hellsguardiandevil

[hellsguardiandevil]

Matthew? What are you doing here? Elektra… I’ve run out of places to go.

[hellsguardiandevil]

continued from here with @strongestavengerbruce

Bruce smiled, almost comforted by the fact that Matt sounded so concerned, despite the waves of emotion he could feel rolling off of him. He wasn’t skilled enough to place it. Was it self-doubt? Or maybe he was mourning. Though he simultaneously loathed the idea of causing him any stress. “I’m okay.” He hurried to assure his friend. “I mean- kind of.” Were any of them okay right now? If he hadn’t already seen Tony, and Emma, the change in Matt’s appearance would be stark, and definitely a reason to falter. But he had almost been prepared for it.

“You didn’t escape unscathed then?” He asked, hoping he would know what he was referring to. “You don’t have to stand up-” He added suddenly, stopping where he was in case Matt decided to move any closer. “It’s just… people near me, I think I make them nervous. Or anxious… I don’t want that to happen to you.”

Matt didn’t need to have super hearing to hear the lack of confidence in Bruce’s answer. He could guess the reason for his uncertainty. He had yet to find anyone who was thrilled and completely comfortable with whatever it was that had happened to them now. He suddenly remembered how he looked and noted the lack of surprise at it. He was sure Bruce had seen others. He might look like a statue, but that was the last striking change that had been described to him.

Unable to help a small laugh at the question, Matt shook his head. “No, no I didn’t,” he sighed. He started to move towards the Bruce, but stopped when the motion seemed to make the other uncomfortable. When the scientist explained his worry, he nodded once and stayed in his aisle, though he rested against the back of the pew in front of him so he was still facing the other man. “Sounds as though you didn’t escape unscathed either,” he offered gently. 

“Probably best for us to keep this distance,” Matt agreed, gesturing to the space between them. “I tend to learn things about people. Unjustices committed by and against them. It isn’t that I believe you’ll have something that would change my mind about you, but it is invasive and I can’t control it,” he warned Bruce apologetically. “Not really something I would appreciate others doing to me.” “Besides all that, how have you two been?” Matt wondered.

[hellsguardiandevil]

Not on my watch.

[hellsguardiandevil]

Matt had already spoken with the nuns and he had exchanged supplies with them. Now, he sat in his usual spot on a pew and thought about Father Lantom. The man had been like a father to him after his own had passed and he’d found himself alone in the world. Now, sitting feet from where he lost him, he wondered with the old priest would say about what he’d become. People on the streets were saying the ones who gained powers had the strengths of the gods and he’d personally been turned into the living, breathing statue of Justice. A piece of him hoped that Father Lantom would find comfort in the idea that the angry boy he’d helped would be given such a role, but he had no idea if it was because it suited him or not. No matter what happened, he knew the Father would be able to an aspect he could not. With a sigh, he sat back missing his old friend.

Matt’s thoughts were derailed when the sound of a different old friend broke the quiet. He turned his ear towards the speaker and smiled for a moment, before it changed to worry,” Bruce, what are you doing here? Are you alright?” he wondered, standing up. 

Bruce felt guilty for potentially intruding, the guilt only serving to make his ever present anxiety worse. But Emma was right, hiding away wasn’t going to help him. He had done that once  already and eventually he had been pulled back into the chaos. It was where he belonged, regardless of whether he liked to pretend otherwise, and despite the dome, he was happy. He had friends, a new family, people who cared about him and people he cared about. So he had taken her advice and left her apartment, making his way to where he knew Matt would be. It had been a long time since he had checked up on his friend, so it only seemed fitting to seek him out. As far as he knew he was working hard, gathering supplies and trying to help those he needed the support. Hesitantly pushing open the door to the church, he crossed the threshold and called out, not wanting to startle anybody. “Hello?” His voice echoed off of the stone, reverberating back at him. “It’s Bruce… Uh, Bruce Banner.” 

@hellsguardiandevil

[hellsguardiandevil]

Peter: Where’s Wade?

Matt: Somewhere disappointing God.

[hellsguardiandevil]

continued from here with @qucke:

So that’s what it was. Not moving the car or at least driving around the block had been a huge oversight, but getting gas would draw unwanted attention considering the indefinite quarantine that the dome provided. Daisy quickly did her best to look embarrassed, running a hand through her slightly messed up hair with a dismissive laugh. He looked like any normal civilian and she could respect a protective streak for the church.  “Ah, no I’m okay. I must have lost track of time…”

Dark eyes darted towards the ignition, lacking any keys and wires exposed. Only small favors had sent someone blind to check out the loiterer than actually calling the cops. Daisy sat up straighter, squinting at the man with a small inkling of familiarity that quickly passed. “I was just passing through town visiting a friend before all this happened.”

Large sweeping gestures helped to distract from the half truths, however such actions seemed useless on the man before her. Thankfully the evidence in the car only backed up her claims with empty food and drink containers littering the floor. A mound of clothes formed a lumpy pillow in the back seat next to her defunct lap top for when she decided to climb back for some actual rest.

“Anyways, thanks for looking out but I’ll be okay. Let ‘em know I didn’t mean to step on anyone’s toes.”

Matt listened to far more than the woman’s words as she responded to him. She avoided flat out lying to him, but she was hardly being up front with the truth. He could hardly blame her in the situation. “Lost track of time? They made it sound like you’ve been outside here for a few days,” he offered gently.

Normally, the hotwired car would have given him reason to be suspicious of several things, but lately that might be the only way to get some cars started. He could smell the empty food containers and dirty clothes before he knocked, but now that the door was open he took in the variety of it all. “If you want to wait for your friend, you can come inside and way. It might be a lot safer for both of you and they have food there, clean clothes, and a place to rest,” he offered. Even before all of this, the promise of snacks usually gave people pause.

Saying she meant no harm was the most honest thing she’d told Matt and that was a relief. “No harm done,” he assured her. “There are good people here. They might be gruff and very, very strict, but they want to help people.” He took a half step back, not wanting her to feel crowded. “Name’s Matt Murdock, by the way. If there’s anything I can do to help, let them know. They know how to find me,” he told her, offering his hand. If she was going to leave, at least he might be able to give a name to soothe the nuns inside the church.

[hellsguardiandevil]

Me by the end of the work day when I get home…

[hellsguardiandevil]

Matt was at St. Agnes again, wanting to drop of extra supplies to the church so they could continue to care for those who had nowhere else to go. While he was there, he couldn’t help overhear a couple of the nuns whispering. 

“It has been there for a couple of days now.” “Do you think we should say something? Maybe they need help?” "I’m worried they are tired of waiting for the courts to be able to decide things.” 

Matt understood the nuns worries. The orphanage raised children like him who hadn’t had parents, but also housed children who had been taken from their parents for a variety of reasons. This wouldn’t be the first time someone wanted to speed up the process.  “I was about to leave anyhow. I can see what they want,” Matt offered. Both of them had been there when he’d been brought in after Midland Circle and knew he was more than he seemed. He’d be able to take care of a lot of troubling people and that was before his current transformation. “We couldn’t ask-”

“You aren’t. I’m offering,” Matt assured, offering a smile. “It really is the least I could do for all of you.” After all of the chaos they went through, it was nice to investigate a car. It was almost boringly normal and he found he wanted more situations that would be so easily handled. While Matt approached the car, he listened carefully to whoever was inside. Finding the person to be a woman who was roughly his age and currently asleep, he thought that she was most likely not there to cause any violence. He rapped sharply on her window to wake her and backed up so she would have room to get out and time to clearly see that he was blind and not a threat.  Matt heard her whisper to herself and hid his frown. He had no idea why an agent of any group would be outside of the orphanage at a time like this. “The nuns inside the church wanted to ask you that question,” Matt offered softly. “They noticed you’ve been outside for a couple of days and wanted to know if you needed help.” Though his words were polite, there was an edge to them to warn that if she wanted to help herself to something that wasn’t offered that she should move on and find somewhere else to hit up.

@hellsguardiandevil | Outside of St. Agnes 

Weeks without sunlight had completely wrecked her internal schedule and Daisy would find herself becoming drowsy at odd hours. Not that it really mattered when there had still been little leads on finding the rest of her team. It was hard not to feel frustrated or hopeless, and in an attempt to feel some kind of useful she had found herself parked on a familiar old street. In front of a place in any other circumstance she would have been perfectly happy to never see again. So far, nothing had happened, only the normal (whatever that was) foot traffic that allowed for dark eyes to fall closed. 

It went against her training and Daisy could only imagine what May would say to be caught so off guard. But there was nothing but static on the radio at the moment and it would do no good to run the battery dead on her borrowed car of the week. It wasn’t long before she’d slipped into a fit of restless sleep, only to be jolted awake by a firm knock on her window. 

“Good job Agent Johnson.” She groaned to herself, rubbing her eyes before pulling herself into a sitting position to open the door and send an innocent and curious look at the man standing outside. “Can I help you…?”

[hellsguardiandevil]

Merry Christmas!

[hellsguardiandevil]

Joanne Whalley as Sister Maggie and Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock

[hellsguardiandevil]

continued from here with @strongestavengerbruce:

“Honestly, I’m wondering whether I should give up on being a science person and do the same.” Bruce admitted. It was no secret the scientific research into the dome and its properties was proving useless. Seemingly there was no way to understand it, which meant there was no way to figure out how they might bring it down. If people like Doctor Strange couldn’t have any affect, then what hope did he have, really? Magic felt like a far better tool than his lab equipment. “I hope so.” He said quietly, despite knowing Matt really was right. any help he could offer in that respect would be very much appreciated. “I think a little figurative light could go a long way right now.”

Laughing quietly at the suggestion, he wondered whether maybe he was just a watered down version of Tony. Hiding behind logic and weak protests so that he could deny any responsibility when things finally did go wrong. Smiling, momentarily forgetting Matt couldn’t read his expression, it took him a moment to show his appreciation of the gesture. Not many people offered to help both himself and the Other Guy. Most people liked to pretend the Other Guy didn’t exist. “That… actually means a lot.” He admitted, unsure how to put into words that the sentiment had touched him. “If either of us need help… I guess I know who to call.” Laughing at the idea of still having a lawyer, he tapped his fingers against his mug. The thought was endlessly amusing to him. “Tony has taken on the role of my legal protection. Well- I guess his legal team have. But honestly, they help because they’re paid to. It’s comforting to know there’s somebody out there who genuinely cares…”

Even if Matt was still a stranger, somebody he didn’t know well yet, it mattered to him. It mattered an awful lot. Feeling the atmosphere change again when the conversation turned back to the woman he loved and her family, his smile faded. He could hear how much Matt cared, he recognised the same tired resignation in his voice when talking about the troubles they faced together. “I guess I do, yeah.” He agreed, chewing on his bottom lip as he thought about everything he had been through with Betty. “I’m sorry things are difficult…”

Matt couldn’t help but let out a huff of air and shake his head a bit when Bruce mentioned giving up on being a scientist throughout all this because of their lack of progress. “Right before all this with the dome, I considered giving up being a lawyer because I felt like I couldn’t make a difference with anything I did, so I get it, I do. I also know that people are grateful for what you have given them. You’ve all saved a lot of lives with your work. It might not feel like it, but you have. I’m going to assume I’m one of them, so thank you,” he told him. “I’ll leave the literal light to everyone else, but I appreciate the figurative one.”

Matt smiled and sipped from his mug while Bruce thought over what he said. “Are you nodding right now?” he teased. “I feel like you are nodding,” he grinned at him. Sometimes, being a little crazy was the only way to get things accomplished. 

“I mean it,” Matt assured Bruce. From the sounds of it, not a lot of people offered him help. He nodded when Tony’s legal team was explained, “Money can only get you so far. I know you’ll have unique challenges and I want you to know that I’d do what I can to help you both. I’m good at reading people. You’re good men. If Hulk really was the monster Ross described to me, I’d be dead. I’ll help fight whoever needs fought to help other people see that side of him so you both can have time to settle down without looking over your shoulder,” he told him.

Matt shook his head at Bruce’s apology. “Not your doing,” he sighed. “Just a grumpy old man who was stuck in his ways and refused to believe he could ever be wrong about anything. Or anyone,” he shook his head. “I hope things get better for you and yours,” he offered. “Speaking of her, I should go,” he told him. “I’m really glad I stopped by here though. I always wondered what happened with you two and it is comforting to know that you are doing better.” He put down his empty mug and grabbed up his cane. He wasn’t sure of Bruce was much of a toucher, so he patted his shoulder before he left and gave it a squeeze. “Take care, you two,” he smiled before heading out of the mansion.

[hellsguardiandevil]

[hellsguardiandevil]

continued from here with @starrphantom:

“Food sounds lovely, thank you.” Ava wasn’t going to turn away an invitation to remain inside, especially when her powers were on the fritz. She didn’t want to risk going back out there and being set on fire just trying to get home. “Ava, by the way. My name.” She fell into step behind him, trying not to dwell too much on her earlier mistake despite the voices screaming inside her head. “What kind of lawyer are you… exactly?” Might as well try to get to know him, right? 

Relieved that he didn’t have to try and convince her to stay inside for a little bit for her own safety, Matt nodded and her acceptance and started to lead the way upstairs. Moving over familiar territory was much easier now, especially when someone wasn’t chasing them to light him on fire.  “Matt Murdock,” he told Ava. “I’m glad I met you when I did, Ava. Not a lot of people would have helped me like that. Thank you,” he told her. “I’m a defense lawyer,” Matt told Ava proudly. “Most of my clients are poor and innocent, so I don’t have much to offer as a thank you, but you’re welcome to what I have,” he told her, his voice dropping to a whisper as he opened the door to his loft. Elektra was probably sleeping or worse and he didn’t want to interrupt her. “My girlfriend is in the backroom. I’ll go look after her really quick. Have a seat and I’ll be right back with food,” he offered, putting his cane against the wall before he disappeared behind the sliding door.  Matt tried not to ask too many questions of Ava while she stayed, but he did make sure she had plenty to eat and that enough time had passed that whoever was after him was sure to get bored of the chase before she left.  

[hellsguardiandevil]

Foggy Nelson is my best friend in the world.

[hellsguardiandevil]

@lawofavacado

Foggy was… asleep to say the very least. After all, he had a long night watching marathons on television. Sleeping on the couch wasn’t the best option to sleep in but since he was alone, it didn’t matter. Besides, it wasn’t like Matt would just burst in and complain about his current condition.

Or so he thought.

With a small knock on the door, the attorney woke up with groggily eyes and scanned around the living room. With his table was filled with empty cabs of beer and soda followed by pizza boxes scattered around the floor, one would say that it was a hell of a mess. Stretching his arms while letting out a loud yawn, Foggy didn’t exactly near who was behind the door.

“I’m coming I’m coming….slow you’re horses.” Half awake, Foggy got up from his sleeping couch and made his way to the door. And once he had opened up, a familiar sight widen his eyes causing the attorney to step back a bit before blurting out the words;

“M…Matt?? Is that, really you??” Foggy was this close on punching his friend but couldn’t help to rush in for a tight hug. “Jesus. It is you. Oh thank God. I thought you were…gone.” With a chuckle, the attorney let’s go of the said hug before noticing something different about his friend.

“You look, weird.”

Matt had taken too long between visits and he wasn’t sure if Foggy was going to be mad at him for that or simply relieved to see him. A lot had happened and there were times when he simply shouldn’t be around anyone, much less someone who he didn’t want to hurt. When Foggy clearly decided on being happy to see Matt, it made things easier. He hugged him back and gave what he hoped was a reassuring back pat. “Yeah, am here. I’m alright. Usual craziness happening and I’m trying to help deal with it,” he assured. When let go, he followed his law partner inside the apartment and handed over a backpack full of protein packs for him before closing the door. “Not as good as what you have, but they’ll keep you alive,” he shrugged. “Where did you get all this?” he wondered. When told he looked weird, Matt shrugged. “So I’ve been told,” he offered. He couldn’t have taken the blindfold off if he’d wanted to and he knew because he’d tried. “This is what I really don’t understand,” he admitted. He shoved up his right sleeve to show the golden tattoo of scales that were currently balanced. What Matt forgot was that the last couple of times he’d visited, he’d been dressed in the devil suit and had his gloves on, so the bit of gold on his other hand would also be a new addition for Foggy. “I can feel it change when I speak with some people,” he admitted his fingers moving over the golden ink.

[hellsguardiandevil]

but maybe we can find a way to move forward

[hellsguardiandevil]

@lawofavacado

Matt was consistently concerned about Foggy. It wasn’t that Foggy wasn’t an adult or he thought that Foggy couldn’t take care of himself under normal circumstances. He worried because none of this was normal and with Avengers struggling to care for themselves and others he was worried about everyone in the city. Emma and Elektra had told Matt he looked odd, but he didn’t feel any different until he was out on the streets. As people walked by him, he started to get odd feelings about them and the tattoo on his arm reacted to his shifting attention. It was something he knew he needed to consider later, but for right now he needed to check on his friend. 

Finally getting to Foggy’s apartment, Matt paused and put his hand quietly on the door. He listened first, making sure he was home and that no one else was around to hear him before he knocked softly on the door. “It’s Matt,” he whispered loud enough that he hoped his sudden visit didn’t startle him. “Are you alright?”