The Doctor Is In

“You all need me. Don’t forget it.” 

Hey Team Fortress RPers! Do you need a little more salt in your life? I’m here to offer my Team Fortress Classic Medic OC, Valerio Nieri. 

Give me a follow if you’d be interested in interacting, and please read the rules and about pages!

Ross could hear the smaller voices speaking in Italian, and by the sounds of it, he was going to have to tussle a group this time. No problem, he was sure he could take one or two more squirts! Though, after being immediately tackled on all sides, he had to consider that there might be a few more than expected!

“Alright alright hold on! It’s not proper form to fight in the kitchen eh?” Ross chided as he grabbed one of the kids and simply tossed them into the hall. The sound of giggles was overwhelming his protests however, and thus the Soldier opted to drag out these kids himself. 

It wasn’t long before Ross was on the ground out of breath, having shook and tossed and thrown every kid present. “Aye, I think you have me finally beat down kiddos!” 

Val watched as his little nieces and nephews ran off with his lover, giggling and trying to tackle him before they even left the kitchen. Ross would be fine, Val figured -- it was just a couple of kids having fun. He smiled as he heard them tussling and roughhousing for a good amount of time, before he heard Ross’ voice once more. 

His father nudged him, “Go check on your friend, yeah? Sounds like he might not make it to dinner.”

“Do you like having him here or not?” Valerio rolled his eyes, before moving out to the living room, looking down at Ross, “Finally defeated, are we?”

Familial bickering was not something he was particularly used, being from a home without siblings or very talkative folks in general. But, the soldier assured himself that it was surely all in good fun. He washed his face and hands, and smiled to Val. 

“Yup! You know me, I’m easy to win over with a meal!” Ross gave a hearty laugh, “If their cooking is anything like yours, then I’m sure that these smells are not deceiving me.” 

It was true, the smells of the kitchen had really made his stomach whine for whatever was on the way!

“Okay, well that’s good.” Val laughed, handing Ross a towel to dry his hands with before hearing several more sets of feet coming almost tumbling down the stairs. 

Five sets, to be exact: his nieces and nephews. It seemed Paolo and Nevio had informed their cousins of last night’s happenings, and were now intent on showing them the strange man that had joined the family Christmas party. 

Val looked over at them, “Cosa volete voi cinque?”

“Vogliamo lottare contro l'uomo divertente, zio!” Violette, the second youngest of his brother’s children, spoke up - only about five years old, but with the conviction of someone much bigger. 

“Oh don’t you worry my friend,” Ross chuckled, “I’m quite familiar with fish and the like!” The Soldier attempted to rub some of the powder from his face, only to remember that his hands were also covered in powder.

“So no need to kick me out, though, I bet it would be a bit of struggle to try and do so.” Ross finished with mischief scrawled across his grin. His mind flicked back to the previous night of giggles when he wrestled Val’s nephews. “Buuuuut I guess when you have your little stamps running around, you must be able to rest well knowing you’re safe!”

“See?” Val sniped back to his father, “No need to throw him out into the cold. He’s staying here.” 

Catello just rolled his eyes, laughing, “For now. I’m sure I can think of something by the end of tonight.” His son just shot him a glare, which he returned, remarking in his fatherly tone, “Don’t give me that look, Valerio.”

❝How have you been, doctor?❞

Healer had wandered behind Doctor Nieri’s door. She had a study going on in her own lab which why she seemed like she was in a hurry. Even though she had locked the door, she was uncomfortable with the fact that someone could find it in any time just by knocking that worn out door down. Maybe it was time to fix that creaky wooden door.

❝I knocked on your door because… The truth is tat… I need help.❞

She totally made it sound like she was in trouble, and maybe it was her attempt to get the help that she needed. 

The doctor hadn’t been expecting a guest, much less one of the Mann Co. variety, given his severed ties with the place, but maybe this one wasn’t so bad. 

It was Heta, and a smile danced across his lips at the sight of her, “Not so bad, really.” He was ready to continue, welcome her in, before he processed all of what she was saying. She needed help. And not your normal kind of help, if her tone was any indication. 

Ross jumped a tad from his lover’s hand on his shoulder, but immediately eased when he heard who it was. Smiling from cheek to cheek with powdered sugar coating his face, Ross laughed “She certainly keeps things moving! Which is probably good because I keep getting distracted by all the yummy smells…”

All food smelled so delicious, Ross couldn’t contain his dopey grin. “How are you doing Doc? You smell like you’ve been outside this whole time.”

It was hard to describe the smell of being outdoors in the cold, but it was one Ross could identify well, considering how he would always smell of it back in his homeland.

“Ah, good. Yes, we wouldn’t want you getting distracted and snacking on everything before dinner’s even ready.” Val snickered, quite pleased that his lover was having such a good time with his mother. Good. 

He nodded, humming, “Mm. Just helping cover the garden for winter. Papa already did most of the work, but I have to wonder if they left some of it just for when I got here.” The last remark earned him a cuff around the back of the head from his mother, to which he protested, “Ay-!” before laughing. 

“I do hope you’re hungry, Ross.” Val pondered for a second, “...And like seafood.” 

“He’d better!” Catello called from the other room, “Or we’re kicking him out!” 

just an update post, since i know i sort of just. Dropped Off the face of the earth.

Ross washed his hands, thinking about daffodils and Val and Spring. That all sounded so nice. He perked up when he heard Marietta ask that question, which made him think for a moment on how to answer. There was a lot under wraps at the moment; the true nature of their work and their relationship with each other, which meant that Ross had to speak carefully.

“I didn’t have to drag him out of his work for once, actually.” Ross dried his hands on his sweater, “Normally it’s like skinning a live animal to get him in bed at a reasonable hour, or– really to do anything else other than work. But family is different to him.” “I think, hm…” Ross rolled his words in his head briefly, “Val is kinda like a mother bird– er, not in the mother sense, but– in that he’s always working on something, like how a bird builds her nest and looks out for predators and flies in search of food, constantly working to make life more enjoyable, despite never stopping to actually reap the happiness. However, as soon as one of her baby chicks needs anything, a mother bird will drop everything and come to help. Even though work work work consumes virtually every breathing moment, a bird will have time for her babies, just as Val will always have time for his family.”

Marietta had to laugh at how Ross described trying to get her son away from his work, before listening intently. Like a mother bird? The thought made her smile. She nodded as Ross finished, passing him a towel so he didn’t have to dry his hands on his shirt.

“You have quite the way with words, don’t you?” She raised an eyebrow, “I can’t say I’ve heard anyone describe Valerio as a mother bird before... but it works.” She couldn’t argue with how Ross described her oldest - always working to make things better, and never enjoying the fruits of his labor for himself.

She nodded, taking the dough Ross had mixed, “Okay. This is good. Thank you.” A bright smile crossed her face, “We have to cover this now, and while that rises, we can coat the ones I’ve finished.” 

And so, they would work like that for some time - Marietta trying her best to keep Ross included, before Val and his father finally returned, Val’s cheeks flushed from the winter cold, “How’s it going, Ross?” he put a hand on his lover’s shoulder.

Ross was a bit taken aback by how forward she was, not exactly used to people being so willing to have a guest participate in the preparation of things. While the Illchuk household had only held guests a hand full of times, it was enough for Ross to have built a cultural foundation in his head that found all of this to be bizarre. And yet, not in a negative way. Actually, it was quite nice to be so quickly welcomed into a family. Well, maybe that was taking it a bit too far, Val’s mother was likely just being polite to him.

Ross felt the gooey dough in his hands with amusement, before kneading it the best he had ever kneaded. “Wow, I can already smell what you’re frying, and it smells like daffodils in spring!” Ross smiled, “What did you say it was called again? Free-tell-y? Sorry, I’m not really good with pretty words.”

Marietta smiled brightly as she watched Ross mix the dough, pleased with his work, “You’re just a natural, aren’t you?” She nodded with satisfaction, before guiding Ross to the sink, “The spout and handles are right in front of you, dear.” 

A laugh came out of her, amused at Ross’ pretty words, “Daffodils in spring, eh? You should come around during springtime - we plant daffodils in the window-boxes. You would like them.” Marietta gently corrected, “Frittelle. It’s okay. Val should be a better teacher, is all.” 

Wait, Ms. Nieri wanted just him? Ross felt a bit nervous upon hearing that, but he would do it for Val. He smiled to the hand on his shoulder, and felt it back for a quick moment. “I’ll try!”

Ross felt Val leave, which was worrying, but this would be fine. He was safe here. This was Val’s family after all, they seemed like wonderful people. The soldier turned to where he had thought he heard Ms. Nieri between all the ruckus and smiled.

“Good morning miss, I don’t really know what I can do to help you, but I help Val sometimes when he cooks, so I somewhat know my way around a kitchen!”

Marietta smiled at Ross, nodding, “That’s good enough.” She guided him towards where she had been working, rolling up her sleeves again, “Alright. So, what I’m doing, is making Frittelle. What I’m going to have you do is mix the dough for me.” 

She slid a bowl towards Ross’ hands on the counter, “I’ve got dough here, and I need you to mix it with your hands.” 

Ross snickered at Val’s prodding, before he sighed and let go of the doctor. “Alright alright, I wouldn’t wanna face the wrath of your mother. Lemme get some clothes on and I’ll be ready.”

He slipped into his clothes for the day. The Soldier wasn’t used to having to prepare for the holidays beyond making sure he had a gift ready. He had packed a gift for Val, but he knew he would have to wait until tomorrow for that.

“Okay, lead the way doc!”

“Okay.” Val grinned, slipping out of Ross’ grip as the man went to get dressed. Once they were both ready to go, Val took Ross’ hand, guiding him downstairs to where his family was already buzzing with activity. 

Amedeo, Val’s younger brother, was the one to greet them, “Morning- Mamma wanted to see you both.” he grinned, “I think she might try to steal your friend for a bit, dottorino.” 

“I am older than you.” Val rolled his eyes, giving his youngest sibling a cuff around the back of his head. Amedeo just laughed, smacking Val’s shoulder, before turning back to what he was doing, leaving Val to guide Ross to where his mother was currently working in the kitchen. 

She turned to face the pair, kissing her son’s cheek before speaking, “About time you both got up - Valerio, go help your father outside, would you? I’ll keep your friend here to help me.” 

Ross groaned and put a pillow over his head. He wasn’t sure what time it was, but it was too early regardless! “Mmmmm….. I don’t hear the birds singing, it’s too early.”

With a mischievous grin, Ross reached up and wrapped his arms around Val’s waist, yanking the doctor onto the bed into a hug. “Can’t go back to sleep without my Val!”

“It’s not too early. My mother will come looking for us soon. Come on.” Val prodded Ross, before he was dragged back into bed by the Soldier, “HEY-!” He tried to remove himself from Ross’ grip, before begrudgingly relaxing.

Val’s description served him pretty well. It was good enough to get a general bearings on things. Once he heard Val close the door and get into his pajamas, Ross followed suit and stripped down to his boxers. If Val was changing into his jammies, it must be night time. It was hard to tell with the city sounds covering the songs of night time crickets.

He felt Val’s arms brush against him, they were out wide for a hug, which Ross of course reciprocated. Hugging Val gently but firmly, he smiled. A quick kiss on the cheek.

“I love you A-more… thank you for inviting me into your traditions…”

Val hugged Ross close, kissing his lovely face, humming, “Of course,” he grinned, “It’s only fair, after all.” He laughed through his kisses. Soon after, warm and close to his lover, he fell asleep. 

Admittedly, he was anxious to not have his lighthouse at his side, but he knew he would be fine with these people. “Of course! I’m just not sure how much help I’ll actually be!” Ross laughed, he was relieved that they could at least still sleep together.

As they walked through the upper house, Ross began to wonder what it all looked like. “What do these halls look like? I wanna know what kinda place my A-more grew up in!” He smiled, trying to imagine what it in his head. All he could pull together was a variation of his own childhood home, which this obviously didn’t look like.

He didn’t have much reference to go off of, so he would have to settle for what Val could describe.

“Oh, you’ll be fine.” Val reassured him, continuing to lead him down a hall to one of the four bedrooms in the house, “My family finds ways for everyone to help, no matter what.” He was sure that was a good thing in this scenario - he figured Ross would be happy to be a part of something so warm and lovely. 

Especially with a reward of delicious food.

Val looked around the halls of his parents’ home, before beginning to describe, “So... you’re currently on the second of three floors. We just went up a wooden staircase. The walls are painted gray, with white trim. The room we’re in used to be my room. There’s a desk across from the bed, under three windows.”

“And... if you come over here -” he brought Ross over to one side of the room, “There’s double doors here that lead to the laundry room,” he put Ross’ hand on them, before moving it to a door next to the double doors, “And this door leads to the bathroom.” That was enough for now, right? He could show him the rest tomorrow, once they got some sleep.

Ross smiled as he feel the warmth of Val’s hand guide him. Everyone here was so friendly! He barely had a moment to properly greet Eva before Val was pulling him off somewhere else. Part of him hoped he and Val could sleep together like he was now used to, but was bracing for the potential of otherwise.

“Everyone in your family is so nice, A-more!” Ross beamed, “I guess it makes sense that kind people breed kind people.”

He leaned in a tad and whispered quietly to Val, “Are we gonna be able to sleep together? I completely understand if we can’t.”

“I’m glad you think so-” Val smiled at Ross’ excitement about his family, “You fit right in, so that’s always a plus.” He flushed slightly at the comment about kind people creating more kind people. 

God, when had he gotten so sappy?

Ross heard the other child and grabbed him under his arm like a footballs. Weilding two child at once? He was powerful. “Kids are full of energy Val! You need to shake it outta them so they’ll go to bed later!”

The two children giggling gave Ross life. Just sweet kids without a care in the world, the way it should be. Ross spun his whole body around, getting himself dizzy in the process and collapsed on the ground, but making sure that the two kids in his arms didn’t hit the floor.

“Whoops! I made myself dizzy instead!” The Soldier laughed.

“This one’s got the right idea-!” Catello laughed as Ross spun the two kids around, before falling on the ground. Paolo and Nevio were still giggling furiously, clinging to Ross as he tumbled. 

Val shook his head, carefully removing the children from Ross’ grip and sending them his sister’s way, who was also laughing at the sight before her. He then moved to help Ross up, taking one of his hands, “Made yourself into a fool, more like.” he snickered.

“Oh, don’t be so dramatic, pulce.” Eva snickered, “Your friend fits right in, doesn’t he?”

“Almost too well.” Val grinned, “Ross, this is my little sister, Eva. Eva, this is Ross.”

Marietta soon joined the small crowd of people, “Valerio - show your friend where he’ll be sleeping, okay-? It is getting late, and we’ll need help early tomorrow morning.”