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When Dennis first met Dr. Robby, he was not introduced as Dr. Robby.
He was just Michael Robinavitch. A guy at this janky bar Dennis goes to when he’s stressed about exams. Dennis only met him that one night. He’s not usually a one night stand kind of guy, but Michael really intrigued him. Sure he was probably Dennis’ dad’s age, but his face was kind and sad. Dennis wanted to know all about him.
He took Dennis to his townhouse, warmed him up with some wine and showed off his vinyl collection. Told Dennis he had just come out of a long term relationship so he wasn’t looking for anything serious. Which he was fine with because he’s too busy with school anyways. It was honestly the best night of Dennis’ life. When he left in the morning he always regretted not getting his number.
3 months later Dennis was sick every morning. He honestly didn’t know if he carried the male pregnancy gene. His pa didn’t believe in that kind of stuff. He cried when the lady at the schools free clinic showed him the test. How was he going to finish school? How would he take care of a baby by himself? He considered an abortion but in the end couldn’t go through with it.
He stayed in the dorms for at long as he could, then stayed in his car until that eventually got towed. For those long restless nights before his daughter arrived he thought about Michael every night. He wished he could tell him. He doesn’t even remember where he lives anymore.
3 years later he doesn’t know how, but he made it to his last rotation. He was glad most of them were at ptmc. They had a free childcare program there for residents. After his rotations would end he would pick up Susie and head to the 8th floor.
The first day of his ER rotation he thought he was gonna pass right out when he saw Michael again. Michael never acknowledged that night, it made him question whether or not it was him. But it had to be, he still had the same kind, but sad eyes. He guesses Michael doesn’t remember him.
How do you do go up to your boss and say “Hey. You don’t remember but we slept together once and we have a daughter who is 3 years old. Surprise!” You don’t. Over time it just got harder and harder to tell him, so he just didn’t. Also he heard through Princess that Dr. Robby and Dr. Abbot got back together after being separated for a bit. Must’ve been his long term relationship.
He’ll never be able to thank Trinity enough for finding them on the 8th floor and letting them come stay with her. She truly is his saving grace. So now it’s been almost a year he’s been in the ER. Things stay the same between him and Dr. Robby. Only Trinity knows about Susie and he prefers it that way.
One phone call from the daycare changes everything.
“Dr. Whitaker? It’s Laura. Susie fell at the playground. They’re carrying her into the ER right now. I know she hurt her arm but I don’t know if it’s broken. Im sorry Dr. Whitaker.”
Dennis is in curtain 2 but rushes out to the ambulance bay after he ends the call. One of the caretakers is carrying a crying Susie in her arms.
“Mama!” She cries and reaches one arm towards him. She clutches the other against her chest.
“Oh baby!” He transfers Susie into his arms. He realizes Dr. Abbot is at his back taking over as primary Doctor so Dennis can just be Mama. Dennis carries her tightly into his chest and follows Dr. Abbot into one of the rooms.
“You know the drill Whitaker. She’s gotta go up for scans, but I’ll get the rest of your shift covered so you can go up with her.” He pats Dennis on the shoulder after the initial assessment is done. It’s definitely broken but they need scans before the surgery.
They gave her pain meds through the IV so she’s asleep soundly on his chest as they wait for Xray to come down. Dennis has finally calmed down a bit knowing that she’s not in pain anymore. He closes his eyes, just for a minute.
When he opens them again, Robby is sitting on chair next to the bed. For a moment Dennis panics. Why is he here?
“How is she?” He asks. He doesn’t sound like a concerned doctor.
“Um better now that she’s asleep.” Dennis says. Trying to sit up a bit but also trying not to wake her. Robby hums and nods his head wordlessly. He never takes his eyes off Susie. His hand is on the bed, it flexes like he wants to reach out. Dennis’ heart is hammering so hard in his chest, he fears Robby can hear it from where he’s sitting.
“What’s her name?” He asks.
“Susie.”
“That’s a pretty name.” Robby’s eyes are the same as always. Kind but sad, oh so sad right now. “She- she’s mine, isn’t she?” His voice cracks a little.
“Yes.” He rushes out, tears fill his eyes. Honestly it feels so good to tell him after so long. After dealing with everything alone. “You remember?”
“What? Of course I remember Dennis.”
“But you-you never said anything” he’s whisper yelling as to not wake the sleeping child in his lap.
“I didn’t think you wanted me to. Im your superior. You were a med student at the time. I didn’t want do anything that ruined your schooling.” Dennis doesn’t say anything. tears are rolling down his face. He remembered? This while time he knew who Dennis was?
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Robby sounds sad, and disappointed. Dennis’ heart breaks in two. He should’ve never kept this from him. He wishes now he could go back and tell him the first time he saw him again. Or better yet search and search for his townhouse and tell him the day he found out.
“It’s like you said. You’re my superior. Also I know you’re married to Dr. Abbot.” He whispers the last part.
Robby chuckles sadly “Jack knows about you Dennis. I told him the first day I saw you in the ER.” Dennis furrows his eyebrows. Jack knew this whole time too? He would’ve never known. He’s never treated him any differently. Dennis slept with his husband! He would’ve expected a little animosity.
“Im so sorry Michael” he sobs. Burying his face in his daughter dark hair. “I should’ve told you. Im sorry. I should’ve told you” he repeats.
Robby shushes him and wraps his arms around Dennis as best as he can with Susie still in his lap. “I understand why you didn’t Dennis. It’s okay.”
Susie stirs in between them. “Mama?” She says sleepily. Robby pulls away and she looks up at Dennis. “Why Mama cryin?” Dennis wipes his face against his shoulders.
“Mama was just so worried about you baby. Im happy you’re feeling better” he gives her a fake smile. She looks at Robby and Robby is looking lovingly at her. “That’s Dr. Robby” he tells her.
“Do you… want to hold her?” Dennis asks Robby.
“Yes please, if that’s okay with Miss Susie?”
“What do you think sweet pea? Wanna go with Robby for a bit?” she nods sleepily. Dennis gets up and places her in his lap. She smoothers her face against his chest and falls back asleep. She looks right at home in his arms.
Just then Jack knocks on the glass door “They’re ready for her.” Is all he says. He gives Robby a small smile. Dennis’ heart skips a beat. Worried Jack will be, he doesn’t know, upset? Jealous? If he is, his face doesn’t show it. He looks the same as always.
Robby looks at Dennis before standing up with Susie still cradled against his chest. He places a strong hand against his neck, like he always does when he’s manhandling Dennis around the ER.
“We’ll figure it out Dennis. The 4 of us. Me, you, Jack, and Susie.”