I think this is one of my favourite chapters and you'll soon find out why. There is still a couple chapters left, so this book is almost completed! I'd like to thank you for reading my story and for all the love and appreciation. ❤️

"What now, Joyce?" She laughed and turned to face him. God I'm in,I've with her laugh. It makes my heart beat out of my chest at the sound. Music to my ears.

"How about a movie? I'm not really tired." She stood and leaned over the table to collect the deck of cards. Gathering them up she placed them on a side table to put back later. I have to tell her, I need to. I'll do it. During the movie. "Sounds great." Hopper replied, standing up with a creak from the chair as it slides across the floor. They walked to the couch, talking about the games and the conversations they had with the kids. Hopper sat down on the couch and was soon joined by Joyce. She leaned up against him, placing her head on his shoulder. I wish this could be the rest of our lives. Family dinners. Family board games. Movies. Late night conversations. Cuddling up on the couch by the fire. 

Hopper knew he had to tell her eventually. I just need to pick the right time. I need to do this right. I can't mess this up. El and Will were so happy at the idea of me and Joyce, and I doesn't want to disappoint them or Joyce or myself. Halfway during the movie, he chose to speak up now. He shifted his position and felt Joyce stir when she turned her head to look up at him.

She stared deep into his eyes and asked quietly, "What's wrong, Hop?" He let out a nervous chuckle, "Nothing's wrong, Joyce.." He looked into her beautiful eyes. A deep chocolate brown that made his eyes twinkle with happiness. Everything about her makes me happy. She makes me smile. She makes me laugh. She comforts me. She understands me. She's kind to me and El. She helped me when no one else did. She believed in me when no one else did. She did everything. And I love her for it. I just want...I just hope...I can do the same for her.

"I just..." he stopped himself, glancing away from her and glimpsing at the red of the fire. He didn't know how to word his thoughts. His emotions. His feelings. His deep love for the woman pressed up against him.

 "You just what, Hop? Is everything ok?" She was worried and he knew he was causing it. He wasn't sure what to say now. Should I tell her? Or should I wait? I don't know...!? Why is so DAMN hard! Why can't I just tell her how I feel. I'm in f*ing love with her and I can't even tell her. How do I tell her? 

He didn't answer her question. Joyce shifted in her place, fully facing him now. She is so beautiful. Beautiful doesn't do her justice. She's more than that. She's everything.

She reached up and cupped his cheek, gently pulling his face to look at her. His eyes showed his nerves and he knew it. I just...love her. 🥺

"I need to tell you something, Joyce." He whispered, glancing down at his hands. Joyce quickly grabbed one of his hands with her spare hand. Clasping it in hers and intertwining their fingers, bringing warmth and comfort to Hopper. A slight smile creeped up on his face, making Joyce smile back at him.

"What is it, Hop..?" She whispered so quietly he had to lean forward slightly to hear her. Joyce's hand that was on his face gently slide down to his chest, resting there peacefully. He looked deep into the brown of her eyes, searching her emotions. Love...

"Joyce I..." he spoke, his eyes never leaving her soft gaze. 

"Tell me, Hop. It's ok." She replied and squeezed his hand gently. 

How do I say this!? Ok...just breathe. I can do this! 

"Joyce, I've been meaning to tell you this for a long time. I've been scared out of my mind to tell you." He saw the look of worry cross her face. "It's good, I promise." He chuckled nervously. "At least I think it's good...I don't know how you'll react to it." He looked down again, trying to work out how to do this. Just tell her you love her. Tell her what you love about her. Basically everything. This should be easy. Who am I kidding!?

"Hop, please! Just tell me!" She pleaded, her grip tightened on his hand as he looked into her eyes again.

"Joyce... When I'm having a boring day at work and I can't stand to face the real world, I drive down the street to Melvalds and walk through that door. I see your face and..." he paused searching her face for any reaction before continuing. "I see your face and I realise your one more reason to keep waking up every morning. Your smile keeps me alive and fighting through those tough days, where I feel useless to the world."

There's no stopping here. "And when you're having a tough day, it destroys me on the inside. I'd do anything to comfort you. For you. I'd jump off a f*ing bridge if you asked me to. I would give my soul for you to be happy, even if it left me in the dark. When I hold you close, my heart beats out of my chest. And my heart skips a beat when I see you... Joyce.... I realised tonight that everything in me from my heart to my soul, from the happiness I get from when you hold my hand, to the butterflies in my stomach when I look in your beautiful, brown eyes."

Looks like I'm going for it. I'm going to tell Joyce I love her.

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

"I love you, Joyce. And I'll never leave you. I'll never give up on you. No matter what. You're my best friend and I love you more than my words can say." 

Holy sh*t! Holy sh*t! I told Joyce Byers I'm in love with her. She looks so shocked. Have I done the right thing. Did I do the right thing telling her? Does she feel the same way? Or am I just a good friend to her? Hopper was ripped from his thoughts when Joyce squeezed his hand reassuringly. 

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

A tear slips out of her eye. Hopper cups her cheek as gentle as a feather touching her face. He wipes away the tear that rolled down her cheek. Hopper smiled down at her like the happiest idiot in the world. His smile making her face light up, a happy smile on her face. 

He looked so deep into her eyes, she could swear he could see her soul. He was looking for permission. Should I kiss her? She leaned an inch towards him as her answer.

He pulled her cheek gently towards him and pressed his lips to hers in a soft kiss. The kiss was innocent and chaste at first, but it quickly grew heated. Hopper realised just how much he's wanted this and he can tell Joyce's thinking the same thing. He wrapped a hand around the back of her neck, pulling her in for a deeper kiss. Joyce placed both her hands on his broad chest. She fisted his jumper, wanting him closer to her. 

His mind was racing and exploding from the current events, but he loved it. I love her and she loves me and that's all that matters.

Knowing they had to breath sooner or later, he broke the kiss, pressing his forehead against hers. He smiled a goofy, happy smile and she returned it with a giggle. "I love you, Joyce." Hopper whispered.

"I know. I love you too, Hop."