This one may be slightly connected to Comfort Long Overdue, which gives a bit of context!! Speaking of, I may write a part 2 soon, we'll see. That one may be a bit shorter with a more serious convo.. (Scheming...)
This one’s a little more focused on Frank but I’d like to write one soon of him spending whole the day with his little
Frank would just be the best caregiver ever and I LOVE writing him
Caregiver!Frank decides to go shopping
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Frank usually tried to keep a low profile. He wasn't exactly the most popular man in New York at the moment, and being seen could cause way more problems than he had time for. He'd occasionally go to his favorite diner or sometimes out to grab flowers for Karen if he was visiting her, with the rest of his errands out being to places that were very sketchy and dangerous. Places where nothing good happened.
Danger. Frank knew that his life as the punisher could put you in a very vulnerable position, making you a target to people who wanted to hurt him. That thought echoed through his mind any time he talked to you; any time he brought you food or even just gave a slight nod towards you in the hallways. But at the same time, he knew you needed the comfort more than anything— He would just have to try extra hard to keep you distanced from his vigilante lifestyle as much as he could.
He stepped out of his apartment at about 11:45 AM. He knew you were probably at work, which based on your previous interactions, Frank could tell the job wasn't treating you well. You always came home completely drained and exhausted, clearly looking like you were trying not to tear up when he asked how your day was. Things had only seemed rougher for you recently, his mind going back to the state you had been in the day before.
The way your entire body shook as he held you, your eyes wide as though everything was just too big for you at the moment, it all made his heart ache, and he wanted to help for these times when you felt this vulnerable. He walked the city streets looking for a store that might have what he was looking for. Finally, one store in particular caught his eye. Soft plushies sat in the display window, the whole store seeming like some kind of pastel wonderland. To someone like Matt, seeing Frank in this store would feel almost comical, but Frank didn't care. So what? You were his kiddo now. And if this is what you needed, it was yours. No questions asked.
He skimmed the shelves as the employees eyed him, judging him far too quickly by his exterior, wondering what he was doing there.
One of the employees had come up to him somewhat anxiously
"I'm alright, ma'am. Just lookin' for stuff for my kid."
His voice was low and gravely, radiating the kind of toughness that
"Well alright then! just let me know if you need anything."
She walked quickly back to the register, still somewhat intimidated by Frank, who had shrugged it off and was skimming the wall of stuffed toys. His eyes landed on a sweet little stuffed rabbit. He didn't really understand why, but it reminded him of you. He picked it up, continuing to look around at everything the store had to offer. He didn't want to overstep and buy things you didn't want, but he knew you'd never ask for anything yourself.
He ended up grabbing a few pacifiers that caught his eye. He figured it might be useful to have backup, as he always liked being prepared for every situation. It was the marine in him. He picked up a few bottles as well, noting how there had only been one the last time he had looked through your cupboard for something to put you at ease, and that just wouldn't do. Your entire apartment had already been pretty empty, and even if it was you still deserved the essentials.
He took all of these items over to the counter to pay, silently hoping that you would like them.
On his walk home, he couldnt help but he curious how you were doing. As he carried everything up to your apartment, he looked through the bag one last time before knocking on the door.
You opened the door flustered, not expecting any visitors, especially after yet another exhausting day. Honestly if it was going to be anyone, you were glad it was Frank.
“Uh..hey Frank!.. did you need anything?”
He could tell you were tired. He noticed your eyebags and weak smile that was clearly forced.
“No, but you do. Here, I uh, figured ya might want this..”
He handed over the bag, making sure it was in your grasp before pulling his hand away, he knew you were on the clumsier side and the last thing you needed right now was to drop anything. You looked in the bag to see two pacifiers. One blue and one black with a little skull, some sippy cups and a bottle all with sweet intricate designs, and of course the stuffed rabbit with its fur soft as a cloud. Before he could ask if you liked it, you hugged him as tightly as you could
He lifted his arms slowly and hesitantly, shocked by the abrupt hug. He put his arms around you, hugging you tightly and rubbing your back to soothe you as tears pricked your cheeks.
“Guessing that means ya like it..?”
You gave a quick nod as you buried your face against him, making him hug tighter. He wasn’t going to let go unless you did first, letting you hug him as long as you needed to. He was filled with a sense of fatherly pride, glad that he was doing the right thing.
“Hey kiddo… how bout we sit down and you can tell me bout your day..alright?”
you sniffled, wiping your snot and tears into the sleeve of the baggy hoodie you slipped into as soon as you got home. He let out a soft chuckle.
“Ew, c’mon, that’s gross..”
That only made you giggle as you plopped yourself down on the couch, letting him sit beside you. It was clear in his expression that he would let you talk as long as you needed. Though it wasn’t long until your sentences became energetic and confusing, devolving into soft sweet rambles that he pretended to understand. You felt safe around him. You’d always kind of seen him as a sort of strong father figure, but you didn’t actually expect him to care for you.
“What’s that sweetheart? Tell me more”
He had not a clue what you were saying, but was just glad he could get you to calm down.
