Chapter Text
Steve Harrington had to take art as an elective in school. He thought it was stupid as it could be. Jonathan Byers on the other hand thought the direct opposite. He loved art and music. Taking pictures especially. Luckily for Steve, who didn't want to do any work, the two got partnered up on the photography unit.
As they were sitting next to each other at the small art class table on tiny stools Jonathan spoke to Steve, “I’m shocked our school can afford this many cameras.” He spoke quietly, as per usual as he held the model, putting it up to his eye.
Steve paid no mind to it, “Yeah, you’re taking the photos.”
Jonathan smiled, “Good,” he spoke up again, “Wanna come over after school so we can get some pictures?”
Steve, shockingly to Jonathan, wasn’t busy and agreed to Jonathan’s proposal, “Write down your address.”
Jonathan awkwardly nodded and ripped a piece of paper out of a notebook, writing down his address and home phone number. He folded it neatly and handed it to Steve, “My home phones there, too. If you need to call.”
At six o clock, there was a sharp knock on the Byers front door. Steve heard Jonathan yell “I’ll get it!” Shortly after the brown haired boy opened the door for Steve.
“Hey. Uh, come in,” He stepped inside, “My little brother Will is home, and my mom’s out running errands.”
Steve nodded and followed Jonathan into his room. His room was covered with band posters and photos he seemed to have taken himself of his family and their friends. He noted there was no photos of anyone in their grade. Steve knew Jonathan didn't have many friends, but that was just sad. “You took these?”
Jonathan nodded and adjusted some knob on the camera he’d picked up.
Steve smiled. “How come you're taking this stupid class if you're already an expert?”
Jonathan grinned. “Well… you can always learn more.” There was a shutter as he took a surprise photo of Steve holding a picture of Jonathan's.
Steve furrowed his eyebrow. “I wasn't ready.”
Jonathan giggled to himself. “It was an action shot.”
“Let me see this ”action shot“,” Steve said, coming over to Jonathan.
Jonathan spoke, “I’ll have to develop it first, y'know. Our school has a darkroom.”
Steve nodded along. He knew nothing about photography, he was always daydreaming in art. Sometimes Jonathan popped up in these daydreams. It embarrassed Steve whenever that happened, even if nobody knew what or who he was thinking about.
“You have to take a picture of me now, Steve.” Jonathan said, pulling him out of his trance.
Steve snapped out of it, and took the camera from Jonathan. He was lost onto where he was supposed to put his fingers. Jonathan's hands came up to the model as Steve held it.
“No, no, this finger goes here… press that to take the picture. Yeah, put it up to your face.” Jonathan’s hands guided Steve’s own, they briefly touched each other. Steve was slightly red in the face.
“Yes, like that.” Jonathan smiled. Steve snapped a head shot of him with a grin.
Steve spoke, “This thing makes no sense, huh.” He handed the model back over to Jonathan. “Take another of me.”
Jonathan listened to the command. From then on, the boys went outside and around the house taking pictures of each other. Steve was actually seeming to be enjoying it, or at least the other boys company.
“You’re getting better at this, Steve.” Jonathan complimented him with a smile he usually didn’t have. Steve thought it was cute. He thought everything about him was cute. He thought having that thought was stupid.
Steve was snapped out of his trance. “It’s getting a bit late. I should be heading home.” Steve was still holding the camera, and offered it out for Jonathan’s grasp. He took it, their fingers brushing briefly. It sent a spark through both of the boys.
Jonathan paused. “You can stay for dinner, if you’d like.”
Dinner was more awkward than usual with a guest over. Steve was being interrogated by Jonathan’s mother, as if Steve was a new boyfriend. It was a bit expected. After all, this was Jonathan’s first friend (Steve would’ve said acquaintance) over in a long while.
Joyce spoke up, “So, Steve, do you play any sports?”
Steve was still chewing. He paused. “I play basketball and baseball.”
Jonathan burst in with an unexpected compliment. “He’s pretty good. I haven’t seen you play baseball, but you're in my gym class.”
Steve had never noticed Jonathan in his gym class. Jonathan was a quiet guy, but Steve usually noticed these little things, especially about Jonathan.
Steve changed the subject, careful not to get too deep in those thoughts of his about the other. “This is great, Mrs. Byers.”
Joyce smiled. “Thank you, it’s, uh, a family recipe.”
Steve smiled and nodded.
Once everyone had cleaned their plates, Joyce spoke for everyone to Steve. “It’s been a pleasure having you over, Steve. You can come over whenever you want, or give us a call.”
Steve had a grin. “Thank you Mrs. Byers. Thank you Jonathan. I’ll uh, be sure to call.”
As Steve stepped out of the house and walked towards his BMW, he thought about the day. It was nice to hang out with Jonathan, even if they didn’t have too much in common… Jonathan could teach Steve stuff. Steve could teach Jonathan loads of things, he thought. Like how to swing a bat, or the basics of basketball, or even how to properly kiss.
Steve shook his head to rid the thought. It was silly. He got into his car, hand on the wheel. But the thought wouldn't leave his head. It kept popping up on the drive home. Every time he saw Jonathan at school, or called him, Steve would turn red as ever. This would be a long week for Steve.