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goldenlikedayl1ght · 10 months ago

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we're in love - m. murdock

a/n: hi guys not dead just played a LOT of baldurs gate over break and now im back ay college with matt murdock brainrot this ones been floating around the old noggin a while. sorry. likes, reblogs, and comments are always appreciated! <3 warnings: DEAD DOVE with a happy ending, hard of hearing reader, cannon typical marvel violence, probably badly written violence, matt being upset, once again im tired and sleepy and bad at doing warnings, reader gets kidnapped TWICE, reader has superpowers, reader is TECHNICALLY a hybrid but literally just in the way that she has small antlers and deer like abilities (strength, jump height), fucked up experiments, ANGST ANGST ANGST, memory loss trope but like... the one from the hunger games. matt is hopelessly in love with reader, reader wants to kill matt, kissing, implied sexual ideas, cursing. SHAMELESS USE OF REAL OR NOT REAL FROM THG, reader having anxiety, and allusions of sex. word count: 7.1k summary: when your past finally catches up to you, matt truly learns what 'in sickness and in health' means. pairing: matt murdock x hoh!wife!reader now playing: we're in love - boygenius "will you still love me if it turns out I'm insane?/i know what you'll say/but it helps to hear you say it anyway."

Falling in love with Matt Murdock was the easy part.

Falling back in love with him was the tough bit.

You had spent the years leading up to meeting him as a boxer turned vigilante— Your dad had taught you how to fight young, which led to a lot of trouble at school until he eventually started helping you enter teenage fights against your mom’s wishes.

It’s how you paid for college.

And then, after your college experience, you lose control. It was never supposed to happen the way it did. You had lost a fight and stole the guy’s motorcycle in defiance. But the roads were wet from an early snow and people of New York never knew how to drive.

Just like that, the nerves in your hands were shot. The accident got your hearing too since you got sick from the cold after your accident. The infection got so bad that it took the hearing from your left ear—And half from your right.

For months, you thought you’d never gain control of your hands again, snapping from a promising young fighter to a deaf and shaky temp. You were miserable. Fighting was your everything for so long.

And then The Doctor found you.

No, not the alien from the British television show, but a man who promised you your old life back. He found you while you were at your lowest and realized that you would do anything for your old life back.

He said in exchange for your old life, all you would have to do would be a test subject for a harmless new drug he was testing out.

You were so enamored by the idea of your old life that you had decided to take him up on his offer, so you were whisked away upstate with a group of other people desperate enough to try this experiment out.

Every morning you were given a shot of blue liquid into your arm, and then, you were to preform a series of tasks to record your progress. After three weeks you grew frustrated that you had seen no progress. You spent most of your time asking people to talk into your right ear and becoming mad at The Doctor.

About a month in, you started growing antlers.

At first, you freaked out. Like, truly, screamed and yelled, wanting an explanation. The Doctor celebrated, telling you this was great news—And to prove it, he had you pick up a pen and write a sentence out. Your hands didn’t shake and did everything you told them to do.

On top of the antlers and the newfound control of your nerves, you were strong—Fast, too. You could jump twelve-foot walls. The Doctor was obsessed with you. While other patients died off from whatever drugs you were being given, you were thriving.

At the end of your three-month stay, you were excited to leave and head back to your life. You’d just have to wear beanies everywhere to hide your antlers, you told yourself. A small price to pay.

But The Doctor wouldn’t let you leave.

How could he, he asked you, when you were his best test subject?

Being a prisoner was a lot worse than you thought it would be. Day in and day out, you were trained to be a soldier, you think. Fighting various guards, doing different athletic tests. The serum hadn’t fixed your hearing, but it had given you all of these gifts.

Until The Doctor became cruel.

He gave the guards these batons that had shock currents at the end of them, instructing them to use it whenever you talked back or underperformed. For months you struggled through days of electric shocks and experiments.

One night, a guard slipped into your cell, expecting you to be an easy target. You quickly showed him differently, knocking him out and stealing his weapons. And then, you ran. You ran until your feet bled—No shoes.

An old woman who had retired upstate welcomed you into her small cabin and fed you, never asking about the small antlers growing out of your head. She simply gave you a warm knit cap and a pair of boots for the cold.

You remember eating chili with her as she told you about her deceased husband. You changed your last name to theirs, knowing The Doctor would find you if you kept going by your name. You stayed with her for a weekend, coming back from gathering firewood to The Doctor’s men there, having killed the kind old woman and on the hunt for you. You stole her car and never looked back.

The next few weeks after that had been full of killing various soldiers and armies that The Doctor had sent after you, until you eventually pushed The Doctor off a building, believing to have killed him for good.

And that was that.

You went on with your life as usual, finding a permanent job as a secretary. In a law office.

Which, of course, is where you met Matt.

With Matt, you never felt the need to hide who you were. Of course, it was a lot easier to tell him that some mad scientist had infected you with a drug that turned you into a deer hybrid when he told you that he was Daredevil.

And with time, some of the effects of the serum began to fizzle out. Strength, Agility, Antlers—Those stayed. The control over your hands didn’t. But you made peace with that. Physical Therapy twice a week and hearing aids helped.

Especially because early Sunday mornings were filled with Matt running his fingers through your hair, running his pointer finger along the curves of your antlers. He takes your hands and kisses your fingertips as they shake, hushing you softly when you start crying as he does.

He spars with you and spends nights running around New York City with you, jumping from rooftop to rooftop.

He tells you about Elektra, Stick, his dad, and Fisk.

One day, when you feel safe enough, wrapped up in his arms and a layer of blankets as snow falls against the windows, you tell him about The Doctor. You explain to him your nightmares, and why they will never go away.

He kisses away your tears and promises he’ll never let anything happen to you.

When he asks you to marry him, you don’t hesitate to say yes. There’s not a moment where you regret that decision. You insist to get married in the summer, during the short month where your antlers shed before they grow back. He agrees happily, just wanting you to be happy.

You’ve been married for about five months when you start to think about kids. You’ve been married six when you realize the worst possible scenario is your reality—When vials of blue serum show up at your front door with a note scribbled out—

‘My Best Test Subject,

I cannot wait to catch up with you soon.

-The Doctor’

You call Matt in a panic, begging him to come home and be with you. He obliges and holds you as you calm down. He promised to love you in sickness and in health, and that is what he fully intends to do.

This is the story of the greatest challenge that your marriage would face.

• • •

After the note you had received, you almost exclusively traveled with Matt. Even for just a casual stroll, a walk to the deli or home from work, He was there with you. He knew you could handle yourself, but you felt safer with him close by.

But Matt’s senses were never as focused when it rained, especially on nights like today. The rain pours, it almost stings against his skin. And it’s loud. You don’t have your hearing aids in, so they catch you both by surprise.

It all happens too fast—

In an instant, Matt is being pulled off your arm and slammed against the closest brick alley, and when he hears the click of a gun behind him, he realizes what’s happening. He tries to fight, but before he can make any process, someone is swinging that gun against his head, and when he wakes up, he’s all alone.

He calls out to you and gets no response other than thunder rumbling from miles away. He is filled with nothing but a rage, a determination to find you.

He scrambles for his phone and uses it to call Karen.

“I need you to get Frank.” He tells her, “Please. I.. I don’t know what happened, but.. He took her, I need.. Karen, I need to find her.” He tells her.

Frank is on his way to New York within the hour.

• • •

When you wake up, your arms are strapped behind your back in some sort of metal contraption. You can feel the ache in your hands, indicating that you had fought against whoever brought you here. The room is quiet. A small cot in one corner, but the rest of the room is barren.

You’re wearing white pants and a gray muscle tee, with no shoes. You’re suddenly thankful you left your wedding ring at home, so that it might not end up in his hands.

You wait a while, and then the door opens. The Doctor, flanked by two men in heavy armor, holding those batons you’re all too acquainted with, steps into the room. You simply stare, but The Doctor looks like a child on Christmas morning.

But there’s something else to his appearance. His left eye is this bright yellow, and his pupil is a different shape. Green scales travel up his neck and coat the bottom right half of his face, and down his arms, reaching his fingertips. He looks like a monster, but you quickly realize what has happened.

Whatever serum gave you your abilities, was given to him. Only, his was made from that of snakes, not deer.

“My beautiful creation!” He gasps and takes your face in his hand, planting a kiss to your head, right between your antlers. “It’s been too long, you know.” His ‘s’ sounds are elongated, and his teeth are sharper. He has become destroyed by his own mad endeavors. When you don’t respond to his greeting, he continues to speak. “It’s been an eventful few years for you, huh?” When this doesn’t get a response from you, he stands up straight and backs up just a foot. “New job, new name… New husband.” Your head snaps up at that. “What? You think I haven’t been keeping tabs on you and the boy? What do you call him, then? Matthew or Daredevil?”

Your eyes grow wide, unsure how he knows about your husband’s secret hobby.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” You spit, your gaze hardening into a glare.

“Don’t I? You make quite the couple. The little deaf doe and her crime fighting blind husband.” He laughs, “And they say I like a project.”

“You won’t touch him or I swear to god—”

“Little doe, you misunderstand. I want nothing to do with your husband. I just want you to be the good subject I know you can be.” He tells you. “You and I are the only of our kind. I want to study you, replicate you.”

“You’re going to kidnap more people.”

“You weren’t kidnapped, you volunteered.”

“I won’t do whatever it is you want me to do.” You tell him. “I don’t care, I will escape, I will kill you.”

He shakes his head, taking one of the batons from the guards, before hitting you across the face with it. You groan in pain, turning your head back to glare at him. He sighs.

“I didn’t want to have to do this. But I did anticipate that Husband of yours interrupting things.” He hands the baton back to the guard before telling him. “Take her down the hall and get her ready, alright?”

You struggle your way down the hall, refusing to do whatever is coming to you without a fight. When the guards uncuff you to strap you to this big dentist looking chair, you manage to get out of the grasp of the guard, swinging a punch on him but this newfound advantage is short lived, as the other guard quickly grabs your arms and pushes you against the chair. You’re yelling and thrashing but they manage to get your arms and legs strapped down to the chair.

Your heartbeat is racing, and quietly, only in your mind, you beg. But not for mercy. Not from The Doctor. You beg Matt to come find you. Because you know that you do not stand a chance on your own, but maybe he could find you. He had to find you.

The Doctor sits in a chair next to you and holds up a small purple vial.

“This is hallucinogenic snake venom, mixed with a duller version of the serum we gave you. What this will do is allow me to go into your memories and alter them.” He explains as if you’re getting a simple procedure done. Tears fill your eyes.

“You’re going to make me forget him?” You ask, your voice breaking.

The Doctor hushes you softly, wiping your tears softly.

“Oh, no, little doe. I’m going to change what you do remember about him to make you hate him.”

• • •

Six months is a long time to be without your wife. For anyone, no matter who it is.

For Matt Murdock, it’s absolute torture. He spends all day half paying attention to his work while trying to research who The Doctor is. He spends all night trying to find you.

Frank lives, breathes, eats and sleeps to find you. He’s still technically a wanted man, so he pretty much stays under the radar as he looks for you. You remind him of a lot of guys he knew in the army, of himself.

Karen busies herself with research, looking through cases of old files at The Bulletin to try and see if there are any tips or stories that could maybe be connected to where you are. She gets about as little sleep as Matt.

And Foggy has the most important job of all.

Making sure Matt doesn’t kill himself in the process of trying to find you. Because for the first two months Matt didn’t sleep, hardly ate. And as he deteriorated, Foggy reminded him that to find you, he’d need to stay alive. He needs to shower, he needs to keep going to church, he needs to keep eating. The thought of hearing your heartbeat again keeps him going.

It’s as they’re packing up to go home one night that Frank comes into the office with blood-stained hands. They all know he wouldn’t be here if he didn’t have something, so Karen asks first.

“What? What is it?”

“Buddy of mine found a file. Some private medicinal corporation funding a project for some sort of doctor doing cancer research, upstate.”

The location peaks Matt’s interest, because one of the few things he knows of your first experience is that the lab was in upstate New York.

“Okay, but—” Karen starts, but Frank hands her the file.

“Report shows the guy had scales.” He told her. “And I don’t know what you guys make of that but sounds to me like a side effect similar to the serum that was given to her.”

“Where?” Matt asks.

“Red, just—”

“Give me a god damn address, Frank.” He demands.

“I’ll drive you. Come on, things are probably gonna get wild and I don’t want you going alone.” He told him. Matt agrees, but only because he knows he can’t drive and would wind up walking to you.

“Then let’s go.” Before Frank can argue, Matt is walking out the door and going to get suited up for the journey ahead.

• • •

Daredevil is my enemy.

Matt Murdock hates me.

I hate him.

We were never really in love with each other.

These are the thoughts that echo through your mind as you wait for your next round of testing. The six-month mark is pivotal, The Doctor tells you time and time again.

Overall, you’ve made tremendous progress. He tells you that within weeks, other serums will be ready to test on new subjects. Maybe then, he tells you, he’ll promote you from just being a soldier.

Maybe.

You almost don’t hear the alarm going off somewhere in the distance. Of course, you don’t. The serum has never helped your hearing.

The way you remember it, Daredevil, a man who once claimed to love you, fought you to the point that he destroyed the nerves in your hands, destroyed your hearing. It’s fuzzy now, but you know this: The Doctor helped you. He put you back together.

But you do hear the alarm, eventually. It concerns you; it means someone has broken into the building. Your thoughts linger on the masked vigilante that haunts your nightmare. You’re getting stronger to defeat him, The Doctor says.

It’s a cool summer night when whoever it is broke in, breaks down your door. You immediately stand, quickly identifying Frank Castle, a grin breaking across your face. Closely behind, you identify a man in red.

Your heartbeat races, but you just stare at the pair.

Matt strips off his helmet and approaches you, wanting to make sure this was real. That you were real. His hands find your cheeks, and tears fill his eyes. He says your name gently.

“I found you, I’ve got you…”

You blink, unsure of what sort of cruel teasing that was.

Because in an instant, your glare hardens and you’re pushing him against a wall, starting to throw punches at him. He’s too far in shock to react, but Frank is pulling you off of him, and you’re struggling against him.

“Let me go! I need to kill him! He’s evil, he needs to die!” You cry, and Matt is just saying your name softly, in absolute disarray. What had they done to you, his sweet girl?

Frank pins you down to the ground, unsure of why you, a woman he had perceived to be so in love with the man behind him, are so adamant that he dies.

“Enough, Enough!” He barks, grabbing your chin and forcing you to look at Matt. “That is your husband, girl. Stop acting like he’s torturing you when he is not the one whose been experimenting on you for six months!”

“Let me go, I need him gone! He’s cruel, He’s a monster!” You cry, and Matt has started crying. Putting you both out of your misery, Frank hits you in a way that knocks you right out. Matt goes over to your now unconscious form and pets your hair.

“Why was she—”

“I don’t know.. I just don’t know, red. Let’s get her out of here to figure it out, okay?” Matt just nods and grabs his helmet, slipping it on so Frank can’t see him crying anymore.

• • •

If you had a nickel for every time you woke up tied to a chair, you’d have more nickels than you had fingers.

Today is no different.

You’re surrounded by people you don’t recognize. And one you do. Your angry glare stays on him, and he looks upset by it.

You’re unsure why. You’re so sure he just wanted you dead.

The blonde woman in front of you says your name softly. When your gaze shifts to her, you notice her soft eyes.

“How do you know my name?” You ask.

She frowns.

“It—Because we’re good friends.”

“I don’t know you.”

“You don’t… My name is Karen.” She says softly. She goes over to a nearby shelf, pulling out a picture frame and showing it to you. “Here, that’s you and me. At your wedding.”

“My wedding? The one that he set up just to hurt me?”

Matt remembers you telling him that you had never been happier than when you were getting ready for your wedding.

There’s two other men, one held you down while you were meant to kill Matt, but the other one.. You vaguely remember him standing next to Matt when you got married.

He speaks next.

“Matt and Frank, they found these vials in one of the labs. We think the man that took you used it to... to alter your memories.”

“Why would The Doctor do that? He helped me.” You tell them, unsure what to make of this whole situation. Matt is growing extremely frustrated because he knows just how scared you were of that monster.

“Untie her.” Matt tells Frank, and everyone looks at him like he’s crazy. Including you because you know that you’ll just try and kill him. “Do it,” he tells him again and very hesitantly, Frank does untie you. When you’re free from the rope, you step forward to go towards Matt, but Frank grabs your arm.

“Don’t,” he says. But then, Matt reaches for Frank’s gun on the nearby table and hands it to you. Odd choice for a man you want to kill.

“Go ahead.” He tells you, facing you now. “Shoot me, kill me if that’s what you really want to do.” He says. You stare at the gun in your hand for a second, before holding it properly and aiming it at Matt. Everyone waits with bated breath to see what you’ll do.

Pull the trigger, you tell yourself, The Doctor’s voice echoing around your head. He hurt you, the voice says. He needs to die.

And yet, you just stare at the man on the other end of the gun, trying to build up the courage to kill him. To kill the man that for months you have been taught needs to die. That you have memories of hurting you, of maiming you.

Your hand tremors as tears fill your eyes, until you eventually drop your arm, so the gun isn’t pointing at him anymore.

“Look at the photo of you and Karen,” Matt tells you, “You have hearing aids in the photo. I didn’t do that to you, you got into a bad accident, you got sick and that’s how you lost your hearing. I had nothing to do with that. You even had your powers before me, you didn’t just get them in the past six months. The Doctor is an evil man who just wanted to torture people and turn them into science experiments.” He tells you, and you want to tell him to stop, that it’s not true. But something in you tells you not to. “I love you,” he says gently, and you flinch away from him when he says this.

It breaks his heart into a million pieces. Absolutely shatters it.

“I don’t know you.” You tell him.

Sensing that Matt doesn’t know what to say to that, Frank steps forward.

“Hey. I’m Frank, you remember me?”

“You pinned me down when you found me.” He sighs softly.

“Yeah, well.. You have memories of when the two of you got married, right? So those are real memories… What about the ones of him hurting you? Do they look any different?”

You take a moment to close your eyes and really focus on the memory you have so closely attached to the man in red. They’re.. Filmy. Like they have a filter on them or like glass shimmering in the sun.

Tears fall from your eyes as you open them, your hand quickly coming up to wipe your tears.

“I think we did enough for now.. She needs to rest.” The man whose name you don’t know, but he has this shaggy blonde hair. Then this question comes up in everyone’s mind—Where will you stay?

“I’ll take the couch,” Matt says, “You take the bed.” You don’t know how comfortable you are with being alone with Matt in this apartment, even if the memories are fake. They feel pretty real.

“I don’t know if—” Karen starts.

“I.. It’s fine..” you say softly, and that fills Matt with a fraction of hope. “It’s just over night.”

Frank sighs softly, taking his gun off the table and glancing at Matt.

“We’re only a phone call away, alright?” Karen tells him.

It feels sort of awkward that they only talk to him as if you can’t hear them. Well, you can’t hear them very well, but you can hear.

“There’s clothes for you in the bedroom,” Matt tells you, “Go take a shower and I’ll walk them to the door.” Very reluctant to turn your back on Matt, you make your way to the bedroom to gather your clothes and go to shower.

You really haven’t had a good shower in six months, so it’s nice to wash the dirt off your skin and from beneath your fingernails. You spend a long time under the hot shower, letting it burn your skin. Your whole life has been turned upside down because you’re slowly coming to terms with the fact that Matt Murdock isn’t your sworn enemy, and that maybe.. he just.. does like you..

Meanwhile, Matt walks the others out, or at least to the door, hesitant to go too far from you.

Foggy glances back to him before he leaves, curiously.

“How did you know she wouldn’t shoot you?”

He hesitates.

“I didn’t.” he says softly. “I just trusted that somewhere within her, my wife still loves me.”

• • •

Later that night, you stare out the window of his apartment at that bright billboard. You gaze at it curiously, and hear Matt call your name gently behind you. In his hands, he holds your hearing aids.

You put them on, and just look at him for a few minutes.

“You kept them?”

“I never stopped looking for you..” He told you. “I prayed every night hoping to hear your heartbeat again.” He tells you, and you don’t know what to make of it. He seems so devoted to you, yet you have these memories of him beating you until you’re close to death.

“I’m sorry I can’t be in love with you the way you want me to be.”

He shrugs gently.

“In sickness and in health, right?”

“And in torture and memory alteration.”

“Same thing.”

For the first time in six months, you smile.

Maybe your husband isn’t such a bad guy.

You can only hope he’ll love you long enough for you to get your shit together and not want to kill him anymore.

• • •

Memories are a tricky thing.

You decide to spend your days with Frank, hunting down various people who worked with The Doctor. You talk a lot about your memories with him. And no matter what, at the end of the day, you have dinner with Matt.

One night, he brings home Thai Food.

“We had this for our first date,” he recalls. “You got pad Thai, your favorite.” You try to recall the memory.

“You wore a nice blue button up, right?” You say softly. He smiles gently and nods.

“Yeah. I did.” He says gently.

“Can..” You hesitate. “Can you tell me more about it? Our life together? I can’t.. discern between what’s real and fabricated.” You’re making new memories, sure, but you know he misses the life the two of you had together.

But he’s caught off guard by your request. For the past few weeks, you’ve been hesitant to indulge in any memories you think might be real.

“You used to work for me.” He tells you. “Not in a weird way, but our office is small. We fell in love over Thai food and opening statements.”

“Why did you want to marry me?”

He hesitates for a second, not wanting to scare you off.

“Because I love you.” He tells you. “Because when you were with me, it was the closest thing I’d ever knew to peace.” He confesses.

“Oh..”

“Yeah.” He takes another bite of his food. “You know if you have a memory and you don’t know if it’s real, you can always ask.”

You smile softly.

“Thanks.” There’s a soft silence that fills the room before you ask, “I have this memory of us in bed, with you running your hand through my hair.. Your fingers tracing these antlers I have.. Is that real?”

“Yeah, it is..” He promised. “I have a thing about textures and your hair is soft.”

“I’m glad.” You smile. This is nice. This gentleness that’s between you. It’s a softness you aren’t used to, one that you don’t know if you’d ever quite get used to.

Later that night, when you were meant to be fast asleep, you wake up with a startling gasp in bed. You look around panicked. You don’t quite know who you’re looking for..

Until Matt comes into the room, a concerned look on his face.

“Are you okay?” He asks, and this calmness washes over you.

“Yeah..”

“Okay. Okay, good, I’ll be in the living room if you need me.” He says softly. He’s been so good to you, sleeping on the couch for so many weeks. He goes to leave, but you call out to him. He turns back to you.

“Can you stay with me?” You ask.

“Yeah, of course.” He says softly, climbing into bed with you. You think for a second, before shifting a bit, resting your head against his chest. You listen to the gentle thud of his heartbeat, as his hand finds your back, gently rubbing up and down. “Do you want to talk about it?”

He isn’t dumb—He knows you have nightmares. And that on the nights that you do, you’re quieter and more avoidant of him. It’s a bad habit, one you want to break. Because you recognize that your dreams aren’t real.

Matt has never done anything to you, and you’re sure of this.. For the most part. Sometimes when you wake up, you must reorient yourself and remind yourself that Matt has no malicious intent towards you and no reason to hurt you.

But it takes you a few minutes to accomplish this. On those mornings, you tend to keep your distance from him, and because Matt wants nothing but your happiness, he stays away from you. But tea is always placed in front of you, and he never strays far from you.

“Not really.” You finally answer. There’s another beat of silence. “We went as the couple from The Princess Bride for our first Halloween together.. Real or not real?”

“Real.” He confirms.

“You broke my nose once during an argument. Real or not real?”

“Not real.” He tells you. “I would never hurt you. Even when we used to fight at the gym, it was always for practice, never to do actual damage. And when we would spar, it would always end with us going home and taking a hot bath.”

You close your eyes, trying to recall that particular memory. When you find it, your face flushes with this unfamiliar heat.

“You’re still trying to protect me even though I wanted you dead... Real or not real?”

“Real.” He doesn’t even hesitate. He’s not sure if you’ve realized it yet, but he’d rather die than put you anywhere close to being in danger. His hand continues to trace patterns into your skin, as you think about his response.

You fall asleep like this, close to the man who you’re realizing has never intended to hurt you a day in your life.

• • •

The day you realize you’re in love with your husband is horrifying.

Which seems like a crazy accusation to make, and yet, you feel nothing but horror when you realize that you are desperate for him. Which is insane, because you’ve been living with him for two months when you realize you are desperate to kiss him like you’re drowning and need air.

It happens at the office. You decided to cook, because you remember really liking it, and to say thank you for all he’s done for you, you want to bring lunch to Matt at work. So you make this really delicious chicken pesto pasta, and you pick up sodas to go along with it. Matt gets the following text:

‘Your favorite soda is Dr. Pepper. Real or not real?’

Five minutes later, you get a response.

‘Real. Yours is sprite.’

You pick up a bottle of each and head over to his office. You’ve been there a few times before, but mostly it was because Frank needed to talk to Karen about something, but lately you’ve found yourself wanting to go to the office just to see Matt.

Matt is surprised when he hears the familiar beat of your heart on the other side of the door. He can also hear the slight buzz of your hearing aids.

“Sweetheart, you can come in.” He calls, but you hesitate even further. Not because you’re confused as to why he knows it’s you, but because your brain sort of short circuits when he calls you the pet name. But after a few minutes, you walk into the room and place lunch on his desk, as well with your drinks.

“Do you like pesto?”

“We had pesto pasta at our wedding.” Oh.

“So you do?”

“Yeah, I do. Especially the way you make it.”

“Oh, good.” You smile and sit at the chair on the other side of the desk. “Because I made chicken pesto pasta for lunch and figured you might want some.”

“Well, thank you for thinking of me.”

There’s a quiet calm between the two of you.

“This is a pretty killer first date, huh?” This makes Matt laugh, because in his mind, your first date was eating Thai food and listening to music. But this isn’t bad either.

“Well, Chivalry must be dead then, because I didn’t even buy you flowers.” He hums, and you tilt your head.

“I don’t remember you ever buying me flowers.” He frowns at this.

“Well, I’m going to have to fix that.”

And that’s how the afternoon goes. You sit with Matt in his office, eating a homemade chicken pasta and falling in love with him. As you go to leave, he asks you what you have planned for the day.

“I have some errands to run, but I should be home to make dinner.” And for a moment, Matt forgets all that’s happened, and he lets himself believe that you have all your memories of him perfectly intact and no one’s ever made you think otherwise.

You get back to the apartment a few hours later, and just as you’re unpacking your groceries, there’s a knock at the door. When you open it, a delivery man stands with a bouquet of flowers. Your face is warm as you sign off on them.

As you put them in their vase, you notice a note attached to it. You catch yourself grinning as you read his little note, that reads ‘I’ll buy you flowers until I’m old and wrinkly. Real.’

The urge to run back to the office and kiss him overwhelms you.

So you call Frank.

This leads to the pair of you, sitting at a booth in a diner, nursing coffees and toast.

“I hope you didn’t call me here just to complain about married life.” He tells you, making a joke out of the thing that terrifies you.

“No, I just wanted you to sit here talking to a chick with antlers so you can look like more of a freak than you already are.” You tease.

It gets you both laughing. These moments, in between all the nightmares and all of the filmy memories, fill you with a light you can’t quite describe.

“So, why’d you really call me to meet up?” He asks. “I have to assume you don’t just want to chitchat.”

“I think I’m in love with Matt.” You tell him. He raises an eyebrow.

“What? Why does that sound like you think it’s a problem?” He asks.

“I don’t know.” You confess. “It’s like I don’t want to love him, like a part of me still believes he’s the bad guy. I know he does.. Besides, I was so awful to him for so long. I pointed a gun at him and he still comforts me every night. What if I don’t deserve this?” You ask. “What if I don’t deserve him?”

Frank actually laughs—Okay, not like a giggle or a belly laugh, but it gets a good chuckle out of him.

“You and Red with that shit—Questioning if you’ve done enough for something good to happen to you. With the ‘Do I deserve this?’ and the ‘Am I worthy of this?” He shakes his head. “All that shit is irrelevant. Do you want it? Do you want to be with him?”

Tears fill your eyes as you realize what that means.

“You and him, you love each other like breathing, and I know you don’t quite get that yet, but it’s the same reason you didn’t shoot him that day. Something in you knows that you love him and deserve his love.” Frank is speaking from experience, because he knows that no matter what he’s done, he knows he deserves one more kiss from his wife.

But he’ll never get that chance.

He hopes Matt does.

• • •

It takes you a long time to make your way back to the apartment. When you get there, Matt immediately stands from his place on the couch and has this look of concern etched across his face.

“Is everything okay?” he asks gently, “Your heart is racing, I just want to make sure you’re safe and—"

“I’m fine.” You smile gently. “Really, I… Thank you for the flowers.” You tell him. His face softens.

“You like them?”

“I love them, Matt.” You confess. “I’ve spent.. So long trying to rationalize everything, sort out the real things from the things that aren’t..” You’re not too sure what you’re trying to say. “I just.. I want.. I want to try. I want to try and be with you, I’m ready for that. I’m ready to be happy with you..”

He hesitates. Not because he doesn’t want to, because he doesn’t want you, but he is worried that you’re only saying these things because you feel like you might owe him. You don’t. You don’t owe him anything other than what you want to give him, and he is desperate for you to know that.

“Sweetheart, You don’t.. I don’t need.. I don’t need you to pretend like you want me just because I’ve taken care of you. It’s more than enough to just—”

Matt is cut off by his first kiss from you in eight months. Your hands rest on the sides of his cheeks, and his arms are quickly around your torso. The kiss is passionate but soft at first—Until you push deeper, desperate to be as close as you can to him. Your hand even comes up to pull off his glasses to see his eyes.

Without thinking, you pull away from him only for your hand to come down to the hem of his shirt, going to pull it off.

“Off, off, off, off—” You softly request, and he just laughs, taking your hand in his, pressing a kiss to the back of it.

“Stop. Wait.” He says gently. “I just.. I want to make sure you actually want this.. That you really want me.”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“You’ve been reserved for the past two months, rightfully so, but now you want to sleep with me.. I don’t want you to do something you’ll regret. Or something you do just because you feel lonely or bad that I—” You cut him off with another kiss, breaking it shortly after.

“I want you. I want to rebuild my life with you. I want to create new, untainted memories.. It won’t be easy, but I want to be with you.” You confess. “I want countless summer nights, I want you to be there for all the nightmares, I.. I want to give you the same peace you’ve been trying to give me.”

You’re both crying and you don’t quite know why. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a gold band. He slips it onto your fingers and kisses you again. He holds the hand with your wedding ring on it as he leads you into the bedroom. Into your life together. Into your arms. Where you were meant to be.

The next morning, you lay in the quiet of your apartment, the silk sheets tickling your skin. You focus on Matt’s breathing. He traces patterns into your skin.

“What are you thinking about?” You ask, and he takes a moment to answer.

“You.” He says gently. “You’re all I’ve been thinking about for three years.” He says gently. Then, when you don’t say anything, “Our anniversary was two months ago..” You know he misses the life you could have had together.

The life that he had planned out for the pair of you in his head. The life that oh so quietly, he longs for. The one without nightmares, supplemented by the laughter of any potential children you might have.

“I could get used to thinking about you, too, you know.” And it makes him laugh, as you lean up and bite his shoulder gently, before placing a kiss to that same patch of skin. He swats your arm gently before the pair of you break down into giggles.

“In the future, if you ever.. don’t want to do that, you don’t have to.”

“I know.” You tell him.

A comfortable silence fills the air again.

“I’m so happy you came back to me.” He says gently. “I was.. I spent so long worried that.. that we’d spend years just trying to find our footing again. That you wouldn’t get better..” For the second time tonight, you cut off his overthinking with a kiss.

“I love you.” You tell him when you’re finally ready to pull away. The morning light shines into the apartment, giving Matt this glowing effect. He practically shimmers in the golden light, and you just take a moment to commit the look of him to memory.

You try and take your time, studying him. He’s so beautiful this time of day.

“Real or not real?” He asks you softly, as one hand snakes up to your hair, his fingers gently running through it.

You lean forward and place a soft kiss to his lips.

“Real.”

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missmarveledsblog · 3 months ago

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Angel ( frank castle x reader )

SUMMARY : When frank meets Matt murdock's sister , he become intrigued more and more as he's around the so called angel of hell's kitchen

warnings : violence , fighting etc . mutual pining

Enemies to lovers

Eye scanning over the sign in such pride yet the occasion was not for such occasion , coming back to hells kitchen he was bound to find out she was home . so here Y/N stood outside NELSON AND MURDOCK LAW OFFICE ready to tell her brother she was home and a failure. The admiration didn't last long when she felt herself being pushed forward almost losing her balance completely. " asshole" she grumbled seeing the man not even stopping to apologise or even recognise his actions as he was walking into the same building .

She already rang Karen so at least one person was expecting her. Maybe the redhead could give her advice on the best way to break her news. Walking into the office she let her eyes scan around , it was the same as the pictures she was sent but being in the space physically was a whole other thing. She was proud of her brother and foggy , she used to tease the two and call them dorks all the time. Of course the same jerk from before was sitting there , deep expression on his stupid handsome face.

She rolled her eyes taking a seat barely sparing him a glance looking around to find a familiar face. She went to grab a magazine and heard a scoff looking to see the man's eyes locked on the one she had chosen . " typical" he muttered. " Excuse me, can I help you? '' she asked, almost gritted teeth . " No, just typical you type of gals go for that celebrity shit" he laughed. " You don't know me pal and all you should really be saying is sorry for nearly knocking me over but your type doesn't have a grasp on manners' ' she crossed her legs and began flipping through the articles . '' shouldn't have been standing in the middle of the sidewalk like a ditz then"he shot back . " should barge through people like you can't see them then" she growled. " Look when murdock comes, I'm seeing him first way more important than whatever you got going on" he scoffed. " how do you know what I want?" she rolled her eyes . " let me guess wanna bang pool boy and find a way out of the prenup" he chuckled. The sting of his words wasn't what she needed, not when she was looking down at the picture of her ex fiance and ex best friend's picture .

" hey y/n good to see you" Karen rushed to her side. " hey great seeing you actually i need to do something , i could meet you guys later at Josie's but don't tell my brother ok" she grabbed her things . " hey you ok" the red head face in concern til her eyes fell on the magazine. " shit i didn't know" she took it up . " i'll see you later" was all the girl called out, running out the office completely. " What's her problem?" the man scoffed. "Frank , that's Y/N as in Matt's little sister , she caught her fiance in bed with her best friend. I mean shitty enough dude's famous for some stupid business company so she has to see it everywhere" she ripped the magazine up . " ah shit" he sighed. " What did you do?" She shot the man a look . " i may have been a complete asshole and took my stress out on her, misjudged her completely too, i mean she looked at her , said she was her to get out of a prenup and banging her pool boy" he winced dodging the incoming balls of paper . " You know Matt's gonna kill you right , or she will" Karen growled, rushing off to find the woman herself.

What frank didn't expect was the two women walking backwards as a man held a gun at them . " sit there and tell me where Murdock is' ' he growled. "I'm Murdock '' her voice cool, calm and well intriguing to the man . " y/n i don't think matt can get you out of self defence murder twice '' Karen said confusing the gunman and frank castle . " i won't kill him but if he doesn't put the gun down i will severely hurt him buddy i ain't having such a great time so if you could fuck off it would be great" she huffed unbothered to the firearm directed at her. " you need help?,"Frank called both amused and curious about his tone . Usually he would handle the situation yet the women didn't seem to be worried . "No," she glared at the man . Frank watched as the man's eyes flickered between the two and her hand moved backwards feeling around the table. " Oh look it's matt" she smiled, making the man turn before she grabbed the armed hand , he watched as the magazine clip fell to the floor and she emptied the chamber in the ceiling before smashing the paper weight to the man's gut. " I warned you buddy I ain't having a good day. '' She huffed and punched him once and the man was out cold. "See I don't need your help or opinions" she turned to the man throwing the paper weight into his hands. " You should clean up" Karen winced seeing the blood on her knuckle.

" or you could explain why their bullet holes in my ceiling" she turned to see the familiar smirk of her brother . " what bullet holes, you can't see them" she rushed to him in a hug. " So if I was to stick my cane up there" he asked. " what the halloween prop you carry around" she shot back . " hey Y/N" . " Hey foggy" . " You ok?" Matt asked softly . " I mean i didn't kill him but he will have a headache" she looked down at the still unconscious man. " not what i meant" he chuckled. " I mean it sucked but Jesus those people were draining" she sighed hugging him again , he could tell she was lying but let it go as he squeezed her tighter. " Well, let's bring him to the office to see what he wants," he nodded to the man . "Well punisher there is waiting to talk to you and i need to get back to my hotel room but i'll meet you later" she walked out before they could say anything. " you told her?" Frank asked. " No, she's just good at that sort of thing," he chuckled .

Being in josie now that was way better than the gala's and pretentious socialite events. It was normal people with real life things going on . She saw her brother and the usual gang sitting as well as the man , who she now knew as Frank Castle . " hey angel's back" a voice called. " Yeah, I'm back," she laughed, heading towards the group. " Angel , devil really," Frank laughed. " except people know me" she said smiling a dig . " Hey, before I wanna apologise, I was having a bad day," he began . " and took it out on me yeah i got it" she shook her head rolling her eyes before heading to the bar before the man could even finish his apology. " hey i'm trying to be nice here" he followed. " Ok? You're still a dick , I mean I'm having a shitty time of it and I didn't take it out on those around me" she quipped. " usual please" she called. " Well then how can I make it up to you" he smiled. " Hmm that ones a thinker i'll get back to you" she smirked before taking a sip of her drink . " you're trouble," he shooting her a flirty grin . " You've no idea" she walked and left him standing there . " buddy she will have you praying" a man chuckled. " ain't that what angels are for" he chuckled, heading back to the group.

The rest of the night they let the worries of the world subside for once and enjoyed the moment . The flirty tension between Hell kitchens' own angel and the punisher was so immense that even her own brother could feel it. " I'm going to head off, I need to get up early to see some places" she yawned as they all booed. " hey i need a place to live plus you got jobs to be doing" she laughed . " Wait, I'll walk you back , lotta scary people out there" frank stood. " And I'm the scariest of them all so i'm ok" she laughed walking off . " She's not wrong," Matt snorted . " She is scary , she's made foggy cry before" Karen agreed. " that was only... five times" the man protested sloppily . " go follow after even i can see you want to" Matt teased. " Just don't sneak up on her," Foggy called. " How much is saying those two get together?" Karen asked . " We don't need to be on the obvious" Matt shook his head.

The dark streets of Hell kitchen held many memories both good and a lot of bad for the woman . passing the church seeing her standing there she shook her head still not as forgiving as her brother for the now sister's abandonment. The boxing gym her father spent time in training them both , to the old schoolyard she may have used to those lessons in .

she felt the presence following her like she was prey she felt it second she left the bar. Her brother wasn't the only one who could sense things turning to the dark alley . He stood wondering where the hell she went , one minute she was there and next gone in a split second , his boss wasn't going to be happy about that one that was for sure. Just as he walked further into the alley she watched from the shadows as he appeared making her roll her eyes she grabbed the familiar man holding her finger over her lips not to disrupt their new friend. She walked out, one movement swept his leg from under him and the mysterious man landed on his back. " Why are you following me , you know dark alleyways aren't safe right?" she asked, pressing her foot on his throat. Boss wants you , he knows you are special" the man choked out . " I mean of course I am but what does your boss think is so special?" she pushed harder. " he knows your enhanced" he spluttered and coughed. " your ex has been sharing it around sweetness everyone gonna want the angel" he grunted pulling a knife out only for her to kick it from his hand. " My ex lies honey I wouldn't listen to a word he says he told me he was eight inches " she walked just as he jumped up she swung around kicking him sending him to the ground .

" wanna tell me what that was about" Frank walked out by her side. " i may or may have not signed up for something when i was 18 turned out to be hydra and well got something extra in return" she shrugged. " extra?" . " yeah extra '' she shrugged and continued walking. They were out of the alley within seconds they were surrounded at gunpoint. " Will that extra help us here?" he asked, looking for his own plan. " can't a girl have a bit of mystery," she groaned, lifting her palms as the other men shouted for her to stop. The light on her palms glowing in a sort of purple hue as the guns they head pulled from their hands she used her other palm to pull the men to their knees as her own feet came off the ground . " You took long enough, '' she called out as the devil of hell's kitchen stepped forward. " i had a prior engagement," he gruffed. The two didn't speak for long when her hands pulled the guns apart tiny pieces falling to the ground as the men jumped up . the now devil and punisher fighting side by side in an all too familiar sequence of events . Her own feet hitting the ground panting, one of the assailants finding it the perfect opportunity to try grab her from behind that was til the back of her head hit his nose and the crack echoed through the streets before her hand grabbed his arm throwing him over her shoulder and hitting the ground with a thump . " this could have come up at any time" frank grunt dodging the incoming fists at his face . " I usually don't advertise to asshole men, I can levitate" she huffed, sending a punch to a man's gut . " Can you flirt another time?" Daredevil rasped, sending one to the ground as the three stood around now incapacitated men. " I'll leave the door open , you come on" she grabbed Frank's arm as the two walked off.

Thankfully due to the location and it being dead of night the staff in the lobby of the hotel barely batted an eyelash at their appearance when they strolled in clearly after some sort of altercation . " I'm surprised you're not an avenger or some shit" Frank quipped once both got into the elevator. " I turned them down, starks annoying" she winked until she felt the sting in her abdomen. " your bleeding heavy" he gruffed. " no shit Sherlock," she gritted . " we need to get you somewhere" he went to press the button but she grabbed his hand. " Just help me to my room" she panted, feeling the burning sensation taking over as the adrenaline was clearly wearing off. He wanted to yell at her but she knew more than he did in the situation so he held his tongue. Throwing one hand over his shoulder as his own wrapped around her waist keeping her supported, two walked down the hall as she gave directions to her room .

the minute the door shut she moved to the balcony door. Soon enough the man came in while she walked over toward the corner of the room and hands over the wound as she shoved something into her mouth. A muffled scream the men looked while a strong purple glow from her hands hit , she turned showing the bleeding stopped and the wound closed over. " See" she winced a sway in her step. " grab her she's going to pass out" Matt sighed before pulling the mask from his face. " why isn't this phasing you" frank brought her over laying her on the bed . " She's done this before huh?". " A few times actually , she nearly burned off tony stark's goatee after a comment on her ass " he walked towards the bed happy to hear everything appeared to be stable. " Why haven't you gotten her to help you out?" . " whether enhanced or not, she's my baby sister who used your brain" . " you Murdocks are trouble and pain in my fucking ass" frank huffed out pulling a bottle from the mini bar. " Well you like at least one of us and I know it's not me, '' he smirked.

" she is not safe here" he completely ignored the man's observation and sly comment . " I'll come back as well as me and we bring her back to mine , stay with her" Matt threw his mask on. " Well, where else am I going to go?" he looked up to see the man was already gone. " hate when he does that" he took his drink and seat . eyes stuck to her form how peaceful she was when her mouth wasn't running although he'd did secretly like it. But now that nickname angel made sense the ethereal effortless beauty that she had . He needed to stop staring before he got completely lost in her .

Matt returned half an hour later to some nervous looking kid driving the car as they carried her out . " how old are you 12 " Frank joked. " I'm the same age as Angel, I'm 24 sir" he squeaked out . " God Mr stark is gonna kill me" he muttered. " ok that's sorted come parker drive " matt got in the car . " She is still stable," he called back . " She hasn't woken up either, " Frank said, seeing her still sleeping head on his lap . " How's her healing factor holding? " the boy asked . " How's her, what , who is this kid". "Peter Parker sir , spiderman" he whispered in the last part . " She can heal herself," Matt added. "your fucking with me right" frank asked only for matt to lift her top slightly to show the wound from earlier was almost gone . " Anything else I'm missing here" he asked the two. "Not yet anyways thanks for lift kid" matt patted his shoulder as two got frank still carrying her as Parker drove off. " really he's the Web slinger" . " she waking up let her get inside" matt walked ahead. "Ominous asshole," Frank grumbled, stopping when he heard the little laugh . " hey if you're awake you can walk " he looked down to see her eyes shoot close making him laugh shaking his head carrying her in. " ok ok where here free ride over" she went to drop her but her feet hit the floor first.

"Little shit" he mumbled as she went straight to her bag. " oh shut up you were worried about her less than ten minutes ago" . " Worried about little old me , I'm honoured" she snorted, heading to the bathroom. " definitely a pain in my ass" he fell back on the sofa. " Yeah, tell that to you that thing you call a heart" matt chuckled. " fuck off and shut up" he added eyes locked towards the bathroom . " I hate to even say this but she's the same , she just hides it way better" Matt handed him a beer. " Who hides what better?" she asked. " Karen hides her feelings better" Matt spoke up . " Being blind didn't heighten your lying sense huh?" She took his own beer out of his hand before sitting on the sofa. " You sure he's actually blind though," Frank asked her. " finally someone else who questions it" she raised the beer up . " You two are made for each other" he walked out of the room . " we're right, I mean I changed this place around so many times and no accidents" she yelled out. "Goodnight assholes , angels don't cook, I don't need my place to burn down" he called back .

" pfft that was one extremely high as hell time and it only burned like half the kitchen down" she laughed nervously. " wait the saint in there let you get high" . " hey jesus isn't against weed , i mean i was first and last time was kinda snuck into a frat party , tried to be like yeah i'm cool , didn't end so well" she winced. " Something I gotta ask, how did you know who I was? Matt said he didn't tell you, " he asked . " I rang Matt during a time you guys were working together and well he said he was with a friend , the punisher you yelled for him to wrap it up along with more colourful words , so when i heard you today" she smiled . " Good memory," he nodded. " I've what they call the perfect brain. I don't use it that often clearly given my life choice but I remember things I hear and see made me prime candidate for that stupid trial they said it was" she grimaced . " the experiments , what made you do it?" . " Jesus, I never had so many questions and I've been arrested a lot" . " not very angel like now is it sweetheart" he teased . " I'm more fallen angel than heaven sent" she winked . " Well where did that come from then" he asked when he saw how her smile faltered. It seemed like the wrong question. " my dad called me , called me so many folks forgot i had a real name" her voice was less playful than before . " hey sorry i didn't mean to bring up anything bad for you" he rambled. " nah it's ok really , you wanna another beer , you hungry?" She stood up quickly. " I'll take the beer , I might pass on the food from that slight warning" he chuckled. " I'm ordering a pizza jackass" she rolled her eyes . " Well then yeah i could eat" . " I decide if you deserve it now" she tapped her chin walking backwards stumbling after hitting a chair . " blind my ass," she muttered as her cheek flushed and a frank laugh filled the living room.

" Hey, you're supposed to be on my side" she pouted. " with you murdock's nah" he shook his head. " oh shut up i'm already your favourite" she stuck her tongue out. " maybe" he muttered when she couldn't hear him . " I'd say we're even, I mean you being a dick at first to helping me out" she came in handing him the beer. " I think you owe me one for that actually" . " what would that be?". " I think you should let me think about that over dinner tomorrow night" he said calmly and cool yet his heart was beating so fast he was probably sure Matt could hear it and was gonna give him shit. " pick me up at 7" she played it cool and honestly glad her voice didn't betray her . " fuck it" was all she heard before her face was pulled toward him and her lips hitting his. It was sort of a kiss she never felt so much emotion in before , like maybe she was doing it totally wrong til now. She leaned more into the action tilting her head so she could deepen it. His hands gripping her waist before pulling her completely onto his lap like she was always meant to be there , the soft sigh from her lips told him she felt the same way . " NO HAVING SEX ON MY SOFA '' the yell made them stop ,foreheads resting against each other before they broke into a fit of laughter like two teenagers being caught by their parents. " would have been easier if he was deaf" she joked. " I HEARD THAT" . " to answer your question earlier , he definitely is not my favourite Murdock" he smirked before leaning up and capturing her lips again .

#frank castle #frank castle x reader #the punisher #jon bernthal #daredevil #matt murdock #karen page #foggy nelson #marvel fic #marvel fanfiction #frank x reader

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joanofexys · 3 months ago

Note

JO!!!! DROP THE DAREDEVIL FIC RECS AND MY LIFE IS YOURS!!!

IM HERE IM HERE IM HERE

lately i’ve just been rereading daredevil x avengers crossover fics but i’ll drop em anyway in case they’re of any interest

Take All The Courage - prettybirdy979

When what should have been a straight forward mission in Hell's Kitchen goes pear shaped due to lack of communication, teaching his teammates sign language seems like a logical step to Clint. Communication when their comms are down - great plan! And including the local vigilante, who's been working closely with them on this, is a real no-brainer.

Until it turns out said vigilante is an asshole that thinks sign language is beneath him, judging by the way he's stubbornly refusing to learn it.

(Conversely - Matt's trying, he really is but damn it, those two signs are exactly the same... what do you mean they mean completely different things?!)

Look the Devil in the Face - prettybirdy979

It's increasingly becoming a world where the unbelievable happens every day. The Avengers team includes a defrosted World War Two solider, a giant green rage monster and a man who might be a God; and they battle aliens and magic on a regular basis. It's not too far fetched to believe the Devil walks Hell's Kitchen.

Matt, on the other hand, hasn't realised exactly why his new battle buddies seem terrified of him. It's not like they've even heard the rumors about him being the Devil... right?

Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost (But Matt's Not Wandering; He's Just Lost) - prettybirdy979

Matt has a super important meeting in Sta-no, Avenger Tower that he's running late for. But finding it in Tony Stark's futuristic nightmare of a non-ADA compliant building might be a problem.

(Aka Matt Murdock vs Tony Stark's building and high tech security. Here's a hint- the security loses)

None So Blind - prettybirdy979

They say when you assume you make an ass of you and me.

Matt wishes that the Avenger's assumptions about his seeming inability to read the written word did something as benign as making an ass of him and them. Being called illiterate shouldn't hurt, not when he knows he's not, and it's not like he can tell them the truth.

Not that the truth would make much difference. He's just going to have to grin and bear it.

If he can.

Double Blind - smilebackwards

Matt comes to, flat on his back, with Iron Man and Hawkeye hovering over him. “Oh fuck,” Stark says, less than comfortingly.

Thorns for Flowers - valkirin

Hawkeye don't mind working with Daredevil, really. He's a good guy to know and clearly cares about Hell's Kitchen.

Clint Barton would like Daredevil better if the guy was a little less ableist about Clint's hearing loss.

seeing eye to eye - karmauh

Stark Tower, or the Avenger's Tower, whatever it's called, doesn't have braille on their elevator numbers. Also Daredevil can't read print reports, but the violation against the Americans With Disabilities Act is what really gets him. Matt's a lawyer first, sue him! Or, well, don't. He's not sure that Nelson, Murdock, & Page can afford to get sued when the light in their office keeps going out. So he's heard.

Or— Matt Murdock’s eyes are MIA, therefore, reading print or anything that isn't raised/sunk/in braille is a delusion that will never actually become realized.

Alternatively — The Avengers see (pun intended) Daredevil’s inability to read, ignore the inability to see colors, and raise illiteracy as the ruling decision—for no particular reason, really. Hilarity ensues.

Seeing Blind - astroash94

Clint is deaf, Matt is blind and its really hard to work together when you can't communicate.

****

A chance meeting leads to a not-so chance meeting leads to... whatever's happening now.

40/40 - jadesfire

It's not all bad, being friends with an Avenger. Thor has some great stories, Asgardian Mead, and is handy for resetting dislocated joints. Also, Thor's friends think Daredevil has the best eyesight in New York, and Matt certainly isn't going to tell them otherwise.

Like a Crateful of Grenades - luulapants

“Wh-why…?” Tony said slowly, then more firmly, “Yeah, ‘why’ is the question here. Why do you want to bring The Punisher into my building?”

Matt stumbled on that question. The real answer, of course, was that Frank knew his identity and could cover for him if anything was going to give him away as blind. In a panic, he blurted the first thing that came to mind: “We’re dating.”

---

The Avengers want Daredevil to get to know the team. He agrees on one condition.

Or: that Avengers Tower Fratt fake dating fic

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bunisher · 7 months ago

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karen thought foggy would hate matt dating frank—which is true—but after a lot of drinks (three shots for him) he tells her that frank wins points because he’ll do whatever it takes to make sure matt is safe, and he doesn’t want to go through mourning him ever again. she doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry so she just agrees.

#karen page #foggy nelson #the punisher #frank castle #matt murdock #daredevil #fratt #frankmatt #mattfrank #drabble #mini fic #what is the proper term #someone let me know #bun.fic #bun.txt

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skyfallslayer · 3 months ago

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The Daughter of The (Dare)Devil || Hiatus Recap

Please read my apology here if you haven't. It explain why I've been gone so long. And since it has been several months, I've decided to write a little recap. Feel free to read it before you move on to the new story, or not.

|| SEASON 1 ||

Set pre-canon by a several months, is story 1: 'Welcome Home The Blood and Bruises'. This story shows how Matt ends up screwing his "foolproof" plan of never-ever telling his daughter that he's a vigilante. The beginning scene shows Matt a little banged up while his daughter, Kaila (age 14), takes care of him. This causes a flashback to a year earlier where his plan falls apart. Matt arrives home in a bad state, causing him to faint and for his daughter to find her, thus revealing his secret. Eventually, realizing that's there's no way to stop this man, Kaila just accepts it and agrees to help patch him up.

Story 2: 'I'd Burn The World For You'. For some reason this is still one of my favorites that I've written despite the angst that I throw here and there. In this one, the story's set after DD Episode one, where Matt and his best friend, Foggy had just hired an assistant that so happen to be their first client, Karen. Now, remember, Kai's a bit skeptic in the beginning and Foggy's just hungry (lol). Meanwhile, being the curious person she was, Karen starts asking Matt about his past, like 'We're you married?' or 'Did you have a girlfriend?'. Which Matt encourages, and replies with the story of how his daughter came into his custody. Flashback to fourteen years ago, the best friends have graduated college and have passed their Bar exam. Matt's in his new apartment and telling Foggy about how his fling, Aka: Kai's Mother, who's name is Mary (Remember that people), is trying to contact him via phone call but he's ignoring. Foggy eventually slips out to get them lunch, and before you know it, Mary drops baby Kai off in front of the door. Matt manages to call and get Foggy to come back, dumbfounding his best friend which soon insist 'It's just a prank, bro'. Nerves are shooting through the roof as they get to the hospital to get a DNA test to find out of Matt's really this baby's father. Well... surprise, surprise, he is. Foggy, being the best damn friend is his, is discussing some options with the nurses since Matt's in his own head, and is soon pulled out of it when one of the nurses hands over baby Kai to him. Matt immediately becomes a girl dad, falling in love and swearing to the beyond that he'll love and protect this child for as long as he lives. Foggy's secretly happy when he hears Matt wants to keep her, and the flashback ends when him giving her the name: Kaila Jackie Murdock (Got to give his old man some love, am I right?). The story finishes with Karen almost in tears, but Matt reassures her that everything's okay. Especially now that he has the family he secretly always wanted.

Story 3: 'Crossing The Line'. Another personal fav of mine. So this is set in episode seven "Stick". A man named Wilson Fisk has entered the ring, and Matt has earned the nickname 'The Devil of Hell's Kitchen' - Foggy insist that this vigilante is up to no good, while Karen is the opposite - The story splits between Matt and his Mentor, Karen getting herself into trouble, and some Uncle/Niece bonding time.

1. Foggy owes Kaila another showing for the Hunger Games as they both ditch their plans to go find Karen. - They end of finding her, and she takes them to the person she was meeting up with. - Karen reveals that she's been working with Ben Urich to uncover the Union Allied Scandal. 2. Matt soon finds himself meeting Stick again, his asshole mentor who up and left him 20+ years ago. - They end up back in his apartment, where Stick is slowly figuring out that Matt's got someone living with him before asking for his help. The Blind lawyer agrees, which he regrets later on. - A Time skip later, Stick figures out about Kai and insults Matt which causes a massive fight. Matt ends up winning and threatens Stick to never come near his daughter, which ends in laughter and Matt being frustrated that his tainted past is starting to touch his kid.

Story 4: 'I've Got The Devil Inside Me'. Let's add more angst to the plate. The next morning Matt discovers that his partners are investigating Union Allied, much to his dismay, but he agree to help as long as they're "cautious" (Yeah, some big talk from a blind man who fights crime at night). This eventually leads to Matt and his daughter talking after she arrives to the apartment being destroyed, and encourages him to talk to her if something's up. The next day at school, Kaila witnesses Fisk's big speech on TV on how he's declared war on 'The Masked Man'. - This leads to Ben, and the gang trying to figure out what they can dig up to bring Fisk down (And it's certainly not a pretty road) - This also leads to the reveal that Fisk is doing business with a slumlord that's raising a client of theirs rent (Aka: Ms. Cardenas). Out of options, Matt decides to try to get inside the head of the woman Fisk loves the most, Vanessa. Kaila tags along as they try feeling her out at the art gallery she works out. However, Luck's not on their side when the Man of the hour himself arrives, planting himself inside the Murdocks' heads. When Kaila arrives home the next day from school, she finds her father staring at his suit, then engulfs her into a much needed hug. She encourages him to open up again, and he reveals that Ms. Cardenas was killed, and he was filling up with rage to the point he wants to kill the Kingpin. Eventually, she pulls him from those thoughts, and they parted ways as he heads out for the night. This story ends with Matt coming home in the worst state she's possibly seen him in, and just before she can figure out what to do, her Uncle arrives and discovers the family's dirty secret.

Story 5: 'The One Where The Uncle Finds Out'. One of my favorite, but most painful episode to watch. It opens up with Foggy's POV as he stumbles in all buzzed, and demanding they make Fisk pay for what he's done to their client. He gets more than what he bargain for, and it's a race through time for him and his Niece to get Matt stable. They eventually contact Claire who cleans him up. As soon as Matt's up, Foggy can't hold back and demands for answers. The argument starts, and in between that, Foggy makes a decision to lie to Karen that Matt's sick and he can handle it alone. Foggy also learns during their heated moment that his best friend can hear heartbeats, which shatters all the trust he has, and even questions if their friendship was even real. Eventually, while Kai tries to do her homework in the living room, they exploded at each other again. Foggy finally has the guts to ask Matt why he started all this, and his hesitant to spill while his daughter's in the room. Foggy pushes back, saying she has more rights than him to know what's going on, so... she stays as he spills the truth (Which it's more detailed than he initially told Kai). Foggy stares in disbelief when Matt reveals he doesn't want to stop crime fighting, no matter how hard it gets. Foggy tries to pull the "friendship card", which has no affect since this city "needs" the mask vigilante. This results in Foggy telling him to do whatever he wants, and if he gets killed in the process, he'll take Kaila under his wing -- but to remember that he's not her father, and that he'll feel guilty pretending to be. Foggy storms out of the apartment while saying "He would have told Matt he had a crime fighting life". The next few days were interesting - Karen came to visit him after his "car accident" - Claire ended any romance between them - Father Lantom told him that Devil inside him was an angel once, and applies towards him - It was all enough for him to realize he needs to stay alive for the ones he love. He wasn't expecting when he got home for his daughter to still be pissed at him, and leave to spend the night at Karen's for some space. The story ends with the young girl getting taken by Wesley.

Story 6: 'No Good Deed...' Goes unpunished they say. This story shows how much Kaila is like her Dad in a lot of ways. It opens up with Matt calling Karen, wondering if she made to her place since she hadn't texted him. Wesley is revealed to the one to kidnap her, and that she wasn't the originally target, but he was going to make do. He reveals that he's bitter that Karen is like a dog with a bone, and won't let what happen at Union Allied stop her from uncovering the truth. Amused, Kaila taunts, which is cut off quickly when he lays his gun onto the table. He rants on about Karen finding Fisk's mother, which is evidence she can use to bring him down on trial. Kaila then asks why he just doesn't kill her already, which he reveals would be troublesome if he did since she's a daughter of a well respect lawyer, and has ties to a police officer not under Fisk's thumb (Brett). He instead tells her she's offering her a job, a job where she'll convince everyone she knows that Fisk is not the "bad guy". Kaila bites back saying she would never, which Wesley threatens her that he'll kill her family before finishing her. But... something snaps inside her, and as Wesley went to answer his phone, she grabs a hold of the gun, aiming it at him. His poker face is incredible, and tries to play it off that it's unloaded, but she threatens him to stay away and let her leave. She doesn't get far before he tackles her, and proceeds to strangle her. They wrestle around, and fight for the gun which eventually goes off. To her horror she realizes she shot him point blank in the heart. His phone starts ringing again, and Kaila's on the verge of a nervous breakdown as she grabs her belongings and runs away. Kaila shocks Karen when she arrives at her apartment, and spews out what Wesley knew and wanted before revealing that she had killed him by accident. Karen, who seems way too calm for this, tells her she'll take care of it - she disposes the gun in the Hudson and calls Matt that everything's "okay". Karen patches the young girl up, and reveals her trouble past to the girl. They promise each other to keep this a secret from anyone, and Karen promises Kai that she'll be by her side whenever she needs it. The story ends with a guilt filled Kaila meeting a strange boy at a coffee shop, and Foggy rushing in that they found a way to stop Fisk once and for all.

Short Story 1: 'The New Suit'. Season One wraps up with Ben's Funeral, and the troublesome trio allowing Kaila to dip her toes into the dangerous waters that'll bring down Fisk. Eventually, the masked man gets a confession from Detective Hoffman that manages to get the Kingpin behind bars... or so they thought. Their celebration was cut short when Fisk escapes custody, and Matt rushes out to stop him. The story finishes with the lawyer coming home with a victory under his belt... and a new suit (One that Kaila approves). Matt promises he'll be a better father, and Kaila promises she'll open up more. *Foreshadowing Indeed On Both Counts*

|| SEASON 2 ||

I swear with each season there's always more and more angst.

Story 7: 'The Point of No Return (Murdock v Murdock)', Part one of the mini series. - Opens up with months passing after the Lawyers' victory of putting Fisk away. Kai has a job now, a new friend name Jayden, but is unfortunately showing signs of PTSD from the whole killing Wesley situation. Meanwhile, Nelson & Murdock is booming! But the euphoria they all feel ends soon when they're stuck with a strange client, Grotto, who soon gets attacked by the soon be dubbed 'Punisher'. Flash the next morning, Foggy's on his way to the hospital to meet Karen and Grotto, only to run into his niece who's looking for her dad. They soon put two-and-two together, and race across the rooftops to find Matt. They eventually find him disoriented from the gun shot he took to the head. - Later, he wakes up to Foggy scolding him and warning him not to orphan his kid before heading off. Short time after that, Matt goes temporarily deaf, scaring Kai but not really fazing him since he's still in "shape" to be DD tonight. Karen comes by telling them about Grotto and him being "bait" to lure out a big mob boss for the DA. Kaila and her eventually talk, the teenager's guilt about Wesley coming through while her father slips out to fix his suit. - Faking an emergency, Kai gets Matt to come home and this leads to an argument. Heated words are exchanged, and Matt ends up telling her that he wouldn't have to worry about his injures 'if she wasn't here'. Instant regret happens, but nothing more can be said except Kai's FU that ends the story.

Story 8: 'The Darkest Time With Our Thoughts (Murdock v The World)'; Part two of the mini series. Starts off with the house divided, Kai's angry and Matt's depressed (As they both should be). Nelson & Murdock (& Page) are about to head off with DA to watch their client be bait to a mob boss, but due to Matt's mind being elsewhere, Foggy urges him to go home and try to make it up with his kid (Spoiler: He puts the damn costume on instead). - Meanwhile. Kai wants to be left alone, yet life throws her a curveball when a clearly unwell man shows up at her door, asking for her father and Foggy. She soon finds herself fighting for her life, almost getting the upper hand before being taken away (Foggy ends up getting that dreadful call from Brett). Matt suddenly wakes up chained to the rooftop, face-to-face with the Punisher. Matt tries playing detective while Frank basically tells him to STFU. There's a brief heated exchange between them, then Frank gets ready to finish his mission, and was even nice enough to let Matt listen to the voicemails he has before he decides to finish him off. Matt tries to drown them out by moving the chains around to hid his secret ID, but that all changes when the last frantic message from Foggy reveals that someone took his daughter and he needs to get to the police station. The Murdock begs Frank to let him go, and he does. - The story ends with Matt falling apart.

Story 9: 'I'm Trembling, But I'll Protect You (Love v Death)'; Last part of the mini series. The story opens with Kaila having a very interesting dream (I highly suggest you guys at least read that part again, there's a lot of foreshadowing for future stories). She wakes up and is met with her capturer who tells her that he's the brother of Nelson & Murdock's first client, who they apparently failed (Remember this later, also). Meanwhile, the trio is racing through all the paperwork they have to find out who this client is. They three of them have a nice heartfelt talk that ends up striking an idea in Matt. Matt ends up figuring out their first 'official' client was 'John Healy', the man hired by Fisk to kill. Before anything could be done, Matt gets a call from Frank telling him to meet up; He does, surprised to find out that Frank knows where Kai is. This also leads to an early ID reveal with Karen. Matt has a standoff with the kidnapper, negotiating back and forth to by Frank some time to take the shot. Kai is rescued, and the Murdocks shared heartfelt speeches and hugs while Frank disappears into the mist. - Kai's taken to the hospital by Brett (Who unknowingly knows DD's ID) and treated for her leg injury. The story ends with Kai accepting why her father does this job and is happy to be home.

Story 10: 'A Glimmer Amongst The Sinners'. The story opens up with a flashback to 15 years ago, where a young Matt is trying to figure out how to be a father to a baby he can't see (while also trying to find her mother, Mary, for answers). He feels like he's falling off the deep end, but lucky Foggy is there by his side, helping him along the way, which he's forever grateful for. Flash forward to Matt listening to his daughter sleep, happy that she's home. Now, at lot of things happen - Kaila eggs her dad to ask Karen out; Karen digs around about Frank's Past; Frank gets abducted and Matt must find him; Foggy, Kai & Karen head to the Castle house for clues; Then Frank & Matt escape and have a heartfelt moment, leading up to Frank being arrested by Brett who gets a promotion by bringing him in. Oh... the story should end right here, right? Nope! More plot lines! We finally get a Karedevil kiss, which makes Matt get on cloud 9 until his old flame shows up in his apartment. Elektra tries to get Matt to be her lawyer to get her father's money back, which he strongly declines. She then tries pushing back before accidently meeting Kaila. Elektra acts all hurt and broken up when Matt throws her out. The next day goes smoothly in the office, Matt & Karen go on a date, while Foggy tries helping his niece with her friend Jayden who seems to be avoiding her since the kidnapping. Matt has a brief interaction with Elektra again on the phone during his date, he tells her to F off, and him and Karen head back to her place for some romance. The story finishes with Kai coming home to find Jayden ready to talk.

And that wraps this up! I'm finishing the next story as we speak. I'm aiming to release it either by the end of next week or the following. So sorry again this took so long, and thanks for sticking around! ❤️

-Taglist is open if anyone wants to join-

@stinkywhore @invinciblerikkai @glass-ghost

@your-not-invisible-to-me @ohtacosindrome

@mirkwoodshewolf @dreamscandys

@omniromanticbitch @987coley

@hearts4murdock @katnisspeetaprim

@astrobees @cg94 @simpingforpeterparker3000

@cg94 @mattmurdocksstarlight @wolfgirl-205 @hallecarey1 @mademoiselle-marquise-blog

@graciegoeskrazy @magsmilk @bifuriouslatina

@emodruig @skarrkiie @moon22flower @dragonflyreader @thepurpleclown

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too-energetic-to-be-aesthetic · 3 months ago

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I need a Daredevil fic where Matt is acting really shifty around a new client. Foggy and Karen have no idea why he’s being so weird until he tells them that their client’s heartbeat is off and he doesn’t trust them. This causes everyone in the office to do different “tests” to figure out the cause of the client’s suspicious behavior. The client has POTS and is just really confused on why their lawyers are acting so weird.

#projecting #I want more POTS rep please #daredevil #matt murdock #foggy nelson #karen page #fic prompt #fanfic #ao3 #pots #dysautonomia #im just yapping #ooc post

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sunflowersandsapphires · 1 year ago

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Back at My Place

Wake Up, Chapter 4

Series Masterlist Next Chapter

pairing: Matt Murdock x fem!reader

summary: In an attempt to stop the advances of an unwanted suitor, Matt Murdock accidentally condemns you to being his fake girlfriend.

warnings: crazy sweet fluff, swearing, a bit of angst at the very end

a/n: I had such a fun time with this chapter. I also realized that I have a very hard time not making Matt angsty. He’s just so self deprecating, it’s easy pickings. Anyway, I hope that you enjoy! Please comment, like, reblog, and request (you’ll seriously make my day. I love hearing what you all think.)

w/c: 3.6k

A breeze blew across a patch of exposed skin on your collar bone, making you shiver yourself awake. Opening your eyes, your surroundings confused you for a minute before you remembered that you’d been at Matt’s last night. But, the last thing you recalled was sitting with him on the couch, listening to Matt as he recounted stories from his childhood. Which mostly meant giggling at the fact that Matt has apparently always had a martyr complex.

You must have dozed off because you were now wrapped in silk sheets in a bed that smelled like him. Had he carried you here? The thought of Matt picking you up and tucking you into his bed made warmth bloom in your stomach. You bit back a moan picturing his arms caring for you so lovingly. Sinking deeper into the pillow under your head, you inhaled deeply, smiling as you thought about laying there all day just breathing him in.

The sound of voices outside the closed door shook you out of your fantasy.

Pushing yourself up, you scrubbed a hand over your face before making your way out to the living room.

Foggy was having a good morning. Marci had been up before him, miraculously, and had coffee ready for him when he woke. His favorite bakery hadn’t run out of everything bagels when he got there, which was practically unheard of on a Sunday morning. And now, he was making his way over to Matt’s to get proof of life. Which was only slightly dampening his good mood.

He’d be less worried if the asshole had picked up his call this morning. Foggy and Marci had tried to get ahold of him, to see if you and Matt were alright after the gala, but he didn’t answer. Marci had called you a few times with similar success. So, Foggy had volunteered to go in person.

Knocking less than politely on Matt’s door, Foggy nearly fell into the other man as the door flew open.

“Fuck, Foggy, it’s not even 9. You want to wake the whole floor up?”

“Thank the Lord, Saint Matthew lives another day. If you don’t want me breaking down your door this early, answer your fucking phone next time.” Foggy plastered on a smile, voice laced with false positivity. Barging past his friend into the apartment, he spun around, arms wide.

“Well, I’m glad you’re alive, my friend. I was having a nice morning and finding you half-dead in your Devil gear really would’ve ruined that.”

“Foggy—“ Matt’s voice was low in warning, but Foggy ignored him.

“Anyway, what happened last night? You never let us know if you two were ok.”

“We’re fine. Snyder was being a bitch and it sent my fake girlfriend into a panic attack. Now, I’m sure you have a wonderful day with Marci to get back to and I have to get dressed for church.”

“HA! You think you can bullshit me, Murdock. Only a freshman in Matt-ology would believe that you attend regular Sunday mass. You prefer to go at night and speak directly to the clergy. What are you hiding in here?” Foggy set down his bagel, peering around corners as if expecting there to be a surprise hidden.

“I’m not hiding anything, I just wasn’t expecting you.” Matt’s voice was hushed as he tried to herd Foggy out the door.

“Am I not allowed to drop by anymore? What is going on with you?”

Before Matt could respond, his bedroom door opened to reveal your startled face, which sat above an outfit picked entirely from Matt’s wardrobe, Foggy noticed.

A shit-eating grin broke out over Foggy’s face as he said your name. “Funny seeing you here.”

You grimaced, “Hi, Foggy.”

Matt made his way over to you. “Did we wake you up? I was trying to tell Foggy to be quiet.”

“No, no!” You jumped in reassuringly. “I was already awake. And I’m—I’m sorry for falling asleep last night, I didn’t mean to crash here.”

“Don’t apologize. I’m sure you were tired.” Matt ran a hand over your arm before pulling you into a hug. Clearly, they had forgotten that there was a captive audience.

Foggy cleared his throat. “So…you slept here?”

The two of you jumped apart. Matt stepped in front of you, “It’s not like that, Fog. I gave her my bed and slept on the couch.”

“Hey, don’t need to explain anything to me. Anyway, glad to know you’re both alive. I, um, have a…thing.” Hurrying out of the apartment, Foggy rushed home to Marci. Their plot to unite two of their favorite people was actually coming together, despite the wrench Matt had thrown into the plans by nominating you as his fake partner.

About a month after the gala, Foggy was seriously wondering if he’d been left out of the loop on Matt’s relationship status. You and Matt were hanging out more than ever and yet didn’t admit that you weren’t pretend-dating anymore. He supposed he would need to see evidence a bit more damning than Matt comforting a friend after a tough night or spending more time with them one-on-one, but he had his suspicions.

Sitting in his apartment, mulling through paperwork as quickly as he could, he couldn’t help but let his mind wander to the events of that morning.

・・・・・・・・・・・・・

Matt had been tucked away in his office when he arrived. Foggy didn’t plan on staying for long, since he had intended to work from home that day, but he needed to grab some files that were relevant to the case he was working on.

Eventually, Foggy heard a door open, and—assuming that Matt was leaving his office to finally greet him—he ran out into the central room.

“Hey, Matt, I know I said I wouldn’t be in today, I just needed to grab the Anderson files.” Foggy spoke as he walked out of his own office. But, as he looked up, he realized that Matt was still in the other room. Instead, you stood before him, holding a brown paper bag and looking like he’d caught you breaking and entering.

“Hey Foggy! I didn’t expect you to be here. Is Matt in…” you trailed off with a vague gesture. As you pointed to Matt’s office, his door opened, revealing the blind lawyer who faced you curiously.

“Hey, I thought I heard you. What are you doing here?” Ignoring Foggy completely—the blond looking after him incredulously—he marched over to you, a crooked grin on his lips.

“Well, I…um—“ You stuttered, very much unable to ignore Foggy at this moment. “Remember that bakery I told you about? The one that just opened up by the Pilates studio?”

Matt nodded and you continued. “I told you that I thought you’d like their almond croissants and, I don’t know, you mentioned that you had a bad night so I thought I’d bring you one to cheer you up.” You scuffed your shoes on the floor, no longer looking at Matt.

“That’s so sweet of you.” Matt spoke, smiling at you softly. He was a bit shocked, but more than touched by the gesture.

“And I’m really sorry, Foggy! I would’ve gotten you one but, when we chatted last night, Matt mentioned you wouldn’t be in today so I—“

“Hey, no problem! I have to run home anyway. Have a good day, my little lovebirds!” Foggy brushed off your concern. You squeaked, embarrassed at his comment. Foggy waved goodbye, and headed off, hearing Matt ask you if you wanted to split the pastry as he went.

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

Shaking his head at the memory, Foggy really hoped you two would come to your senses soon.

A couple weeks after the croissant incident, Foggy found himself in desperate need of a break.

“Matt, hurry up! Karen and I are thirsty!” Foggy rolled his eyes to the blonde as they waited for Matt to quit burning the midnight oil and go out with them. It was Friday, and they had just had a major breakthrough in their current case that had seemed unwinnable for weeks.

“Alright, alright! I’m coming.” Matt shook his head fondly at his partners, grabbing his coat and cane.

“Josie’s?” Karen questioned.

Foggy snorted. “Do we ever go anywhere else?” He sent a text to you and Marci, letting you both know that you were invited to celebrate with them, though he did not expect Marci to take him up on that offer.

“Why would we?” Matt grinned, taking Foggy’s arm as the three made their way to the dive bar they frequented.

Arriving at Josie’s in record time, Karen offered to buy the first round while the guys grabbed a table.

Foggy inhaled deeply. “Smell that, Murdock?”

“Stale beer and vomit?”

“No! The smell of our impending success!”

“It doesn’t trouble you that your brain associates our success with vomit?”

“Gah! You’re impossible!” Foggy threw his hands up as Matt smirked.

“What did he do now?” Foggy cheered as he saw you approaching them.

“You’ve gotta help me out. Your boyfriend is refusing to admit that we are going to win our case this week.” Foggy mock glared at Matt.

You sat down next to Matt, laughing brightly as he began to argue. “I never said that! I said, it’s weird that you link our winning a case with such an unpleasant sensation.”

“Oh god, we just got here and they’re already going at it.” Karen murmured to you as she returned with drinks, chuckling with fond exasperation. She handed you a beer and you accepted gratefully as you slid under the arm Matt moved around your shoulders. As you nestled into his side, he and Foggy continued to bicker about what winning should smell like.

Eventually, Karen broke in and offered them their beers. Mostly for a moment of quiet, you assumed. Taking a drink, Matt turned to you. “How was your day, angel?” Karen and Foggy looked at each other, ‘Angel??’

“It was awesome, actually! My boss approved my proposal!” You sounded thrilled.

“That’s fantastic!” Matt was beaming at you. “Did you get to show her the mock ups?”

“I’m sorry,” Foggy cut in with a smile. “What proposal?”

“Shit, I forgot I hadn’t told you and Karen! I’m sorry guys.” You grimaced sheepishly. “I had been noticing some recurring names when I sat in court this month so I did some digging and found 4 property managers that have dozens of documented issues. I’m talking constructive eviction, unhabitable units, actions in contempt, a whole mess of stuff. So I wanted to ask my boss if we could set up some clinics in the area for hearing counterclaim filing and to help people file a case against their landlord preemptively.”

Matt’s focus was entirely on you as you spoke animatedly, absolutely ecstatic about your new project.

“I had a solid framework but I was having a really hard time working up the nerve to ask her if I could do anything. Thankfully, Matt had some great ideas and helped me put together a whole presentation at dinner last week!” You grinned, looking up at him.

“What dinner last week?” Karen inquired, her eyes flirting between the two of you as she barely concealed her knowing grin.

“Oh!” You shifted in your seat slightly. “Well, we’ve been having dinner once or twice a week to—um—“

“Get to know each other!” Matt suggested, helpfully.

“Exactly! In case we have another event and have to speak to people about each other, or whatever.”

“Right,” Foggy confirmed, eyebrows raised. “Well, I’m glad that it went well! And, that you’ve been getting this workaholic out of the office. I was wondering why he’s been so chipper lately.”

“Oh, I’m sure that has more to do with this ‘impending success’ I keep hearing about.” You bit your lip, fidgeting with the half empty glass in your hand.

“It’s not all work-related, sweetness.” Matt nudged you, grinning.

You smiled into your beer, draining the rest of it. “Sure, Murdock. Though, I’m afraid you’ll have to try harder to sweet talk me into buying you another drink.”

“Hmm, guess I’ll keep trying.” Matt followed you out of the booth, taking your arm as you both walked up to ask Josie for a refill.

Karen gaped at Foggy. “You weren’t kidding!”

“I know!” Foggy said, throwing his arms towards the bar after their friends. “They don’t see it!”

Karen snorted. “We are in for a world of hurt.”

After the group had chatted for a bit, Foggy suggested that you and Matt play him and Karen in pool, to “settle the smell of success debate once and for all”. Everyone seemed excited about the proposition, but you hesitated.

“I’ve never actually played pool before.” You admitted to Matt, quietly, as Karen and Foggy got the table set up.

“That’s alright, pretty girl. I’ll just have to teach you.” He flicked your chin softly before raising his voice. “I promise it’s not that difficult to beat Foggy. I could do it with my eyes closed.” He jested, making you laugh.

“How dare you insult my honor in front of this fair maiden!” Foggy crowed, feigning chest pain. “I’m hurt, truly hurt!”

You giggled at their antics, sliding out from the booth and pulling Matt with you. “Better teach me fast, Matty. I have a feeling Nelson won’t be taking it easy on me.”

While Foggy and Karen were having a good time battling you two in pool, it was becoming almost irritating to watch the two of you flirt and exchange soft touches without acknowledging the authenticity of your relationship. Matt kept holding your waist to help you position the pool cue, giving you a kiss on the cheek when any of the balls landed in a pocket. And, as the two of you became more tipsy throughout the evening, you started sitting atop of Matt’s lap, playing with his hair and resting your nose against his cheek, while waiting for Foggy or Karen to finish a turn.

It was adorable, sure, but aggravating nonetheless because anytime someone questioned it, you and Matt brushed it off as ‘keeping up appearances’.

As you lined up your cue to take the final shot, Matt announced your intentions for you. “8 ball, far right corner pocket.” Giving the cue ball a firm tap, the 8 ball sailed into its intended receptacle.

You and Matt cheered as Foggy and Karen yelled in frustration. As you gave him a hug, Matt twirled you around.

“Great job, angel. I’m so proud of you!” He pressed a kiss to your hairline. You leaned into him, treasuring the moment.

Foggy and Karen just shared a look, shaking their heads, before Foggy asked “Anyone up for a rematch?”

Foggy, Karen, and Matt were tiredly running over their case notes for the upcoming Jones trial. Their last few cases had all gone well, but this case was incredibly taxing. They were having a hard time getting their two key witnesses to cooperate, and the judge had denied their request for a continuance which squished the timeline in a less than optimal direction.

Sighing, Foggy rubbed at his eyes. “Is there anyway we could get the sister on the stand? She was so much easier to work with.”

“There’s no way we’d be able to prepare her in time.” Matt grumped, tension headache steadily brewing.

Karen closed her laptop with a frustrated sigh. “Alright gentlemen, I don’t know about you but I will be absolutely useless if I keep working at this without food. Dinner?”

“Yah let’s go grab a pizza and give our poor minds a break.” Foggy rubbed Matt’s shoulder, hoping the idea of food would be enough to tempt him away from his computer.

“You two go ahead, I’ll see if I can find a weakness in the opposing argument here.”

“Matt, c’mon—“ Foggy pleaded.

“It’s fine. I’m on the verge of a breakthrough, I can feel it…” Matt turned back to his computer, putting headphones in his ears before hearing his friends’ responses.

Foggy simply gave Karen an exaggerated eye roll before the two headed out to grab dinner.

The pizza place wasn’t too far from their office, so they fully expected Matt to be honed in on his case notes when they returned, but instead he was leaning against the table in the conference room. His phone held against his ear, Matt had a small grin on his face as he listened to the person on the other end of the line. It must have been you. No one else could break Matt’s intense focus so easily.

Foggy and Karen were as quiet as possible as they brought the food into the conference room. Matt’s grin fell a bit as they entered.

“Ok sweetness, Nelson and Page are back with food so I have to go. Call me when you get home safe tonight…yah I know you will. Love you.” Matt ended the call, placing his phone on the table.

“I found a clerical error in the original filing of the case. Should help us at least weaken the validity of the prosecution's claims.” It was dead silent for a moment before Matt prompted “Are we going to eat or have we taken those pizzas hostage?”

Foggy pried his jaw from the floor, looking to Karen who appeared equally shocked. “No, uh, we can eat. Yah, let’s eat.” Foggy set the boxes down as Karen rummaged around for some plates. She gave him a pointed look, her eyes swiveling between him and Matt.

Internally debating whether to ask Matt about the terminology used at the end of his phone call, Foggy opened his mouth but Matt held up a hand. “Before you even start, she was out with friends at a bar. We both agreed to act like a couple when in public and she explicitly told me she was ok with it.” The blind man turned to his work with a barely noticeable glower, clearly exasperated by his friends’ questioning.

“See, buddy, that’s cool and all, but you do see how this looks right?” Foggy nervously took a bite of pizza, eyeing the other man.

“What, like I’m forcing her to say things she’s uncomfortable with? That I’m holding her back from finding someone she actually wants to be with? Yes, Foggy, I’m aware.” Matt’s scowl deepened. “I beat myself up about it constantly. I really don’t need you both breathing down my neck about it too.”

“Wait, Matt, you think that’s what we’ve been talking about?” Karen prompted, clearly as taken aback as Foggy felt. She placed a hand on Matt’s arm in a gesture of comfort. “We’re not worried that you’re making her uncomfortable.”

“And we certainly aren’t worried that you’re holding her back!” Foggy added. “Why on earth would you think we were worried about that?”

“Clearly you are! That morning after the gala when you rushed out after seeing she was still there, you were biting your tongue the whole time, Fog!” Matt ran his hands through his hair in distress. “It’s like everytime one of you sees us together, you’re always pointing out the illegitimacy of our relationship or calling us a name. Not to mention, the night at Josie’s where you and Karen were frustratedly saying I was causing a ‘world of hurt’?” Fully pacing now, Foggy had to stand to stop the other man from wearing a tread in their carpet.

“Matt, that’s not what we’ve been trying to say.” Foggy broke in, slowly.

A muscle in Matt’s jaw twitched. “Really, because everytime she gets nervous around me, we suddenly end up alone. If you couldn’t bear to watch what I was doing, you at least could’ve told me that you thought I was hurting her if it was so hard to watch.” He turned away, biting his bottom lip in irritation.

“What we meant when we said those things,” Karen jumped in, also coming to stand in front of Matt. “Was that it seems like the two of you aren’t fake dating anymore. It seems like you’re actually dating and you don’t realize it. And, you aren’t making her uncomfortable, Matt. She adores you.”

Matt’s nostrils flared as conflicting emotions danced across his face. “Matt, buddy, all this time you’ve been chastising yourself for holding her back? Have you stopped to consider that she might enjoy being with you?” Foggy reached out to squeeze his friend’s shoulder, but the other man pulled out of his grasp, pacing again.

“Enjoy being with me? That’s fucking rich.” He bit out. “She’s so smart and funny and thoughtful and—“ his voice was breaking now. “All I’ve done since I brought her into this was get her hurt. She’s way too good to be stuck with me.”

Snatching his red glasses, cane, and computer, Matt huffed before throwing a few sheets of paper down on the table. “Here’s the court's error for the Jones case. I need some air. I’ll see you both tomorrow.” Matt stomped out the door, Foggy and Karen guiltily watching him go.

“Ok, we may have done some damage here.” Foggy grimaced.

“How did we not realize that their own doubts are shaping their interpretation of this?” Karen groaned.

“It’s an embarrassing oversight, I’ll admit.” Rubbing at the back of his neck, Foggy turned to her. “The question is now, do we go after him?”

“No. He needs to work it out on his own.” Karen stared back at her friend glumly.

“Ugh. You’re probably right.”

End Notes: A huge thanks to @acewritesfics and @samspenandsword for sharing the beautiful post dividers!

Tag List: @maladaptivedaydreamingbum @scoliobean @harperdoodle @mattkinsella @leikelle

#matt murdock x reader #matt murdock x you #human disaster matt murdock #daredevil #matt murdock #marvel #marvel's daredevil #mcu daredevil #daredevil fic #charlie cox #foggy nelson #karen page #my writing #mm #wake up

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feelmyskinonyourskin · 23 days ago

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Oath (Vampire!Karen Page)

Summary: Vampire!Karen just in time for Halloween!!!! If anyone plays Marvel Strike Force, they just introduced an original character named Oath who is a Vampire version of Karen Page. I was thus inspired. Also features Matt and Frank.

Warnings: Brief mentions of criminal men who have assaulted women, typical vampire stuff like drinking blood.

WC: 1875

*I never give permission for my fics, manips, or any other original creation I post on this site to be copied, posted elsewhere, translated, or fed into any AI program. The only platform I currently post anything on is Tumblr. Thanks!*

The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen crouched low, taking in the scene before him in the cold alleyway.

The man in front of him was dead. Everything flooding Matt’s senses indicated he had died in the last few hours, except for one chilling detail. His body laid there cold as stone, as if he had been dead for days. From the smell of him, he had been totally drained of all his blood with minimal bodily injury. Just like five others Matt had found this week alone.

Finding victims in a state such as this would have led Matt to conclude something like The Hand was back in New York. But a few things about these bodies didn’t add up to The Hand.

When Matt came upon victim number 3, the police had already arrived at the scene. He overheard Detective Mahoney telling some officers the guy was a known criminal. In addition to the extensive counts of misdemeanors he’d been charged with in his life; when he was 21, he was taken in for the rape of a teenage girl he coached at a summer camp. At 28, tried for beating his girlfriend badly enough she was left with a concussion. And just last week, arrested again for robbing and assaulting a female cashier at a bodega.

The scent of apple and cinnamon lingered on the skin of all five victims. Not exactly like The Hand to leave a trace so… feminine. It was such a familiar smell though. Matt couldn’t quite place where he’d come across it before.

Maybe there was a new vigilante on the scene - hell bent on revenge against men who harmed women. Maybe just a plain old serial killer. But it all didn’t add up.

“Nother one huh, Red? Shit, that’s the third one I’ve found like that this month.” the gruff voice cut through the silence

Matt cocked his head as he rose to face the source of the voice.

“You know Frank, at first glance I’d have thought this was you. But even you aren’t this… brutal.”

“Ain’t wrong. He is my type. But nah… everytime I try to find one of these scums, they end up like this. Someone’s beatin’ me to the punch and I ain’t exactly thrilled about it.”

“Me either. You find any clues?”

“All of ‘em have been covered in wounds. Tiny ones. Ain’t ever seen a knife that could make marks that small and neat. But other than that, no sign of who mighta…”

The sound of sirens screeching down the block interrupted the conversation and the men nodded to each other.

“See ya round, Red.” The Punisher said, retreating down the alleyway.

“You too, Frank. Call me if you find anything.”

Matt leapt to the nearest fire escape and down the block into the night.

Matt tried to will away the pounding in his head as his fingers traced over the same sentence for the third time. He was wearing himself thin; thinner than usual. Between his usual night time activities, figuring out these bodies he’d been finding, and running the law firm, his sanity was wearing away quickly.

“Long night last night?” Karen’s melodic question cut through Matt’s mental fog as he jerked his head towards where she stood in the doorway

“Yeah, something like that.”

“Want some coffee? I’m meeting Foggy at the courthouse to pull some files but we could grab you some on the way back?”

“Yeah, Karen. I’d appreciate that.” he replied and turned his attention back to his work

“You wanna talk about it, or…”

“No. It’s um… other job stuff.”

Even though Foggy and Karen had known Matt’s secret for years now, he didn’t like to share details unless it involved something they could help with legally. He didn’t want to worry them, plus if he ever got found out, the less they knew the more protected they’d be.

“Right.” Karen said with a nod and turned toward the door. She grabbed her jacket and umbrella and called out through the office

“Be back in about an hour.”

Matt grinned as he took in the scent of her cinnamon perfume as she left, laced with a hint of… apple.

Matt cocked his head as he listed, spooked by how familiar the smell was to that of the mystery victims he’d come across.

He listened to her footsteps down the hall and out the door. As she walked down the street, he realized; he couldn’t hear her heartbeat.

Matt waited for hours, crouched on the roof of the warehouse as the rain soaked through his crimson suit and chilled his flesh.

The files he snuck out of Karen’s bag indicated this is where he might find another criminal - and it added up to where he could find her. The man’s record matched all the others, a long history of violence against innocent people, somehow getting out of any punishment, repeating his offenses recently. It was only a matter of time…

Matt could hear the screech of tires as the worn down van slowed to a stop on the wet pavement. The man Matt was waiting for stepped out, shielding himself from the downpour as he rushed towards the warehouse. Just as he reached out his hand to open the door, a figure appeared from the shadow and as fast as the lightning painting the sky, tackled him to the damp ground.

Matt sprung forward, leaping from the roof and landing with a roll in front of the scene. The figure rose and turned towards him, blood dripping from her mouth and mixing with the raindrops running down her face. The man she held to the ground screamed as he struggled in her grasp, but she easily kept him pinned beneath her.

“Matt? What are you? No, you weren’t supposed to…”

“Karen… what? What is going on? What happened?”

He removed the glove from his trembling hand and reached it towards her, but she shunned away.

“You can’t save me anymore, Matt. Please go.”

“No, I won’t. Why didn’t you tell me? Let me and Foggy help?”

“Because you can’t.”

“This isn’t who you are Karen. You’re not a killer.”

“I don’t have a choice.”

She turned back towards her prey and sunk her teeth into his flesh once more, draining the little blood he had left and he stilled beneath her. Matt shuddered as he listened to the man’s heartbeat fade.

Karen rose once more and wiped the remaining blood from her face, finally taking Matt’s outstretched hand.

Matt’s apartment had always been a place of comfort for Karen. Ever since that first night they met when he brought her back here on a rainy night just like this. The sweater he lent her brushed against her pale skin but it did not warm her. Nothing could now.

“So…” Matt finally spoke, cutting through the silence.

The mug of tea he made for her sat untouched on the coffee table as she stared out the window, watching the billboard paint the apartment in pink and orange.

“It happened… about a month ago.” she began her story, soft voice echoing off the high ceilings of the loft

“I was at Mrs. Perez’s apartment, the woman we helped file against her neighbor for the dog bite. I was getting the paperwork from her doctor about her injuries. I know I shouldn’t have been out so late, I should have called you or got a cab. It was stupid of me.”

She let out a deep sigh and continued.

“Anyway, I left her place just before midnight. I felt… eerie. Like I was being followed. I had my hand on my gun in my purse as I walked but just before I got to my block, he attacked me.”

“Who?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t see his face. I shot him twice, but the bullets just bounced right off. Next thing I knew, his teeth were in my neck and I could feel myself dying. I knew it.”

Matt raised his eyebrows.

“Dying?”

“Yeah.”

“Then what happened?”

“I don’t remember.” she continued “It all faded away, like I was drifting in a black abyss. When I woke up, I was still laying on the street. I didn’t know how I wasn’t dead. The sun was rising but it felt like it was burning my skin. I ran home. I called in sick for a few days and just slept. But I had this hunger… this urge.”

“To do what?”

“Feed. I was just running on instinct. I walked the street all night that night. I didn’t know where I was going, I just knew I needed to clear my head. I stopped outside this bar. Kind of a gross looking place. And there was this man, practically dragging this woman out of there. She was out of it. Like someone had done something to her drink. I don’t know what overcame me but I just… attacked. Drank him until he was dry. Then I felt better. For a few days. Until it came back.”

“You drank his blood?”

“Yeah.”

“Karen… that’s insane. That’s…” Matt reached out his hand to comfort Karen, but all he was met with was ice cold skin.

“I don’t know why he didn’t finish the job, why he changed me… But I know I can’t go back. This is who I am now. Like I said, I don’t have a choice. I’m not human any more, I’m something else.”

Matt sat in stunned silence. He had dealt with weird shit before; all The Hand’s ancient reincarnation rituals, the Avengers fighting aliens down the block, hearing half the city’s heartbeats disappearing then coming back five years later. But this, this was something he couldn’t quite wrap his head around.

“I figured if I need to feed, might as well take out a few people who deserve it along the way.”

“You’re starting to sound like Frank now…”

“Yeah… well.” Karen shrugged “I can’t do the double life thing like you Matt. I’ve been trying, but I can’t I’m too different now.”

Matt nodded, knowing there was no changing her mind. Karen rose from her seat, giving Matt a kiss on his forehead before heading for the foyer.

“Goodbye Matt.” she whispered as she closed the door behind her.

The man’s exhales were labored as he ran, glancing behind him every so often in panic.

He stopped to catch his breath, hands on his knees, when a shadow appeared over him. He lept back in surprise, the white skull staring him directly in the face.

“Look man…” he stuttered in a panic “I don’t want trouble with The Punisher. Please.”

Frank shoved the man into the brick behind him.

“Ain’t me you gotta worry about, asshole.”

The man glanced over Frank’s shoulder at the woman who had appeared, a devilish grin painted on her face as she stared him down.

“Her? What’s she gonna do?”

Karen bared her fangs and leapt forward, Frank stepping out of her way so she could take his place.

“Have at ‘em, sweetheart.” he nodded, watching as Oath sank her teeth into the man's flesh.

#karen page #daredevil #matt murdock #frank castle #deborah ann woll #oath #marvel fic #nmcu fic #vampire #vampire karen #kastle #karen x frank #marvel #marvel daredevil

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chvoswxtch · 1 year ago

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karen page masterlist

»— anything marked with an astrik contains explicit content. minors dni.

»— all work is my own. please do not repost anywhere else without my consent.

☾ one shots

→ getaway.*

☾ requests

→ behave.*

☾ blurbs/headcannons/drabbles

→ you gonna let me be good to you? (karen's version)

☾ thots*

→ karen & being dominant

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zomtart · 2 months ago

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At Least Out Loud (Karen Page x Fem!Reader)

Here's my day 2 of Tuna-Tober! Finally wrote something for the love of my life Karen Page

Sorry it ends on a sort of cliffhanger, I am trying to keep these as short as I can manage so I can get through more! Maybe I'll write a part two🤭 Also title is a reference to the absolute BANGER of a song I Won't Say I'm In Love, which hits so much harder in a sapphic context if you ask me <3

Tuna-Tober Day 2: “I’m in love with you, and that scares me.” + A Hug That Lasts A Little Too Long

Pairing: Karen Page x Fem!Reader

Warnings: mentions of alcohol, sapphic yearning, platonic matt and reader

Word Count: 1.1k

Karen slapped a hand over her mouth, trying to refrain from spitting out her drink at Foggy’s joke. You had failed that challenge, but managed to get it back in your cup as the entire table erupted into laughter. It was a much needed break for all of you, the end of a long week and long work hours. Foggy and Matt at their firm, you and Karen at the Bulletin. You hadn’t been able to spend time together with all four of you in so long. It felt so right, like coming home, and you never wanted it to end. Foggy’s jokes, Matt’s smile, and…Karen. Everything about Karen.

The low lighting of Josie’s gave you courage, or maybe just the ability to hide from the truth. No matter what, at the end of the night in the run-down dive bar, you always were left with that feeling in your stomach. A feeling that felt suspiciously like butterflies.

“Okay, okay, I need to…” Karen let out a few more giggles before running a hand through her stupid, perfect hair. “Need to go. Got a meeting tomorrow morning.”

There was a unisonous groan across the table.

“Tomorrow’s Saturday!” Foggy protested.

“Yes, Foggy, I know. I’m not looking forward to getting up early on a weekend either, but this is when Julia Dayton can meet for an interview.” she explained as she shrugged her bag onto her shoulder.

“Let me know how it goes,” you smile up at her. “That’s gonna be one hell of an article.”

“All thanks to you,” she laughs a little bit. “You helped me finish up my editorial in time.”

You waved a hand in dismissal as she hugged Matt and Foggy goodbye. You stood up too, grabbing your bag. “Walk you home?”

She shook her head. “I called an Uber.”

“Oh. You sure you’re good going by yourself?”

She smiled knowingly. “I’ll text you when I’m back safe. Okay?” she pulled you into a hug, the faint scent of roses and shitty tequila washing over you as you gently gripped her shoulders.

“Okay.” you responded, your voice far too small. You briefly wondered how long you should make the hug…were you hugging for too long? Were you making it weird?

You tried to pull back, but then she held on, and you just about melted in her arms. You weren’t sure if it was the alcohol, or the way her thumb was ever so slightly moving back and forth on your arm, but you felt entranced. If this was where you stayed for the rest of your life, you’d be completely fine with that.

When the hug finally broke you forced your expression into what you hoped was nonchalant, giving her a small smile. Then she was gone, leaving you to watch her walk out the bar door.

A beat of silence passed before you heard a snort from behind you. You turned around to see Matt and Foggy, trying to hold in smirks.

“What?” you were immediately on the defensive, practically stomping back to your seat.

“Nothing, nothing. Sorry.”

You tried your best to enjoy the rest of the night, but the feeling in your stomach wouldn’t go away. A note of roses still lingered in the air, clouding over every other thought in your head.

You tell yourself it’s the alcohol.

“Alright, guys. I gotta call it a night.” Foggy sighed, standing up with a slight wobble.

Matt laughed at the slur in his friend’s voice and his lack of balance. “Yeah, I think that’s for the best, buddy.”

Foggy shooed him away, huffing as he mumbled something about the King of England being his uber driver.

“It says George the third…” you heard him tell Matt as he walked him out to the car. You laughed to yourself, finishing off the rest of your glass. You weren’t sure how many drinks that had added up to, but for the sake of your sanity you didn’t look at the bill before giving Josie your card. By the time you paid, Matt was back at the table, pulling his jacket around his shoulders.

“Ready to go?” He wasn't nearly as drunk as Foggy, and you couldn’t blame him. After learning about his heightened senses, you could understand how being drunk could be unpleasant for him.

You nodded, starting to force a smile before deciding not to bother. He would tell you’d be faking it, anyway. It almost seemed that he noticed you starting to fake it. You felt him focusing on you as you took his elbow and walked out of the bar.

After a block of heavy silence you pursed your lips and turned to look at him. “Do you have something to say? Or are you just going to keep counting my heart rate or whatever you’re doing?”

He laughed a little at your remark. “I don’t need enhanced senses to realize you’re upset.”

“I’m not upset.” you said immediately, but there wasn’t any conviction to it. You were too tired, too drunk. He just sighed, because he knew you were lying, and you knew he knew you were lying.

He murmured your name gently, before saying, very quietly, “You can’t keep running from it.”

The words hit you like a freight train. He was right. That’s what you were doing. You were running from this. That’s what you always did. The tightness expanded in your chest, moving past your ribcage, making your whole body feel like it was under ice water. Tears pricked at your eyes and you furiously wiped at them, turning away from him.

“She’s my best friend, Matt. I…I don’t want to lose her.”

“Do you really think you’d lose her?” he stopped you walking with a gentle hand on your shoulder. “Honestly. Do you think if she somehow doesn’t feel the same, that she would treat you any differently?”

You rolled your eyes, shaking your head. “N-no, no, of course not but it’s…I can’t just…” you struggled to find the words. “It’s not that easy, Matt, I’m…I’m terrified. I’m in love with her and that--that scares me. I don’t like feeling like this. Like I could just give her everything and she could just…say no. Or worse--she says yes. And then I…then I have to find some way to be enough for this beautiful, ambitious, amazing woman.”

Matt frowned. “That’s not how love works. It’s not a business exchange. If she loves you, which I--” he sighed. “Which I really think she does…then you’re already enough for her. It’s why she loves you." He gently placed a hand on your shoulder. “I’m not saying you have to tell her if you’re not ready. I’m just saying that…” he trailed off, searching for the words. “If anyone is going to be gentle with your heart, it’s Karen.”

@tunatober

#karen page #karen page x reader #my fic #daredevil #tuna tober #tunatober #tuna tober 2024

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goldenlikedayl1ght · 11 months ago

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black friday - m. murdock

a/n: an old work i finished because i decided y'all are owed something cute and fluffy. shoutout to all my girlies who were in codependent relationships for so long that they needed to figure out who they were again after ! as always, reblogs and comments are always appreciated! warnings: lots of fluff, lots of kissing, lots of talks about a bad ex, reader is rather shy at first, cursing probably but it's late and i'm probably forgetting so much im so sorry also a lot of suggestive behavior because they're in love word count: 4.5k summary: you have a list of things to do within a year of living in new york. matt helps you check everything off- oh, and you fall in love with him, too. it's not on the list, but you do it anyways. pairing: matt murdock x fem!reader now playing: black friday - tom odell "i wanna go party/i wanna have fun/wanna be happy/could you show me how it's done?/ you look so pretty/pretty like the sun"

For a long time, you thought you’d never get over your ex.

For a long time, you believed that you were it for each other. You’d go the whole nine yards—Kids, a quaint house in your hometown, Sunday dinners.

And for a long time after he broke up with you, you thought you’d never let yourself love again. How could you? How would you allow yourself to be set up for failure, after letting someone know every part of you?

You had been dating him since high school and had been living with him in your first apartment when he broke it off.

Sometimes, it was amazing, and you were never happier. But most days, it had been full of anger and talking him off the ledge all the time. It was makeup sex after arguments you couldn’t remember now.

So, when he did break up with you, you decided to use it as an excuse to run far, far away from your small town. And you found yourself in Hell’s Kitchen.

You land a job at a small law firm, and at first, you just work as a meek little office assistant.

Nelson, Murdock & Page grew by the day, and for a while, you felt out of place. It wasn’t that you were abused or worked to the bone, you just struggled to make friends, and you weren’t very social while getting over your ex anyways.

So, for about two months, you did your job quietly, laughing quietly at the bickering of your bosses, thanking Karen Page for her advice, enjoying coffee with Foggy Nelson, and of course…

Never muttering a word to Matt Murdock. He was just too intimidating. Besides, you still felt like your ex’s eyes were watching your every move, even thousands of miles away, even now.

Then one night, Foggy couldn’t handle it anymore. So, he approached you quietly at the end of a long workday, with a simple phrase.

“This week’s been crazy, huh? Hey, a few of us are going to the bar tonight, did you want to come?”

What were you supposed to say? ‘No, my ex who I don’t talk to wouldn’t like that?’

Please.

“Oh, Uhm.. I don’t know, who else is going?”

“It’ll be me, my wife, Marci, Karen..” He said.

“Sure, I’ll come.” You smiled, before you could stop yourself.

“Awesome! I’ll send you the address! I’m so glad you’re tagging along!” He grins. You’re thrilled too.

“Me too, it’ll be fun.” He begins to walk away but then he turns back around with a snap of his fingers.

“Oh! And Matt is going!”

Why wouldn’t he tell you that in the first place? Why was your face burning? Why was your heart racing?

“Oh, Great.” You told him, now suddenly conscious of everything about that night.

• • •

At the bar, you wound up ordering a drink before you went over to your friends—Well, Coworkers, you wouldn’t call them friends yet, thanking the woman behind the bar.

Then, you made your way over to them where Foggy was playing his wife in Pool—and losing horribly. So, you sit with Karen and Matt, where there is conveniently one seat available, right between the two.

Karen excitedly said your name as you approach adding a, “I can’t believe you came!” Which, ouch, but, fair.

“Well, Foggy was right, this week’s been awful, so I wanted to relax.” You smiled, sitting with them.

“I’m glad,” she said, before asking, “So, why’d you move to New York?” She knew you weren’t from here, so you figured the question would come up eventually.

“Just needed a change of pace from a small town, you know?”

“I do,” she nodded, “Do you like it here?”

Did you like being alone all the time, feeling like you’re always doing something wrong? Like you should run back to your hometown and beg your ex to marry you?

“Yeah, I love it. It’s so different in a way I wasn’t really prepared for, but it’s great.” You lied.

Matt’s blind. Why did it feel like he has this burning gaze into your skin?

“Did you go to college in your hometown, too?”

“Yeah,” You smile. You loved College. You were an early education major and had even gotten your masters in your small community college. You loved teaching, and if you hadn’t moved, you’d have stayed at the school that hired you after student teaching there. But, when you got to the city, you were unable to find consistent work because the demand for teachers was so high.

So here you were, working as an office assistant for a small law firm.

Karen glanced down to her glass and frowned.

“I’m going to grab another drink, do either of you want anything?”

“I’m good, Karen.”

“No, thank you.”

Silence. Sickening silence.

Then, he spoke.

“Do you know how upset I am that you got your drink already?”

What?

You furrowed your brows, confused.

“I’m sorry?”

“I wanted to buy you a drink, but you beat me to it.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” You repeated, a light blush on your face.

“Well, I figured it might be nice to wipe the slate clean, considering you haven’t spoken more than ten words to me since you started working with us.”

That was true. There’s just something that feels so wrong about it, even though you worked with him,

“I’m sorry,” you said again, and he just laughed.

“You say that a lot.”

“I’m sor—” You caught yourself, clearing your throat. “Why do you say that?”

“Well, you speak to everyone, just not me. So, I listen and I’m pretty sure you apologize more than anything else.”

Your face was beet red.

“Okay, Okay, I get it. I don’t talk a lot, especially not to you. It’s something I’m working on, I have a whole list of things I’m working on.”

That’s true. You had an actual list of goals you have before your first year in New York is up.

“A list?”

“A list.”

“May I?” He asked, and you sighed, pulling out your phone, your list nestled deep into your notes app.

“Apologize less and talk to you is at the top.” You told him. “Then it’s get a job I love,”

“Ouch.”

“Sorry, Boss.” You took a sip of your drink, “Move into a nicer apartment, and uh..” You sighed softly. “Get over my ex.”

He tilts his head.

“Your ex?”

“The reason I moved here. He broke up with me about six months ago, but we were together for so long it feels like an impossible task.”

Matt knows the feeling.

“It’s an easy enough list. We can help you.” He says, “When did you move to New York?”

“May 1st.”

“Okay, then by May of next year, you should have everything accomplished.”

“We?”

“Yeah, I’m gonna help you.”

“Oh, so now it’s you and not all of you?”

Now it’s his turn to blush.

“You’re rather talkative now.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I like it.”

• • •

Talking to Matt is easy, you discover quickly.

It’s the apologizing that gets you.

You’re staying late at the office about a month later, while Hell’s Kitchen is amid a blistering heat wave.

You feel like you might die. You’re editing a closing argument Foggy wants to practice when Matt calls your name gently.

“Can I see you in my office for a second?” He asks. You follow him into his office, not really thinking much of it.

“What’s up?” You ask, sitting in the spare chair in his office as he closes the door behind him, going to the seat at his desk.

“Well, remember that list we talked about?”

“Yeah?”

“I haven’t heard much from you this week.”

That’s true, it’s just been sort of a hectic time with cases piling up. You can only do so much work AND talk to your favorite coworker. Yes, Matt had quickly become your favorite person at the office, even after just a month of really trying to open up to him.

He learned about your ex, your holiday traditions and that you hate peppermint.

You learned about his parents, his favorite dessert, and that he dresses up every night to go fight the criminals of New York.

Okay, you technically weren’t supposed to learn that, but you had stopped by his apartment early to drop off a file you were working on, and he had just crawled home and was still in his suit when he answered the door, forgetting completely that you didn’t know.

So now You knew how he was able to tell that you lied to Karen that night at the bar.

“I’m—” You start to apologize, but then you stop yourself. “I’m not sorry, I’ve been busy and so have you, but I do miss talking to you, though I am not sorry.” You say, and he grins.

“That’s my girl.”

Huh.

Your stomach swirls and you beam at the praise.

Wait, what?

You brush it off, before asking,

“Does Daredevil still come out to play even though it’s a hundred degrees out?”

“Will you have your window open with a few bottles of water open for me?”

“Always.”

“Then yes.”

Talking to Matt is rather easy. You have a feeling that soon the apologizing will follow.

• • •

October is the month of figuring out what you want to do with your life.

Sure, you love working in the office, but you are going crazy. You’re under stimulated and the hours are consistently long.

So, you try a lot of things.

You bake, you cook, you take exams, you work tirelessly to try and figure out where you want to work and where you’ll be happiest.

You try doing hair but find yourself uninspired.

You think you might like being a nursing assistant but turns out, you don’t like blood.

But part of you knows your heart isn’t in it, for two reasons.

For one, you want to teach. You want to be teaching young kids’ addition and their spelling and stars. You desperately want to be a great influence in their lives.

And the second thing is..

You don’t want to leave your coworkers.

You love spending time with Karen and Foggy. For a long time, you didn’t have friends outside of your relationship, and they are the best friends you’ve ever had.

Foggy spends long coffee breaks cracking jokes with you and asking for your sandwich order, telling you that you have to stop by his brother’s deli for one of his signature subs. Then he tells you this long-winded story about how his mother wanted him to be a butcher, not a lawyer.

Karen is your favorite girl. She’s not only drop dead gorgeous and ridiculously smart, but she is also kind like no one you have ever met. She texts you when you forget to let her know you’ve gotten home safe, there is always a coffee on your desk when you get there and for your birthday, flowers are on your desk, scribbled with a cute note in her handwriting.

And then, there’s Matt.

He’s your best friend and knows you better than anyone. He loves having you right in the office where he can hear your heartbeat and smell your vanilla coconut perfume. He tells you about his dad and you tell him about your folks.

He knows your Chinese and Thai food orders like the back of his hand, always ordering you some when he gets his. You describe the movies you’re watching in detail, and he hangs on to every word. There is no one who sees you more than him, and he’s quite literally blind. When you tell him about your dream to go back into teaching, he encourages it.

“When I was a kid, I’d have benefited so much from someone like you.”

He asks you to do his makeup for his Halloween costume, no matter how badly it irritates his skin. He likes the idea of your hands so close to his face.

But you’re both critically aware of how, not only is the market flooded, but you’re dreading the day you leave your little office job.

So many people have asked if the two of you are dating. And you both always laugh, because.. because you just love each other in a way that you can’t describe. But no, you’ve never thought about dating Matt Murdock.

Until this one day.

It’s like any other day, really. You have your friends cramped in your tiny apartment and you’re just waiting for Matt’s arrival before you eat dinner for the night.

Karen, Foggy and Marci sit at your little table as you finish cooking, and Marci just glances over to you.

“You need to move to a better apartment.”

“I know, I know,” you laugh, “But she’s so cozy! I love it here!” It was, and is, all you could afford, but you grew to love it.

“Yeah, and I love having leg room.” Foggy chimes.

“You know what, Nelson? You could just, pay me more so I could move somewhere nicer?”

“Touche.” There’s a knock on the door, so you grin and head over there, opening the door for Matt.

And you need to take a second.

He’s holding your favorite bottle of wine, and he’s in these nice dark jeans and a gray sweater under his peacoat.

This thought strikes you.

This thing you thought you’d never feel again after your ex.

Matt Murdock is hot, and you have got to have him.

This is it. The thing you can’t deny any longer. You have a massive crush on the devil that disguises himself as your favorite person. To you, he is an angel.

“Hey,” you say breathily, as if you have it out for yourself. Surely he’ll know. “You didn’t have to bring wine.” You told him, a soft smile on your face.

He steps inside as you take the wine, leaning in to kiss your cheek gently, something he has found himself doing every time he enters your apartment. It’s your routine. He loves this aspect of your dynamic because he has known that he’s wanted you for months. You’ve just been so caught up in everything that you didn’t see it.

“It’s no trouble, thank you for having us,” he says gently.

So this is it.

You just can’t deny it.

You have a massive crush on Matt Murdock, and there isn’t a thing you could do about it. Except maybe kiss him. But for that night, you just kind of relax and pretend you’re already dating him. That’s something you haven’t done in a long time.

You’re beginning to feel like yourself again.

• • •

Nelson Family Christmas celebrations are something of legend for you. For months you’ve heard about it, and you’re on your way to the deli with a handful of presents and two trays of cookies.

You’ve decided that just once, you want a holiday away from your family. Truth be told, you really don’t want to spend your holiday without your best friends.

You have on this stunning outfit—A red sweater, a black skirt and these warm black stockings. Boots to die for.

You know Matt can’t see your outfit, but that doesn’t stop you from wanting to dress up for him. It’s weird. This crush thing has been getting out of control.

You’re greeted at the door of the Deli with a crowd full of blonde-haired New York Irish-Italians, and they’re all lovely. You put your presents down and place your cookies on the dessert table. And you love Foggy’s family. They ask you questions constantly, and Foggy’s sister-in-law talks to you for a while about her career in the local high school system.

It’s a joy to meet so many people so full of love.

So, you go over to Foggy as he’s yapping and say gently, “Hey, where’s Matt?”

He grins.

“Why do you want to go kiss him under the mistletoe?” He teases. Your face goes red.

“Shut up! Where is he, Franklin?” You glare and he laughs, patting your arm.

“Upstairs in the hallway.” He says, and as you walk away he calls, “Go get ‘em, Tiger!” You glare and grab a cookie on your way up.

And you find him, standing in a quiet corner of the hallway. You go to open your mouth and he turns to you.

“Merry Christmas,” he leans forward and kisses your cheek.

“Merry Christmas, Matty.” You hum. “Guess what type of cookie I have.”

He sniffs the air and shakes his head. “Give me a taste and I’ll guess.” You hand him the cookie and he put it in his mouth halfway, raising his eyebrows to you.

“What?”

He gestures to the cookie in his mouth, and you laugh, realizing that he wants you to bite the other end, ala Lady and the Tramp. So you lean forward and take a bite, and he eats the rest, inches separating your face as you enjoy your treat.

People chatter down the hallway and Christmas music plays from somewhere. There are so many different foods and people, and all Matt can focus on is the vanilla coconut scent of your perfume. When you’re both finished eating your cookie, his hands find your waist.

“Matt, what are you—”

You don’t get the chance to finish because suddenly he is kissing you in the dark hallway of your friend’s family Christmas party. The kiss is wonderful. He tastes of the cookie you two shared. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

You need more kissing practice because it’s been so long. But you get the feeling that Matt won’t mind helping you out if this is another thing you want to add to your list.

When he pulls away, he’s a bit breathless but he says one thing to you.

“Chocolate chip peanut butter.”

“What?”

“That’s my guess for the cookie type.”

“Wanna kiss me again to confirm?” He grins and his hands travel down, just slightly to feel the materials of your skirt.

“That’s my girl.”

• • •

The next two months fly by in a whirl of kissing Matt, trying to find a teaching job and enjoying your first real winter in New York.

By the time March rolls around, the clock is ticking for you to be able to find a job in this school year. And then, Foggy and Matt get you the best gift ever.

“Mrs. Future Murdock,” You send Foggy a glare.

“Watch it.”

“Okay, listen—You remember that rich guy that was wrongfully accused of tax evasion?”

“Yeah, why?” You’re cleaning up your office space for the weekend, excited to go to Josie’s, have a few drinks and unwind with your very handsome boyfriend.

“Well, he’s a super intendent for a large school district in Hell’s Kitchen.” Your head snaps up to the two.

“What does that mean for me?” You raise an eyebrow.

“There’s an older teacher there who needed to have surgery and we thought, hey, we know a teacher who could sub in.”

“…Who?”

“You.” Matt says, and you grin. “Your interview is Monday.”

You gasp and hug Foggy quickly, before making your way over to Matt.

“You are the absolute best.” You kiss him quickly and his hands, as they often do, find themselves on your hips. “Thank you.”

What a lovely lovely man.

“Don’t thank us yet, you still need to get the job.” Right.

Your night at Josie’s is lovely but you spend the rest of your weekend prepping for the interview on Monday. It goes well, but something in you is telling you to stay anxious. Why? You have no idea.

It takes two weeks for them to get back to you. But you walk into the office of Nelson, Murdock & Page with a big grin. You walk right into Matt’s office, who glances up to you when you walk in, your heart racing.

“Hey, Sweetheart, I—” He cuts himself off when you walk right up to his desk and pull his chair out before finding yourself on Matt’s lap. Your arms wrap around his neck and his arms find your waist. Before he can say much else, you kiss him quickly, and he grins into the kiss. Eventually, when you do pull away, Matt asks, “Everything okay?”

“Matty, consider this to be my two weeks’ notice.”

He gasps happily.

“Oh my god! How awful it is that you’re leaving us!” He grins, kissing you quickly. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you for getting me the interview.” You tell him, “You know if I do well, the teacher might let me coteach with her next year.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. Our list is almost done, baby.”

“Your list, not ours.”

“Yeah but you’ve been helping so much.”

“You’re easy to help.”

“You’re easy to love.”

He blushes and decides to kiss his girl again.

• • •

So, in April, a month before your year is up, you find yourself needing a new apartment. The rent is getting crazy, and it’s nowhere near the school you’re working in. Especially considering that the teacher you’re subbing for decided she wanted to retire so you’d be taking over for her full time come Fall.

Plus, your apartment is small and cramped, especially with Matt’s stuff slowly invading your place. You discuss this with him one night. It’s late and he’s covered in cuts from his Daredeviling.

“I hate apartment hunting.” You whine, and he hums, kissing your head gently. “Nowhere is good enough. Too far from the school, too far from you, too expensive.” You complain.

“Why don’t you move in here?”

Huh. Why hadn’t you thought of that? Was it too quick to be moving in with him at this point? Maybe, but something told you Matt wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

“Really?”

He grins.

“Really. It’s close to the school, a good price, and rather close to me.” You grin and kiss him softly. It’s your favorite habit.

So, two weeks later, you’re hauling boxes into your boyfriend’s apartment. You take a few drawers of his dresser and some of your nicer outfits find their way into his armoire. Your mugs sit comfortably next to his in his cabinets. Your cabinets.

Your throw blanket is draped comfortably across his couch, and your shoes lay next to his.

Your lotion sits next to his first aid kit. You love dating Matt Murdock.

You love that next month will be one year since you moved to New York, and your life is sort of coming together. Glorious Matthew Murdock is your boyfriend. Your job is amazing. Your apartment is wonderful. Matt Murdock is your boyfriend, and he is amazing at kissing you.

• • •

So, Matt knows May is your year since moving to New York. He knows you guys could go to Josie’s and have a normal old time at the bar…

But he wants to do something special for you. So, he asks Foggy, Marci and Karen to get dressed up and go to a bar on the nicer side of town. Not that you don’t love Josie’s but your one year in New York calls for a special occasion.

You decide to wear a nice satin dress and he loves running his hands over the soft fabric. To Mat, you are perfect in every way, and every day he falls deeper and deeper in love with you.

So on a warm May night in Hell’s Kitchen, you sit in a bougie bar with your best friends, boyfriend and enjoy a year since you moved to this wonderful place you now call home. And a year and four months since your ex broke up with you. Truly, for a long time, you thought you’d never get over him.

Now, Matt is all you see.

At some point, a little tipsy, you kiss Matt’s cheek gently and tell him you’re going to grab another drink.

“Do you want anything?” You ask softly.

“Just for you to come back soon. I’ll miss you.” Oh, Tipsy Matt was your favorite.

“Okay, I’ll be right back.” You kiss him quick and head off to the bar. You order another drink and wait patiently, taking in just how happy you are in this moment.

Then, a familiar voice calls your name, and you glance over and you can’t believe it.

Your ex-boyfriend is right in front of you, and for a moment, you convince yourself you must be drunker than you realized.

“Wow, you look fantastic!” He says a grin on his face. Was… Was your ex ever… attractive? You can’t remember if he ever was. Especially not since dating Matt.

“Oh, Thanks..” You smile softly, trying to be polite but to get out of here quickly and get back to the arms of your loving boyfriend.

“Are you here with anyone?”

“Yeah.” You told him. “Some of my good friends, and—”

“So, you’re not seeing anyone?” You furrow your eyebrows. When did you say that?

Then, there’s an arm around your waist, and you know whose it is in an instant.

“Hey, Sweetheart.. Is everything okay?” Matt asks, smiling to you. Oh, he knows. He knows big time.

“Everything is great.” You turn to your ex and grin. “This is Matt, He’s my—”

“Fiancé.” Matt ends.

Fiancé?

“Fiancé?” Your ex asks, bewildered.

“Mhm. Got engaged a few days ago, that’s what we’re here celebrating.” You said gently, leaning your head against Matt’s arm.

“Engaged, but you’ve only been here for a year!”

“Well, I wasn’t about to wait around for you to ask me to date you again.” You glance over to Matt. “Besides, when you know you know.” You say softly.

Matt leans in and kisses you gently, “When you know, you know.” He echoes.

Your ex is wildly uncomfortable.

“I thought you said you’d always love me.” He says, and he has that intimidating tone to his voice that you hate.

“Yeah… Me too.. Guess I was wrong. You have a nice night, Okay?” You smile and take your drink, turning to head back to your friends. Your ex is bummed out but leaves you alone, and Matt grins to you further.

“When you know you know.” He hums.

“Fiancé..” You echo. He shrugs gently.

“I like the sound of it.”

“Me too.” You say gently. “I love you.”

“I love you, Sweetheart.” He kisses your cheek. “So… A year in New York.”

“Yup. My list is all done.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I talk to you all the time, and I don’t apologize unless it’s necessary. I love teaching and my job. My apartment is stellar, and… I think it’s safe to say I am over my ex. I upgraded. In fact, my upgrade is so much hotter than anyone else I know.”

Matt leans in to kiss you, a grin on his face, but he mutters a soft, “That’s my girl,” Before he does.

#matt murdock #matt murdock x you #matt murdock x reader #matt murdock fluff #matt murdock fanfic #matt murdock fic #matt murdock fanfiction #daredevil #daredevil fanfiction #daredevil fic #fluff #foggy nelson #karen page #tooth rotting fluff #matt murdock x y/n #matt murdock my beloved

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theetherealbloom · 9 months ago

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NOTRE DAME - CH. 7

Chapter 7: Heaven Help Me, I Need To Make It Right

Summary: In the rafters of Clinton Church, a mysterious reader with the power of illusion manipulation silently watches over Matt Murdock, the blind vigilante known as Daredevil. As danger engulfs Hell's Kitchen, their unlikely friendship blossoms into a bond of trust and longing, intertwining their fates in a battle against darkness that tests their resolve. Will their connection illuminate a path to salvation in a city of darkness or lead them deeper into the abyss?

Paring: Matt Murdock x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Hurt to Comfort, ANGST, strangers-to-friends-to-lovers, Religion, Fluff, Anxiety, PSTD, Nightmares, Catholic Guilt, Amnesia, Violence, Blood, Dark Undertones, Eventual SMUT, Shy Reader, Mentions of Abuse, Criminal Activities, Mobsters/Mafia, Character Death, Slowish Burn, Disassociation,

Word Count: 11.8k

A/N: Hrmmmm… there are days where I feel like no one is reading this fic so sometimes I lack the motivation to finish it. Then I have to remind myself that I also write for myself because I’m that delusional, lmao. But to the anon that asks for updates for Notre Dame, thank you; it tells me at least one person is reading this– so this chapter is for you. Lastly, thank you to @bellaxgiornata for constantly listening to me ramble in her ask box about Matt. You are the best, love you loads and you mean a lot to me friend. <3

Song: No Light, No Light by Florence + the Machine

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KAREN’S APARTMENT – EARLY MORNING

After stopping by Josie's bar and inquiring with Josie herself about Karen's whereabouts, she mentioned having a conversation with Foggy. However, she seemed visibly distressed just before leaving. Calling for a cab, you reached your current location as the sun was beginning to rise. The lack of sleep weighed on you, but knocking at Karen's door, you couldn't contain your restless anticipation.

"Karen? Karen, are you there?" No response. Gritting your teeth, you unleash a surge of energy through your palms, using your enhanced senses to unlock the door with the doorknob.

"Karen?" Your voice echoes through the quiet apartment as you enter, scanning for any signs of distress. Your eyes land on the bedside table, where an empty alcohol bottle rests, sending a pang of concern through you.

Suddenly, Karen gasps awake, her breaths ragged as she jerks upright. Her eyes widen in panic as she sees you standing there, tears glistening. "Hey, hey, it's just me," you reassure her, stepping closer. "Karen, what's wrong?”

"How did you get in my apartment?" Karen asks, her voice shaky, still catching her breath.

"I might have, um, picked the lock... only because you weren't answering your phone," you somewhat omit the truth, your tone gentle. "I got worried and came to check on you. What... happened?"

You settle on the foot of her bed, the darkness of her room enveloping you both as your eyes adjust. It's then that you notice the puffiness and redness of her eyes, evidence of tears shed throughout the night.

"I..." Karen begins, her voice trembling, her words choked with emotion. She struggles to speak, her mouth opening and closing as she fights back tears.

You watch her struggle, sensing her pain, and without a word, you open your arms and pull her into a tight embrace. She collapses into you, her sobs shaking her body as she clings to you for support.

At that moment, a heavy feeling settles in the pit of your stomach. You can't shake the sense that the damage has already been done, and you fear that you may have arrived a little too late.

MOMENTS LATER…

Karen decides to head to the office, and as she gathers her things, she turns to you with a hopeful look. "Could you walk with me?" she asks, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

You nod without hesitation, understanding her need for companionship during this difficult time. As you walk together, the weight of the previous night's events hangs heavy in the air.

"What happened last night?" you inquire gently, breaking the silence.

Karen takes a deep breath, her expression troubled. "I found Foggy at Josie's bar," she begins, her voice strained. "He was drunk, and things got heated between us. It's all just a mess..."

Suddenly, a noise from around the corner startles both of you, and you instinctively turn towards the source. Finding nothing, you try to lighten the mood. "Must've been a rat. Did you know rats have gangs in different parts of New York?"

To your relief, Karen laughs, the tension momentarily easing. "Rat gangs? Just what we need on top of Fisk," she quips, a hint of humor in her voice.

You meet her gaze, a sense of determination in your eyes. "We'll get him, Karen. He'll pay for his crimes," you assure her, offering a reassuring smile.

NELSON & MURDOCK ATTORNEY’S AT LAW, OFFICE – EARLY MORNING

Karen opens the office door and steps inside, her movements slow and subdued. You follow behind her, gently shutting the door behind you. As Karen moves to put away her bag and belongings, you head to the small pantry area to start the coffee maker, the familiar hum providing comforting background noise.

From the corner of your eye, you see Karen stand up from her seat and take a few steps, her silhouette outlined against the window. You can sense her distress, bits of emotions you can pick up because of your powers, the previous night's stress persists deeply on her shoulders. You resist the urge to pry, knowing that she may not be ready to share the full extent of what happened.

As the floor creaks underfoot, both you and Karen startle, turning to find Foggy standing there in the middle of the room. Karen gasps in shock, her hand instinctively clutching at her chest.

"Jesus," she exclaims, her voice laced with surprise.

Foggy speaks up in a soft voice, attempting to reassure Karen, "It's okay, it's just me… the dick."

Karen's heartbeat gradually slows as she tries to compose herself. "What are you doing here?" she asks, her voice still tinged with uncertainty.

Foggy shrugs casually, his demeanor relaxed. "Last I checked, it was my office."

"Yeah, yours and Matt's. Is that why you're creeping around so late, to avoid him?" Karen probes, her curiosity evident.

Foggy shoots a quick glance in your direction before responding to Karen, "Okay, first, there was no creep. You were just too… whatever you were, looking out the window to realize I stepped out of my office."

There's a brief pause as Foggy regards Karen skeptically. "And have you been hitting the juice? Because you kind of smell like a distillery."

Karen moves over to you by the pantry, and you offer her a cup of coffee. She accepts it gratefully before retorting, "You're one to talk. I found you practically curled up under the bar at Josie's."

"Fair enough," Foggy says with a sigh, his tone tinged with resignation. He then presses on, curiosity evident in his voice. "But that was the end of my night. What happened to you after that?"

Karen avoids meeting Foggy's gaze as she takes a sip of her coffee. You observe her closely, sensing her discomfort as she responds with a lie, "Nothing."

Foggy narrows his eyes slightly, not fully convinced. "That 'nothing' include drinking and dancing? Or just the drinking?" he questions, his tone gentle but probing.

Karen lets out a weak laugh, a hint of bitterness in her voice. "Funny, you actually sound like you care."

You take a long drag of your own coffee, the warmth spreading through you as you listen to Foggy's attempt at explanation. "Karen, what's going on with me and Matt… it sucks that it's bleeding over to you. It's the last thing I'd ever want to happen," he says, his tone sincere.

Karen nods in understanding, her eyes reflecting the weariness of the night before. "I know. Sorry, just, I, uh… Just had a... a rough night," she admits, her voice soft.

She moves to sit down on the chair by her desk, and Foggy attempts to lighten the mood. "You and I should not drink," he quips, a hint of humor in his voice.

Karen lets out a weak scoff, the weight of the situation still heavy on her shoulders. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm thinking about giving it up, moving on to the hard stuff," she replies, her tone tinged with sarcasm.

You snort softly as you join Foggy by the pantry. "Narcotics? Deal me in," he jests, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

You raise your eyebrows skeptically. "You don't seem like the type," you remark, a hint of amusement in your voice.

Foggy shrugs nonchalantly. "Yeah, I smoked a doobie once. Made me drool," he confesses, a lighthearted grin on his face.

Karen frowns in confusion, prompting Foggy to clarify. "A doobie. Weed, pot, the Mary Jane. Whatever the kids are calling it these days."

“I'm not sure that's, uh, considered hard anymore. At least, not according to Denver, anyway,” Karen remarks, a small smile playing at her lips.

You nod in agreement as you shift your weight, sensing the underlying tension in the air. Foggy shrugs again, a wistful expression crossing his face. “The times they are a-changin',” he muses, unaware of the impact of his words.

You watch Karen’s expression falter slightly, her gaze distant, and your heart aches at the weight of the unspoken implications hanging in the air.

“Yeah,” Karen says softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

“Yeah,” Foggy echoes, his tone equally subdued.

“So, you coming back to the office?” Karen asks, attempting to break the tension that had settled between them.

Foggy’s demeanor shifts, his shoulders tensing slightly. “I just needed to pick up a few things,” he replies, his voice strained.

He moves to his office, hastily stuffing a pile of papers into his suitcase, while Karen follows closely behind, her concern evident in her expression.

“Wait, Foggy,” Karen says, reaching out to touch his arm gently.

“Let's not do this right now. It's not a good time,” Foggy responds, avoiding eye contact with both you and Karen.

“Is it ever gonna be?” Karen presses, her voice tinged with frustration.

Foggy sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t know,” he admits, his tone weary.

“That's not really an answer,” Karen points out, her brows furrowing in concern.

“It's the best one I've got,” Foggy replies with a resigned shake of his head.

“Whatever's going on between you and Matt, it would be really nice not to be alone here, you know?” Karen says softly, her voice filled with longing for solidarity.

“I know. What you said last night, you were right,” Foggy concedes, his expression serious. “No matter what's going on between me and Matt… that doesn't change anything with Fisk. I'm gonna keep digging. You can't just run around killing people and call yourself a human being. He's gonna pay for what he's done, just like you said.”

Foggy swallows audibly, a visible tension in his demeanor as he asks, “Do we still have a copy of all that stuff Ben gave us, from the… the man in the mask?”

Karen nods, her expression curious. “Yeah, uh, I think so. What are you gonna do with it?” She retrieves the file from a cabinet drawer and hands it over to Foggy, who accepts it with a thoughtful frown.

“Honestly, I have no idea,” Foggy admits, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

“So, you, uh... you don't think the Mask is a terrorist anymore?” Karen inquires, her gaze shifting between Foggy and you.

Foggy hesitates, searching for the right words. “I don't understand what he is. But no, I don't think he's a terrorist.”

“It's a start, I guess,” you interject, noticing your nervous habit of scratching your arm resurfacing. It's a telltale sign of your anxiety, especially in moments of stress.

"Look, I know things are... weird," Foggy begins, his voice laced with sincerity. "But I'm still around. You need me, just call."

You nod along with Karen, acknowledging Foggy's reassurances. "You gonna pick up this time?" Karen asks, her tone laced with concern.

Foggy nods confidently. "Yeah, I'll pick up. Might not seem like it, but everything's gonna be all right."

Karen gives him a skeptical look. "How can you be sure?"

"Because I have to be," Foggy responds with determination. You offer him a supportive smile as he heads towards the exit. "Ease off the booze, stay away from the Mary Jane," he advises Karen with a hint of humor.

Karen nods in agreement. "Will do."

As Foggy opens the door, he comes face to face with Matt standing outside. Tension fills the air, palpable and thick. You hold your breath, observing the silent exchange between the two. Foggy walks past Matt without saying anything, indicating that the dispute has not yet been fully resolved.

As Matt steps into the office, Karen remarks, "Well, that wasn't awkward."

"What are you both doing here so late?" Matt inquires, setting his cane against the wall. "Or early or whatever it is?"

"Um..." Karen hesitates, seeking assistance from you. You reply, "Couldn’t sleep."

"Lot of that going around," Matt sighs. Karen adds with a hint of sadness, "Seems like it's the only thing we still all have in common."

Matt moves towards his office entrance, expressing, "I'm sorry, Karen."

"For which part?" Karen questions. Matt pauses near the doorway, contemplating. "All of it, pretty much."

"You want coffee? I just made some," you offer. Matt nods gratefully, "Yeah, please."

As you prepare the coffee, Karen follows you inside, discussing, "You know, he thinks he got her killed… Elena."

Your heart sinks at the mention of Elena. Matt refutes, "He didn't."

"You wanna try telling him that?" Karen retorts sarcastically, then adds, "Oh, right, that... that would be if you two were still speaking to each other."

Matt shrugs, "It's his choice."

"Only if you let it be," you interject.

Karen turns to leave, stating, "You know, I'm starting to feel like I made a mistake... coming to work here."

"Do you want to leave?" Matt questions, his tone firm.

"No," Karen responds promptly, continuing, "This is my home. You and Foggy, you're the only good things in my life right now."

"Karen, did something happen?" Matt presses.

"Yes," Karen replies, and you and Matt wait for her to elaborate. "The world fell apart. Didn't you notice?"

Karen walks away, retreating to her desk to bury herself in her work. You stand there, observing Matt as he processes her words, his jaw clenched in frustration. Sensing the tension, you clear your throat and take a step back, intending to leave. "I should probably..."

"Wait,” Matt's sudden request freezes you in place. You watch as he licks his bottom lip nervously, his hands resting on his hips.

“You okay?” Matt's voice carries a hint of concern, and you know he's attuned to every nuance of your response.

You stand there, wide-eyed, before blinking a few times and clearing your throat. “I’m fine. Just tired… I’ll see you around, Matt.”

Matt nods in acknowledgment, but as you turn to leave, you're overcome by a surge of concern. You stop in your tracks and turn back to face him.

“Hey, Matt,” you say softly, catching his attention. He looks up, meeting the sound of your voice with a curious expression.

"Just… be careful. Please," you plead, your voice barely above a whisper. Matt swallows visibly, his expression serious as he nods in response.

You turn away, the sound of your fading heartbeat mingling with the distant noise of the city streets.

177A BLEECKER STREET, GREENWICH VILLAGE

NEW YORK SANCTUM – AFTERNOON

After a quick shower back at Clinton Church, and managing to grab a bite to eat, you rushed out the doors and back onto the bustling streets of New York City. With a wave, you hailed a passing cab and gave the driver the address: 177A Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village. You needed to visit the sanctum.

Arriving at your destination, you stepped out of the cab and onto the sidewalk, feeling a pang of reluctance as you gazed up at the building before you. With a deep breath, you climbed the steps and rapped your knuckles against the wooden door, waiting patiently for it to swing open.

After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing Wong on the other side. He regarded you with a cautious expression but stepped aside to allow you entry into the Sanctum.

You stuff your hands into the pockets of your coat, taking in the familiar sights of the Sanctum. Wong joins you, standing by your side. "Just the same as when you left," he remarks.

You offer a small hum of agreement. "Smells the same too. Looks like you guys haven’t dusted in a while," you quip.

Wong places his hands on your shoulders, his gaze steady. "We missed you," he says sincerely.

You exhale, feeling a weight lift from your shoulders, and give his wrist a grateful squeeze. "Thanks, Wong."

The Ancient One's voice echoes through the room from the top of the grand staircase. "Certainly didn’t expect you to be here so soon. Would you like some tea?" Wong steps aside as you shake your head. "I think you might already know why I’m here. And it’s not for tea."

The Ancient One smiles warmly as she turns, her cloak flowing behind her, and opens a golden-rimmed portal with her sling ring. Without hesitation, she steps through, and you follow closely behind, your heart pounding with anticipation.

As you emerge on the other side, the portal seals shut behind you. The Ancient One exchanges a few words with the librarian before he departs, leaving the two of you alone in the vast expanse of the Kamar-Taj Library.

“So, tell me what’s happened,” the Ancient One prompts, her voice echoing softly in the quiet space. You begin to pace around the room, the weight of your worries heavy on your shoulders.

“I’ve been using my powers for longer periods lately,” you admit, your voice barely above a whisper. “And during those times, my friend got injured. Badly injured. I managed to heal him with my magic. But…”

“That’s why you’ve come here,” the Ancient One finishes for you, her eyes penetrating as she turns to face you directly. You meet her gaze, nodding in confirmation. “You’re here to learn a more advanced healing spell.”

You swallow hard, feeling a mix of determination and uncertainty. “Just in case I need to save him again,” you murmur.

The Ancient One's wise eyes scan your face, a hint of concern creasing her brow. "But who will save you?" she asks, her voice tinged with worry.

You offer a nonchalant shrug, trying to downplay any concerns. "I'm fine," you insist, though the unease lingers in your mind.

Her frown deepens as she studies you further. "I feel your life force fading," she declares, her tone solemn.

You shake your head, dismissing her observation. "It's not about me, it never was," you assert, determined to keep the focus on Matt.

The Ancient One's expression softens, understanding dawning in her eyes. With a sigh, she relents, her gaze turning inward as she contemplates the situation. "I suppose I could teach you," she finally concedes, her voice laced with a mixture of resolve and compassion.

A sense of relief washes over you, accompanied by a grateful smile. "Thank you," you whisper, a glimmer of hope sparking within you.

The Ancient One clasps her hands together, a sense of purpose emanating from her. "Let's begin," she declares, leading the way with unwavering determination.

A DAY LATER…

KAMAR-TAJ, NEPAL — AFTERNOON

You let out a weary sigh, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling in your bones. The day had been long and arduous, filled with training sessions and lessons from the Ancient One and Wong. Despite their guidance, you still felt overwhelmed by the magnitude of the tasks before you.

You felt a buzz in your pocket, and with a quick glance at your phone, you saw Matt's name flashing on the screen. Without hesitation, you answered the call. "Hey, everything okay? Karen texted me wondering if I heard from you and if you were coming into the office today."

“I had a rough morning. I'm gonna need the day," Matt's voice came through, slightly strained. Sensing there was more, you waited for him to continue. "Listen… I'm working on something. I think it might help. But until I know for sure, I need you to stay out of it. If you talk to Karen and Foggy, you tell them the same?”

Your frown deepened, but you nodded, even though he couldn't see you. "Uh, yeah, I'll pass it along…"

There was a pause, and then Matt spoke your name softly. "Yeah?"

“Everything's gonna work out... I promise,” he assured you, and you let out a hesitant noise. "Mhm. I trust you."

“See you tomorrow,” Matt said before ending the call. As you looked up from your phone, your eyes caught the serene landscape of Kamar-Taj, with students training diligently amidst the tranquil surroundings.

Approaching the Ancient One, you found her standing by the edge of the mountain, her presence calming yet authoritative. “I assume you are needed,” she remarked.

You nodded, a sigh escaping your lips. "I just got off the phone with Matt. He’s most likely going to do something incredibly reckless again.”

The Ancient One turned to you, her expression grave. “You must be careful. I fear there are more dangers up ahead the path you are on.”

You nodded solemnly and turned back to face the temple, using the sling ring to call out a portal. You give the Ancient One one more look before passing through, a quiet tribute to her knowledge and direction. Subsequently, you entered the glimmering golden portal bearing a heavy heart, prepared to take on whatever obstacles that lied ahead.

MADAME GAO’S WAREHOUSE

HELL’S KITCHEN, NEW YORK – EVENING

Your senses heightened as you tracked Matt's movements, casting a discreet spell to locate him. Following the mystical trail of orbs, you found yourself outside a desolate warehouse. With a surge of energy, you cloaked yourself in invisibility and pulled the hood of your cape over your face as you perched atop a nearby rooftop.

Below, the scene unfolded like a choreographed dance of shadows. Matt, clad in his signature black suit, swiftly incapacitated two guards stationed by the door. As a third guard approached, unsuspecting, Matt swiftly subdued him as well, his movements a blur of precision and skill.

Silent as the night, you slipped through the door Matt had just entered. Inside, the air was heavy with the scent of illicit substances. From the shadows, you observed as Matt swiftly incapacitated two guards, their bodies slumping to the ground unnoticed by the workers blind and busy with their illicit trade.

As you move into the light, still cloaked with your powers you take in your surroundings, observing every detail, noticing that the workers have scars around their eyes. Matt has made his way to stand behind you as he also uses his heightened senses to understand what was happening.

And in the moment of your disbelief, you hear someone shouting Mandarin from above, an old woman, and before you knew it they began swarming Matt. As they all clamored and Matt saying, “No, wait, wait, wait! I'm trying to help you! Wait, no, please!”

Caught in the midst of the bustling factory floor, you managed to reach Matt's side and quickly enveloped him in an invisible cloak with your powers, guiding him away from the workers' watchful eyes. Together, you sought refuge behind a towering stack of wooden crates, the air thick with tension and adrenaline.

As you both regained your breath, Matt's voice cut through the silence. "It's you."

Your response was swift, shrouded in the illusion of a disguised voice. "We need to stay focused."

With a swift nod of understanding, Matt sprung into action, leaping onto a nearby crate with a readiness that mirrored his relentless determination. As an elderly woman, flanked by armed guards, approached, Matt swiftly subdued one while you deftly handled the other. With a touch of your hand, you unleashed illusions of his deepest fears, triggering chaos as he recklessly fired his gun at a tub of ethyl alcohol, igniting it into a blazing inferno, before rendering him unconscious with a swift strike.

As the flames danced around you, you and Matt materialized before the elderly woman, confronting her about her nefarious deeds. Matt's voice was stern as he questioned her about the innocent lives affected by her actions.

“All those people... You took their eyes,” he accuses.

“They blinded themselves,” she counters confidently, her tone unwavering.

Matt presses further, “Why would they do that?”

“Because they have faith,” she replies, her conviction unshakeable.

"In you and your drugs?" you interject, seeking clarification.

The woman fixes you with a piercing gaze, asserting, "In something beyond the distractions of your world. You two have taken that from them. Now, they will have nothing."

As Matt advances towards her, demanding information about Fisk, she delivers a powerful blow, sending him crashing into you, both of you tumbling to the ground with a heavy impact.

With a groan, you push yourselves off the floor, only to find the woman vanished, leaving behind a scene of chaos and confusion among the workers.

Matt takes charge, swiftly firing the guard's rifle and aiming it at the water pipes above the warehouse. As the water trickles down, he lets out a determined grunt, he orders the man, "Get these people out of here."

The workers scramble to evacuate the warehouse, their frantic movements illuminated by the raging flames that engulf the building. Amidst the chaos, you and Matt slip away unnoticed, making your way to a nearby rooftop.

As the wails of approaching sirens pierced the night, signaling the arrival of first responders, you exchanged a glance with Matt. Without a word, you both leaped down from the rooftop, only to be confronted by the commanding voice of Brett Mahoney.

"Police! Don't you move! Hands, let me see your hands! Hands!" Mahoney shouted, his voice filled with authority.

With cautious movements, you and Matt raised your hands in surrender as Mahoney cautiously approached.

"Slowly, slowly," he commanded, closing in on the two of you.

Under the cover of your hood, you watched as recognition flickered across Mahoney's face as he focused on Matt.

"You're the guy. The one that killed Blake and shot those cops!" Mahoney accused.

In a swift move, Matt disarmed Mahoney, his actions precise and controlled. You stood to the side, allowing Matt to handle the situation.

"I did not kill Detective Blake, or shoot those cops. Blake and Hoffman were dirty. Working for Wilson Fisk. Along with a lot of others in your precinct. I'm not the bad guy. We are not the bad guys," Matt explained, his voice firm and resolute.

"Then what are you?" Mahoney questioned, but before either of you could respond, the distant sound of sirens reached your ears. In a blink, Matt vanished into the shadows, leaving Mahoney bewildered.

Taking advantage of the distraction, you cloaked yourself in illusion once more, blending seamlessly into the darkness as you darted into the streets, away from the encroaching sirens.

CLINTON CHURCH – DAYLIGHT

"You haven’t been sleeping much," Father Lantom observed, causing you to pause your movements and turn from the pew you were wiping down. With a sigh, you replied, "Yeah."

"Nightmares again?" Father Lantom inquired, concern evident in his voice.

"Something like that," you explained, your tone resigned.

"Dear, you might want to go see someone for it," Father Lantom suggested gently.

"I'll be fine," you insisted, shaking your head. But before Father Lantom could argue further, the sound of a tapping cane echoed through the church, drawing both your attention.

Surprised, you and Father Lantom turned to see Matt walking down the aisle. He softly uttered your name, prompting Father Lantom to pat your shoulder as he grabbed the rag in your hands and left to give you two some privacy.

"Matt, hey," you said, walking down to meet him in the middle of the aisle. You noticed the visible tremble in his lip and knew he was on the verge of breaking down. Quickly, you guided him to the garden out back, to the small secluded area beneath a towering sycamore tree.

Leading him to a bench, you urged him to sit as you settled beside him. Matt removed his red-tinted glasses, tucking them into his pocket, before turning to you with an unsteady gaze and tears rimming his eyes.

"I know this guy... We were close once," Matt stutters, his voice strained with emotion. "He told me if I, uh... I'd have to push the people that I care about away... if I wanted to be effective at what I do."

Your heart aches at his words, and tears begin to well up in your eyes. "Seems like you listened," you choke out.

"Yeah. I thought I didn't," Matt mumbles, his own voice thick with tears. He hears you nod, and continues, "This guy, he has a way of, uh... getting in your head, you know? And here's the thing... I had a really shitty night."

Your tears flow freely now, mirroring his own. "The kind where you think you've seen the bottom of humanity, and the pit just keeps getting deeper, you know?" he says, his breathing shaky.

"I... I can't... I can't do this alone. I can't... I can't take another step," Matt admits, his voice breaking into sobs.

Without hesitation, you wrap your arms around his neck, pulling him close as his body shakes with the force of his tears. He leans into your embrace, seeking solace and comfort. You hold him tightly, pressing a kiss to the top of his head as you whisper, "You're not alone, Matt. You never were.”

There were two reasons Matt was scared to let people in; the damage they could do and the damage they could find. Sometimes he doesn’t recognize the knots in his neck, the tension in his shoulders, the ache in his feet, until you hold him, and he melts into you. You feel the weight of his pain and exhaustion as he buries his face against your chest, seeking refuge from the storm raging inside him. He lets out a noise, a mixture of relief and vulnerability, muffled against the fabric of your blouse and your skin. Gently, you run your fingers through his hair, soothing away the turmoil and offering him a moment of peace.

A DAY LATER…

CLINTON CHURCH, SAINT AGNES – MORNING

After the morning mass, you were playing with the children by the garden, ensuring everyone was having fun and treating each other fairly. After a game of tag and sitting on the nearby steps, you felt your phone buzz in the back pocket of your jeans. Pulling it out, you saw Doris's name on the caller ID.

Frowning, unsure of what to expect, you answered on the third ring. “Hello, Doris. How are you?”

“My dear… oh, I’m sorry, I just–” Doris's voice cracked with distress, her sobs audible even through the phone. A heavy weight settled in your chest. “Doris? What’s wrong? What’s happened?” you asked, concern rising.

Through her tears, Doris managed to say, “Ben is… Ben is dead. They found him in his apartment. Strangled him to death.”

You sucked in a sharp breath through your nostrils, the news hitting you like a physical blow. Closing your eyes briefly, you felt the world spin around you. “Oh, God,” you uttered, your voice barely above a whisper.

With a trembling hand, you covered your quivering mouth as you struggled to compose yourself. “Doris, I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry,” you managed to say, your voice thick with emotion.

Doris's voice on the other end was strained as she spoke, “Would you mind helping with the funeral arrangements? If it’s no trouble, of course.”

Tears silently streamed down your cheeks as you nodded, even though she couldn't see it. “Mhm, yes. Yes, of course, I will. I’ll check with the morgue and then send the details later, okay?”

“Thank you, dear. You’re an angel,” Doris replied, her voice filled with gratitude and grief. You assured her that she could call you anytime if she needed anything.

As you place your phone in your pocket, the sounds of children playing and the warmth of the sun on your skin surround you. But the colors seemed muted, and the world felt a little colder as grief washed over you, turning everything into shades of grey and blue. With heavy sobs, you leaned forward, your hands covering your face as the weight of the loss settled in.

CALVARY CEMETARY, GREENPOINT AVE. – DAY

Telling Matt, Foggy, and especially Karen was the hardest part. You couldn't bear to break the news to Karen over the phone.

You went to her place instead, finding comfort in each other's presence. You two sobbed together, exchanging memories of Ben and sowing your sorrows in wine while the weight of loss hung thick in the air. You wanted, just for that one day, that God would ignore everything and spare you from the pain so you might at least feel somewhat at ease.

After finishing the funeral arrangements, informing Doris, and confiding in Father Lantom about Ben's passing, you felt like you were moving through life in a daze. Everything seemed to blur together, and you struggled to stay present in your own body. It was as if you were floating, disconnected from your surroundings and emotions. Each task felt like an insurmountable hurdle, and you found it difficult to focus on anything other than the overwhelming sense of loss and grief.

The winter wind cut through the air as the mourners gathered at the cemetery, a somber gray sky looming overhead. You stood alongside Matt and Karen, surrounded by Ben's friends and family. Pink roses adorned the hands of those paying their final respects as they watched the pallbearers carry Ben's coffin to its final resting place.

Doris, seated in her wheelchair, wept openly, her grief palpable in the chilled air. Karen, standing beside you, was visibly shaken, her tears mingling with the cold breeze. To your right, Matt stood stoically, his jaw clenched in silent anguish. His knuckles turned white as he tightly gripped his cane, a silent testament to the pain he felt.

As Ben's coffin was lowered atop the ground where he would be buried, a sense of finality settled over the gathering. The air hung heavy with sorrow as mourners filed out of the cemetery, leaving behind the memory of a beloved friend and colleague. Each person placed a pink rose atop Ben's coffin, a final farewell to a man who had touched so many lives.

Karen, her eyes red from tears, turned to Doris with a tremulous smile before glancing at you and Matt. "Give me a minute, okay?" she said, her voice choked with emotion.

You and Matt exchanged a silent nod, understanding the need for a private moment between Karen and Doris. As Karen approached Doris, you couldn't help but feel the weight of the unspoken guilt hanging in the air. Karen's shoulders sagged with the burden of sorrow and regret, a heavy reminder of the pain that lingered long after the loss.

Lost in your thoughts, you felt as if you were adrift in a sea of white noise, the cacophony of the world muted to a dull hum. You felt the stifling burden of guilt weighing heavily on your shoulders and strangling you. Each breath felt like a struggle as you grappled with the overwhelming emptiness that consumed you.

In your turmoil, the wind whispered its mournful lament, a haunting melody that echoed the depths of your despair. You stood there and closed your eyes, seeking solace in the darkness behind your eyelids, but found only the relentless pull of remorse dragging you deeper into the abyss.

There was no escape from the gnawing ache in your chest, no respite from the relentless onslaught of guilt. It seeped into every crevice of your being, staining your soul with its toxic touch. And as the water slowly turned red, a grim reminder of the blood on your hands, you knew that there was no redemption to be found in the depths of your sorrow.

Matt stepped away from your side, his footsteps echoing softly against the ground as he made his way to Father Lantom. Then you retreated back into yourself as you stood there in a distant gaze at the casket. From where you stood, you could see them in conversation, their voices hushed but carrying in the quiet of the cemetery.

“How you holding up?” Father Lantom's voice reached your ears, concern evident in his tone.

Matt's response was barely audible, a low murmur tinged with bitterness. “Like a good Catholic boy.”

Father Lantom's expression softened, sympathy etched in the lines of his face. “That bad, huh?”

Matt's reply was terse, his words heavy with regret. “He was a good man. And he's gone… because I haven't stopped what's happening to this city.”

The priest shook his head, his gaze steady. “Can't put that on yourself, Matthew. You've done everything you can. A lot you probably shouldn't have.”

A bitter laugh escaped Matt's lips, the sound tinged with self-deprecation. “And here we are.”

Father Lantom's concerned voice pierced through the haze enveloping your mind, pulling you back to the present. You blinked, slowly registering his words, but remained immobile, lost in your thoughts. Karen's gentle touch on your arm brought a slight sensation, but it wasn't enough to ground you.

Then, Matt approached, his presence a comforting anchor in the midst of your disorientation. His hand squeezed your arm, a silent gesture urging you to return to reality. With a start, you snapped back, blinking rapidly as you struggled to regain your bearings.

“What? What happened?” you asked, your voice tinged with confusion.

“You okay? It’s like you were somewhere else for a second there,” Karen voiced her concern, her hand still rubbing soothing circles on your arm.

For a fleeting moment, you considered telling them the truth, but the words caught in your throat. Instead, you opted for a vague response, hoping to brush off their worries. “Uh, sorry, just got lost in my head there for a second.”

Karen's gaze bore into you, her expression conveying a mix of concern and suspicion. Meanwhile, Matt's silent scrutiny felt like a weight on your shoulders, his heightened senses likely detecting your unease.

Despite your attempt to deflect, neither Karen nor Matt seemed convinced by your feeble excuse. Sensing their skepticism, you shifted uncomfortably, your heart hammering in your chest.

Swallowing hard, you attempted to mask your unease with a forced smile. "You guys can go ahead… I should help Father Lantom with the—"

But before you could finish, Father Lantom intervened, shaking his head gently. "You three catch up. I shall take it from here, dear," he said, his voice filled with understanding and reassurance.

As you walked away from the cemetery, a somber atmosphere hung heavy around the three of you. The sky, still overcast, cast a gloomy pallor over the surroundings, matching the mood of the occasion. Despite the weight of the moment, there was a sense of camaraderie between you, Matt, and Karen, a silent understanding of shared grief and support.

Matt, ever the gentleman, offered you his arm, a gesture of comfort and solidarity. It took you a moment to gather yourself, but eventually, you reached out and gently tucked your arm through his, grateful for the physical connection amidst the emotional turmoil.

With Karen walking beside you, the three of you formed a united front, drawing strength from each other as you navigate through the aftermath of Ben's funeral. Though words were scarce, the silent companionship spoke volumes, offering solace in the face of sorrow. Together, you forged ahead, leaning on each other for support as you walked away from the cemetery, prepared to take on any obstacles that may arise.

NELSON & MURDOCK ATTORNEY’S AT LAW OFFICE — AFTERNOON

Karen stormed into the office, her frustration palpable in every movement. With a forceful twist, she inserted the key into the lock, the metallic click echoing through the room as she pushed the door open. Matt, ever courteous, held the door for you as you followed her inside.

Inside the office, the atmosphere crackled with tension. Matt shut the door behind him, the sound reverberating through the space as Karen tossed her keys onto the table with a sharp clatter. Her hands found their way to her desk, fingers gripping the edges as she vented her frustrations, “He just stood there, like he was his friend. Like he had nothing to do with what happened.”

Matt's brow furrowed in concern as he listened to Karen's tirade. "I thought Ben said he didn't have any evidence Ellison was taking money from Fisk," he remarked, his voice tinged with confusion.

Karen let out a frustrated sigh, her shoulders slumping with the weight of her emotions. "No, but it makes sense. I mean, it explains..." Her words trailed off, the unfinished thought hanging in the air.

With a heavy heart, Karen revealed another layer of her distress. "Do you know what makes this worse? Foggy. Didn't even show up." The disappointment in her voice was palpable, a stark contrast to the unwavering support she had always received from her friend.

“You said he left a message,” Matt said as he deftly removed his coat and scarf, hanging them on the coat rack with practiced ease. As he reached for yours, his touch ignited a warmth that spread through your body, a familiar sensation that never failed to catch you off guard.

“Yeah, he left a message… saying he had something more important to do than come to Ben's funeral,” Karen's voice dripped with bitterness as she recounted Foggy's absence as she heavily sat on her seat with a huff.

Matt shook his head, a hint of disbelief in his expression. “Come on, he wouldn't say that,” he countered, his tone tinged with a touch of defensiveness, unwilling to accept the possibility of his friend's callousness despite their recent fight.

Matt's sigh echoed through the room, laden with a heavy weight of guilt that hung in the air like a thick fog. His shoulders slumped, burdened by the weight of his perceived responsibility, “It's my fault, Karen… all of this with Foggy.”

Karen shook her head, her hand finding its way to her forehead in a gesture of frustration. "No, everyone shares the blame in a relationship. That's... just the way that it works," she reasoned, her voice tinged with a mixture of understanding and exasperation.

But Matt's response was tinged with sadness, a somber tone creeping into his words. "No, not always," he murmured, his voice heavy with regret as you frowned with your arms crossed and your back leaning against the wall.

A somber mood settled over the room, casting shadows that danced along the walls in the dim light. Matt's voice, calm and reassuring, pierced through the heavy atmosphere.

“Why don't you go home, get some rest, huh?” he suggested, his words carrying a gentle concern.

Karen's breath caught in her throat as she struggled to contain the turmoil churning within her. “I can't,” she confessed, her voice trembling with unease. “Every time I close my eyes, I see…” Her words trailed off, the memories of recent events threatening to overwhelm her. “What if he finds out that I… That I was with Ben… at Saint Benezet. What if he finds out that I spoke to his mother too?”

Matt listened attentively, his brow furrowing with empathy as he absorbed her fears. “If that happens, we will deal with it,” he promised, his tone resolute and unwavering.

But Karen's anxiety persisted, her doubts looming large in her mind. “How?” she questioned, her voice laced with desperation. “I mean, the news barely mentioned what happened to Ben because Fisk pays off the media. And the police haven't arrested anyone for it because Fisk pays them off, too.”

She fidgeted nervously, her fingers tangling in strands of golden hair as she grappled with the weight of the situation. “Foggy was right. How do you stop someone like that, someone who has so much?” she wondered aloud, her voice tinged with frustration and helplessness.

The weight of Karen's fear hung heavy in the air, each word she spoke laced with a palpable sense of dread. Matt's voice, calm and measured, cut through the tension as he sought to offer reassurance.

“It just means he has more to lose,” Matt reasoned, his words carrying a hint of conviction.

But Karen's mind was already spinning, her thoughts spiraling down a dark and foreboding path. “He's gonna find out what I did,” she declared, her voice trembling with apprehension.

Instantly, both you and Matt spoke in unison, your voices a chorus of denial. “No,” you insisted, your tone firm and resolute. But Karen remained unconvinced, her fears looming large in her mind.

“He's going to find out, and he's gonna come after me just like he came after Ben,” she asserted, her voice quivering with the weight of her conviction.

In the dimly lit room, the weight of Karen's fear hung heavy, each word she spoke echoing with the looming threat of danger. Your confession only added to the somber atmosphere, your voice heavy with guilt as you accepted responsibility for the chain of events that had led to Ben's demise.

Karen shook her head, her eyes brimming with tears, but before she could respond, Matt stepped in with a reassuring promise. “I told you I would keep you safe, Karen,” he affirmed, his voice firm and resolute despite the turmoil swirling within. “When he came after you over Union Allied. That hasn't changed.”

His words carried a sense of determination, a steadfast resolve to protect those he cared about. With a nod in your direction, he included you in his pledge of protection, “That includes you too.”

But there was something else in Matt's demeanor, a simmering anger that lurked beneath the surface. “Everyone that's taken money from him, everyone that's helped him tear this city apart… they're all gonna get what's coming to them, along with Wilson Fisk,” he declared, his voice tinged with a dangerous edge. With those words hanging in the air, he turned and strode purposefully towards his office, his steps echoing with a sense of determination and righteous fury.

CLINTON CHURCH – EVENING

In the quiet solitude of your room above the church, you immersed yourself in the intricate dance of magic, each movement a delicate thread woven into the fabric of reality. With unwavering focus, you channeled your energy, summoning forth the ancient powers that coursed through your veins.

Sitting cross-legged on the floor, you closed your eyes and allowed the magic to flow through you, its vibrant essence pulsating with raw potential. At first, your efforts were met with frustration as the spells fizzled and faltered, but you persisted, determined to relearn the arcane.

With each attempt, you felt yourself growing stronger, more attuned to the subtle nuances of the mystical forces that surrounded you. Shapes and symbols began to materialize in the air, glowing with an ethereal light as you molded the energy to your will. As the glow of your magic illuminated the room, you knew that you were one step closer to reclaiming the formidable powers that had once defined you.

The sudden shrill of your phone sliced through the quiet of your room above the church. With a flick of your wrist, your magical creations dissolved into the air as you rose to answer the call, the glow of your powers fading from your fingertips. Frowning, you glanced at the caller ID—Foggy. Despite your lingering frustration at his absence from the funeral earlier, you sighed and accepted the call.

"What?" you bit out, the tension evident in your voice.

"I swear I have an explanation for why I wasn’t at the service," Foggy's voice crackled over the line, laced with urgency. "But I’m in the office right now with Karen and Matt. We're going over the files to track down Hoffman since Fisk is hunting him down. He’ll need all the help he can get. Please."

Your frustration softened slightly at the gravity of his words. "Okay, fine. Where is he headed?"

"Fifty-third and Tenth. Hell's Kitchen," Foggy replied, his voice tight with determination.

"Alright, I’m on it," you affirmed, already mentally preparing for the task ahead.

"Come back safe, please. And take care of Matt for me," Foggy pleaded, concern evident in his tone.

"Always," you assured him before ending the call, the weight of the impending danger settling heavily on your shoulders.

53RD AND 10TH, HELL’S KITCHEN — EVENING

As you raced through the dimly lit streets of Hell's Kitchen, your heart pounded against your ribcage, adrenaline surging through your veins. With a swift flick of your wrist, you summoned the power to cloak yourself in invisibility, blending seamlessly into the shadows that danced across the brick walls of the buildings.

From your concealed vantage point, you watched as the chaos unfolded before you. The corrupt NYPD officers, led by the menacing figure of Corbin, descended upon the scene with ruthless efficiency. Bullets tore through the air, the sharp cracks echoing through the alleyways, while the acrid scent of gunpowder hung thick in the air. Blood painted the ground in crimson splatters, a stark reminder of the violence that permeated the streets of Hell's Kitchen.

Corbin's smug demeanor melted away as he advanced menacingly toward Hoffman, the gleam of malice dancing in his eyes. "Hey, Carl. Been wondering where you got to," he taunted, his voice dripping with malice as he trained his gun on the terrified detective.

With a silent determination, you sprang into action, your movements swift and precise as you materialized from the shadows. Alongside you, Matt launched himself into the fray, his movements a blur of calculated strikes and evasions.

The air crackled with tension as you channeled your energy, the light dancing in your palm like a beacon of power. With a focused intensity, you unleashed your abilities, sending waves of energy crashing into the corrupt officers, rendering them incapacitated one by one.

As the chaos subsided and the last of the officers lay defeated, Matt turned to you with a nod of acknowledgment. "Took you long enough, sweetheart," he quipped, his voice laced with a hint of amusement.

You couldn't help but chuckle, the sound muffled by the distortion of your powers. "We're doing pet names now? Cute," you retorted, your tone playful yet tinged with the underlying gravity of the situation.

Hoffman, his eyes wide with fear, looked on in disbelief at the sight before him, the two vigilantes of Hell’s Kitchen staring him down. You and Matt advanced toward him, a silent force to be reckoned with, as Hoffman remained seated, his trembling hands hovering over the scattered cards of his solitaire game.

With a determined stride, Matt dragged a nearby chair across the floor and positioned it in front of Hoffman, a silent invitation for him to take a seat. You stood by silently, your gaze steady and unwavering as you observed the tense exchange unfolding before you.

“You have an opportunity here, Detective,” Matt's voice was low and gravelly, carrying a weight of authority that commanded attention. “By turning evidence on Fisk, you can set things right. If that's what you want.”

Hoffman whimpered in fear, his resolve crumbling under the intensity of Matt's gaze.

“If not,” Matt continued, his tone sharp and pointed, “you can sit here playing with yourself until Fisk sends more men to kill you.”

Hoffman's whole body shook with fear, his breaths coming in shallow gasps as he struggled to form a coherent response.

“Decide,” Matt demanded, his voice tinged with a hint of menace.

Hoffman stuttered, his words barely audible above the sound of his own trembling. “It won't make a difference. He owns the cops. I'll be dead before I can testify—”

“Not all of them,” Matt interjected firmly, his voice brooking no argument. “Turn yourself in to Brett Mahoney. You can trust him. And he knows a couple of lawyers that can't be bought. They can help you.”

Hoffman nodded, his expression a mix of relief and apprehension. “Yeah. Thanks for the tip.”

But before Hoffman could rise from his seat, Matt's anger boiled over. With a swift motion, he flipped the table, sending the cards scattering across the floor, and delivered a punishing blow to Hoffman's face, sending him sprawling to the ground.

As Hoffman crumpled under the force of the blow, Matt loomed over him, his expression dark and menacing. “I'll be following you to make sure you get to the precinct alive,” he warned, his voice dripping with barely contained fury. “Try to run, try to do anything other than what I just told you, you'll wish I never saved you from that bullet.”

NELSON & MURDOCK ATTORNEY’S AT LAW OFFICE — EVENING

With Nelson and Murdock representing Hoffman, he spills his guts to the FBI, revealing everything he knows. The room is charged with tension as Hoffman recounts his dealings with Fisk and his corrupt network of associates. Each word he utters feels like a hammer blow against Fisk's empire, setting off a chain reaction that would reverberate throughout Hell's Kitchen.

As Hoffman's confession unfolds, the FBI agents scramble to take notes, their pens scratching furiously against their notepads. Nelson and Murdock stand tall and resolute, their expressions steely and determined as they listen intently to Hoffman's testimony.

And then, like a well-orchestrated symphony reaching its crescendo, the FBI moves into action. Doors are kicked in, warrants are served, and Fisk's cronies are dragged out of their hideouts in handcuffs. Randolph Cherryh, Parish Landman, Turk Barrett, Corbin, and M. Caldwell—all of them are brought down in one fell swoop.

The four of you watch the wheels of justice grind Fisk's empire to dust, there's a sense of satisfaction that washes over you all—a feeling that, for once, the good guys have won.

“The man once hailed as the savior of Hell's Kitchen is now believed to have been involved…” The newscaster says as it fades into the background as you sat around the table with Foggy, Karen and Matt. Foggy pouring out drinks in each of your cups as he says, “Now everybody knows what kind of asshole Fisk really is.”

You, Karen and Matt laugh in agreement. Karen adds, “And we are the ones that made it happen, the four of us.”

“And Marci.” Matt points out and Foggy happily swoons, “And Marci, God bless her designer pumps.”

Karen hums as she holds her drink looking at Foggy, “Maybe she's not that bad after all.”

Foggy smiles, “Woman does have a way of growing on you.”

Matt’s smiling face is illuminated by the glow of the laptop screen, his smile so blinding and his dimples showing as he says, “See, this right here… in this office. This is what's important. Knowing that the people I care about are safe, and having some sense of closure for the ones we've lost.”

Nudging Matt with a small smile, you quipped, "And I don’t even work here."

Amidst the laughter that ensued, Foggy pulled you into a quick side hug, declaring, "You’re part of the team. Can’t escape it now. You are legally bound to us. We’re like your best friends forever."

Your mock disgust elicited more laughter, but Matt couldn't resist teasing, "The moment Father Lantom told me you were asking about me was the moment you verbally came into an agreement that you are my and everyone’s friend for life."

Blushing at the embarrassing memory, you raised your glass, proposing a toast, "To those we lost."

"For Elena," Foggy chimed in.

"For Ben," Karen added solemnly.

"And everyone else that son of a bitch has hurt," Matt concluded, his voice tinged with determination. "Cheers."

As the warm liquor slid down your throat, a heavy feeling settled in your stomach, prompting a furrow of your brow. Foggy's jest about the liquor prompted a shake of your head, "No, that’s not it."

Karen leaned forward, concern etched on her face, while Matt's inquisitive tone encouraged you to speak up, “Tell us, sweetheart.”

"It’s just… okay. Arresting Fisk was too easy. Just… If I was a wealthy bad guy, who had multiple connections from different government sectors, I would have fail-safes upon fail-safes to make sure I would at least be able to escape prison."

You paused, assessing their reactions before continuing, "What if… What if he also has connections to the Bureau… someone loyal. That would mean—"

The news report blares through the office, drawing everyone's attention. The tension in the room spikes as the reporter describes the unfolding chaos involving the FBI transport carrying Wilson Fisk, “What appears now to be some sort of firefight involving the FBI transport carrying Wilson Fisk. Uh, Janet, can you confirm what we're seeing here?”

Karen reacts swiftly, slamming her laptop shut with a frustrated grunt. Foggy and Matt follow suit, hastily gathering their belongings. Outside, the wail of sirens pierces the air, signaling the urgency of the situation.

Karen's voice carries a mix of exasperation and self-reproach as she dons her coat, "Jesus, we were idiots, weren't we? Sitting here, celebrating, thinking that it would be that easy with a man like him."

"We need to get out of here before they close down the streets or something," Foggy urges, his tone laced with concern.

With Karen safely in a cab, Matt turns to his best friend, issuing instructions. "Get them home," he says firmly, his voice carrying an air of determination.

Foggy nods in acknowledgment, a sense of responsibility evident in his movements. "Okay," he responds, his focus shifting to ensuring Karen's safety.

But Karen refuses to leave Matt behind, her concern evident in her protests. "No, no, where are you going? We're not leaving you," she insists, her voice tinged with worry.

Matt offers reassurance, his resolve unwavering. "Back to my place, make some calls, see what I can find out," he explains, his tone calm yet resolute.

Despite Karen's persistence, Matt remains steadfast in his decision. "You live on the other side of town. I'll be all right," he assures her, his confidence unwavering.

Foggy takes charge, determined to ensure Matt's safety. "Hang on, I'll get him a cab," he says, swiftly moving to assist.

As Karen and Foggy make arrangements for transportation, you take initiative, declaring your own plan. "I'll head back to the church and make sure everyone is okay. I'll text when I get home," you announce, your voice filled with determination.

Before Matt and Foggy can voice any objections, you're already on the move, rushing out of the building and down the street. Making your way to the church, you quickly toss your belongings onto a nearby bench, offering a hurried apology to Father Lantom as you dart back out onto the streets.

As you walked through the bustling city streets, the weight of your purpose pressed heavily upon your shoulders. You found yourself in a dimly lit alleyway, the shadows providing a cloak of secrecy as you prepared for what lay ahead. With a deft movement of your wrist, you cast a glamour, obscuring your presence from prying eyes, and pulled your hood over your face.

With a resigned exhale, you muttered, "Okay, here goes nothing." Igniting the palms of your hands, a brilliant glow enveloped them, the iridescence shimmering in the darkness. You shut your eyes tightly, focusing on the spell, seeking out the unique essence of Matt's aura amidst the myriad of colors swirling through the city. Eventually, you detected his familiar maroon burgundy hue, and with a twist of your wrist, you vanished into the sky, hurtling towards him.

The sensation of falling at a rapid pace filled you with exhilaration and dread in equal measure. You spotted a figure clad in red traversing the rooftops and aimed for their vicinity, teleporting once more to land upon the rooftop.

A low groan escaped you as you stumbled upon landing, and you glanced up to see the Devil of Hell's Kitchen towering above you.

He offered a smirk, his voice tinged with amusement, "Didn't think I'd have you on your knees this quickly, sweetheart."

You distorted your voice and shook your head, brushing off his remark, "Not the time. Where's Fisk?"

He tilted his head, listening intently, before striding towards the rooftop's edge. You followed suit, observing as he hurled his billy club with precision, causing a nearby truck to tilt dangerously.

You couldn't help but quip, "Oooh, the Devil's got new toys. Nice suit, by the way. I like the horns."

A smirk played across Matt's lips before a loud thud diverted your attention. Wilson Fisk staggered out of the truck, prompting Matt to leap atop it, while you gracefully descended next to him, utilizing your magic to shield yourselves from the ensuing gunfire.

Matt's voice carried a grave warning, "You were right… what you told me over the radio that night. Not everyone deserves a happy ending."

Fisk sneered in response, "You?"

Before the tension could escalate further, gunfire erupted from the truck, forcing you and Matt to take a step back. With resolve, you instructed him, "Go get Fisk, I'll deal with him."

With a nod of agreement, Matt retrieved his billy club, and you focused your powers, summoning a surge of energy to confront the threat before you. You watch as the man falls to the ground and you quickly dispose of the rifle before running off to find Matt.

Eventually, you hear yelling and grunting by an alleyway, and from a distance you see Fisk punching his face and grabbing him like a barbell before slamming him to the ground. He grabs Matt’s billy club and begins screaming like a child throwing a tantrum, “This city doesn't deserve a better tomorrow. It deserves to drown… in its filth! It deserves people like my father! People like you!”

With a surge of magic coursing through your veins, the iridescent glow on your palm intensified as you unleashed a powerful wave of energy towards Fisk, sending him hurtling against the alley wall. The impact echoed through the narrow space, mingling with Fisk's pained groans.

Ignoring Fisk's struggles, you rushed to help Matt up, but your efforts were abruptly halted as Fisk seized a handful of your hood and your hair, wrenching your head back and slamming it repeatedly against the unforgiving brick wall. Sharp yelps of pain escaped your lips with each brutal impact, leaving you disoriented and vulnerable.

Before you could react, Fisk snatched Matt's billy club, raining down vicious blows upon your defenseless form. Each strike sent searing pain radiating through your side, the force knocking you to the ground, the gritty concrete scraping against your skin.

Through a haze of agony, you heard Matt's defiant declaration, his voice heavy with determination. "This is my city... my family."

Summoning every ounce of strength, Matt unleashed a relentless assault on Fisk, each blow driven by a fierce resolve. Despite his injuries, Matt refused to yield, delivering a final, decisive blow that sent Fisk crumbling to his knees, defeated.

As police sirens wailed in the distance, Brett Mahoney, his weapon raised, approached cautiously. "Police! Show me your hands! Do it! Show me your hands!"

"I told you before, Sergeant… We’re not the bad guys," Matt asserted, his voice raw with exhaustion. Mahoney's recognition was palpable as he lowered his gun, his disbelief evident. "Holy shit, it's you."

With Fisk restrained, Matt helped you to your feet, concern etched into his features. Despite the pain coursing through your body, you managed a nod, determined to press on.

As Mahoney secured Fisk in handcuffs, Matt whispered softly, his concern evident. "You alright?" You winced but nodded, assuring him of your resilience.

Mahoney's voice cut through the tense atmosphere, seeking clarification. "Hey, so what am I supposed to call you when I file my report?" But you and Matt were already in motion, swiftly making your way to the rooftop.

With a final surge of energy, you cloaked yourself in invisibility, teleporting to the New York Sanctum, a sanctuary, your strength waning but your resolve unyielding.

OUTSIDE NELSON & MURDOCK ATTORNEYS AT LAW OFFICE — DAY

"Daredevil and the Divine." Karen's voice resonated through the crisp morning air, her words dancing off the surrounding buildings like a fleeting melody. "That's what they're calling him now. The man in the mask and that woman who shows up to help him and the people of Hell’s Kitchen."

Foggy, his fingers dancing nervously on the signboard, echoed his skepticism. "Daredevil? Sounds like he's gonna jump Snake River Canyon on his rocket cycle."

A grin tugged at the corner of Matt's lips, a rare moment of levity amidst the grim reality of their recent struggles. "It kinda does, doesn't it?"

"And The Divine? What’s with these names?" Foggy's eyebrows knitted together in confusion, mirroring your own silent query.

Karen, however, found a glimmer of amusement in the midst of it all. "Okay, okay. I thought it was a bit goofy at first, but it kinda grows on you. And it's better than the Devil of Hell's Kitchen anyway. Oh, come on, the Divine for a woman vigilante superhero is pretty cool."

"Not wrong there," Matt agreed, a hint of approval in his tone, while you offered a nod of agreement.

"I cannot believe this is the same guy that stopped that Union Allied nut from stabbing me in my apartment. That is a serious upgrade," Karen remarked, her gaze lingering on the newspaper clipping.

"I don't know, I think the horns are a bit much," Foggy chimed in, prompting a burst of laughter from you.

As Foggy finalized the sign, Karen's expression softened into a smile. "There! Done! What do you think?"

"I think I'm glad I fished it out of the trash," Karen quipped, earning a pleased grin from Foggy.

Matt approached the sign, his fingertips tracing over the engraved letters, before turning to face his companions with a warm smile. "Nelson and Murdock. Avocados at law."

Your raised eyebrow prompted Karen's laughter. "'Avocados'?"

Foggy glanced at his watch, a hint of urgency in his demeanor. "It's a long story. Which I do not have time to tell you. Promised Marci I'd help her find a new job since most of the partners at Landman and Zack are under indictment."

"Oh? You two getting back together?" You inquired, drawing a shrug from Foggy. "No. I don't know. Maybe."

Amidst the laughter and banter, you interjected, "Tell her thank you, for everything she’s done for us. For everything she did helping bring Fisk down."

Foggy's reminder of the impending trial cast a shadow over the jovial atmosphere. "Fisk still needs to go to trial. Just getting a court date on a case this big could take a year."

"That long?" Karen's concern was present, but Matt's reassurance rang clear. "He's where he belongs, that's all that matters."

Matt gestured to their small group with his pointer finger as he smiled, "And we put him there."

Foggy's grin was infectious. "Yeah, we did. Hell of a sign."

Matt's lopsided smile hinted at his quiet pride. "Now all we need are clients."

"One day at a time, partner. One day at a time," Foggy echoed, offering Matt a reassuring pat on the arm before heading across the street to meet up with Marci while Karen went upstairs to the office to finish some work.

Your sudden wince of pain drew Matt's attention, his heightened senses detecting the faintest traces of discomfort emanating from you. He steadied you with a gentle touch, concern etched into his features. "You okay, sweetheart?"

Your quick explanation belied the true source of your discomfort, “M’just a little sore from all the walking and running,” but Matt's perceptive nature left no room for evasion. "Running?"

"Oh, just when I’m running late on errands and stuff…" Your feeble attempt at deflection couldn't mask the truth from his discernment. “Anyways, not that big of a deal, I’ll be alright.” You said as you scrunched your nose a little.

Matt's voice, a soothing whisper amidst the chaos of emotions, enveloped you like a comforting embrace. "Y’know you can tell me anything, right?" His hand found yours, the warmth of his touch a reassuring anchor in the tempest of your thoughts.

You met his gaze, the crimson lenses of his mask reflecting the faint glow of the city lights. His smile, a beacon of solace in the darkness, stirred a flurry of emotions within you, each heartbeat echoing like the frantic flutter of hummingbird wings. Yet, beneath the surface, a weight pressed upon your chest, a silent reminder of the burdens you carried.

"I know," you murmured, your words heavy with unspoken grief. "There are things though I wish I could change. Elena… Ben. But I can’t."

Matt's grip tightened, his touch a silent reassurance amidst the turmoil of your emotions. Drawing you closer, he offered words of solace, a lifeline in the tumultuous sea of sorrow. "It's like I told Foggy, all we can do is move forward… together. Come on."

With a solemn nod, you surrendered to the comforting embrace of his guidance, a silent pact forming within the recesses of your soul. Yet, amid the solace he offered, a shadow of apprehension lingered, a silent reminder of the fleeting nature of the peace you now have.

For in the heart of this momentary respite, you recognized the cost exacted by the fragile sanctuary you dared to grasp—a price paid in the currency of uncertainty, where the promise of heaven was tempered by the inevitability of its fleeting embrace.

TAGLIST: @scoliobean @thychuvaluswife @pantrashtic @ofmusesandsecrets @c-losur3 @coco-karfunkel

#matt murdock x reader #matt murdock x you #ethereal writes #matt murdock x fem!reader #matt murdock angst #matt murdock fic #daredevil x reader #netflix daredevil #foggy nelson #karen page #daredevil #matthew murdock #matt murdock #matt murdock fic rec

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little-miss-dilf-lover · 2 years ago

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imagines/ headcanons (M.M x Reader)

warnings: none! just cute fluffy stuff that’s makes us sad to think about

wc: 1k

note: you guys so are lucky for me to give you an insight into our relationship unfortunately I am kidding but I really wish I wasn’t

these are just some things that I think, but if you don’t agree that’s cool too - some of these may be self indulgent

masterlist + rules

taglist

very empathetic and deeply compassionate

he’s definitely someone you can trust, especially if you go to him with a problem

an amazing listener

the softest and sweetest most babiest of babygirls

extremely protective - sometimes to a fault, but it all comes from a good place (always wants you to be safe)

very touchy always has to be touching you- feel like it’s usually hands, waist or face

when you order takeaways it’s usually chinese or pizza- feel like you probably cook for the both of you, but when you don’t want to it’s most likely one of those

he’s great with animals- I can see him with a cat, probably named something religious

I had this thought that you’d try to find new textures and things for him to feel- like you’d go out and find new stuff for him to try (like you’d both make a game or date out if it)

he’s very patient, and someone who is very understanding

he’d definitely know you better than you know yourself

your heartbeat is definitely something that grounds him- something that helps him sleep at night

you’re his safe place, as he is to you

humongous softie

you keep loads of first aid kits around his apartment- there’s tonnes stashed everywhere. and you often help clean him and mend him if and when he’s injured

he hates to leave you at night, feel like you might not like it either (not knowing if he’ll be back) but you also know he can’t not do it

^ you wait up for him every night

feel like he enjoys when you take care of him- eventhough he can take care of himself and doesn’t want to burden- he likes when you physically care for him; maybe you help trim his stubble or help him organise

if home was a person

respectful bbg

can sometimes get a little jealous and possessive

feel like he gets really overwhelmed and possibly very frustrated with himself

he always wants to help people and feels really guilty when he can’t- you always reassure him that’s it’s not all his responsibility etc

he probably gets earaches quite a bit- you get him things to help soothe it

feel like he’s a cherry person (idrk what that means, but when I look at people they sometimes look like fruit flavours, like Karen is strawberry, Foggy is blackcurrant- to me it makes sense)

very charismatic

goofy like he is in the comics

man spreads a lot - sprawls out on sofa

loves a good head scratch (bc he is a good boy ofc) likes his hair played with

you try to introduce him to new music and podcasts

he can see right through you

will always be ready to fight someone for you

you have inside jokes about how he’s was such a wh0re before you (he’s not called Matthew man-whore Murdock for nothing)

he probably jokes a lot about his lack of sight, sometimes you forget that he is actually blind, “you should see this.” “I can’t” like that kinda thing, but it’s always light and jokey- he’d never actually be offended

he doesn’t talk about you in public in front of everyone- not in a bad way, just to keep your name safe. only Foggy and Karen know about you- but they love you and love that you’re good for Matt

he literally worships that ground you walk on- admires the heck out of you. thinks you’re the most beautiful person

he’s a very reliable person

you like to help him with cases- eventhough you’re not actually allowed

protected x protector

feel like you don’t use the big lights in the apartment- you just have lots of candles around the place instead (so it’s the best of both worlds)

he loves when you read to him

drink beer together late at night- chatting and hanging out

would do anything for you

love language wise

physical touch- very touchy, loves to hold you. you help calm him etc

acts of service- he always wants to help you- no matter how big or small

quality time- he’d deeply value the time you share together, whether that be an activity together or doing different things in same space

gift giving- he probably has some trouble with this, maybe gets Foggy to get it for him (he tells him what to get) but he’s very thoughtful, so it’ll be something you’d appreciate

words of affirmation- says tonnes of cute and sweet pet names like angel, sweetheart etc. tells you how special you are

———

very encouraging

feel like he tries to look you in the eyes, but it’s for your benefit- wants to show you that he’s paying attention

he knows if and when you’re anxious, sad or uneasy etc- always knows how to help

you comfort and reassure him a lot- you don’t care how many times you have to say it either

he tries to block everything out when with you

thumb strokes on your cheeks

to him you are like fluoxetine in human form

you’re probably always getting him new suits and under-armour

very cheeky and flirtatious. sometimes cocky but in a good way- not the way that’s annoying to be around

enamoured with you

lots of pining at the beginning

great in bed (lmao sorry, couldn’t not include)

he puts a lot of pressure on himself

he knows what you want and need before you do

knows when you’re near

he loves when your heart skips a beat when you see him, it makes him feel special

he also feels and adores how excited and happy you get when listening to your fave songs or watching favourite shows

you kiss his scars to show him how much you love him

very attentive

“you’re so pretty Matt”

sometimes feels inadequate- you constantly reassure him, again you don’t care how many times you have to say it

to me his song as daredevil would be ‘28 days later slowed-soaphie’ (I was just listening to it and to me it makes perfect sense)

he’s always losing and misplacing stuff

thinks you have the sweetest and most purest personality

if you want to describe something you see, you draw them with your fingertips on him

he gets you red flowers- asks the florist for something read and pretty

you made him a ‘I am not Daredevil’ sweater, he loves it and wears all the time at home

if you’re walking together arm-in-arm on the street and people don’t move out the way, you say something like “hey! watch it.” bc you hate the thought of them being so oblivious- but Matt loves it when you do that

always caressing you, loves your curves- arms, hips, legs, the lot

likes to trace over your nose bridge and lips

you got him to draw a small heart (it won’t be perfect but that’s the point) and you get it tattooed on yourself

————

psa: being in love with a man that doesn’t exist sucks ass🥲

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amberlynnmurdock · 1 year ago

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Blind Faith (Ch. 15)

Chapter Fifteen: Sunday

Pairing: Matt Murdock x Reader

Summary: You and Matt wake up on Sunday and talk about what's happened and where to go next.

Warnings: 18+ content, smut, unprotected sex.

A/N: Thank you all for being here since I started this fic in July. This has been my favorite Matt Murdock fic I've written because of the time and planning I put into it. If you've left a like, or reblog, or a comment on here, THANK YOU. It means the world to me to write fanfic and share it with people who want to read <3 Here is the final chapter of Blind Faith. I hope you like it!

Ao3 Link

Hell’s Kitchen

You stayed with Matt the whole weekend, and the whole weekend seemed to go by just as fast as it had come. One moment, you’re on your way to a date. The next, you’re blacked out and waking up in your savior’s apartment which actually turned out to be your boss’. Yeah, you could say you’ve had a long weekend.

Your body felt fully recovered from the drug’s side effects, but it was your mind that still needed healing. Despite being saved from that terrible nightmare, you now were taking what you experienced with you everywhere. If it wasn’t you who poured a drink, you wouldn’t have it.

Sunday.

Bright and dry. Unlike the previous day’s weather of wet, stormy, and dark.

And of course, the breaking news on Saturday morning.

You didn’t want to spend more time than you needed to on him, but when you saw the breaking news flash across WHIH’s channel, your heart dropped. Zack was found by police and arrested for illegal drug possession. It occurred to you that you hadn’t seen him since the start of that dreadful night, so to see the footage of him knocked unconscious and bloody, tied to his dining room table, you froze. As soon as the image came on, Matt shut the TV off.

Now, Sunday, you lay in Matt’s bed, with Matt beside you. Sunlight shone through his windows and onto the bed, lighting up the bottom half. You stretched under his silk blankets.

Your legs felt sore from all the sex you had with Matt, which was going to be quite unforgettable once you’ve left. You looked around his living room through the half-opened sliding door and put it to memory: the brown, ratty leather couch. A mismatched dark blue chair. A light gray patterned rug. The brick walls. This bedroom that you’ve committed to memory of how soft his silk sheets felt on your skin just as you’ve committed to memory of the way he kissed your entire body.

You felt your heart flutter at the memory of Matt pulling you roughly against his body the night before. His hands tangled in your hair and pulled gently for his lips to find their way to your neck. Matthew, whispering in your ear that he’s wanted this for so long—he’s wanted you for so long.

And there he was, doing it all over again.

“Come here,” he murmurs half asleep, wrapping his arm around your waist and pulling you close.

He didn’t leave your side once this weekend, and you didn’t want him to. Mostly because you weren’t sure if you’d ever have another weekend like this. A weekend with him. Being with him in general.

It was a question the two of you were avoiding after that first night: where do we go from here?

You’ve certainly spent most of the time thinking of this. And you were afraid too much had happened for you and Matt to take things any further. But you haven’t said this to him…because you thought you wouldn’t be able to get the words out.

You’re damn near close to tears even thinking of it. And you know Matt can sense them in the air. He doesn’t ask you why you’re crying. He just pulls you even closer to his chest and kisses your head. He brushes his fingers through your hair. And you want him, just one more time. Once more, before Sunday is over.

Matt slowly drags his fingers down your back, slipping under the blanket. He traces over your ass and presses one finger on your wet pussy, a way to ask permission.

You nod your head against his chest, gripping his shoulders.

Matt gently pushes a finger inside your velvety wetness, feeling your pussy tighten around his finger. He pushes deeper inside you, wiggling his finger to find your sweet spot. He knows he found it when you squirm in the bed and shudder against him.

“One more time,” you whisper.

You’ve wrapped your legs around Matt’s waist and straddled him in one swift movement. The silk blanket slips off your body, exposing yourself in front of Matt again.

Matt gasps as he feels your wetness coat his lower abdomen, not quite where he needs you most. His cock is swollen hard under the sheets, and he can hear his own heart beating hard in his chest. You lower your face and kiss him deeply, letting his tongue enter your mouth and lick your teeth. He places a hand on your neck and you place yours on top of his, encouraging him to squeeze lightly, and he does. You move the same hand over your right breast, and he feels how hard your nipple is against his palm. He moves his hand in a kneading motion.

Matt can feel and smell your wetness in the air, it makes him feel an intense need in his chest. You slowly inch your way down and rub your soft pussy over the length of his hard cock. Matt rocks against you and grabs a fistful of your hair, gently tugging.

You reach for his cock and line it with your pussy. Bracing yourself for the pain, you slowly inch down the length of him, feeling his size stretch your tight pussy until you were completely wrapped around him. You feel full and feel a familiar tightness in the pit of your stomach.

“Oh, God,” you whine as you feel Matt’s cock fully inside you. You begin to rock back and forth on his cock, the more you do, the more you need to feel him all around, like an itch needing a desperate scratch. Matt bucks his hips up into you, bucks his cock hard into your pussy, feeling you clench his hardness.

“You feel like heaven,” Matt breathes out, letting you bounce on his cock fast and then slow. You slowly lift your pussy off before coming back down hard and feeling the tip of his cock touch that spot deep inside you. And you keep doing it again, and again, and again, bouncing as much as you need to feel him.

“Mm,” you moan feeling your pussy clench tightly around Matt’s cock. You tilt your body backward and Matt reaches his hands to cover your breasts. He kneads them and bucks his hips into you, pushing his cock deeper.

“That’s it,” Matt says in a guttural voice.

He knows you’re about to come by the way you’re moaning and breathing so fast, so fast he almost doesn’t hear you asking him to come inside you again.

“Matthew,” you say breathlessly as you keep bouncing on his cock.

Matt places his hands on your waist and rocks you back and forth on his cock for you, as you’re losing pace from going too fast. You come all over his cock and moan so lightly, it causes Matt to finish at the same time, filling you with his hot come, and feeling it gush inside your pussy. He holds you still as he feels his cock pump come one, two, three, four times so deep, you shiver and fall against his chest.

“God,” Matt moans against your ear, feeling your pussy squeeze his cock for one last drop inside you. It feels so good to come in you, to feel that tightness in the pit of your stomach, to feel Matt’s warmth fill you. It leaks out a lot, you spread your legs and feel Matt slide out of you and the familiar empty feeling of his size leaving you. You practically collapse on the bed again and watch as Matt finds a towel to clean you with.

You’re shivering in the bed from your orgasm, and Matt takes no time in holding you against him again, as you come down from your high.

“Was this all a good idea?” You find yourself asking breathlessly against his pillow. Matt’s next to you, pushing a strand of your hair behind your ear.

“What?”

“What we just did.”

“You mean, what we’ve been doing all weekend?” He smirks. You want to wipe it off, but you feel a shiver down your spine as you imagine him covered with a black mask. It was still strange that it was him.

“Yes,” you say. You’ve come to peace with Matt being your savior, but you weren’t sure it was something you could live with. Perhaps, now was the time to ask Matt: where do we go from here?

“Doesn’t seem like it was necessarily a bad idea,” Matt says lowly, referring to your wetness. You move to lay on your back, staring at the ceiling.

“Maybe we shouldn’t have found out what we would miss,” you simply say.

Matt’s gaze moves to you, his brows furrowed. He reaches over to caress your chin, to guide you to look at him.

“What do you mean?” He asks. But deep down, Matt knows exactly what you mean.

“Tomorrow is Monday, Matthew,” you state plainly. “Tell me, do Karen and Foggy know you’re Daredevil?”

“Yes,” he answers.

“Do they know I didn’t know?”

After a small pause, he nods. “Yes.”

“How in the world do you expect me to walk into work tomorrow after a weekend like this? After they find out about us?”

“They won't think of you differently,” he shakes his head. “They’ll think of me differently.”

“Matt,” you bite your lip, looking at his hazel-brown eyes. There was a time you were dying to know what his eyes looked like behind those dark red glasses. There was a time you were dying to know who he was behind that mask. “Think about what’s happened—what I’ve been through. We’ve been having this affair since the beginning of summer. We didn’t talk for a month, except at work, before I knew you were you. Friday, I was drugged and you saved me.”

Matt clenches his jaw at the memory of Friday night. It makes him want to bring you closer to him again. But he doesn’t.

“Then, I find out the man I’ve been seeing in secret was right under my nose all along,” you explain. “This is a lot for me. I can’t just pack it up and move on,” you reach over and gently run your fingers along his jawline, because this may be the last time you’ll ever be this close to Matt Murdock.

“So what does that mean for us?” Matt asks, although he knows the answer inside.

“It means, after today, that’s it. I’m going to resign from Nelson & Murdock tomorrow. I’ll write Foggy and Karen a letter and say—“

“You don’t have to do that. I’ll tell them.”

“They should hear from me,” you gently argue.

“They will. But I will tell them everything.”

“Okay,” you sighed, “that saves me the awkward part of telling them I’ve been hooking up with you.”

Matt smiles a little, but it quickly fades as your words echo in his ears. After today, that’s it.

“Is it really over?” Matt asks. “After I finally reveal myself and we have this weekend, that’s it?”

“Think about what it took for you to finally reveal yourself, Matt,” you whisper. “Look at how we ended up here.”

As much as it pained him, it was true. What right did he have, after everything he’s put you through?

“Okay,” he nodded. “If that’s what you want.”

“It’s not that I want this to be the end,” you said in frustration, wishing he would understand what you were trying to say. “You’re all I’ve wanted this entire time.” You covered your face with your hands, feeling tears brimming your eyes. Why did it have to hurt so much, to make a tough decision like this?

“I just—I don’t have the same faith I once did before,” you cry softly. “And I want you so bad. I want more weekends like this, I want to be with you, but—“

“Too much has happened,” Matt finishes your sentence, trying to remain composed. “I understand. You don’t have to explain yourself. It’s okay.”

“Then why am I still crying? Why does it feel like this?” You wipe your tears away and look around his room again—your safe haven for the weekend. You didn’t want to go.

“Because what I did to you wasn’t fair,” Matt says softly. “I ruined what could’ve been for us. I have to live with that. Not you,” Matt reaches over and places his hand on your cheek, urging you to look at him. He wipes a tear away with his thumb, caressing your cheek. “Not you.”

⠋⠁⠊⠞⠓

After your conversation, the two of you lay in his bed for a few more hours until you decided the longer you stayed, the harder the goodbye would be. You took a shower in his apartment and changed into the clothes his nurse friend left for you. When you finally gathered your things, Matt was waiting quietly on his couch.

“Ready?” He asks.

“You don’t have to take me home, Matt,” you said, sucking in your tears. “I think it’s best I get a cab.”

“I want to make sure you’ll be safe.”

“I will,” you promised. “Please, Matt. Don’t make this harder for me.”

Matt nodded, running a hand through his hair. “Let me walk you to the door, then.”

You wanted to smile at his attempts, but it only hurt your heart even more. With every step to his door, you slowed down your pace. Just as you reached for the knob, Matt did too, and your hands touched for a brief moment before Matt is taking your hand and gently pushing you against his wall.

You close your eyes and let him do what he wants, because you want this, too. He leans down and gently presses his forehead against yours, the tips of your noses touching. Matt’s strong hands are on either side of your waist, and you’re taken back to all those times he’s held you on your roof, under a black mask. His lips ghost over yours, and it takes you to gently nudge him for him to fully press his lips onto yours.

Matt holds you still as he kisses you deeply, more deeply than he ever has before. He takes this moment to remember your scent, your heartbeat, your breathing because he’s not sure when he’ll be able to be around you again. This is all he has to remember you. This moment that having blind faith has led him to—both of you. He kisses you again and holds your face in his hands. He pulls back to kiss your jaw, to kiss behind your ear, to kiss your neck. Matt will never forgive himself for this.

“I love you,” you whisper. “I have to go.”

“I lied to you, that one night,” Matt says with pain in his voice. “I do love. I love you. And I don’t want you to leave. But if it means anything, it’s the most intense feeling I’ll ever have to hold on to be left by you.”

And with one last kiss, you’re out the door, out of his apartment, out of his life for a long, long time.

When he hears you get inside a cab, Matt charges up his phone that’s been out of battery the entire weekend and calls Foggy to tell him everything that’s happened.

TAGS: @starry-night-20 @sumsytee @queerqueenlynnn @mattmurdocksstarlight @marvelcinematiquniverse @hailey-murdock @yeonalie (please let me know if I missed you!)

P.S. There will be an epilogue!

#matt murdock #daredevil #charlie cox #marvel #matt murdock x reader #blind faith #matthew murdock #daredevil born again #daredevil: born again #charlie cox x reader #the defenders #foggy nelson #karen page #matt murdock imagine #matt murdock fan fic #matt murdock x you

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