Jonathan Byers x Reader

Take My Picture? - P.22

"Why is that out here?" you asked out loud though you weren't exactly speaking directly to Jonathan. Your voice sounded higher than usual with a slight uncontrollable crack that seemed to instantly catch his attention and let him know that something was wrong.

Quickly, you rushed by his side and grabbed the piece of clothing from his grip to examine it closer. Dirt was caked against the light colored fabric leaving behind a ugly tint of brown that looked completely out of place. Rips were in different parts of the fabric possibly from becoming stuck on twigs from the trees or even catching against the bark if one had leaned too close to one of the rough trees that surrounded the area.

"What's going on?" Jonathan asked trying to sound calm though you could easily tell he was beginning to feel anxious as well. "Whose sweater is that?"

"It's Kelly's." you replied with that same noticeable crack still present in your struggling voice. "This shouldn't be out here. She loves this sweater. Why is this out here?"

Panic began to take over as the main emotion you were feeling. Different scenarios ran through your mind as to why one of her favorite articles of clothing would be laying damaged on the dirty floor of the woods that seemed so far from the road. Your breathing became more uneven and rapid as you desperately tried to make sense of what was happening.

"(Y/n)..." Jonathan called out softly careful not to make matters worse. "Please tell me what's happening. Is Kelly okay?" he asked obviously completely unaware of the personal struggle that you had been dealing with in silence.

Your throat went dry while listening to his question. With all the drama he had been dealing with regarding the disappearance of his brother and the struggle with his mother, the last thing you wanted was to pour your problems onto his already stressed out self. Though when you finally locked eyes with him it was clear to see how concerned he really was as he watched your body movements and reactions.

"She's..." you began to say battling the increasing lump in your throat. "She's been missing for a few days now."

"She what?" he asked in disbelief as he took just a single step closer to you before coming to a completely stand still not wanting to crowd you while in a panic. "She's seriously been missing? (Y/n), why didn't you tell me?"

Regret and a bit of embarrassment took over as you were finally caught with the heavy secret that had been weighing you down more and more everyday.  Suddenly, the idea that you should have just told him what was happening from the start didn't seem like such a bad thing.

"I just...didn't want to add more stress but pouring my problems to you." you began pushing the lump in your throat aside trying not to further embarrass yourself by crying and acting overly emotional like you're father had always accused you of doing.

"(Y/n), are you crazy?" he asked with disbelief in his voice as he seemed to start speaking a little faster know that he was fully aware of the situation. "You should always pour your problems onto me. It doesn't matter how many things I have going on in my life. (Y/n), oh my God, please don't keep anything from me. No matter how bad it is. Okay?"

Your eyes desperately tried to blink back the tears that were beginning to form as you seemed to finally start breaking down over the disappearance of your friend. Jonathan's words meant more to you than he would possibly ever know. He still looked tired though his expression seemed to change from one of determination to one of comfort. He wanted to help you the same way that you had been helping him even though you had been afraid to ask for it.

"Okay." you said simply not wanting to lose your composure and have a complete break down in the middle of the woods. Jonathan had broken down only a short time ago, however, you wanted to be strong for him and reserve your breakdown for another day when he would be feeling strong as well.

"I'm your boyfriend remember?" he said with a slight chuckle in his voice. "I'm here to take on anything you throw at me."

With the end of his statement, he stretched out his arms waiting to embrace you if you were ready careful not to take a step forward just in case you were still in a panic. You hesitated only for a moment tightly gripping the dirty fabric in your hands until your knuckles were almost white. Something was very wrong and you were now presented with two choices. Let this defeat you or find out what happened to your friend.

The choice was obvious as you finally moved your feet quickly to Jonathan pressing against his body and snuggling closer as his arms wrapped tightly around your waist. Closing your eyes, you sunk into his comfort and protective position embracing him just as tightly back never wanting to let go of him.

~~~To be continued~~~