Gloria asked him months ago about doing a three day guest lecture event at the University for the emergency medicine department.
A real chance to “get in front of prospective students and talk them through what could be expected. How the ED differs from other areas of the hospital.”
She really encouraged (gave no choice) him to express how he views emergency medicine in comparison to different medical fields.
Robby thinks it's bullshit.
He loves teaching medicine, don't get him wrong, but he's not the person who should stand in front of fresh-faced med students and say, "It's great, come try it out.”
He's half past his prime, always three coffees away from being put on a 72 hour hold, and hasn't slept a full night's sleep since the Bush administration. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for a department that so many already look down on.
But they do need lecturers, he is the department chief and he lost a bet with Dana, so he agrees to it.
Against his will — but still.
He works out a schedule, informs his staff, and even wrangles Dana into letting him bring Princess to describe the nursing aspect of the ER.
Hell, he makes post-it cards. Good ones, too.
By the weekend before his first lecture he's ready. Prepared. Spent valuable alone time with Jack practicing his speech, answering hypothetical questions, the whole enchilada.
Except for his outfits.
He has a tux or two. From weddings or hospital events he’s been forced to attend, but they're — impersonal.
Perlah says he needs to look inviting, comfortable, but not like he just rolled off the ED floor.
Meaning no scrubs, no hiking boots, no worn out hoodies with questionable barbeque stains. Robby isn't happy about it but he goes shopping.
He has no idea what he's doing, Robby's idea of a fun outfit is soft sweats and a cardigan, maybe a loose tee with some comfortable jeans. He has no need to dress up, okay. If he’s not at work, he’s at home and there isn’t anyone he needs to impress. Not since he and Jack finally broke their two decades worth of will they- won’t they. Basically, he hasn't bought nice, new clothes in years.
Given this hiccup Robby asks for help — readily letting Princess tug him to the nearest men's clothing store with his credit card and an absurd amount of trepidation.
It takes them two hours to find him three outfits he's comfortable with that pass whatever "aesthetic" Princess (and Perlah) have dreamed up for him.
After paying for it all, he takes his friend and coworker out for lunch, a haircut he didn’t think he needed but Princess insisted was necessary, then goes home and ignores the clothes until the day comes.
When Monday morning comes in, bright, early and much too soon he lays them all out and rifles through the bunch. Simple outfits, each harboring a "professor chic" style and they all fit him better than anything he’s owned before.
Three nice button up, fitted slim slacks with comfortable loafers that don't make his feet itch. One forest green cardigan and two suit jackets. He called it on the ties – already has an absurd amount from decades of birthdays and hanukkahs.
After a scary amount of time he finally grabs his selection of clothes, trudges in the bathroom to shower then ends up standing in front of the steam covered mirror while fiddling with his tie, half expecting someone to jump out of it and shout, “Boo.”
He went for the maroon button up, collar ironed flat, gold underline hidden from view with buttons that disappear into fabric. He felt ridiculous wearing the suit jacket, leaving it draped over the back of the toilet, opting for just the tie instead.
A simple one, soft grey with maroon pinstripes woven in.
He runs his hand over it then fiddles with his belt, then sliding his hands down his thighs, fingers tingling with nervous energy.
His slacks are charcoal with black subtle plaid running through, fabric folded neatly at the waist. They match his tie thankfully, leading him to the illusion that he knows what he’s doing.
Robby comes back up to his neck, catching the hanging fabric, smoothing a thumb over the gordian knot. Should he wear the tie? Maybe it's too much. It is constricting, pushing against his Adam’s apple. Maybe if he just-
He tugs it, loosening his collar until it hangs from his neck. It exposes the hollow of his throat, creases of wrinkles and red skin.
He looks ridiculous.
“This is stupid.” Robby drops his head, tapping his fingers on the counter before grabbing his glasses. He shoves them onto his face, forces himself to make eye contact and glares at himself.
“Stop stressing over this. You look fine. You look professional. You look-”
“So fucking hot.”
Robby yelps, jumping back from the bathroom mirror. He whips around to see Jack slouching in the doorway, work bag dangling from his arm. His curls in disarray, eyes heavy from a long shift. He has a red mark along his cheek, probably from an unruly patient.
Jack's hazel eyes trace him from his head to his foot and back again. A trail of heated embarrassment following the path his gaze makes.
Robby squeezes his fist, “Don’t-.”
“Shush.” His boyfriend holds up a finger, “I'm savoring this.”
Robby's nerves trickle away, skin still a live wire even as his shoulders loosen, “You're being ridiculous.”
“No.” He drops his bag then steps forward until he's crowding Robby against the sink, "What's ridiculous is how good you look.” Jack smells like the hospital, antiseptic with a faintly sweet smell of nitrile gloves. It's devastating how good it makes Robby feel. His lips part with a sharp inhale to keep himself calm in face of Jack’s — everything.
Robby's heart stutters, heat rushing to his cheeks, “I have the lecture.”
Jack hums, “I bet everyone in that class won't be paying attention to a word you say.” He leans closer, ghosting his nose over Robby’s cheek, trailing along his jaw, before tucking into the curve of his neck.
“God, if I was there I'd be fucked. I’d have to sit in the back of the class to keep myself from touching you.” Jack’s lips tickle his skin, breath hot, burning Robby from the outside in.
His hands jump to Jack's waist, pulling him flush until their bodies align, chest to pelvis. Jack's left knee sliding between Robby's thighs. He’s damn near breathless, tongue thick in his mouth.
“I doubt they'll have that problem you perv.”
Jack huffs a laugh, licking Robby's pulse until he groans and shivers. Jack's hands have found their way to his hips, one sliding further to cup his ass. He squeezes, once, twice, before tracing the seam between his cheeks.
“They'll be thinking about you bending them over your desk-”
“I don't have a desk-”
He bites him, sharp and quick, Robby gasps. Head falling back, eyes sliding shut as he groans. He's shaking, fine tremors running through his frame. He pushes into Jack, slotting their hips together in a faint attempt at friction. Jack rolls his tongue over his flesh, nibbling until Robby’s panting like a dog.
His pulse is in his ears, a haze overcoming his senses as Jack lavishes his neck and collar with attention. Soft kisses, scraping teeth, and soothing tongue all making his head spin. He fights whether to pull Jack closer, bring their mouths together and forget about the damn lecture, or push him away and muster up some decorum.
He opens his mouth to say as much but Jack latches onto the bolt of his jaw and sucks, hard and deep, Robby's knees nearly giving out.
“I think, shit, I think I’ll be lucky if they pay attention at all.” He’s breathless, fumbling his words.
His boyfriend nuzzles him, kissing back up his throat. When Jack’s other hand moves to his ass, spreading his cheeks before digging into the muscles, Robby knows he needs to put an end to this.
He keens. Jack ruts against him, cock a heated line through his scrub pants. Robby’s mind is mush.
“Jack.” He pulls himself together enough to surge upright and shove Jack's chest until he backs away.
Jack's pupils are blown, mouth red and slick, a conniving smirk curling his cheeks.
“That'll have them paying attention.” He lifts a hand to drag his thumb across the area he abused.
Robby flushes, pulse tachy as he flips around to see what's been done. A dark reddening mark hides along the edge of his beard. Visible enough you know what it is when you see it but tucked away enough it could be mistaken as a shadow from his collar.
He prods it, glaring at a chuckling Jack who comes forward to wrap his arms around Robby's waist.
“You're an asshole.”
“Probably.” He kisses Robby’s cheek, “But now you'll have something to look forward to. A reward if you will. ”
“Yeah?” Robby turns his head to examine the mark better, “What is that?”
Jack catches his eye in the mirror, “Me. Stripping you out of these clothes, leaving marks anywhere I want, having my way with you.”
Robby hums, “Sounds more like a reward for you.”
“Mutually beneficial.”
Robby laughs, shattering his anxiety, slipping back around to capture Jack's mouth in a kiss. It's steadying, inviting, anchoring him in place. Interrupted only by his alarm going off.
Jack kisses his forehead when they separate, walks Robby to the door. He gives encouragement, reminds Robby about his talking points and why doing this is an inspiring thing.
“Give them a lasting impression. Give them a reason to consider emergency medicine.” Jack says lastly, holding Robby's pack out for him,
“Sure, why not. Hey folks, come to the ED, where we got blood, guts and sluts.” He waves to his newly acquired hickey, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
Jack winks at him, "That's what got me there. Now go, Professor Robinavitch, before I start asking for extra credit.”
He swats Robby on the ass as he turns out of the door.
-
The lecture went great, students asked all sorts of questions. They were truly impressed with the stories he provided and he got to experience the excitement of medicine from fresh eyes in a way he hasn't in decades.
He will not be telling Jack about the student who batted his eyes at him, saying “I could use a good tutor.” while slipping him his phone number.
He doesn’t need any more encouragement.















