Hopper raises an eyebrow at the five year old climbing into the chair across from him, "Hello to you too, kid."
Hi," Steve says. "Can I have money?"
Hawkins' most tactfully avoidant kindergartener avoiding answering a basic question? Color Hopper shocked.
"If you can't say it than you don't need it so, no."
He groans. He sighs. He lays his head on his folded arms and then lifts his head to pout.
Hopper was in the military.
They teach you how to withstand torture so...
"Oh," Steve says, proverbial lightbulb going off over his head. "Mr Hopper."
"I'm gonna sue you," Steve says. "I’m gonna sue you for puny Tim damages."
"That means you have to give me money for causing me problems. You're being a problem," Steve says, laying his hand palm side up on the table. "You're sued. Gimme money."
"That's not how that works," Hopper says. "What do you want, a dollar?"
"I need more than that," Steve complains. "Can you give me a billion dollars instead?"
"What do you need a billion dollars for?"
"Cause I’m moving," Steve says plainly. "Please give me a billion dollar so I can go away. Thank you."
Hopper gives this kid his full attention because, "It sounds like you're planning to run away. Again."
"I’m not!" Steve bristles. "I'm moving and I need a billion dollars."
"Typically when a kid moves, their parents go with them and pay the cost."
"They're not coming," Steve says. "Not 'cause I’m running away! I’m not. I'm moving to Florida with Grandpa Otis 'cause he loves me."
"That's not running away 'cause I’m going somewhere," Steve adds. "It's different. I know 'cause I runned away before."
"I talked to a nice lady on the phone. She works at the airport and said that i don't got enough allowance for a ticket. I need you to give me money 'cause you said you'd help me if I need help."
"This isn't what I meant."
"What did you mean then?!"
Hopper wants this kid to come to him and say that his parents are mistreating him. He wants him to tell him, "What's going on at home, Steve?"
"I don't like when you call me Steve," He replies instead of answering. "You say it like I’m in trouble."
"I know," Steve says simply. "It's 'cause you're a cop. You can't help if."
Hopper hums, "So, all good at home?"
"You just miss your grandpa?"
"Uh-huh," He nods. "Can Sara come to my house?"
"Well..." Hopper drawls. "Not if you move to Florida."
Steve frowns, "I guess I'll move when I’m six. I'll stay here for now. For Baby Sara. 'Cause I’m her only friend."