7. The Harlem shelter for endangered species

The last time Vera had heard from him could have been around noon. He had texted her it had gone well, but there had been still things he had needed to take care of. She had smiled at the phone and served another customer. They would probably meet at home.

She hadn't freak out when she arrived and he still hadn't been there, not even when she had made late lunch and he had still been nowhere in sight. Time dragged.

But at six, she was getting really nervous. Not having a fit-box lesson (she a cancelled because of the tremors) didn't help her anxiety – all she could do was to wait and she didn't like it. Matt hadn't stop by for his suit, so she assumed his absence in their flat was caused by a civil problem, but that was probably even scarier. He had been assigned with Jessica Jones' case. Vera doubted paperwork took that much of a time to fill in. The problem must have been somewhere else; Jessica Jones was a troublemaker and an enhanced one. The knot in Vera's stomach was getting tighter with each minute. She even considered calling Trish to find out if she knew something, but it felt wrong.

By ten p.m., she was a wreck, her teeth clattering, checking her phone so often she had to charge it as she kept lighting it up over and over, hoping for at least a short message. Nada. She kept trying to call him with no result. By midnight, she forced herself to take a shower and nestled on a couch under two blankets, Matt's warmest hoodie on. Her jaw refused to stop trembling.

Vera would have a morning shift the next— today, which meant getting up at an unholy hour, but sleep was the last thing she was thinking about right now. By two o'clock she made herself tea. At some point, she fell into a restless sleep despite her determination not to. She kept waking up, falling back into unconsciousness before she could even make herself to open her eyes, only intruding light of the billboard outside dancing behind her eyelids.

The second she heard the keys rattling in the lock, she jolted awake, knocking over her unfinished tea she had left on the coffee table. She jumped to her feet, almost falling backwards as her muscles were barely awake. Her heart was pounding. She didn't even bother to put on her glasses, stumbling towards the door – towards Matt's blurry figure. She threw her arms around him with a sob, burying her face in his shoulder.

He squeezed her in a crushing hug, nose nuzzling in her hair and breathing in deeply – something she didn't seem to be able to do due to the force he was holding her with. Vera tried to calm down her rapid breathing, useless gasps for air, tried to stop her body shaking, because Matt was here, she didn't have to worry anymore, but Christ. She wanted to ask him if he was okay, where the fuck he had been, what had happened, but she couldn't find her voice.

"Hey, hey, it's okay. You're okay, I got you," he murmured into her hair, over and over again, like a mantra, and she would swear she heard him say "thank God, you're okay," but she must have been wrong, because Jesus shit why wouldn't she be okay? She wasn't the one who had disappeared for a day without a single hint where and why apart from the information he had met with a woman with super-strength.

Matt seemed to be okay, at least physically, though exhaustion was radiating from him in waves together with endless relief. Vera couldn't stop panting, feeling lightheaded from the oxygen overdose – the fact she knew she was about to pass out if she wouldn't stop wasn't helping. Matt took care of that problem in the easiest way possible. He took her damped face between his palms, smacking their mouths together brutally, making her gasp and feel lightheaded for a whole different reason. It was very efficient.

Vera was finally able to speak when he rested his forehead against hers, eyes closed.

"Are you okay?"

Matt licked his lips, not answering, his palms still framing her face. He was right here with her, but he was still scaring her. The kiss he had just given her was intense – like the-world-is-ending intense. It was freaking her out and the fact he wasn't able to answer such a simple question was not helping at all.

"Matt, are you okay?" she demanded, raising her voice to be more than a whisper and he stole any other words from her mouth with another kiss.

"Yeah. I am now," he rasped, one of his hands wandering into her hair, caressing, before his fingers clutched it. He took a deep breath.

"What happened? Where have you been? Why didn't you-"

He stopped the waterfall of her words by his thumb running over her lower lip.

"I love you. I promise I'll tell you everything, okay? But we need to go now."

Her chest was clenched by invisible force, much stronger than the one Matt had used before. It knocked the air out of her lungs as well, but this time there was nothing sweet about it.

"What?" she choked out, completely lost.

Go where? What was he talking about? Was it something about Jessica's case? Something about Daredevil? Something else?

"Vera, please, I know you have a million questions right now, but please." His lips pecked her forehead as if the tender gesture would make her understand. The only thing she understood, seeing his face at close distance but free of his grasp, was that he was exhausted and terrified.

"Take stuff for a few days tops, we're going to Harlem-"

"Harlem?"

"Luke knows a cop, he thinks she will be able to provide protection you need-"

Who the hell is Luke? And- "I need?!"

"I know, love, I'm sorry. I keep putting you-"

"Whoa, whoa, hold on, that's not what I— you said we have to go and it's only me who needs protection? From a cop no less? Christ, Matt, just one sentence; sum it up. What's going on?'"

"The Hand is in New York."

Her jaw fell open, her head spinning. Holy. Fucking. Shit. Okay, that was the one sentence she needed to hear so she would shut up and do as he had asked.

She packed her things with no other word, feeling Matt's desperate sightless gaze on her as she moved around the apartment. When she passed him for the fourth time, he caught her hand, pulling her into another embrace, this time gentler, comforting.

"I'm so sorry, Vera."

"You should be," she mumbled, kissing the side of his neck, stroking his back when he tensed after her words. "For scaring me shitless. I was worried about you, Matt."

"That sounds like you."

She chuckled humourlessly. "Sue me."

"Nope. I'll rather marry you. If you'll still be willing."

Vera laughed, this time honestly. Still, it was a slightly hysterical sound – it sounded as if he was saying 'if we'll still be alive' instead. She couldn't affect that part much, but she could confirm the words he had actually spoken. She took his hand, leading his fingers over her engagement ring. His eyes softened.

"I love you. For better or for worse, Mr. Murdock."

"It feels like the worse keeps following us around."

"Well. Haven't you heard? It's always darkest before the dawn. Let's go. We have catching up to do."

Matt brought her up to speed in the cab, quietly explaining what had happened with Jessica, talked about a fight in some fancy business building alongside with Danny, Jessica and Luke, another fight in a Chinese restaurant alongside with Stick (what the actual f-) and about capturing one member of the Hand, who had threatened them and everyone they loved. Matt said it all in one breath.

"I'll leave you at the precinct while I'll get Karen and Foggy, okay? They'll probably go after Matt Murdock, because he was Jessica's lawyer. I can't take any risks."

Her pulse hammering in her temples fell silent, her heart possibly stopping.

"After Matt Murdock— but you were fighting! How-"

"I had a mask," he reassured her quickly, a tiny comfort. "They probably thought there was the Devil of Hell's Kitchen with them. I'm not sure. I can only hope my identity is safe."

He didn't sound very sure of it. Perfect.

"Jesus— but Jessica knows, doesn't she?"

"Yeah. She probably knew ever since she saved you from Stick. Luke knows too."

"Who is that guy anyway?"

"Claire's boyfriend," Matt stated flatly and Vera's eyebrow shot high enough to touch her hairline.

Holy— Claire was dating a bulletproof guy? Where could Vera get one of those?

"Wow."

"Yeah."

They fell into short silence and Vera snuggled closer to him. She noticed the cabbie was watching them in the mirror as they talked quietly, but she didn't give a shit. She was sure he had had worse customers.

"I know that's probably the last of our concerns right now, but what should I tell at work? My shift starts in… half an hour or so. What should I say Terri?"

"Let the police handle that, I'm pretty sure they'll have to come up with some versatile excuse. About Terri… I'm not sure if we shouldn't take her in as well. I don't know. He talked about Claire, Trish and you specifically. I would feel better if she was provided protection too."

Her stomach clenched at the idea of Terri being in danger as well. Because of her. As for herself being in danger… well. Vera rather tried not to think too hard about the fact some Hand member threatened her specifically. Don't go there.

"So what? I just ask Terri if she can come down to the Harlem precinct? With Victor?"

"I know it will interfere with their everyday life and they are probably not preferred targets, but it would be for their own safety."

"I'll call her from the precinct."

"That sounds like a good idea."

He kissed the top of her head, his lips lingering. Vera closed her eyes, her throat tight.

"What about you?" she pried carefully, the question that had burned her even since she had learnt they were parting again.

"What about me?" he whispered into her hair softly.

"When you get Karen and Foggy to the precinct. What are you gonna do then?"

Matt hesitated before answering. "Meet up with the others. Figure out our next move."

She nodded, her mind racing. What could possibly be the next move? This was the Hand they were talking about. About Matt's creepy ninja master. Matt apparently had super-strong woman with accelerated healing, a guy with a glowing fist and another one bulletproof on his side, but it was a little comfort, because she had no doubt he would catch a bullet for any of them and unlike some of them, Matt was not bulletproof. Though the Hand was a crazy ancient organization; they were using katanas as far as she knew, not bullets. Not that it made them less dangerous.

"Just… be careful, please."

She felt his smile and it honestly scared her he managed to smile right now. "You know I will."

"I know you won't," she hissed back, shocked by how irritated her voice sounded. But she was worried, okay? Scared shitless, forced herself to speak kinder. "Please. I don't— I don't want to lose you."

His arm tightened around her. "I promise that you won't."

"Don't— don't promise that, okay? Just promise me you'll do everything in your power to make sure I won't."

"Okay. I promise. I love you." The cab slowed down and Vera gulped against the growing lump in her throat. "Go."

Vera stole one long kiss from him, repeating her plea for him staying safe. Somehow she doubted he would listen. Her heart clenched at the thought.

Entering the precinct was, funnily enough, scary. Vera was meeting people who would possibly provide her protection for next couple of days on her way and she was scared. It was something like entering a hospital; she knew these people were here to help, but that didn't make the visit pleasant. She was escaping their gazes, wandering, lost. She had no idea where to go. Matt had given her a name though – Detective Knight. Vera was sure not feeling like approaching anyone, let alone a detective.

"Can I help you, madam?" young officer with kind and caffeine-gleaming eyes asked her, almost causing her a heart attack.

"Uhm… yes, actually. I'm looking for Detective Knight?" she replied nervously, seeing the guy's – Parker's – eyes grow wide. Uh-huh.

"Alright. Follow me."

He led her through the halls, peeking through the blinds into different offices. He stopped at one, knocking on the open door. Three people raised their heads in their direction; two men sitting behind a desk and one woman looking over their shoulders. And they had a winner.

Detective Knight was a black woman with wild curly hair and I-don't-take-anyone's-shit vibe. Vera gulped as the detective measured them both with her gaze after Parker had addressed her.

"Yes?"

"This lady was looking for you." He awkwardly gestured to Vera, who wished to be anywhere on the planet Earth but here, feeling smaller with each step the woman took in Vera's direction.

"Oh? What can I do for you miss…?"

"Macháčková. Veronika." There was no recognition in the woman's eyes. Great. "Uhm… I'm not really sure how to put this… I believe someone named Luke should have reached out to you…?"

Knight's eyebrow shot up.

"Luke? Luke who?" she questioned, a knowing gleam in her eyes. She knew who Vera was talking about, but apparently she had no idea why this Luke should reach out to her. And wasn't that just perfect?

"Yeah. I have no idea actually-"

"Misty!"

Both women snapped their head in the direction of the newcomer. It was a huge guy. Kinda scary. Everything was scary lately. Surprisingly enough, the detective seemed to relax, shooting Vera a puzzled look.

"Luke," she greeted the man and Vera just let out a silent "oh". So that was Luke. Huge and bulletproof. Vera couldn't believe Matt hadn't told her Luke's last name at least – it would make things much easier.

"Hey. Can I talk to you? I need your help," he pleaded, barely sparing one glance at Vera. Vera didn't mind at all. However, Detective Knight looked at her significantly.

"It wouldn't happen to have something to do with this young lady approaching me?"

This time, Luke examined Vera with curiosity. He had no idea who she was. Obviously. They had never met. He seemed perfectly confused. "Uhm-"

"She just came in. Told me you were going to reach out to me."

For some ridiculous reason, Luke scanned Vera's hands, one corner of his lips rising.

"Who's the lucky guy?" he asked, beckoning to her left hand.

Vera gaped, taken aback by the question, until she realized he possibly didn't know her name, just like she didn't know his, but he had learned she was with Matt.

"Uhm…. Matt… Murdock."

"Yeah, that's what I thought. That guy is fast."

Misty opened her mouth to ask what the hell was going on in here, but before she could actually speak up, Danny Rand, Claire Temple and an Asian woman, who was fucking bleeding from her abdomen, stumbled in.

"What the hell?" the detective demanded, bewildered. Vera kinda wanted to ask the same question.

Instead, she eyed Claire who greeted her with a simple nod. Vera turned to the detective. "I'm sorry, would you happen to have a first aid kit anywhere?"

Detective Knight seemed to be done with everyone's shit, but shouted at some guy to bring it. Then she took Luke by his huge arm, tugging him aside.

"Luke. Start talking."

"So… this is an interesting first meeting," Vera noted awkwardly, looking up from her position. She mostly trusted herself with doing the stitches right, but since Claire was here and she apparently knew the woman, Vera gladly let her work, listening to her occasional commands when the nurse needed help.

"Yeah, well. Sorry."

"Somehow I doubt that it's your fault. I'm Vera, it's nice to meet you."

The woman tilted her head. "You're Danny's friend. Uhm. Nice to meet you. I'm Colleen."

Vera smiled at her. "And you're Danny's girlfriend."

The fell back into silence, focusing on their work.

"Almost done. Vera, gauze square?" Claire turned to her, inconspicuous smile on her lips as well.

Vera handed it to her and started looking for the adhesive plaster.

"Not how I imagined my day looking," Colleen hummed, her gaze distant. "Maybe this is exactly where I'm supposed to be."

There was something in her tone Vera didn't like; something that sounded edgy, fragile. She was about to break. Vera wasn't sure if she wanted to be there for that – she was confident Colleen wouldn't want her either. She handed the nurse the adhesive plaster, planning on disappearing.

Before she could run away though, Claire spoke up. "What do you mean?"

Colleen sniffled and Vera mentally cursed. Colleen pulled her jersey down.

"Hidden here. Away from the action. Left behind." Vera bit her inner cheek, lowering her gaze. This felt familiar. "I don't even know anymore."

"He was wrong back there. About your being weak," Claire offered gently, yet with urgency. Which was exactly what set Colleen off, making her face twist, first tears appearing on her eyes. She sobbed.

Vera was missing something here. She wondered if it looked bad if she left now.

Vera was actually missing more than something. She was missing everything – she had no idea what they were talking about, she had no idea who Colleen exactly was. Danny had been mentioning her from time to time, but Vera hadn't been meeting up with him too often. All she knew was that Colleen was his girlfriend and he thought she was totally badass.

"When you're raised in something like that…" Colleen continued and Vera mind raced – raised in what? "…when they've formed the foundation for who you are... breaking away is, like... I feel lost. I can't believe I'm admitting this, but... all I want... is something stable. Something I can hold onto."

Vera gulped as Colleen's voice broke several times. She wondered how many people she knew had a perfectly fucked up childhood, because Danny had been raised by monks in a mystical city, Matt had been– well, Matt, and Colleen… Colleen seemed to bring some serious scars from her early and maybe not so early life as well.

Vera thought she had seen one officer carrying a katana just a moment after Claire, Colleen and Danny with Luke had arrived – she would bet it was Colleen's. She apparently was a badass, a one with a sword. They must have been under attack and she had probably fought off some members of the Hand, ending up with the wound that looked like from another katana or some shit. She was talking about breaking away – was she talking about the Hand? Had she been a part of the Hand before? If the answer was yes, Vera was sure her childhood had been peachy.

Vera wanted to say something about admiring her, but given the fact she really didn't know anything about her and she had just met her…

"Funny you should say that," Claire broke the silence and Vera peeked from under her eyelashes. "Because I know you. I know Danny. I know this fight with the Hand. And where I'm standing... you are the foundation."

Vera looked at Claire, her lips involuntarily forming a smile. Damn, that woman was good. Colleen apparently agreed, because she sniffled and found Claire's hand gratefully, before glancing to Vera, apparently ashamed of her breakdown.

Vera had no idea what to do, sorry, embarrassed and silently freaking out. She was no Matt; she wasn't too good with her words.

"Look, I'm— I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable by being here and seeing you… whatever. I honestly admit I know shit about you. But I know few things. First: Claire is always right," Vera stated, her abash slightly resolving when both women chuckled. "Secondly: you deal with Danny on daily basis. I adore that guy, seriously, but it takes… a quite specific skill set. Thirdly: Danny thinks you're a badass. You do not take a praise of your fighting skills and strength from the Iron Fist lightly."

The corners of Colleen's mouth quirked. But Vera wasn't finished.

"And fourthly: I am the advertisement of a perfect family background. But I've seen some people who wasn't so lucky, some people whose life was pretty much a shitstorm and mostly I was lucky enough to see them walk off with their heads held high, their past making them stronger. And from what I've heard and seen? You sure as hell are one of them. So… yeah. That— that's about it. Uhm. The work is done, I'm sure you have a lot to talk about, so I'm… I'm gonna go now…"

…before I say another cheesy line and embarrass myself further.

Vera rose from her chair, pulling off her gloves. Colleen followed her with her gaze.

"Hey, Vera?"

"Hm?" Vera glanced at her, surprised.

"Danny talks highly of both you and Matt. But since we've mentioned the foundation? From what I understood, it's who you are to him. To Matt. Just for you to know."

The feeling spreading in her chest was unfairly warm, just like Colleen's tiny smile.

"Thank you, Colleen. Feel better." With the words, she left the room. It was time to search her backpack and finally call Terri. She was not looking forward to it at all.