when you know, you know ; steve harrington

three ─ teddy the translator

"So... this place was invaded by dimensional monsters, and now it's in danger again because of Russians?" Teddy blinked, processing the madness. "That's the gist of your story? I mean—the tragedy?"

Steve nodded, lips pressed into a tight line, not uttering a word.

"Fine. Let me hear it."

Robin, Steve's sarcastic co-worker, handed her a recorder. Teddy turned it on and leaned in, headphones slipping over her ears as she listened intently.

"The first sentence is, 'The week is long,'" Robin said in her best Russian accent.

Teddy couldn't help but chuckle. "The week is long..." she echoed.

"Next sentence, please?" she asked, pulling off the headphones. Dustin opened his mouth before Robin or Steve could stop him.

"Teddy, can you—"

"Dustin," Steve warned, shooting him a glare.

"Alright, alright, I'm sorry," Dustin huffed.

Teddy rewound the audio and pressed play again, her brow furrowing in focus. She mumbled to herself, "The silver cat feeds... when blue meets yellow in the west..." She nodded in confirmation and grabbed a whiteboard marker, quickly writing down each translated phrase as Robin and the others watched, mouths agape.

The week is long,
The silver cat feeds,
When blue meets yellow in the west.
A trip to China sounds nice, if you tread lightly.

Teddy turned around with a triumphant grin.

"She's smart like me," Robin smirked. "Teddy's my best mate."

"Your girlfriend is amazing, Steve," Dustin blurted without hesitation.

Steve's ears turned bright red, but he said nothing. Neither did Teddy. No one bothered to correct Dustin... and somehow, that tiny silence felt like hope.

"So, what do we do next?" Teddy asked, excitedly.

"Home," Steve said flatly.

"What?"

"Thanks for translating, Teddy. But you have to go home."

She scoffed in disbelief and yanked Steve by the arm, dragging him away from the others.

"Seriously, what is wrong with you?" she hissed, arms crossed. "Why are you pushing me away?"

"Because this is serious," Steve whispered, towering over her smaller frame. "It's dangerous. I don't want you anywhere near it."

"Oh, come on—"

"Do you even remember why we broke up?" Steve's voice cut her off.

Teddy fell silent, her head lowering.

"Your dad didn't want me around you. Said I was nothing but trouble. And now, if he finds out I pulled you into something even worse..." His voice softened, almost afraid. "He might do something. And I wouldn't blame him."

Teddy's eyes shimmered, but she refused to cry. Not here. Not in front of him.

"I know what I'm getting into, Steve," she said steadily. "You don't need to remind me."

"Did you even listen to a word I said?"

"I'm not a kid anymore. I know what's right. I can make my own decisions. And honestly? It's been years since I've had this much fun."

Steve stared at her, conflicted. His heart was screaming, but his voice stayed quiet. He didn't know how to say I'm scared of losing you again.

"Please," she said softly. "Let me help."