Ben Mears was new to ‘Salem’s Lot.

Well, not new. He’d grown up here, having left when he was nine after he lost both of his parents in a car accident.

It’s 1975, and now he’s back, a semi-successful author returning to his hometown for the sake of “research”. As much as he tried to fit in, he still stuck out—he was a new face among the familiar ones you’ve grown used to seeing.

It only made sense that you tried to help him settle in back home.

You’d invited him to meet you at the town’s drive-in, and he’d graciously accepted.

When the day had faded into evening, you met up with him as he parked his car beside yours—the two of you weren’t exactly in the most ideal spot to watch the movie, so you’d suggested the alternative. A secret spot with a great view.

The two of you climbed up onto the roof above the projection room, settling beside one another as the movie begins to play.