Chapter Text
9 years had passed since Dustin first sang to Jane. The two had their ups and downs, Jane had more meltdowns and it took over a year to find a therapist that could be trusted with the information regarding Jane’s circumstances. It was 4 years after that before she no longer cried in Dustin’s arms, pleading with him to not leave her for what she had done. He never did. The two stayed together as Dustin graduated and walked the stage and Jane had completed her two years and passed the exam for her GED. The two stayed together through college, pursuing different career paths. Dustin worked furiously with his undergraduate and masters programs in theoretical physics and was beginning work on his PhD, theorizing about different dimensions and how one could potentially traverse through them. He never made Jane read his stuff or asked for information about the Upside Down. She had done so much work putting it behind her, and it wasn’t that important to his studies regardless.
Jane found her way into social work. She met with children every day and found safety for them as well as brought justice to those impacted by medical malpractice and negligence. She saw herself in the children, their scared faces looked just like hers. She vowed to never again let another child be tested on or treated the way that she was. In the short time since she graduated college with her degree, she had helped so many children that she felt comfortable leaving her own past behind and focusing on her (and the children’s) future(s).
The two had gotten an apartment in Indianapolis, far enough away so they could have a fresh start apart from the town where everything had gone down, but close enough that they could visit their families and friends easily.
Not all of them stayed in Hawking. Mike and Will, however on again off again they may be, moved together to New York City. Jonathan had gotten an apartment near theirs and got a job as a cameraman on a film set, hoping to one day move up to director. Will attended NYU before opening up a gallery for himself and other queer artists to share their works. Mike, who still wrote stories and DnD campaigns, found himself working on Wall Street. He was upset about becoming somewhat like his father, but being able to provide for himself and Will made up for it. They received letters from Jane and Dustin and Will primarily wrote their letters in return. Mike responded once, excitedly writing about his life with Will and how happy he was to be in a place where the two could be themselves. He signed it “love, Mike.” Jane and Dustin hung it on their fridge.
Nancy and Robin also left the area. The two moved to Philadelphia, going to Swarthmore and Bryn Mawr respectively before graduating and staying in the city. Nancy worked in reporting, finding her niche within small town stories. She most often wrote the types of news found on “Good Morning America” style news segments, it wasn’t much but it was honest work. Robin, an English major through college, became a teacher at the very school she studied in. She focused on queer literature and was known for never staying on track.
Lucas and Max returned to California. The two were constantly trying new jobs and figuring out new ways of life. They didn’t love staying stagnant. Lucas played on a variety of sports teams for a while and landed at the Lakers, a few years he played on the team before retiring and coaching the next several years. They two moved to New York later when Max was hired by MTV where she gave opinions on music, games, x-treme sports, and all things 90’s. Lucas took a job coaching the Knicks. The two often spent time with Will and Mike, but made plenty of their own friends within the city.
The few friends who remained in town were Steve and Eddie. The two had also gotten a home together. Eddie began working at the community center, providing music lessons to kids as well as introducing the youth to table top rpgs. The Satanic Panic had calmed down quite a bit and so while Eddie didn’t focus on Dungeons and Dragons, he was still able to play smaller games to allow children to embrace their creativity. Steve was working as a teacher. He became a home economics teacher, his years of babysitting making him suitable to teach people to survive on their own. They two remained together, regardless of the small town homophobia.
It was on their regularly scheduled visit home when Dustin pulled Hopper aside one evening, showing him the small diamond ring he had purchased for Jane. He wasn’t asking for permission, simply for his support in marrying his daughter. Hopped had pulled him into a hug and Dustin saw, for the first time, tears well in his eyes.
“About damn time.”
Several months later, when the two were home in their apartment, Dustin sore from standing in a lab all day and Jane exhausted from finding a child a new foster home, Dustin popped the question. The two were lying on the couch, eating a lazy meal and watching The Princess Bride for the ten millionth time. As the movie concluded, Dustin turned to Jane.
“Jane, I have loved you since we met that day in the forest. You are so smart and kind and talented and I could not imagine my life without you. You complete me, you raise me up, and you are the wind beneath my wings. You make me happier every day, and I do not want to even spend one moment without you.” he stood up off the couch and got down on one knee. “Jane, I love you so much. I would be honored to spend my life with you.” At this he pulled out the ring box. “I vow to make you happy, to support you throughout all your endeavors, and to be a supporting husband if you’ll have me.” he opened the box. “Jane Hopper, will you marry me?”
Jane looked back on him, this man that she had grown up with. This man who she had loved and who had shown her what unconditional love was. The man that was silly and goofy and also the smartest person she had ever met. Who held her through panic attacks and through meltdowns. Who made her the happiest she had ever been. She leaned forward and kissed him.
“As you wish.”
The End