when you know, you know ; steve harrington

one ─ bullshit

"Seriously? Why would you drag me to this stupid mall, Teddy?" Damon groaned, clearly unimpressed as they stepped inside the newly opened Starcourt Mall.

Teddy only shrugged, unfazed. "To look around? Just shut your mouth and follow me, dumbass. I'm already pissed off that I'm babysitting you," she said dryly, shoving her hands into the pockets of her jeans as she led the way.

"Uh—excuse me? I'm fifteen and I can take care of myself, thanks."

Teddy rolled her eyes in that classic older-sibling way. As much as Damon liked to act like an adult, he still had that wide-eyed, teenage defiance that was more amusing than threatening. The duo wandered into a clothing store, full of stylish summer wear—bright colors, fancy cuts, and way too many sequins.

She raised an eyebrow, amused, but said nothing as they started browsing and pulling a few outfits from the racks.

"You got any response from your college, Teddy?" Damon asked as they approached the cashier, their arms full of summer clothes.

Teddy scoffed at the bill, completely ignoring his question. "Dude, we just got two dresses each and look how expensive it is."

"I asked you a question, dumbass."

"What?" she snapped, irritation flickering in her voice.

"You got any—look, there's an ice cream shop! Let's get something to eat. I'm starving!" Damon suddenly veered off course, eyes lighting up at the neon glow of Scoops Ahoy.

Teddy chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief at how easily he got distracted. "I need banana smoothie," Damon declared confidently as they stepped inside.

"Noted," she said, making her way toward the counter, where a small group of giggling girls already stood in line. Teddy took her place behind them, arms folded, tapping her foot with growing impatience.

"Ahoy, ladies! Didn't see you there!"

A loud, obnoxiously cheerful voice rang out from the front, grabbing both Teddy and Damon's attention. They blinked in unison.

"Jesus, who is that clown?" Damon muttered.

Teddy stifled a laugh. "Might be some stupid jock trying to impress the girls."

They both peeked over the crowd. There he was—a lanky guy in a ridiculous sailor uniform, leaning against the counter and charming the group of girls with a goofy grin and flirtatious tone.

"He's so bad at flirting," Damon said, completely deadpan.

Teddy slapped his arm playfully. "You better close your mouth before he shoos us away."

The girls ahead were giggling, soaking up the attention, and Teddy internally cringed. She couldn't help but mentally curse them for taking forever and feeding into the terrible flirting.

"Uh, thank you," one of the girls finally said as they all walked away, still giggling obnoxiously.

"Hello, my lady! What would you—"

His words came to a sudden halt.

Teddy looked up.

Her breath caught in her throat. Pupils dilated. The air around her shifted, and everything slowed.

She knew that face. Those honey-brown eyes... that crooked smile.

It stirred something deep in her chest—familiar, heavy, painful.

"Teddy?" the voice came again, softer this time.

Her name rolled off his tongue and hit her like a wave. Chills broke out across her skin. It was a feeling she hadn't experienced in years. But there was no mistaking it.

It's him.

"Steve," she whispered, voice hoarse as her eyes locked with his.

It had been five years. Five long, complicated years. And yet, he recognized her in seconds.

"You know him?" Damon asked, snapping her out of her trance.

Teddy blinked, tearing her gaze away from Steve and down to the floor, then slowly back up to him. His expression was unreadable—shocked, stunned... hopeful?

"Two banana smoothies, please," she said quickly, pretending the conversation hadn't happened. She ignored her brother's question and the heaviness in the air between her and Steve.

His face fell. The disappointment was subtle, but visible. He nodded slowly.

"Sure."

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Flashback

"I'm Steven Harrington," said the shy thirteen-year-old boy, eyes cast toward the floor.

"Welcome, Steven! You may sit there," the teacher said, pointing to a seat beside a girl with a bright smile and her hand raised confidently.

He trudged to the seat, ignoring the curious and judgmental stares from the others. His shoulders were hunched, arms wrapped around himself like armor.

Teddy noticed.

"Hey," she said softly, her voice warm, coaxing. The boy flinched slightly at the sound and looked up.

"Don't be scared. You'll be good here," she assured him, and he gave a hesitant nod in response.

"You must be an introvert, I suppose," she mused aloud, mostly talking to herself now. "No fear. I'll make you feel comfortable here."

Still, no words. Just a quiet hum.

"Stupid me haven't introduced myself," she chuckled, sticking out her hand with a friendly grin. His eyes flicked from her hand to her face, surprised by her ease.

"I'm Dorothea Sterling. Call me Teddy."

Somehow, her name made him smile—a small, uncertain curl of his lips.

"Steven."

"I know, but it's kinda long..." she mumbled. "How do your close ones call you?"

"Mostly Steve. Steven when my dad's pissed off."

Teddy laughed. "Yeah, I know how that sounds, to be honest." She nodded. "So, I'll call you Steve... Is that alright, Steve?"

He glanced at her again—this girl who didn't care about stares or silence—and nodded.

"Sounds good."

She didn't know then what would come next: the friendship, the feelings, the slow unraveling of what they were. The heartbreak. The years apart.

Back in the present...

"Steve Harrington? Your boyfriend?" Damon asked, realization dawning as they left the shop.

Teddy nodded, casting a final glance toward Scoops Ahoy. Her voice was quiet, yet firm.

"Yeah," she replied. "But... ex-boyfriend."

"So, you don't love him anymore?"

Teddy chuckled, a short, disbelieving sound as she shook her head.

"Bullshit."