"Jonathan, what?" Hopper is stunned. He thought the boy liked him at least a little.
"You think I don't know about what's been going on, the sneaking around? I share a wall with her." Jonathan gives him a knowing look, crossing his arms.
Hopper isn't sure what to say at this point having been completely caught off guard. It's not his place to have this conversation with Joyce's son. After all, she had been the one who wanted to keep things quiet.
"I appreciate all the police work you've done for my family the past two years, but that's all it is. That's where the line is." Jonathan pushes himself off of the Blazer and goes to walk away, but the Police Chief stops him.
"Where is this coming from? Your mom and I have been friends for years. You never cared about me coming around until now." Hopper questions, genuinely confused.
"That's because I thought you were just being her friend. What were you waiting for Bob to die so you could jump in?" Jonathan accuses.
Hopper is somewhat stunned, but he should have been expecting it. That was one of the many reasons Joyce wanted to keep things quiet. She didn't want to be public so soon after Bob had perished, fearing what the town and her children would think.
"She doesn't need someone that drinks, takes pills, sleeps around, and whatever the hell else you do. You aren't good for her so stay away. I'll bring Jane to the cabin when you get off work so she's not alone. There's no reason for you to come by my house anymore." Jonathan passes him, hitting Hopper with his shoulder as he does, and gets in his car, speeding off.
He was supposed to join The Byers for dinner tonight with Jane after he got off work, but after his conversation with Jonathan he couldn't help but feel precarious. Not wanting to disregard the teenager's request, he dials Joyce's number from his desk phone.
"Hello?" Joyce's voice comes on after two rings - she must be in the kitchen getting things ready.
"Hey, I…um..." He clears his throat "I won't be able to make it for dinner. I just got a call." He lies, knowing she would start asking questions if he didn't provide a reason.
"Okay," Joyce looks back at Jonathan at the sink, pulls the receiver closer and lowers her voice, "well come over when you're done…I got something new to wear tonight…" She teases him. She hadn't gotten new lingerie in years, but wants tonight to be special. She's going to talk to him about making things more official between them. They are moving fast, but she hardly cares, she doesn't want to hide anymore. She can feel herself falling for him - if she hasn't already.
"I'm exhausted. I'm probably just going to head home when I'm done. You don't have a problem keeping Jane? I'm not sure how late it's going to be." He's surprised how easily the lies are sliding off his tongue and how natural they sound, but feels awful. He could just talk to her about his conversation with Jonathan, but maybe the teenager had a point. It had got him thinking. Everything he loves is always swallowed by a massive black hole.
"Yeah of course, but Hop…" She wants to make sure he knows they don't always have to have sex; they can just sleep.
"I gotta go, Joyce." He hangs up the phone before she can get another word in. She listens to the dead line for a minute before she hangs up and turns around, seeing the kitchen table set for five people. Jonathan looks over at her, "I guess we won't be needing these." She clears one of the spots, putting the plate, silverware, and glass away - her displeasure evident.
"Everything okay, Mom?" Jonathan questions, full well knowing what is bothering her. He feels guilty, but he only wants what's best for his mom. Sure Hopper is a fine friend to his mother, but he's too unstable for anything more than that. She's too consumed in her gratitude of him helping her save Will to think clearly.
"Of course, honey." She gives him a tight-lipped smile and goes back to the stove.
The next morning a loud banging on the door wakes Jim. Rolling over he sees the alarm clock read 8am, he groans hoping the person will just go away, but the knocking persists. He climbs out of bed and makes his way to the door, wearing nothing but his boxers, "Alright, alright," That much noise accompanied with his hangover is making his head throb. As soon as he opens the door he's knocked backwards, lips connecting to his, the smell of smoke filling his senses. She must have had a cigarette on the way over.
"Joyce," He breaks their kiss, his hands on her shoulders.
"Hopper," She stands up on her tiptoes to attach her lips to his neck and continues, "I thought since you've had some time to relax, we could have some time to play." She keeps sucking the same spot on his neck as she slides her hand down his chest and into his boxers, wrapping her hand around his member, eliciting a throaty moan from him. Joyce starts to walk backwards, her grip still firm on his cock, giving him no choice but to follow.
"The kids?" He questions, his head foggy from her touch mixed with the hangover, being led into the bedroom.
She scoffs, "You think they're up this early? We've got a little time." She pushes him back on the bed, peels off her jeans and begins to unbutton her flannel shirt as she straddles him.
"And we don't have to worry about being quiet." She smirks, pulling her panties to the side, and sinking down onto him before he even realizes what's happening.
"Fuck, Joyce." Hopper grunts, not at all prepared. She is completely in control as she begins bouncing up and down on his cock.
"Oh, Hop." She moans, throwing her head back as she takes off her flannel shirt and tosses it behind her. Hopper sits up, pulling her tight against him and works on the clasp of her bra. Before long the garment is following the same path as her shirt. He flips them so he's on top of her, earning a squeal from Joyce, staying seated inside her.
"Damn woman couldn't even let me get a rubber on." He laughs as he takes one of her nipples in his mouth, drawing circles with his tongue before he bites down on the small bud.
"I missed you last night." She admits, pulling his head up to kiss him.
"Me too. How was Jane?" He asks, continuing to pump inside her.
"We're in the middle of having sex and you want to talk about the kids?" She stops his motions, "Is everything okay?" She questions, looking into his eyes suspiciously.
"Never better," He lies, attaching his lips to her neck and resumes his thrusts.
Once they collapse on the bed, both sated from multiple orgasms, the phone rings. Hopper groans, but gets up and slides his boxers on before heading towards the phone. He got the landline recently; Joyce thinking it would be a good idea since he has Jane now. He doesn't see that. All people ever do is bother him.
"Hello?" He picks up with a hint of agitation in his voice at his post-coital bliss with Joyce being interrupted.
"Is she there?" Jonathan's voice is dripping with venom. Hopper clears his throat, speaking quietly so Joyce doesn't overhear.
"I really don't think that's your business…."
"It is when you two are sneaking off and leaving me with the kids. And when I explicitly told you to stay away from her." He's fuming. Hopper looks up as Joyce comes into view, walking towards him.
"She'll be home soon." He hangs up quickly and looks over at Joyce.
"I have to get home, who was that?" She notices he's a little tense for the activities they just did.
"It was Jonathan. He wants me to stay away from you."