#ahs ask

You ended up coming closer to him than you would have liked - he was taking pictures. You didn’t want to startle the poor guy but ended up failing when he glanced in your direction, fumbling with his phone.

“Uhh, I’ll move-” he stumbled over his words, taking a few steps back as you gazed at him in amusement. You noticed he was older than you and really handsome. His eyes were intense as you shook your head with a friendly smile.

“You’re fine, I’ve just never had another visitor here at the same time as me.” you explained, entering the camp but still keeping a distance between the two of you. The man smiled a little, his eyes twinkling. You thought he was charming.

“You come here often, then?” he asked, pocketing his phone.

You laughed, “Yeah, it’s nice to get away from the city, you know?”

He nodded, “I’d assume so. I’m not from here.”

You felt stupid, “Oh, yeah… you travel all the way to California to see the wonders of Camp Redwood?” you joked, hoping he didn’t think you were weird.

“I guess you could say that,” he smiled, before holding out his hand, “I’m Bobby.”

You smiled softly, reciprocating his handshake. “y/n,”

“Would you mind showing me around, maybe?” Bobby asked.

You quickly weighed the pros and cons in your head. If you said yes, you could spend more time getting to know Bobby. He seemed kind. If you declined, there was no telling what might happen to him if he went in blind.

“I’d love too.” you said before leading the way.

“You like it here that much?” Bobby asked, watching his feet as you walked around a large puddle of murky water and mud.

“It was scary for the first time I came here. I was alone, I’ve always come by myself. I heard a lot of people had gone missing but I don’t like to be afraid.”

“I’ve heard that too,” Bobby said thoughtfully, stopping to take a few pictures. “I almost didn’t come myself, but I’ve…” he quit, laughing to himself. You quirked an eyebrow, scanning the land, noting it was just the two of you.

“But?” you pressed. Bobby seemed uncomfortable now, but you didn’t want him to feel that way. “If you want to tell me, of course…”

“I don’t want you to think I’m crazy.” Bobby admitted, shifting the backpack resting on his shoulders.

You thought to your friends, fighting a smile. “I couldn’t possibly think you’re crazy.”

Bobby grinned, “I’m trying to find some information on my father.”

You frowned, looking at his sad face. He had to be in his early thirties. “Who was your dad?” you asked.

Bobby swallowed, and you didn’t expect the answer - nor did it dawn on you when you heard his name.

“His name was Benjamin Richter. He was Mr. Jingles.”

Your mouth fell open, and Bobby seemed dejected. You quickly closed it, realizing you were speaking to the son of the man who was partially responsible for the death of your friends. 

“Oh, really?” you said lamely, “That’s.. That’s uh...”

“You don’t have to say anything, it’s not the greatest conversation starter.” Bobby replied, smiling at the surprised look on your face. “I just had the opportunity to finally visit the place that started it all.”

The sun was hidden by increasing cloudiness. You led him through the camp towards the lake where you knew there was a chance of running into Montana, who often liked to sunbathe. You hoped it was too cold even for a ghost.

“Why are you smiling like that?” Bobby asked, grinning at you.

“You’ll find out soon enough.” you joked, before screaming in fright when Montana suddenly walked out of the thick brush of the woods. Even Bobby recoiled, his heart pounding after hearing your shrill cry.

“Hi, y/n!” she said excitedly, grinning at you and Bobby. Bobby stared at you, looking Montana up and down in confusion.

“Hi, Montana,” you smirked, seeing her now eyeing Bobby in fascination.

“I’m Montana, and you are?” she asked, holding a hand out to him.

“I’m Bobby...” he said, shaking her hand slowly.

Montana’s eyes wandered to you, and you slowly nodded. Her mouth fell open, dropping Bobby’s hand. He noticed the alarmed look on her face and grew concerned. “Are you okay?”

“You’re Mr. Jingles son!” she exclaimed.

Bobby was appalled, gaping at her. “How do you know-?”

“We’ve been waiting for you,” Montana explained, before nudging you playfully. “Great catch, y/n!”

“I didn’t go looking for him!” you interjected, trying not to laugh at the alarmed look Bobby was now giving you. “We got here at the same time, didn’t we?” you asked Bobby, who nodded. 

“I’m confused, who are you?” Bobby asked Montana, and you saw him edge closer to you. You suspected it was to make himself feel safe from your rambunctious friend. 

Montana had a rather mischievous glint in her eyes. You slowly shook your head, not wanting them to put Bobby through what they did to you when you were fifteen. 

“I’m a ghost. Dead as a doornail, I got stabbed multiple times and never left this fucking camp.”

Bobby raised his eyebrows, “You’re lying, ghosts aren’t real.”

“Ooh, we have a skeptic on our hands, y/n,” Montana teased, before grabbing your arm. Bobby immediately grabbed your other, startling both you and Montana. He looked scared, so you tried to comfort him.

“She’s my friend, it’s alright, Bobby.” you reassured him. 

“You’re Montana Duke,” Bobby said, “You died here in ‘84.” 

“That’s me!” she chirped, pulling you along. Bobby was forced to let go but quickly followed you into a cabin, where Trevor was lounging on the bed. He smiled at the sight of you and stood up to wrap an arm around Montana’s shoulder. “This is Tre-”

“Trevor Kirchner,” Bobby breathed, “You died Halloween 1989. This is impossible, they’re not real, right y/n?” he asked.

“Bobby-”

“We’re dead, look!” Montana said, pulling out a gun and shooting herself in the face. 

You and Bobby both screamed, toppling over each other to getaway. They did this to you when you first met them, and it still scared the shit out of you. Trevor cheered, taking the gun and shooting himself in the mouth. 

“What the fuck!” Bobby yelled, grabbing you and pulling you outside. You stumbled in the muddy grass, your heart pounding and ears ringing wildly. “What was that!?”

“They’re dead, Bobby!” you breathed, holding the stitch in your side. “I know it sounds crazy, but-.”

“What did we miss!?” Trevor’s voice appeared from behind. He was standing there with Montana, grinning wildly at their new friend. 

“This is it. I’ve officially gone insane.” Bobby mumbled, throwing his hands up.

“You guys!” you scolded, looking at your two friends who now looked sheepish.

“Fine. We’re sorry.” Montana rolled her eyes.

“Are you okay?” you asked Bobby, who looked more at ease seeing that you were able to get through to them. He nodded slowly, his eyes wild. You gave him a playful pat on the hand, but he surprised you (pleasantly so) when he took your hand in his.

“I think we should go somewhere and talk.” Trevor offered, and Bobby reluctantly accepted the offer.

-

“That was fucking insane.” Bobby said later that night as you two sat at a local restaurant. You were drinking your soda, waiting impatiently for your food. You were starving. 

“They mean well,” you said, listening to the 50s music playing in the background. “They’ve been anxiously awaiting your arrival.”

“But you already knew them,” Bobby said, squinting his eyes at you. “You’ve known about them this entire time?”

You smiled sheepishly, “We’re friends.”

“Oh...” Bobby said, drumming his fingers on the old wooden table. “I need to go back there.”

“You can’t go back tonight,” you asserted. Bobby frowned at you. “It’s not safe, for you especially.” 

“Damn it!” Bobby grumbled. You reached over and placed a hand on his twitching fingers. He watched you with a soft smile, which you reciprocated.

“If you’re going back, I’m going with you.” you said, and his smile brightened. “I know we just met, but... I want to help you.”

“I appreciate that, y/n,” he said happily. 

“But I’m serious when I say it’s unsafe at night. It could be any time of the day for you. Your father made some enemies that still linger there. The boys are good at keeping them away, but even ghosts can slip through the cracks.”

“They’ve protected you?” he asked.

“Ever since I met them,” you smiled, “I love them. They’d do anything for me, and I know they’re going to do the same for you. Just promise me you won’t get yourself hurt.”

“I promise, y/n,” Bobby nodded, turning his hand to interlock your fingers. He squeezed your hand, and you felt your cheeks turn red. “Thank you for everything. I uh, I just need answers. I’ve been without them too long.”

You nodded, thinking back to all the stories and secrets Montana had told you over the years. You had an idea.

“When we’re done eating, I want to take you to someone who may be able to help.” You said, watching as hope flashed in his eyes. 

“You know who they were talking about?” Bobby asked, hopefully.

“I think I do. We’ll figure this out together.”

“I’m glad I met you, y/n,” Bobby said affectionally, tilting his head at you.

“Likewise.” you grinned.

"Bobby?" you asked, figuring he was just trying to scare you. The thing about him was during the spooky season, you were always on edge. If he wasn't hanging a fake dismembered head in front of the bathroom door while you were taking a shower, or hiding behind the trashcan to scare you shitless...

Actually, Bobby wouldn't be doing much, because that's all he did throughout October. 

You slammed the tubes of lipstick down, standing up and smoothing the leather pants of your costume. You tiptoed towards the door, seeing the dark hallway and a light coming from your closed bedroom door, where Bobby was. You figured you were just overreacting and went to sit back down, deciding on red. 

Out of nowhere, the door flung open, and you screamed loudly as Pennywise screamed at you with spread arms. You stopped after hearing Bobby laughing, almost kneeling over as you breathed a sigh of relief. He ripped off the mask, his eyes shining and grinning broadly. 

"Bobby!" you scolded, glaring at him. You crossed your arms over your chest to show your agitation.

"I love it, I love you." he laughed, tossing the mask to the side. You realized he was partially dressed in his Batman costume. 

"That's not funny!" you pouted; your heart was in overdrive from the scare and now seeing his handsome face.

"Tomorrow is Halloween," he grinned, coming to meet you in your chair. Bobby kissed the top of your head, and you felt your heart melt. "It's the last night I'll be able to scare you, the haunted house is going to do it for me tomorrow night."