#romantic stonathan
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So I made a post a while ago:
basically talking about my favorite dynamic between Jonathan and Steve.
No I’m going to inform you all of my 2nd favorite; one-sided stonathan.
I’m not really looking at this in a romantic sense, but you can if you want. I do ship stonathan romantically sometimes but I mostly stick with platonic/brotherly stonathan.
So to sum it up:
Steve: this is my friend Jonathan! :)
Jonathan: this is Steve. I know him.
And they’re both completely oblivious to how the other views them.
Steve doesn’t realize that Jonathan wants almost nothing to do with him and in turn Jonathan doesn’t realize that Steve genuinely thinks so highly of him.
Everyone else around them sees it tho, and they all try to tell them but neither want to listen.
It isn’t until Nancy corners Steve and Robin corners Jonathan that yeah, they both get it.
And then it’s a sense of hurt/comfort with Steve realizing/thinking “damn, Jonathan really wanted nothing to do with me. He must really fucking hate me cause of how I pushed his boundaries”.
And then Jonathan on the verge of going fucking insane because “holy shit Steve’s actually like one of my best friends and I’ve just been treating him like shit he must really fucking hate me”.
And it’s usually El and Will and Dustin who have to hear about all this shit because their Jonathan and Steve’s respective younger siblings.
And Steve goes out of his way to avoid Jonathan because he doesn’t wanna burden him anymore than he already has but Jonathan keeps hunting him tf down and is heartbroken every time Steve leaves him in the dust.
And they keep this up until the kids (read: Will/El and Dustin) are sick and fucking tired of it and lock them in a room together until they fucking talk to each other.
But when they do become official friends (with both parties aware) their dynamic doesn’t really change much. Jonathan is still kinda “cold” and is Steve is still the one initiating most of their physical contact but Jonathan visibly leans into hugs and stuff more often than not and Steve is visibly happier.
Idk i just like stonathan :)
#stranger things#steve harrington#jonathan byers#stonathan#platonic stonathan#romantic stonathan#doesn’t matter to me#stonathan just rules#nancy and robin being the ones to talk sense into their opposite sides because I said so
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hey just thinking about the fact that no one has told steve harrington that they loved him and meant it
#steve harrington#holy shit this boy gives me emotions#riv rambles#steddie#stoncy#stonathan#stancy#someone should really change this#platonic stobin#stobin#NOT ROMANTIC STOBIN#stranger things#st
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Closure
"We like Steve, but we don't love Steve," Murray said mockingly.
A wave of fury rose up in Nancy. What business is it of his? Steve has been there for her more than anyone. He didn't have to go to the dinners with her but he did, every single one of them. He walked back into the house and fought the demogorgon when he didn't have to. He could have run. He was there for her, and she was just going to let this asshole mock him? No.
"I don't think it's any of your business," Nancy snapped. "And I love Steve. Maybe not in the way that he loves me, but I love him."
"Okay, okay," Murray said, holding up his hands defensively. "Sensitive, very sensitive."
Later that night, she lay in bed thinking about Steve and Jonathan. She also thought about Barb. She should feel victorious, but there was a guilty feeling in the pit of her stomach. She thought about the gate, how it was still open, and spreading into Hawkins. They weren't the same scientists, not the ones that killed Barb, and they were trying to stop the spread, but they were failing. . . They were only keeping it at bay momentarily. What if what she did puts them at risk because all she could see was getting justice for Barb? What if it swallows the entire town? What if it kills Holly? Or her mom and Dad? Or Mike? Oh, god, what did she do? What if the lab shuts down, and they can't stop it? Will was still getting treated by the doctors when no one else could possibly help, and she dragged his brother into this. Nancy rolled out of bed and rushed to the bathroom, emptying the contents of her stomach into the porcelain bowl. Jonathan popped his head into the bathroom.
"Nancy?" He asked as he knelt next to her.
"We fucked up. We shouldn't have done this. It's still open, Jonathan," Nancy said. "I didn't think about it when I saw it, and why didn't I? Why wasn't that enough for me to wake up? I was so angry. I was just so angry."
"Nancy - " Jonathan started to say.
"It's too late. I don't think I could get that creep to turn over anything now," Nancy sniffled. "God, it was so weird that he was pushing us together like that."
"Well, I mean, the idea of us isn't totally crazy, is it?" Jonathan asked.
"Jonathan. . .I'm still with Steve. . .and while I do have feelings for you, I don't think it would be a good idea. I'm still dealing with Barbara, and I could really use a friend, and I know that's not what you want to hear. I need friends to talk to. . . like you. . .like Steve. I don't think I can handle a relationship right now, not with either of you," Nancy sighed. "And I think that if you pulled your head out of your ass, you and Steve could be great friends too."
"Nance, he said some awful things - " Jonathan started to stay.
"Yeah, he apologized for those," Nancy snapped. "And you nearly killed him for it, so I think you're even."
"He's a douchebag," Jonathan scoffed.
"And you aren't? Need I remind you that you took those photos of me," she said. "And I just put everyone at risk! None of us are perfect, but do I really have to remind you that Steve put his life on the line for both of us? I could really use both of you. . . I can't lose anyone else. Can't you at least try?"
"Nancy. . . "
"Come on, you both like to cook!" Nancy said.
"He cooks? He doesn't have people do that for him?" Jonathan asked with a scoff of disbelief.
"His parents leave him alone all the time. He kind of had to fend for himself, kind of like you did, except your mom actually gives a shit," Nancy said and then paused. "Don't tell him I told you that."
"Damn it," Jonathan muttered and sighed. "Fine. I'll give the guy a chance."
"Thank you," Nancy said softly.
"I never actually apologized for taking those photos. It doesn't matter why I took those photos, I still took them, and I shouldn't have," Jonathan said. "I'm sorry, and I'm not taking it back this time. I actually mean it. Not only did I invade your privacy, but I also abused my skills as a photographer."
"Thank you for saying that," Nancy said softly. "And thank you for meaning it. There's a part of me that's always going to be a little weirded out by it, which is another reason why we shouldn't be together, but I want you to know that I do forgive you."
Nancy and Jonathan stayed on the floor in silent contemplation.
"You know, I don't think I'm ready for a relationship either," Jonathan said.
"Yeah," Nancy said softly.
There was another long moment of silence between them.
"You know, you would make a better journalist than that guy," Jonathan said.
"Yeah?" Nancy asked.
"Yeah."
When they got back to Hawkins, things had gone to shit. Will was now possessed by what the kids are calling the Mind Flayer, Steve’s like their guardian now, and El was alive, getting ready to close the gate with Hopper. Meanwhile, Steve and Nancy were looking through the heaters out on the lawn to use to get the Mind Flayer out of Will.
"You should go with him," Steve said.
"What?" Nancy asked.
"With Jonathan," Steve said.
"No, I'm not just going to leave Mike," Nancy scoffed.
"No one's leaving anyone. I may be a pretty shitty boyfriend . . . But I'm a damn good babysitter," Steve said.
"Steve. . . "
"It's okay, Nance. It's okay," Steve said softly, and her eyes filled with tears.
"You were not a shitty boyfriend! You were the best first boyfriend I could have asked for, and I'm sorry if I ever made you feel like you were. I was drowning and . . . You helped. You were there. After this we'll talk properly, okay?" Nancy sniffled and hugged Steve tightly. "Just want you to know that nothing happened with Jonathan. We're just friends. I don't want to lose either of you from my life, okay? Promise?"
"I promise," Steve said.
After freeing Will from the Mind Flayer, they met up with Hop in front of Jonathan's house. Hop was pulling El out of the car when they approached. Nancy opened the front door for him, following him into the house. When they walked in, they found the kids arguing with Steve over a knocked out Billy Hargrove. Steve’s face was bloody and beaten.
"I say we bury him outside with the other demodogs," Mike scowled.
"Mike! He is a person, and he's still alive!" Steve yelled. "He's also Max's brother."
"Stepbrother!" Max corrected.
"He slammed Lucas into a wall!" Mike screeched.
"He did what?!" Joyce asked, appalled.
"What the hell is going on here?" Hopper asked as he set El on the couch.
The kids started talking at once until Steve whistled, hollered, and clapped his hands.
"Hey, shitheads! Let me do the talking," Steve replied, putting his hands on his hips.
"You really are a good babysitter," Nancy grinned.
"More like a mom," Jonathan whispered loudly, and Nancy snickered.
"He's my stepbrother," Max spoke up. "He came looking for me. He didn't want me to hang out with Lucas, and so he attacked him. Steve stepped in to help, but Billy nearly killed him, so I used the ketamine to knock him out."
"I mean, I don't think he would have killed me," Steve frowned.
"You were unconscious, and he was still beating on you," Lucas said.
"You didn't see the look on his face!" Dustin exclaimed, his face pale. "He enjoyed it!"
"Okay. I need to deal with Hargrove, but first, I need to take you to the hospital," Hopper sighed.
"I'm fine," Steve said.
"Fine?! Fine?! He smashed a plate over your head, Steve!" Dustin exclaimed.
"What?!" Nancy, Jonathan, and Joyce exclaimed.
"Uh, I'll take Steve to the hospital, and you can deal with Hargrove if it makes it easier, Hop," Jonathan said, and Hopper nodded.
"I'll go with you," Nancy said.
"I'll go too!" Dustin and Lucas exclaimed.
"We're going to need to take Will to the hospital, anyway," Joyce said.
"I'm fine," Will said.
"Is there an echo in here?" Joyce scowled. "Max and Mike, you can ride with us."
"Yeah, we can go to the hospital," Will said.
Nancy practically pushed Steve into the passenger's seat before he could protest and climbed into the back seat with the two boys.
"Hey, Steve?" Lucas asked.
"Yeah?"
"Thanks, man," Lucas said softly.
"Anytime," Steve said with a grin.
Lucas lunged forward and hugged Steve from behind before plopping back down into his seat.
"Aww," Nancy, Jonathan, and Dustin said in unison.
"Oh my God! Shut up and drive!" Lucas exclaimed.
After Steve was admitted into the hospital as the doctors wanted to keep him overnight for observation, Jonathan went to check in on Will. On the way out of Steve’s room, he pulled Dustin and Lucas out of the room, leaving Nancy alone with Steve.
"You know, I have a hard time putting into words how I feel about someone. Steve, you're an important part of my life, and I want you to continue to be a part of it. I do love you, Steve, but not in the way that you want me to. I'm sorry I couldn't say that before, and I'm sorry that I hurt you. Don't say that I didn't because I did, Steve. You were there for me when not a lot of people were and you went to every dinner when you didn't have to. You held me as I cried, and you listened to me talk about Barb. I think if Barb hadn't died that night, I think I would have fallen head over heels for you, but too much has happened, and I don't know how to forget," Nancy said, crying.
"I don't think you ever forget. I think you just put one foot in front of the other and I think you'll find that it is easier to walk even with all the weight that you carry. You just get stronger," Steve shrugged and paused. "I don't want to lose you either."
"You're pretty smart, you know that? Why don't you bring it out more often?" Nancy asked.
"Some people just like me for my pretty face," Steve tried to joke.
"You're beautiful inside and out, Steve Harrington," Nancy said.
"Back at you," Steve smiled, sniffling. "I love you."
"I love you too," Nancy smiled and hugged him tightly.
Jonathan tentatively knocked on the door and popped his head in. His shoulders were a little tense.
"Can I come in?" He asked.
"Yeah," Nancy said.
"I just want to say, Steve, that it was pretty cool what you did. Those guys mean a lot to Will, and he's very grateful to you. So am I," Jonathan said.
"Thanks, man," Steve said, and then he grinned. "I guess you heard that I'm single now. Do you want a piece of this action? I have to say I'm still very fragile."
"Fuck off, man," Jonathan laughed, his shoulders relaxing. "I don't do jocks."
Nancy giggled, looking gratefully at Jonathan. It was a good start for all of them. A very good start.
#stranger things#stranger things s2#nancy wheeler#steve harrington#steve x nancy#stancy#steve & nancy#platonic stancy#jonathan byers#jonathan x nancy#jancy#jonathan & nancy#platonic jancy#steve & jonathan#platonic stonathan#steve & nancy & jonathan friendship#they all get closure#nancy tells murrary off#steve is a good man who's always been there for nancy#whether you think they're romantic or not you have to acknowledge that steve was there for her#i fixed it#nancy needs friends so do jonathan and steve
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Earth Girls Are Easy AU with hairdresser Steve and the three sexy aliens (Billy, Eddie, and Jonathan) that crash land in his pool.
#harringrove#steddie#stonathan#steve harrington#billy hargrove#eddie munson#jonathan byers#stranger things#earth girls are easy au#billy eddie and jonathan are funky aliens#more people need to watch this movie#science fiction romantic comedy musical#*stefan voice* this movie has everything
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“I've been called names, I've been kicked in the dirt, I've had- everything , man. You name it. But this guy calling us a bunch of queers like it was the worst thing we could be…” He closes his eyes, resigned. “I don’t know. I couldn't hold myself back.” Jonathan knows the feeling, if only because of Steve. “You snapped?”
Steve nods. There’s no way moving his head in any direction doesn’t hurt, but Jonathan knows him enough to know this: if there’s any opportunity to worsen his own pain, rub metaphorical salt in the wound, Steve takes it. Begs for it.
“I couldn't stop it. I wanted to kill him.” His eyes open back up, desperate. “If Rob hadn’t pulled me off of him, I think I would’ve.”
“Now you know how it feels.” Jonathan mutters, selfish and stupid and maybe a little angry. Their past doesn’t hurt him anymore, but now, it’s all he can think of.
Steve pushing him around, calling him a queer. As if that were the worst kind of person he could be. As if they weren’t the same.
-
hello stonathan nation <3 today i offer you blood!
#it might seem kooky crazy but to ME it's romantic#stonathan#stranger things#ao3 fanfic#stranger things fanfiction#steve harrington#jonathan byers
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I can’t believe Stonathan is actually crucial for both Steve and Jonathan’s character arcs and thus integral to the show
#stonathan#hopping on the stonathan train#no but seriously#jonathan needs to be able to learn to trust hi#steve needs to learn to let go of nancy and allow her to be with jonathan#coming to their mutual understanding is crucial to both of their plots#okay maybe im talking platonically in terms of canon#but also i love them romantically in aus
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a straight nancy truther ur so brave….. i don’t have any particular hc for her but you have my sword
i can completely understand the comphet interpretation of her but i simply do not agree. i am much more in favor of a heterosexual/aromantic interpretation of nancy than a closeted lesbian one. it just makes more sense to me!
#also i want robin and nancy to be bros#and not lovers#let nancy not have a romantic interest#natalia is a stonathan shipper anyway hahahaha
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i’m going to get strapped to a catherine wheel for this but one of my bigger strangerthings posts is going around again and i need to make it clear where i stand. steve and eddie did not have romantic chemistry
#i think it’s like. ok#you know how in dirty dancing the two romantic lead actors kinda hated each other irl#and in some scenes you can sort of tell that the romance is super faked.#i think it’s like the reverse of that. you can tell that keery and quinn were friends offscreen#and it gives the illusion of chemistry between the characters that wasn’t actually there#whatever. whatever. this is a stonathan household.
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Don't cry Don't raise your eye It's only teenage wasteland
#stoncy but as in stonathan and platonic stancy and romantic jancy#again I am in the monster hunting trio phase#I just the dynamics were so good#AND COMPLETELY WASTED#can y'all image your later adolescence being completely taken over by monster hunting?#These three should be at the mall not in a fighting way but in a goofing off way#Me: What did it cost The Writers looking at Stoncy: Everything#stranger things#Stoncy#ot3:Reckless Driving#gaslight gatekeep girlboss#steve harrington#jonathan byers#nancy wheeler#what are queue doing here?#st moodboard
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I’m not so single-minded about shipping Jancy that I don’t enjoy writing about them with other people, but I do feel compelled to make it make sense why they aren’t together. I don’t know who remembers How I Met Your Mother, but it’s similar to how Marshall has to include an elaborate backstory about Lily dying some time ago in any sexual fantasy about another woman.
#I have it figured out for my Stonathan college story#(no UD and Nancy and Jonathan were never single at the same time)#and the gap between S1 and S2 is great for any hookups and doomed relationships for Jonathan#and I can do them breaking up during/after s4#(although I can’t vibe with anything that’s like ‘oh it wasn’t real or meaningful and they’re not sad about it’)#(first because come the fuck on)#(second because that’s such a depressing view of love)#(that you can only have one ‘real’ romantic relationship in your life)#(and everything else was fake or a mistake)#anyway it’s the sweet but weird chrissy/Jonathan one that’s giving me trouble#also the very new chrissy/Nancy one#inspired by the fact that I wrote a fic where chrissy dreams about Nancy in a leather bustier lol#not in a gay way but you know that’s Something#I am aware that there are no rules but for my personal satisfaction it is a rule
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Been thinking about Newsies and Stranger Things aus because I can't stop thinking about Stranger Things and the Newsies is my favourite musical...
So of course I started with byler in a Mike as Jack, Will as Davey thing then El would be Katherine (or Daveys sister, Sarah if we are basing it on the movie) and I'm a multishipper when it comes to Jack/Davey or Jack/Katherine but in this case it'd be a Mike/Will plot.
But then Nancy entered my brain because of course!! Girl reporter fighting to prove her worth in the industry, obviously Nancy and Katherine. So then I was like who'd her Jack and Davey be and it hit me that this would work best as Ronance because I mean...
How can you put her in this outfit and not expect me to think this??
So then Steve could be Davey because that fits with both canon relationships as them being best friends (and obviously in this case it would not be a ship) and Dustin could be Les even though he's older then him.
Even better though is Vickie as Davey because then there is the romantic tension between both duos but then I don't know which way I'd want it to go with it because I love both ships in both stories lol
#stranger things#byler#ronance#newsies#newsies au#stranger things au#i was also thinking of a stonathan version with Steve as Jack Jonathan as Davey and Nancy still as Katherine#so many possibilities lol#i just love putting Robin in historical aus with her love interests huh??#also canonically Davey and Jack arent romantic but like we all see the vibes they give#multishipping Rockie and Ronance means you cant loose!!#this really was meant to be a Byler post but oh well ill talk about them another time#rockie
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Would love some writing prompts for some drabbles to work on over the next week. Shoot me some in my inbox. I am open to most tropes and can be romantic or platonic for any pairing listed.
I like angst and tension, but I fluff is great too. 😊🖤🖤
#byler#lumax#madwheeler#elumax#stonathan#jargyle#elmax#can be about anything#romantic or platonic#stranger things#will byers#mike wheeler#max mayfield#lucas sinclair#el hopper byers#jonathan byers#steve harrington#argyle#dustybuns
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Some of my ship tags are solely platonic, some are entirely romantic, and some are used both ways depending on the post. I never specify “platonic Elmax” or “romantic Byclair” bc all the content for 2 characters’ dynamic’s gotta stick together on my blog, whatever the nature of the relationship. Figure it out.
#willel and elmike were coined as necessarily platonic ship names#pretty much always byler lumax jancy and jopper will be romantic#i ship byclair and elmax in fanon but their canonical friendship is amazing so it’s a toss up#stonathan?? it’s a mystery#madwheeler? try to guess#wheelclair? the world may never know
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I’m a firm platonic stonathan believer (and romantic but that’s not what this post is about).
And I love Steve and Jonathan being really friendly albeit awkward with each other.
But you know what I absolutely LOVE?
Stonathan who can’t STAND each other.
But would also go to fucking war for each other.
Some asshole is being a prick to Jonathan in school? The dudes suddenly thrown off of every sports team he’s on and the principal is fully aware of every time he cheated on a test. Steve just so happens to be at the high school that day to pick up the kids.
There’s some dickwad giving Steve a hard time at work every day? The guys windshield is busted in and car’s been keyed. Jonathan was totally just stopping by Family Video for a movie at the same time.
It’s just so funny to me. The idea of them both putting on this kind of mask around the whole group where everyone thinks they’re at least friendly with each other— the awkwardness is a given, honestly.
But then when it’s just them— getting high together or smth idk— they trade insults that would have anyone else in a ball crying.
And then them both slowly coming out of their shells around the whole group.
And the first time it happens Steve had called Jonathan a home wrecker and in turn Jonathan called Steve a whore.
Everyone was flipping shit trying to make them both apologize to each other before another fight broke out. But Jonathan and Steve sat and laughed at them.
Nobody ever gets used to their bitter teasing towards each other (nobody’s ever heard Jonathan use such foul language) but they learn to accept that that’s just how they are with each other.
This is kinda like a begrudging sibling-bonded stonathan.
This is also how I imagine madwheeler being btw. But I’ll make them their own post eventually.
#stranger things#steve harrington#jonathan byers#stonathan#but platonic#sibling bonds#they trade insults more creative then a middle schooler with a ban on swearing#and that’s saying something because they’re friends with mike wheeler#and eddie munson#but eddie’s allowed to swear#will is shook to his very core to hear jonathan say some of the stuff he says#nobody knew steve could be so mean#eddie finds it hot#nancy id attracted to jonathan in a whole new light#as is argyle#cause I like jargyle and jancy both
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Other events: General, Rare Pairs, Character Centered Events - October Update
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Billy Hargrove Big Bang ( @billybigbang2024) Teams were made and posting season will start in November! Event info
Spicy Six -ber month challenge 🍂❄️ (hosted by @thefreakandthehair) Lex is hosting another event soon! And the prompts were finally revealed! Find them here. Event Info
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Demo Week December (on Twitter @/TwistedTwink69) A monsterfucking week from the 2nd to the 7th of December (event +18) Event info
Steve Harrington Big Bang ( @steveharringtonbigbang) Finally we have some info about this Big Bang that was postponed to 2025! Sign Ups Open -- January 01, 2025 Sign Ups Close -- March 21, 2025 Event info
The Monster Hunting Mini Bang (@stoncybangs) Opening in 2025 if you ship Stoncy, Stonathan, Jancy or Stancy this is your moment! More info coming soon Event Info
Stommy Minibang (@stommybang) Teams were made! Get ready for posting season in February 2025! Event info
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As always feel free to reblog and add other events!
Under the cut the past events masterlist or AO3 collection if you want something to read!
Stranger Things Sapphic Mini Bang ( @sapphicstevents) Here the AO3 Collection!
September Stobin Extravaganza (@sept-stobin-extravaganza) Find the AO3 Collection HERE
Corroded Coffin - Get a Job Masterlist (@corrodedcoffinfest)
Hellcheer Anniversary week (@hellcheeranniversaryweek) find the entries on their blog!
Stevie week ( @stevieweek), here the AO3 Collection
Stranger Things Big Bang ( @strangerthingsbigbang), AO3 Collection
Corroded Coffin Fest ( @corrodedcoffinfest), AO3 Collection
Summer Things Fest ( @summerthingsfest) Event info on AO3
Sapphic Summer- August Prompts (@sapphicstevents) Here the AO3 Collection
A Stranger Summer ( @astrangersummer) Here the AO3 Collection
#stranger things event#general stranger things events#rare pair stranger things event#rare pair#signal boost#general events#character centered big bang#eddie munson#billy hargrove#steve harrington#sapphic#corroded coffin#stobin#platonic stobin#robin buckley#hellcheer#chrissy cunningham#demo week december
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Excuse me for a minute, I'm having platonic Stonathan thoughts (though, if you'd like, you can picture this evolving into romantic Stonathan). (And also I half wrote a fic like I tend to do. Sorry.)
CW: Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Implied/Referenced Abuse
To my understanding, with several maps of Hawkins I've seen and just what I've heard, the Harrington's and the Byers's were neighbors before the canon timeline. And so my thoughts are this:
Steve and Jonathan were childhood best friends before high school. They did everything together. Rode their bikes up and down the street until the sun went down, played card games in one another's driveways, played pirates in the forest, swam together in the summers, etc. Jonathan would take pictures of them growing up—of Steve playing basketball in his driveway, of them at the Indiana state fair, in the Byers's kitchen for dinner, of Steve the morning after a sleepover. Steve would play baseball with Jonathan all the time, he'd ramble on about his sports hobbies, he'd share baseball cards and trade them, too. They'd exchange music tastes for a while. That kind of stuff.
They'd make promises to each other about being best friends forever and ever and ever. That they'd always have each others backs. They'd never forget one another. They'd live next to or with each other until they died. That sort of pact.
And some time before high school starts, things get bad with their families. Jonathan's dad, Lonnie, is verbally and physically abusive towards the whole family. Jonathan constantly throws himself in the line of fire, wanting to protect his mom and his little brother—who, mind you at this moment in time would be like ten years old. He's showing up to school with bruises, with new scars, with heavy eye bags. He's showing up without a lunch packed and without a good winter coat and without his head held high.
Steve won't stand for that. He wants his best friend in the whole wide world to be safe. So he makes that his life mission. He brings extra lunch for Jonathan. Gives him a spare winter coat. Tries to give him confidence boosts. Spends all his waking time with Jonathan, to make sure he's safe.
Then, one night, when his parents aren't home, he sneaks Jonathan and Will into his home while Joyce and Lonnie are hashing it out—Lonnie's threatening to leave for good this time, he's being reamed for gambling, for being a dirt bag (that sort of thing). So, Will sleeps in Steve's good sleeping bag on the floor. And Jonathan shares Steve's bed.
It ends up being a nice little sleepover. A spontaneous one, but a nice one nonetheless. Then, though, Steve's parents come home. His dad barges into his room, invading his privacy almost immediately because he doesn't believe in privacy. And he catches Jonathan in Steve's bed. He's telling them to collect their things, go on home, says that Joyce is looking for them—"I have to have a little conversation with Steve," is what they're told.
After that night, though, Jonathan doesn't see Steve all that often. In passing. On the school bus. At school.
It's not until a day where Jonathan is biking home that he approaches Steve to hang out. Steve is sitting outside in his driveway, sweaty from playing with his basketball, picking grass with his fingers, eyebrows furrowed and wearing a deep scowl. At first, Jonathan thinks maybe Steve had a hard day at school, maybe he's having issues with the words on the paper again, maybe he's mad because he hurt himself playing. But then, Jonathan gets a little closer, startling Steve—and he spots the telltale signs of bruising on one of Steve's biceps, deep and new and in the shape of fingertips. He knows these bruises all too well.
He approaches awkwardly, gently though. He tries to flash a big smile. Tries to make small easy talk. Says a couple things about a baseball game he caught on the radio, it was touch-and-go, but he heard enough to say something.
"I'm not supposed to talk to you anymore," Steve mumbles. His voice wet and raspy. He won't make eye contact. He won't unfurl himself from the knees to his chin, sitting on his bottom, hands to himself way he's on the ground. "Dad said you're a...you're a bad influence on me. That I'm not supposed to talk to people like..."
Like you, goes left unsaid.
"We can keep it a secret between us," Jonathan amends, trying to be optimistic, "we've done it before. We can do it again." He plops down on the driveway next to Steve. Barely bumps their opposite shoulders together. Keeps smiling at Steve's turned away, flushed face. Keeps smiling at Steve's barely concealed sad eyes and his terribly deep frown. "C'mon, Stevie. My mom bought a new pack of chocolate pudding. Let's go get you one, I know they're your favorite."
Steve stiffens. Teeth biting into his lower lip. Eyes closed off, impossibly sadder. "Jonny," he sighs. "Jonny, you're not good...you're not good enough for...me," he says lamely, choppy and awkward, "for my family."
Jonathan then scowls. Jolts away. "What's that supposed to mean? I thought we were best friends, Steve. Forever and ever, man."
"Just go home, Jonathan."
"No," Jonathan firmly objects, "something's wrong and you're obviously...you've got your head turned around or somethin' and I can help you, like you helped me."
At that, Steve turns his head. Eyes aflame. Piercing. Furious. He wiggles his left arm in Jonathan's sight, bruises prominently on display. "This is your fault, Jonathan!" he states, voice raised but not quite yelling, "he came after me because of...because of fairies like you!"
Jonathan's nostrils flare. He stands from the drive in one swift push. He stares down at Steve, covering him in his tall, lanky shadow. "Didn't know you were one of those people," he spits. "And I'm not stupid, Steve. I know who actually did that."
"Does it matter?" Steve squawks. "He did that to me because he"—
"Because he saw me in your bed," Jonathan finishes calmly, seething, yet cold. "I know that your dad is an asshole, Steve." Even pointing out who exactly did it has Steve flinching, Jonathan feels bad briefly, but allows himself to be hurt, too. "Doesn't mean you have to take after him," he states, voice final.
He walks back down the driveway, picks up his discarded bike, and gives one last cold glance to Steve. Steve, who's huddled down on the ground, bruised and battered, pinching his nose so he doesn't cry, sweaty and colored red from playing basketball outside, awkward and boyish the way he always was with Jonathan. Steve, who doesn't feel like Jonathan's friend.
"See you around, Harrington," Jonathan calls out. And as he bikes back home, his resolve crumbles. He already misses his best friend.
—
See? I half wrote a fic because I can't stop myself. But I'd like to think that at some point after canon is done, they do make amends. Somehow. Maybe Steve admits that he did like Jonathan, in that way. Maybe Steve admits that he was an asshole for that comment. Maybe Jonathan admits the same, but because he didn't push harder to have Steve let himself be helped.
Maybe they reconcile because all their past drama—words and relationships and high school bullshit—feels so trivial when the world was constantly crumbling at their feet.
Maybe Steve just wants to apologize. And maybe he just wants to help.
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