Chapter Text
Robby’s house was warm in a way Dennis didn’t expect. Maybe it was the soft lighting. Maybe it was the quiet after this hellish day. Maybe it was just Robby — hovering behind him like he was afraid Dennis might disappear if he blinked too long.
Dennis stepped inside slowly, leaning on the doorframe for a moment. His body felt heavy, not weak, just… tired. Bone‑deep tired. His throat was sore, his head a little foggy, but he was okay.
Robby hovered close.
“You good?” he asked softly.
Dennis nodded. “Just tired.”
Robby guided him to the bedroom — not the couch, not the guest room, but his room — like it wasn’t even a question. Dennis sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing his eyes.
Robby immediately started fussing.
“Do you need water? I can get water. Or tea. Or— do you want some extra blankets? You look cold. I can turn the heat up. Or—”
“Robby.”
Robby froze mid‑sentence.
Dennis reached out, grabbed his forearm gently, and tugged him closer.
“Stop,” Dennis murmured. “I’m fine.”
Robby swallowed hard. “I just— I want you to be comfortable.”
“I am comfortable,” Dennis said. “But you’re pacing like you’re about to pass out.”
Robby blinked and Dennis tugged again, firmer this time.
“Come here.”
Robby sat beside him, stiff at first, unsure.
Dennis didn’t hesitate. He slid down onto the bed, pulling Robby with him until they were lying side by side. Dennis tucked himself against Robby’s chest, head resting just under his collarbone.
Robby melted instantly.
His arm wrapped around Dennis’s back. His hand slid up to Dennis’s shoulder. His breath steadied.
Dennis exhaled, sinking into him.
“This,” Dennis whispered. “This is what I want.”
Robby’s fingers curled gently into the fabric of Dennis’s shirt.
“I was so scared today,” he said quietly — and Dennis heard it, the way Robby’s voice wavered, the way he swallowed hard like he was forcing the tears back. “I didn’t know if you were going to—”
Dennis pressed his forehead against Robby’s chest.
“I know,” he murmured. “I’m sorry.”
Robby shook his head, breath catching. “Don’t apologize. Just… don’t do that again.”
Dennis huffed a soft laugh. “I’ll try not to almost die in the breakroom anymore.”
Robby let out a shaky breath — half laugh, half sob — the kind that said he was still holding himself together by threads.
They lay there for a long moment, breathing in sync, the fear of the day slowly dissolving into something quieter.
Robby finally spoke, voice low.
“I… like this,” he said. “It feels like… something.”
Dennis lifted his head slightly, just enough to see Robby’s face.
Robby looked terrified and relieved and hopeful all at once.
Dennis brushed his thumb along Robby’s cheek.
“It does.” Dennis murmured.
Robby’s breath caught when Dennis leaned in slowly — tired, gentle, careful — and pressed his lips to Robby’s.
It wasn’t dramatic or rushed or desperate.
It was like coming home.
Robby kissed him back immediately, one hand sliding up to cradle the back of Dennis’s head, thumb stroking behind his ear. Dennis’s fingers curled into Robby’s shirt, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss just enough to make Robby’s breath hitch.
When they finally pulled apart, Dennis rested his forehead against Robby’s.
Robby whispered, “So… we’re doing this?”
Dennis smiled — small and tired. Robby let out a shaky laugh, relief flooding his face.
“Yeah,” he murmured finally. “I guess we are.”
Dennis tucked himself back against Robby’s chest again, eyes fluttering shut.
Robby held him like something precious. Dennis drifted off like that — wrapped in Robby’s arms, safe, warm, and finally, finally relaxed.
And Robby stayed awake a little longer, watching him breathe, letting the fear of the day fade into something softer.