The cashier who rung up the cards didn't make eye contact with him. She sensed something wrong with the sweaty man. She felt dirty just by looking at him and was actually reluctant to give him the cards for some reason. "You got kids?" Why did she ask? She herself didn't know why in the world that came out of her mouth. Her shoulders tensed as the man just looked down at her with a blank face.

She gestured the cards over to him, trying to end the interaction as quickly as possible.

Finally, a smile spread across his face and it made her hair stand up on her skin. "Not yet" he explained and she nodded with a strained smile. "Expecting soon?" She asked, trying to reason with herself that the dude in front of her wasn't a creep and thinking maybe his wife was pregnant with kids. If he had one that is.

She seriously doubted it.

The man chuckled "Something like that" woah, yeah totally not creepy. Handing the man his change, she prayed he'd go away. And he did with a polite smile.

Her head fell into her hands and she sighed.
"I need a fucking smoke break" she mumbled as she rubbed her temples. "Woah, creep alert"
Her head snapped to look at a teenage boy, who wore a bandanna, put two sodas on the counter.

One grape, the other orange.

"Tell me about it" she snorted and rung him up. The boys eyes looked at the door where the man just left. Wondering what exactly he was talking about.  "Have a nice day" all the boy did was nod as he grabbed the bag with the sodas and walled out. The women was was right to look nervous. The man was creepy; creepily familiar.

The kind of familar that meant–"I think I've seen him in a dream before"–kinda familiar which doesn't happen often. In fact, probably not at all. It also didn't help that the dude bought baseball cards which made him immediately think of Finney. Well, he'd already been thinking of him hence the grape soda. The plan was to go to his house anyway. Now he had another thing to gossip about, and he was sure Gwen would utmost definitely have something to say.

The bell jingled when he got out. His eyes darted to a black van leaving the almost empty parking lot. He figures the man must've been in it.
Abracadabra was painted on the side in green cursive. What a funny word it was; abracadabra.
The word reminded him of magic acts; more specifically the vanishing act for some reason.

He rolled his shoulders a bit and leaned his head side to side for a satisfying crack before leaning back to stretch his neck out.

Fuck, he couldn't stop thinking of that van.
He wondered what Finney would have to say on the matter.

======================

Gwen heard a knock at the door. She swiftly leaned to the tv, turning the volume down and waited for another knock. She jumped a little at another sound of soft knocking. Wanted to make sure she wasn't hearing things. Her eyes shifted to the window knowing it wasn't Finney.
She moved to the curtains and peeled only a little back. Making sure not to be seen, her heart pounding at the thought of seeing The Grabber or his van. Even worse of a thought, it was Terrance; drunk and had lost his keys.

She sighed and let her head fall forward with a thump onto the glass when she saw Robin standing at the door, plastic bag in hand.

She went to go answer it but stopped in her tracks at the crumpled up paper on the floor. Robin wouldn't like the contents of the note if he happened to read it.

Surly he'd be outraged. Would probably wanna find out who the guy was and snap his neck. Not to mention question the shit outta Finney. And probably her as well and she wasn't looking to be interrogated. The police would do that in due time.

Her eyes darted around the room as another knock came at the door.
"Coming!" She shouted, quickly shoving it under Terrance's recliner without a second glance. She almost slipped, catching herself on the door. A smile plastered her face when the door opened, and Robin smiled back.

"Hey Gwen" he said, stepping in and taking off his shoes. "Hey Robin" she replied, watching him put his shoes on the shoe rack. He gestured for her to take the plastic bag and she did, taking a peek inside. Noticing it was soda; one being grape which was Finney's favorite. A smirk came and went on her face. She walked to the fridge to put them away for later.

"Where's Fin?" He called from the living room and Gwen tensed, knowing she herself had no idea. "He went out a little while ago, 'm sure he'll be back soon" she lied, well half lied. He did in fact go out a while ago, she just wasn't sure when he'd be back. If he'd be back at all. She shook the thought and scampered back into the living room.

She eyed the recliner as Robin sat down and looked at the TV. 'Where are you Finney?' She thought, hoping she'd be able to keep Robin occupied until he got back. She hoped it was soon.

==========

"Robin?" Finney was pleasantly surprised. He didn't expect to be greeted with Robin sitting in his living room.

Robin smiled at him, but it dulled a little when noticing Vance. He gave a nod, which he assumed Vance gave back. Gwen looked utterly relieved, putting on an akward smile.

He turned to Vance with his eyebrows raised.
"Do you want a snack?" And before Vance could even consider, "I have skittles in the pantry"  he added. There was a jumbo size bag at Walmart and he couldn't resist himself. Vance squeezed the pack of skittles he'd gotten earlier in his pocket, noticing it only had a little left. A quick nod, and Finney smiled. Gwen was quick to offer her assistance "I'll get sodas from the fridge!" She quiped, walking over to Finney and dragging him into the kitchen. Leaving Robin and Vance to themselves.

"So what happened?" She asked, opening the fridge and grabbing the plastic bag, plus two cokes. Finney emerged from the pantry with the skittles and a bag of Funyuns. "I saw him" he paused, "like up close Gwen. He literally bumped into me" Gwen gasped, and glanced at the living room to see if either Robin or Vance heard.
"What'd he say? What's he do? Did he do anything, like, weird?" Finney gave her a deadpanned look. Of course he was weird.

"He knew what baseball team I played for, and when he bumped into me, his hat fell right?" Gwen nodded, eyes squinted. "Well I gave it back since I didn't wanna be suspicious or anything, and when he takes it, he fuckin CARESSED my hand" Gwen scrunched her face and made a gagging noise. Finney nodded in agreement and hummed.

Gwen handed Finney the grape soda, taking the orange for herself. She also gave him the two cokes. They sauntred back into the living room, Robin looking up with a smile and Vances gaze locking onto the skittles bag.
Finney rolled his eyes and handed it to him with one of the cokes. He quietly–almost unheard–thanked him for it. He'd almost laugh at how cute it was if he wasn't right in front of him.

Robin gasped at the bag of funyuns "Fuck yeah" he mumbled and Finney smiled fondly, handing him the other coke and opening the chip bag.
He took one and as he chewed he hummed but put it hands up as if to say something. All of them turned their attention to him. "Oh my god, dude I was at the store earlier and I saw the creepiest fucking guy ever" Gwen laid on her stomach "Ooh, did he have a pedo stache?" She asked with an eyebrow raise.

"No, but he might as well!" He exclaimed, taking a sip of his coke "The guy bought baseball cards, and yknow people like baseball so it's whatever," Finney nodded drinking his soda. Robin rolls up his jacket sleeves, "except he did it in like the creepiest fucking way like ever" Gwen laughed at the look of disgust on his face. "Why? Did he start flirting with the cashier? Oh god I've seen dad do that and it's sooo uncomfortable every time" Gwen mentioned and Finney nodded with a smile in agreement. They both turned red out of embarrassment when Terrance did that.

"No not flirting, but like...aye he was like–hold on" he stood up and went to the corner of the room and grabbed the lamp. Vance raised a brow at Finney and just shook his head with a dismissive smile.

Robin placed the lamp near the group "Okay, I'll act like the creepy dude and the lamp is the cashier" Gwen and Finney chuckles as Vance shakes his head. "Finney you voice the cashier, I'll tell you what she said" he held a thumbs up as Robin walked out of the room. It was only a minute before Robin walked back in, hoodie on.
He walked up to the lamp and held out a lighter "She asked if the guy had kids" he said, gesturing for Finney to say it. Finney rolled his eyes and pitched his voice. "You got kids?" He echoed and Gwen pressed her lips light go not let herself spit up her drink from laughter.

"Not yet" Robin mocked in a fake scratchy voice "Ask if he's expecting soon" he whispered

"Oh my gosh this is so stupid" Finney mumbled before sighing and pitching his voice again "Expecting soon?" He asked and Robin chuckled and put the lighter back in his pocket "Something like that" Gwen expressed her disgust audibly. "Eww, what does he mean by that?" She laughed, nose scrunched in and Robin  laughed as he sat back down. "That's what I was thinking, and not to mention he had like the weirdest fucking outfit on" Gwen raised a brow.

"Why? What was he wearing?" She questioned, taking another sip from her drink. Robin grabbed some of the funyuns from the bag and muffled "A fucking magician hat with dark ass sunglasses" Finney's smile fell a little and he glanced over to Gwen whose face had now gone blank. "He didn't talk to you did he?" Gwen asked, brushing it off while Robin shook his head. "Nah, he was just being really creepy and I thought it was weird, oh my god not to mention he had a fucking van, like how much creepier can you get" Finney felt his heart pound as he noticed Vance furrow his brows and look at Robin suspiciously.

"Did it have abracadabra written on the side?" He asked and Robin looked at him weirdly. "..Yeah..wait how did you know?" Robin asked and Finney felt like he was having a fever dream.
I mean only so much coincidences can happen before they're not coincidences anymore.
Both Robin and Vance running into the grabber on the same day? There's just no way. And the baseball cards? Was he planning on going after Bruce instead of Vance now? Did he know that Finney knew? Or even worse...

Maybe he remembered.

He could feel the blood rush away from his face and into his heart as he remembered about the note. His eyes darted to Gwen who looked openly worried. Finney tried to be discrete when he signed the word "Paper" and her eyes moved to Terrances chair. It peeked out from the chair. He could tell Gwen just noticed that little detail as her eyes blew even wider and a barley audible gasp left her throat.

It was only a little and barley noticeable but it was still there. Finney grabbed Robin's empty coke bottle and went into the kitchen. Not even acknowledging Robin's sad yet suspicious look as he left. Plus Vance's gaze followed him as he left. He threw it away but before going back into the living room, peeked out of the kitchen window above the sink and low and behold The Grabbers van.

I mean he expected it to be there since he deliberately led it to the house but the fact that there was a chance The Grabber remembered just made it scarier. Maybe he was planning to kill him first and then with him out of the way, go for the other boys. The thought made his heart sink and his blood boil. Finney would have to start working faster.

From the note, the line"Sweapt away by car you shall be" or whatever clearly meant that The Grabber was in fact planning to kidnap him by car. But that wasn't what Finney needed; he needed The Grabber to be in the house.
The question being; how does he lure him into the house? "What is it?" He jumped at Gwen's voice. She moved to where he stood and looked out the same window. A soft gasp left her and her eyes widened at the van. "Is that him?" She whispered and Finney nodded as they both stared out the window, as if waiting for the van to move or the door to open.

"Gwen we have to kill him fast" he stated, giving her a stern look. She only gave him a glance, before looking out the window. Surly Vance and Robin would notice it. They both wondered how'd they react when they saw it, or perhaps it'd leave before they left. Maybe they'd stay the night here if Finney convinced them well enough.

"I'll start leaving my window open okay?" Gwen looked befuddled at the notion. "What? Why?" She asked and Finney glared at her. "To get him inside the house and kill him jackass" Gwen clicked her tounge and smacked his arm.

"Look I just need to lure him in, we kill him, the other boys don't find out, and we're home free" he explained and Gwen only shook her head "Yeah and let's hope Terrence doesn't start feeling homesick that day and sees us going ape shit on him" Finney noted that she did have a point. He also noted that they better get back to Vance and Robin before they came looking.

Also, they really did need to remove that paper from under Terrances chair.

Chapter Text

Robin and Vance watch Gwen get up and follow Finney into the kitchen.

It's silent as Robin strains his ears to hear their conversation but settles for the next best thing.
"You saw him" it was a statement, not a question. Vance nods his head and takes a handful of skittles in his mouth. "He talk to you?" He asks, clenching his hand at even the thought of that weirdo looking a Finney much less talking to him. "Not me, but short stack over there" Robins does a double take "What? What'd he say?" He interrogated and Vance adjusts himself.

"He bumped into him and apologized, but he touched his hands pretty weirdly" Robin looked ready to impload "and you didn't beat him to a pulp then and there?" He asked it as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I thought he knew him!" Vance defended and there was a beat of silence. "What?" Vance sighed, glancing over to the area where Finney left and made sure he couldn't be heard.

"The guy knew what baseball team Finney played for, so I thought he was one of his dads friends or some shit" Robin looked a little pale.
Vance felt a pit grow in his stomach at the way he looked. "Terrance doesn't have any fucking friends and I think I would've known that guy if he knew Finney" he exasperated, hands shaky at the idea that a random man somehow knew Finney.

Vance puts his hands up in defense and pops another skittle into his mouth.

"Maybe it has something to do with that" Vance pointed to the lounge chair that faced directly to them. Low and behold somthing peeked out from under it. Vance had seen the shared glances between Finney and Gwen. Seeing such led him to notice the paper. Robin quickly crawled to it, swiping it in a flash and shoving it into his pocket. Robin quickly crawled back into place.

"What's your house phone's number?" He asked and Vance looked at him weirdly. Robin sighed and rubbed his temple "I'm gonna read the paper to you later, so we don't get caught" he explained, Vance glanced over to where Finney left again.

He wasn't nosey.

"What if nothing's on it? Hm? And he'll probably notice it went missing if it was purposefully hid" Vance countered and watched as Robin open and close his mouth. He sighed "Then nothing's on it! Better safe than sorry, and if he notices it went missing then he'll have to talk about it" Robin argued and Vance quieted. Both just staring at each other in silence.

And without a word, Vance pulled out a pen and grabbed Robins arm harshly. He wrote down the number and quickly retracted it, putting the pen back in his pocket. Robin going back to his original spot and covering it with his sleeve.

Perfect timing, because Gwen and Finney walked back into the room with strained smiles.
Finney sat down and Robin wrapped an arm around him. Finney didn't seem to mind but Gwen noticed it and wiggled her eyebrows.
Robin flipped her off.

The conversation continued, meaningless gossip and secrets of kids they didn't know. Robin clutched the paper in his pocket and Vance glanced over at it every time it crinkled.

Turns out, Vance was nosey.

The van was gone by the time they left.

================

Droplets ran down Robins bare back as he gazed down at a piece of paper with Vance's home number on it. He'd written it down before going into the shower. Now, he stood in basketball shorts and socks next to the living room phone.

He'd put the crumpled up paper in one of the short pockets and his heart squeezed anxiously in a rhythmic pattern. He dialed the number and with shoved the smaller piece of paper in his pocket, trading it for the crumpled one.
With each ring of the phone, he grew more nervous as he just stared thoughtlessly at the ball of paper in his hand.

The ringing stopped.

"Hello?" Robin sighed in relief as he heard Vance on the line. "Vance" he stated quietly. His mom was asleep in her room and his uncle was either passed out or in his room in the attic smoking a cigarette. Either way, he didn't wanna be overheard.

"Robin" Vance stated back and they both sat in akward silence before Robin eventually uncrumpled the note. He cringed at the loud sound and tried to go as slow as possible. Well, that and because he was scared to see the contents of the paper ball.

He flattened the paper on his thigh and angled himself so that the lamp light that was still on allowed him to read it.

"que mierda" he mumbled as he read along.

𝘌𝘹𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘳
𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘥𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦
𝘉𝘰𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦–
𝘈𝘮 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴?
𝘚𝘸𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦

𝘐'𝘮 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨

Robin's brows furrowed deeper and deeper every line he read. His scowl growing harsher at every word. "What's it say?" He heard Vance ask but was too busy re-reading the not over and over to make sure his eyes weren't deceiving him.
"Robin? What does it fucking-"

"Vance" Robin cut him off, and Vance let him at just how serious he sounded. "I think someone's stalking Finn" there was an overwhelming silence. It was only for a moment but the situation made it seem like forever. They both could hear their heart pounding in their ears.
"Read it to me" Vance demanded and Robin nodded even though Vance couldn't see him.
"Uh, exquisite you are my dear. Myself to you I wish to adhere. Boy of my dreams you are–" Robin paused when he looked over the next line. His stomach doing uncomfortable flips. He could hear Vance asking him to continue. Though he did not want to, he swallowed down his discomfort.

"Am I the...Am I the man of yours?" He heard Vance cuss on the other line. "Swept away by car you shall be....I'm waiting"

More silence, and it was no doubt that it was from processing the information. The fact that the person who wrote this deliberately used "boy" for Finney and "man" to refer to himself meant that the creater of the note was in fact an adult. Not to mention the line "Sweapt away by car" obviously was meant to foreshadow kidnapping.

"So we have a pedophile stalker on our hands"
It obviously wasn't a question. And he was right. The real question was...why did Finney hide it from them? What about Gwen? Did she know? If so, why didn't she tell Robin? He could sort of reason with himself why Finney could possibly not want to, but Gwen? Or....

"Do you think he told someone?" The question kinda hurt. The thought of Finney going to someone else other than him made his heart ache. That is if he went to anyone at all. Still, if he did...why wasn't it him? He knew Finney better than anyone and had known him for years. "Doubt it, if he told anyone it would've been you right? I mean you're his boyfriend aren't you?" Robin felt his face grow hot and he blinked.

"N-no, no I'm not" he sputtered, and he heard Vance hum on the other line. Obviously not believing him. "I- ugh, do you think that Billy or the other two know?" He asked, diverting away from the subject. "Probably not, if anything he probably hasn't told anyone" Robin didn't like to agree but Vance was probably right.

"Do you think he told his parents?" Robin rolled his eyes at the question. He hated to say it but Terrance didn't give a flying fuck about his kids. Even if he did, had a funny was of showing it.
"No way in hell Finn would ever go to Terrance" he heard Vance grunt a"huh" from the other line. Probably from what he just said. Vance didn't know Terrance but Robin did and he was a dick.

"Why don't you wanna, I don't know, fucking talk to Blake huh?" Vance questioned and Robin internally asked himself. Why doesn't he just go and ask? He knows though, deep down. That he'd feel hurt that Finney went to someone other than Gwen or himself for help.

"Look, let's ask the other three if they know anything okay?" Vance sighed heavily on the phone. "Whatever" he muttered and Robin nodded his head at the acknowledgement of agreement. But, One major problem. Bruce didn't go to their school.

"Don't worry about about Brady boy, I'll handle it" It was like Vance read his mind, and it made him feel uneasy for some reason. He hummed "Kay, let's meet on the roof, I'll bribe the hall monitor"

"Got it-" Robin heard someone from the other line that wasn't Vance. They talked over the other line and he could hear the other person raise their voice. "Bye"  Vance hung up abruptly and Robin just stood there holding onto the phone. He blinked and put it up with a click.
The paper in his hands had droplets on it from his now damp hair. He just stared at it before crumbling it back up.

He didn't sleep well that night.

=========

Finney Blake was freaking the absolute fuck out.
The paper that was once kinda safely tucked away under Terrance's lounge chair was now gone.

At first when he'd gone to retrieve, hoping to then move it to a more secure hiding place, it wasn't there. Of course his heart rate spiked and he could feel his blood run cold. He felt like someone had just dropped a bucket of ice water over his head. But he remembered the need for rational thinking. Maybe Gwen already somehow managed to snatch it up and was hiding it in her jewelry box or her inside doll house with all her
Jesus crap.

He proceeded to panic when Gwen looked at him with concern; denying that she grabbed it and assumed "I thought you were gonna get it" which led to a mini argument but they had bigger problems now. If neither of them had it, that meant that...

Robin or Vance got ahold of it.

That wasn't good–scratch that–it was fucking disastrous. Both boys were spontaneous, and not to mention they liked to pick fights.
So what does a poem created by a kidnapper, foreshadowing his own kidnapping, and two boys who have adrenaline running through their veins plus an urge to fight everyone they see?
He doesn't know! But it's probably very, very bad!

I mean, if Robin were the one to find the note he'd most likely confront Finney, which would then force him to spill the beans and risk Robin thinking he was a lunatic. Vance on the other hand would've totally taken that shit to his mom. Or worse, try to find and beat the shit out of The Grabber himself. He didn't know which was worse.

So yeah, he was freaking out. Not a wink of sleep for him.

His leg bounced up and down as he sipped on a Red Bull. "That ain't good for you" Gwen mumbled, also half awake. Bit of southern tang slipping out. Bags were deep under her eyes–which were red–and her hair stook up in different directions. He probably looked exactly the same. "Oh 'm sorry, I'll make sure to note that. Y'know, when I'm not worryin' weather or not our plans going to shit!" He exclaimed, or exclaimed as best as he could for a tired boy with a hoarse voice.

He also had some southern tang.

It came out when agitated or tired.

In this case, both.

She sighed and rubbed her hand over her face.
"Har har jackass, look there ain't no police here questioning us–" she gestured to the window "–and no phone call–" she pointed to the phone "–so calm down, I'm sure Robin's just gon' talk to you instead" she reasoned but Finney didn't think that was any better.

"That's the problem Gwen, I'm gon' have to tell him that you and I are goin' to literally murder someone," Gwen was going to respond but Finney cut her off "a-and me going back in fuckin' time? Oh yeah cause that's totally believable, sure won't sound like I belong in a mental hospital!" He rambled and Gwen grabbed his shoulder. "And we'll cross that bridge when we come to it" she whispered.

Finney just stared before sighing and taking a final sip of his Red Bull. Which was doing nothing to energise him. "You're right...I'm sorry, I'm just, so tired" he muttered weakly and Gwen's eyes softened. "Yeah me too" she replied

They both sat there in silence, both of their heads occasionally bobbing when they started to fall asleep. "Oh fuck it, I'm skippin' today" Finney settled and Gwen smiled "Yeah, sounds great" she agreed and they both got up.

Finney throwing away his can and Gwen going to the room, Finney following close behinde.
Gwen closed the curtains and pulled out a book for Finney to read. He smiled as his dry and tired eyes read the front cover as he got comfortable.
Gwen leaned on his side, staring at the pictures.

They both fell asleep not even halfway through the book.

They'd worry about everything later.

Chapter Text

Billy and Griffin stood next to each other in complete silence.

Both practically buzzing with curiosity and nervousness at the same time. The sun shines directly on them, practically waiting to give them sunburns.  Their hearts pounded when the first bell rang and yet they made no move to go to their classes.

Normally, they wouldn't be skipping. In fact they never did, like at all, but when Robin freaking Arellano comes up to you and says–not even asks–but says to go to the rooftop; you go to the rooftop.

Now they were there waiting for his return. And they prayed they didn't accidentally get dragged up here to get beat up. The fact that Robin was actually friends with Finney meant nothing.

A slam had them almost jumping out of their skins as they whipped around to the rooftop doors. They felt a chill run down their spine when Vance Hopper came into view but relaxed if only a bit when Bruce was seen beside him.

They knew Bruce wasn't mean. He was a typically happy-go-lucky guy so at least that meant they weren't getting jumped.

Soon they all stood in a circle. Robin and Vance looked serious. Well, they always looked serious but it had a different feel to it today.

Vance's eyes were downcast and his arms crossed. Bruce glanced between them all, they noticed he seemed to be just as confused as they were.

"Has Finn told you anything lately?" They all furrowed their brows as they glanced at each other and at Robin. What a strange question.

Vance scowled, yet they didn't know why.

The three tried to think, searching in their memory if Finney has said anything that was out of place or strange. Well, Finney was a little weird but that was just part of his charm, y’know? Did Finney do something to upset them?

"No" Billy said, brave enough to answer verbally yet not courageous enough for it to be louder than a whisper. Bruce and Griffin on the hand shook their heads.

Robins nodded and looked down with a sigh.

"I think Finn is being stalked"

.

.

.

What?

"What?" Griffin sputtered but took a step back when Robin looked directly at him. "Woah hang on, what?" – "I'm sorry?" Both Bruce and Billy questioned at the same time. Finney was being stalked? That's a big bomb to drop onto someone, and not to mention such a crazy one too. "Why do you think that?" Billy asked, quirking up a brow.

Robin turned to Vance and nodded his head at him. They all now turned to Vance and watched him take out a paper ball from his pocket.

He handed it to Bruce who eyed it nervously. Bruce took it hesitantly and Billy and Griffin watched, for some reason, feeling anxious at the mere sight of it.

They watched Bruce slowly open the paper and flip it so he could read it correctly. They watched his eyes move across the page. They watched as his face turned from concern to horror.

And they were now even more scared to read the note.

Bruce handed it over with pursed lips. Billy grabbed it, his eyes not leaving Bruce's face. Bruce backed away and Billy turned to the page. He leaned in and squinted his eyes. Left and right, left and right, his eyes moved and they slowly widened in shock.

Griffin squeezed his hands together. He didn't think he could handle reading the note, yet he couldn't handle not reading it either. His heart almost stopped when Billy handed it over for him to take. Reluctantly, he took it with quakey hands.

𝘌𝘹𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘳

𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘥𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦

𝘉𝘰𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦–

𝘈𝘮 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴?

𝘚𝘸𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦

𝘐'𝘮 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨

What, the fuck.

Griffin furrowed his brows. This couldn't possibly be right.

He read it again.

What the fucking fuck.

What kind of malarkey is this? Griffin held the paper with both hands now. He moved his head so the sun would shine light on the paper. Thinking, maybe the light would change the words.

They didn't change.

"Did you get this from Finney?" Suddenly finding his voice, he looked up at Robin. "No, found it while hanging at his place yesterday. Finney was acting real shady so y'know" he said flatly. Griffin furrowed his brows further. "Then how'd you get this?" Billy quipped and they saw Vance and Robin share a glance.

"We found it, read it after we left his house, thought maybe he told one of you" Vance explained and Griffin looked at him like he grew two heads. Out of nowhere, he seemed to gain confidence because he let all of his thoughts flow out of his mouth.

"So what you're saying is, Finney hasn't told anyone? Not his parents, not a teacher, not us, and we're supposed to let him out of our sight? Are you nuts?" Robin and Vance looked at each other. "We don't think he told anyone, there were no police cars watching his house but-" Billy watched Griffin do a double take at what he was hearing and suddenly felt like they were in for it.

"If he didn't tell anyone, that means he could possibly be in some creeps white fucking van right now! Oh my god–did any of you see him this morning? Holy crap he walks to school, so he might've gotten taken then!"

All of them winced at the thought of Finney screaming for his life, all the while being kidnapped with no one around.

Vance sighed and uncrossed his arms "We wanted to be sure fuckwad, wouldn't exactly look good if the paper had nothing on it" Griffin sighed exasperatedly and did a full 360, looking very stressed.

"Okay yeah, so explain it to me–full detail!" He demanded "–Please," he added.

He felt like a stressed out mom who's worried about her kid going out by themselves for the first time.

"O–kay, I was out getting soda and I saw this creepy ass dude," All except Vance raised a brow at how this was relevant. He put his hands up, wanting them to be patient. "I went to Finn's and it turns out he and Vance saw the same guy," Griffin nodded, and Billy tilted his head in confusion. While Bruce tried to picture what the man looked like. "Turns out, this stranger knew who Finney was. Like he even knew what baseball team he played for" Bruce winced, picturing a creepy old man sitting in the stands, watching Finney play with a smile on his face. He shivered.

"Finney and Gwen–his sister–" he pointed out, in case none of them knew "–left the room to throw away empty coke cans and shit like that."

"I saw them gesturing to each other, I noticed the paper hidden under a chair from across the room." Robin nodded in agreement "I snuck it into my pocket and when we left I called him," he thumbed Vance "and we read it together"

They stood in silence, letting the information sink in.

"He told his parents right?" Bruce asked and Robin scoffed. "Yeah no, Finn's dad....is well...himself"

"Okay..." Bruce didn't like how that sounded.

"Well you at least know for sure he's safe right?" Griffin asked and the group gave glances to each other. "He's here right? Not in someone's van right now?" He asked, more frantically. "Uh, I have English with him for first period but I didn't have a chance to see if he was there since...y’know" Billy shrugged.

Griffin put his hands to his face and rubbed it aggressively. He sighed "Okay, let's go down and see if he's in there" he suggested. "Kay, I'll peek my head in and ask if he's there"

"What will you say if they ask why you're looking for him?" Bruce asks.

"Say he's late to turn in a library book or something" Vance nodded and started to walk to the exit doors. The other five following close behind.

Bruce held the door open for them, closing the door behind them when they were all inside.

"So you have an idea of what he looks like right?" Bruce asked and Robin nodded.

The stairwell was empty and quiet, their footsteps echoed all around and it was hard to focus on anything but. When they finally reached the first floor, Billy poked his head out, looking left and right for the teachers. Once in the clear he dashed out and began to speed walk to his first period without any real intention of going to class.

"So he didn't tell you?" Griffin asked, breaking the silence. Robin looked at him from the corner of his eye. "No..." He muttered with gritted teeth. Griffin pursed his lips awkwardly, noticing how it bothered him. "Sorry–just thought if he was gonna tell anyone it'd be his boyfriend, y,know?" He watched Robin turn red and snap his head to him. "I'm not his boyfriend!" He squeaked, and the other looked back at him suspiciously.

"I mean, it's not that I wouldn't like to be, but I don't-"

"Yeah that's great dickwad but you can tell us about your little crush later" Vance cut in, now that they were closing in on Billy's first period.

"I don't think it's little at all" Bruce whispered to Griffin and he snorted. He fake coughed when Robin glared at him.

Griffin put his hand on the handle and gave it a jiggle. "Knock" Vance said and Griffin almost rolled his eyes. He knocked loud enough for it to be heard as the other stepped out of sight.

A student opened the door and Griffin peeked his head in.

His eyes darted around the room for Finney and his heart sunk when he didn't see him.

"Do you need something?" The teacher suddenly asked, making his heart nearly come out of his chest. He was surprised the teacher noticed him. "Uh, is Finney Blake here?" Maybe he was in the bathroom or something.

"Uh" She looked around the room. "No sweetie I'm sorry" Okay so not in the bathroom. He sighed, giving a shaky nod. "Okay...thank you" he faltered, closing the door and turning to the group. His face showed bad news.

"He isn't there!" He shrieked, not able to keep his voice down.

"Fuck" Robin panicked, holding his head in his hands. And while Vance said nothing, he looked on the verge of freaking out.

"Oh my god he's probably kidnapped by now!" Griffin exclaimed, flapping his arms around due to not knowing what to do with them.

"You're not helping!" Bruce countered, walking around in circles. Robin began to walk away, Griffin following behind. "Where are you going?"

He probed, and without even looking back.

"To his house genius!"

The group soon followed, ignoring the teacher who stood at the entrance, questioning where their passes were. They also ignored the teachers yelling, demanding they come back. Billy went for his bike as soon as he made it out the doors.

"I'll get there first! You meet me there!" He yelled, and went around the corner before the others could answer.

He just hoped Finney was okay.

=========

Gwen listened as the shower ran. She'd just woken up from her and Finney's nap, both hungry and still sleepy.

It was sunny outside, in a happy way that made Gwen's she twitch. She would prefer it to be cloudy. The curtains were drawn and the air conditioner whirred away. The house was cold and dark. In her opinion it was relaxing, as relaxing as it could get with all the shit that was going on.

A kidnapper watching them. Time travel is real. The supernatural being real. Seeing into the future and in the past. Though she hadn't had any visions in a while. Oh and not to mention Robin or Vance knowing about the note. Y'know what maybe they both did. Plus Terrace, which was a whole other can of worms. All this and then having to worry about school.

What a stressful life indeed.

She sat in Terrance's chair watching Tom and Jerry at a low volume. A blanket was curled around them and she could practically feel how deep her eyebags were. Her stomach rumbled, yet ignored it, in favor of eating noodles with Finney when he got out of the shower.

Though, she would have to move to the floor if she wanted to be next to him. She glanced over to a big empty space in the living room. Right of the TV.

They really needed another couch. Instead of having a single chair.

She sighed, watching as Tom failed to catch Jerry once again. Suddenly she felt herself relating to the cartoon. This was a cat and mouse game in its own way.

She just couldn't figure out who the mouse was and who the cat was in this situation.

There was a knock at the door.

Her eyes lingered at the hallway that led to the front door. It was only a minute before the knocking became louder and more frantic.

Gwen had no energy to verbally respond, letting the person at the door know she was coming. Instead, she slowly shuffled to the door.

She grabbed a fork from the kitchen first before going back to the door. She only opened it a crack.

"Hello?"

Chapter Text

Billy has never felt more nervous in his life.

He flapped his hands and knocked on the door again. Louder and more frantically.

Stomach churning as he received no answer. He cursed his mind when a thought popped into his head. A thought that might be true.

He didn’t want to be the one to say “Finney’s not here” and watch the others' faces fall into horror as they picture all the possible things that could be happening to Finney right now.

“Hello?”

Billy almost cried. He’d never felt such relief in his life. Not even when Finney had given Bessie back to him.

“Oh my god–Hi, uh, yeah hi,” he choked, wringing his hands together. “Can I help you?”

Gwen asked, concerned yet relieved at seeing it was Billy. He nodded, opening his mouth yet no words came out. Swallowing again, throat feeling tight, he sighed and flapped his hands again.

“Is Finney here?” he asked—begged almost-–as he tried to get glances of the house behind Gwen. She raised a brow, clutching her fork in hand as she looked behind Billy and into the street. “Yeah, he’s in the shower.” she explained, gesturing behind her with a nod of her head.

Billy’s body almost melted with relief. “Okay–thank you, thank you. May I come in?” he pleaded. Gwen gave another quick search outside before nodding.

Billy thanked her with a nod of his head and walked passed her. The house was dark and cold unlike the upbeat, warm outside. It was a very chilling feeling, yet a fitting one. The shower could be heard from down the hallway and he smiled knowing Finney wasn’t in some creeps basement.

His smile faded at the thought. It wasn’t gonna be pretty when he asked about the note.

When they asked about the note.

There was a reason Finney didn’t say anything, and it was going to get ugly prying it out of him. The thought of them in all one big fight made his heart clench. “Is your dad home?” he inquired, making sure to focus on something else.

He turned to Gwen when he was met with silence. Her face was a mixture of begrudge and annoyance. Though the annoyance didn’t appear to be aimed at him. It seemed to be at the thought of her and Finney’s father. “Terranance is out” she grunted.

Ooh, that’s not good.

Now he’s a little more sure that Finney definitely didn’t tell uh, Terrance, about the note from the look on her face and the tone of her voice.

There was an awkward silence. Gwen stared at him from the corner of her eye. Looking him up and down. “Why’re you here?” she interrogated and he tensed.

This could go two ways and he didn’t think he was gonna like either of them. If Gwen didn’t know about the note, that could end with her busting into the bathroom and demanding answers. Tears and yelling. On the other hand, if she already knew there was a possibility of her yelling at him. Berated yelling on why “he was so nosey” and such.

Not to mention he couldn’t just say “Oh hey Robin and Vance stole a note from your house which was probably supposed to be a secret but took it anyway and now we suspect Finney has a pedophile stalker!” kill him now.

“I think you know,” was barely over a whisper, and probably a horrible choice of words, but it just came out. But she didn’t scream, nor did she yell.

She was quiet.

Frighteningly so.

Her eyes were downcast. Her eyes wide and they crinkled in the corners. They moved back and forth as if she was reading, yet she just stared at the floor. Just breathing.

Her lip quivered a bit and he was worried he’d made her cry.

She walked into the living room, sat on the lounge chair, covered herself with her blanket, and stared.

Just stared wide eyed into the TV as Tom and Jerry played at a low volume.

Her eyes didn’t even twitch from how open they were. Nor from the amount of time she kept them open. She was tunnel vision staring into the TV.

It freaked him out. He just gazed between her and the TV. Unsettled by her.

If she reacted like this, how was Finney going to react?

And what about the others? How would they react?

Billy was scared to hear the shower stop.

============================================

Finney felt gross. His hair felt greasy, and like his clothes needed to be washed.

The scars on his skin itched and his heart felt as if someone had held it in their hands and squeezed until it was only bits away from being smushed completely.

His throat hurt, and he didn’t know why. There wasn’t any reason for him to be upset.

Maybe he’d just woken up on the wrong side of the bed. Also, it was not helping that he kept thinking about the missing note. He couldn’t stop himself from imagining Robin bursting through the front door, yelling and upset. He would say “Why didn’t you tell me?” or “Are you crazy?” and maybe he was. Maybe Finney Blake was a crazy lunatic. I mean why wouldn’t he be?

He was pretty sure normal people don’t fantasize about killing someone. That someone normal wouldn’t enjoy the thought of hurting someone so bad they bled and died.

But then again he wasn’t normal was he? Nor was gwen.

She was strange too and as selfish as it may be, Finney was glad about it. Ever since he came back he told himself it was okay to be selfish after losing so much and being put through torture.

But maybe he was being too selfish.

“I’m gonna take a shower, okay?” he told Gwen, who stared at the commercial on TV.

She nodded with only a glance in his direction. He picked at his lips and stared at her before going to the bathroom.

He peeled off his clothes, feeling sweaty and for some reason unhealthy. He felt like there was grease underneath his skin. Finney shivered at the thought.

He turned on the shower and waited for it to warm. He hugged himself, eyes trying to keep open. Once it steamed up he stepped in, immediately wetting his hair.

He should've gone to wash his hair as soon as it was wet but he just stood there.

It was blank. There were no thoughts swirling around in his head. No plotting or scheming on how he was going to get away with murder, no worrying about Terrance coming home and causing a ruckus, no thinking about what’s for dinner. His head was completely empty.

It didn't feel real. He didn’t feel real.

He cracked his knuckles then reached for the shampoo and scrubbed at his skull so hard he gave himself a headache.

Stop, he just needed a moment. Everything was too much and he was overloading himself to the point where he couldn't think. Which made him not be able to think of what even “everything” was. It was all scrambled, and his shoulders hurt too.

Thoughts of peeling his own skin off, screaming at the top of his lungs, thrashing about, and possibly whispering words of dismay to himself sounded all too appealing at the moment. Is this what a breakdown was? Or at least a mental one/emotional one.

He felt hungry and sick to his stomach–that the thought of food made him want to puke–at the same time. Why was that even possible?

He could actually feel his head pulsating. He dry heaved, gagging. So close to throwing up that it actually made him want to die.

Wouldn't be the first time actually.

It was probably 11:00 by now, or close to it. Maybe he’d take Gwen to Mcdonalds and let her play for a while. Surely it’d make them feel at least a little bit better. Take their minds off of all the things that have and are going to happen.

He didn’t even know what was going to happen.

Would they actually get away with murder? Would they be caught by police? Or even worse; were overpowered by the grabber and then taken by him. Maybe they’d lose their minds and end up in a mental facility. Oh, plot twist, they end up getting killed by Terrance in a drunken fit of rage. A predictable surprise! Oh god then there was the missing note.

Finney limply flopped himself against the shower fall, making a loud thud. The water was starting to turn luke warm and would eventually turn cold. He hadn't even rinsed his hair, too busy in his own head. He leaned his head back, rinsing out his hair with closed eyes.

There was a knock at the door.

He peeked his head out from the curtain and into the foggy bathroom. “Yes?” he yelled.

“Finney.”

==============================

Robin pounded at Finney's front door. Not even after a second of doing so, he tried peeking in through the windows.

Meanwhile, Billy nearly jumped at the noise and looked over to Gwen. She showed no signs of moving. In fact, she didn’t even blink at the knocking. He shivered and moved to answer the door when Robin started to pound at the window instead.

“Billy thank fuck–is he here?” Griffin fretted yet before he could answer Robin pushed past him. The others followed suit as he locked the door behind Bruce.

“GWEN–Gwen, where is Finn?” She didn’t even look at him. Eyes still staring at the TV which no longer played Tom and Jerry but Popeye the Sailor. “Gwen” It was now Vance who called her name and yet again she didn’t even blink. Surely her eyes were dry and red by now. Billy wanted to say something but felt as though it wasn’t his place to interrupt, and they probably didn’t hear the sound of the shower going with all the commotion.

Griffin looked between Gwen and Robin before pulling out the note–which was now somewhat neatly folded.

He unfolded it as he inched his way to Gwen. Robin stepped back, eyeing the note and Gwen. Her face finally changed, hardening when she saw the notes' words. She closed her eyes. Kept them that way for a good minute. She let out a deep sigh and pushed her blanket off of her and to the floor. They watched her walk down the hallway and disappear from sight. Leaving them alone in the living room.

.

.

.

Gwen's lip quivered as she walked to the bathroom as slowly as possible. She gazed at the wall as she walked down. Pictures of Finney and Gwen being much younger and happier. It felt irritating to look at them for some reason. She ran a hand through her hair as she tried to mentally prepare herself for what was to come in the next 20 or 30 minutes.

The light shined from the bottom of the bathroom door. She felt warmth spilling from the tiny crack and at her feet. For a moment, Gwen rethought her life choices. From the moment she was able to start remembering things, to the moment Finney had told her everything.

Their life is filled with so many tears and lies. Now here they are. A closed door away from each other. She felt like she was losing her mind honestly and if she felt like that, my god what does Finney feel like right now?

She knocked at the door with a trembling hand.

“Yes?” she heard him call out and she almost didn’t have the heart to tell him. To tell him that Robin and his other friends knew something was up. She had half a mind to back out and march back into the living room and kick the boys out. Say “Nothings wrong” and “Mind your fucking business” then shut the door in their faces.

But that was what she wanted, not what was correct. Finney would know what was right. Finney would fix it. Finney always knew what to do. How to make things better.

He read her stories and tucked her in at night. Let her sleep in his bed when she had another one of those dreams. Fed her when Terrance wouldn’t. They squabbled and argued but all siblings did that. Y’know, for once she wanted to fix something for Finney instead of the other way around for once.

“Finney.” she paused, preparing herself and what to say. She breathed out “They know.” it was plain and simple but it got the point across. There was silence, so much so that she was worried he silently broke down or something. “I forgot my clothes Gwen,” she raised her brows. She couldn't tell what his tone was over the shower. “Bring me sweatpants and a shirt please” She nodded even though he couldn't see it.

She walked away from the door and to his room. His curtains were open, the only light in the room. She didn’t bother turning on the main light. Shirts with mostly space themed pictures on them hung from the rack. Yet there was one missing. One of Finney’s favorites.

When she dreamed about Finney in the basement, he wore a white shirt with blue sleeves.

She understood why he didn’t wear it anymore.

The shirt she picked was worn, colors faded and the picture chipped at, and the sweatpants a light gray. She left them at the bottom of the bathroom floor, knocking twice before walking back into the madness of the living room.

Their heads perked up and they stared at her for answers. A hand laid on her stomach as it tightened in hunger, or perhaps nausea.

“He’ll be out in a moment,” she informed.

A bout of silence filled the air as she settled herself on the lounge chair once again. It only lasted so long before they started fishing for answers. Tried to at least.

“The note,” Robin tried, not able to find the right words. Her head rested on her hand, half heartedly listening to an ad play on the TV.  Robin noticed her lack of attention. “Gwen,” he sighed exasperatedly. “It’s not my place to tell,” she stated simply. “You wouldn’t believe me anyway” she added under her breath.

Robin opened his mouth but closed it in both disbelief and anger.

“But it is if such a thing causes, or is going to cause harm to Finney’s wellbeing,” Bruce advised, brows knitted together. Vance nodded “This is dangerous shit” he emphasized.

Gwen almost rolled her eyes at the obvious statement. “Really? Oh boy I never knew!’ she exclaimed with sarcasm. She and Finney knew more than anyone how dangerous this was. And for a split second, she felt pride at how she just talked back to Vance friggin’ Hopper.

Robin looked ready to tear his own hair out.

“Gwen-”

He’d cut himself off upon Finney walking into the living room. He ruffled his damp hair with a towel, not even looking at them. “Finney!” Griffin cried, not noticing the look Finney made at the absence of his nickname.

Finney was bombarded with question after question. “Are you okay?”, “Why didn’t you tell us about the note?”, “Why didn’t you tell me?” and all he did was continue to dry his hair with his damp towel.

“Let’s go to McDonalds Gwen,” he offered. She perked up as the other boys went slack jawed. Not quite believing that he offered such a thing in a situation like this. “Finney-”

Billy tried, only to be dismissed. “You can play in the play area for a bit, get food too?” he assured as Gwen was already putting on her shoes.

The boys gawked at the complete dismissal of the situation and of the calm demeanor of the Blake siblings. Robin’s heart ached at their half tired, half spaced out expressions as they gathered themselves to leave. His and the others' minds wondered why they acted like this. Billy was just glad Finney hadn’t freaked out on them, yet still didn’t enjoy the dismissive behavior. They were confused and worried. They stayed so all throughout the walk to McDonalds to when they sat down, waiting for the food.

They watched Finney eat and drink his soda with a complete dead face.

In a way it almost angered them, his life could potentially–and was most likely–in danger and he just didn’t seem to care.

“Finn…” Robin tried again, looking much more desperate than before. “Robin,” he mimicked back, taking another bite out of his burger. Robin’s shoulders sulked and his eyes crinkled.

Griffin pulled out the note and rested the beat up paper onto the table, slowly smoothing it out with unneeded care and pushing it towards Finney.

He eyed it, his appetite almost disappearing entirely when looked upon. So instead he focused on Gwen who was up in the play area. “Finney.” his eyes flickered to Vance who, he thinks, has never used his actual name.

“I’ve got it handled,” he settled for and watched as half of the boys turned rosey with anger and the other half turned pale with worry. “No! This isn’t-” Griffin piped up, lowering his voice when one or two people glanced their way. He sighed heavily “Finney, this is something police should handle, you’re in danger!” Finney already knew that.

He was aware of it every waking moment. It was the first thought on his mind.

‘Is today the day?’ he would wonder and he imagined every possible way of death, The Grabber would bestow upon him while he got dressed and brushed his teeth.

Every time he entered a room, he would look at any possible weapon that could be used to either fatally injure someone, or kill. And any time he sees a man with gray hair, is middle aged, or has a top hat, he wonders if they’d take him too.

You can never be too careful.

“You wouldn’t understand, or at the very least think I’m batshit crazy,” he muttered. “Then help us understand!” Billy pleaded. So heartfelt and full of worry and fear for Finney’s life. He almost broke there, just like last time, yet his eyes never stopped looking at Gwen. She waved at him from on top of the play place and he nodded up at her.

“Finney, we trust you.”

Bruce was just a sweetheart wasn’t he?

He licked his lips as they quivered. His burger was only half eaten and his fries were gone. He was no longer hungry and Gwen’s food was still in the bag, closed tightly. His burger was practically thrown down onto the tray as he wrung his hands out and breathed heavily.

His eyes unconsciously looked at Robin and he received a hopeful look when they accidentally made eye contact.

He wanted to tell him everything and then break down in his arms. He wanted comfort and assurance, but he didn’t know how’d they take it.

“Why aren’t you at school?” he deflected only to witness Robin grow more upset. “Finney!” he begged, not wanting any dismissive answers or deflecting questions. He wanted answers and he wanted Finney’s problems. Because they were also his problems, and he wanted to have solutions. But he couldn’t fix it if Finney didn’t tell him anything.

“Finn…” he started softley and was only encouraged to continue when Finney looked at him from the corner of his eye. “We can’t help you fix it if you won’t let us,” he insisted. But, Finney already had a solution. Murder was his solution and he was sure none of them wanted any part of it.

“Fuckin listen, we want to help you and I know you don’t think you need our damn help but here’s what you don’t get,” Vamnce leaned in. “No one is making us help you, we want to help you, cause we actually fucking care about you.” His eyes welled with tears. Vance wasn’t expressive and yet for him to make such a declaration meant they were oh so serious and it warmed his heart and crushed it at the same time.

Because they didn’t understand.

It’s not like he didn’t want them to. He wanted to spill his heart out and be comforted but he doubted his plan of murder would be met with “It’s gonna be okay” and “We’ll help you” but more along the lines of “Are you fucking insane?” with looks of horror. If anything, they’d never speak to him again.

Then it hit him.

They didn’t have to ever interact with him again. So long as The Grabber was gone, there was no need for Finney. Their friendship would no longer have to exist.

It wasn’t what he wanted to happen. The idea was actually gut wrenching but…maybe it’s what needed to happen.

If the boys looking at him in horror, avoiding him whenever possible, regretting ever being friends with him, the dream of them growing into adults together and staying friends being lost, not being able to love Robin, meant their safety and happiness?

Then so be it.

Finney sighed heavily and looked. He gave a good look. If this was the last time that Robin, Vance, Bruce, Billy, and Griffin looked at him with anything but disgust and fear then he was going to burn it into his memory.

“Okay,” he sighed, and oh the looks on their faces. Such relief that he finally gave in and was going to reveal the horrible truth. He savored that too.

He looked at Gwen, who was now done playing. She slowly walked over to the table, cheeks rosey and some hair askew. A face of recognition dawned her face when she saw Finney’s expression. She knew it was happening, and she doesn’t fully believe she’s ready for it no matter how much she tells herself so. But that’s okay.

Because Finney felt the same way.

===============================================

Gwen held Finney’s hand on the way back. The silence deafening and her stomach churning. She wonders what they’ll say and how they’ll feel once they know.

She remembers how she felt. Angry, horrified, sad, and so many other things she couldn't think of at the moment due to how overwhelmed she was. It grew worse when they reached the house, but she knew no matter what happened in there, she had Finney’s back.

She popped two Aleve pills into her mouth, preparing for the incoming headache to come.

Finney is sitting on the couch, knees to his chest. The boys stand in front of him, waiting in anticipation. He looks over them–-their faces, their posture, even their hair–just knowing they’ll change.

His breath was shaky. Robin stared at him, into his eyes–into his soul–if that was possible. He looked away from them while Gwen–who was in the hallway, just two steps from entering the living room–looked at Finney

“I…” their eyes widened and their breath ceased. “..went, back in time”

There was a piercing silence before they furrowed their brows–all except Robin–whose eyes went wide. “Finney..” Bruce whispered. As if he was deflecting once more, or making up something instead of facing the real problem and for some reason he felt anger blossom.

“I know!” he yelled, and before talking once more, swallowed his own saliva. He didn’t want to yell. It sounded too much like Terrence. His throat is tight and aching. “I know how it sounds, but-”

But what? There was no ‘but’ because it was just how it sounded.

Crazy.

Before anyone could say anything, before Griffin could ask Finney what was “really going on” Robin shushed them. He didn’t want to look at him but his eyes betrayed him and looked anyway. His heart almost burst.

Robin’s eyes looked utterly and undoubtedly believing.

The other boys only looked at him in confusion. “Like Gwen,” he stated, more than asked, and Finney nodded with glistening eyes. Robin’s shoulders sank and his eyes looked at Gwen. All she could do was nod. “He’s telling the truth,” he said as if he was out of breath. Perhaps he was, considering what he just heard Finney just say.

“Wh-” Vance started but was once again, interrupted by Robin. “Gwen has visions–sees things others can’t,” he informed. They all looked at Finney, silently asking if it was true, and he nodded. Robin looked at Finney to continue but he didn’t think he could.

He pressed his lips together, looking away as Robin crawled close and held one of his hands. “Finney…” he whispered but it was so quiet it could hardly be called one. “I…”

“I died.” he choked and Robin thinks his world stopped turning, if only for a moment.

Griffin’s hand flew to his mouth as he made a small gasp. Billy’s eyes widened more than humanly possible. Bruce clung to Vance’s arm, almost cutting off circulation from how tight his grip was. Vance looked like he needed a minute but Finney didn’t have a minute.

If he didn’t say it now, at this very moment, he’d back out and close himself off.

“I–I was kidnapped-” their expressions of dread only grew worse. “He held me there–for-for who knows how long!” it was becoming harder to talk. “I was….I was touched-” he couldn’t look at them no matter how hard he tried, “I was raped,” he whispered the last word, as if it should be kept secret. “You–all of you were taken too! I was the last and all of you were…already gone before I got there.” he winced at the memory of feeling pure, unfiltered sorrow, when he heard the voices on the phone and just knew he was going to be next.

“A-and when I came back I swore to save all of you!” he didn't want them to think he wouldn’t even try. “I’ve already saved some of you-” he didn’t wanna say who in case it messed with their head.

“I want to end this,” sometimes he didn’t know what he wanted to end. His own life, or The Grabbers. The boys figured his own life, but Finney wouldn’t, no couldn’t let them speak yet.

“Robin..” he cried, voice so tight it was practically closed, “I’m going to kill him.”

Surely their faces were of horror, disgust, fear even, but he could not bring himself to look and feel his heart break even more than it already was. A laugh bubbled up his throat and out of his mouth. Now he–if he didn’t look it before–looked insane.

He giggled and it just wouldn’t stop. Maybe his body was making him laugh, trying to make himself feel better and comfort him. Finney appreciated the thought as tears ran down his face. “I’m gonna kill him!” he laughed.

“I think about slitting his throat, and even drowning him…y’know sometimes I imagine you guys killing him too. You said you would last time..jus’ never got the chance,” he sniffled. He sounded disgusting. Like a monster. It was time to end this God awful conversation. It felt right. He only needed one more thing to say but it was so hard when he knew they wouldn’t feel the same. Yet it was fine, because he needed it to be fine.

“I love you guys, don’t ever forget that. I know I sound sappy, and you probably don’t want to be hearing those words from a future murderer, but I do. I love all of you and if it means all of you never speak, or look at me again…” the thought made bile suddenly bubble in his stomach.

Looks like the McDonalds will be making a second appearance.

“If…if keeping you safe means you hate me and that I become a monster, then I don’t mind in the slightest,” Finney put a wet smile on his face.

But he still couldn’t look them in the eye.

He couldn’t tell what he was feeling. There were too many emotions and he was sure he was about to spontaneously combust. Nausea, a headache, lightheadedness, aching muscles, and eyelids so heavy they felt like they weighed more than a car finally, made him collapse.

There was a yell, or yelling, he couldn’t tell.

Finney just hoped Gwen would handle the rest.

He could always, always, rely on Gwen.

Chapter Text

The house was filled with gloom. As it rightfully should be. Fitting perfectly with the fucked up situation they were presented with moments ago. Robin thought this was a sick joke. He wanted it to be a sick joke actually, because there was no way this wasn’t some weird and fucked up nightmare. He refused to believe it was true. He couldn’t handle it, but also because he knew it was true.

Finney time traveled. They had been kidnapped. Finney had been kidnapped. Finney had…been raped.

Robin couldn’t stomach the thought of Finney suffering in such a way.

The boy he loved, suffering in such a way.

His throat was tight as he stared at Finney, who slept soundly in his bed. Almost throwing up when he couldn’t stop thinking about it. The fear he felt when he suddenly collapsed was indescribable. It felt like his heart burst into a million pieces. He was sure the others felt the same, as they all tried to move in to catch Finney from falling forward and out of the couch all at the same time. Not to mention their yells of worry.

They moved him to his room, waiting for him to wake up and tell him that it was okay.

It was unfathomable that Finney thought they hated him. Hurtful in fact. Did he not know they cared? Did he not know that it was okay? Because he felt the same way.

He couldn’t blame him for wanting to kill the man who hurt him. He himself wanted to kill the man who harmed him. To gut, and stab, and maim, he wanted every bad thing possible to happen to the monster who would hurt an innocent person like Finney. Who could possibly look at Finney and want to harm him? His hand caressed Finney’s, trying to stop tears from coming out of his eyes. To stop from imagining everything that could’ve possibly happened before Finney time traveled; when he was kidnapped.

Robin could imagine the tears, and the screams; begging for mercy. Being taken advantage of and starved, and Finney…..Finney died.

Robin wanted to distract himself. Maybe watch from the window to see if Terrance would pull up into the driveway. To scowl at the world outside for being so happy while Finney suffered in his desolate and mournful little house.

Yet his dismay at leaving Finney’s side had won over the need to push away the awful thoughts. Also, Billy already seemed to be doing so, a distant look in his eyes. So he continued to think, and oh how awfully did he do so.

He said he died. How can he even act okay? He surely isn’t. How could he not come to him? He was his best friend, and maybe could even be his boyfriend if he deemed fit. I mean what kind of boyfriend would he be if Finney couldn’t lean on him for support?

Now that he thought about it, thinking of being Finney’s boyfriend while the current scene was going on….it wasn’t ideal, yet it was a half-baked distraction.

Still didn’t stop him from being a little bitter.

Because Finney had gone to Gwen and though he didn’t like to admit…she probably knew his situation best out of all of them. But he wanted to. He wanted to understand! But Finney didn’t tell him. Sometimes he wished he had Gwen's power despite how much she hated it most of the time.

She could actually see what was happening. She fucking dreamt of it. Fucked up as it may be but he wanted to have the power to understand Finney even if he said nothing at all but…Robin couldn’t. Let alone even stomach imagining it. He’d probably break down seeing it. Rovin wondered if Gwen broke down when she heard.

He wondered if Finney broke down when he told her. He probably did, a very appropriate reaction. He didn’t know what he would do if it happened to him…but that's just it.

It did happen to him. Probably, if anything, though he could not remember. He wouldn’t dwell on it. Right now, at this moment, he was going to focus on Finney, and nothing but from now on. He was going to focus on the brave boy who laid unconscious in his own bed. Knowing as soon as Finney opened his eyes, he was going to look him right in the eyes and let him know in every possible way that it was okay and that he was there for him no matter what. That he’d do anything to help and solace him. The future would be brighter from here on out.

Spilled blood being one of the brightest aspects for their bright future.

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.

.

Griffin shook as he spewed his breakfast into the toilet. Chunks of food and unknown substances hanging onto the corner of his mouth.

He spit the last bits out, flushing and moving to the sink on shaky legs to wash out the disgusting taste. This was unbelievable. There was no way Finney was telling the truth, he was just dismissing the real talk because he didn’t want to discuss it. He held his head in his hands as his mouth dried despite just swishing water around his mouth.

His hands were clammy and sweaty. His legs trembled. And he knew exactly why. It was because deep down, he knew it was true. Because Finney, his best friend Rosey, wasn’t a liar. Besides, just by looking at him–looking at his despair ridden face told him everything he needed to know.

Finney time traveled. Finney was raped.

Finney had died.

Griffin was a bad friend.

He could imagine the blood, the screams, and the cries. His spine ached when he did so. Feeling ever so powerless.

What was one supposed to do in this situation? Based on what he wanted to do; it would be to have something to drink, Finney waking up and telling him everything was okay, and him telling Finney everything was okay back. But what was he supposed to do? What was right? He couldn’t tell up from down and left from right!

Should he pretend that the situation doesn’t exist? No, Gwen and the others wouldn’t like that. Should he go home? Absolutely not. He wanted to see Finney when he woke up. Does he report this to the police? No, Finney would be upset and never trust him again.

Speaking of trust…why didn’t Finney tell him? Did..did he make Finney feel as though he couldn’t talk to him? Had he done anything to make himself seem distrustful? He’s…a bad friend? Griffin doesn’t know! He’s never had friends before, so he doesn’t know if he’s doing it all wrong. Judging from the situation though, he probably was. That’s probably why Finney didn’t tell him, but yet, he didn’t tell anyone else either. Apart from his sister.

Oh why was he even upset? Even if Finney did tell him, what would he have done to help?

Nothing, is the answer. Griffin isn’t strong, smart, nor brave. He’s also pretty sure he’s shit at comforting people too so what use could he have been?

Why was this happening to him? To Finney? He groaned pathetically. All he wanted to do was lock himself away in the bathroom, to wallow in self-doubt and never leave unless it was Finney pulling him out. To see that smile directed at him. Assuring he wasn’t a bad friend and that this could be fixed.

Unfortunately, as luck was apparently never on his side, someone knocked on the door.

And before he could even protest, the door swung open to reveal Finney’s sister in all her tired and aching glory.

Gwen gazed down at Griffin, knowing she went into the restroom without him answering after she knocked. His eyes were wide, a chunk of what was probably vomit on the floor, and a somber feeling in the air. Her eyes showed no emotion, yet her heart ached and her throat was tight. It was like looking at herself in a mirror. Gwen nodded her head, gesturing for him to come out of the bathroom.

He followed.

Even if it wasn’t Finney. It was close enough.

She also kinda freaked him out.

He looked at the pictures on the walls. Admiring Finney and Gwen who had big cheesy smiles on their faces, and the woman who looked very similar to Finney as she held them in a hug. What a lovely picture.

Not at all fitting for such a somber home. If it could even be called one.

When he entered the room, neither Vance nor Robin even spared him a glance. The quiet was eerie, and even more so that everyone knew that they were all contemplating on the same thing. So he sat on the floor next to the door, joining them in their shared silence.

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.

.

Billy’s stomach ached. He kept staring out the window, making sure to let the rest know if anyone was going to approach the door or pull up into the driveway. A guardian of the house in a way, he thought, imagining himself in a wizard outfit. Mostly doing so to keep himself from remembering that he was no guardian. He was no protector. If anything, Finney was the protector, and it made him feel worse every time he remembered.

He put his knees to his chest and buried his head, much like Bruce, who leaned against Finney’s bed. He hadn’t moved from that position since Finney was moved to the bed. Too busy thinking and trying to keep his throat from closing.

Bruce couldn’t picture Finney in such a way. It was too unbelievable. When he had gazed at Finney in appreciation when he helped him with his English work and in admiration when he practiced baseball with him…it felt as though the person from his memories and the person laying on the bed were two completely different people.

It felt like he knew nothing about his friend and it stung.

“Vance, stop fucking pacing. You’re making me anxious!” Robin whisper-yelled from where he sat on Finney’s bed. Vance sighed exasperatedly, knowing he couldn’t stop even if he wanted to. He wouldn’t stop, couldn’t rather.

If he stopped pacing it would make him think about something other than his own footsteps. Forcing him to dwell on the fact he knew something up was with Finney merely a couple hours into meeting him. The fact that he had seen scars and said nothing. At the moment he wanted to pull a cigarette out and smoke until he choked on it and died.

…or at the very least passed out.

The more he looked at Finney and the other boys the more guilt he felt. It showed so much that Robin and Bruce kept glancing over to him and it made him feel as if he were being interrogated. “Hey.” he swallowed, shoving his hands in his vest pockets as everyone in the room looked at him. “Did you suspect anything?” he asked. Bruce looked between Robin and Vance, knowing what he meant but not being able to admit he somehow didn’t see the signs of their friend suffering.

Robin sighed, caressing Finney’s hand, staring directly at his scars. He hummed, “I…knew something was wrong but..I wanted him to come to me” Robin admitted bitterly. Knowing that he probably should’ve confronted Finney on the matter earlier. Billy nodded in agreement. Remembering the creepy old man in the van who asked about the paper. It sent shivers down his spine knowing that he just sat there silently and watched as Finney talked to what was probably the kidnapper from the note. Being completely useless.

Gwen almost facepalmed while looking at the group. Their concern and self-doubts filled the air so thick you could cut it with a knife. She had been silent this whole time, quietly observing them as they wallowed in on themselves just like she did when Finney first told her. Now she knew it was time to say something, just like she wished someone told her something when she first discovered Finney’s secret.

“You can’t blame him for not saying anything to you Robin.” Gwen claimed, suddenly entering the conversation after nothing but silence. Which apparently struck a cord since it drew an annoyed/angry expression from Robin. He almost looked offended. “I don’t blame him for anything-” he attested. “Your tone says otherwise. I know you’re his best friend–you have been since elementary but some things are harder to say.” she mumbled, knowing just how hard it was for Finney to speak when he told her. How much his voice cracked and broke. She remembered him showing her the scars on his back.

And robin…

Robin understood that but what he couldn't understand was–”Did I not seem trustworthy?” He hated how pathetically broken he sounded. “Or was I…did I upset him? He knows he can come to me for anything right?” Apparently not since Finney didn’t obviously come to him for help nor solace. “But I- '' his voice was starting to wobble as he squeezed finney’s hand. Griffin felt his heart clench as he heard Robin express what he felt in such clear words, knowing he’d burst into tears if he tried to do the same.

“Finney wasn’t going to tell me either.” she clarified, knowing she would have to explain from their confused faces. “The only reason he told me was because I saw it in my dreams…” It was a bitter thought really. If not for her visions, she would have been just as in the dark as they were. She inhaled shakily, “He cried Robin.” her own voice was becoming shaky just as Robin’s was a moment ago.

“Finney doesn’t cry…but he sobbed to the point he couldn’t breath and I just–” she took a deep breath in. “–I couldn’t do anything because this is such a fucked up and weird situation. I wanted to find the bastard myself and kill him with my own two hands.” she admitted, imagining herself wrapping her hands around his throat. Watching in satisfaction as life faded away from his eyes. “But I won’t…because that will be Finney’s privilege, but that does not mean I won’t help.” she stood straighter as they gazed at her with bewilderment.

“I am going to become a murderer, or at the very least be an accomplice to murder. The question is…are you helping? If not, back off and let us handle it.” she declared, leaving the room to go and grab a glass of water for when Finney woke up.

They just sat there, shocked. She’d said what no one had so far dared to say.

“I am going to become a murderer”

Such confidence left them breathless but not just because of how sure she had been, but also because she seemed to be completely fine with it. That she had pulled almost every shared thought in their heads. As if–no, she had thought about this before. A million times over maybe. And that’s when they realized…being a murderer didn’t seem so bad if they were helping Finney feel safe.

That they didn’t mind watching a person's life fade away if it put a stop to all this agony.

As Billy’s stomach ache ceased, Robin and Vance’s minds cleared, Bruce's heart lifted, and there was no longer an ache in Griffin’s spine, that's when they knew.

That’s when they knew it was settled.

As soon as Gwen stepped foot into the room, Finney had woken up.

Chapter Text

There was a song that Finney’s mother used to listen to. He couldn’t tell you the lyrics or who it was by but…he could always recognize it. It was a feeling. A warm and kind feeling. One that he and Gwen tried to recreate but never could.

In the middle of the night when Terrance pulled into the driveway after going on a late night bender, on birthday’s where they ate cookies by the TV with no friends because they were never allowed, and on holidays such a christmas with no presents much less a crappy fake tree. Finney hadn’t felt it in so long he was starting to forget what it felt like. But here it was.

“Finney? Finnneeyy?”

Finney peeled his eyes open to a blinding sensation of white. He sat up, hugging himself tightly in an attempt at warmth. “Mama?” He called out, not even trying to stand knowing his legs would give out. Suddenly a pressure leaned itself on his back. He leaned back into it, accepting the welcoming embrace. “So…cat is out of the bag, hm?” Finney chuckled, nodding his head. “Yeah…oh god yes it is.” he let his head fall into his hands. He felt his mother nod her head against his.

“It was inevitable y’know?” No, he didn't know. Though maybe it was a little silly to think anything ever went his way wasn’t it? “You can’t stay like this forever.” she advised. “Yes I can, it’s called being in a coma” he argued. She chuckled and leaned more of her weight onto him. How silly her son was. “Gwen won’t like that.” She insisted and Finney groaned knowing she was right.

“I don’t want to see it.” His mother sighed, knowing what he meant yet not being able to comprehend just how in the world her son didn’t see that those boys didn’t care that was going to kill someone. I mean normal people don’t do that for sure but still. “They care about you baby, they aren’t mad at you.” She assured, turning around to hug him from behind.

“Mama, I am not truthful nor do I deserve good. I cannot fix anything and I cannot have what it takes to be a good person. I lack a moral compass and I want to cause harm. It isn’t right for me to be so selfish and drag them down with me. I’m not a good person mama, that is just how I see it. That’s okay with me because I do not need to be good to get what is rightfully mine. Revenge is not bad, nor violence “evil”. It just is. That is, being something I want.” She hugged him so tightly. So tightly he almost couldn't breathe. How could he be so silly and so mature at the same time? What a smart and loving boy her Finney is.

Sunny Blake has many regrets yet loving her children was never one of them. She could weep at how strong they were. It was almost unbelievable that such smart children were hers. Yet she threw such a thing away when she took her own life. Her mind was not right at the time, and it only led to suffering. She hates the way Gwen and Finney look down upon themselves when in fact they were possibly the closest thing to perfection she’d ever seen.

Her perfect Gwen.

Her perfect Finney.

Sunny Blake didn’t deserve every weeping, sorrowful “I love you” when they cried themselves to sleep. She did not deserve to have the words “Loving mother” engraved on her nicely kept tombstone. She did not deserve the flowers they put there every year.

She deserved nothing, while her beautifully sad children deserved everything.

“I promise. I promise to you that they are people who will understand you if you let them and what you have been through. They will show you patience, they’ll show you understanding. You’ll heal. Your feelings, your worries, your anxieties, your trauma, your pain, and your suffering are not a burden. I promise you that you are capable of giving and receiving love despite it all.” Tears flowed down her face and onto Finney’s hair and neck, whilst his tears fell into his quivering hands.

“I-..I wish you could see just how worthy you are. You're worthy of good things, of genuine love. You deserve to have deep connections. I wish that you could see you deserve happiness. I wish you could escape the horror that is your own mind for just one moment and see everything you deserve. Because Finney once you see it, once you feel it, you can no longer deny how real it is. You mean so much to me. You are worth so much more than the way you've been treated and the way you have been made to feel. Your past doesn’t define what you can do or who you are. Your past doesn’t affect your ability to love or feel loved. I hope you find true happiness and that your heart will open to allow itself to be loved just as much as it loves others. I hope it opens more and more each day, allowing a little bit of love back in every waking moment. You’ll struggle and you’ll need to work. Not all days will be good, but not all days will be bad. With this. With me. A gentle reminder. I hope that in doing so you begin to see everything that is meant for you. That they will find their way to you. Acknowledge that you deserving and worthy of it all, my beautiful, beautiful, Finney”  ‘

She was full on sobbing now, she couldn’t handle the amount of love and adoration she felt for him. He wept, not being able to handle the weight of that love and adoration. “I was never mad at you, because I was you.” He sobbed. She gasped wetly, holding on tighter. It was a relief to know that her son never blamed her for taking her life that day, yet knowing that he too felt just as she did was heartbreaking on its very own.

“You’re so mature…looks like I've been worryin’ for nothin’ hm?” She chuckled, rocking Finney and herself back and forth in a soothing motion. She caressed his arms and placed a kiss on his head. For a moment, a selfish, selfish moment; she didn’t want to let him go. But Sunny Blake had already been plenty selfish. It was time for him to wake up now yet she did not want to let him go for worry of what was going to happen.

Her children were far braver than she was.

Finney looked at his hands. They were practically see-through. It was time, and he knew it. He held his mother’s hand, studying her nails and the creases of her fingers. Half waiting to be greeted with angered faces, yet a piece of him hoped to be greeted with worry and concern. “I love you Finney. I love Gwen too. Never forget that, and make sure she doesn’t either.” He nodded, watching as he faded away. “Of course mama…” he promised.

“Oh and Finney…”

“Hm?”

“Be careful.”

Her voice was oddly serious.

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.

.

They watched in relief as Finney opened his eyes, breathing deeply. “Holy fuck!” Robin shouted, startling Finney awake. He looked at Robin with worry, ready to hear some type of  criticism. He almost cried when he felt bare arms wrap around him in a comforting warmth.

“Robin?” He asked hesitantly. Robin pulled back, teary-eyed and sniffly. It was really weird to see Robin cry. Such a strong and put together person, yet here he was. Robin Arellano was caressing his face with such a….loving look. Finney could kiss him on the spot.

Finney looked at everyone in the room. Growing more worried the more he saw. Robin's eyes red and teary much like Griffin yet he was much paler. Bruce and Billy looked so utterly relieved it almost broke his heart. Even Vance looked relieved, which he wasn't gonna lie, made him glad. Then there was Gwen. Standing in the doorway with a cup of water in hand, looking exhausted and yet a tired smile graced her lips.

She walked to him, the others moving out of her way. He received the water gratefully, downing it in less than a second. His head was actually aching now that he thought about it.

“Are you guys okay?” He asked yet the incredulous look he received made him second guess the words that came out of his mouth. “Are we okay?” Vance asked, somewhat exasperated. “Finney you’re being stalked, traveled back in time, and passed out, are you being serious?” Well he was a moment ago but hearing that made him wanna say he was just joking.

Robin sighed and rubbed his face tiredly. He was now sitting criss-cross with his head in his hands, in disbelief of how selfless Finney was. Robin was gonna be in for a lot of trouble in the future. Griffin maneuvered past Vance to sit next to Finney, wanting just to rest his head on his shoulder and feel his comforting energy. After throwing up in the bathroom and basically having an early life-crisis he felt like–and call him selfish for thinking so but–he felt like he needed this. It was also a plus when Finney wrapped his arm around him and soothingly rubbed his shoulder.

“Finney..about earlier..” Bruce started. Oh boy here we go. He knew they were eventually going to talk but god he really didn’t want to. And he doesn’t think he can handle another talk. Not after the last one they had, and that one ended with him passing out. “We don’t hate you.” His heart stopped. Surely it did. Finney shook his head for an unknown reason. Maybe it was because the words felt unreal yet his mothers words came to mind and it made it feel real even if it wasn’t. “No, don't shake your head–Finney we don’t hate you, we could never hate you.” Billy affirmed, sitting down on his bed near his covered feet.

His lips quivered and he sniffled pathetically. It didn’t help that Robin was rubbing his thumb across Finney’s rosey cheek. All of this was just filling Finney’s heart with love. So much so that his heart felt as though it was about to pop. “You can’t mean that…” he mumbled sadly, a small smile on his face. “Finney for once, would you just believe that people love ya’ huh?” Gwen huffed, making him chuckle. Griffin nodded against his shoulder before moving to look directly at him. Into his eyes, almost as if he was trying to look into his soul.

“Finney, I know I may not be the uh, best friend in the world but I care about you, We all care about you. We don’t care about what baggage you have–we’ll help you carry that baggage because you’d do that for us wouldn’t you?” Finney held onto Griffin’s hand, squeezing tight. Of course he’d carry their baggage. Griffin signed, before breathing deeply. “Finney I’m gonna help you kill the guy that killed you.”

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.

.

What?

“We all are!” That can’t possibly be right, they couldn’t possibly want to kill someone or in the very least be okay with it. “Yeah Finn, we’re gonna fuck that guy up.” Robin chimed in. He almost sounded proud. No, he is proud. Robin is proud at the thought of murder.

Was he still dreaming? He pinched his cheek which granted him an eye roll from both Robin and Vance. Gwen also scoffed with the smile at the motion. “You think we’re kidding don’t you.” It wasn’t a question that’s for sure. “You already know Im’m helping, what makes you think they won’t?” Gwen asked with raised brow. To that…Finney didn’t really have an answer to that. “I…” He tried, but evidently nothing was really able to follow that up.

Gwen made a noise that was something between a laugh and a scoff. “Finney you’re so smart yet such a dumbass at the same time. Is it really that hard to believe that your friends, and future boyfriend over there don’t care about you?” She asked as if it was obvious.

“Gwen it isn’t–wait boyfriend?” Finney’s cheeks grew hot as he looked directly at Robin who turned a bright cherry red. “Gwen. What the hell.” Robin gawked. Gwen rolled her eyes again for what seemed the third time in less than twenty minutes. “Oh shut up you know you’ve wanted to smooth my brother for so long now and the way you look at him is actually sickening, why do-”

“Gwen!” Robin screeched, turning even more red. The others laughed at the look on Finney and his face. And for the first time in a while, the atmosphere warmed. “Finn ignore her, she’s dumb.” He pleaded as Finney laughed. “I mean yeah she’s dumb as a rock–” Gwen shot him a look. “-but I wouldn’t…oppose the idea.” He mumbled, feeling himself flush.

The look on Robin’s face was rewarding in itself. Griffin gasped at his side, holding onto his arm, mouth agape. Bruised ‘awed’ at the sight as both Gwen and Vance simultaneously fake gagged. “Then…you…?” Robin somewhat asked, not being able to fully get his question out without imploding on the spot. Finney nodded with a small chuckle. They stared at each other for what seemed forever before Robin inhaled deeply and grabbed both of Finney’s hands and squeezed them tightly. “Okay…” He started, trying his best not to become so red steam would start coming out of his ears. “Then Finney Blake, will you go out with me?”

He’d been wanting to say that for so long.

“Yes!” Finney shouted, barely holding in his excitement as he nodded wildly.

He’d been wanting to say that for so long.

So much so that he couldn’t help himself and kissed Robin square on the lips. Griffin gasped(squealed) as Billy clapped. Bruce smiling so wide his face almost tore in half while again, both Gwen and Vance fake gagged. Robin tried to speak when they broke the kiss but nothing coherent would come out. All he could do was stutter and make noises like a lovesick idiot.

But then again, that’s exactly what he was, wasn’t he?

Dopey smile and all. Heart so filled with love he couldn’t even speak properly. Heart so filled with love he could already see the wedding. Heart so filled with love he saw the house they would have and 2 kids.

.

.

.

Or atleast dogs.

It was whatever Finney wanted.

As for Finney…he’d wanted this for so long he was speechless. Here Robin was, hand in hand with him. They had just kissed for goodness sake! Griffin was by his side–quite literally–along Bruce, Billy, and Vance all safe and sound. Gwen looked less down than she had in weeks. It was all so perfect. His heart wanted to burst, and this time it wasn’t from a painful ache. No, it was the feeling.

The feeling he hadn’t felt in so long he’d almost forgotten it. Yet here it was, a miracle it was. He was sure Gwen felt it too. Finney turned to Gwen, still holding Robin’s hands. She raised a brow when he looked her directly in the eye. “Mama loves you Gwen.” It wasn’t anything above a whisper but her eyes widened and she stilled. Her eyes searched his and his searched hers. She inhaled shakily as her lip trembled. “You’re a pain in my ass.”

There was a moment of silence before he laughed. So hard his eyes watered. Robin and the others soon joined in on the laughter. Now he knew for sure. Gwen felt it, just like he did. He would even go as far to say the boys felt it too, even if they weren’t aware of it,

Finney was sure he’d remember this day forever. Remembering the good and the bad.

Even as the sickening sound of the revving engine filled their ears, he’d remember.

The good.

And the bad

Chapter Text

“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the lord my soul to keep. If I die before I wake, pray the lord my soul to take. Amen.” Gwen muttered her breath, hands clasped together tightly with Finney doing just the same by her side. Though he didn’t actually say the prayer. It was more to humor her than anything. “All done?” Their mother asked, a soft smile on her face. Gwen nodded, soothing out her nightgown as she stood. Sunny looked at Finney, nonverbally asking the same question. In return he smiled at her, bright and full of teeth. Minus his two front ones that fell out a couple weeks prior.

She giggled at how cute and silly his smile was. Her children were so beautiful. “Okay!” she exclaimed. “Bed time!” She announced, shooing them off to the bedroom they both shared. Sunny did always think it was cute how they shared a room. A mix of space-themed T-shirts and jeans on one side and bright colored dresses on the other of their closet. Dolls and action figures littering the room. Though Terrance didn’t really want to indulge in them sharing a room. After all, why would they when they had another perfectly good room across the hall? But she believed it showed just how well they got along with each other.

She tucked in the corners of the blanket, giving little kisses to their foreheads and rosey little cheeks. The nightlight was switched on and the fan spun away on the ceiling. They always did like sleeping with it on. She turned to leave yet felt her nightgown get tugged on. Finney held onto her gown, eyes staring directly into hers and for a moment Sunny felt as though he stared into her very soul. Chills ran up her spine before she leaned down and placed  a hand on his tummy. “Yes?” She whispered and for a moment he said nothing.  He just stared at her with a blank expression.

“We love you.”

She tilted her head to the side. She glanced at Gwen who held the same blank expression but it looked tighter than Finney’s. Gwen nodded, “Love you…” She whispered. Why did that sound weird? I mean Finney and Gwen told her ‘I love you all the time. In their sweet little voices with their bright chubby faces. Yet in that moment it felt like she was talking to someone mature. Staring into the faces of someone far above their years.

She was stunned. Bewildered even. So much so that she said nothing. All she could do was stare. Sunny felt her son clench tighter at her nightdress before letting go completely and turning to his side. His back faced away as he curled up into a ball and held his sister's hand. Sunny watched Gwen shut her eyes and curl up as well.

She thought about it on her way to her room and in bed that night. Next to her snoring husband wide awake, all she could do was think about it. Yet that morning it wasn’t brought up. It was never brought up. Even when she told them good morning. Even when she plated their breakfast with a cheery voice.  And even when she sent them to school with a smile on her face.

Sunny Blake would give anything to go back and say it back.

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.

.

The air was stiff that day. So…tense. More than usual. The atmosphere was so thick you could cut it with a knife. His lungs felt smaller than they were, forcing him to breathe through his mouth to get more air. Yet it was a dull morning, and even though the sun was shining brightly outside, it felt like a muggy, wet smell. The kind you smell after it rained in the night. He didn’t know you could feel a smell.

But then again there was always this weird energy when he stayed with his brother. It was always there, no matter what.  When he would first pull into the driveway and feel his chest tighten. When he would stare into the other house his brother owned from across the street; the smell of rotting meat filling his sinuses. And at night, when he unpacked all of his bags and laid down to sleep with the window locked shut and the door shut tight would he have dreams. No, not dreams. Just a dream. A dream that would make him wake up with a gasp, in a cold sweat. A dream that made him want to get onto his knees and clasp his hands together so tight they’d turn purple and recite a prayer just to feel safe enough to be able to go back to sleep. It had never been stronger than last night though.

It was just a door. One singular white door. The dream was unnerving to say the least. Sometimes, if the prayer didn’t work, if he couldn’t go back to sleep just from how unsafe he felt…if he was feeling brave, he would go and stand in front of the ominous white door. Just staring at the knob, trying to build the courage to open it, staring so intensely he half heartedly expected the door to open all on its own and reveal its secrets to him.

It never did.

He never did.

Not to mention his brother giving off his very own creepy ass energy. It was his brother. The same brother who had grayed hair and crooked teeth. The same brother he used to share a bunk bed with. The same brother who shared a last name. Yet it was different. The shiver he got down his spine when just looking in his direction made him think otherwise.

“Feed the dog before you leave.”

He was now staring blankly into the fridge. Thoughts running at 100 miles per hour. There were a lot of egg cartoons on the top shelf and in the bottom drawer. That was odd. Who needs that many eggs? Besides his brother didn’t really like e–

“Max! Did you hear me?” Max Shaw jumped and perked his head up from the open refrigerator, eyebrows up; eyes open in surprise. His heart pounded at how he missed the order, or maybe it was beating merely because he was in the same room as Albert Shaw. “O-Oh..A-Are you going somewhere Al?” He asked, the whirr of the fridge falling silent as he put all his focus on his brother. His empty, soulless brother.

“Yeah, feed the dog before you go to the store. I shouldn’t be long.” Albert instructed, his keys clenched tightly in his left hand. Max eyed the fist, his own tightening on the fridge door. His eyes moved to Albert’s face. Same ole’ sunken eyebags and same ole’ deep frown. He studied every wrinkle, every crevice, and every gray hair he could possibly see. Max could hear his brother clench the door handle tightly and it almost made him flinch. Itv was almost like Albert knew what he was thinking. In that moment every possible instinct was telling him–no–yelling at him to not let Albert Shaw walk out of that door.

He opened his mouth but nothing came out, so he stood there, mouth agape like a fish.

Albert Shaw raised a brow at his younger brother. Looking him up and down with something akin to, perhaps disgust. No, he loved his idiot of a brother but…but that look. The eyes of a man that knew something. There was no way though. It was impossible for him to know.

He took a deep breath, trying to mask it as a tired sigh yet came out as an exasperated huff.

“O-Okay, got it!” Max mock saluted, shoulders tight in fear.

Fear? Why was he afraid? There’s no need to be afraid. There was nothing dangerous in the room. There was no…one..dangerous in the room.

…

Was there?

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.

.

Driveway after driveway was empty. The smile on his face–teeth crooked and skin pulled back– grew each time he passed a house with no car in the driveway. Lights off and deafening quietness. Albert Shaw thanked God for whoever made neighborhood cookouts a thing.

His heart had leapt upon the news of the cookout. Overhearing talk of the event. Giddy parents and their hyper children leaving their homes unattended to go to the very last and farthest house down the road. And his heart leapt knowing his boy wouldn’t be going. If the behavior of his boy's father meant anything then he wouldn't be taking his boy out anywhere. Let alone be home at all to care for his child.

Albert fantasized about his boy when he parked his car in front of his house in the dead of night. When he would hear cries and imagined himself saving him from the man his boy called father. He was pretty sure his heart would explode in happiness when he finally had him safe and tucked away in the basement. Just imagining how thankful he would be. How the boy would say–”Thank you–Thank you!” Showering attention and praise.

Why the thought alone made him blush.

He was so excited a laugh managed to escape his mouth as he was a mere two houses away from his boys house. Albert could just imagine how much fun they’d have together. Their future spent together and together alone. Although they could never go out on actual dates he was sure the boy wouldn’t mind.

He slowed his car to a stop, and gazed hopefully at the familiar house in front of him. No car in the driveway and closed blinds. He hummed a small tune as he shifted his car into park. In the passenger seat was the can of wasp spray and a long rope. He leaned over and shoved the can into his pocket and secured the rope around his shoulder.

The hum of his engine ceased as soon as he took out the keys.

.

.

.

Finney knew.

He just knew.

And so did the rest.

They all flinched, and turned to stare out the window. A bone chilling air consumed them knowing they soon would be faced with a kidnapper. A grown man with the capability to kill. That if anything went wrong, they’d be dead and Finney would be gone. Taken away right in front of their dying eyes. That the last thing they would ever see was Finney being forcefully taken from them.

That the man would have the last laugh.

Griffin inhaled a shaky breath. Gwen reached over and gripped Finney’s hand. The second she registered the deep rumbling of the engine all she could remember was those awful visions. Nightmares really. Where she would wake up in pools of sweat and her lungs felt as though they were about to collapse. Her hair and clothes sticking to her skin due to the sweat. When she’d rip the covers off and practically run to Finney’s room just to see if he was there. To see if he was safe and sound. Her breath finally steaded out upon seeing him tucked into bed, sound asleep. Her eyebags grew with how frequent the visions and nightmares became. One that would become true from what lies outside.

Horror radiated from their bodies and anxiety seeped from their pores. In that very moment, nothing but doubt is what filled their mind.

She held his hands as her vision started to blur. She wasn’t going to let him be taken away from her. She wouldn’t–couldn’t–let her visions become reality. That was certain but…what could she do? What power did she actually have? Gwen looked at Finney, hoping that somehow he’d fix everything just like he always had. Her eyes flicked to Vance, the biggest in the room. Finney would come up with something. Something that surely involved Vance. Him being the biggest and the toughest in the room had to mean something.

Didn’t it?

Vance had never really fought an adult before. That time he punched a teacher in the face? That was simply incomparable to this. That teacher was out of shape, old, and frail. Not to mention that wasn't even an actual fight  No this just wasn’t something he could possibly win. Vance saw how he felt reflected from the way the others looked. How they looked back and forth between each other, looking for what to do. Besides Finney, who hadn’t even blinked once they all heard the engine from outside. From Bruce, frozen in place, to Griffin who was hugging onto Finney’s arm for dear life.

Griffin tried to ground himself using Finney’s arm. Hugging so tight he was sure it would snap in half. Yet that couldn’t stop the shaking. He wasn’t big and he sure as hell wasn’t strong. In fact, for a kid his age he was particularly little and rather weak. He wondered, just how pathetic can he get? So at that moment all he could think of is what could he do? What could he possibly do to save Finney? He looked to Finney for answers, even though he wasn’t even looking at him and didn’t actually ask for any. He’d be able to fix it right? His eyes wandered to Billy, who stood by the window with clenched hands. His face was scrunched. His jaw noticeably clenched. ‘What if he broke in through the window?” Billy thought. The creepy image of the man breaking in through the glass with a disgusting smile forced its way into his head. It made shivers run down his spine. In fact, it made him want to run straight out the back door and go home. To be safe and sound with his dog. But how pathetic would that be? Nobody else even twitched, much less ran away. So why would he?

Bruce had seen Billy take a step back and he felt himself wanting to do the same. But he was frozen. He was pretty sure even his chest had stopped doing its repetitive ups and downs to allow him to breathe. He hadn’t expected that tutoring lessons every so often with Finney would lead to…this. From studying English homework in the center of his living room to him about to fight for his life was way above his expectations of what came to being finney’s friend. But…Bruce couldn’t find himself regretting it. From the time he was first introduced to Finney, to now, where he stood next to some of the best people he now knew.

Despite everything, he was sure nobody else regretted being here either.

With a sudden overwhelming confidence, he rolled up his sleeves and took in a deep breath. “Finney.” The others snapped out of their thoughts in surprise and turned to Bruce with wide eyes. He watched Finney close his eyes and time slowed–or at the very least seemed too–and they all turned to look back at him. Questioning gazes resting upon his turned back. Then they had a feeling. They’d never felt it before and they weren’t sure if they’d feel it again but Finney smiled. He smiled and soft, small smile. Gwen’s eyes widened and slowly, her own smile consumed her face and just a single tear escaped out of her eye and that’s when they knew.

They were going to win.

.

.

.

Albert looked back and forth as he walked up to the door. No one in sight yet he couldn’t shake the feeling of anxiety that washed over him. He wanted to chalk it up to something akin to “butterflies” since he would be officially meeting his boy outside of his fantasies and be in his presence for longer than five minutes. Yet he just couldn't rid himself of worry. He realized that he stood there for too long. He realized his own hesitance.

The pit in his stomach only grew when he realized the door was left unlocked. ‘Silly boy,’ he thought. Why, anyone could just waltz in here. His boy was very irresponsible. He’d have to fix that.

He locked the door from the inside.

The boy's home was dark. The curtains pulled closed and the lights off. There was a humming coming from the kitchen but other than that it was completely silent. If he was being honest, it threw him off. Albert walked the halls, his feet making muffled thuds against the floor as he closed in on the two rooms at the end of the hallway. Pictures adorned the walls, all of the boy and his family. There was one he particularly liked.

Hanging on the left wall, at his exact eye-level was his boy in a little suit, holding a baby girl with the biggest smile. Just looking at the picture made him blush.

He would take it on his way out.

There was a skip in his step as he continued down the hall. His heart beating 100 miles a minute. Then there it was. The door was cracked. Only slightly, but it allowed him to see into the room. It allowed him to see a bed. It allowed him to see his boy laying on said bed. Face turned, back facing his way, and smothered in the covers. He was perfect. He was perfect and he couldn’t even fully see his face. The door opened with no creaking. Silent as a church mouse.

It was so mesmerizing. Every space-themed decoration, every poster on the way, and even the small pieces of clothes scattered on the floor. Well now he had an idea on what to get the boy for birthdays. He giggled to himself, making sure not to be too loud. After all, it would be so much more trouble if his boy started screaming for help and flailed around. It was much preferred for him to be quiet and still.

Looking down at the boy in bed, he couldn’t help but lean down over him and smell. As he leaned his weight on the bed and inhaled he became entranced with the clean smell of coconut. So entranced, he didn’t hear the closet door open. So entranced, he didn’t notice when the girl stepped into the doorway. A gun held tight in her right hand. So entranced, he didn’t even notice that the boy, laying in bed, wasn’t even actually sleeping.

Albert Shaw didn’t even know what hit him until the bullet made contact with his upper thigh.

.

.

.

“Fuck!” Albert screamed in shock. His legs going weak and his throat closing once he turned to the source of his pain and saw a very prominent blood spot on his jeans. Growing bigger each second he did nothing to stop the bleeding. His mind was muddled with pain and confusion. But then he knew. When he noticed the girl in the doorway, staring at him with a satisfied smile he knew. When he saw five boys all pile out of the closet, all of them wearing a similar smile to the girl standing in the doorway he just knew.

This was a trap.

And he fell right into it.

Albert shot up to his feet, ignoring the shooting pain in his leg and booked it as fast as a person who had been shot in the leg could. The boys, Gwen, and Finney watching him hobble out of the room in amusement. Gwen letting him run (stagger) away right passed her and out the room.

Robin walked to the bed, extending his hand out for Finney to grab. Finney smiled up at him and took his hand, letting himself be pulled up and led out of the room. Griffin came to his other side, shaking. Trembling actually, one could mistake it for fear but Finney knew. He knew it was excitement, and if there was fear, it was just Griffin being startled by just how willing and just how excited he was to rid the world of the stumbling filth just down the hall.

He and Robin led the group out of the room, following the blood trail.

.

.

.

Albert didn’t understand.

How did they know? Why didn’t God tell him? The more he continued to think, the more angry he grew. It was God who showed him this beautiful boy in the first place! Why give him something only to take it away so quickly? Why must God induce such agony?

Did all those dreams mean nothing? Did he watch and wait all that time for nothing? Was this all some sick and twisted joke by God? Had God done this just for–for what!? A few laughs? Entertainment perhaps? It made his head spin. His brain ached and his leg felt like jello. He didn’t know why God decided to play with him like this. Why he gave him something so good only for it to turn out so bad. For it to go so horribly wrong.

But he did know one thing.

And that was that he needed to get out of there.

Now.

He shuffled the best he could to the door. His leg failed him. Sending him tumbling to the floor, shoving his side into the wall. All he could do was grunt in pain and pant from exertion. He could feel his own light in his eyes slowly go out. This wasn’t the way it was supposed to go. This wasn’t the way his life story was supposed to end!

Then a ray of hope came shining down on him.

A phone stuck out from the way. His shining ray of hope. He reached his shaky hand out and pulled it to his ear, using his other shaking hand to dial his house number as fast as he could. The sound of a ringing phone couldn’t have sounded more heavenly.

“Uh Hello?” Albert heard his brother ask from the other side of the phone and an actual tear left his eye. He cursed as his leg ached. “Al?” He heard his brother question nervously. “Max! Max. Th-They knew! I don’t know how they knew but they did!” He heard himself laugh humorlessly. The other line dead silent. “Y-You need to–Fuck!” He cursed, another shooting pain in his leg came over him, forcing him to steady his breath. Albert looked down the hall and saw no one, yet it did nothing to comfort him as his only thought was to make it to safety. Never would Albert Shaw believe he would be scared of children. Scared for his life because of children. “You need to come get me! Now! Th-The address-!...”

His heart almost gave out when the line went dead.

Max

Max had actually hung up on him.

Albert Shaw laughed aloud. He laughed so hard tears came out of his eyes and he couldn’t breath. “He actually hung up!” He chuckled, still clutching his wounded leg.

They could hear him all the way from the room. The manic laughter only grew as they made their way to the living room, following the blood trail. In all his glory, was The Grabber, fumbling with the front doors lock. Finney huffed a small laugh. He nodded his head at Vance and Bruce who marched over to the hysterical man on the floor. Vance grabbed him by his right arm and Bruce by his left arm, forcing the man to face the group.

Albert’s head was facing down, not allowing his face to be seen. Finney gestured to Gwen who stepped forward and handed the hand-gun to Robin. Robin thanked her with a stale smile. Not even a second later, he shot The Grabber’s other leg, never letting go of Finney's hand. Vance and Bruce held onto him tighter as he flailed in pain. Gripping his arms so hard they were sure to bruise and deciding to go even a step further as to use their nails until they drew blood.

Billy showed shortly after, Terrance’s tool box in hand. Griffin came from Gwen’s side and rounded himself to be in front of Billy. They nodded at each other. Billy held the box out on display, tight in his hands and Griffin opened the toolbox, ready to hand any tool Finney needed or asked for. Finney gave Robin’s hand one last squeeze before letting go and crouching to the floor to be face to face with his killer.

Finney looked him up and down, and all he could think about was, ‘Wow, this is what I was worrying about?’. It seemed silly now. Now that the man he used to fear most was now this pathetic, sobbing, pile of nothing on his floor. It was then Albert finally looked at him. Looked right into his eyes.

“Pliers?” He asked, reaching his hand out, waiting for them to be placed in his hand. “On it!” Griffin called out, a smile on his face. The look on The Grabber’s face was actually hilarious.

Feeling the pliers weight on his hand, he glanced back and nodded his head in thanks.

Albert tried to pull his head away yet was held in place by Finney’s hand.

His grip on his jaw was tight as he gripped the top front tooth in The Grabber’s mouth with the pliers and slowly pulled. He ignored the protests and screams as he slowly watched the tooth no longer be secured in the man’s mouth. Finney inspected it with awe.

“How did you know?” It startled them a bit when the man spoke. “What” Robin asked. The Grabber heaved, his tongue running over where his tooth was.

“How, did you know?” He asked again, breathing labored. Finney sighed through his nose, unsure of what to say. So he shrugged. He watched in amusement as The Grabber grew more irritated. “Then why? I would’ve been good to you!” He begged. Vance and Bruce tightened their grip even more than they thought possible. Gwen, Robin, Billy, and Griffin glaring at the man on the floor and that was when Finney had an idea.

“Apologize,” He demanded, watching The Grabber look confused he sighed exasperated. “I’m sure you’d be just as mad having found out you’d been stalked, wouldn’t you?” He ‘explained’ and crossed his arms with a fake huff. “I guess those dreams meant nothing.”

He almost burst out laughing at the look of hope on the man’s face. “Dreams? You had dreams too?” The man was so excited it was sickening. Finnet nodded and huffed. “I saw you in my dreams…taking care of me better than Terrace ever could..” Gwen’s eyes widened once she realized what her brother was doing and she was so in on it. “Yeah dude, he tells me all about them and turns out you're just some creep who doesn’t even have the balls to talk to my brother face to face? What a shame.” She finished, watching as hope filled the man’s eyes. “No! No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! I-I’ve had dreams too that’s why I was watching you! If I had known..” The man pleaded. Gwen was sure he would’ve put his hands together and shifted himself to his knees if he wasn’t being held back.

Finney loosened his grip. “Then say you’re sorry?” Finney even added a fake pout to add the cherry on top. The Grabber laughed breathlessly, swallowing before rapidly nodding.

“I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry.” He apologized. He watched Finney smile and his own smile formed when he saw Finney put down the pliers and gently grab his face with both hands.

“Fucking Idiot.”

They laughed at the very obvious disdain on the man’s face. “Fuck he’s gullible” Gwen said through her laughter. Finney held onto his stomach as he caught his breath. “Phew….hah alright…let’s get this over with.”

“Hammer.”

.

.

.

Robin gazed lovingly at Finney. He was such a lovesick fool. Even in moments such as these.

No.

ESPECIALLY in moments like this. Finney covered in blood as he pulled teeth and smashed bones into piles of mush. The screams of agony being their music.

At that moment, he wondered what kind of wedding ring Finney would like. What suits the other boys would wear. Oh, who would be walking him down the aisle? Would Finney like an indoor or an outdoor wedding? What flowers would he like? Who’d be the flower girl?

But the most important thought was…

Fuck this was going to take forever to clean. 

Chapter Text

“Grab some potatoes too, Gwen,” Finney directed, leaning against the half full cart. Looking down at the items in his cart, trying to remember all that they were asked to buy. Gwen raised a brow at him. “Why? Robin’s making Salvadorian Pupusas, and I don’t think it requires potatoes, does it?” She questioned but still grabbed the potatoes and put them in the cart anyway. “Yeah buuuut, I told Robin I also wanted picadillo. Plus Susie enjoys it too.” He added, going smug at his sister's flushed face at the thought of their friend Susie.

Gwen rolled her eyes as she took charge of the cart. “He just does anything you say doesn’t he? I bet he’d act like a dog if you told him to.” Finney rolled his eyes as they walked down the aisle and to self-checkout.

“What can I say, I’m irresistible. Also–Griffin’s the theater kid not me.” He reminded her, flipping her off as he started to pull out items and scan them. Gwen flipped him off right back as she pulled out her wallet from her back pocket. “Irresistible my ass, Robin’s just a big ass sap when it comes to you!” Finney sighed and put a hand over his heart. “And I love it,” he chuckled. Gwen leaned over the cart and fake gagged as Finney playfully shoved her.

“You and Susie are exactly the same, don’t deny it.” Finney argued, quickly paying with the cash Gwen took out of her wallet. She halfheartedly glared at him as she packed away the now bagged groceries. “Shut up,” she mumbled, pushing past him and speed walking out of the store. Finney watched her from afar as he walked after her at a slow pace.

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.

The smell of food filled up the warm and cozy little house. Windows opened to allow the steam that surrounded the kitchen out. The back door, left wide open to be able to see the people in the backyard. Music played loudly on a speaker in the backyard, only a faint reminisce being able to be heard from inside the house.

The front door handle jiggled and the door flew open. So hard it hit the wall with a bang. Robin flinched, almost dropping his wooden spoon into the pot.

“Mi Vida?” Robin called from the kitchen, abandoning the food to check the door. Peeking his head out of the kitchen, he chuckled upon seeing his husband and sister-in-law with full arms, carrying grocery bags. No doubt both of them were going to be left with red marks across their arms. Finney looked up at him sheepishly, “Hi..” he greeted. “Hello Bomboncita.” He greeted back warmly.

Finney gestured to the bags in his hands. Robin sighed as he took two bags from each arm, giving a kiss to his beloved's cheek. Finney smiled and gave him a peck on the lips.

Both staring at each other for a moment, just taking each other in. “Hello? Chop liver here!” Gwen called out, arms still full. Finney rolled his eyes and moved along to the kitchen as Robin helped grab some of her bags.

He walked to the kitchen, smiling up at the photos on the wall. His favorite–and the biggest–being their wedding photo. Robin’s long hair, styled and left naturally curly. Finney himself; holding flowers. White Roses, Carnations, Orchids, Daisies, Tulips and Hibiscus Flowers all mixed together beautifully in a single bouquet. Robin in a black suit, and Finney in a white one. In another to the right was a group photo.

All the boys dressed in red suits to the right, and Gwen, Susie, Donna, and Amy to the left all dressed in red dresses. Except for Donna, as she wore a suit. And just under that photo was the parents. Vance’s mom, Griffin's mom, Robin’s mom and uncle, Bruce's parents, Billy’s parents, and finally Mr. Perliskye. All lined up with smiles on their faces. Finney smiled, remembering how Terrance never got the chance to see him married, and he thought of how he wouldn’t see Gwen get married either when he threw the bouquet and she caught it. Able to catch the look she gave Susie when it landed in her hands. He teased her about it for weeks.

And instead of Terrance, it was Mr. Perliskye. The one who took them in when Terrance finally got arrested. The one who walked him down the aisle. The one who they called dad. Finney remembered tearing up when Mr. Perlinskye himself started to cry when he saw him in his wedding tuxedo.

He felt Robin grab his waist, “Hello Mi alma,” he whispered, “Pourquoi bonjour, Ma chérie,” He replied, putting his hands over where Robin’s were. He could practically feel Robin’s smile against his back. “I’m so glad you took French classes,” he admitted, rubbing his face against Finney’s back. He hummed as he took the food out of the bags.

“I know, dad was so excited when I surprised him,” Finney commented, remembering the smile on Mr. Perliskye’s face when he spoke it to him for the first time after taking lessons for two years.

He was so happy to be able to speak it to someone again after his wife had passed. It also came in handy when she called. Sometimes the phone rang in the middle of the night, and Finney would be greeted with French singing. It made Finney happy that he could bring closure to his father, even if he couldn't physically see her. All he needed was to be able to do was listen.

“Hey love birds! You’re not burning the food are you?” Bruce called. They both rolled their eyes as they turned to Bruce, who stood in the doorway with coke in hand. Finney raised a brow. “Love birds huh? I’m sorry but were you or were you not having a full on make out session with Vance just before I left?” He teased, watching his face go red. “You didn’t see anything.” Bruce stated firmly, before running back outside. Presumably to go sit with Vance.

Finney laughed and leaned into Robin, but only for a second before going to check on the food. Robin let his hand slip away from his husband, choosing to stay leaned against the table. Choosing to just watch as his husband scurried around for plates and bowls to put the food on. Letting himself to just…take him in.

Then there was that feeling, the same one he felt all those years ago. And all he could think in that moment, no, in every moment was how grateful he was. In every waking moment, in every dream, all he could think of was Finney.

From the moment he met Finney in math class, to the moment he kneeled down and proposed.

“Mi corazón…” he cooed. Finney hummed in question, not turning to look at Robin, too busy plating food. “Lindo...” He called, this time Finney hummed in a more playful tone. Yet he still did not look at him, once again, occupied with the food. “Corazoncito…” Robin tried. “Yeeesss?” Finney called back. Well at least he answered verbally this time.

“Mi amor, mi alma, mi vida, mi corazón, ¡La razón por la que vivo, la razón por la que respiro! Look at me…mi hermosa estrella…”

Finney laughed breathlessly as he finally turned around, face pink and smiling a big, goofy smile. “Vous avez appelé?” Robin hummed as he grabbed Finney’s hand and pecked it. Then kissed the wedding ring on his finger lovingly.  “I have no idea what that means,” he whispered and watched as his love’s already pink face turned pinker with laughter. Finney rolled his eyes before sighing. “You called?” He elaborated.

Robin hummed. “Nothin’,” He smiled smugly. Finney gaped at him in fake astonishment. “No–tell me!” He playfully demanded, trying not to smile but couldn't help it as Robin rested his head on his chest. Robin’s hands reached under his shirt and to rub at the scars that covered his back.

“I love you.” He mumbled, and as Finney went silent, and the only thing they could hear was the faint music from outside, he sighed.

“I love you too,” he whispered, running his hands through Robin’s hair.

And in that moment all they could remember was the soothing sound of their own memories.

.

.

.

-FIN-