"Shit." Unsurprisingly, he hadn't been that stealthy. Rather than actually standing up, all he managed to do was roll his way off the bean bag. He knelt beside it, putting the trip to the bathroom on hold as he turned to face the beanbag and Kate's now crumpled form on it. Still blind but wanting to help, Matt's hands reached out fumblingly to feel for her and try to help her in a better position. He didn't realize that his hands initially fell on her ass. It took a moment to realize. "Wh-sorry! I'm sorry!" He felt upwards more to find her hair and face, then her shoulders that he could try and awkwardly help to turn her around in the sunken bean bag. His face was a little flushed at that mistake. "I was trying not to wake you."

Hearing Kate laugh, Matt first huffed out a breath and tried to say it wasn't funny, but the ridiculousness of the situation caught up with him. The huff ended in a laugh of his own as he sat back on his heels. At least she was taking it in good spirits and wasn't offended by his unintentional touching. He really hadn't been trying to grope her, but it seemed Kate knew that about him. He seemed more embarrassed than she was about it. "Okay, okay. Not my finest moment." He was sure she wouldn't let him forget about it, either. His muscles still felt sore and his head still hurt, but there wasn't the bone crushing weariness that had weighed down his body the day before, nor the intense pain in the gunshot wound area. The side of his face and head was still swollen though, if not quite as bad.

His brow furrowed, straining to regain his senses, but to no avail yet. There was a momentary look of dejection on his face before he focused in on Kate. "How are you feeling?" He very carefully reached out to grab the blanket, trying to ensure it covered her. "Still cold?"

He did like the sound of her laughter. Even if he couldn't hear all the nuances in it like he usually did, it was still a sweet sound to his ears. His smile turned a little tender when hearing it even as she teased him. "Yeah, yeah, laugh away." Please, do keep laughing. It was nice.

He looked relieved at hearing she was all right. "Glad to hear it. I feel a lot better as well." Not great, but better. He'd take it. He hoped that meant he was on the road to recovery. "I didn't miss a mattress and silk sheets last night. I was out like a light, too." Their bodies had clearly needed the rest. "I can't remember the last time I slept like that." Certainly not since Fisk had risen to power. Maybe not since Foggy had died.

"I was going to the bathroom," he confessed, a flawed plan from the start. He couldn't find it on his own, even if he could reach his walking stick. He tried to get to his feet, but a dizzy spell made him stumble and reach for the wall until it passed. A beat. "Do you know what time it is? We should probably be heading out soon." Not that he could easily go back to Heather's like this. Oh, he knew his way around her apartment, but to explain how he looked? He'd need a story for it.

"Did last night not count as a break?" There was some genuine confusion in Matt's voice that bespoke to how much of a workaholic the man was. He felt more rested, so surely once his senses came back...

... which they hadn't yet. Which they wouldn't if he didn't take it easy until they did. He didn't know how long that might be. A few more hours? A day? Days? He certainly hoped not the latter, but the more he pushed himself now, the longer his recovery might be. He made a face that said he'd come to the logical conclusion on his own, but he didn't like it.

"Hopefully I'll be fine in a few hours," he muttered, almost apologetically as Kate had to help him stand. He hated having people go out of their way to help him even when they didn't mind. It always made him feel a little guilty. Like he was a burden. He knew it wasn't true, but society's standards were hard to eschew completely. "Thank you." He did know he was lucky to have her there with him.

He let her help him to the bathroom, him taking it by himself once he was at the door. He found the sink afterwards to wash his hands and then used his hands on the wall and doorframe to find his way out. He'd counted the steps from the beanbag to the bathroom and he tried to make the walk back by himself. He ended up stepping on a wrench on the floor and grimaced, cursing a little under his breath for his attempt at independence.

A part of Matt sincerely wondered if she meant 8:30 in the morning or night. She probably meant it in the morning. His usual way of knowing day and night were all gone to him, and he'd slept so hard that who knew if they'd slept for 6 or 16 hours. Either way they'd probably used up enough of Melvin's hospitality. He tucked his hand around Kate's elbow as she guided them around the items on the floor so his bare feet didn't end up worse off than they were.

"I can put back on the suit." He didn't mind if it was somewhat wet. It was almost summer, it was warm enough to be a little clammy. "Or just use something to wrap over my head. So I can say goodbye to Melvin. Then I guess we could go to your place? Or Josie's." He figured she'd want to change out of Betsy's clothing into her own. He conveniently did not mention going back to Heather's.

Home.

Heather's was home now.

He also didn't mention going to the office. He'd call Kirsten to check in there.

Matt let Kate wash his face, then stepping out of the bathroom he said, "It's okay, Melvin. You can come out." He wrapped his face before Melvin came out.

Melvin paused, then he came out. He was eating a microwaved burrito and had his phone playing cartoons in the other hand. He studied Matt wearing his clothing. "You got skinnier."

"It's the clothes," Matt assured him. "They're nice, though. Thank you. I'll make sure you get them back." He leaned against the wall, putting on his boots.

"Saw you got a new suit." Melvin didn't keep the hurt out of his voice.

Matt paused then asked gently, "I wasn't sure you wanted to see me again. Did you?" A shrug. "Would you have wanted me to visit you in prison?"

"Yes. No. I don't know." Melvin was getting agitated having to deal with these complicated emotions. He shifted a little. "I might have ratted you out if I saw you. But I missed you. You were my only friend. I didn't want to sell you out. But I wanted you to save me."

The way he put it all out there, the contradictions, the honesty. It took more bravery than Matt had. He shuffled forward and reached out to touch Melvin's arm. Melvin guided his hand to it.

"Sometimes we have to save ourselves, Melvin," Matt said quietly. Sadly. "And sometimes we aren't saved, but those we care about are instead." A beat. "I'm sorry I wasn't a better friend to you."

"I'm sorry I tried to get you killed."

A snort. "Even, then?"

"Your new suit is shit. It's all flash."

"Well. Sounds like we need another meeting. I'll bring the gelato." A sound if displeasure. "Fine. I'll bring the microwaved burritos." That earned approval. Even if it hurt Matt's soul, he'd bring microwaved burritos as they were Melvin's favorite.

Melvin then turned to Kate. "Arrow Lady." He handed her back her bow and arrows. "I'm sorry you met us when we were mad. You shouldn't be mad in front of strangers." Betsy told him that. There were private talks and public talks. "But maybe you're not a stranger now, so it's okay. D's my friend, so if you're his friend, we can be friends. You were nice last night. You gave me your stuff and most people won't trust me.

I'm gonna make an arrow for you." He nodded as though it was decided. "I made D's batons, and his suits, so I can make arrows. Maybe something warm so you won't be cold after you use it." He had ideas.

"Kate." Melvin let the name roll off his tongue as he shared his phone with her to see the ep. He was about to talk more on the show when she mentioned suits. There was a gleam in Melvin's eye. His work was what he truly lived for doing, other than being with Betsy. There was no knocking him off his path once he was on that trail.

He waved a hand at Matt. "I know what D wants, what he needs, but we need to talk, then. Every suit has a feel to it. It has to speak with the wearer, so they say something in harmony. I need to know what you want your suit to say." He moved, muttering, already bringing out a scroll of paper to start writing and sketching some preliminary ideas. "You're an archer. That's already giving us these three foundations for maximum movement. Are you a ninja like D, too? Are you a symbol of the city? Symbols are different than shadows."

A beat. He was getting ahead of himself. He looked at Matt, who was just smiling in utter amusement and charmed by this, but looking extremely tired already from standing upright.

"D needs to rest. You can come by later. With or without him. We can talk. Without him is better, he talks a lot. But first he should rest. The city needs Daredevil. He needs to hear again what the city needs."

"Did you hear that?" Matt said charmingly to Kate. "I think I was just uninvited to the next meeting you two have."

"Suit making is private," Melvin huffed at him. "You come on your own time."

"Oh, I remember the rules." Matt's smile widened. "I'll come alone." It made Melvin relax.

"All right." He got them some plastic bags to carry their current suits in and shyly waved goodbye to them.

"I don't know why everyone always says I talk a lot," Matt playfully complained as he headed out with Kate, one arm on her elbow and the other holding the bag with his suit in it. Daredevil's suit in a bag as he got into an Uber. There was something a touch tragic and amusing about that. He'd said a sincere goodbye to Melvin, feeling lighter that they'd started to patch up the past between them. Matt's heart was big enough to forgive what had happened. Whether he could grow to trust Melvin beyond what they had, he'd see. The man's loyalty would always dance upon Betsy's line. Matt respected it, but he was also cautious about it. It wasn't just his life on the line or at risk should Melvin's loyalties turn.

He believed in second chances, though. Third chances. And he'd always kept a watch out for Betsy. Betsy, and now the cat. He supposed he was bringing cat treats now, too.


He'd bring the burritos and treats, visit with his suit, and see where the night took them.

How excited Kate was though made Matt smile despite his playful grumbles. He was feeling lighthearted himself at having made up with an old friend and getting some sleep, even if his body was already worn out again. Head injuries apparently weren't any joke. "You are. Have you already got ideas for it?" Not that she could tell him in the cab. Best wait until they got to home.

To Kate's place.

In the cab Matt nearly fell asleep against her. He couldn't keep an ear out like he normally did, with his super senses. He kept jerking his head up to stay awake, mumbling, "Sorry," over it. Even as tired as he was, he stopped by Walter and had a talk. It warmed Matt's heart to chat with him and he felt a little more invigorated taking the elevator up to her penthouse after it.

For now, Walter was the one person who knew Kate during a time that Matt hadn't. Beyond that, he was just a sweet person. A connection with the Bishop family who had also shown Matt kindness. Matt had nothing but deep respect for service workers, people who had to face the public with a smile and whose job it was to make their lives easier. Walter said to Matt that it was expected to rain later, he warned him that there was roadwork off sixth street. He looked out for Matt's blindness because he could. Matt in turn already knew Walter's grandkids' names, he promised a tour of the law office to his son who was thinking of changing careers to being a paralegal.

They both said how wonderful Kate was, in the past and present.

How Kate never let Walter work too hard, how she had sent home soup from the family's chef whenever he'd had sick family. It felt like Matt was being invited into their family a little via Walter and the friendship he was making.

Food was Matt's love language, along with protection, so he already promised himself to bring Walter and his family something when he was well enough to cook.

Inside the penthouse Matt paused to welcome Lucky. The dog first ran to Kate, but after greeting her and receiving love and affection, he turned to Matt. Matt patted his chest, and Lucky obliged by placing his paws on it. Matt gave the dog a hug. "You give the best hugs," he told the dog, then said to Kate, "No offense." He ruffled Lucky's head a bit longer before following Kate to the guest room. He took the bathrobe and said quietly, "I can put back on Melvin's clothes if you're not comfortable sharing your dad's. It's okay." He didn't want to push beyond what boundaries he already felt he was breaking. It was silly but he felt bad asking more of her. She'd already helped him a lot. Matt wasn't used to relying on others so much.

"I'll get out of your hair soon. I promise. I don't want to put you out." It was clear he was awkward and discomfited relying on others. That he felt guilty over it, even though he'd thought nothing of asking her to live with him one time.

Matt's face softened a little and he gave a quiet nod. It was his own insecurities making him feel that way, not Kate. Kate wanted him here, he wasn't in her way. He managed a little smile. "Thank you." It did feel nice to be someplace safe. He didn't know it like he once had known his apartment, but he was with someone he trusted who understood what he was going through right now. It meant a lot that he wasn't alone. "I'll go ahead and shower now. I probably need it." Even if Kate had wiped off his face, he knew he still wasn't in the best of shape.

Once she got him situated with soap and shampoo he made his way to the bathroom. The water he got to near-steaming, something his body couldn't handle when his senses were in working order but would help soothe his tight muscles. He stepped inside with a grateful sigh, taking a little longer than he normally did just because he was moving slower. Once done he shut off the water and toweled off, wearing the robe for now. He folded up Melvin's clothing and set it on the top of the toilet, then found the exit. He stood in the doorway of the bedroom, not certain how to get back to the living area. It was a very big place to learn. Suddenly a furry body brushed against his legs. Matt smiled. "You're gonna guide me? Why do I feel like you're taking me straight to the kitchen?" He felt a tail wag against his legs. Reaching down he awkwardly held onto Lucky's collar and let the dog lead him to where Lucky's heart desired. The steps were tricky, but they managed them without disaster.

Lucky's tail wagged and he happy panted at Kate. He hadn't a clue what was going on, but he was happy to have two of his favorite people around and he figured that Matt wanted to play. He was having the time of his life wandering around and having this human hold onto him to follow. His head tilted and he lovingly licked at Matt's forearm. It melted Matt's heart as much as he huffed out a laugh. He had to admit that there was a chance Lucky hadn't been leading him with any destination in mind and they'd just happened upon Kate. "I told you that I trusted Lucky with my life," Matt said with fond loyalty, letting go of the collar to pet the dog's head. He straightened up. "This just made that a little more literal when we reached the stairs. I thought he'd take me to the kitchen or where you are, but I think he might have just been giving me another grand tour." It had been an adventure, at least. Matt wasn't the sort who did well sitting and waiting, so using Lucky as his guide had felt like the reasonable solution.

Reasonable in a blind man's eyes, at least.

"That was a really nice shower," he added in Kate's direction. He rolled his shoulders, which felt much looser. "I feel a lot better." Amazing what a little rest rather than leaping from one job to another and a warm shower could do. Matt hadn't even realized how truly terrible he'd been feeling until now that he was starting to feel better. He'd been caught in a stress cycle that was really a downward spiral, not even noticing it. Everyone around him had, but he hadn't.

He couldn't tell Kate was carrying anything. He could smell the faint hint of cologne, but that was his only clue that something was going on. Head tilted, his eyebrow raised curiously. "What have you been busy doing?"

Knowing what Kate's father meant to her, Matt didn't discount the gesture of her letting him wear some of the man's old clothing. "That's really kind of you. Thank you. I'm sure they're all great." He imagined that they would be good quality given the Bishop money, and he didn't think Kate would dress him in anything ridiculous. At least not this time. He reached out his hands to help take some of the clothing load, though he'd need her assistance in finding where he might be able to change.

"I am a little sleepy." He couldn't deny it, she'd seen it. He rested a hand on his stomach and admitted, "Hungry too, though." It had to be around nine by now, and the last time he remembered eating was the previous day. He didn't imagine Kate had eaten yet either, given she'd been going through her father's closet. "I think we should eat. I'm fine with anything. This might be a good time to actually have something really spicy or unhealthy." He tried to joke and smile, to find a bright spot in the situation to combat the anxiety he felt over not having his powers. With his sense of taste reduced to a regular person's, he wouldn't be nearly so sensitive to what was in the meal.

"Normally when my abilities go on the fritz I'm too sick to want to eat. I've just lost them two times due to injuries. The first time I was just freaked out about it, the second time there was... a lot going on." He gave her a rueful look. Not that he wasn't freaked out now, but he hoped that history meant he'd get his powers back once his head injury healed enough. Please let three times still be the charm. Even trying to entertain otherwise left him with a pit in his stomach. He had to get them back, he had to. He should just distract himself until then, eat crappy food. It would come back.

It had to.

What was he without them? What happened to his calling then?

He followed suit and set the clothing down as instructed. "What are my options for brunch? And are we ordering in or are you cooking it?" In full honesty, he didn't feel well enough to make anything much himself, even though he was hungry enough to eat. "Anything is good, really. I promise I won't be too picky."