Chapter Three:

The two entered the reception area and were greeted by an elderly lady who asked them who the appointment was booked for, and to take a seat. Joyce got them both a glass of water while they waited and read through a few of the pamphlets. It wasn't long before a young man covered in cat hair came out of a door to the left of reception, looking a little strung out. He hoped he didn't look like that in a week or so, he had never lived with a cat before.

"Mr. and Mrs Hopper I assume." The man put his hand out, and Joyce opened her mouth to correct the man, but Hopper gave her a sly smile and spoke for them both.

"That's us." He enjoyed the blush that rose to her cheeks, and the smirk she gave him.

"Are you wanting a kitten or a cat?"

"Kitten," Joyce answered, while Hopper answered with "Cat." He looked at her warningly, not a kitten!

"Aah, undecided." The man chuckled. "Do you have children?"

"Yes, we do, that's why I said kitten." Joyce told him strongly, ignoring Hopper shaking his head beside her.

"I have to agree, it's great for kids to be able to grow up with their cat."

"A kitten it is then!" Joyce clapped her hands happily, but Hopper tugged her aside before they entered the cattery behind the door.

"Joyce!" He growled. "Kittens are much more work."

"El will be fine, she's got a good head on her shoulders."

The man held the door open for them, so Hopper had to make a decision fast. He placed a hand on Joyce's lower back, specifically trying to make her feel uncomfortable as they followed him through the door. She squirmed a little at his touch but didn't pull away.

"Do you have a particular colour in mind?" The man asked. Hopper sighed, this time turning to Joyce and letting her decide.

"A fluffy ginger kitten." She answered quickly.

"Given it a lot of thought, huh?" He asked her with a chuckle.

"I sure have!"

They were taken into a room that had kittens on almost every surface. The two of them wandered around, and Hopper took great enjoyment out of watching Joyce coo over the kittens. He supposed that maternal instinct in her meant she was great with children and baby animals. He was so lost in his thoughts from watching her that when she all but threw a kitten into his arms he was so surprised he nearly dropped it.

"Sorry little guy," he told the kitten. He tried to hold it appropriately but couldn't quite figure it out.

"Here," Joyce rearranged his arms and the kitten snuggled happily into the crook of his arm. "What do you think?" She looked up at him, her eyes reminding her of El's for a moment – the excitement contagious.

"He seems… nice."

"He's very confident, he was the first one to come over."

Hopper looked down at the little bundle in his arms. The kitten was mostly ginger with white paws, and a little white muzzle. He could picture his daughter with him, and that was what counted most.

"Alright, let's take him."

The attendant came over with the paperwork and a carry box and before he knew it they were back in the car and heading to the nearest pet store.

..

The attendant had given them directions which Joyce was reading off a piece of paper, but she didn't look very confident in the directions she was giving him.

"Are you sure it's a left here?" Hopper indicated left, but it looked as though they would be heading home if they went this way.

"Uh," she fiddled with the piece of paper. "Oops, maybe it was a left back further." He grumbled under his breath and on seeing no cars did a sneaky u-turn and began heading back the way they came. "Oooooh, Hopper." She laughed. "What if the police catch you?"

"Reminds me of that time when…" he trailed off.

"When you took me down to Lovers Lake." She huffed. "I remember, you scared the living shit out of me." The mewing in the back distracted him briefly from answering.

"I thought Chief Pearson was going to lock me up,"

"Good thing he liked your dad so much."

"I don't know why."

"Me either," she admitted with a sigh. They finally found the pet store and after shopping for all the things the new member of his family would need, he managed to convince Joyce to have lunch with him at the diner next door.

..

A quick lunch turned into lunch, many coffees and much laughter. He couldn't get enough of her, his heart swelled with pride at being able to make her happy like this. It was a rare occasion to see her so relaxed these days, and he knew he was partly to blame for it. He had left her in Hawkin's with Lonnie, and a large part of what she went through with that man was his fault. He should have tried harder to persuade her to leave the man before she became pregnant to him. He should have been a better best friend.

"What are you beating yourself up about now?" He looked up in surprise. How did she know?

"Oh, nothing." He shrugged. "I guess we should get back before El has a hernia."

"Good point." She answered, and he was glad she wasn't going to press him. He didn't feel like having a deep conversation like that today, he just wanted to make the most of the good mood – both hers and El's.