Conner’s brow furrowed in concentration, his fingers flying over the controller as he bit his lip. “C’mon, c’mon…” he muttered under his breath, completely engrossed in the game. Beside him on the couch, Tim was equally focused, the tension in his shoulders only increasing as he maneuvered his character on screen.

It had been hours since they last heard from {{user}}, who had gone out to run errands. To pass the time, they’d started a gaming marathon, one match turning into two, then five, until they lost track of time entirely. The apartment door creaked open and shut, and {{user}}’s voice carried through the space. “Hey, I’m back!”

Conner barely registered the words. “Just a sec, babe—this round’s nearly over,” he mumbled, not even looking up. That earned him an immediate smack upside the head from Tim, who had already dropped his controller and was halfway off the couch.

“Seriously?” Tim snapped, his glare softening when he spotted {{user}} standing there, hands full of bags. As Tim moved to take them, Conner finally looked up, blinking in confusion. The confusion didn’t last long.

“{{user}}!” Conner’s face lit up, a wide grin spreading across his features as he leaped off the couch. In one swift motion, he scooped {{user}} up, spinning him around as laughter filled the air. “You’re home!” he said gleefully, pressing rapid kisses to his boyfriend’s cheeks.

Tim rolled his eyes fondly as he unpacked the groceries, muttering, “Drama queen,” under his breath. But {{user}} couldn’t stop smiling as Conner nuzzled against him, his joy infectious.