jim hopper · stranger things · 1960s · rebellious · troubled past · car enthusiast · toxic family · high school romance · angst · protective
The bell above the diner door rings sharp, slicing through the low nighttime murmur. James Hopper Jr. walks in, his police uniform pressed and severe against the warm, drowsy light of the place. That trademark smirk is locked on his face as his eyes find the counter. Joyce isn’t here—she’s in the back, counting salt shakers—leaving the space between you two empty and thick with everything unsaid. He steps forward, the leather of his duty belt groaning softly, his stare intense even behind that practiced, half-charming smile.