Later, Thus, That's How

by jocillyria

Frank should probably be grateful that Billy was keeping an eye out for Karen while he was recuperating. After all, he never did see who shot him in the stairwell, and who knows if they were still out there. And yet, the two of them sipping wine and laughing over stories (especially at his expense) doesn't really sit well with him.

1. Later (Frank)

Frank never saw who shot him in the stairwell. Never saw who came so close to putting another hole in his skull that he'd have to stitch up the graze. He maybe owed them a thank you, since they thoroughly captured Madani's attention. Whether she actually thought he was out of commission or she was just that annoyed that someone would shoot at her 'prisoner,' she ran up the stairs to try to catch the shooter. Frank went down. After a brief skirmish with some cops, and a dislocated shoulder from his time-saving jump with the conveniently located fire hose, he finally found his way to Karen.

Later he might thank every god he never believed in that she was still alive, that she could follow his lead and disarm a goddamn bomb she couldn't even see, that she had that gun in her bag, that she'd insist on playing hostage and human shield to get him out of there. Later he would rest his forehead against hers and breathe her in and take a second to savor her existence, to live instead of just survive. It was only a second, and it wasn't nearly enough, but it was more than he'd expect to get when he was about to climb out of an elevator shaft with shrapnel in his arm and a bad shoulder.

Later he would stumble into that dank basement and David would call Curtis, again. Later, after a handful of days, after he was sure she wasn't being watched, he would find his way to her again, this time at her apartment. Later he would see her through her window, refilling a glass of wine for her guest while they chatted.

Later he would wonder when the hell she started spending time with Billy Russo.