Lost Boy

“I’m happy you made it! Thanks. As you can see, the only thing missing is a fireplace.” He chuckled, smiling bashful when remembering what happened the last time they were in front of a fireplace. “I could show you around, if you’d like?” He suddenly felt rude for not offering sooner. “It isn’t much, but it’s home.” Mercer had cleaned the flat prior to calling the other as well, so there was nothing to worry about. Baggy purred, clearly remembering the other blond as she got comfortable. Merce was watching the two dogs run around and grinned when the labradoodle leaped in his lap. “I missed you, too, Allen.” Briefly petting and showing him some love, he let the dog go when Bubbles came over with the squeaky pizza toy to share. “They are the amazing ones, but I do love my small zoo.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it” The mention of a fireplace brought a smile to his lips “Well you’re always welcome to come by and use my fireplace whenever you want, you know that” Mylo nodded in reply to the others question “Lead the way...It’s a great place Mercer, I’m glad you found home” Mylo wanted nothing more in life than for the other to find comfort, peace and happiness in his life and he was glad that he found that with Henry and their animals. He grinned at Allen going wild over Mercer and pulled out the dogs raggy stuffed rabbit for him to go play with Bubbles. Allen barked as he recognised his favourite toy and picked it up and pattered over to play with Baggy while they shared their toys. “Your small zoo loves you Merce, there was no doubt in my mind that they would have anything but adoration for you”

Mercer had been in a good mood since calling to invite Mylo over now that Bubbles had officially become part of his and Henry’s family. “Hi! Come in, this way!” He wasted no time in ushering the two into the flat when they finally arrived. “She gets real excited.” He warned as they approached the mini clan of pets. The fluffy, white puppy was already bounding over, her energy sending her back and forth between Mylo and Allen as if she couldn’t decide who to say hello to first. “This is Bubbles!” He chuckled, smile softening as her tail wagged happily and she sniffed at the labradoodle. “And you remember Baggy?” He asked when seeing his cat rub against Mylo’s leg. Mercer took a seat on the floor to join the animals, leaning back against the couch. “And this is Toodles and Claw!” All eyes were on Allen and Mylo, much to his amusement. He just hoped it wasn’t overwhelming.

When Mercer had called him about coming over with Allen, he happily accepted the invitation without hesitation. “Hi! Thanks for inviting me over. You’ve got a nice place here” he smiled and let Allen run on to meet the white puppy running around. Mylo crouched down to meet the puppy, giving her countless pats and scratches “Hi Bubbles, aren’t you adorable” he grinned and stood back up, leaving the two dogs to get acquainted and play. “How could I forget Baggy? It’s good to see you again Baggs and hello Toodles and Claw” he laughed and took a seat next to Mercer and gave the cat some ear scratches as a hello. Allen took the opportunity to bound over and give Mylo some kisses to let him know that he was still very much present before the dog leaped over to Mercer to say his hellos “You always were amazing with animals Merce, it’s no surprise that you’ve got a small zoo residing in your flat. 

If he wasn’t busy carrying a few things, he really would have reached for Allen. He smiled warmly, having always loved Mylo’s relationship with his dog. Those words got him to nod. “Of course, you’re right. I know, I just get…” He waved his hand to dismiss it with a small chuckle since anyone who knew him knew the lengths he went to for animals. “I will. Expect a call soon then because I’m hoping to surprise Henry by the end of the week.” And he truly meant it. It wouldn’t be like their broken promise to keep in touch. Mercer wanted to make up for that and wouldn’t break this.

“I know... you don’t have to explain yourself” he smiled softly, knowing how much Mercer always loved animals. A trait that he was glad that the other still had after the past few years. Hearing his phone chime in to the conversation to alert him that a text had came through, he quickly checked the screen seeing that it was from Margot “Anyway, I better head. I’m supposed to me meeting Margot for lunch while she’s got a break from her shoot. I’m glad Allen could be of assistance in picking out a toy for your puppy and take the basket, I’m just buying the treats anyway.” he smiled and held out the basket for Mercer before turning to the till to pay for Allens treats. “I’ll see you around Mercie, and drop me a text when you want to introduce your puppy to Allen” 

That got Mercer to laugh some more and he glanced to Allen who looked all too pleased with himself, like he totally understood they were talking about him. He was one smart dog. “It’d be a crime to be mad at that face.” He chimed in agreement. Mylo liking the plan only made him more excited and it felt great being able to share this information since he had to bite his tongue around Henry. “I hope so, I can’t wait to see his face!” He groaned a little then. “I don’t know! I keep visiting the shelter and it’s not fair. I wish I could take them all home.” Mercer slowly walked down the aisle then, his gaze on the dog beds. “I’ll take you up on that, I think I’ll need it. You’ll have to come over! Allen can have puppy playdates!” His heart melted with the image.

The labradoodle clearly knew that he was the topic of conversation and that seemed to rile up his excitement. “I’ve never been able to be mad at him and he knows it” He loved the idea of Mercer and Henry having a puppy around. He saw what Mercer was like around Allen and he knew straight away that the puppy would be adored and treated like an angel. “I know, I feel sorry for them but you’ve got to stay positive and know that the other dogs will find a home.” he smiled at the blonds caring nature “Call me whenever you feel like it. Allen would love to have a friend around to play with” 

“Ah, sounds like he had a mini party. Thank you.” He smiled, appreciating it. “I bet it makes it easier, instead of him running off.” That was something he liked about Allen though, the dog was friendly and had a lot of love to go around. “I think we can handle it if it makes her happy.” He could imagine Henry grumbling after the first few days, but that boy grumbed about everything. Smile widening when Mylo promised, he took a breath to keep his cool and not yell it. “I’m getting Henry a puppy! He’s my roommate.” He added then because it’s been too long and he wasn’t sure they knew even the simplest facts. “And we’ve been talking about it for forever. And after everything, he really really deserves one. I’m surprising him.” 

“More like a breakfast buffet and left me to clean up the mess with a hyperactive Allen running around.” he smiled, looking down at Allen “but I can’t be mad at that face” he shrugged. Mylo found the idea of Mercer and Henry getting a puppy exciting. Allen could have a friend and he’d get to catch up with the two boys more often than he did now. “That’s brilliant! I’m sure he’ll love the gesture. What kind of dog are you thinking of getting him?” he asked curiously. Maybe Mercer already had a dog lined up, he had no idea. “If you need any help with anything, Allen and I are happy to be of assistance”  

“Thank goodness. Allen ran out?” He took a guess. “Uhm…” Merce didn’t want to be a bother, but soon nodded. “Only if you don’t mind?” He finally realized someone was missing. That was when he noticed the labradoodle hanging out in Mylo’s hoodie and honestly the pair made quite an adorable sight. “Just when I thought Allen couldn’t get any cuter.” He mused, leaning in to give the dog a kiss since his arms were too full and he couldn’t cuddle him like he’d usually. “The pizza, huh…I will trust that Allen knows best.” With a chuckle, he tossed the burger back on the shelf and felt like he made some progress. The question caused his eyes to brighten with excitement, though he hesitated and took a second to look around them as if he expected someone to be eavesdropping. “If I tell you a secret, will you promise not to tell Henry?” Mercer whispered and stuck his pinky out to promise the same way he used to when they were at Hogwarts, though he knew he didn’t even have to ask. Mylo was someone he trusted wholeheartedly.

“More like Allen managed to get into the treat box and eat them all” he laughed and gave Allen a scratch on the head. “I don’t mind at all” he smiled and took some of the items crowding up the space in Mercers arms and dropped them into his basket. “He’s taken to climbing in my hoodie whenever he can now. It’s a good way to keep track of him” Mylo grinned at Mercer giving the dog affection while the other happily barked in reply. “Be warned, it also has the loudest squeaker so be prepared for that” he advised. As far as he remembered Mercer always had a cat but then again the two did lose touch for a while “Uh yeah sure. You have my word” he promised and reached his pinky out to lock it with Mercers like they had always done when they were younger. 

“My fault, really. You didn’t drop anything, did you?” Because at that point, their items could’ve gotten mixed up. Once he was juggling everything in his arms again, he got a better look at the other and paused. He should’ve realized from the glance he first got–only the McLaggens were that blond. “Thank you.” The corners of his mouth tugged into a small smile. “Actually, this is perfect. Can you help me? I couldn’t decide between the burger or the pizza.” So the two squeaky toys were in his pile because he was on the verge of getting them both.

“Me? No. It’s just some treats in a bag, nothing spilled.” he replied, smiling at Mercer trying to juggle everything. “Do you want a hand with some of that? I can help you carry it until you get everything you need” he offered in hopes to avoid the possibility of another mishap. Mylo looked at the options of the toys while Allen peeked his head out from his hoodie “Allen tends to play with the pizza more out of the two because its easier to bite and carry around.” He didn’t know what one to pick so he did the most logical thing, suggested what his own dog picked. “What brings you picking out squeaky burgers and pizzas? Do you have a dog now?”

Going to the pet shop had gotten him out of his flat and feeling like himself again. There was no better time to start shopping for the puppy he was getting Henry. It was fun up until he bumped into someone and made noise dropping the items he’d been carrying. “I’m so sorry! I knew I should’ve gotten a basket. Maybe this is a sign that I should put some stuff back.” He sheepishly apologized and began to pick everything up.

( @mylomclaggcn )

In true Allen fashion he’d managed to get into his box of treats in the morning and hoovered them all up before a stint of hyperactivity kicked in. This now lead to Mylo standing in the pet store with a tiny ball of beige curls running around his feet, a bark letting the blond know of his presence and a tail beating at his ankles every now and again when the dog had to circle around. He was picking out some treats to replace the others when he felt someone bump into him “Oh wow, I’m sorry” he apologised and kneeled down to help the other pick up what had fallen. Allen took this as an opportunity to jump up and slip into Mylos hoodie after deciding that hugs were better than running “I think you dropped this” he smiled, holing up a squeaky burger.

A smile finally appeared on his face. It was a small one, but a smile all the same. “That’s okay, really.” He bit his lip because things between them had never been this awkward. And it shouldn’t have taken him this long to reach out. “I’m…I’m better than I was. And you?” He wanted to catch up on everything, but didn’t want to overwhelm Mylo either. Rocking a bit on his feet, he finally asked. “Would you mind if I joined you? Or uhm…if you’re busy or…or I could come back later. Not come back later, I mean, we could meet up. Hang out.” He shut his eyes and mentally kicked himself for rambling like a fool. “Or if you don’t want to, that’s okay.” Because he wouldn’t blame Mylo if he said no.

“Than you were? Are you okay?” he asked, his voices laced with concern and a hint of panic regardless of how calm and collected he was minutes prior. Guilt washed over him once again with the idea of Mercer going through tought times and him not being there to help. “Not at all, you’re always welcome. I...I’m just stopping by Mimi’s and then my brothers places for a bit and then more walks with Allen if you feel up for that.” He didn’t know if Mercer wanted to see all of the McLaggens at once but he hoped he’d be able to spend time catching up with him somehow.

Zach was in the park even if it was fucking cold. It was also a nice day. He didn’t want to waste it. He took a deep breath, feeling calm and collected, and his smile brightened at the sight of a dog sprinting toward him. Zach loved animals more than anything, magical and non-magical alike. He was good with them and wanted all of them to feel loved, so he gasped excitedly as if he were in front of a baby, eyes wide and excited—even more so because he knew Alien! “Hi there!” He laughed and looked up at Mylo. “It’s fine, oh my god. Hi, you.” He got to his knees to pet him and glanced up at Mylo. “He’s a good boy. Could be a certified emotional pet if I ever saw one.” He got to his feet and smiled. “How’re you guys?”

He couldn’t help but smile at the amount of love Allen got from everyone he knew. They all loved him just as much as Mylo did. “That’s exactly what he is. My parents brought this little guy home for me and we’ve been pretty much inseparable ever since. He helps me stay calm when anxiety and insomnia run wild” he shrugged but crouched down to give the dog a pat and a treat. Standing up to meet Zach, he smiled in return “We’re good thanks. We’re on our way over to Mimi’s place but I thought we’d take a detour so Allen could run around in the park for a while. How are you?”

What was now the best thing about the party? Not that he was slowly, but surely easing out of his shell. No, the best thing was of course an animal. Mercer was kneeling down and gushing over the fact that the labradoodle also wore something for the occasion. “Looking snazzy, Allen. I think you’re the best dressed here.” 

( @mylomclaggcn )

Mylo weaved around the crowd when Allen seemed to locate Mercer once again. “Ouch” he joked, looking down at his poor labradoodle that his sister somehow managed to dress as a cherub “Here that Allen, you’re best in show for the millionth time” he said grinning down to the dog which was swiftly replied with barks of agreement. 

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they say diamonds are forever but they’ve never met @ivyrxsewood​ #stolemargotsbestie #shesmyfriendnow #valentines

“I got dragged along by some of the other Ravenclaws. I don’t know why i agreed to come along, I always feel so out of place at parties. Books I can deal with. Booze not so much.”

“You did let Mimi overhear you saying that you were thinking about trying to be social this year. She got excited. Do you know how long she’s been trying to get you to put the books down?She’s trying to help in her own way”