Chapter Text
El woke up early the next morning, Max fast asleep beside her.
She pushed the sheets off and tiptoed out of the room, trying not to make any noise.
She yawned as she pattered into the kitchen, floor cold against her socked feet.
She was about to check the fridge for some food when she noticed a piece of paper poking out of the trash.
It was crumpled it, looking like it belonged in the trash, but it had Hopper’s writing on it.
Letting her curiosity get the best of her, El fished it out and began to read.
For El.
I’m not really sure how to talk about this, but I’m going to give it my best. I want you to know that I love you, and that nothing will ever change that. Anything I saw, it doesn’t change the way I feel about you. I support you in everything with my whole heart.
I’m sorry if I ever made you worry or feel uncomfortable or unsafe. My father wasn’t the best to me, and I’ve found it hard to keep in touch with my emotions because of that. If I ever act poorly toward you, please know that I’m trying. And you’re very welcome to call me out on it. I want to be the best father I can for you.
I want to say that I support you and Max. I was raised in a time that was strongly against things like that, and I think a part of me still carries that, but I’m trying to get rid of it. I want to be able to talk to you about these things. And I’d also like to say that I think Max is much better for you than pesky Mike.
But now that this new development is occurred, I will be implementing a new rule. You can have a maximum of two sleepovers per week, and you have to keep the door open 3 inches.
I love you, El.
Love from your dear old Dad.
El felt a tear at the corner of her eye. She brushed it away, smiling.
She turned the paper over.
For Max.
I don’t know you all that well yet, but I’m glad my daughter is happy with you. If you ever need a place to stay or an ear to listen, I’m always available. Although I don’t pretend to be the best at confronting feelings.
I’m sorry if I made you feel unsafe or uncomfortable earlier today (or whenever I’m reading this to you), I just needed to clear my head and grapple with my thoughts. I want you to know that I love you and I support you, and hopefully that’s not weird coming from your girlfriend(?)’s dad.
Though this does mean that I’m going to be keeping a closer eye on you during sleepovers with El. And if I find that you have hurt El in anyway, I’ll be giving you a much sterner talking to. On the flip aide, if El hurts you in anyway, she’ll be getting a talking to as well. You’re always safe and loved within my home.
From Hopper.
El smiled to herself and placed the piece of paper back in the trash can.
She was going to go back to searching for a snack, but then she had an idea.
She found another piece of paper and began writing.
-
Hopper woke up with sleep in his eyes and sunlight streaming through the window.
As he sat up and stretched, he noticed a piece of paper in front of the door.
I love you too, Dad.