when you know, you know ; steve harrington

eight ─ another promise

Soon, Teddy, Dustin, and Erica found themselves in a room filled with some kind of green liquid—the same one they'd discovered earlier in the elevator. Teddy couldn't help but wonder: why was this kind of dangerous substance even being manufactured in Hawkins in the first place?

The last time she'd been here, Hawkins had felt like a sleepy, peaceful town. Petty crimes, sure. But not interdimensional monsters. Not Russian soldiers. Not... this.

Why had this place changed?

Had Hawkins always been like this?

Or was it just now?

So many questions raced through her mind, colliding into one another. But before she could spiral too far, Dustin's excited voice snapped her back to the present. Teddy turned, eyes landing on a small vehicle—like a mini car. Her eyes lit up as she saw Dustin climb into the driver's seat.

"Do you even know how to drive?" Erica asked skeptically.

"How hard could it be? Max did it."

"No, kid. I'm not allowing you to drive if that's the case," Teddy said, crossing her arms as Dustin's shoulders slouched.

"What?"

"You heard me. So, get down and search for the keys," Teddy replied, watching him reluctantly climb out of the vehicle. A smirk tugged at her lips as he grumbled and began searching.

"Come on, search, kid," Teddy urged as she crouched down inside the car, rummaging around.

"Hey, Dustin?" Erica called, eyes narrowing as she looked toward the large cage ahead of them.

"Yeah?"

"How big did you say that Demogorgon was?"

"Big. Nine feet or so. Why? Yes! I got the keys!" Dustin exclaimed triumphantly.

"That's great, dude! Erica, Dustin, get insi—wait, where's Erica?" Teddy frowned, looking around. She quickly stepped out of the car and joined Dustin, who looked pale.

"Dustin, where is Erica?" she asked, gripping his shoulders, her tone urgent.

"I—I swear she was here! Erica?! Erica?—Jesus Christ, there you are!" he exhaled sharply as they both spotted her strolling back toward them, a strange, electric-looking weapon in her hand.

"What are you doing with that?" Teddy asked, folding her arms.

"A deadly weapon," Erica replied coolly, pressing a button. The device crackled with energy, sending electric sparks through the air—thankfully not in their direction. "Could be useful. For saving them."

"Thought you were more realistic than that, nerd," Dustin muttered as Erica rolled her eyes and climbed into the seat. He followed her in, passing Teddy the keys as she slid into the middle.

"The best we can do for them is get out of here and find help," Dustin said.

"But do you really think we'd be able to get out of this place?" Teddy replied, concern lacing her voice. "Dude, you make it sound easy. But it's not that easy."

"But it's not impossible, right?" Dustin countered, lifting a brow. "Trust me. Please," he added, looking between them.

Teddy's thoughts flickered back to Steve and Robin, her worry gnawing at her, but she eventually nodded. Erica gave a small shrug in agreement.

"So, do you know how to drive?" Dustin asked, glancing over at Teddy.

She scoffed, a cocky grin spreading across her face as she tightened her grip on the steering wheel and turned the key in the ignition.

"You'll see," she said, her gaze locked ahead with smug determination.

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After distracting the Russians by spilling the green liquid onto the floor, the trio snuck quietly down a dim corridor. Laughter echoed from behind a door up ahead, and Teddy's heart stuttered in her chest.

She knew that laugh.

Her eyes lit up—Steve. Her ex-boyfriend. He was alive.

"Can I use that?" Dustin whispered, motioning to the weapon in Erica's hands.

She shook her head immediately. Dustin tried to snatch it, but Erica wasn't giving up without a fight. Teddy sighed, rubbing her temple.

"Quiet, kids!" she hissed, her sharp voice cutting through the commotion. Both teens froze, eyes wide.

Teddy seized the moment and snatched the weapon from Erica, who looked ready to object.

"No. I'm not hearing any more from you two. Just lower your volumes so we don't get caught, and maybe—just maybe—we'll save them in one piece. Do you guys get me?" she said, one hand planted firmly on her hip, the other gripping the weapon like she meant business.

They both nodded quickly.

Teddy took the lead, guiding them to the other side of the door. She turned back to them, voice low but full of fire.

"You guys ready to kick some ass?"

"Open the door already," Erica muttered, earning a chuckle from Teddy.

She pushed the door open—and there they were. Robin, tied back-to-back with someone whose face she couldn't yet see.

"Robin!" Teddy called out, rushing forward—only to be intercepted by a man in a white lab coat.

Without hesitation, she jabbed the weapon into his chest and pressed the button. A high-pitched screech filled the room as electricity surged through him. He collapsed to the floor with a painful thud.

"Holy shit," Teddy breathed, then quickly signaled the kids to move. "Go! Untie them!"

Teddy made a beeline for Steve—but the moment her eyes landed on him, everything else fell away.

She dropped the weapon. Her breath caught.

"Steve!" she gasped, kneeling in front of him. His face was bloodied and bruised, a mess of cuts and swelling. Her hands trembled as they cupped his jaw, her vision blurring with tears.

That day. She couldn't stop herself from thinking about it.

"Hey! Teddy!" Steve greeted, his voice a little slurred but joyful as ever. He looked around, grinning like he wasn't beaten half to death. "Henderson! I was just talking about you, man... wait, why are you crying?"

He shifted his gaze to her, frowning. With gentle fingers, he wiped away her tears.

Her shimmering eyes locked with his battered ones, and she fought to hold back a sob.

"I'm perfectly fine, Teddy. Why are you crying? Are you hurt? Did they hurt you? YOU STUPID ASSHOLES! FIGHT ME, YOU DICKWA—"

She slapped her palm over his mouth before he could escalate, his rant muffled against her hand.

She chuckled softly.

"I'm not letting you get hurt, Steve," she whispered, voice trembling with emotion. She slid her hand into his, helping him rise to his feet. Her head lifted, a small, brave smile on her lips.

"I promise. And I'm gonna keep it this time."

⸻

I love Teddy and Erica's combo.

How are you guys doing??

Should I give Steve and Teddy a sad ending?

Comment down your thoughts!

Also—do you like Harry Potter? If yes, then check out my other two books!

Got any ship name suggestions for them? Please drop them!

Stay safe, stay happy—no matter what.

With love,
Nanii <33