Well, this chapter has a new characters popping up from (what was) the Netflix series.
There was a reason she didn't get drunk often, Halina thought, she tends to embarrass herself. Last night was no different. After everyone had finished laughing at Foggy, he'd bought them all rounds and things went down hill from there. Marci was right, Matt, and Foggy were a hoot when drunk and she'd gotten the feeling that Matt hadn't let loose like that in a long time. The banter that flowed between those two was hilarious, in the moment, and downright corny in daylight. At some point she remembered sitting in Matt's lap, still at the bar, her tongue down his throat, his hand groping her ass. She didn't see Karen after that.
Things got a little hazy after that. There may have been dancing on the bar, she's not sure. She also wasn't sure how they had made it back to Matt's apartment, but she was had flashes of giving him a lap dance. They were both naked and Matt was very into it, he was also extremely drunk. For the first time since she'd met him, he actually seemed blind. Bumping into things, tripping on the steps, laughing hysterically as he stumbled to his feet.
She wasn't sure what happened after the lap dance. She could guess though. It was almost 3 PM by the time Halina had finally cracked her eyes open and was met with instant regret. Matt was still out, pillow on top of his head with his arm thrown over it, his leg over her pelvis. Halina groan she pushed his leg off her, making him groan, sounding equally miserable. She cursed his big windows for letting in so much light, she might need to get him some curtains.
"I'm gonna make some coffee." She whispered, wincing at the volume her own voice.
She squinted as she rolled up to sit on the edge of the bed. Her head pounded, making her feel nauseous. After collecting herself, she swayed to her feet, found a clean pair of sweatpants and Matt's zip up hoodie, and stumbled out of the room. She had no idea what happened, but their clothes were everywhere, and Matt's furniture was not where it was supposed to be. His couch was pushed at a forty-five degree from its original angle, the chairs overturned, and the coffee table was in front of the steps, on its face.
"Ugh." She said, she wasn't sure she wanted to know.
She tripped a few times over the various articles of clothing on the floor on the way to the kitchen. Once she got the coffee maker running, she grabbed two glasses from Matt's cupboard and filled them up with water then turned to where Matt kept his Tylenol. She opened it popped two into her mouth and washed them down then grabbed two more and the other glass of water she hadn't drank from, and stumbled her way back to the bedroom where Matt hadn't moved. She grabbed his foot and shook it.
"Babe." She said as she sat down. "I got something that'll make you feel a little better."
Matt groaned but removed the pillow from his head and held out his hand. He popped the pills she put in his hand, into his mouth then sat up and took the cup of water from her.
"I can't remember the last time I was this hung over." He muttered as he fell back again and started blankly at the sky. "What time is it?"
"Just before 3." Matt cursed. "I'll make breakfast, it'll help with the hang over."
She took the cup from Matt and shuffled back to the kitchen. It took a few sips of coffee before she could find the willpower to cook. It was nothing spectacular, scrambled eggs and toast but it was just what a pair hung over mature adults needed. Especially two people who were no longer college kids.
Suddenly she heard Matt kick something and curse. Looking up from the frying pan, she saw him jumping up and down, holding his foot. One of the chairs had moved from its previous locations.
"I'm guessing that being drunk and hung over interferes with your senses." Halina said as Matt limped over to the couch, wearing only a pair boxers.
"Noticed did you." He said as he put his head in his hands.
She poured him a cup of coffee and walked over to him. "Here." She said as she held the cup out to him.
"Thanks." He said, taking it from her.
She kissed his shoulder and returned to the kitchen. Five minutes later, the toast had popped, and the scramble eggs were ready. She dished out a plate for Matt and one for herself then set them onto the table, which had somehow survived…whatever they had been doing.
"C'mon eat." Halina said as she sat in one of the chairs.
Matt rolled to his feet and shuffled over to the table, plunking himself down across from her.
"Do you remember any thing after I pulled you off that bar?" Matt asked, head in his hand as he shoveled eggs into his mouth.
"I don't really remember getting onto the bar in first place." Halina said then chuckled, feeling ever so slightly better. She still felt like shit though. "There are images here and there. You, falling down a couple flights of stairs, that lap dance." Matt grinned, he remembered it too. "Don't know how we got here or what happened to the furniture."
Matt laughed. "I think you used my coffee table to slide down the steps."
Halina put a hand to her mouth in shock. "I didn't!"
"I'm pretty sure you did." He was grinning but wincing like his head was hurting.
"God." Halina put a hand to her forehead. "This is why I don't 'have fun', I always make an ass of myself."
"I'm pretty sure you weren't the only one." Matt said, this time he was definitely wincing.
"Marci said you used to party pretty hard, once. Said you were a fun drunk, she's right."
Matt laughed and winced. "I've gotten, you know, tipsy many times, although it's been a while since I've even done that, but get completely wasted? The last time was…probably when Foggy and I passed the bar exam?"
They fell into silence after that, both finding it hard to think in their hungover state, so they simply just ate. Halina had originally planned on going in to work today, but with how she was feeling, even after eating breakfast, she decided to stay home with Matt and sleep their hang over off. They spent most of the day in bed, first sleeping and then, once they felt human again, making love. It was a very good day for Halina, she really didn't want it to end.
It was middle of the night when Halina woke to find herself completely alone in bed. Matt must have pulled the covers over her because they were up by her ears instead of by her waist, where they usually lay. Halina looked at her phone, it was just past midnight. She got up and pulled on sweatpants and Matt's hoodie once more (which was at this point now hers) and peered into the bathroom before walking into the living room. He had righted the furniture and put it back where it belonged but otherwise, there was no evidence that he'd been around recently. Her first thought had been that he couldn't sleep any more so he'd gotten up to do some work but there was no evidence that he'd ever pulled out any of his files. She went back into the bedroom and found his sweatpants and t-shirt where he'd dropped them earlier in the day, nor did it appear that he'd taken any of his clothes, but he must've she doubted he was walking around the city naked.
Halina sat on the bed as she picked up her phone once more, opening her contacts and tapping Matt's name. Seconds later, she was startled when she heard a robotic voice repeatedly saying her name from Matt's side of the bed. Halina frowned, why would he leave his phone? She went back into the living room and went to where she'd noticed Matt had dumped a pile of their clothes on the one chair and rummaged in the pockets of the dress pants he'd been wearing at the bar; his wallet was still there. She frowned, should she be concerned?
Halina's phone rang her hand, startling her enough for her to drop it and crack her already damaged screen further. After a second to steady her now rapidly beating heart, she looked at the display and saw Jessica Jones' name. She'd almost forgotten that she'd hired her. She sat on the couch as she hit the answer button.
"Hello?"
"Hey, thought I might give you a heads up. Matt knows you hired me."
"How?"
"I guess he made me last night, although how he managed to notice me with how drunk you two were, is beyond me. He told me you already know about his…gifts. I don't know if he told you the part where he's basically a human lie detector."
Halina put a hand to her head. He hadn't worded it that way, but he had said something about knowing when people lie, but like an idiot, she hadn't put two and two together.
"He probably got suspicious when you lied about why were wanting to stay with him." Jessica continued. "He knows your apartment is not being remediated or whatever you told him."
"Was he angry?"
"Annoyed maybe but I don't think he was angry. I think he kind of gets it. I didn't tell him what I was doing, I wasn't sure what you wanted him to know, but he figured it out on his own or partly anyways. He knows it involves Caleb."
"How long ago did he leave?"
"Ten minutes ago. I thought I should wait until he was far enough to not be able to overhear our conversation. But he was dressed to kick ass, though, so he probably isn't heading home. He wasn't dressed in his Daredevil suit, though."
"I think the last one got heavily damaged when he had a building drop on him. He mentioned needing a new one."
"Well, he's probably not going straight home. Probably going beat on a few crooks or whatever it is that he does."
"Have you…found anything?"
"Your ex is definitely stalking you. I found him camped out at your apartment almost everyday this week, in the middle of the night. He was waiting for you guys last night by Matt's place, I'm surprised he didn't try anything with how drunk you two were. I've got a bunch of pictures, so you can at least prove stalking charges but I'm going to start following him, see what he gets up to when he's not stalking you. I haven't found anything else yet, but I think you might be right about him being dirty. I'll keep at it." Jessica paused before continuing. "You should really make sure to only go out during the day when you're by yourself, otherwise make sure Matt's with you. He'll put Caleb in the hospital if he tries anything."
"Right." She said, swallowing the fear that rose up.
"Hey, this is almost over." Jessica said, probably hearing some fear in Halina's voice. "We'll pin that bastard to the wall and then you won't have anything to worry about."
"Thanks, Jessica."
"Yeah, I'll call you again in a couple of days."
"Sure."
Halina hung up feeling a little dazed and confused. She was worried about what Matt would say when he got home and also worried that he might get hurt doing God knows what. She didn't know how she felt about Jessica confirming that Caleb was indeed stalking her; relieved? Terrified? Angry? She just wanted to enjoy her life right now, was that too much to ask?
Now fully awake, there was no chance she was going to be able to fall back asleep. She was relieved that her briefcase had made it back home from the bar, being dropped by the front door with Matt's. She brought it to the couch and decided to do some of the work she'd originally planned on doing earlier in the day.
She must have fallen asleep at some point and was awakened by a hand touching her cheek, followed by Matt's familiar, albeit sweaty, smell. When she opened her eyes, she saw him kneeling down beside the couch, looking at her a little worriedly. She straightened from her awkward sideways slouch, papers still somewhat on one knee and her notepad stuck in between her crossed leg and the couch.
"I wasn't trying to lie to you." Halina said as she rubbed her eyes. "I was going to tell you, eventually. I just hate making you worry about me and…I don't want our whole relationship to be about him."
Halina finally took in what he was wearing as he stood up enough to sit on the coffee table across from her. He was dressed in the same skintight, long sleeve shirt, black cargo pants and tactical boots he'd been wearing the second time they had met, with him holding black fabric in his hand.
"I…kind of wondered if it was something like that. How long has Jess been looking into him?"
"Since last Saturday." Halina looked down as she chewed on her lip. "He called after you had left, he was watching the building, he saw you leave." Matt's wrapped hands clenched into tight fists. "I thought about calling you back but…you're not exclusively mine, other people need your help too. So, I called Marci. She came over, recommended going to see Jessica when I told her that I wanted to do more then just file a restraining order."
Matt let out an angry sigh. "Do you want me to go…talk with him? I can be very persuasive."
Halina looked up at him, shocked. Whether it was because of the suggestion of using violence to get rid of Caleb or because he'd asked her, she didn't know.
"Part of me wants to say yes, let him know some of how I felt but…" Halina shook her head as she trailed off.
"He won't know it was me, just that Daredevil knows who he is and what he is. I'll go, Halina, right now. If that's what you want. We'll both sleep better." Matt's face was incredibly dark, and it frightened her a little but not for her own safety. She was afraid for his soul.
"But I can't ask you to do that. I won't." Halina wondered if he was a little unhinged still or he was just that scared of losing her.
"But…" He actually looked angry with her for telling him no.
"Matt, no. Jessica will get something on him, and we can get him arrested and put away."
"For how long? Six months? A couple of years if we're lucky? Whatever Jess digs up, won't be enough to keep him in there forever. I want you to feel safe, Halina. If I…talk to him, he'll never bother you again."
"No." She repeated, more firmly this time. "I will not ask you to do that."
"You don't have to." Matt said, standing up as he slid what was apparently a mask, onto his head.
Halina jumped up and ran to stand in front of him, putting her hands on his chest. "I forbid you from going." Matt looked at the ceiling and let out an angry sound. "I will not let you go out of your way to hurt someone because of me."
"He's a monster, I'm not going to wait until he hurts you. I'll never be able to live with myself if something happens to you that I could have prevented." He sounded angry, frustrated and she didn't blame him. In fact, she very much would like for him to hurt Caleb for her, but she couldn't let him.
"You're right, he is and he sure as hell deserves a beating but not by you. I can take care of myself, and you're helping me get even better at it." She reached up and touched his coarse chin.
"He terrifies you!" He growled as his hands came up from his sides and looked like claws as he spoke.
"I know and maybe its time I confront that fear, instead of hiding from it." Halina touched the side of his face. "I will not go looking for a confrontation but if it comes, I'll deal with it. Besides, Jessica said she's going to start following him, see what he gets up to when he's not stalking me. If he comes at me when you're not there, she'll be there."
Matt sighed again, this time in defeat as he put his forehead to hers. "Okay, fine." He conceded though his body was still tense.
"Promise me, Matt." She said pushing back his mask so she could see his eyes.
"I promise, I won't go out my way to find him." Matt said softly, then tensed up again. "But if he hurts you or confronts me, all bets are off."
"Good enough." Halina said as she reached up and hugged his neck. "Let's go to bed."
111
They spent the rest of Sunday together and while she needed to get some work done, she decided that Matt needed to get some fresh air and relaxation time. It was still chilly outside but there were clear signs of spring as tiny buds started popping up along the branches of trees and some colour was returning to the grass. They went for a long walk a long the river, strolling hand in hand as they went. Around lunch time, Matt made a suggestion that floored her; he wanted to introduce her to his mother. He told her that it wasn't really all that big of a deal because they weren't incredibly close. He didn't even call her mom but rather by her name, but he was making an effort to try to get to know her better and let her in a little more.
He made it quite clear, though, that he didn't want Halina to discuss his mother to anyone else. Despite his still somewhat confused feelings, he wanted to protect her and thought it best for as few people as possible to know about Maggie. The fact that he had even told Halina about her, told her how much he really cared for Halina and trusted her. Now he wanted her to meet Maggie? That was monumental for him. What she hadn't entirely realized was that he had meant that day and before she knew it, they were standing in front of St. Agnes.
"You lived here?" Halina asked as she stared at the stone building.
"For a time, yeah." Matt said his head turned slightly towards her, obviously observing her reaction.
Out front there were several children playing in the yard, ranging from five year olds to young teens with several nuns mingling about, observing them. Halina looked up at him.
"What were you like, when you were here?" She asked.
Matt smiled slightly. "A complete nightmare. I argued with the nuns a lot, got into a lot of fights. Never got in trouble for that though, nobody wanted to admit they got thrashed by the blind kid. I wised up a little near the end but otherwise, I was a very angry kid. Something I'm obviously still working on."
"I bet a lot of these kids are angry." Halina said, looking back at the children. "To feel all alone like that. I can't imagine what that does to a person."
"I can." Matt said passively, his head now turned in the general direction of the kids. "I wouldn't recommend it. Most of these kids are generally here because nobody wants them, not even foster parents. The young ones have a chance to get adopted or put in a home, but once you hit ten, your chances plummet. Become a teenager or have a disability, next to nil."
"Your father must've been one hell of a good father for you to have turned out this way, despite losing him so young." Halina said sadly. "Most people in your situation probably would have gotten into drugs or other sorts of trouble."
"Unfortunately, Stick probably gets to take some of that credit." Matt sounded both a little bitter and a little sad.
Halina looked at him confused; he'd never mentioned a man named Stick before. "Who is Stick?"
"He's the one who taught me to fight, how to use my senses, among other things." Matt said looking at her. "He started training me shortly after I arrived here. Ultimately, he left me too." Matt's face darkened for a moment then he rubbed his forehead. "He said I was too 'emotional'. Anyways, he taught me discipline, focus. He'd be very disappointed in how I behave around you."
Halina smiled at him softly. "Good."
A nun suddenly seemed to take notice of them and walked over to them. "Matthew." She said as she approached.
"Sister Eliza." Matt said nodding.
"Are you looking for Sister Maggie?" Sister Eliza asked, glancing at Halina.
"Yes, but she's busy, just killing time until she's free." Matt replied.
"I'll let her know you're here. Why don't you go into the church?"
"Naw, it's nice out here." Matt said then pointed to a bench a little way down the street, sitting on church grounds under a big tree. "We'll wait there."
"Alright, I'll let her know." The nun said then turned and left.
Once out of earshot, Halina looked at Matt as they strolled over to the bench. "Was she one of the nuns you terrorized?" She asked smiling.
Matt chuckled. "Maybe."
They chatted idly for a several minutes while they waited. Normally Halina would have been glued to Matt's side, maybe a hand on his leg but for whatever reason, she felt self-conscious, and Matt didn't move in to close the gap either. When Maggie did appear, Matt suddenly pulled back the arm that had been behind her, then tried to cover the motion up by standing as Maggie got close.
"Matthew." Maggie said as she approached, looking at Halina as she too stood. "It's good to see you."
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything." Matt said, looking a little awkward, and earning him a raised eyebrow from Maggie.
"Of course not. I was just finishing up with my duties, but I'm done for now. Who's this?" She asked, indicating Halina.
Halina stuck out her hand, uncertain how else to greet a nun. "Halina Jackson."
"Halina? Such a pretty name." Maggie said, smiling.
"Oh, thank you." Halina said smiling in embarrassment.
"She's, uh, my girlfriend." Matt said looking even more awkward.
"Girlfriend?" Maggie said looking surprised then smiled. "Well, I'm happy for you. You can't have been dating too long."
"Only a few weeks." Halina said as Matt's cheeks began to flush.
"Well, must pretty serious if he's brought you here." Maggie said noting her son's reaction. "Do you mind if I borrow him for a second?"
"Sure." Halina said as Maggie grabbed Matt's arm.
Matt gave her a bit of an apologetic look as he moved off with his mother, her arm wrapped around his as they slowly strolled away. Halina thought it best to wait where she was, she didn't really know this part of Hell's Kitchen and she hoped Matt wouldn't be gone to long. She sat on the bench and turned so she could continue to watch the children play, occasionally looking at her phone while she waited. When they finally returned, Matt looked a little more himself as he walked over Halina.
"I'm sorry about that, my dear." Maggie said, smiling at her softly.
Whatever the conversation, Matt seemed to have successfully paint her in a positive light. They only talked a little longer, with Halina telling a little about herself; where she was from, what she did, where she went to school, that sort of thing. When they left Maggie, Halina looked up at him.
"What did you two talk about?" She asked curiously.
"Mostly about you, I'll admit." Matt said then chuckled. "Considering my mental state little over a month ago to suddenly showing up with a gorgeous redhead on my arm, she was probably a little alarmed."
"Well you must've said something right, she didn't seem unhappy by my presence when you came back." Halina said taking his hand in hers. "It's not really that weird to be introducing girlfriends after a couple of weeks of dating."
"Maybe not for most people but…I don't exactly let people get close to me very often." Matt said. "I haven't really told Foggy about Maggie and Karen only knows because Maggie told her, herself."
Halina stopped and frown. "So, you've literally told no one about her before."
"After what happened with Fisk, I…rather not have anyone know about her. Hell, I've thought about breaking up with you just to protect you from my own enemies." Matt said making Halina look at him in shock. "But I can't and even Foggy thinks I'd be a complete moron to do it."
"But Fisk is in jail." Halina said. "What are you so scared of happening?"
"Fisk knows…about me." Matt said, looking away to stare angrily towards the street. "It's my own fault. I was reckless, not thinking straight. Almost ended up dead at the bottom of Hudson. I'm afraid that he'll still find a way to hurt me, by hurting you and if not him, then one of my other enemies. I've got dangerous enemies in both parts of my life."
"I'm not afraid of them, Matt." Halina said firmly, and she meant it. "I know I turn into spineless coward every time I hear or see Caleb, but he had years to break me. Traumatize me. Those other people, the ones who might want to hurt me to get at you, fuck them. I rather take the chance and stay with you."
Matt gently put his hands on either side of her face and smiled. "You know most women would have focused on the 'I thought about breaking up with you' part but like a good lawyer, you just focused on the important part." He kissed her very gently.
"Oh, I did, for a second." She said pressing herself into him. "But you never followed through, and you were only thinking about me."
"You really are my one in a billion." He said then kissed her gently again.
-Shockra