You're not big on piercings or tattoos, Matt? [She considers this for a moment.] Can you feel the designs on a person's skin?
Yeah, he did. The Christmas when we met... I caught him trying to talk with Nate on the phone even though he couldn't hear a thing. It kinda really hit me then, you know? What Clint was sacrificing. I mean, danger aside. He just wanted to spend time with his family but he was here in New York trying to solve that mess.
I can feel them, and I don't mind them on other people, they just don't do anything for me to put them on myself. I can't see them. I can feel them, sure, but that's not quite the same thing. It's okay to acknowledge that my way of seeing and experiencing the world isn't how others do it. In some ways that means I can experience things you can't. In other ways it means you can experience things I can't. And again, I'm not offended. I'm just overtired so I'm overexplaining.
Does he miss it? Solving messes.
I like spice. I just don't like an overwhelming amount of it.
Overexplaining is okay as long as you don't get sick of me? [Kate poited out with a hopefully tone on her voice.] I like knowing how you experience things and it's so crazy that you can even feel pictures. [Another reason why Matt Murdock is incredibly impressive.] But I was thinking... You know how people say that having piercings in certain areas of the body enhances how the touch feels for them? It reminded me of you.
[Is it like that for him as well?]
He probably does, as much as he is tired and keeps claiming he wants to spend the rest of his life doing farm stuff.
And here I was about to tell Kirsten you were up for the hot chip challenge for the firm's social media... [She clicks her tongue.]
I'm not sick of you. I've just been told by other people that I ramble when I'm tired. I'm not even trying to argue, just trying to make sure my point is clear. I've tried to stop myself and recognize when I'm doing it since then. ... I've never thought about the rest of what you said, but there might be some truth to it. A more sensitive touch that you can't ignore is more like what I experience. Just everywhere all the time.
... I'm an asshole, Kate. I don't know if I could give it up for anyone. [He clearly couldn't for Foggy. Would Foggy want him to now though, in a state where Fisk is in charge? What about if he had a kid? Jack Murdock died for his morals. Matt respects that. It also left him alone at 9 in the world.]
Ha. Kirsten has a roasted corn recipe that involves hot chips as part of the coating. Well, her aunt does. I remind her that it's not hers, it's her aunt's. But she'd do the challenge with you. She drinks chilis for breakfast. My stomach can't.
I like rambly you when you're tired. Such a lawyer. [She teases him a little, even though the warmth there is undenieable. Matt says some of the best shit when he is tired.] That would absolutely kill you, wouldn't it? Like, a villain captures you and pierces your nipples? Ouch. And let's not even think about the other places that people get pierced. That even freaks me out.
[Even though Matt wasn't close enough to sense it, Kate still shook her head.] You wouldn't call Captain America an asshole for it, would you? People follow their call and this is yours. [Hopefully it really is Kate's as well.]
For real? I was just shitting with you. [Again.] But I would actually love to try that. I swear, it's like every time that Kirsten enters the conversation I learn a new amazing thing about her.
Only you would come up with the Nipple Bandit. If that becomes a thing, I'm blaming you.
... no. I have a lot of respect for Captain America. Resisting the law when it's unjust? That's part of everyone's civic duty, but some are in a better position to follow through on it than others.
[Matt has SO MUCH respect for Cap. Both Caps. He's not a fanboy like Kate in general, but he will 100% geek out on Steve and Sam. He would follow their ideology of resist as a form of civic engagement and has found it inspirational.]
Kirsten is beyond amazing. It's not my story to tell, but you should hear from her about her life story sometime. Plus she has a way of listening that few do. She hears what most don't. ... she's given me more chances than I deserve. If I'm ever not around? She's your contact.
For all we know there might be a Dominatrix Delinquent out there. I don't know, you say this now, but I bet your Catholic guilt thing might enjoy it, you pervert. [So, maybe that's taking it a little far. But teasing Matt is her favorite sport.]
Yeah, well, it might be his civic duty, but you follow yours. So don't ever call yourself an asshole again. That's my duty.
[As if Matt will ever stop beating himself or really need Kate or a dominatrix to deliver the blows. It doesn't matter. She might be there to call him an asshole when needed, but Kate will also take it upon herself to remind him of how wonderful he actually is.]
She really helped you when you -- When the firm closed. Like, really stepped up for you.
Don't worry, I don't feel insulted. [She snorts, amused by how careful he is about people's feelings. It's sweet. There should be more people like him in the world.] I'm always tempted but worry I'll get bored of it. Like, an arrow is super obvious, isn't it?
Maybe. [She considers things for a moment.] Do you think that people that do this can actually have relationships or a family? [It comes out before she even thinks about it. About what it might imply, considering his own relationship seems to be hanging from a thread.]
People like you guys are so important. Proving that you care and are not at it for the money.
It's a bit obvious, but from what little I know of tattoos, I think it's more what it means to you? An idea might be old, but an artist can make it new. It's more what you want on your body forever. I say this, only from having talks with clients to get them comfortable with me but also genuinely finding their perspective interesting.
[There is a long moment of silence. Matt wants this for Kate. For himself. To have it all. His history, though? He respects Kate too much to lie to her.] I don't know anyone who manages both. Well. Minus Danny and Colleen, who are both doing the same thing.
Danny's a goddamn unicorn who punched a dragon in the heart while living in Brigadoon, though.
Yeah, but an archer with an arrow. A bit too on the nose for my taste. [She does get what he means, though. If it really matters to you, deep down, what's the problem?] Not sure I have the best relationship with commitment to have something on my body for the rest of my life.
[There's a sincere relief as Matt only remains quiet for a moment. As he doesn't evade the question or sounds annoyed.] Yeah, Clint and Laura too. It's probably easier if you two are in the business, I guess. [No lies or hiding. Not that anyone can blame Matt for his silence during this relationship. He was not Daredevil anymore when he started dating Heather. How do you bring that into conversation anyway?]
Yeah, but... Sitting on your ass and making donations is not the same thing as what you guys do.
One of these days we are gonna sit down and watch one of those videos of ugly tattoos. Not sure if it'll be the same effect, but I'm gonna describe each one of them and we are gonna say grace or whatever it is you guys do in these situations. [Because thank fuck she never got drunk enough to get some really ugly ass ink on her body.]
Laura worked in SHIELD. She was apparently a big deal, even had a codename of her own.
Yeah, maybe not. But you know what I mean. You actually spend both day and night helping people, Matt. You probably even help in your sleep. I have no fucking idea how that works, but if anyone can do it that's you.
That was our code, people just started using it, too. It became common vernacular. Like Christmas is celebrated by plenty of non-Christians these days. Which is fine by me. The more holiday spirit the better, when it's all well-meaning.
The blind guy makes a punchline out of them.
It wasn't the bare minimum to me. It meant everything in that moment. And not because of my bladder.
Christmas is more about presents and Santa, these days. But it's hard to hate on that, isn't it? Well, maybe not so hard, a lot of people don't really enjoy it.[She considers things for a moment.] But it's kinda great, isn't it? A time of the year when everything is so cold, people getting together, nice food, themed movie marathons, making gingerbread houses. Have you ever made a gingerbread house?
I knew you'd get it.
Guess that having friends there for you is what matters the most. I'm really glad I could be there for you, Matt.
I love Christmas. I didn't always, but I've grown to appreciate it. And I've absolutely built a gingerbread house. I want to try making my own from scratch sometime. I always want to, but then run out of time to make the dough, so I just help the Nelsons make theirs. It gets very competitive. They don't give the blind man a decorating pass.
It does matter, and you were. I won't forget it. I hope I can be there for you in turn.
[The laugh that follows at the mental picture that calls for, it's a heartfelt one.] Oh, please, please, please, lets make one together. I don't care if it's not Christmas yet. We can make a belated Easter one! Or gingerbread bunnies! I really need to decorate one with you to live, Matt.
You're always there for me. And you cook for me, so it's not like you owe me anything.
I'm pleased you trust my decorating prowess. I was decent at decorating within the lines but Theo always said 'you're very pretty' when I made color choices. [Theo being Foggy's smartass but loveable younger brother.]
I worry about what you eat otherwise. Woman should not live on pizza alone.
What kinda color choices did you make? Did you just hope for the best? [Kate's smile couldn't be wider as she pictures such a homely scene. Better times. Matt enjoying the holidays with his found family.] If we ever do this, don't hold any grudges if the decorations end up on your face.
And I totally don't live on pizza alone! I'm hiring Kirsten and sueing you over difamation.
I just hoped for the best. You've found my secret. I can't tell frosting colors apart. I can feel it hitting my face, though. Fuck it, let's do it sometime. Bunnies or otherwise.
Mhm. Breadsticks from the pizzeria don't count for enough diversity either, Kate.
[Kate's not a giggly kinda girl, but sure Matt will notice something there. The plan is too good, too fun. Exactly what they need right now.]
I think we need to figure if you can feel the color of frosting once it hits your face. Hell, if I give you a mustache I'll allow you to give me one too.
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Yeah, he did. The Christmas when we met... I caught him trying to talk with Nate on the phone even though he couldn't hear a thing. It kinda really hit me then, you know? What Clint was sacrificing. I mean, danger aside. He just wanted to spend time with his family but he was here in New York trying to solve that mess.
Says the man who can barely take spice.
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Does he miss it? Solving messes.
I like spice. I just don't like an overwhelming amount of it.
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[Is it like that for him as well?]
He probably does, as much as he is tired and keeps claiming he wants to spend the rest of his life doing farm stuff.
And here I was about to tell Kirsten you were up for the hot chip challenge for the firm's social media... [She clicks her tongue.]
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... I'm an asshole, Kate. I don't know if I could give it up for anyone. [He clearly couldn't for Foggy. Would Foggy want him to now though, in a state where Fisk is in charge? What about if he had a kid? Jack Murdock died for his morals. Matt respects that. It also left him alone at 9 in the world.]
Ha. Kirsten has a roasted corn recipe that involves hot chips as part of the coating. Well, her aunt does. I remind her that it's not hers, it's her aunt's. But she'd do the challenge with you. She drinks chilis for breakfast. My stomach can't.
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[Even though Matt wasn't close enough to sense it, Kate still shook her head.] You wouldn't call Captain America an asshole for it, would you? People follow their call and this is yours. [Hopefully it really is Kate's as well.]
For real? I was just shitting with you. [Again.] But I would actually love to try that. I swear, it's like every time that Kirsten enters the conversation I learn a new amazing thing about her.
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... no. I have a lot of respect for Captain America. Resisting the law when it's unjust? That's part of everyone's civic duty, but some are in a better position to follow through on it than others.
[Matt has SO MUCH respect for Cap. Both Caps. He's not a fanboy like Kate in general, but he will 100% geek out on Steve and Sam. He would follow their ideology of resist as a form of civic engagement and has found it inspirational.]
Kirsten is beyond amazing. It's not my story to tell, but you should hear from her about her life story sometime. Plus she has a way of listening that few do. She hears what most don't. ... she's given me more chances than I deserve. If I'm ever not around? She's your contact.
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Yeah, well, it might be his civic duty, but you follow yours. So don't ever call yourself an asshole again. That's my duty.
[As if Matt will ever stop beating himself or really need Kate or a dominatrix to deliver the blows. It doesn't matter. She might be there to call him an asshole when needed, but Kate will also take it upon herself to remind him of how wonderful he actually is.]
She really helped you when you -- When the firm closed. Like, really stepped up for you.
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Just that I get Clint's view. On why he left. Might be an asshole to his family, by following his duty.
She did. She believes in the mission. Wouldn't be taking a pay cut otherwise.
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Maybe. [She considers things for a moment.] Do you think that people that do this can actually have relationships or a family? [It comes out before she even thinks about it. About what it might imply, considering his own relationship seems to be hanging from a thread.]
People like you guys are so important. Proving that you care and are not at it for the money.
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[There is a long moment of silence. Matt wants this for Kate. For himself. To have it all. His history, though? He respects Kate too much to lie to her.] I don't know anyone who manages both. Well. Minus Danny and Colleen, who are both doing the same thing.
Danny's a goddamn unicorn who punched a dragon in the heart while living in Brigadoon, though.
[No, Matt's not letting him forget that shit.]
You're important, too. You care and have money.
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[There's a sincere relief as Matt only remains quiet for a moment. As he doesn't evade the question or sounds annoyed.] Yeah, Clint and Laura too. It's probably easier if you two are in the business, I guess. [No lies or hiding. Not that anyone can blame Matt for his silence during this relationship. He was not Daredevil anymore when he started dating Heather. How do you bring that into conversation anyway?]
Yeah, but... Sitting on your ass and making donations is not the same thing as what you guys do.
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Laura's been in this line of work, too? I don't know much about her, I admit.
You're not sitting on your ass, Kate. I can't picture you ever doing that.
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Laura worked in SHIELD. She was apparently a big deal, even had a codename of her own.
Yeah, maybe not. But you know what I mean. You actually spend both day and night helping people, Matt. You probably even help in your sleep. I have no fucking idea how that works, but if anyone can do it that's you.
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Gotcha. So, a spy. Can't say I know many of those. I'm more familiar with ninjas.
You brought in security I couldn't provide for Heather at the hospital. I might not have been able to take a piss otherwise.
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Ninjas?? Of course, of all people, you'd be involved with ninjas.
Okay... Okay, I'll take the compliment just because I saved your bladder. It's always so sad to see a grown man pee his pants.
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Yeah. A lot of ninjas and mobsters.
I figured you wouldn't take the compliment on behalf of Heather, so.
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A blind guy walks in a bar with some ninjas and mobsters...
... I'm glad I could be useful somehow. Even if it was the bare minimum.
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The blind guy makes a punchline out of them.
It wasn't the bare minimum to me. It meant everything in that moment. And not because of my bladder.
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I knew you'd get it.
Guess that having friends there for you is what matters the most. I'm really glad I could be there for you, Matt.
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It does matter, and you were. I won't forget it. I hope I can be there for you in turn.
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You're always there for me. And you cook for me, so it's not like you owe me anything.
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I worry about what you eat otherwise. Woman should not live on pizza alone.
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And I totally don't live on pizza alone! I'm hiring Kirsten and sueing you over difamation.
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Mhm. Breadsticks from the pizzeria don't count for enough diversity either, Kate.
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I think we need to figure if you can feel the color of frosting once it hits your face. Hell, if I give you a mustache I'll allow you to give me one too.
It counts if they come in different shapes!
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