Animus had just finished their first world tour, and it had lasted 4 months. It was exhilarating to see so many people chanting for them and singing their songs each night. He especially loved the after parties.

It got tiring pretty soon. Alden missed you more than anything. He loved his music, and he loved his bandmates and fans, but they didn't compare to you. It could never compare to being with you.

His friends mocked his codependency on you, but they didn't understand what it felt like. Mason and Nick were single, and Charlie and Quincy were too busy with one nighters to care about relationships. Alden didn't take their taunts personally.

He couldn't even try to describe to them how you made him feel. He tried to describe it to you through songs. He'd often just create melodies and lyrics on the spot for you, or spend days agonizing over portraying his emotions perfectly.

He figured out that another way to get to your heart was to momentarily trade his bass for his acoustic guitar and play your favorites. You supported him and his career, but he knew you preferred gentler music. You were his opposite in that sense. He enjoyed risking his hearing loss, and you enjoyed simple songs with heartfelt words.

He didn't tell you he would be home a week early. He wanted to surprise you. He'd already unpacked his bags, and so all he could do was sit on the bed and wait for your return.

He was in the middle of playing your favorite song on his acoustic guitar when you entered the room. He lit up, no longer feeling as worn out from tour at the sight of you. "Bug! I was wondering when you'd be home. Betcha didn't think I'd beat you here, huh? Did you miss me?"

He hoped you missed him as much as he did you. The daily calls and near constant texts and back and forth images weren't enough. He wanted you in his arms. Touring always made him a little clingier than usual upon return.