#imagine it

Pairing: Patrick Hockstetter X Female!Reader

Fandom/Franchise: It (Films, 2017 & 2019)

Author's Notes/Triggers: Homophobia (written only to establish scene; copied from scene in movie), Fluffier Imagine.

“The fuck is going on here?” Henry Bowers zeroed in on Richie Tozier in the next room. It made your head snap to the back of Henry’s head. Patrick’s hand slid into yours, seeing an opportunity.

Henry’s cousin yelled back. “You assholes didn’t tell me your town was full of little fairies.”

Henry entered the room more fully, Vic and Belch followed.

Patrick pulled you back. “Let’s not.” He said, his voice lowered.

You stayed with him, hoping Belch would come back at least. When they didn’t, your hands wrung with each other. Your head dipped down. Patrick pulled you back to the pinball machine where he started another game. The theme on the pinball machine wasn’t lost on you. Freddy Kreuger loomed over the top, daring you to challenge him.

Patrick flicked the sides, eyeing you every few moments. When the silence persisted, he tutted, sighed and lost his turn on purpose. He pulled you to the front of the pinball machine, letting you have a go. Your fingers found the familiar sides. You controlled the flippers better than Patrick, or any of the Bowers gang members.

Patrick stayed close behind you, wrapped his arms around your middle. You almost shrugged him off.

“You said it was fine.” His annoyed tone broke the silence.

“You said this was a date.” You shot back. You sunk the pinball into a mini area where you controlled a second set of flippers for bonus points.

“And it is.” He shrugged.

“I didn’t realize our dates come with a heavy side of bigotry.” Your back went stiff.

“Come on, tits.”

“I hate it when you call me that.” You pulled away, letting the pinball sink between the flippers. Your eyes softened.

But Patrick shrugged. “It doesn’t mean anything.”

“And so that means I’m a slut?” Your eyes narrowed.

“What?” Patrick did his best to keep up with the argument. “Baby, no, it’s—

“I should go hit on Henry then? Is that what you all want?” You suggested. You took a step forward towards the other room.

“Don’t you fucking—

“Don’t cuss at me!” You hit his hand. Your eyes went big. Your mouth went pouty. And goddammit, Patrick’s insides were a mess whenever you gave him that pathetic look. His hands ran through his hair.

“Okay, okay. I’m sorry. I won’t…cuss.” He straightened his back. What did he expect? You were barely a sophomore and a very good Catholic girl. “Can we have a good time now?”

“Maybe.” You teased. You launched the next ball while Patrick pulled you closer. He kissed the top of your head. In his mind, he glimpsed into the future where he would settle every argument this way. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it…yet.

“Now, can we have a good time?” Patrick tried again, giving you a comically cringed face.

This time, you shook your head. “I demand penance.”

Patrick’s eyes flickered to the ice cream bar across the street. Bingo. “I give Henry about fifteen minutes until he gets bored. Belch can drive us—

“I don’t want your friends to drive me anywhere anymore.” You interrupted. Your feet shuffled to meet his. “I want you. Just you.” And there it was. The warm smile that spread across your face like butter. It made Patrick’s head buzz, making his plans nonsense.

“Yeah. Yeah.” He nodded as if he were listening, but he kept losing himself in your eyes.

Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Henry coming back around. “Trick?”

“Hm?”

“I’ll let you put your hand up my shirt for five minutes if we leave now.” You offered.

Patrick’s eyes widened. “And if I sweeten the deal with ice cream, do I get more?”

“I’m not a slut, Patrick.” You snapped.

“Yes ma’am. Miss. Ma’am.” Patrick guided you out the doors of the arcade.

Divider/Border: @pixopix