henry nichols

“I live here. Clearly.” Randolph’s first instinct was to help the other but he knew it would be rebuffed. “You hate me, so no, that wasn’t my first thought.” As he began sipping on his drink, eying the other downing his own. “You sure you don’t want to slow down?”

“Yes, Mylo.” Mercer really tried to bite back his smile, but fighting it only made it wider. “Yeah, his labradoodle is super cute! He’s going to come over so Allen can meet her–if that’s okay?” He added, wanting to be considerate even if he had already suggested it to Mylo. “You mean so Allen and Bubbles can have puppy dates.” He tried to clarify, even if his heart skipped with the thought. “Henry! That’s…Henry!” Face reddening, he couldn’t figure out a comeback. “Bubbles has no idea what you’re talking about, that doesn’t count.”

He’d gone to the bar to feel better. That’s where some of his best memories were. It’s where he’d met Lily. He’d just begun to flirt with the bartender when he heard an all too familiar voice. He’d barely opened his mouth to say something when Henry was ordering him another drink. Astounded, he made his way towards the other. “Erm… no I’m not. And I do believe I was here first. Thanks for the drink.”

Mercer had yet to cook, but as soon as he heard Henry it reminded him to take a break to chat and make them something. He was pretty much done with homework anyway, so neatly put his notes and some books back in his bag and quickly cleaned up his desk before opening his room door to properly greet his mate. “Hi, hi! Bubbles has been waiting for you all day. I felt so bad I couldn’t play with her as much, I was stuck writing this assignment.” He briefly kneeled to pet the puppy because he still felt guilty, before going over to join the other. A question about food was on the tip of his tongue, before he finally noticed something was wrong. “…What?” He’d heard it, but didn’t understand. “That doesn’t make any sense.” The two were perfect for each other…but Henry couldn’t be mistaken, not with that look on his face. Mercer almost ran to the other’s room to prove that Grayson must be there, but decided his best friend was more important right now. He sat down and gently rubbed the other’s back. “Are you sure? Have you called him, or…” There had to be a reasonable explanation. “Did…did he break up with you?” He quietly asked, concern in his eyes as he stared.

He nodded like it had been such a genius plan. “Albus helped me at the shelter and Mylo helped me pick out some necessities for her!” He grinned wide and proud. Henry was happy, he could see it in the smile and bright eyes. Mercer was used to Henry showing how he felt through expressions rather than words, and that was okay. Right now was enough and what he hoped to accomplish after that violent injury. “That’s true, but I still want to know!” In addition to Grayson, he had several friends in mind to meet the precious puppy. “Bubbles, I think that’s fitting.” Her tail excitedly wagged when she heard it, too. Mercer began to laugh because he loved the idea. “We’ll have Powerpuff Puppies!”

Henry was a mess and that was not a secret. Nor was it a surprise. Who wouldn’t be a mess after they’ve gotten dumped without a single world? So there he was, in a bar not that away from his flat, already quite tipsy. He made his way towards the bar to order another drink when he spotted Randolph not too far away. “For fuck’s sake!” he groaned. “You’re following me on the Quidditch field, you’re following me here, are you stalking me or what, Lestrange?” he let out an exasperated sigh before ordering his drink at the bar. “And whatever the fuck he wants, it’s on me,” he added, pointing at Rand.

He bit his lip, really wanting his friend to be happy. Henry deserved some goodness. “I’m so glad.” The bright smile appeared easily once again, relieved that this was working out. He hugged his mate and pet the adorable bundle of fluff. “You’re welcome! I thought it was time we finally get a puppy. I’m so glad you didn’t catch on, a few people were in on it!” Beaming proudly, he loved watching Henry like this. The walls were down and grumpiness almost nonexistent. “You have to tell me what he says! She doesn’t have one yet, I thought maybe you’d like to name her?” Mercer was usually the one, but it was Henry’s time to have the honor.

Mercer had considered recording the moment, but was happy he didn’t. He was able to live the moment without distraction and felt the giddiness bubble up inside his chest. “And soft and cuddly.” And energetic, exactly the way he knew Henry would love and the way he probably needed. Mercer neared, but didn’t sit yet just so Henry could get to know her. His heart was melting at the sight and a smile was on his face, so big it kind of hurt. “…Do you like her?” So much time went into choosing the right puppy for his mate, who deserved the best. “Because she loves you. She loved you before she even met you.” And it already showed in the way she tried to climb his mate, giving excited kisses.

He rolled his eyes and groaned a little. “Henry!” He resisted the urge to toss one of the couch pillows at the other, even though his mate was only messing with him. “Because you’re already standing and you’re right there!” He gave an innocent pout, putting his hands together in a silent plea. Mercer immediately got to his feet when the other went to the room, hovering quietly and watching for a reaction. This was the moment he’d been waiting for and it took all his willpower to not bounce around on his feet or scream and shout. That, and he didn’t want to startle the puppy who was napping. “That’s your new baby.” He clarified, voice equally as soft. “She’s been so excited to meet you, I think she wore herself out.” He smiled, gently rubbing Henry’s back when he caught sight of tears. The only thing keeping him from being alarmed was knowing it wasn’t a bad type of crying. Henry was far softer than he appeared and this proved it. “Do you want to go say hi?” 

Jamie: hey babe

Jamie: i took some rlly good booty pics today

Henry: um

‘probably. but i’ve got someone else to cuddle right now, don’t i?’ grayson pointed out as he squeezed into bed with henry happily wrapping his arms around him. ‘sure, okay. shut up, we’re finally on the same page.’ he dropped a kiss down to henry’s shoulder as they snuggled in and got warm and cozy. ‘no babe, school can wait. plus i’ll be ahead of you for a change. uh… you went out to buy soy milk and got stabbed and now you’re here. that’s all i know. but of course, i can lay and sleep with you.’

‘well give me some room to pig out!’ mason whined, pushing henry off him to sit beside him and chewed on the brownie he shoved into his mouth. ‘cocaine brownies are rocket science, stupid.’ mason began to laugh, no he really cackled when he looked over at rosie and zephyr doing the thing and henry screaming. ‘hey! don’t be mean! they look so cute doing it. they’re not demons, henry! i’d know if they were!’ but mason hugged henry still, rubbing his back soothingly. ‘you can’t let grayson win, he’ll talk so fast as a healer, no one will fucking understand him.’