Chapter Text
It was their sixth monthly meetup with the four of them—Nancy, Jonathan, Steve, and Robin—but the girls were both sick and couldn’t show. Steve and Jonathan, not wanting to break their tradition, still met at a park close to where they lived.
Steve sat down at a bench, next to Jonathan. “..Well, this is nice.” He said quietly, scanning the park.
“What, was that sarcasm??” Jonathan said, smiling. “I’m not that annoying, am I?”
“Not that, it just isn’t the same without Robin and Nance.” Steve frowned.
“Yeah, you’re right.”
“So..How have you been? How’s your anti-consumerism cannibalism film?” Steve said jokingly, crossing his arms and leaning back.
“It’s alright. I’m almost at the last stretch of it.” He said, contemplating on what to order.
“That’s nice. How’s the rest of life for ya?”
“It’s alright.” He said simply, yawning. “You?”
“I’m fine.”
“Mm. Now that the girls are gone…Can I mention how I don't hate you?”
“...This again? I told you, I know.” Steve smiled, chuckling. “I could never hate you, Jonathan.”
“Really? Even after stealing Nance and being an ass about it?”
“Dude, you saved my life. Of course I don’t hate you.” Steve scoffed, patting his shoulder. “Cmon.”
“Hah, you’re too forgiving, man.” Jonathan smiled brightly. “Thank you.”
“Of course. You’re a real good friend, Jonathan. Don’t forget it.”
"...Am I?" He looked down, starting to fidget with his hands. "I-I mean..I'm not the best company.."
"Don't talk about yourself like that. You're a great guy." Steve hesitated, then put his hand on Jonathan's. "Cmon, you're super awesome."
"..If you say so." He murmured, his hands fidgeting less under his touch. Jonathan had always been insecure about himself, ever since he was young. He's always been too worried he's too much or too little for his family and friends. He feels like he has to be perfect.
"Hey, I don't say so. I know so." Steve squeezed his hands, smiling. Steve was a little nervous he was doing too much, or he didn't like touch, but he noticed him calming down with his help.
"I-I guess.." He said quietly, moving one of his hands to rub his eyes.
"Don't cry..I hate seeing you upset." Steve sighed, patting his head. "It's okay."
"Sorry, Steve..I'm pathetic." He always thought so lowly of himself. He never felt happy with himself.
"No you're not. Don't talk like that." He scoffed, his hands squeezing his tighter. "Just take some..I dunno, deep breaths or something. Whatever helps you calm down."
"...I think you just being here is helping me the most." He said, half hugging his arm. "Thank you."
"Oh, um..." Steve was very caught off guard. He never expected Jonathan to trust him so much. "You're welcome." He slowly wrapped his arm around his shoulders, rubbing his arm slowly.
They both sat there in comfortable silence on the bench in the park, Steve occasionally reassuring him every so often. They both needed this, whether they accepted it or not.