These days, Dennis only steps foot into PTMC when Robby forgets his lunch. It's not bad being back: catching up with staff members he'd known from his short career there is pleasant, and he's even bonded with a few of the newer hires. It's incredible to him that they recognise him as Robby's partner more predominantly than anything else.
"Hey, kiddo. How's housewife life treating ya?" Dana croons as she hugs his side. "When should I start expecting grandkids?" She's joking—of course she is—but Dennis blushes all the same.
Dennis catches sight of Robby from across the busy department. He's storming out of Trauma 1, barking out a lecture to the gaggle of students that follow behind him while he sanitises his hands. When their eyes meet, everything about him softens. "Students," he says, "allow me to introduce you to one of the finest physicians I ever had the pleasure of teaching. Meet Doctor Robinavitch."
Dennis rolls his eyes fondly. "You know I never changed my name professionally." For the few months he stayed working after their wedding, he was still formally Dr. Whitaker, though he also started responding to being called Mrs. Robby.
He smiles politely at the group of students, ignoring their curious, confused and surprised expressions. He's used to these reactions by not but he still feels relieved when Robby shoos them off. "Your lunch is in the lounge. I brought you a flask of coffee from home too."
"What would I do without you?" Robby comes close, taking his hands and kissing his knuckles. His lips still pressed close to them, he asks, "You ever miss this place?"
Dennis smiles a little. He misses the people and being present to help them, sure, but he was never going to reject the opportunity to devote himself so completely to Robby. To keep his house and support his strength. He looks at it like this: his care for Robby ensures that he's always in the best condition to make the most of his clinical experiences and skills. Housewife life, as Dana had put it, isn't as low-stakes and luxurious as some may suspect.
He answers Robby's question by telling him, "I love you."
"I love you too. It's my day off tomorrow, remember? I'm gonna take you out, treat you in return for all the ways you treat me." His eyes are flitting around the department. Dennis knows he only has Robby for a few seconds more. He quickly kisses Dennis, then says, "Gotta go. I'll be home at eight."
"Dinner will be on the table. Say 'hi' to Santos for me."
"Will do. Yo, Langdon: Lice or no lice in North Six?"
Just like that, his husband is gone, swept up by the collasal, crashing waves of the emergency department. Dennis doesn't stay to watch him swim through the rapids. He knows that Robby is more than capable, thanks in no small part, he proudly recognises, to his own tender care and encouragement.
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