₊✩‧₊˚౨ Little Dennis ৎ˚₊✩‧₊

𝐻𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑜!🧸 I’m Sammy! ₊˚This blog is dedicated to my agere stuff!₊˚ 🩺This space is STRICTLY SFW🩺 SFW interactions only please!🤍

[sammyslittlecorner]

Oh my God little Mel little Dennis Little Mel Little Dennis thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you I feel BLESSED

[tinypjk]

Day 21: Rainbows

Dennis and Trinity were as happy as anything. Sat together on the rug under Robby's coffee table, colouring in their own pages Al-Hashimi had printed off before coming over with Trinity. Robby and Baran were sat watching the two littles, Robby in his arm chair and Baran on the couch. They were working on small talk. Robby wasn't feeling particularly social, a tough therapy session took it out of him yesterday. But he promised his little bug Trinity and Al-Hashimi were coming round once they two ladies got off from their shift.

"Wook papa," Dennis exclaimed, grabbing the attention of all three other people in the room.

"What is it bug?" Robby asked, leaning over to see what Dennis wanted.

"Made a wainbow twactor," the young man said, grinning and pointing at his colouring page.

Dennis' unguarded happiness was infectious, it broke through Robby's discontent.

He smiled, "very nice Denny. I think it'd be great if farmers could have rainbow tractors"

"Mhm," Dennis agreed, nodding vigorously. "Good for all the waterin' and sprayin' and harvestin'"

Robby smiled even wider, nodding along to Dennis' point. He'd learned a lot more about the process of corn growing since he found himself taking care of Dennis more and more.

"Mine's rainbow too!" Trinity interjected.

Robby shuffled further forward on his armchair. "Wow Trin, very nice rainbow zebra"

Trinity rolled her eyes, "it's not a zebra Robby. It's a Pegasus. Zebra's don't have wings," she corrected.

Robby looked appropriately scolded for his obvious blunder, as Baran watched on, really trying to contain her laughter.

"What a peg-sis?" Dennis asked disjointedly.

Trinity sighed, the beginnings of an eye roll visible until she remembered it was Denny asking, and he was only small.

"There magic creatures Denny. They look like horses with wings," Trinity explained.

Dennis' jaw dropped and his eyes went wide. "A horse with wings!" he said loudly, shock obvious.

That time, both Baran and Robby failed to subdue their giggles, looking at each other with understanding. Along with something else, another tentative step towards friendship someone (Jack) could say.

Glancing up at the adults to see if they were laughing at her or Denny, Trinity nodded, deciding it was something that the grownups found funny.

"Mhm," she said. "They're super cool" Dennis mouthed a little wow, looking at Trinity's colouring page, very intrigued. It only lasted a moment and then Dennis was back colouring in the final patch of sky on his own tractor page.

The evening kept ticking along in much the same pace. Trinity and Dennis worked on more colouring pages, only occasionally squabbling when they needed the same colour at the same time. They were easily solved, usually by redirecting Dennis to use a different colour of the rainbow until the previous colour he wanted was free. Robby and Baran kept talking, it becoming easier and easier as Robby was able to not get stuck in his head at everything he said.

"I need to apologise," he said sullenly. Baran tried to respond but didn’t get a chance as Robby continued speaking.

"Please don't say there's no need, because there is. The way I treated you on your first day wasn't okay. It didn't matter how I was feeling, it was unfair to take it out on the person coming in to help whilst I'm on sabbatical. From what I hear from, well, everyone, you're doing a good job Baran. I'm sorry if I ever made you feel like you wouldn't, that was my own insecurity and not at all a fair reflection on you," he said, doing his best to continue looking at Baran as he did, fighting through the discomfort doing so created.

It took a moment, but Baran nodded. "Thank you Robby," she said earnestly. "I'm really happy that you've been able to get, and interact with, the help you needed. You really do seem better for it"

Robby looked down, embarrassed but with a small smile. "Thank you Baran. And thank you for taking such good care of the pitt."

Baran returned the small smile. "Would I be able to give you a hug?" she asked tentatively.

Robby paused for a moment, very much having not been expecting that reaction. He nodded, a small movement, but unmistakable. He walked the couple steps form the armchair to the couch. Baran stood too and wrapped her arms around Robby's broad back.

From the floor by the coffee table came a small chorus of "awwwww"

The two caregivers separated, chuckling. The sweet moment, whilst not completely shattered, was now definitely shifted to something less serious.

"Me have hug too?" Dennis asked, unintentional puppy eyes on full display.

Robby huffed another laugh, "course you can bug. You've got to come to me though, I don't think my knees will let me off the floor once I'm down."

Dennis laughed, "bad knees," he scolded, tapping at Robby's knees. He stood up and fell into Robby's arms, rubbing his head into Robby's chest.

"Thanks bug," Robby mumbled.

When they separated, Trinity looked up to Robby hopefully.

"And me?" she asked hesitantly.

Opening his arms widely, Robby practically grinned. "Come here pumpkin"

Off to the side, sitting back on the couch, Baran had taken a photo of Robby hugging both littles, sending them to Dr Abbot so he didn't miss out on the sweet interaction.

It wasn't much long after that Dennis' blinks started to get longer, his crayons lingered in one place for a while and his head kept falling forward before he'd snap back to alert and right himself. A few minutes of this later, Robby was about to say something to him when Dennis shuffled over to him, resting his head against the older man's legs.

"Papa?" Dennis checked softly.

"Yes bug," Robby replied, threading his fingers through Dennis' curls.

"I seepy," he mumbled, moving to mouth at two of his fingers.

Robby quickly intercepted, slipping a pacifier into Dennis' mouth before his fingers for there.

Baran had noticed what was happening and had gently starting to prompt Trinity into cleaning up her things.

"Are we goin' mama?" Trinity whispered.

Baran nodded, "Yes sweet girl. Dennis is getting tired and we need to get you home to wind down for the night too"

Trinity nodded sadly, "We need to say g'night. And mama?" she asked again

"What is it Trin?"

"Can, erm. Can we come back again? Or have Den come to your house?" She questioned hesitantly.

"Course we can baby," Baran confirmed.

At the door, Robby was practically holding Dennis up as they said goodbye.

"Thank you for having us Robby," Baran said

"You're more than welcome. We'll definitely do it again sometime soon," he replied

"Night Robby, night Den" Trinity said, waving away.

"Goodnight Trinity. Can you say goodnight bug?" Robby asked to Dennis.

"Night," Dennis murmured around his pacifier, really fighting to stay awake.

"Alright Trin, let's get home before Dennis falls asleep," Baran urged, leading Trinity towards her car.

With the two ladies returning home, Robby took Dennis straight to the bedroom and started the slightly difficult task of getting a very sleepy little boy ready for bed.

(Thanks for getting to the end, I hope you enjoyed. Stay safe out there and take care of yourselves. Whatever your brain tells you, you do deserve care)

[sammyslittlecorner]

"What a peg-sis?"

"There magic creatures Denny. They look like horses with wings,"

"A horse with wings!"

[sammyslittlecorner]

[sammyslittlecorner]

I can imagine Dennis being all shy around people when he's regressed except for robby and abbot. Even if its someone he already knows, he still gets shy around them when little. Like hiding his face in robbys chest and stuff.

[sammyslittlecorner]

Little Denny following his daddy like a little shadow at hospital. Not realising he's regressed, until Robby softly points it out?

Robby pretended not to notice, but he could tell Dennis had been trailing him all day.

He was subtle about it at first, but eventually, even that shred of professional distance was thrown out the window.

Dennis was a highly capable doctor. Intelligent, proactive, quick on his feet, and always where he needed to be. Today, however, he was consistently where Robby was. Always a step behind, always at arm’s length. Close enough that Robby nearly bumped into him twice while rounding corners.

“Whitaker,” Robby said mildly. He kept his eyes on him as he absently rubbed sanitizer into his palms, the scent of disinfectant sharp in the air. “You planning on working today, or just hovering?”

Dennis blinked, his reaction time a little too slow. “Working,” he murmured. His voice lacked its usual conviction, instead sounding softer.

Robby pushed through the double doors of Trauma two. Dennis hesitated for a moment, lingering in the threshold like he was waiting for an invitation, before following him inside.

The ED was its usual brand of somewhat-controlled chaos. Stretchers rolling in, monitors beeping, Dana calling out over all the noise, directing the flow. A multi-car collision had just come through, which meant everyone was moving fast.

Dennis was holding his own. That was the thing. He wasn’t making mistakes. He was just quieter. More hesitant. And no matter where Robby went, Dennis seemed to drift right after him.

“Whitaker, you’re with Dr. King in Room four,” Robby directed amid a rush of chaos, knowing they were already stretched thin. Dennis faltered mid-step, blinking up at him. Robby knew him well enough to spot the flicker of betrayal in his eyes, far more dramatic than warranted.

“…Oh,” Dennis said, his shoulders dropping. God, he was already sulking. “Right. Yeah. Room four.”

He went. But ten minutes later, Robby turned around, and there he was again, fidgeting with the drawstring of his scrubs and looking up at Robby expectantly.

Robby raised an eyebrow. “Get lost on the way?”

Dennis shook his head quickly. “No. I just—I finished.”

“Hm.” Robby wasn’t even remotely convinced, but he didn't send him away again.

By mid-shift, it was impossible to ignore. Dennis was standing too close, shoulder brushing against Robby’s in narrow hallways, occupying his personal space even when the room was empty.

At one point, Robby felt a faint tug at the back of his hoodie. When he turned, he saw Dennis, his fingers curled loosely into the fabric. The boy froze, eyes widening as if his hand had moved on its own. He let go immediately, stepping back with a frantic apology dying on his lips. “Sorry—I…didn’t mean—”

Robby didn’t interrupt. He just watched him for a long moment, something softer settling behind his eyes. He thought he knew what this was now. Up close, it was easier to see. The tension in Dennis’s shoulders wasn’t the nervous, alert kind it usually was on shift. It was something more vulnerable. His hands hovered near his chest, fingers now twisting at his own scrubs.

Robby glanced around, suddenly aware of the crowded ED and the nosy, gossip-hungry coworkers surrounding them. He leaned closer, tilting his head down. “You okay?” he asked, his voice low and quiet, meant only for Dennis.

Dennis cleared his throat, nodding a little too fast. “Yeah. Fine.”

Robby didn’t believe him for a second. Dennis had always been a terrible liar.

A moment of silence passed between them. The noise of the ER amplified. A patient complaining loudly down the hall, monitors chiming insistently around them, the constant shuffle of feet from room to room.

Dennis shifted his weight and, almost unconsciously, took a half-step closer. Robby’s expression softened.

“…Denny,” He said.

Dennis blinked. He didn’t seem surprised by the name itself, Robby used it often when they were home, but he seemed struck by the tone. It was the one Robby reserved for when he knew Dennis was feeling…small.

“…Yeah?” Dennis mumbled.

Robby leaned in slightly, keeping his voice steady and calm. “You feel a little off today?”

Dennis hesitated, his brow furrowing as he tried to grasp a thought that seemed to keep slipping away. “I—don’t know,” he admitted. “Just… tired, I think.”

Robby knew Dennis’s tired— and this wasn't it.

A stretcher rolled past, forcing them to move. Robby stepped aside to give it room, and Dennis followed immediately, close enough that their shoulders brushed again.

Robby reached out, deliberate but gentle, and rested a hand on Dennis’s upper arm. It was a comforting gesture, one that wasn’t too obvious to the public, but familiar enough to steady him.

“Hey,” he murmured. “Look at me.”

Dennis complied. There was an open uncertainty in his expression now, less guarded than usual.

“You’ve been sticking pretty close to me all day,” Robby noted, keeping his tone level and warm.

Dennis flushed, color climbing up his neck. “Sorry. I didn't—realize.”

Robby gave him a small, reassuring smile. “Do you feel…fuzzy?” He asked carefully, knowing Dennis would understand. It was an echo of his own words, one he’d used before to describe the feeling of slipping into little space.

Dennis went quiet. For a moment, he looked like he might argue, but then his gaze dropped and he shifted closer again without even noticing. “Maybe,” he whispered.

“You’re doing a good job, regardless.” Robby encouraged, squeezing his arm once before letting go. “No disasters yet. I’m impressed.”

That earned a tiny chuckle, some of the tension in Dennis’s shoulder easing. “Surprising,” he muttered.

The moment was broken by Princess, who approached while telling Robby he was needed in Trauma two. Robby gave her a nod, sensing the suspicious look she gave the two of them as she walked away.

“Think you can stay with me for the rest of the shift?” Robby asked, making it sound like a request for help rather than a supervision tactic. Dennis nodded right away. This time, when he stepped into his spot at Robby’s side, the anxious edge was gone, replaced by a quiet, determined focus.

They worked the next case together. A high-risk patient with blunt trauma. Dennis assisted quietly, and though Robby trusted his skills, he purposely assigned him the simpler tasks, in order to avoid piling on pressure when the boy was already in a vulnerable state.

Dennis did well, passing instruments when prompted and saying close enough to feel safe, while still giving Robby room to move freely.

Twenty minutes later, the patient was stable, and Dennis followed Robby back into the hall, looking radiant with quiet pride.

As the night shift staff began to arrive, charts were finalized and patients were transferred over. All the while, Robby finished the mountain of charting he’d accumulated, Dennis settled onto a stool at the workstation next to him, leaning his head against the counter, content just being his shadow.

When Robby was finally finished, he glanced over. “Alright. All done. Ready to go home?”

Dennis blinked slowly, like he’d just been pulled out of a daydream. “Home,” he said, a slow, soft smile spreading across his face.

They walked toward the ambulance bay where Robby’s bike was parked, their shadows stretching long under the security lights. The night air was a blessing, cool and refreshing compared to the cramped ED.

Robby grabbed their helmets, tossing the smaller one to Dennis without looking. Dennis caught it with a giggle, putting it on automatically. His helmet was smaller than Robby’s, custom-fitted and covered in farm animal stickers, matching the ones he’d also snuck onto the motorcycle’s fuel tank.

Dennis swung onto the back, right behind Robby. This time, there was no hesitation. He leaned forward, wrapping his arms securely around Robby’s waist and pressing his chest firmly against his back.

Robby’s hand reached down, squeezing Dennis’s forearm. “Comfortable?”

A muffled hum vibrated against his shoulder, followed by a soft, certain, “Yeah.”

The engine rumbled to life, a steady, grounding thrum beneath them. As they pulled out into city traffic, Dennis tucked his helmet into the crook of Robby’s shoulder. His grip was firm, not out of fear, but out of a simple, pure need for contact.

At a red light, the city hummed around them in a blur of nightlights and distant sirens.

“You fall asleep back there?” Robby called over his shoulder, an easy grin tugging at his lips.

Dennis let out a soft, breathy laugh. “No.”

“You sure?”

Dennis nodded, his helmet bumping Robby’s shoulder. “Just happy.”

Robby hummed. “…We’ll get you home soon, sweetheart.”

The light turned green, and they moved again. Dennis didn't budge, anchored by the certainty that he didn't have to be the doctor anymore. He could just be Robby’s.

[sammyslittlecorner]

Can u pleeeeaase draw Mr Robby giving Dennis a big ole hug

[sammyslittlecorner]

Fanfic about little Dennis and his avocados? :3

When Robby moved Dennis into his apartment, all Santos said was, “Good luck.”

Robby assumed she meant Dennis’s regression. The routine he’d have to re-learn, the energy and patience it required, all the gear and supplies and clothes. He’d prepared for that. He had lists, blankets, bottles, shampoos, a drawer full of toys. He had read enough, asked enough questions, told himself he understood what he was stepping into.

It turned out she’d meant something else entirely.

Two days in, every avocado in Robby’s kitchen vanished. Not overripe on the counter. Not forgotten in the back of the fridge. Just Gone.

“Huh,” Robby muttered, staring into the empty fridge. “Dennis?” he called.

There was a moment of silence, followed by the shuffle of bare feet. Dennis appeared in the kitchen doorway, curls a sleep-mussed mess and an unmistakable smear of green at the corner of his mouth. His gaze flicked up to Robby’s before dropping to his toes.

Guilt had never looked so cute.

They’d gone grocery shopping together one evening. Dennis had insisted on coming, trailing Robby until a bright display inevitably pulled him away. Robby lost him somewhere between the candy aisle and the produce section.

He was reaching for a carton of eggs when he heard it: quick footsteps, uneven with excitement. Dennis barreled toward him, arms full, cradling a pile of avocados against his chest. One tipped and nearly fell, but the boy caught it with a small gasp, before looking up with eyes so wide and hopeful that saying "no" felt like a crime.

Robby conceded without any further convincing. “…Put them in the cart.”

Dennis beamed, a grin breaking across his face as he carefully transferred each one, handling them with surprising gentleness. He leaned in for a quick hug before darting off once again.

Robby looked at the cart. Looked at the price per kilo sign. Looked back at the cart.

He sighed. Between rent, utilities, groceries, and apparently a steady supply of avocados, this was just his life now.

“More ’vocados, Daddy!”

The bowl had been full three minutes ago. Now it sat empty in Dennis’s lap, traces of mash smeared across his fingers, his chin, and the curve of one cheek. He licked his thumb absently, looking at Robby with bright expectation.

“I think that’s enough avocado for today, honey,” Robby tried to reason, his tone patient and steady.

Dennis’s face instantly fell, looking at Robby with quiet betrayal. His mouth pulled into a wobbling pout.

Robby held out for exactly four seconds. That was a new record.

“…Okay,” he sighed, turning back to the counter. “One more. Just one.”

Dennis lit up again, scooting closer to watch the process with growing excitement. Robby shook his head, reaching for another avocado, thumb pressing lightly against the skin to check for ripeness. He twisted it open, scooped, mashed, and added a tiny pinch of salt before handing the bowl back.

“At least it’s healthy,” he muttered to himself.

Dennis didn’t bother with the spoon. He just dug in, making happy, muffled sounds that filled the kitchen. Robby leaned against the counter, watching him with a tired, fond smile. He was a total pushover. Jack was going to have a field day with this.

One night, Dennis was fast asleep against him, his breath soft and warm against Robby’s collarbone. He was drooling a little, his pacifier lost somewhere in the sea of blankets.

The apartment was quiet, just the low hum of the refrigerator and the occasional distant car passing outside.

Robby adjusted his glasses, careful not to disturb the heavy, warm weight of the boy in his arms, and began to type into the Google search page

Little wants to eat the same food everyday?|

Safe foods autism|

Can someone eat too much avocado?|

How many avocados is too many avocados

Avocado side effects|

Avocados cause digestive issues?

Huggies extra care value pack|

Dennis stirred, pressing closer with a sleepy hum. Robby paused, locking his phone and setting it aside with a soft exhale.

The next time Robby went shopping alone, he saw it. Giant, fluffy, and perched on a high shelf in the toy aisle: an oversized plush avocado with bright green fabric and a stitched smile on the brown pit in the center.

Robby stopped walking, stared at it for a long moment, then reached up and pulled it down. It was lighter than he expected. Softer, too.

At checkout, the cashier asked if it was for his kid. Robby responded with an awkward and deeply unnecessary comment about how crazy the weather had been lately. There was a pause, before the cashier continued scanning the rest of the items in silence.

Robby decided he was never coming back to that Kroger.

Dennis spotted it the moment Robby stepped inside. He didn't even wait for the bags to hit the floor before he was in Robby's arms, clutching the plush as tight as his little muscles allowed.

“For me?” he gasped, breathless with delight.

Robby hummed. “You like it?” He asked, even when the answer was obvious.

Dennis nodded frantically, pressing the fabric to his cheek. The plush didn't leave his side for the rest of the night. It ate with him on the dinner table, sat next to him on the couch, and dragged across the hardwood floors.

Later, Robby caught Dennis gnawing on the plush’s head. “Baby,” he said gently, crouching down in front of him. “This is not a chew toy.”

Dennis paused, the plush still firmly in his mouth. He made direct, unblinking eye contact with Robby, then giggled and took another defiant bite.

Robby sighed, his expression softening. “…We’ll work on that.” He murmured while brushing a star curl behind Dennis’s ear.

Three weeks into Dennis moving in, Robby realized he’d lost control of the situation. It was time for an intervention.

“Alright. Effective immediately, we are implementing an avocado system,” he announced to an audience of one very confused, very spoiled little.

Dennis blinked up from his high chair, his plush avocado tucked securely under his arm. There was another, real avocado in his hands, thankfully unripe. Robby had stopped questioning how the boy kept finding them. At this point, it was like he could manifest them from thin air.

Robby stepped aside, revealing a whiteboard stuck to the fridge. He’d spent an hour drafting this with Jack and Santos.

THE AVOCADO PROTOCOL

1 per day ONLY

Maybe 2 (negotiable)

ABSOLUTELY NOT 5 (we are not animals)

In the corner, a lopsided green blob stood in for a cartoon avocado. Robby wasn't an artist, but he knew his audience, Dennis was easily drawn to anything remotely pear-shaped and green.

Dennis stared at the board for a long moment, squirming in his seat and rolling the unripe avocado between his palms. When he realized Robby was waiting for a reaction, he let the avocado clatter onto the tray and began to clap enthusiastically.

Robby paused. “…You don’t even know what it says.” He muttered, glancing back at the whiteboard and rubbing the back of his neck, feeling a bit ridiculous. He’d hoped delivering the news while Dennis was regressed would soften the blow, but he’d underestimated the power of blissful ignorance.

“Daddy!” Dennis chirped, clapping even harder this time.

Robby sighed, a small smile tugging at his mouth. “Okay,” he conceded. “Glad we’re on the same page.”

The system lasted exactly seventy-two hours.

On the fourth day, Robby trudged home after a grueling shift and swung open the fridge door. He found a single, lonely avocado in the back and a very incriminating handprint smeared across the lower shelf.

He closed the door very slowly. “...Dennis?” he called out toward the living room. “Did you break the protocol while I was at work?”

A heavy silence followed. Then, a small, guilt-stricken voice answered back with a soft “No?”

Robby pinched the bridge of his nose. Maybe it’s time for him to surrender.

That evening, the two of them sat on the couch, the apartment settling into a peaceful quiet. Dennis was curled against Robby’s side, one hand loosely gripping Robby’s shirt. His plush avocado was wedged between them, slightly damp from being chewed on.

“…You know,” Robby murmured, his hand absently stroking Dennis’s hair, “most kids like crackers. Or candy. Or… chocolate.”

Dennis made a sleepy, disinterested sound.

“Nuggets?” Robby suggested. “I could buy a dinosaur-shaped one?”

Dennis just babbled softly, pressing his face into Robby’s chest. The weight of that trust, the way Dennis leaned into him like he was the safest place on earth, always made Robby’s throat feel a little tight.

Robby glanced down at the plush avocado wedged between them, its stitched smile as unhelpfully cheerful as ever.

“…You’re enabling him,” Robby whispered to the toy.

The plush did not defend itself.

Dennis tightened his grip slightly in his sleep. Robby reached for a nearby throw blanket and tucked it around the both of them.

Tomorrow, he’d go back to the store. He’d stand in the produce aisle, pretend he was in charge, and then buy ten more avocados because he was powerless against Dennis’ sad puppy-eyed look.

Dennis shifted in his sleep, mumbling something that sounded suspiciously like “’vocado.”

Robby laughed softly into his curls.

“Yeah,” he whispered, kissing the top of the boy's head. “I know.”

[sammyslittlecorner]

He’s easy to please (x)

[sammyslittlecorner]

[sammyslittlecorner]

love ur work!!! could u maybe write a day in the life of siblings dennis, frank and trinity? with parents Rabbott? again, huge fan! love all u do !!!! <33333 stay amazing!

“Tin!” Dennis called out from inside the playpen, voice high and demanding. Trinity didn’t look at him right away. She was curled into the corner of the couch, her favorite fox plush tucked under her arm, watching Dora The Explorer on TV.

Her eyes stayed locked on the screen even as she answered him. “I’m watching Dora, Den.” She said, gesturing vaguely toward the TV.

Dennis wobbled where he stood, clutching his plush lamb in his hand. “Tin!” he insisted again, louder this time.

Trinity groaned, letting her head fall back against the couch dramatically before finally pushing herself upright. She dragged her feet across the floor and paused at the playpen gate, fumbling briefly with the latch, then stepped inside with a kind of practiced reluctance. “Whadd’ya want?”

“P’ay farm!” Dennis beamed, waving his lamb around enthusiastically.

She sighed, feigning annoyance. “Fine.” She said with resignation, dropping down to sit beside him. “But I get to be the farmer this time.”

Dennis babbled incoherently, already scrambling to grab another plush from his pile of farm animals, nearly toppling over in excitement in the process.

“Yeah, okay.” She huffs, though there was much less bite to her tone now. She adjusted the farmer toy’s overalls and sat up straighter, slipping into the role quickly. Soon enough, they were both fully caught up in the game, Trinity directing the farm with exaggerated authority while Dennis made various animal noises, each one louder and less accurate than the last.

Trinity started running loops around the playpen as if she were pursuing runaway animals. Dennis squealed, trying to chase after her, his steps clumsy and unsteady. When that proved too hard, he switched to crawling, following her as both of them dissolved into giggles.

Eventually though, Dennis started to slow, exhausted from trying to keep up with his older sister. His laughter tapered off into tired yawns as he sat back on his heels.

Trinity paused, turning around to look at him. “You done already?” She asked, incredulous. Dennis grumbled, rubbing at his eyes, his shoulders drooping.

“But I wanna keep playing!“ she protested, voice edging toward a more childish whine. “You already slept earlier, why do you need another nap?” She huffed, crossing her arms. “So boring! What a sleepy baby.”

The words barely had time to settle between them before Dennis’s expression crumpled. His lip wobbled, and then he was crying, loud and unrestrained.

Trinity quickly panicked, frowning. “Denny! Stop crying!” She told him. But her baby brother didn’t stop. If anything, it got worse.

“Dennis, stop it.” She repeated, her voice coming out thin and shaky. When he kept going, her own eyes filled with tears. Frustration turned to helplessness as she sniffled.

“We left for exactly fifteen minutes.” Jack sighed as he stepped through the front door, already kicking off his shoes. Robby followed close behind, one hand full of grocery bags, the other holding onto Frank, who was bouncing slightly on his heels with leftover energy, unaware of the chaos inside.

“Papa!” Dennis sobbed, arms reaching towardm Jack with desperate urgency. His papa picked him up with practiced ease, settling him against his shoulder. “Easy, little guy.” He cooed, before turning to Trinity, patting her arm with his free hand. “What happed?”

“Den wouldn’t stop cryin’,” she muttered, wiping at her wet eyes with the heel of her hand.

“What made him cry?” He asks her gently.

She hesitated, her gaze dropping to the floor. “…I called him boring. A-and a sleepy baby.”

Jack hummed, calm as ever. “You know how sensitive your little brother is, kiddo.”

“I did’t mean it!” she blurted out, her voice breaking again.

“No, hey,” he replied, pulling her into a brief, careful hug while Dennis still clung onto him. “It’s okay. He knows that, he’s just cranky because he’s tired.“ He reassures her.

She nodded and gave a small, mumbled apology to Dennis. He sniffled in response, his grip still tight around Jack’s shirt, but his crying eased.

“Good girl,” Jack murmured, leaning down to kiss her hair. “Thank you for watching him.”

By then, Robby had set the groceries down in the kitchen and stepped closer, giving Dennis a quick, tender kiss on the cheek, before retrieving Trinity’s fox plushie from the couch and handing it back to her. She hugged it tightly, pressing her face into it and smiling a little.

Dennis, worn out, was already going limp in Jack’s arms, his breathing slowly evening out as his eyes drifted shut.

Frank lets go of Robby’s hand and steps closer to Trinity. “Hi Trin,” he greeted her gingerly.

She glanced at him, still a bit prickly, and mumbled a half-hearted “Hi,” before retreating back to the couch. Frank trails after her, plopping down on the cushions too, content just to be near.

Robby ended up putting Dennis down for his nap not long after, tucking him in once Jack had eased him into bed. He stayed a moment longer to make sure Dennis was settled before quietly stepping back out into the living room.

By then, Jack was already halfway through putting the groceries away. “You kiddos hungry?” He called, and they both answered with an immediate “yeah!”, speaking over each other and the noise of the TV.

Jack threw something together; peanut butter and jam sandwiches. Efficient. Practical.

Robby took one look at the lackluster presentation and sighed, slipping into the kitchen without a word. He trimmed the edges of the toast neatly, cut them into proper triangles, and added blueberries and star-shaped banana pieces to each plate. Jack watched him work with mild curiosity, a small grin tugging at his mouth when he took in the finished result. “See? Teamwork.”

Robby rolled his eyes and smiled. He brought the plates over to the couch, where Trinity and Frank were waiting amicably. “Here you go. Eat it all, okay?” He tells them.

“Thanks Dada!” Frank said brightly.

“Thank you…” Trinity added, a little softer.

The calm lingered right up until another episode of Dora The Explorer ended and Frank turned to his sister to ask “Can we watch Fireman Sam now?”

“No.” Trinity pulled her knees to her chest, pouting immediately. “I don’t like it.”

Frank frowned, but he didn’t back down. “Please? Just one episode,” he asked again, making his saddest puppy-dog face. Unsurprisingly, it worked. Trinity grumbled and reached for the remote, relenting under his pleas.

Frank lit up, the disappointment melting off his face like it had never been there. “Thanks!” he exclaimed.

From the kitchen doorway, Jack nudged Robby lightly with his elbow, both of them sharing amused glances as they watch the exchange between the two littles.

Later on, the TV had faded into background noise, replaced by the soft clatter of toy blocks. Frank and Trinity had migrated down to the rug, sitting across from each other with a pile of blocks between them. Jack and Robby were right behind them on the couch, both quietly absorbed in their books.

They all went still when Dennis’ wails came from down the hall. Robby was the first to get up, taking off his reading glasses and pushing himself up while bracing a hand against his back. “I’ll get him.” He said.

Jack didn’t even try to move. “All yours,” he replied easily, leaning right back where he sat. Robby huffs, shooting him a look before making his way to the kids’s room.

Dennis was already sitting up on the bed when he got there, face scrunched, hands clutching at the blanket beneath him. The second he saw Robby, his cries hitched, turning into softer, more breathless sounds. He never liked waking up alone.

“Hey, baby boy,” Robby murmured as he sat down on the bed beside him. “Daddy’s right here.”

Dennis clung to him immediately, arms wrapping tight around his neck, face pressing into his shoulder. His breathing came in uneven little hiccups, but he relaxed under the steady pressure of Robby’s hand rubbing up and down his back.

Robby shifted his hold, tilting his head down to look at the boy. “Frank’s here. Do you wanna go say hi?”

“F’ankie,” Dennis echoed, still sounding half-asleep. Robby smiled faintly at that, reaching out to take his hands once his feet hit the floor again. They made their way back into the living room together, Dennis glued to Robby’s side until he spotted Frank there.

“Hey, Den!” Frank greeted him with bright enthusiasm, and Dennis positively beamed. Suddenly wide awake, he stumbled forward and collided into his brother. They both tipped backward with the force of it, Frank laughing as he caught him, arms wrapped around Dennis in a tight hug.

“Bubba,” Dennis babbled cheerfully, tugging and patting at Frank’s shirt.

Trinity watched, her hands resting in her lap, her expression softer now. There was a small crease between her brows, something thoughtful, maybe a little bit jealous, even if she didn’t quite have the words for it. Jack noticed, reaching over and resting his hand on her head, caressing her hair. She glanced up at him briefly before looking away again, leaning into it just a tiny bit.

“Me and Trin are building blocks, Den!” Frank told his little brother.

“Hey, don’t—!” Trinity started, but it was already too late. Dennis had lunged forward, pushing their carefully constructed tower. It collapsed as Dennis clapped, delighted.

Frank laughed, while Trinity groaned.

“It’s okay honey,” Robby tells her. “You can build it again.”

She huffed, but her frustration didn’t stick for long, it never really did. She was already gathering blocks again. This time, they all built the tower together, Frank and Trinity stacking colourful blocks, while Dennis mostly attempted to put them in his mouth.

He did eventually lose interest, dropped the block he’d been holding and crawled away without saying anything, heading straight for Robby and clinging onto his legs.

“Well,” Jack said from where he was lounging, arms crossed loosely. “We know who’s his favorite.”

Robby glanced down at Dennis, then back up at his husband. “We don’t know that it’s me for certain.”

“I think we do.” Jack retorts. They continued arguing back and forth, Trinity and Frank watching them go at it.

Then, Trinity’s expression suddenly changed, something clicking into place as she lit up. She pushed herself up quickly, padding over and tugging on Jack’s pant leg. “I have an idea,” she said, her voice bright again.

Ten minutes later, Dennis was sitting on his babymat in the middle of the living room, hands resting on the soft fabric as he looked around with wide, curious eyes. In front of him, a little further away, Jack, Robby, Frank, and Trinity were lined up side by side.

It was Trinity’s idea to figure out who Dennis’s favorite was. They’d all call for him at the same time and see who he crawled to first.

“Come here, Den!” Frank urged the boy, leaning forward.

Trinity had placed Dennis’s favorite teddy bear in her lap, holding it there to catch his attention.

“Dennis, honey,” Robby muttered gently, patting his lap.

Jack tilted his head, spreading his arms. “You want uppies from Papa, sweetheart?” He says, fully aware of the advantage he had over Robby, who couldn’t carry Dennis since it strained his back too much.

“That counts as cheating, by the way.” Robby grunted.

“If I’m cheating, then Trinity’s cheating too.” Jack said.

“Na-uh!” she shot back immediately.

Poor Dennis looked completely lost. He blinked at all of them, clearly overwhelmed. His gaze moved from one person to the other, his body shifting slightly as if he couldn’t decide where to go. He started crawling in Jack’s direction, then redirected to Trinity, then Frank, before he glanced over at Robby and paused.

Robby just smiled at him, fond, open, and patient.

Dennis cooed softly, and crawled straight to his lap.

Trinity whined playfully, flopping forward in defeat. Frank laughed, and Jack just shook his head, amused.

Robby gathered Dennis in his arms, holding him close with an almost reverence. “Sweet boy,” he murmured, brushing his nose gently against Dennis’s cheek. “I love you so, so much.”

Dennis let out a small, happy giggle, melting right into him. “Daddy…” he mumbled softly, curling up in his lap.

“Point proven.” Jack hummed, satisfied.

Trinity glanced at him for a moment, then crawled over and hugged him tightly. “Don’t be sad,” she said, very seriously. Her papa chuckled, pulling her closer. “Aw, princess. Aren’t you sweet?”

Frank joined in a second later, hugging him from the other side. Jack ruffled his hair.

Dennis watched the trio embrace and twisted in Robby’s arms, letting out a soft whine as he reached for them with grabbing hands. Robby shifted closer, and they all huddled together in a clumsy tangle of limbs and warm affection.

Dinner that night was as chaotic as always. Dennis ended up with tomato sauce smeared across his cheeks, sticky hands, and bits of spaghetti caught on his bib and in his hair.

Meanwhile, Trinity’s noodles kept slipping off her fork and falling to the floor. She ignored most of it. Robby quickly gave up on cleaning after her.

Frank, on the other hand, kept clean. But he refused to eat any of his veggies, sticking his nose up and crossing his arms in protest. Jack had to bribe him with the promise of candy after dinner to get him to finish his food.

Bedtime was also a scramble in its own right, but Jack and Robby had it down to a science by now.

Robby handled Dennis. He gave him a quick bath, washed all the dried sauce off of him, changed his nappy, and got him dressed in his favourite footie pajamas. Dennis fussed a little during the process, but his daddy’s gentle handling calmed him down and got him sleepy enough for bed.

In the other room, Frank and Trinity shrieked, bolting down the hallway, their laughter echoing as Jack chased after them, doing his best to tire them out. He caught Frank first and scooped him up, attacking him with exaggerated chomping noises. Frank laughed and squirmed in his arms as Jack caught Trinity too, pulling her against him.

By the time they were all settled in bed, the three of them were completely worn out. Trinity and Dennis were huddled together under the blankets, Dennis already beginning to nod off against her side, while Frank settled into his own pillows just a few feet away.

Robby moved slowly from one little to the next, leaning down to press a lingering kiss to each forehead. “Goodnight,” he whispered, voice thick with affection. “I love you.”

“Lub daddy,” Dennis mumbled.

“Love you too!” Frank chirped back.

“Okay.” Trinity said.

Robby and Jack shared a chuckle at her blunt response. She smirked proudly.

Jack lingered in the doorway, arms crossed loosely. “Goodnight, you little gremlins,” he said, voice gravelly and gentle. He reached for the light switch and flicked it off. He and Robby slipped out into the hallway, closing the door behind them with a soft click.

The apartment finally settled into silence. As they drifted toward their bedroom, Jack leaned in and stole a fleeting kiss from Robby’s lips.

“You’re a softie, Michael,” he murmured, a teasing warmth in his voice.

Robby didn't even try to deny it. His smile turned a little shy. “And you’re not?”

Jack gave a gentle hum, nudging his shoulder lightly against Robby’s. “Maybe,” he admitted. “I just hide it better. I have a reputation to uphold.”

Robby huffed a quiet, breathless laugh, shaking his head.

(Read on Ao3)

[sammyslittlecorner]

More Whitsantos double trouble please!!!!! So siblings, so cute. (Fighting over a toy???)

[belllllaaaaa]

little dennis' first patients im crying this is the cutest idea ive ever had--

look on twitter !! or insta !!

[sammyslittlecorner]

omg wait little dennis in a stuffie pile? i just know that boy has every plushie on planet earth (and he deserves them of course)

[sammyslittlecorner]

does denny have any favorite tv shows or films (apart from bluey)?

[sammyslittlecorner]

I need to know what Dennis looks like in the baby bonnet I just know it would be the cutest thing ever!!

[sammyslittlecorner]

I can just imagine robby blowing raspberries on Dennis's tummy whenever he's regressed

Robby knew before Dennis said anything.

He recognized his tells easily by this point, and it was always the small things. The way Dennis would hover close to him, how his hands restlessly fidgeted, and just how quiet he got.

Robby’s expression softened as he watched him, curled in on himself at the edge of the couch, sleeves half-pulled over his hands, blinking slowly and making himself as small as physically possible.

“Hey… c’mere,” he gently called out to him, opening his arms in quiet invitation.

Dennis looked at him for a second, taking a moment to process, then shuffled over without a word, climbing close in that clumsy, uncoordinated way he always moves when he’s small. He tucked himself against Robby’s side, then closer, then closer still, until he was practically in his lap.

If there had been any doubt before, there wasn’t now.

Robby adjusted, one arm wrapping securely around the boy, the other coming up to smooth through his hair. “That’s it,” he muttered. “Hi, sweetheart.”

Dennis made a small unintelligible sound and pressed his face into Robby’s chest, before peeking up just a little. His eyes were glassy and distant, his expression open and soft.

“…Daddy,” he mumbled.

Robby’s chest ached. And that familiar, overwhelming fondness crept in. The kind that always hit when Dennis was like this. It made him want to hold his face and cover it in kisses just to get it out of his system. Dennis called it cuteness aggression, and… yeah, that was probably the best way to describe it.

“Mhm,” he answered quietly, his thumb brushing along Dennis’s cheek in a slow, soothing motion. “Daddy’s right here.”

Dennis melted further into him, all loose and trusting, his fingers bunching into Robby’s shirt. He always did that, clung to him like it was second nature, and Robby had long since stopped trying to fix the wrinkles it left behind.

Robby shifted on the couch, easing Dennis down so he was lying across his lap, keeping his head supported. “Comfy?” he asked.

Dennis nodded. “Mmhm…”

His shirt had ridden up a little from all the moving around, exposing a bit of his tummy. Robby’s gaze flickered to it, then back to Dennis’s face. He hesitated for a second, then carefully let his fingers drift down, just brushing lightly over his stomach.

Dennis twitched. A tiny, startled giggle slipped out of him.

Robby paused, “…oh?” he murmured, voice warm and playful. He nudged his tummy again.

Dennis squirmed, letting out a louder giggle this time. His legs drew up slightly, hands hovering like he didn’t know whether to push Robby away or grab onto him.

Robby smiled. “Well, what’s this, hm? Didn’t know you had a giggle spot.”

Dennis shook his head immediately, even as another chuckle slipped out.

Robby huffed a quiet, fond laugh. “I don’t believe you!” He said, before leaning down just a little and blowing a raspberry on his belly.

Dennis squealed.

It burst out of him suddenly, his whole body jerking as laughter spilled out, bright and uncontrollable.

“D’dy—!” he tried, but it quickly dissolved into giggles.

“There it is,” Robby said, something warm and unmistakably affectionate in his voice as he looked down at him. “That’s my baby.”

Then he blew another loud raspberry.

Dennis kicked his feet this time, laughter bubbling up louder, turning into little hiccupy sounds as he tried to twist away. He didn’t get far, just wiggled under Robby’s hands, his face scrunching up, giddy and overwhelmed.

“Nuh-uh—no—!” he babbled, reaching up to grab onto Robby’s sleeve. He was beaming, laughter spilling out between every word.

Robby slowed, watching him carefully. “Too much?” he asked, his voice gentler again.

Dennis shook his head quickly, curls bouncing.

Robby grinned. “Yeah? One more?”

Dennis gave an excited nod, and when Robby leaned down this time, the boy started giggling before anything even happened.

Robby chuckled under his breath. “I didn’t even do anything yet.”

When he did, Dennis shrieked with laughter, hands flying down to Robby’s head, his whole body curling in as he giggled. He turned his face into Robby’s shirt again, like he could hide there, little babbles mixing in with the laughter.

“‘nuff daddy, ‘nuff!” He cackled.

Robby huffed softly, pulling back and smiling at the flushed boy. “Alright, enough is enough.” He relented as the laughter started to peak.

Dennis’s giggles tapered off into soft, lingering hiccups, his body going loose against Robby’s lap. He clung tighter to his shirt, nuzzling in close.

Robby pulled Dennis’ shirt back down, smoothing it over his stomach, his touch gentle and careful.

Dennis made a small, sleepy sound, still a little giggly, and peeked up at him again. “‘Wobby…” he murmured, reaching up and making grabby hands at him.

Robby didn’t hesitate. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered.

Dennis mellowed out completely after that, his fingers still tangled in Robby’s shirt as his breathing evened out and the last of his giggles faded.

Robby just held him closer. There was nowhere else he’d rather be.

[sammyslittlecorner]

Sleepover! (Inspired by this lovely moodboard)