Going Home

Fauna

Fauna watched as Daredevil disappeared quietly into the shadows. She glanced around peering in the darkness, half expecting him to jump out at her. She said all those things to him and he allowed it. He even allowed her to hit him… without retaliating? She considered herself lucky he didn't turn around and punch her back. She wrapped her arms around herself. Her arm throbbed, it had never stopped, but the events of the night had taken her mind elsewhere. She forced herself to put one foot in front of the other and began walking home.

She was cold, probably on the verge of freezing, and chills ravaged her body. As she continued down the street a different kind of chill overcame her. It began at the base of her spine and went up to her neck, she shivered and stopped. It was that odd eerie feeling that happens when someone is watching you. Fauna looked around. She was alone. Her eyes settled on a patch of shadows underneath a dimly lit billboard high atop a tall building. She turned away, deciding she better hurry home before Grayson-

Fauna gasped and searched for her Fob and phone. They were nowhere on her. Had she dropped them when she tumbled to the ground in the woods? No, she realized. Defeated, she turned and began walking again. She had left them in the warehouse on a crate by the door. She said a silent prayer her father would understand. If not, she honestly couldn't care at this moment. She was too hungry, too cold and too tired.

She pressed Mrs. Carmichael's doorbell.

"Hello!" She answered with a sleep filled voice.

"Um, hi Mrs. Carmichael. It's Fauna, I'm really sorry. I forgot my keys, could you buzz me in please?"

"Fauna! What are you doing out so late?!" Her voice raised in excitement. "You out with a man tonight?"

Fauna rolled her eyes at the smile she heard in the old woman's voice. "Something like that, could you let me in?"

"Oh, yes. Yes, but don't make a habit of this."

"Thank you."

As soon as the door unlocked she jumped inside. Though the building wasn't as warm as it should be, Grayson made sure of that, it was a relief from being outside. After a very hot shower and a quick bite she wrapped herself in her blanket as tight as she could.

Three days later, things remained quiet for Fauna. Her father was furious she had lost her fob and phone. Fortunately for her he blamed Daredevil and was too occupied with him and dealing with the loss of his product to pay any mind to her. Ace delivered another fob and phone as she made her way down the hallway.

She was about to thank him for protecting her from the exploding door at the warehouse, but then he opened his poisonous mouth. She decided any gratitude would encourage his advances toward her. She stayed silent as he offered her a malicious smile. When she tried walking away he grabbed her arm.

"You know Fauna, it will happen." He pulled her toward him.

"What, exactly, will happen?" She asked, squaring her shoulders.

"Me and you." He pinned her to the wall, propping his elbow just above Fauna's head.

She inhaled her nerves, hoping they weren't visible to him. She wondered why he did it. He couldn't possibly care, not with that stone cold heart he continuously displayed. She seriously doubted he even had a heart. She would, right now, bet her life that if she placed her ear to his chest there would be silence. He towered over her, piercing her with those razor sharp eyes.

"The only way that'll happen is if you force me." She spat.

He peered down, smiling as if enjoying the idea of it. He lowered his head to the soft tissue of her neck and inhaled.

Fauna squirmed, but he held her in place. His low chuckle hummed against her skin.

The sound of boots echoed down the hall. A guard appeared, calling Ace. Taking advantage of the distraction, she slipped from his grasp and dived into her office.

Fauna had not heard or seen Daredevil. He had not been by her apartment for any updates. She wondered if something had happened to him. Perhaps, she will never see him again. She felt that was only a wishful thought. Fauna pushed it from her mind as best she could. She didn't want to jinx it, life had pretty much returned to normal. It was even better in some ways. Grayson had not been around and he has yet to ask her to work at night again. Every day she was off by six and didn't have to return until nine the next morning.

The only downside was not being able to go to the park or see her mother, but at least she was able to get out to the roof.

She's spent her evenings watching the stars, enjoying the quiet relief of being left alone. At work she'd been doing the usual, pushing papers. For the last week it was like she was invisible with everyone in a frenzy about Daredevil. Besides the occasional glances she received from Ace, no one bothered her.

At least he was good for one thing, she sneered. She looked up at the clock, it was almost time for her to leave. A hard knock sounded at her door. Ace plowed through. He was slightly disheveled, which was highly unusual for him. He was always so smooth, so calm and collected.

"You have the day off tomorrow." He growled, agitated.

Fauna sat back in her chair astonished, her mouth fell agape. Her father requires days, nights and weekends. Rarely ever getting a day off. One day off in a month would be a miracle. This would be two days. It was impossible, she thought.

"What?! Why?" As soon as the words left her mouth she knew how stupid it sounded. The reasons didn't matter, she'd love a day off. It was stupid to question it. She was just so shocked, she didn't know what else to say. Her heart inflated with excitement, then it deflated. It only meant she'd be stuck inside her apartment all day. On the account of all Daredevil's mischief, she wasn't allowed to be out and about. She sighed and nodded as Ace straightened his suit.

He smirked, Fauna hated that look.

"Grayson will allow you to visit your mother tomorrow." He continued ignoring her questions. Fauna's astonishment turned to shock. Grayson was going to not just give her a day off but also allow her to see her mother. She couldn't believe it.

"You owe me," He said. Fauna's eyes darted to his. He was straightening his tie. "Not only did I save your life the other night, but I convinced him it would be a good idea. We don't want anyone to suspect your involvement here… now do we?!"

Fauna was ecstatic that she could see her mother, but her stomach turned. The look in his eyes was predatory. She did her best to pretend to be indifferent to his suggestion. She wouldn't owe him anything and began shuffling papers once again.

"What, no thank you?"

She refused to look at him. Then, she heard his leather shoes stepping closer. She jerked as a cold finger grazed across her, now faded, bruised cheek.

"I wish you'd let me make things easier for you." He said slowly in a low tone.

She ground her teeth together to keep her mouth shut. Ace chuckled.

"Just for that, you'll be cleaning the floors before you leave tonight." He said, standing and making his way to the door. "And Fauna." He turned and she looked up and met his gaze. "Make sure they shine."

She hissed at him as soon as the door closed and their earlier conversation came to mind. Ace was definitely capable of forcing her. If she didn't get out of here, that could very well happen.

Then a horrible thought crossed her mind. That's what all this was leading up to. He was like a cat playing with a mouse. He enjoyed watching her squirm. He took pleasure from it. Eventually, he would do exactly that, force her when the cat and mouse game got old. Ace was a man that got what he wanted, no matter what.

The thought stayed with her the rest of the night as she swept, vacuumed and mopped all three floors. For the first hour she verbally thrashed Ace.

Then, she began to worry about Daredevil. Her mind went wild with thoughts of why he hadn't been around lately. And began cursing him.

As the hours passed by she scolded and verbally berated all the men in her life that were making Hell on earth for her. It was three in the morning before she finished.

Fauna was exhausted, and dead on her feet. The thought of seeing her mother pushed her through the last couple hours, but now she dreaded the walk to her apartment. She gathered her things and stepped out. When her bare skin touched the cold night air it woke her up a bit. Everytime she blinked she felt like keeping her eyes closed, she had to force herself to keep them open. Her light footsteps were suddenly joined by a heavier step not too far behind her.

She continued walking, listening. Her eyes darted from side to side trying to see behind her, but she didn't want it to be obvious. She stopped, the footsteps behind her stopped as well. She continued, and they continued. She walked faster, so did they. It was late, no one else was around and someone was following her. Her eyes were wide in fear as she began to panic.

Perhaps I'm just paranoid, she thought. Perhaps they'll turn down one of these other streets. Then she heard a voice in the wind, though she couldn't make it out. After another moment there was a thud and some shuffling. Her stomach flipped as she imagined it was her hitting the ground and being dragged away. Fauna's curiousiness got the better of her and she whirled around, posing to attack. She stopped and studied the streets around her. No one was there, no sound, and no signs of another person at all. Was I imagining it, she wondered.

She rolled her eyes at herself. Dismissing it as her tired mind playing tricks. She turned and continued home.

Even though Fauna was exhausted over such a long night she couldn't sleep. Once she was awake enough to comprehend the daylight shining through her window, she rushed to get ready and headed for her mom's house. Fauna couldn't wait. Her mother's cooking and tea was all she could think about. The smell filled her as she opened the door and stepped in. Her stomach turned in anticipation. She dropped her bag by the door and heard her mother clanging pots in the kitchen.

"Mom!" She called out. "Mom, I'm home!"

Her mother appeared at the end of the hall. "Oh goody, Fauna!"

Louisa clapped her hands together as she walked up to Fauna, wiping her hands on her apron. "I'm so glad you're here." She extended her arms out for a hug. Fauna did the same. She inhaled her mother's scent and locked the image of Louisa in her mind. She was certainly a sight for Fauna's, quite literally, sore eyes.

Fauna smiled as her mother released her. "Oh!" She gasped, looking at the faint bruise on her cheek then down to her bandaged arm. "What happened?"

"Oh, I... slipped in rehearsal. Nothing serious." She smiled. Her mother was used to Fauna having bumps and bruises everywhere and often from dance rehearsals. Fauna watched her mother's expression turn to understanding. Louisa nodded and continued her way down the hall. Pains of guilt knotted Fauna's stomach.

"Well, come on into the kitchen." Louisa shouted. Fauna stood still for a moment taking in all the familiar items placed in the unfamiliar house. Her mother had been living here a while now but since Fauna didn't get to visit as often, it just didn't feel like home. When she didn't respond to Louisa's calls, she came back through and took Fauna by the hand and dragged her to the kitchen. "I've got tea made, a fresh pot, and you're in time to see Mr. Murdock before he leaves."

Fauna's mind stumbled back to the present at the mention of Daredevil's last name. Her face scrunched in confusion. Surely she had heard her mother wrong. She was lacking a lot of sleep, especially after her long night, surely she must have imagined it. Great, she thought, I imagined footsteps last night and now I'm imagining things being said that weren't really said. Fauna wondered if all the stress and worry was finally catching up with her. She was finally cracking. Either that or, she thought, perhaps there were two Murdocks in Hell's Kitchen. Of course there were. Just like there were Williams', McBrides', or Jacksons'. There were even probably two Matthew Murdocks in Hell's Kitchen. One being a perfectly normal and kind human being and another an evil mastermind taking justice much too far. That was wishful thinking, she concluded.

She quickly normalized her face, and began to clarify with her mother as they entered the kitchen. "Um, mom…?" Her words withered away into the air, as she stood in the doorway. She had indeed heard her mother correctly. Daredevil, also known as Matthew Murdock also known as evil-mastermind-vilante, also known as the man making Fauna's life Hell, sat at her mother's kitchen table. Fauna's face heated as she felt every fiber of her being explode. At the same time the lights flickered and buzzed.

Once Fauna realized she didn't combust into flames, she tried regaining control of herself. However, she felt the blood draining away. The room spun and then everything went black.

Matthew

3 hours earlier…

Matthew stepped out on the curb as Karen continued to argue with the cab driver about the price of the fare. Matthew knew he was being dishonest, but he couldn't tell Karen that. He didn't have too, she had her own suspicions, hence the argument.

He took a deep breath, inhaling the scents. Taking a moment to study each one. He pinpointed Fauna's scent seeping from the house in front of him. It was faint, but present.

"Low life!" Karen slammed the door and stepped next to Matthew.

"Were you victorious?" Matthew asked.

"Of course." She smiled at him, offering her elbow. He gently accepted and they began walking toward Louisa Bosk's house, as the cab's tires squealed away.

The front door opened as they approached. Mrs. Bosk appeared.

Karen leaned in slightly, her breath on Matt's ear. "She's already standing at the door, waving." She warned him. "Three steps up, four feet ahead."

Matt nodded as the scents from his surroundings flooded him. He usually shut himself down, saving his energy for more important things. However, Fauna had been here, he seemed to be unable to avoid the temptation. Her faint scent was present, however pinpointing exactly what it was still eluded him.

"Hello, welcome!" Louisa smiled.

"Thank you Mrs. Bosk." Karen released Mattew's arm once they reached the door. "My name is Karen Page. We spoke on the phone."

"Yes, of course." Louisa nodded.

"And this is Matthew Murdock. He's the lawyer." Karen explained.

"Mr. Murdock, it's so nice to finally meet you."

Matt smiled, "Please Mrs. Bosk, call me Matt. I… I'm very pleased to meet you."

"Please come in."

"It's a lovely home, Mrs. Bosk."

"Thank you." Her demeanor turned nervous. "I've never done anything like this before. Please, sit down."

Karen helped Matt to a chair, by giving him some directions.

"Mrs. Bosk, I don't want you to worry," Matt began, "There's a lot of work to do. I won't promise it'll be easy. I won't promise it'll be quick. But if we put in the hard work, the time, I believe we will have a chance."

Louisa smiled.

"Mrs. Bosk, Matt and Foggy aren't the most well equipped lawyers or the most well known. But they are passionate, loyal and hard working men. They won't give up."

Louisa smiled with relief.

"I-is this your daughter?" Karen asked, pointing to a picture sitting on the mantle.

"Yes. Fauna."

"She's very beautiful. Tell me about her."

"She's my star." Matt noted the affectionate tone Louisa;s voice shifted to.

"She's lovely and sweet. And the most perfect daughter I could have ever asked for. She complains I brag on her too much. But I can't help it. I'm so proud of her. All her accomplishments. I often joke that she'll be able to retire by the time she's thirty." Louisa laughs. "She gets so embarrassed when I show her off-"

"Show her off?" Matthew interrupted.

"Yes, her room."

"Oh please!" Karen requested.

As they made their way down the hall Fauna's scent grew stronger. As Louisa opened the door his senses went haywire.

"Fauna would absolutely kill me if she knew I was showing you this." Louisa flipped the light switch and stepped into the room.

"Wow!" Karen exclaimed. "I mean really. Mrs. Bosk, I can see why you are so proud."

An alarm sounded from the kitchen. "Oh, my chicken. I'll be right back."

As Louisa left the room, Karen released Matt's arm. He reached his hand out and found a hard surface to lean against. His vision was glitching and his ears rang loudly.

Karen took in the room and all it contained.

"You still there, Karen?" Matt asked, breaking the silence, trying to pull in his focus.

"Oh Matt, I wish you could see this."

"Tell me." He said, inhaling deeply. That had been a mistake, her scent was strong here and all around him. He was fighting to keep from losing control of his senses. He closed his eyes behind his glasses and focused on Karen's voice.

"Well, I don't know where to begin. It's -." She paused.

Matt took another deep breath, this time through his mouth, trying to regain his composure. That again was a mistake, the taste of her settled on his tongue.

"- it's like a little museum. There's newspaper clippings, framed and covering one wall. Trophies overlap each other on every shelf. Some almost as tall as me. Beautiful gold and glass awards are scattered everywhere. Metals hang, covering another wall. And wow!..."

Matt heard Karen's footsteps hasten across the room to where Fauna's scent was pulling him.

"These dresses are beautiful! And these costumes. Wow! They all look custom made."

"They are." Louis stepped back into the room.

"Oh!" Karen exclaimed.

"The red velvet one is my favorite. It looked amazing on her. Still would, if I'd ever be able to convince her to put it on again."

"This all is very impressive." Matt said.

"Is there anything she's done recently?" Karen asked.

"Rent on Broadway."

"Whoa." Karen exclaimed.

"But that was a couple years ago. She's into her studies at Julliard. I didn't see the point, but going to college was very important to her."

Matt's focus came whirling back to him and settled on Louisa's heart. It sped up, and Matt heard a sadness in her words, like desperation. A longing for something.

"I guess it's her way of taking a break from it all, after all, she's worked since she was so young."

Guilt, concluded Matthew. Letting a child so young take on such responsibility.

A long silence ensued.

"Well, Mrs. Bosk. We should probably get started." Karen suggested.

"Of course."

Karen took her place beside Matthew and they walked from the room. He could breathe normally the more distance he put between himself and Fauna's belongings.

After settling on a plan to get the case against MacFinn started, Matthew asked Karen to update Foggy and begin their investigations. Matthew wanted a little time alone with Fauna's mother.

Louisa stood from the table to retrieve the newly heated kettle from the stove as it whistled. Matthew took a few seconds to get another read on her. She had been anxious since he entered the house. The medication she was taking seeped from her skin. Matt had trouble placing exactly what kind it was. And there was something else. He had expected Louisa to look the same to him as Fauna does. He imagined her mother to have the same swirling light. He admitted the disappointment he felt that she didn't. It meant Fauna was more unique than he thought, and more puzzling.

"Mrs. Bosk…"

"Please Mr. Murdock, call me Louisa." She demanded, pouring the hot water into his tea cup."

Matt chuckled, "only if you call me Matt."

She looked up at him, "deal". She replied.

"How long have you lived in New York?" He asked.

"Most of my life."

"Fauna too?"

Matt's ears went on high alert when Louisa's heart sped up.

"Yes." She answered, smiling.

It was a lie and Matthew sensed her heightened fear. It was intriguing and unexpected.

"Was she always interested in performing?"

Louisa smiled and relaxed a little. "Not entirely, she was very shy and quiet. I encouraged her to take a dance class to help her make friends and open up." She laughed quietly and continued, "she blossomed like a flower, especially when she met Jenna."

"Jenna?"

"Fauna's best friend. They're inseparable."

Matthew nodded. Then his breath caught in his throat and Fauna's scent filled his nostrils. He swallowed hard realizing it was growing stronger. He stretched his senses. Her familiar heart beat flooded his ears along with her light footsteps on the sidewalk. She was close. This was going to be interesting.