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It all makes sense now, Dennis realizes when Robby takes one appreciative look at his bare torso at the eight floor corridor and offers him his spare bedroom. The suggestion hangs heavy between them. The touches throughout the day just make sense. He’s clearly been singled out, and now he knows why.
He’s not disappointed, per se, but frustration builds up in his chest. Even while he’s doing the best he can, everything he can to be a good person and a good student, there’s really only one thing people really want from him. Dennis knows the look on Robby’s face. While still clearly tired, there’s interest there. He’s gotten good at recognizing the clear lust. After all, it has been a lifeline for him on some cold nights.
Dennis weighs his options—the street, or a warm body he’d have to pick up from the bar when he’s really not in the mood for that, or his attending. Robby stands next to his makeshift room and waits. And while everything Dennis wants to do is fall on the bed and sleep, Robby is a more tempting option than a street or a guy he doesn’t even know.
The silence stretches on, before Dennis finally pulls his mask back on and nods carefully. “I–, I, uh, wouldn’t want to impose, and I really don’t have the money to pay you rent right now,” he offers. Words he thinks Dr. Robby would want to hear.
“No, no,” Robby answers immediately, raises his hands to surrender, “No, I’m offering. Spare bedroom, until you can sort yourself out. You really can’t stay here anymore, and I probably don’t have the use for the room in a hot minute. Just be a good student, that’s payment enough.”
Dennis swallows the urge to laugh, because that’s never how it goes. Not when there’s that look in Dr. Robby’s eyes, it can’t. A spare bedroom for free, just out of the goodness of his heart—yeah, no. The general rule of thumb is that men don’t do anything for him out of the goodness of their heart.
He still plays along, because as said, his options are limited. This one is the least complicated, and hey, Dr. Robby is incredibly attractive. He’ll probably get the most sleep with this option, as well.
“Fine, fine, let me just,” Dennis waves at the stuff on his bed, “gather this. I swear I’ll be out of your hair as soon as possible.”
Robby nods, clearly satisfied. “As long as you need.”
→
Dennis isn’t sure what to expect as he eventually follows Robby out of the hospital. Usually, there’s more when a guy picks him up. More touching, more talking, more expectations. Robby is keeping his distance, walking a step in front of him. He’s silent, letting Dennis follow him like a dog.
Dennis’ skin is prickling with the anticipation that comes with the job. His eyes are glued on Dr. Robby’s back as they walk out through the ER doors.
“So, you live far?” he asks casually, taking a few quick strides to walk beside his attending. They cross the road with Robby’s hand on Dennis’ bicep to keep him running out in front of a car—like a dog, Dennis thinks—before he gets an answer.
“Nah,” Robby says, “a walking distance.” Then, he stops before they get any further and turns to tilt his head at Dennis. “Fancy a drink?”
Dennis frowns. “Do I?” he asks. He doesn’t fancy a thought of a crowded bar, that’s for sure.
Robby nods towards the park. “The department has a… tradition of sorts. Fancy a drink?”
Dennis shrugs. What the hell, sure.
Robby doesn’t remove his hand from Dennis’ arm, leading them deeper into the park. He can still see the bright lights of the hospital, and there’s an ambulance wailing in the distance. On a few benches, there’s a small gathering. Dr. Abbot turns to look at them as they arrive.
“Robby!” Abbot greets them. “You caught yourself a stray? This one is cuter than the last.”
While the words make Dennis’ whole body shiver cold, Robby cracks a smile at that, leading Dennis up to the bench Abbot’s sitting on. “You know it,” Robby says. He shoves gently for Dennis to sit down and then sits at the end, squeezing right next to him. Sandwiched between a leg prosthetic and his attending, Dennis leans back and closes his eyes.
“Catch,” Donahue calls, and Dennis opens his eyes just soon enough to see the can of beer fly towards him and catch it with his hands. Robby chuckles next to him, while making a graceful catch of his own.
A cold beer might just be what Dennis needs to take the edge off. He looks around, and realizes even Javadi is there, nursing a beer between Mateo and Dr. Mohan. She seems to be deep in her thought.
It’s been hell of a first day for both of them.
“Where did you pick this one up?” Abbot asks Robby over Dennis like he's not even there. “I thought the kid left already.”
Robby shrugs against Dennis’ side. “Wandering the roof. Poor guy’s landlord seems to have the worst timing in the world.”
Ah. Dennis hates being the center of attention, but that brings everyone’s eyes on him. A convenient lie, because of course they can’t know the real reason Dennis is going to leave with their attending. That would be an HR nightmare.
“What happened?” Javadi asks, and there’s genuine worry in her voice. “You weren’t-?”
“God, no,” Dennis says immediately, catching Dr. Abbot and Robby share a look. “No, uh, the apartment’s flooded. Kinda the last fucking thing I needed for today,” he lies easily.
“Shit,” Mateo says. “You need to crash on my couch?”
The offer sounds genuine, but Dennis shakes his head. Robby places a hand on his knee.
“It’s already sorted,” Robby says. “I have a spare bedroom. Jake’s probably not going to use it for a while.”
That makes everyone pause, and a silence falls upon the group. Eventually, Dr. Abbot says, “He’ll come around.”
Robby smiles sadly. Dennis frowns, turning to look at his attending—he’s heard bits and pieces of the story, seen an aftermath of something, but he’s still clearly missing a lot. Robby shakes his head slightly. Later, his eyes seem to say.
Dennis nods, and leans back to close his eyes again. The gathering around them continues with a small chatter, everyone kind of on the edge still. Dennis, he doesn’t feel content, exactly, but he’s fine where he is. The warmth radiating from Robby’s body is enough to not make him cold, and the beer does help to calm the prickling of his skin.
A hand touches his gently. “You ready to go?” Robby asks low. His eyes are on Dennis’ the minute he turns to meet them, asking and something akin to hopeful.
“Yeah,” Dennis says. “Sure, let’s go.”
Dennis nearly jumps off the bench, ready to get some air that’s not filled with Robby’s aftershave, and Robby follows suit shortly.
“Get some sleep, everyone,” Robby says with a small nod towards his day shift, turning towards Abbot. They share a look that seems to cover multitudes, and Dennis feels an envy he didn’t know existed in his body at that—having a person who knows you so well you don’t even have to say anything. Imagine that.
“You, too,” Dr. Abbot says. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t.”
Robby rolls his eyes, and Dennis bites the inside of his mouth to not react. Then, there’s a hand on the low of his back again, and Robby turns him to face the pathway through the park.
“And Javadi,” Robby calls while they part from the group. “Good job today. Keep it up!”
Dennis turns his head to see Javadi crack a pleased smile at that. She catches his eyes and nods. Dennis nods back, and then lets Robby lead them towards his apartment.
→
They walk in silence, before stopping in front of an apartment building. While Robby pulls the keys from his bag, Dennis marvels at the surrounding street with wonder. It doesn’t look like a rich area, but the buildings seem old and nice enough. Probably still more expensive than he could ever afford—and conveniently close to the hospital.
“It’s not a big apartment, but you’ll have your own room with a bathroom. Not much, but,” Robby rambles as he opens the door to the building. He calls the lift to the seventh floor.
“Thank you,” Dennis says. He is grateful for a roof over his head, regardless of what or who it comes with.
He fiddles with his hands during the ride up, and trails behind Robby to the last apartment on the hallway. Robby opens his door and clears his throat. “Welcome.”
And Dennis, because he just really wants to show that he knows what’s going on, jumps him. The second the door clicks closed behind them, Dennis crowds Robby against it and drops to his knees. Sometimes they like it when he shows some independence and takes the initiative.
Robby gasps as his back hits the door. “What are y–,” Robby’s voice is strained. “Whitaker?”
Dennis looks up from the floor, his hand on Robby’s thigh, face just inches from his crotch. “Doctor?” he asks, blinking.
“Get up,” Robby says, but doesn’t sound convincing.
Dennis squeezes his thigh, raises an eyebrow. “Isn’t this what you want?”
Robby looks surprised at that. Had he really thought Dennis wouldn’t notice?
“No, I–,” Robby starts, his voice desperately ruined. His eyes are wide, pupils dilated, and Dennis can see how his chest is rising in deep breaths. It’s weirdly rewarding every time, knowing it’s because of him. “God, kid. Get up from the floor.”
Dennis doesn’t. He frowns slightly, nuzzles his head against Robby’s crotch. He can feel the slight swell of Robby’s dick against his nose and cheek.
“Whitaker,” Robby says his name again, placing a hand on Dennis’ shoulder tho shove him back. “Dennis. C’mon. Get up.”
Dennis sighs, and leans backwards to get further. He doesn’t get up, but stops what he’s doing.
“This isn’t, God, Whitaker, this wasn’t–,” Robby starts to say.
“I see how you look at me,” Dennis says. “You offered me a room.”
Robby groans, hand on his neck in a manner Dennis has learnt means he’s feeling awkward. “Yes, but–, God. Not like this, kid. Not like you have to repay me for something.”
Dennis blinks up to the man in confusion.
Robby looks sad and disappointed. Dennis sees a flash of his father’s face.
Robby’s hand cups Dennis’ cheek, and Dennis presses against it. A sob breaks through his chest. “You don’t owe me anything. I offered you a room because I care about my students, and you’re a good kid. Not because of my–, uh, attraction.”
Dennis tilts his head. The confirmation of attraction fills his belly with warmth.
“You want me,” Dennis insists. “Let me do this to show my gratitude.”
“No,” Robby shakes his head. Dennis doesn’t quite understand why, but it makes him feel disappointed. The warmth leaves his body. “Shit, kid. Not like this. You need to want it.”
Dennis slumps. The hand leaves his face.
“Come on, get up. Want another beer?”
→
They end up in a small kitchen, leaning on the counter with matching awkward expressions and matching beers in hands. Robby is watching him like he’s trying to crack a case, while Dennis keeps glancing between him and the floor. There’s clear tension in the air between them, making Dennis shiver.
“Dr. Abbot said–,” Dennis starts awkwardly, trying to explain his own actions. “You–,”
“Jack says a lot of shit, Whitaker, you’ll learn to ignore it,” Robby answers.
“You didn’t find me on the roof. I don’t have a landlord.”
Robby sighs, closing his eyes briefly. “I thought your coworkers didn’t need to know about your situation. Not because I wanted to hide something else.”
Dennis nods mutely and takes a sip.
Robby clears his throat. “I am sorry for my attraction. It’s misplaced, and as your attending I shouldn’t act on it. It was not my intention to make you feel like you owed me anything.”
Dennis nods again.
“What if I want you to act on it?” he asks.
“Do you?” Robby asks back, and it’s clear he doesn’t believe it.
“Maybe,” Dennis whispers. “Your attraction is returned.”
Robby shakes his head. “Not if you’re not sure."
“Right,” Dennis says. “And you still want me in the room?”
Robby nods. “It’s yours, as long as you need it.”
Silence falls, but it’s less awkward than before. Dennis looks around the kitchen properly. There’s a few pictures on the fridge, attached to it with magnets with various city names. There’s a picture of Robby and who Dennis now recognizes as Jake, both laughing at something happening behind the camera.
“Happiness suits you,” Dennis nods toward the picture.
Robby seems to hesitate for a moment, before he says, “Thank you.”
“I’m sorry,” Dennis blurts out. “For being unprofessional.”
Robby shakes his head. “I think we’ve both crossed the line of professional hours ago. Will this affect your rotation?” Robby then asks, motioning a hand between them. “Will you be able to do your job?”
“Yes!” Dennis answers immediately, “No, it doesn’t affect anything. Yes, I’ll be able to do my job. I can handle–, whatever this is. Mutual attraction. I’m not a child.”
Robby nods. “Right. Good.”
Dennis snorts a laugh at that, surprising them both. Robby’s lips curl up in a smile that, for just a minute, reaches as far as his eyes. Dennis catches himself hoping it would reach even further—the thought of Robby on the floor of their morgue that night hits him out of nowhere.
“What a fucking first day,” he says. “Shit. How do you handle this?”
Robby shrugs. “I’ve been recommended a therapist. Might be a time to get one.”
So, in other words, Robby doesn’t. Dennis feels a weird relief in that. He’s not broken for not being able to let it go immediately.
He makes a decision, then.
Dennis turns slightly so he’s facing Robby. Robby mirrors him, probably without noticing. “What if I’m sure?” Dennis asks then, his voice quiet.
There’s a small, surprised sound from Robby’s mouth.
“I could use the distraction,” Dennis continues with a shrug. “And if we’ve established you’d let me have the room regardless–,” his voice trails off. He shrugs again.
“Whitaker,” Robby says.
“Doctor Robby,” Dennis answers.
“Shit,” Robby says simply. “Drop the title, and we can think about it.”
Dennis takes a step closer. “Robby,” he says, his voice low. “Would you like to fuck me?”
Robby rubs his neck awkwardly. He meets Dennis’ eyes. Dennis drops his to Robby’s lips, then back up.
“This is wildly unconventional,” Robby says, but takes a small step towards Dennis to cup his face. Dennis breathes out in relief and closes his eyes. “Just, I need you to promise me you want this.”
Dennis opens his eyes, placing a hand on Robby’s waist while he does. “I want you to fuck me, and not because I am grateful for the room.”
“Fuck,” Robby curses.
“That’s the idea.”
Robby cracks a smile, and then breathes in shakily. Dennis marvels at it.
“I really need to shower. Want to join?” Robby asks.
→
Robby is just as impressive without his clothes than with them, and Dennis lets his eyes trail his body appreciatively before stepping into the shower with him. Robby pulls him close immediately, straight under the water, right to his hairy chest.
They don’t kiss. They don’t even do anything wildly sexual. Robby takes his time washing Dennis’ hair, and when he turns around he can feel Robby’s dick press against his back, but that’s about it. Dennis takes his turn washing Robby’s body, lets his hands explore the lines. He memorises them.
With every drop of water, Dennis can feel the tension drain out of his body.
He’s achingly hard when Robby finally turns off the shower and guides him out of the shower. Robby is too, but still somehow manages to dry them both off with a towel while humming a song Dennis doesn’t recognize.
“Robby,” Dennis says with a slight frustrated edge that makes Robby chuckle.
“Yeah, yeah,” Robby says. His voice is low and clearly affected as well. “Yeah.”
And then, finally. God, finally, Robby crowds Dennis against the bathroom door. He pauses, tilts his head and when Dennis nods, finally kisses him. He kisses him urgently, devouring, sloppy and with his hands flying to keep Dennis’ hips in place. Dennis in return grabs a handful of Robby’s hair in his fingers and gasps against his lips. Robby pushes a tongue inside his mouth with the gasp, making Dennis’ whole body shiver in anticipation.
“Bed,” Robby urges when he pulls back to gasp for air. “Bed, bed, bed.”
Dennis nods, grasping for the door handle behind his back. He finds it, stumbling into Robby’s bathroom. Robby stills him with his hands and then with some force pushes him towards the bed. Dennis falls backwards when he feels his legs hit it, and immediately has Robby on top of him.
“God, you’re so fucking hot,” Robby says against his throat, kisses, trails his tongue to Dennis’ chest and downwards his chest. “Edible. Kid, you’re going to be the death of me.”
“I’m a med student,” Dennis gasps. “Wouldn’t stick. Death, I mean.”
Robby laughs against Dennis’ navel, and Dennis groans. The warmth of Robby’s mouth is nearly enough in itself.
Robby looks up. “How do you like to be fucked?”
It’s a simple question, but makes Dennis’ dick twitch. He’s never realized just how much he likes the attentivenes of a partner.
“Against something,” Dennis answers immediately. “On your lap. Your headboard maybe?”
Robby looks at him with wide eyes, his mouth parted.
“How does that sound?” Dennis asks sweetly.
“Fuck me sideways,” Robby murmurs, while manhandling Dennis better on the bed.
“That’s your job,” Dennis reminds him, and Robby groans.
Dennis cracks a smile, pulling Robby by his neck to kiss him again. This kiss is slower, more exploring and less rough. Dennis hums against Robby’s lips, bucking his lips upwards to meet Robby’s body.
“Get the lube,” Dennis whispers. “Condoms, while you’re at it.”
Robby groans against his mouth and then complies. He returns with a bottle of lube and a condom, already opening the bottle to spill some on his fingers to warm it up. Dennis watches with interest. “Start with two,” he offers simply. “I like the stretch, and it’s not that long since I’ve fingered myself open.”
Robby masks his groan with a cough. “Jesus Christ, you can’t just say shit like that,” he says, but adds some more lube to his fingers to coat two of them. Dennis laughs, and then throws him a wink. Robby shakes his head with clear affection.
When Robby finally pushes his fingers inside, he does it with a precision of a doctor. It makes a laugh bubble from Dennis’ chest. He’s so used to messy, so used to being used like whoever liked.
“What’s so funny?” Robby asks, pulling the fingers slightly back just to push them back in and curl slightly. Dennis gasps, open mouthed.
“Shit,” he whispers, then answers, “Nothing. Nothing, I’m just–, you’re so gentle. You don’t have to be.”
Robby raises his eyebrows, shakes his head again and then gets to it. In minutes, Dennis is a gasping mess with three of Robby’s fingers sliding in and out from his ass with ease that he didn’t think was possible. Robby is mouthing the tip of Dennis’ dick nearly absentmindedly while focusing on the fingers. “God, fuck,” Dennis whimpers. “Fuck me.”
The empty feeling of Robby’s fingers exiting leaves Dennis catching his breath. He closes his eyes and lets his head fall back on the pillow.
“So,” Robby catches his attention. “Against something, you said?”
Dennis opens his eyes to nod, and sees Robby’s nearly trembling hands tugging his cock to lube it. He’s big, bigger than Dennis is used to, and Dennis feels his mouth water.
“Yes, please,” Dennis says.
With some manouvering, Dennis is now sitting in Robby’s lap with his back resting against the headboard of Robby’s bed and legs wrapped around Robby’s body. Robby is half kneeling keeping him up with hands under Dennis’ armpits. Their mouths are inches from each other, and Dennis closes the gap for a quick, messy kiss, while guiding Robby’s dick to his hole.
His head falls back against the wall behind Robby’s headboard with a high-pitched moan as he sinks down and feels the stretch. God, Robby is huge. In every way.
“Fuck,” Robby groans. “You’re perfect. Breathe, Dennis. In, out.” Dennis follows the direction, taking deep breaths to calm himself. “Good. You okay?”
“Yeah,” Dennis says. “As you said. Perfect.”
Robby barks a laugh, moving his arms to Dennis’ hips. Dennis wraps his hands around Robby’s neck and shoulders, moves his head to the crook of his neck. “Fuck me, Robby,” he whispers.
And Robby, God bless, does exactly that. Perfect, and deep, and with just enough force to make Dennis whimper against his neck in broken moans. Dennis is stuck between Robby and the wall, and it’s better than he could’ve expected.
The orgasm hits him out of nowhere—his dick is neglected between their bodies, both of their hands too busy to keep the position—and Dennis comes seeing white and with a moan that tears through his body. He’s aware his nails are digging holes in Robby’s shoulders, and Robby’s groan makes it seem like he might not mind that at all.
Dennis can feel Robby’s cock pulsating inside him, and with a shuddering gasp, Robby is coming too.
He has the urge to laugh, again. It bubbles out of his mouth with a small hiccup. Robby snorts a laugh, breathing heavy.
“Fuck, I’m glad we did that,” Dennis whispers against his neck.
Robby hums happily. He doesn’t have to say anything, Dennis knows he agrees.
→
The next morning, Dennis blows Robby against the front door. They are both late with lies of broken alarms and heavy traffic. No one comments on how it’s a walking distance.