Work Text:
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Robby followed Dennis into the break room after he saw him stalking in with his hands firmly planted in his curls, tugging roughly. He swung the door opened and shut it softly, trying not to disturb the figure of Dennis sitting at the break room table with his head in his hands.
Not wanting to immediately get into it, Robby reached for the communal coffee pot to pour himself another cup of the sour black liquid. It stopped doing anything for him around his fifth coffee of the day, and after the day they've had it must of been his 15th, but who's counting...surely not his heart.
***
The day shift was at their limit, a house a few streets down had a defective carbon monoxide detector and the family hadn't woken up. It was noticed by a neighbor that the family had not left the house and when trying to knock with no answer they called in a wellness check. EMS and Fire aren't immediately sure how long the family had been inhaling CO, but on arrival the family is unconscious. The crew works quickly to hook everyone up to monitors to access the damage and rush labs, but this is a story written before and they all knew the end.
Dennis lost the two twin girls, could barely get them on the table before they coded. The mother and father came in DOA, protocol life saving measures were taken by EMS but Dr. Robby called them on arrival. There was nothing any of them could do between the sheer amount of inhalation that occurred and the unknown time frame. A dark cloud hung over the Pitt as it did with things like this, they all felt the loss.
After a few minutes, everyone started to resume their normal functions of cleaning out the rooms again, prepping them for the now increased volume waiting in Chairs. McKay heading back into the waiting room, snagging Javadi with her.
***
Robby took a sip, and leaned against the counters, seeing Dennis in the same position. Robby went to go sit at the chair across from him.
"Listen Whitaker, you did all you could...I know its frustrating..." Robby starts but is cut off abruptly.
"Can you back the fuck off, Dr. Robby" Dennis exclaimed, exasperated.
Robby leaned forward to gently remove Dennis' hands from his hair. Fingers turning white from how tight he was gripping hair curls, matted with sweat from the intensity of the last 30 minutes, of the past shift honesty. He knew that Dennis was scheduled for a double, a requirement Robby couldn't bypass for him unfortunately but sincerely wishes he could this day.
Dennis swatted his hand away, finally lifting his head from the table, meeting Robby's eyes with a thunderstorm of emotions. Anger, sadness, regret, frustration, desperation. All emotions Robby was familiar with, most professionals in their line of work frankly. This was not the job for everyone.
Everyone was excited to hear of Dennis' return as an R1, that he matched with the Pitt. Robby and Jack agreed that Dennis was a lifer. Saw the same thing in the boy that they saw in themselves all those years ago. What they didn't want to see was that passion snuffed out prematurely. With what Robby was seeing in front of himself currently, that was looking to be a possibility.
"I don't need to be coddled, I'm fine. I will back out on the floor in a few minutes Dr. Robby." Dennis said, tone biting.
Robby frowned, now that he was really looking at him and not just manhandling him around the ED, he saw the dark circles that were a permanent fixture on Dennis look even darker, the hollows of his cheeks more prominent. His scrubs hanging looser than usual, protruding collar bones on display with how hunched into himself he was. Robby saw the signs, the kid was past the point of exhaustion, he wasn't approaching burn out, he was there.
How did Robby not see this before this moment? Was it because himself or anyone didn't look past the practiced Midwestern politeness? The fact that they were so busy it was hard to take stock of their own people before thrown into the next nightmare? This was a failure that Robby was going to file away to berate himself for later. Now, he just needed to get some food, water and sleep into Dennis before he ended up in one of their beds. Robby stood up, a little huff with the effort since his knees were aching with the day, aging sucks. He moves to the counter to pour another cup of coffee.
"Alright kid, take 20, run to the vending machine and grab something halfway nutritious. Drink this coffee while it's hot and chase it with some water. I don't want to see you back on my floor before the 20 is up, you hear me?" Robby places the coffee in front of him, and raises his eyebrows, waiting on an affirmation.
Dennis looks at him, tries to compose his look to something softer and believable before he responds.
"Yes Dr. Robby, I'll do that, just come grab me if you need me before then." Dennis says smiling slightly, tone practiced from years of emotional repression, his mask back on.
Nodding, Dr. Robby shoots him a small smile before heading out of the break room.
-
Dennis' eyes start to sting when Robby is out out the vicinity. It's been some of the worst weeks hes had since being unhoused. The small amount of savings he had managed to accumulate disappeared in a flash, all his efforts amounting to nothing, as always.
*a few weeks prior*
"Hey ma...I am at work, can I give you a call back later?" Dennis was rushing into the stairwell to answer the call to hopefully end it just as quickly.
They were just finishing up suturing their most recent patient, a head lac from a falling basketball hoop. As usual, Dennis forgot to shut the ringer off on his phone, a habit he doesn't know how he hasn't broke yet since that first embarrassing day in MS4. Luckily, Mel was around to take over, her kind smile soothed him just the slightest bit before he made a run for the stairwell.
"Oh Denny..." his mother started, sounding tearful, but ignoring Dennis' comment about postponing "...the barn out in the back that holds the tractor burnt down. The firemen said it was a worn down gas line that leaked, there must have been a spark and before we knew it it was up in flames.." she continued, "you know how close it is to harvest season, your father is worried because last season wiped out our finances with that drought, we won't be able to afford to get a new one for another few months at least and by then we might as well just hand pick the whole farm..."
Dennis' heart dropped to his stomach, he knew what this call was about. His parents rarely ever called him, save for the times to request whatever meager funds he had scraped up, to grill him about his church attendance and the status of his 'soul', or when they could expect to see him married with grand kids for them. He knew before she officially said it that she was asking for money. His father too proud to call and ask so his mother softened the blow. They knew Dennis couldn't..wouldn't say no, Dennis never said no to anyones request.
Forever the useful son, friend, employee, colleague, whatever anyone needed him to be. He genuinely loved helping people and being useful, but lately he has found himself not as joyful to be able to assist others as he would have been previously. Most likely some combination of the intense pressure he was facing as an R1, all the new responsibilities he had to take on, the grueling shifts, the studying. The lack of food to fuel with, him and Trinity were on rations currently, Dennis always making sure she was fed well, he could make some excuses that he snagged a few sandwiches off the cart at work.
Her start as an R2 had been somewhat rocky, moving to night shift with Dr. Abbot to fill in for a resident on leave for injury. Her check went to keeping the lights on and whatever small amount of groceries they could afford. Dennis had yet to receive his first R1 check, some hold up in HR with his bank account that was out of his control. Like everything was.
It had been weeks since he had a proper meal, not his first time dealing with gnawing hunger, there was never enough to go around at home, but he was hoping that with getting his life in order that at least that would lessen, guess not. He never had this selfish attitude or bitterness in his heart about it, but he assumed the state of his body had a lot to do with it, but having no choice but to push through things like that. He could handle it.
"Ma...let me get back to you after work to see what I am able to do, I told you that while I am a doctor now I am not really out of the woods yet..." Dennis rubbed his temple, as if rubbing it would stop the blinding migraine he had for over three days now.
Dennis jumped when he heard the shrill tone of his pager, he grabbed it quickly to check the activation notification, 'mvc pileup, 5 en route, 4 minutes'. Robby's words hung heavy in his mind, but ultimately he would ignore them. If he could do something, he would. He didn't need special treatment, everyone else worked just as hard and harder.
"I have to go Ma, there is an emergency en route and I need to be with my team. I will text you when my shift is over and see how much I have to send, okay?"
"Oh thank you Denny, you know we hate asking, love you honey!" and ended the call. Dennis stared at his screen for a second, noticing that the sorrowful tune changed quick when he said what she wanted. Typical. He didn't have time to think about that now. He snagged the now cooling coffee Dr. Robby gave him, drank it down in one gulp and made his way to Ambulance Bay.
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The remainder of the day shift went about as good as the first half. They lost everyone in that MVC. Crush injuries beyond medical intervention. Comfort measures were provided to those who held on long enough, but that didn't stop the oppressive energy that returned and didn't clear out for the remainder of the shift. Everyone snapping at the other, not out of malice but just exhaustion and the perpetually hanging cloud of defeat they all felt in their bones.
When Dennis came running into Ambulance Bay earlier to intercept the MVC, Robby glared at him from the corner of his eye but ultimately didn't say anything. They both knew hands were needed. It was what it was.
Robby was checking in with the different groupings of staff, checking in if they needed anything before he started his hand off to Jack, the night shift attending arriving a few minutes prior, looking refreshed. Dennis watched him blankly, sitting at his desk staring at the same chart he has needed to dictate for the past ten minutes but can't seem to focus now that his migraine had evolved to blurriness on the edges of his vision. He knew he was going to have to splash water on his face or something, knowing that he has a double tonight and any lack in his concentration can be a potential fatal miss.
His thoughts were interrupted by Dr. Abbot walking up to Dr. Robby, giving him a quick peck on the cheek. Dr. Robby flashed him a smile, seeming to jump right into the days events and catching him up to speed about everyone currently admitted and boarding. It still shocked Dennis to see it, learning a few months ago about his attendings being happily married for the better part of a decade. Living together, and somehow making it all work with opposing shifts. They truly were something. It lit a tiny fire in his gut that he couldn't place, watching the two men interacting. They moved around each other easily, it was addicting to watch.
-
"...Dr. Whitaker?"
Dennis came back to awareness a few minutes later that he was spacing out. Dr. Robby and Dr. Abbot now in front of him, both leaning on the ledge behind his computer monitors. Dennis worked quickly to compose himself, trying not to look like he was somewhere else for a few minutes. He just started this rotation, he didn't want to jeopardize it already.
"Oh...sorry I didn't mean to ignore you, I was just finishing up this chart in EPIC before we started night rounds, I didn't want to get behind." Dennis laughed nervously, hoping that he could hide behind that weak defense.
"No worries, kid. Just wanted to check in. Robby said you've had a rough shift." Dr. Abbot said, a tone of concern in his voice behind that usual smirk he has when he's talking to everyone. Dr. Abbot is known for his teasing and smooth talking, while his husband was his opposite. Day and night. Ironically.
Dennis processed what Dr. Abbot said, eyes narrowing slightly at Dr. Robby who's eyes were intently trained on him as his husband spoke. Face passive, not saying anything. Dennis cleared his throat before responding.
"Uh...yeah, I wanted to catch you to apologize for that Dr. Robby, that was out of line for me to speak to you like that. I didn't mean to catch you off guard, I just have a migraine and I let it get the best of me. I am all set now, thank you..."
The sentence came off flat, sounding rehearsed, even to his ears. Dennis was internally scolding himself for not putting enough effort behind it, noticed by the attendings in front of them as they turned to each other and shared a wordless look, and a nod.
"Whatever you say kiddo, I was just telling Dr. Robby that nights is now full with Dr. Santos covering and a float from Med Surg tonight. I can sign off on your double shift when I need that help again, it's not a problem. Go home and get some rest. Eat something." Dr. Abbot said smoothly, Dr. Robby staring off somewhere behind Dennis' head now. Avoiding his eyes.
Dennis processed Dr. Abbots words fully, and couldn't take them as anything but pity. He knows that Dr. Robby had something to do with that. He doesn't need pity, he doesn't need help. He doesn't need the special treatment when no one else gets it. He set his jaw, trying to keep his breathing even before starting, feeling an unusual amount of anger flaring in his chest at all the assumptions from those around him.
"Contrary to what Dr. Robby saw, Dr. Abbot, I am fine. It was just a moment of weakness, I have had a less than stellar few weeks but do not need any special treatment. I am balancing everything as I need to, I apologize again if it has left me more high strung than normal. I will make sure to watch my tone in the future. Now please, I can finish up this chart and be ready for rounds in 5 minutes, Dr. Abbot."
Dennis' gaze moving between the two men in front of him, hoping they would just drop whatever this was. He knew his tone was strained and pointed, but who's wasn't? Dr. Robby and Dr. Abbot looked between each other again, more unspoken conversation, Dennis trying to keep his breathing steady as a wave of nausea hit as his stomach cramped in hunger, putting his palms flat on the desk to hold himself stable.
"No can do, what I said goes, and you're looking a little too green to be on my floor for the night without calling in cleaning services. You don't want to bother them more than we already do right?" Dr. Abbot trying to keep his tone jovial, Dennis was having none of it, but was too nauseous to do more than hang his head and concede.
"Do you have a ride home? I know with you and Dr. Santos working opposite shifts now, it must be tough trying to schedule transportation between the two of you..." Dr. Robby spoke up finally.
"Her car is in the shop, stuff broken beyond what I could fix, not expecting it back for another week at least.." Dennis mumbled, "..she has been hitching a ride with Dr. Garcia, I have been walking in. It's not that far." It was about a mile and a half drive, a little under an hour to walk. He had done worse at home in Broken Bow.
He started to pack up his meager belongings in the pack below his feet at his desk, and sign out of his desktop. Accepting defeat in the form of Dr. Abbots unshakable tone. At least he wasn't being sent home because of a mistake, even if it felt like it. While Dennis was focused on gathering his belongings, the attendings were chatting quietly and quickly, too low for Dennis to hear or notice in his fog.
-
"Whitaker, you're coming with me, Dr. Abbot doesn't need to have you on his floor tonight if you pass out on the sidewalk. Just let me take you home." Dr. Robby said, tone almost pleading.
Dennis hated it, he hated this. He didn't want to owe anyone, more than he already did. Every favor given to him would be a favor at a cost. Nothing was free for him. Catholic guilt was a deep rooted rot within him that no matter what he did, or where he moved, he never seemed to be able to cut it out of himself completely.
Regardless, he knew that this was a conversation he was not going to win, and just wanted it over. He made a mental note to do something small for Dr. Robby as a thanks when he had the money. Anything just to get the debt off his chest.
"Okay, Dr. Robby. Thank you. Let me know when you are ready to go, I am going to check in with Dr. Santos quick and will be back". Dennis said, slinging his backpack around his shoulder without a backwards glance at the attendings, not wanting to have to dodge anymore questions currently as he could only imagine what questions Dr. Robby was concocting to ask him about on their ride back.
Dennis made his way over to the lockerroom where he saw an equally burnt out Trinity slamming her locker closed, putting her badge reel on. She met his eyes with a tired smile, walking over to him and slinging an arm over his shoulder.
"Hey Huck, heard it was a rough one huh. Are you heading out, I thought you said you had a double with Abbot tonight?" her tone considerate as always, Dennis really was thankful for her, his own personal saint.
"Dr. Abbot said that there's enough coverage for the night and he is sending me home, I will make up the double some other time. Did you eat the muffin I left out and grab the pasta and water for your break?" Dennis smiled tiredly.
"Yeah, it did the trick, thanks. There is the rest of the instant mash potatoes calling your name. The pasta and waters are in the break room, got a new pot of coffee brewing as we speak, I will need it if my night is anything like your day was." she said animatedly, patting him on the back, getting ready to head out to the floor.
"Sounds good Trin, I am catching a ride back with Dr. Robby. Don't even ask, he cornered me and I am not getting into another argument with him today. I'll do some of the laundry when I get back so you can have some fresh scrubs, I know you have a hard stretch coming up." Dennis internally wincing at everything they both needed to get done, it seemed like there was never a minute to slow down between the two friends.
"And that's why I keep you around Huckleberry, now go have daddy drive you home before you fall asleep on your feet. See you at home." she flashed him a smile and a wink before heading through the door to Central. Dennis made his way towards the stairwell to the entrance of the ED to wait for Dr. Robby, remembering the conversation with his mother that felt like a lifetime ago already, making the mental note to check how much money he had in savings, hoping he could justify keeping a small portion to himself but doubting his guilt would let him. He sighed as he willed his body to move for a little longer.
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Dennis sat on the bench outside of the ED, shivering slightly against the cool night air. His threadbare doing him no favors, but money for a proper coat was non existent so better to just try and tune it out. He logged into his banking app, opening up his savings account to get his mothers request over with. He had managed to save around four thousand dollars over the past few months. While that might seem like a lot, that was barely enough to cover what he needs to cover his education and supplies for a semester. He had spent the last semester fighting with enrollment because for some reason his federal loans were delayed and he was almost stuck with the choice of drop out or pay up front to continue. Luckily, at the last possible second the loans were sent over to the financial office and his hold was removed. That was the last time Dennis felt like he had actually caught a breath air in weeks.
He knew that he had to buy a few of his own supplies for the ED, unfortunately nothing was supplied by PTMC, go figure. Dennis subtracted that money from his balance and initiated the transfer to his parents small credit union. He opened up his messages, clicking on the thread with his mother, ignoring the above texts full of scripture and lectures.
'Hey ma, I apologize for rushing that call, and for the lateness of my text. I barely had a second to breathe from how busy it was.' Dennis tapered off his typing, debating if he really wanted to bring this up but figured it was a desperate shot in the dark...his fingers picked up speed again, continuing where he left off, '...You know I hate to ask you and Pa, but is there a chance that I would be able to be repaid any of that money at all when harvest is over? I have been hitting unexpected expenses in school and just want to make sure I can finish as needed. I wish I could work a part time job to supplement for my earnings right now but the hours don't allow. Just let me know. Love, Den :)'
As Dennis hit send, Dr. Robby emerged from the automatic doors, Dr. Abbot by his side. Dennis stood up, getting hit with a slight wave of nausea from standing up fast. He caught himself, but not without Dr. Robby noticing. Fuck.
"Hey, are you good?" Robby said, concern laced his tone again. Jack looked between the two of them, concern evident alongside his ever present smirk.
"Yeah I am good, just got up too fast, wasn't paying attention. Thank you again for offering to drive me home, Dr. Robby." Dennis says, somewhat stiffly. Robby and Jack look at each other quick, flashing a knowing smile between them. Jack touches Robby's neck as a silent goodbye, moving forward close to Dennis.
"Go home and get some sleep, kid. They'll be many other nights spent with me in the future, I can promise you that." he winked, short circuiting Dennis for a second as the flash of heat in his core from before was back, feeling it creep up to his cheeks.
"Uhh...yeah thank you again for that, Dr. Abbot." Dennis said dumbly.
Jack smiled, ruffling Dennis' shaggy mullet of curls, "It's Jack and Robby outside of work, pup. Mike, take him home he looks like he's about to fall asleep at our feet." Jack said, pushing them towards the parking lot. Dennis' scalp was tingling from where it was touched, weirdly wishing Jacks hand was still there.
He shook the thought from his mind, trying to focus on the task of getting home in one piece and get through whatever this car ride had in store for him. Dennis looked over at Robby, seeing a million questions already brewing in his eyes, fuck.
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Dennis got into Robby's truck, leather seats more comfortable than the bench or chairs in the break room, he sank in almost immediately. Robby fired up the engine, and turned the station to some soft rock, just loud enough to fill the current silence.
"Did you ever end up getting to eat anything in the breakroom, kid?" Robby says, breaking the silence. Waiting for the truck to warm up a little bit more before heading out of the PTMC parking lot.
Dennis considered lying for a minute, but knew that he would be seen through one way or the other and just wanted to get it out of the way. He took a breath and tried to keep his tone from shifting to accusatory any additional times tonight. Robby was worried about him because he was his employee. He needed to make sure all his employees were all right to make sure Robby doesn't miss anything...like he did with Frank. A obvious sore spot for Robby.
"No, I got a call from back home from my parents about urgent business, and by the time that call wrapped up my pager went off. It's fine, I have some food waiting for me at home. I'm sorry I wasn't able to do what you had asked, sir." Dennis placated, hoping that Robby would let it go and he could nod off for the remainder of the ride.
"Hm, it just was one of those days, huh. It happens. I know whatever you're saying you have waiting for you is not enough to round out the amount of calories you burned alone today. Jack always makes a decent portion of food when he knows were passing ships in the night. I won't be able to finish it all myself. Come back with me to eat and I will bring you back to your apartment right after." Robby said, not exactly making it sound like a question, seems like him and Jack are a united front in getting him to do what they want, Dennis thinks offhandedly.
He knows that there really isn't any room for argument, and the hunger pangs in his stomach are starting to outweigh his pride. He mentally justifies it that he can save the instant mash for a shepherds pie for Trin to take to work for a few days. He can stretch that for a few days to make sure shes all set.
"Okay, Dr. Rob...Robby, thank you. That is kind, I apologize for putting you out of your way" Dennis murmured back.
Robby smiled and nodded, put the truck in reverse and made his way back to his and Jacks house with Dennis along side him, his eyes starting to feel heavy, being lulled to sleep by the drive.
-
Dennis woke to Robby gently shaking his shoulder. He sat up, trying to orient himself.
"Hey, sorry were here. I didn't want to wake you but I knew that my knees aren't solid enough these days to carry someone even as light as you." Robby poked a light hearted joke, Dennis internally cringed regardless. He avoided mirrors these days for those reasons. Not wanting to see his translucent skin cling more and more to his body. The ability to count his all his ribs by sight alone were coming more of a reality. He just needed to get through this patch, and he'd be alright. It was just a rough patch.
Dennis realized he had gone a little too long without responding, forcing his brain and mouth back online. Robby didn't need to hear it, or see it on his face. This was already too much.
"Sorry about that, I have always been out like a light in a car since I was little. Old habits die hard." Dennis opened his door and got out, taking in the home in front of him, his attendings shared home.
In front of him was a lovely raised ranch, all earth tones and inviting warm light pouring through the windows. Dennis' heart ached a little, reminders of his childhood home and the comfort it used to provide at the edges of his mind. He shook the thought off quickly to follow Robby inside.
The inside was somehow already more beautiful than the outside. It was comfortably lived in, definitely a reflection of the two attendings everywhere. It shot a pang of emotion through him, he was happy for him, but it made him wish he had that too. He was happy with Trin, and their home, but obviously it was not the same as this was. A model of a relationship he would love to have one day, but doubts will ever occur. He hears Robby call from what seems to be the kitchen, he toes off his shoes at the door, placing his bag beside it and heading towards the voice.
-
Dennis walks into the kitchen to find Robby behind the island, plating the food that Jack must have left out as he said. Some sort of hearty soup and fresh bread from the looks. It smelled heavenly, he closed his mouth to make sure he didn't start drooling over the floor that looked like would cost more than everything he's had in his life combined.
"Come take a seat at the island, or if you would prefer a couch but I would prefer to have you stay upright so you don't aspirate and then we still gotta go bother Jack." Robby said quietly, smirking as he pushes a generous helping of the soup and chunk of bread in his direction. Dennis takes a seat at the high top and almost immediately starts to dig in after a quick 'thank you'.
-
Dennis' bowl is cleared in record fast time, he doesn't even realize it until there isn't anymore. He has to fight off the disappointment, he knows he could ask for more but he won't. This was already enough, even if the smell of the remaining pot of soup and bread was almost intoxicating.
Robby was trying not to make Dennis uncomfortable, eating their meal in comfortable silence, halfheartedly on his phone catching up on some emails from Gloria he really couldn't give a shit about. He would look out of the corner of his eye and see Dennis eating like a man starved. Like he hasn't had a good meal in ages, and his disappointment palpable in the air when hes when he's finished. Robby mentally notes that while he doesn't want to push it right now, he will send the kid home with the rest.
He had an inkling that Dennis was currently in a rough spot, it showed all over his face, bled through his actions except how he cared for his patients. No matter how tired Dennis seemed, his patient care and scores never wavered. While that was great and all for Robby as his boss, his employee was hitting all the marks needed. It also embedded a seed of concern in him as he also cared for Dennis as a person. They had a history, as Robby was always reminded. Dennis pulled him off that peds floor the first night they met. Jack has seem some lows in their years married, but that was something in itself. An episode never manifesting itself in that way before, and Dennis was able to still get him off that floor.
After that, it was hard to not notice the kid and get closer to him more than a mentor/mentee relationship. He flourished under praise, any mistakes were met with acceptance of responsibility and acknowledgement of how to better himself in the future. He was a model employee, and PTMC should be thanking their lucky fucking stars that they got him back as an intern.
Robby was pulled from his thoughts by the shrill ringtone of Dennis' phone in his pocket. It startled Dennis out of whatever thought he was having, scrambling to grab it. Robby watched him look at the Caller ID and deflate slightly.Hm.
"Sorry...I am going to go back in the hallway and take this call, I apologize Robby. I will be back in a few minutes." Dennis said hurriedly, heading towards the entrance hallway. Robby watched him go, not wanting to follow and intrude, but he was ease dropping, worried about the sudden demeanor change. He heard hushes whispers, sounding more strained as the call continued. He moves to the sink to listen in closer, and clean the small amount of dishes while he is at it.
"Ma...I sent you a text, its on the way to the bank already...I just got off work and I am tired can I call you back tomorrow?" Dennis pleads, "I apologize ma, I know, just forget I asked for the money back it is fine. I don't know why I said that. Please, just keep it don't worry about it okay?" there was a pause, and a hitch of breath.
"...I know it was selfish of me to ask knowing what you both did to get me here. I will make enough money soon to be able to help. I know Ma. Yes. I won't do that again, yes I will go to confession soon I am off tomorrow."
Robby listened to Dennis' tone shift from pleading to hollow. He was hearing the person he saw in the breakroom today, the hollowed out shell that was at its limit. Robby wasn't sure how much longer he would let his conversation happen, but also knew he had no right to interrupt. He stayed in place in the kitchen.
"I know Ma, just a few more years okay, just give me a few more years to finish my schooling and I will be able to send money regularly. I will think about my actions, tell Pa I said hi, love you too Ma. Bye." Dennis ended the call. Robby waited to hear Dennis walking back but didn't. He heard a dull thump on the carpeted entryway, hearing sniffles and breathing that Dennis was probably trying hard to mask. Robby couldn't listen in anymore. He padded to the hallway to a sight that broke him.
Dennis had his head between his knees at the entryway near his shoes. His form was shaking, trying to quiet himself but being unable to fully do so. Robby walked over to him, trying not to scare him.
"Hey kid, you alright?" Robby squatting down to get eye level with Dennis, who lifted his head, face splotchy, blue eyes red rimmed with tears. Robby moved forward to pull him into a hug, Dennis went willingly, far gone enough to actually accept the gesture.
"Tell me whats going on, from the top. It's okay."
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After a long talk, Robby was able to convince Dennis to take the spare room for the night. He fell asleep almost immediately, obviously worn out. Robby pulled up the number he had in his phone for Trinity Santos, not wanting to send out a search party for Dennis.
To: Trinity Santos
Hi Dr. Santos, this is Dr. Robby. Dennis is staying the night in mine and Jacks house in our guest room. I don't want to give any information I shouldn't as I am sure he will tell you, but he is safe and asleep. He asked me to text you so you wouldn't worry, and said he will shoot you a text when he wakes up.
A minute later his phone pinged, he opened his messages again.
From: Trinity Santos
Thank you for letting me know, I was getting worried when I didn't hear from him that he got back. I will talk to him when he gets back to the house. Let me know if he needs anything, have a good night.
Robby likes the messages and opens his contacts and dials Jack. On the 5th ring he answers, sounding concerned.
"Hey Mike, is something wrong?" Jack asks.
Robby goes into the occurrences of the night as efficiently as he can relay, knowing that Jack might be pulled away any minute for a Trauma. Thankfully, it seems to be slower there tonight and Robby is able to get through his whole story. His concerns about Dennis, what he heard over the phone, his assumptions. Jack stays silent, letting him get through it all.
They spend the remainder of the night texting each other, planning.
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*a few months later*
Dennis' life has considerably improved in the past few months.
He doesn't want to jinx anything, as nothing ever seems to last like this in his life, but everyday that came and went without a tragedy lifted the weight more off his shoulders.
When Dennis got home after spending the night in Robby and Jacks home, he balled his eyes out in Trins arms for what seemed like hours. Explaining from top to bottom his life growing up, his guilt, what had been going on since he moved. She listened, barely masked anger in her eyes for the people who treated her friend like this. She assured him that they were shit, and owed them nothing.
It took some courage but a few weeks later he called his parents to tell them he was not expecting that initial amount of money back, but was not sending them anything further. Also, that he would not be coming back to the farm. He got the answer he expected to receive which was a litany of verbal abuse about how he is going to hell. Trin helped him have the courage to hang up regardless, and not to listen to it.
Trin got her car back from the dealership faster than projected, both were surprised. Almost like a favor was called in. Their food situation got better the more money Dennis was actually able to save and pocket. On top of that he was able to win decent chunks of scholarship research money off of case studies he published. Abbot was the mastermind behind all of that, being the one every student and resident wants to co-write their papers. He was extremely grateful for the opportunity as it allowed him to finally put a portion of money towards rent with Trin as well. Not as much as he would like, but enough that he doesn't feel guilty anymore for staying.
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The biggest change is how his attendings have been around him for the past few months. Due to his internship, he had to work those doubles and a fair split of day and night shifts, spending equal amounts of time with both men. They were both unique in their own way, and it was a pleasure to be learning from them both so closely.
With Jack, he was pulled into all the procedures he couldn't dream of doing himself during the day when their was more staff. Jacks steady hands laid over his, guiding the scalpel in their conjoined hands. Quietly advising of what they were doing, so next time Dennis could complete it on his own, knowing the motion to cut and the pressure to use. That wasn't always the case as it was becoming intensely distracting having Jack pressed so close. That simmering heat in his gut burning almost constantly at the attention.
With Robby, touching was a whole different beast. He almost always had a hand on him. His neck, thumb rubbing right behind his ear. Pulling his shoulders closer to discuss the board. Grabbing his waist to squeeze past him in a crowded space. His touch was different than Jacks, it was possessive.
Jacks was more intimate in its own way. Both driving Dennis insane. Finding after every shift he would need to pull at least one orgasm from himself to be able to have a shot at sleeping, he was beginning to get pent up in a way he hasn't experienced before. At first he was disgusted with himself for picturing them that way, they are married and it was sinful to picture and covet married men like that...eventually that wore off.
Once the guilt passed, his mind started to conjure up scenarios in the shower, before bed, in his dreams, at work.. against his better judgement. Almost all had them doting on him, most likely an afterecho of what they were doing in the waking world. He wanted to please them, be good for them. There was nothing that warmed him more these days than their praise.
"Good boy" Robby would say warmly after catching a near miss on a cat scan.
"There ya go, pup" Jack would beam after a successful stabilization they could send right up to the OR, patting the back of his neck where his hair was starting to severely curl.
The praise was heady, like a drug. He chased the high they provided, eating the praise from the palms of their hands.
-
Somewhere in the mix, he was being driven over to the house for dinner after shifts, where it was Robby or Jack. They would quiz him on terminology over a warm meal, somehow learning what Dennis' favorites are and perfecting them. He can't remember the last time he had this amount of home cooked meals. He loves Trin, but she would burn water if it was possible, he was moreso the cook in the house when it called for it.
The three of them settled into their routine as Dennis continued out his R1, finding a level of comfort and joy he did not think possible just a small amount of months ago.
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*a few months later, towards the end of Dennis' R1, heading into R2*
Dennis was nose deep in the chart in front of him, a rare moment to be able to brush up on an almost miss case that he was going to use as a study in his upcoming paper. Jack had sent him another entry, offering to assist with the paper as needed. He didn't initially hear his name being called.
"Whitaker." Robby's voice finally reached Dennis, startling him from his concentration. Dennis was mildly annoyed, it was hard enough to focus in the ED as it was and he had limited time to get this research done and interpreted into something paper ready, he was feeling the pressure of crunch time.
"Can it wait if its not a patient, I am in the middle of something" Dennis said offhandedly, eyes not leaving his screen, not paying Robby much attention. Not usual for Dennis.
Robby quirked an eyebrow, looking for Jack across the ED. It was a rare shift when they all were working together. One of the day doctors needed a nightshift in a pinch, which left Robby, Jack and Dennis all on the day shift together. They had planned to have Dennis head back with them after work, Jack was going to help him finish up that paper he was cramming right now. Robby knew it could wait, not appreciating not having Dennis' full attention when requested.
Jack met Robbys gaze, Robby tilted his head slightly, asking wordlessly for Jack to come by. Jack wrapped up his consult and made his way across central to stand by Robby and Dennis. Dennis did not acknowledge his arrival, too engrossed in what was he was reading still.
Jack moved behind Dennis, looking over his shoulder at what he was doing. Dennis jumped slightly, yet again pulled from what he was doing.
"You know we were planning on doing this when we got back to the house, you are already leagues ahead of the other entries it's okay to give it a rest for now." Jack said smoothly, still at Dennis' ear level, murmuring the words.
Dennis moved away slightly with a annoyed huff, "I know that, but I feel like there are some key components I am going to miss if I don't take detailed notes. I want to make sure I can actually get this money, the prize on this one is something I can't pass up. If that means I am a little unavailable for a few minutes, you have a slew of bright eyed medical students hanging at your every word, grab them."
He knew his tone was off base, but it mostly came from that deep rooted fear. He still had issues with letting go of the idea of just treading water. He knew he was in a good place, but that nagging voice in his head just got the better of him sometimes. He wished he could turn it off.
"Ahh, pups finally found his bark huh." Jack said, scruffing the back of Dennis' neck, pulling him closer, "I don't think that's any way to talk to us, hm? Here I thought you were good and obedient without much training involved, seems like we were mistaken."
Dennis is frozen in place, his mind blanking out firstly at the touch. As much as it was meant to be domineering, it also was grounding him in that moment. Dennis felt his mind go quiet, the previous thoughts nagging his brain long gone.
"Mike, go tell Dana she is going to run morning report and that were heading out. If she needs anything she can call either one of us." Robby nods, heading over to the nurses station.
"Save up and log off. Pack your things." Jacks tone had no room for argument, Dennis blinked a few times to clear the fog out of his mind.
"Yes, sir" a still slightly dazed Dennis mumbled.
-
When Robby walked back to Dennis and Jack, he found them all packed up and waiting to head out. Dennis was staring at Robby like he had something to say, Robby looked at Jack who shook his head slightly, then nodding to the exit. Whatever it was Jack was telling him it needed to wait til they were outside. Alright.
Saying goodbye to the rest of the crew on their way out, they made their way to Robbys truck. Jack getting in the drivers seat, Robby pushing Dennis to the middle seat squished between the two men. Halfway down the road from the hospital, Jack spoke up, breaking the tense silence.
"Isn't there something you wanted to say to me and Mikey, pup?" his gaze not straying from the road.
Robby looked at Dennis beside him, he looked apologetic and bashful, cute, like this. Robby held in his smirk and waited.
"I'm sorry...I didn't mean to raise my voice at you both. I know you want the best for me, and I need to remember that. I will do better." Dennis said meekly, face going a flushed pink. Robby saw the quirk of Jacks lip faintly, they were surely in for a treat.
Jack moved to thread his fingers into the nape of Dennis' curls while Robby moved his hand onto Dennis' thigh to ground him. Dennis whimpered slightly at the touches, face going a deeper shade of red by the second.
They stayed like that until they pulled into the driveway, Jack killed the engine and they all sat there for a minute.
"Dennis" Jack said, getting Dennis' attention immediately as he rarely calls him by anything other than pup, kid and Dr. Whitaker. Jack continued to speak once he knew Dennis was listening.
"You know what this means right, if we go in there right now, what we are going to do? What we have wanted to do?"
Dennis nods, thinking back to all the times he had jerked off to this specific scenario between them. Wanting them for months, in whatever way he could. Hearing they wanted him back was heady, his mind started to go blissfully blank again. Robby was the one to scruff him this time, more harsh than Jack had previously.
"Den, we need a verbal on this" Robby urged, "We would never force you into anything, if you say no right now we will drive you back to the house and this never happened, nothing is affected." he assures.
Dennis pulls his thoughts together into something coherent, getting the feeling that pretty soon he would be quite far from it. He needed to make sure they were aware just how on board for he was with this.
"I have thought about this for months...I thought I was looking too much into the touches, I guess I wasn't. Thank fuck. Please. I want you both. Anything." Dennis breathed.
-
That was all the confirmation the two attendings needed, getting them out of the car, heading towards their house.
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Down, boy.
Robby's voice carried across his entryway to their home.
"Don't you want to be good for us, pup?"
Jack added, his smirk seeping into his tone as he leaned against the wall, a few steps behind Robby, arms crossed watching the scene in front of him.
-
Dennis' back went ram rod straight. He was on his knees in front of Robby, slightly off kilter from being scolded. He was previously rubbing his face on Robby's thigh, wordlessly begging and ultimately denied.
-
After taking a second to gather his composure, Dennis looked up at him through his lashes with his doe eyes. His face was calm, blissed out as he looked up at Robby, patiently waiting for instructions.
Robby extended his hand to run his fingers through soft, sandy blonde curls. Reaching his other hand into his pants pocket, he grabbed the small metal clicker out and pressed it down with this thumb.
Dennis' entire body sagged at the sound, letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding, eyes closed as he nuzzled closer to Robby's palm. Robby looked back at Jack, nudging his head slightly for Jack to come over. Jack pushed himself off the wall and sauntered over.
"There's our good boy. Our good puppy."
'Fuck, I really am their puppy.' Dennis' mind supplied, the thought made his cock twitch painfully, already starting to leak.
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"Up" said Robby, looking down at Dennis by his feet.
Without hesitation, pushed up from his knees to his feet.
*click* "Good boy."
"Follow us"
Dennis wordlessly followed them to their bedroom, stopping at the doorway.
*click* "Just like that, pup"
"Strip."
Dennis shed his scrubs on the ground, not paying any mind to the scents of the day clinging to his skin, or the crumpled pile now on their floor.
*click* "You're perfect, baby."
"Speak"
"Woof" Dennis says reflexively, receiving a chuckle from the two men in front of him, surprising himself that it even came out.
*click* "Certainly weaker than your biting tone earlier, but a puppy has to use its fangs at some point to know how far they can push things, we knew it would happen sometime."
"On the bed, baby"
-
Jack sat with his back against the headboard, hand fisted in Dennis' hair, guiding his cock deeper into Dennis' mouth.
"Fuck, pup you're making a mess" Jack said, somewhat breathlessly.
Dennis' mouth popped of his cock, he flashed him a grin, all teeth, cock drunk already. He licked another long wet stripe up the side, and took Jack down to his base in one go. Jack groaned, head falling back against the headboard, pacing himself.
Robby was on his knees behind Dennis, working a third finger into his hole. Prepping him. Everytime Robby would hit that deep bundle of nerves, Dennis would moan around Jacks cock, making it infinitely harder to hold off his orgasm. Jack pulled Dennis off his cock with a whine.
"Hush, I am not young anymore, I won't be able to get it up again if you keep sucking my cock like that baby." Jack let Dennis rest his head on his thigh, placing two fingers on his tongue to give Dennis something to suck on in the mean time, seeming to settle him for right now as he closed his lips around the digits and sucked.
"You almost ready baby?"
Robby had four fingers comfortably in Dennis, feeling sufficiently prepped and fucked out he nodded. Jack withdrew his fingers from his mouth, placing his tip at the entrance of his mouth, while Robby lined himself up with Dennis' hole.
Both pushed in at the same time, filling Dennis simultaneously. Dennis was in heaven, or whatever this version of heaven was. This was better than all he could have ever imagined. The fucked out bliss, the fullness, the heat. He moaned loudly around Jack's cock as they both started thrusting.
They all knew this first time was not going to last long, everyone pent up from months of touches and yearning. Dennis came first, one too many deep thrusts of Robbys cock bullying the bundle inside him, he came all over the sheet below him. Shaking, from over stimulation after he finally stopped. Robby and Jack were not far off, the vibration of Dennis' moans doing Jack in, pressing in further to spill deep down his throat. Robby pressing in deep one last time to lay his claim in him as well.
The next few minutes were a sticky blend of limbs shifting to make some attempt to clean up the mess. Dennis was barely paying attention.
He was riding the high of it all, eyes closed, brain stuffed full of cotton. Limbs relaxed. He felt himself being cleaned up, hearing Robby and Jack chatting quietly, but ultimately letting it lull him into sleep. They rearranged him to be pressed between them both, shutting the lights and pulling up the sheets.
"Goodnight, pup"
"Goodnight, sweetheart"
Were the last things he heard before giving in and drifting off into the deepest sleep he's had in years.
Robby and Jack knew that this needed to be talked about in the morning, but were more than happy to give in to sleep themselves. The three snored until the late hours of the morning, in no rush to wake up from this blissful dream, turned reality.