Chapter Text
The three men took lunch together in the communal kitchen and dining area, their meal consisting of a simple soup Spy graciously made for them.
"Ain't often ya choose to break bread like this with us, pardner." Engie said, bringing a spoonful of soup to his lips. "But much obliged for it."
"Think nothing of it." Spy responded from the stove as he dished up his own portion. "It is much easier to cook for three men than for a team of nine, and less distraction and noise with the less..rowdy ones here."
Medic fed Pootis some birdseed in a little plate on the table where they were eating before getting some lunch for himself. He looked uneasily at the three Spycrabs on the floor before turning to Spy who started to take a seat between him and Engie. "Vhat about your little companions? Are zhey not hungry too?"
Spy leaned back in his chair to the Spycrabs then nodded them over. He grabbed a large piece of bread from beside his bowl and tore off three chunks and handed them one by one to his crustaceans; a bigger piece for the big one, a medium piece for the medium one, and a not-so-small piece for the smallest one. They each clacked a free claw in thanks before scurrying a little distance from the small round table their master was sitting. Both Medic and Engie watched as Spy got back up and filled three small bowls with water and placed them on the ground near where the Spycrabs were eating. Spy returned to the table and began eating, giving a questioning look to his human companions. Engie only smiled as he continued to eat, Medic choosing to look down into his bowl with a bite.
Tiny Desk Engineer whirred happily as he sat on the table near Pootis. He had no need to eat; maybe drink a little oil if he needed it, but most of his energy came from being plugged into a wall socket at times or at night. His levels were fine now so he was happy to sit and enjoy the company around him.
Pootis dug into his bird food almost immediately. If he weren't so little and Medic so distracted by his own hunger he'd for sure get scolded for his table manners. Pootis patted his little belly and gave a little burp, having finished his meal quickly.
"Lil' guy ate so quick he'll give himself a bellyache." Engie chuckled as Medic bashfully smiled at Pootis while Spy held his spoon midair.
"Your bird needs manners." Spy said flatly before finishing his bite.
"He is a child. I think." Medic defended. "He vill learn vhen he is more zhan a few days in my care und I have the time to teach him."
"Can't fault a baby's first time on God's green earth. Prob'bly didn't know what eatin' was until you got 'im, eh, Doc?" Engie chimed in.
"Zhat, I do not know." Medic replied as he ate another spoonful. Engie turned to Spy.
"I've been meanin' ta ask, Spah, but do your crabs have any names? Or are they crustaceans without identification?"
Spy rolled his eyes as he wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Oui, they have names. Scout named zhem after he shook them out of their boxes after presenting them to me. Zhe big one is "Big Stabby", zhe middle one is "Sleepy", and zhe smallest is "Snippy"." Spy used an American accent as he pronounced each name. "I will give them proper French names when I find something suitable."
Both Engie and Medic chuckled. "I'm sure you will, son." Engie said.
As their conversation switched topics the three men gave less and less attention to their small companions. Desk Engie was happy to sit until his Boss needed him, but Pootis didn't have that level of patience yet. The three big humans seemed to be talking about something boring or something he didn't know about, all while sitting in a room Pootis was never in before! If he wasn't to have a second serving or a treat he'd might as well explore!
Pootis looked around where he sat and gave a "Peep!". Mutti-Vati wasn't paying him any attention; he was too busy talking to Big Engie and the Masked Man. Didn't Mutti-Vati know there were places Pootis hadn't explored yet?
Pootis got up and walked to the edge of the table and looked down. Medic glanced over to see what he was doing.
"Hm?" He said as he looked at the bird and gave him a gentle poke on the back with his finger.
Pootis looked at him then gave a demanding squeak as he rapidly gestured to the ground with his nub. He wanted down!
Spy rolled his eyes. "I will say again: your bird needs manners."
Medic sighed, not wanting Spy's opinions on bird-raising. He turned his attention back to Pootis.
"Are you sure you want to be down zhere?" Medic looked at the ground. It seemed a bit filthy, and with the Spycrabs already finishing their meal on it...
"Ah, come on, Doc!" Engie piped up. "I'm sure it'll be fine, the lil' feller could use some pokin' around to get some energy out. Desk Engineer could even tag along to keep 'im outta trouble if yer really worried about it."
Desk Engie let out a whirr and a blink.
"Vell..."Medic said unsurely as he grabbed Pootis. Uncertainty was all over his face.
"My Spycrabs could use the company. I am sure they will behave well." Spy said nonchalantly, looking at Medic from the corner of his eye. "If that is what you are concerned about."
Pootis was starting to wiggle impatiently in Medic's hands. Why hasn't Mutti-Vati put him down yet?!
Medic took a deep breath. "Alright." he said. "But only if Desk Engineer goes vith him."
"Attaboy!" Engineer exclaimed as he lightly slapped and grabbed Medic's arm in appreciation. He then turned to Desk Engie. "You got this, son?"
Desk Engie looked at Pootis's increasingly violent wiggles with a wry smile then back at Big Engie with a determined nod and a whirr. If Boss thought he could handle it that was all the reason he needed.
Letting himself be gently picked up and put on the ground, Desk Engie took a few steps toward Medic and Pootis and gave a loud whirr. The Big Doctor could trust him to be good at his job. Maybe. For sure.
Medic looked down at the tiny robot, then sighed deep through his nose.
"Behave." Medic said after he put Pootis down on the ground. He looked both at Pootis and Desk Engineer. "I am trusting you to make the right choices."
Desk Engie made an affirming whirr while Pootis cheered and grabbed Desk Engie's hand. Medic watched as Pootis excitedly dragged the little robot to another part of the room.
"Yer a good man, Doc." Engie said as he patted Medic's arm. "Part of lettin' 'em grow up is givin' 'em space they need to do so."
"Ja, ja." Medic said, steeling himself and brushing Engie's hand off. "Now, vhat vere ve saying before, about zhe Manns' latest endeavor?"