Chapter Text
Pootis ended up taking a nap in Medic's workbag, safely stashed away while the German man worked. Medic was glad to have his hands free and without distraction as he finished up working with Engie and returned to his own projects he previously planned for. Glad to be doing what he originally came to the base for, Medic immersed himself in his work, occasionally speaking to Archimedes when certain thoughts, ideas, and questions struck him. He didn't notice Pootis stumble sleepily out of his bag and curiously explore the examination room until he heard a small crash behind him.
He'd forgotten he'd left a bone saw on the floor, and Pootis has found it. It seemed a little too heavy for the small bird, but he was determined to try to pick it up. Medic watched as Pootis repeatedly tried carrying the saw, sometimes the saw falling on a different piece of equipment causing a similar sound to the one that originally caught Medic's attention.
"Are you trying to become a Medic, little one?" Medic said with a smile as he crouched by Pootis. "Perhaps you can become my assistant one day." Setting the saw on a higher surface with other dangerous tools Medic heard a loud growl come from Pootis's belly. His own middle responded in kind, rumbling to let Medic know how empty it was. He smiled at Pootis as he picked him up. "Lunchtime, yes?"
Thankfully RED base had a kitchen that was decently stocked. Noone had a 'normal' work schedule and many meals were taken on site. It was a toss-up on who got groceries but there were usually things for sandwiches, and Medic stashed away some birdseed for when his doves were with him. It wouldn't have surprised Medic if Engie added a few things to the pantry or fridge since he was here.
On his way to the kitchen Medic passed by Spy's smoking room, the door surprisingly open. Curious, Medic peeked in. Spy usually kept the door shut, not wanting anyone to disturb or dirty up the room he somehow claimed as his own.
Sitting in one of the comfy yet high-end chairs was Spy himself, reading quietly with a drink on the end table next to him. He looked up at Medic, an eyebrow raised in acknowledgement.
"Ah, Guten Morgen, Herr Spy. I didn't expect to see you here today."
"Nor I you, Docteur." Spy said as he placed his book down, watching as Medic stepped into the room. Medic thought the stare hawk-like and kept a small distance. "Working mandatory overtime I presume?"
"Nein." Medic shook his head. "Personal projects. I'd be happy to explain some of them to you, but are you here working as well? I didn't expect to see anyone here today."
Spy rolled his eyes, but Medic felt it wasn't directed at him. "My current residence unfortunately is in need to be fumigated, and instead of traveling my contract dictates me staying close in case of emergency. I thought here would be quiet and without chaos due to the rest of our teammates being out for the weekend."
"Ah." Medic said in understanding. Spy continued to stare at him, searching.
"Tell me. Is the bird creature in your arms a 'personal project' too? An experiment of some sort."
Pootis let out a squeak and lifted a nub in a wave. He knew he was being talked about. Medic looked down at him quickly.
"N..nein! He isn't an experiment!" He held Pootis out to Spy. "A gift from zhe Scout. A 'Pootis Bird', or zomething...zhe box didn't give a lot of detail."
"I see." Spy said smoothly, resting his head on a propped-up fist. "And here I was thinking you've some'ow impregnated yourself with the Heavy's bird-child."
Spy snorted and laughed at Medic's indignant squawk response.
"I tease, I tease, Docteur." He said, wiping a tear from his eye with a smile. "The Scout has been making some questionable financial decisions, part of which include gifts for teammates."
"How do you know zhat?" Medic asked grumpily, holding Pootis to his chest.
Spy shifted to one side of his chair, revealing three blue blobs nestled next to his thigh. Scooping them up Spy held them out for Medic to see.
"Are zhose..crabs?" Medic blinked in unbelief.
"Oui." Spy put them on his lap, giving the largest of them a light scratch on top of it's head. "The boxes they came in labeled them 'SpyCrabs'. Why Scout has bought me three I do not know."
"I see.." Medic said, peering closer. They did not look like any real crabs Medic knew of, but their round bodies and cartoon-ish claws made it hard not to identify them as anything else. They were all in various forms of sleepiness, and in the peach areas of what Medic supposed was their mouths were what looked like to be tiny cigarettes. Medic drew back, clutching Pootis closer. He didn't want the little bird to develop any bad habits, especially not from sentient navy-colored spy masks.
Spy looked at him nonchalantly, although Medic felt a badly hidden air that Spy was trying to show off, much like the owner of an award-winning cat. "Well?"
"They are quite..interesting." Medic finally said. At that moment his belly rumbled loudly again.
"Interesting enough for hunger?" Spy asked, an unidentifiable look on his face.
"No!" Medic said quickly. "I haven't had lunch yet and was on the way before I saw your door open, zhat's all."
Spy hummed, face now more neutral. "And I suppose the Laborer hadn't eaten as well?" he said getting up, referring to the Engineer.
"I do not think so." Medic said in thought. "I was vorking with him in Respawn earlier. Wait!" Medic realized. "How did you know he was here?"
Spy chuckled. "I know when every one is here. And I also know he has brought groceries that now sit in our food store." The three spycrabs followed their master as he walked to the door. He turned back to Medic. "Shall we see he has brought and join each other for a meal?"
"I suppose." Medic responded flatly, watching Spy and his companions walk out the door. He waited a moment then held Pootis up to his face. "Never take up smoking,"
Pootis squeaked. He didn't know what 'smoking' was or why Mutti-Vati didn't want him to do it.