☆ ⁞ steve.

^{Once it’s all out, Steve just stares at Jonathan expectantly. The guy definitely has the right to shut this whole thing down and kick Steve out, because, who does Steve think he is? Barging into his home, interrupting his weird family event, dredging up all these hard feelings? It’s essentially an invitation for another ( well deserved ) punch to the face.} 

^{But then Jonathan is—  thanking him? But that doesn’t seem RIGHT, so Steve squints, and then Jonathan thanks him AGAIN, which is just… HUH.}

                                      ^{❝ It’s —   whatever, man. ❞}

^{Steve sticks his hands in his jacket pockets and channels his anxiety into jangling loose change.}

                ^{❝ Well, I mean, YEAH—  but you already apologized to Nance,
                   so just… Roll it back. I’m trying to have a MOMENT here. ❞}

^{He’s joking, which he tries to convey with a crooked grin, head bowed because this whole conversation just makes him feel AWKWARD. A feeling that’s not entirely new to him, but— he has reason to suspect it’s more Jonathan’s territory, which means he currently has the upper hand, and that’s just unsettling; Steve doesn’t at all know how he’s expected to behave.}   

^{❝ Yeah, I guess. I just kinda think it’s bullshit I didn’t get some cool scar— like those eyebrow gaps, y’know? ❞ He has to blink away from Jonathan’s little smile— considering it makes something in his stomach go a little crazy ( eerily similar to the effect Nancy’s laugh has on him )—  and scuff his sneaker over the carpet. ❝ Anyway, I should head out. Maybe we can hang out sometime— if you want. Nancy could be there if it’d make it less… Weird for you. ❞}

^{thanking him felt right. he couldn’t quite explain it, but he knows Steve didn’t have to come all the way down to his house just to say sorry. he could’ve never said a word, or just passed the message through Nancy if he wanted to, but no, he actually came to see him. it made Jonathan feel a lot better, like it was some sort of closure he never knew he needed or even wanted. but now that Jonathan has his apology, he knows he feels much more relaxed about the other boy being in his room, like it’s okay now. they can actually be friends and Jonathan finds he wants that.}

^{the grin that is tossed his way makes Jonathan, surprisingly, eagerly return it. and he ignores the warmth he feels on his face to, instead, huff out a laugh, eyes rolling. it’s all in fun, Jonathan feels that, and he’s so happy.}

                             ^{❝ sorry — don’t wanna steal your thunder, TOUGH GUY. ❞}

^{the amused glint is still in his eyes, mixed with something else. it’s surprising how well they can get along without Nancy there as a cushion. at least, Jonathan thinks it’s going well.}

^{❝ you’d definitely look badass with one of those — if you ever need my help with that, you can just let me know. ❞ He’s joking again and he almost can’t believe how easy it is. Steve just brings it out of him and he can’t help but like this side of him ; the side that’s not busy hating the world for nothing, but instead can actually enjoy something. and if what he enjoys happens to be Steve Harrington’s company… he thinks he can manage.}

                         ^{❝ does Nancy have to be there for you to be comfortable, Steve ?  
                                  — you can just tell me if I make you too nervous.
         I mean, if you need her there… I’m okay with it, so yeah, we should hang out sometime. ❞}