Superheroes’ Advocates
He would have though he’d be glad to be back in New York. These streets, he had walked. Literally a lifetime ago. But that was way before the destruction he and the other Avengers had helped cause.
Tony had just arrived to the spot where they were supposed to meet. It was a quiet street.
“You’re late.”
“I know. Someone needed a good share of advice.”
“That kid from Queens, perhaps?”
“Yes. Please remind me to arrange interviews if we ever decide we need more Avengers.”
It was nice to hear Tony talk about them as a team again. He complained a bit more before they got to the attorneys’ address.
“Are you sure they’re our best choice? Their neighborhood kind of went to hell after the battle. Our battle.”
Tony took off his glasses, and stared at him. “No? No pun intended? Okay.” He put them on again to look at the old building in front of them. “It should be fine. It seems like they have a thing for lost causes. They believe in people. They surely can believe in you. I do believe in you, I’m sure anyone can be persuaded to do it.”
Steve stood next to Tony in silence as he rang and opened the door. He was starting to think that he should have come alone. Or, at least, without Tony. But it was all part of his plan. His ‘now it is time to do as I say’ plan, and he wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer.
They took the stairs and soon they were at the law firm’s doorstep. They hadn’t knocked yet when a man opened the door. He was wearing sunglasses, which was strange, considering that the hallway and the office were kind of gloomy. Tony had taken his off right when they stepped into the building.
“Please, come in.” They did, and he closed the door behind them.
“My name is Matt Murdock.”
He held out his hand, waiting for their handshake. Steve realized now that he was blind. Tony got closer to him.
“Tony Stark. And this-“ Steve shook his hand. “Is Steve Rogers.”
“Thank you for receiving us Mr. Murdock.”
“My partner will be with us in a minute.” He gestured. “Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“I’m already caffeinated enough, thank you. Steve?” Steve moved his head from site to side. And was about to speak when Tony did for him. “No? No.”
“I’m good. Thank you.” Steve added.
“No problem.”
A door opened and a blonde man, about Murdock’s age, came out.
“Apologies. Foggy Nelson.” He shook Steve and Tony’s hands and stood alongside his partner.
“Mr. Stark and Mr. Rogers.” Steve could practically see the realization appear on Nelson’s face while Murdock said their names.
“Wait, Tony Stark? And Steve Rogers?”
“Yes.” Murdock answered calmly.
“They’re-“ He looked at Murdock. Then at them. “You are…?”
“Yes.” Murdock answered again. “Didn’t you read what I left on your desk this morning?”
“That piece of paper…all smudged?”
“Did the printer run out of ink?” Murdock stared at his partner. Or acted as if he was staring at him. Nelson sighed.
“Could you give my partner and I a minute?” Nelson took Murdock by his arm and dragged him into his office. At least, Steve could see Murdock’s name on the door once he closed.
Steve looked at Tony. “That went well.”
“I know it’s been decades since people reacted like this after hearing your name, Cap.” He looked at him. “But, please. Be patient.”
The door opened before Steve could reply.
“Please, come in.” Nelson looked nervous but seemed to be smiling at them genuinely.
“Sorry for the interruption.” Murdock’s expression hadn’t changed. “I know we talked on the phone, but I would appreciate if you could tell us again why you’re here.”
“Go on.” Tony looked at Steve, defiant.
Yes. It seemed like he was all about helping them. But he wasn’t going to waste an opportunity to remind him of what he did. He sure knew how to push his buttons.
*****
“Captain America and Iron Man?! Really?! Are they - are they your superhero pals? Is there anyone else I should know about?” Matt hadn’t seen Foggy so nervous in a long time. “One week. I’ve been back for one week. And this is what -“
"No. Foggy.” Matt put a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Listen to me. I have just met them both. Stark called because they wanted us to represent them, I said ‘come over.’”
Foggy calmed down. Slightly. “They don’t know?”
“No. Hell. No.”
“Are you going to tell them?”
"I would rather not mix my job with my…other job.” Matt raised his eyebrows.
“You know you tend to do that, right?”
"I…it happens.”
Foggy sighed. “Okay. Let’s do this.”
*****
Steve had finished talking. The only sound in the room was that of Murdock’s typing.
“Okay. I’m not gonna lie to you. It’s not gonna be easy.” He couldn’t see, yet Steve felt as he was being stared at. “You’ve violated internationally approved laws. We will look into that. There’s proof you did if for ‘a greater cause’, that it can all be justified. People’s lives were in danger. And we’re just talking about material damage here. No one was hurt this time.” Still no change on Murdock’s expression, but the meaning of those words was clear.
Tony seemed like he was about to say something. But Nelson acted fast. “We know you’ve paid a lot to cover damages. But that’s not all it takes.”
“Now, committing to the Sakovia Accords would help. It doesn’t matter that they’re going to be amended. You should prove you’re fine with answering to the law whenever. Which doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have some independence, specially in light of recent events. But you are not above the law, and people should know that. Otherwise, they will never feel safe.”
Murdock was blunt, but he spoke the truth, and Steve knew it. “We’re willing to do what it takes for people to trust us again.”
“Good.” Nelson seemed willing to lighten the mood. “We’ve been here a while. Can I offer you some coffee, water…a snack? You guys eat, right?”
“Yes. And no, thank you. Actually, we may go grab a bite now. I feel like we’re done here. I mean, we should be in contact but. Would you like to come?” Tony seemed pretty sure about it. He kind of shrugged when Steve looked at him, surprised. “I know a place. I don’t know how it’s called but they make amazing burgers. I’m pretty sure it had ‘burger’ in the name.”
“We, uh.” Nelson gave Murdock a scared look. Or just looked at him on his current state. Steve could understand. Their billionaire superhero client just asked them to dinner. He sure wasn’t expecting that.
“Are you sure you want to be seen around?”
“We’re prepared.” Tony reached for his jacket’s pocket.
Nelson narrated. “He just took the whole incognito kit out of his pocket: the sunglasses, the cap…”
Steve laughed.
Murdock smiled. “Then I guess we should have dinner. We like to get to know our clients anyway.”
Tony and Steve left the office, but the two attorneys stopped for a moment inside before following them to the hallway.
“Are you gonna tell them?” Steve could hear Nelson whispering. They had left the door ajar. Probably not enough for a regular person to hear anything, but it was enough for him.
“Please, stop asking me that.” Murdock spoke even quieter. Then came through the door. Nelson followed.
Tony greeted them cheerfully. “Burgers?”