Chapter 9
Foggy entered Matt’s apartment, already knowing it would be empty. Matt had told him about the Avengers and Foggy assumed that’s where Matt was now.
Which was why Foggy was here right now, at his apartment.
Because he was scared. He was scared this team-up would end as badly as the last one.
He was scared he’d be too late to tell the truth. He’s wanted to tell Matt about a hundred times now, but every time an opportunity arises he’d chicken out. Matt remained oblivious, it seemed like even his super senses didn’t pick up on how Foggy felt.
They’d always been very affectionate. Back in college, when Foggy had slung an arm around Matt’s shoulder and he had practically melted into the touch, foggy had made it his mission to make sure Matt got all the cuddles he wanted. They’d never been shy of hugging, sometimes even sharing a bed when it was too cold in their dorm room.
Tonight, he was going to tell Matt everything.
So he took one of Matt’s expensive organic beers out of the fridge and sat down on the couch, settling in for the long wait.
*
As the night grew darker and the city grew quieter, Foggy grew more and more anxious.
He was fairly sure his pacing would thread a hole in Matt’s carpet. There was no sign of Matt.
Then the morning came and went But still, there was no sign of Matt.
His phone rang.
Karen.
Foggy was aware that it must be well into mid-day by now. He was supposed to be at work. Matt was supposed to be at work.
He gulped as dread washed over him, a late reaction to the conclusions his mind had jumped to.
Matt wasn’t back.
Matt was out there, somewhere. Hurt. Bleeding. Dying – no, he would not go down that path.
Matt was fine, he had to be fine. Foggy needed him to be fine.
His phone rang again.
He slid his thumb across the screen numbly, raising the device to his ear. He expected Karen to start grilling him immediately. He wasn’t ready for who was on the other side.
“Is this Franklin Nelson?”
Foggy blinked. He knew that voice.
“Yes, this is him,” he replied, his voice shaking and soft.
“Mr. Nelson, I’m Tony Stark.” The man sounded grim and Foggy felt his heart stutter. “Can you come to the Tower?”
“Is Matt okay?” he croaked out, hand gripping the couch cushion tightly as he tried to keep it together.
Stark let out a breath on the other side. “I- I don’t know.”
Foggy’s world turned. He felt the blood drain from his face. “What does that mean?”
“We, we got separated last night,” Stark admitted. “We suspect he's been abducted."
Foggy's ears started ringing, the room started to spin.
"We are doing everything in our power to find him, Mr Nelson," Stark promised, his voice thick with emotions that Foggy couldn't deal with right now.
Foggy’s breath stuttered, unable to answer.
Matt was missing.
Matt was missing.
His best friend was missing.
That's all it took for his world to fall apart.