Hopper had been home 3 months and everyone got used to seeing him out and about in Hawkins. He had started back at the station but was taking a step back, basing himself in the office. If there was one thing he didn't need it was more drama. He was happy arriving at 9am and doing paperwork till 5pm. When he left for the day Flo, would give him a knowing smile and say "say hi to Joyce and the kids". He was always polite but knew exactly what she was up to. She was like a mother to Hopper and like a mother, was hell bent on seeing him settle down with a good woman. Flo knew that Joyce was that woman.
One evening, Hopper pulled up onto the drive and went in the house. "Joyce? I'm home". El ran up to him "oh, I thought for a minute you were the pizza guy". "The pizza guy?" Hopper said "we're having pizza...nice!".
"We, are having pizza...you and Mom are going out, Aunty Flo is here".
"She is, is she" Hopper turned and found Flo in the kitchen. "Hi Jim, everything is under control here...go get ready for your date". Hopper looked stunned "my date?...Flo what are you up to?".
"Just giving you a gentle nudge...you live with the woman but have you ever been on a date?". Hopper began to speak but Flo interrupted "I mean since high school?". Hopper shuffled on his feet and looked at the floor. Flo smiled "that's what I thought, now go get ready".
Hopper did as he was told. Not many people had the nerve to order Jim Hopper about but Flo was not one of those people. Hopper headed for the bathroom to shower then into the bedroom to change, it was then that he saw Joyce. She was wearing a low cut, figure hugging black dress and heels. He stood with his mouth open, taking in her beauty. She finished putting up her hair and turned to look at him. "Hey Hop...is everything OK?".
"You" he replied "you look amazing".
"Thank you" she blushed. "You smell nice" she came up close to his neck "very nice aftershave but are you going to swap the towel for clothes?" She playfully tugged at the towel around his waist. "Oh right, yeah...umm give me 5, I'll be ready". Joyce kissed his cheek and left the room. Hopper sat on the bed and took some deep breaths...you can do this, he thought to himself. He got up got dressed and went out back into kitchen.
"Ready to go?" he asked Joyce. "Absolutely" she said. They said goodbye to Flo and the kids and headed out.
"I'm sorry about Flo" he said, "I guess she's trying to help".
"Well I think its nice, after all this time, we finally get to Enzo's". She patted his knee.
Flo had thought of everything, their table was by the window and had an amazing view, they sat and ordered drinks and looked at the menu.
"What's taking you so long" she laughed "you know you'll end up having the steak". He smiled at her "maybe, i bet you're having the chicken". They laughed their way through the meal, enjoying each others company then Hopper turned the conversation a little more serious.
"What are we doing here Joyce...and don't say eating" he smiled.
"I mean...we live together, with our kids. My daughter calls you Mom. We share a bed but...We've never talked about it. It just happened".
Joyce looked down at her hands. "I don't know Hop, I know I'm happy for the first time in a very very long time". She looked up into his blue eyes. "I'm happy too" he smiled at her. "I don't know what to say Hop, you know I love you, right?".
He held her hand across the table and nodded "and I love you".
They sat in silence for a few minutes, looking into each others eyes.
Enzo's was starting to close up for the night. Hopper took Joyce's jacket and helped her put it on. He held her close and kissed her.
"This has been lovely Hop but, do you think we should head back?". Hopper looked at his watch "it's not that late, let's go for a walk".
They walked hand in hand, Hopper saw a bench and they sat. "Joyce, our...umm...relationship has never been exactly...conventional has it!". This was a definite statement rather than a question. Joyce laughed, "I guess not". "I love you Joyce, and I want to be with you forever. I want you and OUR kids forever".
A small tear escaped Joyce's eye, she looked up at him.
"In high school, I always imagined us having a family and growing old together. I guess we got there in the end?".
He kissed her and said, "yeah, yeah we did".
When they got home the kids were in bed and Flo had fallen asleep on the sofa. Joyce put a blanket over her. They looked in on the kids who were all asleep, then went to bed themselves.
Lying there, curled up in each others arms Hopper asked. "Ever thought about getting rid of the Byers name?"
"Oh Hop, yeah, many times but William Horrowitz? Jonathan Horowitz? Its a bit of a mouthful".
"I guess so". He pulls her close and kisses her passionately, she responds. They loose themselves in each other. Neither one having any other thoughts. Following her lead, Hopper kisses every inch of her body. Taking it slower the lower he got. Her moans of ecstasy and excitement filled the room. Finally, when they had satisfied each others desires they collapsed on the bed and looked at each other until sleep took them.
