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Usually, Bowie is a fan of parties. Lots of people means lots of pets and belly rubs and treats, and (if he's extra lucky) Lenny or some of his other friends come to spend time with him while the humans dance and sing and get a bit pink in the face.
Bowie, however, is not a fan of this particular party - because he can't find Leon.
A while ago, just before everyone arrived, Leon had wandered upstairs while Matthew fed Bowie his dinner, and had disappeared. As soon as his bowl was empty and the first humans came in the door, Bowie searched and sniffed and, for the life of him, he couldn't find Leon.
To make matters worse: there was a monster in the house. Big and red and hairy and jingling like one of his toys, but nowhere near as fun. He smells peculiar, and he keeps appearing when Bowie least expects it. It's not very fun at all.
So, as a distraction, Bowie plays with the humans. He trots around, winding between ankles and snuffling happily when he find a familiar scent. He's plied with scratches and cuddles, and even gets to dance with one lady that won't put him down for what feels like forever.
Bowie doesn't know a lot about timekeeping, but he feels like he aged a lot during that dance.
In between all the excitement, he keeps searching for Leon - this is their house, it's unusual for Leon to leave and not take Matthew or Bowie with him. He can find Matthew no problem, but he's over in the kitchen with the big red monster, so asking him for help isn't an option. Despite feeling very pampered, this evening is a slight nightmare.
"What if I can never find him?" Bowie asks Lenny, while they're curled up on the couch watching Connor wave his arms around - they agreed they think he's trying to dance and didn't press the issue further. Almost everyone has left by now, leaving only Connor, Matthew, and the big red monster.
"He'll come home soon, he always comes home!" Lenny replies.
Bowie likes Lenny. Even though he can be a bit hard to play with because he's so big, he's always very helpful when Bowie is upset.
"It's been so long though! And he didn't say goodbye!" Bowie plops his head onto his front paws, deflated. Lenny noses at his ear, and it helps a little.
"Matthew will help you find him. Matthew always finds Leon."
Bowie replies with a small whine, but has to agree. Ever since Matthew arrived, the three of them have become a little pack. Lenny is right. Matthew will know what to do.
All too soon, Connor is bundling Lenny up and they are leaving too. Why can't the big red monster leave! This is Bowie's house! He can't live here, he's too scary!!!
Bowie hops off the couch and trots through the house, seeking Matthew. Matthew will help him find Leon, and maybe even get rid of the monster at the same time. And then, Matthew and Leon can rub behind his ears. That's Bowie's favorite.
Just as Bowie is about to give up, he turns a corner and sees Matthew and the monster standing in the kitchen doorway. They're very close together, standing underneath a flower. Bowie doesn't remember a flower there before, but he is very small so maybe he just missed it.
They're talking, saying words Bowie doesn't understand (he's not fluent in Human yet, but he tries his best) and they're getting closer. What's Matthew doing? Is this all a plan to get rid of it?
Then, to Bowie's horror, Matthew kisses the monster!!
No!!!! No this is too much, he's not supposed to kiss the monster, he's supposed to fight it!!!! And kiss Leon!!!!! This is all so wrong!!!!!!
Bowie does what any good, brave dog would do in this situation, and growls his little heart out. He raises his hackles and makes the biggest, scariest face he can, and growls and barks and nips at the monsters feet.
The monster stole Leon, and now he's stealing Matthew too? Not on Bowie's watch!
Matthew laughs and says more things in human to the monster, before leaning down and scooping Bowie up.
Yes.
Good.
Matthew is helping! Now he can get the monster in the face!!!
Matthew mumbles softly into Bowie's fur, tickling at his chest. Bowie stops barking, but keeps growling quietly, watching the monster carefully. As he watches, it takes off its big red hat and gets rid of all its white fur—
LEON!
LEON IS BACK!!!
Bowie yips happily and scrambles in Matthew's arms, trying to reach for his Leon.
They're both laughing as Bowie finally reaches Leon and licks all across his cheek. It's so good to see Leon after so long. Bowie missed him so much!
As they both hold Bowie tight between them, in a big family hug, Bowie looks up at his humans and watches them kiss beneath the plant.
Leon is home. Matthew helped him find Leon. The monster is gone.
Bowie loves his pack.