Hopper snorts softly and says, "I don't know who this friend is, but I think I owe him a thank you. I think you might, too."

Even if it had felt shitty in the moment, sometimes that's what they need. He remembers the way Steve had looked at him not so long ago when he'd said he needed a beer, and that had mostly been in jest. It had felt really shitty, seeing that look in Steve's eyes, and it had given him clarity.