Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Man, why even bother planning an entire invasion if you’re not even gonna be there?” Spider-Man mused as a web met the face of a robot that suspiciously resembled one Latverian doctor. "Like what, you couldn’t even take the time out of your crime schedule to be here?”

Matt felt the waves of a searing heat radiate behind him. “Yeah, I see it. Takes away the appeal of the whole ‘being a supervillain’ thing."

“Ha. If I had a bunch of robots that thought they were me, siccing them on New York is like the last thing I’d do. I could basically retire in peace. Imagine none of the grocery runs I’d have to make. I’d never have to run out in the middle of a lecture again.” Spider-Man performed a backflip over the incoming fist of a doombot, before sweeping his legs and bringing it to the ground. “Oh my God. The laundry, Johnny. The laundry. All that while saving a million people AND the added benefit of pissing Jameson off to an early grave. It's perfect!”

“Webs. Buddy. You do realise that multiple clones of yourself is probably the least crazy thing that’s ever happened to you,” A ‘flame on!’, and a grunt later- “And from what I remember it did not end with a Spider-Clone doing your laundry.”

At that, the webbed vigilante fell silent, his fist punching a doombot’s head clean off. The squint of his costumed eyes wasn’t hard to discern. “Man. And just for a second there I forgot that I was Spider-Man. Thanks.” Spider-Man's suited shoulders slumped sadly. “The burdens of being a hero. Really eats away at you. Don’t trust anybody, even yourself, all that.”

"New York’s too big for one Spider-Man anyway. That’s why there’s four of us.” Johnny paused thoughtfully. “You ever thought about being ‘The Spider-Man of Queens’?”

“Queens would rather run me out than even consider having a dedicated Spider-Man. Besides- running up the same, like I dunno, 5 blocks every day is probably in the top 10 of ‘Easiest Ways to Suck at Superhero-ing’.” He paused. “Uh, no offense Hornhead.”

“None taken.” Matt grunted. “Mind helping out here?” His billy club clang against the head of a doombot rather pathetically.

A pillar of flames scorched in front of him. Matt nodded. “Thanks Johnny.”

A salute. “Anytime,”

“Hey! A thanks from Daredevil. You know, you should be flattered. That’s a rarity even for my amazing self. Pun intended.”

Johnny groaned as Matt shook his head and surrendered his senses onto the ongoing fight around them. He respected the webbed vigilante; he considered him one of his greatest allies. He would even go so far as to say he was one of his greatest friends (which was saying something considering his whole vigilante image didn’t really do friends). He usually didn’t get so ticked off at his constant mouthing. It was part of his charm. And it was kind of funny.

Sometimes.

There was only so much quipping he could take; and with the presence of Johnny Storm—aka his greatest enabler-- Matt didn’t know how much more of the back and forth he could take. And Matt was not an impatient man by any stretch of the word. He was a lawyer for a reason.

Still, Matt thought as he swung over the hordes of machine operated fingers clutching at his soles; it didn’t mean that the dynamic duo couldn’t alleviate his overloaded senses, just a little, did it?

There wasn’t all that much Daredevil could do presently, anyway. Storm Jr. and Spider-Man seemed to be handling themselves fine, if their banter was indicative of anything.

The doombots were quickly familiarising themselves with the heroes of New York, and it was a testament to how well designed they were that they were somehow *beating them* within the last hour that they appeared out of thin air. The sounds of synchronised mechanical ticking couldn’t have come at a worse time; Matt was right in the middle of a meeting with a client. A few muttered excuses and the loss of a cane later, Matt was soon fighting a robot invasion.

Because of course he was.

He wished that Richards and Doom solved their own misgivings with each other without putting the lives of the not-so scientifically inclined in jeopardy. Matt had a court hearing on Friday after all. And team-ups were not Daredevil’s forte.

Matt was the one to make the point that Daredevil wasn’t a team player anyway, though he was flattered by the invested interest Captain America took when he invited him on board the Avengers.
The few and very brief team-ups he’d had over the years, seemed enough proof to him at least that team-ups, weren’t a feasible future for the resident vigilante of Hell’s Kitchen. The invitation was considered, but denied, and eventually forgotten, like the discarded teams he had once been a part of.

There was, of course, the obvious and very glaring issue that stared Matt in the face, which was something even he couldn’t miss. Even with all the training the decrepit old man beat into him- there was no denying that a martial artist, didn’t seem that impressive right next to a God, a super soldier, a tech billionaire with more money that he had any right etcetera, etcetera. That fact was making its presence known right now.

Matt could hear the whirring inside of the doombots, the meticulous craftmanship speaking for itself in the form of wires and synthesised intelligence. But what he couldn’t hear was the blood, the sweat, laboured breaths or hell even a heartbeat. He couldn’t predict the swings or the energy blasts, and he couldn’t predict the intelligence of the literal smartest man on Earth. He was no Hank Pym.

No, he was Matt Murdock; the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen...

And he was definitely going to need a visit to the ER after this.

“Double-D! Watch ou-!”

It was the exact millisecond that this thought flitted through his mind, when he was met with a face full of Doom, mid-swing, and—may God forgive his blasphemy—but Jesus fucking Christ-
His back hit the concrete below him, and a scream ripped from his chest. The taste of pennies immediately hit his tongue and pervaded his senses. The smell of copper made itself comfortable in his throat.

“You!” And then suddenly, Matt could feel a rush of air over him. “Shame you didn’t get a degree in medicine, von Doom! Maybe then you could go make yourself a cure from the total ass kicking I just dealt!”

“Not your best, man. Even I gotta admit.”

“Aww, Johnny! I’m positively heartbroken! You love my spider-quips!”

“Even the doombot didn’t like that one.”

“No, no, I see where you’re coming from. I should save that one- for when Doom decides not to be a total wuss and show up-”

Radar sense. Matt quickly schooled his senses on the sound of a hulking piece of metal stirring. Then it sounded like something…charging up? Matt’s eyes widened. Shit. It was right behind Johnny.

He didn’t even have the chance to open his mouth to sound a warning before the screeches of a high-energy blast hit Storm directly in the back.

“JOHNNY!”

Matt could hear the electricity flowing through Johnny’s body, the spasms of his muscles filling him with a sense of dread. He was still alive, but Matt couldn’t imagine the pain that was searing through his nerves. One down.

“Bastard!” Spider-Man yelled. He leapt from Matt’s side, charging at the machine. “I’m gonna rip off your stupid robot arm and shove it up so far up your metal rectum you-!”

A loud clang rang in Matt’s ears, and the world around him seemed to blur, the lines and figures in his mind, almost wobbling to the sound of metal. Matt vaguely heard a choked off yell from where Spider-Man was, arms struggling and hitting the metal arm crushed against his throat. Matt’s legs shook relentlessly underneath him.

Fuck. He couldn’t. Focus. The ringing shot a searing pain right through his head, digging relentlessly into his ear, and into his brain, and God- he couldn’t even think. Matt sucked in a sharp breath, his ribs aching, and swallowed the blood pooling in his mouth, the stench of metal weighing heavily on his tongue.

His arms hung limply by his sides, and he had to force his aching limbs to move, his hands gripping uselessly at his two sticks, and that looming sense of helplessness was once again sinking its claws into his back.

His fists gripped tighter. As much as he wanted to laugh at the irony of the situation—and Foggy always hated his sense of humour—he couldn’t really see a way out of this one.

But when did he ever let that stop him?

He heaved a breath; and directed his radar inwards.
He was the man without fear; and if there was one thing he didn’t fear, it certainly wasn’t death. If he could draw the bot’s attention to him, then maybe that could give the Spider-Man enough time to get to his feet and destroy the vital parts of the bot. Shit plan. Not even a well thought out one but...His senses echoed the figure of the doombot and Spider-Man's choked off murmurs; and from the rapidly slowing heartbeat thundering in his ears, Matt only had so much time to come to a head.

He supposed his defiance of fear bordered on stupidity at times, something Foggy loved reminding him of. “The Man Without Brains,” he called him. Matt’s smirk was rife with red, staining his teeth.

And then he ran.

Something exploded.

The world around him dissipated into a shadowy void, the world on fire extinguishing its flame; and suddenly Matt was ten years old again, the scent of antiseptic hanging in the air, he was writhing in a hospital bed, the smell of burning flesh gnawing at his senses- his face feels like its burning, and everything hurts, and he just wants to die, his dad- where is he? - the world’s too loud-he can’t see-

His throat constricted.

The ringing screeched even louder, high pitched in his ears, gnawing at his insides.

He couldn’t see.

Matt felt his hands towards the side of his head, his billy clubs disappearing God knows where. His mouth opened, and he felt his throat rasp, and then nothing.

Matt could feel the rough asphalt under him as his knees gave out underneath, and then he was nothing but a blind man heaving on the streets of New York.

Then he felt something on his shoulder. A feeling of dread stirred in his gut, but then touch turned into something familiar. A hand worn with callouses, hidden under layers of leather. The grip tightened. Those hands came to the sides of his head now, and Matt could feel the air moving directly in front of his face. The smell of gun oil, ash and pennies, willed his racing heart to slow to a calm steady beat.

Asshole.

Matt wasn’t sure how long his senses were surrendered to the ever long ringing in his ears, but the flames of his world were stoked once more. The fires licked at the figure of a man, and Matt couldn’t help the sense of relief- even if the more rational part of him spoke otherwise.

“Jesus, fuck- Murdock, I didn’t think-”

Underlying Frank’s muttered mutterings, the ringing sang high-pitched in his ears. Matt gave a full-body flinch, his words hurting more than helping. At that, Frank’s stream of words came to a halt. When the quiet became too much to bear, Matt was the one who broke it. “That your idea of help, Frank?”

A grunt. “Can still leave your senseless ass here if you want,”

“Yeah? And whose fault is that?” Matt snapped.

“Think a ‘thank you’ would suffice, Murdock.”

“...Thanks.” Matt spat out after much deliberation. It was only fair after all. Frank gave another grunt, but at least this time Frank wasn’t about to kick him in the ribs for his snarking.

“What was that, anyway?” Matt asked. He tilted his head to the side, willing his senses to adjust back to some semblance of normalcy. Damn that ringing.

“EMP. Spiked the doombots’ electronic wiring. Can’t speak for every one of those things crawling all over the place, but the ones in this area should be disabled.”

Matt tilted his head further. No ticking. His eyebrows shot up. “That’s...really advanced.”

“You could say that.”

Matt’s eyes narrowed and his lips set into a thin line. Matt knew that he didn’t even need to say anything for Frank to know that he wasn’t happy. They’ve done this enough times to know how the other was going to react; and wasn’t it weird, how that worked out?

Frank’s chuckle rumbled in chest, lighting up the rest of his body. “If you know what’s good for you altar boy, you’d leave it at that. Long and short of it-- Fury Jr. ain’t gonna be too happy.”

Matt rolled his eyes. Of course. Frank always knew how to piss off the wrong people. “This marks...what, the third time?”

“Fourth actually,” he said, refusing to elaborate further. Matt could detect the pride tinging his voice.

Matt let out a groan. “No wonder he loves you,”

“Yeah. Miss the company of old Senior though. ‘Least he doesn’t lecture me every time we cross paths. Straightforward guy. Lot to like.”

“You know for a fact that I wouldn’t need to lecture you, if you just stayed in jail and repented instead of breaking out and shooting every incarcerated person-”

“Putting it too lightly. Call ‘em what they are. Murderers. Rapists. Criminals. Scum. Always using that lawyer-speak of yours even in costume, hm?”
Matt could feel a migraine coming on. As much as he enjoyed their little debates, he wasn’t sure if he was really in the mood to engage with several broken ribs and a killer headache. And from the shift of his head, Frank seemed to recognise that fact.
“Shit- Murdock, you alright there?”

“I’m fine, I just...need a ride back,” he hissed. “And don’t call me that here.” Matt’s attention snapped to a specific wall crawler. If the deep inhales and the steady struggle gasps for air behind Frank was any indicator, the following exchange wasn’t going to be...pleasant, to put it mildly.

“Shame that wasn’t the real von Doom, huh CASTLE?! Real unlucky for your psychotic ass! Maybe your murdering crusade isn’t going so well for you after all!” sniped the voice accusatorially. With all the gasping he was doing however, it probably wasn’t as effective as he liked.

Frank straightened. “Bugboy. Pleasure.”

“Not technically a bug! They’re arachnids! Two different things!” he yelped. “Not a boy, either!”

Frank scoffed. “You’re welcome, by the way.”

“If you think I’m even close to thanking you, you got another thing coming, Castle.”

“Really? Looked to me you and the choirboy here had a few problems troubleshooting,”

“Yeah well you should’ve looked harder. We totally had that under control, no criminal interference necessary.” Spider-Man paused. “Er. More criminal than what we were dealing with already. Cause you’re a murderer. Who murders people.”

“Thanks.”

“Not a compliment!”

Matt sighed. “Spider-Man...”

“No! I’m not owing this guy any favours D! Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll just get right back to getting choked by von Doom and getting out of it myself!”

“Be my guest. You want the tin can to pummel the flaming Boy Scout over there, I can do that for you too.” Frank jabbed a thumb provocatively at Johnny’s still unconscious body.

Spider-Man shoved the hunk of metal pinning him on the ground and shot to his feet. He practically sped towards Frank. “If anyone’s getting a pummelling it’s gonna be you, you filthy murdering piece of-!”

Matt took that as his cue to shakily stand to his feet. Frank’s hand gripped on his waist, and he looped his arm over his shoulder, keeping him steady. Matt gave a silent thanks as he straightened. “Spider-Man. I would’ve died if it wasn’t for him. We all would have. I don’t like it either-” and Frank gave an affected scoff to that, “but we owe it to him.”

Spider-Man's protests died then and there, but Matt could still feel the anger in the clench of his fists.
“We’re lucky to be in his good graces this time,” Matt smiled. “I sensed he wanted to kick me in the ribs earlier. But thanks to his generosity, he didn’t. Isn’t that right, Frank?” He turned to him and gave his best shit eating grin.

“Jesus Christ...” Frank said, shaking his head.

“Blasphemy, Frank.”

“Whatever. What difference is there? I ain’t in the Big Man’s good graces anyway.”

“That’s not true…” Matt said sadly.

“No, no. Castle’s right. Pretty sure it’s the only time he’s *been* right.”

Matt set a glare in Spider-Man’s direction. Well, he tried to. He could’ve been staring at the wall behind him for all he knew. Thanks Frank.

There was a silence on Spider-Man’s end before he huffed incredulously. “…The only reason why I’m not webbing you up right now, *Castle*, is ‘cause I respect my friends’ wishes, even if they are completely insane. And hang out with equally insane guys.”

Matt could feel the heat of Frank's glare. He also heard Spider-Man’s ensuing gulp. Perfect.

“Um. Anyways. You should really get going Punisher. Unless you wanna catch these Spider-Hands.” Spider-Man said weakly.

“Duly noted.” Frank said as he unceremoniously shoved Matt into Spider-Man's arms. Matt quickly let himself back onto the ground. “Make yourself useful and get him to a hospital. You don’t want him bleeding all over you. He’s not as formidable as you or the Storm brother.”

Matt was offended. “I’m a big boy, Frank. I’m pretty sure I can keep my blood where it’s supposed to be.”

“Not what happened last night if I remember correct.” Frank grinned.

Matt huffed. “I was fine. I had it under control.”

“You had to sleep in my bed.” Matt wanted to punch him in the face for that one, but he couldn’t on account of Matt lounging on the soft, comfortable concrete below. He gave a full head-eye-roll instead. Yeah. That would show him.

What happened last night, was Matt: injured and covered in his own blood after a particularly horrific encounter with Mr. and Mrs. Bullseye. He just barely managed to get away and stumble into some random warehouse, which unfortunately happened to be one of Frank’s safe houses. He had to put aside his pride and he maybe had to ask for a bit of help. Just a little bit. Like he said, he totally had it under control. Matt wasn’t a stranger to (begrudgingly) needing Frank’s help, but more often than not, it was a last resort. Frank witnessing Matt’s moments of vulnerability, and Matt having to put his trust in him, no matter how easy it was, was definitely not worth the teasing. Especially not in front of Spider-Man. How was he supposed to respect Matt now?

As if on cue, Spider-Man made a sound of disgust. “Oh my God! Not in front of the baby! My poor ears.”

“Frank’s just making up tall tales, Spider-Man. Don’t listen to him.”

“Sure, keep yer pride in check. Doesn’t erase the truth.” Frank scoffed as he walked past. He bent down to scavenge for his discarded weapons lying on the ground. Matt, very silently, flipped him off and gave a smirk in Spider-Man’s direction. He heard Spider-Man snicker, but it died in his throat as soon as he sensed Frank giving a glance over his shoulder. “By the way, you free this Friday Red?” Frank asked.

Matt finally managed to lift himself up from the ground with the help of his billy club, and he tipped his face to the sky for a few seconds before tipping it back down. “What date is that? The fourteenth?” Matt thought for a moment. He couldn’t say he wasn’t busy. Between his lawyer work— which he was swamped with, way more than usual— and his vigilante work, he didn’t really have a lot of free time for whatever it was Frank wanted to discuss. But from Frank’s abnormally speeding heartbeat in his ears and the weirdly heated rush of blood towards his cheeks— Frank must’ve been way more winded from that fight than Matt thought he was— then whatever it was seemed to be really important. “I guess. Why?” What mission was Frank planning on now?

Frank scoffed. “Got something to discuss with you. In private.”

“Awww, planning a date with the Punisher Double-D? You guys finally having the ‘what are we’ talk?”

Matt squinted. “Shut up.”

Spider-Man gasped a little bit too theatrically for Matt’s liking. “How am I supposed to shut up when I’m witnessing such a beautiful display of-“ A loud whoosh and a clang took place of whatever he was going to say.

“Dude, Castle! I was joking!” Spider-Man yelled. “What the fuck was that hammer for?”

“Devil told you to shut up.” Frank shrugged.

“I’m honoured.” Matt said. He made sure to sound as sarcastic as possible. “Thank you, Frank.”

“Awww D, are you this guy’s keeper or something? That’s so cute-“ a gunshot this time. “ALRIGHT, I GET IT MAN! Watch where you’re aiming that thing!”

“I aim fine.”

“Well! That’s not terrifying at all.” Spider-Man drawled. “What if my brains got blown out, huh?”

“Eh. Your spider senses knew it was coming, didn’t they?”

“Uh yeah, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have feelings!” Spider-Man sounded way more hurt than Matt had ever heard him.

Frank barked a laugh, but to Matt’s ears it sounded more like a huff and a growl mixed into one unholy amalgamation. “Yer funny, Bug boy.”

“Man this is like, the one time I’m trying *not* to be, is getting shot point blank all that funny?”

“It’s hilarious.”

Spider-Man steeled towards Matt. “DD, remind me to never mess with the Punisher ever again.”

“He’s just joking.” Matt reassured with a smile. Matt hit Frank on the arm for good measure. “Weren’t you, Frank?”

“Sure.” Frank replied with a scowl. “‘n I only let you do that cause I’m in a good mood today.”

“Could’ve had me fooled. This guy’s lovely sneer just looks absolutely jovial. Do you even see his face right now, D?”

No, Matt didn’t say.

“Whatever.” Frank said.

That seemed to be the end of *that* conversation. Frank hunched over and strapped his rifle and equipment to his body. Then, he turned to offer a wave. “Be seeing you, Red.”

Matt grinned. “I won’t.” For as much as Matt wanted to smack him upside the head for his horrific display of passive aggression against Spider-Man, he did a good job of playing (relatively) nice this time around. He could respect that. Maybe not everything else but small victories, you know?

“Little shit.” Frank grumbled as Spider-Man made a noise of confusion. Then he walked off to God knows where, his heart’s thumping slowly becoming less audible in Matt’s ears.

“Hate to see you go, love to watch you leave!” Spider-Man yelled at Frank’s retreating back. The moment Frank’s heartbeat disappeared from Matt’s range was also, coincidentally, the point Spider-Man started freaking out.

“I never thought I’d see the day!” Spider-Man whistled. “Frank ‘The Punisher’ Castle, a charity case.” But then he angled his head in Matt’s direction. “Though he always seems to play that move whenever you’re around.”

Matt tilted his head and a deep frown creased his features. “What do you mean?”

Spider-Man floundered for a moment, before he schooled himself into a (mostly coherent) state of mind. “You’re like, the only person I’ve seen him talk to. Willingly. Last time we talked face to face, it was with the whole deal with...what I did to Massacre,” And at that, he fell silent. If the building rhythm in his ears was anything to go by, Spider-Man seemed to have some difficulty in admitting that fact, even to himself. Sore subject.

“…Anyways, the guy decided the best way to have a Super Serious Man-to-Man was to throw a flashbang right in my face. Which, uh, yeah didn’t go so well.” Spider-Man scratched the back of his neck.“Then for some reason, he decided that was the perfect time to lay some old Punisher Wisdom on me. With his boot on my neck. While I was writhing on the ground in agony, might I add.”

Matt’s frown deepened. He would have to talk to Frank about that later. So much for playing nice. “And what did he say?”

“I couldn’t tell you even if I wanted to. I wasn’t really…all there at that point. But you know what? I don’t even blame him. I’d be a bit shy if I was in the same the room as *this guy*,”

“I’m sure the Daily Bugle would have a few things to say about that,”

“Well sheesh, sorry that I don’t have a *Urich* backing my every move.”

“I don’t control what he says.” Matt rolled his eyes.

“Boo hoo. If you don’t want him, give him to me. I’d gladly give you Jameson any time of the day,”

“…I’ll pass.”

“You’re welcome. Now, as token of your appreciation you gotta put in a good word for your Spider-Buddy next time good ol’ Benjamin decides to ride your meat.” Spider-Man heaved a sigh. “….Which is probably gonna be tomorrow. I’ll, like, have a halfway decent morning, read the paper, and find out I’m apparently a terrorist for saving all of New York.”

“I’ll put in a good word for you.” Matt shook his head with a curve on his lips. “Go get yourself patched up. As a bonus, I’ll give Frank a warning on how he decides to exercise his jurisdiction next time I drop by. It's up to him if he wants to listen. Can’t promise anything.”

The thudding in Spider-Man's chest seemed to stop for a moment.

“Right…” and the lilt in his voice betrayed nothing, enough of a hint to clue Matt in. “The next time you visit our buddy Frank Castle?” and Matt couldn’t say he was a fan of the tone Spider-Man was talking.

Matt’s frown returned. “It’s complicated. He’s…well. He’s Frank,” Matt heard Spider-Man snort at that one. He continued. “…But he’s helped me on a few occasions, and vice versa. I drop by once in a while to talk business. It’s easy with him. He already knows my identity so-”

“Woah, woah, woah!” The air around Spider-Man dispersed. “You’re telling me you decided to tell the frigging Punisher your secret identity, and not me?! Your best superhero friend?!”

His frown deepened. “Well it’s not like I wanted him to know,” he huffed, offended. Seriously, who did Spider-Man think he was? “Besides, he’s the one that figured it out.” under *very* unscrupulous means; but Matt wasn’t about to explain that any time soon.

Spider-Man paused his arm waving and went stock still. “Wh-?!”

“Long story,” Matt dismissed with a wave of his hand. “I trust he won’t do anything dire with it.” Matt doesn’t mention the ungodly amount of times Frank apparently thought it would be funny to call the office landline. That time he had to dive across the towers of files sitting on his desk to stop Foggy’s speeding hand was one of his more...undignified moments. It ended with a rare chuckle in his ears and Foggy berating him for pulling his ‘crazy ass ninja stunts’ during work. Also for all the reorganisation Matt had to do; because Foggy was resolutely, not helping him with all that—even with the puppy dog eyes Matt gave him, no thank you.

At that he vaguely heard Spider-Man say the Punisher has you on speed dial? but that was neither here nor there.

“I already know the location of every safehouse he has in Queens anyway, so it’s only fair-”

“He has safe houses in Queens?!”

Matt flinched, his ears still sensitive from Frank’s stunt earlier. His lips thinned. “Yeah. The ones I know of, anyway; but they’re pretty much everywhere. Why?”

Spider-Man made a noise that was halfway between drowning and what Matt could deduce, an impressive impression of a choking duck. Then he sighed.

“You know what? I shouldn’t even be surprised- I mean it makes sense- the safehouse thing I mean- you and Castle were a given, so I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised, but wow, I just thought they were rumours you know?” Ha. Matt smiled. There he goes, babbling like always- wait what? Rumours?

“Like, what, infamous mass murderer Frank Castle is banging my buddy, Daredevil? That’s crazy!”

What.

“After that though, I actually started paying attention to you two and I thought, man, maybe those rumours weren’t so far off the mark?”

Huh?

“But the more I thought about it, the more I was all, ‘How would that even work?’ then I thought about me and Black Cat and then it suddenly made a lot more sense- but still-”

Spider-Man's words suddenly became a blur in Matt’s mind, blending in with the multitudes of sounds of New York City.

Matt smiled politely.

“Sorry, for a second I thought you said that Castle and I were together,” and Matt couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him, because *come on*. “I guess his little bomb did more to my hearing than I thought,”

Spider-Man's rambling came to a full stop.

“But...I did.”

Through his strangled laughter Matt managed to breathe out a “What?”

His next statement was phrased more like a question. “You guys are dating,”

Matt’s smile didn’t leave his face.

Hahaha. Spider-Man had managed to get the head on him on a few occasions. This time however, he wouldn’t fall for it and look like an idiot. Nope.

“Ever the comedian, Spider-Man. Can we move on now?” Matt gritted out. Spider-Man was joking as always, except this time the joke wasn’t funny. At all. It was as funny as Matt’s dating life. So yeah, not funny at all.

He heard the muscles in his right shoulder work, and from the movement, Matt parsed it as a shrug. Spider-Man's heart rate was through the roof, and he practically felt the cold sweat on the back of his neck. Whatever he was about to say-- Matt concluded- Spider-Man felt that it would smite him on the spot. By either God or Matt himself, he couldn’t tell.

He gave an awkward cough. “Hate to keep offending you, uh, DD but anyone with working eyes can see that- you and the Punisher...kind of got a thing going on.”

And Matthew Michael Murdock, in all his elegance, flagrantly unhinged his jaw wide open, closed it after thinking better of it; and then he flapped it open once more for good measure.

He managed to stutter out a very coherent, very poignant: “What?”

Spider-Man looked at him in disbelief. “Dude, you can’t be serious, right? Even Tony has a file on you being, like, the only mask that the Punisher even wants to associate with. And I’m the one with the displeasure of running into him like all the time. With how much I’ve had to work with him you’d think we’d be right as rain, but I’m pretty sure he’s got a vendetta on us well-adjusted folks. Not to call you insane, D, but, well, you kind of are for hanging out with….him.”

Him. And Frank. A…a thing?

Ha.

Hahahahaha.

And look okay, even if Matt looked insane for doing so, he couldn’t help the laugh that burst out of him at that moment, because really.

Really???

Matt was pretty sure that this was the most that he’s ever laughed in the last decade or however long they’ve known each other, because he could feel the discomfort emanating from Spider-Man. Surely- surely that wasn’t the basis for the apparent rumours, was it? Wow. He really needed to have that talk with Frank. He could already imagine Castle’s bemused huffs.

“Spider-Man, you-that's ridiculous, he doesn’t hate any of you,” and Matt has to will himself to calm down, else he’ll have a fit right then and there. “Castle--Frank, it’s the opposite. He respects you; he respects all of you, even if that sounds hard to believe.” Matt could hear Spider-Man go slack, but Matt continued before he could resume his floundering. “Look, you said he threw a flashbang at you? He probably only did that because he didn’t want to be seen with you, or have you turn him into the police—It's- he wanted to prove a point. What happened with Massacre, I bet he told you that you didn’t want to end up like him, to not cross the line, was that it?”

At that Spider-Man fell silent. He pressed on.

“Frank…he cares; and I am aware that it might sound like complete lunacy to you, and I’m sure the Avengers wouldn’t hesitate to say otherwise. Call it half-assed armchair psychology like I know you will, but it’s just that Frank is an idiot and can never be honest and,” A smile creeped up on Matt’s lips. “He has a soft spot for you, and every person like you. Like I said; he’s... a complicated man. I had to learn that the hard way."

The memory of a prison break flitted through his memory. Always at his lowest point, and Frank never failed to show up. Wonder what that said about him?

“He just...he needs help, and that’s what I’ve been trying to give him. He’ll never stop what he’s doing, and I hate what he does, believe me. It goes against everything I believe in. But he knows me, you know? Better than most. Everyone needs a second chance, a chance to do something good, I mean, he’s helped me, and I believe Frank can do better, if you just-just give him that,” Matt’s words petered out into silence.

Though Matt had to argue cases every day of his life, apparently it took defending Frank Castle’s honour— and Matt never thought he’d have to do that of all things— in front of one of his greatest allies that made him begin doubting himself. God, he didn’t think he felt this nervous since his first tort.

Spider-Man crossed his arms and tilted his head to the side. The silence stretched on.

“I dunno, you don’t exactly run someone over with a steamroller out of respect,”

Matt’s shoulders shook with laughter. “Yeah, I guess not,”

“Or put ‘em in a room full of explosives, or fill ‘em with explosives,”

Matt could sense each finger being raised with each new addition to Spider-Man's list of ‘Things Frank Castle Has Done to Piss Off Every Superhero Ever’.

“Or run off and go around LARPing as Rhodey, or piss off Nick Fury Jr. *and* Sr.-, or heck Squirrel Girl—Do I have to keep going? With everything he’s done to us, most especially moi, you know better than most--”

"I get it, Spider-Man. I still stand by my point,”

Incredulity was rolling off Spider-Man in waves.

“You.” He pointed at him. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

“When have I ever not been?” Matt said.

Spider-Man scoffed. “No-yeah, you and Castle got the tall, dark, mean, and brooding thing down tit for tat. Really miss when you used to have a sense of humour, you know?”

“I do have a sense of humour; I just don’t think Frank and I propositioning each other is particularly hilarious.”

Spider-Man pffhted. “You ever met that Marvel kid? From what Spider-Man Jr.’s told me, she is NOT messing around with that crap. Apparently, you guys rank number 2 on her list, right after, like, Cap and The Winter Soldier. Or was it Magneto and the Professor...”

Matt thought that Elektra’s death was the worst thing that could’ve happened to him. Evidently it was not.

Ms. Marvel. Him. And Frank. And. Just how far had this rumour (which became more and more of a tangible reality that Matt did not want to acknowledge) gone? So far that apparently even the younger heroes found time to shoot the shit about it? And....and... Could he sue for defamation? Slander? Client, Daredevil on the stand, represented by legal genius Matthew Murdock, suing all of New York’s resident heroes for the criminal offense of spreading lies on the alleged happenings of his sex life with infamous mass murderer, the Punisher. The greatest court case of the century- only beaten out by sheer stupidity.

“She...what?” Matt strained.

Silence.

“…I probably shouldn’t have said that, huh?”

“*Spider-Man*.”

“OK! Well, I’m gonna take that as my cue to leave! I’ll just give you a minute to…process…all that.”

“Wai-“

“Got to get going then!” Spider-Man said a bit stiffly. He made his way over to Johnny’s currently breathing, yet very limp body, heaved him into his arms, and with that, Spider-Man webbed his way across New York, Fantastic Four member in tow, back to the Baxter building.

Which left Matthew Michael Murdock, slack jawed on the streets of New York City by his lonesome, utterly dumbfounded.

---

“And then, man, he went into this whole thing about Castle, and let me just say, you do not defend someone like that if you’re not knocking boots,”

Johnny huffed a laugh. “Dude. That’s probably why he likes him so much,”

“Right? Man, if I took a shot every time, I had to listen to Logan complain about the Punisher every time we’re out,” A shudder ran down his spine. “I literally couldn’t get drunk enough to blank on his whining. But you get what I mean.”

“Sounds tragic.”

“Because it is.”

“Nah dude, but I get it. Sue’s always up my ass when I suck a little bit more than usual,”

“Ewww. ‘You’ and ‘sucking’ is not something I have ever wanted to imagine.”

“Oh ho, Webs, what ever do you mean?”

“Again. Ew.” A scoff. “But anyways, I meant, that you gotta take me to dinner first because beating creepy robot clones of your brother-in-law and sister’s ex is a great way to bring on the post-battle munchies.”

“Sal’s on 45th?”

“Only if you’re paying,”

“I don’t know if Doom hit you harder than usual, but dinner was your idea.”

“That may be true. But get this! I’m broke. So...”

“Or you’re just saying that because you’re a cheapskate and you hate your friends. Even the really cool ones. With cool haircuts.”

“Heh. You mean hot?”

“Flattery will get you some places, webhead. But not my wallet.”

“Oh yeah, ‘cause the New York public knows you’re just barely scraping by in your entire friggin’ glass tower dedicated to how totally awesome you are.”

“I’m pretty sure you’re thinking of the Cho guy. Your day job not pay you or something, webs? Need me to flame your boss?”

“Don’t you dare! He’d survive out of sheer force of will; and then somehow find a way to pin the blame on me because he’s fuelled on hate and joy courtesy of my suffering. Then he’d make me do a coffee run. Ugh great. Now you’ve pissed me off with this hypothetical. Thanks, Storm. ”

“Uh, you’re welcome?”

Spider-Man mutters under his breath. “Of course your nepo baby ass wouldn’t even begin to understand-”

Matt Murdock didn’t miss Spider-Man’s muttering on account of his enhanced senses, of course; but if the enraged shouts that followed were any indicator, Johnny Storm didn’t need super-hearing to get the general idea.

That was the point Matt tuned them out. He let their chatter fade into the endless noise of Hell’s Kitchen, their words still echoing in his head. He leaned back into his chair, the endless amount of court documents, files, and schedules forgotten.

He sighed. He really needed to have that talk with Frank sooner or later.

Chapter Text

Turns out, it really would have to come later. Much, much later. But it wasn’t for a lack of effort on Matt’s part, because he really did try, you know?

Putting a cap on the rumours of him…and Frank…dating…(Matt shuddered) was obviously a matter of great importance, but Matt Murdock was a busy man, and as much as Matt enjoyed gallivanting around as Daredevil in the evenings, he had a day job to uphold, one that held just as much importance as his vigilante career. It was important to Matt, that these two identities of his were kept separate. Besides the obvious legal implications, the violence and the order, the angel and the devil, were two sides of himself he could never reconcile. The vigilante affairs would be addressed when the sun set.

Which was why he was none too pleased when the Heroes for Hire came knocking on the doors of Nelson & Murdock. Really, really, loudly.

“...Do you think it’s too late to head back and ask Jess to do it?” Danny broached plaintively. “She’d be able to bully Matt into helping,”

“Leave her out of this, man.” Luke sighed. “Unless you want her to kick your ass. Which, honestly? I wouldn’t be against.” Luke sounded vaguely disappointed, in the way a father might be after learning his son kicked a ball straight through their neighbour’s window. Or is harassing a friend during work hours when they shouldn’t be. Either of the two.

Danny pouted. “You don’t mean that…”

“Besides, you know for a fact that Matt doesn’t like to be bothered on the clock, and I say, let the man do his job. We don’t gotta harass him where he’s working like this. I feel bad standing here.”

“Yeeaaahhh...but...” Danny whined.

“But?”

“Dude. Nick Fury?”

“Danny. I love you, but you should’ve thought about that *before* you said yes. We’re the Heroes for Hire. This is some black ops type of deal, not us,”

“I’m just saying, even if Matt’s probably gonna be pissed, it’d be better than whatever Fury’s gonna do to us. That guy not scare you?!”

“Fury scares me plenty. It’s why I said this was a bad idea. Unless you wanna get blown up by the man again, we should best be running back to him.”

“Aha! But here’s the thing, if Matt decides to LET US IN-” and Matt flinched to cover his ears for that one- “-- there would be no exploding necessary, comprende amigo?”

Matt heaved a sigh as he grabbed his cane and tapped his way to the door. If they weren’t in the process of hiring a new secretary, and if the Nelson half of the firm wasn’t out meeting a client, then he was sure he would’ve ushered in their guests much more sooner than he had. Matt at that moment, wasn’t as charitable as his other half. Their latest case was giving Matt a headache and he especially didn’t want another headache on top of that. That was just overkill.

“MATT, BUDDY, COULD YOU PLEASE DO A BROTHER A FAVOUR AND- oh hey Matt,” The Iron Fist gave a toothy grin. “How, uh, how ya been?”

Matt plastered on a smile. “Danny,” he nodded. Matt turned to where the second heartbeat sounded, “Luke,” he said in lieu of a greeting. Matt moved to the side as he brushed shoulders with Luke and Danny. They moved bodily into the office, the door shut behind them. The scrape of steel-on-wood screeched in Matt’s ears as Danny turned one of the office’s guest chairs around, and plopped himself down as he rested his arms on the back.

A large hand clapped him on the shoulder. “Hope we weren’t too loud. Sorry about-” and Luke vaguely gestured to where Rand was currently sitting solemnly. Danny shot him a pointed look. “And sorry we didn’t warn you in advance. But we wouldn’t have come if it wasn’t important,” Luke said apologetically.

“Yeah, and like this isn’t just Daredevil important, this is *important* important,” Danny said sternly “You know not to demean you or anything but…”

Matt raised a brow. “S.H.I.E.L.D. and Fury, wasn’t it? Not sure what any of that has to do with me.”

Danny shook his head stiffly. “It, uh. It ain’t that part that’s got to do with you,”

Matt’s lips thinned. “Then what?”

At that, the usually animated Rand was uncharacteristically silent. His mouth completely snapped shut. It didn’t help that Cage stood eerily still next to his partner; his arms resolutely crossed over his chest. Matt could feel the two exchanging glances. Probably urging the other to bite the bullet first.

“Well?” Matt urged, curiosity piqued and patience thinning.

Matt heard a kick and a rattle to the steel chair and Danny’s frustrated groan.

“Well…” Danny scratched his head. “Well, it’s got to do with the Punisher.”

Matt frowned. He was doing a lot of that lately. Especially if it had to do with Frank Castle. Life was not treating him well at the moment.

“We were just wondering if you’d be able to, uh, maybe ring him up and ask where he’s keeping all his S.H.I.E.L.D. stuff and if he could...maybe give it back to the big boss?”

Matt’s memory instantly rewound to the other day. The EMPs. Duh. Fury would want those back. But wait, what was the other--

“Wait ‘ring him up?’” Matt laughed in disbelief. “Danny, do-do you think I just have the Punisher’s phone number—why-” Matt *did* have Frank’s number but that wasn’t the point. Why would Danny assume…

“Whaddya mean, why?” Danny yelled. “You don’t have your boyfriend’s number?”

Matt died on the spot. There was no way this was happening. Again.

“I get that it’s gotta be hard with the whole murdering thing, but stealing from SHIELD?! That’s whole ass line entirely. I didn’t wanna say anything cuz I don’t wanna be the middleman between the whole lover’s tiff that I know you two are gonna have, but personally I don’t wanna get blown up again; so I’d rather just avoid that whole deal with Castle altogether- which is why we went all the way running to you,”

“No-that’s not-” Matt said helplessly.

“You don’t have to do it if you don’t wanna,” Danny quickly butted in. “I get it. I really do. If I woke up the next day and heard that Misty was burgling from Fury? Hoo boy, I’d be hauling ass all the way back to K’un Lun,”

“But-”

“Hm, well but you did say you didn’t have his number, didn’t you? That’s tough…”

“We’re not-”

“Alrighty, so trailing it is I guess. Do you-”

Danny felt a large hand settle on his shoulder.

“Danny.” Luke said gently. “You might wanna let the man say his piece,” he advised. He pointed in the direction of one Matthew Murdock white-knuckling his cane, jaw clenched a little bit too tightly.

Danny muttered an apology. “…Yanno, Jess always tells me I need to shut up more. Anyways, what’s up?”

Matt inhaled and counted to three. “Frank and I aren’t dating.”

Danny blinked.

“Oh.” he said. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine,” Matt’s smile returned. “Actually, you’re not even the first-”

“I didn’t know you guys were already married.”

Matt’s scream was loud enough to be heard throughout Manhattan.

—

“…I probably shoulda asked before we hopped the train the way here. I totally thought...” Danny scratched the back of his neck bashfully.

Matt was still heaving. Ohhh my God. Oh my God. What. There was so much to unpack there he didn’t even know where to begin.

How was this happening. Again.

“Sorry Matt, but,” Danny grappled. “I mean, you guys are so close, I just...”

“Me and Castle,” and Matt couldn’t help the venom as he spat his name out, “are not close. The contrary actually. Our relationship extends to tolerating each other at most and even then,”

“But everyone’s been saying-!”

“Don’t you think you’d want to hear it from me?” Matt gritted out. He wasn’t usually one to lose his temper like this but...Danny was his friend, surely he wouldn’t’ve-?!

“It’s just, you know how Jess is, woman’s got a freaky brain on her, and well she observed-”

He doesn’t even want him to finish his sentence.

Luke, thank God for his kindness, stepped in. “We can talk about Matt’s love life some other time-” (“We won’t.” Matt muttered.) “That’s not what’s important. What’s important right now is figuring out how we’re gonna avoid getting flayed alive by Fury.” Luke steeled his focus back onto Matt. “Dating or no, Danny wasn't lying when he said that we needed you. Castle’s gonna find a way to kick all our super-powered asses no doubt and leave before we can even get a word out of him. But he’s not gonna do that with you around. He’ll hear you out. Castle took both of us down, and that was when me and Danny were together. But with you, it’s three against one.”

Yeah, and look what happened to everyone who ever thought that, Matt didn’t say.

“Yeah!” Danny chimed in. “Whatever comes outta your mouth, he’s probably not gonna listen, but if it was either of us, he definitely wouldn’t listen.”

“That’s not exactly reassuring. Or even the best plan for that matter.”

“But it is true,” Danny said.

Matt thought for a moment. If Luke and Danny decided to undertake the suicide mission of reasoning with the Punisher, or hell, following him to his warehouse, then it only stood to reason that their chances would be better with him and his enhanced senses. He did need to get around to having that talk with Frank anyway. Shoving a little ‘sermon’ as Frank was so fond of calling them, in there, wouldn’t hurt either. Even if the chances of him listening were slim to none.

“Alright,” Matt conceded.

Danny whizzed up from his seat and shot into the air like a bullet. “ALRIGHT! BRING IT IN CAGE!” He whooped, a fist bumping into Luke’s readied hand. A series of claps and whooshes filled the room before the two were crushing each other in what Matt could approximate, as a very intense hug, if the sounds of Danny’s ragged breathing was a sign to go by.

An overwhelming feeling of guilt stirred in Matt’s gut. It didn’t feel right. It wasn’t right. Frank had the legal right to give up peacefully. Matt didn’t want to escalate a situation that didn’t deserve it, moreover with someone who wasn’t even offered the chance to try. Catholic guilt, knocking at his door once again. What else was new?

He’d have to keep this one to himself.

Danny clapped. ”If no one’s got any objections, I’d say it’s time to go Punisher huntin’!”

--

Misdirecting Luke and Danny was way easier than Matt thought it would be. But then again, why would he have a reason to lie? Matt told them that he heard his conversations with his hacker friend, and he, admittedly, felt bad when he told them that Frank was making his way by van, which, according to his friend, was the safehouse on 54th right next to the garage; the best place to store tech that wasn’t yours. Especially S.H.I.E.L.D. tech.

He also felt guilty when he swung in the opposite direction, telling them he was taking a different route. ‘Better to surprise Castle rather than flanking and showing our hand too early.’ he told them (Which wasn’t even a good lie to begin with, because Frank would’ve found a way to negate their surprise attack, flanking or no. Matt had an embarrassing amount of experience which served as a testament to that fact; but Danny and Luke ate it up so he guessed he couldn’t complain).

Matt made his way to the familiar drum of a heartbeat pounding in his ears. The steady rhythm of a killer. A killer who was currently, by the sounds of it, cleaning his guns in a dusted up apartment.

Matt swung down onto the fire escape and rapped on the boarded-up windows.

A grunt sounded within the apartment, and the sound of a heavy metal object dropping against a table echoed in his senses. Then, the quick action pump of a shot gun

“Frank?”

There was a scoff. Then the sound of leather rustling and a gun being dropped on a table.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Wow. Matt was gonna punch him in the face and it was barely even five seconds into the conversation. He sighed. “Hey to you too. I’ve been getting word that S.H.I.E.L.D. wants back what’s theirs.”

“Thanks choirboy, but you think I don’t know that already? What makes you think I’ll hand any of it over?”

“Fury thinks you won’t. That’s why he got the Heroes for Hire.”

“Eager for round 2?”

Matt resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “Maybe don’t do anything drastic this time. They’re my friends after all.”

“Yeah and what? You think putting a good word in for them will stop me doing what I have to do?”

Matt gave into the urge, and rolled his eyes. “No one’s making you do anything. I’m here to talk, Frank. Does everything have to be a confrontation with you?”

“Not exactly making a case for yourself standing outside my window. In your big boy pajamas, no doubt. If you wanted to come in peace, should’ve just given me a ring.”

“I don’t make a habit of ringing up mass murderers at work, Frank.”

“Should’ve thought of that before deciding to start a law firm, huh, Double-D?”

Matt was gonna sue the shit out of that newspaper. He swore it. This whole ‘dual identity’ thing wasn’t worth the trouble of Frank dangling Matt’s civilian self over his head: not even to blackmail him, but for the sole purpose of irritating him, and sad to say, but it worked. Every. Single. Time. Frank needed to get another hobby.

Matt reigned himself in and he huffed. “I’m serious, Frank. It doesn’t have to end with a showdown and an explosion because I know how much you love those. It’s not an ultimatum, and I’m not even asking you answer to Fury’s demands, but what I’m asking for you is to stop this before it gets out of hand. This is S.H.I.E.L.D. Frank. Not the Italians or the Irish or whatever. You know for a fact- you know better than me what messing with S.H.I.E.L.D entails.”

Silence.

…Was he actually listening? Matt tried not to let that get to him; but he did allow himself a silent fist pump before he pressed on.

“Cage and Iron Fist don’t even know I’m here. In any other circumstance I’d say that I’m being more than a bit generous, coming out here.”

Frank muttered under his breath, like Matt didn’t have super-hearing. Matt wanted to just give up all pretences at that point because he was seriously about to start whining. You know, if he weren’t a thirty year old man. You’re lucky this warning doesn’t involve me coming in there and giving you a hospital bill. Matt was going to go in there and show him. Seriously. “You don’t have to do this, Frank.”

“First reasonable thing you’ve said all day.”

Matt wanted to slam his head against the wall. Damn it. Why did he even bother? They always talked around in circles. Same points being made, same points argued, same points being ignored. Frank wasn’t gonna listen, he never did; who was Matt kidding?

But….

Matt wasn’t above appealing to his emotions however. He was a lawyer after all. Underneath all the violence and ugliness and hate there’s got to be a person. Right? Certainly not a good person, however…

….Matt couldn’t pretend like he wasn’t beyond God’s salvation either. It was probably the reason why he was standing in front of the Punisher’s apartment doing any of this in the first place. Matt pressed his lips and he hung his head, and even though Frank couldn’t see his display of humility, at least in Matt’s mind, he could confidently say that he tried being open and honest with Frank Castle. It was for the good of New York after all, and maybe Frank could do with some good in his life. Matt forced himself to push out the words from his throat before he could start to regret it.

“Just, please?…I’m asking you to help yourself out, for once. If not for yourself then for New York at least, you know, the people you’ve sworn to protect?” Matt’s not so presumptuous to assume that that includes himself, but he does think of Spider-Man and Frank’s odd brand of tough love. Matt wonders, why would he do any of that if he didn’t truly care? Matt knew, Frank wasn’t as cold hearted and stoic as he liked to present himself and if the ensuing silence on Frank’s end was an indicator of anything, then Matt was on the money on that one. Heh. Matt grinned. Time to sweeten the deal.

“And, look, if you think of this as a favour, then you can call in a favour too. I’m…willing to do whatever it is you want me to.”

“Really?” Something in Frank’s tone seemed to change. Matt didn’t know what it was but he almost seemed to be surprised. Impressed even. “You’re not fucking with me?”

“For once.” Matt scoffed. “Don’t look a gifted horse in the mouth, Frank.”

“Ain’t planning on it.” Frank started again. “So you’ll do, whatever? If I give the tech up? Peacefully.”

“Yes. Anything.”

“Even mur-“

“Almost anything.”

There was a chuckle from the other side and it was… strange to say the least. The big bad Punisher himself laughing. Making jokes. Matt couldn’t help the little happy squirm in his stomach.

“Well, I did have something planned on Friday. Was thinking you could join.” Thatagain. He already mentioned this mystery event yesterday; and weirdly enough, he still had that same reaction when he spat those words out. He almost seemed…embarrassed. Which was ridiculous. The very thought made Matt want to laugh out in disbelief. Almost.

Matt frowned. “Well whatever it is, it’s not going to be done if you don’t agree to my terms first.”

“Can’t make any promises.” And wow honestly, that was way more than Matt was expecting. Matt didn’t even know he was holding a breath until he let out a great, heaving sigh. He smiled.

“I’m not asking you to, Frank,” Matt reassured. “From one New Yorker to another you know…”

Frank grumbled but something in that rough gravel seemed to soften. “I’ll think about it,” he muttered and…wow. His heart rate remained even. He wasn’t lying! Matt could almost weep with joy….which he obviously wasn’t going to do. He had an image to maintain, dammit.

“You do that, Frank. And remember, you’re not alone in this.” Matt’s head twitched to the right. “They’ll be here in 20 minutes and if it isn’t in their hands, Frank, I swear…”

“Get outta here, Murdock,”

Matt bristled but decided against saying anything, he didn’t want to push his luck with Frank. He was pretty sure he was already asking way more of the other man anyway. He heard the distinct footsteps of boots heading back to the table, where Frank was doing whatever it was he did. Matt hoped that those EMPs would be S.H.I.E.L.D.’s once more and this whole thing would fix itself, and he could go back to harassing Foggy at the office and finally do his job.

Matt found his burner in the pocket of his suit, and mentally went through his contacts. It rang three times, and when it finally clicked, Matt cleared his throat. “Sorry guys. Turns out that Castle’s relocated…”

—

Matt really didn’t think he was asking for much, at all. Sure, Frank was stubborn, but even among all his Castle-eristics, there had to be a sliver of compromise, right? Right…?

“CASTLE YOU FUCKING BASTARD!”

He even said he was going to think about it. Talk about a disappointment.

“What’s he throwing?!“

He guesses he shouldn’t be too surprised; if the Punisher ever got into the habit of actually listening he’d actually stay in jail and serve his time. Then turn his life around, and…start a bakery or something.

“Ah Christ, Da…Iron Fist-!”

Ha. A bakery.

The big bad Punisher himself decorating little fairy cakes. Matt can only imagine the apron. And the grin on his face beckoning customers to head for the nearest exit. Now that was an image. Or, uh, lack thereof. Matt smirked to himself. Ha. He was hilarious.

“MATT!!! A LITTLE HELP?!”

Oh right. Matt shook the thought. He had bigger issues at the moment. Like stopping Frank from…whatever it was he was doing now.

Which seemed to be…uh.

Matt tilted his head. “Is that gasoline?”

“Finally decided to snap out of it huh?!” Danny screamed. Matt thought his voice cracked, just a little bit.

The smell hung heavily in the air, completely messing with Matt’s senses because of just how strong it was, then a tiny shink rang in his ears; and Matt only had a split second to process it when he suddenly felt the rush of heat in front of him.

Did Frank just….

“DUDE, WHAT?!”

He totally did. Matt couldn’t decide if he was impressed or just disappointed.

Danny was screaming for his life despite being the one currently not on fire while Luke was eerily quiet. Which meant, to put it bluntly, that he was pissed. Frank’s heartbeat was scarily even, and Matt could only imagine the stare-off that was going on right now.

Matt shuffled awkwardly, baton in hand. He bit the inside of his cheek and tried to subtly manoeuvre himself out of either party’s view and with each step, Matt questioned his life choices. Jessica was definitely gonna chew him out later. And Misty. And possibly even their little Danni, with Jess cheering from behind. Kids were scary.

“Castle, I’m giving you one last chance to give up peacefully or I swear on my mama’s life I will come over there and…“

“LUUUUKKEE! Ohmigod! Hoooly shit! Are you the Terminator or what!?!? Quit walking towards him!!! How are you not, like, wailing in agony right now???“ Danny flapped his arms around trying to…hell, Matt didn’t even know. Did he forget that he had magic healing hands? What was he panicking for? It wasn’t like Luke was gonna suffer third degree burns, which suspiciously enough, was something Frank knew as well. Which meant that this wasn’t the end of it yet, and probably also meant that this was probably only a distraction for-

There was a gunshot from Frank’s side. Then the sound of a metal chain snapping in half. Matt’s eyes widened and before he knew it, he was breaking into a sprint. Matt tried to yell out Luke’s name in warning; but it was too late.

“Is that a truck?!?!” Danny yelled.

“Dammit Frank!” Where did he even get that truck??

“WHERE DO YOU EVEN GET A TRUCK?!” Danny yelled, louder this time.

The hypothetical of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object was finally answered: when the truck made an ear-shattering impact into Luke, and exploded into flames.

Rubble rained down on them, the ashes and concrete and dust of the warehouse walls clouded Matt’s senses. The truck itself, was in ruins, a large dent marred the front: in the shape of, what Matt assumed to be, the silhouette of one Luke Cage. Which would be poetic in a way, if Matt weren’t absolutely seething at the fact that Frank fucking Castle just rammed a truck straight into his friends. Sure, it was conveniently aimed toward the guy with indestructible skin and another guy with the strongest punch known to mankind but still. Matt would say he was well within his rights to be a little pissed about it.

And if the way they passed out (from shock no doubt, not from any actual injuries sustained) said anything, well, that was only a testament of how much of a force the Punisher was to be reckoned with.

Speaking of…

Matt stomped over to where Frank was getting up after he jumping to the wayside of the truck’s path. He threw his billy club straight to his face and the force knocked him back down. Matt vibrated with rage.

“Dammit Frank!” Matt yelled again. For good measure. “What the hell was that?!?!”

Frank coughed. “A truck.”

“Can you take this seriously?!?” Matt didn’t like losing control of his emotions like this; it was weak. It was pathetic. He had no right to feel this sense of…betrayal. Frank didn’t owe him anything, they weren’t even friends. But… “You said you’d think about it! You said you’d…”

Matt couldn’t get another word in. Frank crumpled underneath his feet, and Matt didn’t want to admit to the sudden wave of fear that crashed through him. Matt knew, without a doubt, that Luke and Danny would be fine. Being ran over by a truck, no matter how absolutely *insane* it was, wasn’t even close to being the worst that’s happened to either of them. But Matt didn’t even think that Frank would…

Shit.

Matt ran to his side. “Frank?” Obviously he couldn’t see Frank’s injuries but he could definitely smell the scent of copper in the air, Frank’s heartbeat in his ear, growing fainter. Judging from the flow of blood, it sounded like there was something lodged in his upper thigh. Shrapnel from the blast, maybe? Whatever it was, it certainly didn’t help with his balance.

“‘M fine.” Frank gave another cough, weaker now. He made another attempt to get up, and Matt was quick to get an arm under him. Frank scowled. “Weren’t you…about to give me one of your sermons, there?”

Matt didn’t pay any attention to the jab -no matter how correct it was- but he was still insulted at the insinuation that Matt wouldn’t think to mention his leg. “Fine?! I- are you-?” How stupid did he think he was? Matt grabbed Frank’s arm, ignoring his grunt of protest, and keeping a firm grip, lay it over his neck.
Then he lowered the arm that was under his arm to rest on his waist. Matt grimaced at the amount of dead weight he had to carry. According to his senses, Frank was about half a head taller than him, which was evident in the way Matt basically had to Sisyphus him up; and he had to be at least two hundred pounds, because Matt was pretty sure he was about to follow Frank’s example and cripple himself. “Can you move?”

Frank grunted. “Barely.”

“Come on, Frank.” Matt gritted his teeth. “Nearest safe house?”

“…One, a few blocks, down.”

“Look. I can’t carry you all the way down there, you’re gonna have to drive.” Frank barely managed to grunt out a reply, and Matt worried his bottom lip. “Don’t pass out on me,” Matt strained, and he tilted his head and focused in on himself; letting his senses survey the area. “Look, there-there’s a car here, I can try to hot-wire it and you can take us to your safe house, and I’ll get that leg fixed, okay? Frank? Are you listening?” He jostled his shoulder.

“…Don’ waste your time,” Frank rumbled. “Yer friends,”

It took Matt a second to understand what the hell Frank was talking about, panic clouding his mind. He reeled his head. “What?” Matt huffed, making his way to the abandoned car. “Luke and Danny? They’ll be fine.”

“…Ran ‘em over.” He grunted.

“Which I am not happy about, believe me…”

Frank chuckled, but it lacked any humour. He gave another cough, but he didn’t make any attempt to hide the strain in his voice, this time around.

Matt shook his head. “…But your leg’s all kinds of fucked up, and you don’t want to be leaving that to fester.” Matt wrinkled his nose. “All I smell’s blood.”

“Don’ need help.”

He scowled. “…Frank, I’m blind and even I know that’s a load of bullshit. Now,” Matt was basically limping his way to the car.

“…Why?” Frank asked.

Matt stopped. He managed to curb his anger in light of Frank’s injuries, but his anger at…just- the whole situation, really- was making its way back now. Matt breathed in, his brows furrowed. Why? “…Why?” Matt repeated. “Frank, don’t be stupid. ‘Cause it’s you, that’s why.” Frank was injured, plain and simple. Matt’s conscience wouldn’t allow a fellow vigilante to succumb to their wounds, by themself, no matter how murderous they were. Besides, Frank had helped him countless times in the past, even when Matt fought him tooth and nail. His pride wouldn’t allow it. It wouldn’t be right.

That seemed to shut him up. Matt was worried, at first, at the sudden uptick in Frank’s heartbeat at his response, but it quickly settled down to a normal pace. Matt couldn’t help the sigh of relief that escaped him.

Frank laughed but this time, it almost seemed...genuine. “Choir boy.” and maybe Matt was imagining it, but he swore he almost heard a tinge of fondness in his tone.

Matt rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”

They were silent the entire car ride there.

—

“You ready to explain yourself?” Matt finally asked, after cutting the last of the gauze on Frank’s leg. He stood up and threw the scissors and the rest of the bandages onto the metal table, where Frank usually kept his guns on display, now had painkillers, cotton, antiseptic, bandages and the scent of blood. Frank, himself was sat on the shitty couch directly behind it.

Matt tilted his head down at Frank, crossing his arms; he did his best to look as intimidating as possible, but from the way Frank blankly stared at him, it didn’t seem to work. Matt lowered his arms and shifted awkwardly. “Well?”

Frank scowled. “What do you want me to say, Murdock?”

“Maybe we can start with you ramming a truck straight into my friends?” Matt spat. “Why did you think that was a good idea? Care to explain?”

Frank shrugged. “They wanted a fight, they got one.” Frank gave Matt a sidelong glance as he stood there, silently fuming.

“A fight?!” Matt repeated in disbelief. “Frank, you could hardly call that a fight.” Matt stood there, and he couldn’t help the tremor of his shoulders. “We talked about it, Frank! I thought…” thought what? That he would respect what Matt had to say? That he even cared enough to? That Matt’s opinion even mattered, at all?

“What was I supposed to do, huh? If it’s an apology you’re after, Murdock, yer not getting it.”

Matt stayed silent. He wasn’t disappointed. He wasn’t. Disappointment would imply that Matt was expecting anything from Frank to begin with; after all these years, he’d be an idiot for doing so. Matt wasn’t naïve, he knew Frank wasn’t going to stop killing people; but even with their weird back and forth, saving each other, then trying to kill each other soon after, Matt hoped that they understood each other, he hoped that….

…Maybe that was the problem.

Hope.

Matt really was an idiot. Frank was an adult, he could do whatever he wanted.

It didn’t mean it hurt any less, though.

“Okay.” Matt said, after a moment of deliberation.

“…Okay?” Frank parroted.

“Okay, Frank. You’re right.”

Frank was silent. Matt took that as a sign to continue. “It was my fault. I forced my beliefs, my morals, on you, when I shouldn’t have. That’s my bad. I forgot about your own autonomy.” Matt swallowed. “I’m still not happy, but…it’s Fury who you should answer to. Not me. So, I’m sorry.” Matt threw his cowl back on, and he made his way toward the exit.

“Wait, wait, wait…” Frank immediately sat up.

“I won’t rat this place out, Frank, don’t worry.” Matt smiled bitterly. “but this is your final warning.”

“Wait.”

“Be seeing you, Frank.”

“Wait, Goddammit!!!”

A hand shot to grab at Matt’s bicep, and the next thing Matt knew, he was turned, face-to-face with Frank Castle. Matt could hear the angry thump of Frank’s heart, and Matt could only imagine the amount of pain that was currently searing through him. He was gritting his teeth.

“Frank- your leg-“

“Shut it, altar boy.” Matt’s jaw immediately snapped shut. Frank heaved a breath before he continued, through the pain. “That all you think of me, huh? What do you think was in the truck. Tell me.” Matt didn’t know what Frank was talking about.

“Frank, what…”

“Guess.”

“I don’t know, Frank.” Matt was angry now. He pushed back against the firm grip Frank had on him. “Now, sit down before you-“

“The tech.” Frank gritted out. “It was the tech.”

It was Matt’s turn to fall silent. His brows shot up.“What…”

“Yeah.” Frank said. “I was going to return it but uh, your friends caught me in the act.” He shook his head. “Prob’bly thought I was in the middle of hauling ass or some shit. Chained it up before they could get any closer to damaging it, can’t trust those supes to handle it delicate, you know?” Frank dropped the hand he had on Matt, and he brought it to the back of his neck, almost bashfully. And what a strange look to see on Frank Castle? “Don’t matter now. It’s probably all in the wreck now. Fury’s gonna show up there pissed as hell, but…” Frank raised his shoulder, and set it back down again. “His problem. Not mine.”

Matt dropped his jaw. Then he suddenly felt his face heat up. “…you?!?”

“Yeah.” Frank grinned.

Matt raised his hands to his face. He was mortified. Maybe if he hid behind them Frank couldn’t see how utterly stupid he looked. It was only through sheer force of will that Matt didn’t crumple to the ground in a heap of embarrassment. “And you let me…?!”

“Hey, you had to let out your anger somehow.”

“Screw you.”

“None of that attitude, now.” Frank said. “If I recall, someone owes me a favour.”

Maybe it was anger, embarrassment, or disbelief, or maybe a combination of all three, but Matt couldn’t help his outburst. “It doesn’t count! You didn’t even return it!” He yelled indignantly.

“Not my fault I got some unwanted guests. Now. Friday? Yes or no?”

“I’m leaving.” Matt said, and he shifted his body away from him. Frank stared, and Matt felt like he was seconds away from killing himself.

Frank must’ve seen something in his face, because he just laughed like the whole thing was just hilarious. When it absolutely wasn’t.

“Fine. I’ll spare your pride, Murdock.” Frank limped his way back to the couch, and he sat down. “Be seeing you Friday.”

“I won’t.” Matt mumbled, as he made his way towards the exit, tail between his legs.

Frank laughed.

—

Later, Matt found himself in Luke and Jessica’s apartment, celebrating the prevention of another major New York City meltdown.

They were all lounging on the couch, Indian takeout boxes scattered on the floor, a case full of beer having made its residence on the table. Misty, according to Danny, took the kids for a sleepover in the Rand residence, which left the rest of the Defenders to deal with the spectacle of a drunk Danny Rand.

“And it’s like…the weirdest thing ever man,” Danny slurred, a bottle halfway to his mouth. “One moment I’m gearing up to knock the guy out n’ bam!” There’s a loud bang on the table. And Matt absolutely does not jump. Nope. “All I member’s a truck. Then blacking out. Real weird stuff. You get what I’m sayin’?”

Matt couldn’t help the nervous chuckle that escaped him at that moment. Matt was going to fall to his knees and start praying. God, please don’t let him find out. Please. “I…can’t say that I do.”

Danny made a sour face as Luke shook his head. “That makes sense. Seeing as how you weren’t all there while we were getting our asses whooped, ain’t that right Murdock?”

Matt’s lips thinned. “Hey!” But he didn’t really have a comeback for that. On, uh, account of Luke being absolutely right.

“‘Nywaayyysss,” Danny butted in. He leaned closer to Jess. “After wakin’ up all peaceful-like in my bed from whatever the heck that was, Misty hands me the phone and I-we get this call from Fury congratulatin’ us!” Danny let out a belly laugh, much to the disgust of one Jessica Jones-Cage, sat across from him, five beers in, stone faced as ever. She seemed vaguely amused. But mostly annoyed.

“Apparently, all the stuff jus’ showed up at the front door of S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ. I dunno if that guy’s finally come to his senses or what but I gotta say, Castle’s gotta be as silent as a ninja if he could pull THAT off,”

Matt wasn’t so inebriated that he missed the whispered “didn’t I tell this guy to shut up more?” from a disgruntled wife and the faint “leave him alone,” from her much more lenient husband. Speaking of…

Luke nodded. “Well that aside, we couldn’t have done it without the man himself,” he raised a bottle in Matt’s direction. Danny made a sound of appreciation and clinked his bottle against Luke’s. He managed to down it all in an impressive eight seconds. But not before he spilled it all over his shirt.

“Yeah,” Jessica sneered, while Luke looked wearily at Danny. Matt didn't miss the rare sound of barely disguised awe in her voice. “Who knew it’d take the man without fear to pull out that giant stick up that guy’s ass.”

Matt gave a weak smile. “I, uh, really don’t think I had any say in this case.”

Luke scoffed, but with the beer in his system it sounded more like a snort. “Not what Fury said”

Matt stilled. “Uh. What?” Fury had mentioned his name? A wave of anxiety mixed with pride crashed through him.

“Man has eyes and ears everywhere. You really think he didn’t tell us about your friendly discussion with the Punisher?”

Awkward. “Well-“

“YOU LIED TO US?!” Danny spat out, and he managed to spit his beer right in Luke’s face. Matt wasn’t really paying attention, but he thought he heard Jessica yell out something about karma before she erupted into laughter. Danny stalked towards Matt. “YOU LIED TO US SO YOU COULD GO TALK TO YOUR BOYFRIEND?!”

A vein popped.

Matt rose up from his seat and he slammed his bottle against the table, beer flying all over the place. Luke, the poor guy, got another face full of fermented wheat and Jessica’s laughter increased tenfold. Matt would honestly be freaked out at that fact- considering that woman has a permanent scowl on all the time- but not if…he weren’t so pissed at the idea of-of—

“Danny, I swear to God, how many times do I-”

“You expect me to believe-?!?”

Though Luke and Jessica had to physically pull Matt and Danny from getting into a drunken altercation (much to Jessica’s disappointment), Matt would say the day ended on a high note…Minus the dry cleaning Luke demanded they pay for. Considering they were in Luke and Jessica’s apartment, and their dryer was right there, Matt thought it a tall order, but Luke said it wasn’t so much about the thing so much as the principle of it all. Whatever the hell that meant.

The next day in the offices of Nelson and Murdock, Matt gets a voicemail from Nick Fury, congratulating him on keeping his guard dog leashed.

Matt wants to slam his head against the wall. Seriously. The office landline’s for lawyer business only, people!