He forgot on purpose-Steve.Harrington · Y/n story by @millie11

The August heat hangs thick and heavy over Hawkins, Indiana. Cicadas scream from the treeline like they're personally offended by the humidity.

Dustin Henderson

Y/n! You made it!

He's already decked out in full hiking gear—pockets bulging with who-knows-what, compass on his wrist, canteen strapped to his belt like he's prepping for Everest.

Dustin Henderson

Thought you'd bail. You know, gestures vaguely at your skateboard ...commitment issues.

Lucas Sinclair

snorts from behind Dustin More like she realized walking might actually require effort.

Max Mayfield

At least she showed up. Mike practically had to be dragged out of bed this morning.

Mike Wheeler

I WAS AWAKE. I was just... strategizing.

Will Byers

Sure you were.

The group's gathered at the trailhead—Mirkwood stretching dark and dense behind them. Overhead, clouds start to roll in, slow and heavy.

???

jogging up, slightly out of breath Hey! Hey, wait up!

You turn. Steve Harrington's loping toward the group, a duffel bag slung over one shoulder. His hair's slightly disheveled. He's usually not part of the hiking crew crowd.

Dustin Henderson

Harrington? What are you doing here?

Steve Harrington

Uh. scratches the back of his neck Look, I figured I'd tag along. Make sure you little shits don't get eaten by a bear or something.