Yeah, that makes sense. Though, you have to admit that adding a slide to your apartment would have been a nice gift for your inner child. [Has she ever been tempted to get one? She'll never tell.] Wait, why you memorize it? I thought you could tell exactly where everything is.
Yeah, it was chill and a lot of fun. Just being surrounded by friends, you know?Nothing too crazy.
Of course not. But if anyone had hurt you... I bet that even Foggy would have been tempted. It's not like anyone can think straight in a time like that.
Where would the slide land? In the bed or the bath? Yeah, I memorize the steps between places, and where things are on the counters and things like that. I also have everything that I can labeled in case something does get out of order. On most days it's for the sake of appearances, but when I'm sick or injured, I'm genuinely just blind, Kate. My senses don't work as well if at all. I don't want to walk into my coffee table when I'm already not feeling well because I never bothered to count steps.
That sounds like the perfect night.
Maybe. It's complicated. If I haven't figured it out yet in twenty years, maybe it's not something that anyone ever will totally.
Oh, the options! I was thinking of something from upstairs down to the living room, but the bed sounds like such a good option. [She's never seen Matt sick before, but him explaining how that messed with his senses made so much sense.] Yeah, that's a good point. Even I bump on stuff when I'm feeling sick, bet it must be really tricky for you. [A beat.] You know, I saw this new app that kinda scans the place and tells you where things are. Maybe it would come handy with like one airpod, to let it guide you.
Is that your type of perfect night?
Exactly. You shouldn't let it eat your brain up. I don't think its the kinda question with a right or wrong answer.
Yeah. I get some people telling me that I'm not really blind or visually impaired. They don't believe me when I say that the labels and memorization and other tricks genuinely help.
A lowkey night with friends? Yeah. Is it not yours?
Probably. I don't do well with unsolved questions, as you can tell. I was taught that you have to still wrestle with them.
In their defense, Mr.Murdock, the jury should notice that nobody that ever saw you fight would believe that you can't see. As for the rest? They can suck it.
Yeah, it probably is. I... I used to think that I really loved big and improvised plans. Like, not knowing where the night will take you and oops, we just woke up in Mexico. But now? I think it's more the company thah the plans.
It's rude as hell. Besides, there's a lot of disabilities that can not be like, easily detected. That doesn't mean people don't have them. [A beat.] Someone argued about yours?
I haven't yet. I know, shocked. But it's more of an inside joke with my friends from college.
Exactly. Maybe a few people try and cheat the system but most people who are disabled aren't lying about it. I have had people argue with me in the past.
I am a little surprised, yeah. Have any of your friends done it?
I've seen it, I'm just trying to picture what that is supposed to look like in this context. I don't think I could adopt a problem-free philosophy.
Why would anyone would argue with you? That's incredible. Do they think you're just messing around with your cane?
A couple did. They even brought back sombreros and learned some real bad spanish.
I wouldn't go full into it, because extremes always suck. Maybe something closer to the whole Alcoholics Anonymous saying? The 'give me strenght to accept the things I cannot change and courage to change the things I can' deal.
They can screw themselves. Like, what could you possibly get out of pretending? It's so messed up.
Un peu de français. And some español también.
The dad of one of my friends kept saying that and it always stuck with me. I only understood why once I grew up and in a way, I find it even more meaningful now. [She pauses.] But yeah, not sure if I have that kinda strenght.
It is. It makes me more angry on behalf of people who have it worse than I do and have to deal with that. Some people have no support or educational opportunities to fall back on.
Not bad, not bad.
I think for me it's that I'm too stubborn to want to embrace that wisdom. I don't want to think there are problems I can't solve.
It's something that should be taught at school. Like, people have all these preconceptions of what blindness is like, but its not the same thing to everyone of you, right? Or like, other impairments. Or even mental health. [It's extra frustrating. Because even though, yes, Matt can do so many things other visually impaired cannot, that doesn't make him any less blind. How vulnerable is he when he is sick? To think that some people judged him, on top of it... Her frustration shows in her voice.]
Thanks. I'll bow next time I see you. But, what about you?
See? That's the thing. Sometimes a girl just needs a good rant and you guys jump straight into trying to find a solution. [Hey, she can try and joke too to light up the mood.]
It's not all the same, no. There should be more education and available resources, one of many reformations the education system here desperately needs.
I'm fluent in Spanish and German, conversational in French, and know a bit of Russian. To be fair, languages come fairly easily for me.
I am entirely that person who had to learn to ask 'do you want me to listen or offer solutions' in those moments.
Maybe you should start a petition. Talk with associations. You know, if you ever have a free moment to spare in this lifetime.
... [Suddenly, at the other side of the line, Kate's jaw dropped.] You're shitting me. Really?? Don't tell me you also beat me to sign language, because I'd believe that coming from you.
At least you're aware. That's way more than what most dudes can proudly say.
I did not beat you to sign language, if you feel compelled to rush and learn it first. I vaguely remember the finger movements to sign my first name, and how to sign 'agree' and 'disagree' but that's about it.
I've had it pointed out to me. Not just by women, either. Foggy would tell me that he just wanted me to agree something sucks sometimes.
Yes! Yeah, Matt, you should totally do it. I mean, we already discussed donations to some associations. We could bring up that point during the event.
I learned a couple of things with Clint and, even if he says he's fine with his hearing aid? He's not. That thing is not always reliable in the middle of a fight.
If we're talking about educational reform, I have a laundry list of points that need addressing and I can only promise I'll try to be pleasant about it depending on whom I'm speaking with.
Can you imagine if my abilities were in the fritz and he lost his hearing aid? Would the blind be leading the deaf or the deaf be leading the blind?
He was most definitely in touch with his feelings and not afraid to indulge them.
Hey, be my guest. I already told you I love it when you go lawyery. Now, pissed off lawyery who's really passionate about social justice? I can listen for hours. And we can force them to listen to.
And that's why you two dorks need me. Just cross your fingers so that life doens't play us a cruel joke and I lose my voice.
Or to sing at the top of his lungs and show off some moves.
... maybe we should talk to some teachers first. Also students, and patients, and nurses. Get what they want said before we speak for them. I know my experience was shit most of the time, but I bet even mine missed a lot of what's worth hearing. It's a privilege to speak and be heard, Kate. Which means if we're talking for people, we need to know what they want said and lift their voices. ... which I know you won't disagree with. I guess I just... felt it needed saying.
Blind, deaf, and mute. We'll have the whole set and rely on Lucky with our lives.
He was so insulted that I didn't know most musicals when I met him. He made it his life mission to teach me how to love them.
Hey, it's fine. It's not like we can speak for the whole community. And we shouldn't just focus on the visually impaired either. But, like you said, we can organize and talk to different people, figure their needs and then give them a platform to be heard. [She was a spoiled princess and well aware of it. But Kate had always made it her mission to prove that every little victory, she'd earned it. She'd moved into an apartment with no luxuries to put distance betwween herself and that world. She wanted to do something meaningful with her money.] It was a good reminder, Matt.
Are you aware that Lucky has just the one eye? All three of us, depending on a single eye that gets distracted with treats.
How long did it take him before you joined that cult?
And you're a good advocate, Kate. For those groups that you can identify with and those you're simply supporting. And I know you don't need the accolades, but it means a lot to me that you are like that. So it's more as a friend saying that. I know you want to do good with what you have. I know that you can sometimes think on a bigger scope than I can, because of the resources you have.
Kate, I would trust Lucky no matter what. He could lead me into the nearest Italian deli and I'd be fine with that. We'd share a sub. It'll be great.
... he took me to a grunge Jesus Christ Superstar workshop our freshman year right before winter break. I bought him a copy of the Bible for Christmas with relevant passages noted in it. We never stopped debating and seeing shows ever since.
[She doesn't do it to be in his good books, as much as she does appreciate the attention and his kind words do make something in her chest always feel softer and warm.
But no. No, she genuinelly worries and wants to help. And Matt is aware of it.]
Hey, that's why we make such great partners. You ground me and I push you to think big.
With Lucky in control you really think he'd settle for only a sub? Oh, no, buddy. Don't let that cold and adorable nose deceive you, he has some extra tricks under those furry sleeves.
Let me guess, you were on the honeymoon period by then? Because otherwise those sound like really passive-aggressive gifts.
Blasphemous. His tricks are just for the greater good. He can do no wrong. When he eats my peanut butter, he's just telling me I didn't store it right.
I was just pointing out all the historical inaccuracies and the colonial misrepresentations in the depiction while also acknowledging the progressive take on certain social issues! I wrote those notes in the Bible out of love and for the love of discourse. ... you think it was a shit gift?
He never told me it was a shit gift. I thought he liked it.
[Matt lovingly giving ranting but well annotated notes in books and thinking people wanted them is a thing he has a long history of doing. Books were so scarce growing up, and even though people can't read the same books he does, they can read his typed up notes on them? He has to rethink some gifts he's given Heather now on books with mental health in them.]
Yeah, right. He made me fall for it for a long while. You know what I ended up with? A vet that called the shit out of me and a drawer full of dog appropriate treats now.
[Kate hummed as Matt explained with more details what his gift for Foggy had been during their first shared holidays. And in all honesty? It was very fitting and kinda cute. In a religious nerdy way.]
I'm not saying it was a shit gift! Don't put words in my mouth! Just wondering if you were over your hating each other awful period. Because if he took you to some Jesus Christ Superstar workshop and your gift was only the source to educate him... That gift can have very different meanings depending on the intent. [A beat.] Of course, in your case, you were only being a sweet dork.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 09:45 am (UTC)Yeah, it was chill and a lot of fun. Just being surrounded by friends, you know?Nothing too crazy.
Of course not. But if anyone had hurt you... I bet that even Foggy would have been tempted. It's not like anyone can think straight in a time like that.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 11:48 am (UTC)That sounds like the perfect night.
Maybe. It's complicated. If I haven't figured it out yet in twenty years, maybe it's not something that anyone ever will totally.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 12:09 pm (UTC)Is that your type of perfect night?
Exactly. You shouldn't let it eat your brain up. I don't think its the kinda question with a right or wrong answer.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 12:20 pm (UTC)A lowkey night with friends? Yeah. Is it not yours?
Probably. I don't do well with unsolved questions, as you can tell. I was taught that you have to still wrestle with them.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 12:26 pm (UTC)Yeah, it probably is. I... I used to think that I really loved big and improvised plans. Like, not knowing where the night will take you and oops, we just woke up in Mexico. But now? I think it's more the company thah the plans.
You clearly need to Hakuna your Matata, Matt.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 12:48 pm (UTC)I can't entirely relate, but I understand what you mean, yeah. So how often did you end up in Mexico?
I am not going to ask what that entails.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 12:52 pm (UTC)I haven't yet. I know, shocked. But it's more of an inside joke with my friends from college.
Don't tell me you haven't seen The Lion King!
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 01:28 pm (UTC)I am a little surprised, yeah. Have any of your friends done it?
I've seen it, I'm just trying to picture what that is supposed to look like in this context. I don't think I could adopt a problem-free philosophy.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 01:39 pm (UTC)A couple did. They even brought back sombreros and learned some real bad spanish.
I wouldn't go full into it, because extremes always suck. Maybe something closer to the whole Alcoholics Anonymous saying? The 'give me strenght to accept the things I cannot change and courage to change the things I can' deal.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 02:07 pm (UTC)Do you speak another language? I'm now curious.
It's a nice goal. I wonder if some people do reach it.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 02:36 pm (UTC)Un peu de français. And some español también.
The dad of one of my friends kept saying that and it always stuck with me. I only understood why once I grew up and in a way, I find it even more meaningful now. [She pauses.] But yeah, not sure if I have that kinda strenght.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 02:52 pm (UTC)Not bad, not bad.
I think for me it's that I'm too stubborn to want to embrace that wisdom. I don't want to think there are problems I can't solve.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 03:31 pm (UTC)Thanks. I'll bow next time I see you. But, what about you?
See? That's the thing. Sometimes a girl just needs a good rant and you guys jump straight into trying to find a solution. [Hey, she can try and joke too to light up the mood.]
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 03:41 pm (UTC)I'm fluent in Spanish and German, conversational in French, and know a bit of Russian. To be fair, languages come fairly easily for me.
I am entirely that person who had to learn to ask 'do you want me to listen or offer solutions' in those moments.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 03:50 pm (UTC)... [Suddenly, at the other side of the line, Kate's jaw dropped.] You're shitting me. Really?? Don't tell me you also beat me to sign language, because I'd believe that coming from you.
At least you're aware. That's way more than what most dudes can proudly say.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 04:00 pm (UTC)I did not beat you to sign language, if you feel compelled to rush and learn it first. I vaguely remember the finger movements to sign my first name, and how to sign 'agree' and 'disagree' but that's about it.
I've had it pointed out to me. Not just by women, either. Foggy would tell me that he just wanted me to agree something sucks sometimes.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 04:11 pm (UTC)I learned a couple of things with Clint and, even if he says he's fine with his hearing aid? He's not. That thing is not always reliable in the middle of a fight.
See? Foggy was totally the GOAT!
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 04:22 pm (UTC)Can you imagine if my abilities were in the fritz and he lost his hearing aid? Would the blind be leading the deaf or the deaf be leading the blind?
He was most definitely in touch with his feelings and not afraid to indulge them.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 04:39 pm (UTC)And that's why you two dorks need me. Just cross your fingers so that life doens't play us a cruel joke and I lose my voice.
Or to sing at the top of his lungs and show off some moves.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 05:07 pm (UTC)Blind, deaf, and mute. We'll have the whole set and rely on Lucky with our lives.
He was so insulted that I didn't know most musicals when I met him. He made it his life mission to teach me how to love them.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 06:23 pm (UTC)Are you aware that Lucky has just the one eye? All three of us, depending on a single eye that gets distracted with treats.
How long did it take him before you joined that cult?
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 06:30 pm (UTC)Kate, I would trust Lucky no matter what. He could lead me into the nearest Italian deli and I'd be fine with that. We'd share a sub. It'll be great.
... he took me to a grunge Jesus Christ Superstar workshop our freshman year right before winter break. I bought him a copy of the Bible for Christmas with relevant passages noted in it. We never stopped debating and seeing shows ever since.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 06:50 pm (UTC)But no. No, she genuinelly worries and wants to help. And Matt is aware of it.]
Hey, that's why we make such great partners. You ground me and I push you to think big.
With Lucky in control you really think he'd settle for only a sub? Oh, no, buddy. Don't let that cold and adorable nose deceive you, he has some extra tricks under those furry sleeves.
Let me guess, you were on the honeymoon period by then? Because otherwise those sound like really passive-aggressive gifts.
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 07:02 pm (UTC)Blasphemous. His tricks are just for the greater good. He can do no wrong. When he eats my peanut butter, he's just telling me I didn't store it right.
I was just pointing out all the historical inaccuracies and the colonial misrepresentations in the depiction while also acknowledging the progressive take on certain social issues! I wrote those notes in the Bible out of love and for the love of discourse. ... you think it was a shit gift?
He never told me it was a shit gift. I thought he liked it.
[Matt lovingly giving ranting but well annotated notes in books and thinking people wanted them is a thing he has a long history of doing. Books were so scarce growing up, and even though people can't read the same books he does, they can read his typed up notes on them? He has to rethink some gifts he's given Heather now on books with mental health in them.]
no subject
Date: 2025-05-10 07:20 pm (UTC)Yeah, right. He made me fall for it for a long while. You know what I ended up with? A vet that called the shit out of me and a drawer full of dog appropriate treats now.
[Kate hummed as Matt explained with more details what his gift for Foggy had been during their first shared holidays. And in all honesty? It was very fitting and kinda cute. In a religious nerdy way.]
I'm not saying it was a shit gift! Don't put words in my mouth! Just wondering if you were over your hating each other awful period. Because if he took you to some Jesus Christ Superstar workshop and your gift was only the source to educate him... That gift can have very different meanings depending on the intent. [A beat.] Of course, in your case, you were only being a sweet dork.
(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From: