Chapter Text
Chapter Seven
The sky was pale and overcast as Robby pulled into the hospital parking lot, the concrete echoing under the tires. Neither of them spoke when he cut the engine. Jack sat in the passenger seat, he’d worn his prosthetic today, hands folded loosely in his lap, jaw set in a way Robby recognized too well—the way Jack braced before bad news, before impact. He was twisting the new ring that now sat on his finger.
“You ready?” Robby asked anyway.
Jack nodded once. “Yeah.”
They moved through the hospital together, badges flashing, doors opening with soft mechanical sighs. The PICU was different from the ER; quieter, more controlled, the chaos dampened by low voices and dimmer lights. The air smelled faintly of antiseptic and something sweeter, almost plastic, like the remnants of bubblegum toothpaste and soap meant for children.
Robby felt it immediately, the tightening in his chest, the familiar urge to catalog, to prepare for everything that could still go wrong.
Dennis’s room was halfway down the hall.
Jack slowed without realizing it. Robby noticed and matched his pace, their shoulders nearly brushing. Through the glass panel in the door, they could see the bed, the machines, the small shape under the blankets. Dana sat quietly beside his bed, reading the newspaper, her glasses perched at the edge of her nose.
Dennis looked impossibly small.
Robby pushed the door open gently, as if sound alone might break something. The room was dim, shades half‑drawn, monitors casting soft green and blue light across the walls. An IV pump hummed steadily.
He was asleep, lying on his good side
Color had returned to his cheeks, not healthy, not yet, but better than the angry flush of the night before. Bandages wrapped his arms and torso; new dressings lay flat and clean, evidence of careful work done while he’d been under. His curls were damp, brushed back from his forehead, and for the first time since Robby had met him, his face wasn’t twisted tight with fear or pain.
Jack stopped just inside the room. He didn’t move closer right away. He took it in—Dennis breathing, the steady numbers on the monitor, the fact that the bed wasn’t empty.
Robby watched Jack more than he watched the monitors.
“He made it through,” Dana said quietly. “Surgery went well. They got the rest of the infected tissue. Cultures are pending, but his labs already look better than last night. His temperature is coming back down, and as of an hour ago, his kidney results are positive.”
Jack let out a slow breath, shoulders dropping a fraction. “Okay,” he said. It sounded like a prayer.
As if hearing them, Dennis stirred.
“I’ll leave you three alone, Robby, Adamson said you can come down whenever you’re ready.” She gave the two men gentle hugs, before disappearing from the room.
Dennis’ brow furrowed. His fingers twitched against the blanket, searching.
Jack was at the bedside before Robby even realized he’d moved. Robby silently wondered if the man realized he’d just shown mastery of his prosthetic despite the struggles he had with it at times.
“Hey,” Jack said softly, keeping his voice low and steady. “Easy, kiddo.”
Dennis’s eyes fluttered open, unfocused at first. Panic flickered there—brief but sharp—until his gaze landed on Jack.
“You… stayed,” Dennis whispered.
Jack swallowed. “I said I would.”
Dennis blinked slowly, as if testing that answer against reality. His eyes drifted past Jack, landing on Robby.
The fear spiked again, smaller this time, contained, but present.
Robby stayed where he was, just inside Dennis’s line of sight, hands visible at his sides. “Hey,” he said gently. “Do you remember me? Dr. Robby. You’re in the PICU now. Surgery’s done.”
Dennis frowned, trying to piece it together. “I… hurt,” he murmured.
“I know,” Robby said. “But it worked. And you did really well. I’ll check in with your nurse and see about your pain management schedule.”
Dennis’s fingers tightened in the blanket. “I didn’t mess up?”
Jack answered before Robby could, gently placing his hand next to Dennis’ “No. You didn’t.”
Robby nodded. “Not even a little.”
Dennis stared at them both, chest rising and falling a little faster. “Am I… going back?”
“No, you’ll be staying here for now,” Robby said carefully. “Yeah. You’re staying. So, we can keep you safe and help you heal. But we do need to talk some today if you’re up for it, discuss what’s going to happen next.”
Dennis’s shoulders tensed, just a fraction. “Okay.”
Jack reached out, resting his hand lightly on the edge of the bed—close, but not touching. “We’re right here, no one is upset with you, you’re not in any trouble.”
“Kay.”
“Are you hungry?” Robby asked.
Dennis shook his head. Robby glanced over at Jack and stepped closer to the bed, “Do you feel up for talking?”
“I guess.”
“It’s okay if you don’t, it can wait a bit. Or we can talk and if it gets overwhelming, we can stop.”
Dennis started to shrug, but hissed, before he stopped, “That’s fine.”
Both men nodded and took seats on opposite sides of the bed. “Do you remember where you were before you came to in the hospital?” Robby asked.
Dennis’ face paled a shade or two, and he sniffled before nodding.
“Okay, well, a police officer and a woman from CPS are going to come and ask you some questions. Do you know what CPS is?” A headshake, the head growing lower. Robby glanced at Jack, who inched his hand a little closer to Dennis’s. “Child Protective Services. I want you to understand, Dennis, they’re not coming because you were bad or ran away, they’re coming because the condition you came in was very serious.”
“I’m sorry,” he whimpered.
Jack gripped his hand, holding it gently. Robby was pleased to see the boy didn’t even flinch. “Baby, you didn’t put yourself in that condition; someone did this to you, didn’t they?”
Dennis’ face crumbled, and he nodded. “Please don’t make me go back!” he sobbed.
Jack didn’t hesitate; he lowered the railing of the bed and climbed in beside the boy, gently pulling the boy into his lap. In an instant, Dennis clung to him and wailed. “You’re not going back, baby,” he promised, rocking the child back and forth, mindful of the back injuries. “We’ve got you, you’re safe now, kiddo.” Dennis all but collapsed against Jack’s chest, burying his face in the man’s neck, gripping his shirt with tight little fists.
Robby reached out and gently rubbed the boy’s upper arm. “We can be done, kiddo. You’re safe now.”
“Please don’t send me back.” The broken plea whimpered repeatedly.
Robby was certain his heart broke as he watched the man he loved hold the child they were protecting.
By the time the tears had stopped, Dennis had gone limp against Jack, sleeping from exhaustion. Jack didn’t move; he leaned back against the bed and held their boy, careful of his multiple injuries, but unwilling to be separated from the boy.
A soft knock on the door and Kiara entered, along with what Robby guessed was the day nurse, a tall woman with sandy blonde hair. Both women paused when they saw the gruff Dr. Abbot lying on the bed holding a small child.
Kiara spoke first, “I brought him a few changes of clothes; if the PICU is okay with it, he may prefer it over the gown. A couple of different games and things to play with, as well as a weighted stuffed animal. How’s he doing?”
Robby sighed, accepting the bag and smiling at the adorable purple and blue elephant in the bag that looked to be about the size of Dennis’ torso. “He just spent thirty minutes begging us not to send him back, so traumatized.”
The nurse had stepped forward and started going about her normal morning routine as if Jack wasn’t in the way at all. She just grinned at him as she worked around him. “Do you guys think eggs, toast, or oatmeal for breakfast?”
Robby winced at the idea of any of them. He’d managed about a quarter of the broth from the soup yesterday before he’d pushed the table away. “Can you scrounge up some broth instead? He’s not eating much yet or anything heavy, and I’m worried if you bring the other stuff it’ll go to waste, or he’ll feel guilty and try to eat it and make himself sick.”
She nodded, “I can put in a specific request. I’ll be back in a bit. My name is Catherine, by the way. I’m the charge nurse for the day.”
“Thank you,” he replied and watched her leave. He turned to Kiara, “What’s the plan for today?”
She sank into the chair, “I’ve heard from CPS and from Detective Ransone. There is enough evidence that, for now, he can be placed into emergency foster care rather than risk being returned. We still need to determine if the parents placed him there or not. It’s a bit murky what’s going to happen right now.”
“Both Jack and I have our fostering license; we’d like to be considered for the emergency placement.”
Kiara beamed at that, looking at the two men, “I’m so glad to hear that. I think you’re exactly what this little boy needs. But you’ve got a fight ahead of you. Reunification is always the top choice, and right now, unless we can prove abuse from them as well, he could end up right back there.”
“Even if they’re the ones who sent him to that place?” Jack asked.
“They can claim ignorance of the abuse, unfortunately. Conversion camps themselves aren’t inherently illegal; it’s the abuse that is. So, yes, even if they were the ones who sent him, they could regain custody. But we aren’t there yet, gentlemen. I assume Dennis has to stay here for a while.”
“Probably at least the week,” Robby answered. “I’d like his fever to be gone and get him started on a healthier diet.” Jack nodded in agreement.
“Well, if you want to bring in CPS and the detective today, I can get it all set up, maybe before lunch, give him a chance to have something to eat, then settle for the day?”
Robby looked at Jack, who just nodded, “That’d be fine, let me see if he wants to maybe take a shower too, he can’t possibly enjoy being sweaty.”
“I’ll set it up. Let me know how he likes the elephant, that was the most popular suggestion by far from the team,” she smiled at the two men, before she stood and headed out of the room.
Robby turned and looked at the two, “I need to get downstairs; you’ll call me if you need help with anything?”
“You know I will, Mike. I do have PT around 3 today, I’ll let them know I’ll be here to do it, but maybe see if they’re open to having a little guest?”
Robby smirked, “I imagine I can do that. If he’s not up for the trip, let me know, and I’ll sneak away.”
The two men shared a quick kiss, followed by a longer, slower one, before Robby ruffled Dennis’ hair and headed out of the room.
Jack leaned back the rest of the way against the bed and looked down at his charge. This close, he could smell how badly the boy needed a shower. He could also see just how skinny and light the kid really was.
“Knock, knock,” Catherine called as she pushed the door open, “Alright, I brought back some soup, and I brought two pieces of bread, figured he could afford the calories, and if he doesn’t eat them, it’s not like a waste.”
Jack smiled at her, “Thanks, Caty. Do you think I could get some hot water and a washcloth, too, at some point?”
“Absolutely, I’ll bring you some here in a bit after rounds.”
“You’re amazing.”
She chuckled and waved to him before stepping out. Jack gently nudged the boy, “Hey, kiddo, can you open your eyes for me?”
Blue eyes fluttered open. Jack could see they were still laden with exhaustion. He stiffened for a moment, clearly sensing that someone was holding him, until the sleepy eyes settled on him and he realized it was the man from earlier.
“Hey kid, feel up to some broth and maybe some bread?”
“I guess,” the reply was small and tired, but Jack figured that was fair. He gently settled Dennis back on the bed and slid off, so the boy could focus on eating. “Weren’t you in a wheelchair yesterday?”
Jack chuckled softly. “I was very observant. He lifted his right pant leg, “It’s a prosthetic. I have PT with it today, so I brought it with me.”
“Can—can I ask what happened?” Dennis picked up a piece of bread and pulled off a tiny piece before putting it in his mouth.
“Gonna have to eat more than that eventually, mouse,” Jack gave him a small smile. “I was a doctor and field medic for the Army. I was helping rescue some and treating some injured soldiers when our convoy got hit by a bomb. Jeep flipped over on me, and that was after all the shrapnel I took. Crush injuries are bad enough on their own, but coupled with significant blood loss, bone, and muscle damage, by the time they got me out, they could save the leg.”
Another small piece of bread, before the boy picked up the bowl of soup and took a slurp of it. “Do you miss it?”
Jack chuckled at that, “I never really thought of it as missing, but yes, I suppose I do. I’m not miserable, between my wheelchair and the prosthetic I’m getting by, but sometimes I hate the limitations it’s put on me for right now.”
“Can—could I go to PT with you?”
“I was hoping you’d be interested. That’d be great, get you out of the hospital room if you’re up to it. But it’s an hour session, if you get overwhelmed, let me know, and I can have Robby paged to bring you back here.” Jack was pleased to see the beginnings of a curious child edging their way back into the boy’s psyche and personality. He’d worried that all the kid knew was trauma.
“If you’re a doctor, does that mean you work here?”
“You’re a perspective kid. I did, yes. I’m on medical leave right now until I can manage to use my leg long term.”
“Does it hurt?”
“If I wear it for extended periods of time, yes. Which is why I have to get used to it. Doctors are on their feet for upwards of twelve hours a day.” Jack explained, pleasantly surprised as he watched the curious child plow through a whole piece of bread and more than half the soup. Robby would be thrilled.
“How long does it take?”
Jack shrugged, “I don’t really know. I think it varies from person to person. Patients can’t start using prosthetics until nearly three months after the initial amputation, and that’s to ensure the wound heals properly and isn’t at risk of reopening. I only just started using mine about three weeks ago; they generally say it can take several months to get used to it long term.” Jack paused, considering his words carefully. “Do you mind if I ask you a couple of questions?”
Dennis froze, his fingers had been reaching towards the bread, he looked at Jack, “Um…I guess.”
“You don’t have to answer, kid. I’ll try and keep it simple, okay?”
“O-okay.”
“Can you tell me your last name, Dennis?”
“Whitaker,” he answered. He swallowed another small piece of bread. “My…my real name is Mary Whitaker.”
Jack nodded, “Okay, well, if it’s all the same to you, I’m going to keep calling you Dennis, okay?”
The boy sniffled, subtly wiping at his eye, and nodded. “Kay.”
“Can you tell me your birthday?”
“February 25th, 2000. Am…am I gonna be in trouble for running away?”
Jack took a deep breath, “Dennis, kid, you ran because people were hurting you, we can see that painted across your body like a map. Now, I’m not going to lie to you and say I know what will come next. I don’t, because I don’t know what all you went through, and we’re in a bit of a gray area as far as the law goes. That said, Robby and I will do everything we can to protect you from anyone who hurts you.”
“I have to talk about stuff today, don’t I?”
Jack’s face was sad as he nodded, “Yeah, baby. But Robby and I will be there the whole time if you want that.”
“Yes, please.”
There was a knock at the door once more, and Catherine stepped back into the room. She smiled at the sight of Dennis sitting up and eating. “Hi sweetie, I’m sorry to interrupt. I’m your daytime nurse. I just brought some hot water, soap, and a washcloth. Dr. Abbot thought you might like to clean yourself up a bit.”
Dennis had seemed nervous when she first spoke, but seeing the kindness in her face as she set the basin down on the rolling table, he gave her a shy smile. “Thank you…Dr. Abbot?” Dennis asked.
Jack chuckled, “You were in and out of it when I introduced myself. I’m Dr. Jack Abbot, kiddo.”
“Oh, okay. Thank you.”
Catherine smiled, “No problem. If you need anything, you can hit that little red button at your side. I’m here until 7 pm tonight.”
He nodded and watched her leave. “Alright, I’m happy to help, but I know you’re probably still not totally comfortable with me, so I can also step out for a bit if you want to wash yourself up.”
“Can you help?” Dennis asked meekly.
Jack nodded, “Happy to, kiddo. We’ll start with your head, face, and neck. Let me know if you need to stop or take a break, okay?” He made sure not to crowd the boy; he came close, “I’m going to undo the back top string of your gown; you can cover your front with the blanket if you want.”
“Is this where you tell me I’m a girl?” Dennis whispered.
Jack looked at him as he gently squeezed the water out of the washcloth before bringing it to the boy’s face, “Okay, first touch.” He started at Dennis’ forehead. “Dennis, you are who and whatever you want to be. If something inside you says you were born female, but you feel male, then it’s not my job to judge otherwise.” He wiped off Dennis’ cheeks, eyes, down his neck, the back of his neck, stopping just above the bandages on his back. He then held out the washcloth, “You want to do your front? I’ll turn my back.”
“Kay, thanks,” Dennis whispered as he watched Jack dunk the washcloth again, wring it out, and hand it to him, then turn to face the wall. “My parents said I was sick, that something was wrong with me.”
“Get your armpits too, kiddo, I don’t think we bought deodorant,” Jack recalled.
“But I thought God doesn’t make mistakes, so why do I have this body?”
The sniffle Jack heard after that made his heart crack. “Kid, people let their own beliefs infest religion. That’s not how it should work. I don’t know if I believe in God anymore, but the one I grew up with, that Robby grew up with, loves you no matter what you believe or look like.”
“You can turn back,” Dennis whispered.
Dennis moved over to the bag Kiara had brought, pulling out a t-shirt. It was dark navy blue. “Want to wear this?”
Dennis's blue eyes lit up, “Yes, please, the gown is itchy.”
Jack chuckled and brought it over, gently slipping it over the boy’s head, and helping him slide his arms into the sleeves, before pulling it down. “Okay, we got you a walking boot. I’d love to get you on your feet for a few minutes so we can wipe your legs off and get you in the boxers and pants we got you.”
“I have boxers? Like a boy?”
Jack chuckled, “You are a boy, kiddo. Of course. whatever makes you comfortable.” He lowered the rail, tossing the washcloth into the basin, and gently held onto Dennis’ hands as he slowly shifted out of the bed, putting his feet carefully on the ground. “Your feet will probably be pretty sore from the walking and running, but we’ve cleaned them, and they’re already starting to show signs of healing.”
Slowly, Dennis stood, still gripping Jack’s hands, until he felt like he was standing on his own. “Help or turn away?” Jack asked.
“Um…you can do my legs and knees, and I’ll do the rest?”
Jack nodded, “You got it, hold your gown in place.” He grabbed the washcloth once more and crouched in front of the boy, wiping down his legs, calves, and knees. He then stood and handed the boy the washcloth, moved over to the bag, and pulled out the boxers. “Put these on, use the bed for stability, it’s locked, so it won’t move. When you’re done, I’ll help you put the pants on.”
“Kay,” Dennis replied as Jack once again faced the wall. “How come you got me clothes?”
“Because the gowns are itchy,” Jack replied, like it was obvious, making the boy giggle a little.
“Am I going to have scars?” Dennis asked quietly. “I’m done.”
Jack turned back around and smiled at the kid, “Better?”
“Much, thank you.”
“You will likely scar; there’s not much we can do about that. But I promise we’ll do our best to make sure nothing else happens to you.” He brought the sweats over and knelt. He opened the pant leg wide for Dennis to put his boot through, pulling the pant leg up and above it, then did the same with Dennis’ other leg. Then he helped pull the pants up to the boy’s narrow hips. “There, much better.”
“Thanks. Do you wear your prosthetic in the shower?”
Jack chuckled, “I can, but generally I don’t, we have bars in the shower and a bench for me.”
“How soon til I can shower?”
“Probably a few more days. Most injuries scab over within a week; we want to make sure that happens, and all your wounds are healing before you put them under running or like bath water. Want help getting back in bed?”
Dennis nodded, “I feel sleepy suddenly.”
Jack chuckled, “It’s normal, kiddo. This is a lot for your body. Alright, I’m going to lift you under your knees, with an arm behind your shoulders.” He waited for Dennis to nod before scooping the boy up in a bridal carry and gently setting him back on the bed. “Right, you’re all finished. Why don’t you take a nap? We got you a friend.” He turned back to the bag one last time and handed Dennis the blue elephant.
“He’s heavy,” Dennis replied, looking at it with a shy smile.
“He’s weighted for anxiety. Get some rest, I’m going to grab myself some food, you okay on your own for a little bit?”
Dennis nodded again, “I think so.”
“Good boy. Back in a bit.” He waited until the boy’s eyes slid shut, and he closed the door tight. He let Catherine know he was stepping away, and she assured him she’d make sure no one outside of hospital staff entered the room.
TBC