t♡+

Hooper did a lot of great things this season. being a dad and saving the day, absolutely great things.

but one of the best things he did was dealing with Mike when Eleven came back.

he didn’t brush it away because there were bigger fish to fry. he didn’t ignore Mike’s anger and pain. instead, he took him away from everyone, from Eleven especially, knowing this was a conversation Mike needed to have in private.

Hooper understood his anger, and he didn’t try to suppress it. he just tried to redirect it. do not blame her, she’s upset enough as it is. he didn’t care if Mike hated him, he didn’t care that all of Mike’s anger was directed at him, he knew that’s what Mike needed.

and when Mike’s anger broke loose, calling him names and cursing at him, Hooper took it. and when Mike broke down and started crying, Hooper took that as well, he took Mike into his arms.

one of the best things Hooper did was treat Mike like an adult. gave him the respect he deserved, let’s talk, alone, treated him like a man who went through trauma and heartbreak, not like some stupid kid with a crush on a girl.