Jopper Oneshots

Rainy Day [Fluff]

The soft rumble of thunder pulled him from his sleep. Jim was happy to find Joyce curled up next to him, soundly asleep. Her small snores blended with the sound of falling rain to make what seemed like music to him. He glanced out of the window and watched the raindrops fall, some of them landing on the window while the others made a soft pattering sound he loved to listen to. 

He let out a content sigh, wishing he could stay in that peaceful moment forever. Unfortunately, his dream was short lived. The loud rumble of thunder and flash of lightning through the window startled Joyce awake. He hugged her close, letting her know she was safe. "You're okay, Joyce. It was some thunder."

She visibly relaxed at the sound of his voice, laying back down at his side. "I hate rainy days... They're the worst."

"You think so?" He was kind of surprised by that. He'd always liked the rain.

"They're cold and kind of boring. Wouldn't you rather have a warm sunny day to enjoy? A day where you can feel the sun and you don't have to use an umbrella to stay dry."

"I think that rainy days are more peaceful. You get to kind of put life on hold and just enjoy the rain."

She nodded thoughtfully. "I like to go outside in a t-shirt and just feel the sun. Feel wind in my hair and have fun. You can't do that on a rainy day. That's why I prefer the sun."

"I always took you for a rain person, to be honest."

"Really?" She almost laughed. "I'm definitely a sunny day person." She waited a minute before asking her next question. "What do you even like to do on rainy days?"

"I just like to relax. I have a few beers and watch movies. But there are other things to do. Reading, writing, sleeping... Sometimes it's nice to let time pass by you." He smiled wistfully. "I like to listen to the rain; the drops make a kind of song that's very... calming? I don't know how to explain it." She listened, thinking about what he said, even listening to the soft rain as he talked.

"You make it sound enjoyable."

 "Of course I do. I love it. The sound, the smell, playing in it, watching it fall... I love when it rains."

 "Maybe I'm old, but I just don't like the rain."

 "Are you calling me old?"

"What? No!"

"We're the same age, Joyce." She heard the humor in his voice and relaxed a bit, a soft chuckle escaping her. "Come on." She looked at him with a question in her eyes, but received no answer. He simply brought her out to the living room.

The kids must have still been sleeping, because the house was silent. The crayons from last night were still splayed on the table, Will's drawing only halfway finished. Joyce couldn't help but glance at it. It was a drawing of them defeating a monster. It was really impressive, if she was being honest. 

Hopper lead her past the living room and out to the porch. "Jim?! Are you crazy? We're gonna get sick out here!"

 "Relax, Joyce. We're not even going to go into the rain. Just come sit with me for a minute." He sat on the swinging bench they had, patting the spot next to Jim as a gesture for her to sit. She hesitated, but eventually still sat with him. She snuggled into his side and relaxed as he put his arm around her. "Close your eyes." 

 She did, though she was rather confused. Why did he want her to close her eyes?

 "Now, pay attention. Enjoy the rain. The sound, the smell. Feel how cool the air is and how calm it is our here." She did as she was told, slowly beginning to relax. It wasn't long before she began to see a bit of the rainy day pleasure. 

 A draft blew across the porch and she shivered. Hopper was warm, but not that warm. "This is nice, but I'm going to go inside. It's cold out here. Come with me?"

 He shook his head. "I'm gonna enjoy the rain a bit longer."

 "You're gonna get a cold out here. I'm not going to take care of you if you get sick because of your own stupid decisions." She sighed. She wasn't actually upset, she just wanted him to see reason.

 "Oh come on. Loosen up a little bit. Have some fun." He stood up, then took her hand, a mischievous glint in his eye. She looked confused for a moment, then glared at him. 

 "Don't you dare, Jim Hopper."

 His grin only widened as he half dragged her into the rain. He began to laugh as she yelled in mock annoyance, quickly running back to the shelter of the porch. He wasn't laughing at her, god no. He laughed because they were alive after all the hell they'd been through. Laughed because they were there to feel the rain. She didn't play in the rain like he did, but a smile smile had broken through her 'I'm angry' façade. 

Jim extended his hand, and Joyce threw caution to the wind and took it. He pulled her into the rain again, a hearty grin on his face. She spun twice before he caught her, dipping her down and pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. He picked her back up, laughing in pure joy. She laughed too and began to dance with him in the rain. 

As Joyce spun and splashed in the rain, she didn't know if she'd ever had as much fun as she was right then. She loved being there, with him, with her family. The rain continued to pour down and she only smiled wider. She was home. 

Hopper smiled at her having fun in the rain. He loved seeing her happy, so having some time to act as kids - to play in the rain and laugh- was nothing short of amazing for him. 

"You know, rainy days aren't so bad after all."