MONDAY

Maggie sat reading the newspaper and drinking her coffee in the peaceful morning calm. The city outside was starting to awaken and it was quite common for Matt to sleep in almost to ten in the morning if he had nothing to do. That's why Maggie nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard Matt's voice as he came out of the bathroom.

"Good morning," Matt said as he walked over to the sink to fill his water bottle.

"Good morning," Maggie replied as she watched her wide awake son grab items for his backpack. She was far more accustomed to the morning zombie. "Who are you and what have you done with my son?" she joked.

"Ha-ha. Very funny Mom."

"In all seriousness, what's going on? You're never up this early."

"I have a date."

Maggie took a double take. "And who has been deemed worthy enough for my son's affections?"

"Foggy said the same thing. Do you both think I'm too picky?" Matt said as he took a big drink from the carton of orange juice.

"A glass, Matthew."

Matt chuckled and grabbed a glass from the cabinet. He did that just to annoy his mom sometimes. "Remember the girl I met yesterday. I walked her back to where her cousin was after dealing with the animals that were after her?"

"Yes. Jennifer, correct? You said she was from California."

"That's her. So, we're having breakfast together and then I'm taking her around the city."

"Feel free to bring her back here later if you wish. I would love to meet her," Maggie offered. "I know this is very early but is there any potential?"

"I can only hope so. I really like this girl. Right now, I'm just hoping I get a second date," Matt admitted as he kissed his mom on the top of her head. "I'll catch you later."

"Have a good time, Matty," Maggie called after her son. She said a silent prayer on his behalf that his day worked out well.

Matt found his way back to Avengers Tower and hit the button on the intercom to ask for Jen. He still wasn't sure if he was talking to a person or a computer. People were easier.

Jen came down carrying her backpack and a smile lit up her face when she saw Matt. She greeted him with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "I am so sorry. I forgot to give you my number yesterday. Give me your phone."

Matt wordlessly handed over his phone as his head was still buzzing from her greeting.

Jen opened his contacts, added her info, took a quick selfie for a profile picture and then texted herself and handed back his phone and took out her own. "Smile Matt."

"Why?" he asked even though he was already smiling from just being around her.

"I needed a picture for your profile," Jen explained as she kissed his other cheek and snuck one more selfie of them together. "Just the first of many today. So breakfast? I'm starving."

"So, what are you in the mood for? Bigger sit down or lighter and portable?"

"I'm good with portable as long as coffee is involved."

"I know a really good spot and coffee will definitely be involved," Matt confirmed as they walked to the good bagel spot he knew. "Do you know what you want to see today? I'm kind of your guide here since I'm the born and raised city boy here."

Jen intertwined her fingers with his again as they walked. "I was trying to think about that last night when I couldn't sleep but a handsome face kept popping into my thoughts. I was trying to think of things that weren't in Los Angeles. Things that were unique to New York."

"So, what did you come up with?" Matt asked as he held the door open for her.

"I'd love to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or the Intrepid. I really want to go to a beach to experience the Atlantic. Broadway show could be fun. Then, I thought of some museums and some touristy things but most of them wouldn't be too fun for you."

Matt pulled out a chair for Jen at one of the small tables before taking a seat himself. "You were definitely thinking more than one day. Some of these require a bit more planning but not out of the realm of possibility."

"You only thought one day?" Jen asked hesitantly.

"Absolutely not. I was hoping for more. I really like you and I want to spend as much time as possible," Matt quickly corrected. "The beach is pretty easy. We can go to Coney Island one day. We need tickets for the Statue but we can check for those. The Intrepid is really close to my apartment. We could walk to that. Broadway tickets are hard to get but there are some awesome backstage tours. How about we start in Central Park and I throw in a few treasures of my own?"

"Sounds good but I think you know someplace better. I want to see Matt Murdock's New York."

"My New York? We need to go back to Hell's Kitchen for that."

"Well, considering I'm not being chased this time, I would very much like to see it."

After a couple of bagels and two iced coffees, Matt took Jen through Times Square and pointed out where the ball dropped and explained why he was definitely not crazy enough to be there on New Year's. He pointed out Rockefeller Center but that one was really better at Christmas. After Rockefeller Center, Matt took Jen down 49th street straight back to the Kitchen. It was only 5 blocks. It wasn't that far.

He took her to one of the larger parks in Hell's Kitchen. There was a handball court on one side and a playground on the other. It was far quieter than Central Park and far less crowded. "I like to come here when it's nice out," Matt explained as he found an open bench for them. "Mostly just families and people who live in the neighborhood and a lot less tourists who bump into me and don't care. I like listening to the kids play. Sometimes, Foggy, my best friend, he and I will try to play handball. It's fun but I don't think we're getting any championships out of it."

"I can see why you like it here. It's beautiful and peaceful. It doesn't seem like we're just a few blocks from Times Square."

"They have always said that Hell's Kitchen is like a small town in a big city. We look out for each other and we take care of our own here. I've lived here my whole life. From this park, I can easily get to most places I go to." Matt started to point out the locations as he explained. "The school I went to until eighth grade is over there and just up the block and slightly over is my high school. My church is over there. Foggy's house and his parents' butcher shop is over that way. That direction is where you ran into me and Fogwell's gym. My apartment is above the gym on the third floor."

"Why didn't you tell me that yesterday? I didn't know you lived so close," Jen asked in shock. "I would have loved to see where you live."

"I was a little preoccupied with making sure you were okay. It kinda slipped my mind," Matt replied. "My mom did say she wanted to meet you before I left this morning."

"I would love to meet your mom and visit all these places. I want the full Matt Murdock tour."

Matt took Jen to Clinton Church first. He heard her gasp a little when they went inside. The reds from the lights were mixing with the kaleidoscope of colors from the sun coming in the stained glass windows. It had been so long since Matt had seen it that he was forgetting its beauty. The church was quiet when they entered. Matt didn't pick up on Father Lantom puttering around.

"I learned to play piano up there," Matt said as he pointed to the balcony where the choir practiced. "I was hanging around when the choir practiced that they figured they should give me something to do since I can't really sing."

"Would you play me something? Please?" Jen pleaded sweetly.

"I haven't done it in a while. I may be a little out of practice."

"Don't listen to him. He's just being modest. He plays beautifully," Maggie interrupted as she came out of a hallway. "I thought you were going all over the city today."

"Change of plans," Matt replied.

"I wanted to see his city," Jen added.

"Mom, this is Jen Walters. Jen, my mother, Maggie Murdock," Matt said as a means of introduction.

Jen quickly stood up so she could properly greet Maggie. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Murdock."

"Likewise, my dear. Please, call me Maggie. Matt couldn't stop talking about you last night," Maggie said as she saw her son turn a bright shade of red in embarrassment. "Matty, why don't you go up and play something? Gives me a chance to invite Jen to dinner and embarrass you some more."

Matt groaned as he placed a kiss on Jen's cheek and excused himself. "You know this scares me. What are you going to say?"

"Nothing terrible, Matty. I'm proud of you. Now, go," Maggie laughed.

"Are you actually planning on embarrassing him?" Jen asked as Matt climbed the stairs to the balcony.

Maggie shook her head with a smile. "Not intentionally at least. He could hear us from up there anyway and would put in his own opinion."

"More like a rebuttal," Matt called down from up high. "You know that there's potentially two co-counsels that I could have now."

Maggie gestured her hand to Matt just to illustrate her point. "I gather by that statement you're also in law school."

"Yes. I'm in UCLA," Jen replied as she started to hear Matt play. It was a song she recognized and a surprisingly sad one. "How does he play? Did he learn before he lost his sight?"

"Matty spent all of his time in a boxing gym with his Dad back then. Still does when he's not at school," Maggie admitted. "He was eleven or twelve when he started to learn to play. He always loved music and he needed something to occupy his time better than fighting. He learned to play by ear. He would recreate the music he heard. He usually picks something more upbeat when he's trying to show off."

"And you give me grief if I play something akin to rock and roll on the church piano," Matt called down without missing a note. "By the way, Father Lantom doesn't say a thing. He actually puts in requests."

"Because he has always indulged you a little too much sometimes," Maggie called back. "I don't know which one is worse, Father Lantom or Fogwell."

"They're about the same," Matt called down.

Maggie just smiled. "Anyway, I would love to have you join us for dinner tonight unless it disrupts any plans you two may have already made?"

"I would love to join you," Jen replied. "Matt, what else do we have planned?"

"Just the Intrepid since it's only a few blocks away," Matt said as he came back downstairs.

"I'll see you around 5:30 then, kiddo," Maggie said as she gave Matt a hug. "Jen, I look forward to seeing you later. Have fun!"

After dinner was cleaned up, Maggie watched as Matt took Jen out to his spot on the fire escape and she took that moment to excuse herself and give them some privacy. "Matt, I'm going to bed. Lock up before you turn in please."

Matt tucked himself into the corner he had put a few lawn chair cushions in over the years and stretched his legs out so Jen could make herself comfortable between them with her head resting on his shoulder and his arms wrapped around her. "I will. Good night, Mom."

"Good night, Matty. Good night, Jen," Maggie replied. "I'm turning off the lights now."

"Good night, Mrs. Murdock," Jen called back as the lights went out. "So, tell me about your tower here. Why is it so special to you?"

Matt rested his head on top of Jen's, taking in the scent of her shampoo. "I think it's peaceful. The city noise and smells fade away. Sometimes, I can hear the water by the piers. Many nights, I can hear when the Broadway shows start their evening performances but most of them are dark on Monday nights. I've heard the overture for "Phantom of the Opera" so many times, I could probably play it. It's nice to focus on something other than sirens and people's anger."

"I wish I could hear things like you do," Jen mused as she snuggled against him.

"You can. It's just trying to focus," Matt explained. "What do you hear right now?"

"Your heart beating."

"And I hear yours," Matt whispered as he lifted her chin so he could kiss her. "Do you want me to take you back to Avengers Tower?"

Jen shook her head. "No. I'm right where I want to be...with you. Is this okay? Your mom won't be upset?"

Matt kissed her again. "If she had an issue, it would have been brought up already. It's not like I'm sixteen and trying to sneak you into my room. I'd give up my room to you and sleep on the couch if that's what you wanted."

"Is this what you say to all the girls you bring home?" Jen teased.

"You're the only one I've ever brought here," Matt admitted honestly. "There's one thing I want but it's going to sound weird no matter how I say it."

Jen sat up, concerned. "Matt, what is it? I can handle weird. My cousin is the Hulk and he fought aliens and wrecked Harlem. I don't things can get much weirder than that."

"I want to know what you look like," Matt said. "One way I can do that is to map your face with my fingers. It can be strange or unsettling for some people."

Jen took his hands in hers and rubbed them gently. "Go ahead. Your hands are part of your eyes on the world. How do you want me?"

Matt was a little surprised at how easy that was. "Not out here. I need to be able to focus just on you."

"Where do you want me then?"

"My bedroom?"

TUESDAY

When the door closed, Jen jolted awake and it took her a moment to remember where she was. The light from one small window was significantly less than the wall of windows she woke up to yesterday. Matt's bedroom instead of her room in Avengers Tower. Waking up naked and snuggled up next to Matt in his silk sheets was something she could get used to.

Matt's arm pulled Jen closer as he shifted in his sleep. "It's early. Go back to sleep," Matt mumbled as he nuzzled her head and ran his fingers through her hair before falling asleep again.

Jen smiled as she put her head back down on Matt's chest. Between the rain falling outside and Matt's breathing as he slept, it was easy to drift back off for a few more hours. She woke again to Matt rubbing her back and placing gentle kisses on her forehead. Jen lifted her head to kiss him. "Hey Handsome."

"Good morning, Beautiful. Sounds like a good day to stay in bed," Matt whispered over the rain and distant thunder as his hand moved lower on Jen's back.

"Do we need to worry about your mom coming back anytime soon?"

"She usually comes back around three or four in the afternoon," Matt said as one hand was drifting up to where her breasts were pressed against his chest.

"Plenty of time for more fun," Jen purred before pulling Matt on top of her.

It was early afternoon when hunger finally won over staying wrapped up in romantic seclusion in Matt's bedroom. They reluctantly got up and got dressed and went to get Chinese for lunch. They stopped by Avengers Tower to grab a few things for Jen because she wasn't planning on going back now until she had to leave. Finally, Jen asked Matt to text his mom to tell her not to worry about dinner because they were going to take care of it tonight.

WEDNESDAY
The morning sun shined brightly through Matt's window, waking Jen with its warmth. It was early again but Jen couldn't go back to sleep. She was too excited for the beach day she and Matt has planned. She was quickly learning that Matt wasn't a morning person and he definitely preferred sleeping in, especially when more amorous activities keep them up late. Jen noticed that Matt's bedroom was one of the quietest places in the apartment with many of the city noises muffled and that silence would allow him to fall deeply asleep and made him challenging to wake up if he didn't want to.

Matt had fallen asleep on his stomach and his face was half buried in his pillow. Jen had to get creative. She started with feather light kisses by his eyebrows and then moved to the corner of his eye, then his cheek and his jawline. Jen then moved across his shoulders and down the middle of his back.

"Can I use you as my alarm clock when the semester starts?" Matt mumbled sleepily as he rolled on to his back.

"Only if I can use you as my pillow," Jen countered.

"Seems fair," Matt yawned. "Isn't it like five in the morning in California right now?"

"Yes, but I'm getting used to the east coast and I can't help but be excited. I love beach days."

"So, what do we need for a beach day since you are the expert here?" Matt asked as he stretched out next to Jen

"Not much. Bathing suits, a couple of beach towels, sunscreen, some snacks and maybe a book and something to throw over our suits for the boardwalk. Easy to fit in our backpacks. I put most of mine together last night."

Matt caught the small but appreciative sigh as he got out of bed and went to his dresser to find his swim suit. "What was that for?"

"I'm just admiring the view. It's like a work of art," Jen replied, smiling. "Captain America has nothing on you here. I mean he may have America's ass but New York is giving him a serious run for his money."

Matt couldn't even try to hide the flush of embarrassment as Jen lavished her appreciation for his backside. "So, you think my ass is better than Captain America's?"

"Absolutely," Jen said without hesitation. "And you have more benefits. Steve Rogers is all look and no touch. But you," she purred as she got out of bed and came up behind Matt, wrapping her arms around his chest and pressing against him. "I get to have all the fun with and the front may even be better than the back."

Matt was getting turned on and very distracted from his original task of finding his swim suit. "Anything else?" he asked as he tilted his head back.

Jen turned and kissed Matt before running her hands down his chest. "My heart belongs to my Hell's Kitchen angel in the streets who's a devil in the sheets who I'm going to have to beat the other girls away from with a stick at the beach, especially if he can't find his swim suit."

"Someone beautiful was distracting me instead of helping me," Matt protested. "Unless you want to skip beach day..."

Jen thought about it for all of a half second. "You'll just have to make it up to me tonight. So, what does it look like?"

"Find something red and blue in a sea of black," Matt said as he pointed to his underwear drawer.

The subway from Hell's Kitchen to Coney Island was relatively quiet thanks to Matt and Jen leaving after the morning rush. Jen had the forethought to bring a thin beach blanket to sit on to minimize how much sand got in their towels. She set it out on the sand and placed their backpacks and shoes on it to hold it down before fishing out sunscreen. Matt tried to minimize his protesting with how weird it felt but Jen shushed him with kisses and reminded him that a burn would be worse. Matt did his best in helping put sunscreen on Jen's back while placing little kisses along her neck.

"Let's go in the water," Jen suggested as she slipped Matt's glasses off his face, stashing them in his backpack before pulling him up off the ground.

"Jen, hold on a second," Matt said as he staggered to his feet. "The uneven sand and the waves can put me a little out of sorts and I can get disoriented."

"And I won't be leaving your side. I've got you," Jen reassured him.

They waded out into the ocean past the breakers to where it was deep enough to swim in but still shallow enough to stand up in. The cool water was refreshing in the oppressive August heat.

A small but sneaky wave knocked Jen under the water but Matt was quick to grab her. "Are out alright?" he asked as he helped her back up and held on until she got her footing again.

"Not the first time a wave as taken me out. Won't be the last," Jen laughed as she brushed her wet hair out of her face. Then she noticed Matt's gaze as another wave splashed them again. In just the short time she had spent with him, she noticed that he tried to focus where he looked so he faced people when they were talking but he was always just a bit off. Right now, he was looking right at her eyes. "How are you doing that?"

"Doing what?"

"You're looking right at my eyes."

Matt smiled. "The water plays with sounds differently. Sometimes, when it rains and people don't have umbrellas, I can see their faces again. I should thank God for that wave because you are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen."

"What do I look like to you?" Jen asked as she wrapped her arms around Matt's neck.

"Like a million sparkling diamonds."

"Nobody's ever said that to me before."

"Then they're more blind than I am and if they have a disagreement about that, they can take it up with me. I'll knock their head on right real quick," Matt said before kissing Jen. "I love you." Just because it slipped out doesn't mean it wasn't true.

"I love you too."

After swimming for a bit, Matt and Jen came up to their blanket to relax in the sun. Matt stretched out on his stomach across the blanket with his head resting on Jen's belly while Jen pulled out a book and an orange from her backpack.

"What are you reading?" Matt mumbled as he heard pages turning.

"You're going to think it's silly," Jen deflected as she ran her fingers through his hair.

"No, I won't. I'm curious."

"One of the Harry Potter books," Jen whispered and waited for the laughter.

But it didn't come.

"Would you read it to me?" Matt asked.

Jen wasn't expecting that request but Matt asked so sweetly. "Do you care that I already started or do you want me to start from the beginning?"

"Your choice. I just like listening to you."

Jen and Matt alternated between sun and swimming until the lifeguards went off duty at six and then they hit the boardwalk. They hit the rides at Luna Park and played games to win stuffed animals for each other. They went shopping at the boardwalk beach stores for souvenirs for Jen to take back to California with her. They got pizza and had to stop at Nathan's. They shared lemonade, popcorn, funnel cakes and ice cream. Matt had more junk food in one night than he normally consumed in a month unless it was Foggy's idea.

It was late when they got back on the subway to head back to Hell's Kitchen. Matt and Jen were tired and a little sunburned but happy.

"I can't wait to jump in the shower to wash off the rest of the sand and salt. It's getting itchy," Matt commented as he listened to the stops being announced.

Jen hummed happily from where she had gotten comfortable on Matt's shoulder. "Shower together sounds fun...and water conservation friendly."

Matt kissed Jen's forehead. "As incredibly enjoyable as a shower together would be, we'd have to be a little creative on that one or I would get an earful. It's a little harder to be quiet when things get slippery. It's a lot easier to enjoy ourselves in my bed. I don't have to worry about dropping you."

Jen snuggled in closer. "You wouldn't drop me. We'd fall together and you'd end up bruising some of my favorite parts of you and we can't let that happen. Bed fun instead."

Matt heard their stop being called and he gently nudged Jen. "Our stop, Beautiful. I recall some flattery from this morning that I need to answer to before we both fall asleep."