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"How many pillows is too many pillows?"
There was a pile of sleeping bags, pillows and blankets Nancy and Mike had brought over earlier that day after they had all witnessed volcano-like red fumes in the air. It put everyone on edge, but they all decided to dismiss it for the time being. Only until they could get the whole party together.
They had cleaned and fixed what they could of Hopper's cabin, and now all they needed were sleeping arrangements to get through the next couple nights before they were able to find another place to call home.
Tonight, they sat in the middle of the cabin. They had pushed the old dusty furniture to the walls to lean against and positioned a few lamps around them for light.
"You can never have too many pillows," El told Jonathan. "Unless you're Will who needs a bunch of them to sleep."
Will shot her an affront look and rolled his eyes, taking the pillow outstretched in Jonathan's hand. "Yeah, well, at least I don't drool in my sleep."
Hopper clicked his tongue, leaning against the side of the couch. He sat across from Will and nodded at him in agreement. The two shared a grin while El gasped in mock shock. Joyce watched them with a smile.
She was worried the abrupt appearance of Hopper would cause awkwardness between him and the boys, but their interactions were smooth and familiar; like he had never left. Even Jonathan somewhat let his guard down. She raised a tightly wounded blanket to their view.
"Can we put the brakes on the drooling and help set up these sleeping bags, please?"
"Right, right. I got it, don't worry," Hopper got to his feet, taking the blanket from her. He let his hands linger on hers before rolling it onto the floor.
She was glad he was here. It cemented the presence of family that warmed the cabin. Although, she had to admit, it was hard to keep their eyes and hands off each other in front of everyone.
"Alright, layout your sleeping bags," Joyce said, smoothing out the blanket. "Hopefully the blanket underneath will give some extra cushion."
"Oh! Dibs on the purple one!" Will called, diving for the pile.
They figured it was easier if they all slept on the living room floor in case any Upside Down related problems disrupted their slumber. It also gave Joyce comfort to know where everyone was. The ache in her chest from being away from them for so long had subsided and she wanted it to stay like that. She felt Hopper's arm around her and automatically nestled closer to his touch.
"I found a particularly large sleeping bag that could possibly fit two people if you're interested," he whispered in her ear with a smile. "Not that it matters. I'm sure a regular sized sleeping bag would fit the two of us just fine."
She peered up at him, squinting.
"And what is that suppose to mean exactly?"
"Oh, you know," he shrugged innocently. "You're pretty small compared to everyone else in here."
"Pretty small?"
He backtracked. "Pretty. And small." There was a pause. "Is that better?"
She shook her head in amusement, laughing into his shoulder. "That works. But no one is fitting in that sleeping bag if it doesn't get rolled out."
Hopper cracked a fond smirk until a pillow collided with his head. El gasped, stifling hearty laughter behind her hand.
“That was a wrong move, kid,” Hopper warned, already gripping a pillow nearby and flinging it with all his might. It knocked her over like a bowling pin. Will quickly scooted away from her, hands raised.
“I am not associated with her.”
After everything was done and the three had all picked their spots with friendly sibling banter, the clowning around lulled to slow and quiet breathing. Joyce tiptoed over next to Jonathan, who's eyelids drooped heavily. She raised the fabric to his chin, tucking it in.
"Mom, it's fine," he already began to mutter.
"I just don't want you to get cold.”
He grasped her hand. "If you tuck me in anymore I'd be sleeping in a straight jacket. I'm fine."
She relaxed her grip. "You always are."
She hadn't addressed the situation that occurred in California when she was gone. All their problems had landed on top of her eighteen-year old son, who had enough problems of his own. It pained her that he was always a convenient depot for their troubles.
His playful smile deflated into a tired one.
"Of course I am. So don't worry, okay?" he said simply before snuggling into a comfortable position and closing his eyes.
She sat their for a moment before dropping a kiss onto his head. There was a needed conversation between them, but now wasn't the time.
"Hey, don't be giving me any of those," Will's voice is filled with drowsiness as she smiled down at him.
"Sorry, it’s a rule,” she said, giving his forehead a soft peck as he tried, and failed, to squirm away. He was already tucked tightly in. Sleeping bag without creases and pillow at the perfect angle. There was nothing left for her to fuss over.
He turned and muttered a soft ‘goodnight’.
Joyce instinctively moved over to El. However, Hopper was already at her side. The two were softly whispering about their lack of hair.
“It’ll grow back in no time, and soon you’ll look like a chia pet with your curls.” Hopper chuckled.
“Chia… pet?”
“Chia pets are seeds you can grow that’ll turn into little plants,” Joyce explained, leaning down next to them. “You’ll be our little chia pet.”
El nodded. She smiled at them wearily, trying to fight off the sleep.
“I had hair just like Joyce in California,” she told Hopper quietly. “The front hairs and everything.”
“Bangs, kid.”
She echoed, “Bangs.”
“She got the full Byer’s experience. Bangs and oversized hand-me-downs,” Joyce said without any malice.
“Any burnt breakfasts?” Hopper teased.
“Oh yes, of course I fed our kid burnt breakfast,” she rolled her eyes. “My culinary skills can handle a toaster and a few Eggo’s.”
“Jeez, I totally forgot what those taste like. Do you think the stores have any? Actually, I don’t think I would be able to handle anything sweeter than a rice cracker right now. Eight months of shit porridge will do that to you. Maybe we can get someone light for breakfast tomorrow; Wonder bread? A little peanut butter? What d’ya say?”
Hopper glanced up at Joyce who’s eyes were on a now sleeping El, fingers trailing the young girls cheek. He peered closer to notice her eyes welling up.
He winced. “Hey, hey. I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s… it’s fine. Hop, you should be able to talk about it without me…” she sighed frustratedly. “Ignore me. Seriously, okay? Forget about any tears in my eyes.”
He reached over to brush a long strand of hair behind her ear, showcasing those dreamy doe eyes he can’t get enough of.
“It’s hard to forget your eyes, you know that right? You are quite literally the most wide eyed person in Hawkins,” he joked, expelling a teary laugh from her.
Will shifted in his sleep beside them as they both shushed each other. There was a silent moment where they watched the kids slow rise and fall of their breathing. When glancing back at their daughter, Joyce stifled a laugh.
“Oh, god, she does drool,” she wiped El’s chin while Hopper felt the soft short fuzz on her head.
“Maybe we should get a chia pet; see which one grows faster. Although I think my beard’ll beat it,” he said, getting to his feet with a groan.
She followed, unzipping two sleeping bags next to each other. The thought of sleeping in one was nice, but they’d rather avoid the awkward looks in the morning.
“You’re not going to keep the clean-shaven look?” she asked as they both slipped into their bedrolls.
“My heads already lacking it. I’m gonna need some on the bottom to compensate,” he chuckled. “Why? Do you have a preference?”
"No, you can grow a beard," she brushed his cheek. "But only for the purpose of keeping me warm."
His eyes softened then crinkled as he laughed, cupping her small face into his hands. He leaned over to meet her lips. The kiss was soft and short but held plenty of passion. His hands dove into her hair as they separated, wanting more. She gave him a warning look and he yielded, falling back onto his pillow.
They slept a few feet apart away from each other. The lack of physical touch made the two of them slightly uneasy as the night air breezed through the holes in the roof. Just as she felt herself sink into sleep, Joyce jolted awake when nearby branches raked against the window. She turned over to Hopper, who’s eyes were closed. She swallowed before tentatively sliding her hand against his wrist. He silently intertwined his fingers through hers. They both smiled to themselves at the much needed comfort.