Chapter Text
Dennis stared at the paper and keys in his hand, his other having his fingers rub against his thumb in thought. Robby had just handed them to him after the shift ended, and headed out, telling him to just head over to his house tomorrow morning with his stuff. The Nebraskan hadn’t even had a chance yet to tell Trinity– but, based on the glances she shot at him when she spotted him across the room talking to Robby and being handed the items, he figured she pieced it together.
Though, Robby’s words earlier kept ringing through his head. And if I don’t come back, you’ll have a swinging bachelor pad. It was like the old record player of his father’s back at the farm, repeating the same songs over and over again in the background as his mother worked about the house. His hand clenched tighter around the keys and paper, crumpling the edge of the hastily-written numbers. He could feel the sickening drop of his stomach, as his worries warred at him, because what if he isn’t wrong and–
“..You okay there, Doctor Whitaker? You seem deep in thought,” a voice rang out, snapping Dennis out of his thoughts; his spiralling. The resident blinked, looking up to see Doctor Abbot there, the man’s hands in his pockets.
Dennis floundered a bit, debating as he blinked, nose scrunched up at his thoughts. “Ah..Yeah, fine. Just trying to figure out what to do with house-sitting for Doctor Robby now, he, uh, asked me to do it while he’s gone on his sabbatical.” He gestured a little with his free hand, before moving it up to rub at the back of his neck. The older man paused, brows furrowing at that.
“He..asked you to house sit for him?”
“Well, uh– yeah, yeah, uhm..Said he’d figure it help me save with rent on the apartment and–”
“..Did he say anything concerning to you over it? Normally, he’d just leave the house locked, with nobody watching it. Reckless, but it's typically how he rolls.”
Dennis paused at that– the request to house sit wasn’t normal? Oh, that made the feeling in his stomach more sickening. “I..Yeah, actually. He mentioned off-handedly that if he didn’t come back, that I’d..well, I’d have a ‘swinging bachelor pad’, in his words.” He clenched his hand against his neck, swallowing. “Like, I didn’t know how to..really react. But it’s been worrying me, if– if I’m being honest.” The resident exhales out shakily. “He seems so..resigned, in a quiet way despite the jokes he’s spitting out and the laughs, the smiles. I’ve seen so many farmers like that back at Broken Bow, but I don’t know how to talk him out of it as he’s leaving today and–”
He couldn’t finish his words, cut off by getting a faceful of black scrubs. Dennis tensed for a moment, before feeling Abbot’s arms around him, hand buried in the hair at the back of his head, the warmth settling onto him like a hot weighted blanket.
“Kid, he’ll… he’ll be fine, okay? We just got to trust him, and hope he reaches out if it comes down to it,” Abbot croaked out, the tone obvious in showing that the older man was holding back tears to help keep Dennis calm. “We just need to put our faith in him.”
Dennis swallows, but nods, blinking back his own tears that he felt wettening his eyelashes. “Yeah– yeah, okay.” He takes a deep breath, shaky as he wraps his own arms back around Abbot, still clutching those keys and code in his left hand. “Can- Can I ask you something?”
“Go for it, Kid.”
“..Have you been to Doctor Robby’s house before?”
“Yeah, plenty of times. Why?”
“Could I ask you to– uh, you don’t need to do it, of course, but could you maybe after your shift come over to his and show me the layout tomorrow? I don’t really know–”
“Sure, Kid. I’ll be there by 8, okay?”
Dennis felt some relief shoot through him– at least he wouldn’t be alone when going about Robby’s place, in fear that anything might already be cleaned up. “Yeah, that. That works. Thank you, Doctor Abbot.” The resident felt the older man do a small tug at his hair– unconsciously, he figured– before untangling his hand from it, patting his shoulder as he moved his hands away.
“Not a problem kid, now go home and get some rest.” Abbot’s lips twitched into a faint smile before he moved, going through the doors of the ED. Dennis watched him go off, before he turned on his feet, going the route he always took to get back to Trinity’s apartment.
By 7:30 of the next morning, Dennis was already there, a packed bag beside him as he sat outside the steps of Robby’s house. A hand was over his mouth as he stared ahead, lost in his thoughts. He still couldn’t get it out of his head, what Robby said. How Abbot reacted when he told him. The sickening feeling in his stomach grew worse and worse, the further he thought on it. It just didn’t sit right, but he couldn’t do anything now, not with Robby already having left for Alberta. He shakes his head, dropping his mouth from his face as he reaches for his airpods, putting them in and playing his funk playlist. A vain attempt to distract himself for another half hour until Abbot arrived.
He had closed his eyes, swaying his head to the music as he tried to avoid thinking about anything, at this point. Though, the Nebraskan jolted when he felt a firm hand on his shoulder, his eyes opening as he looked up at Abbot. “Ah..Hey, Doctor Abbot–” He gave a small awkward wave, taking his earbuds out as he stood up.
“Call me Jack, we’re off the clock,” the old veteran smiles, patting Dennis on the shoulder. “Ready for the house tour?”
Dennis nods quickly. “Ah– yeah! Yeah, of course– uh, you can call me Dennis, then–” He scrambled to grab his bag, pulling out the house key and the code to the alarm system. “Thank you, again, for doing this, I know you could probably be doing anything else, like sleeping.”
Jack let out an amused snort, clapping a hand to Dennis’ back as they walked up the steps to the door. He crossed his arms as he watched Dennis work to get them into the house. “It’s not a problem, kid. Keeps me busy and on my feet, which helps a lot. Not much time to be left to think,” he shrugs, before moving forwards into the house with ease. It was obvious now to see that he was comfortable in the house.
“Ah, how many times have you been to..?”
“Often enough. Robby and I have known each other for a long time, and have helped each other more times than I can count.”
Dennis nods, as he follows Jack around the house, taking note of everything– even noticing old photos along the house that holds young Robby with an older lady. He chose not to ask about it, though, wanting to not pry just yet. Instead, he listened to Jack pointing out aspects of the home and more, nodding at times that felt appropriate. Though, as they walked, he couldn’t help himself from letting his gaze linger down at Jack’s ass as he walked in front of him. That sway of his hips.. No, no Dennis. Don’t think that. That is your boss’ friend, and he’s being helpful. That was it. Boundaries, just like Robby said.
By the time Jack finished showing Dennis around the house, it was 1:46 in the afternoon. And Dennis was starting to feel the hunger hit, but he didn’t want to make something without offering any to Jack. So, he shifts on his feet, moving about the kitchen as he takes note of the fact Robby had stocked it before he left. Huh.. His brows furrowed at that, but he quickly shook his head as he looked over his shoulder to call out to Jack. “Hey, Jack! Do you want anything? I’m making food.” The Nebraskan winced a little at how loudly his voice echoed throughout the home, but he waited for the old veteran to respond.
“Sure! As long as you don’t burn your cooking like Robby does,” was what was called back out to him.
Dennis got a stupid grin on his face at that, unable to help himself from finding that funny. “I promise, I’m a good cook! I helped my Ma out back at home on our farm when she’d make meals for the family.” He replied back as he got out ingredients and pans to start cooking a small, but filling meal. Dennis took pride in his cooking– it was one of the few things he never got teased for by his brothers, since he did it so god damn well. And if part of his drive to make sure the meal tasted good was by a desire to show off and impress Jack? Nobody else needed to know but him. That was his secret to bring to his grave.
“O-kay! Food’s all done, help yourself,” he calls out, smiling at Jack when the man walks into the kitchen. I hope he enjoys it, Dennis thought, before shaking his head, as if trying to get rid of the thought physically. He really needed to not be thinking like this towards Jack– he was just being helpful and kind, nothing more. “I hope it’s good!”
“Smells good,” the vet replies with a smile, grabbing a plate and putting some of it onto there. Dennis smiles at him with that, and after Jack got his serving, he followed to get his own. He couldn’t help the nerves that settled into his stomach, small butterflies fluttering about. The Nebraskan let out a small exhale, trying to calm himself down before he went to the dining table to eat with the vet. As soon as he set his plate down, however, Jack had tilted his head a bit to glance at him, pointing his fork at the plate. “This, is fucking fantastic, kid.”
Dennis’ felt his ears burn, ducking his head a little to hide a shy smile. “I- I’m glad you like it, Jack.” God, I sound like a schoolboy with a crush.. He grimaced internally at the thought. Why was he being such a mess right now? He wasn’t normally like this towards the veteran, he usually was with– Oh. Fuck. Okay. Dennis was not going to think upon this until later, at night. He lets out a soft exhale, forcing himself back into focus as he glances down to his plate, starting to eat as he starts some quiet discussion with Jack. Might as well get to know the man more with the chance presented, right? It wouldn’t hurt any, right? Right.
Dennis learned a lot more about Jack in just the hours he spent with him today, than he ever did via hearing stories or random bits from others at the Pitt. Like he learned that Jack isn’t much of a drinker, only doing it for the occasion to relax and kick back; that he tried to keep busy with multiple things, to not linger on his thoughts in the dark; that Jack knew how to do a lot of sorts of things, like a Jack of Trades sort of deal. He also learned that Robby was indeed not pulling his leg by saying the old vet did nude yoga– Jack had brought it up unprompted to him, and mentioned it helped him freshen his mind for the day and stretch out tense muscles. Dennis doesn’t know when the last time he had gone red so quickly was until then. The older man had laughed at how flustered that got him.
But, it was now nearing almost nine, and it was all dark out. Dennis felt terrible for having kept the man for so long, and he didn’t want to make the man have to drive home in the dark, so he had been worrying at his lip as they sat on the couch during a lull of silence. The resident was trying to work up the nerve to offer Jack to stay for the night, just to be more on the safe side. He glanced over for a moment, but paused when he saw the older man staring at him so intensely. Yet when the man saw Dennis looking at him? He only raised an eyebrow, unbothered by being caught.
“Ah.. Uhm, would you want to stay the night? Since– since it's dark out and I’d hate for you to stay up late driving back home–” Dennis blabbered, trying to reason it, afraid he’d take it the wrong way. Why would he take it the wrong way? He literally knows I’m not trying to make a move. He watched the old man shift a bit, tilting his head a small moment, before giving a small hum.
“That would be nice, I think. Saves me the trouble with my leg, too.” Jack nods. It seemed he took up the offer. Fuck. Okay, don’t panic, Dennis.. All is well! All is well.. Dennis lets out a small breath, and gives a smile and thumbs up.
“Great! Uh– alright! I can go get the guest room prepped for you, then!” He spoke out quickly, getting up to hurriedly do the room. It would give him time to recollect himself, as well. At least, he hoped so. Otherwise he might be screwed for the rest of the night, especially with his more.. Recent realizations. He exhales, forcing himself back to focusing on setting the bed, tucking the sheets on and under it. The Nebraskan seriously needed to get a grip on himself, desperately.
The clock on the nightstand blinked periodically in the dark room. 02:45 AM. He has been awake, lying flat on his back and staring up at the ceiling, unable to rest. Too many thoughts had been swimming around his head to let him just breathe and sleep. Especially with the realizations he had today. Dennis rolled onto his side, tucking his arm under the pillow, his free hand pulling the cover over himself again before resting near his head. He sighs, staring ahead at the wall, now, noticing some of the photos hanging up on the wall in frames in the room. This wasn’t even his room, it was Robby’s. He would have taken the couch, but he didn’t want Jack to try and convince him to let him take it, so he went this route. Not that it helped him try to clear his head any, though.
Especially with the three realizations Dennis had from today. First one? He was gay. Not that hard to really figure out, he supposed. He always felt disconnected with women, and tried to hold any relationship with one, especially back in Broken Bow. Those dating years were the worst of his life, honestly. Guess he knew why, now. The second realization? He was in love with Robby. His boss, his superior in the ED. And he can’t even confess or anything, not right now, and potentially never if Robby doesn’t come back from his sabbatical alive. But, he knew that even if the doctor came back alive, he likely wouldn’t ever confess. He was too much of a coward for that, especially with HR rules, and not wanting to ruin the mentor-mentee relationship he had going with the older man already. He ruined too many relationships already, anyways, especially with his family back at the farm. The last realization he had, though? Dennis was also in love with Jack. His boss’ best friend. The head for the nightshift at the ER. And he had spent the entirety of the day trying to get to know him better and fishing for compliments like a complete, utter idiot.
“I am so fucked,” he mutters, moving to roll back to his back, staring up at the ceiling again. The house was too silent– he figured Jack was asleep right now, but it seemed the man didn’t snore. Good in the aspect for his health, but horrid in the fact that he currently had no noise to help him sleep. Then again, Dennis could put the TV on or something to provide at least some level of noise, but he didn’t want to risk it waking Jack up.
Another half hour passed, before he finally gave up trying to sleep. He pulled himself from the bed, and padded to the kitchen to get a glass of water, only to pause when he heard soft, faint groans and grunts, as if someone was trying to be quiet while doing something. His brows furrowed, and he set the glass back down, keeping his steps light as he followed the sounds. Dennis paused, ending up in front of the guest bedroom, where Jack was staying for the night, where the sounds were at their loudest. He almost chose to do the right thing– to walk away, get that glass of water, and go back to Robby’s bedroom to sleep. You know, not be a pervert. But he couldn’t resist the chance, and with the door cracked open already? It was just an open invitation for him, at this point.
Dennis peers through the crack, his eyes adjusted to the dark already as he noticed that Jack was leaning against the headboard, one hand pressed in a fist against his mouth, while the other was moving up and down his cock in slow, steady movements, as if he was taking his time, drawing out his pleasure as much as he could. The old veteran was completely naked– did he sleep nude, too? Dennis shook his head at the thought, and went to move back, snapping back to common sense and realizing he probably shouldn’t stay any longer and watch more.
But just as he had gone to do so, Jack let out a moan. Fuck, that.. Dennis shivered at the sound, feeling heat shoot straight to his groin as he stopped moving, resuming his watching. Jack’s hand was picking up speed, showing that the veteran was nearing his peak. Dennis kept watching, finding himself mesmerised and entranced by it, by the sweet moans and grunts that escaped the older man. He just sounded so sweet, it wasn’t fair! Dennis pressed a hand to the doorframe, feeling his own breath growing ragged as his boxers tightened. Fuck. Am I seriously–?
He couldn’t even finish the thought, considering the fact that his attention immediately got snagged by Jack letting out a loud moan. He watched as the man released all over his hand, the white substance glistening and sticking to the man’s hand. Dennis felt his chest tighten at the sight, finding it made the older man even more stunning than anything. However, he saw Jack start to get up to clean up, and he panicked, quickly dashing off back to Robby’s room as fast as he could. He couldn’t let Jack find out that he just watched him masturbate– he can’t. Because then it’d make the man see him as a pervert, and he loathed the idea of it, of Jack thinking of him as such.
Dennis shut the door behind himself, palms pressed against the door as he leaned his head back. “Fuuuucccck…” He exhales, eyes closing. His cock was throbbing in his boxers, and all because he got turned on from watching Jack masturbate, and from not getting caught for doing so. God, he was such a pervert, wasn’t he? But it was so worth it, especially to hear those sweet noises from the older man. He couldn’t help but imagine the man making those noises as he’d suck his cock, cleaning it up after he’d cum all over like he did earlier.
A strangled groan escaped him as he snuck a hand down to his boxers, sliding under them as he slowly started to stroke himself, all while he imagined the ways he could pleasure Jack just to hear those moans, those grunts and groans. It was just so hot, hearing it come out of the old man like it did earlier when he was watching. He started to move his hand faster, starting to pant as his head lightly hit against the door, starting to struggle to control his volume. He couldn’t afford to be caught or overheard by Jack– it’d be embarrassing. Dennis kept going, his chest heaving, until he let out a moan, cumming all over his hand and into his boxers from this. He slumps down the door, feeling exerted but amazing afterwards. Oh, if only he could…
The 5:00 alarm that suddenly went off from the clock on the nightstand shot Dennis awake right away. He fumbled, his hand missing the button to turn it off as he swore loudly– Did Robby leave the fucking alarm set?! An annoyed exhale leaves him as he gets up, tugging on a random shirt as he leaves the bedroom to the kitchen, trying to just get a cup of orange juice. He walked past the sliding doors that led to the backyard, and paused when he caught a glimpse of Jack. His brows furrowed for a moment, and he turned to get a more proper look, only to go red when he saw that the man was naked. Doing yoga. Fuck, I forgot he did that.. Oh, why is it so hot?
Dennis hesitates for a moment, before heading out there, leaning against the doorframe as he watches Jack do the yoga. He saw the veteran was without his prosthetic leg, and moving with ease; a testament to his years of doing this, most likely. And honestly? Dennis found that so attractive. He wasn’t even afraid to admit that, at this point, because fuck. He continued to watch, feeling his boxers tighten just the bit when Jack moved to a handstand position, his legs bent over his head with his eyes closed. The position gave Dennis a fantastic view of the man’s cock, which was a bit on the bigger side even when soft, and he let out a strangled, choked off noise at the sight. Fuck, that..
Unfortunately for Dennis, Jack heard that, and the older man opened his eyes, moving his head to look over at him, before a smirk crossed his face. There was no shame in his expression, and in fact, he seemed to even be enjoying Dennis’ reaction, especially with the way his eyes glanced up and down at him. Dennis swallowed thickly, watching as Jack moved to a stable standing position outside in the yard, putting a hand to his waist as he perked an eyebrow. “Like what you see, kid?”
That caused Dennis to grow red, and stammer all over himself in a panic, “I– no, no, I just got curious in how you’re doing your yoga and–” He went to say more, when Jack held a hand up to be able to speak.
“If you got curious, you could have just asked. C’mon, get stripped and I’ll show you some positions I do..that is, if you’re comfortable with it?”
“Oh– uh, yeah, no that’s fine!” Dennis went red, but he tugged the shirt off, throwing it to the side as he also stepped out of his boxers, ignoring the way his cock was stiff and up. He was grateful that Jack didn’t comment on it, especially when he put a hand on his waist, guiding him into a very specific position– he had said it was called standing forward bend. Jack guided the Nebraskan to bend forward as far as he could, and wrap his hands around his feet. The position caused his cock to hit just barely against his torso, but he chose to ignore it. What he couldn’t ignore, though? The way Jack was so close to him, his own groin pressed up right against his ass as he guided him through the position, softly murmuring to him about its purpose and its benefits to him. Dennis had to bite back a groan when he felt Jack shift behind him, tensing just slightly.
“Relax, kid, you’re in good hands,” Jack murmured softly to him, leaning further against him as his one hand kept at his hip, rubbing circles into it as the other started to wander towards where Dennis’ cock was as he rolled his hips against him. “You’re fine, just relax and follow my lead.”
Dennis doesn’t know how long this went on for, but he does know the moment he heard Robby’s voice from the sliding doors and almost falling over in pure panic and embarrassment– as he knew he was panting heavily and was all red from Jack’s actions.
“..When I mentioned that Jack did nude yoga at sunrise to you, I really was not expecting you to invite him over and join him, Kid,”he was shaking his head as a laugh escaped the man. “And brother, really? In my own backyard?”
“Hey, it’s all fair game, brother. Unless you’d like to join in?”
Dennis blanked at that. Did Jack just–? Oh fuck me. There was no way he was going to be allowed to live this down, not one bit. Please don’t accept, please don’t–
“I thought you’d never ask,” Robby replied, pushing off the doorframe as he moved towards the two, his eyes crinkling and looking the two both up and down with a smirk. “I know you were well built, Jack, but whoo,” he grinned. “Whitaker, you’re a surprise.”
Dennis felt his face go red at that, as he shifts a little, only to feel himself get shifted from his yoga position, though Jack still kept himself posted against his ass, while Robby positioned himself in front of Dennis. “A-ah..”
“Think you can deal with the both of us, kid?” Robby whispered, cupping Dennis’ chin with his calloused hand. “I meant to just drop by to pick up something I forgot, but I think it can wait for this..”