Two Hearts (Joyce Byers x Fem Reader)

Anytime

Joyce had let you sleep on the couch for the past two nights you were taking care of her and tonight was just the same.

You wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of soft sobbing.

You sit up before walking down the hall towards the noise.

As you reach the bathroom you realize it could only be Joyce in there, crying.

You gently knock on the door, "Ms. Byers? Are you okay in there?"

You hear sniffling on the other side followed by a small whimper, "I-I-I...I'm okay...Just...sad..."

"May I come in?" you ask.

You hear her unlock the door.

You take that as a sign to enter.

You gently push it open before coming inside, closing the door behind you.

Joyce is sitting against the back wall of the bathroom.

You sit down next to her.

"What's wrong Ms. Byers?" you ask.

She sniffles again, wiping her face of tears.

"I...I just miss my boy...M-My little baby boy...Will...." she whispers.

You gently rub her back, "Just breathe, Ms. Byers. In and out. In and out, okay? Calm down a little."

She tries to take your advice, shakily inhaling and exhaling.

"Good job. Now, it's all going to be okay. All of our best men are on the case. If anyone is going to find your boy, it'll be them." you assure her.

She nods, "I-I know but...I just wish he w-was still here. I wish I could see him and tell him how sorry I am. For not being there for him when he really needed me.".

You softly reply, "Joyce. None of it was your fault. It was just an innocent sleepover. Nobody could have predicted it."

She sobs quietly into her knees.

You continue to rub her back, "And I know we don't know one another as well as I'd like, but I know you're a good mom. You're a good person. And for as long as the police station will allow me, I'm here for you. I'm here for you and Jonathan."

She smiles sadly up at you, "T-Thank you, Y/N. Is it okay if I call you by your first name?".

You nod, "Of course. I don't mind.".

She places one of her hands on your knee, "I appreciate you. I'll never forget this.".

"Anytime, Joyce." you reply.

"Anytime."