Chapter Text
The day for the family reunion was coming close. The date etched out on the calendar of the family kitchen only worried Rory. He didn’t want to hear his family members showing off their successes to him. He knew they would always get chaotic, for various reasons.
“Angioletto , cosa hai in mente?” His mom asked softly, as she pulled him out of his thoughts.
He was quiet for a moment, “I still can’t believe you didn’t tell me about the whole reunion.”
She kissed him on the cheek, “I did not want to worry you.”
He made a face, but kept quiet.
“Maybe you can bring that Sam you always talk about?” She elbowed him, hoping to get him to smile.
Rory remembered that special night with Sam, “I’ll… talk to him.” He said, with a dreamy tone.
He dialed Sam and the phone rang for only half a second before Sam answered. Rory brought the question if he’d like to tag along for the reunion, again Sam agreed almost immediately. Rory had to admit, he was a bit concerned about Sam’s social life since he agreed without second thought.
“Alright, mio caro ,” Rory concluded, “see you then!”
After he hung up, his mother was making a knowing face, “I know you’ll see him sooner than that.”
Meanwhile, his father was sitting silently while listening in to the conversation. He wondered about that night that his son was with Sam. He knew Rory was gay, which was the least of his concerns. His son was spending lots of time with the guy and talking a lot about Sam.
“Mio figlio,” his father began warrily, trying to not say something wrong, “I know you’ve been spending a lot of time with Sam…”
Rory took a deep breath.
“I have nothing wrong with you hanging out with Sam, but you seem to be having unnecessary feelings for him.”
Rory assumed that his father was about to call him a slur. Even though his father denies being against Rory’s preferences, he still gets that homophobic vibe. In reality, Rory’s dad only wanted someone suitable for his son.
Rory cut him off, “oh! Guarda l’ora! I don’t want to be late to work.”
His mom knew his father struck a nerve, but kept quiet about the whole ordeal. She knew he was only trying his best.
Rory was standing around in the kitchen of Spaghetti Hotline, just waiting for someone to call. He was happy that there were more orders being made. His work usually helped keep his mind off things, especially personal life. He’d often rest his eyes or lean against the counter while waiting for the phone to ring. In the back of his mind, he hoped Sam would call for another order. He knew he was eventually going to see Sam again for the family reunion, but something inside of him was craving more shared time. Almost like a pull. He wondered if Sam felt the same way. As he thought more and more, he wondered how Sam was going to be with his family. Maybe more reserved? Maybe he’s different around complete strangers? Or maybe he just sticks around with Rory for the entirety of it? Whatever ended up happening, he knew he wouldn’t mind. As long as his family welcomes his dear friend, all is good. Throughout the work day, both delivering and cooking, Rory has been wondering many things. He wasn’t too sure why exactly he was stressing about the matter. Most (if not all) of the family was going to be distracted by his sister and her children.
He took a deep breath, “I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.”
Those words helped him sooth his mind for the rest of his day. Er… his workday to be more specific.
Whenever he drove around, he would look at his surroundings (as he should be), but in a more endearing manner. He would remember his interactions with Sam and what they lead to. As a driver, he couldn’t just be having his head in the clouds. Everyone once in a while, he would shake his head and continue being a dutiful driver and delivery man.
Back to Sam, he is doing his daily duties. Driving around and making his money. Whether it be to sell copious amounts of garbage to the bear by the lumber mill or sell oranges to the severely vitamin C deprived man on the ski slopes. He always wished to have a day to lounge around, but the activities helped keep his mind busy.
Sam stood at the front door after ringing the doorbell, with his nice dress shirt and pants. He was rather anxious, but he was excited to meet Rory’s family. He held the bag of oranges in his arms like a child carrying their favorite plushie. He couldn’t hear cheerful laughter or chatter. Then he heard some shuffling. Then the clicking of the locks being undone.
“Ciao! tu sei Sam, vero?” A nice older lady, who had the same facial complexities of Rory answered the door.
He had no clue what the lady said, so he only nodded. Her eyes went down to the oranges in his hand.
She then accepted the bag, “Grazie tanto per il regalo! Vieni dentro!”
Again, no clue what she said. But from her hand gesture, he could tell that she was welcoming inside. He took glances around the home, it was well decorated and welcoming. It smelled fresh, like a relaxing spring day. Then they stepped out into the backyard, that is where everyone was. The other Calebresi family members looked over to him, in slight surprise. It wasn’t until Rory waved at him, that the family members smiled at him. Sam gave a shy wave while passing everyone to go sit by Rory. Rory stood up to greet him with a hug, Sam happily hugged him in return.
“Sam,” Rory began, “I’m so glad you came!”
“Thank you for inviting me,” Sam thought for a moment, “er, grazie…?”
Rory was touched by the fact he was trying, it was cute. He only smiled appreciatively as he sat him down at the table. Someone came by and served Sam a glass of red wine.
“Grazie,” Sam mumbled shyly as he accepted the glass and sniffed the contents.
His nose scrunched up slightly, he had never encountered this scent before.
The people around him, including Rory, laughed. Though it wasn’t malicious, he could tell it was lighthearted.
“It’s wine, from the greatest vineyard in Italy,” the person explained, “unlike those Spaniards…”
Rory squeezed his eyes shut, “Zio… please don’t say things like that in front of my guest.”
The comment got some chuckles from the surrounding family members, everyone knew how that one uncle could get. After the wine was served people began eating.
Rory raised his glass to Sam, “for us.”
Sam smiled and raised his glass slightly. Rory took a sip, but Sam wasn’t too sure how to drink wine. So he leaned his head back as he swallowed half of the glass in one go. He only stopped when his brain processed the acrid taste.
“Mio caro!” Rory laughed as he set his glass down, “you drink wine with sips.”
He blushed slightly when he realized the pet-name he had just called Sam. It came out of concern. But he knew it came from the heart.
“Haha, Sam here knows how to live the good life!” A cousin of his pointed out.
Sam slowly nodded along, “yeah… I like to live a good life.”
Rory listened to the conversations Sam was having, just in case a family member of his made an out-of-pocket question. But everyone seemed to be very respectful to him, it took them a bit to realize Sam knows no Italian. Rory relaxed slightly as he took a sip of his wine again. As much as he loves Sam, he knows he has to let him do his own thing. He didn’t think much of when Sam scooted his chair closer to Rory, to the point their knees were touching. With that done, Rory placed his hand over Sam’s. It was quite an impulsive action. But something lulled him to do so. He knew Sam was doing fine; he just wanted to feel closer to him. By now the other family members seemed to have an idea what was going on between the two, or at least thought they did.
Rory’s mother, who was sitting with his sister, kept glancing over to her son. Her face had a pleased look on her face.
“Aw,” she sighed, “don’t they look adorable together?”
Her husband nodded in agreement, but he seemed a bit wary about Sam. He had no problem with Sam and Rory together, but Sam seemed different to other people. Maybe. Just maybe he was…
“You don’t like Sam?” His wife cut his thoughts.
He shook his head, he then leaned to whisper to her, “pencho che Sam sia…”
She was curious about what he was going to say, but she continued to listen.
Her husband continued, “I think he is the sasquatch.”
“Sono d’accordo con te,” she winked, showing that she already knew (which surprised him) “but what matters is that our son is happy.”
Those words soothed his thoughts about whatever-is-going-on between his son and Sam,
“...you’re right, Sam and Rory look cute together.”
The night went on and so did the activities. More drinking and more laughing. None of this surprised Rory and he was enjoying every second of it. As the evening turned to night, more people were drinking. If a fight broke out, no one would be surprised. Even so, Rory didn’t want Sam to witness any possible chaos. When he saw Sam stare at two of his relatives argue about a game of cards. Sam shifted a bit in his seat.
“Do you want to go inside?” Rory asked softly.
Sam nodded. With that concluded, Rory held his hand as he led him inside to the living room. They both sat together on the couch, again, Sam snuggled close to Rory.
“Will your parents be worried that you’re not at the party?” Sam asked.
He shook his head, “they’re probably busy to keep people from getting too drunk and keeping children out of trouble.”
“Your family is nice.”
“I’m glad you feel that way,” Rory was relieved when he heard that.
Something about how they were sitting together in the comfort of Rory’s home. Added with the background sounds of the family reunion out in the backyard. Everything felt like a dream.
“Rory…”
“Sam?”
Sam made those puppy eyes again, “do you like me?”
“Certo che mi piaci,” Rory said in a certain tone.
Sam blinked a few times.
“Oh!” Rory chuckled awkwardly, “of course I like you Sam! Why are you asking this?”
“But do you… like-like me?” Poor Sam’s cheeks were a bright pink.
Rory stared at Sam’s hopeful eyes.
“Yes,” Rory gave a shy smile and felt his cheeks get hot, “I do like-like you.”
Sam’s eyes lit up in giddiness and he had a goofy grin on his face. Rory thought how he could easily bring up the fact that they shared a bed together, but he chose not to. For the sake of Sam since seemed to be reveling in the moment.
He leaned closer.
A little bit closer.
Just close enough to be face-to-face with Sam.
Then he kissed Sam. It took Sam just a second to process it before (trying) to return the gesture. It lasted enough for them to appreciate the moment. If Rory was in his five senses, he would have teased Sam for being all blushy-blushy. But he couldn’t even get his own words out!
“That was nice,” Sam mumbled, “very nice.”
Rory agreed with a simple nod. He took a deep breath before resting more of his body weight on Sam, “I love you, Sam”
“I love you, Rory.”
A few days passed and now Sam was standing around by the ranger cabin, he seemed to have his head in the clouds. Like most times. Dan and Malinda were sitting at a bench just watching him. They both noted how he looked somewhat anxious, but didn’t comment on it. Popeye was there, too. He was standing by Sam. Both the sasquatch and the dog perked up and the familiar sound of the Spaghooter. Sam waved excitedly to Rory as he parked. Malinda and Dan exchanged looks, not in a bad way. They were just curious about whatever Sam was planning.
“Ciao, mio carissimo!” Rory got rather close to Sam to give him a kiss, but caught sight of the park rangers.
Sam didn’t give a second thought and went right in to smooch him on the lips.
Dan and Malinda were dumbfounded at the almost-comically-loud kissing noise. So much so that Malinda’s gum unintentionally popped. After the kiss, Rory greeted Popeye by scratching behind his ears. His face was completely red and tried to avoid the gaze from Dan and Malinda.
“Hello,” his voice was very shaky but he kept a smile.
Malinda was first to speak, “when did you and Sam become a thing?”
Rory seemed to be more level headed about the matter, but poor Sam’s face was all red. Sam, with stutters, explained what brought this: the party and the confession. He didn’t want to give too many details prior to that.
Dan crossed his arms as he shifted his weight to his other leg, “well, let’s just see where this goes.”
Sam titled his head curiously.
“By this I mean,” Dan paused to process what he was about to say, “I mean, your relationship.”
When the new couple left, Dan laughed, “hah! He is in fact gay AND European”
Malinda only rolled her eyes.
Sam and Rory sat together at the dock of the lake again. Rory was leaning against the sasquatch as they held hands.
“Rory,” Sam continued to stare out to the lake, “I have a question.”
“Yes?”
“I have something to tell you,” Sam squeezed his hand.
Rory kept quiet.
“I am… a sasquatch.”
Rory chuckled, “I knew.”
“How…?”
“Catherine told me… and my dad… and my mom… and the park rangers,” Rory listed honestly, “usually in private.”
Sam blinked a few times, but he was content that he didn’t have to explain.