I'm baaaack! We've got a nice lengthy chapter here, with a lot more interaction between Matt and Iris. This was a lot of fun to write and I hope you enjoy it! Btw, to set the mood for the chapter, listen to Modern Love by David Bowie while reading :)

Chapter 4: Modern Love

After spending the next couple of hours chatting and setting up my new employment, I remembered I needed to do some real grocery shopping. The bakery started getting a bit busy, so after a quick hug and exchange of phone numbers, I walked out of Sweet Heaven feeling accomplished and excited to start my new job the next morning.

Oh how I wish I could call Mom right now and tell her the good news. God I've missed her so much. I felt horrible for not going to visit her as soon as I came to the city. But it wasn't safe enough yet. I couldn't risk going and being recognized. What if he found out somehow and something ended up happening to her?

It's not safe yet, but it will be. Just have to lay low a little longer, then you and Mom will be okay.

Setting those thoughts aside before I could lose myself to them, I set out for the nearest grocery store.

The sun was setting as I walked out of the store carry a few bags of groceries. As I walked down the sidewalk to head home, I spotted a little antique store to my left. A few things to give the apartment a little personality wouldn't hurt. With that being reason enough for me, I turned towards the shop and welcomed myself in.

The store was small, cluttered, and it smelled as old as the antiques and knickknacks it was carrying. I might become a regular here.

The house I lived in before was like a museum. All glass and marble,very cold and beautiful, and I wasn't allowed to touch anything without his permission. I hated that house. It was the "best house on the beach" and I fucking hated it. So now that I was out of there, I became determined to make my home everything that house wasn't. Everything he looked down his nose at, I wanted to make the center of attention.

I found some books that were still in good condition; Interview with the Vampire, Frankenstein, The Complete Fiction of H.P. Lovecraft, The Complete Tales And Poems of Edgar Allan Poe. That collection of gothic literature was definitely going home with me. I suddenly remembered the groceries in my hands and realized I couldn't get much today, but I would definitely be going back tomorrow.

As I was walking towards the register to pay, something out the corner of my eye caught my attention. To my right was a table with an array of CDs of different artists ranging from David Bowie to Wanda Jackson. And among this vast collection of music sat a small stereo for sale. It was a combination cassette/CD player that looked to be in decent condition.

It didn't hit me until now just how much I've missed listening to music I loved. He always hated my "juvenile" taste in music, so he made me get rid of all of my albums. He only liked classical music, especially that one horrible symphony he insisted on playing constantly, and has always given me the chills.

Well he's not here now. And you don't have to ever hear that terrible music ever again. You know you want your music back. Take it!

Without a second thought, I reached for the stereo and grabbed as many CDs as I could carry; thanking God once again for remembering to take my backpack with me today. After I paid, I stuffed my new treasures in my backpack, carrying the stereo by the handle along with my groceries, and headed towards home.

As I was getting closer to the apartment building, I felt a shiver down my spine. I was being watched again. I tensed up as I stopped and looked all around me, again not seeing anyone suspicious. I looked up at the roof, only this time it truly was empty up there with not a soul in sight.

I let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding, and turned to get to the entrance. I turned too quickly though, and crashed into a wall of muscle.

"Oh shit!" I yelped as I blindly tripped over our feet and my ass was about to get acquainted with the ground.

At least that would've been the case, if the wall of muscle in question hadn't have caught me faster than I could blink, just a foot away from hitting the pavement. I looked up at my savior, only to have my jaw drop at seeing the familiar red sunglasses and heart-stopping smile of Matt Murdock.

"Ms. Roberts, I thought we were supposed to worry about me suing you, not the other way around." He said with a smile but with a concerned tone in his voice.

God, why are you testing me when it comes to this criminally gorgeous man?

I let out a nervous giggle. "Well, Mr. Murdock, if you would just wear a bell around your neck once in a while, maybe I'd hear you and not bump into you every single time we meet."

He let out a chuckle, sending exciting shivers through my body, giving me goosebumps. "You know, you're not the first one to suggest I wear a bell around my neck. Maybe I should consider it."

"Well I'll be on the lookout for a nice red bell to match your glasses." I replied, causing him to let out a full laugh, making the shivers running through me even more intense.

"If you get one, I might actually wear it…" he trailed off in thought. "Some day."

I rolled my eyes and giggled, "People always say "some day" when they actually mean "no chance in Hell". That kind of defeats the purpose of getting the bell." I raised my eyebrow at him expectantly as I continued, "You want to try that again, Mr. Murdock?"

Matt looked deep in thought before he leaned in closer, his warm breath making my face heat up like a furnace and my heart racing at ludicrous speed.

He replied with a sly smirk. "Some day."

"Oh!" I let out an exaggerated gasp like I was insulted and lightly smacked his shoulder with the hand that was holding the small stereo, causing him to laugh once more.

God, he has a beautiful laugh. Oh damn it, snap out of it!

I snapped out of my thoughts and took a second to realize we never moved from our spot. He was still holding me in his arms a foot away from the ground. He held me in what could be a very romantic dip as if we were dancing. My heart raced even faster at the images dancing in my head. I felt his grip tighten around me.

I cleared my throat to break the suddenly intimate moment. "We should probably move out of the way."

I felt his fingers tighten slightly at my back before clearing his throat as well to reply, "Yeah, sorry, you're probably right. We should head inside."

With that, he stood up from his lunge that he held in position for who knows how many minutes (I refused to think about how strong and muscular his thighs must be) and helped me up along. My body lost the warmth it felt while being held in his muscular arms. I felt safe in those arms.

I shook myself out of my daydreaming when I saw two of my grocery bags were on the ground.

Matt must've sensed my movement towards the bags. "Oh Iris, I'm sorry! Here, let me help you." He said as he crouched down to reach for the bags.

"Oh no, Matt, it's okay." I tried to grab the bags first. "I've got this."

But Matt was quicker as he got a hold on the bags before I could touch a strap. "No, please, Iris. I insist. It's the least I can do after I knocked you off your feet." He said with an apologetic, but still beautiful smile.

More like swept me off my feet, you mean.

"Well okay, when you put it like that." Was all I could say without blurting out my inner thoughts.

"Shall we?" He asked as he held out his arm for me to take, the chivalrous gentleman that he is.

Damn it, Matt! You're making it harder trying to keep my distance. And making it too damn easy to fall for you, and I barely even know you!

I shook off my inner thoughts and chuckled at the chivalrous gesture as I accepted his arm. "Why yes, we shall. Lead the way, Mr. Murdock."

"I believe I asked you to call me Matt, Iris," Matt said with a smirk as we started walking towards the entrance. "And besides, it's probably not safe for me to do the leading. Call it a hunch."

I shook my head and giggled at his constant blind jabs. "Fine then, I'll do the leading, Matt."

"Well now I think that's even worse." Matt's smirk grew even wider as he commented.

"Wise ass." I replied, failing to stop my laughter as we entered the building and walked towards the elevator.

We made it up to our floor without further incident. It wasn't until we came close to my apartment that I realized Matt was still holding my groceries.

I turned to retrieve my groceries from him, "Thanks so much for your help, Matt. I can take it from here."

However, Matt rebutted, "Nonsense, my lovely neighbor. I can help carry them in your place, if that's okay of course."

I hesitated for a minute. I wasn't sure how to feel about having a man I barely know inside my private home. On the other hand, Matt's a really nice guy and has given me no reason not to trust him. So far.

"Um, yeah sure," I finally replied. "Come on in."

I unlocked the door and allowed Matt inside first. I followed after, leaving the door open. Just in case.

"The counter is about five steps to your right, you can set them down there." I told him as I made my way over to the counter.

Matt seemed to appreciate the gesture. "Thank you," he smiled as he walked towards the counter. "Not many people are courteous enough to give helpful tips like that."

I smiled and replied as I unpacked my groceries, "My mom's blind. I grew up knowing how be helpful and respectful better than some people." I figured giving him that one honest thing about me couldn't hurt.

Matt smiled in understanding. "That must've been a challenge growing up."

I shook my head, "It was at first when I was really little and didn't quite understand yet, but she's always been fiercely independent. She never had too hard of a time being able to do anything without sight."

"She sounds like an amazing woman." Matt said with admiration in his voice.

I smiled with pride, "She really is. I've missed her so much."

Matt frowned, "Oh, I'm sorry. Did she…"

I knew what he was asking and was quick to reply, "Oh no! Not yet, thank God." I saw Matt relax with relief as I continued, "She's in a nursing home. She had a stroke."

"I'm so sorry to hear that." Matt replied. "Have you gone to see her since you moved here?"

I shook my head in disappointment, "Not yet. I…" I don't think it's safe "I want to get settled in my new job first. Which I just got today." I concluded, wanting to change the subject before I said too much.

Matt seemed to go along with it as he responded, "Oh, that's great! Where at?"

"This really cute little bakery on the corner of 57th street, so not too far from here. It's called Sweet Heaven." I smiled thinking about my exciting opportunity.

Matt tilted his head in an amused smirk, "The irony of that name is not lost on me."

I let out a laugh when I got what he meant. "Well the owner does have a quirky sense of humor." I started putting my groceries away as I continued talking, "Maybe you and Foggy can stop by sometime. The treats are pretty addicting, and I can already recommend some of my favorites."

Matt chuckled as he replied, "I'm definitely going to take you up on that. Foggy has a hell of a sweet tooth." He then frowned as he continued, "I'm sorry for how blunt he was earlier, by the way. He tends to speak first and think later."

I blushed in embarrassment from how I acted that morning. "It's alright. I'm sorry for leaving so abruptly. Twice now." I hesitated before I continued with some vague honesty, "I'm going through some stuff right now, that I really don't want to talk about, and I've just been on edge, to say the least."

Good. Giving him a little bit of truth without the actual details will feel less like lying, and hopefully be enough for him to not ask any questions.

Matt nodded in understanding as it felt like his eyes were staring into mine. "It's alright, I understand completely." He stepped closer towards me, stopping at a much closer, but still respectable distance. "And if you ever need any kind of help, or at least someone to talk to, I'm a really good listener. You're a really nice girl to have as a neighbor, and if it's alright with you, I'd like to be your friend." He finished with sweet, gentle smile.

My heart was beating so fast, I thought it would beat out of my chest. He sounded so sweet and sincere, and already treated me with more respect than I've ever been treated, it was taking everything in me not to cry.

I cleared my throat to swallow the lump as I replied, "Thank you, Matt. I'd love to be your friend." He flashed me his beautiful smile that shone even brighter than I've ever seen it so far.

"Well since we're friends now, it's only right that you make it up to me for running off twice in a row and hurting my feelings in the process." He smirked, breaking the emotional and tense moment with his humor.

I let out a laugh, "Okay, you got me. What are your terms, council?"

Matt's eyebrow raised as he held his smirk, "Starting on lawyer jokes, huh? I can see I'm starting to rub off on you."

Please don't talk about rubbing anything off on me after we've just become friends. I'm testing myself as it is.

Matt continued, "How about you make it up to me by joining me for dinner tomorrow night?"

My heart stopped. I should've expected him to say that, but I didn't. The idea of a dinner alone with him made me thrilled, but also really nervous at the intimacy of it all. But we'd just become friends, and I felt I could trust him.

"Um, sure!I'd love to." That provoked another brilliant smile from him, causing me to smile along with him. "What did you have in mind?"

He shrugged, "Not sure yet. Let's talk about it tomorrow, ok? I might take you up on your suggestion and stop by the bakery."

I smiled in relief as I replied, "Sounds good. I'm there from 8 till 4 tomorrow, so you can stop by anytime between that time."

"Sounds great. I look forward to seeing you there." My eyebrow raised at his funny choice of words. The man loved his blind jokes. He chuckled as he continued, "Well I've taken up enough of your time, and I have some work to do, so I'll get out of your hair."

I smiled as I walked him towards the still open door. "Okay, thanks again, Matt. It was really nice talking to you."

Matt turned to face me as he smiled at me, "It was nice talking to you, Iris. Have a good night and I'll see you tomorrow."

I giggled and replied, "I'll see you tomorrow. Don't work too hard."

Matt smirked as he made the short walk to his apartment, "I make no promises."

I rolled my eyes in amusement, "Well then don't hurt yourself from working too hard."

He still held that sexy smirk as he replied, "I can't make promises on that either."

I laughed, not knowing how true that statement could be. "Goodnight, you workaholic!" I heard him say it back as I closed the door.

Before I went back to putting my groceries away, I decided to try out the stereo. I plugged it in and popped in David Bowie's greatest hits. As I pressed play, my attention drew to the cupboard and I noticed that I had stacked the cans in perfect, pristine order, with the labels facing out in perfect unison.

Just the way he liked it.

I must've been so caught up in talking to Matt, that I stacked them on autopilot. Before I could lose myself in another painful memory, I faintly heard the familiar riffs of Modern Love. My favorite song.

He's not here to take it away from you. He can't punish you for listening to it. You're free. You're safe. Now turn up the volume and knock those fucking cans down!

Feeling more determined, I turned up the volume loud enough to fill the empty space, and proceeded to happily knock the pristine cans off alignment. My giggles grew louder and louder as I knocked each can into the cupboard until it was a wonderful, unorganized mess.

My heart felt light as a feather, I felt the sudden urge to dance. So I did.

I danced like I was Molly Ringwald in The Breakfast Club, I did clumsy cartwheels in my living room, I jumped up on the couch and danced on the cushions, and I sang loud and proud to the lyrics I haven't heard in so long.

But I try
I try

Never going to fall for
(Modern Love)
Walks beside me
(Modern Love)
Walks on by
(Modern Love)
Gets me to the Church on Time
(Church on Time)
Terrifies me
(Church on Time)
Makes me party
(Church on Time)
Puts my trust in God and Man
(God and Man)
No confessions!
(God and Man)
No religion
(God and Man)
Don't believe
In Modern Love

This was the first real fun I'd had in years, I sang and danced like no one was watching. I was too lost in the music that I didn't notice the familiar dark figure standing on the rooftop across from my window watching over me with a smile on his face.

I woke up the next morning feeling more refreshed and relaxed than ever. I jumped out of bed and quickly got myself all pretty and ready for my first day at work.

I didn't see Matt as I left the apartment, so I assumed he was at work already. I couldn't wait to see him later today.

It seemed like time had gone by fast as Lucy was training me. We were having such a good time working together, I didn't realize it was almost noon. And no sign of Matt yet.

I was wiping the counter, feeling anxious, when I heard the bell ring from the door opening.

"Hi, welcome to Sweet Heaven! How may I help you?" I greeted before I looked up and recognized the two familiar faces. One being the cool red shades and dazzling smile of Matt Murdock, the other being the blonde teddy bear known as Foggy Nelson. "Oh hey, guys!" I grinned.

"Hello, lovely Iris, and what a glorious Heaven it is!" Exclaimed Foggy with excitement.

I giggled in reply, "Well, just wait until you've had a bite. You'll really be in Heaven then!" I turned towards Matt and smiled even brighter. "Hi, Matt."

He smiled back, "Hi, Iris. How's your first day going so far?"

"So far so good!" I replied. "We had a slight breakfast rush this morning, but it's mellowed out for now. And you'll be happy to know that I haven't burned anything even once!" I finished, feeling very proud of myself.

Matt let out a laugh, "I'm very impressed, Ms. Rogers. I'm glad I don't have to worry about filing a lawsuit for burnt pastries anytime soon." He said with a sly smirk.

I rolled my eyes with a chuckle, "Don't jinx me! The day is still young, Mr. Murdock."

I heard the familiar steps of a stunning brunette amazon walking up behind me as she cut in, "What's this I'm hearing about lawsuits, Iris?" Lucy asked as she stood next to me. "Don't tell me I'm losing you already! I just trained you on how to preserve the bodies properly in the freezer. You can't take that away from me!" She said, being so serious with her dramatics, I didn't know if the guys understood she was joking.

I laughed as I played along, "Don't worry, Lucy. The bodies will continue being looked after properly." She sighed in relief. I heard Matt's hypnotizing laugh as I gestured toward the two lawyers. "I'd like you to meet my friends Matt Murdock and Foggy Nelson. They're lawyers, so be careful what you say in front of them." I said with my own amused smirk.

Lucy smiled at the gentlemen, and especially waves flirtatiously at a certain blushing blonde teddy bear.

"Guys," I continued the introductions, "This beautiful woman is Lucy Addams, the owner of this literal piece of Heaven."

Lucy stepped out from behind the counter to shake hands with the handsome men as I followed to join them.

"It's very nice to meet you, gentlemen." Lucy said as she held up her hand, Matt being the first to take it.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Ms. Addams." He said with his charming smile. "I've heard your bakery is amazing, and I'm really looking forward to trying some of your desserts."

Lucy smiled, "Why thank you, Mr. Murdock. I hope you enjoy it, especially the treats Iris has baked herself." She gestured towards me.

"I'm sure I'll love them." He smirked in my general direction. "And please, like I've told Iris several times before, call me Matt. We don't need to be so formal."

We shared a laugh as Lucy replied, "As long as you call me Lucy." She then turned towards Foggy, who I had just realized was completely silent ever since Lucy came out. "And you must be Foggy, isn't that right, handsome?" She smiled flirtatiously at him.

Silence. Foggy stood silently in a daze, looking at Lucy with the closest thing to "heart eyes" I've ever seen. I failed to hold back my snort of amusement.

Matt "subtly" nudged Foggy back to earth, knocking him out of his daze.

"Hi!" Foggy squeaked as he gently shook her hand, "I'm Foggy Addams- Nelson! Foggy Nelson. You're so beautiful- I mean it's beautiful to meet you!" He stammered, his face getting redder and redder.

I was snorting like a pig, I tried so hard not to laugh and embarrass the poor love struck man even further. Matt appeared to be struggling as well, his lips tightening, failing to keep a straight face in front of his friend.

Lucy just smiled, her cheeks reddening. "It's beautiful to meet you, too, Foggy." The blonde teddy bear let out a giggle, while he was still holding her hand. Lucy continued, "And as for the last name, let's have some treats and get to know each other first." She winked.

Foggy's eyes widened as his hand went limp, finally letting go of her hand. Matt and I stood and witnessed Lucy leading Foggy by the hand towards the desserts while he kept his heart eyes on her and followed her lead like a lost puppy.

Foggy had it bad. I looked over at Matt, my heart racing as I stared at his contagious smile.

I'm right there with you, Foggy.

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