Though Brendon would have definitely preferred it if Ryan didn’t have to leave to go anywhere for very long without him, he did kind of enjoy the time he had alone, because he could invite Holden round and act like a five year old without being practically ‘parented’ by Ryan. Sure, he brought alcohol every time, but at this point for Brendon it was more like good practice than an actual problem. Besides, Holden meant no harm- the only problem was the potential of Ryan freaking out and jumping to conclusions, although as Brendon got better, Ryan did too. What helped was that Holden only every brought one type of drink- the same every time- so it was obvious to Ryan when he walked in and saw cans everywhere that it was the work of a careless and slightly disrespectful Holden, not a relapsing Brendon. There was also the case of broken guitar strings on all of Ryan’s instruments, even the mint green guitar that was his favourite. Brendon intended to restring them, but. He got distracted five minutes later and ended up jumping through video games for the next two days straight.

It wasn’t like Brendon was helpless, he just kind of forgot to take care of himself properly because it was usually Ryan doing that to some extent- cooking, because Brendon was useless at anything beyond using the microwave, going to bed at a healthy time, because usually when Ryan got into bed, he followed suit because it was boring without him, and even taking care of the wolfsbane supply they needed, because god knows Brendon would wreak havoc otherwise. It was expensive, and difficult to make, and he was lucky as all hell to have somebody who actually paid attention in potions class and didn’t just doodle on his work and cause a lot of distractions. He also apparently forgot to dress himself, because he was pretty sure he hadn’t put some pants on the entire three days Ryan had been gone, never mind a shirt. Holden didn’t seem to mind very much.

Kind of like the story of the emperor’s new clothes- he hadn’t noticed he was wearing practically nothing until the one person he actually properly listened to turned up and mentioned it outright. Obviously, this reaction wasn’t immediate, because he was so wrapped up in the grief of losing his game because of bogart’s overzealousness. A few moments passed after he replied to Ryan’s initial self-introduction, and he finally registered that the love of his life was Home and it was the greatest day ever. Better than his wedding day, even. With great enthusiasm he practically vaulted over the back of the couch to wrap his arms around Ryan, hugging him tightly and fully relaxing in his arms as Ryan returned the gesture with equal enthusiasm. He heard a gentle laugh, but just ignored it and kissed his cheek quickly, moving his hands to frame his husband’s face, as if he hadn’t looked through his camera roll and seen him every single day just because he missed having him around in person.

[i]Can’t what? This is an anti-‘Dottie slander’ household.[/i] [b]”Can’t jump,”[/b] He finished, grinning. [b]”And it isn’t when you’re away.”[/b] He kind of moved subconsciously closer, then kissed him, wanting to skip everything else and just show him how much he missed him. Unfortunately, he had to breathe, so pulled back, and moved his hands down to Ryan’s waist. Brendon finally registered that he had literally no clothes on besides his underwear, and rushed to explain himself. Ryan, apparently, wasn’t very surprised. He watched as his husband leaned away to get his own phone, and then when Ryan showed him the screen, he had the decency to look just a little sheepish. [i]Babe, Do Not Disturb mode has never been your friend.[/i] Brendon took his phone back and scrolled through- mostly texts from Holden about coming back over, a few from Ryan, several other notifications and the group chat that Holden had unmuted for him when he’d somehow guessed his phone password. [b]”I was very involved with Assassin’s creed, okay?”[/b]

[i]Also, I don't think you would have put clothes on, but the sentiment means a lot. [/i] Brendon nodded, unable to argue with that. [i]Besides- I don't mind. Kinda the opposite.[/i] Brendon grinned again as Ryan drew his hand across his chest, and had to suppress it when Ryan leaned in to kiss him again so he could reciprocate. When he pulled back, he looked kind of sleepy- partly because Ryan’s return was making him feel all warm, partly because he hadn’t slept in like three days. [b]”Holden didn’t mind much either,”[/b] He laughed, then frowned suddenly. [b]"Oh, those in the kitchen- Holden’s,”[/b] Brendon said hesitantly, searching Ryan’s expression. If he had been bothered, he would have mentioned it already, but still. Better safe than sorry. 

While Ryan looked around, Brendon just wrapped his arms over his shoulders loosely. [i]How did it get like this in three days?[/i] [b]”Holden.”[/b] He said gravely. Enough explanation. [i]And, how are you alive? I count three pizza boxes. [/i] Brendon was smiling when he dropped his arms to his sides and stepped back, turning around and kind of leaning against Ryan’s chest a little to survey the carnage. In response, he kind of shrugged one shoulder. [b]”No idea. Hey, I think we should-"[/b] He stopped suddenly, looking devastated. [b]”Oh, fuck me.”[/b] Brendon drew his hands down across his face, then turned around and looked up at Ryan with a long sigh. [b]”It’s full moon tonight.”[/b]