Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Bill felt like he was going to be sick. For real this time. Georgie was gone. He went out in the rain and never returned. The only thing Bill could feel was the guilt swirling inside of him. Stanley likes to say it wasn't his fault. It's not his fault that Georgie went missing but Bill knows better.

If he just decided to get his ass up and hang out with his brother. Georgie never asks for anything yet the one time he asks to play Bill decides to be a dick and fake a sickness. Now Georgie is gone. Bill can't think of anything else besides him. He won't let Georgie down again. He believes Georgie is alive, Georgie is strong, and brave and there is no way he's dead yet. Bill believes Georgie is still alive.

One year later it's a little harder to believe. 

"So there's this church full of Jews right? and Stan has to take this super Jewy test." Three boys existed in the classroom. Squishing close together to try and avoid the other Body's in the busy hallway. Bill turned to Eddie, confused. "But How's it work?"

"They slice the tip of his dick off." Eddie made a motion with his hands as if to say 'that's just what I heard.' Richie snickered. "But then Stanley will have nothing left!" 

As if summoned, Stanley walked over to the other three pushing himself in between Eddie and Bill. When Stanley was walking at the same pace as them, Bill took that opportunity to ask Stan about his Bar Mitzvah. Richie brought up the dick thing again, which only made Stanley roll his eyes mumbling something about 'uneducated idiots' before answering. 

"At the Mitzvah, I read from the Torah, I make a speech and suddenly I become a man." They pushed passed a couple of students. Eddie stumbling over his feet trying not to get trampled by the many students flowing through the hallway. Stanley pulled him closer, knowing what a big deal Eddie's mom would make if the boy so much as tripped the wrong way. "I could think of funner ways to become a man."

" 'more fun' you mean" Richie rolled his eyes, swiftly moving around a girl who was speeding in the other direction of the hallway. "Fucking grammar police over here."

As the boys were nearing the exit they passed Henry Bowers and his rookies. They glared and smiled disgustingly at them as they walked by, but one member particularly made the losers feel extra un easy. There stood Patrick Staring at Richie specifically. This wasn't the usual 'I'm going to beat you' kind of stare. This made Richie's insides turn uncomfortably, and made his head swirl with anxiety. Richie thought he was going to cry when he saw Patrick lick his lips staring at him as they went further into the hallway. He pushed his glasses up his nose by the rims on the sides. It was a nervous tick that he couldn't help and the other losers noticed immediately. Stan was going to speak up but Richie spoke before him, activating his defense mechanism.

"Think they'll sign my yearbook?" Eddie narrowed his eyes when he heard the slight waver in the taller boy's words "Rich-"

"'dear Richie, Sorry for taking a hot steaming dump in your backpack last March, have a great summer!'" He laughed as he slung arm around Bill who just smiled in return. If he was being honest the Bowers Gang didn't bother them as much since the whole Georgie..situation, and most of Bill was grateful but part of him wished otherwise. Maybe getting a few punches from Bowers would make it feel like everything was normal again. Like Georgie wasn't missing.

"That's so gross! I have no idea how you have the same backpack after that. No matter how many times you clean it- do you have any idea how much bacteria could still be lingering? Even worse what if there is Stains-" Richie took his arm off Bill's shoulder and gave Eddie a grin that can only be described as evil. "You know it's not the first time I had to clean out stains, I mean after that Night with your mother-"

"Beep beep asshole, that's so gross." Richie just laughed as they walked through the exit doors. Stan gave a girl an offended look as she pushed against him with more force than necessary. The boys walked outside towards the garbage cans near the front. Richie dug through his bag taking out a couple of comic books and giving them to Eddie to hold before dumping all his schoolwork into the trash with Stan and Bill. Eddie decided to keep a couple of things like his report card, knowing his mother would want to see it. He handed the comics back to Richie when he was done. Who then stuffed them in his now empty school bag.

"Best, feeling, ever." Richie slung his backpack back onto his back "Oh yeah? try tickling your pickle for the first time."

"What do you guys want to do tomorrow?" All three boys ignored Richie's comment, quite used to it. Richie just ignored the strange looks sent his way from the other kids passing by. "Start my training,"

"Training? What training?" Richie casually glanced at Eddie, playing with the tightening straps on his backpack "street fighter."

Eddie gaped, genuinely surprised by Richie's answer. He's honestly not sure how Richie isn't tired of that place yet, he's in the arcade more often than he's in his own home- well to be fair Richie is usually anywhere but his own home.

"Is that how you want to spend your summer? Inside of an arcade?" Richie grinned and Eddie wished at that moment that he just left it alone, Hes always the one walking into Richie's set traps. He should be able to see these coming by now for crying out loud! "Beats spending it inside of your mother- oh!!"

Richie put his arm up for a high five but Stan just shut it down with an eye roll. Richie gave a pout in return quite proud of his timing for the joke. Stanley just looked at Eddie begining to suggest they go down to the Quarry before Richie cut him off.

"C'mon good fellows wouldn't a little trip to the arcade tickle your fancy?" Stanley huffed at Richie's poor attempt at a British accent but didn't comment on the interruption. Richie usually needed to say what was on his mind at all times. He usually does it unintentionally. An itch to get the words out as soon as possible in case he gets distracted or forgets what he is going to say. Richie was always moving. It could be his mind or his body but Richie never stopped. His thoughts would constantly be running or his fingers would always be tapping or fidgeting with something. Stanley noticed during one of their sleepovers that even in his sleep Richie would move a lot, changing his position every few hours. Which is why Stan had no problem with Richie cutting him off, sure if it was anyone else Stanley would find himself irritated but even if he wanted to he couldn't be mad at Richie for it. Which is Why he opted to repeat his words ignoring his brains compulsive need to finish just this once.

"What if we go to the quarry?" Eddie seemed to like that idea, Richie shrugged, but Bill shook his head and gave Stan a look. "Guys, w-we ha-h-have the Ba-b-bar-barrens."

Stanley held back a sigh, giving Bill a small smile "Right."

Eddie spotted Betty Ripsoms mom and suddenly the atmosphere got tense. Bill had this look on his face that Richie could only read as sorrow. Richie decided to push aside his own thoughts for the sake of his friends nudging Bill forward and giving him a grin.

"You know the Barrens aren't that bad, who doesn't love splashing around in shitty water." Before Eddie could even start to rant about how gross it is Richie was pulled back into Stan. Colliding with the curly haired boy before aggressively hitting the ground. Richie held back a groan and Stan curled around the arm that had taken the impact. 

"Nice Frisbee, flamer" Stan tried to reach for the item in Patrick's hand but winced in pain almost as soon as he moved. "Give it back!"

Patrick just looked at Bowers and laughed as he stepped over Stanley. Richie tried to quickly get up and get back Stanley's kippah but Patrick just kicked him back down, knocking the wind out of the boy before throwing it into a moving school bus.

"Richie, Stan-" Eddie was cut off with a gag as Belch burped right in his face. Making goosebumps spread across his skin in pure disgust. He didn't hold back a shiver wanted to shake off as much of the germs as possible.

Henry shoved passed Bill laughing out a "losers" before walking a way. Bill took one look at his friends before the frustration and anger bubbled up over the edge.

"You s-sh-s-suck Bowers!"

Said boy slowly turned around a glare present on his face and stepped forward trying to threaten the younger boy.

"You s-s-say something? buh-buh-buh Billy?" He mocked, moving closer to Bill. It looked like he was about to hit him but then Bowers looked over Bill's shoulder and stepped back the glare never leaving his face, Bill just glared back. "This summer is going to be a hurt train, for you and your faggot friends."

Henry glared at Richie and Stan who were now off the ground. Stand still cradling his arm in pain. Then, Bowers licked his hand and wiped it on Bill's cheek before walking away with Patrick and Belch. As soon as the three where out of sight Eddie slid open his fanny pack and grabbed a couple of wet wipes, handing them to bill. Frantically trying to get Bill to wipe his face to remove the 'Bowers disease.'

Meanwhile Richie checked on Stan, making sure he didn't break or twist anything ("I spend so much time with Eddie's mom We're basically married I could be the new doctor K." "Richie, I'm going to run you over with my bike.") but once Richie was sure that Stan probably just had a bruise he pulled Stanley over to where Bill and Eddie were standing. The wipes thrown into a nearby trash bin.

"I wish they'd go missing." Richie mumbled finally letting go of Stan's arm.

"They're probably the ones doing it."

Bill shook his head and sighed he honestly wouldn't put it past any of them, But right now he only had one goal in mind.

"Tomorrow we will go to the barrens, we can meet in front of Eddie's house around ten. Richie, when are your parents coming home?" Richie shifted uncomfortably and his glasses fell further down his nose but a grin still appeared on his face. Richie never really talked about his parents but the losers, especially Eddie, could pick up on things and confronted Richie about it. The only thing the boy told them was that they were barley home, but the others knew there was more to it. They knew there was some sort of negligence when it came to taking care of Richie.

Richie at first glance just seems like a loud and obnoxious kid but he is definitely the most capable and dependent out of the four of them. With his parents missing most of the time, (and the times where they were there they never cared for his existence) Richie had to learn to do things on his own from a very young age. Stan was very surprised when he woke up one morning during a sleepover and saw Richie in the kitchen making a full fledged breakfast. For someone oh so skinny Richie really knew how to cook and he knew how to make many variety of things too, if only his parents would actually leave food in the house for him to work with.

Bill also knew Richie did work around his neighborhood for some extra money to get himself new clothes or even something to eat. Bill just wished Richie would actually ask one of them for help. Richie grew up way too fast and has way too many responsibilities so soon, and the others are trying to remind him that he's still a child and doesn't have to do everything alone. 

"They won't be home for a while, They get busy in the summer." Richie wiggled his eyebrows and Eddie slapped him on his arm. "Could you be serious for like 5 minutes."

"Oh but Eddie bear what fun would that be."

"don't call me that asshole."

"What about Eds? Edwanda? Eddie spaghetti? Ed-" Eddie wrapped his hand around Richie's mouth. "nonono that's enough out of you."

Stanley rolled his eyes and Bill just smiled fondly at the two, moving Eddie's hand away from Richie he spoke up.

"If you two are fin-finished I wanted to ask I-if you wanted to co-come to my house tuh-tuh-night Rich. Richie perked up in surprise and both Stan and Eddie looked at Bill with matching faces of shock. Bill knew why they were surprised, ever since Georgie went missing Bill hated going home. His house was gloomy and full of grief and he explained to his friends how he didn't want to put them in the middle of his problems (with his own parents) so he never really invited anyone over, but he doesn't want Richie to start the summer alone ( and hungry probably) and he would be lying if he said he was okay with starting his summer alone too.

Richie recovered from his shock quickly and a wide grin spread across his face, clearly very happy. Before Bill could reach Richie had his arms around Bill teasingly rubbing his cheek against Bills shoulder. 

"Someone does love me after all." Bill rolled his eyes and pushed Richie's face away from him. "Don't get it twisted trashmouth."

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Bill and Richie arrived at Bill's house quite quickly. Richie making time go faster with all his ranting about street fighter and X-men, but Bill was more than happy to listen. They went into Bill's garage to put their bikes away but Bill seemed surprised when they walked in and saw his father working on something. The man looked at Richie but other than that didn't pay him any mind. Bill went over to see if his dad needed help but his father cut him off.

"I thought we agreed." Bill's mood instantly dropped and approached the tunnels off to the side with an unfamiliar look on his face. Richie pressed his lips in a thin line not sure on what to say. The atmosphere in the room suddenly got dark and for once he didn't know what to say to fix it. Richie watched Bill fumble around with the tunnels and a toy spraying eater in the tunnels and watching it flow. He showed it to his father who just looked unamused.

"The barrens." Oh. "I-I-Its the only place That-that Georgie could have ended up-"

"he's gone Bill." Said boy just shook his head. "But if the storm swept G-Georgie in, we should have go-gone-"

"He's gone! He's Dead." The man looked at Richie, clearly wanting to say more but not Infront of company. "now take this down before your mother sees.... next time you want to take something from my office, ask."

With that he left with the map Bill was using in his hand. Richie looked over at the taller boy who had clear devastation across his face and Richie felt like he had to do something. Yes, they both knew the chances of Georgie being alive was slim, especially after so long, but Richie new his friend needed the closure to move on, to get over his guilt.

"You know, the Barrens doesn't seem like that good of an idea anyway." Bill wiped his hand over his face before glancing up at Richie, confused. "What?"

Richie picked up a marker he saw in the area where Bills dad sat moments earlier before walking up to the white board that projected the 'old map of derry.' Even without the new map that Bill's dad was very convinced on taking he knew he could get his point across with this one.

"The sewers are connected right? Well duh in the small ass town how could they not be. So if you're going to go swimming in Shit water you might as well go through the sewers." he circled each sewer before drawing a line where they all met together. "So if we just followed one of them down we would find the meeting point. Which is probably where brother dearest of yours ended up."

Bill's eyes widened in realization.

"Holy shi-shit Rich I never thought I'd say this but yo-you're actually a genius." Richie narrowed his eyes and scoffed. "What the fuck do you mean by that?!"

"I just mean you ne-never ever showed any of us your school marks and you act l-like and id-i-idot so we just as-assumed you were one and- w-wait you never threw ow-out your mar-marks for this y-year. Let me see."

Bill grinned and launched for Richie's backpack and tries to go through it while Richie struggles in his grip.

"I knew the ladies would be all over me but I never thought you were into me like that- oh my God you're really trying to live up to your title of big Bill, get. off. me. I got a reputation to keep here- HEY."

Bill laughed as he fought against Richie, and if that's how they spent the rest of the night until they passed out on Bills bed cuddling together to ignore the reality of their home lives, then no one had to know besides them.

Chapter Text

"R-Richie, c'mon, get up." Richie squinted his eyes open to see Bill already dressed and ready for the day. "What time t'is it."

"Close to e-eight." Richie groaned loudly to get his point across before turning on his side and pulling the blankets higher onto his body. Bill just rolled his eyes before wrapping his arms around Richie's middle and forcing him to sit up. If Richie wasn't tired and annoyed, then maybe he would have acknowledged the fact that Bill used a gentle method of waking instead of pushing him out of bed. (something Eddie or Stan would have done). "Bill I don't know if you noticed but its actually summer break, key word, break, why the fuck are you waking me up before 9 am."

"Because, someone likes to take ages to get ready, and its like a 20 minute bike ride to Eddie's. So go get ready." Richie groaned again for extra measures but didn't say more. He knew Bill was just antsy to get moving so he got up and went to go get his spare toothbrush Bill kept for all the losers when they are over. When he left the bathroom he was very surprised to find Bill holding his very own new pair of clothes.

"What the hell? When did you get these?!" Bill scoffed. " You mean leave these. I swear you forget everything, you probably have more clothes here than I do with how many times you forget your things." 

Richie just shoved Bill and grabbed the items. He barley had time to finish putting on his bright red Hawaiian shirt and grab his bag before Bill was dragging him out the door into his garage. Richie looked at the clock that Bill's dad had in there and it read 8:57. Eddie was going to be pissed they arrived earlier than expected and Richie was not taking the blame this time. The ride to Eddie's house did nothing to wake the curly haired boy and the only sounds between them were Richie's yawns. Bill never complained though it wasn't often Richie was silent. (unless something was wrong with him).

When they reached Eddie's house Bill hesitated at first, not sure if Eddie gave his mom a heads up about their appearance. Richie, clearly having no similar thoughts knocked loudly before Bill could debate with himself anymore. They could hear noises on the other side of the door, ("I'll get it Ma") before Eddie appeared in front of them a glare present on this face and a box of Cheerios in his hand, but at least he wasn't in his pajamas. When he saw the look on the short boy's face, Richie instantly pointed to Bill. Silently putting the blame on him.

"What the actual fuck are you guys doing here an hour before the said time? Do you know what my mom is going to say? Do you know how much trouble I'm going to get in becaus- Richie what the hell is going on with your hair?! Did you even- oh my God whatever, get inside you cannot be going out like that."

Eddie grabbed the two and dragged them inside telling them to sit at the kitchen table. He put the cereal box down before leaving the room. Bill could faintly hear him telling his mother about their arrival and shortly came back with a brush in hand. Richie banged his head against the table and groaned.

"don't you dare complain. I should be the one complaining now I have to buy a new brush because God knows when was the last time you washed your hair, and this is like- so gross." despite Eddie's ranting he walked behind Richie and gently brushed out the mess that was his bed head. careful not to pull too hard and cause him harm. Richie hummed in content and Eddie had a little smile on his face as he worked through the curls. Bill had to hold back a groan. Am I really witnessing this right now? He looked away from the two before he said something that he wasn't supposed to say, and when he looked around the kitchen it was only then when he realized in his rush this morning he didn't grab anything to eat. Clearly his stomach wasn't afraid to announce this fact.

Like clockwork Richie had that stupid grin on his face, and Eddie paused with his brushing to give Bill a 'are you serious right now?' look.

"Hey Eddie did ya hear that? I think a storm's coming soon. I swear I just heard thunder." Bill looked at his hands and pretended to look busy, trying to ignore the heat of embarrassment that was making its way up to his face. Eddie just glared in response before deeming Richie's hair tame enough to put the brush down and walking over to his cabinets.

"what do you want." It wasn't a question Eddie was leaving no room for Bill to argue. "Eddie its fine, Its my fault and I know your mom-"

"God shut up Bill. You're both unbelievable you know that? Coming here at ass crack O clock totally uncared for. When you two get sick, I am so not helping you." Eddie ranted while serving both Bill and Richie a bowl of cereal. "I didn't even say I wanted any."

"Yeah, well, I know you didn't eat anything either, and for some reason, you won't until you're told to." Richie just shrugged.

"Dad says I gain weight easily." Eddie had to bite his tongue to stop himself from saying what he really wanted to say about the asshole, but that was entirely false. Richie probably had the fastest metabolism out of all four of them. Eddie just pushed the bowl closer to him instead. "Well, you're quiet when your mouth is full- don't be gross dickwad, so eat it, I don't want to listen to you talk anymore."

Richie just laughed loudly and Bill sighed over his own spoonful of Cheerios. Today is going to be a long day.

While the boys finished up Eddie had suggested that they take a few snacks with them for the road. That's when Bill remembered that they didn't exactly tell Eddie about their change of plans.

"Hey Eddie we're not going to the Barrens anymore." Bill lowered his voice incase Eddie's mom was listening. "We're going to go to the sewers we might find out more there."

Eddie frowned clearly not liking the idea of going in sewer water but he nodded anyway.

Not long after the two taller boy's were raiding Eddie's cabinets and Eddie just hummed in encouragement.

"Take anything but the delicious deals guys, my mom loves those." He then looked off to the side debating with himself before he decided to speak his mind. " Hey! First you said the Barrens and now you're saying the sewers I mean..what if we get caught?.."

" we won't Ed's, the Sewers are p-public works we're the public aren't we?"

"Hey how come when he calls you Ed's it's not a problem, but when I call you that it's a big deal." Eddie rolled his eyes. "Because he doesn't do it to annoy me."

Richie just pouted and walked over to another cabinet to see if anything else but the only thing he found were stashes and stashes of pills.

"Hey Eddie? These your birth control pills?"  Richie laughed as Eddie shoved him out the way quickly closing the cabinet. "Yeah, and I'm saving them for your sister. This is private stuff!!"

"Look, Eddie if you're so worried about getting caught there's no need. It's not like the police give a shit about anything in this town anyway."

Eddie but his lip unable to tell Bill the real reason why he was worried. "Yeah, you're right."

The boys left the kitchen to make their way outside knowing stan would be here in a few minutes. Eddie grabbed his enhaler and Eddie's mom was sitting in the living room by the front door. She caught sight of the boys leaving.

"Eddie bear, where are you boys off to in such a rush." Eddie froze not sure on what to say. He looked at Bill for help. "Um.. j-juh-just my b-backyark Mrs.K I got a n-neww.." 

Both Richie and Eddie looked at Bill waiting for him to answer but he clearly didn't have a good excuse ready, Richie decided to take pity on him.

" A new croquet set. Jeez, spit it out, B-B-Bill. " Richie glances and her, and saw her nod her head. Convinced. "Okay, oh and sweetie, don't go rolling around in the grass. Espicically if it's just cut. You know how bad your allergies can get."

"Yes, mom." Then a whisper." GO, go, let's go."

"Aren't you forgetting something." Eddie shut his eyes, contemplating before letting out a sigh and going over and giving his mother a peck on the cheek. Bill looked away to try and hide his smile, and Richie just laughed loudly.

"Do you want one from me too, Mrs.K?-"

"No,no,no."

"I was kidding." 

"Sorry, mummy."

When they stepped outside, Richie's laughter was cut off by the sight of stan, He looked scared and tired. By the looks of it, it looked like he didn't sleep well. All three of them paused, processing the sight.

"Please don't tell me you skipped breakfast too." Stan just looked at Eddie weird, wondering why he would ask that. "Uh, no, I ate. Why?"

"Why?! Dude, you look like absolute shit!"  Stan just glared at Richie, but before he could send Richie a rude remark, Bill cut in. "Stan, what happened? Did something happen last night?"

"Uh, no, I just.. had a nightmare it kept me up majority of the night." He looked away arable to keep eye contact, and Bill looked at Stanley again, about to call him out on his lie, but Richie cut him off.

"Aww, poor Stanley c'mere mate. Let me give you some of the Tozier lovin'.

"Touch me, and I'll make you eat the pavement."

"Yeah, nope, he's still the same old Stanley, a ball of sunshine, I'd say."

Bill wanted to say more, and so did Eddie by the look on his face, but Stanley clearly didn't want to talk about it, and all three of them caught on to that. So when Richie hopped on his bike and declared a race before peddling away, Bill entertained him. Silver was the best and fastest, after all.

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"That's poison Ivy, and that's poison Ivy.... and that's poison Ivy." Richie picked up a long stick he found on the ground carrying it with him. "Where?! Where's the poison Ivy?!"

"No where. Not every fucking plant is poison Ivy Stanly. For someone who reads so much about the birds and the bees, you'd think you'd know the name of every plant by now. Aren't you supposed to be the smart one?"

"Okay, first of all, I never claimed to be the smart one, I just have common sense, something you seem to lack, and second, I read about only the birds."

They walked through a few more plants one of them touching Eddie's ankle and he screamed.

"Okay, well I'm starting to get itchy now and I'm pretty sure this is not good for my-

"Do you use the same bathroom as your mother."

Eddie gave Richie a suspicious glance not sure on where this was going to go but he answered anyway. 

"..sometimes yeah." He admitted. Richie just casually glanced at him before turning back to the path to the sewer. "Then you probably have crabs."

"That's so not funny."

Bill and Richie stepped further into the sewer tunnel. When they were a few feet in Richie realized that he didn't hear anymore footsteps behind him. When he looked back he saw Eddie and Stanley standing by the entrance, having no intentions of stepping further inside.

"Aren't you guys coming in..?" Bill also looked back at the two just noticing that they weren't following. Richie tilted his head when Eddie shook his head. "Nuh uh that's Grey water."

"What the hell is Grey water?" Richie looked at Stanley and made a motion for him to come inside too but he just shook his head aswell. "It's basically.. piss and shit. So I'm just telling you." 

Eddie held up his hands in defense.

"You guys are splashing around in millions of gallons of derry pee so-what are you are you serious?!" 

Richie dipped the stick in the water and held it up to his face. Then he just shrugged and put the stick up towards Eddie and grinned.

"Doesn't smell like ca-ca to me señor. 

"Okay, I can smell that from here."

"It's probably just your breath wafting back into your face."

Eddie scoffed.

"Have you ever heard of a Staph infection?!" Richie stepped towards Eddie and threatened him with the stick. Stanley rolled his eyes at the two. "Oh, I'll show you staff infection."

Richie picked up some trash he found in the water with the stick while Eddie ranted and gently threw it in Eddie's direction. Not enough to hit him ( and give him a panic attack.) But just lightly enough for it to hit the branches a few inches in front of him.

Eddie screamed, but before he could begin to yell at Richie, Bill called out to them, holding up a shoe. 

"Shit don't tell me that's.. " Bill just shook his head. "No..G-Georgie wore galoshes."

"..who's sneaker is it?" Richie walked over to where Bill was further down the Tunnel and glanced at the shoe. "It's Betty Ripsoms."

"ohhh, shit. Oh God oh fuck. I don't like this."

"how do you think Betty feels? running around these tunnels with only on fricken shoe." Now, Bill wasn't a very violent person and he is fully aware that Richie uses his jokes in these situations to cope but this felt out of line even for him, and its taking all of Bills self control not to smack him right now. So Bill being the bigger person he is just turned around to go deeper in the tunnels to see if he can find anything else. Richie didn't hesitate to follow him.

"Guys c'mon!" But neither of them made any efforts do move. "My mom will have an aneurysm if she finds out I'm playing down here I'm serious...Bill?"

Bill stopped walking and pressed his lips together in a straight line knowing Eddie nor Stanley won't progress into the sewers any further, but it never hurt to try.

"If-if I was Betty Ripsom I would w-want someone to find me... Georgie too." 

"What If I don't want to find them.." Richie swore he heard Bills heart break and he snapped his head in Eddie's direction trying to silently and discreetly tell him to shut the fuck up. He swallowed down his anxiety when Eddie ignored his stare. "I mean no offense Bill but I don't want to end up like..."

Richie looked at Bill to see complete heartbreak written on his face. He wanted to say something to try and tame the situation but Eddie spoke up again before he could.

"I don't want to go missing either."

"He has a point." Bill looked over at Stanley hurt, and his voice cracked as he spoke "Y-You too..?"

Usually Stan would keep quiet and go along with Bill, always being the first one to step up for him no matter the situation. But Stan seemed more on edge than usual, glancing over his back every few seconds and fixing his hair more than usual. Clearly what ever happened last night had him very paranoid and overtired. It still was a surprise though when he snapped at Bill.

"Its Summer! we're supposed to be having fun. This isn't fun, This is scary and disgusting."  Bill looked at Richie silently asking if he agreed with them. Richie shrugged his shoulders the shoe still in his hand. "I don't really care, I mean if we found Betty's shoe she can't be far right? And It's not like any one would be expecting a bunch of kids to look for her in the sewers no less so if you want to go further I'm okay with it." 

Richie shrugged again as if to prove his point that he really did not mind he wasn't really worried I mean the worse that they would encounter would be the body right? Then Bill could maybe have the closure he needed. Before they could decide what to do a loud splash was heard near the sewer entrance and Stanley flinched so hard he nearly tripped. 

Eddie and Stanley turned around while Bill and Richie rushed towards the entrance to see what happened. When Richie popped his head out of the sewer there was a boy their age covered in dirt and grime. There was quite a bit of blood on him as well and overall just looked wrecked. He tried to get up but just ended up falling back into the dirty water.

"Holy shit, what happened to you?" The boy looked over at Richie while Eddie and Stan ran over to help him. Bill went and followed and it took Richie a moment to realize he was the only one left in the tunnels.

"Can you walk? Oh my God what if he can't walk?" Eddie kept a few feet back on a rock panicking and packing. Stanley stepped in and tried to help the boy stand and that's when Eddie saw more blood seeping through and area on the guys shirt. "Oh my God, oh my God- there's an open wound do you know what kind of disease he can get espicially- holy shit that's alot of blood! What if he bleeds out I mean-"

"Eddie s-shut up!" Bill shouted not wanting to freak the boy out more than he was. He looked down at the other kid and gave a smile that he hoped was comforting. "Hey..uhm I-I'm sure what happened b-but th-theres a pharma-cy a few min-minuetes from here, If you want w-we can take you there t-to help y-you pa-patch up?.."

The boy nodded his head from where he was leaning against Stanley and gave Bill a grateful smile.

"that would be great thanks..uh.."

"Bill! I'm Bill a-and the guy next to you there is Stanley. " He then pointed to Eddie who was still standing on the rock keeping away from the sewage water. "and the guy who was p-p-panicking before is Eddie."

Before Bill could continue there was a loud splash beside him and Eddie shrieked and stepped back to not get wet from Richie's grand (dramatic) interruption.

" Hey fella's I don't know if you noticed with all your yapping but new kid over here is kind of bleeding all over Stan, and unless you want to carry the guy through the streets of Derry by his cute little ankles we might want to get a move on before he passes out from blood loss." Then a shrug with an eye roll. "But I don't know it was just a suggestion."

It was only then when the other three noticed the slight dazed look in the boys eyes and the slight stumple he had while Stan was holding him. Bill nodded and grabbed his his bike and patted the seat.

"You can ride with m-me, make sure you hang on tight okay? Oh! and the dork in the glasses who t-thinks he knows every-everything is Richie, Don't be afraid to hit him though."

"Richie just grinned his own bike now in hand as he waved. Stanley only then realized something.

" Wait, Whats your name?" The boy hopped onto the bike Behind Bill hesitatingly wrapping his arms around Bill who just nodded in encouragement telling him it's alright. "Ben.."

Richie grinned widely at Ben before ruffling Ben's wet hair.

"Well Benny boy, welcome to the losers club!" 

Eddie and Stanley both smiled at him in greeting and Bill made Ben wrap his arms tighter around his waist for extra security.Ben stared up at all three of them and despite the freezing water that was clinging to his skin, Ben felt warm.

Chapter Text

The ride to the pharmacy felt longer than it was. Eddie whined in Bill's ear about dangers and diseases and the extra adrenaline that came with the concern for the boy who was riding with Bill. Ben was quiet, and Bill probably wouldn't pay it any mind if they met in any other circumstances. Maybe he could have been shy, but the feeling of Ben's blood sticking to Bill's skin was just a reminder that Ben wasn't shy at the moment he was trying not to pass out from lack of blood. The thought made Bill peddle a little faster, wanting to help the brunet boy as soon as possible.

When they finally reached the pharmacy, Bill helped the shorter boy off his bike before gently placing Ben down, mindful of all his open wounds. He threw his bike down without a second glance and quickly gave Richie a stern look.

"R-Richie, wait here. M-make sure nothing bad happens to him." Bill didn't even give Richie time to answer before running into the pharmacy with Stan and Eddie by his side.

—

"R-Richie, wait here. M-make sure nothing bad happens to him."

Richie gaped as he watched his friends run towards the pharmacy enterence. He stared at the boy who was now sitting, awkwardness now creeping into his bones.

"I'm glad I got to meet you before you died." Ben stared up at the curly head boy, confusion written all over his features, trying to find out if Richie was being serious or not. The boy in question cleared his throat before taking out his backpack and reaching for some of the sweet treats inside. "I mean.. you should probably have some of this stuff. I always see on TV doctors give people sugar after losing blood, and well because of you're.. uhm situation I think it would be best if you had some too?"

It sounded more like a question to Ben but he could see where Richie was coming from. His intentions were sweet he realized but Ben hesitated, remembering the reason why Bowers did this to him in the first place. He blinked slowly at Richie trying to get rid of the fuzziness he was feeling before declining.

"Oh, it's alright, it looks worse than it actually is so..." Richie frowned, unconvinced and Ben had to look away from Richie's eyes that seemed to see through him. "What happened to you anyway man."
Ben still didn't meet his eyes "Bowers.."

Richie suddenly understood why Ben seemed so hesitant before, and he would be damned if he let this boy slowly kill himself because of that douchebag. He zipped up his bag and slung it back over his shoulder keeping one of the sugary snacks in hand before grinning at the boy.

"I totally get it! But like I still think it would be the best bet, and Stanley would totally skin me alive if he finds out I let you pass out."

"Damn right I will." Richie was impressed he held back a flinch at Stan's sudden voice. He looked for the sound and spotted Stanley aswell as the other two, arms full of medical supplies. When they reached the duo they threw everything down near Ben, and Eddie immediately got to work. His former complaints about AIDS seemingly forgotten. "Wow Richie you kept him alive. I'm not sure if I should be impressed or surprised."

Richie rolled his eyes at Stan's smart-ass comment. If he could keep himself alive for thirteen years he could keep Benny boy breathing for five minutes.

" ha ha Stanley gets off with a good one, but you know I get off to your moth- " Richie was cut off by Stanley's aggressive glare and he just snickered to himself before throwing the bag in his hand on Ben's lap mindful of Eddie who was currently bandaging the deep cut that read 'h' on Ben's stomach.

The injured boy looked up and Richie who just grinned eagerly in return, he also caught Stanley nodding his head, a form of encouragement.  Ben couldn't help but notice how sincere these people were. He was used to pity and stares that usually gave away what people actually thought of him, but when he looked at these guys he couldn't find anything but genuine concern in their features. They didn't spend extra time looking him over, they didn't stare at him in disgust, and they surely didn't treat him like he was less just off his body type. Ben decided as he opened the bag of sweets that he really liked these guys.

Richie turned his attention away from Ben and onto Eddie, grinning wider. and out of the corner of his eye, he could see Stanley huff a breath. The Jewish boy obviously used to this routine.

"Just suck the wound." Eddie pulled a face at Richie before concentrating again. Ben took one of the treats out of the bag and put it in his mouth curious to see how this would go down. "I need to focus right now."

Richie scoffed. " You need to focus?"

"Yeah can you get me something." Eddie was clearly trying to get Richie to shut up by trying ti make him do something useful and Ben couldn't help but feel amused. "Jesus, what do you need?"

"Go get my bifocals, I hid 'em in my second phanny pack." Stanley looked up at that a little laugh escaping him. "Why do you have a second phanny pack??"

"I need to focus right now, and its a long story." Stanley rolled his eyes. " that seems like your excuse for everything now."

Eddie didn't reply because Richie laughed loudly and nudged Stanly pointing into the direction Bill was standing. He had a look of... Stanley doesn't even know what but he was clearly smitten. 

"Looks like big Bill has a crush~" Richie sang, and Eddie looked over for a second to see the girl with red hair who helped them in the pharmacy moments before. Eddie frowned, not because of the girl but because he felt Ben suddenly tense under his touch. He didn't get to ask though because the girl.. err Beverly, if Eddie remembers her correctly, walked right over to where he was kneeling in front of Ben.

"Are you okay that looks like it hurts." She fretted, and Eddie didn't miss the way Ben's eyes lit up at the sight of her. "Oh. No, I'm good. I just fell."

"Yeah, right into Henry Bowers." Bill snapped his head towards him. "S-shut up, Ruh- Richie!"

"What! It's the truth! Ben shouldn't lie about what that bastard did to him!"

Beverly ignored the two and gave Ben a warm smile. " You sure they got the right stuff to fix you up?"

Ben smiled and ducked his head down, trying to hide the growing blush that's spreading across his face. 

"W-we'll take care of h-him. T-thank you, Beverly.. " The girl nodded her head. "Sure, maybe I'll see you around."

Bill looked around at his friends. Richie had a mischievous glint in his eye, Stanley's face was blank, Eddie was finishing up with the wounds, and Ben..  Bill didn't know what Ben was thinking, but he turned back to Beverly anyway.

"Yeah, w-we we-were thinking of g-going t-to the quarry to-t-tomorrow if you want to come."

"Good to know, thanks!" And with that, she started walking in the other direction, and Bill turned back to his friends shocked faces.

"W-what.."

Richie just started laughing, and Eddie punched him in the arm." Don't be an asshole. It's perfectly normal for Bill to have a crush!" 

Richie just laughed louder, and Bill's face reddened. Splattering out denials that no one quite believed. Ben suddenly didn't feel like finishing his snack.

ᡣ𐭩

Stanley  would definitely say he knew his friends the best. He knew when Bill was feeling slightly more uncomfortable at home, he knew when Eddie's mom was being more overbearing than usual and he knew when Richie's parents were overworking him to the point of exhaustion. So when he was the only one to notice the shift in Ben's behavior he made it his personal mission to find out why.

He was in charge of taking Ben home that night. All the boys figured that Stanley would be the best choice since he would be the only one able to stay calm when re explaining the situation to Ben's mother. So Stan took this as an opportunity to try and make the other boy to focus on something else and not whatever was bothering him. He knew it wouldn't be best to push Ben in any circumstances, They did just meet afterall. So a distraction seemed like the best thing to do for the time being.

"You should come to the quarry tomorrow." The shorter boy seemed to linger on the offer. Not sure if he should accept or not. " I wouldn't want to intrude.."

That made Stan look at Ben properly. His body language screamed nervous but not uncomfortable. Like he did want to accept the invite but something was holding him back. Stanley was slightly taken back. When you hang around the people that are Richie, Eddie and Bill things like intrusion to personal space are almost non existent. However, Stanley was amused by Ben's thoughtfulness and couldn't help but smile.

"You wouldn't." He paused making sure that sunk in for Ben before continuing. "I mean we think you're pretty cool, all of us. Trust me Eddie wouldn't have gotten near your blood if he had no intentions of being friends."

That seemed to get his attention. He gave Stanley a giddy smile, and stan gave a genuine one in return. 

"Really?" Stanley nodded his head rapidly not afraid to let Ben know they want him around. "Yeah.. yeah okay I'll come."

Stanley smiled and patted Ben's back before starting more conversation.  His fears momentarily forgotten as he found conversation with Ben came easily. Tomorrow was going to be a good day.

ᡣ𐭩

Ben was honestly surprised about the amount of fun he had. There was no stares that lasted too long to make him uncomfortable.  He thought it would be worse, stripped down to his underwear around people he met a day ago. Hell, he never even felt this comfortable with his old friends back home. The anxiety and fear of how he looked was almost non existent. For once Ben felt like he could actually enjoy himself.

So when he and Beverly ingaged in some conversation while everyone else tried to drown eachother in the water he didn't shy away, infact he found out that him and Beverly had a decent amount of things in common. This could work. It's not impossible. 

...it's not possible. Actually Ben would like to take back everything he said thank you very much. Watching the girl bask in sunlight like some sort of Angel sent from heaven to watch over him was like a ice bucket being dumped on him. So what if they had alot in common there's no way someone like him could even have the smallest chance with Beverly. Espicically since someone as admirable as Bill liked her too. He was definitely screwed. More than screwed infact-

"News flash Ben! Schools out for the summa!" The boy was snapped out of his thoughts by Richie's naturally loud voice in his ear. He smiled anyway"Oh, that? That's not school stuff."

"Who sent you this?" Ben's smiled dropped almost as fast as Richie's sly grin spread across his face. He quickly snatched the his poem from Richie and shoved it at the very bottom of his bag mumbling a 'no one'. Richie kept his grin but left it alone, pulling out another thing His attention quickly being moved onto something else, and Ben could would thank any God that existed that no one else saw the interaction.

"What's with the history project?" Ben leaned over Richie's shoulder and smiled sheepishly. "Oh, when I first moved here I didn't have alot of friends..so I just spent time in the library..."

Richie looked at Ben for a second and then back to the papers in his hand. "You spent time at the library?"

He passed Bill the papers when the taller boy held out his hand in interest. Then he put his hands in his lap tapping his knee unconsciously. ".....on purpose?.."

Stanley rolled his eyes. "yes Richie because it's so unbelievable that people actually spend time in a library."

"Just seems like a way to torture yourself to me" Before Stanley could say something back Beverly perked up suddenly interested in the current conversation.  "Ooh, I wanna see!"

Beverly took the papers from Bill looking over the explicit images not noticing the stares around her until Bill spoke up.

"Y-your hair..." The girl touched her hair, suddenly self conscious and Ben felt the urge to shower her in complements. "Your hair is beautiful, Beverly." 

So enchanced with the shy smile Bev gave him, Ben didn't notice Bill's stare. The silence was deafening but was soon interrupted.

"Soooooo, why is it all like, missing kids?" Ben tilted his head to the side, thinking. "Derry's not like any other town I've ever been at before. Grown-ups die six times the national average... and kids are worse..way, way worse."

Ben would be a liar if he said the town history didn't interest him. But after what happened to him in the library he felt that there had to be something more to it than simple mass murderers.

They stopped at Ben's house before going home. Bill suddenly in one of "his moods" as Richie called it after learning more about Derry's history. Ben requested to play some board games before they go to cut the tension that suddenly filled the room, but everyone ( Besides Beverly and Richie) declined saying they had to start heading home. Ben nodded and let them go, but it felt tense after they left. He didn't know where this sudden anxiety came from but he sure as hell did not like it.

"Richard, I thought we told you to keep the house maintained while we were away!" Just having walked through the door from Ben's, barley getting three steps in before Maggie yelled at him for his lack of care and responsibility. He didn't dare mention how all the things scattered across the floor were hers or her husband's. "Sorry ma"

He started picking up the empty wine bottles and used cigarettes. (Which were not there this morning when he woke up alone). His mother just scoffed at him before whining something about coming home from work to a messy house and a ungrateful child. Richie held back a sigh. If his mother was home that means his father isn't far behind.

That would mean preparing their dinner, washing their work clothes, making sure they have everything before bed, and looking after them for the next day or two.

It's not fair why does he have to miss meals just so they can eat, why does he have to clean up their vomit off the floor after one of them almost aquire alcohol poisoning, why does he have to stay up all night to do things for them. It's not fair, whywhywhy-

"Richard honey, mummy is very greatful that you do so very much for me. You understand how tired mummy is and how much she has done for you hmm?" 

The boy just nodded. Of course, that's why. Richies a big kid now he can do it himself. She's already done so much. they've already done so much.

When Bev called him later that night Richie knew that he wasn't sleeping tonight. If he wanted to go and help Beverly the next day with whatever "crazy emergency" she screamed about then he would have to get everything done tonight. So that's what he did. As soon as his parents knocked out he got to work. 

He cleaned whatever was left behind from dinner earlier in the night and whatever messy addiction his father decided to indulge in before bed. Getting out any stains that he could have been left behind. Preparing their work clothes for the evening. (Richie didn't know how to feel when his father came home talking about how they were only there for the night at would be going back to work the next evening). He made whatever meals they needed before leaving and put them on the fridge. 

By the time he finished everything it was around eight in the morning. He decided to leave the house , not being able to bear the thought of his parents leaving him behind again. ( with absolutely nothing in the house might he add) and didn't want to catch his father yelling about not having a fresh breakfast. So he just shoved a stickey note on the fridge telling them whatever they wanted was in there before going for a walk.

He knew none of his friends would be awake right now ( maybe Stan if he was lucky) and Bev told them to meet her at her place for eleven. So he figured he could walk around the area before coming back for his bike later.

He yawned as he walked through the streets. Adrenaline from his parents return running thin and the exhaustion creeping up his skin. He rubbed at his eyes under his glasses to try and clear up his foggy vision.

He paused his walk when something caught his eye. another missing person poster? Richie's blood ran Cold when he saw the name on the poster. Patrick Hockstetter.  Richie felt some sort of feeling wash over him. Was it relief? Should he be relieved if Patrick was dead? Did that make him crazy.

"Fuck, this day is so shitty." Richie rubbed both eyes this time, trying to stop the tears that were creeping uo on him. He let out a dry chuckle. "And it's only nine in the fucking morning."

Richie turned on his heel heading back to his house. He'll just get his bike and wait outside Stanley's. It's not like the bird lover would know how long he had been out there, and if he asks, Richie will just shrug and say "not too long, but longer than your mom lasted last night." Yeah, Stanley will never know.

"Richie." Okay, who decided Richie should make the plans. Of course he should have known Stanley would find out. But this quickly is absurd

 He should have gone to Bill's, or even Eddie's. Eddie would call him gross and maybe hit him, and Bill- well Bill would probably laugh him off. And most importantly might he had, they would be asleep

But Richie, emotionally and physically tired Richie had to go to his friend that could quite literally see right through him. The dumb perfectionist who caught Richie riding into his driveway at quarter past nine, because of course Stanley would be doing some bird feeding shit infront of his house at the ass crack of dawn. 

"Heyyyy, Stanley fancy seeing you here." The boy in question did not look amused. "I live here. What the fuck are you doing here? And don't give me some bullshit excuse because I know you, and God so help me Richie if you-"

"Woah, woah, can't a kid just take a morning stroll? Get ta' know the people of the neighborhood?" Stanley narrowed his eyes at the black haired boy. "You get up at ten."

Stan glared at Richie. "and that's on a good day."

Richie held his hands up defensively. He couldn't lie  to Stanley it would never work, so the next best thing is to say nothing at all.

"Well, I was just passing by so I'll be on my way now!" Before Richie could even get near his bike Stanley tugged on the back of his shirt, pulling him to the direction of the house.

"They came back didn't they." Richie tensed, trying to find a way to deny the harsh truth Stanley threw at him. It was quiet for a few moments but Stanley eventually spoke up again. "How long?"

"Not..not long they'll uhm. They'll be gone by tomorrow." The Jewish boys grip on Richie tightened. Out of anger or just a way to keep the boy with glasses grounded.. he didn't know. Before he could say anything more though, Stanley's mother peeked her head outside, her eyes landing on Stanley.

"Bill's on the phone Stanley, he said it was an emergency."  The boy in question hesitated, not quite sure if he should leave Richie in this headspace. He soon came to a decision though, mumbling a 'we will talk about this later, with everyone' before rushing inside. Richie just grinned and gave a thumbs up.

Not if his stubborn ass had anything to say but it.

"Sure thing Stan the man! " before following him inside to check out this 'emergency'.

" so why exactly does she want us there sooner than planned?" Bill shrugged not sure. "S-she j-just said that h-er duh-dad left earlier. So s-he wanted us to huh-hurry over as ss-oon as poss-sible"

Stan and Richie ended up meeting Bill and Eddie at the formers house. Eddie complaining on how slow they were and that 'Beverly could be dying at this very moment'. They were now riding to the address Bev gave Bill. Ben catching up to them halfway there.

"And you didn't think to question her? What if she's hurt??" Bill gripped his bike at Ben's question he didn't think of that at the moment.  " Of course not, Billy boy over here was probably distracted by the voice of his sweet sweet bever-"

"Buh-beep beep, Rih-Richie, it's not the t-time." The boys pulled up to Bev's house. The girl already waiting for them on the steps, a cigarette in her mouth. She quickly tossed it and ran over to them.

"You made it...I.. I need to show you something"  Richie raised an eyebrow at her. " you mean more than what we saw at the quarry?" 

"Shut up! Just Shut up Richie!" Richie barley held himself back from flinching. Sure Eddie was hot headed and yelled alot but he never sounded so aggressive and... violent before. The boy with the Hawaiian shirt snapped his mouth shut and stared. 

Bill was stuttering way more than usual today, which usually happens when he gets nervous or scared. Clearly Eddie was on edge aswell  because has never snapped like this. Espicically at Richie. Clearly something was up with Bev too if she wanted them hear so urgently.... did he miss something? Did something happen yesterday?? His friends were acting..odd.

"My dad will kill me if he finds out I have boys in the apartment."

"Then we-we'll l-leave a lookout." He gave Richie a pointed look. Richie, sss-stay here." 

"What?! Why do you guys always leave me behind." Eddie crossed his arms and glared at Richie. "because you only cause fucking problems, and clearly this is a serious situation and we dont need you making stupid jokes."

Richie tried not to be hurt he really did. Eddie clearly had something going through his head. He would probably try and eat back his words later when he spilled his guts about whatever was bothering him, but Richie could only think of the fact that they were leaving him alone. Just Like them, because he wasn't needed. Wasn't wanted.

As they walked off Richie caught Stanley's stare, Like he knew what he was thinking. To make sure Stanley wouldn't spill his secret right at this moment he spoke. "Woah, woah, woah, woah! What if her dad comes back??" 

The curly head boy narrowed his eyes studying Richie before speaking. "Do what you always do, start talking." 

They ran up the steps and Richie hunched himself over his bike. "It is a gift..."

No one said anything in return.

The boy huffed and plopped himself down at the bottom of the stairs. Well atleast he can take a small nap while he waits for them to do... whatever they're doing.

ᡣ𐭩

Richie only dozed off for about an hour when he was snapped out of his light nap by a car door slamming shut. He rushed up to his feet and quickly looked in the direction of the slam. His blood suddenly running cold when he saw a figure that looked slightly like Beverly. 

Oh shit fuck him, that had to be her dad. Sure the resemblance wasn't very much but you can clearly see they were related.

Richie tried not to let his hands shake as the man got closer. His heart dropping to his stomach when he saw the man Beverly called her father approached him. Not in a very pleasant mood.

"Move kid, I only have a few minutes before I have to leave to go back to work. So if you can get your ass out the way." Richie paused for a second Stanley's words ringing through his brain, 'do what you always do, start talking.'

He was so fucked. He gripped onto the staircase handles and gave a shit eating grin, unmoving. Trying not to give away how fucking terrified he was.

"Of course, but first I have to ask you some... questions." The man raised an inpatient eyebrow. Richie tried not to tense. "You see good sir, we were told to ask all residents in this building some questions...it's a thing we have to do for, uhm..summer camp.." 

How Richie wishes something would just swallow him up. to end his misery.

The man looked down at the watch he had around his wrist. Tsking in annoyance. " I don't have fucking time for your dumbass questions, move. Come back another time." 

The man tried to push his way through, but Richie didn't budge. His friends trusted him to make sure this asshole didn't enter the apartment so that's what he was going to do. He will not disappoint them anymore.

"If you don't move, I'm going to make you move." The young boy just smiled. "Kinky."

Richie let out a small yelp when big hands were aggressive gripping his hair. Moving his head up to look at his attacker who narrowed his eyes. Getting a better look at the lanky boy.

"Your Wentworth's boy, aren't you?" Richie didn't think anymore fear could strike him in that moment. "You are."

Then something Richie wasn't expecting happened, the man laughed. Heartfelt genuine laughter. The grip on Richies head never loosened though and the boy suddenly got a really bad feeling. If this man was a friend of his fathers, he wasn't a friend of his.

"Wentworth told me about you.." The black haired boy had no time to prepare himself as he suddenly was slammed into the side of the staircase. His arm painfully curling around the metal. " You think you can lie to me? I know for a fact Tozier wouldn't put his son in summer school. You're no use to him there." 

Richie tried to squeeze out the harsh grip, but another hand was suddenly squeezing against his arm keeping him still.  Richie's weak, exhausted, tired, and malnourished body couldn't fight against this man's bulky one.

Richie was suddenly thrown to the ground so quickly he didn't get time to break his fall. His head colliding with the hard ground with an audible thunk. The man was about to make his way up the stairs but Richie had to make sure the world stopped spinning before he could even think about stopping him. However, he didn't need to. The watch on the adults wrist beeped indicating his time was up at he had to get his ass in his car and back to work if he wanted to stay employed.

The adult hesitated before swearing out in frustration and heading back to his car. Obviously choosing to keep his job. 

Richie smiled at his small victory. His head was still spinning, and his body suddenly felt heavy, but atleast Beverly and everyone else won't be hurt. He did what they wanted. Richie stated at the sky, his eyes getting heavy, he decided to finally take his long awaited nap.

Chapter Text

Eddie doesn't think he can continue doing this. He's going to catch a disease. Yeah, at first, he was happy to help, but he was starting to feel sticky and gross, and the blood won't come off. It won't go away. He won't be able to handle this. He's going to end up like that leper that tried to kill him.

He unconsciously patted around for his inhaler, his hands full of the sticky blood, and oh God, that made it worse. He's so screwed he was going to get sick and die alone in his cold bed while his mother sobbed and screamed and and-

"Hey Eddie, it's r-right here. You left your inhaler in the k-kitchen remember. You said you didn't wan-want it to get dirty.." 

Eddie didn't say anything and just tried to catch his breath. Bill uncapped the lid of the inhaler and put it towards Eddie.

The shorter boy felt the familiar cold air spread through his chest. And breathing became much easier. Eddie took a moment to glance around the once messy bathroom. They've made alot of progress in the hour and a half they've been cleaning. Way better than before. The walls and floor were now no longer coated in red, Eddie was able to see the actual colors of the wall now.

"Eddie hey, h-how about you sit o-out the r-rest it won't take us to-too much longer since we a-are n-ne-nearly finished, o-okay?" Bill gave Eddie one of his smiles. the type of smile he used to give Georgie when he hurt himself, or broke his favorite toy. Which only makes Eddie want to cry even more. Bill noticed the way Eddie hesitated. "Why don't you go and keep Richie company outside? H-He's probably dying slowly being out there by h-himself with nothing to do."

Eddie smiled a little at that. "W-we will only take a c-c-couple more minutes, okay?" 

Eddie glanced at everyone one more time. Stan and Ben were finishing up the bathtub, washing out the excess blood. Beverly was staring at them with a particular look on her face that he couldn't quite place but nodded anyway.

"Yeah, okay, I'll go make sure the idiot didn't get himself killed." Also, a bit of Eddie wanted to apologize for what he said earlier. The leper had him on edge all night, but he shouldn't have been so jarsh on Richie earlier.

Bill patted his head like the big brother he was is and let Eddie go.The small boy decided to clean up his hands a bit before leaving. He didn't really want Richie to see his blood covered hands. Explaining the situation is uncomfortable enough. The last thing he needed was to pop out of the apartment looking like he committed four murders.

He sent one more look to everyone, making sure they really would be okay without him before walking out the door.

.

"I don't get it." The three boys glanced at Beverly. Who spoke up as soon as Eddie left to clean himself up. "What don't you get?"

Bev pressed her lips into a thin line, not quite sure how to explain herself. She didn't want to offend anyone, but at the same time, she was so curious.

"I mean, he was okay before. Why did he suddenly freak out." Bill made an 'o' shape with his mouth while Stanley just shrugged. "He was uncomfortable. Why does he need any more of a reason to express that?"

Beverly blinked at Stan's response. It felt tight and cold, and it didn't sit well with her. Before she can say anything back, though, Ben spoke up for her.

"I think what Beverly means is, it was kinda unexpected?..We've heard things around the school before but we never thought it was this serious..?" Ben sounded like he was more confused than certain when he said those words but Bev appreciated him backing her up. 

The atmosphere suddenly got tense. Bill and Stanley were clearly put on edge. As if feeling it too, Ben tried to clear it up.

"I mean, of course we never believed anything going around, but.." Stan looked away from his task. His full attention now on Ben and Beverly, and Bill had an eyebrow raised, urging Ben to continue his train of thought. The boy in question stayed quiet though he no longer comfortable with saying what was on his mind. Beverly decided to take pity on him.

"Look, I know I kinda just met all of you, but..don't you think it was a little immature? I mean, he was completely fine this whole time, and Eddie seems to overreact about alot of things and-"

"I can't fucking believe you." Beverly was cut off by an angry Stanley and a disappointed? Bill. "I-I just told you how none o-of the l-losers believed the r-rumors about y-you a-a-ann-and yo-you j-juh-just.." 

Bill took in a pained breath not quite sure if what he was hearing was real. "A-and you l-listen to what they s-say about us?" 

Beverly quickly shook her head horror. "No! No! It's just when Eddie-"

"When Eddie what?! When Eddie was close to a panic attack on the floor? When Eddie tried to get the blood off his hands because God for fucking bid he wants to be clean?! What? Did that make him dramatic?? A clean freak?? IMMATURE?? 

Stan clutched the bloody rag in his hand. Squeezing whatever water was soaked up out and onto the floor.

"Because that's what you heard isn't it." Stanley looked Beverly straight in the eyes. "Why did you look so scared at the idea of your dad finding us here Beverly."

The girl flinched. She didn't think anyone noticed her subtle signs of fear but that clearly didn't move past Stan. Stan crossed his arms looking at Beverly expectantly. Like he already knew the answer to that question. Instead though he let out a sigh, coming to a conclusion about something.

"You have your secrets, so does Ben,so does Bill, and so do I, and that's okay. We dont need to know everything about eachother." He looked Bev straight in the eye. "I don't know what you heard from Bowers but it's fucked, okay? He just takes the little things he sees and twists them into something else. Sure you're curious, but that doesn't give you the right to accuse and assume."

Bill put his hand on stans shoulder, giving him some silent comfort. "What may s-seem ike an over-over reaction to you is something troubling for Eddie, and w-we have no right to question him for s-something that bothers him. We can't judge him f-for S-something he can't control. It's just our job as fruh-friends to make him feel better no questions ah-asked."

Beverly looked between two boys guilt ever so present on her face, and Ben nodded his head seeming to understand why their words may have sounded wrong.

"Yeah, you're right, I'm really sorry—" Beverly was cut off by the door slamming open. The knob slamming against the wall, and she couldn't help the violent flinch that escaped her. Her heart started racing the feeling all too familiar but slightly calmed when she saw it was just Eddie who abused her front door. He's not home yet, it's okay.

However, it was infact not okay. Eddie looked about ready to have another breakdown and Bev couldn't help but frown, concerned, ready to make up for her previous mistakes, but before any of them could even ask what was wrong Eddie spoke.

"Something happened to Richie!" The redhead furrowed her brows, confused. Richie? What could have happened? She didn't get to voice her question, though, because the first 3 losers were already out the door, Ben and Beverly quickly following.

The five of them quickly ran down the steps eager to see the problem, and they were greeted with a barley awake Richie with his back against the wall. The shortest boy was already by the curly heads side.

"I told you not to sleep yet dumbass! I need to make sure you didn't crack your fucking skull open first!!"

"So b'ssy"

Bill and Stan were near Richie just as fast, Ben moved closer too but Beverly felt like it was best to atleast give Richie some breathing space.

"What in the name of hell happened???" Eddie groaned, frustrated when Richie tried to push him away. "I don't know! I just found him on the ground and he hit his fucking head becausetherewasbloodnearhisheadandI- Richie don't sleep yet!" 

Richie whined and pushed the searching hands away the same time Beverly said "blood??"

Eddie fought Richie's fleeing wiggles all the while the others glanced around. Sure enough a small speck of blood was visible in the dirt.

" it's fine, I can deal with it... you don' need to worry bout it" Eddie blinked at that before pulling Richie in close letting him lean against him. "I'm so sorry Richie, swear I didnt mean whatever I said earlier. Your jokes are fucking stupid but we wouldn't have it another way. And we're so fucking sorry that we left you out here by yourself because now your hurt and it's all our fault-"

Eddie swallowed the rest of his words trying to calm himself down because christ Richie needed help right now. Bill scooted closer to Richie. Wanting to hold him close aswell. "Puh-please Rich"

Richie side glanced Bill from where he was being squashed between Eddie and slowly nodded his head. Eddie never moved faster.  He put his hands on Richies head gently moving around searching for bumps or any leftover blood. Stan, bev,Bill, and Ben watched closely, their eyes following Eddies hands. When Eddie came up with nothing he released a panicked breath resting his hands on the curly heads back making motions up and down. To calm himself or Richie he didn't know.

"I-I don't understand there's no visible signs of a concussion but there was blood on the ground and he was slurring his words." Eddie was clearly panicked not knowing what to do to help Richie because he didn't know where or how bad the injury was.

Stan squinted his eyes spotting something when Richie shifted, the side of his head more visible in the sun as he tried to hide his face in Eddies shoulder. Stan tapped Bill and pointed. Bill, understanding the message reached forward and pushed Richie's hair right above his temple out of the way. Lo and behold a thin gash of the side of the boys forehead and Bill let out a sigh.

"Thh-Thank God it's not anything serious.This is probably where the bl-blood came from." Eddie's hands were still on Richie's back as he shouted," Then, why are his words slurred?? And the fact he can barley keep his eyes fucking open?? "

The losers took notice that if it was anyone else the brunet would have definitely pushed them away by now. But not Richie, never Richie.

Stan felt like he was put in an awkward position. He knew the answers to Eddie's questions but he also knew that it wouldn't be the right moment to tell them. Espicically since Richie hadn't told him the full story yet either.. should he say something?

"Richie, what happened?" Bev finally stepped forward ending Stanley's internal debate. The boy in question finally fully looked up. No grin insight, infact the only expression Richie had was pure exhaustion. He was silent for a few moments, searching Bev's eyes like he was looking for the right thing to say. He inched closer to Eddie because sue him he needed this.

"Y'need to move out as soon as possible bevy.."The girls eyes widened while the others just made confused noises. "He... he came back?" 

Guilt swallowed the redhead up as she started pacing. How could he have come back? There's no way he would be back in the middle of the fucking day. How did he leave so quickly? Why hadn't he come upstairs if he came back? Questions quickly filled up her head. Ben by her side trying to calm her down, but she couldn't help the immense fear that suddenly took over her.

Ben put a hand on the girls shoulder and looked at Richie the words hesitantly leaving him. "Bev's dad he did...this?"

"Mmh, but i'ssokay I stopped 'im from coming up."

"Shit,Shit fucking hell Richie. This is all our fault"

Richie just aggressively shook his head before starting to stand up. The fatigue from earlier seemingly fading away. "Nu-uh Eddie baby, Its not your fault people can't keep their hands off me." 

Eddie stood up aswell and just stared at Richie, not quite believing the sudden personality switch. Two of the other losers seemed to be thinking the same thing.

"R-Richie I think that maybe we s-hould talk-" The boy quickly shook his head "not now"

The boy glanced to the side in shame. Though he loves the new losers he's not sure how Bev would react to the harsh story of her father.

Stan nodded his head at Richie and pointed to Eddie. "We will take Richie home," he ignored the exclamation of 'what!? Stanley it's fine!' "You guys finish up with the bathroom."

Stanley looked at the other the other three. Bill, even though he wanted to go with them, nodded. Ben, like the sweetheart he is looked like he wanted to help in any way, so he eagerly agreed. Beverly's body language just screamed guilt and she was so lost in her head that Stanley doesn't think she heard him.

Stanley gave Bill a look. Something the two of them picked up on after years of the awful parenting methods that Richie and Eddie had to go through.

( Stanley would also say Bill but he would never admit it. Always claiming that they were just 'grieving').

Make sure they're okay. Bill nodded back and gave a look of his own in return. Take care of them.

Stanley nodded before ushering The two away. Knowing Richie wouldn't be able to take his own bike with his weak limbs so the curly head made sure he rode with one of them. Telling Bill to take it back later.

ᡣ𐭩

"Holy fucking shit." The black haired boy let out a weak laugh. "Would you believe me if I said it wasn't a mess when I left."

The boys just stared, meanwhile, Richie threw himself on the couch with a groan. The trip from Beverly's house to his house had waken him up a little but he was still hella tired. And sore, holy hell he was sore. "Fucking shit everything hurts. Eddie baby, come kiss it better!"

His plead was only ignored.

"Your parents came." It wasnt a question and Eddie's eyes narrowed. "When?"

"Eddie-"

"No, Stanley!! You-" the germaphobe locked eyes with Stanley, he stood tall and and strong but his face said differently. The boy frowned when he noticed the sudden guilt and hesitation on his face. "You- You knew! You knew and you didn't say anything!?"

Stanley kept eye contact with Eddie but didn't say a word. The small brunet was upset now and he had to thread carefully. 

"It wasn't my place, Eddie, you know that, and even so I only found out a little before Bev called." He glanced and Richie who just looked sheepish. "We didn't even get to finish talking." 

He seemed to find Stanley's words reasonable since he didn't immediately start yelling again. His attention turned to the boy on the couch. "So that's why your brain was mush earlier. You probably barley fucking slept."

He just let out a weak laugh tilting his head slightly to the side. "Well..  I guess you can say barley."

The only response was a gape. The tallest of the kids rubbing the bridge of his nose, as if that would sooth his upcoming Headache. 

"You didn't sleep at all did you." Richie replied to that by blowing a loose curl out of his face. Irritation and concern swelled up in the other two boy's chests. If they know Richie, and they definitely knew Richie, he's probably running on pure fumes and dedication right now. His parents returning home meant responsibilities and stress that would tire anyone out. Stanley remembers the one time Richie told them everything he did in a day when they were home and it was a wonder how he didn't collapse after it all.

So the fact he faced an adult that provided him with multiple injuries, took on responsibilities that no child should have to take, and possible condensed emotions plugged so tightly in his head that it could  cause a headache.. is for lack of better words bad. Really bad.

I  hope Bill is having better luck than I am...

Stanley let out a loud sigh and put his hand on his head. How the fuck did he get stuck with an emotionally unstable friend group? Ben might be the only reasonable one. He would never admit it but he cares for his friends way to much and he can never fucking help them because they never say anything.

Speaking of not saying anything...

"I'll clean up the mess, so for the love of gods, lie down." He eyed Eddie. "You too."

Both boys went still at the break of silence, but  when they realized what he said, they were immediately voicing complaints.

"Stan the man, let's be reasonable here -" at the same time Eddie went. "Me too?!"

But Stan wasn't going to budge. They both needed the rest. Hell, hes pretty sure even he would do good with some But it was different for the other two. Eddie was ansty and on edge. The Jewish boy thought it could be from his earlier freakout but he also knew it was unlikely. If anything his earlier panic was probably a connection to something else. Since it's been happening all day. He was also more careful around germs and looked over his shoulder more times to count. Like he thought something was going to be there. A good nap could help him reset, or at the very least calm down.

And Richie...fucking hell Richie.

Yeah a good few hours could do them some good.

....and probably a good cry

But Stanley could leave that for another day.

"I understand Richie but why do I need to go with him?!"

"Hey! I don't even feel all that bad anymore!  I'm not a child! I don't need to lie down!"

The taller boy wanted to disagree. He wanted to tell Richie that he was, in fact, a child, and he forgot that more often than he should, but he knew that wouldn't help his situation right now.

He sighed in defeat there was only one way to do this.

"Okay, how about this, I'll go get something situated in the kitchen. " he pointed to the two of them. "You two lie down and if you don't end up knocking out by the time I come back you can help me with everything else."

Eddie raised an eyebrow and Richie just had a confident grin "is this a challenge, Staniel?" 

"Are you going to prove me wrong, Richard?" He mentally set a fifteen minute timer and headed into the kitchen. It doesn't matter how stubborn Richie is, his body will give up before he does.

I really hope Bill is having better luck than I am.

Bill is having terrible luck. They ended up finishing up the bathroom which is probably the only good thing that happened since the other three losers left. Bill was getting Richie's bike situated. Ready to leave he turned around only for Ben to basically collapse right infront of him. The bottom of his shirt soaking up  blood.

He must have agitated the wound when cleaning. Did he change his bandages at all today? 

"Shit Ben, a-are you okay?" Bill wanted to slap himself for his question. Of course, he wasn't okay. His breathing is heavy, like he's trying to keep himself from falling over completely. This probably was going on for a while, but he never said anything....

Shit.

"Fuck, f-fuck okay. B-ben were you bl-bleeding through the b-bandages this wh-whole t-time?" A nod. "Okay.. o-okay that's okay. Have- have y-y-you changed them at uh-all?

Ben shook his head unable to form words. Bill cursed under his breath and looked at Beverly who looked as scared as Bill felt. 

There was no time to feel scared though they had to get Ben new supplies as soon as possible. Thankfully he took some of his dad's money before he left not knowing if Beverly's emergency required any purchases. He can use that to get Ben new bandages.

"Okay, Beverly, you need to go to the pharmacy to g-get more st-stuff-"

"No!!"

Bill snapped his head in her direction mouth open in shock....did she say no?

" I can't leave! What if my dad comes back! What if he hurts someone else too?! I can't leave him Bill... I cant leave you.." 

Shit okay so this got alot worse. Bill's original plan was going to be giving Bev the money while Bill looked after Ben and made sure he didn't lose too much blood. Those plans shattered now however. Leaving Beverly with Ben would have been okay any other time, but Beverly was clearly more affected from the earlier incident then she originally let on. And Bill isn't sure if it's a good idea to leave a person on the verge of a panic attack with someone who can barley stand straight right now..

Great.

Ben let out a grunt of pain and Bill realized he had to act fast. He nodded at Beverly and that made the girl calm down a but but tears were still way too close to falling.

"Beverly I-I need you to think..d-do you h-have any medical s-upplies he-here? Anything that c-can help Ben??" 

The girl gave a sharp breath before nodding rapidly and rushing back up the stairs. Okay that's good that solves something. While Beverly was upstairs Bill turned back to BBenhe inched closer hands just hovering above the boy, silently asking if it was okay to touch. 

Ben didn't give a verbal response but he squeezed his eyes shut and stiffly nodded at Bill. When Bill lifted the cloth he let out a silent hiss. Oh how he wished Eddie was here right now. The original bandage was peeling off, damp with blood. Part of the 'H' was peeking out the side acively spilling red liquid. It didn't seem to be infected which was lucky. Wearing a dirty old bandage definitely could have caused an infection.

Bill started taking off the old bandage the same time Beverly came down with clean wrap. It would hold tightly and probably even last longer than the one from before.

"Where did you find that?" The girl looked much calmer than before as she sat infront of Ben getting ready to wrap the 'H' back up. " I keep them in my room just incase...."

She trailed off at the end but Bill got the idea. Bev wrapped Ben up well, it was tight enough to stop the blood but not too tight to become uncomfortable. She was almost so good at it that it was slightly concerning, but he didn't ask any questions. When she finished, they let Ben sit down to collect himself. He definitely needed a little break after all that. 

Bill used this time to talk to Beverly. The girl sat a little further from Ben, her hands in her lap. Tears were no longer in her eyes, but her guilt was heavy in the air. 

"You know it's n-not your fault, right?" She didn't look up, her hands clenching together was the only sign she heard Bill. "I-i'm s-serious no one b-blames you.

"Well, you should." She looked up at Bill a glare present on her face. But he had a feeling her anger wasn't towards him. "You all should. It's my fault Richie got hurt....I brought you all here."

"It's not your f-fault-"

"Yes, it is!! You're saying that to try and make me feel better, but it's not going to work! Richie would have never gotten hurt if I didn't call you guys over here, and you know that! It's my fault."

The boy's eyes narrowed, and he sat down next to Beverly. He didn't say anything for a few seconds, preferring to glance at Ben to make sure he was still okay before speaking.

"Then, by your logic, it's my fault too." Her eyes widened, and she went to deny it, but Bill shook his head, cutting her off. "I told Richie to keep watch. M-may-maybe if he came up with us we would have all b-been okay."

"But you couldn't have known that -"

"And you could? Did you know that your father was planning to co-come here on his break? D-Did you know h-he was going to hurt Richie?" The girl didn't speak. She just cast her eyes away, no longer looking at Bill as she stubbornly shook her head.

"T-trust me. I understand it's not easy to n-not blame yourself... I blame myself f-for G-G-Georgie every day.. s-so I would be a hypocrite t-to t-tell you not to." He looked at Bev and smiled a little. "b-but I can help y-you share the blame, so l-lets share it o-okay?"

The girl laughed. "Yeah, okay." 

"G-good, now go talk to Ben, I b-bet it'll m-make him feel better,"

The girl laughed even more before standing up and rushing to the other boys' side. When she left, Bill let his mind wander.

Stan walked back into the room 13 minutes later with a few snacks he found in hand. The first thing he saw was Eddie and Richie on the couch cuddled up to each other. He walked further in and put the snacks on a nearby table. He glanced back at the two to find Richie asleep like he figured he'd be. Stanley grinned to himself. Not only had Richie fallen asleep, but by the sounds of the soft snores, it was a deep one. (Which was rare since Richie was a very light sleeper). He was clearly going to be dead to the world for a while.

Eddie, who was not quite awake but not asleep, either had one of his hands in Richies hair. Playing with the black curls. His other hand had Richie's glasses, which he must've taken not long after the boy fell asleep. He didn't move when Stan approached, and he didn't move when Stan took Richies glasses from his limp grip. 

"I called your mom. I said you were staying with me for the night so you don't have to worry. My mom won't snitch since she knows I'm here.

...and my dad doesn't care what I do.."

Eddie's finger paused as he shifted so he could look at Stanley. He had the same expression he always did, but right now, it felt like more. He was going to say something about that last comment, but he didn't get a chance to because Stanley said something again.

"Eddie, did something happen yesterday?" He didn't say anything, but he grew tense. "Rephrase, what happened yesterday Eddie?"

The brunet decided to sit up, probably sensing that Stanley wasn't going to give in on this. Which was fine because Eddie could use this to get something out of the other curly head as well.

He was careful when moving, not wanting to jostle Richie too much. Then he looked up.

"You're going to think I'm crazy Stan, fucking hell I think I'm going crazy." 

Stan's gazed softened slightly and he turned around to grab some sealed crackers he put on the table earlier, and threw them at Eddie. "Try me." 

He caught the snack and glanced at Stan. His arms were crossed and he looked determined like he already had an Idea on what Eddie was going to say.

Which was impossible...

"I saw a leper... I-I took the shortcut home and I passed by the fucking crackhead house." He swallowed down the anxiety that threatened to creep up on him. Fuck did he bring his inhaler?? "I dropped my pills right infront of the house and... and I tried to pick them up but that's when I saw the fucking leper."

His breathing was getting heavier and Richie was starting to shift awake. He held his breath to try and keep quiet but that didn't last very long when Stanley placed a hand on his chest.

"Breathe Eddie, Don't worry about Richie right now. I promise he won't wake up, not until early in the morning, so just focus on breathing."

He took Stanley's word and sure enough he didn't awaken. He focused on the boy infront of him until his chest didn't feel as heavy and breathing came easier. When he felt like he wasn't going to die from a fucking asthma attack he continued.

"I-I didn't  know what else to do so I ran...into the house." He quickly shook his head. " Okay, not into, into the house but like, you know infront where the entrance is, I'd never fucking go inside I'm not that stupid but just-"

"I get it Eddie."  The brunet nodded. "Okay, well when I ran in the leper was.. suddenly gone like I imagined it. But then there were fucking balloons. I know it sounds crazy but there was so many of them.."

Stan placed his hand on Eddie's shoulder, now kneeling in front of the boy so they could make eye contact. "What did you see after Eddie?"

"A clown." Nothing was said for a solid few seconds before Eddie tsked and pushed the others' hands away. "I told you I was fucking crazy."

"Then I'm crazy too." Eddie paused. Not sure if what he heard was fully correct. "..you saw the clown too?"

Stan shook his head. "Not a clown but.. shit okay." 

Stan positioned himself beside Eddie. Careful of Richies legs that were on the back on the couch. "I went into my dad's office and he has this super creepy painting. Usually when I walk past it I cover my eyes but.."

He fixed a curl that made it's way infront of his eyes. "But it wasn't  positioned straight and it set me off."

The boy beside him made a noise of understanding but didn't say anything, giving him room to speak. "I went to fix it but it fell . So I put it back and... and the creepy girl on the painting was suddenly gone.."

"Gone?!" Stan swallowed and let out a slow nod. "She was suddenly right behind me. She had all these teeth a-and her face was all messed up! she got so fucking close Eddie I thought she was about to kill me."

Eddie's eyes widened as his hands flew to his mouth in stunned silence. "She gave me a sick smile and I just ran out the room... I don't know about any clown but I didn't really stick around long to find out."

Stan clasped his hands together and squeezed, trying to get the image of her face out of his mind. "When I told my dad she wasn't there anymore, and he just yelled at me for 'wasting his time.' 

The shorter boy gripped his hands in silent comfort. Not knowing how to reply.

"Something Is happening, paintings don't come to life ,blood doesn't come out of a sink, and a leper sure as hell doesn't just appear and dissappear." Stanley had tears in his eyes but he clenched his jaw together to made sure they didn't fall. "I'm fucking scared Eddie."

"Me too. This is really some supernatural shit and I don't want to be in the middle of it. I don't want any of us to be in the middle of it." He didn't let go of Stan's hands. He just inched closer to the latter. "We will talk to Bill maybe he will have an idea on what all this shit is.."