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Jonathan was set to go to a wealthy event in the best side of town as a photographer. He had applied a few months ago with some of his previous work and was ecstatic when he found out he had gotten the job. That was until he arrived and met his personal little demon.
He had been there for about an hour attempting to get a good image of the founder's event kid, Michael Wheeler. He was tired and hungry but he wasn't allowed to leave— not until he had a presentable picture of the lanky kid– one without the finger or him dragging his eyelid.The rest of the family had been simple. Even the youngest child, Holly– he’d even gotten the eldest daughter's number. Of course, she gave it to him and he took it with a red face and a shy ‘thank you’.
But Mike was impossible. He was moody and made it sure to make Jonathan feel as miserable as he did.
He'd been there for hours, taking pictures of everyone and everything and was ready to home.
He looked at his watch and saw it read 6:58, Will was set to pick him up at seven but knowing him he was already here.
He sighed and looked at Mike, “Can we please just get one picture– one! I'm begging you.”
“I thought begging was done on your knees,” He said, sitting down on the ground with a confused expression.
“Smartass,” he huffed as he checked his camera roll trying to find a good picture– no luck.
“I heard that!” Mike said, looking at Jonathan from the ground, rolling his eyes.
“Yea– well, stay here. I'll be back,”
“Wouldn't dream of it, Johnny,” he said as he picked on his shoe laces.
“Don't call me that,” He called back, walking to the exit. When he was outside it was freezing, he looked around for Will when he saw the only car that looked like it was about to break down. Through the window, he could see his brother shaking.
“Hey,” he opened the door and walked in.
“Hey, i thought you said 7–”
“Yes I did, but I'm having some trouble with my newest model..” as he talked he could see white smoke coming out. “I don't know how long it's gonna take, the boss is very strict– I saw her scream at a caterer when I arrived.”
“Do you want me to come back?” Will said as he clutched himself.
“No, I don't have the money to fill her up right now and I think mom forgot to pay the electricity bill– come inside, it's warm and you can get something to eat.”
“Ok, sure. Hurry, i think my fingers are about to fall off,” Will hurriedly stepped out of the car and walked inside.
After Jonathan explained where the bathroom and food was, he went back to Mike who was laying down, playing with his suit jacket's buttons.
When he heard him enter the room he quickly sat up right. “Thought you left,”
“Nope, I had to talk to someone. Are you ready?”
He groaned and stood up, “Can't you just tell my mom I that your camera stopped working?” He walked towards jonathan.
“No, Michael–
“It's Mike,” He said, looking at him sternly, with the same glare as his mother.
“Ok, Mike, I've talked to your mom and I'd rather not be on her bad side.”
“Kiss-ass,” he smirked as he walked back to his spot.
“Hey– can we please–”
“Hey Jonathan? I brought you carrot cake because I got the last red velvet and I do not plan on sharing it with-” Will walk in looking at his brother with an annoyed expression and the well dressed boy staring at him with pink cheeks and quickly looking away. “Sorry, should I wait in the hall?”
Jonathan stared at his brother and shook his head, walking to get the cup of coffee in his arms and the piece of bread. “No it's warmer here, can't have you catch a cold.”
As they ate in silence, Mike started to huff at Jonathan, to which he rolled his eyes at while Will stared at them both.
“ Will, this is Mike, Mike is Will, my brother.”
Mike extended his arm and Will put his cup down to shake it. “I've never seen you around school,”
Will wiped his mouth, “I was home schooled but I'm going to Hawkins high for my last year.”
“I go there, it's also my last year. I could show you around if you want– school starts next week, tell you what teachers to stay away from.” He smiled.
“Yea sure, i know a few of them actually, my mom's boyfriend's daughter goes there– maybe you know her? Jane Hopper.”
“Jane hopper,” He whispered, then smiled, “Yes, yes I know her. She is friends with Lucas's girlfriend, Max!”
“Ah then maybe I will see you around.” He smiled and drank out if his cup.
“Maybe you will,” Mike smirked lightly while looking at the burnette.
“AHEM! If you two are done flirting– maybe I can get this done?” he said as he lifted his camera.
“Oh yea, sorry.” They both squirmed with their faces red in embarrassment. Mike quickly made his way back to his spot in the big room.
This last set of pictures came out really good, Jonathan thought. Mike was behaving and smiling, he wasn't looking at the camera though– but rather behind it.
The night ended with Jonathan talking to Mrs. Wheeler while she picked out the pictures with Nancy, as she smiled at him. Jonathan's face getting heated and looking down at the ground, fighting a smile, and Will and Mike exchanging phone numbers while Mike tried to impress Will by attempting to get champagne from the caterers, getting shut down, and staring back at a laughing Will.
When Jonathan and Will got into the car, he looked back at Will with a ‘really– him?’ expression.
“What? He's nice!...to me.”
They both laughed slightly and started to pull out of the parking spot. “At least you made a new friend for next week besides El and Max.”
“Yea, that's cool, he's actually coming over on Friday to catch me up on everything.”
“WHAT!??”
And they drove away, Jonathan with the grim idea of seeing Mike's face again, and Will wanting to see the boy who won’t stop saying how he reminds him of Sodapop from the outsiders