Jopper : You make my heart skip a beat

Chapter 24

Hopper and Will were left with each other when Joyce and El left the room to find a new game to play. They sat in a comfortable silence. Will was thinking about El and Joyce when his thoughts drifted to how Hopper was planning on telling his mom about his feelings. He loves her and I know my mom. She loves him too. But...what will happen when they do get together. I've never seen my mom as happy as she is with Hopper. But I've never seen her in a healthy relationship. Lonny hurt her. He hurt my mon. Both physically and emotionally. Hopper would never harm her. But could he hurt her feelings?

"Don't hurt my mom, please Hopper." Will pleaded quietly to Hopper, breaking the silence. "Please don't break her heart. She doesn't deserve it." Will knew Hopper felt bad for him, but he didn't care at that moment. I just want my mom to be happy. "I would never hurt her, Will. I love her. She deserves the world. And I'll try to give it to her." Will smiled at Hopper. He will protect my mom. He won't leave her. He won't hurt her. He will love her.

Joyce and El had been gone a while, so Hopper told Will he was going to check on them.

After their game of cards. Joyce and Hopper sent Will and El to bed. Will yawned as he closed the door. Him and El began to set up a temporary bed on the floor for El to sleep in for the next few nights. He wanted to know about El thoughts on Hopper and his mom. He broke the silence with a question.

"Any update on my mom and Hopper, El?" Will was dying to know if they would ever admit their feelings. They are clearly and love but they just are too scared to tell each other. "Well, we already know that Hopper loves Joyce because he told us. But guess what!" El squealed. This must be good. She's really excited. She must know something big. 

"What!?" He asked placing a couple pillows onto the makeshift bed. "When me and Joyce were choosing game, she told me that she loves him! AND Hopper was at the door and heard EVERYTHING she said! He knows she loves him too!" El was practically jumping up and down.

"Really!? That's great! Maybe he'll tell her how he feels and they can be together. I knew our plan would work!" Will and El high-fived before climbing into their beds. When they both settled down, Will drifted off into a light sleep. 

Only to be awoken by the sound of voices down the hall. He sat up, realising he was thirsty, and decided to get a glass of water from the kitchen. My mom and Hopper are probably still awake so I should be quiet. I might interrupt something. He opened the door as quietly as he could as not to wake El or alert the adults.

Will crept down the hall, hearing Joyce and Hopper talking. "What is it, Hop..?"Joyce whispered to Hopper. Will saw Joyce's hand slide from Hoppers cheek to his chest. What's going on. Is he...is he going to tell her. Will stayed hiding in the shadows by the door, listening to everything the two adults in love, said. 

"Joyce I..." Hopper muttered, looking into her eyes. "Tell me, Hop. It's ok." She replied. Will could see her squeeze his other hand. "Joyce, I've been meaning to tell you this for a long time. I've been scared out of my mind to tell you." He paused. "It's good, I promise." He chuckled nervously. "At least I think it's good...I don't know how you'll react to it." He looked down at his hand in hers. Just tell her, Hopper! 

"Hop, please! Just tell me!" Joyce pleaded. He stared into her eyes before saying, "Joyce... When I'm having a boring day at work and I can't stand to face the real world, I drive down the street to Melvalds and walk through that door. I see your face and..." Hopper paused. He must be trying to see if he should keep going. Keep going! It'll work! It has to!

"I see your face and I realise your one more reason to keep waking up every morning. Your smile keeps me alive and fighting through those tough days, where I feel useless to the world."

"And when you're having a tough day, it destroys me on the inside. I'd do anything to comfort you. For you. I'd jump off a f*ing bridge if you asked me to. I would give my soul for you to be happy, even if it left me in the dark. When I hold you close, my heart beats out of my chest. And my heart skips a beat when I see you... Joyce.... I realised tonight that everything in me from my heart to my soul, from the happiness I get from when you hold my hand, to the butterflies in my stomach when I look in your beautiful, brown eyes." Will was shocked by Hoppers words. He really does love her. He loves her more than anything.

"They all keep telling me, again and again, that you are the 'one.' I... I'm in love with you." He stopped for a second, watching her stunned face.

"I love you, Joyce. And I'll never leave you. I'll never give up on you. No matter what. You're my best friend and I love you more than my words can say." Joyce squeezed his hand reassuringly. Hopper really is in love with my mom. I didn't realise his feelings were this deep. The meaning behind those words are endless. But it's love.

"I... I love you too, Hop. You make my whole life worth living. Your smile makes my heart explode with joy. I can't even begin to explain my love for you. I know that you're my best friend and the one person who truly understands me and accepts me for who I am. You believed me when Will disappeared and haven't stopped believing in me since. I'm in love with you, Hop." Oh my god! YESSS!

A tear slips out of her eye and Hopper cups her cheek gently. He wipes away the tear that rolled down her cheek. Hopper smiled down at her like the happiest idiot in the world. His smile making her face light up, a happy smile on her face. They're perfect for each other. They finally told each other! And we'll be a family.

Joyce leaned towards him. Hopper pulled her to him and kissed her. The kiss quickly grew more intense. He wrapped a hand around the back of her neck, pulling her in for a deeper kiss. Joyce placed both her hands on his broad chest. She fisted his jumper, bringing him closer to her. 

Will's face scrunched up in disgust. Ewwww! Gross! But at least they're together now.

Hopper finally broke the kiss, pressing his forehead against hers. He smiled a goofy, happy smile and she returned it with a giggle. "I love you, Joyce." Hopper whispered.

"I know. I love you too, Hop." We can be a family now.