contains - unexpected attraction , slight angst , chronic headaches due to constant head trauma , insecure steve , pre-relationship ,
this has been in my drafts since january lol but haven't finished season 4 or watched 5 so not storyline accurate-ish, set sometime during pre season 4 (?)
STEVE wasn't sure when it started. He didn't even know how it happened. Yet one thing he knew was he liked Jonathan Byers. No longer did he long for Nancy or any other girl. He wanted only one person. And it was someone he could never have. Not only was Jonathan a boy but he was his ex's ex. That was a red line not even he had ever crossed. Plus, he didn't think Jonathan could ever like a boy like him. Not with his past.
"Earth to dingus. You with me man?"
Steve blinked back into focus, glancing at Robin. "Yeah, yeah. Must've zoned out. Too much nerd speak going on here." Robin glared, flicking a ball of paper at him. Dustin chose to ignore him as he kept on yapping about their latest campaign. Steve didn't listen, already zoning out as his mind returned to a certain guy.
-
The late night sky had long since faded from red and oranges to dark purple sprinkled with shining stars. Dustin had left hours ago, his mom wanting him home before dark. Now it was just Robin and Steve plus the occasional customer.
Robin leaned her hip against the counter, arms crossed. "Spill."
Steve looked up from where he was organizing cds. His brows furrowing in confusion. "Spill what? Tryin' to work here Rob."
The girl rolled her eyes, jumping up to sit on the counter. Her legs kicked back and forth as she spoke. "What has you so distracted? You're zoning out more than you usually do. Please don't tell me you lost another fight and got a concussion?" A look of panic took over her face.
Steve glared up at her, scoffing. "Love the confidence you have in me Robs. And no I don't have a concussion."
She threw her hands in the air. "You can't blame me for asking! So, what is it then?"
Steve looked down at the cds in his lap. "Nothing." He settled on. He went back to organizing, clearly not wanting to have this conversation. He could feel her questioning eyes on him but he didn't turn around.
Robin wanted to pry but didn't want to push too much either. Steve would talk to her eventually if he wanted.
-
A few days had passed. Steve found himself laying spread out on his living room carpet. His eyes were squeezed shut as his head pounded in agony. It was one of those bad days. He was glad it happened on an off day at least. He tried blinking but it just made his head pound harder. He closed his eyes again, pressing a pillow over his face. He needed to get better curtains. Even a little slim peak of light was setting his headache off more.
Unaware to Steve, Jonathan stood outside. He paced back and forth over the concrete The hot sun burning down on his covered skin. His sweat slick hair sticking to his face. Just another annoyance added to the list of things going on that day.
He had gone into family video to pick up a movie that Will wanted but instead got sent on a side quest to check on King Steve by a nerdy band kid. Which was weird because when did Steve start hanging out with Robin? Maybe the King really did have a fall from high school royalty.
Jonathan groaned, jerking around to face the Harrington house. He glared at the front door as he marched up to it. He smack his knuckles against the wooden door in a knocking manner. He stepped back and waited. Time ticked by. He frequently glanced from his old watch to the door nearly every thirty seconds. Steve didn't show. Jonathan beat his knuckles against the door again. He waited. Again, no response or noise of any kind. He stepped back away from the door and tried to peak through the windows. He couldn't see much.
He made his way around to the backyard fence. He groaned tugging himself up and over to the other side. He found the back glass door, thankfully finding it unlocked. He carefully slid it open and stepped inside the kitchen. His eyes trailed over the marble counter tops and white tile floor. It felt fake like those you'd see in a furniture store. It sent a chill down his neck. He shook the thought away. He didn't have time for distractions.
Jonathan made his way out of the kitchen and down the hall. "Steve?" He called, eyes looking around. He heard a weak groan. Fear crawled its way through Jonathan. Was the upside back? Did something get Steve? He quickened his pace, running to the living room. He found Steve sprawled on the carpet with a pillow over his face. Jonathan dropped down next to him, searching for any injuries in a panick. "Steve? Are you okay? What happened!?"
The older boy groaned from his spot on the floor, trying to shift away. "Too loud..." He mumbled.
Jonathan paused, his eyes searching. "Sorry," he lowered his voice to a whisper, "Are you okay?"
Steve's shoulders raised in a tiny shrug. " 'ead 'urts," he mumbled beneath the pillow, words slightly slurred.
Jonathan placed a hand on Steve's arm. "Anything I can do to help?"
Steve peaked an eye out. "Meds, bathroom. And water?"
Jonathan nodded, already standing up. "Yeah man. Just a minute." He hurried down the hall, peaking into the different rooms before finally finding the bathroom. He rummaged around the cabinet before finding them. He grabbed the bottle and got a glass of water from the kitchen before returning back to Steve's side. "Here man. Come on let's sit up." Jonathan wrapped his arm beneath Steve's shoulders and helped him sit up against the couch.
Carefully Steve took the pills swallowing them down with a big gulp of water. He must have used up what energy he had because he slumped against Jonathan's side, his face tucked against Jonathan's neck. The younger froze, his eyes starring at the now sleeping boy. Jonathan tilted his head, watching the boy slumber. Steve looked at peace. He looked softer than what Jonathan was used to. Steve even looked cute. The sudden thought had Jonathan jerking his eyes away. He swallowed hard. Why did he think that? And why Steve of all people?
Jonathan looked back at him. Soft breaths left Steve's lips, fanning against Jonathan's neck. It sent a rush of heat crawling up Jonathan's neck and to his cheeks. Before he could think it over he reached out, tucking a stray lock of hair behind Steve's ear. The boy was pretty. Jonathan was screwed.
