•|One Man’s Trash…|•
✨Pairing✨: Dennis BakerxBlack Reader
Summary🪄: You’ve got a bit of a soft spot for one of your regulars
⚠️: mention of divorce, talks of intimacy (including said statement of 🍆👀 lol), mention of pregnancy, small instance of harassment, implications of mental/emotional abuse, mostly fluff
A/N🎙: So this was inspired by @syntheticavenger and her Dennis fic which is amazing and so wonderfully written, so please go read it if you haven’t. I thought this would be a cute idea and I hope you guys like it☺️! Also don’t judge me for writing about this hamburger out the toilet eating man; for the sake of this story that was a drunk moment lol.
Ridding the circular table of the small sprinkles of sugar and drops of coffee left by the previous customer, you can’t control the sympathetic sigh that passes your lips at the sight of your more known customer in the corner. He typically came with his wife, but you’d noticed for a couple months she came less and less until she didn’t show at all. That typically wasn’t a good sign.
Especially with his once cheerful face falling to a mix of sorrow and disappointment. Maybe even shame.
“So, think the Dodgers are goin’ all the way this year?,” you ask, now close enough to notice the newspaper spread in front of him open to the sports section.
“I’m sorry?”
“I asked if you thought the Dodgers would make it to the World Series, since you’re uh on the sports page.”
“Oh! Um I’m not really into sports,” he nervously chuckles pushing his large frames higher on his nose. “Really just looking at the cartoons over here.”
“Aw it’s Peanuts,” you smile looking over the black and white drawings depicting Snoopy and Woodstock in another one of their adventures. “My dad used to cut them out and put it with my lunch when I was little.” Although brief, the soft smile that graced his lips has your heart warming as well knowing you’d brightened his day even if just for a moment.
And surprisingly, you were hoping you could do it again, or as many times needed to turn his recent melancholy mood.
“My wi-I mean ex wife, used to complain I was hogging the paper for only wanting to look at silly, childish drawings. It’s the first time I’ve looked at them in three years.” You always did get this feeling whenever she’d step in the bakery that she’d honestly rather be somewhere else—anywhere really. If it was raining, she’d make poor Dennis brave the strong winds and harsh droplets to pick up their dozen of cupcakes. She wouldn’t even help with opening the car door for him, instead looking down at her phone as he performed a bit of a balancing act with the cupcakes and coffees.
When Dennis would order both of their usuals; his a standard hazelnut iced coffee, hers a caramel latte with soy, light sugar, and two full shots of espresso exactly, she seemed annoyed. Crossing her arms when Dennis would try to sweetly grasp her hand as they waited. Slender fingers tapping her phone screen while her foot impatiently tapped on the wooden floor below. As soon as their order was called, she quickly grabbed her drink scurrying through the front door without so much as a “thanks” let alone a tip.
With an embarrassed tilt to his lips cringing as she called for him to hurry up because she had more important things to do, he’d slide a $10 bill into the tip jar as he said a soft “thank you.” You felt bad for thinking it, but he deserved better. Someone who didn’t treat him like a burden or like that pesky mosquito that just wouldn’t leave you alone. Albeit nerdy, he was caring, kind, incredibly sweet to anyone around, and should be loved for all he was.
“Well by all means take as long as you want,” you smile. “We get a good amount delivered every day so you never have to worry about hogging here.”
Being called over by another customer, you missed the blush that crept along his cheeks just as pink as the polo shirt he wore. The way his eyes shyly followed you to your new table, occasionally glancing your direction time after admiring how sweet you always were to every customer. From then on, he frequented the shop more often coming late morning/early afternoon. He’d sit somewhat far off with his coffee and newspaper at first, but eventually built enough courage—from your friendly smile and pleasant small talk—to sit at the table nearest to the pick up area. A prime location to talk with you between orders and smell the mix of berries and citrus from your perfume when the fan would hit you just right, causing an intoxicating breeze to occupy his nostrils.
“Which one is it this time?,” you cheerily ask leaning over the counter as if you could see the small drawings on the paper. It took Dennis a moment to register what you were asking with your chest casually pushed forward and sunlight shining on your delicate skin just right. He even had to remember to breathe quickly looking down at the paper while clearing his throat.
“Um it’s Charlie this time. He stopped at Lucy’s lemonade stand and she tricked him by charging him more. Snoopy knocked down the fake sign though so he found out just as he gave her the money.”
“Lucy’s still being mean to poor Charles,” you giggle with a light shake of your head.
“Y-Yea, I don’t think that’ll ever change,” Dennis briefly laughs along with you before his nerves start getting the best of him. Well, again.
For a couple of weeks now he’d wanted to see if maybe you’d like to have a conversation outside the coffee shop. Perhaps even over dinner or lunch. He didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable though, or potentially upset you thinking all the talks and sweet exchanges were just to get in your pants. You were the closest friend he had right now, and he’d hate to lose that.
“H-Hey, um Y/N?”
“Yea?”
He nervously wipes his palms on the front of his khakis as he stands, carefully approaching the bar with fingers fidgeting by his sides.
“Everything okay?,” you ask a bit concerned from the redness around his neck and ears. Dennis practiced this at home many times knowing exactly what he’d say and be able to calmly walk up to you and ask you out. He didn’t take into account the pressure of the actual execution and you staring attentively at him with those eyes he could never look too long in before getting lost.
“Yea! Yea everything’s fine. But um s-speaking of change-,”
“Afternoon sunshine,” a man interrupts lightly bumping into Dennis on his way to the counter where you both stood. Taller, more muscular, and definitely more stylish than Dennis, he was worried at first glance fearing that this mystery man would steal you away. Or had already done so.
But from the roll of your eyes—a key sign of your annoyance he’d come to learn—he felt the lump in his throat slowly dissolve.
“I’m working Cannon.”
“Not right now,” he smirks. With his dazzling smile and clear, golden brown skin, anyone could assume he was a model. And they probably did from the cocky way he carried himself and strode about, no doubt letting the compliments boost his ego and inflate his head.
“Hey, you mind? Kinda in my space,” Cannon directs towards Dennis shooing him away with the tilt of his head back towards the door.
“S-Sorry.” He gave the two space, but something inside told him not to go too far away. Was it his slight jealousy? His own intuition telling him to be aware? Maybe both.
“So sunshine-,”
“Please don’t call me that,” you state looking past him to take the order of the older woman waiting behind him.
“Why? You know you’ll always be my sunshine.”
“Not after you slept with my cousin in my bed. Speaking of, she know you’re down here?” He manages to catch your hand after giving the customer her chamomile tea and packs of honey, pinning your smaller hand to the counter with no escape.
“That’s in the past and was admittedly a mistake. Let me show you how different things’ll be now.”
“I’d rather not.”
“Cmon Y/N, don’t act like you haven’t been thinking of me,” he pouts, grip growing a bit tighter as you try to get away.
“I’m not acting, now let go Cannon.”
“Still keeping up with this hard to get game? Starting to get a bit old sunshine.”
“Leave her alone.”
Both of you turn to see Dennis, now standing closer and appearing to not really know how to hold his arms going back and forth from folding them in front of his chest to letting them hang at his sides. You appreciated him for trying to stick up for you, but sweet Dennis really didn’t know what he was getting himself into. “Dennis don’t worry about me, I can handle it.”
“Yea Dennis, she’s fine,” he grins bringing your hand to his lips placing a kiss to your knuckles. The whole time holding eye contact with your, now angry, friend. “Plus this doesn’t really concern you.”
“If it’s pertaining to her it does.”
You couldn’t help but smile hearing his words and how he wanted to protect you. But at the release of your hand as Cannon stood sizing up this new challenger, your heart raced quickly going around the counter to stand between the two.
“You her new man huh?”
“N-No we’re uh just friends.”
“But you want to be. Don’t you? Why you’re trying to prove yourself as some saving knight so she has no choice but to fall head over heels for you?”
“Cannon enough, just get out.”
“Nah he wants a fight, then go ahead Dennis. I’ll even give you first shot,” he smirks with arms out giving him said free range to throw the first punch.
“I-I don’t want to fight. Just leave her alone, okay? S-She doesn’t want you anymore, m-move on to s-someone else.”
His nerves were at an all time high not knowing what would happen next. Whether Cannon would come to his senses and leave or become angrier that he wasn’t getting his way. Plus your back against his chest wasn’t helping his heart rate as you attempted to shield him.
Looking between the two of you, there’s a moment of silence before he jumps towards Dennis faking as if he were about to throw a punch clearly catching both of you off guard. You slightly flinched while poor Dennis cowered so hard his shoe slipped against the hardwood floor making him fall backwards; smacking his elbow against the counter in the process. Cannon laughed to himself watching you kneel next to him, observing his reddened elbow in your hands to make sure he was okay.
“You know my number sunshine,” he winks haughtily walking out of the little coffee shop as if nothing happened. The few customers you had remaining immediately coming over to ask if you and Dennis were okay, or needed them to call the police to which you politely declined.
“It’s starting to swell, maybe we need to go to the hospital.”
“No I’m fine,” he hissed holding his arm closer to him, not daring to extend it. “Probably just need to ice it.”
“And what if it’s more? I really think you need to see a doctor.”
He knew you were right. The way his elbow uncomfortably throbbed and felt stiff didn’t seem like a good sign. He was embarrassed though, not being able to stand tough against your ex and be that protector he always wanted to be. Something else his ex-wife chastised him for.
“A rat has more fight in him than you.”
“How did I end up with someone so…weak?”
“Some way to stand up for you,” he laughs to himself as you help him stand to his feet. “Then again I should’ve known better. Tough is definitely not part of my DNA.”
“You stayed and stepped in when you knew I was uncomfortable and, although you may not think so, protected me from Cannon trying anything more. When he first told you to leave, you could’ve done that and left me to fend for myself but you didn’t. And I’m very appreciative for everything you did.” Leaning forward, your watermelon lips meet his warm cheek making it hotter from the sensation along his skin he’d dreamed about many nights. They were just as soft as he’d thought and selfishly, he wanted to ask for another so his lips wouldn’t feel left out. Instead though, he softly smiled shyly looking down tapping the fingers of his good arm against his opposite upper arm.
“Y-You’re welcome.”
———
“Sweetheart let me know if you get tired. I can get the scooter for you.”
“Dennis I promise I’ll be fine, we’re only getting a few things,” you giggle as you both walk through the busy supermarket. “Plus the doctor said I should be staying active.”
“True, but she also said not to over exert yourself,” he counters kissing your temple as you roll your eyes.
“You worry too much.”
“No, I just love you so much. There’s a difference sweetheart,” he winks as you reach the pharmacy. It wasn’t too long of a line, but there were two people waiting ahead of you and Dennis knew with your hunger and decreased patience, the next few minutes may not be fun for you.
“Why don’t you go ahead and get the ice cream? I’ll get your inhaler so you don’t have to stand in line.”
“You sure?”
“Yea it’s okay. You go ahead,” he warmly smiles gently squeezing your hand.
“Okay, I’m gonna find the bathroom first because I definitely feel my bladder being squeezed.”
Dennis can’t help smiling to himself watching you waddle away as fast as you could, hand on your belly trying to avoid an accident—well, another one. The pharmacist even had to call out to him with a “sir?” to bring his attention back.
“Sorry, pickup for Y/N Baker.” He’d never get tired of that name rolling off his lips.
“Dennis?,” he hears making him turn around to the last person he expected to see. Six years had passed since the last time he saw her, so he honestly figured she’d moved away and no doubt moved on.
“Susan…hi.”
He appeared the same since she watched him take his things out their formerly shared home all those years ago, except for his more modern looking black frames over his eyes. He clearly also had some change in style standing in a white tee, black joggers, and sneakers. With her he always wore khakis. Would probably even wear them to bed if they were soft enough.
“Y-You’re not in khakis,” she awkwardly smiles.
“Oh um yea. I still have a couple pairs, but these are a bit more comfortable. My wife bought them for me.”
“Wait…your wife?”
As if hearing your name, you appeared smiling beside Dennis with a basket of three different pints of ice cream and a couple bags of chips excited to show him what you’d found. “Honey look, they have new flavors! I couldn’t choose so I got them both plus our usual.”
“Sounds great! Um sweetheart I want to introduce you to-,”
“Susan. The ex-wife,” you finish for him snuggling closer into his side.
“Lovely to meet you,” she smiles. You can’t say the one you give back is genuine. “And I see congratulations are in order!”
Instinctively his hand finds your swollen belly, smile widening as it gently grazes up and down. “Thanks, we’re beyond excited to meet them.”
“Them?,” she repeats, wildly blinking and looking even dumber than you already knew she was.
“Yea, twins. Boy and girl.”
“Looks like there’s no bad penis over here after all,” you add with your fakest smile making sure the words stung just the same when she told them to Dennis.
From the way she looked down fumbling with the reusable bag in her hands, you achieved your goal.
“Well,” she clears her throat meeting both of your eyes again. “It looks like you’re doing just fine.”
“I am, really more than that actually. I’ve never been happier.” His lips on the top of your head leave you smiling to yourself, and it’s the final nail in the coffin sending Susan down the river and completely out of Dennis’ life. She couldn’t lie it was tough to hear, and honestly a bit confusing how Dennis managed to move on before her.
“I’m glad. Really I wish you both continued happiness.”
“Thank you. Well, we need to be going now so have good night,” you state with one final fabricated smile before pulling your husband along with you not giving her a chance to say anything further.
“Sweetheart, you promised you’d be nice if you ever ran into her,” Dennis whispers in your ear as you place the basket on the conveyor belt.
“That was before my emotions were dictated by two babies who do not like the lady who was very mean to daddy. And may I remind him was almost the reason said babies were not conceived.”
As can be expected, being continually berated can have lasting effects on one’s mind. You began trying to erase those words of doubt and criticism when you started dating—and before that even when you were still friends—but his problems with intimacy lasted the longest. Fearing that he couldn’t please you just as he couldn’t seem to do with Susan.
Dennis was so gracious for your patience as he worked through everything and that you stuck beside him. From the days he just wanted to hold you, or be held, to the days he felt a bit more daring wanting to try something from the list of your collective kinks. You supported him every step of the way doing whatever you could.
“Do not blame our unborn children on your tendency to be over-protective,” he grins pecking your neck just as the cashier tallies your total.
Collecting your groceries and journeying back to your car hand in hand, your eyes never leave the man beside you adoringly watching him safely maneuver the mini SUV through traffic while humming to the radio.
“Is there something on my face?,” he asks once stopped at a red light making you giggle.
“No, I was just thinking.”
“About?”
“…did you mean it when you said this is the happiest you’ve ever been?,” you ask, hand comfortably gliding along the base of your growing abdomen.
“Of course. More than you’ll ever know sweetheart.”
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