when you know, you know ; steve harrington

eleven ─ cookies

"Well, that worked," Erica said with a satisfied smile, arms crossed like she'd masterminded the whole escape.

The lights from Back to the Future had faded, the final credits rolling as the crowd began to scatter, melting into the Starcourt chaos. Teddy and her friends casually merged with the others, the thrill of near-discovery simmering into relief. For the first time that night, Teddy allowed herself to believe they might actually make it home without getting caught—or killed.

"Of course, it worked," Dustin said with a proud little grin, practically glowing with self-satisfaction. "Now, we just have to get on the bus with the rest of these plebes, and home sweet home, here we come."

"Uh, Dustin?" Steve mumbled, his voice low and uneasy.

"What?"

"Yeah, we might not wanna go to your house," Steve said, guilt lacing his tone as he avoided eye contact.

"Why?"

"Well, I might've told them your full name," Steve admitted with a shrug, far too nonchalant for the gravity of what he just said.

Teddy's eyes widened in disbelief, whipping around to stare at him.

"I was drugged, alright?" Steve added quickly, trying to justify it before Dustin could explode. The curly-haired boy scoffed, fixing him with an incredulous glare.

"So?"

"So?" Steve echoed.

"So you resist. You tough it out," Dustin said, crossing his arms. "Tough it out like a man."

"Oh yeah? Easy for you to say!" Steve snapped, clearly still not over the whole truth-serum situation.

"Hey, cut it out," Teddy interjected, raising a hand before the bickering could escalate. "Why doesn't Dustin stay at my house? I'm sure my brother would love some company apart from me."

"Teddy, did I ever say that I love you?" Dustin asked, eyes wide with gratitude.

She chuckled and shook her head. "Not yet."

"I'm saying it right now—I love you."

"Stop it, you dic—" Steve started, but his sentence was abruptly cut off as Robin's voice broke through, hushed and urgent.

"Guys?" she whispered.

Everyone looked up.

Teddy's stomach dropped.

A group of Russian men had entered the area, eyes scanning the crowd, checking faces. Her heart thudded like a warning drum in her chest.

"Abort!" Dustin said, and without another word, they all turned and ran in the opposite direction.

Great, Teddy thought. Why can't my life just be normal for once?

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Teddy had always loved cookies. But Steve's cookies? They were in a league of their own. She didn't know what magical ingredient he used, but every time, they tasted like comfort—like home.

"Steve! My man, your cookies are the reason for my existence," middle-school Teddy declared dramatically, stuffing another into her mouth with eyes closed in sugary bliss.

Across from her, Steve blushed, watching her like she'd just announced a marriage proposal.

"Slow it down, Teddy," he laughed, eyeing her chipmunk cheeks. "You might choke and die."

She gave him a mock glare, then slowly swallowed and swatted his arm.

"Have you completed our algebra homework?" he asked, ever the goody-goody.

Teddy groaned. "Urgh! Steve, for once, please stop mentioning those stupid homework!" She threw her hands up. "They're making me sick—"

"What are you doing, Dorothea?"

Teddy froze at her father's voice, spine snapping straight. She yanked open her notebook and silently signaled for Steve to follow her lead.

Her bedroom door creaked open, revealing Richard Sterling—stern, composed, and utterly unimpressed.

"Hi, Father," she greeted, forcing a smile.

"Hello, Mr. Sterling," Steve added awkwardly, giving a polite nod.

Richard returned it with a curt glance. He'd never been fond of Steve—thought there was something off about him. He often warned Teddy to keep her distance, but she never listened. She never would.

"Are you guys doing your homework?" Richard asked, his gaze drifting to the box of cookies on her desk.

"Yes, Father!" she said quickly. "Would you like to have some cookies?"

"I'll pass," he replied coolly and exited the room, his footsteps echoing away.

Once he was gone, both Teddy and Steve let out a deep sigh of relief.

They looked at each other—and burst into silent laughter.

"I'm sorry for what my father—"

"It's fine," Steve said, cutting her off gently. "I baked those cookies for you... not for your father."

Teddy giggled again, snatching another cookie and popping it into her mouth.

"Promise me that you would never stop baking," she said, holding up her pinky.

Steve grinned softly and linked his pinky with hers, giving it a small shake.

"Promise."

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The memory dissolved like sugar on her tongue as the present came crashing back.

They were crouched behind a darkened shop counter now, hiding from men who'd shoot first and ask questions never. Teddy's heart was racing. She could hear footsteps—heavy ones—just on the other side.

Without thinking, she reached out and grabbed Steve's hand.

He looked down, startled. But then, slowly, he laced his fingers with hers and gave a gentle squeeze. His other hand pulled her a little closer to him.

She didn't pull away.

Because in moments like these, when the world was upside down and monsters wore soldier uniforms, even the smallest touch could be grounding.

They all braced themselves for impact.

But instead of the stomping of boots or being yanked into the open, they heard a loud, sudden thud.

Teddy flinched, her eyes darting to Steve's. Confused. Alarmed.

And she wasn't alone—everyone was wearing the same baffled expression.

Slowly, cautiously, they peeked out from behind the counter.

The Russian guards were on the floor.

Unconscious.

Oh—and there was also an inverted car lying in the middle of the corridor.

What in the actual hell—

The group's gazes drifted upward.

Standing over the chaos like something out of a fever dream... were a group of teenagers. Jane. And—

Damon.

Teddy blinked.

Yep. That was definitely her brother.

Grinning like an unbothered menace.

⸻

Damon be like: SURPRISE SHAWTYY. 💀