Maybe I Am A Mess

Joyce Byers and Nancy Wheeler rp blog. Please read https://lightsnevercomingdown.tumblr.com/Rules Follows from Libri-e-amore

[hoppxr]

@lightsnevercomingdown

He shifts awkwardly in his seat, trying to look at anything but her. She would be a welcome distraction from the turbulence and numerous questionable noises that Katinka makes as she takes them over the water back to Alaska. But Murray watches them like a hawk and, if his breakdown the year before had been anything to go by, Hop knows the man's gloating would be unbearable.

Still, he can't resist, subtly letting his pinkie brush against Joyce's leg as she sits beside him, a hint of a smirk on his lips as he keeps his focus out the window. It can't be long now...

They hadn't had a moment alone since that moment in the church. Always accompanied by Murray, or Yuri or Antonov. Knowing that they'll spend a night in Alaska is the only thing getting him through this flight.

xXx

They arrive sooner that he had expected. A car awaits them at the airfield, driving the five to a nearby hotel. By now, he's beginning to anticipate having a real bed to sleep in more than anything. When they arrive, they find that a room has been booked for each of them. That'll keep Murray quiet.

He waits around fifteen minutes before leaving his room, making his way to the floor below and knocking lightly on Joyce's door. When she answers, its clear she's about to take a bath, and he doesn't blame her.

"If you want me to leave, I get it..."

[hoppxr]

Nothing fills the air save for the sound of heavy breathing as they both slowly return to reality. Perhaps it had been the fact they were in the motel or their exhaustion, but the night they spent together in Alaska had been nothing compared to this. It was as though all thirty years of pent-up feeling had exploded tonight.

"I uh..." it wasn't often that Jim was lost for words, but he found himself entirely incapacitated. All he could do was chuckle.

[lightsnevercomingdown]

She knew he wasn’t exactly laughing at her. Perhaps it was just where they found themselves after all this time. She took a moment to listen, to make sure the kids hadn’t come back. Then she rolled over to hold him and to be held. To soak up the moment. “Yeah,” she whispered. “Yeah.”

[hoppxr]

@lightsnevercomingdown

He shifts awkwardly in his seat, trying to look at anything but her. She would be a welcome distraction from the turbulence and numerous questionable noises that Katinka makes as she takes them over the water back to Alaska. But Murray watches them like a hawk and, if his breakdown the year before had been anything to go by, Hop knows the man's gloating would be unbearable.

Still, he can't resist, subtly letting his pinkie brush against Joyce's leg as she sits beside him, a hint of a smirk on his lips as he keeps his focus out the window. It can't be long now...

They hadn't had a moment alone since that moment in the church. Always accompanied by Murray, or Yuri or Antonov. Knowing that they'll spend a night in Alaska is the only thing getting him through this flight.

xXx

They arrive sooner that he had expected. A car awaits them at the airfield, driving the five to a nearby hotel. By now, he's beginning to anticipate having a real bed to sleep in more than anything. When they arrive, they find that a room has been booked for each of them. That'll keep Murray quiet.

He waits around fifteen minutes before leaving his room, making his way to the floor below and knocking lightly on Joyce's door. When she answers, its clear she's about to take a bath, and he doesn't blame her.

"If you want me to leave, I get it..."

[hoppxr]

"I think you're right," he murmurs, drawing her into a heated kiss as his hands already work at pulling her t-shirt off over her head.

Things felt...right, now. Tension had been too high in that cabin for him to truly allow himself to listen to his desire, but what was there to stop him now?

[lightsnevercomingdown]

She melted under his touch. It was getting to the point that she craved him. Pushing him towards the bed, she tugged at his shirt. “Hop… Jim… please…”

[hoppxr]

He's entirely at her mercy, moving backwards towards the bed and falling to sit on the edge the moment his knees hit it. He helps her in removing his shirt before he pulls her into his lap, hands roaming her bare back as they kiss.

[lightsnevercomingdown]

Her heart was pounding in her ears again. She was flying already, soaring close towards pleasure. Towards him. They belonged together. “Jim,” she sighed. These moments were never going to be taken for granted or wasted. Not now, not after everything they had been through.

[hoppxr]

@lightsnevercomingdown

He shifts awkwardly in his seat, trying to look at anything but her. She would be a welcome distraction from the turbulence and numerous questionable noises that Katinka makes as she takes them over the water back to Alaska. But Murray watches them like a hawk and, if his breakdown the year before had been anything to go by, Hop knows the man's gloating would be unbearable.

Still, he can't resist, subtly letting his pinkie brush against Joyce's leg as she sits beside him, a hint of a smirk on his lips as he keeps his focus out the window. It can't be long now...

They hadn't had a moment alone since that moment in the church. Always accompanied by Murray, or Yuri or Antonov. Knowing that they'll spend a night in Alaska is the only thing getting him through this flight.

xXx

They arrive sooner that he had expected. A car awaits them at the airfield, driving the five to a nearby hotel. By now, he's beginning to anticipate having a real bed to sleep in more than anything. When they arrive, they find that a room has been booked for each of them. That'll keep Murray quiet.

He waits around fifteen minutes before leaving his room, making his way to the floor below and knocking lightly on Joyce's door. When she answers, its clear she's about to take a bath, and he doesn't blame her.

"If you want me to leave, I get it..."

[hoppxr]

"I think you're right," he murmurs, drawing her into a heated kiss as his hands already work at pulling her t-shirt off over her head.

Things felt...right, now. Tension had been too high in that cabin for him to truly allow himself to listen to his desire, but what was there to stop him now?

[lightsnevercomingdown]

She melted under his touch. It was getting to the point that she craved him. Pushing him towards the bed, she tugged at his shirt. “Hop… Jim… please…”

[hoppxr]

@lightsnevercomingdown

He shifts awkwardly in his seat, trying to look at anything but her. She would be a welcome distraction from the turbulence and numerous questionable noises that Katinka makes as she takes them over the water back to Alaska. But Murray watches them like a hawk and, if his breakdown the year before had been anything to go by, Hop knows the man's gloating would be unbearable.

Still, he can't resist, subtly letting his pinkie brush against Joyce's leg as she sits beside him, a hint of a smirk on his lips as he keeps his focus out the window. It can't be long now...

They hadn't had a moment alone since that moment in the church. Always accompanied by Murray, or Yuri or Antonov. Knowing that they'll spend a night in Alaska is the only thing getting him through this flight.

xXx

They arrive sooner that he had expected. A car awaits them at the airfield, driving the five to a nearby hotel. By now, he's beginning to anticipate having a real bed to sleep in more than anything. When they arrive, they find that a room has been booked for each of them. That'll keep Murray quiet.

He waits around fifteen minutes before leaving his room, making his way to the floor below and knocking lightly on Joyce's door. When she answers, its clear she's about to take a bath, and he doesn't blame her.

"If you want me to leave, I get it..."

[lightsnevercomingdown]

“I think you have,” she purred. “It’s how you take care of all of us.” Knowing now that the kids were gone, were occupied for a bit, she led him to the large master bedroom. “How you take care of me, Hop.”

[hoppxr]

He's completely lost to her, always would be now. He doesn't even bother looking where they're going as she leads him, eyes fixed solely on her. He's so fiercely in love with her, but he knows he can never truly put it into words.

When he realises they're in the bedroom, he can't help but smirk.

"Real subtle, honey."

[lightsnevercomingdown]

Raising one brow, she teased “You usually need the obvious.” Sometimes he seemed reluctant to take the hints. “Now, c’mere, I think we were in the middle of something before we got interrupted.”

[hoppxr]

@lightsnevercomingdown

He shifts awkwardly in his seat, trying to look at anything but her. She would be a welcome distraction from the turbulence and numerous questionable noises that Katinka makes as she takes them over the water back to Alaska. But Murray watches them like a hawk and, if his breakdown the year before had been anything to go by, Hop knows the man's gloating would be unbearable.

Still, he can't resist, subtly letting his pinkie brush against Joyce's leg as she sits beside him, a hint of a smirk on his lips as he keeps his focus out the window. It can't be long now...

They hadn't had a moment alone since that moment in the church. Always accompanied by Murray, or Yuri or Antonov. Knowing that they'll spend a night in Alaska is the only thing getting him through this flight.

xXx

They arrive sooner that he had expected. A car awaits them at the airfield, driving the five to a nearby hotel. By now, he's beginning to anticipate having a real bed to sleep in more than anything. When they arrive, they find that a room has been booked for each of them. That'll keep Murray quiet.

He waits around fifteen minutes before leaving his room, making his way to the floor below and knocking lightly on Joyce's door. When she answers, its clear she's about to take a bath, and he doesn't blame her.

"If you want me to leave, I get it..."

[lightsnevercomingdown]

“I think you have,” she purred. “It’s how you take care of all of us.” Knowing now that the kids were gone, were occupied for a bit, she led him to the large master bedroom. “How you take care of me, Hop.”

[hoppxr]

@lightsnevercomingdown

He shifts awkwardly in his seat, trying to look at anything but her. She would be a welcome distraction from the turbulence and numerous questionable noises that Katinka makes as she takes them over the water back to Alaska. But Murray watches them like a hawk and, if his breakdown the year before had been anything to go by, Hop knows the man's gloating would be unbearable.

Still, he can't resist, subtly letting his pinkie brush against Joyce's leg as she sits beside him, a hint of a smirk on his lips as he keeps his focus out the window. It can't be long now...

They hadn't had a moment alone since that moment in the church. Always accompanied by Murray, or Yuri or Antonov. Knowing that they'll spend a night in Alaska is the only thing getting him through this flight.

xXx

They arrive sooner that he had expected. A car awaits them at the airfield, driving the five to a nearby hotel. By now, he's beginning to anticipate having a real bed to sleep in more than anything. When they arrive, they find that a room has been booked for each of them. That'll keep Murray quiet.

He waits around fifteen minutes before leaving his room, making his way to the floor below and knocking lightly on Joyce's door. When she answers, its clear she's about to take a bath, and he doesn't blame her.

"If you want me to leave, I get it..."

[hoppxr]

"I was a teenage boy filled with raging hormones," he smirked. "Of course I wanted you. Think half the boys in high school did."

But back then, she'd only wanted Lonnie. Even now, Jim was still bitter about it.

"Spent my whole life since then just wishing you'd look my way for once..."

[lightsnevercomingdown]

Somehow she couldn’t believe it. She had felt on the edge of everything, not exactly cool, not an outcast… one of the “bad girls” sure, but not worth the desire of half the boys in school. “Always figured I just annoyed you every time I tried to bum a cigarette,” she whispered, nuzzling him.

[hoppxr]

"The only time you annoyed me was when you nagged me about my grades like you were my mom or somethin'," he murmurs, sitting down on one of the stools at the island and gently taking her hand. "Sharing those cigarettes with you...that was the only thing that got me through each day."

[lightsnevercomingdown]

When he sat down like that it was easier to look him in the eyes. “I knew you had something special inside,” she answered. “Knew you should get your chance to get out.” Then she kissed him slowly, pressing closer to him. “But now I got you and I’m not letting you get away.”

[hoppxr]

@lightsnevercomingdown

He shifts awkwardly in his seat, trying to look at anything but her. She would be a welcome distraction from the turbulence and numerous questionable noises that Katinka makes as she takes them over the water back to Alaska. But Murray watches them like a hawk and, if his breakdown the year before had been anything to go by, Hop knows the man's gloating would be unbearable.

Still, he can't resist, subtly letting his pinkie brush against Joyce's leg as she sits beside him, a hint of a smirk on his lips as he keeps his focus out the window. It can't be long now...

They hadn't had a moment alone since that moment in the church. Always accompanied by Murray, or Yuri or Antonov. Knowing that they'll spend a night in Alaska is the only thing getting him through this flight.

xXx

They arrive sooner that he had expected. A car awaits them at the airfield, driving the five to a nearby hotel. By now, he's beginning to anticipate having a real bed to sleep in more than anything. When they arrive, they find that a room has been booked for each of them. That'll keep Murray quiet.

He waits around fifteen minutes before leaving his room, making his way to the floor below and knocking lightly on Joyce's door. When she answers, its clear she's about to take a bath, and he doesn't blame her.

"If you want me to leave, I get it..."

[hoppxr]

"I was a teenage boy filled with raging hormones," he smirked. "Of course I wanted you. Think half the boys in high school did."

But back then, she'd only wanted Lonnie. Even now, Jim was still bitter about it.

"Spent my whole life since then just wishing you'd look my way for once..."

[lightsnevercomingdown]

Somehow she couldn’t believe it. She had felt on the edge of everything, not exactly cool, not an outcast… one of the “bad girls” sure, but not worth the desire of half the boys in school. “Always figured I just annoyed you every time I tried to bum a cigarette,” she whispered, nuzzling him.

[hoppxr]

@lightsnevercomingdown

He shifts awkwardly in his seat, trying to look at anything but her. She would be a welcome distraction from the turbulence and numerous questionable noises that Katinka makes as she takes them over the water back to Alaska. But Murray watches them like a hawk and, if his breakdown the year before had been anything to go by, Hop knows the man's gloating would be unbearable.

Still, he can't resist, subtly letting his pinkie brush against Joyce's leg as she sits beside him, a hint of a smirk on his lips as he keeps his focus out the window. It can't be long now...

They hadn't had a moment alone since that moment in the church. Always accompanied by Murray, or Yuri or Antonov. Knowing that they'll spend a night in Alaska is the only thing getting him through this flight.

xXx

They arrive sooner that he had expected. A car awaits them at the airfield, driving the five to a nearby hotel. By now, he's beginning to anticipate having a real bed to sleep in more than anything. When they arrive, they find that a room has been booked for each of them. That'll keep Murray quiet.

He waits around fifteen minutes before leaving his room, making his way to the floor below and knocking lightly on Joyce's door. When she answers, its clear she's about to take a bath, and he doesn't blame her.

"If you want me to leave, I get it..."

[hoppxr]

"You wouldn't last five minutes in a separate room," he smirks, moving to nip at her neck as his hands draw her closer. "The way you cling to me at night...I'm surprised you haven't left a permanent imprint on me."

[lightsnevercomingdown]

It was embarrassing the way she wanted to whimper. Her body responded to him in a way she would never imagine she had inside her again. “You’re one to talk,” she groaned. “Wrap around me like I’m your teddy bear or something. I don’t think you could sleep without me if I paid you.”

[hoppxr]

"I'm sure I could find a teddy bear even bigger than you," he chuckles, one hand sliding beneath her shirt to feel her bare back against his palm as he kissed her, almost heatedly. It had been a while... "You could try paying me. I'm sure I'd sleep just fine then.F

[lightsnevercomingdown]

With a soft groan she barely looked to see if they were alone. “You still would come find me,” she mumbled. “You can’t resist me, can ya Hop?”

[hoppxr]

"Not when you made me wait thirty years," he whispers against her lips, hands moving to her hips and lifting her with ease onto the kitchen island as they kissed.

Only when he hears footsteps on the staircase does he remember that they're not alone. Quickly, he breaks the kiss and helps her down, giving her a look that tells her they'll resume this later. And, sure enough, Will and El make an appearance. Jim can only hope they don't notice how flustered he and Joyce look.

"Dustin radioed...they moved him into the house across the street," Will explained. "Can we go? Jonathan already left for Nancy's..."

Jim wastes no time in saying yes, knowing Joyce would be just as eager for some alone time after their sudden explosion of heat moments ago. And besides, the security would be following El's every move.

As soon as they're alone once more, he turns back to Joyce with smirk.

"Where were we?"

[lightsnevercomingdown]

Joyce knew she probably looked guilty. It was probably worse than those times she had to pretend not to know that Nancy had stayed over with Jonathan.

It was nice that Dustin was close by. El and Will needed not just a friend close by, but a friend who knew and understood everything they had been through. And since Dustin seemed more often than not to understand when something was wrong faster than some of the others, she knew they would be safe there.

When Hopper asked that, she blushed, almost looking away. Somehow she was nervous about this. Why? They had been here before after all. “Thirty years? No way you seriously wanted me then.”

[hoppxr]

@lightsnevercomingdown

He shifts awkwardly in his seat, trying to look at anything but her. She would be a welcome distraction from the turbulence and numerous questionable noises that Katinka makes as she takes them over the water back to Alaska. But Murray watches them like a hawk and, if his breakdown the year before had been anything to go by, Hop knows the man's gloating would be unbearable.

Still, he can't resist, subtly letting his pinkie brush against Joyce's leg as she sits beside him, a hint of a smirk on his lips as he keeps his focus out the window. It can't be long now...

They hadn't had a moment alone since that moment in the church. Always accompanied by Murray, or Yuri or Antonov. Knowing that they'll spend a night in Alaska is the only thing getting him through this flight.

xXx

They arrive sooner that he had expected. A car awaits them at the airfield, driving the five to a nearby hotel. By now, he's beginning to anticipate having a real bed to sleep in more than anything. When they arrive, they find that a room has been booked for each of them. That'll keep Murray quiet.

He waits around fifteen minutes before leaving his room, making his way to the floor below and knocking lightly on Joyce's door. When she answers, its clear she's about to take a bath, and he doesn't blame her.

"If you want me to leave, I get it..."

[hoppxr]

"You wouldn't last five minutes in a separate room," he smirks, moving to nip at her neck as his hands draw her closer. "The way you cling to me at night...I'm surprised you haven't left a permanent imprint on me."

[lightsnevercomingdown]

It was embarrassing the way she wanted to whimper. Her body responded to him in a way she would never imagine she had inside her again. “You’re one to talk,” she groaned. “Wrap around me like I’m your teddy bear or something. I don’t think you could sleep without me if I paid you.”

[hoppxr]

"I'm sure I could find a teddy bear even bigger than you," he chuckles, one hand sliding beneath her shirt to feel her bare back against his palm as he kissed her, almost heatedly. It had been a while... "You could try paying me. I'm sure I'd sleep just fine then.F

[lightsnevercomingdown]

With a soft groan she barely looked to see if they were alone. “You still would come find me,” she mumbled. “You can’t resist me, can ya Hop?”

[hoppxr]

@lightsnevercomingdown

He shifts awkwardly in his seat, trying to look at anything but her. She would be a welcome distraction from the turbulence and numerous questionable noises that Katinka makes as she takes them over the water back to Alaska. But Murray watches them like a hawk and, if his breakdown the year before had been anything to go by, Hop knows the man's gloating would be unbearable.

Still, he can't resist, subtly letting his pinkie brush against Joyce's leg as she sits beside him, a hint of a smirk on his lips as he keeps his focus out the window. It can't be long now...

They hadn't had a moment alone since that moment in the church. Always accompanied by Murray, or Yuri or Antonov. Knowing that they'll spend a night in Alaska is the only thing getting him through this flight.

xXx

They arrive sooner that he had expected. A car awaits them at the airfield, driving the five to a nearby hotel. By now, he's beginning to anticipate having a real bed to sleep in more than anything. When they arrive, they find that a room has been booked for each of them. That'll keep Murray quiet.

He waits around fifteen minutes before leaving his room, making his way to the floor below and knocking lightly on Joyce's door. When she answers, its clear she's about to take a bath, and he doesn't blame her.

"If you want me to leave, I get it..."

[hoppxr]

"You wouldn't last five minutes in a separate room," he smirks, moving to nip at her neck as his hands draw her closer. "The way you cling to me at night...I'm surprised you haven't left a permanent imprint on me."

[lightsnevercomingdown]

It was embarrassing the way she wanted to whimper. Her body responded to him in a way she would never imagine she had inside her again. “You’re one to talk,” she groaned. “Wrap around me like I’m your teddy bear or something. I don’t think you could sleep without me if I paid you.”

[hoppxr]

@lightsnevercomingdown

He shifts awkwardly in his seat, trying to look at anything but her. She would be a welcome distraction from the turbulence and numerous questionable noises that Katinka makes as she takes them over the water back to Alaska. But Murray watches them like a hawk and, if his breakdown the year before had been anything to go by, Hop knows the man's gloating would be unbearable.

Still, he can't resist, subtly letting his pinkie brush against Joyce's leg as she sits beside him, a hint of a smirk on his lips as he keeps his focus out the window. It can't be long now...

They hadn't had a moment alone since that moment in the church. Always accompanied by Murray, or Yuri or Antonov. Knowing that they'll spend a night in Alaska is the only thing getting him through this flight.

xXx

They arrive sooner that he had expected. A car awaits them at the airfield, driving the five to a nearby hotel. By now, he's beginning to anticipate having a real bed to sleep in more than anything. When they arrive, they find that a room has been booked for each of them. That'll keep Murray quiet.

He waits around fifteen minutes before leaving his room, making his way to the floor below and knocking lightly on Joyce's door. When she answers, its clear she's about to take a bath, and he doesn't blame her.

"If you want me to leave, I get it..."

[lightsnevercomingdown]

It was nice having another adult to help take charge and make things happen. She sometimes felt helpless trying to wrangle three teenagers. “This is only gonna get worse, kids. And look, think about what usually happens in Hawkins. Do you really believe it’s safe for us here?”

[hoppxr]

It takes a while, but eventually, the kids reluctantly agree and begin to pack. It doesn't take long, the cabin having only held the bare minimum. As Jim goes to load the truck they'd bought, a black car rolls up beside it. He gives Joyce a look, telling her to get inside, before he looks to the agent who just exited the vehicle.

The agent explains that they're moving the family to a house outside Hawkins, because they need both Jim and El close by. After all, they knew the Upside Down better than anyone. Jim wants to argue, but he knows its futile. They could run, but the agents would only hunt them down. And so, with a reluctance, he agrees.

xXx

The house they're placed in is bigger than anything Jim had ever lived in before. One of those new ones that no one had wanted to buy because the price had been to high. He's glad to see they're actually being put to some use- he'd had many a call out to chase away squatters from this particular estate.

He's relieved to find the house fully decorated and stocked, though he knows its simply to sweeten the deal. He decides he'll play along...for now.

As the kids run upstairs to pick their bedrooms, Jim turns to Joyce, offering her an almost sad smile. Because though he knows they'll be comfortable here, they're far from out of danger.

"Never thought somewhere like this would be our first home together..."

[lightsnevercomingdown]

There was something eerie about them being just given a house. Nobody was looking to buy a home in Hawkins any more, that’s for sure. But this house was beyond anything she had ever imagined for herself, for her kids. The kitchen alone was amazing. Hearing Jim, she almost laughed. Then what he said struck her.

“Does that mean you’ve been thinking about us having a home together?” Joyce teased, hugging him. “Never thought I’d live anyplace like this. At least… at least it’s near the edge of town.” It would keep them away from the epicenter of the danger, it seemed.

[hoppxr]

"Been thinkin' about more than that," he murmurs fondly, gazing down at her as his arms rest around her middle. "Just a shame its not really ours."

When they'd been moved, the agents had taken their truck and stationed security outside the house. They couldn't get away, even if they tried.

"I suppose there are worse people to be kept prisoner with," he teases, kissing her cheek. "You don't snore as loud as Antonov."

[lightsnevercomingdown]

She rolled her eyes and poked gently over his heart. “For now it’s ours. For now we’re… okay.” She wasn’t sure what might happen next, but as long as they were safe it would do. “You snore like a bear with a cold,” she laughed. “Maybe we should have separate rooms.”

[hoppxr]

@lightsnevercomingdown

He shifts awkwardly in his seat, trying to look at anything but her. She would be a welcome distraction from the turbulence and numerous questionable noises that Katinka makes as she takes them over the water back to Alaska. But Murray watches them like a hawk and, if his breakdown the year before had been anything to go by, Hop knows the man's gloating would be unbearable.

Still, he can't resist, subtly letting his pinkie brush against Joyce's leg as she sits beside him, a hint of a smirk on his lips as he keeps his focus out the window. It can't be long now...

They hadn't had a moment alone since that moment in the church. Always accompanied by Murray, or Yuri or Antonov. Knowing that they'll spend a night in Alaska is the only thing getting him through this flight.

xXx

They arrive sooner that he had expected. A car awaits them at the airfield, driving the five to a nearby hotel. By now, he's beginning to anticipate having a real bed to sleep in more than anything. When they arrive, they find that a room has been booked for each of them. That'll keep Murray quiet.

He waits around fifteen minutes before leaving his room, making his way to the floor below and knocking lightly on Joyce's door. When she answers, its clear she's about to take a bath, and he doesn't blame her.

"If you want me to leave, I get it..."

[lightsnevercomingdown]

It was nice having another adult to help take charge and make things happen. She sometimes felt helpless trying to wrangle three teenagers. “This is only gonna get worse, kids. And look, think about what usually happens in Hawkins. Do you really believe it’s safe for us here?”

[hoppxr]

It takes a while, but eventually, the kids reluctantly agree and begin to pack. It doesn't take long, the cabin having only held the bare minimum. As Jim goes to load the truck they'd bought, a black car rolls up beside it. He gives Joyce a look, telling her to get inside, before he looks to the agent who just exited the vehicle.

The agent explains that they're moving the family to a house outside Hawkins, because they need both Jim and El close by. After all, they knew the Upside Down better than anyone. Jim wants to argue, but he knows its futile. They could run, but the agents would only hunt them down. And so, with a reluctance, he agrees.

xXx

The house they're placed in is bigger than anything Jim had ever lived in before. One of those new ones that no one had wanted to buy because the price had been to high. He's glad to see they're actually being put to some use- he'd had many a call out to chase away squatters from this particular estate.

He's relieved to find the house fully decorated and stocked, though he knows its simply to sweeten the deal. He decides he'll play along...for now.

As the kids run upstairs to pick their bedrooms, Jim turns to Joyce, offering her an almost sad smile. Because though he knows they'll be comfortable here, they're far from out of danger.

"Never thought somewhere like this would be our first home together..."

[lightsnevercomingdown]

There was something eerie about them being just given a house. Nobody was looking to buy a home in Hawkins any more, that’s for sure. But this house was beyond anything she had ever imagined for herself, for her kids. The kitchen alone was amazing. Hearing Jim, she almost laughed. Then what he said struck her.

“Does that mean you’ve been thinking about us having a home together?” Joyce teased, hugging him. “Never thought I’d live anyplace like this. At least… at least it’s near the edge of town.” It would keep them away from the epicenter of the danger, it seemed.

[hoppxr]

@lightsnevercomingdown

He shifts awkwardly in his seat, trying to look at anything but her. She would be a welcome distraction from the turbulence and numerous questionable noises that Katinka makes as she takes them over the water back to Alaska. But Murray watches them like a hawk and, if his breakdown the year before had been anything to go by, Hop knows the man's gloating would be unbearable.

Still, he can't resist, subtly letting his pinkie brush against Joyce's leg as she sits beside him, a hint of a smirk on his lips as he keeps his focus out the window. It can't be long now...

They hadn't had a moment alone since that moment in the church. Always accompanied by Murray, or Yuri or Antonov. Knowing that they'll spend a night in Alaska is the only thing getting him through this flight.

xXx

They arrive sooner that he had expected. A car awaits them at the airfield, driving the five to a nearby hotel. By now, he's beginning to anticipate having a real bed to sleep in more than anything. When they arrive, they find that a room has been booked for each of them. That'll keep Murray quiet.

He waits around fifteen minutes before leaving his room, making his way to the floor below and knocking lightly on Joyce's door. When she answers, its clear she's about to take a bath, and he doesn't blame her.

"If you want me to leave, I get it..."

[lightsnevercomingdown]

It was nice having another adult to help take charge and make things happen. She sometimes felt helpless trying to wrangle three teenagers. “This is only gonna get worse, kids. And look, think about what usually happens in Hawkins. Do you really believe it’s safe for us here?”

[hoppxr]

@lightsnevercomingdown

He shifts awkwardly in his seat, trying to look at anything but her. She would be a welcome distraction from the turbulence and numerous questionable noises that Katinka makes as she takes them over the water back to Alaska. But Murray watches them like a hawk and, if his breakdown the year before had been anything to go by, Hop knows the man's gloating would be unbearable.

Still, he can't resist, subtly letting his pinkie brush against Joyce's leg as she sits beside him, a hint of a smirk on his lips as he keeps his focus out the window. It can't be long now...

They hadn't had a moment alone since that moment in the church. Always accompanied by Murray, or Yuri or Antonov. Knowing that they'll spend a night in Alaska is the only thing getting him through this flight.

xXx

They arrive sooner that he had expected. A car awaits them at the airfield, driving the five to a nearby hotel. By now, he's beginning to anticipate having a real bed to sleep in more than anything. When they arrive, they find that a room has been booked for each of them. That'll keep Murray quiet.

He waits around fifteen minutes before leaving his room, making his way to the floor below and knocking lightly on Joyce's door. When she answers, its clear she's about to take a bath, and he doesn't blame her.

"If you want me to leave, I get it..."

[lightsnevercomingdown]

For a moment Joyce just watched the pair. She knew just how El had suffered missing Jim all this time. Letting them have even a little time to just reconnect would be good for them both. After pouring her own cup, she sat on the other side of Jim, resting against him easily. It was nice to have a few quiet moments before chaos hit again.

[hoppxr]

He throws an arm around each of them, pressing a kiss to the top of each of their heads. With the pair of them at his side, it was easy to forget that the world was closing in around them.

Just then, Will and Jonathan walk in, Will instantly nudging Jonathan when he saw Jim with his arm around Joyce, demanding the ten dollars he apparently owes him now.

"Really?" Jim rolls his eyes. "You were taking bets?"

[lightsnevercomingdown]

“Told you,” Joyce whispered, chuckling softly. He really believed that the kids wouldn’t pick up on what had changed between them. “Boys, c’mere, we gotta… we gotta make some plans.” She looked at Jim hesitantly before going on. “We think we should leave Hawkins, get out before anything else happens.”

[hoppxr]

@lightsnevercomingdown

He shifts awkwardly in his seat, trying to look at anything but her. She would be a welcome distraction from the turbulence and numerous questionable noises that Katinka makes as she takes them over the water back to Alaska. But Murray watches them like a hawk and, if his breakdown the year before had been anything to go by, Hop knows the man's gloating would be unbearable.

Still, he can't resist, subtly letting his pinkie brush against Joyce's leg as she sits beside him, a hint of a smirk on his lips as he keeps his focus out the window. It can't be long now...

They hadn't had a moment alone since that moment in the church. Always accompanied by Murray, or Yuri or Antonov. Knowing that they'll spend a night in Alaska is the only thing getting him through this flight.

xXx

They arrive sooner that he had expected. A car awaits them at the airfield, driving the five to a nearby hotel. By now, he's beginning to anticipate having a real bed to sleep in more than anything. When they arrive, they find that a room has been booked for each of them. That'll keep Murray quiet.

He waits around fifteen minutes before leaving his room, making his way to the floor below and knocking lightly on Joyce's door. When she answers, its clear she's about to take a bath, and he doesn't blame her.

"If you want me to leave, I get it..."

[lightsnevercomingdown]

For a moment Joyce just watched the pair. She knew just how El had suffered missing Jim all this time. Letting them have even a little time to just reconnect would be good for them both. After pouring her own cup, she sat on the other side of Jim, resting against him easily. It was nice to have a few quiet moments before chaos hit again.

[hoppxr]

@lightsnevercomingdown

He shifts awkwardly in his seat, trying to look at anything but her. She would be a welcome distraction from the turbulence and numerous questionable noises that Katinka makes as she takes them over the water back to Alaska. But Murray watches them like a hawk and, if his breakdown the year before had been anything to go by, Hop knows the man's gloating would be unbearable.

Still, he can't resist, subtly letting his pinkie brush against Joyce's leg as she sits beside him, a hint of a smirk on his lips as he keeps his focus out the window. It can't be long now...

They hadn't had a moment alone since that moment in the church. Always accompanied by Murray, or Yuri or Antonov. Knowing that they'll spend a night in Alaska is the only thing getting him through this flight.

xXx

They arrive sooner that he had expected. A car awaits them at the airfield, driving the five to a nearby hotel. By now, he's beginning to anticipate having a real bed to sleep in more than anything. When they arrive, they find that a room has been booked for each of them. That'll keep Murray quiet.

He waits around fifteen minutes before leaving his room, making his way to the floor below and knocking lightly on Joyce's door. When she answers, its clear she's about to take a bath, and he doesn't blame her.

"If you want me to leave, I get it..."

[hoppxr]

The warmth of the water as it flows over his skin is soothing, allowing his heart to slow and his mind to return from whatever dark venture it had been trying to take him on. He'd only lost himself twice since his return to Hawkins, but thankfully neither Joyce nor the kids had been present. He never wants her to find out just how broken he is.

When he's more settled, he steps from the shower and dries himself off, dressing in jeans and a plain t-shirt. Making his way out of the bathroom, he spots El sitting on the couch watching TV and Joyce in the kitchen making coffee. Slowly, he moves behind Joyce, sliding his arms around her middle and burying his face in the crook of her neck.

"Shouldn't have snapped at you like that...I'm sorry..."

[lightsnevercomingdown]

His arms around her made all the knots of worry loosen. Maybe not going away completely, but right now she would take what comfort she could get. Her body sagged against him as she tilted her head slightly. They needed this. They needed each other.

“I get it,” she whispered. “We’re okay. We’re gonna be okay, Hop.”

[hoppxr]

"Okay..." he murmurs, gently turning her to face him and pressing a lingering kiss to her lips. He quickly pulls back, however, knowing El is nearby and not wanting to embarras her.

When he does, he brings a hand up to gently stroke Joyce's cheek.

"I...should we tell her...that we're leaving?"

[lightsnevercomingdown]

“Give her a bit,” she sighed, leaning into his touch. He was such a contradiction at times. “We’ll have our coffee, I’ll call the boys, and we can all figure it out together.” Looking up, she cupped his cheek. “Together. Whatever we do, whatever happens, we do it together.”

[hoppxr]

@lightsnevercomingdown

He shifts awkwardly in his seat, trying to look at anything but her. She would be a welcome distraction from the turbulence and numerous questionable noises that Katinka makes as she takes them over the water back to Alaska. But Murray watches them like a hawk and, if his breakdown the year before had been anything to go by, Hop knows the man's gloating would be unbearable.

Still, he can't resist, subtly letting his pinkie brush against Joyce's leg as she sits beside him, a hint of a smirk on his lips as he keeps his focus out the window. It can't be long now...

They hadn't had a moment alone since that moment in the church. Always accompanied by Murray, or Yuri or Antonov. Knowing that they'll spend a night in Alaska is the only thing getting him through this flight.

xXx

They arrive sooner that he had expected. A car awaits them at the airfield, driving the five to a nearby hotel. By now, he's beginning to anticipate having a real bed to sleep in more than anything. When they arrive, they find that a room has been booked for each of them. That'll keep Murray quiet.

He waits around fifteen minutes before leaving his room, making his way to the floor below and knocking lightly on Joyce's door. When she answers, its clear she's about to take a bath, and he doesn't blame her.

"If you want me to leave, I get it..."

[hoppxr]

The warmth of the water as it flows over his skin is soothing, allowing his heart to slow and his mind to return from whatever dark venture it had been trying to take him on. He'd only lost himself twice since his return to Hawkins, but thankfully neither Joyce nor the kids had been present. He never wants her to find out just how broken he is.

When he's more settled, he steps from the shower and dries himself off, dressing in jeans and a plain t-shirt. Making his way out of the bathroom, he spots El sitting on the couch watching TV and Joyce in the kitchen making coffee. Slowly, he moves behind Joyce, sliding his arms around her middle and burying his face in the crook of her neck.

"Shouldn't have snapped at you like that...I'm sorry..."

[lightsnevercomingdown]

His arms around her made all the knots of worry loosen. Maybe not going away completely, but right now she would take what comfort she could get. Her body sagged against him as she tilted her head slightly. They needed this. They needed each other.

“I get it,” she whispered. “We’re okay. We’re gonna be okay, Hop.”