Steddie with those tap vibration bracelets for couples | Angst with a surprise ending
—
Eddie had been dead for over a year. After Dustin had to leave him in the Upside Down, they tried to look for him. But Eddie’s body was just…gone. Steve didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye. No one thought he would have a reason to. No one knew what they did behind closed doors, hands under each other’s shirts, lips moving together.
Steve was the one who had the idea to get tap bracelets in the first place. They were something you could keep hidden, in your pocket or on your wrist under a long sleeve. Whenever they were thinking about each other, they could tap the bracelet and it would vibrate the other person’s. It started as a cute gesture but it soon turned to a feature they used for survival going into the Upside Down.
“Tell me when you’re okay. 1 tap for safe, 2 for danger. Okay?”
“Steve, I could do Morse code. I know SOS.”
“Eddie, there won’t be time. Please, just follow the system.”
But Eddie didn’t follow the system. He didn’t fucking follow it, and instead of running he tried to be a goddamn hero. He didn’t tap the bracelet before he went after the bats, didn’t tell Steve he was in danger.
Steve would never forget the scream of absolute anguish as the bats tore into Eddie’s flesh. He knew the sound came from him. He knew his voice backwards and forwards. He would never forget the rapid vibrations on his wrist in the moments before he heard Dustin yell.
In that moment, he knew his Eddie was gone. Eddie had spent his last moments, his last spurts of energy thinking of Steve. Letting Steve know he loved him, that he was always with him.
Steve hadn’t taken off the bracelet ever since, not even to shower. He kept it right on his wrist, covered with saran wrap like you’d bag a cast. He never wanted to be separated from him. He knew that he’d never be able to feel Eddie’s touch again, but bracelet’s presence was enough to keep the grief at bay. Every now and then, he’d touch it a few times. Hoping, praying Eddie’s soul could feel it. He never told the party about him and Eddie’s relationship. Never opened up, really, about what they were to each other.
No one understood why he had shut down after Vecna was defeated. They assumed it was because he was mentally and physically exhausted. But it was so much more than that. It was grief. He’d lost his person, he was sure that Eddie had been the one. And he lost him. The only person he ever told was Robin.
He came out to the party as bisexual about a year after Eddie’s death, but it didn’t ring a bell for any of them still. Not even Dustin, who had always been suspicious of his and Eddie’s closeness.
Years went by and he still hadn’t taken off the bracelet, even though was with someone new. They had only been together a few days before Steve called it off. It had taken so long to get over losing Eddie, but something deep inside of him chewed. And chewed.
Something just didn’t feel right about this new person. It wasn’t her fault, Steve just couldn’t do it.
One night, Steve stayed awake a little longer than he normally did, reading some book series Eddie had left in his room before all the shit went down, Lord of the Rings.
His attention was drawn away by a buzzing feeling against his wrist. He looked down at it to see the gold bracelet lighting up and vibrating. He put the book down and hesitantly tapped back. This couldn’t be happening. Not after all these years. Something in the Upside Down must have gotten ahold of the bracelet. But nothing could have prepared Steve for what he felt next. Sharp, punctuated taps. He focused, hard, trying to figure out what it meant. He eventually made it out. It was Morse code, 3 letters, repeating themselves over and over.
To this day, I still find it oddly suspicious that this video got deleted… And don’t get me started on that art print made by Butcher Billy… WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?!? (yes, im bringing this back)
steddie headcanons because they’re the only thing in my mind rn
- steve traces eddie’s tattoos and sometimes comes up with concept ideas for a new tattoo
- eddie always runs hot and steve runs cold so during the winter steve’s always clinging to eddie at night to try and steal some body warmth
- eddie’s dyslexic and usually he’ll try to read a book by himself but if he gets frustrated, steve will often read aloud to him although he doesn’t understand half of what’s happening when reading lord of the rings
- steve is the only person eddie will allow to attempt to style his hair
- steve steals eddie’s rings ALL THE TIME. he even has a little tray on his dresser where he’ll keep them safe until he gives them back. (for their one year anniversary, eddie gave him the first ring he’d ever bought)
- eddie loves horror movies but steve despises them, so whenever he knows a jumpscare is coming, he’ll kiss steve to distract him
- steve = hates olives, eddie = loves olives
- although they didn’t properly meet until the day in the boathouse, they’d seen each other around before. eddie, naturally, knew of steve longer seeing as he used to prance around the school halls like a peacock, but the first time he interacted with him was when steve helped him up after tommy h pushed him over in gym class. he didn’t speak to eddie, but that silent exchange stuck with him for a long time. steve first properly acknowledged eddie when he came into scoops ahoy with his band mates. of course, he knew of him before and had seen him before, but that hot afternoon was the first time he stopped and properly saw him.
- eddie often stims by chewing and so steve makes sure whenever he wears hoodies they have drawstrings on so that eddie can chew on them
- steve actually has awful eyesight and he has to wear round, thin framed glasses he absolutely despises when reading — eddie finds it adorable the way he huffs and pouts when putting them on
- whenever steve gets a nightmare, eddie will make up a song on the spot and sing it to a random tune to distract him. it’ll always be about the most stupidest thing, like soup or pigeons or literally anything, but it always manages to calm steve down
- steve has always been interested in playing the guitar — ever since eddie practically saved his ass in the upside down by playing it — so one day eddie sits down right behind steve, places the guitar in steves lap and guides his hands to play the right chords. it takes nearly two hours for steve to be able to play the most simple tune, but eddie is proud nonetheless
- eddie will literally drive to the family video store, give steve a kiss and then drive back home. this is a daily occurrence.
- steve has mild memory issues due to his various amount of head injuries over the year, and so eddie will leave little sticky notes around the house to make sure he doesn’t forget anything, even if it’s as simple as “remember to brush your teeth, darling!”
- eddie is always insanely gentle whenever they’re trying out their “firsts” in their relationship because he knows it’s the first time steve has ever been with another boy
- eddie is awful at cooking. steve has banned him from the kitchen after he nearly set it on fire when trying to make eggs
- his demo-bat scars make steve anxious about taking his shirt off/swimming because he’s afraid people will view him as scary or a monster. eddie makes sure to take his time tracing and kissing across every bump of skin to make sure steve knows that he’s the most beautiful person eddie has ever seen
- the first time steve met wayne was entirely by accident: he’d been on his way to sneak out the trailer after spending the night, not knowing that wayne had finished his shift early. they had stared at each other, stunned silent: steve shirtless, messy haired and covered in hickeys, wayne holding a cup of coffee, just trying to get some rest. (steve was absolutely mortified, but eddie promised him that wayne quite liked him, and that in hindsight, it was rather hilarious)
- steve has insomnia due to a lot of stress and paranoia, and him and eddie will often take late night drives around town because the sound of the engine helps lull steve to sleep
- the first time he meets el, eddie is terrified she doesn’t like him because she seems wary around him, but after steve sets her aside and talks to her quietly, he learns that she’s simply admiring eddies hair and isn’t sure how to compliment him or bring it up in conversation. steve tells eddie this, and eddie immediately goes to el, giving her lots of tips on how to grow her hair out quickly
- they spend a whole year travelling — seeing as neither of them had ever left hawkins before — but they eventually return home because although they’d never admit it, they missed the kids more than anything
- steve wears eddies clothes more than he wears his own
Steve Harrington is a criminal psychology student who life takes a turn when he’s assigned to the infamous serial killer Eddie Munson.
Back story
When Steve was younger he had wittiness a murder and never could get over that so when he became older he had went to college for criminal psychology. He was ahead of his class and when he is assigned to interview Eddie Munson at a mental institution he takes it not knowing what he’s getting into.
So basically kind of like The Silence of the Lamb but not really. So it would It would be like a dark romance.
Summary: an unexpected visit leads to a joyful and emotional reunion, rekindling old connections and creating new memories.
This is part 2 of what was originally planned as a one-part story.
****
Two years had slipped by since Eddie Munson left Hawkins and you behind. Those years were filled with growth, change, and a persistent longing that neither time nor distance could diminish. Now, standing nervously outside Eddie's apartment in California, your heart was a flurry of excitement and apprehension.
The journey to see him had been a whirlwind of emotions. Every mile traveled intensified the anticipation of seeing Eddie's face, hearing his voice not through a phone but in person. The memories of your last day together in Hawkins were vivid in your mind as you raised your hand to knock on the door.
As the door opened, revealing Eddie, time seemed to stop. He was slightly different—hair trimmed, a new maturity in his eyes—but unmistakably the Eddie you remembered.
Eddie froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Is this actually happening?" he uttered in astonishment.
"It's really me, Eddie," you said, your voice thick with emotion.
In a heartbeat, he enveloped you in a hug, lifting you slightly off the ground. The hug was tight, filled with years of missed moments and unspoken words. "I can't believe you're here," he said, his voice muffled by your hair.
"I've missed you so much, Eddie. More than I could put into words," you confessed, holding him tightly.
He gently set you down but kept his arms around you. "I missed you every single day. I can't... I just can't believe you're actually here."
You looked up into his eyes, those familiar pools of warmth and understanding. "I wanted to see you, to be with you, even if it's only for a short time."
Eddie's hands gently framed your face. "You being here is the best thing that's happened to me in a long time. How long are you staying?"
"As long as we need to catch up," you replied, a hopeful smile on your lips.
Eddie's laugh was like music to your ears. "Then let's not waste a single moment."
You stepped into his apartment, a space that felt instantly welcoming, a reflection of Eddie himself. It was filled with little bits of his life—posters of bands, a guitar in the corner, and a small, makeshift recording setup.
As Eddie gave you a tour, his voice was animated, filled with enthusiasm. "This is where the magic happens," he joked, gesturing to his guitar. "I've been working on some new stuff. I wish you could have been here to hear it as it came together."
"I would have loved that," you said, imagining the nights you could have spent listening to him play, sharing your thoughts, and just being together.
Settling on the couch, you both shared stories of the past two years. Eddie talked about his journey in California, the struggles and small triumphs of trying to make it in the music scene.
"What about you? How's life been treating you back in Hawkins?" Eddie asked, his gaze fixed on you.
"It's been okay, you know. Hawkins will always be home, but there's always been something missing since you left," you admitted, feeling a surge of honesty.
Eddie reached out, taking your hand. "I felt the same way. There were so many times I wanted to just come back. But I knew I had to try and make it here, for my music, for myself."
"I always knew you would make it. You're the most talented person I know," you said, pride evident in your voice.
He smiled, a little bashfully. "Thanks. That means a lot, coming from you. You've always been my biggest supporter."
You both fell into a comfortable silence, the kind that only comes with a deep, unspoken understanding. As the evening deepened into night, Eddie's expression grew more serious.
"I used to imagine this all the time, you know," he said quietly. "You, here, with me. It seemed like a dream I didn't allow myself to have."
"I guess dreams do come true sometimes," you whispered, feeling a sense of contentment enveloping you.
Eddie nodded. "I've learned that dreams are nothing without someone to share them with. You being here makes everything feel complete."
You leaned against him, your head resting on his shoulder. "Let's make the most of our time together, Eddie. Let's make new memories, just like old times."
He wrapped an arm around you, pulling you closer. "I'd like that. New memories with you are the best kind."
In that moment, the past and the future seemed to converge, creating a perfect present. You were together again, and though the future was uncertain, the now was all that mattered. You were with Eddie, and that was enough. It was more than enough.
It's been days. Weeks. Maybe even months — he doesn't know. He's lost track of time, never really had a solid thread of it to follow in the first place.
All he knows is one second he's staring up into the redrimmed, watering eyes of Dustin, mumbling something about sheep and taking care, and the next second he's blinking awake.
Somehow. Someway.
He'd been so sure that that was it, that he was dying. But... apparently, the universe still had more in store for him.
Except as his vision clears and his mind starts to piece itself back together he realizes— he's not... he isn't in a hospital room. And he's not in his bed at home either.
He's... oh god, he's on the ground. The cold, hard ground. And he's surrounded by bats — the very same bats that put him here. Only, they're not moving... they're lying there, lank and lifeless. Just like he was moments ago.
He's still stuck down there.
The sight of the bats strikes a fear so deep that it has him scrambling back. And then everything is on fire. Pain rips through his abdomen, his arms, his legs, his neck. The wave of it hits him so hard that he nearly retches. He gasps out, chokes on the pain, squeezes his eyes shut, wishes desperately that it would stop.
When it subsides enough that he's able to breathe again, he takes stock of himself. Wounded, obviously, covered in blood still. It's dried (for how long?), but he can still smell the overwhelming metallic tang of it. Can still taste it. He's still in his battle clothes, the ripped vest, the torn shirt.
But he's alive. He's alive.
It's cold down here, and it's dark, too. The smell of rot and decay is heavy in the air, cloying in a sickening way. He hears faint noises in the distance, and he doesn't want to stick around to find out just what is making those noises.
He doesn't know if it's over.
(It doesn't feel over.)
But he does know that he has to get out.
(He has to get home.)
He tries to stand, clenches his teeth to hold in the scream as the pain tears through him again. He can only take two staggering steps before he collapses again.
But he's not giving up. He's got to get to that gate.
He's going to try, even if it kills him.
So he rises to his knees. Plants his elbows into the dirt.
I would like to request Steve Harrington x Reader. After what everyone went through in the Upside Down, the reader has panic attacks. Steve is there to help the reader when she has them.
Thank you so much for your request @lma1986 ❤️
Okay so, I really hope this is what you wanted! I kinda took your idea and ran with it a little WOOPS
Steve Harrington x Reader
⚠️ Please make sure you read the content warnings before reading as this work contains some heavy themes/topics ⚠️
CW: established relationship, takes place in 1987, anxiety, panic attack, talks of the Upside Down, talks of a major character death (y'all know who I mean😞), angst, fluff, hurt/comfort, Steve Harrington loving the bones off of you, breathing techniques, lil bit of kissing at the end hehe, all characters are 18+
WC: 1.6k
You couldn't quite put your finger on it.
You're not sure what led to this.
You'd been sitting quite happily, watching a movie, a soft fuzzy blanket over your lap, the comfortable couch underneath you, warm, cosy and content. When suddenly you felt it seep in. It started with your mind wandering, your palms becoming sweaty, your heart beginning to race.
You froze. Even though you weren't moving anyway, you definitely felt your body stiffen up. Like you'd just been dunked in ice cold water. Or at least that's how your blood flowing through your veins felt. Your eyes were fixed on one spot, the TV where The Goonies still played out. You felt like you couldn't move, couldn't speak, couldn't focus. Your chest was moving faster and faster with each breath, your heart feeling like it was about to burst as your breathing picked up.
No. Not now. Why the fuck was this happening now of all times? Literally nothing had happened. Nothing had triggered this. And then you remembered. You remembered why you sometimes got this way, the cause of these horrible anxious feelings and these.. you didn't want to even think the word nevermind say it. You felt tears prick at your eyes as you remembered the events of last year, feeling yourself hyperventilate more. You squeezed your eyes shut, the whole room sounding, looking and feeling like static. God you hated this. You really really fucking hated this.
After the whole Upside Down incident of 1986, you'd never been the same. And neither had anyone else who was there. You'd all lost Eddie and that was heartbreaking enough. Not to mention everything else you all went through. When you got trapped in the Upside Down because you'd got a little off the beaten path while you'd been trying to find someone to help when you'd found your poor friend with Dustin, when the gang thought they almost lost you too. Luckily, he saved you. He got you out of there. But that didn't stop the nightmares and the panic attacks that came after.
One of which you were currently in the throes of. It always felt like you were back there. Back in the midst of it all, back in the eye of the fucking storm. Your mind racing and telling you you had to get out of wherever you were. That you had to run. That you had to just-
"Honey?" you heard a gentle voice speak, sounding a little panicked itself, momentarily stopping your racing thoughts and breaking through clouds of your psyche. It was the only thing you heard through the loud ringing in your ears. It sounded far away, but close at the same time. "Honey, open your eyes for me, please"
You did as the voice told you, even though your body told you not to and alarm bells went off in your mind, telling you to get out. That's when your eyes met a warm chestnut pair. Round and wide and full of concern.
It was Steve. He was the one who had saved you, and still did every day. He was the one you fell in love with before any of this had even occured and were too scared to tell him in fear of ruining your friendship. But after everything that happened? You couldn't not tell him. Life was too short not to take the leap. You had been thrilled when you found out he felt the exact same.
"Baby, listen to me okay?" You felt warm palms gently grab either side of your face, a thumb stroking over the apple of your cheek in a soothing manner, wiping away a few of the tears that creeped out. You didn't respond, you just kept looking back at the man in front of you. The man that you loved. Your Steve.
"Breathe with me, honey. Deep breaths. In and out, just like this, 'kay? Follow my lead and do what I'm doing" he said softly, keeping his tone calm and his voice gentle. He didn't want to startle you, especially not right now, he was very wary of how he spoke to you when this happened. You watched as his shoulders slowly rose up, filling his lungs with air before he opened his mouth in a tight O and blew the air out steadily between his lips. He did that a few times and nodded at you, signalling for you to copy him.
You did your best, breathing in through your nose, albeit not as deep as he could, but you filled your lungs as much as the crushing feeling still in your chest allowed. Before slowly but shakily exhaling through your mouth while he smiled at you softly and continued.
"That's it, angel. Keep going. Just focus on me and keep breathing like this. You're doing so well, so so well" he said to you, nodding his head slowly as he took another breath in and you copied him.
With each breath in.. and then out.. you felt the bad feelings and the bad thoughts slowly dissipate. You felt the weight pressing down on your chest lift off and soon vanish. You looked back into the eyes of your saviour, your boyfriend, your honest-to-god true love, and soon enough you felt a little better.
Steve knew what it was like. He'd been there. He was still there. There were times you had to do the exact same thing for him. And you never questioned it, not once, you just.. did it. Because you loved him. And he loved you too. There was never even a singular thought of "why would I do that?" between you both when it came to helping each other out like this. You both never hesitated, especially since you both more than understood exactly why this had been happening.
You felt your shoulders drop a little and you blinked slowly, reaching up and resting your hands over his gently. Warm soft palms to rough knuckles. Slowly sliding them down until you were holding his wrists carefully. He smiled a little wider at you, most of the concern leaving his face as he studied your own and your body language, figuring that you were over the worst of it now.
"You okay honey?" He said, a hand reaching to stroke at your hair. It was only then that you noticed he was kneeling on the floor in front of you, in his Hawkins gym shorts and a fuzzy blue sweater. He had been previously nestled next to you before this happened. He must have felt your breathing change and immediately got in front of you to help you.
"Yeah.. m'okay Stevie.. sorry I.. I don't know w-" you began but you were soon shushed softly.
"Hey, what did I tell you about apologising for that? You never have to apologise to me, baby. Never. Especially not for this. You'd do the same for me right? You do the same for me" he smiled at you warmly, leaning forward and placing a gentle peck on your forehead. You smiled a little as you felt his lips press to your skin, all plush and soft. He didn't move away though, he just slotted his nose next to yours and stared into your eyes.
"You have nothing to be sorry for. You're human. And what we went through.. it was tough. But you don't have to go through it alone. I'll always be here, every step of the way" his voice was low, his tone sincere. It made you kind of get a little dizzy, thinking of how in love you were with this handsome tall man of your dreams, how you really wished that always would be your reality.
"I know, Stevie. I'll always be here too. Thank you babe, I feel much better now." You whispered back to him, smiling and nodding your head as he watched your face, confirming to him that you were definitely okay. You had calmed down and were feeling more yourself again, thanks to him. It was a wonder the magic that he possessed, in the way he could make you feel less like your world wasn't crumbling in just a few breaths and a few seconds.
"Good. Now can I get a kiss from my girl?" He grinned cheekily, wiggling his eyebrows. It made you roll your eyes and giggle at him. He thought he was so smooth. Okay, maybe he was but.. you wouldn't tell him that. His head was already big enough as it is, thanks to the Farrah Fawcett spray.
"Hmm I don't know.. it'll cost you" you smiled, leaning in and pressing your lips to his gently, giving him a long peck.
"Oh yeah? Well how about I just use my.. boyfriend discount?" he smirked, lunging forward and wrapping his arms around you as he climbed back onto the couch, practically laying on top of you as he made you fall to the side and onto your back. You sprawled out along the length of the couch as you wrapped your arms around his neck and allowed it, letting him pepper kisses all over your face, before he finally met your lips. He tasted like cinnamon and sugar. Warm and sweet. Just like him.
There was nothing sweeter than Steve's kisses and having his arms around you. Nothing could make you feel bad when you had him nuzzling his way into the crook of your neck, laying his weight on top of you and playing with the ends of your hair, sighing through his nose into your skin as he breathed your scent in and out, which he could never get enough of.
He could never get enough of you, not in a million years. You were his safe space. And he was yours. You smiled, humming contentedly as you closed your eyes, running your fingers through his soft brown locks, listening to the little huff of happiness come from him and feeling his smile against your skin.
"I think that boyfriend discount definitely works"