Devil in Disguise
Chapter: 2/8
Word count: 960
Pairing: Frank Castle x Matt Murdock
Rating: Mature (this chapter is kinda fluff ngl)
“I’ve got it from here, thanks” Matt unlocked his front door, he had heard someone in his apartment on his way up the stairs and didn’t want to get anyone else involved in the mess.
“I’m coming in, we haven’t finished the paperwork.” Foggy stated, he stood at the door.
“Really, I’ve got it. Just put the box on top” blocking his way.
He sighed “i don’t like this but If you insist, I’m gonna go home and sleep like a baby” he put the box of files on top of the one Matt was already holding.
“I appreciate the help”
“Make sure you’re not late tomorrow.” he turned and left, followed by the door being shut and locked. Matt dropped the boxes and his cane next to the door. He was prepared to receive a hit as he walked down the hallway towards the open space of his apartment. He could smell something spicy, he smelt it earlier but didn’t give it much importance while thinking that there was an intruder in his home.
“Hey” That unmistakable voice, Matt recognised him before they’d come face to face. Yet, he punched the man on his face, missing, causing him to jolt back. It was received too well. “I deserved that.” Frank stepped closer to him.
“You’ve been gone for months!” He yelled, gritted his teeth. Frank reached his hand out to him, placing it on his arm and traced down over Matt’s fingers and taking a hold of his hand.
“I’m sorry” Frank lifted their interlocked hands up, placing a kiss on Matt’s knuckles that hit his face. He smiled “You pack quite the punch.” He sounded proud.
“My dad…” He was mad at him and this wasn’t the time to unload trauma, but he wanted to tell him. “He was a boxer.” He didn’t need the reminder but things suddenly seemed bleak. Frank noticed the sudden change in his demeanour. He felt guilty for it.
Frank held Matt’s face, rubbing his thumb over his cheek trying to comfort him. “He’d be proud of you.” He scanned his expression. He pressed a kiss on Matt’s temple, pulling him into an embrace. Matt’s shoulders relaxed after a few seconds.
“What’s that smell?” He turned his head towards the scent. He didn’t want to unravel the spiralling trauma right now.
“I made you dinner.” Matt leaned into the embrace, his arms holding onto the other.
“It smells great.” He leaned away and removed his glasses, the result of sleepless nights visible under his eyes.
Frank watched him, he held his chin with his thumb just under his lips. Frank waited a second for his reaction before pressing his lips on Matt’s. There was no response, Matt froze but didn’t reject. Frank kissed him a few more time before letting out a dry laugh. “Really mad at me huh?”
“I really want to punch you again.” Instead he grabbed the collar of his shirt and kissed him back but turned away just as quickly, walking away from him.
Frank was humoured, smiled even. “Ok, I’m game.” He moved towards the table he had set up earlier. “Let’s get through dinner first at least.” He pulled back a chair for Matt. He pressed a kiss onto his shoulder after he sat down. “It’s curry with rice.”
Matt started tasting the dish, Frank waited for an opinion. He didn’t usually care but he put in the effort to make this special. “This is… delicious” he took another bite, savouring the flavours. “I didn’t think you could even cook.”
“I’m definitely no chef” He dug in. “Glad you like it.”
After they finished up, Frank cleared up the table while Matt leaned next to the sink. “Why’re you really here?”
“To have that dinner we agreed on.” He put away the last plate, standing to face Matt. “You don’t want to believe that.” For just a second it became evident that the notion had hurt him. Matt was painfully aware of it but they both knew it was a lie.
“Let’s get some fresh air, I’ve heard the view is great on the roof at this time of night.”
Matt held onto his arm as they reached the top, they sat on the concrete block. Matt tuned out all the noise around him, he needed this moment away from the world. He took a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing with the exhale. They sat in silence together for a few moments.
“Why’re you here?”
Frank leaned on the shorter man, placing and arm behind him. “You’re a lawyer, I thought you knew better than to ask that.”
“I’m not asking as a lawyer.” Matt sighed. He knew something big was going to tear the city apart if Frank Castle was involved. Just once he wanted a chance to prevent it.
Frank used his free hand to guide Matt’s face towards him. “Stay out of my way and you’ll be fine.” It may have sounded like a warning but that was in fact advice, because he cared just a little. He followed that up with a kiss to his temple. None of it was reassuring for Matt.
“You owe me.” He never wanted to say that but he knew what Frank was capable of, he needed a win. He placed a hand over the one on his face. He kissed him, holding it for a moment in hope to elicit some sympathy and asked again. “Tell me.”
“This isn’t about you.” Frank’s voice was gentle but Matt came to the realisation that he would not be getting any answers. Frank stood up, “Let’s get you back.” He took a second to take in the night, the city around him. “Someone lied to you about the view.”