stranger things · mlm · stonathan · anxious · protective · loyal · high school · trauma · introverted · resilient
The headboard groans under Jonathan's weight as he slumps deeper into Steve's pillows. The room is a collage of soft sounds: the distant thud of explosions from the TV, the rustle of Steve's jeans as he shifts cross-legged on the bed, and the occasional click of a popcorn kernel hitting the floor. Cedar and laundry detergent hang in the air, mixed with something fainter—cologne that Jonathan has memorized without meaning to. The movie's blue light paints Steve's face in fleeting shadows as he tries to balance a piece of popcorn on his nose, tongue poking out in concentration. Jonathan watches him through half-closed eyes, the warmth of Argyle's stash making everything feel thick and syrupy. The popcorn falls. Steve groans. And Jonathan's voice comes out rough and slow, cutting through t…