False Start

Episode Six: part two

Authors note: Surprise! Hope you all enjoy this chapter! 

warnings: angst/fighting/some cussing 

You know it's pathetic to be so upset over a natural reaction. Nancy has been through something traumatic and Jonathan had been the one there for her, so naturally she reached out for him. While you know it doesn't mean anything, it still fucking hurts. You've always been secretly elated by the fact that you were the only one who received Jonathan's affection, his forehead kisses and hair ruffles and his hugs.

Holding his hand has become second nature to you, long familiar now with the way his fingers feel between yours.

And now they're between Nancy's.

"Stacey? You still with us?"

Nancy waves a hand in front of your face, and suddenly you're aware of how long you've been staring at the two of them. "Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm here... still here."

"You alright, Stace?" Jonathan asks, now a bit worried about you.

"Peachy!" You try desperately to make your voice light, but the nausea that hasn't left you since last night once again threatens to make you sick. "Enough about me, though. What I'm hearing is that we need to buy some monster hunting supplies. I mean, unless we plan on beating it with my humor."

You wink at them, and while Nancy seems reassured by your bravado, Jonathan knows better. He raises his eyebrows at you and tilts his head and you know he's asking what's really going on? and all you can do is shake your head in a please don't ask any more questions or I will sob right here right now way that only he can understand.

Nancy doesn't notice this exchange and instead gets up from her bed. "Well, if we're going shopping for supplies then I should get ready. Stacey, I'm sure my mom will give you some pancakes if you ask."

Right on cue, your stomach rumbles. "Thank God she loves me. I'll smuggle some up for you, Stacey."

He thanks you before you and Nancy exit the room. She heads for the bathroom while you make your way downstairs.

"Stacey? I didn't know you'd gone upstairs!" Mrs. Wheeler greets you and immediately you're handed a steaming plate of homemade blueberry pancakes.

Mr. Wheeler huffs. "Do we have to feed the entire neighborhood?"

"Good morning to you too, Ted."

The man glares at you as you thank Mrs. Wheeler for the food. You make up a quick lie about working on an assignment with Nancy and that you'd prefer to eat in her room so you can finish up an equation you'd been in the middle of.

"So, may I bring it upstairs?"

"Well..." Mrs. Wheeler purses her lips, not too keen on the idea.

You give her your best and most parent pleasing smile. "I promise I'll be careful, not a drop of blueberry will get anywhere. Scout's honor!"

"Oh, alright. But please tell Nancy that this will only be a one time thing"

"Of course, Mrs. Wheeler."

You leave her alone with a grumbling Mr. Wheeler and a fussy Holly.

–

Nancy is still in the bathroom when you return and Jonathan is awkwardly sitting on her bed, looking around the room as if he's in some foreign land.

"Ya know, I've never been in a girl's room before."

"Gee, thanks." You scoff at him, setting the plate of pancakes down on Nancy's desk before digging in. You're starving.