Jopper // Light at the End of the Tunnel - A Love Story (Completed)

After

Joyce and Hopper continued going out for several weeks after their first night together. After a short while, it became apparent to Murray and the kids that they were more than just friends. The kids were okay with it, and Joyce loved them for that. 

Hopper visited Joyce's house more and more frequently, and one night, after the kids had gone to bed, the two sat in the living room, talking quietly. 

"I've been wondering." Jim said, running a hand through Joyce's hair. 

Joyce looked at him expectantly. 

"Maybe we should move in together." he continued. 

The butterflies in Joyce's stomach began to waltz. She didn't know what to say. 

"I..." Joyce began. 

"You can think about it." he said. 

"I'm sure El would be happy about that." Joyce noted. 

"And you wouldn't?" 

Joyce bit her lip.

"I love spending time with you, Hop..." 

But I'm afraid of getting hurt. That was the part she didn't say. Because it hurt too much to say it, because it was so true. 

"It's alright, Joyce. Take your time." he said and kissed her gently. 

She rejoyced in the feeling of his lips on hers, moaning a little. 

"Oh, Jim," she gasped, running her hands over his broard chest, "you drive me wild."

"You drive me wilder!" he said, pushing her down on the sofa. 

The following days, Joyce thought a lot about Jim's suggestion that they move in together. It was a big decision, and she still wasn't sure how she felt about it. 

She hadn't heard from him since that night, and she was worried that he might be upset with what she had said, so she decided to give him a call. 

"Hello?" a voice said on the other end of the line, and Joyce recognized it instantly as Murray's.

"Murray? What are you doing at Jim's place?" she asked dumbfounded.

"He hasn't told you?" 

Joyce voice shook as she said: "Told me what?" 

She could hear Murray sigh deeply. 

"Of course. He wouldn't want to worry you."

"I'm getting worried right now, Murray!"

"Jim has experienced some really bad headaches lately. I'm just making sure he's alright." Murray explained. 

Joyce's heart skipped a beat and she struggled to get the next words out. 

"Is he alright?" 

"I think he needs to go to the hospital."

"The hospital!?" Joyce exclaimed. 

"Yes, the hospital, Joyce. Don't worry, I'll..." 

"I'm coming over!" Joyce said and hung up before Murray could say more.