when you know, you know ; steve harrington

thirteen ─ first kiss?

"Where are we going? I didn't even get to say bye to my brother!" Teddy huffed, as Erica tugged on her arm.

"To find a car," Dustin said, not breaking stride. "And don't worry, Teddy—you can welcome him back with a sweet little sister kiss after we survive the end of the world."

Teddy rolled her eyes but didn't fight it. She gripped Erica's hand and followed.

"I knew it was gonna be here," Steve muttered, a grin tugging at his lips as they approached a side door.

"Why do you sound so excited, Harrington?" Teddy asked, eyebrow raised.

"You'll see, Sterling."

Steve threw open the door with a dramatic flair, whistling low at the sight in front of him. Parked inside was a sleek ride that practically screamed his name.

"Now this... is what I'm talkin' about." He gestured proudly.

"Todd father?" Robin asked, raising a brow as they all approached.

"Oh, screw Todd," Steve declared. "Steve's her daddy now."

"Did you just refer to yourself in third person?" Teddy asked, sliding into the passenger seat.

"Did he just call himself daddy?" Erica gagged in the back.

"Okay. Where are we going?" Steve asked, ignoring their judgment.

"Weathertop," Dustin said.

"Weather-what?"

"Just drive!"

"Okay, Jesus."

Teddy stifled a laugh as she looked back at the bickering duo—but what she didn't notice was Steve adjusting the rearview mirror, just to catch a glimpse of her smile.

The drive started in tense silence until Dustin, ever the chaos agent, leaned forward and flicked the radio on.

"Really? You need music right now?" Steve grumbled.

"Shut up," Dustin shot back, arms crossed.

Teddy chuckled softly, leaning her head back. The car sped up.

"So..." Steve cleared his throat. All eyes turned to him—except for Teddy, who was still looking out the window.

"How was California?"

"Kind of boring," she replied, tone flat.

"I made one friend. She moved to Chicago."

Steve glanced at her again. Something about the way she said it twisted in his chest.

"You guys are so awkward," Erica said, cutting through the tension like a blade.

Their cheeks reddened, but both smiled.

They used to be inseparable.

Now?

Strangers with shared memories.

"Jesus, how far is this place?" Steve groaned.

"Relax, we're almost there," Dustin said.

"Suzie must be pretty special, huh?" Robin asked Dustin. "I mean, if you built this thing and dragged it out here just to talk to her?"

"Nobody's scientifically perfect," Dustin said with a proud grin. "But Suzie's about as close as it gets."

"She sounds made up to me," Erica deadpanned. "She sound made up to you?"

Dustin glared at her, then at Steve—who wasn't saying anything.

"Why are you hesitating, Steve?"

"I'm—not! I'm not." Steve fumbled. "I think she sounds real. Totally, absolutely real."