Five years
— Little Traditions —
Halloween is an interesting time of the year.
Foggy would contaminate the dorm with cinnamon candles and carved pumpkins. Then when they started practice, he would have decor all around. He said it gave spirit and hope to the clients.
So Matt tried to keep that going. He didn't put candles or pumpkins. They were a bit too much for his senses and the street already has many of those. But he did put some decorative papers and little figurines Foggy hoarded in boxes.
It was an instinctive work. Guided with nose and ears.
Turns out, people did like the decor. Even some old clients that came over found the office charming.
(He doesn't mention the glance they gave him. How they stayed silent and their heartbeats skipped a beat. The pity in their voices after seeing the attempt at keeping this alive.)
His thoughts wander to the suit in his bag.
A month has passed since Frank gave it to him. It never stops to amaze him.
Sure he knew Frank was skilled. But this was on another level.
It is comfortable and allows for more flexibility than the other. It is more flashy. But it comes with the material. Besides, the easy recognition makes criminals scared way faster.
(It was a homepage to his father and the people he swore to protect. It is made by a person he loves. Not the suit guy every hero, or public figure went to. He is glad he did it this way.)
A win is a win.
He owes Frank a big one.
Talking about Frank.
They need to discuss what they have going on. Because close friends doesn't fit anymore. Even his neighbors are starting to wonder who is the guy who seems to appear randomly at his doorstep every two days.
After Foggy's funeral, their relationship became more comfortable. They had a place in the other's home. Routines. Even spare keys.
His apartment feels more like theirs than his alone.
Besides, the man has his heart wrapped in his finger. He doesn't know where he would be if he had been alone after the snap.
Maybe in a dumpster. (Dead.)
He shakes his head. October is almost over. He has one tradition left to honor. A tradition Foggy adored and Karen was starting to enjoy.
Horror movies on the 31st of October.
It was hilarious more than scary. He can hear every heartbeat and prepare for the next jumpscare. The smell of their fear accompanied by Foggy's (and sometimes Karen's) narration makes it surreal for him. He doesn't get spooked easily, and Foggy always made the monsters ridiculous with over-the-top descriptions.
He liked it. He wants to keep it.
A text from Frank surprises him.
-are you busy right now?-
-No I just got through the last client of the day -
It was true. he has a trial in four days and he has everything ready. All-nighters and thinking about cases while punching people has its benefits.
-you see. Gabriela and James want to meet you-
-and thank you personally for your help with the lawsuit against the landlord-
The case hadn't been anything strange or out of the ordinary. It came through fast. Plenty of evidence and witnesses willing to step up.
Overall an easy case. If a case can be easy.
-alright-
-When do I get there?-
-around 3 if you can-
-say no if you don't want to Matt-
-nah, i'd love to actually-
-i want to meet them-
-after everything you've told me it's hard not to-
-you better prepare for lots of questions and food-
-its the house around chelsea-
-do you remember?-
-yeah, i do-
-see you there-
His mouth curls into a small smile. Sure they are still Daredevil and The Punisher. They can die at any given moment.
That just makes every second worth it.
He reads cases while waiting for the right hour to arrive. They are interesting, and maybe even complex but his mind is elsewhere.
The clock hits two p.m. and he stands up. Better to arrive early than late.
Normal people wouldn't walk all the way there. He is everything but normal. So, he does parkour as Daredevil just because he can. It is faster (and better) than taking the subway.
Yes, he stops on the way to stop small crimes. Yes, he shouldn't be doing this. No, that doesn't mean he will stop.
(If he can help people, even if it's during daylight, then he will. It's the least he can do for New York.)
(It also means he avoids the headache that the metro causes him. He won't say no to that.)
He takes off the suit one building away. He knocks on Frank's door as Matthew.
Frank opens the door and Max doesn't wait a second to pounce at Murdock. Frank, the fucker, laughs at his misery. Matt just accepts the fact he will smell like Max for the rest of his life.
"Hey."
"Hey. Did I get here too early?"
2:30 pm.
"Nah. Might as well help you get dressed properly."
"It isn't that bad."
"Leave it for the people who can see."
He enters Frank's apartment. At this point, he has been at many of Frank's safehouses. He has been here before but it somehow manages to feel different. He has plants here. Their leaves move with the wind. The place smells of constant use. Sweat, blood, gunpowder, cinnamon, and pasta.
He can only imagine how it looks. The organized mess. He has a better picture. He can feel Frank around him. Beyond his heartbeat and breathing.
He sits down on the couch. It has fewer bloodstains than the others.
"So, Frank, do you have any plans for today?"
He doesn't hesitate. They are beyond that point.
"After lunch? Nothing really."
With Frank, he doesn't stop. He doesn't meditate on it.
"Would you go to the movies with me? Heard there is a good horror movie airing lately. "
"Sure, Red. But I'm paying."
"No fucking way. I am inviting you. I pay."
"You paid in the restaurant last time. And the beers afterward."
"We split the bill. It doesn't count. You gave me a new printer for the office. This is just payback."
"A printer I broke after falling through your window."
"It was an accident. Never blamed you.
"Still. I'm paying."
"N-
A knock on the door snaps them out of their discussion.
Turns out it's Gabriela and James. James smells like condiments and kids' perfume. Gabriela smells like meat and potatoes. Neither smell like blood or gunpowder.
"Thanks for coming. Really. You are an amazing lawyer."
That is the first thing Gabriela says to him.
"Nice to meet you, Gabriela."
He extends his arm and she shakes it firmly.
"Don't be so formal, please. I've gotten enough of that from Pete here."
Right, Frank is Pete Castiglione around here.
"I apologize for any trouble he might give you."
Frank glares at him from behind.
"Don't say that! Come on, let me introduce you to James. I'm sure you've heard 'bout him, right?"
"Yeah, I have. A pleasure to meet you."
He extends his hand again. James doesn't hesitate.
"I don't know how to repay you. There is nothing I can say that can express it."
"That's just my job."
"Still, my daughter and I baked some bread just for you. We made sure to Pete about your preferences and-
James continues to ramble. Poor man. He definitely has some anxiety piled up.
-ry little chemicals and other non-natural stuff. The best bread across New York."
He smiles and nods in James' direction.
"I'll be glad to receive it. You'll always have a lawyer at Nelson, Murdock, and Page."
The dinner goes without any trouble or emergency.
It was some type of meat. Carne Oreada is the name Gabriela gave it. It's thin with an amazing flavor. It comes with rice and potatoes. Frank made a delicious salad.
They talk about the neighborhood for most of it. Then they shift into Gabriela's and James' lives. He talks about work and Frank adds to any of the stories when he wants to.
Then Gabriela asks.
"So, for how long have you been in a relationship? You definitely have the energy of a married couple."
Matt doesn't choke on his drink. He doesn't. He is a trained soldier and doesn't choke on orange juice.
To Frank's credit, he just sighs.
"I- what?"
"You are boyfriends, right? Don't tell me you aren't. You can't fool me.
"Well… we uh…"
"Be proud, Gabriela, no one manages to shut him up that fast."
"Bet you can."
James picks up and changes the topic. It's left alone for the rest of lunch.
It's when Frank is talking with James near the door about plants, that Gabriela approaches him.
"Make a move. Anything. Pete loves you, Matt. Don't waste the chance."
People in New York are protective of their own. Of the people close to them. It's a trait of New York. These people would fight the devil if it came to it. So Matt just nods.
Once they are gone Frank and Matt retreat to the couch once again.
Matt makes the first move.
"So, boyfriends?"
Frank laughs at that.
"You have to give them some credit. We don't leave much room for interpretation."
"Are we? Boyfriends?"
Frank takes Matt's hand in his.
"Only if you want."
He answers by kissing him on the lips.
Franks laughs as he hugs Matt down.
"Got it, sweetheart. Movie still standing?"
"Yeah. I'm going to the bathroom and then we go out."
He traverses the space with ease. It's natural. Organized in a similar fashion as most of his safe houses. It won't take long before this space also smells like him.
It doesn't take them long to arrive at the theater. Matt has to hit Frank in the shins so that he can pay for the tickets.
Frank definitely stumbles a bit at the beginning. Taking pauses as he processes the images in front of him before translating. He grows into it. Slowly. He also tries to play down his scares. Matt won't let him. He whispers nonsense at Franks's ears or fake-jumping in the tension-filled moments. He enjoys the jump that gets him. Frank retaliates by tickling him before stealing a handful of his popcorn.
The other people at the theater did it not enjoy this little game of theirs.
By the end of the movie, Matt lets his senses extend outwards. Kids run outside looking for candy and sweets.
He remembers Foggy's voice narrating a movie years ago. It's different from Frank. Down to the details different. But he doesn't care. Those details don't matter. It isn't about hearing Foggy's voice narrating alongside Franks. It's about keeping the tradition alive.
Not through Frank. But with Frank.
– Middle Ground –
So he killed a guy. It's not out of the ordinary. He is the fucking Punisher. It's in the job.
Red got furious. Today he gave the usual better-than-thou sermon. Just with more growling and gestures. He normally knows how to handle that.
He handled it when Matt figured he killed the guy who attacked the office. He has handled it before.
But today he is tired. Matt walked out thirty minutes ago, grinding his teeth. Both of them are tired.
Max bumps his leg. He scratches its head absentmindedly.
He had fights with Maria too. They had less growling and morals, but they were definitely similar. He knows this is bound to happen.
"You can't kill everyone who threatens me, Frank!"
He just prevented the guy from blowing Red's brain. Matt was distracted. He wasn't.
He did what he could to protect what he had.
"The guy had a family! A wife and kids! Kids, Frank, kids!"
What Frank always fails to understand is how Red seems to put everyone's life above his own.
His answer had been the same as always. What about you?! What about you dying because you can't stand making this choice?
In the end, Matt walked out, teeth grinding, to punch criminals into commas.
The line is so thin he can barely see it. It's necessary that the line stays there. But isn't it hypocritical? Matt can punch guys into vegetative states but he can't get rid of them permanently? Fuck it. Fuck Matt.
He knows how to end these fights. One of them has to let go.
The thing is none of them want to. Both of them are right and wrong at the same time.
Why did he have to fall for this man?
He decides to call Curtis.
"What do I owe the call? Are you dying?"
"No, not that. I killed someone and Matt got angry."
There is a sigh and rustling from the other side. "And you don't know what to do?"
He doesn't need to answer.
"Look Frank, this is unavoidable. It has happened before. It'll happen in the future. Just create middle ground. Neither of you have to give into everything. Just give each other a bit and space to work in. Make a deal that isn't just postponing everything. "
"I wasn'-
"You were. So yes Frank. Think about it though. You are smart. He is a lawyer. I think you can figure it out."
"If it ruined this I-
"You didn't. And if you screwed so easily then the relationship wasn't what you and I thought it was. Have faith in Matthew. God knows he has faith in you."
He thanks Curtis, apologizes for the hour and hangs up.
Middle ground. Middle ground.
If Matt doesn't put himself in life or death situations he can, in theory, avoid killing criminals.
He just needs Matt to be more careful. Mindful of his surroundings when in battle. To call him when he is in deep shit.
He can also try and get rubber bullets. Make it easier for someone to die in crossed fire.
Matt can teach him more hand to hand combat. One that doesn't have him rely on killing the other as fast as possible.
He can teach Matt how to use knives. Because he will never use guns. So that he can breathe I'm peace in case Matt loses his Billy Clubs during a raid.
So yeah. There is middle ground. They can find middle ground. Middle ground is preventing him from having to pull the trigger. Middle ground is teaching Matt that defending himself is not a sin.
Now he needs Matt to stop punching his emotions through criminals like an angry bull and come back.
Why does he live this man, rage and sacrifice incarnate, so fucking much?
Red hasn't come back when the clock hits three am so he goes to sleep. Prepared to offer a shaky middle ground. But a middle ground nonetheless.
Fight with partners, in couples, are unavoidable. It doesn't mean it's fun to have them.
– Cat –
It's November and Frank started to teach Matt how to use knives.
Stick tried once. His unwillingness to kill made it hard. So he changed paths. He chose to teach him about poisons. How to resist them. He never really learned how to use knives.
And he didn't want to learn. His clubs are fine, thank you.
Frank still teaches him. He avoids lethal moves but shows him the way. The moves. The stances. It's different to Stick. He doesn't want to change Matt into a soldier (he is one alread) but to teach him how to defend himself with tools unknown to him.
It's supposed to give Frank peace of mind. Create middle ground. Frank said a week ago. Matt understands. Doesn't like the idea of using knives. But he understands.
He also teaches Frank to fight with his fists. How to use them to knock out and not to kill. How to depend less on guns and more on fists and self-control. Frank finds it inefficient but still gives his all.
Today he still fails to override how instincts and use knives like sharp tools. Frank still has the reflex to reach for a weapon strapped in his leg. Turns out years of muscle memory are hard to ignore.
They have been sparring for an hour. Both of them sweating and bruised. They are both content. Fighting is wired to their bones. Turns out it helps avoiding fights between them.
Who would say?
"Water break?"
"Yeah, sure."
They go drink water and Matt want to sleep in. They do this after patrols. At Fogwells.
He sits down while drinking. Patrols are good warm up. Thugs are good to start. Frank is the real challenge of the night.
Patrols are divided into areas. Some days he covers queens. Other days he covers the Upper West side. It isn't an strict schedule, they decide at the beginning of the night and it can change depending on the sounds of the city.
New York saw his efforts and started to claim him as their vigilante. Daredevil is no longer exclusive to Hell's Kitchen though he doesn't abandon his neighbors.
Daredevil became New Yorks vigilante.
New York became protective of him. Police are still after his ass. But the residents, the regular citizens, accept his protection.
Some have started to idolize him.
He knows it is a dangerous game. Of course, he knows. But it already started. Stopping now does more harm than good.
A sound in an alley draws his attention.
Meowing.
Very loud meowing at that.
"Red? Do you hear something?"
He hums and stands up. Cringing at the sound his bones make. Maybe it would be good to stop for today.
"I'll go take a look."
He puts in his mask and walks toward the alley. Frank stays inside Fogwells.
It's a young cat. Not too young. By the smell and heartbeat, it's old enough to survive without milk. It was abandoned, thrown into the alley without care. It's too cold outside. Winter already cooling the streets. Fuck the person that did this. This cat is literally freezing, with no warmth detectable to his senses.
Matt sits down and it approaches, hissing. It taps its nose against Matt's finger. Meowing it presses against his hand.
Matt shouldn't get attached. He shouldn't.
The cat meows when he doesn't scratch it. He starts slowly and the cat melts into his touch.
Fuck. He shouldn't get attached.
(He already got attached.)
The cat climbs to his lap. He hears Frank get restless inside Fogwells.
Taking the cat as gently as he can he walks towards Fogwells.
Frank is amused once he sees him. His heartbeat even does a little thing.
"What's that Red?"
"A cat."
"And?"
"It approached me. What was I supposed to do?"
"I don't know, Red. Never took you for an animal person."
He isn't. Animal fur and smell unnerves him. Animals are loud and irritate his senses.
"It was meowing alone Frank. Out in the cold. Its body temperature was too low."
It meows again.
"You look ridiculous Red."
"Fuck you."
"Imagine what New York would say. Seeing their coma-inducing vigilante holding a cat."
"Oh shut it."
"Does it have a name?"
"How can I know? It's not like I'll keep it."
He doesn't need to see to know that Frank just raised an eyebrow at him.
"Oh really? Because it looks like you already got attached. "
"I am not attached. I don't get attached."
"Sure Red. Whatever you say."
The cat had climbed towards Matt's shoulders and somehow started to doze off while resting there.
Needless to say, they can't continue training because the cat won't let go of him.
They walk through the city as the Punisher and Daredevil. The only difference is that Daredevil has a cat clinging to him.
When they get home Frank just throws himself into the sofa.
"So, if you are not going to keep it, what are you going to do?"
He is about to answer but the cat, who he is discovering is more of a rascal than what he previously thought, bites his gauntlet.
He might have to vaccinate it for rabies if it bites too much.
No wait.
He isn't keeping the cat. Why would he vaccinate it?
"Red?"
"Hmmm?"
"It's kinda like you."
"What?"
"The cat. It bites and hisses but definitely got attached. Like you"
"I am not attached."
"Yeah, sure."
He served some milk for the cat and it drinks it with so much excitement Matt literally melts.
He goes to rest with Frank. They barely fit on the sofa.
"Frank."
"Yeah?"
"Should I keep it?"
Frank hugs him and brings him down.
"Do you want to?"
"I mean, yeah? It's just… I've never gotten along with animals. "
Frank hums and Matt relaxes on Frank's hold.
"You can try, Red. You can always try."
In that moment the cat climbs on top of both of them. It curls there.
The decision was taken for him.
"I'll try, Frank. We'll try."
– December –
Christmas is an interesting time of the year. For Frank, it has always been bittersweet and spent mostly alone. Sure he has Curt and Micro and Karen. But two of them are gone, and Curt has other people. In the past, Christmas has always been a time of memories and pain.
He would stay inside and enjoy his books and food.
Matt won't have any of it. Through all of December Matt takes him outside. They walk, eat, see movies, and go buying decor. He helps Matt with the cat, who they named "Luca". He proposed Lucifer. Matt didn't like it. So Luca it was. They also decorated Matt's house with more photos of them, some shelves for books, and curtains. Because while Matt might not see the billboard it doesn't mean Frank doesn't.
It snows. He had a little fight with Matt with it. Turns out snow is one of Matt's biggest weaknesses. He wins, bit without getting his fair share of snow to the face.
Gabriela won't let him mop either. She teaches him how to decorate his house. She goes to his house to celebrate novenas with her boyfriend. Sometimes she invited James. He never had the heart to say no. She helped him make a pesebre and buñuelos. Matt liked the little decoration. Said: The vibrations make it look interesting.
Maybe he is growing soft. But if it means spending time with the people who matter then he won't complain.
In the end, most of December is spent with the company. Of his neighbors. Or his boyfriend and his cat. Or Max.
Today, 24th of December he goes to mass with Matt. The chapel is beautifully organized. The candles shine on every surface. It gives warmth that Frank is just getting comfortable with.
The mass comes and goes. He doesn't pay too much thought to it. He pays attention to Matt. He looks gorgeous under the candlelight. It gives him youth. There are some bruises here and there. But there are considerably less than before he got the new suit. He looks more at peace. When praying it looks like it gives him hope.
He doesn't take the communion but waits for Matt. They go to the cemetery and visit Karen with Matt. They visit Nelson. They visit Father Lantom, of whom Matt talks occasionally. They visit Matt's father. They leave flowers for everyone there.
They walk to where his family rests. He leaves a flower for them too. Matt comes with him. They rest in silence in a bench. None of them say much. But Matt is always there.
When they finally go home, Matt says.
"Merry Christmas Frank."
He leans to give a kiss.
"Merry Christmas, Red"
– New Year –
"Hey, Red."
"Mm yeah?"
"What do you want for new year?"
"I don't know. Do you?"
"Yeah, I want to buy new books."
"Only that?"
"Well, I am a man of simple desires. As long as I am with you. I don't need much."
"Cheasy."
"Indulge me a little."
"Then, I might want some things for Luca to play with. It would be good to have him play with something other than my clothes."
"I know a place for that. It's not as expensive."
"That's good. How's Gabriela?"
"She's fine. Decided to travel a bit to celebrate the new year. She's in Chicago."
"Have you visited Chicago Frank?"
"Not really. Only in passing."
"..."
"..."
"Frank. If the snap hadn't happened, do you think we might've met?"
"I already knew you. Even before the snap."
"But not like this. Not as more than just tentative allies."
"I don't know Red. But I know we have each other right now. So, does it matter?"
"It doesn't. Not really."
"Let's stay together Red. For as long as we can."
"Yeah, Frank. Let's give our best."
"For a new year. Together."
"Together."
There are fireworks far away. They don't matter. Not really. What matters is the heart beating in front of him. Not the office. Or the chapel. Or their apartments.
No.
They have each other. He hopes it continues like that.
– Moving in –
It didn't happen from one moment to another. For months Frank has been sleeping inside his house. They have been calling it home for a long time.
Max is already attached to the space. He even gets along with Luca. It hadn't been a surprise for either of them. While Luca can seem distant and violent, it is really easy to get close.
The house feels complete with them around. With Max asking for scratches. Frank reading in the living room. That feels like home.
A big conglomerate bought the apartment complex Frank lived in. Everyone's home was taken. They tried taking legal action. Matt couldn't step in, as he was emotionally attached to the case. But they tried searching for a good lawyer.
They lost it.
Frank fully moved in then.
They didn't lose contact with Gabriela or James. Turns out she also moved in with her own boyfriend. James found himself an apartment in Midtown. They check on them whenever they can.
So things didn't really change. They were together already. And Frank has many safe houses. Though they are not as personal as the that one.
It makes sparring at Fogwells easier. Patrols become easier to handle as they don't have to say goodbye at the end. Not really.
Frank leaves his boots just at the entrance. Near Matt's cane. He leaves his books all around the living room. The poetry book he once gave him is kept on the nightstand. The plants he had in his apartment now surround the windows. Most of them don't have flowers, so the smell isn't an issue.
Frank also got accepted at the animal refuge near their home. It's easier to get there now that he lives in Hell's Kitchen.
Max's things are just by the side of Luca's. They make a disaster. Constantly tumbling over decoration.
They decide to go for a simpler design the moment they finally break something.
He is working on a case when Frank finally comes back from work.
"Hello Sunshine."
"Mm hello Frank. How did it go?"
"As always. It's definitely better than construction."
Frank goes for a glass of water and comes back to the couch. He always takes his shoes off before entering after Matt comments about the smell of the soles of the shoes.
"How's the case going?"
"It's good. The opening statement is almost done."
"That fast?"
"Good cases are always like that."
Frank finishes his glass.
"What do you want for dinner?"
"What time is it?"
"It's 7 o'clock Red."
"Fuck. Already?"
"Yeah."
He stands up, stretching. He didn't go to the office today. They were fumigating. Apparently, a plague had made its way through the entire building.
"Take out?"
"I was thinking if you could prepare something."
Frank turns to him.
"Huh? What do you want?"
"Anything. It's just that your cooking is good."
Frank laughs and steps into the kitchen.
"Alright then. Stay as far as you can. From now on the kitchen is mine."
"Aye aye, Capitan."
Matt waits by the couch. He tris to read a bit of the case but couldn't really focus. All his senses were zoning in Frank. His heartbeat, the sound his body made when moving. How the room seemed warmer with him inside.
God he fell hard for this man.
Frank comes back from the kitchen with a spoon.
"Try it."
He takes a sip. And… It's fucking delicious.
"Fucking delicious."
"Yeah?"
"Marvelous. The best thing I've ever tasted."
Frank kisses him. A smile wide on his lips.
They warp around each other. The food was momentarily forgotten.
Yeah, Matt doesn't regret living with Frank.
– Family –
"I want you to meet someone."
They are in bed. The sun is falling on their faces. Matt had been thinking for a while.
"Today?"
"Yeah, yeah. Are you free?"
He turns and kisses Matt.
"Yeah. Nowhere else I could be."
"Then let's get ready."
They stand up and take turns for the shower. Matt manages to get ready faster than Frank, which is already weird on its own.
"You done?"
"Wait a damn second, Red."
He puts on his boots and gets some toasts for both of them.
"That's not necessary, Frank."
"You always forget breakfast, Red. You have no leg to stand on."
They walk all the way to Matt's church. He has come here enough times to know the path by memory.
"Come on in. I can hear her waiting."
"Who?"
"Patience is a virtue, Frank."
The church is almost empty. The rows of chairs are only occupied by old folks. There are nuns walking here and there. He looks at the crucifix. It's the same it has always been. He might come here often. That doesn't mean he is comfortable just walking in. It still makes him uncomfortable.
Matt guides him to the front and then goes through a small hallway by the side. They are entering the convent.
There's a nun waiting by the end of the hallway. She has a rigid posture and a cold expression on her face. An old-school nun in all the ways that matter.
She turns around to meet them. Something changes in her expression. Something closer to fondness than nostalgia.
"Matthew."
"Sister Maggie."
They greet each other. Frank can see the tension. Like there's a space between them that they are trying to fill.
The nun, Maggie, turns to him. She scolds her expression into indifference. She's evaluating him.
"Are you going to introduce us?"
Matt grabs Frank's elbow. He supports himself on Frank.
"Sure. Sure. This is Pete. Pete meets Sister Maggie. "
"Pleased to meet you, sister."
He does a little bow with his head. Maggie does the same.
"Come inside. There's some latte waiting for you."
They follow her through the hallways. This gives Frank the feeling of meeting family. Close family.
They found a table. There are three mugs ready waiting for them. They end up drinking in silence. While Frank doesn't consider himself socially inept, this situation is beyond saving. It's up to Matt.
Turns out Maggie has more initiative.
"So you are Matthew's boyfriend?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Only he would find love in a serial killer."
He choked on his coffee. She is even more direct than Matt. Matt seems to dissolve into the chair. So he didn't expect this turn of events.
"Excuse me?"
"Don't treat me like I am stupid. I might be a nun but we can still watch the news."
He hadn't taken off his beard for the anonymity it gives him. It seems it was pointless with Maggie.
"You are Frank Castle, right?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
She takes a sip of her coffee before continuing.
"Is he giving you too much trouble?"
"Excuse me, ma'am? What are you talking about?"
"Matthew, boy. Is Matthew giving you too much trouble?"
And how is he supposed to answer that?
"I- well. Not really."
She sighs.
They drink their coffee in silence for a while.
"Frank, this is… my mother."
That makes so much more sense.
They are similar. From the way they hold themselves to the expression of their mouths. The posture she has when they arrive is a replica of Matt's once he gets stressed or focused on something. That evaluating expression she wears is the same as when Red is trying to figure out if someone is lying.
"That makes sense."
Matt nods and tilts his head.
If this is the equivalent of meeting family then he will treat it like it.
"Does he talk about me a lot?"
"Oh definitely. He's always "he said this" or "he said that". "It's good finally putting a face to the voice."
"All good stuff I hope."
"Most of it, yes."
They chat. It's still uncomfortable, tense, and slow. But it is way better than the previous silence.
Matt joins in. Gives stories about him and Frank. Maggie gives him a few stories of Matt as a child. They are told like they are the stories of someone else's child. But Frank won't press too hard. Matt will tell him if he wants to.
When they are about to leave Matt is called by one of the nuns to help with something. He leaves Frank and Maggie alone.
"Do you love him?"
"I do."
"Will you do anything to protect him?"
She grabs Frank by the arm. It feels less like a question and more like a threat.
"I will."
"This is Matthew we are talking about. He is a fighter, but so are you. Show me you love him. Fight for him. Protect him while he protects everyone else.".
"I will ma'am. I'll be by his side."
She says nothing else and lets go of his arm. The pressure is still there. She has a strong grip. Like Matt.
On the walk home, Matt grabs his elbow like every day.
"Thank you, Frank."
"For?"
"Coming here with me. Maggie and I… It's complicated."
"As most things are. Don't thank me. I'll come with you any time you want."
"Thanks."
When they are close to the apartment Frank decides to give back the favor.
"Would you like to meet Curtis? He is a friend of mine. Though he is more like a brother in everything but blood."
Matt smiles and continues walking.
"I'd love to."
— Proposal day —
The years fly by and suddenly they have been together for three years. Three years since they found something other than tentative peace between each other. Three years since the snap.
By now Frank already has been living with him for almost two years and seven months.
There's a balance created between Daredevil and the Punisher. Between two equally effective methods. Matt knows how to fight with knives and Frank doesn't kill as much as he once did.
It's decided that Frank is the better cook of the house though Matt's eggs are far better.
Their house is full of books, and case files they bought new television that they keep off when not used so it doesn't bother Matt's senses. There is a new heating system after Frank discovers Matt is especially sensitive to the cold. There are photos around the place (though Frank always appears with a baseball cap and sunglasses.) Luca has a whole empire of toys and structures to play with. The windows are now a huge botanic garden with pants that range from big to small. They share a closet and Matt uses Frank's clothing just as Frank steals all of Matt's hoodies.
If Matt has to be honest, he wants to get to another level with Frank. Which means marriage. It isn't unknown to them. By far. They have talked about it. On many occasions. But never did they really take the step.
Three years is a long time. Matt has many new scars and so does Frank. He just wants to make what they have official to the eyes of the world.
(To any stranger already are a married couple. They definitely quarrel like one.)
So he makes Frank a ring. It's simple, made of silver with a small inscription that says Matt's name. Loud and clear.
He made his ring too. Same style. With Frank's name in braille instead of his own.
He has everything planned. After eating dinner he would get them somewhere with a nice view if possible. Right there he would propose. Simple but functional.
The day started well enough with Frank saying the bathroom and Matt going over his plan over and over again.
He nearly burns breakfast after getting too deep into his own thoughts. Frank tries to pull him away from chores. He doesn't let go, after all, he wants Frank to rest. They almost fight. Matt offers to walk Max and Frank almost has a heart attack right there and then.
Turns out they had both reservations and Matt decides to cancel his.
They go to Frank's restaurant and have a nice meal until someone decides to do a shooting. Daredevil has to step in. Rhino appears from out of nowhere and Matt gets some nasty hits. Frank decides to go ballistic. They leave Rhino for the police and track the shooter. They leave the shooter ready for the police to find and Frank has to take Matt home to patch him up.
So yes. Turns out it was not an ideal day for a proposal.
Frank adds the last gauze and finally rests on the couch. There is a bottle of whiskey between them. They definitely deserve it after such a day.
Matt traces Frank's features with one hand and braces his chest with another.
"What a day huh."
"No shit Red. The fuck did we do to deserve it?"
He tries to shrug but all that comes out is a pained hiss.
"Don't you dare move. It took me a while to finally stitch all those cuts together."
"Aye aye, Captain."
Then after taking a long sip from the bottle, Frank says: fuck it. He kneels down and takes Matt's hand to guide it towards his outstretched hands. He explores it with all of his senses, zones in and would you look at that? It's a beautiful golden ring.
It vibrates beautifully. There are no stones in it. But Matt can sense some bumps. Maybe braille.
"Would you, Matthew Murdock, marry me?"
It feels surreal. Like a dream.
"Yes, Frank."
They kiss carefully so as to not aggravate Matt's injuries.
"I have something for you. Wait."
Matt dogs around his pockets and finds Frank's pair. The silver ring he got for them.
"Would you marry me, Frank?"
"Yeah, Red."
He puts the ring on Frank's open palm.
They kiss until Matt's ribs hurt again.
They walk around with two rings. One golden one in Matt's finger and a silver one in Frank's hand. The other pair is kept in a necklace around their necks.
It might not have been the proposal Matt wanted. But it's theirs.
Only theirs.
— Return —
Five years from the snap. It became a side note in history books. Something that saddens the people all around the world. They have moved on.
The dust no longer invades the lungs and streets of New York. It has settled down. They learned to live with it.
Matt lost a lot that day. Two of his closest friends were just gone with the wind. He celebrated their funerals and let go of their things. He sold the office after it continued to drag him down. Kept the traditions close to his heart.
He lost but got things in return.
He got a new office in Hell's Kitchen. He made a name for himself. Matt Murdock is now recognized for his efforts at reconstructing New York from the side of the law.
(He kept the old sign. It's inside the closet with his old Daredevil suit.)
He got Daredevil back. Finally managed to balance vigilante and lawyer. Found balance. Middle ground. Learned how to deal with the dangers.
He got a husband, who he loves dearly and would do anything to keep by his side. He has two pets that he loves. One cat and one dog.
He finally has a life he is happy with.
Right now, he is in his new office enjoying a cup of coffee. It's a sunny day and the sun hits him in the back warming him up. He had court in a week and is just preparing the opening statement. He finally feels like the lawyer he wanted to be from the beginning.
The snap took his old life away but he built a new one from the dust they left behind.
He takes in the sounds of New York. The cars and radio downstairs. The gossiping woman's block ahead. The desk is rough and keeps him from going too far. The office smells of coffee and himself. Even a bit like Luca and Max. The city smells like hotdogs and trash.
He is in harmony with the orchestra of New York.
Click.
New York invades him. There are traffic accidents everywhere.
A child is run over. A mother can't find his son.
It's twice as loud. Twice as hard to breathe.
There are new heartbeats.
All at once.
The shouting, the breathing, the honking. Someone fell downstairs and a girl shouted because someone appeared out of nowhere in her home.
There are accidents everywhere.
He curls in himself.
Too much.
Too sudden.
Too loud.
Too intense.
Someone is shouting. Everyone is shouting.
He grasps the table but he isn't in his office.
"Whe-
"Who are you?!"
"HELP PLEA-
Spalt.
"AHHHH-
"Mike! Mik-
Honk!! HONK!
"Mommy! Mom-
Tears gather in his eyes.
The clothes are too tight.
Everything is too small.
There are too many people.
He connects the dots as a sob rises from the bottom of his throat.
They are back.
Everyone. Everyone is back.
The ring is cold against his chest and it grounds him. The ring on his finger is the only thing that doesn't trap him.
The other half of his city returned.