#and dark in Alivia's case | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

petertingle-yipyip · 3 years ago

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MAD AT GOD - MATT MURDOCK

two - if walls could talk

tags: @linkpk88 // masterlist // one // three //

Pairing: None officially (features M. Murdock/DD x Former Widow!OC / Livia Yersova)

Word Count: 8,340

Summary: Worlds are dangerously close to colliding when Nelson and Murdock are offered an interesting case.

You were sitting on the steps, finishing the chapter you were reading. Not your textbook, no. That bored you far too much. You were reading a novel you heard about in the library.

“I’m blind Matt Murdock!” The man announced, which drew your attention, as he feigned stumbling with a cane.

“Most-“ The other one laughed. “Most people just say Matt Murdock.”

“I look like most people?”

“I don’t know. I can’t see.” He said teasingly.

You couldn’t help but giggle before turning back to your book. Though you listened in as the blond tried to be quiet. He wasn’t trying all that hard.

“Don’t look now, but there is a beautiful girl over there.” He practically yelled as he shot his arm out in front of his friend’s chest to stop his steps. “Reading in near dark for some unknown reason… And! … She laughed.”

“A woman laughed?” The blind one - Matt Murdock - teased. “Stop the presses. This is-“ He laughed. “This is front page news.”

“Come, Matthew!” He announced theatrically before pulling his friend to sit on the steps a few below you.

“To what do I owe the pleasure, Matt Murdock and company?” You asked with a smile and raised brows. “I am very busy. Like you said, I was reading in near dark.”

“Foggy Nelson.” He laughed and held a hand for you to shake.

“Alivia Yersova.” You smiled.

“Hey, why are you reading out here anyway?” Foggy asked, taking your book and handing it to Matt.

“He can’t read that.” You scolded as you took it back.

“Oh, is it…” He leaned in to whisper. “Scandalous!?”

“What?” You laughed, tucking your bookmark and dropping the book to your lap. “He can’t read it because, and I’m quoting you here. He’s ‘blind Matt Murdock’.”

“She’s funny. I like her.” Foggy nodded firmly while wagging a finger at you.

“You gonna follow her to her foreign language class too?” Matt laughed.

“No!” Foggy answered quickly before leaning closer to you. “What foreign language do you take? Just… wondering, yknow. Not related at all.”

“Nada, porque yo no necesitarlo.” You grinned. “Je parle beaucoup de langues.” (Nothing, because I don’t need it. I can speak many languages.)

“Was that Spanish and French?” Matt asked, his interest clear in his tone.

“У тебя хорошее ухо.” You continued. “Me faz pensar o que mais você sabe.” (You have a good ear. Makes me wonder what else you know.)

“Ooh.” He answered, tilting his head as he thought. “Russian and… Portuguese?”

“Sorprendentemente perfetto…” You squinted in suspicion as you leaned a bit closer to him. “Wie viele Sprachen sprichst du?” (Surprisingly perfect… How many languages do you speak?)

“That last bit was German.” Matt laughed.

“And just how fluent are you?”

“Not at all.” He smiled innocently.

“Mhmm.” You leaned back. “I think there’s more to you than this.” You gestured vaguely to him.

“I don’t think you’re so cut and dry yourself, Miss Yersova.”

“Touché, Mr. Murdock.”

“Tell us about you, Alivia.” Foggy chimed in. “What’s a beautiful, smart, funny girl like you doing reading alone?”

You shook your head in amusement and turned to Matt, who was sitting with a wide grin. You felt the confidence radiating off him, but you didn’t need your abilities to do that. There was a lightness about him, this unbothered and carefree joy.

“It’s more peaceful.” You shrugged. “I like to people-watch so it’s two things at once. You guys ever do that?”

“No.” Matt said simply. “I can’t watch anything.”

You laughed and smacked his arm slightly. “Ha ha.” You said sarcastically.

“Those jokes aren’t gonna stop.” Foggy laughed. “He thinks it’s funny.”

“What say you, Murdock?” You asked, nudging his shoulder with your knee. “Are you funny like your friend says? I know I’m hilarious, but are you?”

“Is that what that was supposed to be?” He teased with a cheeky, likely drunken, smile. “Yeah, I guess you’re alright.”

“I bet you’re a regular stand-up then, hmm?” You challenged.

“I get a good laugh out of this guy.” He gestured to Foggy.

“Oh come on!” You exclaimed. “You’re gonna tell me he doesn’t just laugh at everything?”

“No.” Foggy shook his head. “I’m- I’m very serious.”

“That was not my first impression.” You smiled at him.

“I am a man of many sides.” He continued. “Like a- Like a Rubik’s Cube or a-“

“A Rubik’s cube.” You repeated with a laugh, Matt laughing beside you.

“I suppose I should let you guys go.” You nodded after glancing at your watch for the time. “It’s getting late.”

“Let us walk you back.” Matt offered, standing and giving you his hand.

You took it and felt a comforting warmth wash over you, stemming from where his hand met yours. It was nice, better than what you felt in your past. There had never been much warmth in the Red Room, only cold isolation and a lurking, suffocating loneliness from every Widow. Most didn’t even show anything, but you felt everything.

“My knights in shining armor.” You nodded thankfully as Foggy linked arms with you from the other side. “And who says chivalry is dead?”

“Well, I am Catholic.” Matt smiled.

________________________________

You skipped through songs, looking for one that everyone would enjoy. You decided on one of your favorite Mario songs.

“C’mon, Livia!” Foggy complained as you laughed. “You never tell us anything about you!”

“There’s not much to tell.” You shrugged and popped the cap off your beer bottle. You leaned against the wall and waved your bottle as you spoke. “I grew up in a… group home type place. We were on a tight schedule and I wasn’t very social.”

“I grew up in my church’s orphanage.” Matt added, holding a fist towards you. You gave him the fist bump with a sad smile.

“But.” You said pointedly. “I have my two best friends now. The future big time lawyers.”

“El grande avocados!” Foggy announced in a grand fashion.

“Every time.” Matt laughed wildly. “That’s- That’s a fruit!”

“No, it’s not! How? How is it a fruit, Matt?”

“It has a seed!”

“It has a pit!” Foggy emphasized.

The argument easily fell apart into fits of giggles and drinks. You began singing the song, definitely off key but you didn’t care. You were having fun.

And surprisingly, Matt joined in at the chorus.

He sang the correct notes and carried them with ease, clearly outshining your lame attempt. Your jaw fell open in surprise and you furrowed your brows as you came around to stand in front of Matt.

“WHAT?” You exclaimed in shock.

“NO!” Foggy yelled, pointing a finger at Matt. “You can’t be good at everything!”

You fell to your knees laughing, throwing your arms over Matt’s lap and near tears, completely out of air. Matt helped you back up, though you were still trying to refill your lungs. After a moment, you started your singing again, with more effort than before.

“You’re true beauty’s description, look so good that it hurts.” You began serenading Matt, hearing a scoff of annoyance from Foggy.

“You’re a dime, plus ninety nine. And it’s a shame, don’t even know what you’re worth.” Matt continued, before you grabbed his hand and pulled him from your bed.

You two continued singing as you crossed the room towards Foggy. You each grabbed a wrist and pulled him to his feet as you began dancing lazily. By the time the song got to the bridge, the three of you were swaying and spinning and singing.

“Baby, with me and you it’s whatever girl.” Matt sang towards you, taking your hand and pulling you closer for a moment. “So can we make this thing ours?”

You felt a sense of longing from Matt, like a string tugging you towards him. It was a gentle pull, more of a request than anything. It was inviting and warm.

Safe.

That was the best word to describe it. But you couldn’t let yourself follow it. You weren’t exactly who he thought you were. And you couldn’t show him that side of yourself, of your past.

“You should let me love you!” Foggy sang loudly, breaking that bit of tension that was brewing.

_________________________

It was late. You were at Fogwell’s Gym after hours. You had worked out a deal that you would do a little extra housekeeping after your sessions if you were allowed to train when the gym closed.

You liked training alone. It allowed you to practice the skills no one knew you had. It allowed you to fight - albeit against a punching bag - and keep sharps moved you prayed you wouldn’t have to use again.

You had been going in more often than not, being that Matt was too busy with his new girlfriend Elektra. Your usual hangouts and sleepovers were cut down drastically. He just didn’t have time to hang out with you and Foggy. He barely had time for his own degree. So instead, you would have study sessions with Foggy and then go train. It wasn’t always necessary but it was better than doing nothing.

“This is where you’ve been?” A familiar voice said from the center of the ring as soon as you walked in. Looking up, you saw a Black Widow. You didn’t know her name but the suit and emblem was easy enough to recognize. “It’s not exactly the life he imagined you’d lead… University is a bit bland.”

“It took him long enough to find me. And here I was thinking he’d let me live a normal life.” You sighed. “Are you supposed to kill me?”

“You or your friends.” She shrugged, hands folded neatly behind her back. “Your choice.”

“Friends?” Your anger sparked, growing with every word that fell from her lips. How dare Dreykov send someone to threaten your friends, threaten the people you loved.

“Matthew Murdock. Franklin Nelson. Elektra Natchios.”

“Elektra’s not really a friend, per say.” You corrected simply.

“But the boys are.”

“You know you’re not gonna be able to kill me.” You climbed up and under the ropes to be toe to toe with her. “I was his favorite for a reason.”

“You can kill me, but he’ll send another. And another. And another. How many of us can you kill until your hands are too bloody to hide?” She taunted.

“I can run.” You shrugged. “He can’t chase me forever.”

“Can’t he?” She tilted her head. “There is a third option, you know.”

“Which is?”

“Come back.”

“I’d rather die.”

“That can be arranged.”

She revealed her hands, one holding a pistol. You glanced down before looking back to her eyes. You opened yourself to her emotions but were greeted with nothing, a hollowness that you hadn’t felt from another Widow before.

“You don’t want to do this.”

“It’s what he wants.”

She lifted the gun towards your head but you quickly ducked and kicked out at her stomach. The gun clattered from her hand as she fell backwards. You reached over and slid it out of the ring and somewhere into the shadows.

She tackled you to your back and raised her Widow’s Bite, the device glowing red. You grabbed her wrist and twisted it outwards before twisting your hips to pin her to her back.

You knew she wasn’t going to stop. There was a simple drive in her actions, like she was on autopilot. Only able to carry out one task. To kill you.

You had to run.

You dropped your knee to her throat and held her wrists pointed away from you. You stayed that way until she fell unconscious. After that, you drug her out of the ring and locked her in the bathroom.

You grabbed your gym bag and left. You turned your back on Hell’s Kitchen.

On Foggy…

On your schooling…

On Matt…

Matt.

Your heart ached when you thought of leaving him. But you knew you had to keep him safe. It was for the best.

Matt and Elektra had snuck into the gym later that night. No one was there, but Matt could smell the lingering scent of your favorite gym chalk.

_________________________

“Hey, Matt!” You smiled when he answered the phone.

“Livia!” He said happily. “Where’ve you been?”

“I know, I know.” You sighed, flopping in the small bed of the mobile home you were currently hiding in.

You had been on the run for months, hiding from Dreykov and the Widows he had been sending. You’d been careful not to kill them but some of them were very persistent. They didn’t leave you a choice.

You made sure to call Matt and Foggy every so often, just to assure them that you still cared. That you were alive.

Foggy joked that you ran off and joined a cult, and that’s why you bailed on your degree. Matt was just worried something bad happened to you.

“I was starting to think Foggy was right about the cult.” Matt joked.

“Oh no.” You groaned. “I didn’t join a cult! I just… I don’t know. It’s hard to explain.”

“Yeah, that’s what you always say, Livia.” He sighed.

You couldn’t tell him you were a highly trained, extremely deadly spy/assassin that escaped after a manic killing spree. He’d never look at you the same, let alone speak to you again.

“I’m sorry, Matt. You guys are the last people I want getting caught up in this bullshit.”

“Just… Are you in trouble? Are you- Are you safe?”

“Yeah, no, yeah.” You promised. “I’ve got everything under control.”

“We miss you… I miss you.”

“I miss you, too… I’ll be back before you know it.”

“And what about school? You can’t take the Bar until you finish your degree.”

“I don’t think I’ll go back.” You said honestly. “Just kinda roll with it.”

“Nelson and Murdock will always have a place for you.”

“Nelson and Murdock?” You smiled softly. “I thought you guys were at Landman and Zack.”

“Yeah, but it’s just not a good fit.” He said casually. “We’re gonna start our own firm.”

“Well, I know you guys can do it… You’ll be grande avocados in no time… I’ll call you later, okay?”

“Alright…” He said sadly, but you knew there was a smile. “Bye, Livvy.”

“Bye, Matty.”

_________________________

“You sure you don’t wanna take today off?” Matt offered as you two were leaving his apartment to head to work. He held your arm as you two headed out and you leaned into him slightly.

Earlier that morning, he made sure he was out of your way while you were getting ready. He made sure he was done in the bathroom by the time you woke up. And by the time you were out of the bathroom, he had breakfast ready for you. He had painkillers and a cold glass of water for you as well. He wouldn’t admit it, but he put a little extra care into your morning since he knew exactly how the night had gone for you.

God help you if Matt Murdock didn’t go out of his way for the people he cared about… Must’ve been the Catholicism.

“I’m sure.“ You nodded. Little did he know, you had been through worse and were expected to be ready for the next mission. “Besides, it’s not like I have an insanely strenuous job. I pretty much just hang out with you guys all day.”

“I’m just saying.” Matt tried. “If you need some time to-“

“I’ve never felt safer than with you guys.” You said suddenly, surprising even yourself. You always knew it to be true, but you didn’t expect to just say it so plainly.

Pride swelled in Matt’s chest and he pulled you a little closer. You felt it through his touch and you couldn’t stop but smile.

“Nothing says safety like walking with a blind guy.” He joked and you nudged him with your shoulder.

“There’s more to you than that, Mr. Murdock.” You chuckled.

“Touché, Ms. Yersova.”

The majority of the day was a usual day. You were bombarded with questions from Foggy and Karen. They both insisted on you going home, but Matt was on your side that you were okay to stay. Foggy made sure you always had water and Karen made sure to buy you lunch.

There was so much love and pure care in their actions. It warmed your heart. You had never felt so much love before.

“I used to say Matt needed a dog but now I think you need one too.” Foggy joked.

“I’m not getting a dog.” Matt chuckled.

“I don’t have time for a dog.” You countered with a grin.

“Everybody likes dogs!” Foggy reasoned. “Who doesn’t like dogs?”

“It’s not about liking dogs.” You argued. “I love dogs.”

Though those feelings were quickly extinguished when a familiar face walked into the office and interrupted your lunchtime conversation.

“Excuse me.” He said politely. You felt your stomach twist. “Do you take walk-ins? Unfortunately, I don’t have an appointment.”

He was going to recognize you.

He was going to expose you.

Your jaw twitched as you stood quietly, your hands alternating between tightening into fists and relaxing. You noticed a certain tension in Matt, who was standing beside you. His hand bumped yours but you weren’t sure if it was a question towards your status or for him. Regardless, the small action settled some of the uncertainty in your bones.

“Uh, yeah. Yeah, come this way.” Karen stepped up, guiding the man into your firm’s conference room.

“You okay?” Matt leaned over while the other three left the room. His hand found yours and you wrapped your fingers around his.

“Yeah.” You lied. Matt heard a quick jump of your heart rate, but he wasn’t completely sure if it was regarding what you said. “Just… Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Livia.” He tried.

“I’m okay.” You nodded and tugged him behind you. Your hands separated as you walked in but the ghost of his touch lingered.

“The chair between Foggy and Karen.” You muttered and directed him to the chair. Foggy helped from there and you stood behind Matt, a hand against his back.

“I represent a consortium with diversified interests. One of which is finding up and coming talents, such as yours.” He began.

The attempted charm in his voice made you want to gag.

“What company, exactly, Mr…?” Matt chimed in. You were thankful he did, being that the same question was dancing in your head. “Why us?”

James Wesley. His name is James Wesley. He’s a liar. Don’t take this case.

Your mind was screaming. But you didn’t have a good reason as to why you would know that so you said nothing.

Though your sighs of annoyance had Matt’s attention. He knew you to be secretive. There were things in your life you didn’t talk about, and he couldn’t judge. He had secrets of his own. But one thing he never doubted was your judge of character. And if you didn’t trust this guy, he didn’t either.

“My name isn’t relevant, Mr. Murdock.” Wesley countered smoothly.

“Oh?”

“The only relevant name is my company, Confederated Global Investments.”

“Why not find a larger firm to represent your client, if you’re from such a large company?” You pointed out, eyes squinting in suspicion. “I’m sure Hogarth, Benowitz, and Chao would do wonders for your case.”

His eyes met yours and the recognition flashed. But he simply smiled.

“Or Landman and Zack.” Matt added, leaning back in his chair. Your hand slid to rest on his shoulder, fingers tapping as a distraction. “Why do you want us?”

“Obviously, the larger firms aren't able to provide the same hands-on attention that we pride ourselves on at Nelson and Murdock.” Foggy chimed in.

“It’s a fair question, Mr. Nelson.” Wesley nodded. His eyes flicked between you and Matt, a brow raising when he saw where your hand was. You pulled it back and folded your hands neatly behind your back.

You didn’t think much of the movement, but it drew a quizzical head turn from Matt and Foggy. You had always been a physical affection type of friend, so taking your hand away was out of character for you.

You, however, were thinking as Exodus in that moment. You hadn’t made good on your offered deal with James and his employer. You hadn’t officially backed out either. Knowing you had a connection with Matt meant they had leverage to use against you.

“My employer does extensive work in Hell’s Kitchen. Who knows the place better than two local boys who graduated Columbia Law, cum laude and summa cum laude? And a local girl who would’ve graduated Columbia Law, also summa cum laude?”

“The summa part is just politics.” Foggy leaned around to tell Karen, who giggled slightly.

“You’ve done your homework.” Matt nodded thoughtfully.

“My employer expects no less.” James shrugged.

“Then forgive us for being blunt.” He gestured to you and him.

You two were one hell of a tag team. You two used to talk about how the prosecution wouldn’t have a chance against your defense, but then things changed.

“Blunt is a strong word.” Foggy tried.

“I find it refreshing in my line of work.”

“Which is what, exactly?” You added with a challenging lift of your chin.

“What my partners are trying to say is we're still building a practice, so we're very particular about our clientele.” Foggy nodded.

“I assure you, all my employer wants is for you to continue to be ethical, decent men and good lawyers. And for that, for nothing more than your-“ His attention tilted to you. “- exceptional skills -“ He turned towards Matt and Foggy. “-and your discretion, you'll be fairly compensated.”

He slid a check across the table. You glanced down and raised your eyebrows quickly. The number was impressive, you couldn’t lie.

“Uh-huh. It's- It's fair. That's… that's fair.” Foggy nodded. “Your partners don’t seem convinced.” Wesley gestured to you two.

“Like Foggy said, we're particular about our clientele.” Matt gestured to the sides.

Wesley nodded in thought for a moment before leaning onto the table and folding his hands. It was as if he was waiting for his chance to say something.

“I'm curious about your clientele. Do they all end up working for you after you get them off for murder or just the pretty ones? And your partners. How do you add someone who never finished her degree - let alone take the Bar exam - be a partner at your firm?”

“Karen, can you give us a minute?” You asked quickly, offering her a polite smile. “It’s not your fault.”

“Um… I'm sorry. “ She nodded and ducked out.

“How did you know about Miss Page's situation?” Matt challenged.

“She was never charged and there was nothing in the papers.” You added.

“I have friends on the force. I hear I'm not the only one.” He defended easily.

“I think we might be veering off the subject.” Foggy tried.

“Foggy’s right. That assumption is irrelevant.”

“But your Bar status-“

“Is not what we’re talking about, is it?” You interrupted.

“I understand your concerns, Mr. Murdock, Ms. Yersova. And I apologize if I’ve overstepped. Perhaps you should review one of our cases before you make a decision? Peace of mind and whatnot.”

“That's a fantastic idea. Matthew? Livia?” Foggy said, looking to you with a certain plead in his eyes.

“Sure.” You shrugged. “What harm could it do?”

“You have 38 minutes to get to Precinct 15.” Wesley explained as he stood.

“What? Now? What's the case?” Foggy asked first.

“Everything you need is in this file. Thank you for your time.”

“No. Thank you. Thank you very…” Foggy nodded, meeting Wesley to shake his hand.

“I’ll walk you down.” You offered, gesturing for him to leave the room.

Matt’s hand closed around your wrist and pulled you back. You felt his concern, the apprehension.

“Livia..” He said gently. “Are you sure?”

“It’s just a walk downstairs.” You reasoned in the same tone. “It’ll be fine… No big deal.”

He sighed, pressing his lips into a line as he let go of his hold. You reached over and laid your hand on his arm, giving a gentle squeeze. He smiled slightly and nodded before you turned and led Wesley out of the office. Once you left, you heard Matt and Foggy begin a discussion about the case.

“My employer is getting concerned.” Wesley began as you two descended the short set of stairs. “We haven’t heard if you’re accepting the contract.”

“I’m undecided.” You said honestly. “The Devil saved my life last night… I owe it to him to at least think about it in depth.”

“His patience is running thin.”

“Not my problem… Actually, I want Vladimir or Anatoly.”

“The Russian brothers?” His eyebrow quirked.

“They tried to have me killed last night. The Devil stopped it. Now they’re going to answer to me for it.”

“Hmm.” He nodded in thought as you two exited the building. “Tell you what. My employer has a meeting with Anatoly tonight. How would you like an invite?”

“An eye for an eye.” You nodded. “I get first blood.”

“And a life for a life.”

“Meaning?”

“You get Anatoly, and in exchange, along with your handsome severance fee of course…”

“I bring you the Devil.” You finished with a nod.

“Just his head will suffice. The car will meet you in the alley where I first offered you the contract. 9PM?”

“Yeah, see you then.” You said simply before heading back to the office.

On your way up, you passed Matt on his way down.

“You headed to the Precinct?” You asked, stepping aside as he got closer.

“I’m gonna meet Foggy there.” He answered quickly. You furrowed your brows but shrugged.

“Livia?” He called after you took a couple steps.

“Yeah?”

“What happened last night?”

You hesitated, the night before flashing in your head. You felt the rush of feelings from last night. The fear from the Russians. The anger from the Devil. Your own wicked sadism. You snapped back to reality when Matt’s worry washed over you like a wave, clearing your other thoughts.

“I got taken from outside my building…” You admitted, watching his jaw clench and he gripped his cane a bit tighter. “They wanted information that I didn’t have and they weren’t happy that I didn’t have it… The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen got me out. He saved my life.”

“You trust him?”

“Yeah.” You nodded honestly. “I do.”

“Do you know anything about him?”

“I know he wants to help people.” You began, leaning against the railing. “I know he’s a good guy. He.. He sees something in people that I don’t. But overall…”

Matt’s brows raised from behind his glasses.

“Overall, I know that if I got in trouble again, he’d be there.” You nodded as you realized it too.

You may not know the Devil under the mask, but you knew who he was. Ultimately, he was the good guy. He just wanted a safer city. You trusted him to have your back, whether or not he annoyed the hell out of you. Whether you liked it or not, you two were practically partners.

“What about Exodus?” He asked, silently cursing himself almost immediately when he said it. “She works with the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen a lot.”

“I think she’s trying.” You nodded. “She works differently from the Devil so I’d imagine they argue about it a lot. But she looks out for people too. I’d trust her.”

Later that night, you had some time to kill before Wesley would be picking you up. Before stepping out, you fashioned yourself a mask. You used an old pair of sunglasses and a headband, replacing the lenses with some tech you stole from the Red Room on your way out. They allowed you to see things like heat signatures and other things, but the most important thing was that it would protect your identity. Protect your friends.

The nerves of meeting Wesley’s employer were slowly setting in but the thrill of revenge against Anatoly overshadowed that feeling.

“Exodus. Where the hell were you last night?” The familiar voice challenged from behind you.

“Hello, Mr. Devil.” You turned with a grin, though your expression faltered when you felt his anger. Normally his anger was just there but this time it was directed at you. “Long time, no see…”

“I thought your whole thing was protecting women in Hell’s Kitchen.” He said viciously, stepping closer. Every step he took forward caused you to move back until you were flat against the wall behind you. “Where were you?”

“I took the night off.” You defended quickly. “You’ve been kicking my ass lately. I needed time to-“

“She could’ve died!” He cut you off, slamming a fist against the wall near your head. You gasped and ducked quickly, the chips of the brick taming over you. “And it would’ve been your fault.”

“What does she matter to you?” You challenged as you lifted your head, though you kept yourself in a slightly crouched position.

Your eyes scanned for clues, some hint into what he would be thinking. His jaw was clenched tight, shoulders tense. His balled fist was still against the wall and the anger was rolling off of him in waves. It was hot, practically burning your skin.

What did you matter to the Devil?

Matt instantly thought of the night before, when he found her bloodied and bruised, screaming in pain. He thought of her relief when he got to her, how she told him earlier in the day that she trusted him. That she felt safe, just with Matt.

She was everything to him.

“She doesn’t.” He lied and the words were bitter on his tongue. “But you were supposed to be saving girls from the Russians. And you failed.”

“I know.” You admitted, pushing him away from you. “Alright? I know I fucked up… They thought they got me but got someone else. You think something like that doesn’t fuck with me?”

He scoffed.

“You have to let me handle it my way.” You urged. “I have to show them that I’m not gonna stand for this!”

“What are you gonna do? Kill them?”

“If provoked.” You shrugged. “I’m tired of them getting away with shit like this! Devil Man, please. Stay out of my way this time.”

Matt thought for a moment. It went against everything he stood for, to stand back and let Exodus kill the Russians. But he had thought about it on his own when they took Livia. If he stepped aside and let Exodus do what he knew what she was going to do, would that death be on him?

Yes… No?

Yes.

No…

No.

“This one time.” He held up one finger to prove his point. “One time. You do what you need to do to send your message. But…”

“Leave them alive.” You rolled your eyes. “Like I said, if I’m provoked-“

“Exodus.” He warned. You nodded with your hands up in surrender.

“I’ll try.”

“Thank you.”

“Hey… Whatever she meant to you, whoever she is…” You tried gently. “I never wanted her to get dragged into it. I didn’t think-“

“No, you didn’t.” He cut in, backing away. “Because you pissed them off and they went after someone who isn’t anywhere near this!”

“I’m sorry.” You said, your own anger starting to grow. You grabbed his arm when he turned his back on you. “What else do you want me to say?”

“I’m not the one you should apologize to.” He shook his head, yanked his arm away, and left.

You stood frozen, dumbfounded by his reaction. The night had a biting chill without the warmth of his anger.

Had you really just apologized for getting yourself kidnapped and beat up?

You thought about it over and over as you waited for the black SUV. Even when it rolled up and you climbed in, you couldn’t stop thinking about your last interaction with the Devil. Why did it bother him so much?

You were so caught up in your thoughts, you hadn’t even realized the man sitting across from you beside Wesley.

“Ms. Exodus.” He greeted, snapping your focus back.

There was a subtle pulse of suppressed rage in him that intrigued you. It was different from the Devil, from the Russians. Definitely different from the calm demeanor Wesley presented. It was like a ticking time bomb, just waiting for the right spark to set it off.

“Thank you for joining us. I was.. horrified to hear what Vladimir and Anatoly’s men had done to you.” He offered. And though the words were intended to be sincere, there was an underlying manipulation attempt.

“Yes, well, they’ll pay for their mistakes.” You said carefully. “Blood must have blood.”

“Of course.” He nodded. “I’m sure you have questions of your own for me.”

“I want your name.”

“I don’t think that’s-“ Wesley tried.

“I won’t work with a man who’s name I don’t know.”

“Work for.”

“I don’t work for anyone anymore.”

“It’s fine, Wesley.” The man across from you cut in. “My name is Wilson Fisk. I sought you out for the exceptional skill that you proved in the Red Room, for Dreykov. I know that you were his favorite assassin, and judging by what you’re doing to the Russians, I can see why. We came to you because I know you have an instinct that no one understands. An instinct you have to hide because society isn’t ready for someone like you.”

“It’s not an instinct.” You said firmly. “It was drilled into my head and drawing blood - taking life - has been part of my daily life since I was a child, to the point where I’m completely desensitized to it.”

“Forgive me.” He nodded.

“Why do you want the Devil dead?”

“For now, he’s a nuisance.” Fisk explained. “If he continues on this crusade he’s on, he will interfere with everything I have planned.”

“And what do you have planned?”

“In due time, Exodus. All in due time.”

“I was promised Anatoly.” You said simply, tired of being given the runaround.

“Yes, of course.” He answered as the SUV rolled to a stop. “After you.” He gestured to the door, Wesley opening it for you.

Stepping out, you found Anatoly standing in the center of three angled SUVs. His fear spiked when you stepped out, uncertainty wafting from him when he caught a shadowed glimpse of your injuries.

“I’m sure you know what happened.” You began, circling the man slowly. You pulled your mask off, folding the sides and the middle so it could be tucked away in one of your belt pouches.

“Массовый отъезд.” He breathed. (Exodus.)

“Единственный и неповторимый.” You smiled. (The one and only.)

“I- I had no idea that the men-“

“Your men.” You cut in, charging your Widow’s Bite. “They were your men.”

“My men.” He nodded. “I didn’t know.”

“You didn’t know.” You laughed. You turned to Wesley on one side and Fisk on the other. “He says he didn’t know.”

“I believe that’s worse.” Wesley offered. “To not know what your own men are planning.”

“Why is she here?” Anatoly asked Fisk.

“You tried to have her killed, did you not?” Fisk answered simply. “You started something that you didn’t finish. And now… She’s here to finish it.”

Without another word, you fired the shot from your Bite. It hit him square in his chest and he doubled over. You moved in quickly, using his bent knee as a stepping off point and hooked your legs around his neck. You flung your body around and threw Anatoly to the floor.

You rolled through your landing and pushed yourself across the floor. You threw a leg over his chest, pinning his arms with your knees. You landed punch after punch, blood splattering across the asphalt. You heard the cracks of his bones, felt the splitting of your knuckles.

Every punch you threw tugged the stitches in your shoulder until they popped. The blood leaked down your arm and through the fabric of your suit. You felt it trailing its way down your sleeve, dripping off your fingers.

“They say the past is etched in stone.” Wesley began thoughtfully after Anatoly rolled to the side and threw you off. “But it’s not… It’s smoke in a trapped room, swirling and changing.”

Anatoly stood unsteadily on his feet. You chuckled to yourself, feeling his fear grow with every sound you made.

“Perception of our past changes, but it always remains. It lingers, never fully able to be erased…. Can it, Exodus?”

“Some of us are more than our past.” You answered, ducking Anatoly’s sloppy swing. “Some of us are only our past, like me.”

You kicked out at Anatoly’s chest and sent him flailing to his back.

You lifted your Widow’s Bite, the device humming and shining red around your wrist. You knelt on his chest and pressed it against his temple, his face now covered in blood and swollen lumps. You were going to fire the device and end his life when you felt the desperate tug.

It was a plea, a prayer almost. You pressed the device harder and tried to drown out the nagging feeling that was bouncing around in your brain.

Get out of my head!

You wanted to scream, to shout for him to leave you alone. You knew it was the Devil. There was always something familiar about his emotions, no matter what he was feeling. An unintentional connection that developed due to your constant interactions.

You heard his voice in your head. It didn’t make sense to you, but could only assume that it was your brain putting words to the feelings he was projecting. Or maybe it was just your brain using his voice so you didn’t lose the part of yourself that made you Exodus.

Don’t do it. Don’t kill him… We can stop him together. Exodus, you’re better than this. Please…

You closed your eyes tightly and willed his voice away.

Please. Don’t be what Dreykov made you. I know this isn’t who you are.

You dropped your Bite and grabbed Anatoly’s shirt front. You dragged him to one of the SUVs and propped him against it. You took a few steps back and ran, slamming your knee against the side of his head. You pulled your knife and drove it through his shoulder, matching the wound on your shoulder. You kicked out at the knife, shoving it through the other side and puncturing the door of the SUV.

You pulled him forward and yanked the knife the rest of the way. You kicked his body to the side, put away your blade, and walked away.

“Is that all, Ms. Exodus?” Fisk called after you.

“That’s all, Mr. Fisk.” You answered. “He’s all yours.”

“And here I thought you were something to fear.” He taunted. “I thought you had what it took.”

“My life was saved. I’m doing him a mercy by sparing him. I won’t extend this chance again.”

“You’ll die for what you’ve done here.” Anatoly muttered, spitting out blood. “You want war? I’ll give you war.”

“You kill me...” You scoffed and turned, taking the few steps back to him. You knelt and pressed your fingers into the wound, causing him to cry out and grab your wrist. “…and the Devil will be worse for you than I am.”

You shoved his face away, smearing his own blood down his cheek. You kicked at his jaw one final time, hearing a satisfying crack, before leaving. Wesley offered you a handkerchief as you passed so you took it and wiped the blood from your hands.

“The mask is a nice touch.” Wesley said quietly. “I’m surprised it took you so long to add one.”

“I didn’t think I would still have my friends when I started this.” You said honestly. “I should’ve been more careful.”

“And for the contract?” Fisk called out expectantly.

You paused your conversation and glanced over your shoulder. “As of right now, I’m repaying a debt. The Devil saved my life, so this is me saving his… I’ll call you if anything changes but no, I will not be killing the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen.”

The next day, your firm sat in the courtroom to defend Mr. Healy, the case Wesley brought to your office. Foggy gave you the rundown that morning and while you already knew it was a sketchy case, you didn’t think it was a clear murder.

“Tell me about the jury.” Matt asked you quietly, leaning back to talk to you in the front row.

“Relatively normal… But one lady, juror eight I think.” You whispered while Foggy delivered the opening statement. You and Matt offered him subtle signs of encouragement when he finished. “She’s really freaked out.”

You could feel the anxiety radiating off her like vibrations from a cell phone. Matt listened in and heard her heartbeat pounding.

“And our mysterious middle man just walked in.” You added when you noticed Wesley sitting in the back of the room.

“Counselors.” The judge announced and you sat back instantly. “If you cannot focus on the case at hand, I will have your friend removed.”

“Apologies, your Honor.” Matt nodded. “She’s my Disabilities Assistant.”

“Then she should be sitting with you… Bailiff?” She gestured to you and Matt’s table.

He left the room for a minute and came back with an additional chair. He opened the gate for you and motioned for you to sit beside Matt.

��Thank you, your Honor.” You nodded as you took your seat.

Later that night, you caught up with the Devil.

“What do you have on her?” He asked, getting no answer.

“What did I miss?” You asked as you walked up. He nearly smiled, like he was just biding his time until you showed up.

“He’s holding something against a lady on the jury for the Healy trial.” He explained, stepping back. He knew that you would want to take a crack at him, especially harassing an old lady.

“Oh.” You nodded. “May I?”

“Ladies first.”

You grabbed the man’s shirt and yanked him to the floor, throwing him face first into the concrete. You knelt between his shoulder blades and pulled his arms back. You stuck your other foot at the base of his shoulder and pressed, feeling the tension of the muscles grow as his body tried to keep his arm from popping out.

“What do you have on her?” You asked lowly.

“A tape!” He cried. “There’s a tape.”

“What kind of tape?” The Devil continued and you pulled his arms harder.

“A mistake she made when she was young and pretty! Something she wouldn’t want her kids to see!”

“Get rid of it.” You threw his arms down and stood.

“It won’t matter.”

“Who do you work for?” The Devil asked.

“I don’t know.”

You pressed your boot against his head, squishing his cheek harder into the concrete. He cried out as he reached back and clawed at your shoe, desperately trying to move your foot.

“That’s not how this works! I go to a building. If there’s a light, I got a job!” He confessed. “If I don’t do this, I become someone else’s job!”

You turned towards the Devil and waited for his response. He was quiet, head tilted down as he listened. He nodded and you let the man go. You used the toe of your boot to flip him to his back.

“Tell her to get herself excused.” You knelt and charged your Bite, though you had no intention to shoot it. “Personal reasons, whatever. And she never sees you again.”

“They’ll kill me!”

“If you don’t do this, I’ll kill you.” You warned.

“I suggest you leave the city.” The Devil said plainly as he grabbed you by your arm and pulled you off the man. “Tonight.”

The next day, your little meet-up with the Devil in that alley allowed for your previous juror to be dismissed. A new man replaced him and Matt gave a rather powerful closing argument. But it didn’t work. The jury was split.

“Matt.” You leaned over to whisper to him. “That guy’s back… Doesn’t he have anything better to do?”

“…DA will retry.” You heard Foggy explaining to Healy.

“No, they won’t.” Matt commented tensely. “Will they, Mr. Healy?”

You gritted your teeth as you caught the man’s smug expression. You glanced over your shoulder and saw Wesley already looking at you. He nodded towards you, as if to say that your friends had done exactly what he needed them to do.

And it made you sick.

That night, you went searching for Healy. He was easy enough to find without tuning in to his emotions. You found him in an alley while he was putting something in his trunk. You walked over the hood and the top of the car before kicking out and slamming the trunk shut on his hands.

Before Healy could make another move, you flipped off the trunk and kicked Healy in the side of the head so he fell to the ground. You crawled over and knelt on his chest.

“Hello, Mr. Healy.” You smiled. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Holy shit.” He breathed as he stumbled a few steps away from you.

“You think you can get away with working for him?” You scoffed, kicking his chest to knock him on his back. You pulled your pistol from your rear holster and waved it as you spoke, stepping on his chest to pin him in place. “You’re a murderer, Mr. Healy. Let me show you what it feels like to be on the other side.”

You aimed your gun at his forehead, feeling the fear radiating off him. But before you could pull the trigger, a trash can lid hit your hand and knocked it from your hand.

“I was wondering when you’d show.” You rolled your eyes as you stepped off Healy.

“The men who hired your lawyers.” The Devil asked, hauling Healy to his feet. “Who does he work for?”

“I’m not afraid of you.” Healy said shakily.

“Tell me.”

You picked up a piece of broken glass from the floor, tossed it between your hands, and then slammed it into Healy’s chest. He cried out as you yanked it free and pressed it against his throat.

“I can’t!” Healy cried.

“I want a name!” The Devil urged, stepping closer and pressing your hand harder against his throat. You quirked a brow but said nothing.

“Fisk!” He admitted finally. You stepped away and let him fall to his knees. “Wilson Fisk.”

“Get in your car. And I never want to see you in Hell’s Kitchen again.” The Devil threatened.

“You let them off too easy.” You taunted.

“Don’t start, Exodus.” The Devil pointed a finger at you.

“He'll find me and make an example and then he'll find everyone I've ever cared about and do the same to them.” Healy said, panic oozing from his words.”Just so that no one ever does what I just did. You should have just ki-“

You kicked out at his back, driving him forward so his head slammed through a metal spike. The Devil gasped and backed away, muttering words of shock.

“Problem solved.” You shrugged. “Who’s Wilson Fisk?”

“I- I don’t know.” He answered quietly. “But you- You killed him.”

“He was gonna kill himself anyway.” You explained. “Consider it as me saving his soul.”

“Don’t pull that shit with me.”

“Devil Man?” You asked, his head tilting in acknowledgement. “The other night, when I told you I would handle the Russians… When I left, what were you thinking?”

You had to bring up how you felt his desperation, how he wanted you to spare Anatoly’s life. You didn’t understand what good he saw in you, or people in general. But you wanted to understand.

“I was hoping you wouldn’t do it.” He said simply, stepping closer. “I know that this-“ He pointed to Healy’s dead body. “-isn’t who you are. It’s who the Red Room made you.”

You scoffed.

“But you get to make your own choices now.”

“Y’know, I was approached to kill you… Probably the same guy who hired his lawyers. The guy told me that his employer would pay me whatever I wanted, just to kill you…”

“The guy work for Fisk?”

“Probably… He didn’t say who his employer was. But I really thought about doing it. You get on my nerves a lot.”

He chuckled slightly.

“But I… I turned it down, for now at least.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know.” You lied. He heard a jump in your heartbeat, the first time you ever gave any indication of a lie. “And I didn’t kill Anatoly… I had him, on the ground and his life in my hands but I- I felt you begging me not to. I heard your voice in my head…”

“You felt it?”

“You hear heartbeats. I feel other people’s emotions.” You waved your hand. “It’s a long story.”

“Exodus…”

“Don’t.” You stepped back. “This doesn’t make us friends. You saved that girl that I couldn’t. I saved you. We’re even.”

“Her name was Livia.”

“What?” You froze. “Who?”

“The girl the Russians grabbed. The one they thought looked like you… Her name’s Livia.”

“Did she tell you that?” Your brows furrowed as you tried to remember whether or not you had introduced yourself.

“No.” He shook his head with a lazy shrug. “But I had a friend of mine take care of her and she told me her name.”

“Oh.” You nodded. You couldn’t remember introducing yourself to Claire either. “I’ll- I’ll have to apologize to her…”

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himbowelsh · 7 years ago

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I'm the one who send you "Bill or Babe" question *evil laughter*. Your answer inspired headcanon idea for Philly crew + Gene + Babe: Babe was in an accident. His life is not in danger but he's bruised plenty and was unconscious for a while. Bill, Frannie, Julian, Spina and Gene get to hospital cause Renee recognized unconscious Babe and called Gene. Every person individual reaction to this stressful situation? Who's calm? freaking out? refusing to leave Babe's side? Who's his emergency contact?

She's waiting in the lobby when the arrived at the hospital. Gene has been texting her updates on their location throughout their drive -- he recounted no less than four yellow lights raced through, swerving around curbs at breakneck speeds, and cutting off a large pickup truck in the middle of the street. Renee has never been in a car driven by Bill Guarnere before, and she's happy to conclude she never wants to.

They're a sight as they pour through the doors, but Renee would expect nothing less. She has experience dealing with frightened family and friends; she sees them every day. She recognizes the familiar glint of panic in Spina's eyes, how Bill's tight jaw symbolizes the control he is struggling to hold on to, the way Fran's fingernails dig into her palms and Julian's hands grip the gen of his shirt. When she catches Gene's eyes, the sight of her best friend pale and tense leaves her feeling like she's been plucked from a summer's day and dropped into the depths of winter. Gene, who works so hard, loves so deeply, should never look like that.

"Where is he?" is the first thing out of Bill's mouth as he leads the charge into the emergency room. He looks ready to say more, but Renee holds up her clipboard. This is the most effective method of stopping a worried relative's rambling in its tracks, and the effect it has on Bill is no different."He's going to be alright," she says, not even pretending to read off of his chart. She's gone through it enough times, poured over every word since the second she recognized Babe lying on that gurney. She was the one to dial Babe's emergency contact, leaving a message to inform Bill Guarnere that his friend is in the hospital and he should come down immediately. Then she called Gene.Now she's not sure whether she should have waited or not. Gene looks as if something in him has splintered. A spiderweb of cracks have spread over the surface of his tranquil veneer. His jaw is tense, hands trembling, As he takes a step closer to Renee. His eyes are drawn towards the chart first. When she pulls it closer to her chest they turn to her, beseeching for any crumb of information.Bill turns to his girlfriend, running a hand along his clean-shaven jaw. "What the hell did that kid do to himself now?" he mutters, drawing an agitated huff from Fran.They're all looking for answers; luckily, Renee has many to give. "According to paramedics, Babe fell from a second story balcony. He fractured his arm, broke two ribs, sustained a head laceration, and what at this point appears to be a moderate concussion. He was awake and talking at the scene, but lost consciousness shortly after boarding the ambulance. Since then, he has not woken up.""Well, why the hell not?" Fran's hands have shifted from their tight fists; now they dig into her boyfriend's arm. If her sharp nails cause Bill any pain, he doesn't show it."He's under some sedation right now, and on medication to manage the pain. The MRI results have come back normal; there is no reason to suspect any sort of extensive brain injury at this time.""But you'll only know when he wakes up, right?" Gene's inquiry is sharp, almost accusatory. He sounds breathless. "You can only guess right now, you won't know --""Gene," Spina says, laying a hand on his arm. His voice is husky with all the emotion he is holding back. His brows are knit together in a tight furrow, but he still finds the stability in him to lead his friend over to the nearest chair. "Let's sit down, buddy. Why don't we all sit down?"Julian makes no move towards the seats. Neither does Fran, until Bill puts a hand on her back, nudging her towards the chair next to Spina's. She looks reluctant, but takes it; he settles down next to her, leaning forward with his elbows braced on his knees. He hasn't taken his eyes off Renee -- or, she realizes after a moment, the chart in her hands."So, what are you telling us?" Bill demands. "Aside from 'he's an idiot', cause we all knew that. Hanging off a balcony, christ." He shakes his head, jaw squaring in frustration, before he rounds back to Renee again. "Is he going to be fine?""They don't know," Gene mutters, but Renee cuts in before he can cause any panic."At this time, we have every reason to suspect that he'll be alright. The ribs will take up to six weeks to heal, about eight weeks for the arm. If he does indeed have a concussion, you can expect dizziness and confusion, followed by possible agitation and behavioral difficulties in the days following the accident --"Spina pulls his knit cap off his head. "Jesus H. Christ," he mutters."But in time he will make a full recovery." Renee finishes, swallowing after her last words. She seems to have done little to assuage the fears on Babe's friends, despite her efforts. They still look strained and worried, huddling together like a flock of sheep missing one of their own. It's an oddly pitiful sight.The only stone-faced one of the group is, to Renee's surprise, Julian. He regards her with coal black eyes, tracking her movements as she glances down at the chart she holds. When she lifts her gaze, she catches his, and he blinks as if he's waiting for her to do something."Okay," Julian says after a few seconds of silence. "So, when can we see him?""He's in Room 215, but visiting hours --""Renee, I work here," Gene cuts her off. "I know when the goddamn visiting hours are, and none of us care. How soon can we see him?"Renee bites her lip and sighs. "As soon as the next round of tests comes back," she informs them. "We'll have more information on his condition, and hopefully will be able to offer you more. Just be patient until then."

It is a moment before the group, as a single unit, nods. Spina slumps back in his seat, drawing his knees up and curling in on himself. Gene and Bill remain frozen, however, postures stiff as stone.

Renee forces herself to turn away, back to the nurses’ station. She can look up Babe’s file in their computer again; maybe he’s woken up by now. Maybe, maybe, she’ll have some good news to tell them.

There is no new information. She sighs, and switches tabs to another case. Babe isn’t her only patient, and right now she needs to focus on something less personal. A stranger lying in a hospital bed is infinitely preferable to it being a friend; someone she knows, who she cares about. She needs a distraction.

Carl Dawson in Room 213 has pneumonia. Wendy Alivias has an infection in her leg. Dorian Murphy got a cutting knife stuck in his shoulder, and is looking at nerve damage. An endless stream of unfamiliar names run before her eyes, and it is almost a relief.

She doesn’t want to look up, but she can’t help it. Their presence is oppressive. She can feel their anxiety radiating from across the room; their anxious murmurs drift towards her ears. She is finally forced into glancing towards Babe’s friends once more at the sight of someone crossing the waiting area.

“Bill!” Fran exclaims, and springs to her feet. She catches up with him in a few small bounds, but Bill doesn’t stop until he has rounded the corner and is proped up against the hallway wall. He is out of sight from the waiting area, but not the nurses station. Renee knows it is not her business, but she can’t help listening.

"I can't do this, Frannie,” Bill chokes out as he buries his head in his girlfriend’s shoulder. “I can't... losing him, it'll kill me. I just lost Henry, how can I -- why -- why can't I protect anybody?"

Fran’s arms lock around her boyfriend in a vice grip. Bill’s face is buried in her dark curls; Renee can only see Fran’s expression, the stolid resolution there. She hushes her boyfriend, running her hands up and down his back. Bill does not cry, does not tremble, but looks close to collapsing. Fran bears the weight of them both.

She is witnessing an intimate moment that she should not be a part of. Flustered, Renee turns away.

She finds her gaze drawn back to Gene, who is now sitting hunched in his chair. His head is in his hands. He is still as a statue of a mourning man. Something in Renee’s stomach twists, and she feels her throat tighten. Even Spina’s hand rubbing circles into his shoulders serves as little consolation, and Spina is close to breaking with his own worry.

Julian is the most unemotional of all of them, which takes Renee by surprise. She’d always gotten the impression (in the few times she’s met him) that youngest of Babe’s friends was also the most immature. In many ways that is true, but Julian’s composure now is remarkable. He is unflinching in the face of his friends’ strain. His knuckles, white around the cellphone in his hands, is the only indication that he too is feeling the pressure.

Bill and Fran are returning to their group now. Renee takes a deep breath and trains her attention back on her computer screen. She can check Babe’s file, just one more time...

A new notification beneath the name of HEFFRON, EDWARD J. takes her aback: Patient is awake and reactive. Alert, aware of his condition. Showing positive neurological responses.

Renee is on her feet before she realizes it. As she rushes across the room towards the waiting area, every head in Babe’s small group lifts. She greets them with a smile.

“I have good news,” she tells them. “He’s awake!”

#and cue a really sappy reunion scene #gene and spina cry #so does bill #but he tries to hide it by smacking babe #then fran smacks him for smacking babe while he's in a hospital #bill says theres no better place to do it #typical philly crew #my writing #Anonymous

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douglasacogan · 5 years ago

Text

You be the judge: what sentence for driver convicted of reckless homicides for accidentally killing children boarding school bus?

A helpful reader altered me to a heart-breaking story from Indiana which serves as an opportunity to considering what seems a fitting sentence for a crime with a horrible result but a result that was plainly not intended by the wrong-doer. Here are some details from this local article:

Nearly a year after Alyssa Shepherd drove past a stopped school bus, killing three siblings as they crossed a two-lane highway to board the bus, a Fulton County jury convicted her of reckless homicide in the children's deaths. Shepherd, prosecutors say, was driving a pickup truck that struck and killed twins Xzavier and Mason Ingle, both 6, and their sister Alivia Stahl, 9, and also critically injured Maverik Lowe, 11, as they crossed the highway north of Rochester on Oct. 30. Lowe, who's still recovering from his injuries, has had more than 20 surgeries since the crash.

Shepherd was found guilty Friday of three felony counts of reckless homicide. The jury also found her guilty of a felony count of criminal recklessness and a misdemeanor count of passing a school bus causing injury when the arm is extended. She faces up to 21 years if given the maximum amount on each count.

The parents of Mason and Xzavier, Shane and Brittany Ingle, and Michael Stahl, Brittany's ex-husband and Alivia's dad, told reporters after the verdict that they were relieved, and have no sympathy for Shepherd, who they believe has shown no remorse for the crash. "I don't think we'll ever feel closure," Brittany Ingle said. "But this will go toward healing."...

Earlier Friday, Shepherd took the stand in Fulton Superior Court. Family members of Shepherd and the victims, had filled the Fulton County courthouse this week to hear testimony from witnesses and law enforcement. When asked by her attorney when it started to sink in that she’d hit and killed three children after driving past a school bus, Shepherd described emotions ranging from disbelief to hysteria. But at first it was confusion, according to her testimony. She remembered seeing blinking lights and something that appeared to be a large vehicle. But she didn't see a bus, Shepherd says, nor did she see the red sign telling her to stop.

When she'd realized what she'd done, Shepherd says she was hysterical. "The only way I can describe it is an out-of-body experience," Shepherd said, according to the account provided to IndyStar by the small number of reporters who were allowed into the packed courtroom, "I was a mess."

The four children were crossing the highway to board their school bus about 7:15 a.m. when prosecutors say Shepherd blew by a stopped school bus. The road was dark but prosecutors said the bus lights and stop arm were clearly visible. Whether Shepherd was behind the wheel that morning was not being disputed, according to statements made from the defense and prosecution during the trial. Jurors instead decided whether Shepherd’s actions were reckless or simply accidental....

Shepherd was driving with three children in the back seat of her Toyota Tacoma before the crash happened, according to court documents. She had just dropped off her husband at work at about 7:05 a.m. and was heading to her mother's home in the Rochester area to drop off her little brother when she rounded a bend on Indiana 25. She'd taken that road many times before, her attorney Michael Tuszynski said, but rarely at that time of day.

As she was driving, the 24-year-old Shepherd saw something in the distance, but couldn't quite make it out, according to Tuszynski, who said that a freightliner was behind the bus, making it appear to Shepherd as one large vehicle. "The circumstances of the bus, with the freightliner behind it, combined to create the profile of one vehicle, making it seem like it's a semi that's moving. And she's confused about what she sees," he said.

But after the crash, the driver of another vehicle that was following Shepherd's Toyota through the bend on Indiana 25 said the school bus lights and stop arm were clearly visible even though the road was dark. This is according to testimony from Indiana State Police detective Michelle Jumper during a probable cause hearing held hours after the crash.

The witness said she and Shepherd were traveling at 45 mph, Jumper testified. The witness said she slowed when she saw the school bus and its blinking lights. Shepherd didn't. "Suddenly she sees the children," Tuszynski said Friday. "She brakes. But it was too late." Shepherd's friend, Brittany Thompson, who spoke to Shepherd on the phone after the crash, testified that Shepherd said she'd seen the lights and was trying to negotiate how far to move over. Thompson said Shepherd was distraught. "I didn't know it was a bus," Shepherd reportedly said.

The victims' family told reporters that Shepherd appeared cold during the trial, and seemed unconcerned with the deaths that resulted from her actions. "When I was giving my testimony," Brittany Ingle said, "I looked her straight in the eyes and she gave nothing. She had no remorse."

Tuszynski said there was no evidence of drugs or alcohol in Shepherd's system at the time of the crash. He placed blame on the location of the bus stop, which required the children to cross the highway to board the bus. "The idea that it was OK to make those kids cross that busy road to get on a bus, rather than move the stop into the (trailer) park, is absurd," Tuszynski said.

The Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation announced shortly after the crash that it would relocate the bus stop into the trailer park where the students lived. Superintendent Blaine Conley testified Friday that the park had previously been considered for the location. But officials were worried that the school bus could hit children in the area due to poor lighting. The crash led to statewide changes, prompting the Legislature to increase penalties for drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses. Shane and Brittany Ingle spent several days at the Statehouse this past year lobbying for the changes.

Via a google search, I found in this change.org petition titled "Alyssa Shepard should receive a life sentence for hitting 4 children, killing 3 of them." But it seems applicable Indiana law caps her possible sentence at 21 years. And I would be eager to hear from readers if they think anything close to a maxed out prison sentence is appropriate in a case involving an (awful) accident. Is any prison sentence fitting? How much should it matter that the family of the slain children seem eager for a severe term? You be the judge.

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8247011 https://sentencing.typepad.com/sentencing_law_and_policy/2019/10/you-be-the-judge-what-sentence-for-driver-convicted-of-reckless-homicides-for-accidentally-killing-c.html via http://www.rssmix.com/

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cannoli-reader · 3 months ago

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"To be a Green means to stand ready ..." That's how Alanna explained it. She didn't say "to fight."

But seriously, their job is to HELP fight the Shadow, to counter the Dark One's channelers. Like all the best weapons in WoT, the Green Ajah works best against the Shadow, not increasing the body count pointlessly against human foes, who are going to be some of the most effective contributors at Tarmon Gaidon.

The first real test in fighting the Shadow came at the Cleansing, where it is worth noting that only the circles led by channelers explicitly trained as soldiers, who were themselves veterans of long-standing (Damer Flinn and Alivia), and the Greens (Cadsuane & Merise/Elza) succeeded without taking losses. In fact the casualties taken by the defenders can be explicitly blamed on the failures of Verin and Daigian. Verin, rather than striking with everything she had to eradicate or kill Graendal, tried to shield her, and it didn't work, because there is no way to tell if she has an angreal, which she did. Shielding is strength vs strength, with the defender having an edge. An all-out attack requires them to stop it from killing them, which is an issue of skill and luck (note that Cyndane badly injured Alivia, who had greater strength, plus an angreal, plus defensive ter'angreal). In any case, when you are already outmatched, you have to make the most of any chance you get, because you don't know if you'll get another. Verin was already counting her chickens when Graendal was a long way from hatching, and she strayed from the mission, which was about eliminating any threat to Rand & Nynaeve, full stop. Not collecting Forsaken. Even if Verin's plan succeeded, it would have diluted their strength by requiring someone to hold her shielded. She was, like a Brown, thinking of knowledge, and failed her combat assignment.

Daigian, on the other hand, basically was wandering in enemy territory, with her gun unloaded and packed away. Eben noted that she was only holding enough of the Power to maintain the link, meaning that before she acts, she has to first draw on the Power, so she's not ready to weave. Beyond that, her reaction to Aran'gar is utterly moronic. They are at Shadar Fucking Logoth. No one is just out riding in the area! Logically, it's POSSIBLE, but the consequences of burning to a cinder the first movement you spot could range from Enemy Eliminated to Innocent Bystander Killed. Failing weakens the defenses around the most important channeling feat since the Bore was sealed and increases the chance of the bad guys stopping it. The negative consequences of shooting first and working out syllogisms later are vastly less harmful than the negative consequences of getting taken by surprise while vetting possible innocent passers-by. Daigian failed at her job AND at logic. Note that the Green in her circle was at least suspicious of Aran'gar.

Honestly, the whole incident is an illustration of the faults of the Aes Sedai. The circles should have been led by anyone BUT sisters, if you had to have circles. FFS, why do you even need one? Every channeler present was strong enough to kill a human being. The logic Cadsuane used in the bubble of evil outside Cairhien holds true for the Cleansing, where a channeler in a circle is basically dead weight, who if she spots something, has to point it out to the leader of the circle. Being in a circle, that needed the slow reaction times of an academic to actually fight, prevented Eben and Beldeine from acting on their observations. The Aes Sedai, however, are blinded by their favorite tactic, which, conveniently, allows most of them to not act, and so they shackle a large number of channelers to the wills of a handful of women who are the least experienced combatants in a hundred miles. The non-Aes Sedai were three Asha'man with recent experience fighting a Forsaken, and damane on a military campaign, and a damane with more combat experience than any 10 living non-Seanchan channelers, Forsaken included. The Forsaken's combat experience is a ten year war. You would need 40 Forsaken to match Alivia's experience. And Shalon, while we have nothing on her experience aside from her being old enough to have helped raise a middle-aged Wavemistress, is, like the Asha'man and Alivia, at least unbound by the Three Oaths, and able to strike before it is obvious that she is under attack.

So this got a bit away from me, but while Aes Sedai suck in a fight, the Green Ajah put up a better showing the first time it counted. And they succeeded, unlike Egwene usually does in combat. Egwene is always slow to react to actual danger and quick to lash out pointlessly and uselessly. All she did against the Seanchan was kill people, she did nothing to prevent the Seanchan raid from being a resounding success by the objectives they set out for themselves ahead of time, and "drove off" people who had no intention of staying (unlike Verin, Seanchan know how to keep on mission).

Jordan was a combat veteran. None of this is an accident.

Dude, the Green Ajah is so disappointing. You first hear about them and you’re like, “Whoa, Battle Ajah! I wanna see Aes Sedai kick some ass.” but, save for the Trolloc Wars, they’ve done nothing but sit around in the Tower for 3000 years with their thumbs up their asses. “Battle Ajah;” sister, please.

Then the Tower itself is attacked, the Greens are like, pretty much M.I.A. Everyone’s asses are saved by a bunch of Novices with a sa'angrael and a fucking Brown. Get your shit together, Green Ajah.

#green ajah #egwene al'vere

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bigbrotherorre · 6 years ago

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FINAL EPISODE: “DENNIS IS SUCH A KING” - ALI THE REST OF THE GAME.

WEEK 13

if someone who doesn't love me wins this week then bye bye ashvika

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annoyed that sammy nominated me because i kept him safe last week whereas i could have just as easily flipped to keeping alivia and he could've left...but more than that, i'm annoyed at his speech. i dont think he should've used "you nommed me" as an excuse bc that's lame and he was the first to nom me and i nommed him back so we were even, and then i let him have veto pick when he was nommed and i made sure he got taken off. also conversation is a two way street and i dont see him trying to make a conversation with me either, he could have just said the real reason....i love hearing about how good of a player he thinks i am.... the worst case scenario is if bryce or zeezo win, i think even if the noms stay the same that i have a good chance of staying? granted that autumn and ali don't decide to turn on me and evict me

why is bryce spreading lies :( i didn't tell ali to nominate sammy....

ive made a lot of mistakes this game and there all coming at me now.. my position in the game is terrible and i can blame it on ppl playing not to their win condition or on just the wrong ppl winning comps at the wrong time, but ultimately i could have tried harder convincing ppl to see the light or to do better in challenges so ultimately its on me. feeling really hopeless this week even tho i avoided being a preveto nom i think ill be a post one if literally anyone but me wins veto. and i flopped veto (cwl). i cant wait for after the game for ali to admit that he did tell me that ashvika pushed for sammy to be nommed. order in which id vote ppl zeezo- always worked with me and if she makes it to the end she truly DID THAT ashvika- really took control of the game with her hoh win and after jose left smartly picked up the goats and became the biggest threat randy- a king love us working with/against each other throughout the game and even tho he was voted out im not one to discredit buyback winners autumn- never spoke to me but guess she didnt need to KASDHFK ali- fakest person ive ever met dennis- knows how to get to f2 at least sammy- ignores obvious facts and always makes the wrong move but good at comps so wooh (me teas too tho...)

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somehow i didnt get nommed but like so sad what the heck zeezo is going home like why is everyone so jealous that shes prettier and funnier than them :( why cant we all be her goats <3 i guess its good bc like i cant win with zeezo in the game and i can vote to keep her still, but honestly if i lose in f2 with zeezo itd still be fun bc she has had my back all game :] I AM SO SAD UGHHHH GOD HATES GAYS AND HES TAKING MY TWO WOC QUEENS BACK TO BACK. Now i have ashvika who is a queen but not my queen!! And autumn yikes hates me always :(

SORRY IVE BEEN GONE!!! I did one video confessional for Week 11 and just like never posted it lmao but I will haha and that's all behind me. But anyway I just have so many feelings. Live night is about to begin, me and Zeezo's war is finally concluding, IM STILL TRYING TO GET MY FIRST COMP WIN, and I'm trying to protect my allies at all cost. Some cracked shit is about to go down and I'm so excited and so so glad I took a nap before this cause I'm ready for anything wooo

RANDY: WIN SAMMY: ... ALI: FAKEST PERSON IVE EVER MET MAYBE TALKS A BIG GAME AND SAYS HES SUPER NICE AND EMOTIONAL BUT SUDDENLY CAN TURN THAT OFF. HE WOULD BE A GOOD VILLAIN BUT HE ACTS NICE AND DOESNT OWN IT AND MAYBE ITS JUST BC ITS SO SOON BUT I HOPE HE CHOKES AND HAS HAYFEVER FOREVER! WHAT EVEN IS HAYFEVER??? HORSE BOY AUTUMN: NEVER SPOKE TO ME BUT NICE DENNIS: FORGOT TO PUT SOMEONE ON THE LIST, KNEW HIS WAY TO F2 AND IF HE DOESNT TAKE CREDIT FOR THINGS ICON AND ID VOTE FOR HIM.

AFTER THE TRIPLE EVICTION...

OK BUT DAT TRIPLE DOE http://media2.giphy.com/media/xUA7aViRhBQPzXNAAM/giphy.gif It was dramatic, over the top, emotional, satisfying, show stopping, gut wrenching- literally everything you want out of a triple. I... don't feel bad for Breezo lmao, not after all the messiness they've caused. But doing Ashvika dirty is literally the hardest choice I've had to make in Orre. Sis I am so so sorry. I should've thrown you a vote but you know how Randy is and you really know how Dennis is. I just--- that was something I like wasn't prepared to ever do, break Ashvika's heart. But like in my beautiful dark twisted mind? It was perfect because I knew I couldn't go to the end w/ Ash but I was never going to nominate her. So here we are rip ALSO LAB AND BREEZO ALL SITTING IN JURY??? BIIIIIIITTTCCHHHHH https://media.giphy.com/media/zcAii7T9JXezS/source.gif If you're reading this, you know I sure did say I would wipe that whole group out and send them to jury and it really did come to pass. John sure did gas all of them up to win and I sure did tell him in my Week 10 goodbye message that they were all bout to walk in behind him. So in the spirit of prophesizing, let it be known that Auli aka Ali and I will make Final 3 because we are the strategic dynamic duo y'all slept on. Like correct me if I'm wrong: we've been on the right side of all 8 "merge" votes (there's no word for like opposite of pre-jury lmao), we ain't been on block since Week 6/7 and it's now Week 14, and we've downplayed our iconicism left and right so we're the last duo standing at Final 5, and no one wants to take a shot at us. BUT YALL STILL SLEEP CAUSE THE MIST IS THAT STRONG. That's ok though! When Randy and Sammy walk into jury next y'all will see Also I'm dead at how much jury hates Ali hahaha. Deadass he has to stay in the game for safety reasons. Like soooo many jurors wanna kill him. That's my ride or die though so I can't let that happen. Anyway I still feel like shit for obeying Randy, which hurt Ashvika, made Dennis cry, and further dragged Ali's corpse. But the good news is woooo it's Final 5 and these boys all want to take Auli to the end. So do I NEED to win this HOH? No not really. Am I still praying and pleading with God like I do before every comp? Absolutely https://media1.tenor.com/images/1a11748f0c7ce30ab4afd057fab66751/tenor.gif?itemid=5677211

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Me when I shocked the nation and won HOH and finally had power in the house after 13 weeks https://78.media.tumblr.com/2a8c6d7cc298da364a847f8f9d767c7c/tumblr_opiih6Z7tB1ub3fcfo1_500.gif Me then using said power to target my baby Randy for the greater good https://media.giphy.com/media/hic9t15zsdwfC/giphy.gif And now me that I'm selling my entire family, land, soul, and wig collection to get Dennis to keep me and kill Sammy so that I'm not Ika Wonged because I know for a fact Ali would take me to F2 and Dennis would be a dumbass not to take me too. AND I ALWAYS BELIEVED IF I WENT UP A FOURTH TIME THAT WOULD BE THE TIME I GO UP ON THE BLOCK AND DONT COME BACK DOWN SO FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DENNIS BE STRATEGIC AND KEEP ME https://i.pinimg.com/originals/23/53/9d/23539d4ab6c13adab50940426d73ed6e.gif

[AFTER F4 EVICTION]

WAIT WHAT HOW AM I ALIVE?? https://media.giphy.com/media/TZ388aYpsLMcM/giphy.gif AND HOW THE FUCK DID I MAKE FINAL 3??? https://yiaelxzosjw9p4bs-zippykid.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/happy-crying.gif Pray for me if I win Final HOH cause fun fact: I, the strategic legend, have no clue who to fucking take to the end and that's the biggest gag of the entire season BECAUSE I DIDN'T PLAN OUT THIS FAR GODDAMMIT AND I WISH I HAD. Ok that's not entirely true- I knew I should either sit next to Dennis or Ali because ya know contingency plans matter. BUT NOW??? Bitch ion know I just wanna win

CLICK HERE & HERE TO SEE DENNIS’ VIDEO DIARY ROOMS!

i've never seen a better reflection of the emotional rollercoaster that is my mental state than these two being filmed less than 12 hours apart jasldfa

CLICK HERE AND HERE TO SEE ALI’S VIDEO DIARY ROOMS!

okay i have lots of post finale thoughts but i need to type them up tomorrow. i just hope the jury knows how sorry I am if I ever upset them, because I love them all so much and would never want that :(

time for my post finale wrap up and.... whewie. This is so upsetting because, I just did this for all stars. Like it's looking like my track record is LITERALLY going to be 2nd 9th 2nd 2nd 2nd, I CANT COME 2ND AGAIN. I really can't take this. Here is the bigger problem though and this is why Orre will be my last game whether I win or not. I can't keep playing these games when I upset so many people. Like it honestly broke my heart yesterday hearing how much I upset people like Bryce & Ashvika, people I love SOOOOOOO much. I don't want to upset people. Like... what upset me about finale is I don't think the jurors realise that.... I didn't just upset people for the sake of it and ahhh. Honestly, I'm really upset, like not even that I'm coming second but that I upset people. So with that said, I really apologise to the jurors. I got the impression that I hurt you all so bad that you are giving me 2nd as like.... punishment? And while I hate that, if I hurt you all that bad I really owe you all an apology. Anywho, since this is definitely my last game, I've played 183 days worth of games to just come 2nd, and that's just too much. I'm too flawed of a person and player to continue playing these games and just keep coming 2nd. Like it just hurts. so yeah, i'm sad but mainly because this is deja vu. I'm so proud of Dennis for winning, he is such a sweet genuine guy and when he was complimenting me during the finale, it was the nicest thing I've ever heard and I'm so greatful. No matter my game or his, I'd be happy to see Dennis represent our season.

Can I just say... Dennis is such a king. What a kind-hearted, genuine guy. A true king.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH DENNIS’ VIDEO DIARY ROOM!

okay so I lost.... and I'm weirdly at peace with it. I know I answered the jury questions terribly and I had... some jurors that would never have it in them to vote for me and would actively campaign against me. Dennis is a king, and in a cast with toxicity and SUCH bitterness, I think he is a phenomenal representation for the season. Otherwise, I am really honoured to get Ashvika's vote, she is such a deserving POTS, and to get POTS' vote is always an honour. Autumn and Jose are amazing friends and I am so happy to have got to work with them, John is a player with SUCH potential and he is WINNING BOTS & Zeezo I'm really honoured to get her vote too! For the others, Bryce is a KING and so is Blake (they both seemed really upset by me so I hope we can be friends). Lynn I never spoke to and seems... very bitter about the season's result, but I hope she gets over it because she is also a QUEEN. Randy is a funny one and I'm starting to worry all his friend talk was just him playing into my emotional side, but he is a good egg really I know it. Sammy is a ghost king. I kinda want to end on Alivia. Alivia is a person whose personality is obviously very different to mine and the way she speaks to me and others really upsets me a lot of the time. However, her bitterness against me is understandable and I hope she gets over it, because she defines herself by anger and bitterness when she is such a funny and likable person and doesn't need to do that. but woo... to wrap stuff up, I'm so grateful for Nicholas & Julia for casting me, Owen & Emily for being amazing.... OH, I forgot what I wanted to say. Autumn is a queen, a legend and amazing. She is honestly soo soo amazing, like... someone I really admire and see as a rolemodel? she is inspirational, a queen and a legend. Dennis is the nicest, most well intentioned guy ever SO sweet and really just a genuinely nice guy. I have made lasting friendships with some members of this cast and I'm so happy. so yeah.... i'll probably do another one of these in like a day or so, but if not.... ali out woo

we love coming to jury and being told about my ""showmance""".... wanna die jadfkl. my only showmance was to snakery, my way of life. blake was robbed but also is a broccoli. last words? autumn and dennis are my faves, best F3 ever.

FINAL CAST ASSESSMENT

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#bborre #episode

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