They are both sixteen at about this time? So I guess the fight incident takes place closer to graduation if they've got college acceptances together.

That would be... a good impetus. I half-want them to be irresponsible parents and not suspecting anything sinister behind the bruises. But they wouldn't be, of course. *sigh* And Stephen you are not all that athletic, when was the last time you played touch football really.

Jon is completely freaked out the whole time but the need to defend Stephen overcomes any fear he has for himself. But then Stephen blames himself because Jon was never beaten up, just Stephen -- and if Stephen hadn't been involved those boys never would've hurt Jon... :(

I know he mentioned his grandmother...I think? When Jim Cramer was there, he said something like "my grandmother made all these investments" and you could tell he was protective of her. So maybe her? But while he can feed Stephen, Stephen probably wouldn't mind getting some postive parental-style attention.

Do they maybe squeeze into an apartment with any roommates to cut down on rent?