THE BAND OF LOSERS.

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DEAD BOY (book one).
°•        CHAPTER SEVEN        •°

"        FUCK YOU, BOWERS!       "

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DAXTON SHIELDS LIVED IN A SMALL, STRANGE WORLD. He was always on his own. What kid his age felt safer being on their own than with a group of people? Well, that's how his world worked. No matter how many foster families he was placed into, he was very aware of the fact that it was him against the world. Having friends wasn't an option. Being a family wasn't an option. If Daxton lets that happen, no matter where he is, it leads him to an ache he can't avoid. One so powerful that it brings him to isolate himself. That was Daxton Shields's world. He learned how to fight his problems on his own. He learned isolation is the only way to survive in the real world. And he learned to leave before he gets left.

Throw in a clown that can shapeshift into that fucked up mix, and hey, you discovered the weird world of Daxton Shields.

Richie is back to the blubbering idiot he is when Beverly joins the boys on a small walk after claiming she can't be in her house for the rest of the day. Daxton doesn't blame her, not after witnessing the blood they cleaned in her bathroom, but he really fucking wished Richie would shut his trap. A walk almost sounded nice, guiding his bike next to him, but that's ruined when the boy with wide glasses rides his in circles around the group. It's what reminds Daxton of the notion that he's better on his own because here, with them, he feels crowded. It's too much. And the sound of Richie's voice is making his blood start to boil.

"No, I love being your personal doorman," Richie announced in a sarcastic drawl. The wind blows his locks back and off his forehead. "Really, could you idiots have taken any longer? Or come up with some better fucking lie than what Daxton said?"

Daxton's mouth opens to defend himself but Charlie beats him to it. "Hey, shut up, Richie," he snapped. Daxton considers it was done maybe to protect him or his feelings, but tries not to overthink it. Charlie's always been like that for him.

"Yeah, shut up, Richie," Stan agreed.

It leads to Daxton finally being able to get his say. "I hope you skip and fall on your face," he deadpanned.

A dramatic sigh left Richie's mouth. "Oh okay, trash the Trashmouth, I get it!" He called. "Hey, I wasn't the one scrubbing the bathroom floor imagining that her sink went all Eddie's mom's vagina on Halloween." The repulsive image that comes to Daxton's mind he wishes he could wipe away along with what he cleaned. He swears his hands are still tinted red from where they curl over the rubber steering of his bike.

The degradation of his mother made Eddie tense, clutching his handlebars a little more firmly. But before his pursed lips can part and counter that, Bill quietly speaks up. "She didn't imagine it." The admission brings everyone silent, somehow even Richie who takes his feet of the pedals to pause his circles, so the group can stare at him. "I s-s-saw something, too." Bill stops then as if the mere thing he saw was too traumatizing to talk about.

"You saw blood too?" Stan questioned. He looked afraid, even if it hadn't happened to him, much more fragile than before.

Bill slowly shook his head. "Not blood." The color started to drain from his face as he averted his gaze to the gravel beneath them in hopes they wouldn't notice. "I saw... G-G-Geor... Georgie." A part of Daxton waits for one of them to snap and announce this was all some cruel, sick joke. One that included visions of a dead brother or the wolf version of a beloved pet who tries to eat it's owners. But no one does. "It seemed so real," Bill continued. "I mean... It seemed like him, but there was this..." He pauses as he chokes on his words.

"A clown," Eddie finished for him under his breath. Bill lifts his head towards him. "Yeah, I saw him too." A chill prickles at Daxton's skin and he can see Charlie shift in the corner of his eye. He should be glad he's not the only one because it's finally confirmed he's not as crazy as he thought he was, but he's not. Daxton only feels one thing, and they all know what it is.

The foster brother's lock eyes. Their eyes speak a conversation that no one else there could hear. They both know it's time to tell someone instead of locking the horrific memory away and pretending it never happened because doing that was easier than facing true fear. "I don't know what the fuck It was," Daxton mumbled out. He tries to ignore the pairs of eyes that dart to him in surprise that he's chosen to speak out. "But... It came after us. Me and Charlie. It was... Like a clown one second, then I blinked, and..." He tries to swallow the lump in his throat but it's too thick to go down all because the memory can't be erased.

"And then it was like a wolf," Charlie finished for Daxton. He's grateful he's no longer under the spotlight and Charlie took over. "It chased us, but... It didn't stop there. Dax got stuck on the fence and it was like it wanted a bite out of him." Daxton knows the faint scar is invisible to their eyes because he kept it covered with pants but he still fears they'll see it and think less of him. But it's the end of Charlie's sentence there because no one wants the image of little Georgie Denbrough with a limb missing in their heads. No one there could do that to Bill.

Daxton wished Richie wasn't a lookout because he's the only one who doesn't believe them. Maybe if he had the experience, maybe if he saw It too, then he wouldn't be staring at them like they conjoined before sprouting three heads. But the heavy and serious topic must make him uncomfortable as Richie bluntly breaks the following silence. "Wait, can only virgins see this stuff? Is that why I'm not seeing this shit?" He bluntly asked, feigning confusion with a finger to his chest.

Daxton is sure then that every one there, even Beverly, all wants to tell Richie to shut his virgin ass up, but before anyone can get that far, the trees they had come across behind the curb rustle with both excited shouts from familiar, psychotic voices that overpower a quieter, afraid one. Daxton's head snapped towards the sound as if he was immediately drawn towards it. He can see on the corner of the street a recognizable, shiny blue car messily parked. The Bowers Gang was always riding in it, blasting music, screaming slurs, honking, and causing as much chaos to their small town as they can. No cop gives a shit, probably because Bowers's father is the Sheriff and just as shitty as him.

"Oh, shit, that's Belch Huggins's car," Eddie announced with a grimace.

"Wait," Bill stops them before anyone can speed out of the danger zone on their bikes. "Isn't that the homeschooled kids' bike?" He points to the smaller form of transportation Daxton didn't notice. It's a bike, overturned, with a basket attached and a few pieces of raw, wrapped meat scattered around it.

Eddie didn't run even if he wanted to because Belch Huggins was, well, not too different from his name. He nodded and confirmed, "Yeah, that's Mike's."

An image of a boy with dark skin around Daxton's age popped into his head. He's only seen him a few times around town, delivering meat to various stores as he ignored looks of suspicion sent his way purely for the fact he was black. Daxton didn't know him personally but all he's heard from other residents of Derry was nothing but cruel, racist taunts about the delivery boy named Mike Hanlon. Yet, he didn't believe that shit. Hating another individual for the color of their skin and choosing to whisper about them mockingly was the most pathetic, disgusting, and cowardly thing in his books.

And unless Henry Bowers went through a magical, mature growth since their last day of school that could only happen through a fucking miracle sent from God, Mike Hanlon was in trouble.

There's more bravery Beverly is wearing as she straightened. It's like she forgot about the blood in her bathroom and strapped on battle armor. "We have to help him," she declared without a second thought.

"We should?" Richie hesitated.

"Of course we should!" Charlie exclaimed as if the answer was simply the most obvious one in the world. A mutual agreement passes through Beverly and him as they both drop their bikes in sync and sprint for the trees.

They realize soon enough the pair was right. If Bowers did evil things to them just for fun, what racist actions that should be hate crimes was he doing to the boy from the only black family in Derry? Daxton saw enough of what he did to Charlie. Someone has to stop him, and if it has to be them, then so be it. His bike falls in a clatter with the others before the group of boys is following the trail left in the fallen leaves.

Running through bundles of trees and tall grass is no easy task. Daxton nearly fell flat on his ass numerous times, and it doesn't help his ears are ringing with the noise in the air that rises as he gets closer and closer. He discovers soon it's from the raging river between the land they stood upon. Daxton arrived just in time to see the scene of Bowers pinning down a struggling Mike with a rock held high above his head. He was going to smash it into his skull, but he doesn't get that far because Beverly had pitched a rock across the water that separated them.

The weapon skidding across Bowers's temple has never brought Daxton so much satisfaction in his life. Really, he's practically grinning in joy as he watches Bowers fall to his side, so stunned he doesn't notice the blood spilling from the wound she caused. "Nice throw," Stan complimented, impressed. Beverly thanked him with a sheepish shrug.

Mike is so shocked by the help that he freezes but he somehow composes himself to know which side of the stream he should be on. He's scurrying in a stagger to get across the water, light waves lapping at the denim pants he's sporting. Bowers's friends help him stand at the same time Daxton and Charlie work together to pass the bed of rocks so they could grab a wrist each. Mike is still unsteady because he's so shaken up by the attack but the support he's given is enough to make him feel safe. "Thanks," he breathes out to the pair.

"Any time," Daxton said like a promise.

Bowers is shocked how the kids he bullied for so long managed to find it in themselves to stand up to him but he tries to wipe it off. The gaze that lands on them brings everyone to gather for their own rocks. Daxton crouched and snatched his own that was hidden under dry grass, letting the smooth surface be clutched in his palm for stabilization just so the mighty Henry Bowers knew they wouldn't back down this time. Bowers only smirks like a smug dickhead and let out an amused laugh.

"You losers are trying too hard. She'll do you. You just gotta ask nicely..." He sent a nod in Beverly's direction before he crudely dragged his hands up his thighs and to his crotch. "... Like I did."

Daxton's lower lip curled in disgust. He's fucking repulsed and Beverly is clearly uncomfortable if the way she shifted and crossed her arms over her chest to cover herself from prying eyes says anything. He decides no female should ever suffer under the hands of Bowers and defends her, spitting out poisonously, "What the fuck is wrong with you?" Daxton hopped on a rock that was dry from poking out of the water so he could get closer and held the rock a little tighter before he lets the urge to fling it early take over. His bloodstream was positively pumping with wrath.

"You act so tough in front of your gang, don't you?" Daxton continued darkly. "But they're not your real friends. They're fucking terrified of you... But they wouldn't be if they saw the real you. The fucking pussy who cowers whenever their father is around." He doesn't miss how Bowers tensed the second Daxton mentioned his father. His scowl isn't as deathly threatening anymore. "Fuck you, Bowers. You're a fucking weakling, a piece of shit that can only bully those smaller than you, then can only find reason to hate someone else for the color of their skin or being a girl even tougher than you - "

But Daxton has no choice to stop his speech when Ben hunched over and lets out the loudest noise they've ever heard the shy boy make. It's an enraging scream that echoes over the trees and must be heard throughout Derry. Daxton has to keep his mouth open in a gape, whipping his head to see Ben carrying a furious expression. It even catches Bowers off guard who whispered out, "The fuck?"

A rock that was thrown by Ben hurdles above them and skips over the crown of Bowers's head. He jumped back but it doesn't end there. Beverly, who snapped out of her haze of comfort, hurls another rock that follows the last one. And that's all it takes, really. The pent-up rage and frustration of being a target for their gang exploded, and suddenly, dozens of rocks have started flying. Daxton was never one to back down from a fight with Bowers but it's here, with a group of people he didn't even know had his back yet, he's never felt braver in his life when he pelted the rock he chose across the stream. He doesn't see where it landed or if it hit someone because it became a blur but he doesn't care. Daxton doesn't have any need to stop there.

Richie must be going for a battle cry when he screams, "Rock war!" At the top of his lungs but is ultimately defeated when a rock from the enemies side struck him directly in the face so hard he hits the ground.

The action made Daxton blink at the boy on the ground who cupped the palm of his hand over his face and groaned. It's not that he does make a move to help, but Richie's scrambling back on his feet in seconds, adjusting his crooked glasses, and plucking his first rock to throw with a line of, "Fuck you!"

The Bowers Gang had finally overcome their shock to start throwing rocks of their own but Daxton knew they stood no chance because with every rock they tossed, triple the amount was returned. It was three against nine once Mike played his part and joined them to get his own taste of revenge. Bowers absolutely knows he's as weak and pathetic when he poorly aims for Daxton. The rock only skims his shin and barely hurts, but what hurts even less is the shitty insult Bowers throws at him too.

"Who's the coward now?" Bowers demanded in a snarl.

"Still you, bitch!" Daxton shouted back with as much power as possible so he could be heard over the noise. Victory had never felt so great when the rock he cast through the air hit his exact target, Bowers's gut. "Up yours!"

Bowers toppled over with a grimace, his arms crossing over his stomach. But the next throw is what brings him down. Daxton's never been more proud of his foster brother in that moment when Charlie joins him in being bold and pitches an impressive throw. He guesses having such an interest in sports paid off because it hits Bowers in the face the second he lifts it to try and search for another weapon. Blood gushes from his nose as he falls to his side and Daxton hears Charlie clasp his hands together once to cheer himself at the sight.

His friends eventually realize they have no chance and retreat, taking off into the trees where they parked Belch's car. Daxton isn't surprised his earlier words were true, they didn't give a damn about Bowers

Bowers looks so pathetic, right there. Daxton wished he could take a picture but he knows without a doubt it's engraved like stone in his memory forever. He's beaten, alone, degraded as they've all felt one way or another by him. After everything Bowers has put them through without mercy, choosing to brutalize specifically them just because he was too much of a little bitch to pick on someone his size, he deserved this. And more. Well, now he's the one afraid because the ones he used to think were weak enough to assault fought back.

They watch for a second, panting, before departing from the scene one by one. Richie is the last to leave because he sends one last scream to Bowers. "Go blow your dad, you mullet-wearing asshole!" Before sticking both of his middle fingers in the air. Daxton grinned but he leaves it at that because he managed to get his say earlier. He was able to make Bowers feel like the dirt under the soles of their shoes, and that alone was enough for him.

The tall grass separates to make room for the new group of nine as they retreat in a line, victorious, to where they left their bikes behind so they can claim them again. Mike fidgets with his hands before he speaks up for the first time, hesitant and unsure. "Thanks, guys. But you shouldn't have done that. He'll be after you guys too now." Mike sounds so concerned for them but also so out of place. Daxton knows what he felt like, to be an outcast and then brought into a group full of other losers where you weren't sure if you belonged.

But the thing is, Daxton knows now this is where he was meant to be.

"Oh, no, no, no. Bowers? He's always after us," Eddie dismissed Mike's worries with a wave of his hand and a light shrug.

Bill nodded. "I guess that's one th-th-thing we all have in common," he added.

"Yeah, Homeschool. Welcome to the Losers Club!" Richie breathed out in a proud cheer with his arms thrown up.

"Don't listen to them," Charlie reassured Mike with a warm smile when he noticed he look confused. "It's a good thing."

It's a good thing, Daxton repeated to just himself. And just like that, the population of Daxton Shield's little world grows larger which leads him to a sudden realization when the faintest smile wipes across his lips.

Sometimes, it's not just you against the world. Sometimes the world, seemingly big, dark, and scary can make you feel alone. And then it's the world against yourself. It isn't so bad to face when you have a group of people, friends, family, whatever you want to call it who are there, ready to defend you whenever you need them. And this was it for Daxton - his own little band of Losers.

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author's note:

and the losers club is finally together! no joke, mike hanlon is the loml and my favorite loser hands down. he's so underrated and my son deserved way better especially in the second movie although i loved it but i could rant about that for days so ... i'm so happy to finally include him. the brotp between him, daxton, and charlie will be everything. everything. they'll be an ultimate trio i promise.

also - daxton shields may be a repressed little gay but he says RESPECT WOMAN. so does charlie. and i love them both for it.

i know this was my shortest chapter yet but if i mixed it with the last one it would have been way too long. but the next chapter goes more into daxton & richie so brace yourselves brave souls!!!

- koda

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