#kilgrave’s suits were amazing

[clairedelune-13]

David in a suit is my favorite thing of all.

[mirkwoodshewolf]

Father knows best; Matt Murdock x teen reader

*Author’s note*

Okay well this was a certainly a LOOOONG wait in the making, truthfully I had almost forgotten this but after leaving the last part on such a cliff hanger I couldn’t just leave it like that. So this chapter will be broken down into two parts and this will be the FINAL update to Guardian Devil mini-series.

Warnings: murder, grooming, Kilgrave’s manipulative controlling, Matt acts a little OOC (like how he wanted to kill Kingpin in s.3 but in the end didn’t, here I believe in a case like this for the sake of my fanfic, Matt would actually WANT someone like Kilgrave dead). 

FINAL PART

Taglist:

@your-not-invisible-to-me​

@queensdivas​

@plethora-of-things​

@waddles03​

@psychosupernatural​

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels​

@queen-paladin​

@austynparksandpizza​

@gay-and-ready-to-cry​

_____________________________________________________________

*Flashback*

The sound of a struggle could be heard from an apartment along 42nd street.  It was Friday night and as always no one was home unless they were passed out drunk already from a hard week’s work.  A window was shattered as a body began falling down until it landed in a large dumpster bin.  Another body jumped out and scaled down the fire escape almost acrobatically until they landed on their feet.

The person that fell in slowly got up with a groan but not before a hand grabbed them and forced them out of the dumpster and had the man rolling along the floor after a swift kick to the gut to ensure he didn’t run. Blood covered half of his face and his left knee was at an odd angle.

“What do you want? I didn’t do anything to you.” The man groaned in Japanese.

“The Kingpin says you’re a loose end. And loose ends need tying up.” At the mention of the Kingpin’s name the man reach into his pocket but with a clean throw of the baton, the sound of his finger bones cracking rang out as he let out a cry of pain.

“Wait. Help me! I can pay you twice what he’s giving you. Weapons, drugs, anything!” he pleaded.

“What I want, you can’t give me.” She replied in English as she took back her baton and stood over the Japanese man.  She raised the baton and with a hard swing, the sound of his skull cracking sounded off as he lay there dead.

*My POV*

Two victims in just under a month and with 4 months of training by some of The Hands’ personal best made me ready for these types of missions. But killing these guys gave me no pleasure, Kingpin says this is only practice, well I’m done with practicing.  I want him. I need the man who killed my mother!

“Alright! Yes!” I heard a man’s voice say as clapping was heard. My eyes widened and I quickly turned to see a man in a deep purple suit standing at the entrance of the alleyway with two gorgeous women at his side as they too applauded.  “That was absolutely tremendous! I thought I was good haha! You are a sight to behold. Wasn’t she amazing?” he asked the two women who nodded. “You bore me, leave.” And they did as he asked.

Shit! Kingpin said no witnesses, I reached for my shuriken but he told me.

“I’d keep put both hands at your sides where I can see them.” Suddenly I felt my arms go at my sides and they felt like lead as I couldn’t move them.  “If you’re worried about me turning you into the police, don’t worry. To be honest one less of them yakuza rats to worry about. I’m cool.”

“Yeah you’re cool.” I found myself saying.  He gave a slight tilt of his head before he said.

“Come here and take that mask off so I can see your face.” Again against my own will, I felt my hands reach for my Bobcat mask and removed it as I walked closer to the man.

He appeared to be around Matt and Foggy’s age, maybe even a bit older.  He had dark brown hair, a five o’clock stubble, and his eyes a dark, empty brown.

“Jesus you’re just a kid. A kid willing to do that much damage to a man twice her size. I can see it in your eyes.” He cupped my chin and had me look up at him.  “Ohhh yes. I know those eyes anywhere. Rage, vengeance. Just like me at your age. Tell me how old are you?”

“16.”

“16. Yes the prime age for a young woman but here you are. Kicking ass and taking names.” The smile that spread across his face sent a shiver of fear up my spine as his empty eyes shined a slimmer of a crazed, psychotic look.  “Tell me this, did you enjoy killing that man?” he asked as he finally let go of my chin.

“Yes.” I responded coldly.

“Hmm-mm, why’s that?”

“Because it gets me closer to my goal.” I replied. “Avenging my mother.” His eyes slightly widened as he was gobsmacked at my statement before he said.

“Well…..so sorry to hear that. What’s your name?”

“Bobcat.”

“No, no, no not your superhero name, your real name.” I hesitated until my name suddenly rolled off my tongue.

“(Y/n) Perry.”

“Perry? Well…..no wonder why you looked so familiar. You are practically a resemblance of her.”

“You knew my mother?” I asked as my heart skipped a beat.

“It seems we have a lot to talk about. There’s a good Thai restaurant around the corner, join me for supper.” He extended his hand out to me. I stood there in my spot looking between him and his hand. “Come on.” He softly ordered and soon I walked up to him but just before I could take his hand, he wrapped his arm around my shoulders and guided me down the dark streets of Hell’s kitchen.

When we got to the restaurant, he ordered all the costumers to leave and told the workers to bring out everything they had and to not question my attire.  I ate the last of my fried rice before sipping my water.

“Yep. Nothing like a nice meal after performing feats of vengeance.” He said to me.

“How do you know my mother?”

“Oh wow straight to business, okay fine. Guess I’ve kept you in suspense long enough.” He cupped the side of my face. “God you really do look so much like her when we first met. Same eyes, same mouth, even your skin feels like hers.” I got uncomfortable hearing that part.  “Been 16 years late to say this but, (Y/n) Perry….the name’s Kilgrave, I’m your father.”

My heart stopped, my eyes widened and my head was swirling.

I quickly stood up but he ordered me.,

“Sit back down.” Immediately I sat back down and even scooted my chair back into the table, my eyes never once leaving him.  “I know this is all a bit of a shock, believe me how do you think I feel? But it’s true.”

“How do you know? Any man could claim they’re my dad.”

“True. Most men could, but they can’t say they’ve got official records, can they?” he pulled out a folded piece of paper from his purple jacket and slid it over to me.  “Go on, take it.” I took the paper and unfolded it to reveal what looked like an official copy of my birth certificate.

Now I have seen the copy my mom had but for some reason she had the name of the father blacked out.  When I was younger, I did ask about my father but she always refused to tell me about him until one day she told me that he left us with nothing and wanted nothing to do with us.

But this certificate didn’t have my father’s name blacked out and there I saw his name. Kevin Thompson.

“Kevin Thompson is my legal name but I’ve longed forbidden anyone from calling me that.” He told me.

“It could’ve been forged. I have friends who could do this and make it legal.”

“You’re a smart girl, I’ll give your mother that much for not raising an idiot.” I narrowed my eyes and softly growled. “Stop that.” He ordered me as he then took out another piece of paper.  “This here is an authentic, 100% guarantee DNA test. Performed by the Hell’s Kitchen ancestry agency. Don’t ask how I got yours just know I have my ways.” He handed me the paper which I took and opened it up.

According to the Ancestry and Family Bonds society of Hell’s Kitchen, the tests show that (Y/n) Perry and Kevin Thompson, provided DNA hair samples, are 99.998% a match.

I was in shock.  I leaned against the chair dropping the paper to the ground as I said solemnly.

“She lied to me.” Kilgrave, who had gotten up and got himself some liquor from the back and poured himself a drink.  “She told me that you abandoned us.”

“Not to speak ill of the dead, but your mother has been lying to you ever since she stole you away from me when she was pregnant with you.”

“Why would she do that?” I asked.

“Because she somehow believed that I would hurt the two of you. Listen to me (Y/n), hey,” he leaned forward cupping my face in his hands. “Your mother, through whatever delusion she thought, I never once hurt her. I loved her. I cared so much for her, I gave her the world. But then she—packed up and left me. And when she found out she was pregnant with you, she did everything in her legal power to keep me away from you.”

“You loved her?”

“She was the Éowyn to my Faramir. Both of us being kept back by society or mistreated by our families. I tried….everything in my power to see you but……but then I heard what happened to her.” Tears formed in my eyes as I tried to look away.  “Ohh darling.” He wiped the tears hidden at the corner of my eyes as he gingerly shushed me.  “I cannot imagine what was going through your head the day she was found. What your heart was feeling.”

“I was lost……broken……but mostly I was angry. I’m still angry. I wanna kill him. I wanna tear him apart. To make him feel every ounce of hurt he made me feel.” I first said solemnly before my sorrow turned to hate.  

“And you believe this Wilson Fisk can give it to you?” he asked me.

“He promised me.”

“The way I see it. He can get you part of the way there. You may find the guy who did it, but you won’t get him to confess. He’ll deny it until he either dies without admitting it, or not share every last little thing he did to your mother. Things that only the killer himself knows.” I looked at him perplexed.

“You can teach me to do that?” he smiled softly and stroked a strand of hair out of my face.

“Isn’t that what all fathers do for their children? Help them achieve their goals.” He stood up and extended his hand out to me.  I took it and he helped me stand up as I asked him how he could help me.  “You can start, by getting rid of that.” He pointed to my neck.

I reached and touched the chain but clenched it in my hand refusing to let it go.  It was my mother’s Evanstar necklace, I had taken it just before they buried her (Mahoney allowed me to take it after they recovered her remains instead of it being put into evidence).

“C’mon (Y/n). you need to let it go.” My hands reached back and I unclasped the lock and removed the necklace which showed the Evanstar pendant shining at me from the light.  My father held out his hand and I set the necklace down in his palm before he put it away in his pocket.  “That’s my girl. Now c’mere and give your father a hug like you mean it.” I ran into his arms and squeezed him as tight as I could.  “I’m here now (Y/n). I’ll always be here.” He said to me as he embraced me just as tightly.

Soon I found myself being trained by my father in the act of ‘verbal persuasion’ or so he called it.  It’s basically what he can do (after sharing with me the gruesome backstory of what his parents, my grandparents) did to him.

I tried my best but nothing I said to any of the volunteers he had set up for me followed my directions.  And it would only be a matter of time before Fisk suddenly came back into the picture.  When he had sent the cops he had under his thumb into father’s house, he ordered me to run and forget everything about our meeting but that he’d find me again soon when the time was right.

After fleeing from the house, I soon forgot just why I was running, the cops took me back to Fisk, I got a stern talking to but he sent me back out into the world.  And of course you know the rest from there.

*End of flashback*

It was pitch black outside by the time we reached the cabin. Well when I say cabin it looked more like a castle.  Multi-level (2-3 levels), clear glass windows, a grand balcony on the second floor that spread pretty much across the entire house, and a stone chimney and stone pillars that held it up from the floor to the grand balcony.

Father turned the car off and said.

“We’re here.” I looked at the cabin mansion and he asked me, “Too much? It is too much isn’t it.”

“No, no I—it’s lovely I just…..”

“Just what?”

“Will they find us? They’ll be looking for me. I-I shouldn’t have left.”

“Now, now relax, hey look at me.” He cupped my chin and forced me to look him in the eye.  “They won’t find us. In fact they’ve forgotten all about your case. Remember what I told you I can do, what we can do.” My breath was shaky as I exhaled but nodded.  “Let me hear you say it, it’s all taken care of.”

“It’s all taken care of.” I repeated.

“That’s my girl.” He then got out of the car and I followed behind him.  As we rounded toward the cabin, I felt his arm wrap around my shoulders bringing me closer to him as we walked inside together.

Inside it was even grander than I could imagine.  It was like living in a castle with all the expensive vases scattered around, the paintings and marble statues that looked like they belonged in a museum.  A large staircase stood at the center of the living room.

“(Y/n) Perry, my pride and joy, I’d like to welcome you to your new home.” Said Father as he gestured to the manor.  I looked around in awe as I walked along the grand living room.

“All of this is—”

“It’s all ours. Nothing’s too good for my girl, right? And speaking of, Ivy!” soon a woman in her mid-50’s maybe even early 60’s with short grey hair came out from the back hallway and she said.

“Yes sir?” her accent was thick, possibly she could’ve been from Ukraine or Russia.

“Take my daughter upstairs to her new room and have her change clothes. Make sure to burn this atrocious jumpsuit the pigs forced on her.” He said as he came up to me placing his hand on my shoulder and giving it a rub as well as a squeeze.

“Yes sir.” He looked down at me and I up at him.

“I expect to see you for dinner in 10 minutes.”

“Yes father.” I said as I walked towards Ivy and she lead me up the stairs and into my room.

My new room was twice as big than any of the apartment rooms I’ve had in the past.  A large king sized bed, a large wooden wardrobe (that almost looked like it came from Narnia), some bookshelves with all my favorite books and authors, as well as some Tolkien collections like Bilbo’s party sign, the flag of Rohan hanging just over my bed, and some of my favorite character posters like Aragorn’s movie poster holding Andúril in front of him, Éowyn stabbing the Witch King of Angmar, and Merry and Pippin riding on Treebeard.

“Come Ms. Kilgrave, we best get you ready.” We walked in and I removed the orange jumpsuit as well as the white t-shirt and shorts I had also been given to wear.  Ivy collected the prison clothes and wound them up into a ball to be burned just as father had commanded.  She then went into the wardrobe and got out a beautiful red blouse with black leggings and black flats.  “Your father wishes for you to look presentable at dinner.”

“Do you work for my father willingly? Or did he order you to do this?” I asked her.

“Your father has done me better than my previous job. Same with the rest of employees here. I was about to be evicted from my home and have my son taken away by Child Services because of our financial situation. Your father is a good man who just wants to help you, and I’d do anything to help him achieve that. From a mother to a father.”

I nodded and got on the clothes she had picked out and then she had me sit before a large mirror that almost looked to be silver and she began to brush my hair of the tangles and knots from my lack of sleep and stress I had been through the past few days.

Once I looked more presentable, she lead me back downstairs to a grand dining area with a large, long table and a roaring fireplace to the right of the table.

“Cutting it kinda of close aren’t we Ivy?” father said looking down at his phone before glancing back up at her.

“Sorry sir, it took a while to get her hair brushed and braided.”

“Are you criticizing my daughter?”

“No! No sir absolutely not!” she said worriedly.

“Leave us now.” He said.  She nodded before immediately walking away.  “C’mon, don’t be shy darling, come here so I can have a better look at you.” He said turning his chair toward me.  I walked towards him and when I got close enough, he took my hand and moaned softly. “Now that’s much better, don’t you feel better without those horrid prison scrubs on?”

“Yes.”

“Take a seat, eat. Armani is serving up your favorite Italian dish.” Father said as I sat down beside him.  Soon the chef Armani came out wheeling our food out on silver platters on a large tray.  He set the platters down before us then removed the lids to reveal a beautifully made fettuccini alfredo with some breadsticks.

It smelled incredible and it made my mouth almost water. I reached out for the breadsticks first and took a single bite of them and immediately I fell into the pleasure of just how warm and soft this bread was.  Within seconds the breadstick was gone and I went over to the alfredo.

“Someone was clearly hungry, just what is it they serve you in prison?”

“School food is worse.” Father softly laughed and said.

“I’ll bet it is. But no more of that now, just full on 5 star meals three times a day. Like I said, nothing’s too good for my best girl.” He reached out and stroked the back of my head.  I paused my eating and felt my stomach turn in knots.  “What’s wrong? Is it not prepared right? I swear if you end up sick, I’ll have Armani cut off each of his fingers one by one!” he threatened angrily.

“No, no the food’s wonderful father. The finest I’ve ever had, it’s just…..”

“Just what?” I looked away from him nervously.  “Just what? Look at me and tell me (Y/n).” I looked up at him and said.

“What if the Kingpin stops us like last time? Or the police who aren’t under his thumb find us?”

“I told you darling, no one is going to find us. They’ve forgotten all about this case, now you just need to forget about it. Forget about what they’ve told you, who was involved, everything.”

“Even Jessica Jones?”

“Especially Jessica Jones.” I trailed off thinking about Uncle Matt, Uncle Foggy and Aunt Karen.

“And my family?”

“Your family?” father questioned.

“Aunt Karen, Uncle Foggy and…..and uncle Matt. They were all involved with the case, do I have to forget about them too?”

“Yes. You don’t know those people anymore, they aren’t your family.”

“But—”

“Don’t!” he snapped angrily but caught himself and exhaled sharply.  “The only family you have is me. Okay (Y/n)? There’s no Karen you know, no Foggy, what the hell kind of name is that anyways by the way? And above all else, there is no Matt Murdock you know. Do you understand?”

“Yes father.”

“Let me hear you say it.”

“There is no Karen Page, no Foggy Nelson, and no Matt Murdock that I know.” Father’s hands cupped the sides of my face and he said.

“That’s my good girl. I’m proud of you.” He pressed his forehead against mine and I felt his strength pour into me as my mind went blank from any memories I had of those three names until there was nothing left of them.

*3rd Person POV*

In Matt’s apartment, he was pacing back and forth in a panicked manner while Foggy and Karen sat on his couch and Jessica Jones was leaning up against the wall, her arms crossed over her chest.

“This can’t be happening. First Kingpin and now Kilgrave? I can’t even imagine who is worse to have her.” Karen said.

“I may not know Kingpin as personally as you guys but if I had to put my money somewhere, I’d prefer the kid be with him than with that manipulative son of a bitch.” Jessica said.

“But why? Why does he want her? At least Fisk had a reason even for as terrible of a reason it was, but how does Kilgrave fit into all of this?” Foggy asked.

“He’s right this doesn’t make any sense. What use could he have for (Y/n)?” Karen said.

“Think I found the reason.” Jessica said.  “See I’ve been doing some digging into your kid’s mom, your former partner. Did any of you ever hear her speak of (Y/n)’s father?”

“No. She never liked to talk about it.” Foggy said.

“Yeah. One girl’s night we went out for drinks and I got curious about it and asked her but she kept trying to change the subject. She even got defensive about it telling me to drop—wait. Jessica you’re not saying……” Karen started off, then her investigative brain began to piece together where Jessica was going with it.

“What? What is it Karen?”

“Perhaps I better take over from here. So like I said, I did some digging into your partner’s past. Birthplace, credit card info, any property she’s bought or rented, everything and Murdock will you stop pacing like that?! You’re literally gonna fall through the way you’re stomping around like an elephant.”

“Stop? How can I stop when (Y/n) is out there being held hostage by someone even worse than Wilson Fisk!? Jones you promised me you’d keep an eye on her. You said you’d keep her safe!”

“And I did…..”

“Then where is she!?” Matt exclaimed frantically. “Because she’s not with Mahoney nor are you with her!? A prison riot allowed a man who has the ability to manipulate one’s mind and actions to his own will, come in and kidnap her! And the police can’t look for her because they were ordered not to! Those were your words right?”

“Look Murdock, I don’t like this anymore than you do. But pacing there festering in your pity anger and pointing the blame at me won’t help us find her quicker.”

“She’s right Matt. You hadn’t slept all night nor any time since this whole case opened up against (Y/n).” Foggy said.  Matt exhaled sharply but trudged over to his chair and sat down in a huff.

“Talk Jones.”

“You’re lucky I’m letting the attitude slide this one time.”

“Talk!”

“Matt, easy. Go on Jessica.” Karen first eased Matt before turning back to Jessica.  Jessica pulled out some files from her bag and pulled out some DNA test results, pictures of Kilgrave from over 17 years ago, and (Y/n)’s birth certificate.

“Seems your former partner had some secrets she didn’t want let out. Kilgrave is (Y/n)’s birth father.”

The three of them turned to Jessica in shock.

“Paternity and DNA tests were used by Kilgrave himself, don’t ask me how he managed to get a hold of hers you honestly don’t want to know. That creep always finds a way. But these documents of a restraining order against Kilgrave for one (M/n) Perry around the time when she would be pregnant with (Y/n) sealed it for me. I even managed to get a hold of some of the medical staff that helped deliver (Y/n). They told me how Kilgrave even showed up at the delivery to try and take (Y/n) away from her. But thanks to the approved restraining order, they immediately called the cops. Of course the bastard told them to shoot themselves before he could be taken away. That’s when SWAT was called and the hospital was forced to be on lockdown.”

“Oh Jesus.” Foggy muttered shaking his head solemnly.  He couldn’t even begin to imagine the horror his deceased best friend had to go through in order to deliver (Y/n).

“How did they finally get him to leave if he can make anyone do what he wants?”

“Tranquilizer darts. If you ask me, they should’ve put a bullet through his head though. But of course the weasel wormed his way out of trial but then he never went after them again. Until a year and a half ago I took this picture of him with (Y/n).” she placed down a photo of the two of them at the Thai food restaurant.  Karen picked up the picture and she said.

“This was taken around the time she was missing. When she was training with Fisk.”

“Seems the kid’s double dipped. Because she ended up staying with father-dearest for a good 2 months before your boy Fisk got her back.” Matt stood up and grabbed his cane and headed towards the door.

“Where the hell are you going?” Jessica snapped but Matt didn’t respond, the only response he did give was the loud slam of his front door.

He walked out before hailing down a taxi and told the driver to go to the Hell’s Kitchen cemetery.  The driver drove through the traffic, all the while Matt’s leg wouldn’t stop bouncing as so many thoughts were going through his head.

“You want me to help you find the tombstone you’re looking for sir?” asked the cab driver.

“Thanks for the offer but I got it. I—know her tombstone by touch.” After a few more minutes of weaving in and out of traffic, the cab driver soon arrived at the cemetery and Matt paid the cab driver his amount before getting out and walking forward.

Using his sense of touch he touched each and every grave stone (even though he remembered exactly where she was buried, but for the sake of those who were there, he kept up the facade).  Until he finally felt the tombstone of the one he had been searching for. His former partner’s and best friend’s (M/n) Perry.

He fell to his knees before her tombstone as tears formed behind his red shades.  His lip trembled as he said.

“I failed you.” He shook his head in regret.  “You asked me to watch over her, and I—I failed you. I’m sorry (M/n). I know you had your reasons for not telling us about her father, but he—he has her. And I don’t know what to do. I know who he is but it—the only way to stop him is to kill him. And I can’t do that, I just can’t. I don’t know if you ever did know of who I am at night but I can’t kill him. Yet he must die.”

He knew Kilgrave and Fisk were two completely different people. Fisk may have had the power of persuasion but he only does it the way normally, rich powerful people can do it. Kilgrave, he’s practically on a mutant level of a threat.  One word and he can have someone slice their throat or take another’s life.  Hell that day when (Y/n) was born he could’ve had everyone, including (M/n) shot by the very police assigned to arrest him.

And people like him don’t go down so easily unless you call the Avengers, and he most certainly did not want that.  

He reached out and touched her gravestone and stroked down it until he felt her name.  “I know God won’t answer my prayers so I hope you can, please (M/n). I need a true angel on my side, what do I do now? Tell me what I need to do.”

But all he got was the soft whistle of the wind, other than that all was quiet.  He shook his head angrily as he sighed heavily and gripped the grass beneath him before standing up and walked away.

All throughout the day both Jessica, Foggy and Karen were doing research in order to find just where Kilgrave could’ve taken (Y/n) all the while Matt was getting changed into his Daredevil suit to go out and look for her.

“Any of you ladies coming up with something?” asked Foggy.

“Nope.” Replied Karen.

“I’ve been hacking into the security cams all around Hell’s kitchen but I’m coming up with jack shit. Can’t find the car he drove in or anything. Slick bastard must’ve had someone delete them beforehand.” Right as Matt came out placing his gloves on and holding the mask underneath his arm Karen stood up and said.

“Wait, wait, wait, wait I think I got something.” Everyone gathered around her and she opened up a security footage from the Forest Lodge hotel in upstate New York.  The very same cabin lodge where Kilgrave had taken (Y/n).  “This was taken sometime last night. A man coming in carrying a huge suitcase. See there he is giving it to the manager. And next thing you see is the entire staff leaving the lodge.”

“That’s him. That is him the bastard. He must’ve bought the hotel and removed the staff. He pulled this move with me when he bought back my childhood home. The bastard’s grooming her.”

“We have to call Mahoney and get the police up there.” Foggy said.

“No it’s too risky. We can’t risk any innocent people getting killed or becoming killers themselves.” Jessica said.

“She’s right. I’ll go.” Matt said.

“By yourself?” both Karen and Foggy said.

“You can’t take him on by yourself Murdock, trust me. And with your whole ‘no kill code’ he’ll play you on that weakness.” Jessica said.

“Then maybe that’s what I have to do.” At hearing this, Foggy and Karen’s hearts sunk and they were taken back by what Matt had just said, while Jessica was stunned to hear such a confession from the ‘good catholic boy’ Matt Murdock.

“You can’t be serious Matt.”

“He’s not like Fisk, Foggy. He’s not powerful in the sense of money or who he is, he’s powerful for his power. Much like Jessica….”

“Do not compare that asshole to me!” Jessica snapped furiously.

“He was forced to have these powers. One word is all it takes for him just walk freely and no one would be able to question it. This is what (M/n) wanted of me to do to protect (Y/n).”

“But it was also to show her that revenge isn’t the answer!” Foggy snapped.  “We’ll get her back Matt, but we need to think this through carefully.”

“I can’t wait anymore Foggy. I—I made a promise to her. To both Perry’s. I already lost one I—can’t lost another one. I can’t.” he put on his mask and without another word, he quickly raced up toward the staircase that led to the rooftop and left them in the dust.

“That stupid fucking idiot. He’s gonna get himself killed. I’ll go after him, you two stay here and call your detective friend Mahony but also get in touch with Hogarth. I don’t like the bitch but she’s got something that might help with the officers arresting Kilgrave safely, if he isn’t already dead.”

“We’re going with you!” Karen said.

“I already got one idiot out there, I don’t need two more. You two are clearly smarter than Murdock is right now. Look I know where his head’s at cause I’ve been there. And if Kilgrave can control him, he’s gonna need me to snap him out of it. If by some miracle he can’t control Murdock, god save him from the wrath of the Devil that’s coming for him.”

“Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. But it’s nothing compared to the fury of a father willing to do anything for his child.” Foggy said. “Ever since we first met her, Matt’s always been closer to (Y/n) than I have. I always see the way he looks at her, talks about her. He loves her like she was his own daughter, and ever since (M/n) died, he always kept saying how he promised her that he’d protect her. Be the parental figure she has left.”

“Cute. But it’s logic like that that’ll get you killed. When you’re not thinking clearly. Now both of you. Stay here! I mean it!” Jessica then left through the front door and quickly raced out of the apartment and followed Matt’s trail to Upstate New York.

[skinnyscottishbloke]

Top 5 David Tennant characters!

Oh man!!!! This is a good one.

Ok, to no one’s surprise, Number One for me HAS to be the 10th Doctor. It’s what unleashed him on the world, we fell in love with the adorkable spiky haired slightly manic alien in the suit, I mean I don’t really have to say a whole lot do I? Just look at this face

Number Two: Crowley in Good Omens

Another kind of no brainer. There’s the sexy sneke walk, the clothes, the pining, god it’s just so goooood. Plus he and Michael have AMAZING chemistry. And there’s this fucking scene. We all won when he decided to do this

Number Three: James Arber in The Decoy Bride

It’s an adorable rom com up in Scotland, the chemistry between him and Kelly Macdonald is great and the final kiss is so sweet. The whole movie just leaves you with a giant smile on your face.

Number 4: Benedick from Much Ado About Nothing

Omg soooo funny. We already knew he and Catherine Tate were hilarious together and this production absolutely proves it. The paint scene has me rolling on the floor every time.

Number Five: Kilgrave from Jessica Jones.

SO. FUCKING. CREEPY. So creepy!! Talk about range!! I thought the first season of JJ was much better than the second and that in no small part had to do with his acting and presence in the show.

Honorable mentions for all the panel shows he’s done (like the Friday Night Project, QI, Never Mind the Buzzcocks) and the Ghost of Christmas Present in the Catherine Tate Show Xmas Special. I’m still convinced some of Crowley’s outfits were inspired by this one.

ALSO THE BEST COMIC RELIEF SKIT OF ALL TIME bahajaha told you he and Catherine were comic geniuses

Ask me Top 5/Top 10 of anything!

[daredevilexchange]

The Daredevil & Defenders Exchange 2021 is over... and  there were So Many works, that this time there will be TWO wrap-up posts :D

Here we go, for the multitudinous fics! You can find them on AO3 in the dedicated collection :D Tumblr link (from this blog, because when OP changes their URL the link won’t work any longer) and AO3 link so you can like, kudos, comment, tag, etc !

Art wrap-up post is here!

[ID: cut-outs of the Defenders, draw in in shades of grey in cartoony style; the cut-outs are set on a floorboard-like background. First on the left is Jessica Jones on blue paper, holding her camera; then to her right Daredevil in his TV horned suit, snarling and holding his batons on a magenta background; then Colleen Wing and Danny Rand on a green background. Danny is powering up his fist and Colleen is brandishing her katana. To their right on a yellow background, holding a chain and with his hood up, Luke is smiling. Finally, Frank is holding a coffee cup and wearing his Punisher vest with the skull, on a white background. His dog is sitting at his feet. They are all very cute even while trying to look fierce! End ID]

You can find more of Sn0otchie’s fantabulous art on twitter https://twitter.com/sn0otchie or IG http://instagram.com/sn0otchie/ !

Teeth, by @unwanted-animal for @lovetincture (AO3). Beware the tags, but this graphics + playlist + fic Fratt work will. uh. rattle your teeth. Guaranteed :D

nothing but a vision trick (AO3) by @alexeishostakoff’s for @roipecheur... for your Jessica/Karen AU needs (oh yes, you have them! check this out and say you don’t with a straight face!)

The hilarious gen fic Application (AO3) and the cute af, Matt/Foggy The Billboard (AO3) by @happybeans for @weepingalpacafuneral !

Two Dads Chillin' at a High School Graduation (AO3), @the-real-peter-parker’s  cute and funny gift for @jackboxjesse featuring stealth Matt/Foggy at Peter Parker’s graduation :D

Kiss Me Awake (AO3), @beforejuko’s gift fic for @amazing-spiderling ! A hilarious Deadpool-as-matchaker for our avocados in love... Awww!

Adult Content (AO3), @djclawson’s super-duper entertaining gift for @happybeans, featuring Matt AND Deadpool!

Death in Devil’s suit (AO3) by @anna-hawk for @felixbrattikayla - both team feels and Fratt feels? in ONE fic? in THIS economy? YUP!1!1!!

As Foggy Is My Witness (AO3) by @pomegranate-belle for @iheartallthethings - some delicious Matt/Foggy pining with a side of Team Red, oh my!

as you are, not as I wish you were (AO3), by @thesecretdetectivecollection for @maniskordaze - Fratt with a side order of feels, whump, realizations, soft and bittersweet moments!

Kintsugi (AO3), by @pixelbypixelfanfic for @politikfic, for some wonderful gen with Matt finally practicing self-care in unexpected yet wonderful ways!

Strayed and Astray (AO3) by Iithril for @thesecretdetectivecollection - an atmospheric Fratt fic with dogs, whumpage, and concerned Foggies... all your Fratt needs met!

Defenestration (AO3), from @roipecheur for @pixelbypixelfanfic ! A fantastic Frank, Matt, and Jess team-up where Our Girl is really done with manipulative assholes, Kilgrave flashbacks, and manly posturing!

Tell Me About The Seaside? (AO3) by @stripedscribe, a sweet sequel for a wonderful merpeople!Fratt AU (featuring a... fishy *winkwink* Deadpool!) and Joy And Misery (AO3) for the unrelenting mega-angst lovers (you know who you are ;-) for @barionyx!

Brace for All The Pain And Bitterness with @missmoochy’s gift to @katbelleinthedark, The Man Of Your Dreams (And His Beautiful Wife) (AO3) - for the Big Angst lovers around here! C’mon, you know you love it :D

Dating your boo (AO3), @confusedandhopeful’s for @coolthingtragedy - a clueless Matt and All The Misunderstandings, for your Matt/Foggy pleasure!!

Burn (AO3), @kowaiyoukai’s Matt/Foggy gift for @inkforhumanhands - delicious angst with a happy ending!!

Tattoo (AO3), @maniskordaze’s gift for neko_kohaku! Team shenanigans? Fratt? All your faves in one fic, for you pleasure - guaranteed!

looking at stars (AO3), @b-421′s gift for @unwanted-animal! A meet-cute with Frank and Foggy? A dog!??!!? It’s absolutely *chef’s kiss*!

Cat Murdock (AO3) by @ijustreallylovedaredevil for @misterknife... Hint: the key word is in the title ;-) get your dose of giggles right there!

Cacophony (AO3), @matt-murdok’s fic for @soulfireinc - or when Matt’s senses and memories horribly collide... but he’s not alone :D

Misericordia et Misera, et Misericordia (AO3), @metaderivative’s Sister Maggie-centric fic for @sandyeffingfrank - brace for the conflicted, oh-so-human feelings of Matt’s mom *sniffles* !

Memoria (AO3), for all your crack AND angst BUT ALSO fluff needs, featuring Matt, Frank, AND Deadpool - what more can you ask for? By SaturnChild for @the-real-peter-parker !

Absence (AO3), a fic where @funkybetsy tears our heart out and stomps on it for Matt living through the Infinity War events, written for @downeystarkjr !

Golden Smile (AO3), a fic by @soulfireinc for @gracenm for all the Matt/Karen lovers out there - come and get your beautiful, moving Karedevil fix!

underestimation (AO3), aka some sweet, deserved Danny love by @b-421 fo @djclawson!

(mother) on the surface (AO3), @katbelleinthedark’s straight in the (sad, complicated, conflicted) feels fic for enthusiasmgirl about Foggy and his mother. Brace yourselves!

North Star (AO3), @lovetincture’s fic for @bleedxblack-art - whumped Frank and a Matt angry at god? Damn yes! The good stuff, right there!

kismet (AO3), @hueyhuee’s fantastic gift for @stripedscribe featuring alcohol, booze, spirits, inebriation, and [redacted for spoilers] ;-)

bulletfire and brimstone (AO3), @batmurdock’s beautifully written fic for Longdaysjourney - a deep dive into Matt’s relationships and his mind!

When I Call (AO3), a sizzling fic by @beguilewritesstuff for @mock-arts where Matt and Frank are teasing, challenging, and winding each other up to a (red-)hot conclusion!

Won't you be my neighbor? (AO3)  by @metaderivative for @sandyeffingfrank - all the feels, sad and funny and hearteyes too... a treat for all the Brett, Bess, and Foggy lovers and the Rosalind-NOT-lovers!

Kintsugi (AO3) by @mitch-pell for @clayfaced, where our avocados work on rebuilding their friendship and we cheer them along a roller-coaster o emotions!

Hell's Kitchen Survivor: Couples' Edition (AO3), @siriuslyyellow’s cute Matt/Foggy fic for @certaintendencies, packing pining, reality TV, shenanigans, AND where true love prevails :D

legacies (AO3) by @b-421, a Fantasy AU with lots, lots of magic - a real treat for all the supernatural lovers around here and a fantastic gift for @batmurdock!

A new start (AO3) by @ironwingedhawk for thebeespatella, where the whole team faces IKEA furniture :D Brace for giggles, banter, and maybe missing screws ;-)

where there’s life (AO3) by @gracenm for SaturnChild, where two lady badasses, Karen and Dinah, make friends... or more!! Finally!!!

Coping Mechanism (AO3) by @inkforhumanhands for @carrionbeast for Waid-style silliness, terrible Matt coping mechanisms, fantastic Foggy, and all your Matt/Foggy needs :D

Between the Bars (AO3) by @8daysuntiltheapocalypseiguess for @metaderivative, or how to deal (or not) with loss... be ready to Feel Things!

rainstorm laundry (AO3) by @weepingalpacafuneral for Mystery Anon - Foggy is totally just doing laundry, and if your face is wet it’s not happy tears it’s only the rain, promise!

nudge (AO3), thebeespatella’s fic for Sn0otchie with a beautiful dive into Matt’s head. Also, there’s A DOG :D

You Keep Saying That (AO3) by @darlingshane for @unkind-ofravens, with all the Kastle emotions, the Karen love, and the Frank feels (and a collage!!) !

The Piano Has Been Drinking - Not Matt (AO3) by @drewcas68 for @djinnj, a wonderful found family, team & Co fic with Fratt on top, for all those of us who want to see Matt happy!

Polka Dots and Leather Jackets (AO3) by @these-violet-delights-fic for @alexeishostakoff, the New Girl/Jessica Jones crossover with Hamilton bonus and f/f buildup you didn’t know you wanted!

Just in My Head (AO3) by @a-silver-sun for @confusedandhopeful - Brett Mahoney, his mom, friendships, and telepathy? HELL YES!

Another Day (AO3) by @djinnj for @8daysuntiltheapocalypseiguess - Jessica Jones case fic AND all the gang?don’t walk, run to this great story!

Snipped the Scorpion Grasses (AO3) by @artbymintcookies for @beforejuko - if you’re in need of some angst, feels, bittersweet endings AND some Matt/Foggy goodness, this is the fic for you!

Fear (AO3) by @ceterisparibus116 for @mitch-pell, for all the Matt & Foggy friendship feels you might want - and then some! Featuring a wonderful Danny too!

Not for Honor, But for You (AO3) by @amazing-spiderling for @siriuslyyellow - brave knights and en evil one, a brave blacksmith, team red, a hidden prince... nothing’s missing in this fantastic medieval AU tale!

All The Light We Cannot See (AO3) by @beguilewritesstuff for @ijustreallylovedaredevil - the Star Wars AU with perfect characterization and all the Light and Dark angst you ever dreamed about... and more!

Unmapped Territory (AO3) by @iheartallthethings for @kowaiyoukai, for some delicious soulmates AU world-building AND Matt/Foggy pining!!

Lost and Distant Shore (AO3) by Longdaysjourney for @ceterisparibus116, for all your post-S2 angst needs!!

[sofiastranges]

♪ ♥ ⊗ ؟ ≠ϟ

♪ for a song that reminds me of our muses and my favorite lyrics from it

Crossfire by Stephen

Can I trust what I’m given? When faith still needs a gun Whose ammunition justifies the wrong? And I can’t see from the backseat So I’m askin’ from above Can I trust what I’m given, even when it cuts?

♥ for one thing my muse likes about yours

The compassion that Daisy showed her after Jerome was arrested, when it felt like the world was falling apart and when she thought that her friendship with Jessica was over. Daisy managed to not only calm her down from such an emotional state she also gave her amazing advice that gave Sofia perspective on what was happening around her. She mom’d her hard, but it made Sofia feel connected and secure. 

⊗ for one thing my muse dislikes about yours

There isn’t much about Daisy for Sofia to dislike at this moment? They’ve had only a few interactions and I would say that her temper would be off putting (her screaming about where Sofia sent Jessica), but they talked through that in their latest thread and Sofia understands that the situation they were all in was emotionally charged. But so much has happened since that thread and now, I am sure in the next thread she’ll find some things in our next para. We just… gotta do the thing.

؟ for a random thought my muse has about yours

"I hope she’s okay.”

≠ for something my muse would never say to your muse

“You deserve better than Jessica.” 

ϟ for a plot I think would be fun for your muse/our muses

I think it would be interesting to see them together post discord / post event since Sofia left Jessica to Kilgrave (I mean, she didn’t know that – but it still happened riprip). And you know, Sofia thinks that Jessica is cheating on Daisy with some dude in a purple suit. And we’ll do something fun during the next part of the event.

[atlaese]

I'm, unabashedly, just going straight ahead and writing down my favourites for all the Marvel shows I've watched, not just Daredevil, which I initially intended the question for.

For Daredevil, it is definitely season 3. Though, I've got to admit that I've genuinely taken my time with this series (all the Marvel-Netflix productions, frankly) and only recently finished off its last season, having watched it sporadically – leaving large time gaps between seasons, before I picked up where I left off. I, therefore, might not remember everything to the t. Pardon me in advance, as well as my extensive conscious rambling, with a less eloquent manner.

Despite not having seen the Defenders, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I knew immediately that its beginning wasn't where we left off with season 2, but I just went along with it and filled the gaps in my mind, not feeling the need to catch up. (I still haven't seen the Defenders, mainly because I'm hesitant if it's worth my time, considering I only care for two out of four team members.) Season 1 was a perfect introduction for getting to know the characters, establishing the world and atmosphere, and particularly building up the villain. But it just lacked a certain spark, one that season 3 picked up for me. That, and its finale, where he hit Fisk and finally revealed his suit, left me, somehow, hanging. Season 2, however, I genuinely didn't enjoy as much. It felt too convoluted, the storylines, oftentimes, felt all over the place, making it hard to follow and care for. I think I would've liked it better if they had just gone with the Punisher as a conflict point rather than throwing in some "the Hand" business and Matt's connection with Elektra. In addition to that, I thought Elektra was misused and merely present for her later involvement with "the Hand"-storyline, depriving us of an interesting dynamic, despite having great moments. Plus, the whole Karen romance thing, I do not stand behind. When they used her as a plain love interest device, I started losing interest in her character altogether – one thing season 3 redeemed for me.

Setting up the Defenders plot within the second season of Daredevil came at the cost of, what could've been, an interesting season. Now, the only good thing, in my opinion, is the Punisher and his interactions with Matt. Leaving me to conclude why I thought season 3 was the best out of all of them: It was so well-written, produced and performed. Each character felt at its peak, and so did the actors' performances, the story was intriguing beginning to end, introducing us to phenomenal side characters and dealing with compelling topics. Matt's struggle was a reasonable consequence done well. Fisk felt more terrifying than ever, calmly orchestrating everything to his benefit, manipulating his way to victory. Bullseye and Ray quickly became my favourite side characters of the show, each dealing differently with the same conflict, playing right into Fisk's hands. Bullseye, in particular, I thought, was the most enthralling story addition, who didn't feel unnecessarily squeezed in but elevated the events within this season. (plus, his fights were amazing to watch, I never felt so scared for Matt.) And, equally important, they didn't force a love interest upon us or tried to blandish his broken relationship with his mother. Suffice to say, I have not been this engrossed in prior seasons. I could go on and on, but for the length of this message, and the sake of your sanity, I'll stop here unless you want me to further elaborate.

(Trying to keep this shorter now...)

Jessica Jones: The first season is my favourite. Hated the second season, especially the whole mother issue, and Trish. Though, I've got to say I never warmed up to Trish' character, so her turning point only aggravated me further. Season 3 had some good takes, ex: Her imagining Kilgrave as her inner voice, the devil on her shoulder. Or the origin of how she became who she is now, the start of her investigations, dealing and coming to terms with what a hero is and slowly accepting herself as one. And the overall characters and dynamics, I liked a lot. But the story in itself felt less compelling compared to season 1, despite all the aforementioned good takes it had.

The Punisher has yet to be determined. I only recently started watching it, still am in the middle of season 2, but I'm in love with season 1. And yes, Ben Barnes certainly plays into it, but so does Jon. Overall a really good series.

-love letter anon

ooh that's interesting to hear that S3 i your favourite! i loved all the seasons, but because i was so confused as for the storyline, i definitely didn't pay as much attention to the screen as i should've. but yeah! i'm gonna be honest, i was kinda disappointed on one hand to see that fisk was back (i would've loved another villain) but in the end i do understand it's about matt/daredevil killing their demons! (i don't remember who bullseye is? damn was that knock-off daredevil?)

i do really recommend to watch the defenders! it's so fun to see matt and jessica meet and become 'friends'. i don't care a whole lot for danny rand either, but i did love to see luke and colleen back in action, as well as elektra.

yeah, jessica jones' first season was amazing but after that the storyline was horrible. i liked trish in the beginning but indeed, it got old very quickly...

you're gonna love the second season! i don't want to spoil anything, but it was a very good sequel to the first season!

but thank you for sharing your opinion on this! it's always nice to read why people love certain shows/seasons and how others have another opinion on it!

[akajustjessicajones]

AKA Window to the Soul || Self

summary: oscar finally comes over to fix jessica’s windows. they might not be together anymore, but he still knows when something’s wrong… (set between fish 1 and fish 2)

trigger warnings: PTSD/nightmares/flashback mentions, but briefly. this is actually fairly fluffy ok

 So, basically… that blew up in her face.

Jessica sighed heavily. She thought when she saw Sofia, she’d feel some kind of relief. That seeing her alive, safe, home like Coulson promised would ease some of this unending tension, take this unbearable weight off her chest. But she felt heavier than ever, too heavy to take the stairs, even if the ghosts of the Shlottman’s haunted her from the corner of the elevator.

Liquor.  That was all she wanted. A drink, a bottle, a gallon, no ocean of whiskey. To drink and drink until her brain felt fuzzy because she wanted it that way, not because of the residue of Fish’s touch or the memories of Kilgrave’s whisper. But then the elevator doors opened, and her plans to drink until she was numb (which never really goddamn worked) flew out the window.

Oscar was leaning against her door at the end of the hall. “Jessica, hey,” he called. He smiled at her, could still do that somehow. He was better at letting go than she’d ever been.

Jessica took a breath, shuffled out of the elevator. “Hey,” she muttered, walking up beside him. She looked him up and down – he had a tool bag with him, and there were panes of glass stacked beside the door. “You have a key,” she pointed out, not needing to ask why he was there.

“Figured you’d appreciate me waiting for you,” he said, still smiling at her. “Besides. The neighbors still talk about what you did to the last repair guy.”

She winced, remembering the man Trish sent. “That was a long time ago,” she muttered, instead of saying thanks. She pushed the door open, nodded for him to go in first. Then she picked up the glass, hauled it inside after Oscar.

“Some things never change,” Oscar called. He was already in the office, setting his bag down. He reminded her of her dad, hands covered in paint more often than grease, but the same calloused, worn strength to them. “You really did a number this time,” he noted. Jessica tensed up, but he looked back at her with a small smirk.

“Sorry,” she murmured, setting the glass against the wall. Once her hands were free, she practically dove for the liquor on her shelf.

“No problem,” Oscar said, shrugging. “This won’t take as long as you think. I’ll be out of your hair in a couple of hours. Three tops.”

Jessica doesn’t answer. Not before she tilted a bottle back, let the whiskey pour down her throat. Aching for the burn to cleanse her, the liquor to fill her with something. Something other than goddamn shame.

“One of those days?” he asked. He didn’t even look at her, just kept working.

She shrugged. “They’re all hard,” she muttered. “And you’re not… I don’t mind. Having you here.”

It was better than being alone – but that was only true for a few select people. Her Daisy. Coulson. Malcolm, if he ever wanted to goddamn look at her again. And him. Oscar.

He chuckled, but didn’t respond. For a while, they sit like that. He worked, and she drank. Occasionally, he asked her to lift something, to hold this, put that there – but he asked. Not ordered. He didn’t work like she did, she couldn’t stand to have people around, didn’t make conversation, but he talked. About Vido, mostly, but his paintings, too. His ex, but sparingly. The building – they trade gossip about the weird guy in apartment 3E, the one with the chihuahua. None of it serious. None of it mattered.

He stepped back after two windows were completely fixed. At first, she thought he was just admiring his handiwork, going to suggest a break, but then he looked over at her.

“Vido told me you have a new friend,” he said, picking up his tools. Like he knew she couldn’t have this conversation if they had to look each other in the eye. “A girl. An ‘amazing real superhero lady,’ were his exact words,” he said. Jessica could hear the fondness in his voice, that thread of real love that he couldn’t hide even if he wanted to. Every time he talks about Vido, she hears it.

She bit her lip, lifted the glass up to where he pointed. “Her name is Daisy,” she said softly, because there was no point in denying it.

“You like her?” Oscar asked, doing whatever the hell he needed to do to make the glass stay. She didn’t know, didn’t understand it. Fixing things has never been her strong suit.

“I…” Jessica stopped herself. She wasn’t good at this, she’d never had an ex before. Not one she had to see on a regular basis, one she didn’t shoot in the head, one that was alive. He was so calm, so relaxed, just working away, while she could feel the awkwardness surging through her veins, twisting her up inside. “I do,” she said finally. “I really do.”

Oscar smiled. Soft and bittersweet, but genuine. “I’m happy for you,” he whispered. He stopped whatever he was doing, his hand coming down to rest on her shoulder.

Jessica shuddered, pulled away. The glass, luckily, stayed in place. Oscar’s brows furrowed in concern, but she turned away. Reaching for the bottle of whiskey – her second, since he started. But the first was only half-full. It wasn’t enough.

“You shouldn’t be,” she said, after a couple deep gulps that leave her wincing from the burn. “I mean. I wouldn’t blame you,” she murmured, eyes flicking over to him for a fraction of a moment.

Oscar tilted his head, a small frown on his lips. He set the tool down on the window sill, turned to face her. “Jessica,” he said softly. He stood in front of her, but didn’t reach out for her this time. “Are you okay?”

She shook her head. “I’m fine,” she said quickly. Another swig, to hide the lie, bury it, drown it. It didn’t work, never did.

“Is this about us?” Oscar asked, and she met his eyes. They were like Daisy’s, that same warm brown color. Deeper than hers would ever be, and rich – like chocolate, like a hot cup of coffee, like dirt after a spring storm. That promise in them that once upon a time, she’d almost believed in.

“I don’t blame you for that, you know,” he continued. The smile was back, gentle – but she could see the tinge of regret in the corners. “We were different people. We cared about each other, and – I don’t know about you,” he said, smirking gently. “But I still do. No matter what we are.”

Jessica held her breath. It was too much, he was too much. There was so much about her that he just – so much that she couldn’t do. She hadn’t been able to sleep at his place because her nightmares woke up Vido. She hadn’t been able to hold his hand, because sometimes it felt like Kilgrave’s. She hadn’t been able to talk to him, no matter how much he begged on those Bad Nights. There were somethings she would never be able to explain, the words just didn’t exist.

But her Daisy knew that.

Her Daisy was different.

“I care about you too,” she murmured, still not meeting his gaze. She could admit that much, even if it did make her stomach lurch uncomfortably. Like she’d throw up, if she had anything in her to goddamn throw up. “It’s not that,” she said, shaking her head slowly.

“Then what is it?” he asked. And now she looked at him, her eyes full of all the things she couldn’t say. All the things she’d never been able to explain to him. She remembered how he used to reach for her on the Bad Nights, how sometimes she’d dove into the touch and let the physical sensations overtake the demons in her head for a while. And how sometimes, she’d just pulled away, shaking her head.

She shook her head now. Oscar sighed. Softly, like he didn’t mean for her to hear, but she did. He picked up his tools, went back to the window. “I’m sorry,” she whispered softly, fingers tapping along the bottle in her hand.

Oscar kept working. “Don’t be,” he said, glancing back at her. “It’s okay, Jessica.” He lifted the last pane of glass himself, while she stood there, rooted by his words. “We don’t have to talk about it,” he continued, working so patiently, so consistently. She got lost in the sound of it, the hammer against the wood, the squeak of the glass falling into place. “Just promise me one thing?”

It wasn’t a command. It wasn’t an order. Oscar’s voice was too soft, too pleading for that. Jessica’s throat constricted anyway, she could barely breathe, let alone speak – so she just nodded.

“Talk about it with someone,” he said, finishing the window and stepping back. “Your new friend, maybe.” He tested it with a few quick shoves from his hand, opened it up to let in a blast of fresh air – fresh for New York anyway. Then he looked back at her. And this time, there was nothing bittersweet in his smile. “I don’t know what you’re getting into these days. And maybe that’s better, all things considered.”

He moved towards her now. Slow, steady, telegraphing every movement, so this time she didn’t pull away when his hand found her shoulder. She shuddered, but she stayed still. “But I know Vido would be upset if you shut yourself up in here, all alone, and forgot to come out again,” he whispered.

She just stared back at him. His hand moved from her shoulder, touched her face for just a moment. It wasn’t quite like Fish’s touch, wasn’t quite like her Daisy’s. It was somewhere in between – but the sort of limbo she could live through. Her hand reached up to touch his, and she nodded once. It was all she could do. She hoped it was enough.

Oscar smiled, and stepped back to gather up his tools. “Try to keep the damage down to a minimum for me, okay?” he joked, moving towards her door. “And you’re always welcome at dinner. You and your friends.” He didn’t need her to answer, didn’t even wait for a reply. He just flashed her one more smile.

She reached up, felt the Daisy earrings in her ears, and somehow – she smiled too. Oscar left, and she let out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. She leaned on her desk, eyes gazing up at her new windows. They were so clear. She could see for miles.

“You hear that?” she whispered, not even sure if Daisy was listening through the earrings or not. “We’ve got an official dinner invite.”