Work Text:
Joe had a crappy day at work. Someone decided to eat Joe's lunch without asking him. The lunch Nicky had made for Joe so he had to go through an entire day without eating anything. Well, him eating nothing was his own mistake, When Susie discovered that she had taken Joe's lunch she said sorry and offered him the sandwich she had brought with her. Joe knew that Susie didn't earn much on her internship salary, so he said she shouldn't think more about it. Susie asked one more time at the end of the workday if everything was ok between her and Joe, which Joe said yes to.
When Joe got out of the car the sky decided to open its gates and he found himself in the middle of a downpour.
"Seriously?" Joe shouted at the sky. "Couldn't you have waited five minutes?"
Joe ran the last bit to the house he was sharing with Nicky. They were in between missions and were laying low in the southern parts of Holland, working normal jobs and having a normal boring life. They needed it after their last mission, so Joe found work in an advertising bureau while Nicky took up teaching. Their story was when people asked what had brought them to town was that they were earning money enough so they could continue travelling the world.
"Joe?" Nicky asked in one of the many dialects they spoke. "Did you swim home today?"
"Ever so funny," Joe replied. "Why is it because I love you?"
"Because it's my food that keeps you well-fed," Nicky smirked. "And my ass that keeps you well-fucked."
"I won't argue against that," Joe replied. "Because it's the truth."
Joe kissed Nicky.
"Hi, Habibi," Joe said. "Missed me?"
"Always, when you aren't by my side," Nicky replied. "Take a shower and then we can eat. I think, I finally have figured out how to make stroopwafels."
Joe smiled. Stroopwafels were their latest favourite snack.
"Sounds great," Joe replied. "I got something I want to talk with you about while we eat your stroopwafels."
They kissed one more time before Joe took a shower. When Joe walked into the living room, Nicky had lit the room up with candles. Electricity was a great invention, but they still preferred candles whenever they could.
"Uhmmm," Joe said with a big smile when he took a bit of the stroopwafel. "It tastes good as always and for that, you shall have a kiss."
Joe leaned a bit forward and kissed Nicky.
"You said you had something you wanted to talk with me about," Nicky said. "Has it to do with the young woman who ate your sandwich today at work?"
"Still the cleverest man in the room because you're right," Joe replied. "I know we agreed not to do the things we normally do whenever there is a mission, like looking into people's life but I couldn't resist when I saw was Susie earned. She is alone with her kid who sits in a wheelchair and she also cares for a mother. No wonder she can only work 12 hours a week."
Nicky placed a hand on Joe's cheek and caressed it with a smile.
"My big gentle giant," Nicky said with a smile. "You want to help her. And I can understand why. So tell me, what is your plan?"
"I want to make her life easier for a start and for that she needs money," Joe replied. "But I know she will never accept money from me because she has pride. I respect that."
"Then it's time what we do as we always do," Nicky replied. "Or are we not thinking the same thing?"
"We are thinking the same thing as always," Joe replied. "Let's do our oldest kindest deed."
"You call her tomorrow," Nicky suggested. "While I take care of the rest."
In the morning, Joe called Susie and asked her if she had five minutes to talk before work.
"Morning Joe," Susie said. "What was it you wanted to talk about?"
"Come," Joe replied. "I explain inside. I don't trust the weather after yesterday."
They both laughed.
"Let me guess. You got wet yesterday again," Susie said and Joe nodded. "I told you to remember an umbrella."
"You aren't the only one who reminds me of it," Joe replied. "So, what do you think of the house?"
"A lovely and beautiful house," Susie replied. "But why are you asking?"
"You see. I got this old uncle who owns this house, and was wondering if you could look after it for the family?" Joe explained. "My uncle will of course pay you a salary for doing it. It's how my boyfriend and I were able to save up money for our next journey."
Susie stared at Joe. She didn't know what to say.
"You'll get paid 5000 Euros every month for looking after the house. Money you can use as you want to do," Joe said. "And every expense with the house is covered. All you have to do is to call or write to me."
"You're serious?" Susie asked. "Your uncle will pay me for looking after the house?"
"Yes, when I told my uncle about you and your family, he said I should ask you first," Joe replied as he handed the contract to Susie. "The contract is for life or until you want to move on again."
"I need to talk with my family first," Susie replied. "And where would you live if you return?"
"We are always in motion. That's how we want to live our life," Joe replied. "Tell me your answer by the end of the week."
23 years later:
Joe was looking through his emails when one caught his eyes. He looked at Nicky who once again was baking stroopwafels even though they were living in Madrid at the moment.
"I just got a mail from Susie," Joe said. "Her son is recovering just fine after the operation."
"I'm glad to hear that," Nicky replied. "Is she still living in the house?"
"Yes, and she thanks us for letting her rent out some of the rooms in the house to students," Joe replied. "She asks if there is a possibility to buy the house."
"Say we don't want the money," Nicky replied. "Tell her that she can make a donation to a charity instead. Something your uncle decided in his will."
Joe wrote an email to Susie before closing the laptop. Then he joined Nicky in the living room which once again was lit with candlelights. They ate stroopwafels while playing backgammon and talked about who they should help next.