Jim sat motionless in the snow, a cigarette clinched between his teeth. The smoke curled around his bearded face and rose into the starless night. The box. He stared at it, making a mental note not to hold his breath. What if she does show up again? What means would he have to go to to keep her safe from Brenner and his crew? And what kinda life could Eleven have in Hawkins? She'd have to live her whole life looking over her shoulder. Hop draws his jacket closer around himself, shivering in the cold. He hopes she's warm, wherever she is. After an hour of waiting he places a small package of Eggos in the lock box and walks back to his truck, defeated.

.

Joyce was waiting for him at home, her big eyes warm with love.

"What's wrong?" Her face fell immediately and Jim's eyes shifted from her face to the their boys, surrounded by the neighborhood boys as they all watched tv together. He wrapped his arms around her and whispered into her hair.

"I was looking for our girl. She's been sighted, but not by me."

Joyce blinked up at him, squeezing his upper arms. "Oh I wish we could bring her home!" She said lowly as he stepped past her, taking a seat at the kitchen table.

Joyce's fingers drifted across his shoulders, pausing to press gently into his flesh. "Poor Mike, he hasn't been the same since she disappeared."

Hopper felt the full guilt of selling Eleven out to save Will's life. He'd felt it every day since she disappeared. Luckily she'd escaped Brenner, but what kinda life could she she be living between the upside down and the woods? Joyce's thumbs worked his sore shoulders and he leaned into her touch.

"We'll find her. I know it." She volunteered. He knew that she watched the lock box too, stopping by an hour before and after work every day. "We'll find her. And we'll take care of her."

.

That night Joyce reached across the bed for his hand.

"C'mere. Come hold me." She urged and he scooted closer, letting her rest her head on his chest. "You've been so quiet all night. Don't beat yourself about it. We just have to have a little patience."

She drew little circles on his belly and the tickling sensation made the corners of his mouth turn upwards.

"I just hope she's warm. And she's eating."

"At least the waffles keep disappearing." She offered. "At least she's eating something." He breathed in deeply and she rode the motion out with her hand pressed to his chest, over his heart. "One step at a time, baby. We can't save the whole world at one time. We'll bring her home."

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "I know. But what if she does come back? Her mother's not capable of taking care of her. The Wheeler's aren't capable of keeping her safe..."

"I always wanted a girl." Joyce grinned. "She needs us. We need her."

.

Later during the night Jim lay on his side with Joyce's back pressed firmly against his bare chest. His fingers ghosted over her shoulder before he settled them over her belly. He nuzzled her neck lightly with his nose and breathed in deeply, enjoying the sweet smell of her perfume.

"Stop fidgeting." She fussed sleepily, pressing further against his chest and laying her hand on top of his.

"I love you, Joyce."

Her fingers laced with his and she squeezed them. "I love you too."

Their breaths fell into a gentle rhythm and soon he was asleep, dreaming of buying her a new house. Of watching the boys grow together. Faking paper work and adopting Eleven.

.

Hopper heard the sound, and Joyce was up and over him and out of bed before he could react. He followed Joyce clumsily, bumping into the wall outside of Will's door in his still sleepy state.

"Will, baby!" Joyce was in bed with him is heartbeat, silencing his screams. She held him as he cried and Hopper slid into bed beside him, flanking him with Joyce. His big hand covered Will's back below Joyce's protective hug.

"I went back! I went back there!" He wailed mournfully, his hands covering his face. "She's still there."

Hopper sucked in a breath, his hand gently rubbing the boy's back. "There's more monsters!" Will stressed and Joyce sighed this time, glancing across Will to meet Hopper's gaze.

Jonathan stood in the doorway, arms crossed, and listened.