Chapter Text
Joyce Byers has never been one to easily find love. Lonnie was always abusing her, and having children certainly didn't help the situation. It just made everything worse. She thought she loved Bob, but those feelings were torn away from her when the demodogs tore him apart in front of her eyes. So Joyce thinks that she must be the most unlucky woman in the love department.
That doesn't change the fact that there was still a man in her life that she deeply cares about: Hopper. Currently, Joyce sits in the living room of her home, eating her dinner while watching television. She is all alone, and craves for someone to be close to. She thought about the times when her and Bob would cuddle together on the couch and watch Cheers, and longed to have a gentle touch. She wanted someone to talk to. She wanted that person to be Hopper.
Joyce decided to give him a call. She dialed the number that she memorized years ago, and listened to the tone of the ringing. She thought that he wasn't going to answer when she finally heard his deep voice. "Hello?"
"Hop, it's Joyce."
"Is something wrong?"
Typical Hopper, Joyce thought to herself. He's always worried about me and the kids.
"Can you come over? I just……I need someone to talk to."
"I'll be there in 10 minutes."
She hangs the phone back on the wall and sits back down to finish her meal. She was washing her dishes when she saw the headlights of the Chief's truck coming down the driveway. Joyce goes out the door to meet Hopper on the porch. He immediately enveloped her in a hug, his muscular arms holding her tight against his body. Tears slip down her face as he whispers, "Joyce, I'm here." He pulls away from her and wipes the tears from her face. "It's going to be alright."
"Is it really?" Joyce asks, her voice shaking from crying.
"I know it will be."
They head back inside the house to her bedroom and sit down on her bed. Hopper brings her body close to him, clutching her by the shoulders.
"What's troubling you, Joyce?"
Hopper knew the answer before she even responded. "It's Bob. His death still haunts me. I still have nightmares almost every single night. It hurts to think back on it, seeing him getting torn to pieces……" Joyce trails off as she starts to cry again, leaning her head on his shoulder for comfort.
The truth is, that wasn't the only kind of nightmares she was having. Sometimes she would have the same dream, but instead of Bob being attacked, it was Jim. The same events play out: her screaming, him reaching his hand out towards her as the demodogs rip at his flesh. It had made her realize how much she actually cared about him, maybe how much she was in love with him. But it felt wrong to Joyce, only it being a few months since Bob's passing. She only knew that she couldn't keep her feelings bottled up inside of her any longer.
"Jim"? she managed to croak after a few minutes of thinking.
"Yeah, Joyce?"
"I know this might sound crazy, like I'm out of my mind, but I've had these feelings for you for a long time, even when I was with Bob. I've been wanting to tell you, but I've been so afraid because it just feels so wrong. Bob's death is still a fresh memory, and yes, it still pains me, but you're the only one helping me get through it, and I guess that it's just made me fall in love with you."
Joyce kept her head on Hopper's shoulder, waiting for his response. He didn't move or say a word for a while, and she was beginning to thing that she screwed up. God dammit, Joyce, you should have just kept your damn mouth shut. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Hopper let out a sigh and turned towards Joyce.
"Joyce, I love you too."
"I knew it, I never should have said it, that was a huge--wait, what?" Joyce was in complete shock. Just she just hear him correctly? Did he just say that he loves her back?
"I've always loved you, from the day I first saw you when we were in high school. My feelings for you have never changed, and they never will."
Hopper couldn't hold back any longer. He placed his hand under her chin and lifted her head, looking deep into her beautiful brown eyes. Joyce could sense what was happening, and butterflies filled her stomach. She hadn't felt that way since she was in her very first relationship back in high school. But that was nothing compared to what was occurring, as Jim leaned down and captured Joyce's lips on his own.
Joyce didn't hesitate at all, kissing him back. His lips were soft and warm, and the feeling of his moustache against her smooth skin gave her a tickling sensation, which didn't bother her. The kiss got deeper, allowing them to explore each other's mouths more. Jim had been wanting to be intimate with Joyce, but he never had the guts to ask her out. He finally had his chance, and he couldn't have been happier to be with the woman he loves. He moved his hand up to cup her face, tangling the tips of his fingers in her soft hair.
Soon the pair was gasping for breath. They broke apart, Hopper still gently touching her face. He looked into Joyce's eyes once again, noticing that there were still tears in her eyes. But when he saw her smile, he couldn't help but return one to her.
He then brought his hand to the back of her head and brought their foreheads together. Joyce couldn't help but whisper, "My one and only."
Hopper touched his lips to hers for a quick kiss before repeating her words. "My one and only."