Chapter Text
Dennis was dead on his feet, shaking a little as he pulled his keys out of his pocket. He hadn’t asked the older men if he could come over, but he was so tired and he was so desperate for some affection. It was just one of those days where he couldn’t save them. He pushed the front door open, shuffling in. Robby was reclined on the couch, book in hand and glasses perched on his nose.
“Hey.”
“Hey?” Jack came into view as he leaned over. “Hey, mouse. Welcome home.” Dennis felt his eyes burning a little, before he dropped his bag.
“Hey. I uh- I’m gonna go shower.”
“Are you alright?” Robby closed his book. “Do you want company?” He probably did. The idea of curling up on Robby’s lap right now was perfect and he didn’t want them to move at all.
“No. I’ll be there in two minutes. Stay there.” He showered as fast as he could, grabbing a pair of shorts and shuffling back into the living room. Jack had moved closer to Robby, who smiled and held his arm out. Dennis nearly cried as he collapsed into Robby’s lap, tucking his head into the crook of Robby’s neck. He felt Jack grab his feet and pull them up, before starting to massage them.
Tears were really running down his face now.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Jack offered softly. He shook his head softly.
“Is it okay if I talk for a minute?” Robby murmured. Dennis could feel his voice rumble through his chest, so he nodded slowly. “I am so pleased you came over. We were just talking about how much we miss you.” Jack’s hands moved up to his ankles. “I love having you here I-” he trailed off just a little.
“We love you, Dennis.” Jack’s voice was firm and just as grounding. His breath was a little shaky as he processed the words. “You don’t have to say anything, yeah?” He opened his mouth, but he was still shaking too hard.
“Just breathe.” Robby soothed a hand down his back. “Just breathe, sweetheart. Let us know when you’re hungry.” Jack raised his foot up, kissing his calf.
“We’ve got you.” Dennis blinked, stealing his resolve. He could do this, he could be normal. He could-
Dennis woke up with a startled breath at the sound of a cow mooing loudly in his bedroom. What the fuck? He blinked through the haze to realise it was his phone making the obnoxious noise. Why is his alarm noise the sound of a cow? Just as he was contemplating his future life choices he could hear Trinity laughing from the next room.
Well at least that makes sense.
“Fuck you, Trin!” He called out to her.
“That’s funny every time!” She shouted back. He dragged the covers back, shuffling over to the cupboard. He hadn’t really paid attention to his clothing choices until now. There were two pairs of jeans and some sweaters. He grabbed a navy blue one, pulling it over his head. It was way too big for him, but perhaps it was in a stylish way? It was big enough that he didn’t bother with pants on the way to the bathroom.
“Why not a rooster noise?” He challenged, opening the cabinet. He grabbed his toothbrush, squeezing out some tooth paste and leaning against the counter.
“Because cows are funnier.” Trinity explained as she walked past him.
“Why are they funny?”
“Because!” That wasn’t an answer but he didn’t really care. Dennis had never really considered his hair before this moment, but his curls were actually prominent and he liked that. He shuffled back into his bedroom, snagging some jeans, before grabbing a pair of boots on the way back out. “You want a snack before you go?” Trinity offered, standing in the kitchen in an oversized band t-shirt. “Hey cute sweater.”
“You haven’t seen it before?”
“No.” She laughed.
“You say as if I have an index of other things.” He shot back.
“Yeah but half of it is-” she paused, before looking back over at him. “Am I allowed to discuss the elephant that was in our hallway?”
“They’re coming to pick me up soon so choose your grievances wisely.”
“Oh I’ll say it to their faces.” Trinity shrugged. “See, it’s not mean if you’re honest.”
“I think honesty can be mean.”
“I don’t mean it in a mean way.” She smiled, before grabbing some toast out of the toaster. She spread some avocado onto it, before adding a crack of salt and sliding it over to him. “Eat.”
“What?”
“It’s for you.”
“I don’t like avocados.”
“I call bullshit.” She pushed the plate closer again. “Eat.” He frowned, taking up a piece and biting into it. He should be annoyed again. Another person who knows him better than he knows himself. He’ll be annoyed later, because this avocado toast was really good.
“Thank you.” He muttered.
“You’re oh so very welcome.” She did a bow, before grabbing her mug and walking back towards her bedroom. Dennis sat at the counter, happily munching on his toast until he heard a knock on the door. He put the plate in the sink, going over to the door and pulling it open. Jack was leaning against the door frame, white t-shirt tight across his chest and a flannel over the top. He had to make sure he was making eye contact. Holy shit, he’s so good looking. This isn’t fair..
“Hey.” Dennis smiled, looking up at him.
“Hey. Nice sweater.” There was a little smirk on Jack’s face, but he couldn’t figure out why.
“Thanks.”
“Ready to go?” Jack held out his hand.
“Bye Trin!” He shouted, pulling the door shut behind him and grabbing Jack’s hand. “Do I tell you a lot that I love your hair?”
“Yes.” Jack chuckled. “I love your hair too, by the way. You started growing it out a while back.” He squeezed his hand tight, then tugged Dennis in just a fraction closer. “Which I fucking love. Makes me wanna tug on it.” Jack gave him a little wink, then held the main door open. Dennis chuckled as he shook his head and stepped into the sun. Jack’s truck was parked right on the street, Robby leaning against it, in a green henley and some black jeans. It absolutely wasn’t fair that he looked gorgeous. How on Earth did he get these men?
“Hey.” Robby lowered his sunglasses a fraction, looking over the top. “Hm.”
“What?” Dennis laughed, unable to resist bumping his shoulder into Robby’s. The older man caught him under one arm, pulling him into a quick hug.
“That’s my sweater.” Robby explained. “You claimed to have no idea where it was.” Dennis raised an eyebrow, before shaking his head and shrugging.
“I don’t know anything, amnesia, remember?” He knew the smile on his face was a little bratty, but he did it anyway. Robby pushed the glasses back up his nose, opening the passenger seat door.
“In ya go.” Dennis climbed in, still grinning.
“Let’s do it.” Jack announced as he got behind the wheel. It felt so different. The world felt different this morning.
“How’d you sleep?” Robby asked.
“Good.” Dennis shrugged. “How about you guys? It was pretty late when you left.”
“Well someone played an excessive game of hide and seek.” Jack teased him.
“Be nice.” Robby flicked Jack’s shoulder.
“Woah! Injuring a disabled veteran? Not cool man.” He pulled up to a red light. “I really think I need someone to kiss it better.”
“Is that so?” Dennis chuckled.
“That would be really helpful.” Jack nodded solemnly. “Just so you know, we had a bit of a chat last night. It’s been a lot.” He spoke slowly, only glancing over to make sure Dennis was listening. “But you’re still in control, yeah? We wanna be here for you as long as you’re happy.”
“Thanks.” Dennis said seriously.
“In the meantime though, make all your demands. Robby’s got an unlimited credit card and-”
“Jack! You’re making me sound like a sugar Daddy.”
“We could be, but you’re too stubborn to let us pay your debt.” Jack shook his head as though that was outrageous.
“I’ll keep it in mind. By the way, I love avocadoes. Did you guys know this?”
“Yes.” Robby laughed. “That’s why we have an excessive amount of them in the fridge.”
“I was wondering about that.” Dennis admitted. They pulled into the hospital parking lot, Jack pulling out a disabled parking sign.
“Ooh, busting out the big guns.” Robby chuckled. “I think he’s got a crush on you.” Robby loudly whispered to Dennis. The younger man blushed, shaking his head and climbing out. They went into the hospital, up to the second floor and up to reception. He let them know he was there, before taking a seat next to Robby. He hadn’t really thought about it, but now in the silence he was feeling a little anxious. He’d been so distracted about figuring out his future he hadn’t thought about actually getting his past back. “What’s going on in there?” Robby gestured to Dennis’ head.
“What do I do if there’s no improvement?” Robby opened his mouth to answer, but then another thought shook Dennis. “Do I have to go back to medical school?”
“I don’t know.” Robby honestly replied. “We can help you figure that out.”
“Hey, you know how you said I can bail out at any time?” Dennis realised quickly he should’ve led with something else, because Jack was immediately alert, a kind concern taking over his expression. “I uh- sorry no. I’m not asking for an out. I’m offering it back.”
“Dennis-”
“No really.” He continued. “This could be terrible news and if I’m not going to recover you don’t need to drag me along while you-”
“Hey.” Robby reached up, cupping Dennis’ jaw. “We take things one step at a time. If it’s terrible news, we will work through the next steps.”
“We have your back.” Jack backed him up. “If it doesn’t come back to you, we’ll tell you about all the shit we drag along with us. All the things you help us carry.”
“Whitaker?” Baker stepped out, looking confused at the trio. “Hey man, you ready to come back?”
“Yeah.” Dennis agreed. He knew this man. That was the frustrating thing. He knew that he knew this man and he couldn't remember a thing about him. He held the door open for the gallery and Dennis stepped in, eyeing the machine in the next room.
“You’re here for a head CT?” Dennis nodded. “Are you alright? Didn’t see you around for a couple days and now-”
“I fell.” He shrugged. “Light amnesia. Hoping you’ll tell me it’s all going to be okay.” The man blinked at him a couple times, before nodding sharply.
“Light amnesia? Only you dude.” He laughed. “Okay, follow me. It’ll take about five minutes, I’ll come back in and get you out. If you need anything, hit-”
“The call button. Thanks.”
“Alright. See you on the other side.”