I don't think you guys know how much I appreciated all of the love and support you sent my way, the reviews brought tears to my eyes and made me so happy that I am writing this story. And thank you for the positive feedback as well, I feel more confident in the going back and forth between chapters, and I'm so happy you voiced that!
Anyways, I'm sure you're all ready for the next chapter, so here it is!
P.S. Did you guys see that adorable video of the Stranger Things kids wrapping? I just about died with the cuteness! They better release a trailer soon, I don't know how much longer I can last!
Disclaimer: I do not own Stranger Things.
Chapter 4: The First Visit (Hopper's POV).
He can't help but tap his fingers nervously on the steering wheel as he drives his teenage daughter home from her first dance, and her first actual public appearance. In his mind, he's thinking about the possibility of someone noticing her, but he also knows that if someone did, there probably would have been trouble.
He keeps throwing glances over at the girl who is currently supporting her head on her bent arm, gazing with wide eyes out the window. A small smile remains plastered to her face all the way home. As she lets out little lovesick sighs here and there.
When they finally pull up to their usual parking spot, El eases out of the car, and walks a little lighter than usual to the front steps.
With a quick light flick of her head, the locks are unlocked, and they step through the door. Warmth greets them from the fire he left smoldering in the corner of the cabin, which he is thankful for, since the evening had been fairly cool.
He places his hat and jacket on his usual hook, El doing the same, however, she doesn't pay attention to the fact that she totally missed the hook and her hamidown jacket from Nancy crumbles to the floor.
Hopper looks at the jacket, and then back to El who flutters over to the couch and lays down looking up at the ceiling with a dazed, dopey smile.
He can't help but roll his eyes as he bends down, his knees cracking as he does so, picking up her jacket and placing it on the hook, along with his.
In the usual circumstances he would bark after her to pick up the fallen jacket. But, there's a light airiness that floats about her, that, in truth puzzles him, but he can also probably guess why without too much thinking.
Hopper sighs as he moves towards the couch, sitting down where El's feet have landed. The girl doesn't move or say anything, so he figures he should be the one to do so.
"So, was it everything you'd thought it would be?" his voice is low. El lets out a dreamy sigh as she sits up, tucking her dress and knees underneath her as she smiles broadley at him.
"It was...amazing, and perfect, and….and I can't think of any other way to describe it" she shrugs her shoulders at him as she looks off all dreamy in another direction.
It stunned him slightly, for, he had never seen her act this way. Usually, after a visit with Mike and her other friends, she seemed saddened from having to depart from them, the uncertainty of their next visit always looming.
So, he chooses to voice his thoughts, "Uh...how was it with your friends...and uhm...Mike?" he drags out. El's eyes are immediately on him, as he watches a blush form on her face. She ducks her head, her smile still present.
Now this grabs his attention. "El….did something happen?" he quips an eyebrow at her. She moves her head up slightly, now not wanting to meet his eyes.
And now his protective father beast begins to stir within his stomach. "El", he states a little firmer this time, as she pulls her knees tighter to her body.
She's contemplating telling him, he can tell. And this worries him slightly, so, he pulls out his big guns as he moves closer to her, knowing she won't be able to refuse, "El, remember, ' ".
And her eyes finally turn up to him, and she lets out a long breath, pushing her feet to hang off the couch she fiddles with her fingers slightly. "I know" she whispers, not meeting him.
He moves closer to her and tucks an arm around her, "E, you know you can talk to me, no matter what" he gives her a tight squeeze.
She sighs again, turning her head towards him, "I...just don't want you to be mad" her voice aches with worry as her big eyes search his face. And now, the monster within him stirs even more, 'did that punk Wheeler kid do something to her!?', it growls in stomach.
But, he swallows the anger that wants to bubble out, he coughs instead, "Uh...okay El, you've got to let me know, I'm a little worried now" he states honestly.
She nods her head, understanding his words, "It's Mike" she states, and the smile creeps back onto her face.
He can feel his fist clenching into a fist, just waiting for her words to be the worst case scenario, but he waits for her to continue, debating on whether or not he'll be pulling out his gun and chasing down Wheeler.
"What about Mike?" he tries to sound casual, but he's pretty sure his voice sounds judging. El giggles slightly, "Mike...he took me aside, and brought me to the cafeteria" she starts, her dreamy look returning as if replaying the scene over in her head.
His fist clench even more, his knuckles turning white. "Yeah", he says through clenched teeth.
El nods her head, "He took me to the cafeteria, and brought me to the spot where…" and she trails off, evaluating her next words.
Hopper's pretty sure he's about to combust if she doesn't finish, but El finally opens her mouth and whispers, "Where...he first kissed me", and now her face lights up even more so then a Christmas tree, and at her words, Hopper feels himself relax slightly.
But, then it dawns on him, "Wait, the parking lot wasn't your first kiss?" he asks somewhat confused, and at this El whips her head to him with wide eyes, "You watched!?" she says startled, and now Hopper is staring at her with gaping mouth, not sure as to what to say.
"I..uh…" he trails off feeling as though now he was the one being questioned. El folds her arms over her chest giving him a deep stare, one that he's pretty sure has killed many men.
But, then he remembers, he's the parent, and shouldn't be the one on trial. Shaking his head, he returns the stare, "You're thirteen El, I'm allowed to know what goes on in your life, especially if it involves some boy" he drawls.
At this El rises to her feet, hands on her hips, "Mike's not just some boy" she repeats, her anger mounting,, "And we've kissed a couple times too" she throws in for good measure, which makes Hopper brain ignite in surprise.
"That's why Mike pulled me to the cafeteria, he asked me to be his girlfriend...so he's my boyfriend!" she states matter of factly, and Hopper's pretty sure he's stopped breathing.
'Boyfriend, girlfriend?' the protective father echoes through his head. He's pretty sure he's dumbfounded by his new daughters declaration. His blue eyes meet her fiery amber ones, she is set in her way, her eyes daring him to speak.
He shakes his head out of its deep thoughts, he stands, just so that he can feel somewhat in control of this situation, "Boyfriend!?" he shouts down to the girl, who gives him a tight nod. "Yes, Mike asked me to be his girlfriend, and I said 'yes'".
His eyes tighten, "El, you're both thirteen, you haven't seen each other for a year, besides, what do you even know about a relationship?" he questions her.
She looks up at him with a soft, knowing expression, "A relationship is between two people who care deeply about each other….Mike...Mike has been there, he's waited, I waited" she points to her chest. "We both hurt when we are apart, we both want to be near one another...it's...it's unexplainable" her eyes well up with emotions.
Hopper takes in the smaller girl who stares up at him with fierce determination, and he sighs. Deep down he knows, he knew, this event would be coming sooner rather than later. He honestly hoped it would be later, but, it seems life just likes to continuously throw him curve balls to see how he reacts.
He drops his shoulders and releases his 'tough guy' demeanor, knowing it will get nowhere with this strong willed girl.
He moves to sit on the couch as he rubs an anxious hand through his thinning hair. He takes in a deep breath, looking up to see El staring back, he gives her a soft smile as he reaches out and takes her hand. This action seems to lighten El too as she drops her stare and gives him a gentle look.
"El...I'm sorry...it's just a lot to take in, to understand" he starts slowly, making sure she's listening. "I know that there's something between you and Mike that's different than other relationships by any means, and...to be honest...I knew this talk would be coming, but I just hoped it was later" he cracks her a smile, which she returns.
"This...it's just going to be a lot to take in is all" he shrugs his shoulders. "I mean, first I adopt a teenage telekinetic daughter, and barely a day later she's got a boyfriend".
El giggles at this ducking her head slightly. "Look, El, I know there's nothing I can say or do to maybe persuade you to wait a bit to start dating, but I know that's not going to happen" he states, while El nods lightly.
"I...it's going to take a bit to get used to is all, and...there are things we'll have to talk about down the road" he gives her a look, in which El furrows her eyebrows at.
"What other things?" she asks, and Hopper freezes in the moment, he really didn't want to get into what was his main concern in his mind with having his daughter dating, and he was honestly hoping that he might get Joyce to talk about the 'birds and the bees' with her, because he knew some stuff about females but not everything.
He looks back at the girl, who's continuing to look at him, awaiting his answer. And, even though she has grown and so has Mike and their friends, there is still innocence wrapped into their features. He sighs, making a decision in his head, "Like I said, we'll talk about it down the road, when the situation arises" he cringes slightly at his words, hoping the situation he was thinking about wouldn't even come until she was out on her own.
However, he's not stupid, he knows things probably will happen, but he's hoping at least for awhile, that conversation won't need to be had. His light eyes search her face as she ponders his words, and she eventually nods and says "Okay", he lets out a breath in relief, thankful she doesn't press anymore.
Hopper stands to his feet and rubs the girls hair affectionately, she moves away with a squeak, "Ah, dad!" she cries and he pulls his hand back. "You're going to ruin it" she frowns up to him.
He can't help but chuckle, "Hate to break it to you kid, but it's going to go back to it's regular curls once you take a shower" he shrugs, placing his hands into his pockets, watching El's eyes go wide.
"Nooo" she whispers patting her tamed hair with a sad expression. Hopper rolls his eyes, "Don't worry kid, as it grows out, it probably won't be that curly anyways, and….I can try to help you keep it tame, I'll ask Nancy what she did", he tries to soothe the girl.
El's face lights up at his words as she launches herself into his arms, "Thank you!" she cries into his chest and he chuckles in return, "Anything for you kid" he sighs as he returns the hug, embracing this quiet moment together, as he silent ponders how many of them they will have together.
The days pass by quietly in the cabin, he notices that El seems quieter than usual, and she spends more time holed up in her room talking with her friends over her Supercom, he knows that the majority of the time is spent talking to Mike, but, he lets it pass for now, knowing the kids are on school vacation.
It's when she silently pads out from her room one morning, a small frown and furrowed eyebrows are painted across her face, that he knows something is troubling her.
So, after he finishes making their breakfast he sets the plates down on the kitchen table, he watches her silently as she pokes at her pancake.
She sits silently, and only takes a couple of bites of her meal. Hopper finally sighs and clears his throat before he speaks, "Alright, what's going on?" his voice strains across the table.
El shrugs her shoulders as she continues to poke at her food, bringing a small morsel up to her mouth slowly. Hopper rolls his eyes, 'definitely a teenager', his mind reminds him.
He huffs, "El, come on, if something's bothering you, then you need to speak up", he says as he places a large forkful of pancake into his mouth. He chews it thoroughly, awaiting El's answer.
She lets out her own long breath and looks up to Hopper with her amber eyes, "Mike and everyone keep talking about this day, and I've never heard of it", she starts as she places her fork onto the table.
El looks down at her lap where she fiddles with her fingers. Hopper nods his head, "What is this day anyways?" Hopper asks as he takes a sip of his orange juice, looking over the rim at the girl.
There's a beat of silence, and then she whispers, "Christmas", and it all dawns on Hopper. He mentally slaps himself in the head, he had totally forgotten about the holiday, and that she had never experienced any holiday for that matter.
He had found her right after the new year, and they had spent so much time focusing on her needs, he never found the holidays important, but now, Christmas was only a handful of days away, and of course her friends would be idly chatting about the upcoming day, for, it was a day full of excitement, especially for kids.
Hopper swallows his juice and places the glass back on the table, he doesn't look up at her when he speaks, "What have they told you about Christmas?"
He can see her lift her head quickly from the corner of his eye after he's asked the question. "Everything, about santa, how there's gifts, and colorful lights, and a tree!" she bounces in her seat in excitement.
Hopper finally turns his full attention to the girl, "Did they now?" he nods to her with a small smile. She beams at him, "Yes! It sounds cool, can we do Christmas?" she asks the man.
He looks her over, and sees the anticipation dancing in her eyes. Christmas, sure he's celebrated the holiday on countless occasions, however, he can't even remember the last time he even got a tree.
His mind begins to drift slightly, he knows deep down the reason he practically stopped celebrating any holiday was the fact that his daughter was no longer here, and it broke his heart each time a holiday came around the corner.
But now...now he had another daughter, one who had never experienced the joy that came with each holiday, especially Christmas. Her hopeful eyes swam with the want and need to celebrate the holiday, so, he sighed, resting his fork against his plate.
He looks into her eyes, "You really want to celebrate Christmas?" he asks, even though he knows what the answer will be, she jumps up, "Yes! With a tree and everything!" she says with her hands clapped together.
Hopper can't help but chuckle at her nodding his head, "Alright kid, I'll get you a tree, and we'll decorate it, okay?"
She jumps up and down, "Can you make sure it's a big one!" her eyes gleam up at him. His laugh rumbles in his chest, "I'll try to do the best I can" he smiles to her, and within a moment she's running into her room, and he can hear the static as her Supercom comes to life.
He hears her call out into the device with muster, "Mike, come in Mike!". Hopper begins to clear the table as he shakes his head at her excitement. He then hears faintly, "Hopper's getting us a tree!", and he can't help but smile at her elation.
So, Hopper follows through with his promise, and the next day he hauls in a decently sized tree, as he drags in a couple boxes of colorful lights, new ornaments and a star to place at the top.
El's enthusiasm for decorating the tree doesn't falter the entire time. A permanent smile dances across her face as she and Hopper hang the ornaments one at a time.
When they step back and admire their handiwork, El's eyes never leave the twinkling lights. And as Hopper eyes the tree himself, he can't help but feel a sense of joy wash over him.
When Hopper directs El to bed, she shakes her head, "I want to sleep on the couch, watch the lights" she states as she curls up on the said item, her eyes glued to the symbol of Christmas.
Hopper can't help but chuckle and shrug his shoulders stating, "Suite yourself" as he heads off to his own bed. He turns his head slightly to witness El sitting up on the couch and admiring the tree. A soft smile remains on his face as he heads to bed.
As he heads into work the next morning, El is still fast asleep on the couch, and he decides to leave the dimmed lights plugged in for the girl, as he tiptoes out the door.
While driving into the station, Hopper mulls over the next step in his mind. Christmas is only three days away and he hasn't gotten El anything to put under the tree, let alone knowing what he should actually get her. He also mentally reminded himself that they both needed stockings as well.
He had only had a young daughter, not a teenage, telekinetic daughter, so, he was at a loss as to what to get the girl so that she had a handful of gifts to open under the tree. 'Maybe I'll ask Joyce', trickles through his head as he pulls into the station and walks in through the door.
The morning for Hopper stretches by in a dull blur. It's not until the late afternoon does an unexpected visitor stop his eyelids from fluttering close and drift off to sleep.
A quiet voice jostles him awake, "Uh..Hopper?" And at this Hopper blinks his tired eyes, as he notices a shaggy haired male closes the door to his office.
He hasn't seen him since the night of the snowball, and after what El has told him, he can't help but give him a tight stare, "Wheeler", he growls in his tired voice as he raises his hands to rub the sleep away from his eyes.
Hopper listens as the Wheeler boy moves to sit in the chair that sits opposite him on the other side of his desk. Once he has finished rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he removes his hands from his face and gives the teen a look.
"What are you here for, kid?" he questions. Mike moves his lips hesitantly, "El told me that you guys got a tree...that you guys are celebrating Christmas?" his voice sounds strained.
Hopper quirks an eyebrow up at him, "What of it?", his paternal instincts taking control of the situation, as the word, boyfriend, moves across his mind.
Mike clears his throat, "Uh...well I was just curious if...if the party and I could stop over...Christmas day?" he raises his hand to move a stray piece of his long hair from his eyes.
Hopper evaluates the teens words and huffs, "Look, it's her first Christmas, I figured we could celebrate it toge-"
But he's cut short as Mike's voice cuts through his, "Exactly! So, we should be able to see her too!" his voice begins to rise.
The older man crinkles his eyes together even more so, "Watch your tone, Wheeler" he bites, and this pulls the teen back into his chair, who sighs heavily, "Look, we've all got her something small to give her, and...we just wanted to give her gifts to her in person. Not just that, but we thought we could do the traditional Christmas things with her too", he adds on.
"Traditional Christmas things? What's that mean?" Hopper quips to the teen as he folds his arms over his chest.
A small smile tugs at Mike's face, "You know, like, baking cookies, telling Christmas stories, playing games...stuff like that".
Hopper evaluates Mike's words before he leans forward, "What about your family, won't they be missing you kids?" he tries to argue, but it seems futile, as the smile on Mike's face grows larger, "Oh, we all do Christmas in the morning, and our parents always get together for drinks at the end of the night, and we just end up in the basement anyways" he starts. "And, I already told my mom that there was a new kid that we had met, and had no friends to spend Christmas with, and she said it was fine for us to go", he gives Hopper a winning smile.
This pulls on Hopper's attention, "You told her about El?" his voice strains lightly. Mike shakes his head, "I never told my mom who she was, or that she was even a girl, I figured you'd come up with some story anyways, I mean...you did adopt her" he shrugs his shoulders.
Hopper lets out his held breath, he rubs at his forehead, feeling a headache coming on. He honestly can't understand how determined these kids are, especially the one who is sitting directly in front of him.
He removes his hand from his brow and huffs. "Alright, look, if you kids want to come over, after, you've finished your stuff with your family, I guess it wouldn't harm anything for you guys to come over".
Mike jumps to his feet at his words, "Thanks Hopper I-!", but Hopper holds up his hand to stop him. "But, you need to come in groups, at different times, and you'll leave at different times to, got it?" he gives the teen a stern look.
He falters slightly, but, he eventually nods in return, "Okay, that's fair I guess, thanks Hop", he finishes as he stands and moves around the chair to leave.
However, Hopper stops him, "Wheel-Mike, wait a second" he calls out to the teen who stops in his steps and turns to look at the older man.
Hopper gives him a slight grin, "Just wanted to say...El told me something interesting the other day", he watches as Mike furrows his brows in confusion, "Oh?" he quips, his attention on the older man.
Hopper nods slowly coming to stand in front of the ever growing teen. "Yeah, she uh...well she told me you asked her something at the end of the dance there".
And at his words, Mike's eyes grow wide, he turns away slightly from the older man, "Oh", he says quietly, and Hopper nods in return, "Oh is right, kid, I knew you and El were close, but...this whole-" and he gestures wildly between Mike and to the direction he presumes where El is at, "Thing, between the two of you, there needs to be a discussion".
Mike whips his head up to the older man and squints at him, "It's not just some 'thing' that's going on between El and I, we're in a relationship with each other" his words are firm.
Hopper can't hold back the scoff he lets off, "Yeah, like you two know much about being in a relationship", he throws at the kid as he moves to sit behind his desk again, he can feel Mike's dark eyes boring into his back.
Mike approaches his desk, standing before it, "You just have a problem with the fact that El likes me, and I like her too, and….and we want to be together" his changing voice turns into a growl.
Hopper fixes him with a look, "It seems interesting that you seem to think this is something you can actually start with someone like El", his words come out harsher than expected, and he watches Mike's eyes narrow even more so.
"What do you mean by that! Just because El has...powers-" Mike lowers his voice at the last word, "Doesn't mean she isn't a normal girl, with normal feelings!" he bites back to the older man.
Hopper opens his mouth to speak, but Mike cuts through before he can utter a noise, "And that's not fair! You labeling her as this...this helpless person, El is still learning, I get that, but for you to just assume she doesn't know anything about being in a relationship with someone, that's bullshit!" he throws to him.
This gets Hopper to his feet as he leans over the desk, their eyes glaring daggers at one another, "That's my point kid, she doesn't actually know what it's like to actually be with someone romantically, just what she's seen on t.v!" he barks back.
"That doesn't mean she's not human! That she doesn't feel emotions! And obviously if she didn't feel something for me, she wouldn't have been reaching out to me for three hundred and fifty three days!" Mike growls, his spitting flying from his mouth, making Hopper back off slightly.
"We have our opportunity now, you kept us apart, but...there's always been something there between the two of us, from the moment I took her in from the rain, . " he slows his voice and enunciated each of his words.
Hopper looks at the teen, and he can see that he's trying to hold back tears as his voice warbles slightly, "You have no idea...no idea what it felt like….to not know if she was dead...or alive" Mike stresses.
"But, I knew….I knew deep down that she was okay, and I would have waited forever to know that she was okay" a stray tear leaves Mike's eyes as he shakes his head slightly.
And Hopper can see it, just as he did with El. The passion, the caring, the love, behind each of his words, her words too. Hopper can see it in Mike's eyes, the determination he has written across his face to prove to him that he does care for El, and that she cares for him too.
So, Hopper backs off slightly, watching the teen his daughter is smitten with, catch his breath as he continues to fight back his tears.
And Hopper knows he can't fight it, he knows that there will be conflicts in their relationship as everyone does, but...there's also a blossoming flame that could lead to so much more between them, and that's what scares him.
But, for now Hopper takes in a long deep breath that fills every free space in his lungs before he exhales and flicks his eyes to the boys, who continues to stare at him with fierce determination.
"Alright, I get it, Mike, I know you and El care about each other, and I know there's nothing I can do to stop any of this from happening" he shrugs his shoulders.
But then he takes a step forward and points a finger to the boy, "What matters, is that if you ever hurt her, if you ever do something to her that she doesn't want, your throat will be mine kid" he growls lowly, hoping his point gets carried across.
And, as if something dawns on Mike, he softens slightly, "You're afraid", and at this Hopper gives him a quick look, "What do you mean?" he growls.
Mike shakes his head and laughs lightly, "You're afraid I'm going to do something to El, that I'm a hormonal teenage boy, who won't be able to keep his hands off of your daughter".
Not meaning to prove his point, Hopper whips his head to the boy with wide eyes, and Mike lets out a breathy laugh, he points at the older man, "That's what it is, you think I'm going to sleep with her or something the moment we are alone", his voice is full of realization.
"Now, hold on there-" Hopper goes to speak, but Mike cuts him off again, "No, I'll tell you chief", and his voice is deep and determined, his dark eyes meeting the older mans light ones. "I'll never do anything to El, I won't push her to do anything, unless she is sure and she is ready", and at this Hopper can feel his stomach growling in anger.
As if Mike can sense this, he holds up his hand in defense, "I'm not saying that stuff is going to happen", he starts, and Hopper tilts his head to the boy, not believing him, "But...I'm also not going to say it isn't going to happen, what I'm telling you is that as long as I'm with El, it'll be all on her, and I want her to understand all that stuff too, and not just through me and my friends".
"Besides, Hop, come on, we're fourteen, I know I'm not ready for any of that stuff yet" he contorts his face slightly, and Hopper relaxes his shoulders. "Yeah, that's my fear, you're fourteen!" he stresses.
Mike scoffs, "Yeah, and just because you might have been like that when you were a kid, doesn't mean I'm like that. Besides...right now, if I get a moment to just sit and talk with El, that's all that matters to me" he says quietly, his eyes searching Hopper's.
"A whole year we went without seeing each other, just being near her, knowing she's alive, that makes my entire day" he sighs with a soft smile.
Hopper hears every word that the teen says, but he knows, he knows, that down the road, this conversation will be very different. And he can also feel it deep within his gut that this kid won't be going very far from him, or El for that matter.
So, with a heavy sigh he admits defeat, "Alright kid, I'll believe you for now, anyways", and he can't help but fix the teen with a steely glare, which Mike returns.
Mike slumps his shoulders lightly. "But, if I ever catch you-" he starts to warn before Mike rolls his eyes in exasperation, "Yeah, yeah, I know, 'slit my throat'" he mocks in Hopper's even deeper voice.
Hopper shakes his head dismissively, "Anyways, one group will arrive at five, the other five thirty, got it?" he gives Mike a look, showing him this time is non-negotiable, and Mike gives him a tight nod in return.
"Fine, I'll let the others know", he states as he heads for the door once again. But, just as he grabs the door handle he stops and turns to Hopper, "Don't tell El", he says quickly and Hopper can't help but give him a confused look, "I want to surprise her" he smiles, erasing the look from Hopper's face, who only rolls his eyes, "Whatever kid, see you Friday", he dismissively ways him off.
"See ya" Mike throws over his shoulder as he finally opens the door and shuts it behind him. And once he's gone, Hopper slumps into his chair with a deep sigh, not knowing what journey lies before him.
Christmas eve arrives faster than Hopper would like to admit. He had spent the last couple of days buying small gifts here and there for El, desperately trying to find things she would like. He did have to give in and eventually reach out to Nancy and Joyce for some ideas, which they graciously gave.
Now, it was evening and he had made up a special dinner for his new daughter, as he tried to revive his forgotten cooking skills. When he pulled the small ham from the oven and noted that the outside wasn't burnt and it had cooked all the way through, he felt he had achieved a small victory.
Hopper had even splurged and picked up a timeless Christmas movie for him and El to watch once they had finished dinner.
El sat on the couch, in new wintery pajamas he had picked up for her as she clutched her stuffed bear in her arms, bouncing slightly in her seat as she waited for Hopper to put in the movie.
"What's the movie?" El chirps from her seat as Hopper places the rented VHS into the tape player.
Hopper chuckles, "It's called, A Christmas Story, came out sometime last year, kid at the rental store said it was a good one, figured we'd give it a shot", he says over his shoulder, as he fiddles with the t.v, getting it set up to play the movie.
Once the whirring on the device signals that it has started, Hopper backs up from the t.v. and moves to sit next to a wide eyed El on the couch.
The typical commercials for upcoming movies plays before their eyes, and while this goes on, Hopper decides to go to the kitchen and throw together some popcorn.
Once he returns, the movie starts to play out, and El reaches for a handful of popcorn as they sit back and enjoy the movie.
Hopper finds himself laughing more than he expected as he watched the peculiar Christmas movie play out before him. And, all though El hadn't experienced much comedy or the understanding of comical situations, there were a few that seemed to peak her interest as she giggled along with him.
Out of the corner of his eye, he couldn't help but watch in wonder as the young girl beside him watched in wonder of the movie before her. The way she sat, cross legged on the couch with her head perched on her elbows that were balanced on her bent knees, made her seem like a normal kid. And if you asked anyone, you wouldn't even know that she had spent the first eleven years of her life locked in lab.
Hopper felt a smile tug at his face, knowing that he could finally give this girl something in life to look forward to. Of course he was afraid of the possibility that there were people from the lab watching her, waiting for her to reappear, but, that's why he wanted to take it slow with introducing her to the world, so that she could adapt safely and he would know the risks as trudged through life together.
The movie came to an end, and El turned to Hopper, "That was a great movie, thank you" a gentle smile pulls on her lips. And Hopper can't help but return it, "No problem kid, it's getting late though, it might be time for bed, have to go to bed for santa to come" he chuckles.
And El rolls his eyes at him, which catches his curiosity, "What?" he can't help but ask. El shakes her head with a slight smile, "I know santa doesn't exist" she states plainly, and Hopper feels a bit flabbergasted at her declaration.
"But..how…?" he's lost for words. El continues to smile, "Mike and the others told me about the story, but...they also said kids our age don't really believe in him" she shrugs her shoulder, "It's okay though, I still think it's a nice story".
Hopper lets out a sigh of relief, "Okay, well if you're fine with it, then I guess I won't have to tiptoe around tonight" he jokes and El laughs.
"No, I understand" she states simply as she stands to her feet, stretching her arms above her head, yawning. "It looks like you're ready for bed though" Hopper points out to her, and she gives him an annoyed look.
"Yes, will head to bed" she states as she moves towards him, and unexpectedly she opens her arms and wraps him into a hug, which he slowly returns.
They don't say anything, but they break away, and El says, "Night, dad" over her shoulder as she heads into her room.
He smiles to himself as he whispers a "Night, El", to her retreating form. And it's there he knows his heart had been filled with a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time: love.
Hopper sets his alarm so that he is up before El, he slips out of his warm bed as he grabs his clumsily wrapped presents and places them underneath the tree. He then moves to fill his and El's stockings with candy and small trinkets.
When the sun begins to creep into the windows, he decides it's probably time for El to wake up, so, he starts making breakfast, knowing the smell will awaken the girl.
And, sure enough, ten minutes later, El's door creaks open. Hopper looks over his shoulder to see El rubbing at her eyes, yawning lightly. "Merry Christmas!" he says to her as she walks into the living room.
She gives him a confused look, "Merry...Christmas?" she whispers. Hopper chuckles, "Yeah, it's what you say to people on Christmas".
El nods her head in understanding looking up at the man with a bright smile, "Merry Christmas!" she returns, and Hopper laughs again as he finishes up their plates for breakfast, bringing them over to the table.
"Alright let's get-", but Hopper is cut off by a squeal, "Presents!" El screams and Hopper flips his head up to see El has spotted the gleaming piles of presents stacked under the tree that glints from the blinking lights.
"Whoa, there!" Hopper calls out as El makes a direct beeline for the tree, she freezes in her tracks and gives Hopper her great doe eyes.
He can't help but laugh at the excitement the girl has, and he honestly can't blame her, "I know it's your first Christmas, and you're excited and all, but let's eat first, then you can attack the pile of presents, okay?" he gives her a look.
El's face falls slightly as she looks between himself and the pile of presents, debating on whether she may not listen to his words. But, her shoulders eventually sag as she turns back towards him, "Fine" she grumbles as she makes her way over.
Hopper places her eggos, bacon and eggs on a pile on her plate just as she sits down, and once she sees her favorite blueberry eggos on her plate, her smile is back.
"Eggos?" she says brightly, and Hopper nods, "It's Christmas, it's a day for bending the rules" he smiles to her, which she returns as she moves to place a long trail of over her entire plate, even her eggs which makes Hopper cringe slightly.
El eats faster than she normally does, and Hopper has to remind her that she needs to slow down before she chokes. She listens for a beat or two, but then she goes back to her quickened pace. He does make her sit and wait until he is done before they bound over to the Christmas tree.
Once breakfast is completed, El washes her sticky hands as she moves to sit in front of the tree, eyeing each present. Hopper pours himself another cup of coffee, before he moves and grabs his old camera from his room.
He holds it up aiming towards El and the tree, "Smile, kid" he says and El whips her head to the older man, and gives him another confused look. He sighs still holding the camera in front of him, "I'm taking a picture, just smile and I'll show you", he explains blandly. She still looks confused but she quickly lets it go and smiles a toothy grin up to the man. A flash goes through the room as the camera spits out the picture.
"Nice!" he states as he pulls the print from the camera and shakes it lightly letting the print dry. El moves over to him just as the picture begins to develop. He holds it out to her and her eyes widen as she watches herself and their tree come through the dark picture.
"See, we take pictures to document special things, this is definitely one of them" he states, and El smiles at him. He nods to the pile of presents, "Have at it kid, I know you're eager to attack those presents".
And without another word, El dives to the tree and pulls at the first poorly wrapped gift that sits there. Instead of unwrapping the gift in a rage of excitement, El surprises the older man by delicately pulling the tape and wrapping from the box, enjoying the moment that is there.
Once she has revealed the first gift, El's eyes widen as she looks at the box, "Mon...monop...monopoly?" she words out, looking at Hopper for confirmation. He nods, "Yep, Joyce told me you enjoyed playing it with your friends, figured we could play it, or when they start to come over he shrugs".
El's face lights up, "Thank you!' she chirps as she gently places the game to the side and reaches for the next one.
Hopper spends the next half hour watching El experience her first Christmas with the joy of a young child. Every present, not matter if it is a new piece of clothing or a fun new toy, each time her eyes light up and she thanks the man for her new treasures.
Hopper has her stop here and there when she opens a gift, to hold it up so he can snap a few pictures. She seems to enjoy the attention as she continues to paw through the gift pile.
Both Joyce and Nancy had slightly berated Hopper for the lack of 'appropriate' clothing a teenage girl should have. So, with the help of the Wheeler girl, she picked up some 'hip' clothing and dresses, that made El's eyes light up with even more excitement when she examined them.
He had gotten her a handful of card games, books, movies and clothes because he knew that when her friends would come over, they would need something to do, because he did NOT want to hear them complaining about there being nothing to do in the small cabin.
Once her pile of presents had disappeared, she moved to hers and Hoppers stockings, removed them from the wall and approached the man with both in her hand. With a bright smile, she hands him his stocking.
"Thanks, E" he says with a smile as he takes the stocking from the girl. She again eagerly dives into her red stocking pulling candy and small trinkets from the overly large sock. Hopper can't wipe the smile that stays on his face as he watches her.
After El has been satisfied with her gifts, she gives Hopper a soft look, "Thank you" she whispers to him. He reaches forward and ruffles her curls, a favorite past time of his, "Anytime kid, did you enjoy your first Christmas?" he asks with raised eyebrows.
She grins, "The best" she states simply as she looks through all of her new belongings once again. Hopper stands to his feet as he begins to ball up the discarded wrapping paper and throw them into the trash, "Glad to hear kid, why don't you bring your new belongings into your room?"
El nods eagerly as she collects her new things and brings them into her room, delicately placing them throughout her room.
She eventually moves to the bathroom, where he hears her shower, and when she emerges she is wearing a pair of new jeans and a knitted light green sweater Nancy had picked out for the young girl.
"You look good kid" Hopper states as she moves across the room. She ducks her head in embaressment as she moves towards her room. She doesn't fully close the door, so he can hear the static of the Supercom come to life.
He casually glances at the clock and smiles lightly, it's four thirty, meaning he's pretty sure the first group of kids will be making their way over soon.
"Mike?" he hears El's soft, muffled voice in her room. He listens carefully as she continues to reach out to the boy with no luck. After ten minutes or so he hears her give a light huff as she slams the Supercom onto her bed.
At this, Hopper stands and knocks on her door lightly, "Hey El, everything okay?" he asks as he gently pushes the door open.
He frowns slightly as he sees her sitting her body in a tight ball as she glares at the Supercom on her bed, a stray tear cascades down her cheek. He approaches her slowly, "He's not answering" her voice is muffled against her jeans.
Hopper sighs, placing a gentle hand on the girls shoulder. "He's probably busy, his family celebrates Christmas too" Hopper tries to assure the girl, but, he also knows that the said boy is probably moving through the forest eagerly on his way here.
She lets out a long breath, "He said he would call" she mumbles sadly. Hopper huffs, "It's still early kid, maybe he'll call later", he tries, but she shakes her head, "Miss him...and the others, wish I could see them".
And it's almost impossible for Hopper to break his promise to the Wheeler kid seeing how sad she is looking, but he knows it won't be long, so he tries to speak again, "Well...why don't we try-" but before he can finish, there's a knock on the door. And immediately El perks up, but not in an excited way, but in fear.
She turns her terrified eyes to him as she tries to hide away even more so against her bed. He looks at the girl with a soft look, "Don't worry, I'll go see who it is", he says as he stands and moves across the room.
And he knows exactly who is at the door, but he knows the kids want to surprise her, so he moves as if he doesn't know who is standing on the other side.
He opens the door and there stands Mike, Will and Dustin with beaming smiles on their faces. Hopper holds a finger up to his mouth to gesture to the boys to remain quiet. They nod their heads in understanding as they walk through the door.
He can see out of the corner of his eye that the Wheeler boy is looking anxiously about, looking for the girl he cannot wait to see.
Hopper rolls his eyes before he turns and calls out to the cabin, "Hey E, it's okay why don't you come out and say hi!" his voice booms through the cabin.
His eyes fall on the girls door that he sees creaks open slowly, as El moves outside of her room, a curious look on her face, "Dad who-?" but her question falls short as Hopper moves out of the way to reveal the faces of Mike, Will and Dustin standing in the doorway.
He can't help but smile broadly when El's hands come up to her mouth as she gasps, her eyes going wide, he can see them tearing up slightly too. She doesn't move from her spot as she continues to stare at the boys in the doorway, but he's pretty sure her light brown eyes are only focused on one boy in particular.
"Hi, El", Mike takes a tentative step forward, as El lowers her hands from her mouth, a bright smile growing on her face as she sniffles and launches herself forward, running across the living room, as she lands squarely into Mike's awaiting arms.
The force of her run nearly knocks Mike to the floor, but he stabilizes himself just enough as El's arms wrap around his neck, and his around her waist, they hold onto each other tightly.
"Mike!" El squeals in delight as they rock against one another in their hug. Mike laughs, "I'm glad you're excited to see me!" his voice is muffled against her shoulder.
They stay embraced for awhile, and even though he's happy to see El happy, especially on Christmas, the long contact has Hopper's stomach swirl, so he loudly clears his throat, bringing the two teens back to reality.
Hopper watches as they break apart slightly, and then realzing the situation they're in, they let go of each other, each with matching blushes and dopey smiles.
"Geez, I thought you'd never let her go Mike, I'd like to get a hug in with El too!" Dustin steps forward as El moves to hug the curly haired boy.
"Merry Christmas!" she chirps as she envelopes the boy happily, "Merry Christmas to you too, El!" Dustin says happily as they end their hug in a much shorter time then El's and Mike's previous one.
She then side steps and her gaze meets Will's shy one, "Uh, hi El, merry Christmas" his voice is light and El smiles as she moves and gives Will a small hug, "Merry Christmas to you" she whispers, smiling as she pulls away.
Hopper softens watching the kids interact with one another, as they group together and chat lightly.
"Max and Lucas are on their way, we had to come in two groups" Mike moves so that he is right next to El to explain this to her.
Hopper catches a look on El's face that he's not sure if he understands just yet, but she gives the boy a small smile and says, "Okay", in a small voice.
"So, did you have a nice Christmas?" Mike asks, and within seconds El jumps out of her shy self and goes on to explain all the Christmas gifts she received today, and she tugs on Mike's hand, interlacing their fingers together as she pulls him to her room, Dustin and Will following along.
And, El closes her door behind her, and as she does so, Hopper stands alone in the living room, contemplating if he should say anything. Because currently, his daughter was in her bedroom, with a shut door, with three boys, one being her boyfriend.
But, just as he's about to move towards the door, he can hear the kids bellowing laughter echo in her small room, and he realizes, he's being a bit protective, so, he backs off, and moves towards the kitchen to get dinner ready.
No sooner had he placed the turkey in the oven with a dozen potatoes does he hear another knock on the door.
Hopper sighs as he brushes off his hands and moves towards the door, knowing this is the rest of the gang showing up.
Opening the door, he's met with the two faces of Max and Lucas who give him tight smiles, "Uh, hey Hopper, merry Christmas" Lucas offers as Hopper holds the door open for them.
Hopper nods to them, "Yeah, merry Christmas to you two as well". They both take of their jackets and shoes and place them on the hooks. He turns towards El's room, "El, the rest of your friends are here, come and greet them!" he calls.
And a couple seconds later, Dustin, Will, Mike and El (still holding hands), exit her room and make their way to Lucas and Max.
They all exchange 'merry Christmas' with one another, and El moves to hug Lucas. However, out of the corner of his eye, Hopper watches as she gives Max a tentative look, barely giving her a smile, before she is back next to Mike's side, her hand in his.
"Huh", he mutters to himself as he watches the kids interact with one another. "Hey, El got a bunch of new games for Christmas, let's break them out!" Dustin states excitedly and all the friends agree, as they move once again to El's room and disappear behind her door.
Hopper shakes his head, watching the kids just being themselves, and he can see very easily that they are very much teenagers, wanting to be left to their own things without any adult present.
He sighs, moves to the fridge and grabs himself a beer. He exhales a relaxing breath as he settles into the couch, flicking on the t.v to watch a bit of a game for a bit before dinner is ready.
Hopper can hear the kids chatting idly and laughing in El's room. And he feels his chest warm lightly at the aspect of El having a good time with kids her own age. He realizes then, that, this will have to occur more often, for he knows El needs interactions with these kids, or she will probably go insane.
He's just about to stand up and check on the turkey, when El's door suddenly bursts open, El moving quickly away from her bedroom, Mike hot on her heels.
"El, wait, what's wrong!?" he cries trying to keep up with the girl. He watches in shock as El sniffles lightly before growling, "Nothing!" and slipping outside, onto the porch slamming the door in Mike's face.
Hopper doesn't really understand what just happened, but he stands there puzzled, he looks to Mike, who seems heartbroken.
"Uhhhh" Hopper starts, wanting to understand what's going on, before Mike's dark eyes flicker towards him. "What happened?" the older man asks, and Mike huffs, "I-I don't know she just, kind of got upset about something and stormed off" he shrugged, as his eyes flicked between him and the door, debating on going after her or not.
Hopper's about to speak again, but he watches as a look of determination flashes onto Mike's face, as he whips his head up and seizes the outside door open. He watches him go, and now Hopper stands debating on if he should follow them.
But, instead he moves to the window in the kitchen that overlooks the porch, he doesn't want to spy, but he wants to make sure El is okay, and that this punk didn't do something to upset her.
The windows to the cabin are new, and thick, so he can't hear anything but muffled words as El and Mike sit on the old swing together.
He can see that El is tucked up within herself, and Mike is desperately trying to get himself into her little world. The minutes tick by as he watches their interaction. Mikes movements are slow and gentle, and it seems he's speaking in a way that is slowly getting El to unwind. And, then, he watches the two teens lean forward and embrace each other in a tight hug.
Mike plants a gentle kiss on her forehead before he stands, and gives her a 'wait here gesture'. Hopper pulls away from the window as if it shocked him, and busies himself in the kitchen, not wanting Mike to catch him watching their interaction with one another.
When the boy re-enters he seems happier, but he makes a beeline straight for El's room, "Everything okay?" Hopper shoots to Mike before he reaches the doorway. Mike gives him a grin over the shoulder, "Almost!" he says before he disappears behind the door.
And two seconds later, he re-emerges with a confused looking Max. Mike is muttering to her lowly as he pulls her to the door and nearly pushes her outside. "Just go, you'll understand in a minute", he explains through a strained voice.
The redhead sighs, "You better be right Wheeler" she growls before she disappears onto the porch.
Mike lets out a heavy sigh, and as if he can feel Hopper's eyes on him, he turns and meets the older man's eyes. Hopper quirks an eyebrow up to the boy, waiting for an explanation.
The middle Wheeler rolls his eyes as he approaches the older man, "Look, El had a misunderstanding about Max is all, but...now I think everything will get cleared up now" he smiles.
Hopper gives him a look, "What kind of misunderstanding?" he growls to the boy, his last answer not being enough for him.
Mike shrugs his shoulders, "It's...it's just when El snuck out to find me, she went to the school, and she found me, but Max and I were hanging out-" and Mike stops when Hopper gives him a stern look, and Mike holds up his hands in defense, "NO, not like that, Hop, we were talking in the gym, and...trust me, I didn't even like Max when Dustin and Lucas invited her into the group!" he hastily explains. "But, El was just jealous, and...I think with an explanation, the two girls would actually be really good friends, besides, El needs a girl to talk to with four boys around".
Hopper shakes his head at the boy, "That better be true kid, because remember, if you hurt her-", "You'll kill me, I know" Mike strains to the older man who huffs in return.
He's about to speak again, but he's interrupted by the door from the outside opening, with Max and El trailing inside, both giggling and with grins on their faces.
Mike's face turns to relief as he meets the girls, "Everything okay?" he asks softly and both the girls nod in agreement, "All good" El chirps as she grabs both Mike's and Max's hands, "Let's get back to the game!" she cheers as she drags them both along to her room.
Hopper watches them leave, a sigh escaping him, not knowing what he got himself into adopting a hormonal teenage daughter.
The night drags on, and soon Hopper has the kids fed, they move into the kitchen and show El the art of baking sugar cookies, which, turns more into a mess of kids and ingredients who never stop laughing.
Hopper's pretty sure he wants to rip his ears off, but seeing El so excited with her friends, her contagious laugh ringing through the cabin, he lets his annoyance drift by.
By the end of the night, the kids are exchanging gifts with one another. Most of them are for El from her friends, and he can see the love behind her eyes when she unwraps each of them. Giving the gift giver a tight hug afterwards.
After their gifts are exchanged the kids arrange themselves around the living room as they sit in front of the t.v, watching a cartoon of some sort. He busies himself with picking up the mess the kids made in the kitchen, grunting under his breath.
Out of the corner of his eye he doesn't miss Mike tug at El as they rise from the couch and he pulls her towards her room. He freezes in his movements, his eyes catch the young boys. Hopper growls and stares at him.
Instead of saying anything, the kid gives him a look that says, 'please...trust me', before he pulls El into the room, the door staying open.
Since the cabin is dark, accept for the twinkling Christmas tree and the two dull lamps that are lit about the cabin, he can barely make out the two figures in El's room that are now sitting on the bed next to each other.
He can't hear a word their saying, but Mike moves and pulls something from his pocket and hands it to El. She gives him a look, and he nods at the gift, smiling gently.
She undoes the tie and opens the box. He can barely see her gasp through the darkness as she pokes at the item in the box.
'Must be some type of jewelry', his brain says, as he continues to watch as Mike takes the item from her, gestures for her to turn, as he moves his arms around her head, and fiddles with something behind her neck.
Once he's done, his hand moves back into his lap, and El turns to face him, she looks down just enough to look at the necklace as she moves forward, stopping slightly when Mike says something to her, only for her to shake her head and wrap her arms around his neck, as they embrace.
Hopper sighs, not really sure as to how he feels about just watching the intimate moment between his daughter and boyfriend. It seems the boy had a lot planned out for her, and seemed to have wanted to make tonight special.
He eventually turns his attention away from the room as the two exit her room, hand in hand, light blushes adorning their faces as they sit on the couch together.
His inner dad beast growls lowly, knowing that things were okay for now, but he didn't know how long he would be able to keep the beast under control.
When nine o'clock struck within the Hopper household, the older man finally spoke up, "Okay kids, it's late, I've got to get you home".
Residual groans of displeasure are heard all around, which makes Hopper roll his eyes. "Come on Hop, we don't have school tomorrow, why can't we stay over?" Dustin voice perks up, and the kids all excitedly agree.
'No!', bellows through Hopper's head as he is put on the spot. He was barely ready to have them all come over, let alone stay the night. His eyes flicker to Mike and El on the couch, El is giving him hopeful, pleading eyes, but the fact of her boyfriend staying over, that doesn't sound like the best plan to him.
He groans, "No kids, not this time" comes out of his mouth slowly, and the kids sigh again. "Why not?" this time Mike's voice trails over the kids, and now all of their young eyes are on him, waiting for an answer.
Hopper gives the kid a stare. If he's honest with himself, if they all stayed, he wouldn't really care, he'd just make sure some ground rules were put into place, but, the problem was he hadn't come up with a cover story as to how El even came into his life just yet, and he knew it needed to be done sooner rather than later.
But, he was also tired, he wasn't used to having kids around, let alone six of them at once. This was something that would have to be gradual.
"Look, kids, I think it would be a little weird if the chief of police were to call all your parents and tell them they were staying over" he gives them all a look. "It'll be different once I get a cover story for El, then maybe we can discuss having you kids over".
The kids look disappointed still, but they shrug their shoulders in understanding as they each gradually get to their feet and move about the cabin collecting their stuff.
It's a lot later than Hopper expected it to be, and he doesn't want the kids to have to trudge through the forest in the dark and on the streets, so, he ushers them into his awaiting cruiser.
He turns his head, and sees that a sad look has fallen upon El's face as she watches her friends pick up their things and head to the door.
He sighs, knowing he shouldn't be that mean and leave the girl alone, it is Christmas after all. He nods to the girl, "Come on El, pile in with your friends" he sighs, and almost immediately the girl perks up with a bright smile as she rushes to the door with her friends, puts on her coat and shoes and grabs onto Mike's nearby hand as they all disappear out the door.
Max, Dustin, Lucas and Will cram into the very small backseat, while Mike and El cozy up together in the front seat. Hopper wants to roll his eyes, but he refrains from doing so.
He begins the drive to Will's house first since it is the closest to them. The kids, hopped up on sugar continue to lively chat with one another.
As Hopper drops each kid off one by one, El leans forward to each of them, including Max, and gives them each a tight hug, thanking them for coming over for Christmas, and for the gifts she received.
Finally, they pull up to Mike's home, the last one still in the car, who, with El moved to the back seat of the car two houses ago.
For Hopper, it's almost like dejavu, the night after the gate was finally closed. He flicks his eyes to the rearview mirror and can see the two of them have their heads rested up against one another as they sit in silence, just enjoying this moment together.
When Hopper pulls up to the very neat and clean Wheeler residence he turns to the back seat, "Alright kid, time to say goodnight". El heaves a heavy sigh as she nods her head, watching as Mike maneuvers out of the car.
El follows him like a lost puppy as they both stand outside the door, Mike peaks his head back in, "Thanks Hopper...for having us over". This surprises the chief a bit, but he takes it and nods back to him, "Anytime kid, merry Christmas". "Merry Christmas" Mike returns as he shuts the back door, leaving he and El alone outside of the vehicle.
Hopper knew that El wouldn't even have asked to be able to escort Mike to his door like she had last time, so, with his teeth clenched he turned and watched them move towards the door.
Their hands are loosely held between them as they make the walk, and continue to stay together as they chat idly at the doorstep.
He watches as Mike says something, as El subconsciously reaches for the necklace he had gifted her, bowing her head in embarrassment as he talked.
A few small words are exchanged between them before they stand awkwardly looking at each other. Hopper rolls his eyes, knowing that both are debating the next step, and so is he, as Hopper begins to raise his hand to the horn the second he knows Mike will bend down to El.
And as if on cue, the kid does, ever so slowly, as El stands up on her tiptoes, to meet her very tall boyfriend in the middle. And although the dad beast inside him wants to interrupt this moment, he pulls his hand into a tight grip, turning his head away at the last second, missing the intimate moment between the two teens. As he mentally reminded himself that 'she needs to be a normal kid' even though it pained him to do so.
He gives them a couple beats before looking back at the door, however, when he does so, his eyes widen in alarm.
For, it's not just them that stand huddled together on the doorstep, but the door to the Wheeler residence is open, and Mike's mother stands in the doorway.
"Oh no" Hopper breathes, just about ready to jump out of the cruiser and do and or say anything to make sure El's cover isn't blown.
But as he watches the scene unfold, he sees that El has reached her hand forward and is shaking it with Mike's mom, who, to his disbelief is smiling brightly at her.
El then turns and points directly to him, Karen looks over the heads of the two teens, her eyes meet Hopper in the night, and she gives him a light smile and wave, which he returns.
El tuns back, says something to Karen and Mike. And with one last look to her boyfriend, she gives his hand a tight squeeze before she jumps down the steps, gives the two one last wave before she approaches the car with a smile.
Hopper can't help but watch each of her movements as she enters the vehicle. She sits and lets out a long breath, timidly looking at the older man.
He can't hold back anymore, "What the hell happened?!" he asks through a strained whisper. He watches as El blushes lightly, "Uhm...Mike and I were saying goodnight" she shrugs her shoulders, and he knows that the other meaning to this is, 'Mike was giving me a goodnight kiss', but he lets it go for her to continue, "And...his mom opened the door, she saw us and was surprised".
Hopper holds onto each of her words, "Well, what did she say?" El chuckles lightly, "She, uh, she was surprised, asked who I was, and Mike jumped in and told her that I was the new kid he had told her about. So, I introduced myself and told her that you had adopted me, and you had introduced me to Mike and his friend".
"Did she seem to buy it?" Hopper asks quickly. El shrugs her shoulders, "She was looking at Mike and I kind of weirdly, but...she was really nice and seemed happy to meet me".
Hopper sighs in relief, he hadn't planned on this happening so quickly, but he guess he would need to start introducing El as his daughter and get her back story going so that Karen wouldn't be blabbing all over town the wrong information.
He lets out a long sigh. "Hop...it's okay, I don't think she was mad, she seemed...happy?" she quirks an eyebrow up to him, and he nods in return, giving a slight chuckle, "Yeah, I'm sure Karen was happy to see her nerdy son kissing a sweet girl like you" he jokes, smiling at the girl. And at this El turns away abruptly blushing all the same.
"Daaad" she whines not wanting to face him. He only laughs louder as he turns to rev the cruiser's engine to life.
He pulls out of the Wheeler's driveway and directs the car to their home. He glances out of the corner of his eye to see El fiddling with the necklace around her neck. He hadn't caught a glimpse of it before, but now he can see a small snowflake hangs from her neck.
He smiles, "So, did you have a good Christmas?" he asks the girl. And without turning towards him, he can see the brilliant smile on her face as she answers, "The best".
Yay! I got this chapter done before I head out! I'm sorry to my Stranger Tides and Watching Her Fall In Love fans, but I am heading out on my honeymoon in a couple of days, so I will not be writing for about a week, so I apologize for the wait between chapters! So, I hope this long chapter makes up for the hiatus!
And I can't thank you all enough again for your beautiful comments, kudos and sweet words, it honestly melts my heart! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and has a great New Year!
As always, reviews are wonderful! I will see you next year with some new chapters! Love to you all!
