French girl teaching English. Addicted to Disney, Harry Potter and so many series. 35+ Masterlist Requests accepted but be warned, it may take a while.
Figured out a way for Duke Andy to speed up the wedding without drawing suspicion. Just gotta figure out if he'll be playing nice with the future in-laws for the duration...
Ok, yes, not the weekend yet. But I've got 20 minutes left in my work week and I gotta run a couple errands tomorrow.
As always, Tech Tuesday is the primary goal, especially since it's the two year anniversary of the series. It won't be a company picnic but, like last year, we're going to be getting the perspectives of characters outside the usual roster. Prepare for a showdown between Sam Wilson and Linda Drysdale.
The rest of the week is going to be royalty themed, per the post that finished up today. I've already got Duke Andy's next chapter started up, just gotta decide if I'm ending before or after the actual wedding. Yes, there are plans for a honeymoon 🫣
Then I need to get to writing some Prince Ari smut so I can move that story along and get him to negotiations with King Hansen before he goes to home to help his little brother, Prince Steve, tidy up the wedding treaty.
After that I'm looking at the next chapter for Prince Nick and Emerald. He needs to return home and he will be leaving her behind until the wedding. Thankfully she has Pookie to run interference with Evie.
And that should be enough writing for the weekend. I hope. 😅
Good luck, pumpkin. May your muse help. even though you know how much I crave Nick and Emerald and I can’t wait for their story to go forward, as much as Ari’s so that we can proceed with the stories Lloyd and Jonathan, I admit I can’t wait for Andy to marry his reader, and I am curious about the honeymoon. How this shy and self conscious woman who was always told what to do would act in a bed with her husband. She is gonna be so vulnerable 🥹
Summary: Your new job is great, aside from the crushing boredom.
Warnings: Implied violence, Manipulation. Please let me know if I missed any!
A/N: Reader is female. No other physical descriptors used.
Word Count: ~1.5k
Previous--Next
Part of the Yours AU
Your new job was confusing insomuch as there were no real tasks for you to do. The pay was practically heavenly, but you almost felt bad drawing a paycheck when Mr. O'Malley never asked you to do anything beyond answering phone calls and scheduling appointments. In a normal office, maybe that would be a lot but, apparently, Private Investigators don't get a lot of calls.
As much as you want to say something, to ask about why he needed an assistant, you didn't dare. With your history of continually getting fired for reasons even you didn't know, you needed to hold onto this job. When Mr. O'Malley had called you to tell you that you'd gotten the job, you cried tears of joy. It's imperative that you don't get fired again. You've worked extra hard every day to make sure you look professional, keep your breaks to a minimum, and not look like you're bored.
But it's difficult. You've spent so much time staring at Mr. O'Malley's calendar you see it in your dreams. Sure, he's said you're free to use the Internet for personal use during lulls, but it could easily be a trap. It's too risky.
Mr. O'Malley steps out of his office and nervously asks, "I'm going to go get some more coffee. Would you like some?"
"Oh, um...no thanks, Mr. O'Malley. But.."
"But?"
"Isn't getting your coffee something I should be doing? I mean, unless the walking helps you or something, I don't know. And I'd never want to disrupt your process."
"I...you're sure it wouldn't be asking too much of you?" he grimaces. "I'm...like I told you in the interviews, I'm...I'm not used to having an assistant. I don't wanna overstep."
"It wouldn't be too much at all! Especially as you're not expecting any clients or visitors today."
"Um...okay. Sure. Yeah. That's...that actually sounds good because, like I told you, I'm not the best with people. Having someone deal with baristas for me would be great!"
"I'm happy to help, sir," you beam.
After that, Mr. O'Malley actually started asking you to do a few more things for him. Specifically things that involved talking to people.
"Can you get me some copies from the City Records? The clerk there always takes too long trying to tell me stories about her grandkids and, well, I may have snapped at her and now she won't talk to me."
"I need to get my PI license renewed. Can you schedule that and set me a bunch of reminders so I don't forget? Again? Like the last few times?"
Each time you reassured him that these things were within your job description per the announcement he posted. It strikes you as odd that he posted it when he didn't really have a steady workload. Maybe you were just in a lull and there were times when demands for a PI skyrocketed. The important thing was keeping your questions to yourself and not making waves. If you lose this job, you know you'll have to go back to August and that thought terrifies you.
Meanwhile, Jack is sweating bullets every time he tries to ask you to do something. Your happiness is key to his survival. One tear shed, one furrowed brow could have Nick making an example of him for messing with a civilian who didn't deserve it. Nick's rule over his territory was absolute because he and his men were under strict orders to not bully around the ordinary people. Jack never should've taken that job from August, but he got blinded by the money. Now he's making sure you never have to worry about that ever again.
Your reticence to use the Internet for anything other than work was confusing to him. The fact that you had nothing but work related stuff on your desk worried him. He'd really tried to set you up a dream job where you could take it easy, but you're practically begging for more work to do. It's like you're scared of being unprofessional. You should be taking advantage, scrolling social media, ordering food delivered, watching YouTube or something. But you're keeping yourself strictly on business. He can't figure it out.
You're started out of scheduling Mr. O'Malley's license renewal by a man in a sharp blue suit with even sharper blue eyes entering the office. He gives you a nod and heads towards Mr. O'Malley's door while a much larger man with blonde-brown hair, a beard and sunglasses stands at the door.
"Sir, you can't go in there without an appointment," you call out, running from behind your desk to get between the stranger and Mr. O'Malley's door.
The man smirks and you swear his eyes pierce your soul.
"The assistant, right?"
"Yes, sir. And you are?"
"Tell Mr. O'Malley his boss is here to see him, please."
Your brows furrow in confusion but the man doesn't seem the type to take "no" for an answer.
Carefully knocking on Mr. O'Malley's door, he gives you a quick "c'mon in" and you open the door just enough to see him at his desk.
"Mr. O'Malley? Your...boss? is here to see you?"
"Shit!" His eyes widen with surprise and he's frantically moving to clean up his desk. "Let him in!"
"Um...okay..."
Turning back to the man, whose smile seemed to have grown, you give a little bow and open the door wide for him.
"Thank you," he nods as he strolls in. "Jack, good to see---"
The conversation is cut off to you as he closes the door.
Nervously eyeing the much larger man at the main door, you sit at your desk and try to focus on some work.
What is going on here?
When Nick and Rogers leave, Jack lets out a sigh of relief. He chugs some coffee before calling out for you.
"Mr. O'Malley?"
"Have a seat, please."
"Mr. O'Malley, I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have tried to stop him. I didn't know who he was. Please don't fire me!" Tears pour down your face as you beg for your job.
"I'm not firing you," Jack shakes his head. "I'm...I'm sorry I gave you that impression. Nick just...I need to talk to you about him. But you're not fired, okay?"
"Thank you, Mr. O'Malley," you sniffle.
"So, as you've probably picked up, while I am a PI, I also have...another job. For the local mafia." You gasp at his confession. "Nick happens to my boss in that job."
"Oh god, please tell me I didn't get you in trouble with the mob!" you cry.
"No, no, no. In fact, he appreciated what you did! Nick likes loyalty, respects it. You didn't get me in trouble."
"Wait. Does these mean...have I been doing anything...illegal?"
"No. That's never going to be something I ask of you, okay? I might not be the best boss, but I'm not gonna make you into a criminal. You're just helping me on the legitimate stuff and doing none of the illegal parts of my job. Which, frankly, they might be illegal, but they're really for the greater good. You know we caught a restaurant owner stealing his employees wages? We also make sure insurance companies pay out, con men don't get away with things, all that stuff. We're really, really doing good stuff. It just happens to sometimes be illegal. But you will never be doing any of the illegal things. Okay?"
Your heart is racing. You know you should inform the police. Maybe talk to federal agents. But you can't lose another job. You can't go back to August. And that's if the mob doesn't catch you being a snitch. Maybe if you don't know more than you already do, you can appease your conscience.
Poor woman must be so scared. She got away from August only to find out she kinda work for the mob now. This won’t end well and I fear August might come back in the picture.
We're really, really doing good stuff. Right. I am certain the poor girl who is now the prisoner of Curtis and Bucky agrees. Fucking delusional dark men.
No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.
Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as dubcon/noncon, manipulation, cheating, sleazy behaviour, and other possible triggers. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.
This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.
Summary: Your next door neighbours hook up, bringing to surface deep-seated feelings.
Characters: Colin Shea, Jonathan Pine
As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me <3
Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!)
Love you like my dog loves belly rubs (that’s a lot). Take care. 💖
Colin squeezes as you squirm. You try to pull away but he won’t let you. His grip tightens until your flesh sears.
“Let me go!” You hiss as you push an elbow back. He grunts and shakes you so your neck jerks painfully. “Colin, what are you doing here?”
You grab his pinky and ring finger as you stamp a foot down blindly. He evades your attempts easily.
“What do you mean? It’s a paying gig. I’m doing my job, buttercup.” He snarls into your hair.
“Let go or I’ll scr–”
All at once, he lets go of you and slips and arm around your neck. You squeal and he crushes the noises from your throat. He covers your mouth with his hand and pulls you flush against him. He growls against your ear.
“Try now, buttercup. Go on, scream.” He sneers.
You quiver and slap his sides awkwardly, swinging your arms backwards. He scoffs and heaves you back, his arm tightening around your neck. You grab onto his sleeve as your heels scrape over the ground. He hauls you behind the stack of amps and hushes you.
“How would sissy feel about you stealing the thunder on her big day, huh?” He snarls. “You always gotta take what isn’t yours, huh? Allie had me and I was all you could touch yourself too–”
You slap his elbow and bicep helplessly.
“Then you run off with the British wank off.” He growls. His trails his nose up the brim of your ear then sinks his teeth in. Your eyes water and you tug on his jacket. “Always wasting my damn time.”
Your lip quivers as you dig your toes into the ground, trying to find some leverage against him. He’s too strong. His hand slips from your mouth but the vice of his arm keeps you quiet. You wheeze out pathetic whimpers as you try to scream for help.
His hand brushes down your arm and along your chest.
“You never wore anything like this for me.” He slithers.
You twitch and try to bat his hand away. He ignores you. The world narrows in, centering in on the moment, on your body and his. Despite the voices buzzing from just outside the canvas walls, the noise of bodies moving back and forth in a furious setup, you are adrift on this desolate island of his creation.
As his hand creeps lower, your panic rises. He pushes his fingertips into the softness of your stomach and feels along the front of your pelvis. He rubs himself against you with a groan and flicks his fingertips along the vee of your thigh.
“I’m done with you fucking with me.” He grits. “So pull up your fucking skirt and I’ll give you exactly what you were begging for.”
“Col–” You choke out. He squeezes his arm tight again.
“Do it or I’ll crush your fucking throat.” He snaps.
You shiver as tears prick along your eyelids. You can’t believe this is happening. Of all bands, it had to be his. You cringe and close your eyes as a memory flickers. You remember when your sister started planning, you gave her Colin’s information. It was more of a pandering gesture. You didn’t think she’d go for it…
“Now.” He grips your skirt and yanks. “Or I’ll show that British cuck of yours how much of a slut you are.”
You whine and shakily unlock your fingers. You can’t even remember fisting them. Little crescents burn in your skin from where your nails pressed. You feel along the satiny skirt, sweat dampening the stitches, and you bunch it in your hands. Your fingers crawl over the inches, gathering the length until it’s at your thighs.
He sighs and snakes his hands under the fabric. He pokes meanly at your clamped thighs and snarls again. “Open your fucking legs and stop acting like that doesn’t make you fucking giddy.”
You keep your eyes closed, hiding in the darkness as reality closes in. Your legs go limp and he pushes them apart. He forces your skirt higher as he kicks your feet wide. He traces the edge of your panties then shoves them aside. He pushes between your folds and snickers.
“Keep up the act. Your pussy says it all.” He rubs you as your insides clench. You just want him to stop.
You clasp down on his wrist and he yanks free.
“Don’t do that again or I’ll break a finger.” He warns.
He wipes his fingers on his pants and slides his hand behind you, feeling along the front of his pants. He wrestles with the buckle of his belt and huffs impatiently. He shifts his weight and shimmies his hips. His knuckles press against you as he grips himself above his fly and pumps himself.
“Come on, baby, arch that damn back.”
You bite down and do as he says. You tilt your hips and he bends his knees. Your blood turns icy as your skin scalds. He rubs along your ass and angles down to your cunt. You press against his thigh and squeak, “Please–”
“And thank you?” He taunts as he pushes into you bluntly.
His intrusion strangles you worse than his arm. Your body racks as your spine curves back. As he rams up, he brings you to your toes. You grab onto his arm and gasp. Your legs quake as he bottoms out with another jut of his hips.
He growls into your hair as he rears back and slams back in. He chuckles as he repeats the cruel motion and your knees buckle. You clasp onto his shoulder with your other hand, clinging to keep from collapsing entirely.
“Colin? Hey–” A voice calls as someone enters the tent.
He doesn’t stop. He hushes you as he keeps going, slowing so his motion long and torturous. Quiet.
“Dude,” footsteps walk along the other side of the amps. “Where the fuck did he go?”
His bandmate leaves and Colin rams into you again. He groans and falls into a full rut. He bites onto your ear again and curls his free arm up behind your head. Your eyes threaten to roll back as he puts more pressure on your neck, holding you in a choke lock as he pumps into you.
“Is that what you wanted, buttercup? All of me? Huh? Up in your guts?” He rasps. “You fucking bitch. Why’s it gotta be so– good.”
He hisses out the last word and shakes. He hums through his nose and his pace turns sporadic. He drones as he cums, thrusting into you over and over as your cunt squelches around his release. He exhales against your head and stills, buried deep inside of you.
“Buttercup–”
“Darling,” his growl is interrupted by a lilted tone. “Where’ve you gone? Darling?”
Colin releases his arm and catches your chin. He leans forward to press his cheek to yours. He tilts his pelvis until you’re quivering. You grasp his hip as you hold your breath.
“Darling…” Jonathan calls again as he paces around the other side of the amps.
He lingers then leaves at last. Your tears spill over but you bat away the onslaught with your lashes. Colin snickers and slides out of you, his cum trickling down your leg.
“Well, we both go things to do, don’t we?” He wipes his cock with the hem of your skirt. He turns and leans on the amps as he tucks himself away. You shudder and wipe your thighs with your palm. “Do you think he’ll smell me on you?”
You stare at him, mortified, shocked. You can’t believe he just did that. That you let him. Maybe he’s right. Maybe you still want him.
You fix your panties and tug down your skirt. He tucks in his shirt and fixes his jacket. “How do I look, buttercup?”
You shake your head, speechless. You turn away, legs wobbly, and stumble through the tent, between the guitar cases and stack of drums. You push out the rear flap and hurry to the bathroom stalls near the stage.
You lock yourself inside and bend over the portable toilet. You wretch into it, your insides knotted around each other. When you’re finally done, you rinse your mouth in the sink and dab away the trails left from your tears as best as you can.
You take a deep breath. You can’t hide forever. You step out into the sun and shield your eyes.
“Darling,” Jonathan strides up from your left. “I’ve been looking for you.”
“Sorry, I… I needed the bathroom.” You sniff.
“And the band? You figured it out?”
You stare at him. What do you say? He’ll know once they take the stage.
“Darling, what’s the matter?” He strokes your cheek.
You look down. “It’s Colin…” you say. You feel the tension in his thumb. “He’s… It’s his band. I… I told them to get set up and…” You think of telling him, but you can’t. You don’t even know if you can say it out loud. That you could handle him knowing. Or what he might do. “I was hiding here from him.”
“Mm, I knew you were lying,” he drawls. “But thank you for telling me.”
You force a weak smile. “Yeah, I just… I don’t want you to be upset,” you say.
“Never. Never. Though I do wonder why your sister would hire him. Almost as if everything she does is a slight to you.” He tuts. “I do believe she is envious, darling.”
He softens as his hand trails along your chin and neck, and follows the line of your shoulder. He turns to sling his arm around you. “Come, let us go show her what she’s missing out on… him, too.”
💔
You refuse to look at the stage as Colin comes on. You sit in a daze as he makes some rehearsed speech about the happy day. All you can hear are his grunts in your ear, the pounding inside. You clutch your hands tightly together.
Jonathan lays his long fingers around your clasped ones. He pets your knuckle softly. “Would you honour me with a dance, darling?”
You flinch as he draws you back to the present. You look at him and your eyes sting. You exhale.
“I must confess, I’ve been waiting for it all night long.”
You nod dumbly and blink away the tears. You smile. You open your hand and turn it over. “Yes.”
He grins and takes your hand. He stands and draws you up with him. He leads you to the dance floor where a few other couples sway to the cover of an 80s ballad.
Jonathan angles you against him. He sets your hand on his chest and takes your other. His arm snakes around your waist and he sets his feet. You look down between you.
“Head up,” he intones. “Just follow my motion.”
He rocks you to the rhythm. He’s smooth in his movement, confident. You don’t belong with him. You’re not like him. And you did that… with Colin.
He turns you with the melody as he watches you intently. You wilt under his gaze. How can he look at you like that? You don’t deserve that.
“You’re beautiful, darling. Breath-taking.” He purrs.
“Thank you,” you curl your fingers around his lapel, as if you might fall if you don’t hang on.
He guides you close to the stage. As you pass, you glance over. Colin smirks around the lyrics he sings. You quickly look away.
“I’ve got you, darling.” Jonathan says. “Promise. Forever.”
You can’t help but smile. It’s bittersweet but it feels nice to be wanted. Genuinely wanted.
“You know I mean it, don’t you?” He leans in.
“Yes, I do.” You breathe.
He slows and bends until his lips touch yours. He kisses you with a hum. You feel like you’re going to combust.
He draws back and his eyes sparkle. He moves you again. “Shall I twirl you?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” you eke out.
“Just relax.”
He lifts your arm and winds you around. You let him, feeling foolish, and he brings you back to him. His hand settles on your hip as he stands flush to you, crowding you as he sways with you. Almost lewdly so.
He brushes up your side and once more hooks his arm around your waist.
“Now a dip,” he smirks.
Before you can react, he dips you back. You let out a surprised noise and he stands you straight again. He seamlessly falls back into step with the music. You’re dizzy from more than the dancing.
The song slows as it nears the end and before the other can pick up, Jonathan stops you at the center of the floor. He takes a deep breath and latches onto your hand. He lowers himself onto one knee. Your heart drops.
“Darling, I can’t wait any longer.” He feels beneath his jacket with his other hand. “I’ve been infected tonight with marital bliss and I cannot think of sharing it with any but you.”
“Jonathan, please don’t do this.” You plead as you look around.
The next song doesn’t start. Those around you stop to watch as Jonathan pulls out a ring. He keeps your hand in his. Geri glares at you from beside her new husband and your parents. Your lip trembles. The ring slides onto your finger.
“Marry me, darling.” He begs.
It’s wrong. All of it is wrong. It’s sweet but not here. Not now.
“You bitch!” Geri storms across the dance floor and shoves you. “Get the fuck out of here!”
Jonathan keeps hold of you, saving you from falling over. He stands lithely and catches you against him. He moves to shield you from your sister.
“Do not touch her–”
“You’re a slime! At my wedding! You would do that! You and her need to leave!” She shrieks.
“Gladly.” He retorts.
“Fucking bitch!” She squeals. Jonathan turns to you and you watch as Geri’s bursts into tears and fans herself with her manicured fingers. “I can’t believe this fucking bitch of a sister of mine!”
“Come, darling.” Jonathan scoffs and leads you away. You’re all too happy to flee.
A whistle sounds over the speakers. “Wow, and I thought I’d seen everything.” Colin chortles.
The hush breaks and the guests begin to whisper. You ignore their gazes as Jonathan drags you past them. Once you’re beyond the tables and tents, you pull free and cover your face. He stops and pulls you into an embrace.
“Oh, fawn, do not cry.” He rocks you. “How horrid that your family can never be happy for you.”
You bury your face in his chest, only to hide your true distress. It isn’t them, it’s him. But you know now, that your family will never forgive you. That you cannot go back to your old apartment or your old life. That you’re only way out of this is with him. Whether that’s his choice or yours, it’s the only one.
Oh gosh… 😅 I think they would say « grumpy » or « blunt » because I turned out to be a pretty bitter old lady 😆
My childhood friends would probably say « motherly » because I was always there to comfort, to hug, to give some advice. They would often call me « Mama Alice »
Thanks for the question, I had to think for a while for this one 💚
This is just a fun little thing I’ve been wanting to do since the dawn of time but could never find a post to reblog that satisfied what I wanted. So I made this, feel free to reblog and use it yourself!
❤️ how tall are you?
🧡 what is your sexuality?
💛 what is your favorite feature on yourself?
💚 where are you from?
🩵 do you have any pets?
💙 do you have any siblings?
💜 describe yourself in five words or less!
🩷 dream job?
🖤 favorite hobbies outside of your blog
🎂 when is your birthday?
🌙 your zodiac (Sun, Moon, Rising)
💉do you have tattoos and/or piercings
🚗 can you drive?
✈️ favorite place you’ve traveled
🎤 have you been to a concert
🎵 favorite artists
🎧 last song you listened too
📺 last show you watched
📝 last thing you wrote
🔐 something no one would guess about you
🧟♀️ scariest thing that’s happened to you
🔥 craziest thing that’s ever happened to you
🍓 favorite food
🍅 least favorite food
🍊 favorite season?
🍋 favorite genre to read / watch / write
🍐 if you could make one character real, who would it be
🫐 some place you’d love to visit
🍇 a word your friends would use to describe you
🍒 what is your earliest memory
🍌 what is one talent you wish you had
💌 why did you start this blog?
✏️ when did you start writing fanfic
🖇️ what are your favorite asks to answer
📚 how do you come up with the fics you write
📌 what is the fic you’re know for
🔍 what character do you enjoy writing for the most
🖊️ what character do you not enjoy writing for
💔 is there a fic you wish you didn’t write
❤️🔥 what character do you simp for most often
🧚♀️ favorite characters of all time
🪐 favorite shows / series of all time
🌝 a show you would recommend to anyone
🌚 a show you’d tell people to stay away from
🌹 favorite kinks to write for
🥀 kinks you would never write for
🌊 a kink you would like to write but you think you’d be judged
❄️ full fics, imagines or head canons
☂️ your favorite fanfic from another writer
A couple of in depth questions!
🍄 what is something that’s happened in your life that you wish you could go back and change?
⭐️ what is one of your biggest accomplishments? Why is it so important to you?
🪻what is the toughest thing you had to go through, but can say you’ve successfully overcome?
🌺 what is the best gift someone has ever given you and why is it so important
🍀 what is your comfort show/series and why is it your comfort show? How has it helped you?
Summary: You and Curtis are having to deal with literal and figurative nightmares while working to make sure the Garbage Men operation runs smoothly.
A/N: Reader is plus sized female. No other descriptors used.
Warnings: Mentions of blood and violence, PTSD. Please let me know if I missed any!
Part 4--Part 6
Series Masterlist
Curtis finishes up the last of the phone calls needed to get Rogers' house and Fowler's apartment cleaned up without too many questions. Police investigations had to happen, there's no way to hide an explosion at Rogers' house or gunshots at Fowler's apartment. But intervention was needed to keep the investigations from going too far and incriminating the Family.
"What a week for Mace to be on vacation," you mutter, half joking.
"They needed the break," Curtis grumbles. "Besides, it'll be good for them to know Franco is no longer an issue."
"True," you nod. "Poor DC was so shaken up. Can't say I blame her, though."
Curtis grunts and rubs his eyes. It's been an emotionally fraught night. The man who killed his little brother is now dead, but not by his hand. He feels deflated, like he's been denied his chance at closure.
"Let's get something to eat and then get to bed," you suggest. "We're barely functional right now."
Curtis just nods his agreement.
You wake up with Curtis' arms around you. Based on his breathing, you can tell he isn't asleep.
"Feeling better?" you groggily ask.
"Always better when I'm holding you," he replies.
"You know what I mean."
"My point remains valid," he pouts.
You giggle a little and Curtis' shoulders relax a bit. Holding you close, making you smile. They're the greatest joys in his life.
"We've probably got a lot of work to do today," you start. "Lots of follow up visits and calls to make."
Curtis lightly growls his displeasure as he nuzzles his beard against you.
"I know, I know. Maybe we should take a page from Mace's book and see about a vacation."
"They'd fall apart without us," Curtis sighs.
"Probably. But that's all the more reason we should be building up the ranks in the Garbage Men. Getting more people to spread out the work."
"Higher ups are gonna be extra skittish about bringing on new people right now."
"I suppose you're right," you sigh. "But I'm keeping that as a goal for us. Our information gathering is the best, but we're spread thin. Someone going on vacation shouldn't put us our people at risk of getting killed."
"Fair."
You feel Curtis' stomach tighten, even though he tries to hide it.
"We should probably get some breakfast," you suggest.
"But I need more cuddles," he pouts.
"And I need to pee," you retort.
"Fine," he grumbles. "But you owe me more cuddles.
The week is primarily spent making sure covers are kept. People need to think the Garbagemen are normal civilians and that means their schedules aren't impacted by recent events. It's also a good opportunity to cement stories in the public. Rogers' house wasn't bombed, it was a faulty pipe that led to a gas buildup that went off. Everyone should marvel at the miracle that the couple made it out and that their baby is safe. If anyone suggests otherwise, they get laughed off as being paranoid or reading too much into these things. Go for the simple answer, that's the right one, right?
It was also a good way to shore up weak spots in the information network. One of the old lady's Hal cleans pools for says she heard it was an attack? Hal charms her into telling him her sources so they can make sure they don't get farther. Jake's web crawlers find someone talking about gunshots heard after the explosion? He makes sure the posts get swamped with bots while he figures out who was posting so you and Curtis can figure out how best to keep them from talking about it.
Mace and DC return in the midst of everything and are quickly caught up. DC does breathe easier knowing there's no one out there trying to kill her and she returns to work at the Free Clinic much happier.
You're happy for the couple, but also a little jealous. There's no vacation for you and Curtis. No real time off from the demands of the job. And you know it's by design. Curtis' design, specifically. Work himself ragged so he was too tired to dream. Too tired for the nightmares to find him. But he's been making sure to take time for you, take time to rest. And that's when the nightmares started getting more pronounced. It makes you feel responsible.
"I've been doing a lot of thinking," Curtis tells you as you're cuddled up on the couch. "About...about Edgar. About the fact I'm never getting revenge."
"Oh?"
"I think you were on to something when you talked about putting Edgar to rest. He never got a funeral. No one remembers him except me. I think that's what's...haunting me."
"Okay. What are you thinking about doing for him?"
"This might sound weird but...a scholarship? So more kids don't end up like he did?"
"I love that idea! And with how much money we make, we can definitely sponsor a few scholarships each academic year."
"We?"
"If it's okay, I'd like to join you on this. I did get started in this gig by teaching, after all. But, if it's something you'd rather do yourself, I absolutely understand."
"No, I really appreciate it. And it'll mean helping more kids. Thank you for this, Teach."
"I'm always happy to support you," you smile before kissing him. "Want me to look into local schools to see how we can get things started for the Edgar Everett Scholarship?"
Curtis beams at you, eyes soft. "You're the most incredible woman in the world."
I am so happy to read about those two and I am also happy that Curtis is getting ideas to grieve and remember Edgar properly…and to get rid of those nightmares. Teach, as always, is a good support. She knows how troubled he is but she lets him share whenever he wants and however he wants. She is such a wonderful woman. I agree with her, they would truly need a little vacation away from all of this.
It was also really nice to see how those Garbage Men work as a family and how they protect each other. I loved the mention of Mace and DC. Those two are also very sweet and went through a lot.
Thank you for updating this story, I missed the Garbage men and Curtis, the man who is a dream come true 🥰
