when you know, you know ; steve harrington

five ─ erica sinclair

"The key card opens the door, but unfortunately, the Russian who owns this key card also has a massive gun," Dustin said, eyes locked on the binoculars. It was another morning of covert spying from the mall's rooftop.

"Whatever's in that room—whatever's in those boxes—they really don't want anyone finding it."

"There's gotta be a way in," Robin mused, arms crossed.

Steve blew the brim of his sailor cap dramatically. "You know, I could just take him out."

Robin blinked. "Take who out?"

"The Russian guard."

Teddy stared at him like he'd grown two heads. "Did you forget the part where he's holding a gun the size of my leg?"

"What? I sneak up behind him, knock him out, grab the key card—easy."

Teddy laughed. "I appreciate your confidence, Steve. But that plan has a 100% chance of you getting knocked out instead."

"Okay, and be honest," Dustin said, stepping closer. "Have you ever actually won a fight?"

"I've known him since we were thirteen," Teddy added, raising a hand in surrender. "And not once. Sorry, Harrington."

"Thank you," Dustin said with a mock bow. "And look—some things never change."

"Henderson—shut—"

"He was beaten by Billy Hargrove and Jonathan Byers. Dude, I remember your face. You looked like a Picasso painting."

"Shut up, dingus!" Steve's ears turned red. Robin snorted. Teddy laughed harder.

Suddenly, Robin stood and casually grabbed a handful of tip jar cash. Steve's eyes bulged. "Hey! That's my—where are you—Robin!"

Dustin took the opportunity to retreat, ice cream in hand, leaving Steve and Teddy sitting alone.

Steve handed her a banana smoothie and sat beside her, quieter now. "Got any offers from colleges?"

Teddy sipped, then shook her head. "Applied to a few. No replies yet." She glanced sideways. "You?"

Steve scratched the back of his neck. "Yeah... thanks to my grades, that's not happening."

Teddy blinked. "You? Low grades? Since when?" She remembered the boy who used to ace math tests in middle school. She, on the other hand, had always been more of a "wing it" kind of girl.

"Since... a while ago."

She lowered her smoothie. "Let me guess. It was after I left."

Steve looked away.

"I'm the reason, aren't I?"

"No—"

"Yes," she said softly, eyes on her lap. "I promised you I'd always be there. And I broke that. I left you."

"Teddy..." he reached out and gently took her hand. "Yeah, you were part of it. But I don't blame you. And you shouldn't either."

She nodded vaguely, lips pressed together.

"The other reason was... my dad. He cheated on my mom."

Her head snapped up. "What?"

Steve gave a dry smile. "Yeah. Classic Harrington family drama."

"Oh, Steve..." she said, her voice softer now.

"I'm over it now. I swear. When I say I'm fine, I mean it. Not like you girls who say 'I'm fine' and cry in the bathroom for an hour."