And a Pack of Camels

Honestly, I Have No Idea What a Tumblr Is

[joycemaebyers]

Hi! Do you still rp?

Hi! Not currently. I kind of fell out of love/hyperfixation with ST. Maybe the final season will do the trick.

[freddy-eynsford-hills-cuck-chair]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

I took a pause on Jopper first in order to hyperfixate on my problematic OTP again, folks.

Anyway, here is Henry and Eliza rocking a fake courtship so people leave them alone to do their respective nerd sh*t. 

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce regards @jimhopperchiefjimhopper as she clings to him in the water.

"Telling off my ex really got your motor running, huh?" She asks, running a palm over the motor in question before pressing an almost chaste, teasing kiss against his lips.

[joycemaebyers]

It was too hot to do any work. Any kid left in the cabin that day was napping in the new back porch. @jimhopperchiefjimhopper was also napping with Joyce in their bedroom. Joyce was too warm to sleep. Too warm to cuddle. She left a note on the nightstand telling Jim she was going to be swimming at the little pond on their property and for him to join her as soon as he was awake. She packed a picnic basket, towels and a blanket.

Hopper Pond had once been THE place for high school parties. Now it was peaceful, quiet, and untouched by the devastation in town.

Joyce stripped to her underwear and jumped in. After 15 minutes, she realized she was, in fact, sleepy. Her body felt cool enough for proper rest. She swam to the shore, and curled up on the blanket, letting the scorching July air dry her off, rather than the towel she had balled up as a pillow.

Minutes later, she felt the bridge of her nose being stroked. She smiled dreamily and opened her eyes, expecting to see Hopper.

It was Lonnie. He was sitting at her side, smugly eating one of the apples she had packed. The leering admiration in his eyes was unmistakable and she gasped, hurrying to stand and cover up her almost-nudity.

"Joooy," he drawled. "Heard you were back in town and building on Old Man Hopper's property. Thought I'd come for a visit and check on you and the boys."

He stood and stepped in, using his height to intimidate..

"Damn, you look good."

"Shut up," Joyce snapped.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jim had woke up with a start, realizing she was gone. When he spotted the note however, he smiled to himself. Old Hopper pond. Just like old times.

"Joyce! He called out as he got close to the lake.

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie stumbled back at the sound of Hopper's voice. Collecting himself he grabbed Joyce by the forearm and yanked her towards him

"What the fuck? What kind of sick game is this?" He growled.

"Let. Go. I'll scream."

"For a ghost? That can't be Hopper, he's dead." He didn't release her arm.

She made good her threat.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hearing Joyce scream, Hopper booked it through the woods. "Joyce! Joyce! I'm coming! Hold on!"

He burst through the treeline at the edge of the pond to find Lonnie fucking Byers with his hands on Joyce. Immediately Hopper made his way between them, pulling Joyce free of a confused Lonnie's grasp.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce rubbed her sore forearm after being freed from Lonnie. The shorter man looked bewildered. He recovered with a smug grin.

"Looking good, Jimbo."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

"Wish I could say the same for you. What exactly is it you want?" Jim said, holding his arms out and his chest puffed up. Of all things to happen, the thought he'd never have to deal with this asshole ever again.

[joycemaebyers]

"Nothing from you. I heard my old lady was building on your property and I was curious how she got the dough." Lonnie brazenly gave Joyce another slow once over.

"Maybe I was feeling a little nostalgic. "

Joyce wanted to disappear into her towel, but masked her uneasiness with a snort and an eye roll.

"Lonnie don't be gross."

"You wouldn't mind, would you, Hop? It would be just like old times, me taking off with your girl."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hop stepped closer to Lonnie, standing as tall and broad as he could muster, anger clearly written across his face.

"You will leave her and our family alone and if I ever see you again, I know plenty of hiding spots for bodies in Hawkins. Hell, no one would even miss you. You'd be just another lost soul in the Hawkins tragedy.

[joycemaebyers]

"Family? Those are my boys, and Joyce is my-"

"Ex," Joyce finished. "Your ex. Because we've been finished for years. You were a shitty husband, and you're an even shittier dad. Hop's right. You need to leave."

Lonnie shook his head. "You're fucking crazy. I came here because I wanted to see why you'd be crazy enough to build of this hellhole of a town, and lo and behold, it's because you're spreading your legs for Jim Fucking Hopper again. Lunacy."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hopper shoved Lonnie. "Why don't you do us all a favor and fall in one of those fault line cracks, huh?" He shoved him again. "You had your chance with her and you ruined it. She's with me now, now leave us alone!"

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie fell back onto his ass, but then stood with a sneer.

"Oh I'd love the chance to square up with you, old friend." His hands bawled into fists.

"Think I'm afraid to fight a dead man?"

Joyce groaned.

"Ew. Just go home. No one is going to fight anyone."

"Shut the fuck up, Joyce!" Lonnie ground out. He turned on her. "Hiding behind this scrawny idiot like when you were-"

He caught one of Joyce's right hooks right in the nose. It didn't hurt her one bit, since she had known how to throw a punch since she was in the first grade. Lonnie, however, clearly had a broken nose.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

You couldn't wipe away the smirk off of Jim's face. "I think the lady just spoke for herself. Get lost, Lonnie."

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie wordlessly stormed off, one hand covering his bloody nose. When Joyce could no longer hear his footsteps crunching through the woods, she dropped her towel, strode over to Hopper and threw her arms about his strong shoulders, straining on her tiptoes to kiss him.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

He chuckled against her lips, arms wrapped around her tiny frame. "Well well, seems like trouble finds you even out here, huh?" He kissed her again and hugged her tight.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce bracketed her legs about his waist and pulled herself up to his height.

"Lonnie is hardly trouble. He just likes to show up any time there's a whiff of money coming from my direction. He thought he was being smooth with that pervy act, but I don't think he's actually found me attractive in decades." She pressed a kiss against his forehead.

"Somehow I thought you'd be wearing less clothes. You'll never beat me to the other side of the pond with all those clothes weighing you down," she teased before peppering his lips with little kisses.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

"Mmm but I like it when you play hard to get." He teased. "Give me a minute headstart to undress? Keep kissing me for right now, though!"

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce hummed against his mouth in amusement before deepening the kiss. He made her feel giddy and reckless, and not at all the mother of three kids. She loved that his hair was long enough again that she could curl her fingers through it, that the sharp edges and angles of his body was starting to soften once more.

She loved him. But it was too hot outside.

She slid down his body until her feet were on solid ground, and with a wink, she ran towards the water.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jim quickly dispatched his t-shirt and began kicking out of his shoes. "Hey hey! What about my headstart!?"

He tripped getting out of his jeans and he recovered clumsily, laughing so hard he nearly fell again.

She was halfway across the pond before he dove in.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce idled once she saw he was in the water, pushing herself onto her back and into a leisurely float. There was a grin on her face as she waited, her eyes closed to avoid direct contact with the sun's rays.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jimm swam over to her and when he got close enough, he playfully pulled one of her big toes.

"Hey shark bait!" He grinned. "What's a pretty lady like you doing out here nekked?"

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce put herself upright and through her arms about Jim's shoulders.

"Trying to lure sailors into the rocks, that sort of thing," she joked.

"You feeling compelled to crash into anything?"

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

He faked like he was thinking for a second. "Mmmm not really..."

[joycemaebyers]

"That's because I haven't sung my siren song yet." She cuddled against him and started to (badly) hum the theme music to Knight Rider against his neck before kissing the side of it.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

"Mmmm Knight Rider, the sound of romance." He said as he ran his hands across the skin of her lower back.

He leaned in close the kiss her temple across her cheek to the bridge of the nose and the other cheek.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce grinned as his kisses came to her lips. She met them eagerly, but with leisure. When she heard his soft moan of approval, she playfully pushed off of him and started swimming backwards, her expression playful, and clearly goading him to pursue her.

[joycemaebyers]

It was too hot to do any work. Any kid left in the cabin that day was napping in the new back porch. @jimhopperchiefjimhopper was also napping with Joyce in their bedroom. Joyce was too warm to sleep. Too warm to cuddle. She left a note on the nightstand telling Jim she was going to be swimming at the little pond on their property and for him to join her as soon as he was awake. She packed a picnic basket, towels and a blanket.

Hopper Pond had once been THE place for high school parties. Now it was peaceful, quiet, and untouched by the devastation in town.

Joyce stripped to her underwear and jumped in. After 15 minutes, she realized she was, in fact, sleepy. Her body felt cool enough for proper rest. She swam to the shore, and curled up on the blanket, letting the scorching July air dry her off, rather than the towel she had balled up as a pillow.

Minutes later, she felt the bridge of her nose being stroked. She smiled dreamily and opened her eyes, expecting to see Hopper.

It was Lonnie. He was sitting at her side, smugly eating one of the apples she had packed. The leering admiration in his eyes was unmistakable and she gasped, hurrying to stand and cover up her almost-nudity.

"Joooy," he drawled. "Heard you were back in town and building on Old Man Hopper's property. Thought I'd come for a visit and check on you and the boys."

He stood and stepped in, using his height to intimidate..

"Damn, you look good."

"Shut up," Joyce snapped.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jim had woke up with a start, realizing she was gone. When he spotted the note however, he smiled to himself. Old Hopper pond. Just like old times.

"Joyce! He called out as he got close to the lake.

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie stumbled back at the sound of Hopper's voice. Collecting himself he grabbed Joyce by the forearm and yanked her towards him

"What the fuck? What kind of sick game is this?" He growled.

"Let. Go. I'll scream."

"For a ghost? That can't be Hopper, he's dead." He didn't release her arm.

She made good her threat.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hearing Joyce scream, Hopper booked it through the woods. "Joyce! Joyce! I'm coming! Hold on!"

He burst through the treeline at the edge of the pond to find Lonnie fucking Byers with his hands on Joyce. Immediately Hopper made his way between them, pulling Joyce free of a confused Lonnie's grasp.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce rubbed her sore forearm after being freed from Lonnie. The shorter man looked bewildered. He recovered with a smug grin.

"Looking good, Jimbo."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

"Wish I could say the same for you. What exactly is it you want?" Jim said, holding his arms out and his chest puffed up. Of all things to happen, the thought he'd never have to deal with this asshole ever again.

[joycemaebyers]

"Nothing from you. I heard my old lady was building on your property and I was curious how she got the dough." Lonnie brazenly gave Joyce another slow once over.

"Maybe I was feeling a little nostalgic. "

Joyce wanted to disappear into her towel, but masked her uneasiness with a snort and an eye roll.

"Lonnie don't be gross."

"You wouldn't mind, would you, Hop? It would be just like old times, me taking off with your girl."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hop stepped closer to Lonnie, standing as tall and broad as he could muster, anger clearly written across his face.

"You will leave her and our family alone and if I ever see you again, I know plenty of hiding spots for bodies in Hawkins. Hell, no one would even miss you. You'd be just another lost soul in the Hawkins tragedy.

[joycemaebyers]

"Family? Those are my boys, and Joyce is my-"

"Ex," Joyce finished. "Your ex. Because we've been finished for years. You were a shitty husband, and you're an even shittier dad. Hop's right. You need to leave."

Lonnie shook his head. "You're fucking crazy. I came here because I wanted to see why you'd be crazy enough to build of this hellhole of a town, and lo and behold, it's because you're spreading your legs for Jim Fucking Hopper again. Lunacy."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hopper shoved Lonnie. "Why don't you do us all a favor and fall in one of those fault line cracks, huh?" He shoved him again. "You had your chance with her and you ruined it. She's with me now, now leave us alone!"

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie fell back onto his ass, but then stood with a sneer.

"Oh I'd love the chance to square up with you, old friend." His hands bawled into fists.

"Think I'm afraid to fight a dead man?"

Joyce groaned.

"Ew. Just go home. No one is going to fight anyone."

"Shut the fuck up, Joyce!" Lonnie ground out. He turned on her. "Hiding behind this scrawny idiot like when you were-"

He caught one of Joyce's right hooks right in the nose. It didn't hurt her one bit, since she had known how to throw a punch since she was in the first grade. Lonnie, however, clearly had a broken nose.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

You couldn't wipe away the smirk off of Jim's face. "I think the lady just spoke for herself. Get lost, Lonnie."

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie wordlessly stormed off, one hand covering his bloody nose. When Joyce could no longer hear his footsteps crunching through the woods, she dropped her towel, strode over to Hopper and threw her arms about his strong shoulders, straining on her tiptoes to kiss him.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

He chuckled against her lips, arms wrapped around her tiny frame. "Well well, seems like trouble finds you even out here, huh?" He kissed her again and hugged her tight.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce bracketed her legs about his waist and pulled herself up to his height.

"Lonnie is hardly trouble. He just likes to show up any time there's a whiff of money coming from my direction. He thought he was being smooth with that pervy act, but I don't think he's actually found me attractive in decades." She pressed a kiss against his forehead.

"Somehow I thought you'd be wearing less clothes. You'll never beat me to the other side of the pond with all those clothes weighing you down," she teased before peppering his lips with little kisses.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

"Mmm but I like it when you play hard to get." He teased. "Give me a minute headstart to undress? Keep kissing me for right now, though!"

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce hummed against his mouth in amusement before deepening the kiss. He made her feel giddy and reckless, and not at all the mother of three kids. She loved that his hair was long enough again that she could curl her fingers through it, that the sharp edges and angles of his body was starting to soften once more.

She loved him. But it was too hot outside.

She slid down his body until her feet were on solid ground, and with a wink, she ran towards the water.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jim quickly dispatched his t-shirt and began kicking out of his shoes. "Hey hey! What about my headstart!?"

He tripped getting out of his jeans and he recovered clumsily, laughing so hard he nearly fell again.

She was halfway across the pond before he dove in.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce idled once she saw he was in the water, pushing herself onto her back and into a leisurely float. There was a grin on her face as she waited, her eyes closed to avoid direct contact with the sun's rays.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jimm swam over to her and when he got close enough, he playfully pulled one of her big toes.

"Hey shark bait!" He grinned. "What's a pretty lady like you doing out here nekked?"

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce put herself upright and through her arms about Jim's shoulders.

"Trying to lure sailors into the rocks, that sort of thing," she joked.

"You feeling compelled to crash into anything?"

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

He faked like he was thinking for a second. "Mmmm not really..."

[joycemaebyers]

"That's because I haven't sung my siren song yet." She cuddled against him and started to (badly) hum the theme music to Knight Rider against his neck before kissing the side of it.

[joycemaebyers]

It was too hot to do any work. Any kid left in the cabin that day was napping in the new back porch. @jimhopperchiefjimhopper was also napping with Joyce in their bedroom. Joyce was too warm to sleep. Too warm to cuddle. She left a note on the nightstand telling Jim she was going to be swimming at the little pond on their property and for him to join her as soon as he was awake. She packed a picnic basket, towels and a blanket.

Hopper Pond had once been THE place for high school parties. Now it was peaceful, quiet, and untouched by the devastation in town.

Joyce stripped to her underwear and jumped in. After 15 minutes, she realized she was, in fact, sleepy. Her body felt cool enough for proper rest. She swam to the shore, and curled up on the blanket, letting the scorching July air dry her off, rather than the towel she had balled up as a pillow.

Minutes later, she felt the bridge of her nose being stroked. She smiled dreamily and opened her eyes, expecting to see Hopper.

It was Lonnie. He was sitting at her side, smugly eating one of the apples she had packed. The leering admiration in his eyes was unmistakable and she gasped, hurrying to stand and cover up her almost-nudity.

"Joooy," he drawled. "Heard you were back in town and building on Old Man Hopper's property. Thought I'd come for a visit and check on you and the boys."

He stood and stepped in, using his height to intimidate..

"Damn, you look good."

"Shut up," Joyce snapped.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jim had woke up with a start, realizing she was gone. When he spotted the note however, he smiled to himself. Old Hopper pond. Just like old times.

"Joyce! He called out as he got close to the lake.

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie stumbled back at the sound of Hopper's voice. Collecting himself he grabbed Joyce by the forearm and yanked her towards him

"What the fuck? What kind of sick game is this?" He growled.

"Let. Go. I'll scream."

"For a ghost? That can't be Hopper, he's dead." He didn't release her arm.

She made good her threat.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hearing Joyce scream, Hopper booked it through the woods. "Joyce! Joyce! I'm coming! Hold on!"

He burst through the treeline at the edge of the pond to find Lonnie fucking Byers with his hands on Joyce. Immediately Hopper made his way between them, pulling Joyce free of a confused Lonnie's grasp.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce rubbed her sore forearm after being freed from Lonnie. The shorter man looked bewildered. He recovered with a smug grin.

"Looking good, Jimbo."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

"Wish I could say the same for you. What exactly is it you want?" Jim said, holding his arms out and his chest puffed up. Of all things to happen, the thought he'd never have to deal with this asshole ever again.

[joycemaebyers]

"Nothing from you. I heard my old lady was building on your property and I was curious how she got the dough." Lonnie brazenly gave Joyce another slow once over.

"Maybe I was feeling a little nostalgic. "

Joyce wanted to disappear into her towel, but masked her uneasiness with a snort and an eye roll.

"Lonnie don't be gross."

"You wouldn't mind, would you, Hop? It would be just like old times, me taking off with your girl."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hop stepped closer to Lonnie, standing as tall and broad as he could muster, anger clearly written across his face.

"You will leave her and our family alone and if I ever see you again, I know plenty of hiding spots for bodies in Hawkins. Hell, no one would even miss you. You'd be just another lost soul in the Hawkins tragedy.

[joycemaebyers]

"Family? Those are my boys, and Joyce is my-"

"Ex," Joyce finished. "Your ex. Because we've been finished for years. You were a shitty husband, and you're an even shittier dad. Hop's right. You need to leave."

Lonnie shook his head. "You're fucking crazy. I came here because I wanted to see why you'd be crazy enough to build of this hellhole of a town, and lo and behold, it's because you're spreading your legs for Jim Fucking Hopper again. Lunacy."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hopper shoved Lonnie. "Why don't you do us all a favor and fall in one of those fault line cracks, huh?" He shoved him again. "You had your chance with her and you ruined it. She's with me now, now leave us alone!"

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie fell back onto his ass, but then stood with a sneer.

"Oh I'd love the chance to square up with you, old friend." His hands bawled into fists.

"Think I'm afraid to fight a dead man?"

Joyce groaned.

"Ew. Just go home. No one is going to fight anyone."

"Shut the fuck up, Joyce!" Lonnie ground out. He turned on her. "Hiding behind this scrawny idiot like when you were-"

He caught one of Joyce's right hooks right in the nose. It didn't hurt her one bit, since she had known how to throw a punch since she was in the first grade. Lonnie, however, clearly had a broken nose.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

You couldn't wipe away the smirk off of Jim's face. "I think the lady just spoke for herself. Get lost, Lonnie."

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie wordlessly stormed off, one hand covering his bloody nose. When Joyce could no longer hear his footsteps crunching through the woods, she dropped her towel, strode over to Hopper and threw her arms about his strong shoulders, straining on her tiptoes to kiss him.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

He chuckled against her lips, arms wrapped around her tiny frame. "Well well, seems like trouble finds you even out here, huh?" He kissed her again and hugged her tight.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce bracketed her legs about his waist and pulled herself up to his height.

"Lonnie is hardly trouble. He just likes to show up any time there's a whiff of money coming from my direction. He thought he was being smooth with that pervy act, but I don't think he's actually found me attractive in decades." She pressed a kiss against his forehead.

"Somehow I thought you'd be wearing less clothes. You'll never beat me to the other side of the pond with all those clothes weighing you down," she teased before peppering his lips with little kisses.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

"Mmm but I like it when you play hard to get." He teased. "Give me a minute headstart to undress? Keep kissing me for right now, though!"

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce hummed against his mouth in amusement before deepening the kiss. He made her feel giddy and reckless, and not at all the mother of three kids. She loved that his hair was long enough again that she could curl her fingers through it, that the sharp edges and angles of his body was starting to soften once more.

She loved him. But it was too hot outside.

She slid down his body until her feet were on solid ground, and with a wink, she ran towards the water.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jim quickly dispatched his t-shirt and began kicking out of his shoes. "Hey hey! What about my headstart!?"

He tripped getting out of his jeans and he recovered clumsily, laughing so hard he nearly fell again.

She was halfway across the pond before he dove in.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce idled once she saw he was in the water, pushing herself onto her back and into a leisurely float. There was a grin on her face as she waited, her eyes closed to avoid direct contact with the sun's rays.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jimm swam over to her and when he got close enough, he playfully pulled one of her big toes.

"Hey shark bait!" He grinned. "What's a pretty lady like you doing out here nekked?"

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce put herself upright and through her arms about Jim's shoulders.

"Trying to lure sailors into the rocks, that sort of thing," she joked.

"You feeling compelled to crash into anything?"

[joycemaebyers]

It was too hot to do any work. Any kid left in the cabin that day was napping in the new back porch. @jimhopperchiefjimhopper was also napping with Joyce in their bedroom. Joyce was too warm to sleep. Too warm to cuddle. She left a note on the nightstand telling Jim she was going to be swimming at the little pond on their property and for him to join her as soon as he was awake. She packed a picnic basket, towels and a blanket.

Hopper Pond had once been THE place for high school parties. Now it was peaceful, quiet, and untouched by the devastation in town.

Joyce stripped to her underwear and jumped in. After 15 minutes, she realized she was, in fact, sleepy. Her body felt cool enough for proper rest. She swam to the shore, and curled up on the blanket, letting the scorching July air dry her off, rather than the towel she had balled up as a pillow.

Minutes later, she felt the bridge of her nose being stroked. She smiled dreamily and opened her eyes, expecting to see Hopper.

It was Lonnie. He was sitting at her side, smugly eating one of the apples she had packed. The leering admiration in his eyes was unmistakable and she gasped, hurrying to stand and cover up her almost-nudity.

"Joooy," he drawled. "Heard you were back in town and building on Old Man Hopper's property. Thought I'd come for a visit and check on you and the boys."

He stood and stepped in, using his height to intimidate..

"Damn, you look good."

"Shut up," Joyce snapped.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jim had woke up with a start, realizing she was gone. When he spotted the note however, he smiled to himself. Old Hopper pond. Just like old times.

"Joyce! He called out as he got close to the lake.

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie stumbled back at the sound of Hopper's voice. Collecting himself he grabbed Joyce by the forearm and yanked her towards him

"What the fuck? What kind of sick game is this?" He growled.

"Let. Go. I'll scream."

"For a ghost? That can't be Hopper, he's dead." He didn't release her arm.

She made good her threat.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hearing Joyce scream, Hopper booked it through the woods. "Joyce! Joyce! I'm coming! Hold on!"

He burst through the treeline at the edge of the pond to find Lonnie fucking Byers with his hands on Joyce. Immediately Hopper made his way between them, pulling Joyce free of a confused Lonnie's grasp.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce rubbed her sore forearm after being freed from Lonnie. The shorter man looked bewildered. He recovered with a smug grin.

"Looking good, Jimbo."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

"Wish I could say the same for you. What exactly is it you want?" Jim said, holding his arms out and his chest puffed up. Of all things to happen, the thought he'd never have to deal with this asshole ever again.

[joycemaebyers]

"Nothing from you. I heard my old lady was building on your property and I was curious how she got the dough." Lonnie brazenly gave Joyce another slow once over.

"Maybe I was feeling a little nostalgic. "

Joyce wanted to disappear into her towel, but masked her uneasiness with a snort and an eye roll.

"Lonnie don't be gross."

"You wouldn't mind, would you, Hop? It would be just like old times, me taking off with your girl."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hop stepped closer to Lonnie, standing as tall and broad as he could muster, anger clearly written across his face.

"You will leave her and our family alone and if I ever see you again, I know plenty of hiding spots for bodies in Hawkins. Hell, no one would even miss you. You'd be just another lost soul in the Hawkins tragedy.

[joycemaebyers]

"Family? Those are my boys, and Joyce is my-"

"Ex," Joyce finished. "Your ex. Because we've been finished for years. You were a shitty husband, and you're an even shittier dad. Hop's right. You need to leave."

Lonnie shook his head. "You're fucking crazy. I came here because I wanted to see why you'd be crazy enough to build of this hellhole of a town, and lo and behold, it's because you're spreading your legs for Jim Fucking Hopper again. Lunacy."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hopper shoved Lonnie. "Why don't you do us all a favor and fall in one of those fault line cracks, huh?" He shoved him again. "You had your chance with her and you ruined it. She's with me now, now leave us alone!"

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie fell back onto his ass, but then stood with a sneer.

"Oh I'd love the chance to square up with you, old friend." His hands bawled into fists.

"Think I'm afraid to fight a dead man?"

Joyce groaned.

"Ew. Just go home. No one is going to fight anyone."

"Shut the fuck up, Joyce!" Lonnie ground out. He turned on her. "Hiding behind this scrawny idiot like when you were-"

He caught one of Joyce's right hooks right in the nose. It didn't hurt her one bit, since she had known how to throw a punch since she was in the first grade. Lonnie, however, clearly had a broken nose.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

You couldn't wipe away the smirk off of Jim's face. "I think the lady just spoke for herself. Get lost, Lonnie."

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie wordlessly stormed off, one hand covering his bloody nose. When Joyce could no longer hear his footsteps crunching through the woods, she dropped her towel, strode over to Hopper and threw her arms about his strong shoulders, straining on her tiptoes to kiss him.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

He chuckled against her lips, arms wrapped around her tiny frame. "Well well, seems like trouble finds you even out here, huh?" He kissed her again and hugged her tight.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce bracketed her legs about his waist and pulled herself up to his height.

"Lonnie is hardly trouble. He just likes to show up any time there's a whiff of money coming from my direction. He thought he was being smooth with that pervy act, but I don't think he's actually found me attractive in decades." She pressed a kiss against his forehead.

"Somehow I thought you'd be wearing less clothes. You'll never beat me to the other side of the pond with all those clothes weighing you down," she teased before peppering his lips with little kisses.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

"Mmm but I like it when you play hard to get." He teased. "Give me a minute headstart to undress? Keep kissing me for right now, though!"

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce hummed against his mouth in amusement before deepening the kiss. He made her feel giddy and reckless, and not at all the mother of three kids. She loved that his hair was long enough again that she could curl her fingers through it, that the sharp edges and angles of his body was starting to soften once more.

She loved him. But it was too hot outside.

She slid down his body until her feet were on solid ground, and with a wink, she ran towards the water.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jim quickly dispatched his t-shirt and began kicking out of his shoes. "Hey hey! What about my headstart!?"

He tripped getting out of his jeans and he recovered clumsily, laughing so hard he nearly fell again.

She was halfway across the pond before he dove in.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce idled once she saw he was in the water, pushing herself onto her back and into a leisurely float. There was a grin on her face as she waited, her eyes closed to avoid direct contact with the sun's rays.

[joycemaebyers]

It was too hot to do any work. Any kid left in the cabin that day was napping in the new back porch. @jimhopperchiefjimhopper was also napping with Joyce in their bedroom. Joyce was too warm to sleep. Too warm to cuddle. She left a note on the nightstand telling Jim she was going to be swimming at the little pond on their property and for him to join her as soon as he was awake. She packed a picnic basket, towels and a blanket.

Hopper Pond had once been THE place for high school parties. Now it was peaceful, quiet, and untouched by the devastation in town.

Joyce stripped to her underwear and jumped in. After 15 minutes, she realized she was, in fact, sleepy. Her body felt cool enough for proper rest. She swam to the shore, and curled up on the blanket, letting the scorching July air dry her off, rather than the towel she had balled up as a pillow.

Minutes later, she felt the bridge of her nose being stroked. She smiled dreamily and opened her eyes, expecting to see Hopper.

It was Lonnie. He was sitting at her side, smugly eating one of the apples she had packed. The leering admiration in his eyes was unmistakable and she gasped, hurrying to stand and cover up her almost-nudity.

"Joooy," he drawled. "Heard you were back in town and building on Old Man Hopper's property. Thought I'd come for a visit and check on you and the boys."

He stood and stepped in, using his height to intimidate..

"Damn, you look good."

"Shut up," Joyce snapped.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jim had woke up with a start, realizing she was gone. When he spotted the note however, he smiled to himself. Old Hopper pond. Just like old times.

"Joyce! He called out as he got close to the lake.

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie stumbled back at the sound of Hopper's voice. Collecting himself he grabbed Joyce by the forearm and yanked her towards him

"What the fuck? What kind of sick game is this?" He growled.

"Let. Go. I'll scream."

"For a ghost? That can't be Hopper, he's dead." He didn't release her arm.

She made good her threat.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hearing Joyce scream, Hopper booked it through the woods. "Joyce! Joyce! I'm coming! Hold on!"

He burst through the treeline at the edge of the pond to find Lonnie fucking Byers with his hands on Joyce. Immediately Hopper made his way between them, pulling Joyce free of a confused Lonnie's grasp.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce rubbed her sore forearm after being freed from Lonnie. The shorter man looked bewildered. He recovered with a smug grin.

"Looking good, Jimbo."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

"Wish I could say the same for you. What exactly is it you want?" Jim said, holding his arms out and his chest puffed up. Of all things to happen, the thought he'd never have to deal with this asshole ever again.

[joycemaebyers]

"Nothing from you. I heard my old lady was building on your property and I was curious how she got the dough." Lonnie brazenly gave Joyce another slow once over.

"Maybe I was feeling a little nostalgic. "

Joyce wanted to disappear into her towel, but masked her uneasiness with a snort and an eye roll.

"Lonnie don't be gross."

"You wouldn't mind, would you, Hop? It would be just like old times, me taking off with your girl."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hop stepped closer to Lonnie, standing as tall and broad as he could muster, anger clearly written across his face.

"You will leave her and our family alone and if I ever see you again, I know plenty of hiding spots for bodies in Hawkins. Hell, no one would even miss you. You'd be just another lost soul in the Hawkins tragedy.

[joycemaebyers]

"Family? Those are my boys, and Joyce is my-"

"Ex," Joyce finished. "Your ex. Because we've been finished for years. You were a shitty husband, and you're an even shittier dad. Hop's right. You need to leave."

Lonnie shook his head. "You're fucking crazy. I came here because I wanted to see why you'd be crazy enough to build of this hellhole of a town, and lo and behold, it's because you're spreading your legs for Jim Fucking Hopper again. Lunacy."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hopper shoved Lonnie. "Why don't you do us all a favor and fall in one of those fault line cracks, huh?" He shoved him again. "You had your chance with her and you ruined it. She's with me now, now leave us alone!"

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie fell back onto his ass, but then stood with a sneer.

"Oh I'd love the chance to square up with you, old friend." His hands bawled into fists.

"Think I'm afraid to fight a dead man?"

Joyce groaned.

"Ew. Just go home. No one is going to fight anyone."

"Shut the fuck up, Joyce!" Lonnie ground out. He turned on her. "Hiding behind this scrawny idiot like when you were-"

He caught one of Joyce's right hooks right in the nose. It didn't hurt her one bit, since she had known how to throw a punch since she was in the first grade. Lonnie, however, clearly had a broken nose.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

You couldn't wipe away the smirk off of Jim's face. "I think the lady just spoke for herself. Get lost, Lonnie."

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie wordlessly stormed off, one hand covering his bloody nose. When Joyce could no longer hear his footsteps crunching through the woods, she dropped her towel, strode over to Hopper and threw her arms about his strong shoulders, straining on her tiptoes to kiss him.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

He chuckled against her lips, arms wrapped around her tiny frame. "Well well, seems like trouble finds you even out here, huh?" He kissed her again and hugged her tight.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce bracketed her legs about his waist and pulled herself up to his height.

"Lonnie is hardly trouble. He just likes to show up any time there's a whiff of money coming from my direction. He thought he was being smooth with that pervy act, but I don't think he's actually found me attractive in decades." She pressed a kiss against his forehead.

"Somehow I thought you'd be wearing less clothes. You'll never beat me to the other side of the pond with all those clothes weighing you down," she teased before peppering his lips with little kisses.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

"Mmm but I like it when you play hard to get." He teased. "Give me a minute headstart to undress? Keep kissing me for right now, though!"

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce hummed against his mouth in amusement before deepening the kiss. He made her feel giddy and reckless, and not at all the mother of three kids. She loved that his hair was long enough again that she could curl her fingers through it, that the sharp edges and angles of his body was starting to soften once more.

She loved him. But it was too hot outside.

She slid down his body until her feet were on solid ground, and with a wink, she ran towards the water.

[joycemaebyers]

It was too hot to do any work. Any kid left in the cabin that day was napping in the new back porch. @jimhopperchiefjimhopper was also napping with Joyce in their bedroom. Joyce was too warm to sleep. Too warm to cuddle. She left a note on the nightstand telling Jim she was going to be swimming at the little pond on their property and for him to join her as soon as he was awake. She packed a picnic basket, towels and a blanket.

Hopper Pond had once been THE place for high school parties. Now it was peaceful, quiet, and untouched by the devastation in town.

Joyce stripped to her underwear and jumped in. After 15 minutes, she realized she was, in fact, sleepy. Her body felt cool enough for proper rest. She swam to the shore, and curled up on the blanket, letting the scorching July air dry her off, rather than the towel she had balled up as a pillow.

Minutes later, she felt the bridge of her nose being stroked. She smiled dreamily and opened her eyes, expecting to see Hopper.

It was Lonnie. He was sitting at her side, smugly eating one of the apples she had packed. The leering admiration in his eyes was unmistakable and she gasped, hurrying to stand and cover up her almost-nudity.

"Joooy," he drawled. "Heard you were back in town and building on Old Man Hopper's property. Thought I'd come for a visit and check on you and the boys."

He stood and stepped in, using his height to intimidate..

"Damn, you look good."

"Shut up," Joyce snapped.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jim had woke up with a start, realizing she was gone. When he spotted the note however, he smiled to himself. Old Hopper pond. Just like old times.

"Joyce! He called out as he got close to the lake.

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie stumbled back at the sound of Hopper's voice. Collecting himself he grabbed Joyce by the forearm and yanked her towards him

"What the fuck? What kind of sick game is this?" He growled.

"Let. Go. I'll scream."

"For a ghost? That can't be Hopper, he's dead." He didn't release her arm.

She made good her threat.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hearing Joyce scream, Hopper booked it through the woods. "Joyce! Joyce! I'm coming! Hold on!"

He burst through the treeline at the edge of the pond to find Lonnie fucking Byers with his hands on Joyce. Immediately Hopper made his way between them, pulling Joyce free of a confused Lonnie's grasp.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce rubbed her sore forearm after being freed from Lonnie. The shorter man looked bewildered. He recovered with a smug grin.

"Looking good, Jimbo."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

"Wish I could say the same for you. What exactly is it you want?" Jim said, holding his arms out and his chest puffed up. Of all things to happen, the thought he'd never have to deal with this asshole ever again.

[joycemaebyers]

"Nothing from you. I heard my old lady was building on your property and I was curious how she got the dough." Lonnie brazenly gave Joyce another slow once over.

"Maybe I was feeling a little nostalgic. "

Joyce wanted to disappear into her towel, but masked her uneasiness with a snort and an eye roll.

"Lonnie don't be gross."

"You wouldn't mind, would you, Hop? It would be just like old times, me taking off with your girl."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hop stepped closer to Lonnie, standing as tall and broad as he could muster, anger clearly written across his face.

"You will leave her and our family alone and if I ever see you again, I know plenty of hiding spots for bodies in Hawkins. Hell, no one would even miss you. You'd be just another lost soul in the Hawkins tragedy.

[joycemaebyers]

"Family? Those are my boys, and Joyce is my-"

"Ex," Joyce finished. "Your ex. Because we've been finished for years. You were a shitty husband, and you're an even shittier dad. Hop's right. You need to leave."

Lonnie shook his head. "You're fucking crazy. I came here because I wanted to see why you'd be crazy enough to build of this hellhole of a town, and lo and behold, it's because you're spreading your legs for Jim Fucking Hopper again. Lunacy."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hopper shoved Lonnie. "Why don't you do us all a favor and fall in one of those fault line cracks, huh?" He shoved him again. "You had your chance with her and you ruined it. She's with me now, now leave us alone!"

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie fell back onto his ass, but then stood with a sneer.

"Oh I'd love the chance to square up with you, old friend." His hands bawled into fists.

"Think I'm afraid to fight a dead man?"

Joyce groaned.

"Ew. Just go home. No one is going to fight anyone."

"Shut the fuck up, Joyce!" Lonnie ground out. He turned on her. "Hiding behind this scrawny idiot like when you were-"

He caught one of Joyce's right hooks right in the nose. It didn't hurt her one bit, since she had known how to throw a punch since she was in the first grade. Lonnie, however, clearly had a broken nose.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

You couldn't wipe away the smirk off of Jim's face. "I think the lady just spoke for herself. Get lost, Lonnie."

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie wordlessly stormed off, one hand covering his bloody nose. When Joyce could no longer hear his footsteps crunching through the woods, she dropped her towel, strode over to Hopper and threw her arms about his strong shoulders, straining on her tiptoes to kiss him.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

He chuckled against her lips, arms wrapped around her tiny frame. "Well well, seems like trouble finds you even out here, huh?" He kissed her again and hugged her tight.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce bracketed her legs about his waist and pulled herself up to his height.

"Lonnie is hardly trouble. He just likes to show up any time there's a whiff of money coming from my direction. He thought he was being smooth with that pervy act, but I don't think he's actually found me attractive in decades." She pressed a kiss against his forehead.

"Somehow I thought you'd be wearing less clothes. You'll never beat me to the other side of the pond with all those clothes weighing you down," she teased before peppering his lips with little kisses.

[joycemaebyers]

It was too hot to do any work. Any kid left in the cabin that day was napping in the new back porch. @jimhopperchiefjimhopper was also napping with Joyce in their bedroom. Joyce was too warm to sleep. Too warm to cuddle. She left a note on the nightstand telling Jim she was going to be swimming at the little pond on their property and for him to join her as soon as he was awake. She packed a picnic basket, towels and a blanket.

Hopper Pond had once been THE place for high school parties. Now it was peaceful, quiet, and untouched by the devastation in town.

Joyce stripped to her underwear and jumped in. After 15 minutes, she realized she was, in fact, sleepy. Her body felt cool enough for proper rest. She swam to the shore, and curled up on the blanket, letting the scorching July air dry her off, rather than the towel she had balled up as a pillow.

Minutes later, she felt the bridge of her nose being stroked. She smiled dreamily and opened her eyes, expecting to see Hopper.

It was Lonnie. He was sitting at her side, smugly eating one of the apples she had packed. The leering admiration in his eyes was unmistakable and she gasped, hurrying to stand and cover up her almost-nudity.

"Joooy," he drawled. "Heard you were back in town and building on Old Man Hopper's property. Thought I'd come for a visit and check on you and the boys."

He stood and stepped in, using his height to intimidate..

"Damn, you look good."

"Shut up," Joyce snapped.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jim had woke up with a start, realizing she was gone. When he spotted the note however, he smiled to himself. Old Hopper pond. Just like old times.

"Joyce! He called out as he got close to the lake.

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie stumbled back at the sound of Hopper's voice. Collecting himself he grabbed Joyce by the forearm and yanked her towards him

"What the fuck? What kind of sick game is this?" He growled.

"Let. Go. I'll scream."

"For a ghost? That can't be Hopper, he's dead." He didn't release her arm.

She made good her threat.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hearing Joyce scream, Hopper booked it through the woods. "Joyce! Joyce! I'm coming! Hold on!"

He burst through the treeline at the edge of the pond to find Lonnie fucking Byers with his hands on Joyce. Immediately Hopper made his way between them, pulling Joyce free of a confused Lonnie's grasp.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce rubbed her sore forearm after being freed from Lonnie. The shorter man looked bewildered. He recovered with a smug grin.

"Looking good, Jimbo."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

"Wish I could say the same for you. What exactly is it you want?" Jim said, holding his arms out and his chest puffed up. Of all things to happen, the thought he'd never have to deal with this asshole ever again.

[joycemaebyers]

"Nothing from you. I heard my old lady was building on your property and I was curious how she got the dough." Lonnie brazenly gave Joyce another slow once over.

"Maybe I was feeling a little nostalgic. "

Joyce wanted to disappear into her towel, but masked her uneasiness with a snort and an eye roll.

"Lonnie don't be gross."

"You wouldn't mind, would you, Hop? It would be just like old times, me taking off with your girl."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hop stepped closer to Lonnie, standing as tall and broad as he could muster, anger clearly written across his face.

"You will leave her and our family alone and if I ever see you again, I know plenty of hiding spots for bodies in Hawkins. Hell, no one would even miss you. You'd be just another lost soul in the Hawkins tragedy.

[joycemaebyers]

"Family? Those are my boys, and Joyce is my-"

"Ex," Joyce finished. "Your ex. Because we've been finished for years. You were a shitty husband, and you're an even shittier dad. Hop's right. You need to leave."

Lonnie shook his head. "You're fucking crazy. I came here because I wanted to see why you'd be crazy enough to build of this hellhole of a town, and lo and behold, it's because you're spreading your legs for Jim Fucking Hopper again. Lunacy."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hopper shoved Lonnie. "Why don't you do us all a favor and fall in one of those fault line cracks, huh?" He shoved him again. "You had your chance with her and you ruined it. She's with me now, now leave us alone!"

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie fell back onto his ass, but then stood with a sneer.

"Oh I'd love the chance to square up with you, old friend." His hands bawled into fists.

"Think I'm afraid to fight a dead man?"

Joyce groaned.

"Ew. Just go home. No one is going to fight anyone."

"Shut the fuck up, Joyce!" Lonnie ground out. He turned on her. "Hiding behind this scrawny idiot like when you were-"

He caught one of Joyce's right hooks right in the nose. It didn't hurt her one bit, since she had known how to throw a punch since she was in the first grade. Lonnie, however, clearly had a broken nose.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

You couldn't wipe away the smirk off of Jim's face. "I think the lady just spoke for herself. Get lost, Lonnie."

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie wordlessly stormed off, one hand covering his bloody nose. When Joyce could no longer hear his footsteps crunching through the woods, she dropped her towel, strode over to Hopper and threw her arms about his strong shoulders, straining on her tiptoes to kiss him.

[joycemaebyers]

It was too hot to do any work. Any kid left in the cabin that day was napping in the new back porch. @jimhopperchiefjimhopper was also napping with Joyce in their bedroom. Joyce was too warm to sleep. Too warm to cuddle. She left a note on the nightstand telling Jim she was going to be swimming at the little pond on their property and for him to join her as soon as he was awake. She packed a picnic basket, towels and a blanket.

Hopper Pond had once been THE place for high school parties. Now it was peaceful, quiet, and untouched by the devastation in town.

Joyce stripped to her underwear and jumped in. After 15 minutes, she realized she was, in fact, sleepy. Her body felt cool enough for proper rest. She swam to the shore, and curled up on the blanket, letting the scorching July air dry her off, rather than the towel she had balled up as a pillow.

Minutes later, she felt the bridge of her nose being stroked. She smiled dreamily and opened her eyes, expecting to see Hopper.

It was Lonnie. He was sitting at her side, smugly eating one of the apples she had packed. The leering admiration in his eyes was unmistakable and she gasped, hurrying to stand and cover up her almost-nudity.

"Joooy," he drawled. "Heard you were back in town and building on Old Man Hopper's property. Thought I'd come for a visit and check on you and the boys."

He stood and stepped in, using his height to intimidate..

"Damn, you look good."

"Shut up," Joyce snapped.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jim had woke up with a start, realizing she was gone. When he spotted the note however, he smiled to himself. Old Hopper pond. Just like old times.

"Joyce! He called out as he got close to the lake.

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie stumbled back at the sound of Hopper's voice. Collecting himself he grabbed Joyce by the forearm and yanked her towards him

"What the fuck? What kind of sick game is this?" He growled.

"Let. Go. I'll scream."

"For a ghost? That can't be Hopper, he's dead." He didn't release her arm.

She made good her threat.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hearing Joyce scream, Hopper booked it through the woods. "Joyce! Joyce! I'm coming! Hold on!"

He burst through the treeline at the edge of the pond to find Lonnie fucking Byers with his hands on Joyce. Immediately Hopper made his way between them, pulling Joyce free of a confused Lonnie's grasp.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce rubbed her sore forearm after being freed from Lonnie. The shorter man looked bewildered. He recovered with a smug grin.

"Looking good, Jimbo."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

"Wish I could say the same for you. What exactly is it you want?" Jim said, holding his arms out and his chest puffed up. Of all things to happen, the thought he'd never have to deal with this asshole ever again.

[joycemaebyers]

"Nothing from you. I heard my old lady was building on your property and I was curious how she got the dough." Lonnie brazenly gave Joyce another slow once over.

"Maybe I was feeling a little nostalgic. "

Joyce wanted to disappear into her towel, but masked her uneasiness with a snort and an eye roll.

"Lonnie don't be gross."

"You wouldn't mind, would you, Hop? It would be just like old times, me taking off with your girl."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hop stepped closer to Lonnie, standing as tall and broad as he could muster, anger clearly written across his face.

"You will leave her and our family alone and if I ever see you again, I know plenty of hiding spots for bodies in Hawkins. Hell, no one would even miss you. You'd be just another lost soul in the Hawkins tragedy.

[joycemaebyers]

"Family? Those are my boys, and Joyce is my-"

"Ex," Joyce finished. "Your ex. Because we've been finished for years. You were a shitty husband, and you're an even shittier dad. Hop's right. You need to leave."

Lonnie shook his head. "You're fucking crazy. I came here because I wanted to see why you'd be crazy enough to build of this hellhole of a town, and lo and behold, it's because you're spreading your legs for Jim Fucking Hopper again. Lunacy."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hopper shoved Lonnie. "Why don't you do us all a favor and fall in one of those fault line cracks, huh?" He shoved him again. "You had your chance with her and you ruined it. She's with me now, now leave us alone!"

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie fell back onto his ass, but then stood with a sneer.

"Oh I'd love the chance to square up with you, old friend." His hands bawled into fists.

"Think I'm afraid to fight a dead man?"

Joyce groaned.

"Ew. Just go home. No one is going to fight anyone."

"Shut the fuck up, Joyce!" Lonnie ground out. He turned on her. "Hiding behind this scrawny idiot like when you were-"

He caught one of Joyce's right hooks right in the nose. It didn't hurt her one bit, since she had known how to throw a punch since she was in the first grade. Lonnie, however, clearly had a broken nose.

[joycemaebyers]

It was too hot to do any work. Any kid left in the cabin that day was napping in the new back porch. @jimhopperchiefjimhopper was also napping with Joyce in their bedroom. Joyce was too warm to sleep. Too warm to cuddle. She left a note on the nightstand telling Jim she was going to be swimming at the little pond on their property and for him to join her as soon as he was awake. She packed a picnic basket, towels and a blanket.

Hopper Pond had once been THE place for high school parties. Now it was peaceful, quiet, and untouched by the devastation in town.

Joyce stripped to her underwear and jumped in. After 15 minutes, she realized she was, in fact, sleepy. Her body felt cool enough for proper rest. She swam to the shore, and curled up on the blanket, letting the scorching July air dry her off, rather than the towel she had balled up as a pillow.

Minutes later, she felt the bridge of her nose being stroked. She smiled dreamily and opened her eyes, expecting to see Hopper.

It was Lonnie. He was sitting at her side, smugly eating one of the apples she had packed. The leering admiration in his eyes was unmistakable and she gasped, hurrying to stand and cover up her almost-nudity.

"Joooy," he drawled. "Heard you were back in town and building on Old Man Hopper's property. Thought I'd come for a visit and check on you and the boys."

He stood and stepped in, using his height to intimidate..

"Damn, you look good."

"Shut up," Joyce snapped.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jim had woke up with a start, realizing she was gone. When he spotted the note however, he smiled to himself. Old Hopper pond. Just like old times.

"Joyce! He called out as he got close to the lake.

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie stumbled back at the sound of Hopper's voice. Collecting himself he grabbed Joyce by the forearm and yanked her towards him

"What the fuck? What kind of sick game is this?" He growled.

"Let. Go. I'll scream."

"For a ghost? That can't be Hopper, he's dead." He didn't release her arm.

She made good her threat.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hearing Joyce scream, Hopper booked it through the woods. "Joyce! Joyce! I'm coming! Hold on!"

He burst through the treeline at the edge of the pond to find Lonnie fucking Byers with his hands on Joyce. Immediately Hopper made his way between them, pulling Joyce free of a confused Lonnie's grasp.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce rubbed her sore forearm after being freed from Lonnie. The shorter man looked bewildered. He recovered with a smug grin.

"Looking good, Jimbo."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

"Wish I could say the same for you. What exactly is it you want?" Jim said, holding his arms out and his chest puffed up. Of all things to happen, the thought he'd never have to deal with this asshole ever again.

[joycemaebyers]

"Nothing from you. I heard my old lady was building on your property and I was curious how she got the dough." Lonnie brazenly gave Joyce another slow once over.

"Maybe I was feeling a little nostalgic. "

Joyce wanted to disappear into her towel, but masked her uneasiness with a snort and an eye roll.

"Lonnie don't be gross."

"You wouldn't mind, would you, Hop? It would be just like old times, me taking off with your girl."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hop stepped closer to Lonnie, standing as tall and broad as he could muster, anger clearly written across his face.

"You will leave her and our family alone and if I ever see you again, I know plenty of hiding spots for bodies in Hawkins. Hell, no one would even miss you. You'd be just another lost soul in the Hawkins tragedy.

[joycemaebyers]

"Family? Those are my boys, and Joyce is my-"

"Ex," Joyce finished. "Your ex. Because we've been finished for years. You were a shitty husband, and you're an even shittier dad. Hop's right. You need to leave."

Lonnie shook his head. "You're fucking crazy. I came here because I wanted to see why you'd be crazy enough to build of this hellhole of a town, and lo and behold, it's because you're spreading your legs for Jim Fucking Hopper again. Lunacy."

[joycemaebyers]

It was too hot to do any work. Any kid left in the cabin that day was napping in the new back porch. @jimhopperchiefjimhopper was also napping with Joyce in their bedroom. Joyce was too warm to sleep. Too warm to cuddle. She left a note on the nightstand telling Jim she was going to be swimming at the little pond on their property and for him to join her as soon as he was awake. She packed a picnic basket, towels and a blanket.

Hopper Pond had once been THE place for high school parties. Now it was peaceful, quiet, and untouched by the devastation in town.

Joyce stripped to her underwear and jumped in. After 15 minutes, she realized she was, in fact, sleepy. Her body felt cool enough for proper rest. She swam to the shore, and curled up on the blanket, letting the scorching July air dry her off, rather than the towel she had balled up as a pillow.

Minutes later, she felt the bridge of her nose being stroked. She smiled dreamily and opened her eyes, expecting to see Hopper.

It was Lonnie. He was sitting at her side, smugly eating one of the apples she had packed. The leering admiration in his eyes was unmistakable and she gasped, hurrying to stand and cover up her almost-nudity.

"Joooy," he drawled. "Heard you were back in town and building on Old Man Hopper's property. Thought I'd come for a visit and check on you and the boys."

He stood and stepped in, using his height to intimidate..

"Damn, you look good."

"Shut up," Joyce snapped.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jim had woke up with a start, realizing she was gone. When he spotted the note however, he smiled to himself. Old Hopper pond. Just like old times.

"Joyce! He called out as he got close to the lake.

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie stumbled back at the sound of Hopper's voice. Collecting himself he grabbed Joyce by the forearm and yanked her towards him

"What the fuck? What kind of sick game is this?" He growled.

"Let. Go. I'll scream."

"For a ghost? That can't be Hopper, he's dead." He didn't release her arm.

She made good her threat.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hearing Joyce scream, Hopper booked it through the woods. "Joyce! Joyce! I'm coming! Hold on!"

He burst through the treeline at the edge of the pond to find Lonnie fucking Byers with his hands on Joyce. Immediately Hopper made his way between them, pulling Joyce free of a confused Lonnie's grasp.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce rubbed her sore forearm after being freed from Lonnie. The shorter man looked bewildered. He recovered with a smug grin.

"Looking good, Jimbo."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

"Wish I could say the same for you. What exactly is it you want?" Jim said, holding his arms out and his chest puffed up. Of all things to happen, the thought he'd never have to deal with this asshole ever again.

[joycemaebyers]

"Nothing from you. I heard my old lady was building on your property and I was curious how she got the dough." Lonnie brazenly gave Joyce another slow once over.

"Maybe I was feeling a little nostalgic. "

Joyce wanted to disappear into her towel, but masked her uneasiness with a snort and an eye roll.

"Lonnie don't be gross."

"You wouldn't mind, would you, Hop? It would be just like old times, me taking off with your girl."

[joycemaebyers]

It was too hot to do any work. Any kid left in the cabin that day was napping in the new back porch. @jimhopperchiefjimhopper was also napping with Joyce in their bedroom. Joyce was too warm to sleep. Too warm to cuddle. She left a note on the nightstand telling Jim she was going to be swimming at the little pond on their property and for him to join her as soon as he was awake. She packed a picnic basket, towels and a blanket.

Hopper Pond had once been THE place for high school parties. Now it was peaceful, quiet, and untouched by the devastation in town.

Joyce stripped to her underwear and jumped in. After 15 minutes, she realized she was, in fact, sleepy. Her body felt cool enough for proper rest. She swam to the shore, and curled up on the blanket, letting the scorching July air dry her off, rather than the towel she had balled up as a pillow.

Minutes later, she felt the bridge of her nose being stroked. She smiled dreamily and opened her eyes, expecting to see Hopper.

It was Lonnie. He was sitting at her side, smugly eating one of the apples she had packed. The leering admiration in his eyes was unmistakable and she gasped, hurrying to stand and cover up her almost-nudity.

"Joooy," he drawled. "Heard you were back in town and building on Old Man Hopper's property. Thought I'd come for a visit and check on you and the boys."

He stood and stepped in, using his height to intimidate..

"Damn, you look good."

"Shut up," Joyce snapped.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jim had woke up with a start, realizing she was gone. When he spotted the note however, he smiled to himself. Old Hopper pond. Just like old times.

"Joyce! He called out as he got close to the lake.

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie stumbled back at the sound of Hopper's voice. Collecting himself he grabbed Joyce by the forearm and yanked her towards him

"What the fuck? What kind of sick game is this?" He growled.

"Let. Go. I'll scream."

"For a ghost? That can't be Hopper, he's dead." He didn't release her arm.

She made good her threat.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Hearing Joyce scream, Hopper booked it through the woods. "Joyce! Joyce! I'm coming! Hold on!"

He burst through the treeline at the edge of the pond to find Lonnie fucking Byers with his hands on Joyce. Immediately Hopper made his way between them, pulling Joyce free of a confused Lonnie's grasp.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce rubbed her sore forearm after being freed from Lonnie. The shorter man looked bewildered. He recovered with a smug grin.

"Looking good, Jimbo."

[joycemaebyers]

It was too hot to do any work. Any kid left in the cabin that day was napping in the new back porch. @jimhopperchiefjimhopper was also napping with Joyce in their bedroom. Joyce was too warm to sleep. Too warm to cuddle. She left a note on the nightstand telling Jim she was going to be swimming at the little pond on their property and for him to join her as soon as he was awake. She packed a picnic basket, towels and a blanket.

Hopper Pond had once been THE place for high school parties. Now it was peaceful, quiet, and untouched by the devastation in town.

Joyce stripped to her underwear and jumped in. After 15 minutes, she realized she was, in fact, sleepy. Her body felt cool enough for proper rest. She swam to the shore, and curled up on the blanket, letting the scorching July air dry her off, rather than the towel she had balled up as a pillow.

Minutes later, she felt the bridge of her nose being stroked. She smiled dreamily and opened her eyes, expecting to see Hopper.

It was Lonnie. He was sitting at her side, smugly eating one of the apples she had packed. The leering admiration in his eyes was unmistakable and she gasped, hurrying to stand and cover up her almost-nudity.

"Joooy," he drawled. "Heard you were back in town and building on Old Man Hopper's property. Thought I'd come for a visit and check on you and the boys."

He stood and stepped in, using his height to intimidate..

"Damn, you look good."

"Shut up," Joyce snapped.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jim had woke up with a start, realizing she was gone. When he spotted the note however, he smiled to himself. Old Hopper pond. Just like old times.

"Joyce! He called out as he got close to the lake.

[joycemaebyers]

Lonnie stumbled back at the sound of Hopper's voice. Collecting himself he grabbed Joyce by the forearm and yanked her towards him

"What the fuck? What kind of sick game is this?" He growled.

"Let. Go. I'll scream."

"For a ghost? That can't be Hopper, he's dead." He didn't release her arm.

She made good her threat.

[joycemaebyers]

It was too hot to do any work. Any kid left in the cabin that day was napping in the new back porch. @jimhopperchiefjimhopper was also napping with Joyce in their bedroom. Joyce was too warm to sleep. Too warm to cuddle. She left a note on the nightstand telling Jim she was going to be swimming at the little pond on their property and for him to join her as soon as he was awake. She packed a picnic basket, towels and a blanket.

Hopper Pond had once been THE place for high school parties. Now it was peaceful, quiet, and untouched by the devastation in town.

Joyce stripped to her underwear and jumped in. After 15 minutes, she realized she was, in fact, sleepy. Her body felt cool enough for proper rest. She swam to the shore, and curled up on the blanket, letting the scorching July air dry her off, rather than the towel she had balled up as a pillow.

Minutes later, she felt the bridge of her nose being stroked. She smiled dreamily and opened her eyes, expecting to see Hopper.

It was Lonnie. He was sitting at her side, smugly eating one of the apples she had packed. The leering admiration in his eyes was unmistakable and she gasped, hurrying to stand and cover up her almost-nudity.

"Joooy," he drawled. "Heard you were back in town and building on Old Man Hopper's property. Thought I'd come for a visit and check on you and the boys."

He stood and stepped in, using his height to intimidate..

"Damn, you look good."

"Shut up," Joyce snapped.

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce is on the porch sorting through the many packages of belongings that just arrived from California. She thanked the heavens for slow delivery and quick construction, as the old cabin finally had a patched up roof, plus a new addition that provided more sleep and storage space.

@jimhopperchiefjimhopper carried another box onto the porch and settled next to her just as she opened a box of documents. The top document made her gasp.

She had almost forgotten about the posthumous marriage certificate. It had all been a formality, something to ensure a quick transference of Hopper's assets and a secure adoption of El.

So much had happened that Joyce has clean neglected to fill Hop in on it. But there it was.

Legally binding.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Her gasp made Him turn towards her. "What? You okay?" He asked, pausing as he dug through a box of his chief of police things .

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce hummed.

"So. Promise you won't be mad. But you know how you never made a will?" She cringed as she handed him the document.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

Jim's eyes scanned the paper. "So....we're married?" He asked, a little dumbfounded.

[joycemaebyers]

"Umm... yeah a little. It just made it easier for me to take care of El and your assets until she was old enough to inherit. Hopper, we had no idea this place comes with fifty acres running to your old trailer! Or that you saved up like that. Anyway, it also helped when it came for me to adopt her. Owens fudged it a little so we technically got married at the end of last June before you..." She waved a hand. "You know."

She grabbed the paper and folded it.

"If that's too much, and I understand if it is we could always divorce. Not break up, but just... " She sighed feeling her insides twist.

"How are you feeling?"

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

"Hmmm... Hang on a second." He said, getting up and walking into the house. Soon he returned and kneeled in front of her on one knee.

"Joyce, will you marry me?"

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce choked out a surprised laugh.

"Hopper, really?" She saw he was serious.

"I mean, yeah, of course."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

"I'm a little unprepared, no ring." He laughed as he took her left hand. "So here's a placeholder." He grinned broadly as he tied a piece of string around her ring finger and knotted it with a bow.

"Can't believe I had to die for you to marry me." He teased before he stood up and kissed her forehead.

[joycemaebyers]

"It felt very weird, to be honest," Joyce admitted as she admired the string around her ring finger.

"I had thought about going by Joyce Hopper when we went to California, but I didn't want to freak out the boys." She beamed up at him.

"I think they're going to have to get used to it though. It's got a nice ring."

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

He smiled at her and stood to kiss her forehead. "I think it does. Then I'll have Joyce and Jane Hopper and the Byers boys. If the boys will have me." He chuckled.

[joycemaebyers]

"I think they will. You've been ten times the man Lonnie ever was." Mentioning that man's name still made her feel mean and bitter. She hadn't even heard from him since their last shouting match when Will disappeared. Maybe he was dead. Who knew? There had been no reply when she tried to reach him to tell him they were moving to California.

It made her sad for the boys.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

He sat and pulled her hand to rest in his thigh, lacing his fingers with hers. "I dunno, I sense Jonathan may have some problems with it. We may be moving a little too fast for all three of them, honestly. Surprise! I'm alive! Surprise! We're dating! Surprise! We're married!"

[joycemaebyers]

"Life comes at you fast when you're facing an apocalypse. Speaking of Jonathan, his little stoner buddy has been helping me with the greenhouse. He gave me this." Joyce produced a plastic baggie with a sizeable blunt inside.

"You're not a cop anymore so whaddya say? I'm too tired to go into town to pick up champagne. I bet I can even find my old Stones records in one of these boxes." She grinned and hummed a few bars of 'Time is on My Side'.

[jimhopperchiefjimhopper]

"Alright!" He grinned. "Sounds like a good time to me! Thank God for generous stoners. I think I just saw my lighter in one of these boxes... "

"If Jonathan comes home to find us both high he may either be impressed or appalled."

[joycemaebyers]

Joyce snorted.

"He thought he was so sneaky back in California. Meanwhile, I was pinching off his supply here and there. Argyle caught me once and let me hang out in the back of his van like one of the cool kids." Once he had located a lighter, Joyce pulled him into the cabin. They situated themselves in the new bathroom, Joyce sitting, fully clothed in the garden tub, Hopper sitting on the edge. The record player's music drifted in softly from the next room.

"This was an excellent idea, husband."