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Cooking With Fire

ELEVENzies

copyright 2024 comidacomida

The week since the call from his mother had not been kind to Robert. It had trouble focusing in classes and was constantly inundated with thoughts about his ailing brother almost every moment of every day while he was at home. Don did everything he could do to be supportive, including taking over some of the Human's chores; Phil and Craig also pitched in once they found what was up. Robert couldn't remember ever having felt so supported, which only made him feel worse that their help didn't really get to the heart of the issue-- when it came down to it, only he could do that.

It was one of the fastest and slowest weeks of his life. His mother called him three times but he never bothered picking up; she didn't leave a message any of those times. The weekend finally arrived and that was only more difficult since Robert didn't have any classes to distract him. He spent most of both days on the bed, or lounging on the sofa, mind full of memories of Skylar Dean and, to a lesser extent, his mom, and even his dad. He was particularly frustrated that his parents ended up weaseling into his thoughts.

On Sunday night, eager to get thoughts of his family out of his mind, Robert came onto Don, who was more than happy to engage. It was a lustful, hearty coupling, and, for a time, the Human was distracted but, as he lay on his back, legs wrapped around the Great Dane's hips, Dog groaning through his powerful release, instead of feeling full, Robert only ended up feeling empty inside... and he started crying. He hated himself for it, and had to apologize to Don, not just for the emotional outburst, but for using him and sex as a distraction from his thoughts.

Don, however, was as understanding as always, and ended up holding him in a tight embrace, listening to all of his thoughts, and concerns, and tearful worries; it was not the most intimiate case of them spending time together while tied but, as a half hour passed in open and earnest communication, Robert had to admit that it was cathartic. His fiance hugged him the entire time, listening, quiet and supportive as the Human bared his heart, discussing everything that had been plaguing him for the entire week. Even after Don's knot had receded Robert continued talking, and the Great Dane continued listening.

Robert passed out some time about an hour later, and it was the first night all week that he ended up getting a restful slumber. He also ended up sleeping in, awakening to an empty space beside him on the bed, but there was a folded piece of paper on the night stand with his name written on it in Don's handwriting. It was a 'good morning' note, an expression of love and support, and Don's promise to be back once his shift at the massage parlor was done that afternoon. Robert, for his own part, didn't have class until 1, and that left him three hours to get ready for class. He did so, Skylar Dean still on his mind but, for once, his thoughts were purposeful and had direction.

Robert was mostly able to focus on classes; every time he was distracted by thoughts about his brother he was able to follow the interruption with careful consideration, set the mental distraction, and get back to the task at hand. When he DID have time to stop and consider the family dilemma, he also found it easier to focus and he finally began to start thinking about what had been causing him such emotional turmoil: his little brother was sick, and he didn't like that. His mom reached out to him for help. Regardless of what was going on between him and his parents, that didn't change the way he felt about his brother.

By the time Robert got home his thoughts were finally all moving in the same direction: focused on Skylar Dean and the problem at hand. Craig was staying out late at practice and Phil was at Levi's for dinner, meaning Robert had more time alone to think; he spent that time cooking dinner to give his body something to do while his mind continued to work-- it also meant that he and Do would be able to have a nice mean together once the Human's finance got home. Robert was just plating up by the time that happened, which was fortunate since the Human had a decision to explain.

Don entered the kitchen, nose leading the way as he sniffed the air. "Mmm... that's definitely beef..."

Robert smiled at his fiance's gentle introduction to a discussion; Don always had a great way about him when it came to feeling-out a room. "Welcome home... I'm just spooning up the Bearnaise sauce."

Don licked his muzzle audibly. "Oh man... that's the creamy one, right?"

The human nodded, chuckling as he finished the plating. "Mmm-hmm... egg yolks and butter cut with vinegar... shallots, tarragon, and black pepper." He moved to the table and set two plates down; dinner was steak and asparagus with sauce, and creamy mashed potatoes. "I wanted to tell you: I decided to help Skylar Dean and donate a piece of my liver if I end up being a match."

Robert honestly didn't know what he expected out of a response from Don so he wasn't surprised per se when the Dog didn't show any immediate sign of acknowledgement but, after a short pause, the Great Dane stood up, stepped over to the Human, and embraced him. Robert honestly didn't realize how much he needed the hug until his fiance's big, strong arms were surrounding him, at which point the young man felt himself tearing up. The tears fell silently the moment Don acknowledged the statement with an empathetic "Okay."

Robert took a moment to make sure his breath was steady before he challenged the single word response. "Are you sure?"

Don slowly drew back so he could look Robert in the eyes, his muzzle pulled back into a muted, encouraging smile. "Yes, Robert: okay. I told you I'd support you no matter what, and that's what I'm doing. If you want to help your brother then I'm with you, 100%... so... yeah..." he leaned forward, touching his nose to the Human's. "Okay."

Robert surprised himself when he realized he was smiling too; he was still getting used to being so unconditionally supported. Taking a seat, he urged his fiance to do the same, and the two began to eat... quietly at first, but, eventually, Don did speak up. "You know... when I said I'd support you, I didn't just mean emotionally. I hope you realize that I'll be here and you can rely on me, Robert... anything you need."

The Human chewed through the small piece of steak he'd cut and, after swallowing, nodded. "I... uh... thanks, Don. And... yeah. There IS something you can do, actually. I mean... I was going to ask anyway-- would you be my Power of Attorney?"

Don's ears went up as his fork and knife went down. "Power of Attorney?"

Robert nodded. "Yeah. It will allow you to make decisions for me if I don't want to or aren't able to make--"

The Dog held up a paw. "I know what it is... but why do you need me to be your Power of Attorney, Robert?"

The Human fidgeted, also setting down his own silverware. "Well... after everything my dad has put me through-- put US through, I can't trust that he won't try something if I'm in the hospital recovering or whatever. I'd feel a LOT better if I had my soon-to-be husband looking after me."

Don's ears reddened and the big Dog grabbed a pen and signed off on the paperwork. "Okay... so... tell me about what to expect, Love."

Robert got up from his seat and moved over so he could sit down in his fiance's lap. "Well... I called in to schedule to procedure. I'll be stopping at the clinic for a blood draw tomorrow and a consult... then on Wednesday there's a follow up. If everything looks good they'll do a scan to figure out what they'll take and how... and if we get the green light then they'll schedule the procedure for Thursday."

Don's chin dropped, leaving his muzzle hanging open. "Thursday, as in, THIS Thursday? You mean three days from now?"

Robert nodded. "Yeah. When I called in to talk to Skylar Dean's specialist they said it needs to be soon, and that's the earliest they could schedule everything. I'll leave here Wednesday night so I can get to the hospital near where he is and--"

Dean swallowed audibly and slid an arm tightly around Robert's midsection. "I'll take tomorrow off work... we can go get married at the courthouse."

The Human gently rested a hand on the Dog's forearm. "Don... no. I want to get married at the RIGHT time, not because it's some administrative function. I've already looked into it and a donor of my age will be just fine."

Don gave him another gentle squeeze. "I... I know. And-- and I said I'd be supportive, and I WILL be. It's just--"

Robert rotated in his grasp, turning so he was straddling the Dog's torso. He craned his neck so he could kiss Don's chin. "You're worried, I know. It's okay, Don. Be strong so we can be strong together. I need to do this for Dean."

Don nodded, lowering his muzzle so he could meet the Human's kiss. "Yeah... I know. I'll make sure I have Wednesday night off and I'll drive you. I'm off Thursday this week anyway, so I'll stay at the hospital for the procedure and your recovery. If I need to take more time off then I'll--"

Smiling, Robert silenced him with a kiss. "Don. It's fine. Really. I'll be okay."

It took a few more minutes before the Great Dane had calmed down but, ultimately, Robert was able to return to his seat and the two went back to dinner. The Human sought to keep the discussion otherwise light; he wanted to have a nice, quiet night with his fiance and not fixate on what was to come. Don, for the most part, was able to comply, but Robert could tell that the Dog was still distracted. Things got even more complicated when Craig got back and, a short time after, Phil.

Robert had made extra food and was happy to share; Craig was quick to accept and Phil, after catching a sniff, was willing to take a small plate (he and Levi had apparently pigged out on delivered pizza). Once everyone had sat down the Human explained the situation. As expected both Dogs were simultaneously supportive and worried, which left Robert to undertake another round of reassurance-- fortunately Don stepped in to help him and the processing time for their roommates was thankfully quick. After that the questions started, leaving Robert with explaining the plan, the timeline, and expected outcomes. He wasn't the least bit surprised when both said they wanted to join him at the hospital.

Once questions were answered and promises of support were made (and after Craig inhaled his meal), Phil encouraged Craig to join him on 'some time outside the house'. It took three not-so-subtle suggestions before the Boxer got the idea that the Basenji was trying to give Robert and Don some time alone; the entire exchange ended up leaving the Human smiling and, by the time the front door closed leaving him and his fiance with some privacy, he found himself smiling. "I'm glad those two are in our lives."

Don's tail wagged rhythmically against the wall. "I like having them here, yeah... but I also like it when they aren't."

Not missing his fiance's wink, Robert chuckled. He, with Don's help, brought all the dishes to the counter. The two did them jointly, standing beside one another at the sink, and the quiet companionship left the Human smiling even wider, but not quite as much as when Don playfully scooped Robert up in his arms and brought him into the living room. The Great Dane set him down carefully onto the couch, then settled into the cushions beside him, one arm draped across the back of the sofa and around Robert's shoulders.

The two cuddled for a time, saying nothing. When he finally did speak, however, Robert couldn't help but honestly express some of his concerns. "I... uh... I AM a little afraid... just so you know."

Don reached down and took one of Robert's hands in his paws, offering it a reassuring squeeze. "I'm here now, and I'll be there too... for everything."

The Human rested his head against the Dog's chest. "Mmm... I'm glad you're here now."

Don nuzzled the top of Robert's head. "Mmm... me too."

Free hand sliding across the Dog's thigh to gently caress the bulge between his legs, Robert grinned up at him. "I think I MIGHT feel better with a little 'distraction'... it's past ten so... how about 'elevenzies'?"

Don was only happy to oblige, picking Robert up as he had done in the kitchen, and carried him upstairs. It was an entirely different experience than it had been earlier in the week-- Robert had been honest and open about what it was he'd wanted, and Don has been happy to comply. The sex was passionate and meaningful, and there was no misunderstanding: though it a distraction, there was still far more to it than that. They lay together snuggling closely afterward, tied together in the best way. No words passed between them since none were needed, and Robert was not just content; he was happy.

Even as he felt himself start to doze off, Robert gave his lover's paw a gentle squeeze. "You know... after the procedure we probably won't get to do this for awhile..."

Don's nose nuzzled the top of his head, and then gave his forehead a kiss. "Mmm... I'll be okay waiting if I have to... just gives me something to look forward to."

* * * * *

Robert sat in the passenger's side of Don's car spending most of his time looking out the window; he was astounded at just how quickly the week had passed. All of the tests came back one after another with indications that he would be a perfect candidate and so, that morning, they had woken up early and hopped into the car with the intention of driving the two hours to the hospital so Robert get prepped for the procedure. It felt so surreal to the young man that he kept wondering if he was dreaming.

Don did a fine job attempting to engage him in conversation and, for the most part, Robert tried to help keep up his part of the discussions but, time after time, he found himself staring at the passing countryside and thinking about Skylar Dean which endlessly got him thinking about his parents. Ultimately, he realized that he'd be spending the trip with a scowl on his face. Nevertheless, Don was able to help some when after a particularly lengthy stretch of silence, the Dog reached down and patted the Human on the thigh, offering a reassuring "I brought the Power of Attorney, and I head the hospital will have a Medical Directive form too... we can get one for you to fill out if you're worried."

Robert found it a little easier to smile after that. "Yeah... that's... that's a good idea, thanks, Don."

The Great Dane hazarded a glance his way while still watching the road. "I know it's hard, Babe... I'll help how I can."

Robert rested a hand on the furred paw on his leg. "I know, Love... thanks."

They pulled into the hospital parking lot shortly thereafter and disengaged only long enough for the two of them to get out of the car, coming together again as they made their way into the surgery department arm-in-arm. Don handled most of the discussion with at the reception desk as Robert spent his time looking around; he knew his parents were already there since Skylar Dean was due an hour earlier in for surgical prep. Fortunately, he didn't see them, and waited for Don to lead him away after the Great Dane collected some paperwork.

Taking Robert over to the waiting area, the Dog offered him the papers on a clipboard, also holding out a pen. "Medical Directive forms, Robert."

Thankful again for his fiance's support, the Human sat down beside him, resting his head against the Dog's large shoulder. "Thanks."

Robert was most of the way through filling out the forms when he was surprised by the arrival of Craig, Phil, and Liam; Craig had driven all three of them to the hospital so they could be there to show their support. Blinking back at the tears threatening to fall, Robert eventually failed the attempt and gave into crying, accepting hugs from everyone. One-by-one his friends showed their support, even Liam, who offered up a plucky "You know... it's a good thing doctors have perfected the procedure of reducing a guy's over-sized liver, otherwise you might NEVER get drunk."

It was a silly attempt at humor, but Robert found himself laughing anyway, sharing yet another round of hugs with everyone present. The gathering was interrupted by a familiar deep, larger-than-life voice. "Well well well... brought the whole gang, did ya, boys?"

Don's ears went up immediately. "Dad! You made it!"

Patty, who was standing next to Oby was the first to get a hug from her son; Robert got one from Oby first, then the two parents traded off. Don's mom kept Robert in an embrace just a little longer and, when she finally released him, Don was already introducing everyone. "This is Craig and Phil-- they live with us, and this is Phil's boyfri--"

Oby looked like he just got off of his shift, still wearing his patrol gear. Placing his thick paws on his hips, the big Dog interrupted. "Well, well, well... Liam Walsh..."

The Human, for the first time Robert could ever remember, looked a little pale. Recovering quickly, Liam offered a sheepish grin. "Hey there, Officer. Long time no see!"

Both Robert and Don glanced back and forth between the two; Oby walked up and offered Liam a paw, which the Human took without hesitation. The big Dog questioned "Staying out of trouble these days, I trust?"

Displaying a sloppy salute, Liam grinned. "Definitely. Never got arrested for underage drinking after THAT run-in. You scared me straight, sir." He paused, pinching Phil's butt. "Well... scared me, anyway."

All of them took a seat together, Oby relaying the story about how he arrested Liam several years prior; the experience left enough of an impression on each of them that they apparently recognized one another after so long. It was also apparently a positive enough one that the two shared a hug and sat down none another without any hard feelings. Liam was just starting to explain how running into Oby was the first step to him turning around his life when the discussion became background noise: he caught sight of his mom and dad.

The talking trailed off as more and more of his friends took note of his attention and, one by one, everyone stood up. By that point both of Robert's parents had noticed him; his mother had changed directions to start his way but his father held her back, simply watching the goings on in the waiting area. Ultimately, his mom called out "Robby, honey... Skylar Dean is in prep. We just left him."

Neither of his parents made any move to get any closer; Robert was likewise stuck where he was and most of his friend group followed his lead... except for Phil. The short, pudgy Basenji got up and moved over to the two older Humans, offering a warm smile and a friendly wag, holding out his paw in greeting for a shake. "I just wanted to offer both of you some well-wishes and hope that your younger son has a speedy recovery."

Robert watched as his mom covered her mouth, tears starting again fresh; his father's reaction was nowhere near as benign. "Hmm... I guess muzzles DO make it hard t'talk... look at this tubby little mutt... can't even speak right."

The young man watched as his mother took hold of his dad's wrist. "Honey, the Dog is just--"

His dad pulled his arm free as he stepped closer toward a confused and alarmed Phil. "He's just actin' up... not realizing that he shouldn't talk to his betters without being addressed first."

Liam was up in an instant, fists balled, and he would have made short order of crossing the distance between the waiting room chairs and Robert's dad if not for Don and Craig each taking hold of one of the Human's arms, keeping him from squaring up with the man. Fortunately Oby did so in a professional and calming way; his uniform likely helped too. Walking right up to Robert's father, the big Dog's thumb tucked under either side of his bullet proof vest, Oby looked down at the Human. "Your son has a lot of friends here to show him some support. I hope you can respect that and not make a scene... Sir."

Robert watched his dad's eyes, practically able to read the numerous thoughts running through his head as he stared down Oby. His dad had always shown at least passing respect for police and law enforcement, but he had zero respect for Dogs; it must have been a lot for him to try and reconcile. Fortunately, in the end, the bigot stepped down, mumbling to himself just loud enough that Robert could hear "Wow... give a damn badge to just about anyone these days, I guess..."

Life continued even during the tense interaction and, before it had concluded, the situation got more complicated as the door to the back opened up and the attendant called "Robert McMillan?"

Robert's trip to the back took him right past Oby and his parents. As anticipated, his father didn't even look at him but, surprisingly his mom moved to stand in his path; she held her arms out, eyes full of tears. His first inclination was to avoid engaging but, over the course of the next two steps, he realized he didn't have it in him to hold onto the hate and anger; a moment later they were embracing, and she was crying into his shoulder. "Thank you... Thank you... Thank you, Robb--" she paused, slowly pulling away. "Robert... thank you."

The fact that she corrected herself and used the name he preferred left him with just enough hope to think that she wasn't beyond saving. Offering her a smile, he kissed her on the forehead. "Just make sure you take care of Skylar Dean... he'll need a lot of recovery time, you know."

She nodded then, surprisingly, did something Robert hadn't expected. Turning to Don, she looked up at the big Dog. "You take care of my Robert please, Mr Don."

The Great Dane's chest puffed out and he offered a succinct nod, stating respectfully "Of course, ma'am."

Robert's dad reached out and grabbed his mom's wrist, pulling her away, already mumbling and hissing an admonishment at her as they walked toward the cafeteria across the way. Don gave Robert another strong hug. "I'll be in there the moment they let guests in, babe. I love you, Robert."

The Human shared the embrace. "I love you too, Down-on-the-Nile."

Robert didn't remember much about the back room past meeting the anesthesiologist. He remembered liking the man; not only was the fellow a professional, but he was calm and pleasant and really helped keep him relaxed. He also joked a lot, making sure that Robert knew what was going on with each step. Regardless, the young man asked lots of questions, to which the anesthesiologist answered without any sign of frustration or exasperation. At some point, Robert got his IV, followed by a saline flush.

The discussion had somehow turned to Robert's frustrations with his family, and giving part of his liver to his brother, and the anesthesiologist made a passive, somehow uproariously humorous comment about the joys of family. The two joked for awhile longer, but Robert's memory got fuzzy after that-- something about the man giving him something to relax. The next thing Robert remembered was waking up in the recovery ward feeling uncomfortable bordering on sore.

over the course of the next hour he had two different attendants check on him, one even confirmed that he'd be getting some medication to help with the pain. The other attendant, apparently the higher ranking registered nurse came in to let him know that she had some meds ready for him, but that he had some guests looking to visit and that, once she gave him his dose, he probably wouldn't really be up to chatting with anyone. He elected to forego the meds in exchange for a visit and she confirmed that he could have visitors one at a time.

As expected, Don was the first one allowed in. The Dog stood awkwardly, every muscle strained as if he wanted nothing more than to give Robert a big hug; the Human also wanted the same, but the discomfort was bad enough that he was worried that it might cause problems. He settled for a kiss on the forehead as Don said "That paperwork came in real handy... nobody batted an eye when I said I was going to visit."

Robert offered a smile in return. "Always be prepared, huh?"

Don nodded, his smile fading a little. "Speaking of-- and I don't want you getting worked up over it..."

The Human let out a sigh, trying very hard not to get worked up, but he had a feeling where Don was going with the preamble. "What did my dad do?"

Don shifted his weight from one foot to the next, clearing his throat. "Well.. uh... he was causing some trouble, just like you thought he might. He was wanting to have the hospital sign you over to him so they could get you transferred closer to--"

Robert went to sit up but winced, easing himself back down into bed. "And you told him to fuck off?"

The Great Dane tucked him back in, a severe expression on his muzzle all but warning Robert against trying that again. "More politely than that but, yes. Your dad raised a fuss and told them he was going to sue them for kidnapping his son. He also threatened to go to the press. Considering the paperwork was all in order the hospital administration offered to have him escorted out by security. I think it was your mom reminding him that Skylar Dean was still in surgery that helped calm him down and get him to drop the issue."

The young man clutched the metal railing of the bed. "What about Dean? Is he done? How did everything go?"

Don shook his head. "Your mom and dad haven't told us anything, and your paperwork doesn't cover anything about permission to find out about your brother, Robert.. I'm sorry... but, every time I saw them your folks they seemed to be in good spirits, so I think he'll probably be just fine."

Watching his fiance's tail wag encouragingly really did help; although it wasn't the same as actually getting any news. Robert resolved to learn more as soon as he could. "The nurse said I'll probably be here for about a week..."

Don gently caressed the side of the Human's face. "Five to seven days, yeah. I already told work that I was going to take some time off so I can keep an eye on you... just in case your dad tries anything."

That definitely helped Robert feel better. "Thanks, Don. I love you."

The Great Dane's smile lit up his face. "...I love you too, Robert."

The two shared a kiss and Robert winced when he felt a twinge in his side go from uncomfortable to bordering on painful. "Oof."

Don took note. "Is everything okay?"

Robert shrugged, wincing at that movement too. "The nurse said I could get some pain meds, but she wanted to wait until I was done with visitors since she said they might make me a little loopy."

Don's expression went sour. "Damn it, Robert... you shouldn't be in pain just so I could see you."

The Human smiled, countering the statement "Hey... it's so I could see YOU too, you know."

Despite failing to fight back the smile, Don, nevertheless managed a firm statement of "Let me go find the nurse... she can give you your meds and I'll hang out until they start to take effect."

Realizing that the rest of his friends were probably worried, Robert raised only a minor objection. "What about everyone else?"

Don pressed the nurse call button. "I'll let them know you're fine."

Robert relented. "Alright... just... send them my love?"

The Dog confirmed he would and, as promised, Don hung out as the nurse injected a dose of something into his IV port. Robert continued chatting with his fiance about what to expect when he got home: fatigue, and making sure he didn't undertake anything strenuous. At some point Robert realized that he wasn't answering all of Don's questions and the Dog must have noticed it too. Robert got one more kiss atop the head and Don left, but not before saying "Things are good, Robert. Everything'll be fine."

That morning Robet was worried that he'd have trouble smiling but, as he felt the hazy fuzziness of the pain meds take over, mixed with the warm love of his Dog, he found it far easier than he'd first thought.