Matt
Matt was home in record time after his deposition. He might’ve ditched the cane, and jumped a few rooftops in broad daylight to have made it, but that isn’t anyone business really.
Unlocking his front door, he sensed Frank on the couch, fiddling with something or the other. Frank took it upon himself to clean equipment, fix things around the house, run errands and even sometimes get dinner started while Matt was at work. It was strangely, blissfully domestic. These were things Frank knew Matt was capable of, despite being blind, but did them anyways, out of love.
“What do you have there?”
Frank hummed, standing up to greet Matt, taking his messenger bag off his shoulder, and the coat off his back.
“Just the carbon monoxide detector, needed new batteries. I picked them up this morning, along with some bok choy from the bodega across the street.” Frank responded as he hung everything in the entry closet.
Matt lips quirked up, Frank knew he loved stews and soups in rainy weather.
“Peter is in the bath.” Matt said, It wasn’t a question, Matt could feel the increased humidity of the bathroom even through the closed door, smell the clean soap and bubbles. It made him want to wash up as well.
“Did you end up fixing the shower?”
Frank opened the fridge, getting some vegetables out, Matt smelled mushrooms, garlic, green onions and carrots along with the bok choy. Frank also took out two beers, opening them, and sliding one across the island to Matt. Matt grabbed the bottle before it stoped, sipping it with one hand and loosening his tie with the other.
“No, the kid showed up, I just need to apply some plumbers tape, and the fixed head and it should be golden. I’ll do it when he’s out.”
Matt nodded, cracking his neck as he stretched. The deposition ran longer than he anticipated.
“What’s funny is the kid didn’t want to ‘intrude’ by taking a bath.” Frank scoffed. “He came in, maybe ninety-pounds soaking wet, snivelling. And had the gall to say he was okay to stay like that waiting for you.”
Matt removed his glasses, rubbing the bridge of his nose as he did. Peter had always been the type of kid to walk on eggshells, so it didn’t completely surprise him, but it didn’t mean Matt was happy with it.
“I’ll start dinner.” Matt said opening cabinets. “Can you get Peter something warm to wear? I can feel his body temperature is still a little low.”
Frank wordlessly complied, but snuck a kiss in as he walked past Matt. A simple, chaste one on Matt’s cheek, the very moment that Peter opened the washroom door.
“Oh” Peter said, sounding surprised. “You’re home, Mr. Murdock.”
“You know you can call me Matt, Peter.” Matt said, putting water to boil on the stove.
“Okay, Matt.” Peter tested it out slowly.
“Why don’t you go with Frank, he’ll get you some warm clothes, you’ll catch a cold with just that towel.”
“Okay.” Peter repeated, his words a little softer this time. The kid had trouble taking anything.
“And how does soup sound for dinner? You can help me chop some of this.” Matt gestured to the ingredients on the counter.
“Oh no, I couldn’t possibl-”
“No more of that, kid.” Frank cut Peter off, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, pushing the kid into the bedroom. “You’re not intruding, and we not bothered by having you here.”
This was the most sincere Matt had ever heard Frank sound, similar to how he spoke when he remembered Maria and his children. Matt noted that they’d probably be around Peter’s age right now.
Peter stuttered a little, shivering, and nodded.
“I would love to help with dinner.” Peter said politely.
The last thing Matt heard, was notes of encouragement and acceptance from Frank to the kid while he pulled out clothes for him. And it warmed Matt’s heart.