Chapter Text
"We need to talk."
Other relationships would probably fear this sentence. Not Robby. It just meant Abbot knew something and wanted his full attention and not just a side talk.
Straightening in his seat at the dining table, Robby set his glass down. They had just finished eating, some rock music was quietly running in the background and they had a rare free day together tomorrow. Working opposite shifts was a decision they had made years ago - of course they did not have the usual amount of time off together but they loved "their" ER - the Pitt as they lovingly named it - quite a bit. Jack was a night time person too, so it was way easier for him to sleep during the day.
They had been through many things together in these years. From Jacks comeback as a vet, missing a foot, to the death of their wife years later. Robby was proud of their ability to communicate these days. It hasn't always been easy between PTSD and the way they have been raised, acknowledging their emotions and all.
Robby looked straight at Jack, mustering his face and the way he sat.
"What's going on?" Robby asked, tilting his head. It had been a while since the last time Jack had said that.
Jacks eyes fluttered closed for a second, seemingly rethinking. That was unusual. He had always been the absolute in their relationship, always sure what to say, to do, what to act on. (Except the times when the PTSD was kicking bad…) Robby was the more emotional one, overthinking, sometimes impulsive.
When Jack opened his eyes after a second, relaxing his shoulders, he looked straight at Robby.
"I think I found someone."
Robby raised his eyebrows. That was not what he thought this would be about.
"Are you ready to have a third again?"
"I am. I miss it. I want someone else to share our love with."
Robby nodded, letting it sink in. They had been polyamorous from the start, but after their wife died a few years ago it hadn't felt… right for Jack to fill this gap again. Robby had been ready a while back, but these kind of constellations needed all people on the same page. So Robby had been waiting, patiently. He would be here for Jack, be it months, years or decades.
A short silence settled between them. The good kind of silence. Both thinking about Elena, their dead wife for a second, their eyes wandering over the photos on a wall in the dining area.
"Do I know them?" was the next question from Robby.
"Yes. And I know it may be a bit more complicated, but from work."
Robby leaned back, now with a smile creeping onto his face. "Whitaker?"
Jack escaped a small smile too. No answer needed there. They knew each other very well.
"That may be… interesting then." Robby added. "But yes… I can relate, I have an interest too. We always shared way too much about the kind of people we liked." He chuckled. It had been the same after Robby met Elena, the three of them immediately on the same page, wanting the same.
Jack nodded, still smiling, as Robby continued. "So, have you thought about what you want to do?"
"Our usual tactic won't work on the kid, I fear." Abbot joked back. "I think we will need to play the long game here to see if he may be interested." Jacks eyes stopped focusing, in the way he usually did if he was imagining something, sitting in a safe place. Probably thinking about the younger mans antics.
Robby chuckled, standing up to go over and grab Jack to move him to the couch.
"Well, I think it's time for you to tell me how the kid grabbed your attention after all this time." Robby hummed as he pulled Jack in his lap, settling into the cushions. Jack chuckled softly, sitting back up to release the prosthetic and set it down, leaving the liner on.
Dennis felt his brain restarting. He had entered one of the south rooms, on the lookout for a patient that was supposed to be here, helping Samira out. Instead, Dr. Abbot sat on the bed, topless, some utensils on the table in front of him.
Dennis had been really good ignoring him in the SWAT uniform. He had put that sight deep away for later. Patients came first. But now his brain had a breather, nothing to focus on and decided, that was the sight which made him freeze for a second.
Dr. Abbot looked up, nodded at him before continuing to do.. what exactly?
Dennis shook himself, brain still not fully rebooted and definitely trying his hardest not to look too closely at the topless attending in question.
"Did you see a patient leave from here? And what are you doing in here Dr. Abbot?"
Dr. Abbot shook his head, preparing a cotton swab with disinfection.
"No I haven't. It was empty when I arrived." He ignored the second question, while trying to reach a spot on his back with the long swab.
Dennis hesitated a second before he moved to grab gloves and went to see whatever Dr. Abbot tried to accomplish.
"What are you doing?" Dr. Abbot asked, still trying to reach his shoulder blade which, now that Dennis was at his side was able to see, had a grazing wound.
"Helping you out. Are you charting this?"
"No. Let's leave this off the books, no paperwork please." Sighing he offered Dennis the swab, turning his head back to the front, crossing his arms. "It's nothing serious. They got nervous and couldn't aim."
Dennis tries his hardest to keep his face neutral at the display of the raw muscle in front of him, disinfecting and checking the wound. He felt the heat radiating of Dr. Abbot, and when Dennis was sure it was clean, he grabbed the offered cream and bandage from Dr. Abbot. He couldn't hide a small shake of his hands as he held the big adhesive bandage to the wound, carefully affixing it. Without thinking about it twice, his brain managed to slip out a question. "So, kind of a little secret between us then?"
He did not look at Dr. Abbots face as the named turned around to look at him. He tried even harder to finish his task as perfect as possible, and as he slipped of the gloves to dispose them in the bin next to them, he still felt Dr. Abbot starting at him. Dennis slipped past him and almost froze again when he brushed past Dr. Abbot accidentally, as he had moved to grab his top.
Dennis did not look back at Dr. Abbot nor did he say goodbye as he left the room when Dr. Abbot put his top back on. He either needed fresh air or a slap to the face, and he wasn't sure what he preferred.
Jack kept sitting on the bed for a few minutes, staring at the door Dennis just had left through, before he shook his head and disposed of the used materials. As he rejoined the crew, Robby caught his gaze immediately, his small gesture pointing out confusion. Jack just started smiling a bit and winked at him. He hadn't hoped for help… but he liked the help he just received quite a bit. Especially what it had told him about Whitaker.
Robby had seen them. He wasn't sure what the reason was - Jack hadn't said anything when he vanished - but it seemed Jack was trying his hardest to not show up on the charts with an injury again. And this time, he seemingly had help by their favorite resident, and Robby had seen the small, hidden twinkle in Jacks eyes when he went past that room, catching them unaware. He had decided not to intrude and had hoped no one else will see them in there. It always led to more questions when Jack had been hurt and wasn't willing for all the paperwork. It was dumb, but Robby was willing to let it slide most of the time.
He just needed to wait for a good inconspicuous time to catch Jack to ask him. There weren't many in the ER that knew they were married and he wasn't too fond of being in the "Oh my god they're gay?!" spotlight again every time it came up. Not like all the nurses knew, they always knew.
And so he pulled Jack into an empty bay just minutes later, hectically whispering with a smile. "Was that what I think it was?!"
Jack gave him one of his rare full smiles at work. "If I have to get patched up by someone, I prefer him in the future."
Robby gasped outraged at the answer. "What? Not me?"
Jack checked the area outside the not completely closed curtain, before giving him a quick kiss, taking Robbys face into his hands. "I know you don't like it."
Robby ignored the true comment. "You know I want all details later. Let me look before I have to face them again."
Jack caressed Robbys face a last time before he turned around, and through the hole Robby was able to see the carefully placed bandage. Robby put his hand at Jacks nape, trusting the work of his now resident, his thumb slowly stroking for a quick second before they split up with a nod to do their work again.
Dennis was trying real hard not to think about it. But the picture did not leave him alone. He had been able to ignore it at work when it happened, but the second he was free to be distracted again, he saw Abbot before his inner eye. In that SWAT outfit, as he had came in as their medic helping one of his own.
Groaning about his big liking for a good man in uniform and his small crush on the night shift attending, he let it replay with closed eyes as he sat down taking a breather before changing in the empty locker room after his shift. The quiet self-assuring way Dr. Abbot handled this kind of situations, seemingly staying clear headed and keeping control. And it definitely did not had him almost collapse when he had Dr. Abbot for himself, fixing his graze behind half closed doors, their little secret as he had told Dr. Abbot.
He had felt the stare on him and damn, Dennis would be lying if he said he didn't want Dr. Abbot to come in from a SWAT incident again, but seeing him in that outfit and being able to be that near? It really didn't help his crush.
Someone stepped over his feet, brushing it in the act, startling him.
"Sorry, sorry, sorry." he called out, planting his feet near the bench instead of spread out across the whole passage. The chuckle made him freeze as he looked up.
"No worries. I can relate. It wasn't my intention to startle you." Robby looked at him, head tilted, eyes twinkling with a secret. "Everything okay?"
Dennis nodded hectically, rubbing his nape in shame. Of course the one person to catch him daydreaming about the night shift attending had to be the next worst option - the day shift attending, whom - he was pretty sure - he also had a crush on.
What could be worse than having a crush on your boss? Having a crush on another indirect boss. Well, Dr. Abbot would be his boss soon when he would have his night shift rotation.
Apparently Dr. Robby was still waiting for an answer, the way he looked down instead of moving to his own locker.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. Just, you know, a long day and then Dr. Abbot with the SWAT and all."
Internally Dennis was facepalming himself the second he highlighted Dr. Abbot in his answer. Did he see a short grin on Dr. Robbys face? No, he had to have imagined that.
"Yes, Hiro was lucky they had their own medic with them. It's always good and bad to see Dr. Abbot in SWAT gear, is it."
Dennis was trying very hard not to overthink that comment as Dr. Robby sat down next to him, almost touching. "To be honest, it's great seeing him help out, but he's getting hurt way too often for his own good." Dr. Robby sighed next to him, not noticing the frantic neutral face Dennis tried to keep.
It definitely was only the care of a colleague that wanted to have not too many double shifts picking up if Dr. Abbot wasn't able to…. Right? Right?
Dennis only nodded, trying very hard to school his features, as Dr. Robby took some deep breaths next to him, before Dr. Robbys hand landed in his nape, patting him as he stood up again, looking down at Dennis.
"Well, don't think to hard. Hiro is already on his way getting better and we all did a good job today. Joining us for a drink in the park today?"
Dennis was silent for a few seconds before Dr. Robby continued.
"I know you don't join us often, but Santos will need some more time for her charts and well, why don't wait with us for her? It would be nice to see you out there." He rambled, moving to his locker.
Dennis got very hasty to grab his clothes as he saw Dr. Robby starting to switch clothes in front of him instead of the changing cubicles next to him. It wasn't the first time, but by god, after seeing Dr. Abbot topless today and being so.. near and able to touch him? No, he wasn't able to cope with this view too, so he hurriedly made his way to the cubicle to change there.
"Yeah I think I will join you all today." Dennis answered the question finally when he was back in clothes, putting the scrubs in the exchange, slinging his backpack over his shoulder, looking towards Dr. Robby tying his shoes.
A short message exchange between Robby and Jack happened at that answer. Jack had been upstairs, looking after Hiro.
He's joining. Don't take too long to show up, he will only wait for Santos.
- Robby
Good job. I'm on my way out already, I won't bother changing then. Hiro is already roomed upstairs.
- Jack
You know, he especially said your name as I asked about his day, I caught him daydreaming in the locker.
- Robby
Jack chuckles. He had left his SWAT gear - except the gun and radio he had to keep possession of - with the others who will bring it back to base, so yes, he may be in sweaty camouflage clothes, but without markings he was fine to sit in the park and drink a beer, so he quickly ripped off his one left over shoulder patch and put it in his pants. Usually he would have driven back to base with the others to shower and redress, but he couldn't be arsed now. He had off tonight, even if Robby had shift tomorrow, and that meant he could take a shower with Robby when they came home.
Robby lead Whitaker out towards the park, no words spoken between them. Just some glances stolen. The usual crew was already there, the "attending bench" empty for them, and Robby pulled Whitaker with him, settling him next to him. He saw Mateo look at him questioning, but he just waved it off, before getting a beer thrown at him. Chuckling he catches, opening it up and grunting softly at the first sip.
"You too, Whit?" Mateo asked Whitaker next to him, and he only hesitated shortly before nodding. Oh, Robby would give much to know his thought right now, after catching him that distracted. As Robby settled, leaning back, he rested his arms on the back of the bench. Enough distance to stay clear of anything indicating touching him, he continued to take sips, listening to the quiet talks between the others. Whitaker next to him had stayed silent too, slowly settling and getting more relaxed. It didn't take much longer for Jack to show up, and for everyone else it probably looked like the usual neutral face he had… but Robby saw the twinkle and minimal smile as Jack saw where Robby had set Dennis down.
His attention got grabbed immediately as Whitaker tensed up, seeing Jack. And he saw the fiddling, turning his can around and around as Jack sat down next to him, catching the beer with a quick thanks.
Sighing, Jack leaned back, tensing up for a second before adjusting his position. Robby watched closely, and he got a quick nod from Jack, signaling he's okay.
"You good?" Mateo asked Jack, seemingly have seen that readjusting too.
"My man, you see too much. Yeah, got a graze, nothing bad. It has gotten some very good TLC, no worries."
Mateo nodded knowingly at Robby, and the latter had to suppress a chuckle. No, this time it wasn't him or Dana, but this wasn't a topic to be brought up. Whitaker who had just started to slowly relax next to him, tensed up again at the comment, but nothing in his face let the secret out.
Chuckling Robby took another sip of his beer, watching the other talk in small groups, their bench being quiet. Dennis had settled back, finally relaxing. Robby was very tempted to seemingly by accident touch him again. Instead he poked his husband on the other side, who turned to face him with a small smile.
"Left your gear with your guys?" Robby asked, wanting to start a harmless little conversation.
"Yeah, all the gear I was allowed to dump on them. I will need to bring over the rest later or tomorrow, but I couldn't care less for now." Chuckling Jack patted his backpack between his feet. "You know me, all locked up."
Jack indulged in the quiet little talk with Robby above Dennis. But he saw the side glances Whitaker kept stealing at him, and it made him wonder what it was. The fact he was a combat medic? Active in the SWAT? The rest of the gear they talked about? The gun?
"And talking about seeing you as a flight attendant earlier… I prefer this uniform, even if it means someone has gotten hurt if you come through these doors." Robby added, smiling mischievously. Robby did like the look of his man in uniform. No regrets on that front - or back, the pants were the best part. It was also the reason Jack used to keep on top of training, and Jack knew how much Robby liked his still jacked physique. Win - Win here.
Oh, right. He had made a joke earlier when they saw each other in the trauma bay.
Dennis looked between them, before asking sheepishly. "What's up with flight attendant if I may ask?"
Robby laughs. "Oh no, I just made a comment earlier how I would never miss out on him in uniform, and Jack here answered my comment with a You should see me as a flight attendant one."
Suddenly the two attendings were very interested in Whitaker between them. Was there a blush on his cheek? Jack, the quick thinker, had the perfect unassuming idea.
"What do you say, Whitaker? Me in SWAT or as a flight attendant? Or good old scrubs?" Jack asked, taking a sip of his can in between which did nothing to hide the mischievous twinkle.
Robby was sure it was a blush now and stole a glance at Jack, sending him a quick wink.
"Eh.. Um.. No I can relate with Dr. Robby here with SWAT… it… it is a good sight… protective and all." Whitaker stumbles his way through the words, speaking very quiet. His eyes flickering around on the ground.
Robby couldn't resist. He brushed his fingers in the dark of Whitaker's shoulders along them as he brought his arm back to the front. Just a bit, a seemingly afterthought. Whitaker's reaction was freezing and a shaky breath after, which gave Robby a good opportunity to lean in a bit.
"You do know you can just say Robby and Abbot when we're out of work, do you?" Robby asked, quietly. His elbow on the backrest, he had turned to face Whitaker next to him, mustering his face closely. It was enough space to look innocent, but close enough to feel intimate. He quickly looked at the others around them, no one had seen the little incident apparently. But Robby saw a certain person nearing which meant their time was almost up, probably. He returned his glance to Whitaker, still waiting for an answer. Robby tilted his head at him as Whitaker searched for words.
"Ah yes.. Sorry.. You know I forget it most of the time… not seeing you outside of work that often." Mumbling in his non-existent beard Whitaker added "not talking that much too you too sadly."
Jack wasn't able to make out what had been said, but Robby had. His eyes snapped onto Jack immediately.
"You do know now, but for now Santos is almost here." Robby said, weirdly restrained. He paused, locking his gaze to his husbands glance. "We would be happy to see you out here more often for some… talks."
"It's not only good for morale and contacts to sit here." Jack added quietly before his eyes locked onto Santos nearing.
"I have finished my charting finally. I want a couch and food, Den, lets go." She complained as she reached the group.
"Come stay for one beer Santos, would you?" Robby offered, pointing at Mateo's cooler.
Santos was thinking about it, clearly, and in between looking at her attendings and the cooler, she suddenly snapped her head back, her eyes locking in on Whitaker between them. Her eyes narrowed, just for a second before she sighed.
"Yeah okay, a fast one." She got handed a cold one as she sat down next to Mateo, opening it immediately. She closed her eyes taking a big sip, and Mateo was quick to include her in the conversation between him and Javadi.
Robby chuckled when he noticed Santos trying to keep an eye on them without being oblivious. She had seen immediately that something was up.
"Jack, I think someone thinks we are doing special treatment over here. Or have ulterior motives, who knows." Robby talked quietly, very well aware that Whitaker was able to hear them. And sure enough, he saw Whitaker dip his head a little lower, a small blush forming.
"Do we need to worry about that, what do you think, Whitaker?" Jack asked Whitaker in the same kind of quiet voice Robby had used.
Whitaker whipped his head around to Jack not even trying to hide this time, very nervous with rests of the blush from just a second ago.
"No, Sir.. ah.. Abbot, I.. I am pretty sure we don't need to." The eye contact between them only lasted a second as Whitaker stumbles his way through the answer before he dipped his head back down to his almost empty beer.
A very big shame that he looked away.
Otherwise he probably would have seen how Jacks eyes widened at the Sir, his jaw working. They never used Sir in the ER between each other. And Robby knew that sometimes Jack really liked being called that.
A stunning silence stretched between them for a few second, and Whitaker tried his best to seemingly sink into the bench or crawl into his beer.
Robby was thinking about how to defuse this, but Jack was faster and apparently also riskier.
"Maybe… Don't use Sir here or.. in this context." Jack almost whispered, voice hoarse, eyes fixed on Whitaker.