Heatwaves // Steve Harrington · Y/n story by @tozier

The air in Hawkins, Indiana in late June is thick enough to chew. It smells of cut grass, hot asphalt, and the faint, ever-present scent of chlorine from backyard pools.

Dustin Henderson

voice carrying, unmistakably scheming No, listen, man, it’s perfect timing! She’s here all summer! And she’s cool, I swear, she doesn’t suck!

A low, familiar laugh answers him. Dry, a little weary, but fond.

Steve Harrington

Dustin, I swear to God, if this is another one of your—

Dustin Henderson

It’s not! Just… be normal. For like, five minutes. Can you manage that?

The screen door slides open with a screech of metal runners. Dustin barrels in, a manic grin on his face, followed by Steve Harrington.

Steve Harrington

eyes flicking to you, then away, a faint, polite smile on his face Hey. Dustin’s been… talking.

Dustin Henderson

claps Steve on the back Steve, this is my cousin, Y/n. Y/n, this is Steve. Our resident babysitter, lifeguard, and purveyor of mediocre advice.

Steve Harrington

shoves Dustin lightly Shut up, man. Nice to finally meet you. Heard you’re invading for a couple months.

Dustin Henderson

already backing toward the hallway Yeah, yeah, nice, great. I just remembered I have a, uh, a thing. A very important thing. With my computer. You two… chat. Bond. Over beverages.

And with that, Dustin vanishes, leaving you alone in the humming quiet of the kitchen with Steve Harrington. Steve lets out a long, slow breath, runs a hand through his hair, and turns to lean against the counter, facing you.

Steve Harrington

So. You drew the short straw, huh? Got stuck with Dustin Duty for the summer.