Chapter Text
Santos pushed the doors open, intertwining her arms with Victoria's and Dennis'. The venue wasn't crowded, not yet but it would soon with all the people queuing outside. Their coworkers had gathered around the bar. Dennis scanned their outfits, he was amazed at the changes in appearance. Scrubs didn't make a good look on almost anybody, they were a little hard to pull off. He wondered if they really did match their personalities. He found Shen and Ellis from the night shift, he knew almost all of the other doctors and nurses from his own shift. They hadn't been the slowest of the bunch, Michael Robinavitch walked towards them with Jack Abbot trailing behind. They looked a little bit too lost among the others, Dana was the first one to greet them. They hugged some, then kept on going with a handshake or shoulder pat.
He felt out of place, this peculiar group didn’t belong here with their colorful looks and almost no light. He found it weird with no bright blue tones in their outfits and no blinding white lights, it was weird. “Jesse was just here.” Frank said, chuckling. “You missed all the fun.”
It had been weeks since he had last seen Frank, he hoped his recovery was going great. “Is he coming back?” Abbot asked, he had already ordered a beer but had had enough time to catch up on their conversation.
Frank shrugged, “He’ll be back eventually.”
There was a group laugh, Jack rolled his eyes. Dennis didn’t get the joke, he looked confused to Santos. She put her arms up in surrender but a smile spread across her face, of course she knew.
He chatted with everyone, no one seemed to want a good spot for the show. No one except maybe him, a free show in an almost sold out venue? It would be a great band, good even. Santos put a hand on his shoulder, “Should we go full barricade?”
He gave her his best smile, tired eyes and all. He had been going on with little sleep for a couple of days now and it was starting to wreak havoc on Dennis. He didn’t reply, she just dragged him along. She kept glancing back but he didn’t mind, he would find out sooner or later. That’s how things worked between them. Half secrets piled around them but none of them occupied their lives for longer than a couple of weeks, they had learned to read each other pretty fast.
People began to gather around them, the crowd seemed to grow to an absurd amount. Dennis looked back, he didn’t see anyone of their group until the night shift came bouncing as the lights went down. All around them people burst into screams and whistles, there was a roaring chant from the back to the front of the crowd. What was going on? Dennis saw the shadow of a man get behind the keyboards, Shen started clapping enthusiastically. Then the drummer sat down, drumsticks pointing upwards. Ellis joined first with a loud scream, then Abbot clapped harder. A guitarist and a bassist followed track, standing behind their mics. Then the music started, “How are you doing, Pittsburgh?” Spotlights on, a man in his late 30s or early 40s made his way to the center of the stage. “We are Rooney, but I’m pretty sure you know that, right?”
Dennis' eyes had been glued to the drummer since the lights had been turned on, he tried not to let his mouth hang open. He was listening to the song, he had heard it somewhere else. He had seen the drummer somewhere else, plenty of places to be exact. Jesse sat behind the drumkit, kicking and moving very casually. He and his sleeveless muscle tee were going places that night. The song ended abruptly, people around Dennis cheered loudly and he found himself joining in.
He turned to Trinity, “What?”
Little jazz hands, “Surprise!”
He had a lot to ask, how could he be the only one in the dark of this. Jesse was in a band, he was a drummer, they seemed quite popular. What?
He didn't get to question anyone, the other song started with a nice bass line, followed by an insane guitar riff. He watched people jump, sing along as if their lives depended on it. He could not believe it, he was having the time of his life with a crowd of strangers watching his co-worker tear and smash at the drums. Co-worker, friend, friend with benefits. That's a thing he had to ask as well, he didn't let the thought jeopardize his mind.
Mid show Dr Shen had to leave, “I am thirsty, man.” He had said between songs in a scream, “Anyone want anything?”
Dennis shook his head, he watched Shen disappear through the mass like some kind of knock-off Moses. The band resumed playing, Jesse screamed something into the mic and then began a quick rhythm. He banged his head around, it seemed so easy to get lost in the act. Dennis looked at him most of the time, it felt hypnotic and he just wanted more. He danced with Santos until she disappeared, Ellis disappeared shortly after too. Funny little coincidence it had to be. He danced more, curls sticking to his skin with sweat. He had overgrown his hair in the last month, his dad would not like it.
The audience began to cheer loudly, the guitarist changed into an acoustic and began to strum. The bassist tried to shush every voice in the room, he did a pretty solid job slowly. The keyboardist joined in with a mellow melody, Jesse stepped out from behind the drums and joined the rest of the band on the front of the stage. He had a tambourine on his hands, he shook it with a smile on his lips. They sang together softly. It had been a big change from their earlier stuff, probably a closing to an amazing concert. People around Whitaker drew out their phones, flashlights on and moved it from side to side. He did the same, smiling up at the stage as he caught his breath a little.
Everyone clapped and yelled when the song ended, Abbot put his fingers to his mouth in a loud whistle. Dennis screamed at the top of his lungs, he was euphoric really. The band came closer to the edge, they bowed as people cheered for them and their music. Whitaker saw things flying across the crowd, some landed on the stage. Cups, lighters, underwear. Really? They threw back in response, a couple of picks, broken and new drumsticks. People fought for those things in the pit, it was kinda crazy to think about it. The band disappeared and people started to fight their way out, Jack put a hand on Dennis’ shoulder and pushed him in the other direction. “Are you sure it’s this way?”
He looked over his shoulder just to see the older man nod, he guided Dennis towards a narrow door. They pushed through, back alley poorly lit.
“I needed a smoke.” He put a cigarette to his mouth, lighter turning air to flame in seconds. Jack’s side profile became warm against the coldness of the dark night. He exhaled, then blew out the smoke and sighed. “Do you want some?”
Dennis shook his head, “I try not to.”
Jack hummed, most smokers agreed that it was a nasty habit when met with a nonsmoker. “So, did you like it?” Abbot smiled, “Saw anything good?”
Dennis looked at him, he was glad there were no lights there. “I didn't know Jesse had a band.” He replied, thanking all the gods above that he hadn't tripped over his own words. “Or that they were this big.”
Jack chuckled, “He's good at hiding things, important stuff.”
Dennis stayed silent for a while, what was he supposed to answer? “Well, I’m pretty new to the Pitt.”
Jack gave him one of his looks, sideways with soft intense eyes. Dennis found himself nervous under the other’s exploration, Jack had another drag and blew the smoke out. It went right into Dennis’ face, he could have coughed but instead inhaled softly. Jack smiled. He was leaning against the brick wall, Jack was dressed in tight black trousers and a loose green tee, topped with a denim jacket. Dennis could see the outline of his dog tags under it, silver chain glistening. He knew Jack was a veteran, he had served for years before coming to PTMC but it made him feel uneasy still. What possibly could he have seen out there? It would have been far worse than most of the stuff in the ER, how could he stand it? Dennis remembered Victoria crashing, himself almost puking at a wound. They had seen some pretty bad stuff, what had Dr Jack Abbot seen on the field? How could he still be standing like that, sure of himself and so whole?
Dennis’ thoughts were interrupted by a door opening abruptly, the narrow door. Inside the venue music was still playing, it was Semisonic’s Closing Time. Jesse was looking at both of them, “Ah, you made it here.”
He approached rapidly, put a hand to Dennis’s nape and pulled him in for a kiss. It was short, it caught Dennis off guard. Jesse smiled against his lips, then he pulled away. What about discretion? Jack had obviously seen it. Jack came closer and they kissed, it wasn't brief nor long. Just the right amount of kissing for Jesse to slip a hand under Jack's jacket and for Jack to look at Dennis. “Did you like it?”
He was talking to Dennis about the concert, sure. His mind raced, his heart probably beat even faster. Jesse turned to look at him, he seemed a little bit amused. Dennis ran his fingers through his hair, he looked at Jack's hand on Jesse's hip. He could still see his bite marks on Jesse's shoulder, he had to regain some control over himself. Did he like the concert? “I didn't know you had a band.” He tried to smile, nonchalant or hoped so. “I thought you were single too.”
He didn't care if he sounded bitter at all, he was starting to feel a little bad. Something else pressed at the back of his head, at the bottom of his stomach. “You wanted to know if I was married, I am not.” He put his hand up, no sign of a ring. He hadn't expected this, he looked at the hand on the hip as if trying to get them off or something. He did not know what to say, really.
“He's angry.” Jack pointed out, let go of Jesse. He waited there, hand in his pockets. It seemed so normal to be a little angry to Dennis, he didn't know if frustration was his thing. Jesse made his way over, he looked him up and down. Loose jeans, tight t-shirt and gold necklace.
“I didn't think you would mind.” He whispered really close to his face, Dennis moved closer. They rested their foreheads against each other’s. He would have liked some sort of explanation, closure even. He shouldn't have fallen for it, he felt dumb. “I don't mind.” Jesse said in a soft tone, he pressed his lips to Dennis' cheek. “He doesn't mind, either.”
Dennis looked away, Jack was walking over to them. He didn't step closer, just watched the scene unfold from a little bit afar. He wanted to say something, Dennis wanted him to say anything at all. Jesse kissed him again, nose, cheek, lips. He pulled away and searched for a reaction, Dennis didn’t dare to move. Did he mind? He didn’t really know. Could he ask for anything at all? Probably not. He wrapped his arms around Jesse’s neck, pulling him closer. He stayed still on the crook of Jesse’s neck, Jesse ran his fingers up and down his back. It was intimate, Jack was still looking at them.
Dennis felt a hand on his head, he looked up to see Jack there. His soft eyes stared back at him as he kissed Jesse’s shoulder, they were still bare with his sleeveless muscle tee. He was so, so close Dennis could smell his cologne. He could see for a brief moment a smile, Jesse kissed Dennis’ shoulder as Jack did earlier. His heart skipped a bit inside his ribcage, he had made a decision about tonight. He would care again tomorrow, Dennis thought as he pulled Jack closer. It was weird with Jesse on the way but he seemed content with it, Jack pressed to his back and Dennis pressed to his front. They kissed, it was a little desperate as if to dissipate all his feelings and worries about earlier. He felt hands all over the place, his hair, his back, his torso.
Dennis pulled away with a smile, shit. He had just kissed an attending, he was pressed against a wall by two men. Jesse kissed him then, he felt his stomach heat, it rose from the navel all the way up to his chest. He watched Jesse and Abbot kiss, all he had felt earlier gone. Now he watched attentively, his hand pressed against his crotch in a very little polite manner. Jesse grinned at him, he had caught Dennis and Dennis didn’t mind at all. Abbot raised an eyebrow before he found out what was going on, he followed Jesse’s line of sight and then chuckled. “You’re right.” He said to Jesse, hand on his shoulder as both older men looked at Dennis. “He is dirty, I like it.”
Dennis blushed, hesitated to keep going. Then Jesse put a hand over Dennis’ to pick up the movements, Jack stood on the other side looking at them. He had thrown the cigarette at some point, now he put a hand on Dennis’ crotch as well. They all moved, Dennis threw his head back against the bricks. He looked around every passing second, the alley was dark, the door remained closed and the streets seemed too crowded for his liking. He knew people were leaving the venue, his flatmate, his coworkers. Their coworkers, really. Would there be any fans looking for the band’s drummer? No luck for them, the drummer was too busy trying to unfasten a belt as mouth travelled down his neck. Dennis knew exactly which hands were whose. Jack had a hand on the small of his back, he kissed his neck’s left side and Jesse kissed his neck’s right side, his hand under his briefs.
He needed them to go, he wanted to be able to move around without second guessing his every action. Would the others hear if he made a noise? Would they come to see what was wrong? How would they find the trio? He didn’t want to find out, he wanted a bed, four walls to give him some shelter. Jack pulled away, he grabbed at Jesse’s hair casually and pushed him off Dennis. They kissed and Dennis observed, Jesse’s hand still on him. “Should we move this to my place?”
Abbot had always seemed to be a man of good ideas, Dennis would follow him anywhere that night. Jesse’s hands moved out of Dennis’ crotch. Dennis found himself climbing in the back of Dr Jack Abbot’s car with nurse Jesse, Whitaker from a month ago would have laughed at himself. They busied themselves in there, Jack had to fight the need to look back, his eyes needed to be on the road. He put a hand under Jesse’s t-shirt, the other cupped his ass tightly. Dennis grinded against Jesse, they kept their makeout session noisy for Jack in the driver seat. He lived in a single-family home which seemed too big and too empty for a doctor who enjoyed long night shifts. Dennis would have made questions but Jack pressed him against the door as soon as he closed it. He was rough, strong to pin him there with no other place to go.
He heard distant noise, Jesse seemed to be elsewhere, doing something else. Jack brought him back to the hall with a swift movement of his hand, he traced around the small of his back softly before slipping his calloused hand under his trousers. He fondled Dennis’ ass as they kissed, Dennis pressed his hand between Jack’s thighs. Jack was hard against his too tight pants, Dennis smiled when the older man's breath caught a little. Jack pulled away, hands still holding the other in place. Jack looked at him, a sly smile playing on his lips. His eyes crinkled at the edges, Dennis didn’t know if he found Jack cute, Dennis definitely found him hot. “Are you gonna take care of that?”
Now it was Dennis’ turn to be out of breath, his stomach did a flip. He looked around, and found Jesse coming out of a room. He dropped to his knees, Jesse froze in the doorframe. Abbot looked back at him as Dennis unbuttoned his pants, his boxers were already wet. Jesus Christ, Dennis thought. He was gonna love this, it would be the death of him. He heard Jesse hum as he pressed his mouth to the stain on Jack’s underwear, he licked and felt the other’s dick twitch. Jack grabbed at Dennis' curls, urged him forward against himself. He put his fingers to the elastic of the boxers, and dragged them down. Dennis looked up, Jack was looking down at him with a wicked grin. His eyes half closed, Jack traced a finger along Dennis' cheekbone. He nuzzled against the touch, Jack pressed his thumb on Dennis' lips. He opened his mouth, and sucked. Jack's smile widened, Dennis felt a kick in his guts.
They stayed like that for a couple of minutes, he licked around Jack's finger. Jesse looked from his spot by the door, Dennis wanted to see him. What was he doing? What face did he make? Jack pulled his fingers out, dragging them down Dennis' chin. Spit running down his face. Dennis didn't do much thinking, he wrapped his lips around the tip and let his mouth hang open, tongue sticking out a little. Jack thrusted fast and rhythmically, Dennis put his hands on the other's hips to steady himself. He didn't move much, staying out was part of the fun, being fucked by Dr Abbot turned to be a primary necessity for him. He choked, Jack thrusted a bit deeper and then pulled at his hair. Dennis heaved, Jack looked so proud of himself. He crouched, put a finger to Dennis' chin and tugged him closer. They kissed, spit and pre cum in both of their mouths. They parted, a glimmery line of drool connecting them. “Mind if I join?”
Dennis startled. Jesse. He was walking over, no tee on. Dennis cursed at himself for being too slow, too caught up on Jack. He had imagined himself ripping it off of Jesse, kissing his chest and toned stomach. He could get off just with that thought, he felt so pathetic. Jack smiled at Jesse, who offered him a hand. He helped Jack up with as much care as possible, Dennis found himself thinking about how long this had been going on since they had met at the hospital. Jack kissed Jesse on the mouth, Dennis still on the floor next to them. He looked in awe, Jesse's bare torso meeting Jack with his pants hanging low around his hips. Dennis was gonna pass out. Jesse looked at him amused, “Want me to carry you again?”
Dennis blushed, he stood quickly. His legs felt fuzzy, he wanted to reach the bedroom and see how this unfolded. He needed to know what the other two had planned for him, what they'd do to him. Jesse tugged at Dennis' necklace and kissed him, he gripped tightly at Dennis' hips. Dennis felt Jack pressing against his back, hands just above Jesse's. He kissed Dennis' shoulders, the back of his neck. Dennis pressed a hand to Jack's dick, the other to Jesse's crotch. They stopped kissing Dennis, then Jack leaned over Dennis' shoulder and kissed Jesse right in Whitaker's face. He looked at lips parting, tongues moving in sync and teeth scraping. He moved his fingers up and down, both men grunting.
When they pulled away, Jack guided them upstairs to the master bedroom. Well, he guided Dennis. Jesse seemed to know the house well, and might be able to walk around it in pitch dark. Dennis looked around himself, the bedroom was so full. A king bed, two nightstands, two armchairs and a little table next to one of them. Jesse tugged at Dennis' t-shirt, and off it went. He looked for Jack, he had disappeared into the bathroom for something. He wondered about Abbot’s life quite a lot, he knew the reputation that preceded the man, they had met on Dennis’ first day during PittFest but that was about it. He was intrigued, decided to find more while crawling into his bed and waiting for him with Jesse near.
Jesse kissed his torso slowly, he enjoyed taking his damn time with Dennis and it drove him to madness. They were both laying in bed by the time Jack came back, he still had his pants hanging low by his waist. Dennis watched him crawl into the bed, he took the spot on Dennis’ left and ran a hand through Jesse’s hair softly. Jesse looked up at Jack, grinning at him like an idiot. Dennis wondered if they had a code for their smiles and grins, if they understood each other that deeply. Jesse kept kissing him around the waist of Dennis' jeans. Jack let go of Jesse, his hand moving to Dennis' chest. He kissed Dennis hard, Jesse's mouth moved down as his hands worked on the belt again.
Dennis wrapped an arm around Jack, pulling him closer. His other hand urged Jesse down, he pulled jeans and briefs until they were around Dennis’ knees. Jack’s hand wrapped around his shaft, guiding him into Jesse’s mouth. They moved together, Jesse pressed a hand to the right spot under Dennis’ navel and Jack bit at his shoulder. It made his whole body shiver. He could hardly hold it together with just Jesse, but now there was another set of hands, another mouth on him. Another man's attention. He was so delighted to be covered in attention, wrapped with strong hands and calloused fingers. Jesse’s tongue did wonders, Jack tightened his grip and Dennis moaned. He felt Jack’s smile against his skin, hotness spreading.
Jack pulled away, looking at Dennis from above. He watched Jesse go down on Dennis, his back gleaming with just the right amount of sweat. Dennis buckled his hips into the warmth of Jesse's mouth. Jack pulled him closer and kissed him, Dennis laid there staring and wrapping his own hand around his dick, stroking himself softly. “You good?” Jesse asked, Jack nodded. “Up or down?” Dennis hoped the answer would suit his liking, Jack whispered something.
He watched Jesse smile at Jack, he crawled into his lap and began kissing him. Dennis laid still, both men grinded down on each other. He made his way over, Jack was the first to catch him. He smiled at Dennis, then pulled him towards Jesse. It was messy, Jack’s hands moving around each of their bodies carefully. He was so turned on. Jesse pulled away with a grin, he lowered himself into the floor between Jack’s legs. Dennis was ready to watch a good show. Jesse rolled Jack’s trouser leg up, Dennis watched him detaching Jack’s residual leg with care and ease, as if he had done it a thousand times. He had expected some scars from old army times, not Jack to be an amputee. Jack caught him staring, Jesse sliding his underwear off. “It’s been like this for a while, don’t worry.”
He didn’t reply, there was no answering to do. He could not mind, it wasn’t a problem. He watched Jesse push Jack down into the mattress. He looked at Dennis, he crawled nearer and decided to show he didn’t care. He knelt between Jack’s legs, Jesse waited by the side of the bed. Dennis kissed down his torso slowly, taking extra care on the lower part of his abdomen where a large scar covered his skin. He went down on Jack as Jesse pampered the other with kisses, still wearing his too tight jeans. Jack relaxed under their touch, he sighed caressing Dennis' hair. They kept going for a while, Dennis glanced up and saw them kissing. Jack's hand wrapped around Jesse. He kissed Jack's thigh, a small freckle there. Jack tugged at Dennis' hair lightly, just enough for him to notice. He looked up, Jesse was moving down the mattress and past Dennis.
He felt cold fingers pressing to the skin on his hips, a hot mouth against the dimple at the bottom of his back. He held Jack's gaze as Jesse lowered his mouth. Dennis moaned against Jack's thigh, Jesse licking around his ass. He felt it hot and cold at the same time, it made him shiver from head to toe. Jack urged him down into his dick, Dennis' lips parted lightly. Just enough for Jack to slip the tip, then he had to thrust hard. Jesse's mouth had proved its worth multiple times, there was no arguing he was good with it. Dennis knew, still it surprised him how bad he yearned for it and how good it could make him feel.
It all escalated quickly from there, he felt a finger, then two slip inside him. Dennis whimpered around Jack, he heard the other man grunt in delight. Jack began to rock his hips into Dennis’ mouth, first he went in soft but once he realized Dennis was enjoying himself there was nothing holding Jack back. Dennis’ jaw was going to be sore, Jack picked up the pace. Fast and hard against the back of Whitaker’s throat. He gagged but Abbot didn’t stop, he may have notched it down but never halted. Jesse pulled his fingers out, then pressed himself against Dennis. He groaned, Dennis tightening around him. Jesse had full sight of the other two, Jack almost gone. His efforts became erratic, stepping closer to the edge. Dennis’ back arched, ass up and full, head low in Jack’s crotch. He looked obscene, the three of them knew. He loved every second of it, when he felt Jack come into his mouth, Jesse pulling out at the right time and spilling over his ass. He didn’t move, instead he breathed heavily. His cock heavy between his legs, against the mattress. Jesse nudged him to roll over, they watched the mess on the comforter. Jack chuckled from his spot against the pillows, “And he’s hard again.” Jack hummed in agreement.
Dennis blushed, all attention on him and his pathetic being. He didn’t mind at all. “Jesus kid, you’re a marvel.” Jack said it, pressing a hand to the middle of Dennis’ torso. It went up and down with his breathing, Dennis’ hip moved up instinctively. It made the other two chuckle low, Dennis felt it to his core.
He didn’t say anything, Jesse gave Jack a look. One of those things only they understood, it would not make Dennis feel like an outsider. Not when Jack hovered over and then went down on him, mouth relaxed. He took the opportunity, hips moving out after a beat. Jack hummed, it sent a shiver down Dennis’ dick. Good gracious. Jesse touched him, everywhere he needed him. His mouth moved from his chest to his neck, then his ears. He whispered into Dennis’ ears all kinds of things, he grinned wickedly. Dennis kept thrusting, Jack was so relaxed around him and Jesse made him feel so fucking much. It was quick, Jack pulled away. He ran his closed fist against his chin, scrubbing what had come out. What the actual fuck.
Night shift Jack Abbot had swallowed his cum, Nurse Jesse had watched the whole thing. He felt his dick twitch against his thigh. He laid there for a while, if the others got too close, they kissed for a while. But none of them really moved from the bed, they stayed out of reach. Each of them in their own world until Jack moved, he grabbed the crutches by the bed and made his way to the en-suite bathroom. Jesse scooted closer, he looked at Dennis. “You good?” Dennis had his eyes closed, he hummed. “We good?” He nodded, eyes still pressed shut. “Want me to shut up?”
“Yes, please.” He smiled, and didn’t need to open his eyes to know Jesse was grinning. Then Jack called for Jesse from the bathroom and Dennis opened his eyes, he had been left alone in a rather unknown bed. He tried not to think too much into it, then Jesse appeared.
“Jack says you can use the shower in the bathroom down the corridor, come back when you’re done.” He looked back to Jack, “There should be clean towels by the shower, he wants you to know there’s clothes in the wardrobe, just look through it. Put on anything you like.”
Jesse disappeared again, a few minutes went by before Dennis got up. He heard running water, talking but couldn’t figure the words out. He made his way to the bathroom, showered and went back to the bedroom. The comforter was gone, Jesse probably. Dennis opened the wardrobe, it smelled nice and clean. He rummaged through Jack’s suits, found a night dress inside a bag. He decided to keep the question for later, he grabbed a clean tee that smelled perfectly Abbot-like. He knocked on the bathroom door, and Jack opened it. “Hey, did you find everything?” Dennis nodded, he watched as Jack grabbed his crutches. “I’ll sleep in the guest room, Jesse will come up in a second.”
Dennis stood to the side, “I don’t mind, I’ll take a couch.”
Jack shook his head, his eyes soft as always. “I’m not good at sleepovers, but Jesse wanted you to stay. Well, we both did.” He was careful with his words, Dennis thanked him silently. “Oh, and do stay the night, please.”
Dennis blushed, “That was just one time.” He excused, and Jack grabbed a book by the nightstand. He put a hand on Jack’s shoulder to stop him before he was out of the room, “Can I kiss you before you go?”
It was a dumb question after what they had done together, but Dennis felt like he needed permission. Jack seemed grateful, he smiled and nodded. “Sure, Whitaker.” He leaned in and they kissed, it was softer than Dennis had expected. He didn’t want to overstep any of the other man’s boundaries, even if he slept in his bed with his former lover, boyfriend? He didn’t know what his relationship with Jesse was, let alone what was going on between him and Jack. “Goodnight.”
He watched Jack go away, with the book under his arm. He laid in bed for a while, waited for Jesse but fell asleep by himself in a minute.
***
He woke up to Jesse by his side but decided to go for the kitchen in the unfamiliar house, he found Jack sitting outside on the patio. “Already up? There’s coffee in the pot.” Dennis took a spot next to him, elbows on the railing. Jack was looking out into a wooded area, as if waiting for something to appear. Dennis didn’t move, he kept the other company for minutes that could drag into hours.
He looked at Jack, his curls sticking out of his hair, stubble getting too long, eyes tired. “Got any sleep?”
He made a sound at the back of his throat, “It doesn’t come easy, it gets tiring.” He scratched the back of his neck, leaving the skin red under his touch. He didn’t say much more, he tended to his little garden and Dennis went back inside for his coffee mug. Jesse slept till late, he had worked a double that week to have the weekend off plus the concert. He did deserve the rest. He greeted both of them with a kiss, and joined them for a little snack before heading to their respective houses. Dennis liked it a little too much for his liking, the domesticity of it all felt a little too real, warmth spreading across him even if he tried to calm himself.
He took the bus home, his sweaty tee in a plastic bag, still wearing Abbot’s clothes. He tried to make as little noise as he could on his way in, even if it was past midday. He had expected an encounter with Santos, but he didn’t expect her to be on the couch looking directly at the door with her arms crossed. It reminded him of a time when his dad had caught him sneaking in after a night out, at 4 A.M. with the lights off. It kicked him into fight or flight mode, before he thought about it a second time. It was Trinity, after all. “You got some explaining to do, dude.” She waited for him, then hugged him before sitting down again. “You can’t just disappear and not answer your phone, that’s like basic hey I’m still alive shit.”
He put a hand to his pocket, his phone had died before leaving the house but he had figured the bus he needed on his own. He had felt really clever, really Pittsburgh raised even if he wasn’t. “Yeah, sorry. I didn’t have a charger.”
She still didn’t seem satisfied, “We were having fun together, we left to fucking pee and then you never came back.” He was about to say something about the crowd, the backdoor. “Shen said you left with Dr Abbot, what? Where were the two of you until now?”
He put his head on his hands, of course. His mom always told him that lies were short-legged creatures, easy to catch. He had made himself some kind of expert in the matter. He tried to form a coherent line of action, make up the right timeline. And he began explaining his little endeavours. “Remember the Grindr account and the date?” She nodded, and her eyes went wide.
“He is a married man!” She told him. The house made sense, the ring and the dress in the wardrobe but he hadn’t seen any proof of it besides the double bed and the double armchairs.
He rubbed his nose, “It wasn’t him, I waited for my date and Jesse appeared.” She seemed less surprised by that, “We ended up sleeping together, later on I found out he was actually the guy from the app. And we went out together a few more times”
“You’re into old guys, okay. I get it. Jesus.” She chuckled, “I wouldn’t have guessed. Like ever.”
Dennis wanted to laugh with her, but he was starting to feel ashamed and so he started blushing. “He invited everyone to the concert, then I found out he and Abbot had a thing going on.” Trinity put her hand to her mouth in surprise, she truly was a gossiper. “I don’t think he’d be the kind of guy to cheat, none of them, really.”
She made an agreement noise then, “And where have you been since the concert ended?”
He put his head deeper into his hands, if that was possible. “At Abbot 's.”
Her eyebrow arched, lips curling up slightly. “I beg your pardon?”
Oh, she so wanted to humiliate him a bit, she would have teasing material for months. Blackmailing stuff for a decade, he could see himself doing his chores even if he moved out. “Jack drove us home, we spent the night together.”
“Fucking hell, Dennis.” She laughed, blushing in case he didn’t have it in him to blush. “Both of them?” He nodded, she nodded and then laughed again. “And to think everybody takes you for a sweet boy.”
He raised an eyebrow at her, “You’ve been talking about me?”
“Well, the walls have eyes on The Pitt.” She raised her arms in defeat, “And now you’re gonna be the talk of the hospital.”
He was beginning to regret this information dump to Trinity, he just hoped she wouldn’t reveal too much.
***
He was back at their favourite brunch site, when had he become that kind of guy? He stood by the door, eyeing the place for Abbot. Dennis found him sitting in the far corner of the room, they hugged before Dennis sat down. He looked around, “Damn, you’re paranoid.” Jack chuckled, “Are they being hard on you?”
Dennis let out an exasperated sigh, “It’s been teasing nonstop.”
Jack smiled at him fondly, eyes’ wrinkles showing up to the party. Dennis enjoyed time one on one better now, he grew to like Jack’s company more. It had been almost a month since their crazy tryst, and it had kept going on strong. Dennis pushed the thought away, he was here on serious business. “What was it you wanted to talk about?”
He looked at Jack’s hands wrapped around his apple juice, the ring still on. Dennis pointed, “I’m pretty sure you’re not cheating on any poor soul, but I’m curious.” He studied Jack's face, Jack’s expression changed from inquisitive to sad, then shifted to something thoughtful, more melancholic. “Sorry if it’s unsensitive.”
“It used to be worse, just like my sleeping problems.” He said, his voice steady but there was a little wavering to it. “It was before this.” He said, pointing towards his prosthetic. “We met in high school, she kept me going even at my worst. I went to medicine school, she got a degree in Biomechanics. It was amazing, really.” Dennis could feel his heart sink as Jack’s voice faltered, “ I enrolled in the army and she was just fine, we bought the house and a nice car. She worked her ass off, while I was away risking everything. Then I came back home, they discharged me with one leg less. She stood by my side, it was tough at first but she made it seem so easy.” He looked away and blinked, “I sound extremely cheesy.” He sighed, then proceeded. “She was my anchor, but she slipped away fast.” Dennis was the one averting his gaze now, “Even with all the people I know from my time in the army and in the hospital, I wasn’t able to stop it. I couldn’t bring myself to walk into our house for almost a year, I crashed at Robby’s for a while and then at Dana’s. They have seen me at my worst.”
Dennis went to grab at Jack’s hand, his fist clenching. “I didn’t mean to pry, shit. I am so sorry, Jack.”
He let Dennis’ hand rest on him, turning his palm up. Dennis began tracing along the lines on the palm, in an attempt at soothing. “Don’t worry, it’s been over 10 years now.” He gave Dennis a soft smile, “She’s still so present in my life, I can’t take it off. Does it bother you?” Dennis shook his head, of course not. “I gave Jesse a try only a year ago, he had been a good friend before she passed and we only grew closer as time went by. It’s a little weird to think about it, he knew how much of a wreck I was and still stayed. I’m afraid he’s very close to her in my heart.”
“Thank you.” Dennis whispered, his eyes felt hot with tears. He blinked, “I didn’t want to make you upset. Thank you for trusting me, for letting me in even if it’s hard.”
Jack sighed, “He said I would like you, he was right.” It was sincere, Dennis gripped at his hand. “You should tell Jesse how you feel about him, he’s the most understanding person I’ve met.” Dennis looked at him surprised, Jack smiled softly like only he knew. “I've seen how you look at him, he pampers you, please. I'm not mad, I'd let you join in the fun. Just so we're clear, we'll have to get a rotating schedule for the big bed. My back and my sleeping habits are only getting worse, and I'm afraid it's too late for Jesse anyways.”
Dennis laughed, he was still teary eyed. “Do you think he could drop by now?”
Jack looked at his watch, he nodded. “It's his day off, he should be up by now.”
Dennis grabbed his phone, snapped a picture of their food with Jack on the back and sent it over.
[12.12] mind joining us?