THURSDAY
Foggy...Foggy...Foggy
Matt groaned as he groped around for his phone on his nightstand as Jen snuggled sleepily into his chest. "Hello?"
"Good morning, sunshine!" Foggy's voice greeted him cheerfully.
Matt's brain was not even close to fully functioning yet. It was barely above dead asleep at the moment. "What time is it?"
"Half past get the hell up," Foggy laughed. "Seriously, it's like 10:30, buddy. Even you are usually up by now."
"I went to bed late last night," Matt said through a big yawn.
"How late was it? Remember, I've seen you hold some crazy marathon study sessions."
"I didn't check before I passed out, Foggy," Matt groaned.
"It was about 2:30 the last time I checked," Jen spoke up.
Foggy coughed and his brain actually misfired when he heard a female voice. "Shit, are you not alone? Is this the girl you told me about on Sunday? Indentured servitude to my parents for three days and I'm in the dark. How did you not fill me in? Shit! Am I interrupting?"
"Foggy, calm down. You are not interrupting," Matt said as Jen started giggling into Matt's chest at Foggy's outburst. "I'm sorry for not filling you in sooner. I've been a little distracted," Matt said as his hand roamed down Jen's back.
"Buddy, I'm happy for you. I just can't believe I leave you alone for three days and you get a girlfriend."
"I told you I was waiting for the right one and the right one quite literally ran into me," Matt responded. "Jen, say hi to Foggy Nelson, my best friend. Foggy, this is Jen Walters, my girlfriend." First time those words came out of his mouth and he hoped that he wasn't being presumptuous.
"Hi Foggy. I'm glad to match the name to a voice," Jen called out, tucking herself in next to Matt. It was awkward at best to be meeting your boyfriend's best friend while being naked in bed with your boyfriend, even if it was over the phone.
"Hi Jen. I apologize for my unusual morning outburst. I usually don't put my foot in my mouth that badly," Foggy said. "Well, this changes things."
"Why?" Matt asked.
"Well, I was on my way over to your place to see if you wanted to hang out today."
"We still can. It would just be three instead of two unless either of you object," Matt replied hopefully.
"Matt, I don't want to intrude on your time with Foggy," Jen protested.
"Dude, I'm not going to pull you away from your girlfriend if you already have plans," Foggy added in.
"That's why I'm trying to suggest something together. Please?" Matt asked hopefully again.
"Aw, Foggy. He's making this sad puppy face here," Jen said as she looked at the small pout Matt was making.
"Not the wounded duck face." Foggy knew this weapon well and it wasn't like he was going to say no to hanging out. "What's the plan, Matty?"
"You said you were on your way here, right? Take your time and we'll meet you downstairs."
After some negotiation and a healthy guilt trip from Foggy who reminded Matt that he was slaving away at his parents' butcher shop while Matt played at the beach, they agreed to go back to Coney Island and catch what Matt and Jen missed.
After a quick lunch, Matt, Jen and Foggy headed to the NY Aquarium. While Matt could easily track, hear and smell the animals that lived above the water's surface, underwater was much harder. That's where Foggy's A+ description skills came into play which Jen found not only informative but hilarious as well.
When the aquarium closed, Foggy took a chance and went over to the Brooklyn Cyclones stadium and managed to score some pretty decent tickets for that night's game against the Staten Island Yankees. They had a few hours to kill before the game started and Foggy thought of another idea when he saw a neon rainbow volleyball in the beach store. "Who's up for some beach volleyball?" he asked.
"I love beach volleyball," Jen exclaimed. "But how are we splitting the teams? There's three of us."
"I was thinking two on one," Foggy said with a smirk.
"Matt and me against you?" Jen asked.
Foggy shook his head and laughed and Matt caught it. "No. You and me against Matt. I may actually have a chance at winning."
Jen looked between Foggy and Matt and was very confused about the stupid grins on their faces. "How in hell is that fair?"
"Foggy and I do this all the time with handball," Matt reassured her. "A volleyball will be easier to track than that little rubber ball."
"Great, I'm still going to get my ass kicked," Foggy sighed as he and Jen took up one side of the court.
"I don't always win, Foggy. I've had my fair share of losses," Matt reminded him as he took up the center of his side.
"Name a recent one," Foggy called out as he served the ball.
"The last time we played pool," Matt said as he returned the ball.
"You were drunk!" Foggy called back.
"We both were!" Matt answered as he tried for the ball and missed. "You want to make this more interesting?"
"Sure."
"Loser buys the first round at the game," Matt called out as he tossed the ball back.
"I'll take that bet," Foggy said. "By the way...it's one - zero."
As they took their seats for the baseball game, Foggy was loudly and being a little obnoxious about savoring his "victory" beer. Matt said nothing as he sat down next to Jen. He just smirked and adjusted his glasses with a subtle middle finger in Foggy's direction.
"So, do you two have plans for tomorrow?" Foggy asked in between bites of a hot dog and nachos.
"We're going to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty," Jen spoke up. "Big history buff here."
"That means you can help Matt look up to see if the bootlegger story is true," Foggy exclaimed.
"What bootlegger story?" Jen asked.
"You didn't tell her about the bootlegger story?" Foggy asked.
"It's not like it comes up in everyday conversation," Matt countered.
"You have to tell the bootlegger story," Foggy insisted.
"What bootlegger story?!" Jen cried out again.
Matt took a sip from his own beer and wrapped his arm around Jen. "There's this old family rumor that one of my relatives was an enforcer for a bootlegger out of Atlantic City. I have no idea if it's true or even what side of my family it came from because a lot of things have been lost over the years."
"Okay, history buff intrigued here. Tell me what you know."
"It starts sometime in the twenties. The story starts when the man in question came over from Ireland working for someone powerful who was looking for funding and weapons for the Irish revolt and he ended up staying. He started working for a bootlegger in Atlantic City who had provided money for the Irish. He worked as a driver, bodyguard, messenger, enforcer...basically this bootlegger's right hand. He was also a bit of a womanizer. He apparently got on with both the house maid and the bootlegger's wife. As the story goes, the bootlegger's wife got pregnant by this guy and shortly after that the enforcer was killed and sent back to the bootlegger in a box. That's where the story fades out. If the bootlegger's wife had the baby, she would need to pass it off as her husband's or risk both their lives. This is the type of guy to live in the shadows so I don't even have a name."
Jen, like Foggy, found the story very interesting and wanted more. "Could be fun to look into?"
"Only if there's a bootlegger's treasure at the end," Matt replied.
"Especially if there is a bootlegger's treasure at the end! It could pay off all our student loans," Foggy added.
"Do we really want to start our law careers on bootlegger money?" Matt asked.
"A couple of Kennedys did," Foggy pointed out.
SATURDAY
Jen stirred with the warm morning light peeking through Matt's one window and the cozy feeling of Matt wrapped around her in his sleep. His chest against her back. His arm draped over her waist, pulling her in close while his nimble fingers slipped under the t-shirt she borrowed (stole) from him to sleep in to find bare skin. His hips right up against her bum and not at all hiding the affect she had on him even while he was asleep.
Matt was slowly waking up, placing little kisses along Jen's neck and moving his hand further up her belly. He was seconds from getting rid of the shirt all together when a knock at his door interrupted things..
"Matt?" Maggie called through the door.
Matt froze as he felt Jen tense in his arms. He was quickly trying to remember if he locked his door before they went to bed and praying that his mom did not walk in if he didn't. "Yeah Mom?"
"Father Lantom called and asked for help with the tables and chairs at the church. I told him we would be there before the party started."
"Okay. When?" Matt asked as Jen rolled over in his arms and buried her face in his chest to keep quiet.
"Not for a few hours," Maggie said and the paused. "If you need to get yourselves together."
Matt turned a deep shade of red as Jen tried to stifle her laughter.
"Did your mom just call us out?" Jen asked quietly.
"I thought we were quiet enough," Matt laughed.
"Maybe you aren't the only one with exceptional hearing."
Maggie laughed quietly to herself as she poured herself some coffee. She was neither ignorant nor oblivious to what it was like to be young and in love. Not that long ago she was swept up and away by a charming smart ass boxer who pulled her up into his corner during his fight.
Father Lantom was hauling chairs up from the basement when he saw Maggie and Matthew on approach. It warmed his heart and brought a smile to his face when he saw Matthew walking with hands joined with a beautiful young lady with curly hair, both of them with beaming smiles on their faces. "I reach out for help and the Lord provides and then some. Matthew, I believe some introductions are in order."
"They are," Matt agreed. "We didn't get to see you on Monday when I showed Jen the church Father Lantom, this is my girlfriend, Jennifer Walters. Jen, Father Lantom is the priest for our church. He and I have had some very thoughtful discussions over the years."
"Matthew likes to challenge my mind and keep it sharp. Rich conversation can do that. It's a pleasure to meet you, Jennifer," Father Lantom said warmly as he shook her hand.
Jen shook Father Lantom's hand gladly. "The pleasure is mine. I've heard so much about you from Matt and Mrs. Murdock over the last week. I was hoping I'd get the chance to meet you."
"I hope it was all good," Father Lantom replied.
"Oh it was," Jen quickly assured him.
"Matthew, there's a stack of folding tables in the basement. They were a bit much for me to manage on my own. Would you mind bringing them up and getting them set?"
Matt waved him off as he headed towards the basement, leaving his cane with Maggie. "I got it. Don't worry."
"Thank you, Matthew," Father Lantom called back. "Jennifer, would you be so kind to go down with him? He knows the basement well but I'd feel better if he still had a spotter so he doesn't trip over something."
"Sure, I'm happy to help."
Once the kids were out of sight and hopefully out of Matt's hearing range, Father Lantom turned to Maggie for some details.
"Paul Lantom, you are not slick," Maggie chastised him as she started unfolding chairs.
"Matthew is shining like the sun with that girl on his arm. How long has this been going on for?"
"He just met her last Sunday. They've been inseparable since. They're ass over tea kettle for each other."
"Reminds me of someone else I know," Father Lantom said with a smirk. "Should I start refreshing myself on marriage ceremonies?"
"Paul, it's only been a week," Maggie replied as she ignored the look. "I don't think they're ready for that yet."
"And I remember Jack coming to me asking about it before the bruises on his face healed from that fight," Lantom countered.
"That was twenty-five years ago."
"And that makes it different?"
Maggie sighed and stopped as Matt set down another table and went back down. "I don't want them to struggle like Jack and I did."
"They're coming from a far different place. Is Jennifer in school?"
Maggie nodded. "Law school... starting her last year like Matt."
"Sounds to me like a solid foundation already. Matthew is not all Jack. He's got a pretty sound head on his shoulders and actually thinks things out before anything major. How long did he contemplate his choice of college? This is all part of the back of the tapestry."
Maggie nodded. As usual, Paul was right and she needed to be pulled back from that edge. "I worry about what will happen when she goes home tomorrow."
"Where is home?"
"California. They decided to continue the relationship long distance. She'll be back during winter break."
"What is your exact worry?" Lantom asked.
"How he's going to handle that good bye. I don't think it's going to be easy."
Father Lantom took Maggie's hand reassuringly. "It will work out. God has ways of sending his messengers."
Matt and Jen came up the stairs once again, setting down one more table. "Foggy just called looking for us. Do you still need us to help more or can we meet up with him?"
"Well, I was going ask if you could help with setting up the food..." Father Lantom started with a smirk before Maggie stopped him.
"Go on, kiddo. I'll stay and finish up here and I'll find you later."
Matt kissed Maggie on the top of the head before grabbing Jen's hand. "Thanks Mom. Love ya," he called back before running off.
As they moved away from the church, the music from a few blocks over was starting. It was a mix of stuff from about six different decades.
"There's some serious dance vibes coming out here," Jen commented as she started moving along with the music. "Please tell me I won't be dancing alone."
Matt lifted his hand and twirled Jen around before he pulled her in close so her back was against him. "Dancing's like boxing. If you don't move your feet, you'll end up down on the floor," he whispered in her ear.
Shivers went down Jen's back as he spoke. "I always thought dancing was like sex...all the rhythm in your hips."
Matt placed a kiss on her neck just below her ear. "Sounds like the main event for later while these intense dance vibes now would be the undercard fights beforehand."
"I didn't think boxing could ever sound that sexy," Jen sighed, getting very turned on already.
"Sweetheart, I'm just getting warmed up."
Foggy saw Matt and Jen walking down the sidewalk and caught their little affection break. Damn, this girl brought out a whole other side to his best friend. By the looks of it, if Foggy didn't intervene, Matt and Jen would disappear for some private time. "What took you two so long?" he joked.
"We were asked to help Father Lantom set up the tables at the church," Matt replied. "What took you so long to call me?"
"I got roped in to bringing the food trays out and then setting up a bunch of the games," Foggy replied. "Marci texted me saying she was going to try to come this year."
Matt took a double take at that statement. "Is this the same Marci or a different Marci? Because the Marci I know seems to gravitate more towards uptown parties that involve high fashion, expensive cocktails and fancy hors d'ourves that I can't pronounce. She does know that this is like t-shirts and flip flops with barbecue and beer, right?"
Foggy laughed at Matt's assessment. He wasn't wrong. "Yes, she has been informed. She's trying to be more open minded and try different experiences."
Jen made a few quick deductions in her head. "Why would she not want to come? This is already one of the biggest parties I've ever been to. I'm having a blast and it hasn't fully started yet. We don't do this in L.A. What did you promise her or how many favors have already been dished out?"
Foggy choked on his own spit. "Wow. You go right for the soft underbelly. DA material right there. There may be a weekend in a nice hotel room negotiated."
"Negotiation or plea bargain?" Jen asked.
"Did she specify location?" Matt asked. "You probably could have gotten away with guaranteeing that I would be out of the dorm for the weekend and I would hold up my end and go home instead of hiding out in the library."
"Was her top on or off?" Jen added.
Foggy blushed and realized he did get taken advantage of and he needed to renegotiate. "At first, I was a little worried about what would happen when your fun-loving California cutie meets my bold as brass City girl. Now, I am frighteningly intrigued to watch Walters versus Stahl as opposing counsels. Enough about me. How did Ellis Island go?"
"The museum and the Statue were amazing. Walking through history like that is incredible," Jen gushed.
"Getting there and back was another story," Matt interjected.
Foggy had a feeling about what happened. "Do I ask?"
"I felt so terrible. The water in the harbor was a little rougher than we expected and it hit Matt kind of hard," Jen explained. "To his credit, he didn't get sick on the boat."
"First garbage can on shore was another story. The ride home was worse because it also included the subway," Matt added in. "We had a quiet afternoon after that."
"He took a three hour nap," Jen continued.
"I wasn't feeling well," Matt defended himself. "I threw up twice. I felt a lot better when I woke up before dinner."
"And you got snuggled the whole time," Jen said as she gave him a kiss. "I also got to hear the Broadway shows start this time."
"Sounds like it was epic, aside from the vomiting," Foggy laughed. "Now, it's time for a real party."
The next few hours were filled with food and fun. Jen would not let Matt get away from the epic dance vibes except when Fogwell called him over to be part of a game where the kids of the neighborhood got to take a few shots at his boxers.
Marci arrived later in the evening as everyone was dining on some of Hell's Kitchen's greatest dishes. She seemed a bit out of sorts and uncomfortable out of her element until she spotted Foggy.
"Hi Foggy-bear," she greeted him with a bubbly sweet tone before rolling her eyes when she saw Matt. "Murdock."
"Nice to see you too, Marci," Matt replied as politely as he could. "Marci, this is my girlfriend, Jen Walters," Matt added as he introduced Jen.
"Pleasure to meet you. Foggy's spoken so much about you," Jen said pleasantly as she offered her hand.
Marci was clearly sizing Jen up as she shook her hand. "I don't recall ever hearing about you. Then again, I sometimes tune out when Foggy-bear is talking about Murdock. How long have you two been together?"
Foggy cleared his throat to get Matt's attention. It was a dangerous path but was it better to let Walters vs. Stahl happen with interference or without? He excused himself from Marci to bring her something to eat. "Matt, you wanna get a drink?"
Matt caught on to Foggy quickly. Time to get out of the line of fire. "I could use another. Jen?"
"I'd love another. Thank you," Jen said as she smiled and turned back to Marci. She recognized a cross examination when she saw one. "Not very long. Not like you and Foggy. I think he said almost seven years."
"On and off over that time but yes," Marci replied. Redirection. This was going to get interesting. "I'm just curious as to what you see in Murdock here. In all the time I've known him, he's so dull and uptight."
Matt kept an ear towards Jen and Marci while Foggy got a plate together for Marci.
"Are we sure we should leave them alone?" Foggy whispered as he handed Matt the drinks to hold.
"Are you worried about what they'll say?" Matt asked.
"I'm more worried about an East coast vs West coast battle royale."
Jen saw Matt and Foggy over by the food and the coolers, trying to stall. "Are you sure we're talking about the same person because Matt is nothing like you described?" Jen countered. "He's sweet, fun and hot as hell. He's one of the most caring and considerate guys that I have ever met. The past week has been one of the happiest of my life and that's largely because of him. Matt's a treasure that I'm lucky enough to have literally ran into. Foggy's been a sweetie and half as well. Do you realize how awesome your guy is? I've had my fair share of horrible dates and nightmarish relationships and Matt and Foggy are literally the gold standard that other men should try to aspire to."
Foggy realized that they couldn't stall much longer but he didn't want to interrupt. "Matty, what are they talking about?"
"Us mostly. Jen's totally got my corner covered and she just threw you a solid as well. If this goes well, you will have a historic evening."
"Are you implying that I don't treat Foggy well?" Marci challenged.
Jen shook her head. "Not at all. I'm just saying he treats you like a queen and you're a lucky girl to have someone like him."
Matt nudged Foggy to go back to the table after Jen dropped that bit of gold in his favor.
"How are we doing ladies?" Foggy said cheerfully as he set his plate down and one for Marci.
"We were just getting to know each other better," Marci replied as she thanked Foggy.
Matt set down the two bottles he was carrying for Foggy and Marci on the table and handed Jen's to her. "Jen, I hear the DJ playing one of my favorite songs. Care to join me? Give Foggy and Marci some time to themselves?"
"I would never say no to dancing," Jen replied as she took Matt's hand. "Nice to have met you, Marci."
"Likewise," Marci replied as Matt left with Jen. "You know, I may actually like Murdock better with a girlfriend," Marci said as she began to eat.
Foggy almost choked on his beer at that statement. "What changed in like ten minutes which hasn't in the last six years?"
Marci thought about it. Jen was someone she could enjoy facing off against. "He's got good taste in girlfriends."
SUNDAY
Matt's alarm clock went off for the first time in all the days that he and Jen had been together. He groaned before smacking it to shut it up and rolled over to snuggle up to Jen.
"Why's the alarm set?" Jen grumbled. She wanted one more lazy morning, waking up slowly and making love with the man she had fallen hopelessly in love with over a week before she had to get on a plane that evening.
"My mom and I usually go to Mass on Sundays," Matt mumbled sleepily, not wanting to be awake yet either since he and Jen had stayed up quite late intimately worshipping each other. "What time do you have to go?"
It took a moment for Jen to remember. She'd been so wrapped up the whole week that she really hadn't thought about when she'd have to leave. "My flight leaves at five so I have to be at JFK by two," Jen said as she snuggled against Matt's chest, listening to his heart and taking all of him into memory while she could. "Happy's taking me to the airport from Avengers Tower at 12:30 and I still have to pack...ugh. I don't want to leave."
"I don't want you to leave either. I want every moment I can get with you," Matt said as he kissed her. "How long would you need to pack?"
"About half an hour. Why? What are you thinking?"
Matt rubbed his hand over his face as he tried to wake up. "Mass goes to about 10:30. I'd love for you to join me but I won't make you. After that, I can walk with you back to Avengers Tower. Gives us a little time together and time for you to pack before we have to leave for the airport."
"We leave for the airport?" Jen asked, making sure she heard Matt right.
"I told you. If I have to wait until December to spend time with my girlfriend again, I want every moment I can get, even if it means possibly embarrassing myself when you board that plane."
Jen's eyes started to fill with tears. It would be hard on both them at the airport. "I only brought shorts and t-shirts with me. I don't have anything to wear to go to church with you," Jen sniffed.
Matt tenderly wiped the tears off Jen's face before he kissed her again. "I may have a solution for that if you don't mind borrowing something that may be a little on the older side."
"Retro can be very chic. I don't mind borrowing."
Matt slipped out of bed and found his boxers and t-shirt from the night before and pulled them on before giving Jen one more kiss. "I'll be right back."
"I'm not going anywhere," Jen replied as she tucked his sheets around herself.
Matt slipped out of his bedroom and found his mom sipping her coffee at the table. "Mom, I have a favor to ask."
"What is it, Matty?" Maggie asked, curious.
Matt took a deep breath. He felt almost awkward asking this so it was best to get it out all in one go. "I invited Jen to join us this morning at Mass but she didn't bring anything suitable to wear. Is it possible that she could borrow something?"
Maggie smiled. "I think that can be arranged. You get in the shower, I'll take care of her."
Matt quickly thanked his mother before ducking back into his bedroom. He took his bathrobe off the back of his bedroom door and handed it to Jen before grabbing a light blue dress shirt, gray dress pants and clean underwear. "I'm hopping into the shower. My mom has something you can borrow."
Jen slipped Matt's robe on and tied it tightly before emerging from Matt's room and seeing Matt's mom. "I really want to thank you, Mrs. Murdock. I really appreciate this."
"It's nothing, sweetheart. I'm glad I could help and that you're coming with us," Maggie said warmly as she led Jen to her room.
"It's an important part of Matt's life so I'm glad I get to be part of it," Jen replied.
Maggie was liking this girl more every day. "Let's see what we can find for you." Maggie pushed through her closet a bit but nothing jumped out. Until she looked at the end. At the end of her closet had been the clothes that Jack had so carefully packed so many years ago. It had taken Maggie years before she was brave enough to unpack that box. She pulled out a long blue sundress with flowers on it that she had once worn when she was younger than Jen. "I think this may work," she said as she presented the dress to Jen.
"This is beautiful," Jen said as she held up the dress and measured it against herself. It was convenient that she was a similar height to Matt's mom. "Thank you again."
Maggie briefly took Jen's hand. "It was my pleasure and you don't need to worry about getting it back to me. I haven't worn it in years and I think it will suit you better than me now anyway."
"Thank you, Mrs. Murdock," Jen said as she ducked back into Matt's room. While he was still in the shower, Jen set the dress on his bed and set to packing her things until it was her turn. She picked up the souvenirs she got from Coney Island, the Intrepid and the Statue of Liberty including the stuffed animal that Matt had won for her and the baseball they had caught at the game. She gathered up her clothes that had managed to find themselves all over Matt's room and put them in her backpack. The more she put in her backpack, the more she didn't want to leave.
Matt knocked quickly on his door before opening it. "Shower's all yours," he said as he grabbed a tie from his closet and started to tie it.
"Matt, not that one. It doesn't go," Jen laughed as she pulled it out of his hands and set it back in his closet and grabbed another one. "This one is better," she said as she kissed him.
"Thank you. What was wrong with the first one?" Matt asked as he tied the new tie.
"It was bright red. It didn't go with light blue and gray. The new one is gray striped," Jen explained before going into the shower.
When the service ended, Matt picked up Jen's backpack and slung it over his shoulder and unfolded his cane as Jen said her goodbyes and thanked his mom profusely for her generosity and hospitality. After a few moments, Jen joined Matt by the door and took his hand. "I'm ready," she said softly.
"Nice to finally see you again, Fuzzball. No messages, no calls...nothing," Bruce said dryly as Jen and Matt stepped off the elevator in Avengers Tower. It had kind of been a blur how they got back but then a Hulk punch right between the eyes.
"Bruce, I'm sorry. We just got caught up in everything," Jen tried to offer as an explanation. "Wait a sec. You didn't try to call me at all."
Bruce smiled. "I'm just kidding. I knew you were okay."
"I had JARVIS track your phone," Tony added in. "You really did do a grand tour of New York. Nice pictures, by the way."
"You hacked my phone?" Jen asked angrily as Matt kept a hold on her hand to hold her back. "You had no right to go through my phone like that without proper cause."
"Relax Gidget," Tony laughed. "I just tracked the phone's signal when Big Green here was getting worried when he didn't hear from you. None of your romantic week together has been shared that you didn't do on your own. Now, it's not that I couldn't hack your phone...but I can make it so no one can."
"I'll think about that," Jen replied before she excused herself and Matt so she could pack.
Matt sat on the bed while Jen bounced back and forth across the room, putting all of her things in the suitcase. He wanted to help but she seemed to have this down to a well-oiled system. A system that had her packed in ten minutes. He heard her zip up her bag and set her backpack on top of it and he reached out to take her hand, pulling her in to stand between his legs and resting his hands on her bum. "You know...we have more than an hour before you need to leave. Any ideas on how we can fill the time?"
Jen sat down on one of Matt's legs, pulling him into a kiss before she started to unbutton the top of her dress. "JARVIS? Could you please give us some privacy and see that we're not disturbed?"
"Of course, Miss Walters. Is there anything else?" the AI's voice responded.
"Yes, actually," Jen gasped out as Matt quickly took over on her hint and was pushing the dress to her waist. "Please let us know when it is 12:20. Thank you."
"Your alarm is set."
Matt picked Jen up and laid her down on the bed and set his glasses on the nightstand. "Now, where were we?"
Jen cuddled in close to Matt in the back of the car on the way to the airport. His arm was wrapped around her as her head was on his shoulder while her hand was intertwined with his free one. Matt had closed his eyes as he rested his head on top of Jen's, taking her in as much as he could before they had to say goodbye. The orange blossom scent of her shampoo in her soft, curly hair, still a little damp from the shower they shared. The sunscreen and soap on her skin. The sound of her heart and the way her voice sounds when she says his name. The feel of her hand in his and the way her body melts into his. Is there a way to make an hour last forever?
Happy parked the car at passenger drop off and took his time getting Jen's luggage out of the car to give Matt and Jen a chance to say goodbye before her flight.
Once Happy left the car, Jen slipped Matt's glasses from his face and stuck them in his pocket. She didn't expect to see tears already welling up in his eyes. "Four months will go fast," Jen whispered as her own vision started to blur with unshed tears. "We're going to be so slammed with classes that we won't realize it and soon enough it will be Christmas."
Matt took Jen's face in his hands and kissed her before running his fingers through her curls. "Doesn't mean I won't miss you," he said as he kissed her again. "At least I can still talk to you."
"And use that vivid memory of yours to picture me beside you."
"It's not the same," Matt sighed. "I might have to kick Foggy out of the room when you call."
"I'm sure he won't mind," Jen reassured him before she saw Happy waiting with her bags. She kissed Matt one more time and hugged him. "I love you."
"I love you too," Matt told her as he wiped a tear away with his thumb. "Call me when you land. I don't care what time it is."
"I will," Jen promised as Happy opened the door. "Eleven hours will fly by."
"Be careful," Matt said as she started to slide out of the car.
"I will. The city of angels doesn't have my guardian devil," Jen said before giving Matt one last kiss. "I love you, Matty."
"I love you, Jen," Matt replied before the door closed and she boarded the shuttle to the terminal. A few tears slipped free from his control before he could put his glasses back on.
"Where can I drop you off, Mr. Murdock?" Happy asked as he slid into the driver's seat.
Matt sniffed and cleared his throat, trying to make it look like he was doing better than he was. "Fogwell's gym in Hell's Kitchen, please."
Happy started to drive and kept looking back at Matt. He would catch the hard swallows and the quick way Matt's hand would wipe away a stray tear. He wanted to say something but what. If it was Tony, easy. He wordlessly passed a small box of tissues back that Pepper had stashed in the car which Matt quietly thanked him.
The car pulled up in front of the gym and Happy stepped out to get the door for Matt. "Are you good to make it from here?"
Matt nodded and thanked him as he unfolded his cane. "I live right upstairs. I'm good. Thank you."
Happy could see that Matt's statement meant more than just his mobility. He reached into his pocket for his keys and pulled out a piece of paper. "Mr. Stark asked me to give this to you."
Matt ran his fingers over the folded piece of paper and could feel the slight indentations of the ink but he couldn't decipher it. "Would you mind reading it to me?"
"It reads, 'Rocky, You're welcome to hang out at the Tower even if Gidget isn't here. There's a few more friends here if you're ever looking for a good challenge. Also, call me when you pass the Bar so we can set up my other offer. Signed Tony Stark'" Happy read.
"Please tell Mr. Stark that I thank him for his very generous offer and I will definitely call him about it this summer. Please also tell him that I am always up for a good challenge," Matt said as he offered his hand to Happy.
Happy gladly shook Matt's hand. "I will. By the way, if you ever need a ride, give me a call. As long as Mr. Stark or Ms. Potts don't need me, I'll get you there," Happy said as he gave Matt his card.
"Thanks, Happy. I will. Catch you later," Matt said as he slipped the card in his pocket and stepped back on the sidewalk.
"See you around, Matt," Happy called back before getting back into the car and driving off.
As the car drove off, Foggy stepped out of Fogwell's with Matt's backpack in his hand. He had been watching him as soon as that super fancy car with STARK plates had drove up. Matt's button down shirt was rumpled up, his tie was missing and his hair was sticking up at all angles. So either he and Jen had an epic farewell or something more nefarious had happened. The lack of blood and bruises led to the former as a conclusion. To the untrained eye, it seemed like Matt was holding up pretty well but Foggy knew his best friend better than that. The slump in his shoulders and down turned head once the car left, and once Foggy got closer, the redness around his eyes behind his glasses was all Foggy needed. "Hey buddy!"
There was a small upturn of a smile but not much. "Hey Foggy. What's up?"
"I'm kidnapping you."
Matt looked up. "Excuse me? You're what?"
"I'm kidnapping you," Foggy reaffirmed. "With your mom's blessing," he added as he held up the backpack. "We're going back to my place and parking your shit in my room. T-shirts and shorts are in the bag. Then we'll go to Josie's, have festive libations, shoot some pool and maybe darts. We'll head back to my place for trashy movies and maybe some real food in between all the junk food and booze. Then, slumber party. I hope you don't have plans tomorrow because you will be too damn hungover to do them."
"Foggy, you don't have to do this. I'm okay," Matt said unconvincing.
Foggy set his hands on Matt's shoulders to get his attention. "Matty, yes I do. I would be neglecting my best friend duties if I didn't. I just can't let you sit alone waiting for Jen to call in your room which probably smells like her because I'm guessing Thursday was not the first night she spent there snuggled up in your bed."
Matt's smirk when Foggy mentioned Thursday spoke volumes. Monday was something else. "What if I find that comforting?" Matt asked.
"Any other night it may be but not tonight. Tonight, you'll just be missing her," Foggy replied. "What time is she calling anyway?"
"Around eleven if it's on time."
"I'll make sure you're not that drunk then. I don't need to be on the receiving end of Jen's cross examination," Foggy laughed as they started walking. "So, how'd you get all rumpled up here? I know you didn't go to Mass like that. You been roughing it up with the Avengers?"
Matt shook his head and smiled. "Just making use of their hospitality."