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Jonathan Byers locked his bike into place outside the offices of the New York Post. He'd only been there for three months and was desperate to stay on the good side of the towering J. Jonah Simmons, the editor-in-chief. He'd been waylaid that morning. It was Will's first day of school at NYU, and he wanted his little brother to be as prepared as he was.
Rushing inside, he luckily arrived at the same time as his colleague, Elizabeth.
"Jonathan, good to see you this morning. Everything alright ?" She asked, seeing his book bag askew on his shoulder and frazzled appearance.
"Brother's first day of college. The first day in a big city without me, I just wanted him to be okay."
"That's sweet. But that does mean we have to go directly to Jonah's office. Do you have pictures ?"
"Yeah, I was at the scene first thing last night."
"Good. Hold them until we get there. I don't want them damaged."
"Copy that."
He laughed.
The elevator opened to the bustling newsroom of the New York Post. It was the start of September 1993, the September before an election, so it was pretty hectic.
The final war in Hawkins had taken longer than any prior one. Then, there was a minor issue of Jonathan finishing a high school year that had been interrupted, then coming out to New York for NYU, his dream, inspired by Will then Will following him. Then, a classmate and friend having a connection to get hired.
It'd been 6 years since he last fought. As he raised his bag, the only reminder was the scar on his hand.
Occasionally, he looked at that scar and smiled. Then got lost in a melancholic haze.
He had yet to bother to reach out to anyone from Hawkins or her, busy with Lenora and NYU, then Will, now work.
He figured that she needed a break from Hawkins. He didn't know if Steve or Robin had followed. From what he heard from Will, who occasionally called Mike, a little strained since his confession, contact hadn't been frequent when the Byers moved back to Lenora. He knew she was happy. And that was it.
But as he looked across the newsroom, he was content. He had his college friends, a job, and his brother.
"IS THAT BYERS OUTSIDE !" JJ yelled.
"YES, JJ," Elizabeth screamed back.
Pushing Jonathan inside, JJ continued.
"HOW IN THE HELL DID THE TIMES GET THIS STORY FIRST? I SENT YOU TO GRAB AN EXCLUSIVE !"
"Sir, I had no idea that they had anyone there. It was a public event, I should've figured. I didn't even see them. And the report said."
"Are you serious! Look at the byline Byers. It's that new chick. You need to be more like her. Aggressive. Punchy. I could use her."
He mused.
Elizabeth walked in.
'Sir, there's another event. Hosted by us. Tomorrow. "
"Aah, yes, the party. What do you know about blending in at parties? Making yourself so invisible but also able to find this son of a bitch. He's the mayor. I want him on the record to us about the riot. I want proof, dammit. The allegations are wild. Even if we are taking sides in this race."
"Yes, sir."
"Elizabeth, take him shopping. And Byers, if you see that girl, do not let her get the exclusive !" He tossed the paper aside; the byline was who he'd feared it was - Nancy Wheeler.
His heart raced for a millisecond, and his face hardened again.
Even if he hadn't seen her in those six years, he still cared for her.
"I'll do my best, sir."
"Good," JJ thought he saw something in Jonathan's face but ignored it. "Now scram."
They left.
"So that was something else."
"I had no idea she was there. Seriously. None. I haven't" He cut himself off. Elizabeth was a dear, dear friend on top of being his editor.
She beckoned him to follow her to her office.
"You haven't what, Jonathan ?" She said, closing her door.
"Don't tell anyone. I mean it, don't tell JJ, or else he will use it against me. And I don't want to jeopardize her.."
"You know her? You know Nancy ?"
"Yes. She's from Hawkins like I am."
"Right, Hawkins. Government coverups, the earthquake, and subsequent quarantine zone while they fixed and refortified it ?"
"Yeah"
"You haven't seen her since then ?"
"Since my family left. I went to California with my mom, brother, her new husband, and his daughter. She fled to the northeast for school. That was six years ago."
"Wow. Did you know she was here ?"
"I've seen her bylines. But I didn't see her last night, I swear. I wouldn't do that. I value this job way too much."
"I know, Jonathan. I know, relax. I'm not JJ. I trust you. You've covered this cycle beautifully, and the crime photography has led to some big arrests. And it's been good for me to have a young gun."
"You've been great."
"That's too kind. And now I'll say this as your friend if you still care about her, and I feel you do, if you're like this, reach out. Don't tell JJ but try to reconnect. If you still feel this way, chances are she could. And we'll take your lunch break to go shopping. To stun her."
'Thanks."
"Now go, develop the photos from last night. I'm sure we'll have something to lead into tomorrow."
"Thanks."
That night, Jonathan cooked as Will raved about NYU.
"It was so great, Jonathan. The absolute best. And there are cute boys. Not fucking Mike. But actually gay guys." Will laughed.
The Nancy scare aside, Jonathan was in a great mood that night. His brother was happy, had accepted himself, and had a lovely apartment.
Until Will saw the New York Times from that day on the table.
"So.. what's this ?" Will asked.
" Research. Tomorrow night, I have to get the mayor on the record and camera. And yeah, she got the tip for print. But JJ's convinced it's only part of the full story. And he's right. The records were sealed when I stopped over there this afternoon."
" Jonathan, don't ignore the elephant in the room. It's as big as this apartment."
" Yes, it's Nancy, okay. It's her piece. She got the scoop. I can't lie. I am proud. Made my life hell first thing this morning. But we got the crime scene photos last night. So it's okay."
"Jonathan, did you know she moved here ?"
" I've seen her name in the paper a few times. I figured she was a regional correspondent. Did you ?"
"Mike said she moved from Boston a while back. He didn't say where."
" Aah, neither of us had any direct idea but should've put two and two together."
" Yeah, but Jonathan, do you still like her? Or let me rephrase that. Do you still love her? "
" Will, it's been six years." He turned to him.
" I still deeply care about her. Yes. Do I love her? I don't know."
His gut said he did, but he hadn't seen her. Not since he told her he was staying with his family to finish high school. Will and El had been targeted throughout the final war, and the two had teamed up to kill Henry, arm in arm, his super siblings. Nancy had pleaded, but Jonathan felt he had to look after his family until they healed.
When he told Will this months later when college applications came in, Will rushed Hopper and Joyce in, and the three convinced Jonathan to apply.
Jonathan had also told Nancy his family was cursed, and he didn't want to hurt her. He'd regretted it till NYU. Then, he forgot all about her.
So he figured that part of him still loved her, but she couldn't know.
She was on her own super successful path.
"Yes, you do. But I won't push it. I'll just say it, I'm here for you. Always."
They laughed as Will repeated what Jonathan had said to him all that time ago that had saved Will's life.
"I have to say, Jonathan, I think this will do the trick," Will said. It was the night of the party, and Will was preparing Jonathan.
As Jonathan looked in the mirror, he smiled. Elizabeth had picked out a good suit, and thinking back to what he looked like leaving Hawkins, he looked healthier. Happier. More himself. Who he used to be. I was with Nancy.
" You are going to be a star, darling," Will said.
"No more old movies if you keep that up, Will."
" She's going to adore it. I can't wait to see her later." He teased.
" I am not bringing her here. We're not going to hook up. I literally have to outwork her tonight. Get the scoop and the picture."
" I know. Now come on. Liz is almost here, and I have a date."
" How does my brother have more game than me ?!"
" He just does."
Will walked his brother down the stairs to the car. Elizabeth looked lovely.
"She will fall for you all over again, dear."
" I'm glad someone agrees with me," Will said.
"We'll see." Jonathan smiled quietly. He had hoped they'd run into each other. Butterflies were back.
And when they arrived, the butterflies became nervous.
Arm in arm, and with his camera, Jonathan and Elizabeth entered.
She quickly left to find the campaign manager, and he saw the press line. An empty spot and the mayor walking in.
"Mr. Mayor, any comment on the Times report? Is it accurate ?" Jonathan asked the man as he reached the line and caught his eye.
"No. It's a gross misrepresentation of the situation. I value their work, but it missed the mark this time."
"Then want to give your side of the story to the Post ?"
Jonathan got the audio of his answer, transcribing simultaneously and a photo for confirmation. Quickly shaking his hand, Jonathan left with a smile. Nailed it. However, he saw the mayor be led off before he got too far. Jonathan followed.
Seeing an opening, Jonathan went onto the roof of the building. Carefully, he spotted the mayor and the police commissioner. Not unusual. But what was remarkable was the body language.
The commissioner was furious with the mayor. And the door opened.
"Quiet," Jonathan hissed, only for his voice to stop once he saw who had opened it.
"Well, excuse me, you aren't the only one with a nose for this, you… oh, Jonathan." Her voice stopped and got lighter.
"Nancy" His voice was in disbelief. He quickly raised a finger to his lips and pointed.
"I was trying to keep the people safe. It was out of hand. No one had to get hurt."
" We need those votes. Do you want to keep your job? You know he won't keep you."
"Damn the job. I want justice. That scene was a nightmare."
" And no one will know. The report cleared us both."
" The report that you bought off. That you lied to. Damn it, we were doing well. Making actual progress."
" I beat him once. I won't again."
" Maybe. But at least it'd be with honor. Like you once had."
On the roof, Nancy and Jonathan watched wrapt. Or as wrapt as possible, considering this was their first meeting in six years. Both of their hearts were racing. But the story was there. They moved.
And the participants of the meeting looked up.
"I don't like rats. We're done." The mayor said.
They quickly left.
Nancy and Jonathan sat back down against the roof.
"Holy shit. You wrote that down right ?" Jonathan asked.
"Do you not trust me at all? Of course, I did. I didn't get the scoop by luck."
" I didn't think so. I saw your front-page piece yesterday and was quite proud, actually."
"Surprised ?"
" Not at all. Never surprised by your ability. Or talent."
" I'm glad you don't doubt me."
It was quiet now, and Jonathan got a good look at Nancy. A dark blue dress, long curls, dark makeup.
Will was going to kill him.
He still loved her.
"I saw your Post cover shot this morning at the train station. Nice job."
" Thanks."
" My guy said it was an inside job. I don't know what your source said, but I can link you up." She started to laugh.
"God, It's wonderful to see you, Jonathan." She reached over and hugged him.
"I've missed you too, Nancy."
They had a moment of quiet.
" Rob's going to kill me. She said I'd see you."
" Oh, you're still with her. That's great."
" Yeah, her and Steve. They moved in when I did."
" I'm glad. Want to get drinks ?"
" Yeah" He smiled. It was like no time had passed. But it had. They'd grown.
And as they sat down, Nancy had a look in her eyes. A look that he hadn't seen in a long time.
"So what happened to you, Jonathan? One day, we're together and saving Hawkins. The next, we're breaking up, fighting, and I don't see you for six years.
You moved to California then, but now you're in New York? And working for The Post ?"
"Well, I was in California for a while. Watching over Will and El, making sure they healed. Having Hopper around was a big benefit there. It took time, but we finally warmed up to each other. And then Will found out about our conversation. And he made it known that he disagreed and recruited Joyce, Hopper, and El.
So I moved out here, went to school, and Will followed. We live together, actually. He just started."
"That's great for him. Mike regrets how it happened. He hates that he couldn't have been there for him."
"It's okay, honestly." Jonathan took a sip at this to figure out how to frame this. "Will needed some time to accept himself, to love himself first. He's done that and is happier than I've ever seen him. He's already on a date tonight."
"Well, so are you."
"I told him it was work. And now I guess he was right."
Nancy looked over at him. He looked good, happy, healthy, lighter, and more himself than he'd been at the end. Like a mature version of the Jonathan she'd fallen in love with.
"He was. You're out having drinks with an old friend. That's a date in my book."
She smiled. "I meant it. It's really nice to see you. I missed you."
"I missed you too."
"There you are !" A voice yelled.
A voice that Jonathan recognized.
"No way he's here."
"He is. He's done well since you left. And so has Robin."
"Jonathan Byers! Where the fuck have you been, man." Steve Harrington approached them, yelling with joy.
"Everywhere and nowhere," Jonathan laughed. They'd bonded in the last war. So this was nice.
"We were worried about you in Hawkins. We all lost track again. Not on purpose." He said to Nancy's glare.
"We needed to get away. Start anew again. And we did. But I'm back now. Working."
"Great. And you've already linked up with Nance. She's a star. We give her shit about it all the time."
"I'm not. I just have good mentors and am busting my ass."
"You are Nancy. My editor would kill to have you join our paper and wishes I was more like you." Jonathan said, remembering JJ's rant.
"See," Steve joked. Jonathan could see that he still was in love with Nancy. But that it had changed.
"Well, this is too much. I will grab more and leave you two boys to catch up." She got up and left, smirking.
As she left, Steve took her place.
"I know what you're thinking, Byers. We're together or still somehow holding you two apart. Nope." He shook his head.
"We actually talked it out and realized that our dreams are different only after trying again. For a while, it worked.
But then she graduated and realized it was more… this city is everything, but I don't always want that, you know. I want to be able to go back to somewhere like Hawkins and live out there. Have a family. Like the kids were.
Nance and Robin are city people, lost in the hustle and bustle. And you are, I'm sure. And I found someone. A girl who's like me. Loves it here but wants to move out one day. She's great. Gwen. We've been together for a year. Next month."
"I'm happy for you, Steve. You grew up, and that's really nice."
"Yeah, plus she's always had an eye for you. She keeps me around and remains one of my closest friends. It's nice. Bittersweet, but we got closure."
"I don't know if she's always did. But I'm glad she has you. And Robin. Is Robin here ?"
"She's on a date, hopefully, the one."
"Good. I'm glad for you three."
"She wasn't kidding. We did miss you. Now, it'll be as it once was. The four of us. Together. Free from Hawkins. From him." Steve whispered the last part.
Jonathan nodded.
"Now, I have to go. Gwen's actually here. Yeah, her dad's involved with the campaigns. So I'll see you later." He left just as Nancy came over.
"So he told you? While in college, we dated for a while, which was nice. But then we got here and realized we'd end up in different places.
I love it here. So much. I feel so happy and alive, Jonathan. It's everything I hoped for. It's not perfect, though. My byline your boss wished for was only because I almost got thrown out of the event and did the leg work for the lead guy. But he's good and letting me take credit to build my name."
Jonathan then saw in Nancy a calmness. A purposefulness that he'd missed. She was entirely her own woman, working her tail off and succeeding. It was everything he'd dreamed for her.
"So, how was college ?"
"Good. A bit off-putting after everything. But it was good. Steve worked in Boston, and Robin went to music school. We were happy. Then I found a way in once we moved. This city is special."
"It really is."
She raised her hand to his cheek, and he leaned in slightly. "I hope this isn't the last we see of each other. Just because we're competitors doesn't mean we have to be strangers."
He smiled and, across the bar, saw Elizabeth. She was grinning while writing something down. Elizabeth clocked him looking and smiled even stronger. He'd have to introduce her to Nancy at some point. They were both incredibly talented.
"I hope we're not." He said.
"Even if we grew apart back then, we've got a new start." She hoped at least they did. She had missed him. She really loved Steve and Robin. But Jonathan being back would fill an old, old hole.
" We do. Say, do you have that recording ?" Jonathan asked.
" Yeah, let's go transcribe it. But… Robin's out, and she could interrupt us if she's back."
" No," Jonathan said.
" Why not? He's out and won't be back. Unlike Rob." She argued.
"Okay. But work only." He digressed.
" Of course. Can't be sleeping with the enemy, right ?" She joked.
" Of course not."
Following her out, his heart ached at that. He hadn't been lying to himself.
He'd moved on. But now, she was back. But divided by life again.
And when they got back, Will was not there.
Phew, he didn't need Will's teasing.
And as they worked, they fell back into their dynamic, and the six years since they had last seen each other evaporated.
They worked late, combining the photos and write-ups. Until Nancy began to feel sleepy and casually leaned over onto Jonathan, as she had done many times while they were together, and fell asleep, resting on his shoulder.
He looked over at her, and his heart swelled. They'd found each other again, and even if they couldn't be together, she was back in his life.
Her small smile and peaceful demeanor were comforting, and he decided, begrudgingly, that he'd spend the night on the couch.
He wouldn't move to keep her comfortable. And as he laid back, she moved in her sleep and threw her arms around him, and he accepted that he'd be a pillow.
The next morning, Jonathan awoke to the usual sounds of the city.
Honking cars, ambulances, and cop cars. And his brother.
"I was right !" Will whispered and screamed, a look of vindication on his face.
"No, we didn't do anything. Look," he pointed to the papers.
"We were working. All night. She just fell asleep."
"You still love her." He teased.
"Yeah, but we work for different people, competitors. We can't be together." He argued. He didn't entirely disagree.
"That's bullshit."
"What's bullshit ?" Nancy asked, groggy. Seeing how she had fallen asleep, she immediately got up, and Jonathan saw a slight blush.
"Your idea that now working for different papers is keeping you apart."
"No, it's just."
"Well."
They both squirmed.
"I have an early class, so I have to run but think about it," Will said and left.
"He doesn't know what it's like," he deflected.
"To be in our profession," She added.
"Yeah."
"Good, I'm glad we're in agreement." She said. She didn't know if that was true.
"So, want breakfast, or do you have to run ?' Jonathan asked.
"I have to go, but thank you for everything," She said, grabbing her stuff and bag. "I'll see you soon."
She left, and Jonathan crashed back onto the couch.
"THERE YOU GO, BYERS! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. THE REAL SHIT !" JJ boomed.
"It wasn't hard. There was a roof to watch over."
"Exactly. You found him and followed him. Take that New York Times !"
"I did see them, but I got the photos and exclusive on the record comment."
"Good, show them we're on their heels, always ready to pounce. You're just as good as she is."
"Yes, sir." He swallowed begrudgingly. He didn't think he was, at least at reporting.
"Get these fully developed, and I want them in print tonight."
"Copy."
"And Byers," He said as Jonathan had turned to leave.
"Keep me in the loop on this. This could be a blockbuster."
"Yes, sir" He rushed to Elizabeth's dark room.
"So, he's pleased. I could hear it from here."
"Very, very pleased. The quotes were great."
"And I clocked that you saw Nancy again."
"I did."
"And ?"
"It was really nice, but she's with the Times, and we can't be together if we're working against one another."
"It's up to you."
She saw that he was looking away, down, and shifting. "I don't know if I subscribe to that view personally."
"I don't know either." He whispered as they worked.
Later, he got a call at his desk. Odd, typically, he'd just be yelled for across the room, or someone would come by.
"Jonathan Byers, New York Post." He answered. He still loved saying that he worked for a prominent New York paper.
"Nancy Wheeler, New York Times." He heard her smile. "How's it going ?"
"Hi, good. The photos came out great. It'll be our front page tomorrow."
He didn't dare say her name out loud.
"Oh, nicely done. It's above the fold for us as well. So if we combine our ideas."
"We should have everything. But I can't. He wants this as an exclusive."
"So we just share research. I'm proposing a team-up, like in the old days.
Like Hawkins. We bust this open. It's no bigger than what they did to Barb. To El. To your brother."
"Nancy,... okay. Let's do it. But we share as exclusives." He whispered, only to hear her immediately scream.
"I'm in. And Jonathan, I won't screw you on this. Do you still trust me ?"
"I do, Nancy."
"Then we'll do this together."
He hung up, and in the New York Times office, Nancy's editor walked by and saw her joy.
"What's the excitement ?"
"Just a promising source. A very promising source."
"Good, continue to hit it."
"I will." She didn't want to screw over Jonathan. But she needed to do what she needed to do to get ahead. He'd understand.
And he'd understand that they couldn't be together. Not if they both wanted to be successful at work. And she wanted that for him. For him to have the front page shot every day.
She only hoped he had the same dream for her. Then maybe, it'd be okay.
The next morning, Jonathan scouted out the routes for the mayor leaving his residence and the commissioner, now riding with him daily.
As he followed them to City Hall, he followed them as closely as humanly possible without being caught.
Only to see money exchanging hands outside the side entrance. Snapping pics, Jonathan fled to the Post.
Reaching his desk, he called Nancy.
"Hello, Nancy Wheeler, New York Times."
"Hi, this is Jonathan Byers of The New York Post." This was goofy, but it was how they kept up appearances.
"Anything good this morning ?"
"Yeah, more bribery photos, and I tailed them enough to get a clear shot."
"Well done. I'm heading over to a private dinner tonight again. I'll do the scouting for us there. I will miss seeing you all dressed up, though."
"Well, that's not an often sight. But maybe one day."
She laughed.
"Okay. Well, I'll call you tomorrow. Go show it to your editor."
"Bye. Have fun tonight."
To a wandering eye, Jonathan hung the phone up and said, "It's my brother. He won't be home tonight. He's at NYU."
"Nancy Wheeler of the New York Times calling." She called him the following day.
"Hi. How was it ?" He had really started to look forward to these calls and this work.
"Good, nothing too incriminating. Just more dismissals. You know the drill."
"I do."
"I thought so. Can't be this prolific without skill." She teased and blushed.
She was flirting with him again.
"Well, good thing you're so prolific."
"Aaw, thank you. I have to run. But I'll see you tonight."
"I'll leave the door unlocked."
"Bye."
That night, they pooled their resources and saw more of a trail. But it wasn't enough.
What was though was that Jonathan and Nancy spent the night again. And it was easy. They slipped back into their old selves, and not a beat had passed.
They still found themselves tangled up in each other asleep on the couch, and when they woke up, they stayed there for a minute or two.
Comfortable. Happy.
After a week, JJ pulled him in one morning.
"Any progress yet? We've been on this for a week, and while they're incriminating, they're not enough. Not enough bribery."
"I'm working on it. I'm working on it."
"Good. And I'm serious, do not let the Times get ahead on this. I don't care about anything but not letting them win this dammit."
"Yes, sir."
This attitude was continually reinforced by Jameson, the New York Times publisher. A visit like this was rare, well above her pay grade.
"I had some dirty work done on this guy, Ms. Wheeler. I know he's from your hometown. And I don't care about any nostalgia. We need the mayor to win re-election. I don't care about the personal cost. If that other idiot comes in, we lose everything."
"Yes, sir." She had a flashback to Hawkins. Being back at the Hawkins Post. She had fought it then, and she would not take it now. She'd show him.
A week later, those warnings had seeped into their meetings. The air of comfort now had them both anxious.
"Jonathan."
"Nancy."
"We have to talk."
"I know." He laughed, remembering their last break up.
She moved closer to him, nervous that this would sever them for good.
And she.. she loved him.
It had come back with a fury that month.
"My boss is breathing down my neck about this story. He wants me to cover it up and control the leaks. And to stop working with you."
"Mine wants me to bring it all down."
"So we're at odds."
"Again. Great" Jonathan got up and paced.
"Jonathan, wait." She got up and caught him.
"Why are we doing this again? We're letting them define us and hurt us. I know we had the deal, but damn it, I really, really like you still, and you have no idea how important you are to me. I'm not losing you again. I'm not letting my sexist asshole of a boss win by holding you over me."
"Seeing you again has been one of the great reliefs of this city. I'm never holding you back. Ever. I would never want to. But this, this is wrong."
"I know, damn it, I know." She fell against the wall.
"I'm not saying you don't. Ugh. Fuck !" He threw his head against the wall.
She came up from behind and held him, and he instantly relaxed, turned, and brought her in, calming her.
"I don't know what to do." She admitted, whispering into his shoulder.
" I know. I know. I don't either." He said. He had to be strong for them both. She could manage it, but he saw her pain again and vowed not to worsen it.
"We just trust each other, don't doubt that we're looking out for us, individually and together first, and we go from there. Everything we should've done."
"I like that. So you won't doubt me ?"
"No, but don't let that go to your head."
"I won't."
They smiled. That was how they'd made it through that fight. It was how they'd avoid this one. Looking out for the other.
And they did. Protected each other for the rest of the month.
Nancy defended her work in front of Jameson.
Jonathan defended his work to Simmons.
They came back at night and continued. Eventually realizing, there were two reports. One redacted that cleared them. And one unredacted that did not.
That major breakthrough was followed by -
"Jonathan !? What the hell happened to you ?" Will asked, having just set Nancy down at the table with tea.
"Some guys outside. They... I think they have ties to the mayor. Classical silencing stuff. They threatened me, you too, Will. And Nancy, they're probably at your apartment. You might want to give Steve a ring."
She rushed to his phone as Will rushed to help Jonathan stumble to the chair.
"Steve !"
"Nancy. Are you still at work? There are some weird-looking guys outside. Bats. Luckily, Rob and I had off today, so we're safe, but we're kind of hiding. I can try to beat them up."
"Steve, don't. They're there to silence me. They beat the shit out of Jonathan."
"Shit. Is he okay?"
She looked over at Will, who looked at a bruised Jonathan's back, reflaming old injuries.
"Yeah, but he's not great."
"Shit, I recognize them, Steve !" She heard Robin yell. "That's Gwen's brother !"
"Oh fuck, they're that kind... yeah... let me call her Nancy. I can tell them off."
"Besmirch my good name ?"
"Probably."
"Blame the paper more, please."
"I'll try."
Hanging up, she went to Jonathan, who was on the verge of passing out.
"Hey" She raised her hand and ran it over the bruises.
"Hey, this is familiar. Getting the crap kicked out of us over something."
"Yeah ?"
"Some old injuries. I can feel them again."
"Will, can you please get some ice ?"
"Of course." He left, and Nancy moved so Jonathan was lying over her shoulder.
"Just sit here. It's okay. I've got you. I've got you."
She silently grabbed the ice from Will and began running it over old wounds and the wounds from the attack.
"I'll take it from here for a while. Focus on the other stories."
They sat there for a while until he quietly fell asleep. Nancy let him rest, falling asleep on him once more.
That night, Steve was threatened by the mayor personally.
"I know you know these two jackasses. I know you bailed them out earlier. Fucking moron. Tell them to stop the story if you
want to see my daughter again. Or else. I already beat him up. I will hurt her and you too. My daughter sees some value in you. I don't."
"Why ?"
He punched Steve, having surrounded him by bodyguards at the mayor's mansion.
"Dude, I've literally been beaten up by Russians. This is pathetic." Taking another to the gut, those old scars started to hurt.
"I'm not giving them up. Even for her."
"Are you sure, Steven? I can buy you your dream house and your dream girl. All of what you were hoping for. No more will you be spurned. No more will you be mocked. Your friend, she'll forget all about you. Life's not fair for her, and it won't be for a long time. She'll forget about all you ever meant to her. And your ex and her boyfriend will celebrate."
"No, they won't." He took two more hits. "I've done this evil monologue bullshit like 4 times. Including a demon. So can we please, please fucking stop with this shit."
"It's alright, Steven. My men already have the route planned. She's done for. If you don't get her to kill the story, she's finished.
When Jonathan got to work in the morning, JJ saw him and was stunned.
"Holy shit, Byers, what happened to you? A run-in with the city's worst ?"
"Cops and private security? Yeah. They beat the shit out of me outside my apartment. Because of this story." He joked and nodded.
"That means it's right! We did it! Stay on this or else Byers! And that other paper only has the seconds! She's good, though; damn, I wish we had both of you. Then we'd have everything! Sink this bastard !"
"Well.."
"That was rhetorical. Get out of here. Keep working. Hell, we'll show the bruises on the cover. Flash that they have enforcement squads."
The Post ran the cover the next day.
That day, Nancy also went to the office of records. Asking for the report, she was given it. But the redacted one. However, in the redacted report was a note.
For Ms. Wheeler - ask for the Hawkins Times.
An old friend
She asked for the Hawkins Times, and the clerk was baffled but went.
Coming back, he got it, and Nancy knew that this was it.
Rushing to a reading room, paying off the clerk to let her take it home, she began to read and confirmed this was the unredacted report.
"Holy shit Nance. That looks horrible." Robin said as Nancy arrived home. Robin was looking at the Post.
"I know, they won't heal for ages. And it's just them and no one else."
"Well, hello, Hawkins fighter Nancy. It's been a hot minute." She joked.
"Rob, it's as bad as it was back then." Nancy laughed bitterly.
"They knew people would get hurt, and they let it happen. Look," She showed Robin that In her possession was the coup de grace of the whole story, the unpaid report that indicted the mayor.
"Holy shit, nicely done. Not surprised. Never surprised by how good you are at this. Just very impressive, that's all." Robin said when Nancy shot her a look.
"I know, but this feels massive. It's not just Hawkins. It's the city. It's massive. And I'm... I'm scared, Ro." She sat down.
"You know I consider you one of my two closest friends. You gave me the confidence to come out, have girlfriends, and have this life. So with all due respect, why ?"
"Why am I scared? Because these people can hurt us. And we're not with the kids. It's just us."
"And we fought demons and lived. We fight corruption regularly. Or we used to. Now you do, and you're amazing at it. Go for it, Nance. If they hurt people, they deserve to take the fall."
"They do, but be very, very fucking careful." Steve came out of his room for the first time.
"Holy shit !"
"Not you too! How !"
"He's worse than Ted Nance. I want this fucker to burn. But he did this. He did indeed send the squad after Byers. And is coming here if you run any of that tomorrow."
"Well then." She took a deep breath. "What I want you two to do is stay here tomorrow. Call the office. They don't have us bugged because."
"We never let them in here."
"Due to a long-running and justified paranoia ?" Robin laughed.
"Exactly. Let me know and dumb as it is, I'll carry this and make copies of the summary. I just got it, but still, or wait, take pics of it. Now.
And then I'll go to him. He'll be freaked. But it might work."
"We trust you."
"Yeah, always, Nance."
"Now let's get you cleaned up, Steve. Can't look like that for her." Robin joked.
"If there is still her to go back to ?" Nancy asked.
Steve shook his head.
Nancy made her copies the next day, and then her phone rang.
"Let me guess, they want to have a nice conversation."
"Yeah, they have batons and tasers now. Probably want to haul you in front of the big guy."
"You know, the guy who started this for us is going through none of this."
"That's because he's related to the mayor's wife."
"You've got to be kidding me." She muttered. "I'm not even that senior."
"They don't care. Nance, they beat the shit out of me. They'll hurt you.
Now, go. It's late enough in the day. He'll be home."
"MS. WHEELER !" She heard yelled.
"Have to go, Steve. I'll call from Jonathan's."
She went to his office, having slowly moved most of her belongings out after realizing that she was not long for this paper. She had everything else packed and took the bag.
"Why did the city hall call me today ?" Jameson asked, and she once again felt she was back at The Hawkins Post without Jonathan.
"Because I needed to see records. To make sure everything is aligned. They're real bastards at the Post. They don't care about standards."
"I know, and I don't care. Those weren't the only records. The real report was in there." Jameson said, pouring a whiskey.
"The one that I stifled. The one that would kill him. The one that we can never let get out. It's good blackmail."
"I'd never."
"I know. You're a loyal soldier. But we have to end this. I have this on the record, backgrounded to hell statement taking out the Post and alleging the main guy on this and his main editor of crimes. I will run this the morning they run the next piece. Unless you give me what I know you have. Or I see a retraction."
"Journalistic ethics say we can't lie."
"Aww, is that what they teach these days? I don't care. Kill the story. Now, go."
She ran out and saw them outside. Rushing past them to a subway stop, she changed multiple times. Seeing more armed officers on the subway, she ran early and got off a subway stop before her actual destination. Ran like hell.
And after barely escaping, she barreled into Jonathan's apartment.
She rushed in as he laid out the next expose.
"Did you get it ?" He asked
"I did. I did. But Jonathan, they came for me." She said, leaving it on the table, needing his comfort. Needing to know that she wouldn't lose or get someone else hurt. Not anymore.
"Oh, Nancy. I'm so sorry."
He led her to the couch, where they started breaking the story.
"It's fine. I just can't let anyone else get hurt. Not again."
"Okay, so once this is done, we'll go our separate ways. Again. I'll move closer to work, and the two papers won't interact like we've been, or at least we won't. We'll disappear."
"Jonathan, no, that's not what I meant. We're finishing this." She was stunned that he still saw self-sacrifice as the only way forward.
"It's okay, it's been great having you back, but like you said, we work for different people. It can't work. But what can work is getting this out. Take the best part of our relationship and have it mean something. It saved us, then. It makes our careers now.
And then, down the line, we can see each other. A long time from now. I love you. I'll call yours and say you're safe, I will make sure you're safe, and all is well."
The door closed.
"All is not well."
The following day, no story ran. And the file incriminating Jonathan was destroyed.
"I knew she'd listen."
Instead, Nancy went to the New York Post. Jonathan had called off to deal with the rest of his wounds. However, Nancy recognized Elizabeth as Jonathan had pointed her out one night, and she went over.
"Hi, I'm Nancy Wheeler, formerly from the New York Times."
"Hi, the Nancy that Jonathan knows, right? Why are you here ?"
"I am. And I've been working with him. Here's a report on the files I'd love to publish here. I left the Times for a difference of opinion. They were about to fire me anyway."
"Well, we'll get that sorted with legal. Do you want to meet JJ? He'll need to hire you."
"Yeah. Is Jonah really that bad ?"
"Eh, he's been jealous that we don't have you. Your work is excellent."
"Thanks. It hasn't always been easy."
"This business never is. Just trust your gut. It's obviously good."
Taking her through the floor, she opened the door.
"What ?"
"JJ, you were so jealous of the Times. May I introduce Nancy Wheeler, formerly of the New York Times."
"Holy shit. You, you've been a thorn in our side. And now you want to come work for us? With that Byers kid, right? I did my research. I know you both are from Indiana."
"Well, it's not just for that, but the Times wants this story covered up for political reasons and knew their reporting was a lie and that the report wasn't accurate.
I have everything typed up here. I would very much like to publish it here.
And work here.
Let stories run free and implicate who they may be.
I may seem too high class for this, but I want to do reporting, hold the powerful accountable, stick these assholes to their promises and show that there is no darkness that cannot be exposed."
"Shit, that's a good pitch. I have fucking goosebumps. Hire her. Take that New York Times! She's ours now."
The next day, the expose ran with excerpts of the unreacted report. But Nancy was far away from the New York Times.
Instead, she was outside Jonathan's apartment, waiting for Will to go to class and let her in, which he did. She held a copy of the paper, waiting outside his door.
Jonathan opened his door, only to see her as he woke up, holding the paper and grinning.
"We're not working apart anymore."
"Nancy, I can't believe it." He blinked, half asleep still, and that this was a vision.
"They were old farts. I'd rather be with the boy I love and kicking his ass daily breaking more stories than in that stuffy old building letting them win."
"You'll break more scoops than me ?"
"Oh, absolutely. I have sources everywhere. But I will need photos to bring it to life."
"I wonder if I can help with that. I'm looking forward to working with you again."
"I am too. God, I... I don't want to live without you again, Jonathan. We're better side by side."
"It's dangerous."
"I know, but when has that ever scared me. Did that ever stop us? Did that make it harder? I want to do all of this with you. Did you not hear me? I love you. I'm here, and I always will be. Isn't it time someone looked out for you too ?"
"Oh, Nancy."
He ran to her, and they kissed instantly, reminding them of how stupid they were to keep themselves apart.
"You know we will have to do our work keeping this new guy honorable ?"
She asked, separating.
"Yeah, we are. Together."