Foggy slammed his phone on the table in frustration. He was annoyed with Matt. He was about to tell him that Nightwing needed his help. Even though he gave up the mantle four years ago, Foggy still knew that Daredevil was Matt Murdock and Matt Murdock was Daredevil. They were one and the same. He had only been gone a day but the office felt empty without Matt there. Foggy sighed and picked up a framed photo on his desk. It was Matt and he the day they became lawyers. Those were the good days. They were both young fresh-faced lawyers, looking to make a difference in the world. It was before Matt realised he had the Devil in him. Then everything changed and Foggy could never truly accept that Matt was putting his life on the line every night for him and for Hell's Kitchen. What Foggy felt was a combination of annoyance, angst and gratefulness at the same time. He gritted his teeth and got back to work, the anger slowly drifting from his mind as he yet again got engrossed in his current case.

Matt winced slightly at the squeaking of the door as he entered the restaurant. He was bombarded with sound as he closed the door behind him. He could hear the sizzle of pans in the kitchen, he could hear customers chattering away incessantly and he heard the whispers of some waiters to each other to the side. Matt also realised that Bruce was suddenly on the phone. He didn't want to intrude on the phone call but he could pick up bits and pieces of the conversation.

"So they're holding Nightwing just outside of Gotham? Good, it means I'll be able to clean up this mess without the media getting involved. I need to make it quick and clean. In and out. Once this is all over it will be better for everyone." Every bone in Matt's body stiffened as he heard this. He couldn't believe it. Bruce Wayne had kidnapped Nightwing. But why? Was it for money? Or had Wayne already disposed of Batman and was going after the next fish in the sea. Matt didn't know what to do. He had to calm down otherwise Bruce would suspect something was up. Matt slowed down his breathing and calmed his heart rate. He went into a state of semi meditation as his mind and body peacefully connected. Matt let out a sigh and let the tension leave him.

The next thought that entered his mind was filled with a combination of angst, resignation and slight excitement. He had always planned a contingency, but he never new he would have to actually use it. He remembered an old saying he used to say to himself. "Keep your enemies close, but your billy club closer." Never had he realised how applicable it was. Suddenly he understood how thick he had been. He had just assumed everything would be fine once he finished as Daredevil. He had become much too comfortable as Matt Murdock.

Matt heard the sound of Bruce hanging up his phone and sat down at the table. "My, my. You do like to take a while don't you Matt. I respect a man who considers his actions. Takes a very particular man to do so. A strong one." Once again Matt had no idea how to respond. He didn't know how to react to such a casual comment from Bruce after he overheard the conversation.

"I assume you'll be better once you start your job as the DA. Wouldn't want to be stooped for words in the courtroom would you know? Enough talk for now, eat some food." Matt thought he sensed a hint of malice in Bruce's words but couldn't be one hundred percent sure. He could tell that Bruce wanted to leave. Matt could detect the slight tapping of Bruce's feet on the ground. The grinding of his teeth also suggested his impatience.

Matt smelt the food coming out to him and decided to not rush into anything. He had been out of the game for a long time and any rash moves would only be detrimental to his failure. He took a deep breath and began to eat.

Bruce wasn't lying about the parmigiana.

Matt's tastebuds were crying out in joy in unison. The combination of the chicken with the cheese, salsa and ham was perfect. Matt tried to eat politely but he was so hungry. He finished his food in minutes and once he was done he dabbed his mouth with a napkin.

Bruce crossed his arms and laughed. "That was an impressive feat I must say, Matt. Many have tried and failed to eat that parmigiana quickly." Bruce laughed some more before taking a mouthful of his own food.

"I know the owner here you see? Depending on how many guests I bring with me he knows exactly what to order. For a male guest and myself at lunchtime, it is always the parmigiana." Bruce gestured around the establishment as he spoke, like a true entrepreneur.

At the back of Bruce's mind lingered some uncertainty. It seemed that Matt was wary of him. Bruce didn't think he posed a threat and he definitely wasn't a bad guy from what he saw. But Bruce Wayne had secrets worth killing for; he couldn't drop his guard around this new District Attorney.

Bruce decided to settle in the middle. After all, Matt could be a powerful friend to have down the road. He was going into a very hard role following Harvey Dent's fall from grace. If Bruce could help him then it may begin a beneficial partnership, or friendship. Bruce didn't like having friends anymore. Not after Jim. He quickly finished his last few mouthfuls of parmigiana and downed a glass of water.

A waiter came over and asked, "would you gentlemen like anything else to eat? Another main, or perhaps a dessert?" Bruce smiled at the waiter warmly and declined nicely.

"We have business to attend to I am afraid."

"Never the matter. As always, Mr Nelson is always glad to have your support Mr Wayne." The waiter picked up Bruce and Matt's plates. Bruce loosened his tie slightly and said, "send Mr Nelson my regards. It has been too long since we have caught up."

"As always Mr Wayne." He bowed this time and another waiter showed them out of the restaurant.

Matt was surprised. The waiters treated Bruce like some sort of knight. He must've done something very noble for Mr Nelson for him to be so welcoming. Matt and Bruce trudged out to the car, their bellies full of food and their minds full of questions. "Well back to the office then? Thanks for putting up for me. Barbara is a very busy woman. Hopefully you don't get the wrong idea about her. She is an incredibly powerful person and she will be the best Police Commissioner this city has ever seen," Bruce became quite passionate as he spoke. Matt knew that Bruce's relationship with Barbara, whatever it was, was more than strictly professional.

Matt walked into the DA's office after Bruce waved him off. His mind was full of speculation and worry. He didn't know how to act on this information he had. Should he give it to the authorities? No that would be a bad idea. If Bruce were able to kidnap Batman and Nightwing then he would be able to skirt around the law as well. Matt had to be smart and surgical about what he did.

He decided that he would get Foggy to come visit him in Gotham when he heard a voice behind him.

"Oh, I am so sorry Matt! I didn't think I would be that long. I am awfully sorry I had to get Bruce to chaperone you for well over an hour. I am incredibly busy today," Barbara spoke with an authority that Matt respected. He shifted his glasses.

"It is quite alright. I was fifteen minutes late anyway."

"Never the matter now! Ah yes your office. Well unfortunately you can't enjoy the view..." Barbara chuckled nervously before realising what she had said.

"Oh I am sorry. I didn't mean to be-"

"It is quite alright Commissioner Gordon." Barbara frowned as he said this and shifted uncomfortably.

"That's what they called my father."

"I didn't know him but I heard he was a great man."

"Too great it seems." Barbara shook herself out of her dream like state and lead Matt into his office.

As Barbara explained the ins and outs of being Gotham's new DA, Matt's mind drifted uncontrollably to Bruce Wayne. Only one thought came to his mind.

It was about time the Devil left Hell's Kitchen and went on a holiday.