#{ open }

You and Dennis have known each other since diapers—your parents went to college together, eventually working side by side and starting their own families at the same time.

Though, you don’t really say you knew Dennis until you were both 16, awkward, hormonal, attempting at a puppy love style relationship, perfectly appropriate for kids your age.

Until you saw the plus sign when you were 17. Knowing you were at a crossroads—-though, your parents and his definitely wanted Dennis to stay, and he did—you decided mom life wasn’t so bad.

18 with a 8 month old baby in your mother’s lap while you walk down the aisle of your wedding wasn’t exactly something you had entirely pictured, but seeing baby Malcolm in a onesie printed with a tux on it, Dennis crying seeing you in white; none of it seemed so bad.

Despite your hardships through the beginning, you and Dennis decide to relocate to Pittsburgh after Malcolm turned 3. Dennis dedicated himself to being a provider for his wife and child, even perusing a higher education just to take care of you both.

Dennis doesn’t bring you or Malcolm up at work, the only outright proof was his wedding band.

Now, Malcolm is older—more reckless now he can ride bikes and tell lies—just turning 10 a week ago.

He decides to prove said reckless behavior now it’s summer break, crashing his bike into a tree and possibly breaking his wrist.

You rush him to PTMC while he holds an ice pack on it, sighing,

“Mom, I’m fine. I don’t think I need to go.” He says, despite the fact his eyes have tears welling in them. You scoff, finally parking your Jeep,

“You say that but I heard you scream, I heard the cry—it’s ok to need help.” You reply, helping Malcolm out of the car. He’s almost pouting as you walk in, brushing his hair with your fingers to soothe yourself and him.

You step inside—thankfully, the chairs are only 1/4 full for a change—the universe sometimes had divine timing.

You explain the situation to the medical receptionist, rubbing Malcolm’s back while you do.

“Ok, and name?”

“Malcolm Whitaker.” You say, almost stuttering on the last name—you didn’t want to seem like you were using nepotism to be seen quicker.

The receptionist nods, pointing you to a chair to sit with him. The receptionist stands and walks back into the ER, calling to Dennis,

“There’s a kid here that looks like your twin!”

Dennis takes a second to process, seeing the name pop up, he’s quick to rush out.

“What happened?” He asks while you both stand, following Dennis back into triage.

“Mom thinks I’m dying.” Malcolm says sarcastically while you huff,

“You know how when I broke my wrist as a kid my parents didn’t believe me and then it was a super bad break? What if it’s that? I don’t want that to happen, he doesn’t need to be in that pain.” You ramble, scrubbing your face with your hands till Dennis gently takes your wrists and forces you to look at him.

“Slow. Breathe, in… out. It’s ok.” He says softly, giving a lopsided smile. His expression turns half concerned, half stern,

“Were you down by the creek with Tyler?” Dennis asks, crossing his arms over his chest while Malcolm slowly nods, almost giving puppy dog eyes.

“Yes… but dad—“

“No, I told you not to go down there, so has mom, so have both of Tyler’s parents too.” Dennis cuts him off, sighing softly,

“Look, Big Mac,” he only used that nickname for really good days or life lessons, right now seemed the latter,

“You got hurt because you didn’t listen. You’re growing up, you need to be able to discern right from wrong.” Dennis says, putting a hand onto his shoulder,

“I’ll order an X-Ray, you aren’t in trouble but you know not to go down there again, right?” He says, standing while Malcolm gives a sheepish nod,

“Yes dad… I’m sorry for disrespecting you and mom..” he murmurs while both you and Dennis smile,

“The fact you apologized like that already shows me how strong and smart you’ve become.” You say, pulling Malcolm in for a hug.

“Whitaker, we have—whoa.” Dana walks in but quickly stops when she sees Malcolm.

“Did someone clone and shrink you?” She asks with a nervous laugh, looking between the two of you. Slowly, the pieces come together and her brows furrow,

“You’re married with a kid?” Dana blurts out while Dennis gives a weak smile,

“I like to keep life and work separate.” He says simply while you chuckle,

“Trust me, he barely talks about the ER at home.” You say, Malcolm nodding,

“Dad only told me like… two stories. I only remember the farting grandma.” He says, laughing while you giggle too.

“That’s a good story.”

Dana smiles and nods,

“Alright, I’ll tell them you’re with a patient. They’ve got enough hands.”

Dennis leads you both to radiology, Malcolm stepping in by himself while you two stood outside, watching through the glass.

“You know he gets it from you.” Dennis blurts out, looking to you. Your attention snaps in his direction, tilting your head,

“Get what?” You ask, while he smirks,

“Bravery. Not asking for permission but asking for forgiveness.” He says, putting an arm around your shoulder to pull you in for a side hug.

“I made him for 9 months and raised him for 10 years and he has the audacity to be your total twin. Not even my eye shape.” You sigh, resting your head onto him,

“He has your mischievous smile. The same glitter of love in his eyes.” He says softly, kissing your scalp. You nod and just stay in Dennis’s arm while Malcolm finishes the imaging.

When Malcolm steps out, Dennis holds out a hand,

“Nice job, Mac. Sometimes adults get freaked out by it.” He says with a smile while Malcolm furrows his brows,

“Why? It wasn’t even scary. Grandma without her dentures in was scarier than that.” Malcolm says casually while you both laugh, causing Malcolm to smile.

“Let me go look at it and I’ll be back. Give me 5 minutes, promise.” Dennis says, ruffling Malcolm’s hair before rushing off, leaving you to back in the exam room.

“You guys aren’t mad?” Malcolm asks quietly while you give a lopsided smile,

“No, but you understand why we were, right? We love you. There’s no other Malcolm, you make our lives whole.” You say, pulling him in for another hug. The door clicks open and Dennis steps inside, grinning at the scene,

“I think someone needs to go home and take a nap. That applies to both of you.” He chuckles while you let go,

“But it’s just a sprain guys. Don’t cause trouble until I’m home.” Dennis says, kissing both of you on the head and planting an extra kiss on your lips.

“I love you guys.” He adds, Malcolm finishing,

“To grandma’s farm and back.” He smiles, which you’re quick to mirror.

“Let’s go get discharged, baby.” You say, leading Malcolm out—not before he takes one last hug from his dad.

In the car ride back home, Malcolm looks over to you,

“Mom, why did that lady not know about us? Is dad hiding us?” He blurts out while you shake your head,

“No, far from that, bug. Dad is trying to protect us and himself. He sees a lot of things in there, you saw all the stuff happening while we were in the room.” You explain, Malcolm’s brows still furrowed,

“So why does he not talk about us?” He asks again while you sigh softly,

“Dad worries about us, when he sees a patient that reminds him of us, it can make work hard. So he tries not to think about us at all so he doesn’t make himself worry. Does that kinda make sense?” You ask, Malcolm slowly nodding,

“So that’s why dad doesn’t tell us about the ER? He’s trying to protect us from the bad stuff?” He questions while you smile,

“Bingo. That’s how I know you’re my kid, you’re a genius.” You muse, Malcolm smiling and puffing his chest when he speaks,

“When I grow up, I hope I’m like dad.”

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Ok Yeall like Si o no…. parte Dos? No? Si? I. Love this request. MORE!!!!!