Chapter 5
The peaceful aftermath of breakfast didn’t last long. Frank, being Frank, decided he wasn’t content sitting still. After all, he had been raised with the firm belief that debts should be repaid, even if the debt was to a blind lawyer who moonlighted as a vigilante.
"Alright, Red," Frank said, standing a little too quickly for someone with stitches. He winced but waved Matt off when the latter moved to steady him. "Time to pay you back properly."
Matt, sitting on the couch and sipping his second cup of coffee, tilted his head toward Frank. "You already cooked breakfast. That’s enough."
Frank snorted. "Breakfast doesn’t cover blood loss and a place to crash. You got anything around here that needs fixin’?"
Matt frowned, his lips twitching with mild amusement. "You want to play handyman? With a bullet wound and a gash on your leg?"
"Damn right," Frank said, rolling up his sleeves. "Now, what needs doin'? Don’t say nothin’. I know this old place has problems."
Matt sighed, putting his coffee down. "Fine. The sink in the bathroom drips, and the radiator in the bedroom makes this awful clanking noise when it turns on."
Frank grinned, a spark of determination in his eyes. "See? Told you I’d find somethin’."
Matt leaned back, arms crossed. "Do I even want to know how you learned to fix plumbing and radiators?"
"Had to keep the house running when I was in the service," Frank replied casually. "Plus, I hate callin’ people for stuff I can do myself."
Matt muttered, "You mean destroy yourself trying to do it."
Frank ignored him, hobbling toward the bathroom. "Where’s your toolbox, Red?"
"In the closet by the door," Matt called out, already regretting this decision.
Frank knelt by the sink, his movements stiff but purposeful. He had taken the drain apart in record time, muttering to himself as he worked.
Matt hovered by the door, arms crossed. "You know, I could just call a plumber."
Frank shot him a look. "You call a plumber, you’re out a hundred bucks. I do this, you owe me a beer."
Matt smirked. "Is this your subtle way of saying you want to stick around longer?"
Frank didn’t look up. "Don’t flatter yourself, Murdock."
There was a loud clang as Frank wrenched something free. Water immediately started spraying out, drenching his shirt and splattering the walls.
"Shit!" Frank barked, fumbling to grab the loose pipe.
Matt bit his lip, suppressing laughter as he stepped forward. "You need help?"
Frank glared at him, water dripping down his face. "I got it."
"Doesn’t look like it," Matt teased, leaning casually against the doorframe.
"Don’t start with me, Red," Frank grumbled, finally managing to twist the pipe closed. He was soaked, his shirt clinging to his broad frame, and he glared at Matt as if daring him to comment.
"You sure you’re not just trying to get out of doing the radiator?" Matt asked, his tone playful.
Frank stood up slowly, brushing water off his chest. "This sink’s got it out for me, but the radiator doesn’t stand a chance."
By the time Frank reached the bedroom, Matt had finally lost his composure, laughing quietly to himself.
"You enjoying yourself?" Frank asked dryly, setting his jaw.
"Maybe a little," Matt admitted.
Frank shook his head, kneeling by the radiator. He inspected it with the same intensity he used when planning a mission.
"Alright, this one’s easy," he muttered, twisting a wrench.
Matt leaned against the doorway, arms crossed again. "You know, for someone who doesn’t believe in staying put, you sure are making yourself at home."
Frank didn’t look up, but the corner of his mouth twitched. "Maybe I like the company."
Matt arched a brow. "Really? The Punisher likes company?"
Frank chuckled under his breath. "Don’t get used to it."
Just as he finished speaking, there was a loud clang, followed by a hiss of steam. The radiator rattled violently before falling silent.
Frank stood up, wiping his hands on a rag. "There. Fixed."
Matt tilted his head, listening. "No more clanking."
"See? Told you I know what I’m doin’," Frank said, smirking.
Matt pushed off the doorway, stepping closer. "Maybe I owe you that beer after all."
Frank turned to face him, their proximity closer than either had intended. The air between them felt charged, the teasing tension from earlier lingering like static.
Matt cleared his throat, stepping back. "But next time, maybe leave the plumbing to a professional."
Frank smirked. "Where’s the fun in that?"