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Steve had bought Jonathan a new camera. He had no courage to give it to the other boy for Christmas, and Nancy had to help him. Steve was anxiously parked outside the Byers house as he held the messily wrapped gift.
“Steve, i’m not giving it to him for you. You have to,” Nancy shoved Steve’s shoulder from the passenger seat of his BMW, “Go show him you’re sorry.”
Steve grumbled, “It’s not that easy, Nance. Look at that kid, he’ll slam the door in my face, especially after we fought.”
“We’ve been over this. He's nice once he warms up to you,” Nancy prodded, “C’mon, go get em.”
“He’s probably busy with his family. Its Christmas Eve, y’know?” Steve said excuses. Nancy shoved his arm.
Steve reluctantly unbuckled his seat belt. This is stupid, he thought to himself. Nancy had a huge smile as he opened his car door and stepped out.
As slow as possible, at least it seemed that way, Steve approached the Byers door. He knocked on the door rhythmically. No answer.
He turned around and started walking back to the car with the gift in hand. That was that, no answer, no gift, no talking to Jonathan.
From the window of the car, Nancy gestured to turn around. Steve followed this order. Jonathan Byers was standing there, door propped open with his foot.
“Can I help you, Harrington?” He snarled a bit. It was understandable, Steve had smashed his precious camera and had fought him before this interaction.
Steve sighed, “Merry Christmas to you too, Byers. This is for you,” Steve held out the wrapped box.
Jonathan's face softened, but moments later tensed up again, “If this is some kind of cruel joke, it’s not funny.”
Steve corrected him quickly, “No, no, it’s for real. See uh, Nancy convinced me to come.” He pointed to the car.
Jonathan slowly nodded, “So, she made you come.”
Steve shook his head no. “Uh. I wanted to apologize, or whatever. Out of my own will,” He spoke.
Jonathan looked down at the gift and started to unwrap it. He saw the box for his dream camera and nearly squealed.
“This is awesome, Steve!” He said excitedly. “You didn't put rocks in it or something?”
Steve laughed. “I’m not that mean.”
“You kinda shattered my old one,” Jonathan reminded him, “Thank you, though. I, uh, didn't get you anything.”
Steve shrugged, “Didn't expect anything in return. I’ll see you at school, or something.”
Steve walked back to his car. Looking back once he got closer, he saw Jonathan going inside with a stupid grin. He looked cute, Steve thought. It was a dumb thought. He would definitely have the same one again.
He opened the driver’s side door. Nancy spoke before he got a chance to sit.
“He looked excited.”
Steve sat, buckling up and closing his door, “He was. I don't get the whole photography thing, but as long as it makes him happy.”
Nancy noticed the hint of red on Steve’s cheeks, but decided to make no comment there.