Archive of Our Own

From the moment he’d been born, Dennis’ family had expectations for him. Expectations of how he would help around the farm. Expectations of how he would give up a bit of normality. Expectations to hunt. It hadn’t been on purpose, but the usual traits were there and when tested, Dennis turned out to be a hybrid. They wouldn’t truly know until he was between one to three. It didn’t matter to his parents. Once they found out, they went to work. Since neither of them were hybrids, they had no clue what kind of animal Dennis might’ve inherited. There were some studies that thought it could be influenced. Dennis’ parents tried and when he finally transformed right before his third birthday, a coyote pup sat where Dennis had been.

It hadn’t been what the family wanted or needed. Still, they taught Dennis farm work, told him how to care for the animals and when he his skin ached and bones groaned in the way they did when he’d gone too long without changing, they taught him other things. Even though his form never really… grew with him. Always a pup.

(Later, while in medical school, Dennis would learn it was a psychological block. If a hybrid grew up in a place it determined unsafe, the “animal form” would refuse to age. An attempt to keep itself safe. Who would harm a baby?)

Dennis learned how to herd the sheep. Despite his small size, his father forced him to work long hours. Even after he’d finished, exhausted, he’d get a disapproving look from his father. Dinner after those days held no flavor. Like his body refused to let him indulge in taste or shut it down to make sure he ate.

It only got worse when Dennis became a teen. A doghouse got set-up because he started to be in his coyote form longer and longer. Part of him hoped it would finally earn approval instead of side glances or scoffs. It didn’t work and all Dennis earned was laying in the doghouse much bigger than him without a proper floor. Sometimes, if it had rained, the mud caked to his fur and he wasn’t allowed inside until he hosed off.

One night was all it took for the doghouse to become more… permanent. Dennis couldn’t remember what he said. Something offhand about school or maybe the farm, and his father looked up from the head of the table. The whole room went tense and Dennis swallowed around a dry mouthful of food.

“You’re sleeping outside for the week,” his father said.

“But it’s snowing every night,” Denis tried to reason.

“You have fur and a doghouse. You’ll be fine.”

One week became two became three became a month. Eventually, Dennis learned straw helped insulate better than blanket which only made him colder. A few nights he managed to sneak into the house to be warm and wake up before his father to be back out in the cold. Dirt caked under his nails even after he showered. The smell of a barn stuck to him harder than any of his family members.

The muzzle came a year later. Dennis worked to keep any sarcasm or ill-intentioned words from his mouth. One slip-up was all it took for his father to send him outside and follow him minutes later, cornering him in the doghouse and clipping the muzzle on. The moment his father left, Dennis whined and pawed at the metal. There wasn’t enough space left for his jaw to open and breathe properly. He curled up in the farthest corner and did his best to sleep that night.

The summers were never as bad. Those nights were warm and though the heat battered down on Dennis’ fur, it felt better than every cold night he’d endured through. It didn’t matter if the only breaks he got were the ones his father took. Being able to lay down and pant and occasionally earn water were better on his form than the cold of the snow. Or the pattering of rain overhead. Sometimes, the crack of thunder and flashes of lightning worried Dennis.

There were several tornado warnings and once, Dennis almost missed his family crouching down in the cellar. His tail nearly clipped on the door as his father shut them in. Usually, the muzzle would come off. His mother left a pair of Dennis’ clothes there and he’d be able to change back, pull them on, and sit with the family while they waited and listened to the roaring.

Except as Dennis padded around, he found no clothes. His family didn’t bother helping him look and when he made a snuffling sound as he tried to find anything to cover himself with, his father hissed at him to be quiet. Dennis curled up in a corner by himself.

His brother Ezekiel took pity on him that night and shucked off his flannel. His father had grumbled about Dennis not needing it as the eldest tucked the piece of clothing around Dennis. He tried to show his thanks but his tongue only met with the bars of the muzzle. Ezekiel tried to take it off. Their father barked at him to come back and Dennis buried himself further into the warmth his brother managed to provide.

By the time Dennis turned seventeen he knew he couldn’t stay anymore. A lifetime on the farm meant a lifetime of being treated like less-than, of sleeping outside, of being forced into one form. Theology his parents supported, although it left his father upset at losing such a good asset to the farm. Being away helped Dennis set up the work for the next several years of his life. Less of an undergraduate and more of an escape. A way to make sure everything he did stayed out of his parents eyes.

Medical school hadn’t been something he told his parents. All the years working on his theology degree led to one night to make a run for it. Cut contact, lose his family, but gain a life. One where Dennis swore off everything. Once he made it to Pittsburgh, he refused to ever shift again. He made it most of the way through school before halfway through his rotations the place he stayed at burned down.

Empty eighth floor at the PTMC worked well enough. Of course, Dennis knew a coyote pup in Pittsburgh wouldn’t set off many red flags in Pittsburgh. Still, he didn’t want to risk it. Even while his whole body itched and craved being able to change, Dennis refused. The risks that came with shifting were too great and he never wanted to give someone the opportunity again.

In his emergency med rotation, it all fell apart. Well, in his eyes. Trinity Santos found his hiding spot and invited him to her place. If Dennis couldn’t shift before, the moment he stepped into the apartment, he could never shift. The open room she led him to felt too good to be true. Even though he told her about the no money thing, she said not to worry about it.

The first little while, Dennis found himself cleaning up, fixing, and patching whatever Trinity made a comment about. It was the one way he could repay her and although she watched him with an odd eye, she never said anything about it. Just let him do the work he wanted. It eased him. Lulled him into a nice sense of security.

The first time he bit back with words, he expected Trinity to send him away. Take back everything she ever did for him and throw him back into the streets. Instead, she gave him a shocked look, laughed, told him she didn’t think he had it in them.

Getting matched to the PTMC later turned out great. Of course, it meant Dennis latched on hard to the first authority figure he knew. An older man who knew kindness and empathy. Then, he switched to night shift for a while to help cover one of the doctor’s going on vacation. Another older man who guided Dennis in the right direction. Firm but never hateful. Or spiteful.

His skin itched and bones groaned worse around the two. As if something in him knew something Dennis didn’t.

The answer came a few months into his internship when he overheard Jack complaining to Robby. Something about them needed to invest in another couch. All Robby did was laugh and tell Jack maybe they just needed to get him a proper bed for his wolf-form. It made Dennis freeze as they walked around the corner.

“Whitaker,” Jack said with a look of slight discomfort, “Didn’t hear you.”

“Sorry,” Dennis said, “I didn’t—I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop I just—”

“It’s fine. You just startled me. Bet you haven’t met any hybrids out in Nebraska?”

“I have.” Dennis winced and looked down at the matching hums of curiosity from the married attendings. “Sort of.”

“Huh,” Robby scratched at his beard, “I didn’t think there’d be many out in the countryside.”

“Pretty sure there was just the one where I lived,” Dennis said. Vague worked. If they didn’t learn it was him, there was no chance of the punishment that came with what he was.

“Interesting. Do you know what kind?”

“Probably a farm dog,” Jack said.

“Right, because that’s how it works.”

“You’re a special case.”

“You’re both hybrids?” Dennis interrupted. Keep them talking about themselves and they won’t ask again.

“Wolf and bear,” Jack explained, pointing to himself then Robby.

“Grizzly,” Robby explained further.

After the conversation, Dennis understood the pull to the two men. It wasn’t all because of his stupid romantic fantasies, it was because they were like him. Being alone for so long made him try to be around others who understood.

He tried not to give in, but found himself closer to the two men more often. Sometimes, Dennis thought they did it on purpose. Put themselves in his path just so they could talk with him. They never brought up the hybrid Dennis told them he knew again. Every moment around them only brought the urge to shift to the forefront of his mind. Two people who did it on a regular basis (Dennis assumed) wouldn’t mind. But Dennis only knew them in a work capacity.

Until they invited him to dinner and well Dennis couldn’t refuse. Homemade soup and a glass of wine. Dennis thought he stumbled through the whole interaction, barely knowing what to say. They invited him over again… and again. Enough times Trinity asked him about it. Enough times they brought up the notion of filling out a declaration of personal relationship form.

Dennis blurted it out then, that he was the hybrid he knew. Robby and Jack blinked at him, looked between each other, then back at him. They asked if they could see his form. Dennis had seen both of theirs on the few times he came over and one of them was in the (very large) backyard to soothe the want to change. He shook his head, staring down at the ground, ready for them to take back what they said about wanting him. Instead, two sets of arms pulled him to the couch to sit down and shush him.

They reassured him they still wanted him in their lives. It changed nothing for him to keep whatever form he had hidden away. Dennis nodded.

The weeks after, Dennis found himself at their place more and more often. Most of the time, pressed right between them on the couch while something played on the TV or one of them looked through emails or read. A few times, Dennis thought he’d feel comfortable enough to give in. Let himself have what he’d given up so long ago.

The rainy season came and with it, Dennis’ fear. The all encompassing fear he managed to hide from Trinity, but couldn’t from the two men. The first clap of thunder had Dennis shaking and the strike of lightning made him pull his knees to his chest.

In a few minutes, Dennis found himself in the large bed with blankets wrapped around him, headphones covering his ears, and both of his boyfriends on either side. They pressed into him as the movie played in Dennis’ ears. It covered the sound of the rain pattering against the window. The thought of being forced into the rain with no doghouse ebbed out of Dennis’ mind.

The more time that went on, the more Dennis fell into the comfort. Much similar to the comfort Dennis had found with Trinity. Neither of them mentioned building a doghouse. Neither of them tried to push Dennis into showing what his form was. They did ask, occasionally, if he ever shifted. Dennis gave shrugs and half-truths.

“I did it a lot a while ago,” he told them, “I just don’t see any reason to now.”

Eventually, the ache in his bones became unbearable. The first time he shifted in years, both men were gone from their house. He figured he’d have a few hours to himself and it would help for when he did change in front of them. He wanted to show them.

It didn’t surprise Dennis that he stayed a pup after all this time. He doubted anything would change that. What did surprise him was the exhaustion the change brought him. As if holding onto being human for so long wiped out everything. Dennis curled up on the couch, just wanting to rest his eyes.

When the door slammed shut hours later, Dennis woke up. Fear wrapped around his heart and he cowered against the cushions as their footsteps grew louder and Dennis looked around for where his clothes had gone. It didn’t matter because moments later, Robby and Jack were standing in the threshold, staring at him.

“Oh,” Jack said, “Coyote. Wouldn’t have guessed.” The step he took to get closer had Dennis’ paws scrambling against the seat of the couch and whimpers falling from his maw.

“It’s okay, Den,” Robby said from his place, “Do you want to change back? Me and Jack’ll look away.” Dennis could only whine because he did not want to be human again. This felt too good. He just hadn’t expected the men back so soon. He hadn’t expected to fall asleep.

“It’s okay,” Jack said, “You don’t have to. Can we come in with you?” Dennis licked his lips as he looked between the two. Eventually, he gave a short nod and the men moved in unison. Jack sat next to Dennis, giving him enough space, but holding out a hand. Robby fell in place on Jack’s other side. Dennis leaned forward, enough to let Jack scratch under his chin. His whole body sagged with the feeling.

He’d never had hands on him like this before. Only his father’s commands and the times he had to be hosed down from the dirt. Jack’s nails found scratches Dennis didn’t even know itched. He cooed and said something to Robby. Another hand landed between his ears and Dennis whined and tilted his head just so for the fingers to reach behind and catch the itch there.

A few minutes later, Dennis found himself sprawled over Jack’s lap with Robby still petting at his fur. His hand kneaded into the spot just behind his ears and made Dennis’ brain fuzzy. He could hear the two men talking above him, but didn’t care to try and listen in.

“Dennis?” Robby said. Dennis yawned and blinked his eyes open. “Hey, wanna head up to bed? You can stay like this if you want, it’s okay.” Dennis whined. Every time he’d slept like this, he’d been forced outside. There was no doghouse outside. It would be so cold without any straw blanketing the ground or roof over his head.

“I’ll find you some clothes,” Jack said, “Then me and Robby will head upstairs. You can join us whenever you’d like. Sound good?” Dennis stretched over Jack’s lap and moved to be in Robby’s. They both chuckled at the motion and Jack stood to leave the living room. Robby’s hand ran over Dennis’ spine, filtering through the fur there.

Falling asleep right here sounded like a great idea. Dennis didn’t know if it would be allowed, though. Or if he’d wake up in the cold. Jack and Robby didn’t seem the type to make him sleep outside, but it had been how Dennis grew up. He assumed it was the same for everyone. While in animal form, it only made sense to be outside to sleep. Being inside like this was already a privilege.

Jack left the folded clothes on the armchair and Dennis whined as he moved out of Robby’s lap, away from the gentle hands. The two men smiled down at him before telling him to take his time and they’d just be upstairs waiting for him. When they left, Dennis glared at the clothes on the armchair. It had been so long and he only got a few hours in this form. He didn’t want the cold.

When Dennis made his way back to the bedroom clothed Jack and Robby pulled him into bed right between them. They muttered about how they were proud of him and thanked him for trusting them with all of him. It took a lot of effort to keep the tears from Dennis’ eyes.

It became more regular after that night. More often than not, Dennis ended up in his coyote form after getting home from work with Jack or Robby running their hands over his fur. A few times, he ended up curled on the bed. He still made sure to be in his human form before falling asleep.

There was a bit of obvious tension between Jack and Robby every time. No doubt because of the fact Dennis was still a pup. Still a baby coyote form no matter how long it had been. Part of Dennis worried they were trying to figure out the best way to kick him out. Let him know they changed their mind about him and tell him they didn’t want someone so… damaged.

Dennis reconciled with himself. There was no reason they were the type to wait around for a conversation like that. They cared about him, showed it every day. They didn’t want Dennis gone they were just worried. About why he stayed a pup. About what it would take to help him grow past it into a coyote. Dennis didn’t think it was possible. The gentle hands and kind words every time he shifted helped, though. Eased the anxiety in him.

Still no doghouse was made, though they did buy another dog bed for the office. Jack’s stayed in the bedroom unless the man moved it himself. There were weekends Dennis spent all day in his form, curled up on the bed, while his partner’s worked through the flood of emails they got. Sometimes Dennis would move from the bed to be in either of their laps. They called him spoiled for it but always obliged. A kind hand in his fur.

Dennis thought the peace could last forever.

They were having a good day. Or at least better than most. Even though it had rained earlier, the weather cleared up. Still cold, still dreary, but no more headphones or movies. Outside, the grass was still wet. Probably still would be in the morning. Not just dew but evidence of the night they had.

It was getting close to bedtime, but Dennis had complained about the tell-tale signs of not shifting recently. It had been on accident. Just an off-handed comment that made Jack and Robby perk up. They told him they knew he didn’t like being in his coyote form to sleep, but if he wanted, one of them could go and get his dog bed from the office. Dennis stared at them with wide-eyes. He didn’t think that was allowed, but agreed quickly. Robby left to grab it for him while Jack went to the bathroom to brush his teeth.

“It’s not even nine!” Dennis says from his place on the bed while Jack spits out his mouthful of water. “You’re just old.”

“Yeah?” Jack says as he makes his way to the door of the bathroom. He leans against the jamb so he’s balanced easier. He’d taken off his prosthetic before brushing his teeth. His forearm crutches sit just outside the bathroom, waiting for him. “You’re the one already in pajamas and ready for bed.”

“That’s because you and Robby wrestled me into bed with you for months. If I spent a month in my apartment, I’d be going to bed at midnight.”

“Woof. That’s not healthy, baby.” Dennis retaliates by sticking his tongue out at Jack. They can both hear Robby walking up the stairs before Jack can comment further. Dennis lights up at the sight of his dog bed in Robby’s hands. He does eye the way the man is walking before he sets the bed down. A little decorum is lost, but with the way Robby is rubbing at his lower back, Dennis forgives it.

“Everything okay, brother?” Jack asks. Dennis looks over, meeting Jack’s eyes. They both tilt their head in the way that means ‘He overdid his back again’.

“Yeah,” Robby waves Jack off, “I just leaned down to pick it up instead of squatting.”

“You’re really not helping with the old allegations Den’s throwing around.”

“That so?” Robby winces as he pulls his hand away, but still leans against the foot of the bed over Dennis. Dennis smiles up at him as either of Robby’s hands rest just beyond his hips.

“Mhm!” Dennis says. “We’re going to bed at nine. That’s what old people do.”

“You’re going to bed, too.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t throw my back out picking something lighter than a feather up.”

“I’ll have you know it weighs four pounds.”

“Oh, I’m sure.” Robby grins down at him. Dennis leans forward, ready for the kiss that usually comes after this kind of teasing. Instead, Robby turns to look at Jack. Dennis isn’t worried. He’ll get his kiss in just a moment. He’s sure of it. “He’s mouthy today.”

“We oughta do something about that.” Jack says. Dennis snorts, ignoring the small flare of panic that zings through him. For them, that means kissing him slow and lazy. It means making Dennis beg for more and them tutting about whether he’s earned it or not. It doesn’t mean—

“You wanna get our boy a pretty muzzle?” Dennis’ veins run cold. He hears Jack say something, but he’s not sure what. His ears ring as he thinks about the rain and the cold. There’s mud outside. Dennis doesn’t think they have a muzzle, but maybe they bought one without him knowing. That was how it started last time. No warning from his father, just the harsh hands pulling him out of his doghouse and clipping the thing around him.

There’s no doghouse outside. Not for him or Jack, but Jack’s always behaved. Dennis thought it was safe to fire back with his words. Pushing against the boundaries to see where they were. They never rebounded until now. Now, Dennis knows where the line is. Where he shouldn’t overstep.

He ducks under Robby’s arm. He stumbles for a moment before regaining his footing. When he turns back with wide eyes, Jack and Robby are watching him. Dennis’ eyes flick down to the dog bed. He’s never been denied it before. It might help keep his fur from getting dirty, at least. He grabs it and starts back to the door. He won’t make them say it. He’s been bad so that means he has to go outside.

“Dennis,” Robby says. Dennis winces and drops the bed. He should have known better.

“Sorry,” Dennis mumbles, “I’ll… I’m sorry.” He remembers to shut the bedroom door behind him. As he makes his way down the steps, he pulls off his shirt. He trips over his pants and underwear as he pulls them off. When he pulls on the back door, it doesn’t budge. He manages to remember it’s locked.

Once, when Dennis was in sophomore year, he got caught in the house, dirty from the mud, trying to warm up. He’d set an alarm but his father had beat it. All doors to the house got locked at night after. Every window stayed slid down and Dennis wasn’t allowed inside until his father deemed him clean. It lasted a month.

As he unlocks the sliding door, barely remembering to close it behind him so to not let the cold in, he wonders if this door will be locked again in the morning. Even if it was, Dennis would still wait on the porch, head ducked, until one of the men would let him inside. Now, he lets himself change into his small form.

There were bushes off to the side of the porch. He remembers they’re Jack’s pride and joy, but there’s no where else for him to hide if anymore rain falls. He sniffs around the bushes, looking for the deepest part in the mud. If he crawls under them there, it won’t leave behind much of a mess. Hopefully it’s enough to not upset Jack.

It’s cold even under the bushes. Even with Dennis’ fur, as he curls his tail around him and whines low and quiet. If he’s any louder, there’s a chance Robby and Jack will hear him and get more upset. Drag him away from the little warmth and force him to spend the night in the corner of the fence instead. Far away from the house. If they do pull him out, there’s a chance of the thorns catching on his skin and cutting him. Dennis whimpers and curls tighter at the stray thought.

Without his bed, Dennis pillows his chin on his paws. There’s already mud caked to his fur like he knew there would be. He’s shivering something fierce and he forces himself to stay quiet even as his throat forces a few huffs and quiet cries from his mouth.

It takes some time before he’s able to close his eyes. Once he wakes up, he’ll try to roll in the grass to clean off as much as he can. If he keeps to the sides then it’ll be easier to hide and it might be easier to clean as well. There’s the added bonus of not being hosed down in the morning. It’s so cold with all the wet around him. He doubts the morning will feel much better with water being sprayed all over him.

Dennis is managing to fall asleep as he shivers when he hears the back door slide open. He scrambles further into the bushes, back hitting the fence keeping the bushes from brushing against the back of the house. He tries to quiet his yelp of surprise. It’s loud enough that Dennis hears someone step onto the porch. He squeezes his eyes shut and shivers from something other than the cold.

“Dennis?” Robby calls out. Dennis doesn’t answer. He had shut the door, like he was supposed to. Was there something else he forgot? Panic goes through him as he remembers the trail of clothes he left on the steps. He won’t be allowed inside like this. He’ll clean it up in the morning. They have to know. Dennis doesn’t ever leave a mess in their house.

“Dennis, are you out here?” Robby calls again. His voice doesn’t sound upset. It’s something else. Dennis has heard that tone in his father’s voice before, but those times were tests. He wanted to see if Dennis knew his place and whenever Dennis came out, he would be sent right back. Good training for him now. Robby doesn’t want to know where Dennis is; he’s just making sure Dennis knows where to stay. Dennis can be good.

“Maybe we just forgot to lock it,” Jack says. Dennis has to clamp his maw shut so he doesn’t start whimpering and whining for the other canine. He knows if he howls, Jack will answer. It doesn’t matter that the sounds are different.

“Right, the ex-military and control freak forgot to lock the back door,” Robby says, “And left it cracked open. I heard something, Jack. He’s out here I just…” Light floods the backyard and Dennis yips at the onslaught. He blinks furiously to adjust. As he does, he can hear a set of footsteps making their way down the porch.

Once his eyes adjust, they’re staring at where he’s crawled under the bush. There’s deep marks in the mud. Dennis doesn’t remember digging to hide from the cold, but he must have. His eyes go wide and he lurches forward to fix the mistake. It’s likely what Robby saw that alerted him to where Dennis hid. If he fixes it first, maybe Robby will go inside. Maybe Jack will, too, and he won’t be punished for ruining Jack’s bushes.

Dennis digs his claws into the mud, further caking his paws. The pile he made starts to cover the divot. It’s not fast enough because he hears Robby curse and rush towards him. Dennis whines out loud, he’s already been found, and scrambles back into the bushes. It will only bring more punishment. Dennis just wants to hide as long as he can.

“Jack, can you fill the tub?” Robby shouts. He’s so much closer than Dennis thought. He whines and yips and tries his best to stay back, only serving to smother his back with more mud. There’s no chance he’ll be able to roll it off of him in the grass in the morning. By the time Robby’s face peeks under the bushes, Dennis has subjected himself to the fact he’ll be hosed down in the morning.

“Hey, Den,” Robby says, “You scared us. We didn’t know where you went.” Dennis whines at the sentence. Hiding from the cold was the wrong choice. He should have stayed somewhere they could see him. Dennis didn’t understand why they would want him in their view after what he’d done. His father never liked to see him after one of his fits. Always better for Dennis to be out of sight. Unless Jack and Robby thought he deserved to deal with the cold head-on.

“It’s cold out here, sweetheart,” Robby continues, like Dennis doesn’t know. It’s the whole reason he’s outside. It’s where he’s meant to be since he’d been bad. “C’mon, Jack’s running a bath.” Dennis plants his paws and throws himself back hard enough it hurts his back. Robby curses and Dennis shakes his head from the hit. It hadn’t been what he meant to do. He just wanted to back up a little.

“Hey, no, don’t—don’t hurt yourself,” Robby says, “We just want you to come inside. That’s all.” Dennis whines. He’s so cold still. Jack and Robby will get a nice bath and that’s good. That’s what they need after dealing with him. But Dennis doesn’t want the hose now. He prepared himself for it later. Not right now. He can’t handle it right now.

“Please, sweetheart,” Robby’s voice cracks, “Come out? If you can’t come all the way, I can pick you up.” Dennis stares at him with wide-eyes. He’s not getting out of this tonight. There’s no escaping whatever extra punishment Jack’s thought of for his bushes.

Dennis whimpers as he ducks his head and slowly walks forward. Sure enough, once he’s within reach, Robby’s grabbing him and carrying him out. Dennis does his best to stay quiet when a few stray thorns dig into his skin and cut. He does squirm a little. He hopes Robby doesn’t think anything more of it.

“Oh, there you are, sweet boy,” Robby says. He curls Dennis to his chest and groans as he stands. Dennis remembers Robby had hurt his back earlier in the night and now he’s carrying him. Not only is Robby carrying him, but he’d been bent over all that time. Dennis whines and hides his face in Robby’s armpit. Everything he does is making things worse.

“I know,” Robby says, hand finding a patch of clear fur on the back of Dennis’ neck, “I know, we’ll clean you up soon.”

Dennis peeks out when he feels Robby sit down. He stares at where the hose is connected just close enough to the raspberries that Jack can reach it without leaving the porch. Jack who probably had to put his prosthetic on again to help Robby look for Dennis. Dennis wants to hide his face again.

There’s something tugging on his fur and Dennis yelps and twists before he can stop himself. He closes his teeth around the hand that pulled on a cut. Robby’s hand. Dennis whines and worries the skin between his teeth. He doesn’t try to bite any harder. He doesn’t want to break the skin of one of the two pairs of hands that were only ever gentle with him.

“I’m sorry,” Robby says, “I’m trying to get the bigger clumps before we wash you off. Is that okay?” Dennis whines and pulls back, licking at the indents as if it’ll save him. The apology is true. Dennis never wants to hurt Robby.

He does his best to be still for Robby. His jaw is open enough to breathe, ears flat against his head. When Robby reaches for his tail where a large amount of mud has found itself, he has to pull it from where it’s tucked between Dennis’ legs. Dennis whines at that.

“I know, baby,” Robby shushes, “Almost done. Then we can go inside.”

“How’s he doing?” Jack says. Dennis scrambles a little at the surprise of hearing the other man. He hadn’t heard the man approach nor smelled him. He was too occupied with watching Robby peel away the dirt.

“I think that answers that,” Robby says, “How’s the bath?”

“Luke-warm, so we don’t shock his system. He wasn’t outside for too long—”

“—But he was surrounded by mud.” Jack hums and Dennis stares at him. His vision goes blurry as he looks up at Jack. Jack looks down at him and smiles. Dennis whines and tries to curl in smaller.

“It’s okay, baby,” Jack says. He doesn’t move any closer to Dennis. It’s a little confusing because one of them should be getting the hose ready. Their bath is ready so they have to make sure Dennis is clean before coming inside so he can clean up his clothes. Then, he’ll take his dog bed out of the bedroom and put it… somewhere.

Eventually, Robby deems Dennis clean enough and stops taking the mud off of him. Dennis wiggles in his hold, ready to go back to the grass for them. But Robby doesn’t set him down. He holds Dennis closer. Then he stands.

Dennis yips and tries to get out of his hold. He’s not supposed to go inside yet. There’s still mud in his fur. Blood dripping down him. Being inside like this isn’t allowed. It doesn’t seem to matter what he does, because Robby only adjusts how he’s holding Dennis and steps over the threshold. Jack smiles at him. He scratches under Dennis’ chin like he always does and turns out the light, closing the door before he follows Robby.

The clothes are still on the floor. Dennis shifts to rest his head on Robby’s shoulder to stare at them. Those need to be picked up. Dennis needs to pick them up. Except Jack ignores them, too. Dennis blinks and stares at Jack.

“You’re okay, Den,” Jack says, “Just gotta give you a bath.” Dennis’ ears stand up at that. They were talking about their bath earlier. It doesn’t make sense for Dennis to be allowed in the bath. He’s still dirty. There’s so much mud under his nails. There’s blood clotting in his fur.

He isn’t given more time to wonder about it because when they hit the top of the stairs, Robby is passing him over to Jack. That makes sense, at least. Jack is the one who deserves to give Dennis his punishment. It was Jack’s raspberry bushes that were ruined.

“Heating pad is already plugged in,” Jack says, “Go lay down.”

“Are you sure?” Robby asks.

“I’ve got him.” Dennis wants to sink into the hold Jack has him in. It’s warm. In every other situation, it’s been a comfort. Now, Dennis doesn’t know what will come next.

He hides his face in Jack’s elbow as the man walks. If he doesn’t see what’s coming it can’t hurt him. That’s the hope that never wins. It doesn’t take long before Jack stops and starts to kneel. Dennis whimpers and buries himself further into Jack. The man has never let Dennis get hurt before. He doesn’t want to know what it feels like when the pain comes from him.

A moment later, Dennis is being lowered. He jolts at the feeling of warm water. A yip leaves him without his say-so and his eyes fly open to look down. They’re in the bathroom. The master bathroom. When he looks over Jack’s shoulder, he can see the bed and Robby’s toes.

The bath. The bath drawn for the other two men. Dennis stares at Jack.

“Can I keep going?” Jack asks. Dennis looks back down at the bath and kicks at the water. Jack chuckles and takes it as an answer. Dennis doesn’t start this time and instead lets Jack lower him. When he’s placed in the tub, the warm water ends under his shoulder. He’s so confused by the change, he ducks his head, nose in the water. When he pulls back, he sneezes. Jack laughs and pulls his head up.

“Let’s not do that, sweetheart,” he says. Dennis doesn’t give an answer. He’s staring at his own dirty paws through the moving water. He lifts one and stomps it back down, splashing some water. Mud breaks off and he whines. The bath is getting ruined.

Dennis tries to walk forward and get out of the tub. He’s too small like this. And all the water is making it hard for him to jump. Plus, when Jack reaches in and Dennis tries to use his forearms to escape, Jack only shushes him and eases him back into the tub. Dennis yips and whines, but let’s Jack splash him with water.

It does help him warm up. The cold gets chased away and he’s not shivering as much. At least, not from the cold. Jack’s hands are gentle as he works the mud off Dennis’ fur. The water grows murkier and by the time Jack is reaching for the soap, it’s a completely ruined bath. Jack hums as the water and pops the drain.

Whatever plans him and Robby had for a nice bath is gone. Dennis hopes they can forgive him somehow. He watches the water get lower and lower as Jack mutters under his breath and massages the soap into his fur. He’s shivering again once the water is completely gone.

“I know,” Jack says, “I know. I just gotta clean you up some more.” Another few minutes of Jack’s hands soaping him up and the man is standing. Dennis thinks he could jump now and get out of the tub. Then the man can clean it up without Dennis making it anymore dirty.

The shower turns on and Dennis yelps at the water hitting him. He slips and falls. Jack curses as Dennis keeps scrambling, trying to get out of the way. The spray moves, but Dennis can still hear it. A moment later, Jack’s hands are on him as he’s shushing him and trying to help him out. Once Dennis is standing he let’s go. Dennis moves again toward the edge of the tub.

“No, hey,” Jack kneels again, blocking Dennis’ line of sight, “I need to rinse you off. And then I might fill the tub again. You got really dirty out there. I just want to help clean you up, okay?”

Dennis stares at where Jack left the shower head after lifting it from the holder. If Jack wants to clean him, Dennis will let him. It doesn’t feel like a punishment, but maybe that will come later. Dennis watches his paws as he makes his way to the shower head to nudge it in approval.

Jack is more obvious with his movements when he reaches for the shower head. He makes sure to telegraph every movement and Dennis can’t figure out why. He’s used to harshness. It’s something he knows so well. Jack can be harsh with him. He deserves it. Dennis doesn’t know how to let Jack know.

They repeat the cycle after Dennis is rinsed off. Jack let’s the tub fill just enough for him to help scrub the rest of the mud off. He takes extra care of Dennis’ nails, scraping as much mud out of them as he can. By the time he drains the second go, the tub is coated in a thin sheen of dirt. Dennis tucks his tail at the sight of it. Whenever Jack and Robby take their bath, they’ll have to clean it out first.

“Can I pick you up?” Jack asks. Dennis stares up at him. Jack just waits as if Dennis has a choice. Dennis steps forward and Jack smiles before pulling him out of the tub. There’s a clean towel waiting for him. Jack makes sure to dry him off as much as he can. Dennis shivers from the new cold. “I’d try with the hair dryer but I think that would set you off again.”

Everything Jack is doing is much nicer than what Dennis expected. There’s still no sight of his muzzle. When Jack picks him up, Dennis is sure they’re going to his punishment. They’ve put it off for so long.

Except he’s deposited on the bed. On Robby’s chest and Dennis yips. He tries to move off the man, but Robby hums and eases him back to the spot. There’s a large hand resting on his back and another on the back of his neck. Robby’s moving his thumb in that soothing way he does when Dennis gets scared of thunder storms. It’s enough for his eyes to droop.

Dennis is so tired. There’s nothing he hates more than getting this tired after his punishment. It hasn’t even come. He needs to be awake and alert for it. When he would get tired between the punishments his father gave him, it only ended with more. Jack and Robby can’t blame him for being so tired after everything tonight, can they?

The bed dips and Dennis manages to lift his head and open his eyes to watch Jack unfurl one of their lighter blankets. It’s one of Dennis’ favorites. It lands over him and he licks his nose to keep from giving any sort of sound in alarm. Jack, however, laughs. Robby’s chest moves as he tries to hold the sound in. Dennis chuffs and the blanket gets lifted and moved to rest behind his head, just over Robby’s hand.

“There you are!” Jack says. “Sorry, sweetheart.” Dennis blinks up at him and turns to Robby. He can only see the underside of his chin. It’s probably the most comfortable for him, right now. When his back hurts like this, there’s not much he can do but lay down and put heat on it.

Jack turns the lights off before joining Dennis and Robby under the blanket. Dennis doesn’t remember him taking off the prosthetic and he tries to turn to check the man’s made sure to remove it.

“It’s okay,” Jack says as he curls next to Robby, watching Dennis, “You can sleep, it’s alright.”

“Can you reach the switch for the heating pad?” Robby asks. His whole chest rumbles as he speaks. Dennis doesn’t mean to sink into the comfort, let his eyes close. He knows he should stay awake, but it’s hard. Everything about the two mean screams safety to Dennis. It wasn’t until he messed up that stopped.

“Yeah, I got it,” Jack says. He reaches over Dennis, arm brushing against his fur. Dennis bites down a grunt and whine to keep the contact there after Jack’s done. He doesn’t deserve it.

Jack settles again, still pressed against Robby. Dennis yawns and licks his lips. He keeps his eyes open to watch the two men. Mostly, to watch Robby and keep an eye on his breathing. It doesn’t take long for the man to start snoring. Dennis thinks if he waits a little longer, Robby won’t feel it when he leaves. He looks over to Jack and he’s still staring at Dennis.

“Close your eyes, Den,” Jack whispers, “I’m not sleeping until you do.” Dennis knows it’s true. He still blinks at Jack slowly, lowering his head against Robby’s chest. He’s rewarded with Jack humming and scratching between his ears. It’s odd to be rewarded after all his bad behavior. It feels nice. He falls into the fuzzy warmth with Jack petting him.

When Dennis wakes up, it’s to his head and front legs on Jack’s chest and the rest of him sprawled over Robby’s stomach. It’s awful comfortable and Dennis doesn’t want to move from the position. Both men are sleeping so soundly and their hands have moved from where they were resting when he fell asleep. If he’s careful about it, he can get away before they wake up. It’s the safer option.

There’s still a punishment coming, Dennis knows. He’s not in as much of a panic, but he’s not an idiot. The comment he made about them being old must have gotten… well, old. He’s made them dozens of times before. The one he made last night must have been the straw to break the camels back.

Dennis yawns, tongue curling and legs stretching. When he’s done, he survey’s the scene in front of him. It will be a little hard to get out of bed without alerting the two, but it must have been a few hours of sleep at least. They shouldn’t be easily disturbed. Dennis moves slow, keeping an eye on Jack as he goes. Robby sleeps like a rock. It’s Jack he’s most worried about waking up. Once he’s out from under the covers, Dennis stands a little easier. Neither of the men give any indication that they miss where he used to be.

Something in his chest aches at that.

Dennis jumps from the bed, rounding it to find his dog bed right where he left it the night before. The bedroom door is still open. Dennis bites on the edge of the dog bed and starts dragging it toward the open door. It’s something he’s done before in the office downstairs. The office downstairs has hardwood. It’s not as easy on carpet.

Without thinking, Dennis growls in frustration. He freezes immediately. His ears stand up as he listens for any noise on the bed. Any indication he’s woken either of his partners.

He can hear someone shift, mumble something, and then it’s quiet again. Dennis still waits before trying again. This time, he makes sure to stay quiet as he pulls the bed out of the room.

It’s tricky work, dragging it down the stairs. Dennis looks between the bedroom door and the steps as he goes. The bed makes a light thump on each step. It’s not enough to rouse anyone. He passes his clothes and makes sure to remember to pick them up once he’s found a place to settle. Out of sight, but not hidden. Robby and Jack shouldn’t have to deal with looking for him when they wake up. It’s better if they find him easy. They hadn’t liked looking for him last night.

Dennis picks a spot between the two couches. Somewhere he’s out of the way, but if they look for him, it will be easy to find. He gives himself a satisfactory nod at the placement before happily trotting to get his clothes. He brings them back to his dog bed, nudging them out of the way before climbing in and curling on the bed.

It’s a way for him to show that he can be good. See? He removed himself from Robby and Jack so they can sleep without the pesky coyote annoying them. He even cleaned up after himself! Took the dog bed from the room and his clothes from the stairs. He doesn’t need a punishment when he’s been so good now, right?

He’s starting to doze off again when he hears it in the distance. A light rumbling at first. For a moment, Dennis doesn’t even notice it. Then there’s lightning flashing through the curtains. Rain pattering on the roof. Dennis is so small. It’s never good when it rains.

He doesn’t want to be like this by the time he hears the second thunderclap.

It’s hard changing back after being in this form for so long. It doesn’t hurt, but Dennis had been so comfortable and now he’s naked and scrambling to pull his clothes on. He winces as his shirt catches on some of the scratches from the thorns. A few of them are deep. A few of the scabs scrape off. Dennis ignores it.

Watching television has never been taken from him before. Maybe it will be later, but right now Dennis knows it’ll help. He finds the remote, turns it on, and makes sure to mute it before clicking through the subscriptions to find something to put on. He falls against the couch.He jolts at another lightning strike. As he counts the seconds until the thunder he wonders if he’s okay to draw the curtains. Best to leave it alone for now.

Dennis does curl himself up on the couch. He brings his legs up, wrapping one arm around his shins as the other absentmindedly makes it’s way towards his mouth. The edge of his thumb is between his teeth as the rain gets louder and the wind starts howling. Whatever is on TV, Dennis isn’t paying attention anymore. It’s there, but he’s not sure what’s happening or if he’s even watched it before. The subtitles are a blue and Dennis hiccups.

The taste of iron on his tongue makes him pull in closer to himself. More thunder, more rain, and Dennis really wishes he hadn’t been so bad earlier. Maybe then he could unmute the TV and risk waking the two men.

It was weird because they hadn’t given him his punishment yet. Dennis thought they always came soon after. Instead, he got a bath and a nap and some comfort, too. Those weren’t things he was meant to get. Dennis chews harder on his thumb as he tries to figure out what he needs to do to be ready for his punishment. There’s no muzzle and they hadn’t liked Dennis being outside. Or maybe just not out of sight outside? Maybe they would make him spend a few nights outside, but in view from the porch. Dennis nods to himself as another gust of wind makes the house creak.

There’s still no doghouse out there, but maybe Dennis can figure something out. There’s no straw, but there’s a few farm and ranch supply stores. He’s sure he can find something. Maybe he can take his dog bed out there and fill it with any straw he buys. It seems a feasible enough plan.

Another clap of thunder and Dennis actually whines this time. It’s not a loud noise. It’s hidden under the thunder, even, but there’s the sound of two men scrambling and Dennis squeezes his eyes shut and curls in tighter. He knows what’s coming now and he can prepare for it. He hopes they won’t force him out into the rain, they know how much he hates it, but there’s still a chance.

Dennis only just had a bath.

Someone’s sitting next to him and pulling him into their side. Dennis thinks it’s Robby. He’s all stiff, waiting for Robby to say something or tell him what he needs to do. Instead, there’s a kiss pressed to the top of his head and when Robby speaks, it’s to Jack.

“Are you—” He’s not even able to finish the sentence before Jack interrupts.

“Yup,” he says, “They should be charged just give me a minute to connect… alright.” Robby grunts next to Dennis as he leans forward. A second later, the headphones Dennis used during thunderstorms were over his ears and the sound of the movie he put on was flooding his ears, drowning out everything else. Dennis doesn’t mean to slump against Robby. He relaxes and let’s Robby pull him closer.

There’s more movement on the couch and Dennis knows it’s because Jack sat down. It makes sense to wait until after the rain is gone. Dennis will actually remember what they want from him, then.

Robby’s hand runs up down his arm before shifting and going to rub at his back. Dennis winces when the fabric catches on the new blood from his broken scabs. Robby pauses. Slowly, ever so carefully, Dennis is being urged forward and Robby says something that doesn’t get through Dennis’ ears as Robby lifts his shirt to look over his back. Dennis sniffles as Robby’s thumb brushes over one of the scratches.

“‘M sorry,” Dennis says. He opens his eyes to look at Jack so he can give the man a proper apology. Jack looks tired. His crutches are resting against the arm of the couch and he looks away from Dennis’ back to catch his eyes. “About your raspberries.”

Jack gives him a sad smile and Dennis wants to reach out to make it better. Instead, he wraps his arm around the one Robby has across his chest. Jack leans forward and presses a kiss to Dennis’ forehead. It’s such a soft gesture and Dennis doesn’t know why Jack did it. His lips move against Dennis’ skin and he wishes he could hear them over his headphones.

Then Jack’s pulling away and grabbing his crutches. Dennis watches him disappear into the kitchen. One side of his headphones gets lifted by Robby.

“He’s grabbing some bandaids and disinfectant,” he says, “I’m just going to scoot over a little and lay you down, okay?” Dennis looks up at Robby. There’s still rain and wind but there’s hasn’t been another clap of thunder that Dennis knows about.

“Okay,” Dennis says. Robby let’s the foam cover Dennis’ ear again and the sound of the movie sharpens. He let’s Robby shuffle towards the other end of the couch and lays down, arms folded to keep his head propped up with his chest across Robby’s lap. The shirt lifts again and Dennis wiggles a little so it sits under his armpits.

A few moments later, Robby moves and Robby’s hand is on Dennis’s skin. Jack lifts his legs and Dennis’ obliges before they fall into Jack’s lap. There’s a hand on his ankles, too and it’s rubbing soft circles into skin. Dennis hums and let’s the comfort wash over him.

There’s no punishment here. It’s becoming more clear with the haze of all that panic gone. He still feels like crying some more, but his head hurts right now and he’s a little thirsty. He can wait. Now, he can wait because there are kind hands on him; caring and soft and would never try to hurt him.

Robby taps against Dennis’ skin where he knows one of his scratches opened up. Another second and there’s a cold wipe cleaning it. It stings and Dennis tenses a little, but Jack’s squeezing his ankle and rubbing it. The comfort helps.

It takes a few minutes for all of his wounds to be cared for. When they’re done, Dennis doesn’t want to sit up. He’s not ready to face the two men and offer an explanation for everything that happened.

Either they know it, or they just don’t want to move. Robby leans over Dennis to set his supplies on the coffee table. Jack wiggles a little under Dennis to get more comfortable. Dennis yawns and snuggles closer to Robby. As tired as he is, he doesn’t want to fall asleep again. Not when all three of them are calm now after his fit.

He drifts in and out with the movie still playing. Whatever plot is happening, Dennis only understands half the story. It’s good enough he thinks he’ll have to try actually watching it later. For now, he waits until it changes or until the rain stops.

The rain ends before the movie and Dennis grunts a little as Robby pulls the headphones off. He runs a hand through Dennis’ curls. All three of them sit in the silence for a while. Dennis doesn’t want it to end. The calmness they’ve curated. Jack is the one who breaks it.

“I’m sorry,” he says, “I never should have… I wasn’t thinking.”

“You just implied it,” Robby says, “I was the one who actually said it. I’m sorry for that, sweetheart.” Dennis buries himself further into his arms as the tears start to flow. He doesn’t want to look up at the men. Neither of them try to make him. Jack moves closer to Robby, his hands resting on Dennis’ calves and run up and down. Robby keeps running his hand over Dennis’ back. It’s nice. He knows he needs to say something. Do anything, really, but then he’d start crying again.

When he really needs to breathe is when he finally starts to move. He lifts his head to take in clean air and shift so he’s sitting between his partner’s proper. Robby helps him pull his shirt down so it’s covering him properly again. Jack goes to hold his hand and pauses at the blood on his thumb.

“Oh, darling,” Jack mutters. Dennis doesn’t even think as he hides his face in Jack’s neck while the man grabs the previously abandoned first aid kit and cleans Dennis’ thumb.

“I thought—” Dennis chokes. Loses his train of thought “I don’t want a muzzle.”

“No.” Robby says. He’s wrapping his arm around Dennis’ middle and pressing his lips to Dennis’ temple while Jack wraps his thumb. “No muzzle. We promise.” Dennis sobs into Jack’s neck. When the bandaid is on his thumb, Jack pulls him onto his lap, let’s him cry. Robby moves closer as he takes in heaving breath’s, hand on his knee as Jack rocks him.

“There you go,” Jack murmurs, “Let it out. Cry as much as you need to.”

It takes a long time for Dennis to come down from it.

When he does, little hiccups and sniffles as he breathes proper for the first time all night, Jack kisses him again. This time, he keeps the lips there. Dennis’ breath hitches and he nuzzles closer. Robby squeezes his knee and Dennis thinks he might start crying again. He’s run dry at this point, though.

“I’m thirsty,” he croaks. Robby grabs his hand to kiss it and stands. Dennis knows it’s to get him water but he still holds his hand for as long as he can before Robby is out of reach.

Jack holds him a little tighter while Robby is gone.

They make sure he drinks slow when he gets his hands on the glass and pull it away so he can actually breathe for a minute. He keeps one hand holding Robby’s wrist to make sure the man doesn’t leave again, even if Dennis had asked for it. When the glass is empty, Robby just sets it down next to the first aid kit. Dennis hums as Robby pulls his legs back into his lap.

Jack’s heart is strong under his ear and Robby’s hands are warm through his clothes. Again, Dennis reminds himself there’s no punishment. These men love him too much to ever harm him in the way his father did. The way his whole family had allowed to happen. Dennis sniffs.

“When I was a kid,” he starts. He has to clear his throat.

“You don’t have to, Den,” Jack says.

“I want to.” Dennis rubs at his eyes again and keeps them closed this time. He doesn’t want to look at either of them while he explains. “I never… got treated the same as my brothers. Um. My dad used me for herding. And if I was bad, he made me sleep outside. Apparently, I was always bad.” He forces a laugh. Jack’s breath hitches and Robby squeezes his thigh tighter.

“There was one night… I must have said something that pissed him off. I don’t know what. I had—There was a doghouse. I was just trying to sleep but he came outside and—” Dennis tries to curl in on himself. Robby keeps Dennis’ legs over his own, but Jack let’s him turn into him. He doesn’t cry, but he clings to Jack and throws a wild arm out for Robby. Robby catches his wrist and laces their fingers together.

They’re quiet again. Still they’re soothing Dennis. Keeping him safe and comfortable. There’s the memory of how it felt that first time floating in Dennis’ mind. It’s been so long since then. It doesn’t make the memory any better.

“I’m sorry about the raspberries,” Dennis says again, “There’s no doghouse outside.”

“They’re just plants,” Jack says, “Besides, those things are tough.” Dennis smiles.

“Remember when he didn’t water them for a week?” Robby says. Dennis outright laughs. It’s a sudden sound and it’s enough to break the tension in the air. Jack and Robby join him and they’re a fit off laughter and giggles. There’s warmth blooming in Dennis’ chest again and he’s sinking lower into Jack, wiping at his eyes.

When they settle down, Dennis chews on his lower lip. There’s an idea brewing in the back of his head and he’s not sure how they’ll take it. He doesn’t want to set off his partners, but he also knows without this, if there’s another night or day when Dennis panics, it will help.

“Um.” he clears his throat, pulls his face away from Jack’s shirt and opens his eyes. “Can we… can we make a doghouse outside?” Jack tenses and Robby goes still. “I know… I know you won’t send me outside. Like, I know that, but tonight I couldn’t…”

“Your brain wouldn’t let you think past what your father did?” Jack says. It’s in the way Dennis knows he understands. Dennis has been there for his night terrors, for the times he woke up and tried to stand only to collapse. Robby might not understand it, but he’s been there too. There’s the dawning realization on his face.

“Yeah.” Dennis says. “Just stuck.”

“We’ll build you the best damn doghouse,” Robby says, his voice cracking.

“You mean I’ll build it,” Jack says, “You can pay for the materials, but after that, brother, you’re not touching a damn thing.” Dennis giggles before he slaps a hand over his mouth. Robby rolls his eyes and pokes at Jack’s side.

“Hey!” Jack shifts away, taking Dennis with him. Dennis yelps and wraps his arms around Jack’s neck. “I’m holding precious cargo here!”

“He’s gonna tickle me next, Jack!” Dennis shouts. Robby grins and goes to poke Dennis but Jack pulls him away and Dennis let’s his head fall back with the laugh. He’s tussled around as Jack and Robby slap-fight but Dennis doesn’t mind it. It’s the rhythm he’s more used to. It’s calmer and Dennis hiccups with the laughter.

“Okay, okay!” Dennis gives a soft kick to Robby’s thigh and both men stop. Dennis yawns and Jack hums.

“Need more sleep?” he asks. Dennis nods.

“Need anything else?” Robby asks. Dennis reaches out for him and Robby easily pulls him from Jack’s lap into his own.

“Traitor,” Jack grumbles. Dennis snorts. His mind isn’t full up of panic anymore. It’s just fuzzy for sleep and he’s surrounded by warmth. It’s a teasing remark and Dennis is able to think past everything enough to know Jack’s not serious.

“It’s either being traitorous or sleeping on the couch,” Dennis manages to say. When he opens his eyes, Jack has a soft look on his face. “I love you.” He tilts his head to look up at Robby. “I love you.”

“Love you, too, Dennis,” Robby says.

“Love you, baby,” Jack says. Dennis smiles and nuzzles closer to Robby.

He’s carried upstairs again, this time not caring to look around. He knows there’s no need to. Even if he’d left a mess, the men wouldn’t have cared. Robby helps settle him in the middle of the bed and Jack is curling up behind Dennis before he realizes it. Robby rounds the bed to get under the covers and let Dennis rest his head on his shoulder.

He’s warm and safe inside. There’s a hand around his waist and a rising and falling chest under his head.

“I’m no falling asleep until you do,” Jack says for the second time that night. Robby’s only just started snoring. Dennis lowers his arm to wrap his fingers around Jack’s wrist.

“I know.” he says. Robby’s head turns above him, chin resting against the top of his head. Dennis smiles and let’s himself drift off without the worry of the rain.