Chapter Text
The Byers house always creaked at night.
It wasn’t anything new. The old wood, the wind slipping through poorly sealed windows, the low hum of the refrigerator… it all blended into a constant noise that, over time, became familiar.
But that night, Jonathan couldn’t ignore it.
—Jon… —Will’s small voice broke the silence.
Jonathan turned his head immediately from his bed. He hadn’t really been asleep. He never fully was when Will felt uneasy.
—What is it? —he whispered, already sitting up.
Will was sitting on his bed, clutching the sheets tightly. His wide eyes were fixed on the corner of the room, where the darkness seemed thicker.
—There’s something there —he murmured.
Jonathan didn’t ask what. He didn’t say it wasn’t real. He never did.
He got up quietly and crossed the room. The floor creaked under his feet, but he didn’t stop. When he reached Will’s bed, he crouched in front of him.
—I’m here —he said, steady but gentle.
Will looked at him, still scared.
—It won’t go away…
Jonathan followed his gaze to the corner. Nothing. Just shadows.
Still, he reached out and took his brother’s hand.
—Then it doesn’t matter —he said—. Because I’m not going anywhere either.
Will hesitated for a second.
—Do you promise?
Jonathan didn’t look away.
That kind of promise wasn’t something you made lightly. Not when you understood what it meant.
But Will was trembling.
And that was enough.
—I promise.
Will let out a breath, like he had been holding it all that time. His fingers tightened around Jonathan’s hand.
—Will you stay with me?
Jonathan nodded.
He sat on the edge of the bed and let Will lie down, still holding onto him. With his other hand, he gently brushed Will’s hair back, slow and steady.
—Go to sleep —he murmured—. I’ll keep watch.
Minutes passed. Maybe more.
Will’s body slowly relaxed until his breathing became deep and even.
Jonathan didn’t move.
He stayed there, sitting, watching the corner of the room as if there really was something to fight.
Because to him… there was.
Not monsters.
Not shadows.
But the possibility of failing.
And that was worse.
His gaze dropped to Will.
Small. Fragile. Trusting him as if he were enough.
As if Jonathan could handle everything.
He tightened his hand slightly around his brother’s.
—I won’t let anything happen to you —he whispered, barely audible.
It wasn’t just a promise.
It was a decision.
One he intended to keep… no matter the cost.