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Her first memory from her childhood is of her grandma teaching her how to make the secret family recipe for hot chocolate. They then take it into containers and set them up in the Christmas Hawkins Market. Since then, she’s done it every year, and when her mother died, Joyce continued the tradition. Her year consists of working in the boring, dull Melvald’s, but as soon as December hits, it’s time to set up her tiny little tent in the middle of Hawkins Town Square. 

Her adoptive daughter El is helping her set up and sell hot chocolates this year. Joyce has already taught her everything about it, but she still watches with bright wonder. Joyce hopes she never loses the spark of curiosity she has.

From where she’s standing, Joyce can see Wayne’s nephew setting up the pottery tent. It’s across them, a little on her left, where it’s always been. Joyce raises a hand to wave, and Eddie spots her quickly, raising his hand to wave back. Eddie's one of Jonathan’s friends, he’s always been a little too loud, but he’s a kind and respectful kid. He also hosts some of Will’s D&D games, so Joyce has learned to love the kid. 

She feels a tug on her winter coat, “Mom, I think I am done setting up.” When Joyce turns, she comes face to face with El. She’s wearing a pink bonnet with a big sparkly puff, matching pink mittens warming her hands, her cheeks red from the weather. 

Joyce smiles at her, squishing her face between her hands, “Your so cute, honey! Did you get your new set from Steve?” 

El smiles at the mention of her new friend, happily nodding, “Yes! I love it!” 

Usually, Joyce would be cautious with some new guy trying to get close to her children. But she remembers Steve Harrington. She remembers him saving Jonathan, Steve’s then-girlfriend, and Joyce’s now daughter-in-law, Nancy Wheeler, from a big brown bear in the woods. Unfortunately, he left immediately after high school and only returned a few months ago. They all thought he was back for business. However, Steve surprises the whole town by settling down in a small cottage near the lake with his friend Robin, another kid initially from the town who left with Steve to go to college. 

She heard that Steve was a popular kid back in high school. Jon says Steve had never bullied him and was more of a bystander. Which he has profusely apologized for. Now, Steve teaches History in Grade 8; the same grade the kids are in. So they’re very enamored with him. He's good, the kind of person born to teach children. 

“Oh! Steve is here!” El hops, turning away from her and pointing at the young man trying to set up his tent across from them on the right side. He’s with Robin, another new teacher at Hawkins Middle School, teaching Arts, “Can I go help him? I promise to come back immediately when people start coming!” 

Before Joyce can even finish nodding, El is already gone, running across to Steve and Robin’s ten, “Mr. S! Ms. Robin!” 

Joyce watches as Steve turns, a red scarf bundled around his neck to shield him from the cold, “Ellie!” Steve welcomes her with a hug as Robin greets her, “Oh, hey, El!” 

When they pull apart, Steve waves at Joyce, to which she returns happily. Steve doesn’t think she’s still watching when Steve’s hand freezes midair when he spots Eddie putting out pottery on the front table. He’s got a faraway look in his eyes as he watches Eddie set up.

“Steve! Come help us!” Robin shouts from the truck, snapping Steve out of the trance. 

Joyce feels like she’s watching a movie because Steve turns his head, immediately running to his best friend, and at that exact moment, Eddie turns his head. Just a split second, and their eyes could’ve met. Joyce watches as the box Eddie is holding falls with a clatter. He’s still staring in the direction where Steve was. He’s watching Steve with such an intense gaze. Joyce is surprised Steve doesn't feel him watching. It’s somewhere between a glare and a squint. 

She does a quick mental math, Eddie failed high school a few times, and he’s been friends with Jon since high school, so Steve and Eddie might’ve known each other. 

Interesting. 

She’ll have to ask Nancy and Jon about the history between those two. 

“Eddie Munson and Steve Harrington?” Jonathan puts down the files in his hands, his forehead pinched in confusion, “Oh, Mom, let me get Nance. I was high half of high school. You know this.” He stands up and walks to an office at the other end of the floor. 

Joyce rolls her eyes, following closely behind her son, “I know. Half of the time, while Hop and I were dating, I thought he was just trying to catch you in the act.” 

“Well,” Jon smirks at her, pointing at the gold ring that hasn’t left her left finger in about ten years now, “That turned out well for you, at least.”

Jon stops at the office door, softly knocking at the door. He waits for her to answer and opens the door wide when they hear the muffled permission. 

“Hey, babe. We’ve got a visitor.” Nancy lifts her head from the pile of paperwork, a smile spreading on her face when she sees Joyce in the doorway. 

“Joyce!” Nancy beams at her, hopping off her seat to hug her, “How’s the Christmas market going? I am sorry we couldn’t help! It’s been a hectic season for the company.” 

“Oh, it’s alright! I understand. Come by later before you go home. I’ll make sure to leave some hot chocolate for you.” Joyce takes a seat in one of the chairs facing her as Nancy settles down. 

“Why are you here?” Nancy asks, looking between her and Jonathan. 

Jonathan snickers, “My mom needs some gossip.” 

Joyce gapes, pushing him playfully by the arm, “I am not gossiping! I am just— curious! You know me!” 

Nancy laughs at their banter, “What’s it about?” 

“She’s asking about Steve and Eddie? Do you remember if there’s bad blood between the two of them? I was high half of high school, and I know you guys stayed friends after you broke up with Steve, you know because of the— the whole bear fiasco.” 

There’s a sudden spark in Nancy’s eyes when the two boys are brought up, “Why? Why do you ask?” 

Joyce explains immediately, “Well, Eddie’s taking care of Wayne’s pottery tent across my left, and Steve and Robin just opened a new knit tent across my right. I just wanted to know if I’ll need to do some damage control and watch them closely this year.” 

Nancy beams, a playful glint in her eyes, “Were they sniping at each other or just straight-up glaring?” 

Joyce raises her eyebrows, “Straight-up glaring.” 

“I honestly don’t know. I am 100% sure they had a thing for each other, and I am, like, 80% sure that Steve once asked Eddie out, but Eddie said no.” 

Jonathan gasps in realization, “Oh! Oh! Steve is bisexual, right? Isn’t— Isn’t—” He pauses, looking far away with a look of concentration. 

“Isn’t what?” Nancy prods her husband. Jonathan’s head snaps back at them. 

“I am pretty sure Eddie told me when we were high that he was in love with Steve, and Steve asked him out, but he thought it was a joke.” 

“Oh.” Nancy purses her lips, “Well, there you go, Joyce.” 

Joyce tries to think back to the two boys. Remembers how they stared at each other, the other not aware. Eddie’s filled with something fiery and maybe angrier, while Steve’s filled with something akin to fondness and longing. 

“Mom.” Jonathan pokes her by the arm, “I know that look. Whatever you’re scheming, you gotta stop.” 

“I am not scheming anything!” Joyce crosses her arms in defense, “You know I am not a good matchmaker.” 

Nancy laughs, “Hey, if you want to play matchmaker, let me know. Robin and I have been trying to get the two together since high school. We’re open to any new ideas.” 

“What?!” Jonathan bursts, “What?! How could I not know?!” 

Nancy chuckles, “Well, for one, you were high most of the time. And two, you’re not really good at spotting that kind of stuff.” 

They bicker more, but Joyce is thinking far away now.

Nancy catches the look on her face, an equally playful smile spreading on her face, “You let me know if you need help. We’re in.” 

She’s not sure of a lot of things. But here are three things Joyce Hopper knows right now: 

“I think I have an idea.” Joyce winks at Nancy. 

“Well, I am in.” Nancy snaps a finger at her, her hands reaching over the phone and clicking down a set of numbers. 

“Hey, Robs.” 

Much Ado About Nothing is a play by Shakespeare revolving around a matchmaking mess. It’s one of the only things Joyce remembers from high school and still loves. 

So yeah, maybe it’s not entirely original that she’s trying to matchmake Eddie and Steve with a play from, what, 1600? But it’s the perfect play for them. Minus the shaming and fake deaths, of course.

The two main protagonists also fight and quarrel with each other, which Joyce has learned from the past five days is a daily occurrence between Eddie and Steve. Dustin’s the only thing keeping from the two of them tearing at each other. Joyce learned that Steve and Eddie are some kind of big brothers to Dustin, and although it helps them calm, it also adds more gas to the jealousy pit. It’s always snide comments and burning glares at each other.

As Joyce sits under her tent, waiting for people to come, she watches as Steve walks to her tent. He’s always wearing a complete set of bonnets, mittens, and scarf. Always his own creation. 

“Hey, Joyce.” Steve waves a clothed hand at him, handing her a ten-dollar bill, “Can I get 2 cups of hot choco? Robin’s been bugging me since this morning, and I owe her a cup.” 

Joyce smiles, as she stands from her seat, “Of course, sweetie. How’s business going for you guys?” She takes the money before giving him the change, which he automatically drops in the tip jar. 

As Steve watches her, she starts working on his order, “Oh! It’s going okay. People are coming to buy Christmas gifts, so that’s really nice. But, unfortunately, school isn’t out until a few more days, so it’s been hectic to go to school and teach in the morning and then set up in the evening. But it’s been fun doing it with Robin.” 

Joyce pours his drink into the cups, “You’ll enjoy it! Although, of course, it gets busier a few days before Christmas. But it’s the best. I’ve been doing this for years and still love it.” 

Steve beams at her, looking genuinely excited about the prospect of the Christmas rush, “I am actually excited about that! I’ve always had quiet Christmases. You knew my parents, right?” 

She pauses, looking up from the cups. Of course, she knew the Harringtons. She never liked town gossip, not when she’s been a victim of it. Still, she knew the word was little Steve Harrington spent holidays alone in the big house in Loch Nora since it was legal to leave a child home. 

Joyce nods, handing him his cups, “Yes. I did know them. You still keep in contact with them?” 

“Oh god, no. Not since I came out, and they kicked me out.” Steve laughs, but it’s hollow and empty.

“I am sorry. You know—” Before Joyce can finish what she’s saying, Eddie pops out of nowhere, a bright smile on his face, “Hey, Joyce! I got the vase you ordered from Wayne—” The smile slips off immediately when he sees Steve standing on the other side of the tent.

Eddie sets down the box on one of the tables, arms crossing as he raises an eyebrow at Steve, “Oh, hello, Harrington. I am surprised you are still here.” 

“Munson.” Steve nods at him. There’s disdain on his face, but he’s also avoiding Eddie’s eyes. “Where else would I go? Hawkins is home.”

“I don’t know, maybe work for Daddy’s big, wonderful company,” Eddie smirks at him, clearly baiting for more. 

Steve lifts his head to turn to him. There’s something similar to hurt flashing on his face, and it’s the first time Joyce sees him fake a smile, “I’d rather not. I actually like being a teacher.”

“Surprising. You seem like the type to eat children for breakfast.” Eddie snides. 

Steve glares at him, “And you seem the type to kidnap and use them for satanic cults.” 

Steve turns to her, “Thank you, Joyce. Robin would love this.” Then, he turns back to Eddie with a glare, “Munson. Always a pleasure.” 

Joyce ignores it, but she’s pretty sure she hears Steve mutter under his breath something along the lines of, “Asshole.” 

Joyce watches as, yet again, Eddie watches Steve walks away from him. His eyes sparkle with hurt, his lips are looped into a frown. 

“Why do you do that?” Joyce asks as she stirs the hot chocolate. 

“What? Do what?” Eddie turns, kind of alarmed, like he forgot that Joyce was even there. 

“Argue with him and then watch him walk away like he just kicked your puppy,” Joyce says, pouring another cup of hot chocolate, “Steve’s… nice.” 

Eddie flushes red, stammering to get the words out, “What? Steve? What puppy? I don’t look at him like anything!” 

“Oh, come on, Eddie. You know that doesn’t work with me.” Joyce hands him the hot chocolate. She crosses her finger, hoping that it makes him talk.

Eddie wraps his hands on the warm cup, sipping it slowly. Joyce takes the chance to ask the question, “Now tell me, what happened with you and Steve?”

Eddie sighs, “Alright. It happened just after we graduated high school. Before he left to go to Indianapolis, to follow his dreams, and blah blah blah,” He takes a pause, swallowing, “He asked me out, and I know he changed in high school. But I know!” 

Eddie points a finger, glaring at Steve’s tent, “I know he was tricking me! He’s Steve Harrington! For goodness sake, how could he ever want me? So I rejected him and called him out on the joke. And you know what? I was right. Before I could even talk to him again, he was already gone and had run away to Indianapolis!” 

Joyce hears the hitch in his breath as he finishes his rant. She looks down at her hot chocolate to hide the smile growing on her face. It works like magic every time.

“That was years ago, Eddie. Maybe you guys had a small misunderstanding.” Joyce urges on. Eddie pouts, sipping more of his drink. “Maybe it’s time for a new slate, ya know?” 

Eddie stops for a second, just staring at Steve’s tent. From where Joyce stands, she can see Steve knitting a green scarf.

“I don’t know.” Eddie shrugs, “Thank you for the drink, Joyce.” He hands over a bill before heading back to his tent. 

The trap has been set. Let’s see if Shakespeare is as good a matchmaker as he was a writer. 

In the original material, the two main antagonists get tricked separately by the matchmaker because they eavesdropped on a planned conversation. The conversation revolves around how the other character is in love with the other character. 

So, today, Nancy and Robin will “explain” Steve’s feelings to Joyce while Jonathan— if he successfully follows through with the plan— leads Eddie near the restaurant’s garden, where they will talk and where he will hopefully eavesdrop on them. 

They only have one chance in doing this because they can’t do it with Steve. According to Robin, Steve is adamant that he’d never ask Eddie out again, but only because he was deeply hurt when he first did. It’s all up to Nancy and Robin to talk about Steve while Joyce asks the questions.

“Do you think this would work?” Robin whispers, holding a cup of hot choco Joyce brought for them. 

“Well, it worked for Shakespeare. Let’s hope it works for us.” Nancy whispers back, nudging Joyce by the shoulder. 

They all straighten up immediately when they hear a crunch of leaves. 

“He’s coming,” Robin whispers, turning her head slightly, so Eddie doesn’t see that she saw him. 

Joyce gives them a discreet thumbs up, making them nod and smile at her. Then, they all start walking a little closer to him so he can eavesdrop better. 

Joyce clears her throat and then asks loudly, “Are you sure Steve is still in love with Eddie?” They see Eddie, clear as day, jump behind a tree as soon as he hears the question. 

“Well, yeah.” Robin confidently says, “He dated a few times in college, but it never really lasted long.” 

They hear Eddie softly gasp. Joyce winks at them. It’s working. 

“Do you know what happened after? You know when Steve asked Eddie out.” Joyce asks. They didn’t plan any of the conversations or questions, so it’s her innate curiosity. 

Robin looks genuinely surprised by the question, “Oh. That. Eddie… Well, Eddie was Steve’s bisexual awakening. It took me a few months to finally push him into asking him out, and when Eddie thought Steve was joking, it was a bad day. Then he came out to his parents, and they kicked him out. That’s when he decided he’ll just leave, and I packed my bags and followed.” 

Joyce nods, not knowing what to say. She thinks being a mom is one of the best things that ever happened to her. She can’t ever imagine the day Will came out to her going differently. She remembers Will, nervous, eyes red-rimmed as he finally tells her that he’s gay. Joyce doesn’t miss a beat, hugs him, and tells him that that doesn’t change anything, that he’s still her boy and no matter who he is, or whoever he loves, won’t ever change that. 

She thinks of Steve, barely 19, coming out to his parents and getting kicked out of the only home he’s ever known. How could a parent ever do that? How could anyone do that to their child? 

“So, Steve really likes Eddie, huh?” Nancy teases.

“Yes. I am a hundred percent sure. I’ve been living with that man for over seven years. I am sure.” 

“I think I heard Steve call Eddie a bitch once.” Nancy proclaims. They hear a scoff from behind the tree but ignore it. 

Robin laughs, “Come on. In Steve Harrington's language, that basically means I love you.” 

“What?” Joyce squeaks, genuinely laughing. 

“Do you think he would ever try asking Eddie out again?” Nancy asks. From Joyce’s peripheral view, she can see Eddie trying to hide in another bush, holding a tree branch in front of his face. 

“No. I don’t think so. He’s adamant that Eddie has rejected him once and doesn’t want to do it again.” 

“No matter how much he still loves him?” Joyce questions. 

“Yup.” Robin nods, “If Eddie ever wants to be with Steve, he'd have to make the first move.”

Joyce winks at the two of them, holding up two thumbs to signify that they’ve done their jobs and it’s time to go. 

“Hmmm,” Joyce shrugs, “It’s not like we can do anything about it.” 

“You’re right.” Robin sighs, “Do you guys want to get lunch?” 

“I can eat.” Nancy hooks her arms in hers and Robin’s before they skip into the restaurant. 

Before they fully enter, Joyce chances a glance at Eddie. He’s still behind the same tree, but his facing the bark of the tree, head slumped against it. He looks mournful, lips pursed into a scowl. 

Joyce thinks of Eddie and the stories Jonathan told her when they were younger. Eddie was bullied for being different, for being gay, and for playing a make-believe game. She thinks of Steve. Steve coming out and being kicked out. They both deserve something good in their life. It’s such a shame that they could’ve been happy together this whole time. 

Hopefully, this gives them the push they need to get together. Joyce only wants the two of them to be happy. 

She’s alone when Joyce finishes cleaning everything up in the tent. She sent Will and El home because they still have their last school day tomorrow before the official Christmas break starts. It’s a good day. People come from different parts of Indiana just to get a cup of her hot chocolate. When she gets to her van, she starts patting around for her purse to fish her keys out, only it’s not there. 

“Oh!” She sighs in frustration. She must’ve forgotten her purse. It’s probably still hanging in the tent. 

It’s already late, so no one is around anymore. However, the market is still lit up with Christmas lights. She walks back to the center of town, watching in awe. The soft sheen of snow that fell last night makes it look like a mini wonderland. 

Joyce reaches her tent but stops when she hears people talking. She hides herself just behind her tent, careful to stay hidden. From where she’s hiding, she can see Steve and Eddie talking in front of the frozen fountain, Christmas lights twinkling behind them. It’s the perfect romantic moment. 

“How do you know it’s gonna work this time?” She hears Steve ask, his voice filled with disbelief and concern. 

“Because we’ve grown now. It’s been years since high school, Steve. I am sorry for what happened then, but we can’t do anything to reverse it now.” She sees Eddie tentatively hold Steve’s hand into his, “And I’d like to give us a try.” 

“And your not doing this to get back at me?” Steve asks, he sounds small, and it breaks something in Joyce. 

“No, sweetheart. I’d never do that to you.” Eddie pulls him closer, arms going around his waist, “I’ve loved you for so long that every piece of my heart just wants to be yours.” 

Steve stares at him before nodding with a small smile, “Alright.” 

Eddie, swear to god, giggles as he looks at Steve, “Alright?” 

“Alright. We’ll give it a try.” Steve nods at him, ears flushing. 

“You won’t regret it, Harrington.” 

“Well, prove it, Munson.” 

They both inch closer to each other, aiming for a kiss and making Joyce pull her eyes away from them. She slaps a hand on her mouth to stop from squealing. She unhooks her purse from the tent and quietly tiptoes away from the town square and back to where she parked her van. 

Her plan worked! She raises her arms in celebration, quietly squealing as she drives home. She can’t forget how the two boys smiled at each other, so full of love and tenderness. Maybe she does have a knack for matchmaking. 

Hmmm… Perhaps she can convince Jonathan to help her matchmake Will and Mike. 

Huh. She can’t wait to tell Hop about that. 

Christmas Eve day is the market's busiest time of the year. People are bustling around like tiny ants, just going from one shop to another. Joyce is glad she’s got help, Will and El are helping her full-time now that school is done. 

Around the afternoon, just after the lunch rush, there’s a sliver of a moment when everything slows down. It’s also when she tells the kids to get some lunch for themselves. 

“Thank you! Come again soon!” She waves at the old couple, hot drinks in their hands. 

“Hi, Joyce.” Eddie pops out of nowhere, causing her to jump a little in surprise, “Eddie!” He has to stop doing that, or she’ll have a heart attack. 

“Hey! Sorry if I scared you.” He smiles shyly at her, hiding half his face under a green scarf. It’s the same color as the beanie he’s wearing. She’s seen it somewhere but can’t place where. 

Joyce also thinks it’s the first time since winter started that she saw Eddie wearing any kind of protection from the wind. 

“I just wanted to drop by before it gets busy again, and Steve asked me to get a hot choco.” Eddie points his thumb at Steve’s tent, where Steve is sitting up front.

Joyce smiles, trying to hide it by hiding behind her hair. She’s noticed a complete change between them since that night. They have lunches together and stay together even after closing the tents. Robin has happily reported that the two have started officially dating, and the Shakespeare method did work. 

“Just one cup?” Joyce asks. Eddie nods, handing her a bill. She prepares his order quickly before giving it to him. 

“Also, I have this for you.” Eddie hands her a wrapped gift with a red ribbon on top.

Joyce accepts with awe, “Oh, honey. Thank you! You didn’t have to get me anything.” 

Eddie smiles are her playfully, “I had to get you something this year. I cannot skip you this year, not when you’ve given me the best gift anyone can give me. Merry Christmas, Joyce.” He winks at her before lifting his cup in salute. 

Joyce tilts her head at him in curiosity. She watches as Eddie settles on a chair beside Steve.

There’s a soft and tender smile on Eddie’s face, so full of adoration, as he hands the one cup to Steve, “Alright, they ran out of hot chocolate, so we're gonna have to share." 

Joyce bites down a laugh as she closes the pot, still full of hot chocolate. She could probably feed an entire church with hot chocolates. That boy is down bad for Steve, she’ll let it go for now, but she’ll probably tease them for it on their wedding day. 

She sits on her chair, the gift still clutched in her hands. Ripping it slowly, she gasps when she sees the book's front cover. It’s a hardbound copy of Much Ado About Nothing. There’s a yellow sticky note taped on the front, a message scribbled over it.

Joyce,

You’re not the only one who loved Much Ado in high school. I only realized what you did after our first date. 

I do love nothing in the world so well as I have loved the gift you’ve given me. 

Forever grateful,

Eddie

P.S. I would appreciate it if you don’t mention this to Steve. My boyfriend is adorable, but he didn’t listen in class in high school. 

Joyce looks up, meeting Eddie’s eye from the tent across. She nods at him, smile so wide she’s sure it’ll hurt later. 

“Thank you.” Eddie mouthed. Joyce waves a hand, “It’s nothing.” 

Eddie smiles at her longer before Steve pulls at his hand, showing him his latest knit project. The smile Eddie gives him makes his whole face glow. 

She looks down at the book, opens it, and reads the first few pages. The play sucks her right in. She lets her hand skim over the book, reading the familiar banter of the characters.

“Joyce?” A deep voice rips her out of the reading. She looks up and is surprised to see Hop in front of her. 

“Hop? Why are you here?” Hop moves closer, pressing a kiss on the crown of her head. 

“Brought you lunch. Thought you might want something to eat.” He gives her the brown bag. Something warm presses on her hand as she holds it. 

“What’s that?” Hop asks, pointing at the book on her lap. 

“Eddie gave it to me. Christmas present.” Hop takes the book, reading the note on top of it, a smile spreading on his face. Joyce smiles up at him, “You remember Much Ado?”

Hop smirks at her, “Of course. I remember going to Mrs. O’Donell’s class. I hated it. I wanted to skip and cut. But I stayed.” 

“Why?” 

“Only because I had a huge crush on my wonderful, snarky seatmate. She loved Shakespeare.” 

Joyce laughs, “She sounds wonderful.” 

“She is wonderful.” Hop reaches for her hand, “I married her.” 

Joyce winks up at him, “Thank god for Shakespeare, eh?” 

Hop laughs, pulling her up for a hug. She lets him do so, turning her around, so she faces the front.

She can see Steve and Eddie laughing together from where they're standing. Eddie says something Joyce can’t make out, but Steve only smiles at him, moving closer to give him a quick peck on the lips. 

Yeah, thank God for Shakespeare.