Chapter 2
The rain didn’t let up. If anything, it pounded harder against the windows, a rhythmic reminder of how miserable it was outside. Inside, Matt leaned back in his armchair, trying to focus on the soothing patterns of the storm, but it wasn’t working.
Frank Castle sprawled on the couch, looking entirely out of place yet annoyingly comfortable in Matt’s living room. His boots were off, leaving a puddle of rainwater by the couch, and his injured leg was propped up on a cushion Matt had sacrificed from his bed.
“You really ought to charge people for this level of hospitality, Red,” Frank quipped, swirling the glass of water Matt had given him as if it were whiskey. “What’s next? Tucking me in?”
Matt snorted softly, setting his chin on his hand. “Don’t push your luck, Frank. You’re already skating on thin ice.”
Frank grinned, leaning back into the couch. “Relax, I’m not goin’ anywhere.” He gestured lazily toward the rain-streaked windows. “You think I’m dumb enough to go back out in that? Even I’ve got limits.”
Matt didn’t respond immediately, but Frank could sense him watching—or, more accurately, listening—closely.
“You know,” Matt said after a moment, his tone light, “most people would call an ambulance after getting shot. But no. Not you. You’d rather show up on my doorstep bleeding all over my furniture.”
Frank smirked. “And miss the chance to see you playing nurse? Not a chance.”
Matt shook his head, standing to grab a blanket from the closet. He draped it over Frank without asking, his fingers brushing against Frank’s shoulder in the process. The touch was brief, but it left a strange stillness in the air.
“Comfortable?” Matt asked, his voice carrying just the faintest hint of sarcasm.
Frank tugged the blanket up over his chest with an exaggerated sigh. “Like a fuckin’ king.”
“Good,” Matt deadpanned. “Now try not to bleed all over my couch.”
Frank chuckled but didn’t say anything else for a while. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable, though. The storm outside made for good background noise, and Matt had learned that Frank wasn’t someone who needed to fill the quiet.
“Hey, Red,” Frank finally said, breaking the peace.
“Hmm?”
“Not that I’m complainin’ about your hospitality, but… why’d you really let me in?”
Matt turned his head in Frank’s direction, folding his arms. “Because you were bleeding out, Frank. What was I supposed to do? Leave you outside to die?”
Frank shrugged, wincing slightly at the movement. “Wouldn’t be the first time someone thought that’d solve their problems.”
Matt’s jaw tightened. “I’m not most people.”
“Yeah, no shit,” Frank said, his voice softer than usual.
The rain continued to drum against the windows, filling the space between them.
“So, what happened?” Matt asked, breaking the silence.
Frank let out a long breath, staring up at the ceiling. “Same old shit. Someone thought they could outgun me. Turns out they were half-right.”
“Half-right because you showed up on my doorstep?”
Frank smirked, glancing at Matt. “Exactly.”
Matt shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Yeah, but you like me anyway,” Frank shot back, his grin widening.
Matt felt his face heat up, though he quickly masked it with a scoff. “You’re delirious from blood loss.”
“Nah, I’m serious,” Frank said, his tone playful but with an edge of sincerity. “You’ve patched me up more times than I can count. Makes a guy wonder.”
“Wonder about what?” Matt asked, raising an eyebrow.
Frank’s grin turned devilish. “If you just like takin’ care of me, or if there’s somethin’ more to it.”
Matt let out a laugh, shaking his head. “I think you’ve lost too much blood.”
“Maybe,” Frank admitted, his smirk never fading. “But you didn’t deny it, did you?”
Matt stood abruptly, heading toward the kitchen. “You need food. You’re talking nonsense.”
Frank’s laugh followed him, low and rough, but not unkind. “Yeah, okay, Red. Whatever you say.”
Matt couldn’t help but smile to himself, despite everything. Frank Castle was a lot of things—reckless, infuriating, and way too comfortable on Matt’s couch—but he was also alive. And that, for now, was enough.