Archive of Our Own

1 – Trinity

Dennis has issues with being oblivious, whether it stems from his own self esteem issues or his lack of understanding social cues, he’ll never know.

The first time he was confronted with his own obliviousness was at 6 years old when a redhead with pigtails and arms covered in glittery stickers dragged him to a swing set. She’d demand him to push her as high as possible, have fits whenever he was absent, and would slap a glittery sticker on his face so enthusiastically that the residue would sparkle onto his lips.

His mother would complain and rub his face with a warm, wet towel about ‘those crafts ruining your good shirts’.

It went on for almost the entire school year until the last day of school, she had cried, snot wiping on his shoulder as she told him, “They said we were moving away. I just wanted to say you were the best boyfriend ever, Denny.” Before he could say more, she kissed his cheek and ran off to her parents’ car.

His brother had seen it all from a distance, clapping his shoulder as he asked while leading them to the truck, “Who was that? You got a girlfriend or something?” He could only shrug and told him everything on their way back to the farm. Dennis got even more confused when his brother had to pull over, face turning red and shoulders shaking with repressed laughter.

“Are you tellin’ me you didn’t even know you were dating? How in the hell did you manage that, buddy?”

“I don’t know! She wasn’t even in my class either!”

“Well, what was her name?”

Dennis turned to his brother with a panic in his eyes, making the brother’s laughter finally escape into hysterical wheezing.

“You didn’t even know her name the entire school year?”

“SHUT UP!”

So, when Dennis has to drag Trinity out of a bar to get some sleep for their shift tomorrow and she wiggles her eyebrows, mentioning the guys that flirted with him, he’s a bit confused.

“Trin, I think they were just affectionate, y’know? I don’t really think they were interested in me.”

“One of them had his tongue practically down your throat and another put his cowboy hat on you while his hand was under your shirt. How was that not interested? Speaking of which, why did he have a cowboy hat? This is fucking Pittsburgh.”

That’s where that conversation ends.

At least he thinks so, until she slides next to him at the nurse’s station and remarks, “How could you not see that those guys were flirting with you, though? I think if we hadn’t left, that beefcake would’ve shoved his hand down your pants.” Dennis spares a glance at her with an amused smile before doing a double take as the words are fully processed.

“Wait, what? Are we still talking about this?” He whined, trying to walk away but was stopped by Trinity stepping in front of him with a grin on her face and her hands up.

“Of course we’re still talking about it! Aren’t you a farm boy, Huckleberry, don’t you know the cowboy hat language? That guy wanted you to take him for a fucking ri-.”

A cough interrupted the sentence as Trinity dropped her hands, shutting her eyes as if accepting death and turned her back on Dennis to look at the attending.

Dr. Robby’s eyes flickered between them with a strained smile. “Dr. Santos. Dr. Whitaker. Is this a good use of our time?” At the pair shaking their heads in reply, he finished, “Glad we’re on the same page, get a move on.” Trinity scurried off, but when Dennis attempted to do the same, a hand fell on his shoulder and tightened to reign him back.

“Hey, kid. What was that about?”

Dennis tried to relax his shoulder, replying, “Nothing, just Trinity deciding to tease me is all.”

“Alright. Y’know you two still have to fill out forms with HR if you keep coming into work together.”

“Wait, what?”

Robby continued as if not hearing Dennis, “I don’t get the whole ‘situationship’ thing, but I think that might still warrant a meeting with them. I’d have to ask Dana, but with—,”

“I’m not dating her! I’m gay!” He told him hurriedly, hands held up, eyes practically begging to end the conversation. But as usual, Dennis’ nervous and wordy habit stops that from happening. “We’re just roommates. She was taking a jab at me because she doesn’t like leaving me at home while clubbing, so the one time I went, some guys liked me. I just—can we please stop talking about this, sir?”

Robby has never felt so endeared by chattiness, watching as Dennis deflates in relief when he hears McKay calling for the older man. He doesn’t spare them another glance when she reaches them, scrambling off with a rushed goodbye.

McKay frowned. “What was up with him?”

“Nothing, what do you need?”

—

Dennis winced, feeling his body ache as he slowly took off his scrubs to change into his jeans and sweater. Trinity had left, getting a ride from Mel after giving up waiting for him.

So, he swings his backpack over his shoulder and begins to untangle his wired earbuds on his way out of the hospital.

“Whitaker!”

Whirling around, he sees Robby and Abbot waving him over. The atmosphere seems tense, but he can’t exactly say no, so he makes his way to them. Dennis jumped when Abbot’s hand plants itself on his lower back.

He glances up to see Robby’s eyes glaring at the other man who doesn’t even notice, focusing on Dennis with a faint frown, “Robby said you wouldn’t consider switching to the night shift for a few days or a cycle. That true?”

Dennis felt a jolt of fear run down his spine at why would Robby lie and risk him sounding rude to the other attending. He straightened up and only explained, “I just have issues with my sleep schedule in the day shift, can’t imagine the kind of issues I’ll have on the night shift. But, I’d be willing if there’s a shift or two available, sir.”

Abbot patted his shoulder and threw a smug smile Robby’s way. “Good man. Alright, I’ll catch you two later.”

He watched the man walk away with mild confusion until Robby’s voice cut through his thoughts.

“You’re not taking the night shift. He already stole Dr. Mohan from the day shift, I can’t have him poach you too, kid.” Robby jokingly scolded, leading him to the parking lot as Dennis snorted at the mention of Samira.

Victoria added him to a group chat containing Trinity, Samira, and Mel to keep contact as she continued rotations at different hospitals nearby while Dennis ended up matching to PTMC after graduating. ‘the pittlings’ had been the reason why his phone frequently buzzed, all of it consisting of gossip, memes, and friendly jabs at one another. Recently, Samira had been enthusiastically talking about how well she’d been doing in the night shift. She was thriving at handling her adrenaline rushes without burning her out after.

“I don’t think you’re ever gonna see her on the day shift again.”

“Exactly my point.”

Robby paused by what Dennis assumes is his car, looking at him in confusion. “How are you getting home?”

“Oh, I take the bus.”

The look of confusion didn’t leave Robby’s face who only pointed at the time on the watch on his wrist.

Fuck.

He missed it.

Robby held up his hand and offered, “I can give you a ride, but I’m starving. Do you mind if we head somewhere to eat and I drop you off after? My treat since I’m keeping you awake longer than necessary.” Dennis nodded with relief and quietly thanked him.

Eating at the restaurant was refreshing, Dennis dryly commenting on a patient’s behavior that made Robby choke on his drink with laughter and the latter remarking on some gossip moving through the ED that had them both analyzing it for any truth. It wasn’t until a waitress politely informed them of their closing time did Robby flush brightly and apologize, leaving a massive tip on the table before dragging Dennis out.

“Here. Put your address in and you can choose the music on Pandora.”

Dennis began to type, but froze at those words.

“Pandora Radio?”

Robby started the car as soon as they climbed in, sparing him a glance of confused amusement. “Yeah? Why? What’s wrong with it?” He asked Dennis who pursing his lips, to hold back giggles as he shook his head.

“Nothing just…it’s kind of old. You don’t have Spotify or Apple Music?”

The older man flickered to Dennis, following the directions on the screen as the other man seemed to do something on Robby’s phone. “I’m downloading Spotify and we can just share my account. Trinity taught me how to get premium for free, so you can just choose whatever songs you want to listen to.” A song began to play, soft guitar trailing in through the speakers. 

It was after being dropped off that Robby stopped him from exiting the car, hesitantly asking, “Do you…maybe want to do this again?” 

Dennis perked up, nodding with a chirp, “I’d love to, it was fun, sir!”

Robby’s face made an expression that he couldn’t decipher before replying in a gruff tone, “You-You don’t have to call me that yet. Robby or Michael is fine when we’re off work.” He felt a tingle run down his spine as he agreed, “Okay, Michael.”

The man’s face softened to a hopeful smile before waving him off, only driving away when Dennis unlocked the front door. Trinity’s head peeked over from her place on the couch with a stern, “Huckleberry! Where have you been! We’ve been worried sick!”

Mel’s head popped out from the kitchen.

“I made chicken parmesan. There’s some leftovers in the fridge if you’re hungry!” She told him brightly, wiping her hands on a dish towel before plopping down on the couch with Trinity. 

“I ate, but thanks, Mel.”

Trinity’s head snapped to him, pausing from giving Mel lovesick eyes to ask with suspicion, “Wait, what happened? Where’d you go?” She watched as he walked around the apartment, placing his things down and grabbing a water before explaining it all.

Mel seemed to nod at the event, musing about how nice of a man Dr. Robby was while Trinity’s eyebrows furrowed in thought.

“A date. You guys just went on a date.”

“What? No, we didn’t. He was just being—,”

“If you say ‘polite’, I’ll beat you with this pillow. Your standard of etiquette is so fucking weird. These guys have to practically whip their dicks out for you to get the hint at this point.”

Dennis threw his hands over his ears before announcing, “We’re done talking about this! Goodnight, Trinity! Mel!” As he laid down in his bed, Dennis stopped. 

What did he mean by ‘don’t have to call me that, yet’? 

He was interrupted from his thoughts with a text.

Unknown

Hey, it’s Michael.

Dr. Robby.

Robby, I mean.

I got your number from Dr. Mohan if that’s alright.

I was wondering if you were doing anything on your next day off? 

Whitaker

oh i got nothing planned, y ?

dr robby (boss)

We have the same Sunday off next week, would you want to go out again?

You’re in no way obligated to entertain me in any way. You can say no whenever you want. I know I’m practically your dads age.

Whitaker

i think u might be older than my dad by like 4 years actually

but im okay really!! i liked spending time together. just let me know the details 😚

“Damn, I sent the wrong emoji.” Dennis cursed, prepared to send an edit until Robby responded with a simple heart emoji back. 

Huh. Guess he doesn’t have to do anything else.

2 — Langdon

After that, it seemed any time they had days off, Robby would invite him to different places. Perusing through libraries and museums, getting dinner, even inviting him to his own apartment to watch movies.

Dennis had taken the time to skim through the shelves that were filled with different forms of media while Robby made a snack plate for them. There was a media console stand under the mounted TV that was filled with VHS tapes and DVDs which Dennis immediately made fun of Robby for collecting.

“It’s better than streaming services, trust me! Look, what’s your favorite film?”

He sat down on the couch.

“Um…Alvin and the Chipmunks: the Squeakquel.”

The silence from the kitchen made Dennis let out a snicker, laughing louder as Robby stormed out and smacked his arm with a rolled up towel. “You almost made me think I had to introduce you to real cinema like the Coppola family and the Wachowski sisters.”

Dennis’ laugh trailed off awkwardly, making Robby narrow his eyes and sit on the coffee table in front of the man.

The look on his face said it all.

“Den, don’t tell me you have no idea what I’m talking about.”

He felt defensive and retorted, “I told you about my family not letting me watch Spongebob, you think they’d let me watch whatever the hell you’re talking about?” Robby hummed in acknowledgement and patted his lower shoulder before returning to the kitchen.

“Tell Santos you aren’t going home and to bring your bag to work. You need an education.”

At texting her, she only responded a few minutes later:

da holy trinity

👍🏼

tell the bf i said hello

He fell asleep, head laying into Robby’s shoulder until he woke Dennis up with an apologetic look. He brushed a hand through Dennis’ hair and spoke gently, “I know this couch isn’t that comfortable, would you mind sharing the bed with me? If that’s okay with you?”

Dennis grumbled out an agreement, sleepily clutching the man’s sleeve as he dragged him by the hand to bed and fell back to sleep with the phantom feeling of fingers caressing his cheek.

He woke up hours later, squished by Robby’s entire body laying over him like a weighted blanket. 

Dennis paused, the man’s nose tucked into his neck and coarse beard tickling the skin on his collarbone that peeked out of the shirt.

The feeling was nice, simultaneously making the ache in Dennis’ chest better and worse. He craved the feeling of rubbing Robby’s back, to roll them over and plant kisses on the same hairy chest he feels rubbing against him through the fabric of their shirts. He wants to yank the hem of those sweatpants down and memorize every detail of Robby’s body, hands exploring every inch of skin they could.

Dennis curses himself for his thoughts, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath to make himself relax until he realizes something.

A very specific something is currently poking his thigh. He whimpers at the feeling, fighting the urge to squirm to feel it grind against him.

Robby groans, tiredly pushing his nose further into Dennis’ neck before moving closer, unknowingly rubbing his cock against Dennis’ who could only clench his teeth to fight back the noises climbing up his throat.

You’re using him for your own pleasure. It’s shameful.

At those thoughts, Dennis made the effort to drag himself out from under Robby, the man blinking blearily at the sudden movements that interrupted his sleep.

“Sorry! I have to pee!” Dennis squeaked, practically jumping to the bathroom and shutting the door. He clenched the corners of the sink top and looked at himself in the mirror.

A knock echoed in the bathroom as Robby’s casual voice piped through the door, “I’m making breakfast since there’s still half an hour till the alarm. If you want to shower, I’m leaving spare clothes on the bed!”

Dennis took a subtle sniff of his body.

That did nothing to help his shame, the stench of natural sweat made him scrunch his nose as he called out, "Thank you, Michael!”

He turned on the water and stepped into the shower, sighing deeply at the heat soothing his tense muscles. Dennis reached out for the shampoo bottle, popping it open to give it a small sniff. The woodsy musk flooded his senses, making his cock twitch in interest and Dennis reached down to squeeze it.

No. No, he is not going to jack off to the smell of Dr. Robby’s fucking shampoo.

He slathered the liquid on his hands, ignoring the growing hardness as he continued to wash his hair. It wasn’t gonna happen. That’d be taking it too far.

…

So…

Y’know…

He didn’t jerk off to the smell of Robby’s shampoo.

He did, however, jerk off to the smell of Robby’s body wash.

Dennis turned off the shower and shot a guilty look at the bottles in the basket, wrapping a gray patterned towel around his waist. He slipped on the gym shorts and long sleeve, bunching the sleeves at his elbows and tied the shorts tightly before stumbling out the bedroom to pursue the smell of food in the air.

“Hey, kid. Sorry about the clothes being so big.” Robby apologized, though his tone sounded like the complete opposite as his dark eyes trailed down the younger man’s body who hopped on the bar stool.

Dennis waved him off.

“It’s okay. Why should you even have clothes my size?”

“Maybe next time, you can leave a few things here. That way you don’t have to look—,”

“What? Like I stole clothes from my Daddy’s closet?” Dennis said in amusement that faltered as Robby seemed to freeze at the words, turning away to swallow.

He opened his mouth, ready to apologize until Robby quickly placed a plate of food in front of him with a cup of fruit. He sat next to him in silence, making Dennis jolt when he hooked his foot around his ankle under the table with a grin.

“Trinity called your phone while you were in the shower. Said she dropped your backpack into your locker and to be safe because ‘she doesn’t wanna be an aunt yet’?

Dennis hangs his head and groans. “Stupid. I’m so sorry about her.”

“It’s okay, I thought it was kind of funny. Especially when she started threatening me and asking to do ‘cooler’ procedures at work at the same time.”

The younger man covered his face into his hands and groaned louder.

They drove into work together, Dennis applauding politely when Robby dramatically showed him that yes, he does know how to work Spotify now and has even made a super cool playlist, see?

Dennis hid a smile, seeing the title as ‘R&D 🩶🩵’ with a photo of them together as the playlist icon.

He wonders why it’s them if it’s a playlist Robby’s going to use to work on research and development, though.

Trinity met him after changing into scrubs, eyes bright as she teased, “How was the first sleepover with your boyfriend?” He rolled his eyes. “First, he’s not my boyfriend and second, we just watched movies all night.”

“Was it just documentaries about nature and World War 2?”

“You’re not funny. And hey! I like nature documentaries.”

She snorted, walking away, “You have the soul of a mouse who now inhabits the body of a gay twink but still likes to reminisce about the fields he left behind, of course you’d love nature documentaries.”

“I hate your weird fucking analogies, and I’m not a twink…a twunk, at the very least..” Dennis muttered, moving to work on a patient.

—

He was at the nurse’s station, a few days later, chatting politely with Perlah when Robby came by and placed a hand on the nape of his neck to lead him away.

“Oh, sorry. Bye!” Dennis waved, trying to look back and felt Robby’s hand tighten slightly when the nurse called out, “You can’t keep him all to yourself, Chief!”

Robby pulled him around the corner and softly asked him, “I was wondering, would—would you want to stay over at my place tonight? I could help you get extra clothes from Santos’ place before we head back to mine.” His big hand practically covered his hip, fingers trailing under his scrub top and undershirt to brush his bare skin.

It became a routine at this point, where Robby would invite him to stay over for at least 3 days out of the week and Dennis would oblige with a grin. He had his own toothbrush that shared a spot in a mug with Robby’s, along with a drawer in his dresser filled with spare clothes and random trinkets he keeps forgetting to take back home.

“As long as we don’t have to fight with your VHS player again. I still can’t believe you buy custom VHS tapes for movies.”

He pulled Dennis closer with a huff of laughter. 

“Says the man whose only form of help in decorating was ‘those Redbull fridges that the dollar store have’.”

Dennis pouted. “They’re cool.”

“I’m 54 years old living alone, I don’t need that shit. When you move in, I’ll get you the fridge.”

“Dr. Robby? Dr. Mohan needs your help with a patient in North 12.” Langdon interrupted coldly, glancing between the pair before staying on Dennis with a small sneer.

Robby narrowed his eyes at the look and left, glancing back until he disappeared crossing the corner.

“What are you doing with Robby?” Langdon asked, scanning him over as if he could spot whatever Dennis was thinking simply by the look of his scrubs. “What do you mean?” Dennis replied in confusion and felt irritated when Langdon only scoffed.

“You know what I mean.”

“No, I really don’t.”

“Were you spending time outside of work with the others? Huh? Did they take you to the booth in the corner to watch hockey and play pool?”

Dennis blinked.

“What are you talking about?”

Langdon turned away and looked back at him with an edge in his voice that bordered on into desperation, “The fucking bar. They go every other week after shift to hang out. Abbot, Robby, Dana, McKay, some of the nurses.”

At the silent look, he deflated with a frown on his face.

“You’ve never been to the bar.”

“I have never been to the bar.”

The frown turned into a pout.

“Listen, Dr. Langdon, I’ve never spent time with the others at ‘the bar’. I only spent time with Dr. Robby because he’s got a big obsession with Francis Ford Coppola and lost it when he found out I hadn’t heard of the Godfather before.”

The taller man’s face froze with his mouth agape, realization dawning on his face before he stuttered out a goodbye and was prepared to powerwalk away until he stopped to turn around. “You’ve never seen the Godfather before?”

He shrugged and explained, “No and now, I know way too much about some random Italian family and how they influenced cinema.”

“Hm.”

It was only after he handled a dozen more patients and clocking out did Langdon approach him hours later with an embarrassed grin and a stiff apology, “Dr. Robby explained it all, I’m sorry for acting like a lunatic. They just…haven’t really been inviting me out anymore and I got a little pissed. It felt like I was being replaced when I heard you had been going out with them. Well, him.”

Dennis scrunched his nose.

“Do you have a thing for Dr. Robby?” 

Langdon's eyes widened and he shook his head furiously, hands held up as he explained, “God, no. He’s kind of just like a work dad. I don’t like disappointing him and that’s kind of all I’ve been doing since last July. I’m not trying to step on your toes or whatever.”

His eyes looked over Dennis’ shoulder and nodded with a mischievous look on his face, “Anyways, have a good night, Whitaker. Don’t hurt the old man’s back too much.”

He tilted his head at the remark and turned around to see Robby glaring fiercely at Langdon’s retreating form before looking down at Dennis with a softened look.

If Dennis tries hard enough, he could even picture love staring back at him in those brown eyes.

“I’m sorry about him, I didn’t know how many people you wanted to tell about us, but I wanted to get him off your back.” 

“That’s okay, it’s not like we’re doing anything wrong. Everyone can know.” Dennis says with a smile, ignoring the flutter in his chest at the way he phrased their friendship in favor of intertwining their fingers as Robby leads them to the car.

He doesn’t start it when they get in, though, turning to face Dennis with a grin on his face. “I got a surprise for you.” A hand covered his eyes and Dennis bit his lip to hold back a gasp from escaping.

Fuck, his entire hand was touching his face. Touching him in the car, in the parking lot of the hospital. 

He could imagine pulling Robby in for a kiss, feeling that beard scratch against his neck again, and maybe scratching something a little bit lower—

“Here.”

Dennis’ eyes blinked at the sudden light turned on in the car as they focused on the item in front of him.

It was a VHS tape of The Outsiders.

“Please tell me—,”

“It wasn’t custom, I just found one on Ebay.”

When going through his ‘cinema’ lesson, Dennis had stopped the older man and pointed at the movie in his collection, excited that he actually had seen a Coppola movie before. He’d ranted about reading the book for class and watching the movie, enraptured by the tale.

He wrapped his arms around Robby, mumbling a thank you in his jacket as the older man patted his hair down. “It’s alright. Here.” The feeling of sawtoothed metal being pushed into his hand made him pull away to see a set of two keys with a chain of stars.

“So, if you ever want to watch the VHS while I’m at work, you can just let yourself in.” 

“That’s so sweet, Michael, thank you.” Dennis cooed, giving into the urge to kiss Robby’s cheek. The man grinned almost manically at the gesture and pulled him tighter to his chest.

“Don’t thank me, just use it. Now, tomorrow—,”

“Farmers market, I remember.” Dennis nodded in determination at remembering the link Robby sent him during his break and pulled out his phone to look for the website. Before he could fully unlock it, a hand swiped it out of his grip.

Robby paused, staring at his screen.

Dennis didn’t understand why until his face paled, seeing the picture he had put on his lockscreen in the heat of the moment during a lunch break. It was Robby, smiling into the camera during one of their trips to the library. He was looking down to stare at Dennis, the lighting of the giant curved ceiling giving Robby a faint glow behind him. 

He looked…happy.

It might’ve only been 3 months since they’ve been dating, but Robby feels like he should already start looking at rings.

“C’mon! Give it back, Michael!”

Dennis was only handed Robby’s phone, who turned it on before showing the younger man the screen.

He inhaled sharply.

It was the time Dennis first met Jake after Robby confessed to Jake finally texting him back. They had met up a few times by themselves until Robby had asked if he’d come along one day, a pleased look in his eye when Dennis enthusiastically agreed.

The two younger men did not get along as quickly as the older man had hoped, and once they did, Robby wasn’t sure he liked it.

They had gotten along when it came to teaming up to make fun of the older man and sharing music. Robby had taken a photo of them, the pair grinning happily over lunch.

Robby switched their phones and turned on the car in silence, shooting an amused smirk at Dennis who continued to stare blankly at his hands where his phone now sat. The younger man bit his lip to hide his smile, putting the tape and keys into his bag before adjusting himself to face Robby in the driver's seat.

“Does this mean I can take more photos of us and you won’t shy away now?”

3 — Jack

He had stayed the night again, sitting on the counter and sipping his favorite mango juice that Robby always seemed to have stocked, watching as the man moved around the rooms to gather their things for the farmer’s market. Dennis decided on straight-legged brown jeans, one of Robby’s plain white tops, and an oversized olive green sweater (also courtesy of Robby). 

He watched with hungry eyes as Robby bent down to pick up the movies he had left out of the compartment, eyeing the jeans stretching over the man’s ass. Robby had chosen to wear a simple pair of jeans and a gray henley that was tight enough to display his tummy. 

Dennis was particularly obsessed with the top buttons being undone enough to show a hint of chest hair. With the tummy combined, he’s not sure he’s going to survive this trip.

The doorbell rings, making the two of them share a glance.

“Why are you looking at me for? It’s your place!”

“Well, Santos knows you’re here most of the time.”

“Robby? You up yet, brother?”

Dennis’ eyes widened at the familiar voice from the other side of the door, preparing to jump off and scamper into the bedroom when Robby pushes him back onto the countertop. “Relax. Wait here.” Robby murmurs, walking towards the doorway and swinging it open to reveal Jack holding his keys and a jean jacket. 

“Hey! I know it’s early, but I was hoping we could—,” Jack began with a smile, faltering for a moment at the sight of Dennis before the smile widened as he whirled to face Robby.

He only opened his mouth before Robby lunged at him, covering Jack’s mouth and dragging him to the guest room with an apologetic look at the man still casually sipping his juice from a glass.

The door slammed shut as Jack’s hysterical laughter echoed through the hallway and a smack on what he assumed was the back of his head (“Watch the curls, man!”). Dennis placed his glass in the dishwasher and took a photo of it to Trinity, ignoring the hushed voices arguing.

church mouse

*1 image attached*

Dishwasher.

da holy trinity

steal it and bring it back to our place. ur sugar daddy can afford another

church mouse

he’s currently fighting w jack for interrupting our trip to the farmers market i think

da holy trinity

so ?? take the man w yall

he’s like dr robby’s me right

church mouse

i think so yes

and before u ask, yes if u were here id also drag u w us 

da holy trinity

oh if i didn’t have a breakfast thing with mel and becca id be omw so fucking fast

Dennis hopped off the counter, knocking on the door.

“Michael? I know you didn’t wanna be late to the market, so why doesn’t Jack come along if he’s not busy?”

The door swung open to reveal Robby’s panicked expression and Jack looking over his shoulder with a shit-eating grin, teeth on display as he exclaimed, “Why, Whitaker, I’d love to come to the farmer’s market with you guys!”

Robby deflated, rolling his eyes as he sighed and dragged the man out the room. “Fine, let’s get a move on then.” The two shorter men followed him out the door, Jack beginning to rant about the events that went on during the night shift. He was even so distracted by Dennis' active listening that Robby took the time to hide the display of the playlists on the car screen. 

It was nice, testing produce and looking at the handmade crafts, telling the pair of Cecily, the retired dairy cow his father had gotten attached to and was sent daily photos of, with different captions like ‘Mom knitted her a hat! Kept it on for the picture.’ or ‘Decided bananas were the devils food and has refused to eat her favorite snack :( bitch.’

He showed them pictures and politely ignored Jack elbowing Robby when noticing the lock screen.

“Oh, isn’t that nice? Are you having fun with your dads, sweetie?”

Dennis’ head snapped to an older woman who was cooing at the trio, faltering at Jack’s ferocious laughter and Robby’s reddening face. 

“Yes, ma’am! Good ‘ol Denny here has been neglecting us at college, so it’s nice to have family days. I’m sorry about Rob, here, he’s still a bit embarrassed about being out in the open.” Jack continued with a grin, pushing Robby and Dennis to another stand while he asked about the baked goods she was selling.

After shoving the bought container into the tote bag, the pair turned to narrow their eyes at the same time, making Jack jump at the synchrony. 

“Fuck, don’t do that. How are you guys already mimicking each other?”

Robby ignored his words, nudging Dennis ahead with an excuse of needing to talk to Jack in private. Dennis nodded and pointed out where he’d be if they needed him, heading over to an older woman with piercings and surrounded by crocheted items. His eyes flickered around, pausing in excitement at one of the items before buying 4 of them.

It was a crocheted cow print bucket hat, including black round ears and small cream horns sticking out at the top. Two black prints for them, and the other three in brown print.

As Dennis walked back, he heard Robby tell a stand owner, “Oh, my boyfriend loves mango juice. I’ll take two bottles.” He felt his heart beat in his ears, grin wide on his face at the word.

But,

It’s not true.

Probably a hell of a lot easier to say boyfriend than ‘my scandalously young intern who I hang out with outside work’, he thought ruefully.

He noticed Jack wasn’t near and pulled on Robby’s sleeve to get his attention. “Where’d Jack go? I got him a hat.” Robby glanced at the hats in Dennis’ hand, swiping one of the black patterned ones to plop on his head. He grabbed the other and adjusted it to Dennis’ head, replying, “He had other things to do, but I’ll make sure he gets it when I see him.” 

Dennis nodded, accepting of that idea. 

They continued walking through the market, tote bags filling up quickly till they finally agreed to go back home 

Robby’s eyes lit up when Dennis had made the comment though he didn’t really understand why.

He hooked his fingers in Dennis’ belt loops to maneuver them through the crowd with the younger man plastered to his chest. Dennis felt embarrassment grow as he noticed the woman who assumed they were father and son looking confused at their positioning (especially with Robby’s now visibly tight grip on his hip after someone bumped into them).

“We can’t come back here. I think Jack made that poor woman think something.”

Robby’s eyebrows furrowed and glanced to the side and huffed before he hid his face in Dennis’ neck. “I’m gonna fucking kill Jack. He doesn’t deserve the cow hat anymore, give it to Dr. King’s sister.” He laughed at the words, warmth bubbling in his chest at feeling those lips moving against his neck.

On their way back, Dennis began folding the tote bags, setting out the items while Robby put them away.

“There’s a bottle of mango juice I thought you might like, but you might have to wait to taste it till it’s colder.”

“That’s alright. Here, try this.”

Dennis held up a strawberry crumble bar drizzled with chocolate, but squeaked when Robby simply leaned down to take a bite of the snack, lips brushing Dennis’ fingers as he groaned at the taste hitting his mouth.

“Oh fuck, we have to make Jack go and apologize to that woman. I need to have these again.” 

He took a bite of his own, nodding at Robby’s words when the taste hit his mouth.

“I think I need to marry this woman.”

“Dennis, you’re gay.”

“And we would have a lovely lavender marriage! I could clean her kitchen and she’d make me these.” Dennis sighed wistfully, grinning when Robby swiped the box out of his hands and put it in the fridge.

He then moved closer to Dennis, hands holding the countertop to keep him boxed in.

“What if we tried making them? What would I get if I could make these for you whenever?”

Dennis looked at him with pity.

“You don’t think I can.”

“She has a magic touch, Michael. I’m already planning our barn wedding.”

Robby exhaled through his nose in amusement, smiling as he asked, “What if we steal the recipe?”

“Are you implying we plan a heist to steal a lady’s strawberry bar recipe?”

“We can make Jack do it to make it up to us.”

“…Deal. But, I’d like to wear a bandit mask regardless if I am part of the heist or not.”

They broke out in laughter, Robby’s forehead touching his own and Dennis looked directly into his eyes.

There was a peaceful silence.

“We kinda look like that forehead perspective meme right now.”

A sigh.

“Den, what the fuck are you talking about?”

His lock screen is now Robby in a .5 perspective from his forehead, eyes crinkled in laughter from Dennis pulling him down to take the photo.

Shortly after that, Robby dropped him off at Trinity’s (Mel sat on the couch, hands wiggling in excitement at the cow hats he dramatically unveiled to her while Trinity laughed like a hyena at the story of Jack and the woman), Dennis plopped down at the end of the couch and found a few messages waiting for him.

Unknown

hey it’s jack

thank u for letting me crash ur date with robby

i’m glad he has someone like you

He rolled his eyes at the tease of the ‘date’, only sending a small message in reply before focusing on the movie Mel had put on.

4 — Dana

Dennis had been avoiding Robby this shift, noticing the ever growing aggravation on his face. He’d been snapping at everyone who even faltered for a single moment, rubbing the bridge of his nose between his fingers and practically speaking in growls the first half of the day.

A few people in passing had made remarks of, ‘pulling Dr. Robby aside to relax for a while’, but he didn’t really understand what a conversation could do to ease the anger.

But, when it came to it, Dennis had awkwardly pulled Robby aside and asked, “Do you want to have lunch together? I know you’re having a bad day and you can say no, but I just thought it’d be nice.” The other man had stared for a few seconds, huffing out a sigh as his shoulders slumped. He pulled Dennis into his arms, squeezing when he felt smaller arms grip tightly onto him in return.

“I’d love to. Finish up on the patient in Central 7 and we can meet in the lounge.”

Dennis slipped away from his arms with a nod.

“I’ll be quick and orderly.”

“Good boy.”

Ah, fuck. Why did he say that?

He squeaked, slapping a hand over his mouth as Robby’s face seemed to darken at the noise. He attempted to reach out to grab for Dennis again, but scowled when Dennis simply pointed a finger at him before walking away.

The younger man moved to one of the curtained bays, pulling it back as he greeted, “Hello, I’m Dr. Whitaker—,”

“Denny?”

He froze at the voice and looked up to see a man with red hair, a familiar gaze in his eyes that made his mouth open in shock.

“Oh! It’s…you!”

The man nods. “I go by Nate now.”

Thank God for trans people and Dennis never actually making an effort to find out the other man’s name when he moved away.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Nate. I hear you had an accident with a potato peeler?”

The two chuckle as Dennis moves the tray closer and grabs gloves while Nate explains, “Yeah, my girlfriend never really lets me make dinner because of my clumsiness, so I decided to surprise her when she came home from a conference. Turns out, she was right.” He gently removed the towel and bandages to see the wound still dribbling blood.

The conversation flowed easily, Dennis having to pause to hold back his laughter when Nate mentioned his way of claiming Dennis as his. The familiar glitter stickers that left residue on his cheek and clothes long after Nate had moved that his father collected into a scrapbook. He even mentioned how when he began dating his girlfriend (and barring the ruined proposal dinner, hopefully soon to be fiancée), she had done the same to Nate when they first started going out.

“A nurse should come by shortly to help you get discharged and schedule something to get those removed in a week or two. Please, listen to your girlfriend next time! Simple takeout dumped on fancy plates does wonders and is way less dangerous.”

Nate sheepishly lifted a thumbs up before Dennis walked off, stumbling as Perlah wrapped an arm around his elbow to drag him to the nurse’s station.

“Who was that?”

“Oh, just someone I used to know in elementary school before he moved away.”

Princess cooed from her place on the desk as Dana nearby asked with a softened look, “And how did our little bloodhound act as a kid?”

“I think well enough in public, but I got a bit feral defending myself from my older brothers. Once, they chased me around the farm and I jumped from the hayloft to tackle them. I got a concussion and broke my arm while Zeke lost a tooth.”

“How old were you two?”

“I was 9 and he was 12. I was lucky that the tooth was the last of his baby teeth or he would’ve killed me.”

The three women chuckled at the memory before he left to the lounge with a faint skip in his step.

It was a slow day, allowing Dennis to have even asked Robby to eat together. Usually, Robby would shove a granola bar down and snack on trail mix whenever there was a moment to spare. Dennis, on the other hand, has now come to enjoy the lack of hunger that used to rip through his stomach and makes the two of them lunch.

Robby would even slip a few notes into his bag before they left for work without Dennis knowing.

From a nice, ‘Have a good day at work. Your hair looks nice today <3’ to a jabbing, ‘If you leave me with no hot water again, I’ll dump the mango juice down the fucking sink <3’

The two sat on a table with Mel and Langdon who were recounting their trip with Trinity (the latter had reached a begrudging stalemate with the man due to their fondness of Mel, with Trinity even befriending Abby and claiming her to be so much cooler than Langdon). 

Dana walked in, heading straight to the coffee maker as she piped up without looking at them, “I forgot to ask, did you get the guy’s number, Whitaker?”

The room went quiet except for a slight creak of the fork in Robby’s hands as if he was putting a lot of pressure on it. Dennis furrowed his eyebrows, putting a hand over the older man’s fist before replying, “Nah, it was nice to catch up with him, but we’re so different now.”

She hummed.

“What are you guys talking about?” Mel asked, a hesitant smile that significantly relaxed as Dennis told her, “Oh! A guy I used to go to elementary school with was in the ED. Tried making dinner for his girlfriend to propose and had an accident with a potato peeler. We talked and said goodbye, that’s all.” Robby’s hand brushed his knee, making Dennis spare a glance at the man as Langdon began talking about his own childhood with Mel throwing in her own memories every now and then.

“Well, at least Robby doesn’t have to worry about anyone trying to steal his boyfriend from him, huh?”

Dennis turned to her with a confused smile.

“What do you mean? We’re not dating.”

It was like all the air in the lounge disappeared, the others faces falling at the words. He couldn’t understand and looked to Robby for help only to see blatant hurt in his eyes.

“Den, you said we could start telling people.”

“Y-Yeah. We’re just friends. Why would that need to be hidden?”

Robby stood up, chair dragging along the floor with a harsh screech as he walked out without glancing back at the others. Dennis saw disappointment on their faces and felt a sinking feeling in his gut as he begged, “Why was he angry? I don’t understand.”

“Dennis, what don’t you get? You’ve been dating for a while!”

He shook his head.

“What? No! Robby’s just been a really attentive and caring friend. He’s not interested in me like that.”

Dana cut him off, narrowed eyes as she asked, “What was your first date?”

“How should I know?! I apparently never even realized I’ve been dating my crush for months!” He slapped a hand over his mouth, making his head fall and banged it on the table. Langdon hissed at the noise, patting his back as Mel pointed out, “Did he ever say, ‘let’s go on a date’ or kiss you?” 

He shook his head.

“Oh. Well, now I can see how you’d misinterpret that.”

“Mel, they have matching lunch bags and played footsie under the table while we were talking. Robby does nothing but text Whitaker when we go to the bar.” Langdon stated in an obvious tone before lifting Dennis’ head up by the fluff on his head to meet his eyes, “Do you have feelings for Robby? Or is this some weird ‘no homo’ thing you’re doing and just leading him along?”

Dennis felt tears gather in his eyes and choked out, “I love him. I really thought he was just being nice. I didn’t think he’d ever go for me.”

Dana covered her face and sighed loudly, walking over to drag Dennis out of his chair. She patted his hair down and pushed him out the door. “Don’t worry about it for now, just keep working. I’ll help you talk to the big lug after our shift.”

He dutifully nodded, heading to McKay to see if there’s anything she needs.

Dennis sank further into his thoughts and held back a pout as his stomach rumbled.

Man, he didn’t even get to eat lunch either.

5 — Robby

If working on the farm has taught Dennis anything, it was that the chores wait for no one. The cattle don’t care if you’re sick or hungover or simply want to sleep for a little bit more. The only thing you can do is put on your boots and keep moving forward.

Wait, did he compare the patients as cattle?

He didn’t mean it like that.

Well he did, but not in that way.

Listen, it’s—

Oh, who cares? Dennis grumbles at his anxiety over his own thoughts, moving through the department like a sad kicked puppy with the efficiency of a machine.

He helped almost a dozen patients, moving around the department and asking for help by getting the residents to pass on the questions to Robby, who managed to become even more snappy towards everyone.

It wasn’t until he was looking at the board near the end of his shift, deeming the 16 year old with a possible fractured collarbone as his next patient, that Dennis jolted at the sound of yelling in a nearby room.

He ran in along with a few others to see the patient thrashing in the nurses’ hands, a manic look in his eyes. Mateo had yelped in shock as the man had tried to pull him off, lifting the nurse off the ground for a moment in his attempt.

Robby was sitting on the floor, hand pressed to the side of his face as blood dripped off his wrist from the injury under his palm. His visible eye was scrunched shut in pain and under the screaming and alarms, Dennis could almost make out faint whimpers from the older man.

Dennis couldn’t really tell you how much he could lift or what he can handle, but all he felt was pure rage as he stormed over to the patient. Dennis climbed, almost scurried up the man’s shoulders and used his thighs to squeeze his neck in a makeshift chokehold. 

Yanking the man to fall back onto the hospital bed, he ignored the attempts of biting and scratching at his legs as he snarled, “CAN SOMEONE GIVE HIM THE FUCKING SEDATIVE NOW?”

A quick stab and Dennis relaxed, tumbling off the hospital bed clumsily to lie on his back in a starfish position.

Dennis looked at the nurses upside down from his point of view as he asked through heavy breathing, “How many hours left in this shit?”

“Think you mean shift, kid.”

“Same thing.”

“If you can handle Dr. Robby’s injury, you two can head out.”

Robby attempted to open his mouth to argue, but quieted as Dennis stood up tiredly and held out his hand.

The positioning felt familiar, looking down at the older man’s rugged and disheveled form. He took Dennis’ hand before they moved (i.e. Dennis dragged him while he dazedly looked at their intertwined hands with a feeling of yearning) to another exam room, the younger man quickly shutting the curtain.

“Let me see.” Dennis ordered, putting on gloves and wincing at the already growing bruise over his eyebrow. There was a large gash slicing through his eyebrow, but not deep enough to warrant stitches.

“Dana said she’d file part of the incident report, but you can finish the rest when you come back in on Monday.”

“It’s Thursday.”

A raised eyebrow only made Robby sigh and look away, thanking Perlah quietly who came in with a tray to clean and bandage the wound.

She left them in silence until Dennis mumbled out, “I’m sorry. I’m really bad—,”

“We don’t have to talk about this.”

He shook his head. “Yeah, we do. I’m…I didn’t think you felt the same way.”

Robby paused at the words, a baffled look on his face as he remarked, “Den, you sleep in my bed, you steal my clothes, we practically share everything at this point, and you have a key to my place.”

“But—But we haven’t kissed or done anything!”

“I thought you used to be one of those traditional kinds of Christians! I thought if I jumped your bones then maybe that would scare you off.” 

Dennis mourned the fact that he could’ve been riding this man like a fucking Bronco for months now.

“I’m not and I wouldn’t have. For fucks sake, I jerked off to the thought of you in your shower the first time I slept over!”

He paused at his own words, opening and closing his mouth until Robby gripped his wrist and said through gritted teeth, “Please do not talk about this while we’re still at work.”

He blew a breath out and continued to bandage the cut before tossing everything that needed to be thrown away into the trash.

They walked silently to get their things, ignoring the stares until they exited the hospital. Robby began to speak, but was interrupted by Dennis simply turning and walking in the direction of Robby’s car.

“I didn’t say you could come over.”

Dennis shot a glare over his shoulder that did not send Robby scrambling to follow.

He simply walked a little bit quicker than normal.

Getting into the car, Robby’s phone automatically connected and began playing their playlist.

You’re my life, I can see a new tomorrow…

Dennis sunk in his seat, cheeks flushing as he mumbled out something when seeing the familiar playlist name.

Robby held back a grin, turning to face Dennis with a hand around his ear as if attempting to listen better. “I’m sorry? What was that?”

“I thought R&D meant research and development.”

Love is such a beautiful thing, when you are to me, the light above, made for all to see, our precious love…

The older man couldn’t help but laugh as the lyrics continued to croon out of the speakers, Dennis’ entire face as bright as a tomato.

They drove, Robby taking a longer route just to see Dennis’ face burn in realization as each song played.

All I Need by Radiohead

God Only Knows by the Beach Boys

Just Like Heaven by the Cure

Then…

I’m, I’m so in love with you…

“Oh, come on!” Dennis shrieked, ducking his face between his legs and thanked the fact that the car arrived at their destination before Al Green’s voice could continue to play. Robby’s face was also red, but his embarrassment at having such blatant love songs on the playlist was overpowered by the sheer joy at watching Dennis biting his lip to fight back giggles.

Robby had been hurt. 

Fuck, he was practically devastated when he heard his boy’s sweet voice say that they weren’t dating. He’d gone into the bathroom and cried like a teenager, fat blobs of tears running down his face as he bit his fist to hide his sobs.

Every insecure thought ran through his head.

He’s been sleeping with people this entire time.

He was never that into you in the first place.

He’s affectionate with everyone.

You aren’t special.

He couldn’t think of anything else for a while and took the time to avoid Dennis at all cost, even noting bitterly that the young man was doing the same by passing things to residents. They didn't even put up much of a fuss at being messengers, the rumor mill already blazing with the information of what went down in the lounge.

Princess and Perlah had given him pitying looks.

Trinity made a face, almost like she had known, but hoped it hadn’t been true.

But, it was then that Mel approached him with an awkward smile and a sandwich in her hands. “You, uh, you didn’t eat during the break.” He faltered and thanked her, only feeling the hunger now as he began to eat.

“I didn’t know Trin—Dr. Santos was interested in me until she kissed me.”

Robby paused and looked at her, but she only had eyes for Trinity’s form now hunched over one of the computers.

“We had hung out so much, I-I hadn’t even thought she could be interested in someone like me. She’s so pretty and confident and talented, but so kind, too. Like it overwhelms her with how much she cares about people…and when she kissed me, it felt like everything just clicked into place.”

He continued to eat, watching the way she seemed to go into a dreamy state before going back to the subject.

“We went out with Whit before you guys…um, he was surrounded by people and yet he went home with us to watch Bones and eat shitty takeout. Trin asked him why he hadn’t gone with anyone and he just scoffed and said, ‘As if they’d be attracted to a guy like me’.”

Robby’s blood turned cold.

“It’s not you, Dr. Robby. I just—I don’t think he’s used to people actually wanting him around. He’d complain about wanting to stay over at yours, but always felt like a nuisance. One time, we had to beg him to come along with us to hang out because he thought we were still annoyed by something he did 3 days ago. So…just give it a thought. He loves you. He just didn’t know you loved him, too.”

She walked off when he finished the sandwich, brushing her pinkie finger against Trinity’s before retreating to a different area.

So, he listened. Robby recounted every date, every small step in their relationship and realized that whenever Dennis acted first, he’d reel back to see if it’d get a negative reaction.

Like he was expecting a negative reaction.

Robby even knew there was no relationship that made Dennis act this way, simply his own self-esteem assuming the worst in every situation.

Before he could act on his new findings, Robby got decked in the face by a patient and got to witness the glorious event that is Dennis Whitaker’s protective streak.

His thighs, squeezing hard enough around the man’s neck to flex through the fabric. The seething anger in his eyes as he ordered sedation. Even the silly way he flopped on the floor, panting and focusing on Robby the second everything was secure.

Dennis had already scrambled out the car, watching Robby as they walked up the steps to his apartment.

He cornered the younger man against the doorway, leaning down to nudge his nose against his cheek. Dennis grabbed onto the lapels of his jacket and shut his eyes, their breaths mixing together. Their lips met hesitantly for a slight moment, before Robby moaned at the feeling as Dennis threw his arms around his neck.

Dennis on the other hand, was in heaven, his entire body going hot at Robby’s tongue licking his bottom lip.

It felt like the older man was trying to eat him.

“I love you, Dennis.” Robby spoke through kisses, moving away to look into his eyes with adoration.

“I love you, too. Now, open the door or else we’re going to get arrested for indecent exposure for what I’m planning on doing to you right now.”

Robby laughed, pulling him closer to unlock the door with a trembling hand as Dennis licked and nipped at his neck.

+1 — Dennis

It was Halloween night and some employees from the Pitt were scattered across the bar, chatting in different groups.

Dennis was laughing at Trinity’s (donned in a Top Gun costume with a ‘MAVERICK’ tag, including sunglasses sitting pretty on the top of her head) dramatic recounting of a patient she had on Dennis’ day off, preening when Mel (wearing a matching jumpsuit, but with the name ‘ICEMAN’ instead) praised her for the quick-thinking solution and better growing bedside manner.

“I’ll go get us some drinks.” He piped up, taking off the jean jacket to display the sleeveless black top before walking to the bar top. He leaned against it, greeting the bartender and listing off the drinks from his notes app.

As he waited, a hand landed on his shoulder and a voice purred in his ear, “Don’t you look handsome. What are you doing here all by yourself, huh?” Dennis turned and looked up at the man through his lashes.

“Well, my boyfriend left to go hang out with his best friend and hasn’t come back. It’s been over 30 minutes and he said we could leave over 10 minutes ago.”

He tsked, finger wagging in his face as the other hand reached around to tuck itself in Dennis’ back pocket. Looking up to nod at the bartender when he placed the drinks on the counter, he grabbed a beer on the tray and sipped it. He looked down at the younger man and cooed, “How could anyone leave such a pretty boy all on his lonesome?”

“A bad boyfriend.”

“Mm-hmm. Just terrible.”

Dennis crossed his arms. “I don’t even think I’m going to give him a kiss.”

“Why, you must be furious if that’s the case. Because a little birdie told me you become a whiny mess when Daddy doesn’t give you kisses.”

His eyes widened as he looked around, smacking Robby’s shoulder and hissed, “We said not to use that in public!” He grabbed the tray of drinks, nudging Robby with his hip as he walked back to the table.

“Looks like you got quite a big shadow, Huckleberry.” Trinity remarked, grinning as she moved the drinks down the line before faltering with a pout when she noticed Dennis didn’t sit back down. Mel looked between them for a moment before recognition hit her, handing Dennis his jean jacket and watched Trinity yank on his wrist.

“You’re leaving already?”

“Trin, we’ve been here for over 4 hours now. I’m tired and Robby’s old.”

“Hey!”

Dennis waved him off halfheartedly, kissing the girls’ cheeks after promising to another sleepover and said goodbye before pulling Robby out the door.

The bar was close enough that they simply walked, so Robby tucked his hand back into Dennis’ pocket as the younger man pulled out his earbuds and gently placed one in the other man’s ear.

The music played low as they made their way back to the apartment.

“Don’t regret our costumes then?”

Robby looked down at their attempt at dressing up like Johnny and Dallas from The Outsiders.

He shook his head.

“I like it. Doesn’t feel too loud and it didn’t take that much effort.”

Dennis nods. That was his one rule when Dennis had begged to do a couples costume, nothing that could cost them an extravagant amount of money.

“I’m glad. I was kinda worried you’d think it was stupid.”

“Nah. It suits us.”

They stopped at the crosswalk and Dennis took the moment to bury himself in Robby’s chest, allowing the man to wrap both arms around him.

He sighed deeply.

My love must be a kind of blind love,

I can’t see anyone but you…

Dennis groaned at the new addition in the playlist, making Robby bark out a laugh.

It became almost a comical reference at this point, for Robby to add in the most obvious lovey-dovey songs into their playlist before asking in a serious tone, “You sure you got that? Don’t need me to play it again or anything? I could print out the lyrics for you—OW!”

They crossed the street, hands swinging in beat to a few more songs until they stopped at the door of their apartment. Robby unlocked it with one hand, pulling Dennis along.

—

Robby woke up to a pressure on his chest and soft kisses being littered all over his face.

“Up, up, up.” Dennis repeated in a hush, grinning with a squeal as Robby grunted and flipped them over to smother Dennis with his body.

A hand brushed through his chest hair before Dennis wiggled up to have them nose to nose.

“Morning.”

“Hm.”

“I’ve now found a way to steal your dishwasher.”

“Oh really? Has that been the plan this entire time?”

“Yup. I’m actually straight, but I’ll do anything for a dishwasher and an air fryer.”

Robby grinned, biting at the other man’s neck who only hissed and bared his neck to give him easier access in response.

They had discussed their relationship at length, going back and forth on how to be more direct with one another (Robby now uses the word ‘date’ often and Dennis simply realizes he can never be approached by another man when clubbing without Robby becoming a puddle on the floor when he hears him say, ‘Sorry! I have a boyfriend!’) and laying out in the open exactly what they wanted from it.

Since then, Dennis practically drapes himself over Robby at home. Straddling his lap, placing kisses all over his face, and wrapping himself around the other man so much that they can’t tell where one begins and one ends.

In the bedroom, Dennis was expecting to have issues regarding libido in the context of Robby’s age.

He definitely wasn’t expecting himself to have that issue, being run ragged as Robby jumped him at random times, bending him over the dinner table and licking him open till he wailed.

Sleepily waking up to the feeling of cum hitting his cheek and mouth, the new aches in his legs from Robby folding him in half to pound him into the mattress.

Or the constantly stocked aftercare gel from Robby spanking Dennis’ ass till it was as red as a stopsign, murmuring sweet nothings.

The one time Robby had an issue was in the middle of sex, when he had pulled a muscle and fell off the bed with a pained yelp. Dennis had spent time making sure he was alright and putting him back on the bed before kissing his shoulder blade and grabbing the heating pad. Then, he spent the next 5 minutes laughing at the pure shock on Robby’s face before he had fallen, which he was punished for once Robby recovered.

“C’mon. We have to meet the others in an hour.”

Robby groaned, continuing to trail down the younger man’s body until he rested his head against his stomach. Dennis’ hand brushed through his hair, a faint humming escaping his lips.

“Are you humming Kool & The Gang?”

“Yes, shut up.”

He laughed, placing a kiss on the younger man’s tummy in front of his eyes before climbing off the bed. They showered together, peacefully kissing each other as they washed each other's hair and bodies.

It was an environment Robby wasn’t sure he’d ever get used to. It felt like a dream, bumping hips playfully as they brushed their teeth side by side with Dennis’ garbled commentary on Trinity’s newfound addiction to some show.

After changing and getting into the car, Robby placed a hand on Dennis’ thigh as they drove off. Dennis almost immediately started playing with the fingers, listening to Robby talk about what movie they could watch when they got home.

This was happiness, Dennis thinks. In the form of an older man, glancing at him with a besotted look on his face as their hands.

“What’s on your mind, baby?”

He sighed, infatuated with the brown doe eyes staring at him before flickering back to the road.

“Nothing. Just glad to be your boyfriend.”