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It was one of those weeks. The kind where everything that could possibly go wrong did go wrong. Premiere crashes, monetization issues, games taking up too much RAM to run properly, and all of it was making Brian want to pull his hair out. Though he’d never admit it, this entire week had him on the verge of tears out of nothing but sheer frustration.
But finally, Brian found himself with a few days off. His upload schedule was good to go for at least a week, and he decided to take some time to decompress.
It worked. For the first day. But Brian quickly got bored being by himself, an overwhelming sense of loneliness and desire to spend time with someone.
He decided to text Daithi.
Brian: Hey, you free later?
Nogla: yeh why
Brian: wanna hang?
Nogla: sure
Brian stood outside the pub in downtown Dublin, waiting for Daithi. They’d have a drink or two here, and then chill back at Brian’s place. He tried not to let the thoughts of his overwhelming, stressful week take over while he waited, didn’t want to be a crying mess by the time Daithi got here.
Thankfully, Brian didn’t have to wait too long, seeing the familiar face of his friend heading in his direction.
“Hey man.” Brian said, grabbing Daithi’s hand before pulling him in for a hug. He held on maybe a little longer than would be considered normal for your standard “bro hug”, but Daithi either didn’t notice or didn’t care.
Daithi clapped Brian on the back before pulling away. “Hey, it’s been too long.”
“It has, it has.” Brian responded. “Thanks for coming out tonight, man. This week’s been utter shit.”
“Oh really? What happened?”
“I don’t wanna get into it, I’ll just get all worked up again. Just wanna chill.”
“I getcha.” Daithi said, walking into the pub, holding the door open for Brian.
Both were a few drinks in. Still coherent, the slightest bit tipsy, but definitely not drunk.
Well, Brian wasn’t, anyway.
After his first beer, he’d secretly switched to water while Daithi went for the harder liquor. Daithi had a tendency to shower people in affection and cuddles when he was drunk, and Brian figured this was the best way to get what he wanted without directly asking for it.
Cause there was no fucking way that was happening.
He was not about to admit that he needed a hug more than anything else right now.
“Startin’ta feel like shit.” Daithi said.
“Since when are you such a fuckin’ lightweight?” Brian teased.
“What am I on?”
“Just your second shot, come on.” Brian lied. He’d kept count, and knew that Daithi was 2 beers, 3 shots, and a whiskey deep.
Just one more oughta do it.
“No, I can’t. Sorry, but… I’m gonna vomit or somethin’ if I keep this goin’.”
Brian sighed. He wasn’t going to force it. He’d also rather not deal with being thrown up on.
“Alright then.”
They paid their tab and began the walk back to Brian’s. Daithi was a bit too tipsy to walk completely straight, so he had an arm slung around Brian’s shoulders while Brian guided him back. It was just nice to be touched by someone.
It wasn’t enough, but Brian let himself enjoy the little he could get until they found themselves in front of his door.
Brian guided Daithi to the couch and turned on a movie, figuring his friend would not have the focus for video games right now. Daithi’s head found its way onto Brian’s shoulder. It was happening. Brian leaned his head on top of Daithi’s as Daithi began to fully cuddle Brian. His long arms wrapped around Brian’s torso overwhelmed him, and soon Brian’s dam of emotions came crumbling down.
Daithi felt a small drip on his head, turning to look up at Brian, who suddenly had tears streaming down his cheeks, choking back a sob.
“Brian? Are you okay?” Daithi asked.
“I told you I had a stressful week, right?” Brian asked. Daithi nodded.
“Yeah, well, this has just been really nice. Just really needed a hug. Didn’t wanna ask.”
“That’s stupid.” Daithi replied. He placed his arms around Brian’s torso and squeezed him tightly, stroking his friend’s back and giving Brian as much time as he needed to just let it all out. Brian never wanted to let go. But eventually he did, once he was feeling better.
“You feel better?” Daithi asked, Brian giving a small “M-hm” in response.
“Dude, if you ever need a hug don’t be afraid to ask. What are friends for?” Daithi smiled.
“Yeah, well, I’ve never been good at the whole being open with my emotions thing.” Brian replied with a smile.
“Eh, then just be like hey Nogla, hug me.”
Brian laughed. “You’re seriously the best. Thank you.”
Daithi nuzzled back into Brian’s shoulder, falling asleep quickly. Brian, tired out from all these feelings, followed close behind.