Chapter Text
The moment the elevator doors opened, Robby felt his back straighten. It was out of habit—a habit he thought he broke after a year of being away from the environment.
He stared down the narrow hallway, practically able to smell the blood and hear the echoing cries of lost souls before him.
The Underground was never a welcoming place—less so than The Pitt.
Taking a breath, Robby made his way down the hall and into the common room. His eyes found the familiar paintings that lined the walls, listening to the hushed conversation three other thick-headed “hunters” had in the corner.
Robby made no move to go near them, his eyes burning holes into the paintings of fallen bodies or men standing on top of corpses, holding weapons and decapitated heads.
He had declined to be on one of the paintings. The Underground usually painted one for every hunter after their tenth year in rotation.
Before Robby could examine the paintings, he turned his head when Jack suddenly walked into the open space. His eyes narrowed at the sight of his husband, “For fuck’s sake.” he grumbled to himself, moving across the space.
Once he stood in front of Jack, Robby forced himself to smile, “What are you doing here?” he questioned, walking beside Jack as they moved around the room.
Jack looked up at Robby with a forming smirk, “I was just in the neighborhood and decided to take Elena up on her invitation. I’m guessing you’re here for the same reasons.” he answered, leaning against his cane for a moment.
The sight made Robby’s eyes narrow—Jack’s cane or Lucille as Jack lovingly called her. Robby stared at cane’s head, watching Jack’s fingers curl around the brass so comfortably.
As if no time was lost on him.
Lucille was a simple cane with a brass head. The edge was curved to a point and perfect weapon—Jack used to love beating the sharp edge into the skulls of monsters.
“What are you doing here?” Robby repeated, his voice on the verge of growing a bit louder; but he forced himself to go quiet when two of the hunters looked their way.
He hated how nosy hunters had become in these past few years.
When Jack didn’t answer, Robby sighed, “I thought we agreed on it being one of us. One of us gets Dennis and the other waits at home.” he explained, watching Jack shake his head, “And what? You expect me to be the one who waits at home? I’m not letting you have all the fun—besides, I never get to use Lucille anymore.”
Robby stared at Jack with an exasperated look, “Why is she even here? Jack, I put that thing away years ago.” he whispered-yelled while Jack lifted his cane to show off the newly sharpened tip.
“And I found it earlier today. Robby, it’s ok. It’s gonna be ok.” Jack assured the man with a gentle smile. He was oblivious to the souring expression Robby wore as they found their seats.
Robby sat with a small groan, his knees aching in protest while his back felt stiff because of long shifts in the ED. It was all just more evidence that Robby and Jack had been out of the game longer than either one of them would like to admit.
Both men sat in silence, their eyes moving around the walls and ceiling. Nothing had changed, other than the paintings that honored every hunter that died or reached a decade in their line of work—their work in The Underground.
The organization wasn’t anything special. They were a secret membership that consisted of a few hundred men and women who were interested in dealing with the supernatural creatures that lurked in the shadows.
Outside of their work in the ED, Robby and Jack had been part of the organization. They had only joined after experiencing the pain certain creatures caused innocent people.
And because Jack’s therapist encouraged him to do something more productive when outside of the ED.
Robby promised that hunting monsters wasn’t what she meant.
But that all changed when they first encountered Dennis.
Dennis, a sweet dog-hybrid—a pup-hybrid, more like. He worked alongside both men for a year before Jack was able to gather anything about his true identity.
But the warning signs had always been here: the naivety about those around him, the way he’d perk up at the slightest praise, or the utter desperation to please anyone he encountered.
It was easy to say he had Robby and Jack’s heart in an iron grip from day one.
And their affection only grew when Jack cornered Dennis in the alleyway the night he clicked that the younger man was part of the supernatural community. Watching Dennis’ floppy ears appear from his hair and tucked in tail was enough for Jack to take him back to his and Robby’s apartment and keep him there for the rest of the weekend.
It’s no wonder the kid doesn’t have any type of hit on him. He’s too innocent for his own good. Jack remembered telling Robby that same night while they watched Dennis sleep in-between them.
The fond memory made Jack chuckle as his eyes moved around the room. It was almost shocking to remember how much satisfaction the place had once given him.
But now? Jack felt an uncomfortable shiver run up his spine at the sight of the paintings and artifacts that were displayed as if they came from the heavens themselves.
Swords and knives, guns and different tools of torture that were forged for the same reason: to cause irreversible pain and agony.
Especially on nights like this; for the past thirty years, The Underground hosted hunting parties. They’d grab some defenseless monster and have the hunters play like children, trying to find their prey.
And both men knew it was Dennis’ unfortunate turn the moment his calls and texts went unanswered. Their pup knew better than to go radio silent on either of them.
It was those same weapons both men feared. They had used those weapons on monsters, and they knew the amount of damage that could be done.
So when Robby noticed a specific collar missing, he felt his chest tighten, “Shit.” he muttered under his breath, knowing what the collar would do to their pup.
“This is why I told you to get him a tracker.” Jack muttered, focusing on the head of his cane. His words made Robby scoff, “Well, none of this would’ve happened if you walked him to the car like you always do.”
Jack glanced at Robby, “Are you trying to say this is my fault?” he questioned, watching Robby shake his head, “Of course not,” he began with a small sigh, “I just don’t think it was necessary for you to join me—considering how much you miss the atmosphere.” he grumbled, listening to Jack scoff.
“That’s bullshit,” Jack began, “I don’t miss any of this, but I was good at what I did—you were, too.” he answered, rolling his eyes when Robby shook his head, “This is why I wanted to come alone.”
Before either man could continue, they lifted their heads when a woman entered. She wore all black, a long thin veil covering her face while a similar veil dragged behind her from her shoulders.
Elena Monroe. The highest ranking member of The Underground. She organized the hunting nights and dictated who lived and who died.
“My-my,” she began, noticing Robby and Jack within a few seconds, “so many new and familiar faces in one room. Let us begin.” She smiled, clapping her hands to grab everyone’s attention.
It wasn’t long before the three other hunters found their seats. Once everyone was seated, Elena walked around the room, admiring the paintings of past hunters, “This is a memorable night, my brothers. In this single room there are over three hundred confirmed kills.” she smiled, holding her hands against her chest as she moved towards the first hunter.
“Twenty-six.” she smiled, patting the shoulder of up-and-coming hunter Marcus Levy. The young hunter sat up a bit straighter, not looking at any other hunters as Elena moved to the next.
She placed a condescending hand over the next, “Fifty-seven for you.” smiled Elena, ruffling the curls of William Hennesy as she passed.
William adjusted his jacket with a subtle smirk. The sight made Jack scoff while Robby gave him a stern look—as if daring him to say something.
“A beautiful ninety-five, my dear,” Elena nodded, caressing the shoulders of Amelia Wells before setting her focus on Robby and Jack, “and an absolutely gorgeous one hundred and twenty-two deaths.” she smiled, missing the way Robby’s jaw clenched while Jack’s firm grip on Lucille tightened.
The room went silent until William leaned in, “Over a hundred? Is that combined or individually?” he questioned, watching as Jack smirked, “Individually—I hold the record.” he chuckled, ignoring Robby’s annoyed grumbles.
Elena smiled at Jack’s words, giving his shoulders a squeeze, “I truly thank our dear veterans for joining us in tonight’s ritual—I’m surprised you even came at all, it’s been months since you’ve joined. But it’s always an honor to share the hunting grounds with the ones who paved the way.” she sighed, moving back to the front of the room while the other three hunters clapped.
Robby stared at Elena, ignoring the presence of everyone else, “We’ve missed it,” he lied, “but we’re more than excited to be part of this new wave. It’s nice to know our traditions will carry on.”
“I do believe you’re right,” Elena chuckled, snapping her fingers before a pedestal was brought beside her with a black veil covering what was perched on top, “and I also believe you’ll enjoy the hunt I’ve prepared for tonight. We have a hybrid on the menu tonight.” she smiled, watching William raise an eyebrow.
The young hunter leaned forward in his seat, his eyes narrowing, “A hybrid? That’s it? I thought these nights were supposed to be memorable.” he snickered, making Robby’s fist clench while Elena’s expression grew stern.
She stared at William for a moment, “I’d watch your tongue,” she warned before looking at the rest, “this hybrid is easy to miss, especially in the shadows—think of this like a game of hide-and-seek.” Elena encouraged before pulling the veil off the pedestal.
Both Robby and Jack knew what to expect, but to see the collar was enough to make their hearts clench as they shared a subtle look.
The collar was forged in leather and shining with sharpened spikes and jewels that shone under the lights. Its power was subtle yet powerful whenever worn by a monster. It was enchanted to force whatever poor creature who wore it to submit—to become a feral and unhinged version of themselves.
It usually worked best on hybrids. It’d work best on Dennis. Robby thought to himself as he stared at the menacing collar.
But Elena’s smile was as wicked as ever. She ran her sharp nails around the rim of the collar, tracing each jewel that gave the collar its irresistible power, “We follow the same rules. The only weapons allowed are scattered in the garden for you to find.” she explained before noticing Lucille.
“With one exception. Jack Abbot is our record holder, therefore, he gets a weapon of his own.” Elena nodded, pulling her veil over her head when Jack winked.
She took hold of the collar and held it with cautious care, “The collar will be around the monster’s neck—it will weaken it, but it’ll also make it very angry.” Elena smiled, admiring the collar before placing it back on the pedestal.
The hunters watched as the collar was carried out to the garden, “Please, join me in the garden—we don’t want to keep our guest of honor waiting for too long.” Elena explained, her eyes brightening when a distant cry echoed through the gardens.
Both men held themselves back from standing when they heard the familiar cry of their boy. Instead, they stood and allowed the three hunters to follow Elena before walking after them.
Once in the garden, the once distant cries grew louder and sharper. The hunters relished in the sounds while Robby and Jack felt as if their skin was being peeled off.
Their pup was being hurt and they couldn’t do anything. Not yet.
After the cries went silent, Elena stepped to the side and extended her hand towards the gardens, “Let us begin,” she softly smiled, gesturing for the hunters, “good luck to all of you.”
Without wasting any time, the three young hunters disappeared into the lush gardens. Robby watched them go before looking at Elena. He stared at the woman before walking off, knowing Jack would be right behind him.
They walked aimlessly for a few minutes. All they could hear was the scattered shouts and echoing cries and howls of Dennis.
Each one made Robby’s irritation rise, but he nearly snapped when Jack suddenly grabbed his wrist, forcing him to stop moving, “We don’t have time for this, Jack—let’s go.” the older man sighed, pulling his wrist from Jack.
But before Robby could turn away, he froze when Jack swung his cane and stopped his husband from taking another step, “No, we’re gonna talk first. I’m not going through this night, not being on the same page as you. What’s going on?”
“We’ll talk after we get Dennis. We have to keep going.” Robby ordered, pausing when Jack’s eyes narrowed, “You’re pissed off that I’m here, Robby, just say it.” Jack pushed while Robby scoffed, feeling himself reach the edge.
Robby shook his head, “Like I said, we’ll talk later. Right now, I need to find Dennis.” He frowned, taking a sharp breath when Jack stopped him again, “You say that like you’re planning on ditching me around the corner.”
When Robby didn’t answer, Jack stepped forward until he was blocking Robby from trying to leave, “Is this what’s wrong here? Me being here and you not being able to work this out on your own?” questioned Jack, freezing when Robby finally snapped.
“I told you I was going to come alone because I knew this would happen—you’d get caught up in the “golden day” and… And you’d think about coming back,” Robby snapped, his eyes staring into Jack as the words spilled out, “you’d think about coming back and we’d lose Dennis.” he admitted, lowering his gaze by the end of his explanation.
All Jack could do was stare before setting Lucille against a hedge. He remained still before finding the right words, “You really think that, Robby?” he began, ducking his head to meet Robby’s eyes, “I left all of this for good after we both agreed we had found someone to live for. Do you not believe me anymore, hm?”
Robby didn’t answer, running his hands through his hair before scratching his beard, “Of course I believe you,” he answered, looking into his husband’s eyes, “it’s just… We both joined The Underground in the ‘90s because we saw how many innocent people were hurt by the supernatural. We agreed to join for the sole reason to keep innocent people safe.” the older man explained, watching Jack.
“And we have—we did.” Jack answered, trying to soothe the older man. But he knew it wasn’t doing much by the distraught look in Robby’s eyes.
Robby ignored Jack’s words, pulling away from him to walk a few steps through the garden before he stopped again. He muttered to himself until he looked up at Jack again, “But I hate that I ever joined. I hate knowing how many people I’ve hurt and killed—all their faces. I can’t forget any of them… And no matter how many people I save in the ED, it won’t measure one monster I’ve killed in my past.”
But Robby didn’t let Jack speak, unable to stop himself, “And I wanted to think that if I was able to save Dennis, then maybe… Maybe it’ll wash some of the blood off my hands.” he frowned, allowing his shoulders to sag before he felt Jack cup his bearded cheeks.
“Look at me,” Jack ordered, waiting until Robby met his eyes, “you, Michael Abbot-Robinavitch, have nothing to make up for. Those monsters you… Disposed of were nothing more than scum and heartless creatures.” he assured, brushing his fingers through Robby’s hair.
His words slowly broke through the haze in Robby’s mind, but he tried to fight it, “But they were once innocent people, too.” he tried to say, frowning when Jack gently tugged on his hair.
Jack always knew it calmed him whenever his thoughts grew too loud.
Keeping their gazes locked, Jack slowly nodded, “Fine, but the choices they made after their transitions were entirely their own—you and I had no influence in that. We both knew they were going to hurt others. You remember that, right?” he coaxed, watching as Robby slowly nodded.
“I remember,” Robby choked out, his eyes watering with unhushed tears—decades of built up sorrow and guilt finally boiling over, “and I remember how liberating it felt when we found Dennis.” he chuckled while Jack wiped his tears away.
Jack hummed in agreement, “He was the cutest little pup—so innocent and naive. We had no choice but to take him in.” he sighed, remembering how Dennis used to tell them tales of his routine before meeting the couple.
The way Dennis used to get through a fifteen-hour shift before shifting into a pup and sleeping in boxes that were in alleyways or hiding out on the eighth floor to shower and feel some warmth in the winter.
It only made both men so much more protective of their pup, showering him with affection and gifts. They didn’t let Dennis out of their sight for more than a few minutes; and Dennis had never felt so loved.
“We gotta find our boy and take him back home.” Robby soon said when another cry pierced his ears. He knew one of the hunters might’ve reached Dennis before they did.
Jack nodded, grabbing his cane once more, “He’s close.” he muttered as he and Robby continued through the garden.
They only walked a few minutes before Jack noticed something move in the shadows. The sight made both men stop as they stood in the middle of a corner in the garden.
Robby kept himself in front of Jack, his eyes narrowing when he heard a small hiss. He shared a quick look with Jack, kneeling to the ground, “Dennis?” he gently called, keeping his eyes trained on the shadows.
It took a moment before a smaller form crawled out from the shadows. Dennis. He was hunched over, his scrubs ripped and dirty. His skin was flushed and shining with sweat—small bruises and cuts appearing on his skin from the other hunters.
And around his neck was the damned collar. The spikes seemed sharper, poking into the delicate skin of Dennis’ neck. The collar looked tight, rubbing Dennis’ neck raw from where it scratched and moved against his skin.
Dennis was in pain.
The sight made Robby’s heart clench as his expression hardened before softening, “Dennis, it’s just us,” he began while Jack lowered his cane, “you know we’re not here to hurt you. You know we’d never hurt you.” he promised, listening as Dennis hissed.
Dennis’s usually floppy ears stood straight while his tail shook fast—a poor attempt to make himself look hostile. But all it did was make Robby’s eyes soften while Jack resisted the urge to coo.
A few moments passed before Robby began to extend his hand towards Dennis. He reached to caress the underside of Dennis’ jaw, unflinching when Dennis growled and threatened to bite him.
“Ah-ah,” Robby suddenly said, his tone stern as a flicker of recognition moved through the younger man’s eyes, “that’s not how good boys act towards others, is it?” the older man said, still reaching for Dennis.
Dennis remained silent, his ears flopping down while his tail began to slow. He took his eyes off Robby to stare at Jack, another hiss leaving hips.
Jack knelt beside his husband, his eyes softening as he watched Robby coax Dennis to come closer, “Hi, pup, we came as soon as we could—you got yourself in a bit of a mess, huh?” the man cooed, letting out a small sigh of relief when Dennis moved closer towards the men.
Once Dennis was close enough, Robby subtly undid the collar, “Good boy,” he praised, working the lock until it came undone, “such a good boy for being nice and still.”
It took a few seconds before the lock gave way and the collar fell from its place around Dennis’ neck. Robby caught the collar and tossed it to Jack.
Jack didn’t hesitate to swing Lucille, her pointed head coming down on the collar, ripping it in half. He stared at the ruins before swinging Lucile once more, effectively ruining the collar for any future use.
As Jack dealt with the collar, Dennis’ eyes rolled back as his body went limp and fell forward. Falling into Robby’s arms, his limbs felt as if they weighed tons and his head was being held underwater.
Robby lifted Dennis into his arms, letting out a small sigh of relief when Jack gently scratched the back of Dennis’ floppy ear, causing his tail to slowly wag.
After a few moments, Robby leaned down to press light kisses to Dennis’ flushed cheeks, “There he is.” the older man cooed, watching Dennis’ eyes slowly open.
The moment Dennis’ eyes opened, a choked noise left his lips as pain overtook any feeling in his body. He had been attacked by the other hunters before the older men found him.
“Bastards.” Jack snarled when he noticed the bruises and cuts that were littered against Dennis’ skin. Robby’s touch grew tender as he kept the younger man’s head against his chest, “Later. We have to get out of here.”
When Robby moved to stand, keeping Dennis in his arms, he turned when they heard rapid footsteps, “What the fuck?” William exclaimed, slightly out of breath as he stared at the sight before him.
Jack’s grip on his cane tightened, watching William kneel beside the ruins before Elena appeared. Even from behind her veil, both men could see how angered she had become.
Not wasting a second, Jack swung his cane in a silent warning for anyone who tried to come close. His eyes narrowed when Elena stepped forward, her hands raised, “What happened?” she questioned, her voice dropping, “why is the collar ripped to shreds… And why are you holding that abomination?”
Listening to her list of questions, neither man answered. Instead, Robby stood and Jack made sure to plant himself in front of his husband and younger lover, “They destroyed the collar—to protect that.” William explained, holding up broken jewels and torn pieces of leather.
Jack clenched his jaw at William’s words, “Watch yourself, rookie.” he snarled while Robby cupped his hand over Dennis’ ear when he heard the weakened creature whimper, softly crying out of exhaustion and pain.
“Look at this,” Elena scoffed, pulling her veil over her head, “a monster being coddled by two hunter—excuse me, two former hunters. It’s shameful, really. The two of you masquerading as one of our own and ruining our sacred night!” she shouted, her eyes wide and wild.
Before either man could defend themselves, sudden shocks of electricity coursed through their bodies. Jack was the first to fall, his cane rolling out of his hand. And Robby? Robby tried to keep Dennis close, but his aged body couldn’t last any longer before he eventually fell.
Elena stared down at their bodies, scoffing, “Get them into the cages.” she ordered, stepping over them and making her way back to the mansion.
As Elena walked, she paused when one of her guards cleared his throat, “Together or apart?” the man questioned, nodding when Elena’s eyes narrowed, “Apart—they may be old, but they’re not stupid.”