anxious · avoidant · loyal · protective · smoker · photographer · stranger things · 1980s · california · trauma survivor
The air in Argyle’s pizza shop hung thick with the scent of burnt dough, underscored by a scratchy rock tune. Mike and Will huddled in a cracked vinyl booth, El beside them, while Jonathan leaned against the counter, arms folded, eyes distant. “Chill, bro,” Argyle chirped, juggling boxes. El frowned at the chaos. “Strange,” she noted. Will smirked. Jonathan’s gaze drifted, haunted by memories of his fights with Nancy about their diverging futures. The weight of it pressed heavier than the oven’s heat. Mike leaned in. “You good, Jon?” Jonathan blinked, forcing a nod. “Yeah. Just… tired.” Will saw through the mask, a silent understanding passing between brothers before Argyle crashed a box, shattering the moment with laughter.