#dating apps

This is asking about apps specifically intended for dating, not hookups.

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Written for the @steddiemicrofic prompt return | WC: 375 | Rating: T | CW: brief mention of food but nobody eats, photographs | Tags: pre-Steddie | A/N: I know nothing about these apps so please don't come for me if this is actual nonsense 😄 Title inspired by the Chemical Brothers album and the track Galvanize | My masterlist

1: Push The Button | 2: Send The Message | 3: Post The Picture

Steve Harrington is on a gay dating app. At least, Eddie’s pretty sure it's him. It's initially anonymous, allowing people to strike up conversations (or, let's be real, organise hook-ups) before giving out personal information. Eddie recently joined, and was figuring out what to put in his profile by looking at other users' when he stumbled across a startlingly familiar silhouette.

It's been years since they've spoken, and the site is national so the chances are slim. Plus, Steve seemed like one of the straightest people that Eddie’s ever known. But clues are there, and by this point, Eddie's a fucking detective.

First, there's the username: KingHair. Eddie's surmised that it's either Harrington, or a Bear who's making furriness his entire personality.

Then there's the profile pictures. The first is taken from behind, a lush head of honeyed brown locks atop broad shoulders. So far, so neutral.

Next, a picture of a large and opulent ice cream sundae, empty tubs and spilt sprinkles in the background suggesting it's self-made. So, he knows his way around frozen desserts; again, that doesn't really narrow it down.

But the last is an angled shot of a (frankly, stunning) ass, stretching the fabric of some tiny athletic shorts. Despite the photo having a fancy colour filter, the tone looks suspiciously similar to the track shorts of the Hawkins Tigers. This is the clincher, not least because the glimpse of toned thigh at the edge of frame shows a constellation of moles that Eddie would recognise anywhere. Not that he was ever looking, or memorising every single one...

Eddie's photos are similarly vague, yet identifiable if anyone knew him. A shirtless one, abs clenched, his deep chestnut hair flopped over his face. Another with his ringed fingers working his guitar. And a closeup of his naked right shoulder, where a tattooed head of a dragon and some dice are just visible.

His profile’s ready, Eddie just needs to post it. He's hesitating, hovering over his keyboard, concerned there's enough for Steve to know it's him, should he happen to see it. He can't fathom whether that would be the best or worst thing to ever happen to him, but eventually he musters the courage, lowers his finger, and presses… return.

Whoops! This turned into a micro series 🤭 1: Push The Button | 2: Send The Message | 3: Post The Picture

Thanks so much for reading! 💜

My masterlist