Chapter 13
Frank spent the rest of the day pretending nothing had changed, which proved harder than he'd like. Every time Matt walked past him or brushed too close, Frank felt like his skin was on fire.
For his part, Matt seemed unbothered. He moved around the apartment with his usual quiet confidence, acting like Frank’s half-confession hadn’t sent the former Marine spiraling.
By late afternoon, Frank had taken up residence on the couch, pretending to read the newspaper Matt had left out. His eyes scanned the same paragraph over and over, but none of the words stuck.
Matt, ever perceptive, wasn’t buying it.
“You’re unusually quiet,” Matt said, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.
Frank didn’t look up. “Just tryin’ to enjoy some peace before you start naggin’ me again.”
Matt smirked, tilting his head. “Right. Because you’re definitely the picture of serenity right now.”
Frank sighed, setting the paper down. “What do you want, Red?”
Matt walked over and perched on the armrest of the couch, his proximity making Frank’s pulse spike.
“I want to know why you’re avoiding me,” Matt said plainly, his tone leaving no room for evasion.
“I’m not avoidin’ you,” Frank grumbled, leaning back and crossing his arms.
Matt raised an eyebrow. “So, it’s just a coincidence that you haven’t looked me in the eye all day?”
Frank clenched his jaw, refusing to rise to the bait.
Matt sighed, the teasing edge in his voice softening. “Frank, you don’t have to shut me out.”
Frank’s chest tightened, and he shook his head. “You don’t get it, Red. You don’t know what you’re doin’ to me.”
Matt leaned closer, his voice dropping to a softer register. “Then tell me.”
Frank turned to him, the words bubbling up before he could stop them. “You’re in my head, Murdock. Every damn minute. And I know I shouldn’t—”
Matt cut him off, his hand reaching out to rest lightly on Frank’s shoulder. “Why not?”
Frank stared at him, the weight of Matt’s question settling between them. “Because it ain’t fair. You don’t need me screwin’ up your life.”
Matt’s lips quirked into a small smile, his fingers tightening just slightly on Frank’s shoulder. “You let me decide what I need.”
Frank’s breath hitched, his resolve crumbling under the intensity of Matt’s gaze. Before he could second-guess himself, he leaned in, his lips brushing against Matt’s in a tentative, almost uncertain kiss.
For a moment, the world went still.
Then Matt responded, his hand sliding up to cup the back of Frank’s neck as he pressed closer. The kiss deepened, slow and deliberate, like neither of them wanted to rush it.
When they finally pulled back, both were breathing hard, their foreheads resting together.
“Well,” Matt said, his voice laced with a hint of amusement, “that’s one way to settle things.”
Frank let out a breathless chuckle, shaking his head. “You’re somethin’ else, Red.”
Matt grinned, his thumb brushing lightly against Frank’s jaw. “So are you.”
The kiss hung between them like a live wire, buzzing with unspoken questions and uncertain promises. Frank sat back, running a hand over his face.
“This is a bad idea,” he muttered, though there was no real conviction behind the words.
Matt tilted his head, his smile soft but knowing. “Why? Because it scares you?”
Frank huffed out a laugh, shaking his head. “You’re enjoyin’ this too much.”
“Maybe,” Matt admitted, leaning back against the armrest. “But I meant what I said, Frank. You don’t have to figure this out alone.”
Frank looked at him, the vulnerability in Matt’s face striking something deep within him. “You’re too good for me, Red.”
Matt’s expression softened further, his voice steady. “Maybe I just see the good in you.”
Frank didn’t respond, but the warmth in his chest spoke volumes.