robby can't get over just how much he loves sharing a bed with dennis. the younger man clings to him like an octopus, and robby doesn't even pretend he doesn't like it, because he's doing the exact same thing. they just like to be close.
their bed was a double, but they could've gotten away with having a smaller one given the way the pair felt happiest sleeping. robby liked to lie on his back the most, which gave dennis the perfect opportunity to use robby as his mattress rather than their actual one. the smaller man would lie on his front, nestling his head right under robby's chin, his breaths tickling the older man's skin.
dennis's smaller height meant that their chests lined up perfectly and they could feel each other's hearts beating if they focused. robby always focused. dennis was usually out like a light the second his head was pillowed on robby, and his light huffs and mumbles as he slept would be the only noise in the room. robby didn't need the TV on any more.
robby usually stayed awake a little longer just to watch his beautiful boy. he got teary eyed sometimes when he did so, thinking about what a big role dennis had played in teaching him that he had a life, and a purpose, and value outside of the ER. that he was someone without it. he used to think that outside of that building, he meant nothing to anyone and that he was no use at all. his sweet mouse had showed him that wasn't true, and had given him so much love to steady him.
he didn't feel worthless anymore- not when the prettiest and kindest man in the world had decided that the only place he wanted to sleep was on robby's chest, so close that they might seep into each other's skin. dennis burrowed closer even in his subconscious, and it made robby blink back tears as he hugged the younger. dennis wanted to be with him, to snuggle close, to spend his most vulnerable moments with robby's arms around him. to dennis, robby was safety.
when robby did close his eyes after more admiring looks at the younger, he slept better than he had in years, dennis's heartbeat soothing him. he'd wake up rested, refreshed and happy. they never drifted apart in the night either- morning would arrive and dennis would still be clutching at robby like he was a life raft at sea, with robby similarly wrapped around him. they'd usually start the day with chaste and sleepy kisses, no words needed.
it was... really fucking good, sharing a bed with dennis whitaker. sometimes robby didn't know where he'd gotten the space inside him from to feel so much pure, undiluted love- and then dennis would grin toothily at him, and he'd stop introspecting and kiss him again soundly. it was so nice sharing a bed that on their days off, they usually didn't leave it at all...
