Chapter Text
Uncle Joe, Red House Painters. Listen while reading! 
🩺 A little doodle I made for the fic! ^^ 🩺
Ricketts Glen State Park, a beautiful place, or so Dennis thought. That was before his so-called ‘friends’ were nowhere to be found. The scenery quickly shifted from peaceful and adorned in beauty to overwhelming and suffocatingly huge. It wasn’t even his idea to come here in the first place. Trinity, his only friend he could actually confide in from college, dragged him along with a few other girls from her dorm. Dennis was hesitant at first, he knew the girls by name basis, but he also felt like coming would be imposing on the ‘girls day’. Trinity insisted though, and Dennis caved, she was persistent and it was smarter to let her have her way. And now here he was, wandering around aimlessly with none to blame but himself. The girls had a grand idea of starting out on the hardest trail possible, and Dennis made the mistake of not using the restroom before they started. Half an hour in and the pressure in his bladder was eating him alive. Two of the girls, Victoria Javadi and Samira Mohan or, Tori and Mira, were chattering away while Trin and Mel listened. Dennis cleared his throat, stopping in his tracks which caused everyone else to pause. They all turned in sync, eyeing him with confused gazes.
“Um.. I.. really have to pee.. But you guys just go on without me and I’ll catch up in a little bit-” Dennis stammered awkwardly, his face slightly red.
“Are you sure? We can wait for you.” Trinity shrugged nonchalantly.
“I don’t think it would be smart to leave you behind.” Mel suggested with a nervous expression.
“No really, It’s ok.. I’d prefer the privacy actually..” Dennis murmured, admitting this felt like some humiliation ritual.
“You do realize we are in a public state park, right? I mean they probably have cameras here and there..” Mira scoffed with a grimace.
“Just go so I can hurry up-” Dennis waved his hands dismissively.
The girls reluctantly started wandering ahead while Dennis strayed off trail, finding a small line of trees that seemed to offer some coverage. Though the trees seemed to swallow him faster than he expected. Just a few steps off the trail and the sounds shifted. The voices fading, footsteps gone, replaced by the low rush of water somewhere deeper in the forest and the constant hum of insects. Dennis exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck, trying to shake the weird prickle crawling up his spine.
“This is fine,” he muttered to himself. “You’re literally just peeing. Relax.”
He moved a little farther in, just enough to feel hidden, glancing back once, he could still kind of see the trail through the trees. Good enough. A minute later, relief hit, tension draining from his shoulders. For a brief second, things felt normal again. Then a branch snapped and Dennis froze. It wasn't even a soft crack of something small, it was seemingly heavier.. and.. closer..?
He turned his head slowly. “Hello?” But there was nothing, just the wind brushing through leaves.
Dennis swallowed, zipping up his fly quickly. “Trin? ..is that you?”
After not hearing anything he huffed, “Okay,” under his breath, trying to laugh it off. “It's not like you're in a horror movie or anything...”
He stepped back toward where he thought the trail was. Only now… it didn’t look right. The small opening he’d walked through seemed gone, replaced by the same repeating pattern of trees, rocks, and uneven ground.
Dennis frowned, turning in a slow circle. “…No, no, no..”
He pushed forward anyway, picking a direction, stepping over roots and ducking branches. The ground dipped unexpectedly beneath him, loose gravel shifting under his shoe, His foot slipped.. hard.. Then a sharp pain shot up his leg as his ankle twisted, his body slamming sideways into the slope. Dennis tumbled a few feet before catching himself against a jagged rock, breath punched from his lungs.
“Ah! Fuck-!!!” The sound tore out of him, sharp and startled.
For a second, all he could hear was his own breathing, ragged and uneven, but then the pain settled in. His ankle throbbed, demanding an immediate attention. He tried to move it which turned out to be a big mistake. A strangled groan slipped out as he squeezed his eyes shut.
“Great,” he whispered hoarsely with sarcasm. “This is just fucking great.”
He forced himself to sit up, leaning back against the rock, chest rising and falling too fast. Dirt clung to his clothes, hands scraped from catching himself.
“Okay… okay…” he muttered, trying to think past the panic creeping in. “You’re fine. You’re fine. They’ll notice you’re gone.” Dennis muttered, a silent thought creeping into the back of his head. 'They'll look for me.. Right?'
Dennis laid still while the minutes stretched on, sighing before untying his hiking boot. He clenched his teeth, bracing him for the pain as he slowly tugged his boot off, wincing. He carefully removed his sock, sure enough taking note of the swelling already forming. Dennis was thankful for his medical training from college now that he could actually use it, though he was less grateful the person he had to use it on was himself. Dennis gently felt around his ankle, trying to figure out if it was a fracture or possibly just a sprain. Judging by how fast the swelling was coming on he was worried it might be a fracture, but at the same time he never heard a crack. Dennis let out a pained sigh, he glanced around him for a stick, pissed he left his trekking poles with the girls. He snapped a stick in half, positioning the sturdier side against his leg as a makeshift splint before using his sock to fasten it to his ankle. Dennis slipped his t-shirt off, using the knife in his pocket to cut small pieces out of the fabric to fastening the stick to his shin and hold it securely to his leg. Dennis figured the only way he would be able to see if it was a fracture or sprain would be to try and put weight onto his foot. With a groan he used a tree as support while he slowly stood up, hesitantly putting weight onto his foot.
“Fuck!” Dennis hissed, it hurt horribly, a throbbing pain shooting up his leg as expected, but it wasn’t horribly unbearable.
Dennis was clinging to the hope it was just a sprain. He boldly attempted at taking a step, limping before grabbing onto the tree again to stay upright. He cursed silently, reluctant to sit back down. After a while he elevated his foot, deciding to stay put by the tree.
-🩺🩺🩺-
“Dispatch said a possible lost hiker, early twenties, blonde.” Robby muttered, adjusting the strap of his radio as he stepped out of the ranger vehicle. His tone was calm, but there was a sharp attentiveness behind it, the kind that never really went away, even after leaving the ER.
Abbot slammed the passenger door shut, already scanning the tree line. “Group of five. Four returned to trailhead without him. Classic.”
“Classic doesn’t make it less dangerous,” Robby replied, rolling his eyes while grabbing a small pack from the back.
Abbot shot him a sideways look, a faint smirk tugging at his mouth. “You say that like I don’t know.”
Robby didn’t rise to it, but there was the ghost of a smile there. “You forget that I’ve seen some of your reports.”
“Yeah? And yet, you still agreed to share housing with me.” Abbot chuckled with a wink.
“Questionable judgment on my part.” Robby huffed, finally grinning.
“Mmh. Noted.” Abbot grumbled with an eyeroll.
Despite the banter, they moved efficiently in a practiced synchronization. Robby checked coordinates while Abbot adjusted the medical kit slung over his shoulder.
“Terrain’s uneven. Water nearby,” Robby said. “If he’s hurt, he won’t have gone far.”
“Unless he panicked.” Abbot hummed with a shrug.
Robby raised a brow, glancing at him. “Let’s assume he didn’t.”
Abbot hummed, unconvinced but willing as they started down the trail
-🩺🩺🩺-
Dennis wasn’t sure how long he’d been sitting there. It had to have been long enough for the panic to settle into something heavier though. His phone had no signal, of course it didn’t, and every attempt to stand ended with him biting back a yell as his ankle refused to cooperate.
“Trinity’s gonna fucking kill me,” he mumbled, head tipping back against the tree. “Or cry.. probably both.”
A quiet rustle nearby snapped his attention forward.
“Hello?” Dennis gasped, calling out eagerly, voice weaker this time from shouting.
Dennis sat up, pinching himself, surely he wasn’t hallucinating what sounded like actual footsteps nearby, right? Relief hit so fast it almost made him dizzy.
“HEY!” Dennis shouted at the top of his lungs, moving onto all fours to hopefully get up and stand.
Two uniformed figures stepped into view, peaking around the cleft, composed and very evidently not his friends. The taller one of the two, ‘ROBINAVITCH’ as his patch said, took in the scene in a single sweep. Mentally noting the position, posture, injury, and surroundings while the other man, ‘ABBOT’, crouched down beside him without hesitation, already manhandling Dennis and turning him over onto his back. “Name?”
“Uh..Dennis.. Dennis Whitaker.” Dennis rambled, lifting his leg and watching while Abbot carefully observed the makeshift splint.
“Alright, Dennis,” Abbot hummed thoughtfully, hands firm but careful as he examined the ankle. “On a scale from ‘I’m fine’ to ‘this was a terrible life choice’ How are you feeling?” He chuckled with a lop-sided grin.
“Um.. Terrible life choice..?” Dennis chuckled hesitantly.
“Good. Honest. I like that.” Abbot laughed, patting Dennis’ thigh.
Robby huffed quietly, kneeling on Dennis’s other side. “ Were you alone when you fell?”
“Yeah. I just.. went off trail for a minute to pee and then..” He gestured helplessly. “Everything looked the same.”
“Yeah,” Robby hummed softly. “It does that.”
Abbot glanced up briefly at Robby, something unreadable passing between them before he returned to his work.
“Seems like just a sprain,” Abbot said. “Maybe worse, but we’ll treat it like a sprain for now.” Abbot mumbled, deftly undoing the splint while massaging the area around the swelling.
Dennis winced while Abbot gently pressed on his ankle. “Have you guys heard from my friends at all?”
“Yeah, they’re the ones who called for a missing person. They’re safe, probably back at the campsite.” Robby paused, rummaging around in his backpack.
Dennis let out a small breath of relief, “Okay.. glad to know they actually care about me.” He teased quietly.
Abbot smiled, glancing up at Dennis. “Did you do this?” He gestured towards the splint.
“Y..yeah um something I learned from my BA/MD classes..” Dennis looked away bashfully, the furthest thing from confident in his work.
Abbot’s gaze said otherwise, a hint of admiration and respect in his eyes as he glanced over at Robby, who though stoic faced, seemed equally impressed.
Robby gave a small nod, then stood, offering a hand. “We’re gonna get you out of here.”
Dennis hesitated, looking between them. “Do uh.. you guys do this a lot?”
Abbot smirked faintly. “More than we’d like.”
Robby shot him a look, glowering subtly.
“Oh lighten up, Michael.” Abbot teased with a sardonic grin, but there was no real bite to it.
Dennis blinked, a weak grin forming despite everything. So his name was Michael..?
Robby scowled before letting out a sigh, figuring it would be pointless to give Abbot the satisfaction of riling him up. Robby quickly braced Dennis’s other side. “Unfortunately, yes we do.”
Abbot adjusted his grip to mirror Robby’s, his face awfully close to Dennis’ neck. One arm around his waist with his other hand under Dennis’ thigh. “You’ll get used to it.”
They hoisted Dennis up with ease, like they had done countless times before, and for the first time since the fall, Dennis had a confidence he would be fine.
-🩺🩺🩺-
The hike back wasn’t exactly fast, but it was steady. Dennis tried his best to keep up, leaning heavily into both men, his arms slung over their shoulders. Every uneven step sent a dull ache up his leg, but neither man rushed him. They adjusted without being asked, adjusting grips or tightening their hold when needed. Up ahead (a ways), through the trees, Dennis could faintly make out a small structure. Not quite a cabin, some sort of station/lodging maybe. Weathered wood, a porch with a nice railing, and a few windows making the place look cozy.
“What is that building..?” Dennis huffed, slightly breathless from exertion.
“It’s our on site housing.” Abbot answered, “Perk of the job, it comes with horrible insulation and a coffee maker that hardly works.” he scoffed with a chuckle, stealing a glance over at Robby.
They maneuvered Dennis up the steps, Robby getting the door while Abbot ushered Dennis silently inside. The place was simple, small and lived in. A room with a few beds, blankets and pillows scattered about the floor by the fireplace in what seemed to be a living room. Jackets hung over the backs of chairs and maps and papers scattered about the table. Abbot helped Dennis into the bedroom, guiding him to the only neat thing in the house, a freshly made bed.
“Sit for me, kiddo.” Abbot hummed, patting Dennis on the shoulder.
Dennis immediately complied, lowering himself carefully with Abbot’s help. The second he was off his feet, the relief was immediate and overwhelming. Dennis let out a shaky breath, running a hand through his hair. Robby had disappeared for a moment, then came back with a proper med kit, one way more official than anything Dennis had rigged together in the woods.
“Alright kid,” Abbot groaned, kneeling in front of Dennis. “Round two.”
Dennis gave them both a weak smile, “You gonna ask me the scale question again..?”
Abbot huffed out a quiet laugh. “Well, that depends. Have you upgraded from ‘terrible life choice’ yet?”
“If you guys keep giving me reasons to be thankful I might.” Dennis chuckled.
Abbot shot Robby a silent glance, subtly saying something to him without speaking, leaving Dennis with a confused expression. “That’s progress at least.” Abbot said with a smile, snapping back his attention to Dennis.
Robby took a step back, pacing around the room with a radio in hand, trying to get some sort of signal.
“This is Robinavitch, We found the boy, conscious and stable. Lower extremity injury, likely fibular, possible fracture. We’re at the lodge.” Robby pressed the button, voice calm while a crackle of static answered him.
Dennis watched Robby while he spoke before glancing back down at Abbot who was untying his boots. Dennis sucked in a sharp breath when Abbot carefully tugged his boot off again, the swelling had worsened. Abbot worked efficiently now, checking for tenderness before stabilizing the joint properly with a wrap. He still had a small half smile worn on his face, but he was too focused to say any quick remarks.
“You know, you did a good job out there,” Abbot murmured after a moment, so casually Dennis almost missed it.
Dennis blinked, “With the splint..?”
“Yeah, you kept it stable, didn’t make it worse. Most people panic and try walking or something.” Abbot glanced up at Dennis with a smile.
Across the room Robby hung up the radio and finally looked over at them. “Transport is on standby, said they won’t come anytime soon. It’s supposed to storm.” Robby sighed, walking over to the window and pulling back the curtain to peek outside, the sky was dark already.
Dennis stiffened slightly, worried about Trinity and the others. “So I’m stuck here..?”
“Just for a while.” Robby shrugged.
“Ooh, congrats kid. You get the full ranger experience. Not every hiker we’ve saved can say that.” Abbot teased with a wink, tightening the last of the wrap as he sat back on his heels.
Dennis let out a small laugh despite himself. “Oh.. right.. I’m so excited to try the coffee.”
“That depends on if it decides to work today or not.” Abbot chuckled, packing things back into the med kit. “Sometimes if you sweet talk the machine it’ll be extra generous and pour you a full cup.”
“You look like someone who would talk to a coffee machine.” Dennis teased, grinning.
“Hey-!” Abbot scoffed in a mock-offended tone.
The faintest smile appeared on Robby’s face as he walked over, helping Dennis shift further back onto the bed, propping his leg up with a folded blanket. Dennis looked between the two of them, one quiet and seemingly meek, and the other quick-witted but warm. That familiar sense of relief settled in Dennis’ chest again as he laid back.
-🩺🩺🩺-
The coffee maker surprisingly did work after Abbot sweet talked to it, coercing the machine to pour a whole pot. When Abbot eventually brought Dennis a mug of his own, he took a cautious sip, his eyebrows immediately raised in surprise.
“Well..?” Abbot asked with a smirk, sitting on the edge of the bed next to Dennis, not seeming to be bothered by invading his personal space.
“Um.. it’s sweet, what did you put in it..?” Dennis hummed, taking another sip while sitting up.
Abbot leaned forward, quietly gesturing to Dennis for him to lend his ear. Dennis raised a skeptical brow, tilting his head so Abbot could whisper, “Just between you and me, it’s maple syrup. A lot.”
Dennis smiled, nodding in approval. “Your secret is safe with me. It’s good, I like it.”
Robby entered the bedroom, taking in the proximity between the two with a raised brow before pulling a chair over. He set his mug down on the nightstand and took a seat, one leg draped over the other almost elegantly. His posture still seemingly perfect.
“You mentioned you’re in a BA/MD program, right?” Robby asked while grabbing his mug to take a slow sip of his coffee.
Dennis nodded, shifting slightly against the pillows. “Yeah um, University of Pittsburgh..”
Abbot let out a low whistle, “Not bad.”
Dennis shrugged, a little self conscious. “I mean, I’m still just starting out. Mostly gen eds and some early clinical exposure..”
“You knew how to splint,” Robby pointed out.
“Barely..” Dennis added quickly, “I’ve practiced it, but,, it’s different when it’s real.”
Abbot studied Dennis for a moment, his expression softening. “Yeah, that’s the point where you find out if you freeze or not. But you didn’t.” Abbot hummed, standing up as he made his way over to the dresser.
Robby didn’t say anything, but there was a slight nod. Small, almost unnoticeable unless you were looking for it. Dennis looked down at his mug, turning it slowly in his hands.
“I kind of thought I would..” He murmured bashfully.
“Most people do..” Robby hummed, “Until they don’t.”
A quiet settled over the room after that. Not awkward, just still. The adrenaline had faded and everything had started catching up with Dennis. He shifted again, wincing slightly as his ankle throbbed.
Abbot noticed immediately, “Is the pain getting worse?” He stopped rummaging through the drawer, turning to look at Dennis.
“A little, I can’t really say..” Dennis admitted quietly.
Abbot nodded, pulling a clean shirt out of the dresser and tossing it to Dennis before grabbing the med kit. He rummaged around looking for some sort of ibuprofen or painkiller.
Dennis caught the shirt with a bashful smile, he still had his shirt but the bottom half was torn off for the splint. Dennis hesitantly slipped his shirt off, glancing over at Robby who was looking away respectfully. Dennis tugged the clean shirt back on and watched him for a moment before speaking up. “Do you guys ever get used to this?”
“To what?” Robby asked, finally looking back at Dennis now that he was clothed.
“People getting hurt, lost, freaked out..” Dennis swallowed. “I don’t know, relying on you guys completely.”
“No.” Robby answered, bereft of any emotion as he took another sip of coffee.
“No..?” Dennis blinked.
Robby shook his head slightly, “You get better at handling it, but you never get used to it.”
Abbot turned around, humming in agreement before handing Dennis a couple of pills and a water bottle. “Right, if you get used to it, you stop paying attention.”
Dennis nodded slowly before taking the pills. Abbot’s eyes narrowed on his throat while he swallowed, noting the way Dennis’ laryngeal (Adam's apple) bobbed.
Abbot blinked, glancing at Robby who was already staring back at him with a disapproving look on his face. Robby narrowed his eyes before turning his attention back to Dennis.
“What made you wander off in the first place?” Robby sighed, setting his mug down and crossing his arms.
“I told you guys, I just went to pee..” Dennis groaned, dropping his head back against the headboard.
“Classic mistake.” Abbot chuckled.
“I know, I didn’t think I’d actually get lost..” Dennis protested.
“That’s usually when it happens.” Robby tilted his head, eyeing Dennis.
Dennis let out a small laugh, then winced again. “Yeah, I figured.”
“You’re not the first, probably won’t be the last either. Don’t sweat it.” Abbot grinned.
“How comforting.” Dennis muttered dryly.
Another beat passed, the light outside shifted, darker now. The trees turned into silhouettes as the first few drops of rain could be seen, and heard, falling outside through the window.
“You’re lucky we found you when we did, kid.” Abbot chuckled, staring out the window.
Dennis nodded, glancing at his ankle, a swarm of emotions inside of him. He was grateful nonetheless. He sank a little deeper into the bed, the medication starting to take the edge off. Dennis let out a yawn and Abbot and Robby took that as a cue to leave. Robby put his chair back while Abbot took Dennis’ mug.
“If you need anything else from us kid, give us a holler, okay?” Abbot said with a small smile, looking down at Dennis’ wide eyes. He looked like a sad puppy.
Dennis nodded, relief crashing over him when the door was shut and he was the only one left in the room. His eyelids felt heavy as he let out another yawn, laying back before closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.