Chapter Text
Frank steps into the ER with a bounce in his step, smiling brightly. There was still time before his tonight’s evening shift, but he was still so worked up that going home felt futile.
“Hey there, how did it go?” Dana asks immediately, Robby pretending he’s not eavesdropping. His gaze, however, is firmly on Frank, and his heart flutters wildly.
Abby invited Frank to come to Tanner’s birthday party today. A small thing, but it fell outside of the usual meeting schedule, which meant an extra day with the kids. And Frank loved his kids. Robby smiles softly, watching him buzz with that kind of open, unguarded happiness.
“Weird,” Frank says, looking almost giddy. “Good weird, though,” he adds quickly. “Tanner invited a lot of kids, so it was loud as hell, but it was awesome. We took them out to the garden to do a snowman building contest, and he specifically asked to team up with me, so—yeah. It was awesome.” He grins wide, unfiltered joy written all over his face.
“And how’s Abby holding up?” Dana asks, elbows resting on the nurses’ station.
“She’s doing great. She really likes the new job,” Frank says easily. “She told me that once everything settles, we can revisit the schedule so I can see the kids more often. You know, since she’ll have to hire a nanny. If I come around more, she could save some money, and I’d see them more often.”
“That’s great, kid.” Dana gently squeezes his shoulder. “Just remember to find time to sleep, okay?” There’s genuine worry in her tone, and Robby finally takes a proper look at Frank. He does look tired. Not to mention that he still has a whole shift ahead of him.
“Yeah,” Frank mumbles. “I’ll go to the staff lounge, grab a coffee, maybe take a power nap. I’ve still got over forty minutes.” A brief pause, then, softer, “That okay, Robby?”
Robby hums loudly, almost exaggerated, as if to underline that he was definitely not listening in.
“Huh? Oh. Yeah, sure. Be my guest,” he says lightly. “We’re managing just fine, and Dr. Abbott should be in soon anyway.” He gives Frank a brief smile.
Both Robby and Dana watch Langdon disappear toward the staff room. Robby barely has time to sigh before an elbow digs sharply into his ribs. He snaps his head toward Dana with a hiss.
“Really, Robby?” she mutters. “The kid finally has something to be excited about, and you can’t even force a little small talk? Go talk to him. The world won’t burn down for a minute. Just go. Show some interest.” She nudges him forward for emphasis.
Robby complies without a comment.
Frank is by the sink in the staff lounge, the kettle already humming as the water heats. He turns when the door opens and smiles brightly when he sees Robby.
“Hi,” Robby greets, returning the smile without effort. “Came to ask if you’ve got any pictures from the party.”
Frank laughs and steps closer, pecking Robby’s cheek. “I’ll show you in a second. Tanner asked about you, by the way.” He watches the surprise bloom on Robby’s face with clear satisfaction. “Asked when he can see Uncle Robby.”
“I hope the answer was anytime,” Robby says, smiling, the corners of his eyes crinkling.
“The answer was this Wednesday,” Frank says quietly. “We’re both off, and Abby gave the green light. I hope that’s—”
“It’s more than okay,” Robby cuts in before Frank can spiral, leaning in to kiss him. He smiles against Frank’s mouth. “It’s really good to see you this excited.”
“And that’s not even the end,” Frank adds, eyes lighting up again. “Abby was going through some old boxes in the attic, and look what she found.”
He rummages through his backpack and pulls out a mug, swaddled carefully in his hoodie. It’s creamy white with a chipped handle. Frank hands it to Robby, who turns it slowly in his hands.
World’s best dad, printed in rainbow letters.
“She forgot about it,” Frank says fondly. “Honestly, so did I. Got it for my first Father’s Day.”
“It’s lovely, Frankie,” Robby says softly, handing it back. “Really.”
The door swings open again, and Jack limps in, jacket half-zipped, coffee from a nearby shop place already in hand, the backpack over his right shoulder.
“There you are,” he says, voice warm with relief. His gaze flicks between them, lingering on Frank’s smile. “Dana said you two are talking. Missed anything?”
“Nah, Frank’s about to show some photos from the party,” Robby says softly.
Jack smile. “Nice, I came right on time then.” He steps closer, pressing a brief kiss to Frank’s temple, then turns to Robby, kissing the corner of his mouth.