Chapter Text
It was July fourth, and Dennis had finished off his shift. He knew the chaos wouldn't end with his shift, that as the night came, there would only be an influx of burns and firework accidents, not to mention the growing aftermath of the slide's collapse. The Pitt only put into perspective how small some of his problems felt, every problem but this one. He’d agreed to house sit for Robby, a ‘yes’ that came purely from the fact that he was only looking at his lips the entire conversation. The way that he had the slightest smirk while reminding him of boundaries, only to completely shatter them in the same breath. It had felt like a blur, the musk of Robby as he handed over his key and the revving of his motorcycle as he left.
Three months, three months alone in Robby’s home, it was strange, and that only grew as he took an unfamiliar way to the house that’d be his for the next few months. He debated just going back to live with Trinity and checking in on the house ever so often. Still, Trinity had already offered to drive his things over after a mix of joy and annoyance at his sudden departure.
Robby’s home was nothing crazy; it was a quiet neighborhood, and even the loud cracking of fireworks had seemingly disappeared. He stood outside the house for a while, gathering the courage to enter this sacred home. The moment he stepped in, he was overcome with the reminders of him. His scent lingered throughout the house. The simple two-bedroom house, the living room, with a single couch and two matching chairs, his jacket from their shift the day before was discarded along the back of the couch. A small group of dishes that seemed to be from his morning breakfast, Dennis walked through the house with a practiced quietness. He could practically imagine Robby walking through the home, the tired look in his eyes as he throws himself on the couch.
The way he’d slowly peel himself from the couch to make a subpar dinner before showering and sleeping, before his hair could even dry. Dennis could feel his face heating, the red hue that would announce to anyone he was thinking the worst thoughts his mind could conjure up. He dropped the keys into the tray by the door as he kicked off his shoes. Instinctively, he rushed to clean whatever mess was left over from the morning. It was a habit he’d picked up living with Trinity.
His phone buzzed on the counter. ‘Trinity’ flashed on the screen; a picture of Him and Santos from a concert filled it. He used his elbows to answer the call, “Yes?’ his voice called out to the person on the other end. The ambient noise of the hospital filled the other end. “Huckleberry” Trinity finally spoke, “You made it there yet?’ her tone laced with amusement. As if his internal crush freak-out was some joke, “yes, I am here- sorry again for leaving for three months on such sho-” he couldn’t finish his sentence without Trinity cutting him off. “You are fine, plus Garcia is coming over tonight, so it'd be best if you weren’t home anyway. I have to finish up these charts before I can leave, so it might be a while before I can bring your clothes. Will you be okay, or do you need me to come pick you up from the scary sleepover?” a slight laugh in her words.
Dennis rolled his eyes, “No, I think I will be fine, I think I have a spare shirt, and some leftover hospital shampoos and conditioner…Plus, I think you will be finishing your charts until the morning shift.” Dennis smiled to himself at the thought of Trinity being stuck at the computers until the sun rose. There was a silence followed by Trinity in a flat tone, “Not funny, don’t you have a shirt to sniff?” Dennis laughed softly, “Don’t you have charts to catch up on?” he shot back. She didn’t speak back. Within a second, the sound of the call ending filled the now silent kitchen. He stared around the house, the unfamiliar home, and was once again reminded of where he was. He checked the fridge, it was about as stocked as you would imagine a middle-aged single man; a half-used carton of eggs, a gallon of milk, a week out of date, various sauces and condiments, leftovers that screamed to be thrown out, and a few choices of deli meats. He stared at the fridge. He had always imagined Robby as quite the chef, but it seemed even here on his day off, he would have to get up early to grocery shop.
He walked around the house, making note of the small things that showed life, the way Robby would leave clean clothes in the dryer, the particular way his toothbrush and mouthwash were set up. Even as he showered, he found himself finding the smallest quirks or similarities between the two of them, as if he could relate to him in any way. It was strange, and he felt like a schoolgirl who realized her crush liked the same music she did. It made him feel pathetic and like an idiot for not being this bold when Robby is around.
Dennis threw himself on the couch, a small throw blanket sat on his lap, it felt weird to sleep on his bed, so he’d opt for the couch instead. He hadn’t realized how tired he was til he sat down; he couldn’t even pull out his phone to scroll. The day had finally caught up to him as he sat down, His eyelids closing before he even realized he had fallen asleep.