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TO FALL FROM GRACE - MATT MURDOCK

Three - Losing You

tags: @see-the-divine @fallingfavourites // prev // next

Pairing: Matt Murdock x Livia Yersova

Word Count: 9,045

Summary: Everything seemed to be leveling out, finding their strides in their new normal. That is, until ‘heart of gold’ Matt Murdock takes on a case arguably as risky as the Punisher’s was.

The three of them sat down at a booth in a nearby diner. Livia probably should’ve kept an eye out for where Fisk’s new bodyguard, Buck, went. She recognized that as soon as they were seated. She knew she shouldn’t have taken the window seat. It boxed her in and put her at an immediate disadvantage.

She also recognized that she should’ve been paying attention to what the two men in her company were discussing. She should be chiming in with questions, accusations maybe, even threats.

It was important. They were there because it was important… But her mind was gone.

She had texted June as soon as they sat down, asking her to send a text when she got home. She had to tuck her phone under her leg to keep from staring at it.

She could feel herself slipping away from the moment. Her head and her heart were trailing after June. Part of her wished she had just gone with her and left Matt to fend for himself. He’d be fine. It wasn’t like he was going to start a fistfight with Fisk in the middle of the diner.

Livia considered the option herself.

As if he knew what was going on in her head, Matt’s hand found hers beneath the table. His fingers laced with hers but he never looked her way. She gave no acknowledgement of the new connection either.

Despite still being frustrated with him, she wanted his touch at that moment. Instead of any giveaway, she simply traced the shape of a heart with her thumb as a silent ‘thank you’. After that, Matt seemed to relax beside her.

Livia, however, knew she was all tension. What few words she actually heard from Fisk didn’t sit right with her. Matt felt confident, in control of the situation, and a part of Livia wanted to tuck herself behind him. When a bystander knocked on the window, she flinched.

Livia didn’t pay much real attention until Foggy was referenced.

“I had nothing to do with his death. I kept that promise.” Fisk said intently, tapping his finger against the table.

Livia watched him carefully. She watched everything and nothing all at once. She saw the way his hands bounced, the way he couldn’t quite meet her eyes, the way he kept looking outside. If there was anything true to what Fisk would say to them in that diner, it’d be that one line. It had to be.

It eased a knot in Livia’s stomach to hear that Wilson Fisk has nothing to do with Foggy’s death. At the same time, it added to the weight of guilt that Poindexter was only able to act because Livia made a useless promise to a dead man. She wanted to bang her head against the table but settled for leaning into Matt a bit. She relaxed when she felt her phone vibrate under leg with the text she’d been waiting for.

He didn’t seem to mind, giving her hand a gentle squeeze as the conversation with Fisk continued.

Livia was starting to wonder what she was really there for.

She listened to the vague threat against vigilantes. Of course, he was welcome to try and come for her. Livia didn’t fear what Wilson Fisk could throw at her. She’d done too much and overcome too much to cower away from a man like him. Fisk had no real power to hurt her, not yet. He could go after her or Matt, but then he’d have to take on the pissed off other part to that equation and June.

Even if June couldn’t face Fisk that day, which Livia didn’t blame her for, June wouldn’t hesitate to protect her family. She was like Livia in that way.

“Good day, Sir.” Matt said politely. He scooted out of the booth, flicked out his cane as he offered Livia his hand.

She was reaching for it when Fisk spoke again.

“If I may, Ms. Yersova, a word please.” He said carefully. It wasn’t quite fear, but he was uncertain around Livia. Apprehensive at the very least.

Livia had no weapons with her, not that she could immediately recall. There could be a switchblade in her purse but she wasn’t sure. Either way, she could easily turn the napkin container or coffee mug into a weapon.

“Hmm.” She shrugged. Matt gave a brief nod and walked a few steps away. It didn’t really matter how far he went. Livia assumed he’d be listening. “Your new bodyguard is… interesting.”

He hummed in agreement. “Yes, Buck said the same about you. I heard you warn of breaking his hand.”

“I don’t like to be touched.”

“Rightfully so.”

“What do you want?”

“I noticed…” He looked longingly out the window. “June was with you.”

“Yes.” Livia gave a singular nod. “And?”

“I knew, when she left, that she had found somewhere else… I never thought it would be with you.”

“Me, Matt, the rest of our friends.” Livia waved a dismissive hand.

“How is she?”

Livia’s jaw nearly dropped. Instead, she laughed at the audacity.

“You asked me to stay for a private discussion, and it was to ask how my kid is?” Livia was baffled. “Where do you get off?”

“I raised her.”

“You weaponized her. You drugged her. You manipulated her.” Livia spat, anger flooding her veins with a familiar heat.

“I saved her from that infernal place!” He lightly banged a fist against the table.

“You were no better.” She hissed.

“You turned her against me!”

“You did that yourself!”

A heavy silence fell over the table. Out of habit, Livia looked for Matt. He was seated at the counter, angled towards her. He offered a small, proud smile.

“She’s grown up so much…” Fisk said sadly.

“She has.” Livia agreed flatly. “Even has a boyfriend.”

“A boyfriend?”

“The guy makes her happy.” Livia shrugged. “He’s good for her.”

Fisk stared quietly, waiting for Livia to add something else. He wanted a name or something identifying but Livia wasn’t stupid enough to put Joaquin in that type of potential danger. After a few awkward moments, Fisk got the hint.

“And her… ability?”

“Controlled, without pills.”

He nodded slowly. “I always knew she’d be strong enough one day.”

“Oh, for the love of…” Livia mumbled.

“She didn’t want to stay, did she?”

“Can you blame her?”

“No… No, I suppose not. I did care for her as my own.”

“Yes, well, that doesn’t work well for you. Does it? How’s Maya?”

He scoffed to himself before finally meeting Livia’s scrutinizing gaze. “Can you tell her I’d like a chance to talk?”

“You deployed her as a weapon and kept her in a drugged out state for the entirety you had her. Why do you think she’d want to?”

“Please. I’d like her to see how I’ve changed. I’ve reached out on my own before but she never responded.”

“Don’t you think that’s an answer on its own?”

Livia squinted slightly, examining the look on his face. There was longing in his eyes. Livia couldn’t deny that. She could feel the way he missed her. While she didn’t think he was worth the air he breathed, she wouldn’t make that decision for June.

June was old enough to decide who she wanted to keep around.

“I will relay the message.” Livia gave a short nod. “The rest is up to her.”

“Thank you, Alivia… I know that you don’t agree.”

“I trust she’ll do what’s best for her. But I won’t lie to her. If she asks my opinion, I’ll give it truthfully.”

“I’d expect nothing less.”

She tapped the table in a closing gesture before she stood. “Tell Buck I’m sure I’ll be seeing him.”

“Ah, yes. You made quite the impression on him.”

“I usually do. Keeps things interesting, at least.”

Fisk chuckled as Livia left. Matt met her at the door with his arm extended for her. Easily, she took it and the two fell into stride.

“You believe him?” She asked. She had no real idea what they talked about but it seemed the appropriate question. “Any of it.”

“I have hope.” Matt answered.

“Hope.” Livia repeated. “He really hates us though, doesn’t he?”

Matt laughed slightly. “Can’t blame him. We aren’t all that friendly towards him.”

“Can’t blame us on that.” Livia defended. “What do you think about him seeing June?”

“I think you were right and it’s up to her. She’s a lot stronger than most give her credit for. She’s been through a lot.”

“We all have… I don’t want her to go but-“

“But you can’t not give her the option.” Matt finished. “Have a little faith, Liv. She’s a smart girl.”

“Yeah…”

“Hey.” He shook her arm slightly. “No matter what, she’ll be safe.”

“He’ll target vigilantes. I’m not the only one.” Livia said. The worry in her words was no secret. “We’re all at risk if he gets the office.”

“Maybe…” He stopped walking, pulled her to stop with him. He made sure she spun to face him before speaking again. “Maybe this is a sign for you to hang it up, too.”

“I don’t believe in signs.”

“I do.”

“You don’t understand, Matt. I can’t. Everything I’ve overcome has been because of that. What do I have if not my suit? Who am I without that?”

“You’re Alivia Yersova.” He tucked his cane under his arm and put both hands on her face. “You’re our Livvy. That’s all we ever need you to be.”

Livia wanted that to be all she needed to be. It just wasn’t enough to keep everyone she cared about safe. However, she knew better than to say that to Matt. Instead, she simply smiled and nodded before she moved his hands off her face. He walked her the rest of the way home in relative silence, only a bit of small talk every so often.

It was a glimpse as to what her new normal was going to be. She and Matt were different. Those years during the Blip put more distance than she thought.

She would adjust. She always did, but it’d hurt like hell until then.

Days started to blur together after that. Go to work, hardly talk to Matt, look over her shoulder on her way home, make dinner, go to bed. It was the same thing over and over until one night, she just needed to be out.

She just needed to be under the moon and think.

June was on a video call with Joaquin, gossiping about whatever new expedition Sam Wilson was beginning. Livia was intrigued but not enough to ask any questions. Instead she left a plate of food for June in the oven and went out for a walk.

She purposely walked away from the massive screens in Times Square. She ran her finger over the scar in her hair, catching the audio of the broadcast for a little while. Of course, Fisk was presenting himself as a humble man of the people, indebted to the masses that elected him.

Livia rolled her eyes as she ducked into the subway. As she got deeper underground, her implant lost connection. She was thankful as she shut it off. Every word from Fisk was like a hot poker in her chest.

She didn’t trust him. She didn’t like him. She would rather he take a long walk off a short pier. A man with his build had no chance of floating, right?

Her thoughts were all over as she sat for the train ride. Livia didn’t even look to see where the train was headed. She just leaned her head back, breathed out a sigh, and got lost in her head for the millionth time.

Livia thought of how to tell June that Fisk wanted to see her. She intended to mention it before she left, but it seemed like June had barely stabilized by the time Livia got home. She didn’t want to risk that. She thought of texting her, but that felt too impersonal given the circumstances. Livia settled on just telling her in the morning.

When she got off the subway, she climbed to the street and found she had ended up in Washington Heights. She laughed to herself. It was relatively quiet compared to the noise of the Kitchen, especially given the proximity to the Square for the New Year’s celebration. People were still partying but it seemed more intimate, more personal.

Livia liked it. There was a certain warmth to that neighborhood the Kitchen lacked lately.

It wasn’t the Kitchen’s fault, though. A lot of things lacked warmth since Foggy died was killed.

After another hour or so of wandering, Livia’s feet began aching. She made her way back to the subway, after picking up a Snoopy t-shirt for June at a street vendor. The station was mostly deserted except for three men on the platform and another coming from the opposite stairs. At about the same time, Livia and the other man on the stairs realized the three on the platform were fighting.

Livia had no intention of getting involved. She just wanted to get home. Besides, she saw the other man try to break it up. She was willing to admit there was likely some sort of responsibility to help but there was also no one around to hold her accountable to do so.

She sighed to herself and tucked the shirt into her purse before sneaking down the steps. Ensuring her shoes made no sound on the concrete, she got as close as she dared to the scuffle. Livia was careful to keep her face out of view.

The first man who was getting beat up ran off, and Livia was quietly wishing she had done the same. Instead, she watched quietly. The man from the other side, the one she deemed ‘Leather Jacket’,

She watched as Leather Jacket held his own against the other two. The familiar itch to throw a punch lingered on her skin but she tightened a hand into a fist, letting the sensation of her nails digging in keep her in the present moment. She had no mask, no suit, no way to hide. If she was seen in that fight, she’d have no cover.

She focused back at the worst possible time. One of the men was on the floor while the other charged Leather Jacket. The aggressor made no contact with Leather Jacket but he did trip over his friend.

A subway plowing through a human body made less sound than Livia would’ve guessed.

At that point, she had no choice but to move. She was quick to yank off her heels and run back to street level. She could hear something about NYPD, but she didn’t stop. She didn’t turn back. She left Leather Jacket to take the fall for the scuffle but she felt no guilt in that. She hadn’t gotten involved and for once, she was glad she looked the other way.

She mentally wished the guy luck but didn’t stop.

Livia hailed a taxi to get home. She left the tee on June’s vanity before changing and dropping into bed. As soon as she hit her mattress, she fell asleep.

The next morning, June was up first. She was making pancakes.

“You got home late.” June commented. “Spending time reconciling with a certain twin flame?”

“Twin flame?” Livia laughed, coming around June for the coffee pot. “Don’t those burn out and not end up together?”

“Not always.” June pointed at Livia with the spatula. “But they do have deep soul ties and stay in each other’s lives.”

“Is this your new thing, the spiritual and mystical stuff? Livia laughed her way to the table.

“We’re getting off track! Were you with Matt last night?”

“No. I just wandered.” Livia shrugged. “But there is something I want to talk to you about. At the diner, Fisk asked about meeting up with you.”

June froze. “Why? I didn’t want to see him before. What makes him think I’d want to see him now?”

“He wants to show you he’s turned a new leaf, I guess. He was genuine about it. I could tell that much.”

“Well, I don’t care.” She carefully shook her head. “You saw what happened at the diner. There’s no way I can face him, not right now.”

“You don’t have to explain yourself to me. I just said I’d mention it to you.”

The topic died after that. Neither of them brought it up again. Livia decided if it would ever come up again, it’d be at June’s discretion. Truthfully, she didn’t care one way or the other if June ever spoke to Fisk again. So long as it was her decision, Livia would support her.

The next few days went on as usual.

When the two women walked into the office one morning, they found Matt and Kirsten at court. Livia frowned, checking their shared schedules. She hadn’t realized an arraignment had been added to the calendar. June shrugged as well.

Neither of them knew.

Livia blew it off. Her and Matt had been in and out of favor with each other since he started seeing Heather. June still hated the woman, claiming she was trying to ‘step-mom’ her. Livia didn’t think Heather had been around long enough for that but she wasn’t going to argue a moot point with her. If June felt slighted, she’d make sure the world knew it. Even if Livia wouldn’t say it, she admired the way June would dig in her heels when it suited her. She liked that the girl was stubborn, which made her harder to bully.

It wasn’t until Livia saw it on a news headline did she understand where Matt was.

He was defending Leather Jacket from the subway platform.

Of course he is.

She didn’t see Matt in the office that day. It didn’t bother her as much as she expected. She had gotten a little more used to it day by day. She didn’t like that she had adjusted but she knew it was better. If she didn’t, she’d stay stuck in some emotional rut for who knew how long.

It’d be the death of her and she’d died enough.

Later that night, her and June were back at their apartment.

“Have you heard from Matt today?” June asked, looking at her phone with a frown.

“No.” Livia answered honestly. “Something wrong?”

“Yeah, we were supposed to go to a movie tonight. He hasn’t called or texted or anything… Do you think he’s okay?”

“I’m sure he’s fine. He probably just got caught up in that new case he took on. Did you see it in the news?”

“Oh, the cop-killer?”

“Alleged.” Livia reminded her. “Matt wouldn’t take it unless he knew otherwise.”

“Right, right.” June nodded. “Oh, J’s calling. Can you call Matt while I take this?”

Livia waved June away and she practically skipped into her bedroom, grinning from ear to ear. When she came back, Livia would have to ask when she’d get to meet the infamous J.

For the moment, she settled for calling Matt.

“Hey, everything alright?” He answered.

Livia could hear muffled conversations in the background.

“Sorry, are you out somewhere?” She asked.

“Yeah, but… What’s going on?”

“You forgot.” Livia understood.

“Wait, forgot what?”

“June said something about you and her going to a movie tonight.” Livia’s free hand clenched into a tight fist. It was the only leash she had on her annoyance, which was teetering into anger. “You blew her off, Matt.”

“No, I didn’t. I forgot, yes, but I wouldn’t do that to her. You know that.” He defended. “Look, with this new case-“

“An arguably stupid case to take on.” Livia muttered. “You picked a PR nightmare, by the way.”

“You did the same thing when you wanted to take on Frank’s case.”

“That was more so just to piss you off.”

“Anyways. I’ll call June in a few minutes and explain. She’ll understand.”

Livia opened her mouth to respond but she heard another voice in the background. She had yet to meet the woman but it didn’t take a genius to figure out he was with Heather.

“You’re on a date.” Livia nodded in realization. She heard him excuse himself and shuffle a few feet away from his table. “No wonder. Maybe June’s on to something.”

“And what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing, just…” She took a steadying breath, forcing the anger down for the moment. A cool apathy helped smother it. “I’ll make an excuse for you. It’s fine.”

“Wait. That’s it? You’re not gonna yell at me or argue with me? Not gonna tell me I’m hurting her feelings or anything?”

“What’s the point? You’re an adult and I’m sure you know how she’ll take this. You care about June, right?”

“Yes, of course I do. You know that.”

“Okay. Make sure you make this up to her then, because this will hurt her feelings.”

A beat of relatively awkward silence passed over the two. Matt was thinking, Livia was just barely keeping a leash on her prowling anger. She was about to end the call when Matt spoke again.

“Liv?” He said. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

“Yeah, just tired.” She lied easily.

“Usually you’d chew my head off for this.” He tried to joke. “What’s wrong?”

Everything.

“Nothing. Enjoy the rest of your date. I’m sorry I interrupted.”

“You didn’t-“

Livia hung up. She blew out a heated sigh, releasing the warmth clawing beneath her skin. Under her clothes, Livia felt a slight sweat from the sudden burst. She opened and closed her fists, hearing her fingers lightly pop. After a few moments, the heat dissipated and her mood flatlined.

“Idiot.” She whispered and shook her head. Though she wasn’t sure if the comment was directed at herself or Matt. “Junebug?” Livia called.

June opened her door and popped her head out.

“He’s gotta take a rain check.”

She frowned and stepped out to see Livia better, phone still in hand. “Did at least he say why?”

“Something about the case.” She offered.

“Are you lying?”

“Does it matter?”

June studied Livia for a minute. She met her roommate’s scrutiny without letting any emotion show on her face. June read whatever subtle hints remained and she came across the room to Livia’s side.

Livia couldn’t help the curiosity and looked towards June’s phone screen. She saw the side profile of her boyfriend, accessorized with a backwards hat and a gaming headset. He was intently focused on his game, saying something towards it. Either June had him muted or she had an earbud in.

June put her phone down and wrapped her arms around Livia. Livia gave a noise of surprise, having been lost in her visual assessment of June’s choice of man, which Livia had to admit wasn’t a bad choice, and tensed slightly.

“We can watch a movie here instead.” June offered, still holding onto Liv. She squeezed her tighter for a moment as a silent demand to hug her back. “Joaquin’s busy anyway.”

“A video game doesn’t count as being busy.” Livia laughed and hugged the girl back. June’s embrace was warm as ever, comfortable and welcome unlike the warmth in Livia. “It’s okay, kiddo. You don’t have to rearrange anything for my sake.”

“I’m not.” She pulled back, offering an expression of offense. “This is for me. He blew me off. And I’d bet money-“

“Do you have money to bet?” Livia chimed in. The joke earned her a short-lived glare.

“Fine. I’d bet your money it’s not about the case. I mean, sure, he’s trying to find the other guy on the platform but I don’t know if he will.”

“Other guy?” Livia felt a jolt down her spine.

“Yeah, I guess he asked Cherry to find the guy Hector says he was defending.”

Livia wondered how pale she had gone. If they find the guy, and the guy saw Livia, he could recognize her. What would that do to the case? To the firm’s reputation? To the firm itself? What kind of trouble could they all get into?

“Why do you look like that?” June asked carefully, her brows furrowing deeply. “What do you know?”

“We’ll talk about it tomorrow with Matt.” She tried her most easygoing smile. “What do you say, you pick a movie and I have something sweet delivered?”

Hesitantly, June agreed. She went off to end her call and find a film while Livia ordered the sweets.

The next day, they waited for Matt in the conference room. Kirsten popped in and out for Livia’s opinion on this or that. June added some insight as well and it always made Livia proud to see how June absorbed and understood the environment she was working in. At that point, Livia was convinced June could pass the Bar exam.

After what felt like an eternity, she got a hold of Matt. When he answered the phone, he didn’t say much. He didn’t even say hello. He just told her an address and hung up on her.

The lack of tact told her that he was about to get into something he probably shouldn’t.

Livia left all her gear at home, save for her gloves. She wanted to pad her knuckles just in case it got physical. Both of them potentially going around the office with busted knuckles was sure to raise questions.

“Hey.” She caught him on his way up the stairs. “What are we doing here?”

“The guy on the platform, the one Hector saved.” Matt rushed a quiet explanation. “Cops are coming for him. We need to get him out first.”

“Will he actually testify?”

“His options are probably to testify or take a bullet to the head.”

“He could take a bullet either way.” Livia reached for

Matt’s arm at the top of the landing. “If he doesn’t want to talk, you have to keep him alive.”

She spared a fleeting thought for the men that she collected for witnesses that ended up dead. Jasper Evans, shot in the head at the Bulletin. Ray Nadeem, shot in the head in his own backyard. And despite it not being directly her fault, she thought of Sam Stein, stabbed to death on a rooftop.

“You can’t…” She trailed off. A new weight of grief settled in her stomach and stole the rest of the words from her.

As if he knew, Matt took her other hand, the one not gripping his jacket sleeve, and gave a gentle squeeze. He nodded before giving her a small tug to walk with him.

“You don’t have to stay.” He offered as he let her go so he could knock.

Livia was already reaching into her pocket for her gloves. “When have I ever abandoned you before a fight?”

“Who is it?” The man on the other side called out.

“My name is Matthew Murdock. I’m a lawyer.” Matt answered before facing Livia. He spoke quietly and quickly to her. “Maybe now’s the time to start.”

“I never was good at walking away.” She mumbled, then took a deep breath before speaking to the man behind the door. “We’re with the firm representing Hector Ayala, the man who saved your ass on that platform.”

Matt elbowed her slightly, hitting the precisely unstable point. She clenched her jaw tightly and bit back the acknowledgment of the ever present pain as Matt continued talking. Whatever he said convinced the man.

Once Livia heard the chain fall away, she shouldered through the opening door. The man startled, flinching away from her as Matt was quick on her heels. She left the men to talk while she peeked into the adjoining rooms.

As expected, the man was alone. Livia came back into the main room where the men were still going back and forth. Just by the yellow haze around the man, Livia thought he had said his name was Nicky, it wasn’t likely Matt could convince him with words.

“I know you were there.” Livia said flatly. Both men whirled on her so fast she thought they’d both get whiplash. “I saw you. You were getting jumped by two guys. Hector came from the opposite set of stairs.”

“How do you-“ Nicky started before Livia held up a hand to silence him.

“Your options are to come with us, help save another man’s life, and we get you set up someplace safe. Or we can walk out this door and let the cops that are currently storming this building have you… Think about it quickly.”

“I don’t even know who you are!” Nicky tried.

“What do you think?” Livia asked Matt. “Thirty seconds?”

“Twenty as best.” Matt countered and grabbed Nicky by the arm, pushing him to the fire escape.

Livia waited by the door. When the cops finally knocked, she knocked back to mess with them. The small joke brought a smile to her lips, especially when she felt the jolt of anger through the wall. She wanted to laugh but settled for the grin.

Matt gestured for her to unlock it. She did so carefully, ensuring the deadbolt made no sound, then she crossed the room to stand with Matt. She put a hand on his shoulder out of habit and his arm came loosely around her waist. It’d be an odd scene for the cops to find, but Livia wasn’t thinking of that.

She was more tuned in to the familiar buzz of adrenaline seeping into her muscles. Once the first cop put hands on her to push her aside, the tight knot of tension was ready to snap. Matt motioned for her to wait, even as the cop slammed him against the wall.

She noticed the tattoo on the cop’s wrist, a replica of the Punisher logo.

Oh, Frank would love that.

Any restraint she had broke as soon as the cop threw the first punch. The second cop hurried to join his buddy once Matt dropped but Livia was faster.

She stepped to block his path and let him grab the front of her sweater. She let him pull her close, even stepping into the man’s space. Once she was within striking distance, she slammed her head forward. Her forehead hit the man’s nose hard enough to bleed but not hard enough to break.

That was a fine line she learned to tread years ago.

That cop stumbled away, too focused on collecting the blood than what Livia was up to. She grabbed the other cop by the hood of his jacket and spun him to face her. She pulled the hood over head and down, forcing him to double over. She then drove her knee into his solar plex before he could get any grip on her. He coughed and wheezed as all the air left his lungs with force.

She considered a second and third assault, but she decided to help Matt up instead. She got him to his knees and he kept a hand on her shoulder. When she turned back to the cops, she was staring down the wrong end of a pistol.

One. Two. Three heartbeats passed before Matt jumped into action. He knocked the gun away from Livia’s forehead and focused on that officer so Livia attacked the other.

She pushed forward, slamming her shoulder into the officer’s stomach. He staggered back a few steps before a heavy elbow hit Livia’s spine. She locked her hands and threw her body weight to the side, twisting them until the cop hid the floor hard. She leaned a knee against the center of his chest before throwing her full weight into punches.

One. Two. Three. Four swings to his cheek before Livia was tossed aside. Habitually, she reached for the back of her belt once she landed in a low crouch but came up empty. That was probably for the best. Killing a cop wouldn’t be a good look.

As the cop charged her, she was quick to reposition and allow herself to slide between his legs. She reached as she slid and caught him by the ankle. She closed her fist around the slack of his pants and yanked, forcing him to hit the ground at full force. Livia turned to check on Matt, fully engaged in his own fight, but the small distraction would cost her.

When she faced the officer again, he had taken advantage of the fact she had turned away and drew his gun. But he didn’t fire. Instead, he snatched her up by the front of her sweater and pistol whipped her. She felt the skin of her cheek split and she couldn’t help the laugh.

The sound drew Matt’s attention and before she knew it, Matt hauled the officer away and began his own beatdown of the man. In the meantime, Livia got to her feet and wiped the slow blood stream away.

She found Matt’s glasses discarded on the ground. She bent to pick them up and found the officer Matt was originally fitting was pushing to his hands and knees. A sadistic grin crossed her lips before she slammed the heel of her foot against the man’s temple. He fell limp just as Matt was finishing his fight.

She offered his glasses and together, they left the apartment, but not before Matt let out a scream of frustration. She felt something in him rattle.

They walked in silence, for the most part. Livia had tucked her gloves away before she linked her arm through Matt’s. Her free hand poked gently at the split in her cheek, coming back wet with blood. She frowned at the sight.

“You okay?” He finally asked when they reached her building.

“Yeah, it’s not that bad.” She shrugged. “Are you?”

“Yeah.” He breathed. “Why do you ask?”

“You just feel off, I guess. It’s probably nothing…”

“I feel off?” He sounded amused.

“I know you didn’t want to do that. I heard you whispering, asking them not to start a fight.”

“But you expected one. You had your gloves.”

“Actually, I was just worried about what you had gotten into. I didn’t care if there was or wasn’t a fight.”

“Still, Liv.”

“Our new coworkers aren’t as understanding or open-minded as Karen and Foggy, okay? I didn’t think both of us having split knuckles was a good idea.”

“Now your cheek is split open instead.”

“It’ll heal by morning.” She shrugged.

A beat of silence, comfortable for the first time in a while, but Matt cracked half a smile.

“You were worried about me, huh?” He asked teasingly.

“You have a habit of finding trouble.” She patted his cheek gently. “See you at work?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He nodded. “Hey, did you ever tell June about what Fisk wanted?”

“We’ll talk tomorrow.” She smiled slightly. It wasn’t hard to piece together that he wanted to keep her there, keep her talking. They hadn’t exactly had much in terms of socializing anymore. It was easier to lose him, to give him up and walk away. She always knew that. Turning her back was easier than fighting for it when it came to love or relationships. But she didn’t want all the time she spent feeling something for him to waste. She didn’t want to face the end of the road with him, not yet.

Maybe not ever.

“Gives you and I a reason to actually show up.” She gave his arm a quick pat before turning away.

She was heading to the steps when she felt Matt’s cane across her chest to stop her.

“You told Nicky you knew he was there.” Matt spoke carefully.

“I did.” She nodded, not looking back as she pushed his cane out of her way.

“You’re a witness.”

“Hardly.”

“Livia.”

“No one else saw me there.”

“Why didn’t you say anything before?”

“When?” She shrugged. “We haven’t exactly had overlapping schedules lately.”

“We could’ve had you take the stand.”

“Think of the way that would look. Hector didn’t see me there. Nicky hardly noticed me. That cop definitely didn’t see me… Any and all credibility would be lost.”

“You didn’t fight?”

“No.” She scoffed. “It was just a scuffle. Whatever Hector’s telling you is the truth. He didn’t push that officer.”

“I know.”

“And you’re sure Nicky’s safe till he testifies?”

“I trust Cherry.”

“I don’t.” She said probably too quickly. If there was going

to be an officer on the roster, retired or otherwise, she would’ve wanted Brett Mahoney. That was a cop she could always trust. “But I trust you so for now, that’s enough.” She added before heading up the stairs and leaving the conversation at that.

Two days later, she was dressed in one of her better work outfits. June, however, came out in the Snoopy t-shirt and jeans.

“No.” Livia pointed back down the hall.

“What?”

“You can’t wear that today. Go get dressed.”

“I am dressed! June argued, gesturing to herself. “Shirt. Pants. Shoes. Gloves.” She threw her hands forward and wiggled her covered fingers. “What else do I need?”

“Go get dressed for court.” Livia explained.

“What? No one told me we had court today!”

“Technically, we don’t. Matt does and we’re going.”

June pulled a face. “Since when do you care how Hector’s case goes?”

“Since today. Matt has the guy from the platform.” Livia answered. “Now change or you’re on your own for a ride.”

June wrinkled her nose in disapproval before spinning on her heel. She mumbled something about hating ordering a ride and how she wished she had been told ahead of

time. There was also a quick ‘If you guys don’t get back together after this…’ that Livia didn’t catch the rest of.

Livia shook her head with a small smile. She didn’t see it as likely but June was dead set on Matt and Livia ending up back together. He was with Heather and he seemed happy. That was what Livia wanted after all.

Wasn’t it?

She shook the thought away. It was the first step down a long spiral that she couldn’t afford.

Her head was just about leveled out. She could look at herself in the mirror and not hate her reflection. She could breathe and not feel a burn in her lungs. She could eat and not be immediately sick. The guilt had mostly worked out of her system, though every so often a familiar song or show or small thing would remind her of Foggy. It’d make her throat constrict and her stomach would sink. There were still times where she would open their text thread and send a message, knowing there’d be no answer. She dreaded the day she did that and the number was reassigned.

June came out in time to save her from that snowball of thoughts. The young woman held her arms out to the sides and did a little spin to show off her outfit. Livia laughed at the display.

Together, they rode to the courthouse, after stopping for a quick breakfast and coffee. Neither of them wanted to be hungry and uncaffeinated for that day.

They took a seat towards the back of the gallery. Livia sat in the aisle seat so she could study the squadron of cops taking up an entire side. Carefully, she reached out with her ability. Most seemed like decent people, men and women actually committed to serving and protecting New York. But of course, there were some that she could feel were off and of those specific ones, there were visible copycat Punisher logo tattoos.

“When’s the last time you heard from your uncle?” Livia whispered to June.

“Frank?” June’s brows furrowed. Livia nodded towards one of the tattoos, poking out of one of the officer’s collars, and June’s eyes went wide. “Oh, that’s not…”

“Mhmm.”

After a few minutes' delay, Matt’s witness showed up. As soon as he walked in, Livia felt it was going to go wrong. He was afraid. He was intimidated.

He was compromised.

Livia propped an elbow on the pew’s armrest and leaned her chin to her hand. She tapped her pointer finger against her temple rhythmically, essentially pulling the fear out of him. She watched the yellow haze shift away from him, staggering and jerking towards her, but she didn’t want it. She spun her finger discreetly until the haze became more of a ball, then she brought her thumb and forefinger together to squish it.

Still, taking his fear wasn’t enough. He denied his presence at the subway station. Livia felt her heart drop and Matt’s frustration took over. She didn’t blame him. Everything for his case hinged on Nicky’s cooperation.

The smugness of the cops nearly made Livia do something. Knowing that, June reached over and took Livia’s hand firmly. It didn’t take a genius to recognize what June was doing. She was asking Livia to stand down. With a sigh, Livia cracked her neck and settled back in.

Matt needed a new tactic and fast.

Later that night at the office, everyone was sitting in the conference room to find a new defense.

“This would be easier if there was a second witness.” Matt sighed, turning in Livia’s direction.

“Yeah, if only.” She said sarcastically.

“Why not put Hector on the stand?” June offered when nothing else was viable.

“Just let him tell his story and the jury’ll see who he really is.” Livia agreed. “If Frank Castle had cooperated, it would’ve worked with him. I don’t see why it won’t work here.”

“He’s innocent.” Matt nodded. “He gets up there and tells the truth… That's all we can do.”

“It’ll work.” Livia promised.

So the next day, Hector took the stand. Livia and June took a seat closer to the front, with the Ayala family. She kept her hands in her lap, twiddling her thumbs to keep every emotion flatlined. As mumbles erupted through his words, she had to push a little harder. She had to unclasp her hands subtly sweep it away.

“Matt, don’t do this.” Kirsten insisted.

Livia focused on the trial, meeting Kirsten’s eyes briefly. She recognized that look.

Panic.

When she focused on Matt, she saw him holding up a white mask, a portrayal of a tiger.

“Oh, shit.” Livia gasped.

She knew him. She’d worked with that vigilante on a few occasions, stopping a few altercations every now and then. It wasn’t much, especially considering the distance between burroughs, but there was enough overlap that she recognized the costume.

The White Tiger was an ally, albeit a rare one.

“Matthew!” Livia hissed.

At least her voice got through to him. He faced her but showed no regret. She shook her head, speechless, while the judge called Matt and Hochberg to his chambers. She met Hector’s eyes as they passed over her to his wife.

Pain. Fear. Betrayal. Hector Ayala was feeling all of it.

She might be able to testify now.

She went with Matt that night to see Hector. She sat quietly on the other side of the cell while the two spoke. Hector was right to say it wasn’t Matt’s choice to tell that secret. Matt warned Hector couldn’t be his vigilante alter ego again. Hector said it was part of who he was and Livia related to him in that sense.

Exodus had become so ingrained into who she was, she couldn’t abandon it. The persona was her reclamation of herself so long ago, of finding power and identifying in the faceless assassin the Red Room and its teachers tried to turn her into. It was her strength. It was her rebellion.

It was her, plain and simple.

“What about you? Why are you here?”

Livia looked up and found Hector looking at her.

“Tú me sabes.” Livia began carefully. Hector’s brows furrowed but said nothing. “Es complicado pero la verdad.” (You know me… It’s complicated but true.)

Livia could’ve spoken in English. She had weighed the decision on the trip over, but the guards couldn’t be trusted. Any one of them could be friends with Powell or could bear the Punisher’s logo as a self-proclaimed hero. The likelihood of the officers being bilingual was less so she chose Spanish. Thankfully, Hector didn’t outwardly question it.

“¿Cómo?” (How?)

“Quiero ayudarte. ¿Recuerdas cuando la mujer fue a encontrar a su hijo? Y ella dice que la policía no puede ayudarse…” She watched the recognition cross his face. “Pues, tal vez ella es mi prima o mi mejor amiga.” (I want to help you. Do you remember the woman that went to find her son? And she said that the police couldn’t help her… Well, maybe she’s my cousin or my best friend.)

“¿Quieres mentir?” (You want to lie?)

She lifted a nonchalant shoulder. “No es la primera vez, mi amigo.” (It’s not the first time, my friend.)

“Hmm.” He nodded. “Why should I trust you?”

“Because I know you’re innocent. I saw everything…”

“No… No, it was just the guy, Nicky.”

“Look, it’s a long story but I have a talent for getting in and out undetected.”

“Then why not come forward earlier?”

“Because of him.” She nodded to Matt. “Our relationship would almost immediately give this case grounds for a mistrial.”

“Him?” Hector almost laughed. “¿Novio?” (Boyfriend?)

Livia shook her head.

“¿Esposo?” (Husband?)

“No. Solo un amigo. Es el fin amigo que tengo de la universidad… El otro murió.” (Only a friend. He’s the last friend that I have from college. The other died.)

“Lo siento.” (I’m sorry.)

“We’re getting off topic here.” Matt chimed in. Livia almost forgot he was there. “Livia and I have worked together for a long time. The judge knows that. If she testified before, someone could’ve said that I gave her the details of what to say.”

“Anything I say now will be my own experience, just a different perspective.” Livia continued. “I can’t say that I’ve worked with you. That has gotten enough people killed. I can’t risk it again.”

“That what took your other friend?”

“Yeah…” She turned her focus to Matt for the next sentence. “And I know he was wrong to share your secret.” She looked back to Hector. “But we might be able to make this work. Do you trust us?”

Hector nodded.

The next day, Matt and Kirsten spent the morning prepping her. They went over the story she’d tell several times, making sure she had her details right.

“Hochberg is going to come down hard in cross.” Kirsten warned. “He knows exactly who you are and he’s probably going to come for your objectivity.”

“I’m not scared of him.” Livia nodded.

“Whatever happens, Liv, you cannot let him trip you up.” Matt insisted.

“Well aware, Matt. Thank you.”

“I’m just saying, whatever you say up there has to be consistent.”

“And it will be. Unless you’d rather I tell June the story and we can put her on the stand.”

He met your sarcasm with a challenging expression of his own.

“I’ll have it all under control.” She smiled innocently.

Her and June rode together to the courthouse. Livia left June sitting with the Ayala family as she took the stand. The judge - she never could remember that man’s name - and Hochberg both offered smothered eye rolls. Kirsten did the questioning, sticking to the questions they had discussed. She was on her way home from a vintage record store, picking up a gift for her roommate. (There was already a credit card purchase to support the story.) She was walking because she couldn’t get a cab to stop. A man tried to take the record, demanded her purse. She tried to fight but the man pulled a blade. That’s when White Tiger showed up.

Granted, that story didn’t exactly happen. Livia had encountered a knife-point robbery one night and Hector did show up to help, but she wasn’t the victim. It was some other brunette woman. Livia remembered the way the woman trembled as she got her into a cab.

Livia’s hands were in her lap, fingers idly spinning to keep emotions calm. She didn’t need to use much energy to maintain the stillness, not like during Frank’s trial. She considered having some fun and toying Hochberg for cross, but she doubted it would go over well with Matt.

“Ms. Yersova.” Hochberg smiled as he stood. It was the kind of smile that implied he was setting a trap. Livia inclined her head to be polite. “What do you do for work?”

“I’m a defense attorney.” She said honestly.

“What firm?”

Livia pushed her tongue against the inside of her cheek, as if the question frustrated her or cornered her. Of course it didn’t. She’d expected it.

“I work with Mr. Murdock and associates.”

“And have you collaborated on this case?”

“My only contribution was agreeing with our paralegal’s suggestion to let Hector take the stand, which was after Nicky Torres was compromised.”

“But you all work in the same office?”

“Yes.”

“So you had to have heard him working on this case?”

“It’s a pretty big office.”

“Have you been in the gallery?”

“Once, when it was revealed Mr. Ayala was the White Tiger.”

“Are you telling me that you’d never seen this man before?” He pointed over to Hector.

Livia cocked her head, not bothering to hide the smirk. “Counselor, there’s two men over there. Which are you referring to?”

“Yersova.” The judge warned. “Don’t get smart.”

“It’s a fair question.” Livia shrugged. She could see June smiling in amusement. “Regardless, if you’re referring to Mr. Murdock, I see him quite often. If you’re referring to Mr. Ayala, no, not until the other day.”

“Mhmm.” He nodded, rubbing his jaw. Hochberg was counting on his reputation to put pressure on Livia. The fact that it wasn’t made him have to actually think. “What do you think of vigilantes, Ms. Yersova?”

“They don’t bother me.”

“No?”

“Well, I’m not a criminal, Counselor.” Livia smiled sweetly.

“That’s what the police are for. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“I have a complicated relationship with the system.”

“How so?” He perked up, hearing something he could potentially exploit.

“Clearly, I believe in the law. I’m an attorney and a former federal agent.” She shifted her far to the gaggle of police in the gallery. “I believe that there needs to be accountability, at any level, for those who choose to hurt people and do wrong.”

She turned to the jury. “And I don’t believe Hector Ayala to be that kind of man.”

“Accountability… Weren’t you on the FBI team that was assigned to Wilson Fisk?”

“Objection. Relevance.” Kirsten offered from her table.

“Ms. Yersova opened herself to this line of questioning.” Hochberg countered.

“Sustained.” The judge agreed. “Rephrase or move on.”

“Why’d you leave the FBI if you believe in the system?” Hochberg asked instead.

“It wasn’t what I expected.” She said truthfully. “Respectfully, I have to refuse to answer anything else. Confidentiality and the like.”

“Move on, counselor.” The judge waved his hand.

So Hochberg went over her story again. What did she buy? What weapon did the man have? Did he even have a weapon? Why didn’t she drive? Why didn’t she get a ride? Lastly, everything seemed pretty convenient, didn’t it?

“I had no reason to defend Hector before.” Livia lifted a shoulder in a small shrug. “Murdock recognized something I didn’t. He has a good heart like that. I didn’t care before… But as White Tiger, he helped me get home. He took a few hits that would’ve gotten me. He bled so I didn’t have to. I owed it to him, his wife, his niece, to come here today and try to help the man that helped me. You don’t have to believe me, but you have to understand I’m not the only one with a story like this.”

With that, she was dismissed.

The only acknowledgement of her testimony being any sort of success was Matt giving a subtle nod as she passed.

The next day came the verdict. June insisted the two of them be there ‘to support Hector and his family’. Livia figured it was more curiosity than anything, or just wanted to be there for Matt.

Every verdict of not guilty was a heavy weight lifting off Hector. Livia could feel it in her own chest, a tightness that was loosening every time she heard ‘not guilty’. She breathed a final sigh of relief when the third one came. June squeezed Livia’s hand tighter with each announcement. When she heard the final one, her head dropped to Livia’s shoulder and she laughed quietly in relief.

Matt’s ability in the courtroom really was amazing.

That night, June convinced Livia it was only right to go to Matt’s for dinner. It was something to celebrate after all. With fake reluctance, Livia agreed. But when they showed up, Matt already had company.

“Oh.” Livia’s brows raised when the door opened and Heather was seated at the kitchen counter. “I didn’t think you’d…”

June was on her toes to see over Livia’s shoulder. The woman scoffed and pushed between them to enter the apartment.

“No, June.” Livia reached for June’s arm but the nimble woman slipped away. “We should-“

“I’m not changing our celebration because of her.” June said firmly, louder than necessary.

Livia frowned at her.

“Oh.” Heather said, jumping from her seat. She wiped her hands on the sides of her legs. “We haven’t really met, have we?”

Matt grabbed Livia’s wrist and pulled her inside. Livia wanted to stomp on his toes and run, but leaving June there felt like something she’d get in trouble. Instead, she leaned in towards Matt as he shut the door behind her.

“You should’ve just slammed the door in our faces.” Livia whispered.

“I don’t think June would’ve appreciated that.” He answered in the same low voice with a small smile. “C’mon, Liv. Just try to get to know her… Please?”

The soft expression felt like a punch to the stomach.

“I’m not responsible for anything the ankle biter says or does.” Livia sighed.

“I heard that!” June gasped.

18 notes · View notes

petertingle-yipyip · 17 days ago

Text

ALL THE STARS - BELLAMY BLAKE

i have an idea for a pt2 so the title would make more sense then but anyways i needed something to post

Pairing: Bellamy Blake x Reader

Word Count: 2,365

Summary: When Bellamy suddenly disappears off the Ark, Y/N knows something’s wrong and she knows who to go to for help.

It wasn’t often that Bellamy was able to get away. If it wasn’t something his mom needed, it was something Octavia needed.

You met Octavia by chance. Bellamy’s mom was patching a pair of pants for you and you had swung by to pick them up. It didn’t take a genius to put together what was going on. Your sudden appearance sent the trio into a panic but while Bellamy and his mom were going back and forth about what to do next, you talked to Octavia.

“You’re very pretty.” You said kindly and quietly.

“Thank you.” Her voice was so small, so afraid. “So are you.”

“Thanks.” You smiled and she relaxed a bit. “Has Bellamy ever mentioned me?”

“You’re Y/N?”

“Yeah, I am… And you’re?”

“Octavia… He talks about you all the time.”

“If it’s okay with you, I’d like to come around more and get to know you.” You held your hand out for her to shake. “Least I could do if I'm gonna date your brother.”

She grinned and nodded excitedly, grasping your hand firmly. You laughed slightly and looked up at Bellamy, noting the soft expression he gave you. Wide, enamored eyes with a matching smile.

From there, you would spend the days in their quarters. Four people in the small space had it a bit cramped but you didn’t mind. You liked being welcomed into Bellamy’s family.

On nights he could, Bellamy would come over to your quarters. Since your dad was a ranking Guard member, it was much larger than his and you had a secluded space behind a not-quite-legitimate door for your bedroom, more-so just a few bed sheets pinned together and hung on a rod. It wasn’t complete privacy but it was away from plain sight. That seemed to be his favorite part.

“I missed you.” He murmured against the skin of your neck as your fingers ran through his hair. His own hands were sliding up your sides and under your shirt.

You laughed slightly and shifted under him, causing him to grip your body a little tighter.

“Because we didn’t see each other yesterday.” You joked and he placed a forearm by your head to prop himself up and look down at you.

“You’re so pretty.” You said sweetly, trailing your fingers down his cheek until you gently guided his lips back to yours. “I know what you want, Bellamy… But my dad’ll be back soon.”

“We can be quick.” He offered, damn near pleaded even.

“As tempting as you are, that’s an awkward situation I’d rather avoid.” You countered, laughing to yourself when he fell against you with a huff. “You’re still my favorite.”

“I better be.” He mumbled against you.

It wasn’t long after that that you moved in with Bellamy instead. Octavia had been caught at the masquerade dance and Bellamy’s mother was floated soon after. Your dad wanted you two to break up since Bellamy was kicked out of the Guard but you refused. You stood your ground and insisted that you wouldn’t leave him.

After about a year of living together, you were heading to your next training when Bellamy cut you off.

“Hey, can we talk?” He rushed, hands fidgeting and eyes darting around.

“Everything okay, Bell?” You asked carefully, grabbing his arm to pull him aside.

“I just wanted to see you.” He offered a fake, tight smile. “Before I…”

“Before you…?” You trailed off. “Should I be worried?”

“Mr. Blake?” Shumway said from a few feet away. “We really need to-“

“What’s going on?” You cut the man off. “Does my dad know about this?”

“No.” Bellamy answered quickly and your eyes turned onto him. “Nobody does, I just… I’m sorry. May we meet again.”

“May we…? Bellamy, wait. Where are you-” You tried but he placed a quick kiss to your cheek and disappeared.

Little did you know, he would really disappear.

“Dad?” You ran through the halls until you found your father talking to Kane. “Dad, I haven’t seen Bellamy for a few days. Have you heard anything?”

For days, your mind had been reeling. He was so strange last time you talked to him. Could he have gotten in trouble? Was he in lockup? Or worse, had he been floated?

The first time you had the thought, you broke down and cried alone in the gym.

“Y/N.” Kane smiled and you were momentarily distracted from your worry. “Just the girl we were looking for.”

“She wouldn’t know about this.” Your dad defended. “None of it. She’s not even committed as a cadet yet.”

“This isn’t about me anyways. Someone can’t just disappear off the Ark.” You continued talking to your dad but you caught a glimpse of the tablet he held, displaying both Bellamy and Octavia’s photos. “He hasn’t come home since…”

“Since?” Kane asked.

“Since lockup was closed.” You snapped, not looking away from your dad. “Is he in some sort of trouble?”

“I’m sure he’s fine.” Your dad tried to comfort but it came off as forced. “I’ll do what I can to help later tonight, okay?”

“Yeah, okay.” You nodded, though the words did nothing

to help the worry in your chest. “Thanks, Dad.”

As you were walking away, you caught an interesting line.

The 100 have an assassin in their midst.

Your brain raced through questions but no answers. Who were the 100? Why would he be with them? Was Bellamy the so-called assassin? Why would he do that? Who would he want dead? What if Shumway knew something?

From there, you found your only friend that had someone important in lockup and would probably know some of the answers.

“Rave!” You called out as you found her. “Hey.” You smiled.

“Hey.” She returned the grin. “How’ve you been? Haven’t really seen you since you moved in with Lover Boy.”

“Take a walk with me, yeah?” You asked and hoped your face would relay the urgency. You knew it did when she nodded quietly.

“Everything okay?” She asked carefully.

“You know what’s going on with lockup?” You asked instead. “I was gonna go visit someone but it’s closed.”

“Yeah, Abby said it’s some outbreak.” She shrugged and you offered a pointed look. “That’s what she told me.”

“But is it true?”

“Is it true Bellamy Blake shot Jaha?”

“What?” Your head whipped towards her.

“Surprised you hadn’t heard yet. I figured your dad would’ve told you first.”

“No… But that explains why Kane was about to look for me. It explains nothing else but…”

It answered two of your questions, that he allegedly shot Jaha and it was likely Shumway set him up. Though, without proof, you’d be calling out a senior Guardsmen unprovoked.

“Wait, what does that have to do with lockup?”

“Timing.” You shrugged. “Bellamy knows someone in lockup so I was hoping he got caught up in the closure but if it wasn’t even true, then I don’t know anymore.”

“Do you think…” She trailed off as a pair of Guards passed. “Alright, lockup is closed because no one’s there.” She spoke quietly, a harsh hushed sound nearly drowned out by the idle humming of the Ark. “They sent 100 of the underage prisoners to the Ground.”

Another pair of answers. Bellamy would be with the 100 because Octavia would be one of the 100. He’d do anything to protect his sister.

“I thought it wasn’t safe on Earth.” You spoke in the same low tone.

“It just might be.” She smirked slightly. “And I just might have a way to get down there to find out.”

“Really?” Your brows raised. “What scrap project are you working on then?”

“You help me and I’ll bring you with me… Might not find your man but it’ll be whoever he knew in lockup at least.”

“And it’ll be Finn.” You nudged her shoulder and she laughed before pushing you back. “How was the Space Walker last you saw him?”

“As good as he could be.” She sighed as you two stopped by a nearby window, looking down at the distant planet. “Better now, hopefully.”

“Can you really get us down there?” You asked quietly.

“Please.” She scoffed. “Is there anything I can’t do?”

At that, you laughed.

The next couple days were a wild blur.

You had helped Raven scrounge up parts, enough to - hopefully - make the trip. Hushed rumors of Jaha’s attempted assassination were spreading but at least it failed. It made you feel better to know Bellamy wasn’t a murderer and the sooner you could see him and tell him, hopefully he’d feel better too.

You wondered if he thought about it. If he thought about you. You assumed he was with Octavia on the Ground because, surely if he was on the Ark, he’d have come home to you by now.

So before you knew it, you were strapping yourself in beside Raven for a one way trip to Earth.

Calling the ride rough would’ve been an understatement.

You were sure you’d leave with whiplash, bruises, and a angry split of skin on your forehead where it hit a side panel. You could feel the bruises forming on your collarbones where the seatbelt sat, along the width of your pelvis where the lap belt ran as well. Your hands were gripping the buckle so tightly, you could only

imagine how white your knuckles were. All of that was until you fell victim to unconsciousness.

You glanced around in a panic when you woke. You realized Raven was still passed out beside you so you fought out of your restraints and managed to get your side door open. You wiggled out of the suit and ran around to her side, boots slipping on slick rocks.

You popped her door open and checked the inside of her wrist for a pulse. Easily palpable, strong just like her. You breathed a sigh of relief and a realization finally sunk in.

You were on the Ground.

You took a small step back and turned your face upward, eyes closing at the brightness and warmth of the sun hit your skin. You took a deep breath and smiled widely. You laughed slightly and looked around yourself, admiring

the tall thick trees surrounding your messy landing site.

“More a crash than landing.” You spoke to yourself. “At least we made it.”

The rustling in the trees behind made you spin quickly. You were reaching into one of the pockets for your utility knife when the familiar faces exited the tree line.

“Y/N?” Finn asked and you laughed in relief again. “How did you-“

The sound of his voice seemed to wake Raven. You heard her movement in the pod so you quickly turned back and began to help her out. You noticed the gash on her forehead, an almost mirrored image of yours. Her eyes met yours with a brief question but realization set in.

“We made it?” She asked quietly, pure disbelief in her tone.

“Thanks to you.” You smiled. “C’mon, you’ve got a visitor.”

You helped her out and steadied her on her feet before stepping aside and letting Finn take your place. Soon, a blonde you learned to be Clarke came up to you and started asking a million questions. Most of which, you couldn’t answer. She recognized you as your father’s daughter and said your name had been brought up a couple times since they landed.

Your thoughts immediately went to the Blake siblings.

It was clear that her unwavering curiosity was a means to stay distracted while Raven and Finn reconnected. After a few minutes. the small group came back together and Raven explained what started her plan to come down in the first place. The discussion shifted to the radio, which seemed to be missing.

You explained that you hadn’t seen anyone when Clarke insisted someone had gotten there before her and Finn. The two exchanged a knowing glance before running back in the direction they came. You grabbed Raven’s arm and followed as quickly as you could, though Clarke disappeared well ahead of you both.

“Bellamy!” You heard Finn, only a few feet ahead of you. Your heart beat so hard you thought it’d break out of

your chest. “Where’s the radio?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Bellamy said roughly and shoved him back.

You were frozen in quiet shock for a moment while the bickering continued. You stared in awe. You two hadn’t even been apart for that long but it felt like seeing him for the first time. Messy curls falling across his forehead, an unanticipated gruffness to his voice, something harder to his overall features. You were amazed at how much the Ground could’ve changed him. You weren’t snapped out of it until he backed Raven against a tree and she held a blade out to him.

You hurried over and put a hand on Bellamy’s chest to push him back. He looked down at your hand and then you. He was turning away before he did a double take and any focus on Raven or the radio was abandoned. He instantly softened and you were reminded of the Bellamy you knew. The one who’d sneak over to see you when you were both supposed to be working, the one who would stay up late until you came back home even if he had to work early, the one who cared so deeply.

“Y/N?” Your name fell from his lips as a whisper, like a deeply held secret that no one else deserved to know.

He took your face in both hands and you couldn’t help but smile. You nodded quickly as he smiled back, letting out a small sound of relief and amazement.

His arms wrapped around your waist as you threw yours over his shoulders. The embrace was crushing and not enough at the same time. Your hands gripped the material of his jacket. His fingertips dug slightly into your sides.

You didn’t even hear the words being exchanged around you.

You didn’t care.

You had Bellamy back. You had Octavia back. Soon, you’d have your dad.

What else did you need?

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