Jopper Oneshots

Gift [Fluff]

He presented the gift to her. He didn't have a reason to buy her anything, he just wanted to do something nice for her. It was another obvious hint at his affection for her, something he was starting to notice more often. It wasn't something fancy or expensive, he didn't really have any money; it was horribly wrapped, but it was the best that he could do.

She looked at it confused. "What's this?" She picked up the tiny, glittery red box and examined it from a few different angles. The ribbon on it was black, which was her second favorite color. He realized that he had put a lot of effort into making sure that she would like it.

"I wanted to get you a gift since I had some extra money and you've done so much for me." He smiled genuinely, and she smiled back. He noticed a tinge of another emotion in her eyes somewhere, but he couldn't tell what it was.

She pulled the ribbon off delicately and the wrapping sort of fell apart. He looked away, slightly embarrassed that he couldn't do any better. She laughed silently, but he missed it while studying a picture of her and the boys on the far wall. Inside the mess he had created there was an intricately decorated box that was black and silver. She was confused, but when she opened it, she saw a silver locket already fitted with a picture of her, the boys, and El, as well as a small paper folded up. She went to remove it, but he put his hand over hers and shook his head slightly. "When the time is right."

She nodded, tears in her eyes. "I- I can't believe you've done this..."

He looked at her confused. "Joyce... I'm sorry..? I didn't know-!"

"YOU CAN'T JUST BUY ME A GIFT OUT OF NOWHERE! NOW I FEEL LIKE A HUGE A-" she paused, knowing Will could probably hear. "Huge a-hole," she finished.

"Joyce. I'm sorry! I didn't know!"

"No, it's okay. I appreciate it. Thank you, Hop. Really." She attempted to put it on, but she fumbled with the clasp for a moment before giving up. He rose from his chair, took the locket, and placed it gently around her neck. She stood and hugged him, and he kissed the crown of her hair. He realized what he'd done and prayed that she didn't notice.

She looked up at him and smiled.