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.
“He’s doing very well, Valerio.” his mother nodded approvingly, “Even if he is covered in sugar from the Frittelle now.” a laugh escaped her at the sight.