Archive of Our Own

Robby is no stranger to relationships. While he’s never been officially mated, his romances with Heather and Janey were very real. The intricacies of being someone’s official mate, however, turns Robby off. Or so he claims. 

That seems to no longer be the case once Dennis appears in his life (and his bed). Arguably, Robby goes from one end of the spectrum to crashing it entirely. Two meaningful relationships with betas he’s known for a while to letting the med student he’s known for three weeks claim him on a whim. 

And yet? Robby thinks that it probably always would end up this way, just at different points of Dennis’s rotation. While HR is not happy with him coming back from his heat with Dennis as the alpha helping him during it, that’s the least of Robby’s worries.  

No - what Robby worries about is how it’s all making him feel. 

He tells Dennis that they’re partners. Because they are. But the word partners is also just easier for Robby to say. Mainly because the idea of being boyfriends feels juvenile, but mates feels so…intimidating. Frightening, even. Robby feels stupid to think that way considering they already act like it outside of work. Sometimes even in the staff lounge but Robby tries not to encourage it. At least, that’s what he tells himself. 

Dana claims Robby is a massive hypocrite as he doesn’t stop his fleeting touches even with this self imposed rule, but Robby argues that the last time he stopped Dennis practically went through withdrawals. The few times Robby doesn’t give Dennis his usual friendly pats, the alpha is eyeing him like he’s done something wrong and Robby is very weak to the man’s seemingly perpetual sad gaze. Maybe that’s why he let Dennis bite him in the first place. Because Robby is weak.

Weak for Dennis, sure. Weak as a whole? Definitely. 

“I’m just saying,” Jack’s voice cuts in through Robby’s train of thought, “if you rattle him any harder you’re going to pop his eyes out like those shitty toys.”

Robby rolls his eyes, waving the other man on as he tugs his hoodie on. “And I’m just saying the handover is completed.”

“Yeah, but I’m still giving you shit for ignoring my texts for the last week. Didn’t wanna tell me you were getting crazy?”

“Sorry I didn’t exactly have time to give you a play by play of my bedroom activities.” 

Jack snorts, shaking his head. “You know, I should’ve figured that’s what you were doing when Dana said you practically dragged him out like he was a dog.”

Robby shoots him a glare, throwing on his backpack. “I didn’t drag him. I responsibly escorted him out.”

“Yeah?”

“Yep.”

“Is that why you have a-“

“Don’t you have patients, Dr. Abbot?” Robby snaps back, making his way out the door. “Last I checked this was a simple handoff, not grilling me on what I may or may not have been doing in my free time.”

“More like who.” Jack mutters under his breath. Robby pretends not to hear it. 

Robby also pretends to not be irritated at the fact that he’s returning to his place alone. Dennis still lives with Santos, there was no discussion of what they really were going to do after returning to work. He briefly wonders if he should be glad Dennis didn’t insist on forcefully inserting himself into Robby’s home. Part of him believes that it wouldn’t have been hard to convince Robby in the first place, but he has no reason to admit it if it hasn’t happened. 

Instead, Robby is glaring at nothing on his walk home. The faint petrichor scent dusting his hoodie and the throbbing in his neck are the only obvious reminders of what’s transpired. 

It makes him feel sick. Or like a slave to his biology, because it’s easier to blame the sudden wave of obsession and clinginess on his inner omega than himself. Robby isn’t fooling himself though, this isn’t anything new. He always turns his focus onto Dennis, even when it’s vastly unprofessional in their field. The scarred bite on his neck does little to help the new wave of possessiveness he experiences and little now to alleviate any concerns. Instead, all it does is seem to serve as a reminder that his alpha is not with him, but staying in some other apartment across town. Without him. 

With someone else. 

Sure, Santos is an alpha like Dennis, but that doesn’t prevent Robby from growling under his breath. He gnaws on the inside of his cheek, shaking the sudden wave of irritation away like a shitty Etch a Sketch.

Robby presses hard on the mark to distract himself, hissing slightly as the pain shoots through his jugular. If he presses hard enough, he can fool himself into believing that it’s Dennis biting down again. That his fervently, clumsy fangs are piercing his neck on repeat. The touch seems to alleviate some of the irritation he feels towards the separation. Robby wonders if he had been half as clingy with Heather or Janey. Aside from them and Dennis, most of his relationships had been more focused on one night stands or sloppy makeouts in med school. Robby is out of his element and it scares Robby nearly as much as entering his apartment now does. 

His old townhouse is unnervingly lonely without the younger man there. The creak of the floor as he kicks his shoes off in the entry way is loud and unforgiving. His backpack is tossed carelessly onto the couch as he makes his way inside, flicking the lights on as he shuffles towards the kitchen. His stomach grumbles, unhappy with the single bagel and vending machine coffee Robby had shoveled down in a rush earlier that morning. The fridge still sits mainly empty, save for the few things Dennis had ordered to the house when Robby was asleep. Robby looks between his sparse options. A microwaveable soup sits in its plastic prison. Next to it is some kind of pre-assembled salad. Robby grimaces at how lackluster his kitchen is. Most of what had been ordered were quick things Dennis could feed Robby and himself in between their waves of lucidity, so most of it had already been eaten by the both of them. In the cupboard was some kind of microwaveable rice, a forgotten jar of Nutella, and a sad package of rice cakes when Robby was on a health kick a couple of weeks ago. 

Just as Robby is about to throw in the towel on dinner entirely, his phone buzzes in his pocket. He tuts, fumbling with his hoodie as he tugs the device close to his face, squinting at the bright screen. 

Dennis Whitaker- MS4 pops up on the phone, a welcome distraction from Robby’s lack of a functioning dinner. He chuckles lightly to himself at the overly formal contact, not having bothered to change it just yet.

“Hello?” He hums, resting against the kitchen island. After a moment or two of silence he wonders if Dennis just misdialed before the familiar, nervous voice answers in return.

“H-hey! Sorry if I’m bothering you, um,” Dennis spits out in a rush. “I just wanted to see how you’re doing? I know we haven’t gotten much privacy compared to-”

“Compared to when you mated me?” Robby interrupts, toying with the string of his hoodie.

“Well- uh- I guess.” Dennis stutters out. “Yeah, we haven’t.”

“Tsk tsk, not paying your omega any attention.” Robby quips sarcastically. At least, partially sarcastically that is. A quiet, bitter part of his brain thinks it’s a bit true, even if Dennis has been trying his best to act appropriately at work due to Robby’s own commands. Robby is willing to admit he’s a hypocrite.

“Wh-hey! That’s not fair, we’ve been working!” Dennis practically whines. “You also said not to be unprofessional.”

Robby ignores his complaint, moving on to what he wants to know more. “What are you actually calling me for? We talk to each other everyday, so I don’t think it’s just you trying to be doting.”

Dennis is clearly caught red handed if the silence on the other line is anything to go off of. “How did you-”

“I know everything. Now spill.”

“I thought you knew everything.” the alpha huffs sassily, which Robby promptly disregards. “I just…really wanted to ask if you were okay with me coming over.”

Robby blinks as the question bounces around his head. It’s so innocent, but just so Dennis. Of course after literally fucking Robby dumb would he be too shy to visit without asking Robby permission. The young man is a walking enigma. Robby doesn’t know if he loves it or if it irritates him. A little bit of both, maybe. “Coming over? For what?”

“Dinner, maybe? To see you? Both?” 

The attitude Dennis displays every so often should piss Robby off. And it does. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t enjoy listening to Dennis not be a pushover once in a while.

“I don’t have anything to feed you.” Robby laughs. “Unless you’re okay with takeout?”

“I kinda figured. Trinity mentioned this new place, a lot of it is kosher.” Dennis says softly, like he’s worried Robby will shoot down the idea immediately. 

The thought that Dennis clearly considers Robby in a thing as simple as takeout makes Robby’s stomach clench uncomfortably. His throat suddenly feels like it’s closing up as he coughs to clear it. “Yeah. Yeah, that sounds fine with me.” He responds, attempting to avoid the sudden wave of something that crashes over him like a tsunami. 

“Oh! Great - I can be there in 20?” Dennis’s smile is easily heard over the phone and Robby finds himself fighting his own.

“Mm, that works. You can show me the menu when you get here.”

They agree on the plans and as Robby hangs up the call, he can’t help but still feel awkward. Sure, Dennis has already claimed Robby, but the idea that he was actually coming to Robby’s place just for dinner has Robby confused. He’s still not used to alpha/omega dynamics where he’s the one being taken care of. Typically, Robby is able to take care of himself. Somewhat.

Okay, so barely at all. That doesn’t mean he needs Dennis handling him like some fragile piece of glass.

Maybe he’ll make Dennis let him pay. So he wasn’t left feeling as shy about it all.  

He looks down at his hospital attire and grimaces. He smells like antiseptic and stress, something that would probably make Dennis’s nose scrunch in disgust. The patches Robby continues to use never quite block out his pheromones from the younger man, much to his chagrin. He sniffs himself experimentally and groans, peeling off the layers of his patches and clothes as he makes his way to the bathroom. A shower is desperately needed. 

Once Robby’s skin is nearly equal to a lobster, he decides the shower has done its job. Gone is the clinical smell of hand sanitizer, masked by Robby’s pheromones and the pine scented body wash. He dons a pair of black sweatpants and a sweatshirt of some brewery he’d gone to with Dana. While the warm clothes distract Robby from the lingering cold of late November, they do little to assuage Robby’s nerves. He glances in the mirror, his own tired eyes meeting his reflection with a grimace. The bite is still visible, just barely peeking out underneath the collar of his shirt.

This is fucking stupid. Robby is fucking stupid. He’s a grown ass man, he was the one who urged Dennis into his space and ultimately let him bite him. Why was he suddenly so weird? His self loathing is cut short as a knock rings out from downstairs. He sighs softly, fidgeting with his sleeves before making his way back to the entryway. 

It feels like ages as he reaches the door to open it. Dennis is paused, mid-knock, before a corner of his mouth lifts up in a shy smile. He’s wearing grey sweats and a plain red hoodie over a black tshirt, shifting his weight nervously between his feet.

“Hi.” Robby hums, opening the door wider to wave him in. “You’re here a little early.”

“Sorry. I was just excited.” Dennis says softly, trailing after Robby. 

Allowing Dennis into his space is painfully easy. Something Robby became well aware of on the kid’s first day.

“Excited?” He scoffs. “We see each other at work everyday.”

“It’s not the same.” Dennis insists. “Usually you’re too busy or I’m covered in some kind of bodily fluid.”

Robby barks out a laugh at that, locking the door behind Dennis. “I guess that’s true. You had a clean record today, I thought.”

“Nope. 20 minutes before the end of our shift, had to change my scrubs last minute.”

“Ouch, so close.” Robby sighs, taking his place at one of the bar stools decorating the kitchen. He pats the one next to him as he pulls out his phone. “Now, what’s this new place you were talking about?” 

As Dennis relaxes next to Robby, the familiar smell of soil, earthy and mossy, pleasantly fills the house. Robby finds himself leaning close as Dennis types on his phone. It’s some Indian place, offering plenty of vegetarian and chicken based dishes. Robby hums, pressing closer as he looks over Dennis’s shoulder. “Have you tried anything from there?” His breath tickles Dennis’s ear.

Dennis inhales softly, nostrils flaring before he clears his throat. “Yeah, once. Trin brought some garlic naan and chicken biryani for me to try. Said she got it mild for my poor midwestern tastebuds.” He snorts to himself. “I noticed there’s not any pork on the menu, so I thought it’d be a safe choice.”

“Well, aren't you sweet?” Robby vocalizes the thought, brushing the growing hair at the back of Dennis’s neck. He knows he’s being a bit mean, gently digging his thumb into the scent gland in that area. He tries not to laugh as the younger man flushes a bright red with the soft touch. The smell of petrichor and dirt is practically dripping from Dennis at this point. 

Robby loves it. To the point that he’s questioning his own sanity. 

“I try,” Dennis croaks out. “Plus- it’s actually kind of cheap. Figured I-“

“Nope.” Robby interrupts, popping the P audibly, “you’re not.”

“Robby,” he groans. When Robby shoots him an irritated glance, he corrects himself. “Michael-“

“No. Gimme your phone.” Robby interjects, scrolling through the menu as he ignores Dennis’s protests. “Your omega wants to pay, sit your ass back down.” He quips as Dennis attempts to reach for it once more. That shuts Dennis up, plopping back into the stool, a defeated look obvious on his features.

“When do I ever get to pay?”

“Whenever you make more money than me.” Robby responds coolly. “Did I let you pay in the midst of my heat, either?”

Robby recalls it easily. Sleepy and full from the alpha as he forced Dennis to put in his own payment info into the app. Dennis had tried to argue, but when Robby pinched his side in retaliation, the younger had relented. He’s certain Dennis is still annoyed about it to a degree if this is a conversation they’re having again.

“No.” Dennis grumbles. The week since them sleeping together has been filled with numerous moments like this. Dennis tries to show he can take care of Robby as Robby brushes it off. He wonders if Dennis will ever outright tell Robby no or ignore Robby’s constant complaints anyway. For being an alpha, Dennis isn’t very pushy. Robby knows that’s a stereotype to begin with, but still he wonders what exactly runs through the younger’s head when he denies him those little chances of showing off. 

“So I don’t know why you thought you’d try this time.” Robby tuts, pushing his glasses up as he orders two of the biryani and naan. He decides to be a bit adventurous and add two orders of mango lassis as well, being sure to tip on the app. 

“Is it so bad that I want to pay?” Dennis pouts. 

“Mhm.” Robby hums distractedly as he completes the order. “There, food’ll be here in 30.” He ignores Dennis’s sigh, sliding the phone back across the island. For all his complaining, Dennis’s scent hasn’t soured once. 

That’s another thing Robby focuses too much on. While he’s always been touchy with Dennis, he feels like his scent has been the major distraction as of late. Dennis’s scent already wasn’t easy to pick up on and now, being mated to Robby, it’s dull to everyone. Everyone but Robby. It’s like no matter how Robby tries to act in his right mind, the scent of a wet summer day is always lingering in the back of his head. 

Distracting him.

Ruining him.

It’s increasingly obvious how far gone Robby is as Dennis grouches something in response to Robby, which promptly falls on deaf ears as he inhales. Dennis’s pheromones work fantastically as a stress reliever. And that scares the fuck out of Robby. 

Instead of thinking about why it’s so scary, Robby pokes Dennis’s side. “Stop your whining. You wanna pull up something to watch while we wait on our food?”

Sure enough, Dennis nods. They fall into a comfortable silence as they move to the old, worn couch. Robby stretches his arms as Dennis presses closely against him, scrolling through the options of the limited steaming services Robby bothers to remember the password for. They land on some reality show, one Dennis insists is actually good. He’s pretty sure Santos held the man at gunpoint to make him say that. 

Or at least, that’s what he thinks to himself as the drama drones on. Something something Mormons something something swinging is all Robby really hears before he’s zoning off, painfully comfortable as he is squished against the younger alpha. Dennis is telling him something about the plot, if this show actually has one, but Robby just trills softly. A wave of comfort laps at his psyche as he feels Dennis’s body heat radiate against his shoulder. At some point, he must’ve fallen asleep. 

Dennis taps him awake, gently so as to not scare Robby. “Hey,” he whispers, “food’s here.”

Robby grumbles, rubbing his eyes with the palm of his hand. He notices that Dennis’s hoodie is peeled off, draped across him like some kind of blanket as Dennis grabs the food from the delivery driver. Robby folds it neatly on the couch as he blinks away the lingering sleep from his eyes. He hears the two talk faintly as he shuffles back to the kitchen.  

“Thank you!” Dennis calls out as he kicks the door closed, arms filled with their food and drinks. 

“Do you need help with-“

“No.” Dennis interrupts, mirroring Robby’s earlier quip with a smug little smirk as Robby rolls his eyes. 

The food smells amazing. Warm and comforting as they crack open their respective bowls. Robby practically melts into the floor at the first bite, sighing blissfully. 

He rips some of the naan up to dip into the food, pausing when he hears Dennis chuckle. 

“What?” He asks, kicking at Dennis’s stool.

“Nothing nothing. You just seem hungry.” Dennis laughs.

Robby doesn’t believe him, but he’s too distracted by the food to dig into it. They eat in a comfortable silence, even when Dennis sneaks a glance or two at Robby out of the corner of his eye. Robby’s certain he can feel Dennis’s stare no matter where they were. A bullseye painted permanently onto his person like he’s Dennis's prey. 

Well. Maybe he is. 

And, once the food is gone and leftovers are stored for next time, he thinks he doesn’t mind it. Dennis is endearing and patient, but Robby wonders if there’s something he doesn’t quite gauge, hidden beneath the nervous exterior Dennis is so prone to displaying. The thought causes a heat to coil tightly around his stomach and his heart, the phantom ache in his mating bite throbbing wildly. It pulses painstakingly like another heartbeat as Dennis makes his way back to the door, eyes lingering on Robby. He sees adoration painted in the big blues and it makes Robby feel like he’s a diagram in a textbook. One Dennis studies religiously.

“I like seeing you outside of work.” Dennis sighs, a hint of something caught in his voice. “Maybe we could do it more often?”

Robby swallows the anxiety that blooms in his throat, choking it down. He prays his scent doesn’t expose him as he nods. “Sure, I mean, we are partners after all.” Robby is too worried that if he keeps talking, he’ll say something he regrets. That he’ll ask Dennis to never leave. To see him all the time.

Dennis smiles at that, eyes flickering between Robby’s bite and lips. Robby doesn’t give him a chance to ask, leaning forward to kiss Dennis softly before he shoos him out. “Text me when you get home.” 

“Yes, sir.” Dennis says, a dopey grin still plastered across his face. Robby watches him leave, arms folded protectively against his chest. He doesn’t fully understand what he’s shielding himself for. Once Dennis is nearly out of view, just a speck against the street lamps, Robby deflates. 

Dennis’s scent is already fading from where it was potent against Robby’s shirt. He sucks his teeth, pinching the offending sweatshirt away from his chest as his own smell overtakes the summery aroma. After he locks the door, he makes his way to turn off all the lights before his eyes zero in on the couch.

Dennis’s hoodie sits in its original place. Folded neatly and tempting Robby like a siren as he goes to collect it. Robby is promptly hit in the face with the notes of moss and sunshine, the fabric seemingly radiating Dennis. 

Robby pauses, fingers gripped tightly in the red cloth. He swallows the drool suddenly coating his mouth, his tongue feeling heavy and useless. A shaky purr practically bursts out of his chest as he holds it closer. He should text Dennis. Let him know that he’ll bring it to work tomorrow. Return it to its rightful owner.

Something insists otherwise. Robby wonders if, deep down, that it’s his own thoughts and not this mysterious something he keeps pointing the blame to. 

Robby blames it on the pheromones instead. Pulling the hoodie tight against his chest as he makes his way upstairs into his bedroom. For once, bundled up with the article of clothing serving as his makeshift pillowcase, Robby falls asleep easily.

And if he dreams of Dennis, buried in his nest and spooning Robby, that’s no one else’s business but his own.

When he wakes up the next morning, body buzzing and boxers noticeably wet, Robby sighs, burrowing his head further into the jacket.

He may just keep it for a couple more days.

Dennis thinks he’s obsessed. Actually, no. Dennis knows he’s obsessed. He just had hoped that claiming Robby, biting him and marking him all as his would satisfy the bubbling alpha tendencies he hadn’t familiarized himself with. 

Instead, Dennis is wilting. Any attempts at satisfying Robby are usually met with some kind of resistance. Robby insists he needs to focus on his patients, that he needs to let Robby do stuff himself, that he needs to understand Robby isn’t the kind of omega used to acts of services.

Dennis knows this. He’s been well aware since he met the older man, but a part of Dennis grows louder and more irritated every time Robby denies him. He’s beginning to worry that the patience that had been instilled into him since birth is starting to be chipped away. Portions breaking off with each rejection Robby passes onto him. So, Dennis continues to just watch him instead. Robby can’t reject Dennis’s passing glances, lasered onto the older man like a homing missile.

It’s when he watches Robby, that Dennis begins to realize he may have an issue with jealousy. Something he thinks had just been from the rut taking too long to leave his brain, lingering dominance not yet forgotten. That proves not to be the case the first time he feels his body tense, a stone grip on his stomach, as Dr. Abbot pats Robby’s shoulder at the beginning of one shift.

Dennis knows he shouldn’t be angry. Robby willingly let him into his home and nest, there was no doubt that he chose Dennis for his heat. Yet, that does little to stomp out the sheer envy gripping hold of Dennis. The older alpha is way too close to Robby. Dennis bitterly pulls his gaze away, nostrils flaring as he death grips the Alani Trinity passes him.

“You okay, Huckleberry?” Her voice rings out, shaking him from his rage filled stupor.

“Huh? Yeah- yeah, I’m fine. Sorry.” He stutters out, flicking his gaze back to Robby and sighing in relief when he realizes Jack is no longer near him.

Trinity raises an eyebrow, nudging him with her shoulder as she laughs. “Trouble in paradise? Thought you and Dr. Robby already hooked up.”

“We’re not supposed to-”

“Oh, shush, everyone in the ER knows you two did it.” Trinity scoffs. “Plus, I’m pretty sure that Robby didn’t have a very obvious bite on his throat before going to look for you.”

Dennis flushes a bright pink at that, scratching the back of his neck. “I tried to be gentle.”

“Ew. Save it.” She groans. 

So, Dennis does save it. He saves it for himself, because he thinks he’d prefer being the only one who knows how Robby and he are. That it’s better untouched by their coworkers, that Robby is better untouched by anyone but him.

The thought disturbs Dennis. Robby is his superior, he hardly needs Dennis’s permission to do anything, yet Dennis can’t help but wish the omega would just let him be an alpha to him. Not just for the knotting or satisfaction Robby gets during his heat, but to actively court him. Dennis wistfully wonders if they hadn’t gone about this out of order- would Robby let him treat him softly? Let Dennis bring him comfort?

A darker part of his mind wishes Robby would just stay with him. Only focus on him, only touch him. Let Dennis worship him away from gossip and prying eyes. No, the only eyes Robby needs on him are Dennis’s own, reverent and heavy. He wanted to stay last night in Robby’s warm home. He wishes Robby had invited him to. That Robby didn’t push him away so often. It seems to be in the omega’s nature, to shy away from Dennis’s devotion. 

It’s too bad that that simply doesn’t seem to work on Dennis. It’s why he forces it in smaller ways. Leaving clothes drenched in his smell for Robby, ordering food that he makes sure is catered specifically to Robby’s tastes. Hell, Dennis takes the time to memorize the few recurring brands of the snacks Robby keeps in his cupboard. Robby can act as independent as he wants, Dennis knows how to get what he wants.

And what he wants is simple. He just wants Robby. No, he wants Michael. He wants to devour him whole, wipe away his pain, or at the very least cradle him through it. His eyes go half lidded as he watches Robby prepare to leave, a familiar blue jacket tugged on, doing little to hide the claiming bite.

It makes Dennis’s body melt every time he sees it. He licks his fangs unconsciously, wondering if Robby will let him bite there again. And again and again so that it never heals, so that there is never a question on who Robby belongs to. The heat in his stomach worsens when he realizes Robby never brought Dennis’s jacket to return.

He wonders if Robby used it and, if he did, how he used it. Dennis hopes he uses it in his nest, a first of many offerings to an altar made up of Dennis’s own clothes. He briefly recalls his parents saying offerings not made to God were hollow and sinful. He thinks they must have been insane. What he feels for Robby overshadows any religion. His theology degree comes into great use for the things he wants to do for Robby. He can write a book on all the ways he dreams of the man, the perfect beacon for Dennis.

“Can you stop eye fucking him for two seconds?” Trinity smacks his shoulder. “You’re crushing the damn can.”

“Mmm,” Dennis hums distractedly, sighing as he smells the lingering tinge of coffee throughout the air. He’s never been more grateful he can smell Robby through those sterile patches, like Robby’s pheromones were only made for him.

They are. He thinks smugly. We’re mates- this is all for me.

Almost like he feels Dennis’s gaze, Robby looks over his shoulder, eyes locking onto Dennis’s. Dennis’s eyes go wide at being caught staring, but he relaxes just barely as Robby chuckles and waves him goodbye. Dennis wishes they could be at a point where they say goodbye at work only to meet up at home every evening.

Moving fast be damned, Dennis wants to drown in Robby. Robby consumes his every waking moment, be it through his actual instructions at work or tangled up in Dennis’s daydreams. 

“How soon is too soon to move in with someone?” Dennis asks, ignoring Trinity’s shocked laugh.

“I think two weeks is definitely too soon.”

“Even for mates?”

“Well…I don’t know actually. I don’t think he’d agree to it, so you’re outta luck there.” She pats his shoulder sympathetically as they make their way home.

Dennis takes the response and simply ignores it, thinking it’s better to imagine a world where Robby invites him in and throws away the key. If he can’t have Robby all the time, he can settle for having him most of the time at work. Robby at least offers him fleeting kisses and resumes with the touches that Dennis is addicted to. It’s better to focus on those few moments Robby grants him rather than give into the fear that Robby may just be placating him. That this is all something Robby only allowed to coax Dennis out of his rut.

No. Dennis refuses to allow those thoughts to cloud his mind. Robby says they’re partners first. He’s the one that opens the door to this entire scenario, so Dennis doesn’t think he can handle the idea that it doesn’t mean anything to him. That Dennis doesn’t mean anything.

This entire situation, even the little bits of attention he’s granted at work, is Dennis’s everything. Robby and Dennis hardly ever see one another outside of work, so Dennis decides to prove his capabilities at the Pitt. That way Robby has to look at him, to nod his approval as he pats Dennis’s shoulders. His staring usually results in some kind of response from the older man, be it a half smile or a fleeting touch on the scent glands decorating his neck.

Dennis thinks that Robby is whittling away at what little patience he has left. And he doesn’t even know it. Trinity calls him a kiss ass. Dennis proudly wears that title, not about to deny it. 

He hopes he can stay at the PTMC. Emergency medicine isn’t exactly what he thought he’d be interested in, but working on the fly and being around Robby is starting to feel like his own version of heaven. He’s also, try as he might not to be, insecure about his place there. Or his place with Robby. Usually, he’s the one instigating any romantic interactions. All the touches Robby offers on his own could be completely platonic or placating him. 

Which is why he feels his heart shoot up from his throat the next day when Robby willingly sneaks a kiss in an empty hallway. He blinks owlishly, words stolen straight from his mouth as Robby moves him around to the work that needs to be done. Later, Dennis’s lips are bruised from where he’s thumbed them too hard. He can’t help but to linger on every sudden touch. What drives him crazy is that Robby never lets him react.

He’s always pulling away first before Dennis can even respond. He fixes his glasses or turns to his workstation, brushing Dennis off like some kind of distraction. It’s reminding Dennis too much of pediatrics. Of when Robby brushed him off when he clearly was experiencing his first heat in years. And it pisses Dennis off. 

Dennis can’t remember the last time he was ever truly angry. The only thing he can recall is his brief moment of resentment towards Robby during his rut,  but even that fizzled away the moment Robby coos at him. This building anger frightens Dennis. A cruel part of himself he never thinks could have existed. 

Yet it is obvious in its appearance. Pitiful clinginess and desperate anger claw its way through Dennis’s brain every time he’s passed over by Robby. Robby had said there was no reason to torture themselves anymore. So why the older man continues to flay Dennis’s heart like an executioner, Dennis doesn’t understand. It’s not like it stops Dennis from worshipping Robby regardless. From forming altars in his mind that would put any monument to shame. He just wishes Robby might encourage the behavior instead of shy away, leaving the both of them clearly unsatisfied. 

He keeps his focus on Robby through it all. Never willing to sacrifice any chances that Robby might give him.

Even if it drives Dennis insane.

Robby is beginning to come to terms with the fact that he is an extremely selfish man. He doesn’t notice it at first, thinking he just wanted to control the few things he could.

He can’t control people. He can’t control the world. He can, however, control himself and his ER. 

At least, he thought he could. Now Robby knows that is simply a bold faced lie. He can’t control himself at all.

Now, though, he doesn’t have his heat to blame it on. He can’t continue to point fingers so that he can avoid saying what he truly is. Territorial. Possessive. Covetous. And any other damn synonyms for the fucking word. 

He also has become very aware of how unfair he is. He promised to let the kid in. To let him act as Robby’s alpha. Instead, he opened one door only to slam another straight in the face of Dennis’s attempts. Not because he doesn’t like it. 

No, Robby likes it too much. The uncomfortable clench in his stomach hadn’t been anxiety, like he’s been telling himself. It’s excitement. Something that shocks Robby to his core. The last time Robby remembers being excited had been years ago, dulled down by working such grueling shifts in the Pitt and battered by the weight of the ER. 

When Dennis mates him, he feels the hunger building in the back of his brain. He just couldn’t put his finger on it. Now, in all its sickening glory, he can tell it with ease. He’s starving.

For Dennis. For his attention- for anything he’s willing to give Robby. And Robby, greedy and unforgiving, wants more. So, he decides to take it himself.

He doesn’t let Dennis control it, mainly because Robby is too frightened he’d let him. He presses a kiss here or there when it’s quiet. Sneaks a whiff of Dennis’s pheromones any time he presses himself close to the younger. 

He doesn’t invite him back to his home, because he’s pathetic. Too nervous he’ll beg Dennis not to go and make a fool of himself. Despite their mated status, Robby is still Dennis’s boss. He has to keep up his appearances somewhat. 

His resolve, however, is weakening. Breaking apart under Dennis’s heavy gaze and lingering offers.

Somehow, Dennis seems to learn his combination for his locker. Robby wonders if he should grill the man on it or if it’s even worth it.

He decides against it when he opens the locker to neatly folded shirts. They’re worn, fraying at the edges and collars stretched. Robby is hit with the smell of Dennis immediately and his knees nearly buckle then and there. He glances around, looking to see if anyone notices his lapse in control. When the coast seems clear, he unzips his backpack, jamming each article of clothing inside. The nest, if one could call the pathetic pile of pillows in his bed, is eventually built upon. 

Robby is not a good omega. That much is true as he eyes the offending area of his bedroom. His nest is sloppy. Tangled, as if he hasn’t ever done it before, which he hasn’t. He had one singular old shirt of Jack’s, but that had simply been to cool the heat down, not because he wanted to decorate his apartment with scents of the other attending.

No, the scent he wants is one he should already have. One that echoes across his room as he tries to dress up the pillows and shirts. He’s scent drunk by the time he finishes, sprawling across his bed and melting into it all. The purr that shoots out of him rattles his chest, aching against his sternum from the sheer force of it all.  

Robby is so fucked. Mixed into his comfort with the younger alpha’s scent is this unstoppable feeling of guilt. That he’s wasting the other man’s time. Robby still thinks, bitter and quiet, that Dennis is better suited for someone else. Anyone but Robby. Robby hates himself all the more when the thought makes him nauseous. The kid is just that, a kid. Robby is twice his fucking age, hardened and old. Dennis should be with someone who isn’t so fucking afraid all the time. Afraid of his own feelings, afraid of Dennis, and afraid of what it all means. 

So, when Dennis calls him again on their mutual day off, Robby ignores it. He hides, burrowed under the pillows when he feels the phone vibrate on bed. It passes and Robby nearly chokes on his shaky breaths. So what if they’re mates? Robby is allowed to want privacy. 

Another lie that shatters when Dennis calls again, insistent and firm. He watches the phone this time, squinting angrily at the offending object like it’s mocking him. He lets it ring out once more, swallowing heavily as it blinks back to his lockscreen.

He hates the pitiful feeling that seizes up in his chest. Robby is beginning to come to terms with the idea that being in a relationship with Dennis means he’ll have to open up. The idea makes him nauseous as his stomach recoils from the sheer anxiety of it all.

Maybe someone should put him down.

That moment of self loathing is cut short as he hears a knock echo throughout his apartment. He sits up, confused and irritated. Robby glances at his phone and, aside from the multiple missed calls from Dennis, there’s no other messages.

“Better not be fucking Jehovah’s witnesses.” He grumbles, kicking himself out of his nest. The knocks are loud and insistent, like someone is nearly beating down his door as he makes his way down the stairs. 

“I’m coming! Jesus Christ!” He shouts, shaking his head as he moves to unlock the door.

He should’ve fucking checked through his peephole.

“What do you wa-.” He’s cut off at the sight of Dennis standing on his steps, panting and red as he glares at Robby. “Dennis? What the hell are-“

“Why haven’t you answered me?” Dennis interrupts, hands clenched at his sides. “I’ve been calling you all day!”

Robby doesn’t think he’s ever heard Dennis this mad. Not even when he caught the rats on his first day or when a patient puked down his scrubs after his eighth change on another rough day. 

“I….was sleeping.” Robby says lamely, ignoring the way the anger in Dennis’s voice makes him want to present his mating bite. He doesn’t have the time to deal with his stupid omega tendencies right now. This is all Robby, not just his omega acting this way. 

“Sleeping?” Dennis repeats incredulously. “Really?”

“Look- I don’t need you to lecture me.” Robby huffs. “I can take care of myself, yknow.”

“Can you?” The question is harsh, cutting through the air like ice. Robby has half a mind to ask who the fuck Dennis thinks he’s talking to. Robby blinks, trying to make sense of the situation as he looks over Dennis’s shoulder to see if their conversation is being overheard.

“Come inside.” Robby sighs, “it’s cold. Did you fucking run here?”

“What else was I supposed to do?” Dennis demands, already shoving past Robby. “My mate doesn’t give me anything to go off of and then ignores every single one of my calls.”

“Dennis-“

“Fifteen! I called you fifteen times, Michael!”

Robby goes quiet at that, the usage of his first name making his brain melt into tv static. “I was just…in my nest is all.”

“And you didn’t call me once? You had me worried sick!”

Robby shakes his head, locking the door behind them. “I’m fine! I didn’t do anything! I had leftovers and slept!” 

“You could have told me that! I wouldn’t have-“

“Wouldn’t what? Hover over me like I’m an active suicide risk? Look at me with your stupid big sad eyes and guilt me for not calling?” Robby shoots back, knowing full well he’s being cruel. That there isn’t anything wrong with Dennis being worried about it. 

“Sorry that I just want to know if you’re okay! You went from treating me like I’m invisible to kissing me all the time!” Dennis shouts, voice strained. “And then you go right back to acting like I don’t exist! Like I’m not-“

“Like you’re not what?”

“Like I’m not your alpha!” Dennis snaps. “It’s literally in my nature to make sure you’re okay! Why are you making it so difficult?!”

Robby wants to strangle himself for his next words. “If I’m so fucking difficult then choose someone else! You know what you signed up for! I warned you! It’s not my fault you don’t want to listen to me!” He’s defensive, ignoring the way Dennis’s scent sours intensely and how it makes him want to take it back immediately. 

Especially when he sees the look on Dennis’s face. Heartbreak and anger meld together in one awful combination as Dennis stares at him, practically stunned into silence. 

Robby knows he should apologize. That he should explain himself, but he can’t seem to force himself to open his stupid mouth. The idea of Dennis leaving for real makes Robby want to croak out something.

I’m sorry. He thinks. Don’t leave- I didn’t mean it. Because he never fucking means it. He never means to be so awful. He never means to be the worst choice in a mate and he never means to be the one Dennis chooses for himself. He wouldn’t want to be the one to assign him to that cruel fate.

Taking care of Robby is rotten work and he thinks nobody, not even Dennis, is capable of it. 

The words echo uselessly around Dennis’s brain. His stomach drops through the floor, ears ringing as he tries to take in what Robby says. He thinks he might believe Robby at first, the way his tone is terrible and final. 

Trouble in paradise, Trinity’s words circle his psyche. No. No no no. This isn’t happening. Dennis won’t let it. He can’t let this be it. 

No.

Nonono-

“No!” It explodes out of Dennis, shocking Robby. Dennis has half a mind to be shocked as well. “I’m not fucking going anywhere! Stop telling me to go away! You’re mine!”

Robby blinks owlishly, for once quiet as Dennis continues his tirade. 

“I am so fucking sick of you telling me no all the time! I’ve done everything you said to do and, Jesus Christ, don’t you dare tell me you’re not good enough to be my fucking omega. Do you understand? Do you understand how much I fucking need you?”

Robby opens his mouth, but Dennis refuses to give him the chance to speak. To make more excuses. To deny himself. To deny Dennis. 

Despite the bitter tone, the words Dennis speaks are…romantic almost. If one has as skewed an idea of love as Dennis does. “You could beat me, hit me with your car, anything! And I’d still crawl to you, begging you to take me home with you. You could give me scraps for all I care. I don’t need much!” Dennis pants, eyes crazed. “I haven’t asked you for much! You- fuck- you are my everything. Do you understand me? Nothing matters if I don’t have you. If I don’t know if you’re okay.” 

He squeezes his eyes closed, terrified that he’s scaring Robby off. That when he opens them again Robby will be staring at him in disgust. That he’ll regret ever letting Dennis in. That he’ll shove Dennis away and never let Dennis close again. He feels the familiar burn of salt as his eyes well up and Robby is still quiet. 

Dennis wants to blame it on his newly awakened status. That he’s not in control of his emotions. He feels himself shrink, knowing that’s never been the case. He can hide behind the title of alpha all he wants, but the obsession is all Dennis. His secondary gender is merely an excuse for why he acts the way he does. He knows it, deep in his wretched heart, that he’s like this all on his own. 

He opens his mouth again, to apologize or to explain himself, but he doesn’t get the chance. He feels Robby grip the front of his shirt tightly and he flinches, worried Robby might actually force him out physically. He doesn’t know if he can take it. If he can take Robby leaving him completely. 

“Please, I-“ Dennis rushes to apologize for his actions before he’s promptly cut off as Robby yanks him. Not away. Not to the door. No- no, Robby yanks him closer. Their lips smack together in a searing kiss, harsh and violent and fucking perfect.

Robby pulls away and Dennis whines, broken and defeated. He cracks his eyes open, shining with unshed tears as Robby pants, painted a beautiful pink from the flush overtaking his body. 

“Jesus, kid, stop talking.” Robby groans before surging into another kiss. Dennis meets him halfway, hands sliding down to Robby’s waist as he grips harshly. 

No, Robby isn’t going anywhere. 

This isn’t another moment of placating Dennis. They’re both lucid, aware of everything they’re doing. And Robby is choosing to do this. To, in the face of Dennis’s true nature, kiss him and hold him and drench that addictive smell all over him. 

It makes Dennis want to sob. To cry in joy as Robby’s hands cradle his face, leaving no option for Dennis to pull away. Dennis bites at the other’s mouth, diving in when Robby moans. He’s got Robby pinned against the door, bodies pressed tightly together as he feels the familiar sensation of Robby’s hips twitch, arching closer to Dennis. 

Dennis cracks his eyes open, eyeing that tempting scar that now permanently decorates Robby’s jugular. He pulls away, peppering kisses from Robby’s beard down to his neck. He sucks on the skin, eliciting a reedy whine from the older man before biting firmly. 

Robby tightens the grip on his head, holding him in place as he makes the most amazing noise Dennis thinks he’s ever heard. A gasp mixed with a sob, desperate and needy. He purrs into the bloody mess of Robby’s neck, lapping it up like ambrosia. 

He doesn’t need to say it. True to Robby’s command, Dennis doesn’t need to keep talking. The fact is obvious. Robby- no, Michael is Dennis’s. His. And he, undeniably aroused by the fact, is Robby’s. He’s always been Robby’s. 

Mirroring their first night together, Dennis coaxes Robby’s legs around his waist, grinding harshly against the growing wetness he feels through Robby’s sweatpants. Robby must’ve been crafted specifically to ruin Dennis. To alter his life in a way that Dennis never could have possibly dreamed of. His previous wet dreams have absolutely nothing on Robby, not the heat-addled version of his attending that he had clung to, but his real, firm body pressing against Dennis. 

Dennis’s worship is cut short as Robby tugs him from his neck, peppering Dennis’s face with soft kisses. “You need to haul my ass upstairs or my back is going to be really angry.” Robby whispers into his ear, soft and willing.

Dennis thinks he’s drowning in Robby’s pheromones as he nods, pressing one last kiss against the man’s Adam’s apple. The junction of Robby’s neck is a bright red from where he worried it against his teeth. He admires his work as he lets Robby slip from his grasp, tugging Dennis up to his room insistently. 

Dennis prepares to drop to his knees the moment they shove through Robby’s bedroom door only to experience whiplash as Robby all but throws him towards the nest. He lands in the soft bed with a grunt, tangled in the numerous shirts and jackets decorating the space. The smell is obvious, Dennis’s own dirt filled, sun-soaked aroma drifting through the air. 

“You kept them?” He croaks out, heart aching as he realizes his efforts weren’t put to waste. 

“Of course I did.” Robby grunts before dropping to his knees, tugging Dennis’s shoes off to throw them carelessly onto the wooden floor.

Dennis’s brain short circuits at the sight. He always thought he’d be the one kneeling before Robby, nuzzling alongside his thighs. Instead, his brain melts into a useless puddle of goo as Robby focuses his attention sliding Dennis’s pants down. He flushes a bright red as Robby kisses his dick through his boxers, lifting those big brown eyes and fluttering his lashes.

Dennis needs to control his breathing lest they find themselves at the PTMC on their day off. He reminds himself of this religiously as Robby slowly, painstakingly tugs his boxers down. Dennis familiarized himself with lapping at Robby during his heat, but they didn’t exactly have the time nor the energy to try it the other way. Dennis is beginning to wish they had as Robby presses a soft kiss to the throbbing head.

Dennis garbles out something that sounds like English, throwing his head back before groaning as Robby takes in his full length. It’s so warm and wet that Dennis thinks it rivals Robby’s cunt. The older man has clearly done this before, but Dennis can’t find it in himself to care. His hands card through the short brown locks, panting roughly when Robby moans happily around his member. If Robby’s mouth doesn’t kill him the vibrations certainly will. Dennis takes back the idea that Robby ignoring his affection was torture. No, the older man is torturing him now. Dennis chokes off a shaky moan when Robby nuzzles into his happy trail, nose tickling his middle.

“Jesus-,” Dennis croaks, once words come back to him. He struggles to avoid thrusting into Robby’s throat, not wanting to hurt the other man. His eyes cross and he feels a familiar pinch, balls drawing tight and he bites down on a gasp. He tears Robby away by the hair, stopping the orgasm dead in its tracks and eliciting an undignified noise from the older omega. 

Whatever complaints Robby has loaded are shoved aside in favor of Dennis dragging him up from his knees and into Dennis’s lap. The younger alpha feels buzzed, better than any drink he’s had, as he slides his tongue into Robby’s mouth. He swallows the moans from the man like he’s starving, wandering hands forcing their way into Robby’s pants. He thinks this might heavily outshine his rut. Having the chance to memorize all of Robby’s sweet spots with a clear mind has him purring.

His fingers slide along the lips of Robby’s cunt, dancing around Robby’s entrance before the older man groans, tugging away from the kiss. A string of saliva is all that connects them, glistening on Robby’s tongue.

“Can you- fuck- stop teasing me?” The omega growls, rolling his hips down to try to fuck Dennis’s fingers up into him. 

Dennis wants to argue, just a bit. Robby makes him wait this long and can’t even take a bit of rubbing? Instead, he scents the older man, nuzzling along the unmarked portion of his throat.

“Whatever you want.” Dennis sighs, impossibly blissed out. Because, at the true center of it all, he simply wants to pleasure Robby.

He lives for it. His fingers plunge deep, bullying two in as he rubs along the sensitive walls Dennis is very familiar with. He remembers each and every sweet spot, pulling gorgeous little sounds from Robby with ease.

Even in his heat Robby wasn’t as desperate as he is now, practically riding Dennis’s fingers as breathy ‘ah-ah-ah’s are punched out of his scratchy throat. Robby whines, spasming around Dennis once before slick is dripping down his arm. His cocklet twitches uselessly, ruining the grey fabric of his sweatpants as Dennis forces his fingers impossibly deeper.

“Enough.” Robby hiccups, arching away. He can’t go very far with the death grip Dennis has on him, his other hand holding Robby’s waist like a vice. “Stop,” he whimpers, “want you inside already.” 

Well, who is Dennis to deny his omega? Especially when he finally tells Dennis what he wants. He gently removes his fingers, rubbing soothing circles into the older man’s hips as he comes down from his temporary high. Post-orgasmic shutters ripple through his body and Dennis wants to see him come undone so much more.

He helps Robby out of his pants, both paying their shirts no mind as Dennis admires his work. Robby’s pussy is soft and gaping when he finally aligns himself against Dennis. Dennis feels his mouth wet with drool watching himself spear the older man open, so warm and soft as he buries himself to the hilt. 

“Stop looking so hard,” Robby croaks out, “ ‘s fucking embarassing.”

Dennis ignores his complaints as he thrusts up, nailing Robby’s sweet spot with the first thrust. He continues to disregard the whines as he holds the man’s thighs open, giving himself the perfect view of his cock driving home. Robby can bitch all he wants, Dennis smells the satisfaction rolling off of the older man in waves, amplifying each time he nudges against Robby’s plush cervix.

“God, I wanna get you pregnant.” He whines without thinking, scent-drunk and mouth full of cotton. Robby chokes at that, cunt somehow even wetter as he groans, surging forward to shut Dennis up with his mouth.

Robby thinks he might just die from all the attention Dennis focuses on him, sliding against every spot that sends sparks of pleasure up his spine. Stars dance across his vision as Dennis slams against him, deep and intense and full. Dennis’s hands are bruising his thighs, but he doubts that’s anything compared to the loving pain he’ll feel in his cunt the next day. 

He sucks on the younger’s tongue, moaning against the warm organ as Dennis delivers exactly what Robby demands of him. His self loathing all but slips out of his mind like sand through fingers, blowing away without a second thought.

Robby coos as he feels the younger’s thrusts start to turn frantic. Clearly the blowjob had done a number on the med student as Dennis pants against Robby’s lips, his dick throbbing harshly inside of Robby. When the soft whimper Robby is acquainted with spills from Dennis’s lips, he rocks down to meet Dennis’s movements. 

“Come on.” He groans. “Give it to me, I know you want to.”

And, like the dog he is, Dennis does exactly as he’s told. Thick, warm ropes decorate Robby’s insides as Dennis’s hips shake, pressed flush against his cunt. The telltale sign of Dennis’s knot ties him to the older man, forcing Robby’s own orgasm out as his body seizes against the oh so welcome intrusion. He cums untouched, loud and sudden as he groans.

Their breaths mingle, puffing into one another’s mouths as Robby feels his legs shake with the effort of keeping himself on his knees. Dennis, perfect, stupid Dennis, catches him when he falls forward, flopping against the army of pillows as he holds Robby against his chest.

Robby struggles to catch his breath, grimacing as the sweat cools on his skin and the tacky cum between his and Dennis’s middles slides against his happy trail.

“If that happens every time we argue, I’m gonna pick a fight with you everyday.” Robby mutters to himself, ignoring how his heart flutters when he feels Dennis shake with quiet laughter.

“Please don’t.” Dennis sighs, a shy smile painted across his face. “I don’t think my heart can take it.”

“Fine. Since you asked so nicely.” Robby hums, fingers dusting Dennis’s sides softly.

Dennis’s heart is so full he thinks it might explode. Robby is in his arms again, where he should have been all this time. Dennis wonders if he’d been firmer with the older omega they could have already been passed all this.

Well, he supposes having Robby cuddling him like this again isn’t a terrible outcome. He flits his gaze to Robby, who’s burying himself against Dennis’s scent gland. The omega seems to always feel drawn to his scent. Like he’s already known all this time it was all for him in the first place. If Robby forgets again, Dennis will be sure to remind him.

His chest tightens as Robby presses a soft kiss against the gland, affectionate and soupy on Dennis’s knot.

“I think I love you.” Dennis says stupidly before snapping his mouth shut, teeth clicking painfully as he widens his eyes. He wants to bash his head into a wall at the way the confession slips from his mouth without any control. 

Robby is quiet for a beat, his soft breathing the only audible thing coming from him. His lips rest against the scent gland, the soft touches stopping as he takes in Dennis’s words. Dennis wishes he could crawl into a hole and die. Some alpha he was, ruining his omega’s subspace with something as foolish as a rushed declaration of love. Trinity is right, he has no concept of when to time anything in a relationship.  

“Yeah?” Robby asks, voice soft and beard tickling Dennis. It makes the hair on the back of his neck stand. The desperate beating of his heart nearly deafens Dennis as he squeezes his eyes closed. Instead of lying or apologizing to the older man, Robby beats him to the punch.

“That’s okay. “ Robby hums. A smile is audible as he whispers, “because I think I love you too.”