Pup Dennis gets lonely when his owners are off at work. (SFW)
Michael Robinavitch / Dennis Whitaker / Jack Abbot
CW: non-sexual nudity, puppy space, pathetic Dennis Whitaker
It’s not often Dennis has the house all to himself. The three of them will make their best efforts to get at least one day off together a month, but it’s typically a pair out of the three thanks to their busy and unaligned schedules. But nobody home? That’s a rare occasion—and a rough one.
Thanks to having two boyfriends constantly smoothering him with care— pets and treats and all the praise a pup could ask for— Dennis has grown used to steady affection at home. Laying in Robby’s lap after a long shift while he reads, waking up early just to greet Jack at the door after work, sleeping in while sandwiched between the two when they are all lucky enough to have the day off. The feeling of their warm skin is pure bliss. It’s a nice contrast too— the smoothness of Jack’s skin and his toned muscles compared to Robby’s hairy and a bit more squishy exterior. And they smell so nice, one of the only things left to comfort him when they’re gone.
But it’s not enough. It’s been so long since they’d both been out. Typically Jack would be the one home alone, Robby and Dennis working the same shifts. But today Jack picked up a double and had been gone since last night, which means he and Robby will both be gone all day.
Waking up alone and cold wasn’t a good way to start the day, reaching out to meet skin and instead his hand falls flat on the sheets. Right.
So he goes on about his day, feeling meaningless without Jack and Robby. It’s not so bad at first, cleaning, cooking breakfast, picking up a book. But each thing he does only reminds him of how nice it’d be to do it with his owners. How Jack isn’t there to tell him what a good job he did clearing his plate, the lack of Robby’s gravely voice reading the lines to him, instead having to imagine it in his head.
Abandoning the chair he and Robby would usually read in, Dennis retreats to the bedroom. Warm and cozy, and most importantly it smells like them. The idea makes him giddy, excited to cuddle up into the fresh sheets and—
Fresh sheets. He’d washed the sheets today. They smell of nothing but fabric softener an the faintest hint of his lovers now.
His face gets a little warm, tears welling up in his eyes, it’d be hours before they’d be home. It’s ridiculous how worked up he feels over this. Embarrassed, he throws the book. Only onto the bed, but to his horror he hears it rip. It had rolled over on its side and tugged at one of the pages, along with creasing many of the others. Shit.
Panicking with those tears now rapidly spilling down his face, Dennis wants to hide, to fix it, to make it better and all go away. He needs Robby—to tell him how sorry he is. And Jack to be there to soothe him, tell him it’s okay, it’s just a book.
He knows it, but he can’t stop feeling such intense emotions, feeling alone, humiliated, abandoned— like a lost puppy.
Why did he have to do the laundry.
But he hadn’t done all of the laundry yet— as soon as he remembers, Dennis is dashing to the closet. Running in and closing the door behind him, sitting down in the mess of clothes piled on the floor. The clothes that smell like Jack and Robby. Like home.
Tears in his eyes and torn book still in hand, Dennis sobs. He cries and cries, scooping up armfuls of old clothes so he can hug them. Burying his face so that they soak up all his tears. The embarrassment from being so sensitive only makes it worse, fearing what they might think of him when they learn he can’t even handle one day alone.
The closet is dark, darker when he wakes up. Unsure of when he’d fallen asleep. Remembering where he is makes him all worked up again, the tears threatening to spill from his eyes once more. Before he can move to get up, a familiar voice calls out for him.
“Dennis? You home?” Jack’s voice come from down the hall, laced with anxiety.
The fear in Jack’s voice only sends more guilt crashing onto him, a loud uncontrollable sob spills from Dennis, revealing his hiding place. Burying his face deeper, knowing Jack is coming to check on him—he wants to hide. To disappear.
The door creeks open, revealing a curled up, shaking puppy. “Hey, Den, what’s wrong?” Jack tries, back cracking while bending down so those large fingers can find their way into his curls. “Talk to me, puppy.”
But he can’t. Even though he really, really wants to. To be a good boy and follow the command. But instead all Dennis can do is sob harder, embarrassed, and now failing at such a simple task.
Big arms wrap around Dennis before he can think of what to do, carefully pulling him out of the clothes. He doesn’t realize he’s still gripping onto a wad of them until Jack gently instructs him to let go. That he does. “Good job” Jack hums, giving him extra praise seeing as he’s so worked up right now. And it helps a little. Tears are still streaming down his face, but his sobs are now silent.
Jack has him in a bear hug, Dennis automatically straddling his hips from habit. It never fails to amaze him how Jack can so effortlessly lift him.
Feeling the soft clean sheets around him isn’t so scary anymore, the scent of his one of his lovers is fresh and right in front of him.
Jack tries to set him down but instead is pulled into Dennis’s arms, squeezing him close. “Missed you.” He’s able to manage.
“Oh, sweet boy, I missed you too,” Jack replies with a kiss to his forehead, “but can I get changed first? I smell like half of the Pittsburgh population.”
But Dennis isn’t in the mood, instead just shaking his head and tugging him closer.
“Okay—okay.” Jack chuckles , “Just let me take my clothes off, alright?”
Dennis nods once, releasing his death grip so Jack can slide his work clothes off and fling them towards the closet. “Yours too?” Dennis agrees eagerly. Jack knows the skin to skin contact will make him feel better.
Once he’s also stripped, binder included, Jack just holds Dennis for a while. Not asking any questions. Just interlocking their legs, gently running his nails up and down Dennis’s back. Letting Dennis cry with his face buried into his neck.
Once the tears had stopped, Jack gently pushes those silky curls out of his face, pointing his chin up. “Hey.” He smiles, finally getting to look at those beautiful blue eyes.
“There he is.” Jack coos, wiping the tears from his face, “there’s my puppy.” Dennis smiles and feels his face blush— as if it wasn’t red enough from crying. “You able to tell me what happened yet?” A quick shake of Dennis’s head tells Jack to move on, so he does.
“That’s okay. Let’s get something in that tummy, hmm?” Dennis agrees, pleased that Jack takes him through the apartment in his arms.
Canned chili is served up in a bowl, and not just any bowl— a shallow blue ceramic bowl with hand pained paw prints. Made for a puppy, like Dennis. It’s nowhere near gourmet, but it’s exactly what he wants. Something he ate back home a lot— not canned of course, but that’s okay. It’s perfect actually, sealed in a container just like dog food should be.
Settling on the couch, Dennis climbs into Jack’s lap, lapping up his chili, holding the bowl with two hands. It’s quiet for a while, aside from the detective show re-runs Jack turns on every night. The warmth of their bodies pressing together helps soothe his nerves.
“Thank you.” Dennis finally breaks the silence after finishing his meal.
“Anything for you, pup.” Jack purrs, rubbing gentle circles on his bare tummy. “You did such a good job clearing your bowl.” The praise is met with a smile, Jack leaning over to kiss his soft lips. “Feeling any better?”
“Yeah, a little.” Dennis sets the bowl down so he can wrap his arms around Jack, turning and facing him.
“I missed you. So, so much today.” Dennis whispers, gripping him a little tighter. “Where’s Robby?” He asks suddenly, remembering the book.
“Still at work, sorry, Den. I came home a little early, was falling asleep after my double and Robby said they could handle it. But he’ll be home soon. Everything okay?”
“No, I— our book. I was reading and I ripped it and I got really sad— it was dumb.” His voice cracks at the end of his sentance, “I just missed you guys so much and then the sheets—“
“What’s wrong with the sheets?” Jack laughs, confused.
“They are clean!” Dennis cries out, burrowing his face back into Jack’s neck. The back of his head is instantly cradled by a even further confused Jack.
Letting Dennis calm himself back down, Jack tries to figure out what could possibly have him so worked up. It’s unlike him. Sure, he breaks down occasionally, but not like this.
When Dennis’s teeth begin to gently gnaw on his shoulder, it hits him. The poor thing had fallen into puppy space all alone. Or maybe he’d never left from last night?
“Hey, Den?” Jack asks quietly, getting a weak “hmm?” In response. “Do you think you’re still in that fuzzy space? Is that why you’re so upset?”
Dennis looks up at him, eyes wide as saucers, the realization instantly makes him feel better. There is a reason he’s so upset. He nods quickly after being still for a moment, processing.
Wiping those teary eyes, Jack goes on “Okay. Okay. Now we know, right? So we can make a plan for the future.”
“I’m right here.” Jack assures him.
“Don’t leave me alone again.” Dennis clarifies.
“You know we’ll have to at some point, puppy.” Jack sighs, “But I’m here. I’m here right now and all day tomorrow, alright?” He scratches behind Dennis’s ear who melts into the touch.
Before Dennis’s answer is determined, the sound of the deadbolt unlocking peaks their shared interest. Robby’s heavy feet come through the door. Instantly locking eyes with the other two, smiling at their bare forms. “Couldn’t wait for me?” Robby jokes half offended, getting the wrong idea. His expression changes instantly when Dennis chokes out a small whimper, tears staining his raw face.
Throwing his bag down, Robby is at their side within seconds. “Hey-hey-hey, what’s wrong? What happened?” Robby asks, mostly directing the questions at Jack, who’s in a much more ideal state to respond.
Rubbing Dennis’s back, Jack answers, “Someone fell into puppy space while he was all alone, didn’t he?” Jack asks, followed by a nod from Dennis.
“Oh you poor thing.” Robby huffs, his hand ruffles those golden brown curls while looking to Jack, “skin to skin?” He asks approvingly.
Jack nods, “And some dinner. Now get your ass over here. I’ve been eyeing you up all day.” The sentiment earns a giggle from Dennis.
Robby doesn’t need to be told twice, throwing his clothes to the floor and joining them on the couch. His arm slings around Jack, pulling him into a long and much needed kiss, petting Dennis’s hair when he spreads across both of their laps—who rolls over from his somach to his back, watching his handsome lovers kiss. Lips, teeth, tongue, entirely obsessed with each other. Arms reach up, indicating it’s Dennis’s turn. Which of course, the request is happily met. Once from Robby, then Jack. The kisses deliverd to him are much more gentle, long and savoring.
“I’m sorry.” Dennis croaks out, pulling away.
“Dennis, you have nothing to apologize for.” Robby smiles softly, petting his face with the back of his hand. “We love taking care of you.”
“But I do. The book you’ve been reading to me, it’s…I broke it.”
“Broke it?” Robby echos, a little confused.
“He’s not mad.” Jack answers for him, not allowing Robby a moment to say the wrong thing. He loves the man, but Robby is not quite the best at verbal communication.
Luckily, Robby is pretty good at catching on to subtext. “I’m not. I’m not mad.” He agrees. “You want to show me?”
Dennis leads them back to the bedroom, holding Robby’s hand. A confused glance is thrown at Jack when they approach the closet, but the glare given back tells him to keep his mouth shut.
Fishing out the book from the pile of clothes, Dennis bows his head as he hands it over to Robby. It’s a paperback copy of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’ The cover is bent and torn, along with some pages. It’s very evident it’ll still be readable.
Robby takes it into his hands, flipping it over, though he’s not truly inspecting it. “Dennis…” Robby starts, making him wince, expecting a scolding, “Dennis, puppy, it’s okay.”
Robby chuckles a little, earring another glare from Jack. Oh he’s in trouble. He’s getting it tonoght. But his attention needs to stay on the presious boy before him, “I’m sure. I can still read every page. We can tape it back up together, sound like a plan?” Robby asks, Dennis nods in agreement.
“Good plan.” Jack agrees, thinking of the much harder conversation they still need to have later. “Now, I’m fucking starving. I’m sure you are too Robby.” He pulls his boys in with both arms, meeting Robby’s lips like they’d satiate his hunger. Dennis clings to his side, happy when it’s his turn. Thin fingers hold onto Jack’s face, not letting him pull away from this kiss too soon. Even more pleased when he feels Robby’s arms wrap around him from behind, kissing his neck. The overwhelming attention makes him giggle, his brain getting fuzzier.
Jack hikes Dennis up onto his hips once more, his back pressed against Robby. He’s squished between them as they meet over his shoulder for another kiss, Dennis sloppily trying to join. The three of them get lost in this, lost in each other.
When Jack has to adjust his grip, Robby takes a moment to gather his thoughts. “Yeah. Yeah I’m hungry.” He smiles, wiping the spit from his beard. “But nothing tastes as sweet as you two.”
Jack snorts in response, despite loving when Robby makes cheesy remarks like that. “Here, take the puppy.” He hands Dennis off carefully. “Steak?” He suggests.
“Please.” Robby agrees, it’s one of his favorites.
The rest of their night is spent relaxing in the living room, Dennis and Robby talking to Jack from the kitchen while he cooks. Instead of reading, figuring that book was a bit of a sore subject for the night, Robby let Dennis pick a movie. He, of course, chose Brokeback Mountain. It makes him tear up as usual, but with Robby holding him close, it all feels okay.
“He just wanted them to be together!”
“I know, pup.” It’s a discussion that’s held after every watch, “but look at us, hmm? We’re all very happy together.” Robby peppers little kisses all over his face, squeezing his arms tighter around Dennis’s waist.
Kisses and cuddles and endless “I know, it’s okay”s whispered into his ear. Robby wonders if he’d picked a sad one on purpose, enjoying being fussed over. Not that he’d mind, he almost loved seeing Dennis like this. Not hurt of course, he wants nothing but the best for his precious puppy—but raw and vulnerable. Clingy and whiny like a puppy tends to be. It’s adorable. And as long as Dennis is safe in his arms, it’s adorable.
When Jack joins them again, steak in hand, Dennis is more than pleased. He’s not too hungry anymore, but enjoys being fed little scraps—and most of all, he enjoys being sat between the two. Occasionally getting his face squished between the two when they’d kiss.
Now that it’s safe, Dennis happily falls deep into that fuzzy place, easily accessing it when he’s surrounded by so much love and care. His collar is fitted around his neck, shaking his head to hear the tags jingle. One that says his name, with instructions to return to Robby on the back. The other is one of Jack’s dog tags so they get to match.
After such a long day, Dennis is nonverbal, especially thanks to falling so hard into puppy space. He’s feeling extra needy, craving something to gnaw and suckle on. Robby is happy to provide two fingers, Dennis taking them into his mouth, sucking carefully and holding Robby’s hand closer with both of his own. His lovers have quiet conversations about their day, the gentle murmurs comforting Dennis though not really listening.
Sleep finds him easily like this, despite taking a long nap today. He just so exhausted, and the pets from his owners are so reassuring.
His eyes open to see Jack setting him down in bed, “Sorry puppy, didn’t mean to wake you.” But Dennis doesn’t mind, happy to get more time to cuddle up with the two. Finally getting his wish, squished between the older men, being kisses from both sides. Finally settling on top of Robby, Dennis is cuddled from behind by Jack. “We’ll make up for today in the morning, okay pup? We can play together all day until Robby gets home. Sound good?” Dennis nods, already falling out of consciousness.
“Good night puppy,” Robby hums, “we love you.”