a rider without their dragon is dead

Livia and June walked into Josie’s in silence. Josie was nowhere to be seen, leaving Matt and - to Livia’s surprise - Cherry at the bar. June slid into the seat beside Matt and Livia stood beside them. Matt turned almost immediately to their presence.

“How’d you find me?” Matt asked, turning away for a moment and then pushing a shot glass into Livia’s hand.

“How do you think?” Livia spoke, though her focus was being pulled away. That damn pull in her head was turning to a yank, almost painful to ignore.

Livia handed the liquor to June instead. The blonde took it, sniffed it, then gingerly sipped. She coughed on the taste and Livia cracked half a smile. June stuck out her tongue in disgust and put the small glass gently on the bar top. She shook her head and slid it away.

“Poindexter was just trying to settle an old score, with Foggy and Karen and Livia and you.”

“No.” Livia commented, her head tilting as she thought. “If that was the case, he wouldn’t have gone for Foggy. It would’ve been her.” Livia gestured to June. “Sorry, Bug.”

“From where I’m standing, you look like a guy blowing up his life.” Cherry began ranting but slowed his words, as if he remembered Livia and June were there. “What do you need, Matt? More pain?”

Josie came back, caught sight of Livia, and smiled. Livia returned the expression as Josie pulled out a familiar bottle.

“Oh, no.” Livia laughed slightly. “You still have that bottle?”

“Foggy was basically the only one to ever drink it, other than when he got you all in on it.” Josie reasoned. She pulled a couple additional glasses for Livia and June.

“Was he drinking it that night?” June asked.

“Mhmm.” Josie nodded as she poured. “Never finished his last round, though.”

Livia’s brows furrowed, watching the liquid flow. She remembered a lot about that night, most of it playing back in her sleep, but what Foggy was drinking… She didn’t remember the O’Melveny’s.

“He was celebrating early.” Matt spoke his thoughts slowly.

“He knew he was gonna win.” Livia continued. “He knew and someone made sure he wouldn’t.”

A flash of anger, burning through her blood, coming on quicker than she could stop. Her heart thumped hard for a few beats, hard enough to make Matt spin in his seat towards her.

“Poindexter didn’t just show up. He was sent.” Livia said urgently. Her hands twitched, half the familiar motion of activating her Bites. That changed everything. “I have to…”

Livia turned and all but ran out of Josie’s. She had to get back to the office for her car. She needed to get to Riker’s. She needed to talk to Dex.

A few feet down the block, she was flanked on either side. Matt looped his arm through her left, June through her right. Livia clenched her jaw but kept her eyes straight.

Determination pushed her forward, setting her stride to an urgent pace. June’s gloved fingers dug slightly into the flesh of Livia’s arm.

“Are you sure about this?” June asked quickly. “Maybe you should stop and we talk this through.”

Livia wasn’t really sure about anything but she wasn’t about to tell June that.

“I’m sure.” She lied. “Dex wanted to see me. He’ll talk to me.”

“I’m coming with you.”

“Like hell you are.”

“Liv, if this guy is still half as crazy as he was before, you can't go alone.”

“I won’t be alone. Clearly, Matt’s going.”

June just rolled her eyes.

“I can handle Dex.” Livia insisted. “I’d rather him not get any ideas about you..”

“I thought you trusted me to handle myself.” June offered her own challenge.

Livia forced her steps to stop. Matt was uncharacteristically quiet as the three stepped aside, out of the way of other pedestrians. Livia glanced at Matt, who seemed more interested in her response than offering one of his own.

Livia ran a hand down her face as she considered her words.

“I know you’ve grown up.” Livia spoke carefully. “But I don’t get why you’re so interested in meeting Dex.”

“Fisk liked him, right? Maybe I want to know why.” June lifted her chin defiantly.

“Same reason I did.” Livia met June’s stare. “He’s dangerous. You saw what he did at Josie’s that night, how many people he killed without blinking.”

Neither woman backed down for a few moments until Livia let her powers slip, pulling June’s determination back just enough for the eye contact to break. She didn’t want to do it, but she didn’t have time to sit there and have a standoff in the middle of the street, especially when she knew Dex had been moved into gen pop.

“I believe you, Liv. I do.” June nodded. “But if there’s something else to Foggy’s death, I deserve to know. I shouldn’t have to hear it second hand...”

Livia dropped her eyes and sighed. She wouldn’t say it but June did have a point.

“Liv, June’s right.” Matt said gently. “All of us deserve the truth.”

“Fine.” Livia caved. “But you don’t say anything to him. You wait, you focus.” Livia tapped her temple twice. “And you tell me if it’s going bad.”

“Okay.” June nodded. There was a hesitation in her agreement that Livia knew came from their earlier conversation, but for the moment, it was settled.

“And you have to trust me. If you question me in front of him…”

“I won’t. I promise.”

“Same goes for you.” Livia looked at Matt. “You have to trust me.”

“I do.” He nodded once.

“You have to trust me with him.”

“He’s the one I don’t trust.”

“But he trusts me.”

“You trust him?”

Livia didn’t have an answer. Instead, she kept walking, which she supposed was answer enough.

After clearing prison security, the three were escorted to a cold, concrete room.

Matt stood against the wall, positioned just right so he was blocking June from direct sight.

“This was a mistake.” Matt complained. “June shouldn’t be here.”

“I’m standing right here.” June argued.

“June’s grown now, Matt.” Livia shrugged, not looking over at either of them. She was intently focused on her ability, locking down her own emotions and keeping everyone else out. Her bones vibrated with the insanity of a prison as soon as she stepped on the property. One distraction and she’d be overwhelmed. “If you didn’t want her here, you should’ve said something. We can’t do anything about it now.”

“You’re supposed to look out for her.” He groaned.

“Like you did?” She whirled to face him. “When she ran off to my cousin for five years, you were looking out for her. Right?”

He shook his head and mumbled to himself. June shot Livia a disapproving look. Livia took a deep breath and readjusted in the metal chair. She didn’t know why she said it. Matt hadn’t done anything specific to start a fight with her, but that place had her nerves on edge. The commotion was banging against her mental blocks and defending against it took more focus than she would’ve liked.

Livia still felt the daggers June was staring into the back of her head. She did her best to ignore those too, but Livia knew exactly what those meant. It was because, despite it all, June still held out hope that Matt and Livia could end up together again but Livia was ruining it. She, however, tried to keep a more realistic view of the situation. 

Matt was with Heather, despite the fact that he was actively self-sabotaging that by falling back into Daredevil. Livia wouldn’t deny that she liked having Daredevil back.

It also didn’t hurt knowing that Daredevil was hers. No woman Matt dated would ever have the connection to that side of him that she did. Except maybe Elektra, but Livia doubted El would manage another resurrection. In that way, behind their masks, they’d never lose each other. No matter who the other one was involved with.

Livia was lost in thought when Dex was brought in. The only thing that brought her out of it was the jangle of the chains. He was cuffed to the metal surface immediately but he didn’t seem to mind. It was like he was used to it. Something about that made Livia’s chest tight.

His eyes were locked onto Livia’s. He was eerily calm, which was about as far from what Livia expected as he could be.

Then she considered the routine of jail. The structured, tight schedule, especially for someone as dangerous as Dex. That probably got all those crazy little ducks in his head in a row.

At least she didn’t have to be overly concerned with him trying to kill her or June. She could focus on that pang of familiarity in her chest and the tension in her shoulders relaxed.

The guard was saying something. Matt answered, Livia hadn’t registered any of it.

“Hey, Aly.” Dex said calmly, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. She tried not to cringe at the nickname only he ever used, at the deep chord it struck in her. “I wasn’t sure you’d show.”

“Aly?” June parroted.

“And who’s that you’re hiding over there?” Dex looked over quickly.

“Don’t talk to her.” Matt said sharply.

Dex simply smirked then returned his focus to Livia.

Livia swallowed the lump in her throat. “Well, it’s been a while. I figured I’d see what all the fuss was about.”

“You look good.”

Livia’s head cocked slightly, eyes tracing the long scar on his cheek. “So do you.”

He chuckled to himself and for a brief moment, Livia felt a rush of memory. She thought of the man she knew years ago, if it was possible he was still in there.

Was he?

Could she bring him back?

Thinking of it as years ago was still so strange for her. 

Still, she thought of the man she knew before Fisk. The man whose bed she would find if she wasn’t in Billy’s. The man that essentially saved her life when she bled out.

She couldn’t help but smile slightly. It was also at that moment when she understood something else, something deeper than a memory.

Dex felt the same as before. Something in her wanted to cling to that familiarity. A deeply hidden need for the past, for the life she was yanked out of, reared its head and whispered in her head ‘Don’t lose this. Don’t lose him.’ even though Dex wasn’t hers to keep or lose. If anything, she lost Dex in that other life.

But still…

Matt grumbled something before clearing his throat. It was his not so subtle way of reminding Livia he was in the room and there was a point to their visit.

“I was surprised you asked to see us.” Livia said, pointing between her and Matt. “Considering what happened last time we saw you, the consecutive life sentences and all.”

June let out a small laugh.

“Why does Fisk want you dead?” Matt asked sharply.

Livia’s hand tightened into a fist but she said nothing, only looked at Dex with a question in her eyes.

“Did he hire you to kill Foggy?” Livia asked softly. The words were a slice to her tongue, a burn to her throat, a bullet to her heart, but she had to ask.

She had to know.

“You hear that?” Dex turned his head slightly. “Outside… The roar of the jungle.”

Livia was, in fact, trying very hard not to hear it.

“Gen pop.” June said quietly.

So much for not talking.

“Is that what I am to you? Dex looked over at June again. “An animal?”

June’s ability tapped at the edges of Livia’s boundaries. She withdrew them, just enough for June’s intention to sneak in. June was intimidated, uncertain, but also determined. She didn’t know what to say.

Livia looked over her shoulder to the blonde and gave one small nod, a simple signal that said Livia would protect her. That she was safe.

“You’re no better than anyone else in here.” June said firmly, carefully controlling her voice. She understood there was no room for wavers, no chance to falter. She had to be strong. She had to be a soldier in that room. “In fact, I think you’re worse.”

“I don’t think she’s much better, either.” Dex tilted his head towards Livia. “Are you, little June? Fisk talked about you all the time.”

Livia didn’t have to see June to know her eyes would’ve gone wide, mouth slightly dropped.

Livia shifted in the seat, leaning her elbows on the table. She tapped the metal surface with her nail and Dex focused back on her as a realization began to creep in.

“Livia…” June said suddenly.

Livia didn’t falter in her eye contact. “Ty chto-nibud' slyshish'?” (You hear something?)

“V lovushke. Ili, mozhet byt', zastryal.” (Trapped. Or stuck, maybe.)

“Dex…” She said carefully. Everything had to be so careful considering the upheaval of control on her abilities. “Do they keep those chains on all the time?”

He looked down at the chains and she watched his shoulders move with a heavy sigh. He was lost in his thoughts for a few quiet moments. Livia couldn’t help but wonder what was going on in his head. He finally looked back up at her but said nothing.

He didn’t have to. Livia could read it on his face and a new sense of regret began to gnaw at her.

Part of her still wanted back the man she knew, despite him having killed one of her best friends. She put him there, from the very start. She left him to fall to Fisk’s plans and manipulations. She left him broken. She sent him to prison. She owed him something, didn’t she?

“Why’d you send for us?” Livia asked, a kindness in her words she didn’t necessarily intend to put.

That damned yearning was going to be a problem.

“I thought about writing to you but…” He shrugged a shoulder.

“I don’t think they’d be dumb enough give you a pen.”

“You never came to see me before.”

“Almost did once… Years ago, I was in the hospital to see someone else and I saw your PT. Honestly, I thought I’d try to kill you if I got any closer that day.”

For a split second, he smiled at her.

“Some things don’t change, do they?” He asked, almost playfully. “You have though.”

“Yeah, you shot my best friend in front of me.” She rolled her eyes.

“No.” Dex leaned forward, broad chest hitting the edge of the table. He shot an annoyed glare at the chains before settling.

Livia felt the tension grow beside her. Matt and June were both suddenly very alert, like two coiled snakes waiting to strike. She knew she should say something, gesture them off or just ask what she needed to. But she was intrigued by what Dex saw.

“It’s something else. Isn’t it?” Dex’s voice was low and calm, like he knew something no one else in the room did.

“No, I’m fine.” Livia shook her head.

“You can lie to them.” He nodded towards June and Matt without looking away from her. “But I can see it in your face, Aly. You’re tired. You’re hurting. You sound it, too.”

“What is he talking about?” Matt demanded. “Liv?”

“Nothing.” Livia said firmly. She wasn’t breaking eye contact either. “You’re wrong, Dex.”

“I don’t think I am.” He smirked.

Livia stood from the chair, moving a few steps closer to Dex’s side of the table. She noticed him pull on the chains slightly, as if he had intended to reach her in some sense. Whether that was to try and embrace her or strangle her was anyone’s guess.

“Everyone thought you were just a shooter on a rampage…” Livia spoke calmly, watching Dex’s face for a reaction. His eyes followed her every moment, watching her like he could memorize something about her or like she’d disappear if he looked away. “Settling scores, getting vengeance… But we both know there was a better target if you wanted to hurt us.”

Dex’s eyes slid past her to June and then back. The quick move confirmed something she already knew.

“I wouldn’t…” He nearly whispered.

Livia leaned her hip against the edge of the table. “That’s not what it was. Was it?”

“You did it for someone.” Matt added, suddenly appearing at Livia’s side. Livia felt Matt’s hand on the small of her back. Protective. Possessive even. “You did it for Fisk, didn’t you?”

“I don’t think…” June tried.

“Another night in here, I might not be able to answer that for you.” Dex said tightly.

“Oh, sweetheart.” Matt used a condescending tone and Livia rolled her eyes slightly. “What do you want me to do? Want me to get you out? Want me to file an appeal?”

“Stop being an ass.” Livia bit out. Matt only scoffed in response.

“In another life, you two might’ve been defending me.” Dex said, looking Livia up and down.

“And if you had shot almost anyone else, I might’ve considered it.” She said, almost too quickly. Livia wasn’t quite sure if it was true or not. Judging by the finicky control over her abilities, she assumed Matt would call her out on it in one way or another later on.

“But I tried that once. Remember? I tried to help you, protect you, defend you… You chose Fisk’s games over mine, over me.”

She sat on the edge of the table and when he looked up at her, she reached out and ghosted her fingers over the length of the scar. “Look where that got us…”

“Livia.” Matt said firmly. “Seriously?”

Livia smirked then withdrew her hand. She shrugged innocently and let her hand fall to Dex’s arm.

“Just tell me, Dex.” She used her gentlest voice. “Who sent you after Foggy?”

“I’ll tell you anything you wanna know.” Dex answered. Livia thought there was a plea, maybe even desperation, in his words and it was a familiar jolt down her spine. “But it’s gotta be outside.”

“You know I can’t risk that.” She shook her head.

“I’m bargaining for my life here, Aly.”

“I know, honey...” She said softly. “But you can tell me now, right? Tell me the truth and then maybe I can help.”

Livia hadn’t even touched her ability. She didn’t need to. That about Dex hadn’t changed. He was absolute putty in her hands. With the right pressures, with the right words, she could get just about anything from him.

She slid off the table and knelt at his side. Her hand that was on his arm went to his knee instead. His eyes never left her. She smiled innocently.

“Help me figure this out… Please?” She lifted her brows, making her eyes look a little bigger. 

He was going to break. She could feel how thin his resolve was. He wanted to bargain, to get something out of it, but Livia was smarter. Livia knew just the strings to pluck, the looks to give.

Before Dex could answer, Matt yanked Livia to her feet and pushed her away. She let him, even laughed about it.

Livia felt June’s hand in hers. She had the instinct to pull away, to go shove Matt against the wall and shout at him, but she couldn’t. Not with June and Dex watching her.

“We don’t trust you for a second.” Matt said firmly, standing in the spot Livia had been in.

“Liv?” June tried softly. “I think he’s baiting Matt.”

“Are you sure?” Livia answered in the same hushed tone.

“Pretty sure, yeah. He wants him to-“

The sound of bone on metal cut off June’s words. She gasped at the sudden noise, grabbing tighter to Livia at first. Livia’s head turned quickly as Matt was slamming Dex’s head against the metal table. There was another sound buried underneath.

Someone breaking.

Bone? Teeth? Livia couldn’t tell.

Every time Matt slammed Dex down, Livia flinched. She felt June’s hand in hers still, the gentle way her shadow tugged her back, but she pushed forward. Livia shoved Matt away by his chest.

“What is your problem?” She hissed. He only rolled his eyes.

Dex looked up at her with a bloodied smile. There was banging behind her, Matt calling for someone, then the door opened.

“Please, Dex.” Livia said suddenly, letting her own desperation leak into the words. Something in Dex’s bloodied expression softened when he met her gaze. “Give me something to go on.”

Dex leaned in slightly, though the guard tried to pull him back. Livia held up a hand to stop him. She even took a step closer to meet Dex halfway. He cracked half a smile.

“It wasn’t that Fisk.” He said lowly and shot her a wink. “Thank you, Counselor.”

The wink and the tone of voice made Livia’s blood run a little warmer.

“Fuck you.” Matt spat as he pulled Livia away again.

Livia’s feet stumbled slightly but June was at her elbows to catch her. She was more focused on watching Dex leave, processing his last words to her.

Not that Fisk.

What the hell did that mean?

Livia was practically mute the rest of the day, though Matt thoroughly chewed her out for her actions. She drove her trio back to the city, dropped off Matt, then went home. She fished out the dresses, even helped June pin and cut hers.

June would wear white, an off the shoulder satin gown with trains at either arm that connected at her spine for the illusion of a full cape. Livia said with the extra fabric of the sleeves, June didn’t need gloves. She could easily hide her hands if need be, but the tension of their earlier disagreement lingered heavily in the statement. June opted for a sheer white pair that she’d covered in glitter out of boredom. She added a few pearl embellishments to match her necklace then went off to do her hair and makeup.

Livia disappeared back into her room to finish getting ready. She would wear black, a square neckline with sheer cape sleeves. The bodice was a corset and a high slit ran up her right leg. The back was open until the bottom of her shoulder blades, exposing her devil horns at the base of her neck and the bold ‘memento mori’ across her shoulders.

Her heels were black, silver accents to match the silver jewelry she wore. Rings on both hands, a simple watch, a diamond choker layered with a longer silver chain. Dark red eyeshadow with red eyeliner, hair in long curls down her back but pinned out of her face.

She ordered a car as she did her hair and makeup.

Once done, she stared at herself in the mirror. She was as put together as ever, a well-decorated beauty if she did say so herself. But something in her eyes seemed hollow.

It had seemed that way since Foggy was killed. Only now, there was a brightness in that hollowness. It was ignited by the hope of finding the truth, of potentially being able to avenge her friend, not just mourn him. Livia would admit she hadn’t done that part well but now she could do something about it.

She just had to figure out what the hell Dex meant with “not that Fisk”. What other Fisk was there?

A light knock on the door frame made her turn.

“I thought you might want this back.” June said carefully, turning something small in her hand.

“You look beautiful, June.” Livia smiled at her little shadow.

June had opted for gold accessories. Her hair was neatly pinned, purple eyeshadow pristine. A gold chain with a heart pendant, subtly engraved with a J, complimented her pearl choker and dangling gold earring completed the look.

“You said you would come back for it…” June came and stood beside Livia, offering her the object. “The day you went to Wakanda, it was the only way I was going to stay in New York.”

Livia looked down and saw…

“My ring.” Livia commented, looking but not taking the jewelry. She swallowed slightly and met June’s eyes. “Maybe you should keep it.”

“Matt got it for you.”

“Yeah, but I think it makes more sense for you to have it.”

“It matches your accessories.”

“It matches you.” Livia shook her head fondly before she took the ring in one hand and spun June’s gold necklace with the other. “You’re a Murdock, June, whether you want to be or not.”

June made no protest as Livia released the clasp, hung the silver band, then replaced her necklace into position. She only sighed slightly.

“Murdock-Yersova.” June mumbled.

Livia nodded once. “Murdock-Yersova… I’m proud of you, June.”

The statement, though true, was sudden and made June’s eyes go wide.

“Should I be worried? Or more worried, I guess.” June said carefully, watching Livia expression.

“No.” Livia smiled for a moment. “Everything’s fine, I just… I haven’t been as present with you as I should.”

“You’ve been weird lately and seeing Dex didn’t help. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m working on it.”

“Anything I can do to help?”

“Not right now, but I’ll let you know.”

“That’s… something, I guess.” June gave a single nod. “You look great, by the way. If Matt could see you, he’d lose his shit.”

“I’m gonna pretend I didn’t hear that last part.” Livia chuckled.

“You can pretend all you want. You know I’m right.”

“I don’t dress for men, Bug.”

“Fair, but you can’t deny that men notice.”

“That may be the one thing men always notice.” Livia mumbled. 

“Are you bringing anything?”

“Just a small clutch, probably. Enough for my phone, lipstick-”

“I meant weapons.” June cut in. “A knife. Something?”

“Are you?” Livia raised a brow.

June offered a proud smirk as she shifted some of the fabric of her sleeves. Buried in the folds was a small sheath holding a single throwing knife.

“I have one on both sides.” She confessed.

“I love you, but your aim is shit.” Livia teased. “Don’t throw those unless you’ve got clear visual.”

“Hopefully, I don’t have to throw them at all.”

“Then why bring them?”

June shrugged as she readjusted her dress in Livia’s bedroom mirror. “I guess I’d rather be safe than cornered… I don’t trust Fisk to invite you and me without having something to gain.”

“Smart girl.”

“So.” June turned to Livia expectantly. “Where’s yours?”

Livia had to admit that she didn’t have anything stashed. Her dress was one she had bought on impulse, something that she could have that was just pretty. She had to admit that June was right. The gala would be public but there was always a shadowy corner to do business in. Livia crossed the room to her hidden case of gear under her bed. She slid it out and pulled a single thigh holster, dual compartment with a gun and thin pocket knife. She shimmied it up her leg and managed to clip it around her waist. It sat just above where the slit started.

Livia’s phone buzzed from her bed.

“Car’s here.”

Security was tight as Livia and June walked up the steps. There was a small crowd already waiting as they approached, so Livia took the chance to adjust her skirts. She pulled it down, hoping to give a bit more room between the holster and the slit. June did something similar, rolling her shoulders back and adjusting the flowing fabric.

Most were waved through, a brief check on a clipboard followed by a gesture. Livia watched the task force that was posted every few feet, could feel their emotions in the peripheral of her defenses.

She could set them off, she thought. Find one with the itchiest trigger finger and give a little nudge. It’d ruin Fisk’s whole night.

But they were at the front of the line before she realized.

“Yersova.” Livia said. “Alivia.”

“Step this way.” The woman said, gesturing Livia in and to the side rather than straight. “Next.”

“Yersova, June.”

“Step this way.” The same sideways gesture.

“What is this?” Livia asked quickly. She raised her voice just enough to draw a few head turns and end a few conversations.

“Random search.”

Livia rolled her eyes and caught a glance of the clipboard. Her name, as well as June’s, was written in red.

“Random.” Livia nodded once. “It feels like profiling.”

“Ma’am, we have no reason to-“

“Look at the way my dress fits.” Livia gestured to her bodice, the firm corset hugging her ribs. It left an ache in its place, right above that permanent tender spot, but she ignored it. She endured it, fully willing to loosen it later in the evening if need be. “How would I hide a weapon?”

That drew some gossipy whispers.

“It’s our name.” June scoffed. “Yersova, because we’re Russian you assume we’re up to something.”

“No, I-“ The woman tried to defend. “I’m just doing my job!”

“Are you?” Livia challenged. “I’ve been watching. You didn’t stop anyone else.”

“What is the fuss about?” Buck appeared, asking his question with a pointed tone.

“Mr. Cashman, I’m just following instructions.” The woman said desperately, showing him the red printed names.

“Hello, Buck.” Livia smiled innocently. “Come to save the night?”

“Ms. Yersova, you look…” His eyes trailed her up and down, following the boning of her corset to the curve of her hips to the slit of her dress. “You look stunning. Please, excuse my friend here.”

He offered Livia his arm. She accepted, took June’s hand with the other, and walked past the woman at the door.

June used her free hand to mock her with the shape of an ‘L’.

Livia had to chuckle.

“I apologize for that.” Buck spoke as he guided the women to the party. “We had to round up a full detail on relatively short notice.”

“Not everyone is equipped for this line of work, I suppose.” Livia commented absently.

“Yet those are exactly the ones Fisk gives a gun to.” June commented.

“Mayor Fisk will be glad to know you’ve arrived, Miss June.”

“That makes one of us.”

“Manery, Bag. Nam nuzhno soblyudat' prilichiya.” Livia spoke quietly, shooting June a pointed look. (Manners, Bug. We need to keep appearances.)

“I should get back, then.” Buck nodded, patting Livia’s hand before withdrawing his arm. “If you’d be so kind, Ms. Yersova, to save me a dance?”

“You can have the first one if you really want it.” She winked.

Buck grinned and June made a sound of disgust from beside her.

“Okay, ew, we’re going now.” June said loudly before dragging Livia away.

“That was so gross. Never do that in front of me again.”

“He’s harmless.” Livia laughed.

“I highly doubt that.”

“Compared to men I've dated before. Trust me, he is.”

June opened her mouth to argue then gave a nod of concession instead.

The presence of the task force was hard to ignore. Everywhere Livia looked, there were men and women in bulletproof vests with watchful eyes and skittering nerves. It was eerie, to be watched so intently but also aggressively ignored.

“…Mayor Wilson Fisk, and the First Lady of New York, Vanessa Fisk.” Someone announced.

Livia’s head snapped over and the realization hit like a punch to the stomach. She felt like an idiot for not understanding sooner.

Not that Fisk meant it wasn’t Wilson Fisk that fired him.

It was Vanessa. And now, Livia wanted her dead more than ever.

June noticed this shift. Whether Livia’s thoughts were projecting something or Livia’s own ability had given her away, she didn’t know and she didn’t quite care. She was going to find a way, maybe several ways, to make Vanessa Fisk suffer.

“What’s wrong?” June asked quietly.

“Pieces are fitting together.” Livia answered quietly, manicured nails digging into her palms. If she kept going, she’d draw blood.

“What pieces?”

“Who had Foggy killed.” Livia whispered. “What Dex said makes sense now.”

June began to say something but snapped her mouth closed when Vanessa caught sight of them. The woman offered a warm, welcoming smile but there was a devious plot behind her eyes as she locked eyes on June. Livia took half a step forward.

Before Vanessa could get to the women, Heather was in front of Livia. Livia flinched at the sudden appearance but relaxed once she realized who it was. She offered as friendly a smile as she could, though she saw the lingering look Vanessa offered over Heather’s shoulder before disappearing into the crowd.

“Have you heard from Matt?” Heather asked, tapping her phone against her palm. “I’ve been calling but no answer.” She sighed.

“Yeah, sorry.” Livia shook her head, offering an apologetic smile that only made Heather give her annoyed, expectant expression. “The three of us went-“

Heather breathed a chuckle, pushing her tongue against her cheek as she nodded. “Of course.” She muttered.

“Excuse you?” June said sharply.

“You know, I really wanted to believe him about you.” Heather looked Livia up and down.

“Alright, I’ll bite. Do I even want to know what that means?”

“Are you still in love with him?”

“What difference would it make? He chose you.”

“You can have any guy you want, Livia, so just... I dont know, back off. At least a little?”

“Back off?” June laughed. “Lady, you’ve got some nerve.”

“Look, Heather, if it's not enough for you to have him come home to you at night.” Livia shrugged. “That’s not my problem.”

“Wow.”

“Don’t 'wow' her. Now’s not the time to start this fight.” June snapped, taking a step forward. Livia didn’t stop her, just moved slightly so everyone was on equal footing.

“And what's your problem with me?” Heather turned to June.

“Thank you for finally noticing! Do you want key points or an essay?”

Heather only offered a scoff in response.

“I suggest you're careful with your next set of words about or towards her.” Livia said easily, glancing around the room for an excuse to leave the conversation.

“This is why she acts like this. You always step in and enable her.” Heather argued.

“Don’t start this fight with me right now either.” Livia met Heather’s eyes. “You won't like how it ends.”

“No. No. Someone needs to be the one to say it to both of you.”

“Do they?” Livia cocked her head. “What needs to happen is you getting out of my business. You think you’re better than us because you have some fancy, expensive degree? So do I. You think your fancy office makes you better than me? I have one, too. You have nothing I don’t.”

“I have someone.” Heather lifted her chin slightly.

“You didn’t seem all that convinced a few minutes ago.”

“Finally found you ladies.” Matt greeted with a quick smile. “Sorry I’m late. Turns out you two aren’t the only ones to wear Chanel No.5 and YSL.” He looked between Heather and Livia in turn to their respective scents.

“We’re used to it.” Livia gestured between her and June.

“Oh, hey Matt.” June’s voice cracked as she looked towards the ceiling, fanning her watery eyes. Livia’s head snapped at the sound, pushing her ability almost instantly.

It came back… smug?

“June, are you crying? What's wrong?” Matt asked, moving to June’s other side. He put one hand on her arm and the other on the side of her face.

“Heather was just-“ June tried to explain.

“Oh, don't even.” Heather cut in. “I didn’t say anything mean.”

“Just because you didn’t think it was mean doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt her feelings.” Livia countered.

“She’s doing this because she knows you and Matt will-“

“Stop.” Livia said firmly. “Don’t act like you know her, alright? You think surviving a serial killer after Daredevil and Exodus show up makes you tough? It doesn’t. You and I can go blow for blow right now to prove it and I guarantee you're on your ass in two minutes.”

“Hey, Liv.” Matt tried, reaching out to tap her arm. “It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not. Nothing about this is okay.”

“Seems a little overestimating, don't you think?” June chimed in with a sniffle. “We all know you can put her down with one shot.”

“Take you with us to Poindexter and you come back a little feisty.” Livia had to chuckle.

“What?” Heather snapped towards Matt. Livia’s brows raised at the tone but she said nothing. “Seriously, him? Matt, what were you thinking?”

“We’re just gonna…” Livia grabbed June’s hand and began pulling her away.

“What? No, I wanna stay and watch.” June argued.

“No, we’ve already gotten him in trouble with the missus.”

June huffed a sigh but didn’t fight Livia’s pull.

Before the two could get far, Buck had appeared in front of them. He offered Livia a nod and a slight smile before focusing on June.

“Mayor Fisk has requested a conversation, Miss June.” He said politely.

June hesitated, looking over Buck’s shoulders towards Fisk. Livia simply looked over at June and waited for a reaction. She could see the thoughts processing behind June’s eyes but she also knew she had to keep her word. She couldn’t push June one way or the other.

“Okay.” June finally said, her voice barely audible over the chatter of the party. She looked over at Livia and took her hand. “Come with me?”

“I’m afraid the mayor has asked for a private conversation.” Buck explained.

“Go on.” Livia nodded. “Dover'tes' svoim instinktam.” (Trust your instincts.)

June blew out a sigh, shook out her hands, then nodded to Buck. The man gestured across the room to where Fisk was watching. Livia offered her own glare, meeting the large man’s eyes for a brief moment. He nodded as if he understood, or maybe it was a means of thanking her for not interfering. Regardless, Livia felt an uneasy knot twist in her stomach and she had the itch to yank the knife from her holster and throw it across the room. She could hit him. She knew she could, but she also knew the task force bullets would hit before her arm came back down.

“I hope this won’t leave you alone for too long.” Buck said, drawing Livia’s focus back to the present moment.

“Believe it or not, I don’t keep a large social circle these days.” Livia answered with a short chuckle. “I have a nasty habit of chasing people away.”

“Who would be dumb enough to let you?”

She couldn’t help the way her eyes trailed over to Matt. “You’d be surprised…”

“I was taught that it’s rude to leave a lady on her own.” Buck offered Livia his arm. “Can I get you a drink?”

“He has manners, he can shoot.” Livia smiled and hooked her arm through his. “You’re ticking all the boxes, aren’t you?”

Buck chuckled with a slow nod. “I am a man of many talents.”

“Just the way Fisk likes them.”

“You should know.”

Livia gave a small noise of agreement and shrugged slightly. She hoped to get a bit more information out of Buck, but even if that failed, at least he was fun.

“You remind me of a guy I used to date.” Livia said before the bartender came over for their orders. Livia ordered her drink as a double and Buck gave no objections. He ordered the same.

“Is that a good thing?” He raised his brows.

Livia shrugged slightly. “It’s not necessarily good or bad. He was interesting. Ran his own company, kept a lot of secrets, tried to kill me.”

“Is that what you think of me, that I’ll try too?”

“Oh, god no.” She grinned. “You wouldn’t stand a chance.”

She shot him a wink and he laughed as the drinks came back over. He handed Livia hers and she bowed her head slightly in thanks. She watched as his eyes traced the shape of her body once again, lingering for a second longer at her hips and the slit up her thigh.

“Are you looking for something?” Livia asked, a certain silk in her voice she didn’t pull out often.

“You’re quite something to look at as a whole, Ms. Yersova.” He shook his head slightly. “Though I do apologize for staring.”

“Stare away.” She gestured to herself. “At least someone’s appreciating this dress.”

“You look very expensive tonight.”

“I have very expensive tastes.”

“And how did your last boyfriend handle that?”

“There was hardly a problem he couldn’t throw money at.”

He nodded as if he had uncovered some vital piece of information as Livia sipped her drink.

“Can I ask about the tattoos on your back?” Buck gave a small gesture to request she turn around.

She did, sweeping her hair over her shoulder. She felt his finger brush the bottom border of the letters between her shoulders.

“Memento mori seems a bit depressing, don’t you think?” He asked and she turned to face him again.

“It is but it’s also true. We all die, some deserving to and some not so much. Just a way to cope with it, I guess.”

 He came a step closer, leaning slightly closer to her. “How much death have you seen?”

“More than we have time to discuss tonight.” Livia patted his chest and took a step away, feeling a new sensation of buzzing anxiety that she could recognize anywhere. She took the glass that was intended as his drink and he simply watched her with a question in his expression. “It seems I’m needed elsewhere, and I’m sure you can relate to needing a drink after a chat with the mayor.”

Buck laughed slightly and straightened his posture, adjusting his suit jacket. “Enjoy your night, Ms. Yersova.”

“Call me Livia.” She smiled. “You still owe me a dance.”

“How could I forget?”

Livia followed the buzzing through the crowd until she came to June. The blonde seemed unharmed, just shaken. Livia offered June the drink and she took it gladly.

“Everything go okay?” Livia asked. “That was quick.”

“Yeah. No. I don’t know. I feel weird now. Is that normal?” June said quickly.

“I am the last person to ask about feeling normal.” Livia chuckled. “You’ll be alright.”

“Where’s Matt?”

“Trying to smooth things out with Heather still.”

“That wouldn’t be happening if you would just tell him the truth.” June offered. 

“You know I can’t do that.” Livia shook her head.

“He would pick you in a heartbeat.”

“It’s been too long this time.”

“You’d be surprised what goes on in his head.” June mumbled into her own glass.

“I thought you didn’t like to do that.” Livia quirked a brow.

June shrugged a shoulder as she swallowed. “Not often, but he can be… loud, especially when you’re around.”

Livia glanced back at Matt and she saw the intention building between his shoulders. She tapped June’s arm and gestured towards the man, and June mumbled a complaint in Sokovian. They watched Matt pull Heather towards Fisk. June grabbed Livia’s arm and began to pull her in the same direction.

Matt’s plan came to a screeching halt when the spotlight shone on Fisk and Vanessa appeared at his side. Livia let out a small sigh of relief and June’s grip loosened slightly. She made another comment in Sokovian before downing the rest of the drink. She coughed afterwards and pressed the back of her hand to her mouth.

“God, that was strong.” June complained and coughed slightly. “What was that?”

Livia lifted her own glass with a wink before finishing hers. “I ordered a double, Buck ordered the same. I took his and-”

“Ew! Buck drank that first?”

“I gave you my glass, dumbass.” Livia set both empty glasses on the tray of a passing waitress.

“What are we going to do about- Oh, great. He’s dancing.” June gestured towards Matt, who was now on the dancefloor with Heather.

Livia could see FIsk’s lips moving, and judging by the way Matt was reacting, he was purposefully taunting the man.

“Does he need a rescue?” June asked Livia.

“Probably…” Livia sighed. “Hope you wore dancing shoes.”

The women made their way to the edge of the dancing crowd, slipping through small gaps to get closer to Matt. Livia pushed her power slightly to try and get a better read on the situation. Matt was tense, as expected. Fisk was calm, confident, and a little proud. Something in his talk with June must’ve gone his way. Vanessa was in love, the fucking bitch. There was someone else teetering at the edge of her boundary, someone familiar but oddly calm. For a moment, she thought of Dex. He was the only one who hadn’t felt different to her since the Blip, but there was no way she could feel him, not with the miles between them.

She tried to shake it, but her attention caught on Buck.

He was muttering to Fisk and a new spike of panic came from Vanessa. Livia was now very interested. Given what she knew about Vanessa, there wasn’t much that could rattle the woman.

She caught Buck by his arm and pulled him closer. He tensed slightly, attention snapping to her, but he seemed to relax a bit once he realized it was her. Over his shoulder, she saw June’s jaw drop.

Livia offered Buck a simple smile as she slipped one hand into his, the other on his shoulder. His free hand sat on her hip, a light pressure against her body.

“Hello, Livia.” He forced a calm smile. It would’ve fooled anyone beside Livia, who could feel the unease stemming from him. “I was just coming to find you.”

“No, you weren’t.” Livia shook her head.

“No.” He chuckled. “I wasn’t. I apologize, it’s just that things have taken an… unexpected turn.”

He stepped back to spin her, her back against his chest. His hands were holding hers across her body but there was a subtle, almost searching pressure from his arms. She turned her head slightly to speak over her shoulder.

“You’re still checking me for weapons, aren’t you?” Livia asked. There was no accusation in the words, no malice. She was careful to only sound curious. “You don’t trust me.”

“It’s my job not to trust anyone.”

“Not even the men you work with?” Livia spun back to face him. “The Task Force.”

“They are useful, of course.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“Would you answer if I asked you a similar question?”

“Ask away.”

“Mayor Fisk has mentioned that you are friendly with a few vigilantes… Do you trust them?”

“I trust them more than the mayor.” She said honestly. “I trust that they aren’t going to abuse the power they have and I trust them to put their friends and neighbors first… I don’t trust Fisk to do that.”

“Hmm.” He nodded once. “You and I seem to believe the opposite.”

He was looking around now, hardly focused on the dance at all. It was admittedly impressive that he hadn’t stepped on her foot yet.

“Buck, what’s going on?” Livia asked gently. “I saw you with Fisk. I can tell something’s wrong.”

“It’s nothing.” He shook his head. “But I do unfortunately have to get back to work… We can continue this conversation when things are settled, perhaps over a nice dinner to make up for everything.”

“Don’t do that.” She snapped. “If something is happening, something that could jeopardize the people out there I care about, I should know.”

Her eyes darted between his and the guilt of a secret seemed to cloud his stare for a moment. She pushed her ability a bit, past the emotions. She could just reach the anticipation he was feeling. Someone was coming, or expected to come, but she needed more. She needed to know who.

“Alivia.” Buck spoke and it spooked her. She withdrew her ability almost completely and focused on his words. “I understand your concern for your friends but believe me. This isn’t yours to concern yourself with.”

She stared at him in silence again. She knew she could get him to tell her. She could get any man to do anything. Instead, Livia thought of the only real connection left between herself and the Fisks. To that painstakingly familiar set of emotions just in her peripherals.

“It’s Dex, isn’t it?” She breathed.

Buck sighed inwardly but said nothing.

“He got out?” She made her voice shake.

“Killed a prison guard, used his badge to escape.” Buck confirmed. Livia’s grip on his sleeve tightened and his other hand tried to pry her fingers off. “Trust me. We have it covered. You and Miss June have nothing to worry about.”

“You don’t understand.” Livia almost laughed. “If Poindexter is coming here to kill someone, it’s almost certain he will… You need me.”

“Everything is under control, but I have to get back out there.”

“You can’t stop him.” She said simply. Livia thought of the last celebration Dex crashed, the absolute mayhem on the way up to the Presidential suite after Fisk’s wedding. “If he comes here, he’ll be on a mission. He’ll kill whoever steps in front of him.”

“All the more reason to keep you away then.”

“I might be the only one he’ll listen to!”

“The mayor wouldn’t-“

“Fuck the mayor!” She released her grip on his sleeve and stepped away. “When Dex gets here, don’t come asking me for help.”

She maneuvered past him and returned to her place beside June. He walked past them both, shot her a look over his shoulder, and returned to his post. Livia made a face mocking him once his back was turned.

“What was that about?” June asked, bumping Livia with her hip.

“This night is going to go very wrong very fast.” Livia explained calmly. “We need to be ready for anything.”

“What kind of ready?”

“The kind that’s gonna send these dresses to the dry-cleaners.”

“Right.” June nodded once and looked down at her hands. Livia followed June’s line of sight but said nothing. She watched June trace the length of one of her fingers before gently pulling the fabric off. June pulled the other, took a deep breath, then tucked the gloves into her small purse. She looked back to Livia with a fiery determination in her eyes. “Ready for anything. Incoming.” June nodded to something behind Livia.

Livia turned and collided with Matt. He reached to help her steady herself, chuckled an apology, and then guided her to the dancefloor.

“What are we doing?” Livia asked as Matt’s hand found her lower back, pressing her slightly closer.

“It was her.” He explained. “He was away, she was in charge. She did it.”

“Vanessa.” Livia nodded. “That must’ve been what Dex meant when he said ‘not that Fisk’.”

“You already knew, didn’t you?” His brows furrowed.

“It clicked earlier, when they made their entrance.”

“Why didn’t you come talk to me?”

“Because you need to be a good boyfriend.” She sighed. “Heather already thinks I’m still in love with you and wants me to back off so if I tried to sweep you away for this conversation, it only would’ve made things worse.”

“Are you?”

“Seriously?” She deadpanned. “That’s what you took from that sentence?”

He laughed slightly and Livia couldn’t help but crack a smile.

“June is going to have a field day with this.” Livia shook her head.

“Did she end up talking to him?”

“Yeah, said it made her feel weird.”

“Weird how?”

Livia shrugged slightly. “I didn’t ask. Figured we could all talk about it tomorrow.”

He nodded slowly. “You know that I… I don’t want you to back off. Right? It doesn’t matter who I’m dating. Livvy, you’re part of my life, regardless of anything or anyone else. You do know that, right?”

“Of course.” She did her best to offer an honest smile. “Besides, June will go to hell and back to make sure we don’t fall apart again so…”

He flashed her a grin. “She gets that from you.”

“I highly doubt that.” Livia glanced and saw Heather and June talking awkwardly.  Livia lifted a hand and gestured Heather back over. “I’ll hand you back to the missus but what do we do about Vanessa?”

“We find a way to prove it.”

“Can we?”

“Only one way to find out.” He gave a small shrug as Livia stepped away. She let Heather take her place and slipped through the crowd, meeting June halfway.

“Oh my god!” She squealed, taking Livia’s hands and squeezing. Livia just laughed and shook her head. “You two were so perfect! It’s like you two were made to dance together.”

“Don’t make this a big deal.” Livia said softly, trying to get the blonde back down to Earth. “He just wanted to talk and needed to do it away from Heather.”

“What about?”

“Remember when we got here, and I said pieces were coming together?”

June nodded.

“Well, he just agreed. We know who had Foggy killed.”

“What? Who?”

“Vanessa.”

As soon as the name left Livia’s mouth, she heard the gunshot. She heard June scream. Livia quickly scanned the crowd, looking for something to give away the shooter. Her eyes met Buck’s briefly before he focused higher. Livia looked up, past the lights, and saw the outline of a figure. He had a rifle and it felt like he was looking at her now. She reached under her skirt and pulled her knife while the crowd parted around her in their panic to leave.

Heather’s scream cut through her focus. Not because of her voice, but because of what she said.

She said Matt.

Livia turned and saw Heather kneeling on the ground, hands shaking and panic streaming off her. She turned to June, who was now staring in frozen shock with watering eyes.

“Let’s go.” Livia said, but June didn’t move. She groaned and stood in front of her, giving the woman’s shoulders a slight shake. “Listen to me. You can either be his daughter or you can be my soldier right now. Only one of those is going to be useful, so which is it?”

No answer. Her lips were moving, her hands moving in and out of fists, but nothing.

Livia arrived at Heather’s office before Matt but she lingered on the rooftop.

The idea of being “too late” came up again on her way over. She didn’t have to make it, right? Heather was just another person, after all. Livia had no obligation to her or anything Heather was connected with. She didn’t have to save her. Livia didn’t have to save anyone. That was Matt’s domain, always had been.

She was made to kill people.

Only she didn’t necessarily want to kill Heather.

She was arguing with herself as she threw her anchor down. While connecting the wire to her belt and adjusting the slack, she heard the police chatter through her implant. There was a team already on the way. She paused for a moment, tossing her ability out. It snagged on one office, almost directly below where she stood. The familiar bitter taste of fear settled on her tongue and she turned her head to spit it out. She scuffed her boot over it while she sorted through the other feelings. Some convoluted notion of pleasure, acceptance, a deranged type of anger, desperation.

Livia sighed to herself, accepting the decision was already made for her, and took a few steps away. She didn’t like Heather, but she couldn't let the woman die. Especially not since Matt asked for her help.

She took a running start off the ledge, swinging her body so her heels hit the window first and she slammed through the glass.

She landed in a crouch, wire tangled around her hips, and Heather screamed. Livia and Muse locked eyes for a moment, a split second of realization, before he turned a gun towards her. Livia threw her arm up, the bullets hitting one of the plates in her sleeve. Two shots was all he fired, then she heard the heavy falls of his feet as he ran at her.

She quickly released the wire from her belt buckle and dove away. She pulled the wire taut and she watched Muse trip over it. He landed with a thud and Livia almost laughed while he punched the floor in annoyance. She looked over at Heather, registered her bleeding and the canvas laid out beneath her, spared a quick thought for Matt, then moved again.

Livia wouldn’t have much time before Daredevil showed up, so if she was going to kill Muse, she’d have to move quickly. Livia flexed her hands, arming both Bites, then stood to her full height.

Muse was up to a knee, looking at her over his shoulder. She could feel the heat of anger in his stare. She offered a taunting grin in return.

Muse pulled a knife from his waistband and flicked out the blade. It glinted in the light from the broken window. The knife itself was clean, meaning there was a different blade used to cut Heather.

From the street, she could hear the sirens blaring.

She took a deep breath and reached with her ability, past Muse and past the anxious officers outside. Matt was closer than she thought.

Livia released her breath as a sigh before she fired both Bites. Muse tried to dodge, but one shot landed at the edge of his chest. He staggered back, arm twitching. Livia quickly moved in and kicked Muse’s dropped gun behind her. When Muse faced her again, she immediately threw a right hook to his jaw. His head snapped to the side and she grabbed onto the stupid suspenders he wore.

She dropped and rolled to her back, a foot bracing against Muse’s hip. Livia kicked that leg out, flipping Muse over her and to the ground. He coughed at the impact and Livia heard the extra crunch of glass. She turned her head and saw the familiar glove extended towards her.

She took it, letting Matt pull her up.

Livia patted his arm in thanks before focusing on Muse. The man found his gun and raised it, hesitating slightly as to who he should aim at. Matt shoved Livia aside before throwing his baton. Matt was right behind it, taking the fight to Muse on the other side of the room.

Livia groaned slightly before kneeling at Heather’s side. She reached for the woman’s arms to assess the bleeding, but Heather scooted away in a panic.

“Will you stop!?” Livia complained, accent heavy and an octave lower. “You’re bleeding.”

The men fighting caused a loose bullet and Livia had to shove Heather’s head down. The stray pinged off a plate at the back of Livia’s shoulder and she groaned. Quickly turning, she saw them still locked together. She spared Heather one more look but she was still on the ground, hands over her head and nearly shaking.

Matt flipped Muse over his shoulder and Livia pulled a knife from her belt. She went to kneel on his chest, flipping the blade as moved, but Muse kicked out. The heel of his heavy boot hit the break in her ribcage and Livia’s knees buckled with the pain.

Muse took the chance to reach for his own knife and looked past Livia at Heather. Livia’s blade was already moving before Muse’s feet could. She slammed the blade forward, the tip buried deep between the bones of his lower leg, and she twisted.

Blood leaked over her fingers. She had to give him some credit, because he didn’t make any sound acknowledging the pain, but he did buckle.

Her breathing was ragged and shallow.

That was the most normal she felt since the Blip.

Livia pulled the knife out and turned her attention higher, intending to flick it right under his chin, but Matt’s weapon came in first. He pierced Muse’s shoulder and yanked the man backward, dragging Muse towards him.

Livia had to use the short coffee table to get to her feet.

Muse fought against Matt desperately, slashing the knife recklessly. He managed to cut Matt’s leg before Livia slammed her foot down on his wrist. Muse thrashed beneath her weight, managing to catch the side of her knee with a foot. When she shifted to right herself, he kicked at her again and found that cursed spot on her torso.

Livia gasped, a sharp pain lancing her side, and she stumbled away, unable to catch a full breath.

Matt took over and controlled the fight, until shots rang out.

Livia flinched, arm pulling back on instinct, and then she saw the shooter.

Heather, with forearms still pouring blood.

Moments later the woman collapsed. Matt was quick to drop to his knees beside her, gently coaxing her to live.

Livia suddenly felt sick.

She forced herself to move, cutting two strips off the canvas before sheathing her blade. Livia silently moved to Heathers’s other side and tied one strip on one arm and one on the other. She looked over, watched the bleeding slow, then stood.

Livia tapped Matt on the shoulder once before going back to her wire. She clipped it back to her belt and spared on last look at Matt.

“It’s all over.” Matt said softly.

She remembered when Matt would talk to her with that kind of tenderness, that kind of care. The memory twisted her stomach.

Livia was biting her tongue so hard she tasted blood as she stepped out the window to climb back up to the roof.

She had a dinner meeting that night anyway.

When Livia got back to her apartment, the sharp pain in her side grew worse. She could barely stand upright and her breathing felt uneven, like one lung just wasn’t expanding enough. As she pressed on her side, she started to wonder if she could just reach in and take the broken piece out on her own.

In fact…

She unzipped her top and dropped it on the ground. One hand went for the zipper of her suit while the other finger-walked down her ribs. She winced at the pain before reaching for her knife. It’d be messy and painful, but it’d be less pain than what she was in now.

If she could survive having her skull cracked open and a permanent bluetooth in her brain, Matt’s death, Billy shooting through her wrist and letting her Bite relentlessly tase her, Dex burying a knife in her stomach, and watching Matt in love with someone else again, she could survive a minor home surgery. The tip of the blade had just broken skin when June came into the living room.

“There you are!” June shouted.

Livia flinched and the intended incision shot off and across her stomach instead.

“For fuck’s sake, June.” Livia scolded.

“Where have you been? Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m great.” Livia pressed a hand to the thin slice before facing June. Her eyes scanned the blonde’s outfit, noting her braided hair and purple outfit. “Where are you going?”

“I was going out to find you!” June threw her hands forward, her own mask in her tightly clenched fist. “First, you and Matt don’t come back to work. Then the apartment is ransacked when I get back. I thought we were robbed or that you were kidnapped!”

Livia couldn’t help but scoff as she tucked away her knife.

“What was I supposed to think?! You said it yourself, that Fisk could target you and Matt. You two both go missing and I’m supposed to just… What? Ignore it?”

“You’re not supposed to try and get yourself kidnapped, too, actually.” Livia pushed past June, kicking her discarded top along. “Everyone’s fine. Heather got attacked by Muse.”

“So she’s dead then, right?”

“No.”

“Shame.”

“Stop that.” Livia snapped.

“What?”

“Stop treating that woman like shit because of some obsession you have with me and Matt getting back together!”

“It’s not an obsession.” She mumbled, looking at her feet as she wrung her hands slightly.

“It is!” Livia stopped in her doorway. “You have to stop trying to force us to fill the roles of whatever twisted notion of family you have. We aren’t going to play mom and dad for you.”

“Twisted, huh?” June nodded once then looked back at Livia. “You’re the one who told me I decide who my family is.”

“You do.” Livia conceded. “But you don’t decide how we get to be your family. Matt’s moved on, June. Now you have to.”

“Have you?”

“It’s not about me.”

“So that knife you were about to use on yourself isn’t anything?” June challenged. “Yeah, didn’t miss that.”

“Not about him.” She shrugged.

“Bullshit.”

“Watch it.”

“Or what?” June laughed. “God, Liv, I tell you everything and the one time - the one time - that I want you to talk to me.”

“Everything, huh?” Livia countered. “That’s why you keep Joaquin away, right?”

“Now, it’s about J.” June rolled her eyes.

“It’s not. It’s about you and Matt and every fucking person I know wanting so much. You want me to talk and to heal and to move on and pretend like nothing happened. Like I wasn’t dead for five years or that my best friend didn’t die or that the only man that knows the most about me has-“ Livia swallowed the rest of that confession.

June stood a little straighter. “Liv, I hadn’t realized…”

“You weren’t supposed to.”

June shifted awkwardly between her feet. Livia could feel June trying to get into Livia’s head, just barely surface level. She wanted to know what to do, how to fix it.

But Livia knew there was no fixing her. There was something, some crucial part of her, that was irreparably broken. She was irreparably broken.

“If that’s all, I have a meeting to get ready for.” Livia said flatly. She could feel the heavy mental walls sliding into place, forcing her feelings into a very tight, very dark corner.

“You know I…” June tried. “I just wanted…”

“It’s fine, June.” Livia shook her head.

“It’s not. We need to-“

“No, we don’t. I’ll figure it out.”

“Liv…”

“I always do.”

“But I-“

“Please, just stop. You can’t fix this.”

No one could.

June nodded slowly before turning on her heel and heading to her room. Livia stepped back into her own and shut the door firmly, flipping the lock. She leaned against it and let out a long sigh. The action flexed her stomach and another thin stream of blood leaked out of the wound. Despite her hand being pressed against it, she had practically forgotten it.

Livia went into the connected bathroom and leaned over the sink to clean the wound. The skin along the cut was cold in some places and hot in others as the manifestations of her emotions worked to pull the edges back together. It was a shallow line, unlikely to scar, and Livia left it to heal on its own. Instead, she kicked out of her suit and headed to her closet to find an outfit for her meeting.

Her phone buzzed with a text and she looked over at it on her dresser. It was from an unknown number and only gave an address. She vaguely recognized it as a restaurant.

Livia picked out an outfit accordingly. Dark slacks, a loose fitting sweater, loafers. She pinned some of her hair out of her face and looked at her purse.

She could walk to the restaurant, or hail a cab. She had no intention of eating, just in case Fisk tried to poison her. It seemed below him but she was in no mood to risk it. She’d likely be patted down and searched, so trying to sneak a gun in would be pointless.

Livia wondered if she could manage to hide a blade.

If she switched her loafers for boots, she could get a small one in it, even if it would have to be under her foot. If she clipped a pocket knife in her waistband or sleeve, it’d be too easy to feel. It’d be a huge concession to go into the meeting without anything to protect herself, but at least she was smart enough to make a weapon out of nearly anything. Even if he kept knives and forks off the table, she could gouge an eye out with a spoon before his guards would be able to pull her off. She could break the dishes and jam a shard into his neck.

Livia didn’t want to fight Fisk or Buck that night, actually. She was tired. She was confused. She was lost in a mess of her own head. She just wanted to show up, quell any suspicions that her and Matt were out being vigilantes again, and come home. Whatever it took to get Fisk off her back, at least for a little while.

On her way out, she was shaking out her hair and hit the scar in her hairline. She scoffed in annoyance but the phone call the device picked up froze her hand halfway.

“… you can’t make her talk about it.” Matt’s voice echoed in her head.

“I know but-“ June answered.

Livia shifted, facing the younger woman’s door.

“I get it, Bug. I do, but I can’t make her either.”

“You didn’t see her. She had a knife to her stomach.”

A hesitation.

“Why?” Matt asked tightly.

“I don’t know!” June said loudly, her voice coming from behind the door and Livia’s implant. “I know you’re a little preoccupied right now but I could really use your help.”

“We both know she won’t listen to me…”

“So what? We have to just let her burn herself out or get herself killed?”

“I don’t know, June, but I- I can’t deal with this right now.”

“Right, Heather needs you more than I do.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to.”

“That’s not fair.”

“Neither is this!”

Livia tapped the device and knocked on June’s door. “I’m taking off for my meeting…”

“Okay!” June called back. “Are you gonna bring dinner back?”

“I can. Let me know what you’re thinking, okay?”

“Thanks!”

“We’ll talk when I get home?”

“Okay!”

Livia lingered for a moment. She thought about what else she could say. Should she apologize? But what was she going to apologize for? Yes, she had snapped at June for simply asking questions and that wasn’t fair, but she didn’t need anyone hovering, trying to take care of her.

Livia didn’t ask for that. She didn’t need it.

She shook the thought and headed out without another word.

The address led her to a smaller restaurant, one way in and one way out. It was hard to miss how empty it was despite the hours on the door saying they were open. Inside, she saw only one patron. She rolled her eyes as she entered.

As a precaution, she pushed out her power as she walked through the restaurant. Fear in the kitchen, the workers that remained. Calmness from the table, and another feeling, one that almost made her steps falter.

The workers, Livia expected. Someone had to stay and serve the meeting. Fisk, of course. But the other, another sort of confidence that mixed with pleasure. Pride, almost, that she had shown up.

Livia sat at the table, eyes scanning the scene in front of her.

“No forks or knives within reach.” She nodded, having expected exactly that. “No candle, no glass. I can’t tell if you’re hosting a business meeting or dinner with a toddler.”

“A necessary precaution, Ms. Yersova. I hope you understand.” Fisk answered with that halted delivery he always had. Livia’s teeth ground hard against each other. “I’m glad you agreed to this.”

“Well, it was under the pretense of speaking to someone else.”

“Yes.” He nodded once, his free hand fidgeting. “And I apologize for the deception. I thought Buck would be more convincing than myself.”

She shrugged a shoulder, then picked up the spoon. She turned it idly, examining her reflection in the cutlery. Just barely, tucked away in a shadowy corner, she could see the outline of a figure. Livia smiled to herself at the confirmation.

“You know, I’ve used a fork to pierce a man’s spine… And a spoon is just as good. Pops eyes out their sockets if need be.”

“Let’s try not to resort to such things.”

“Why am I here?” Livia said flatly, looking back to meet Fisk’s eyes. “What do you want?”

“Have you spoken with June about my proposition?” He asked, clearly stalling.

“I have.” Livia nodded. “She’s considering it. I told her to do what she thinks is right and I wouldn’t make the choice for her.”

“And what does Mr. Murdock say about it?”

“The same, but he and I agree that this is something only she can choose.”

“Tell me, Ms. Yersova, why it is June flocks to you instead of me.”

“Because I treat her like a person. I’ve never asked her to do anything she didn’t want to or force her to be someone she’s not. She’s an adult now, and you have to accept that it’s her life. She can do with it what she chooses.”

“You say that like it’s easy, to simply let go of someone who you’ve dedicated so much to.”

“When I met her and I took her in, she wanted me to fill a role I had no idea how to.” Livia spoke honestly. She didn’t know why she was saying it, but it was something she just needed to say. Maybe she wanted to hear what the thoughts sounded like out loud so when she told June later on, it wouldn’t be so strange. “I made it a point to not be like the people who mentored us before. I didn’t want her to be like me.”

“I can tell she sees the best in you… And Mr. Murdock.”

“Well, there’s more of it in him than me, but I think we both know this isn’t about her.”

“I fear it will always come back to her, in some sense.”

“Let me tell you how I anticipated this conversation.” Livia said, diverting the conversation away from June. Livia didn’t feel like hearing how Fisk cared for June still. Something in the notion made her stomach turn. “You ask what I know about what happened at Dr. Glenn’s office today. I tell you the same story you’ve been pushing, that your gaggle of crooked cops killed him and saved her. You ask if I’ve heard from either of our friends in masks, I say no. Of course not. You say that if I do, I should relay the message to be smart and not risk their lives or the lives of anyone they care about. I ask if it’s a threat, you tell me of course it isn’t, and then you’ll try to circle back to June… How’d I do?”

Fisk laughed to himself and Livia gripped the spoon tighter, but before she could make a move with it, she heard the front door open. Her head snapped over but Fisk - and Buck from the shadows behind her - gave no reaction. Had they been expecting someone else?

Livia felt a flash of anger lick up her spine. Her mind flicked to betrayal. It was a setup, an assassination, and she was dead in the water. If whoever walked in was armed, she’d swallow the bullet before she could react. She had no protective gear, a sad excuse of a weapon, and little to no time to figure a way out. It was all turning into a trap, and she had walked right into it.

Livia saw the gun but she didn’t recognize the shooter. Panic flashed in her chest then vanished as quickly as it came, replacing itself with a calm acceptance. She was going to die that night, by the gun of a no-name thug, likely at Fisk’s orders.

She thought it was actually a little pathetic to die that way.

The shooter’s eyes met hers for a brief moment and she saw him hesitate. He hadn’t expected anyone else to be there and Livia understood the bullet wasn’t for her. It was for Fisk.

She was both relieved and disappointed.

The hesitation was costly, and the bullet came from behind her instead. The sound of two shots from a silencer filled the empty restaurant.

“Thank you, Buck.” Fisk said calmly, enjoying his meal as if nothing had happened.

Livia cocked her head to try and see the man, trying to match the face to a name, but it was useless. She doubted she had ever seen the man before.

“You seem concerned.” Fisk noted.

“Thought it might’ve been a setup.” Livia admitted, adjusting in her seat to face Fisk head on. “Wouldn’t be the first time you had people killed.”

“If that was the case, I would’ve done it by now.”

Livia’s eyes drifted as Buck came to the side of the table. His eyes met hers and he shot her a wink, as if to say ‘You’re welcome’. She gave a small tilt of her head in acknowledgement.

“You’ve got a talent for finding the right guards.” Livia commented, thinking back to her brief time with the FBI and Dex.

“I have high standards few are able to meet.”

“You know this little meeting is pointless, right?” Livia’s head tilted back and she stared at the ceiling as she continued to speak. “Daredevil and Exodus, even if they were there, they didn’t kill Muse.”

“The task force-”

“Task force didn’t either.” She laughed as the realization hit her. In the moment, she didn’t think much of it, but those final shots didn’t come from her own weapon or a cop’s gun. They came from Muse’s own gun, and Heather was the one to pull the trigger. Livia was surprised but also a little impressed. “The doctor did.”

“Dr. Glenn?”

“Mhmm.” She looked back at Fisk. “How else was he already dead when the cops got in?”

He waved a hand as a dismissal and Buck took his leave. He did look over his shoulder one more time to catch Livia’s eye. There was a question in his expression, wondering just what her secret was, but it would take more than a few bullets and a wink to get her to reveal anything.

“Buck has taken a keen interest in you and your involvement.” Fisk commented once Buck was out of earshot.

“Him and everyone else I’ve ever met.” She shrugged a shoulder. “What does he know?”

“I haven’t told him anything if that’s what you’re implying.”

“I wonder if he’d believe you even if you did… Are we done?”

“I do hope you understand the gravity of the situation you and Mr. Murdock are in.”

“What situation?” She shrugged again, tapping the end of the spoon against the table. “Mr. Murdock and I are just lawyers these days… Besides, I hear Alter has been making appearances lately, too. Your little attack dogs gonna gun her down too?”

Fisk said nothing, just gripped his utensils tighter. Livia tossed the spoon to the table and stood.

“Understand one thing, Mayor Fisk. If you come after people that I care about, I will come for someone of equal value to you. And you and I both know you only care about one woman.” Livia threatened firmly. There was no waver in her voice, no inclination that she could possibly be bluffing.

“If you hurt Vanessa.”

“Stay away from my people and I stay away from yours.”

With that, she left.

By the time Livia got back to her apartment after stopping to pick up dinner, June’s room was silent. Livia knocked lightly but heard nothing in response. Instead, she simply sighed, and left June’s meal in the oven. She sent a text but didn’t wait for a reply. She just took her own food to her room and shut the door.

The next morning, her and June went over to Matt’s apartment to pick him up for an all-hands meeting at work. Neither of them brought up the conversation from the night before. Neither mentioned their argument or the knife Livia pulled on herself. There was an awkward tension between them. Livia could feel it crawling under her skin, burrowing into her veins to try and replace her blood. She simply cracked her neck and tried to push the sensation away.

That only seemed to shift it to a persistent ringing in her ear, aligning with whatever side June was standing on. The blonde didn’t seem affected so Livia kept it to herself.

Matt smiled as June let herself in, Livia following behind, but he said nothing in greeting.

She made sure there were a few extra steps between them, if only to put additional distance between her and Matt. Everything in her wanted to be closer to him, to check him over, to ensure that he was okay, but she leashed the desire. She yanked it back, buried it in the back of her mind, and reminded herself that it wasn’t her place anymore.

Not her place, not her problem, not her responsibility.

“Not sure you can put Muse and Daredevil in the same category…” Matt countered whatever Heather had said, but his voice brought her attention to whatever they were discussing.

Livia looked to June for a clue.

“She killed Muse.” June mouthed. “She’s spiralling.”

Livia nodded, for she had already known that.

“Not so sure that you can’t.” Heather countered.

Livia leaned on the kitchen island and June hopped into the stool beside her. Both women listened quietly to whatever hole Heather was going to dig herself into.

“They’re just these underdeveloped boys, hiding behind masks, trying to make it look like something more sophisticated.”

“What about Exodus, then?” June chimed in. Livia knocked her knee against June’s leg but was ignored. “If DD was there, I’d guess Exodus was, too.”

“DD?” Livia laughed slightly.

June shrugged with a small smile.

“She’s no different.” Heather continued and Livia looked back with raised brows and her mouth pressed in a firm line to keep from saying something stupid. “She’s just as violent, just as…”

“They’re completely different animals.” Matt countered.

“You weren’t there, Matt.” Heather snapped, causing Livia and June to share a look of disbelief of her tone.

“No, I know. I’m just saying that…that Muse tried to kill you and Daredevil saved you.” Matt recovered and June offered him a subtle, sarcastic thumbs up. Livia pushed the blonde’s hand down.

“I saved me.” Heather argued. June struggled to keep her laugh in and had to leave the room, claiming she needed the bathroom. Livia leaned into her hand, deftly covering her mouth to stifle her own giggle. Whatever ground Heather had gained towards Livia’s respect was now negated. “They were all just out there for themselves.”

“If I may…” Livia tried when she regained composure. “I’ve come across both Exodus and Daredevil. He, at least, seems pretty selfless. He’s gotten his ass beat more times than he can probably count, but he gets back up. He cares about the people of this city and she…”

Before Livia could finish the thought, a knock sounded at Matt’s door. He went to open it and Livia heard a familiar voice on the other side asking for Heather.

“Buck?” Livia stepped closer. When he caught sight of her, he smiled and Livia saw Matt shift to block her from sight. “What are you doing here?”

“The mayor wanted me to personally deliver something to Dr. Glenn, and to you and Miss June afterwards. Is she here with you?”

“What it is?” Livia countered.

He reached into his jacket and pulled out an envelope with June’s name written in elaborate calligraphy. Livia’s was next to it, the entirety of her name dancing across the envelope.

Alivia Yersova and Miss June Fisk-Yersova.

“This isn’t her name.” Livia met Buck’s gaze with a fiery one.

“The mayor made an assumption.” Buck offered as an explanation. “I’ll ensure it’s corrected on the guest list.”

“She uses Yersova, same as me.”

“Of course, our mistake.”

Livia gave Buck a once over before lifting the envelope in quiet thanks and switching places with Heather, letting her talk to Fisk’s new right hand. Livia tapped the envelope against her palm as she went back into the apartment. June was back, her cheeks still pink from her hushed laughter.

“Who’s that?” June asked, noticing Matt and Heather still standing in the doorway.

“Buck Cashman.” Livia said honestly. “He was bringing one of these for Heather and turns out there was one for us.”

“What is it?” June held a hand out and Livia carefully handed her the envelope.

“Fisk…” She read, her finger tracing the letters. “I never…”

“It’s okay.” Livia patted June’s arm. “You don’t have to explain.”

June met Livia’s eyes, desperation and confusion playing in her irises. “I never used that last name. I was always just June until you.” She spoke quietly and quickly, as if she was against a timer to get her explanation out.

Livia just smiled softly. “It doesn’t matter to me.” Livia said honestly. “What matters is who you are now.”

“I thought about hyphenating yours and his for a while.” June laughed slightly as she flipped the envelope and broke the seal. “June Murdock-Yersova.”

“Kinda surprised you didn’t just go for Murdock during the Blip.”

June’s hands froze and she blinked quickly, as if the mention of the Blip short-circuited something in her brain or brought up something June hadn’t wanted to think of.

“It’s a joke, Bug.” Livia reached forward and took the envelope from June’s now trembling hands.

Matt and Heather came back into the kitchen area and a tension between the two slapped Livia in the back. She winced quietly at the sharp sting of it but focused on the paper she now held. It was an invitation.

“You want to watch your tone?” Heather challenged, and that was enough to snap June from whatever thoughts she was lost in.

“You want to watch yours?” June threw back and Livia couldn’t react fast enough to catch her. June stepped around Livia, twisting to avoid Livia’s reaching hand, and stood opposite of Heather across the island. “Why so defensive, hmm?”

“June.” Matt tried.

“Hang on.” Livia held up a hand. “She hasn’t done anything wrong yet.”

“Yet.” Matt scoffed.

Heather rolled her eyes and Livia raised her brows in challenge, daring Heather to do it again.

The woman was smart enough not to.

“It’s a work thing.” Heather answered flatly.

“Fisk is a client.” June understood. The way she said it was obvious to Livia and to Matt. June’s intense staredown wasn’t intimidation, like Heather thought it was. It was her using her ability, rummaging  through Heather’s thoughts until she could piece together the truth. “Him and Vanessa, aren’t they?”

“I’m not answering that.”

“If he’s in her life, he’s in yours too.” Livia told Matt, who sighed in response. “That can go very bad for you.”

“And you.” June added over her shoulder.

“And you.” Matt told June.

“He’s the mayor, he’s in everyone’s lives.” Heather reasoned, her tone sounding as if she believed she was the only rational one in the room.

Livia ran a hand down her face and turned to Matt.

“Nam troim nuzhno pogovorit' o moyey vcherashney vstreche.” Livia said under her breath. (The three of us need to talk about my meeting last night.)

Before Matt or June could answer, Heather read off the invitation. It was to a gala about some project at Red Hook Port. Livia couldn’t place it, but something about that place felt familiar, like it was talked about before regarding something.

“You’re not seriously considering going, are you?” Matt asked. “Any of you.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Heather responded first.

“I…” Livia trailed off. She hadn’t had enough time to even process the event, let alone commit to attending. She was still stuck on Red Hook.

“I have some things I need to say.” June reasoned carefully. “Maybe that’ll be a good time.”

“If she’s going, I’m going.” Livia said without thought.

“Heather, he wants to use your trauma to boost his narrative.” Matt reasoned.

“If his narrative is that vigilantes are dangerous, then he’s got my vote.”

“You do see he’s trying to use you, right?” June deadpanned. “It’s what he does.”

“How would you know that?” Heather asked loudly.

Livia shifted on her feet, a slight repositioning of her body that Matt noticed immediately. He came around the other side, putting himself between Livia and Heather. If she was going to swing on the other woman, she’d have to go through Matt first. Unfortunately, that wasn’t as much of a deterrent as he thought it would be. In truth, it made the idea more appealing.

“Because I was one of the FBI agents that testified to the Grand Jury about him.” Livia said before June could be interrogated. “Because I saw first hand how he finds people and breaks them down until they fit. He broke a good…” She paused, reconsidered how she really wanted to describe Poindexter. “He broke a man who was already struggling just because he could. He’s not the person everyone thinks he is, and you standing there and agreeing with him is just ridiculous.”

“Is it?” Heather laughed. “Because you, Livia, weren’t there. You weren’t sliced open like meat at a butcher’s shop for some sick man’s amusement.”

The various scars across Livia’s body that burned with Heather’s words proved otherwise. Her hairline, her abdomen, her leg, her back, her shoulders. Almost every inch of skin was a textured map of her past, a repaired place with a story that would never heal. Never be forgotten. But of course, Livia didn’t know what it felt like.

“Yet here you stand.” Livia breathed, daring a step closer. “Cause Exodus and Daredevil saw something worth saving in you… Beats me what it was.”

“Liv.” Matt tried gently. There was a split second where he reached a hand for her, but almost immediately he thought better of it.

“I’ll be in the car.”

“You’re such a fucking bitch.” June scoffed then hurried after Livia.

“We’ll need dresses.” June said as she caught up with Livia.

“What?” Livia sighed, yanking open her car door.

“For the gala.” June dropped into the passenger seat. “It’s black tie, black and white dress code.”

“Oh… I have something that’ll probably work. You know how to sew?”

“Yeah.”

“I have another dress that you’ll probably like, but it’d have to be tailored to your height even if you wear heels.”

“My waist too, I bet.”

Livia raised a brow.

“Cause I’m skinny.” June’s voice went up an octave and Livia had to laugh. “What color?”

“I’ll be in black… You make more sense in white, matches your color palette better.”

“Cause I’m blonde?”

“Cause you’re pale as a ghost.”

“Every single man you’ve dated has been a white man.”

“Marc wasn’t white.”

“Who the fuck is Marc?”

Livia just laughed to herself.

“I’m gonna be the bigger person and forgive that little comment since you’re upset.”

“I’m not upset.” Livia shook her head. “Muse would’ve cut her into pieces if Matt and I hadn’t been there, and she’s blaming us, like we sent Muse after her. Trust me, I know not everyone will like what we do, but generally they lean our way more once we’ve helped them.”

“She’s definitely something.” June agreed. “Why did you want me to be so nice and respectful towards her anyways? We never talked about that last night.”

Livia sighed, taking one look to see if Matt was on his way. He wasn’t yet.

“In the Room, they were always putting us down to put another one of us up. We were all cruel to each other… When I left, I said that I wouldn’t be like that to another woman without reason.”

“Is there a reason now?”

“There just might be.”

“Do you think Matt will go to the gala?”

“Do you?”

June looked towards Matt’s apartment building as she thought. Livia wasn’t sure if that was all she was doing or if she was reaching out with her ability, but Livia didn’t interrupt her either way. Instead, she rested her head back and closed her eyes.

She had a nagging feeling in the back of her mind all morning, like someone familiar had a hook in her brain and was giving it a tug. There was a word for the feeling that was trying to get through to her but her mental walls were so firm that it had no chance. All she could make out was that the source was familiar.

“I think he will.” June finally spoke. “I think he’s worried about Heather now, but also for me. Since I said I wanted to talk to Fisk, I think that’s reason enough for him to go, but he’ll tell Heather it’s for her sake.”

“Makes sense.” Livia agreed.

“For you, too.”

Livia opened her eyes and turned to June. In the process, she saw Matt coming towards her car. “What makes you say that?”

“He still thinks about you all the time.” June shrugged.

All Livia did was hum in response before Matt got in. No one said anything on the ride to the office but the trend still was thick, forming a lump in Livia’s throat. She toyed with her necklace and collar of her shirt, coughing slightly to clear her airway. It didn’t do much to help.

When they got to the office, Livia took a deep breath outside the car. June went ahead of them, more interested in her text message than walking in together.

“Are you okay?” Matt asked, taking his familiar position at her side. “June called last night, said you two got into an argument.”

“Yeah, just in a weird place, I guess.” She answered smoothly. “The invitation was an odd development, threw me for a loop.”

“No kidding.” Matt agreed, knowing better than to push on her status. She was silently thankful. “I’m more surprised June wants to go.”

“I think she just wants closure. I don’t blame her. I don’t think there’s a length I wouldn’t go to to at least try for it Yelena and I even tracked down Clint Barton cause we thought he was responsible for Natasha...”

“Hmm.” He nodded slightly. “Do you… Do you have a guest in mind?”

“No. You think June will invite Joaquin? She was pretty locked in on her phone just now.”

“She won’t even invite the guy for dinner.” Matt scoffed slightly. “I doubt she wants him anywhere close to Fisk.”

“Guy’s probably too busy anyways, being an Avenger and all. It’s an upgrade from back alley vigilante, I’ll give her that.”

“Hang on.” Matt laughed. “Back alley?”

Livia only offered a teasing shrug, turning to face him and walk backwards through the office door.

“You’re late.” Kirsten scolded as soon as you righted your direction.

“Fashionably.” Matt answered.

“Ten is fashionable. 35 is just not cool.”

“My fault.” Livia put a hand up slightly. “I couldn’t find my wallet this morning.”

“That’s it?” She raised a brow, coming over to the two once she ended her call. She scrutinized Livia’s face before turning to Matt, lifting his glasses for a moment. “You both look like you just got out a Jersey fight club.”

“Yeah, you should see the other guy.” Livia commented with a small eye roll. Matt gave a small chuckle beside her, and for a split second, she almost believed everything was normal between them.

“What’s going on, Kirsten?” Matt asked. “Why is Madison calling a panic meeting?”

Livia patted Matt’s shoulder and stepped around them while Kirsten explained what was going on. Livia felt the other woman’s eyes on her for a moment then a hand closed on her arm and pulled her back.

“Before that, there’s something you both need to hear.” Kirsten explained.

Livia felt a new tightness between her shoulder blades.

“Poindexter.”

The tug in her head came back with more force, a second hook finding purchase in her chest. She coughed slightly to try and clear the new sensation.

“Two days ago, he was moved from protective custody and released into gen pop.”

“Any chance we can get a front row seat?” Matt tried to joke and Livia elbowed him in the ribs before she could think.

“Why would they do that? Either he’ll kill someone or someone’ll kill him.” Livia’s brows furrowed as she thought it through. That had to have been the point, to get him killed.

“A friend from the Southern District called with this because apparently Poindexter wants to talk with you.” Kirsten met Livia’s eyes.

“Me?” She asked, though there wasn’t much need for the confirmation. It made sense Dex would want to talk to her. It made sense that she was the one he was trying to reach out to, and at the same time, the tugs in her body made sense.

“Matt, too, but mainly you.”

“Why us?” Matt questioned when Livia was silent.

“I have no idea and I don’t care. Neither should you two.” Kirsten answered firmly.

“Then why tell us?” Livia scoffed slightly. There was a new defensiveness in her words, in her body language. She felt the sudden urge to be protective over Dex, to go and help him.

But what sense did that make? He had killed one of her best friends. He had tried to kill her. He had tried to kill Matt. She was willing to be that if he had the chance, he would’ve tried to kill June, too.

Yet there it was, crawling between her skin and muscles, coiling her body like she was prearping to strike. It was the pull in her head and heart, it was the thump of her blood in her ears, it was the draw of her shoulders together.

“Who moved him?” Livia asked.

“Mayor Fisk.” Kirsten said simply before grabbing Matt’s sleeve and pulling him towards the conference room.

“Don’t do anything stupid about this.” Matt told Livia, pointing a finger at her while Kirsten kept him on track. “We’ll talk about this later.”

Livia waved a hand but said nothing.

She went to her desk and found June had pulled her own chair over and was sitting, staring at her leather covered hands.

“I don’t know if I have gloves nice enough.” June mumbled.

“You could go without them.” Livia offered and June’s head snapped up, eyes blown wide at the suggestion. “You’ve got it pretty under control from what I can tell, Bug. Trust yourself.”

“But what if I’m not thinking and I use it on someone? Or I get upset and I use it?” June reasoned, shaking her head fiercely. “It’s too much of a risk. I can’t.”

“June.” Livia sat in her chair.

“No.” June said sharply. “I’m not ready.”

“Okay… Okay, maybe the excess fabric will be enough to throw a pair together.”

June offered a small smile in thanks. “So.” June blew out a sigh and crossed her arms, tucking her hands into her armpits. “What was that about, with Matt and Kirsten?”

“Um…” Livia leaned around, seeing an obstructed view of her friends in the conference room with their client. “There was a different kind of invitation waiting for us…”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning someone else wants to talk to me, and Matt to a lesser extent.”

“And the fact that you won’t say who is concerning.”

“You won’t like who it is.”

“That doesn’t really narrow it down.”

“I know, I just… Matt’s not gonna want me to go but something in me is tellling me to go.”

“Liv.” June reached over and put her hand on Livia’s arm. Her leatherclad touch was cold, despite her hands having been tucked away. Livia winced away from it. “You can tell me. Hell, I might even be on your side for it.”

“You won’t be.” Livia shook her head. “If I do this, I’m probably going to have to do it alone.”

“Why do you keep doing that? You’re not alone anymore.”

“You wouldn’t understand.”

“Then tell me!”

“I’m not doing this here.” Livia hissed as Kirsten came around to her side of the desk.

“What is going on with him?” Kirsten asked quickly. The woman was at the end of her road regarding Matt, and it was a familiar scene. Briefly, Livia thought of how exhausted karen and Foggy had been when Matt was displaying the same tendecies when Daredevil was first starting. “It can’t just be the Poindexter thing.”

“Waht Poindexter thing?” June’s ears perked up.

“Nothing.” Livia told June before looking back to Kirsten. “He’s just overwhelmed, I guess. I don’t know. Him and I haven’t been talking all that much lately. Heather might know.”

“He said it feels useless, what we do here.”

“He gets that way sometimes.” Livia sighed, already getting to her feet. “I’ll try talking to him. Where’d he take off to?”

“Your guess is as good as mine.” She shrugged. “But he can’t just come in late and insult clients and…”

“I know. He’s out of line. I’ll handle it.”

Kirsten sighed but nodded. She offered June a tight smile then went back to work. June, however, was not done with the conversation. She stood and blocked Livia from going anywhere.

“Poindexter?” Her brows went up and she said the word like an accusation.

“What about him?” Livia challenged calmly.

“That’s who wants to see you, isn’t it?”

“What difference does it make, June?”

“Because he killed Foggy!”

“Thank you for that reminder. I nearly forgot.” Livia spat sarcastically, stepping around June to go chase after Matt.

“You can’t go see him.”

“That’s not up to you.”

“You won’t even hear me out?”

“No, I won’t. I don’t tell you how to live your life. You can’t tell me how to live mine.”

“I can, actually.” June threatened. A moment of silence, the shuffle of fabric, and a bare hand around Livia’s wrist. There was no thrum of June’s power against Livia’s skin, no sensation of being marionetted or the dizzying feeling of June’s command washing over, but Livia recognized the threat in the touch.

They were out on the street by then and Livia acted mostly on instinct than anything. She whirled on June, backing the blonde up against the closest wall. Livia didn’t pull herself free, just pressed the opposing forearm against June’s chest.

“Don’t you fucking dare.” Livia said lowly, nearly a threat of her own in her tone.

June swallowed, eyes darting between Livia’s.

“Let go of me.” June tried.

“Let go of me.” Livia countered.

There was a moment of stillness, of both women holding their ground. Livia’s skin flushed with heat, with anger.

How could June even threaten to use her power? How could June threaten Livia’s autonomy? Who was June to decide who Livia could or couldn’t talk to? Livia had no intention of listening to anything even Matt would say on the matter. If she decided to go, she was going to go, and no one was going to stop her.

Both of June’s hands came into view, lifting in quiet surrender. Livia backed away.

“I wasn’t going to do it.” June said quietly.

“Maybe we do need gloves for the gala.” Livia said instead.

She turned away from June without another word and made her way down the street. She tried Matt’s cell, but of course he wouldn’t answer. She left only one message before giving up. Footsteps fell into stride beside her but she didn’t need to look to know it was June. Instead, she focused on her ability. She pushed it out, let it seek familiar people. Familiar emotions.

A far off one, longing and lonesome.

Dex.

She blocked that pathway quickly, then she reeled it in. Focusing closer. More local.

It took a bit, but eventually, she found him.

“So how’d you manage to convince him?” June asked as the two women approached the entrance to the subway.

“I didn’t.” Livia answered quickly. She held a finger to her lips and motioned for June to follow. “Something else did.” Livia’s hands moved with her mouthed words, signing what she couldn’t say out loud.

June’s light footsteps hurried to get beside Livia.

“This is good, right? That he’s picking you?” June’s hands were frantically moving, a slight sound coming from the friction of her gloves.

Livia shrugged. “I don’t think it’s about me. Maybe it’s about you.”

“It’s always about you.”

Livia shook her head as she considered what June had signed.

Not everything Matt did was related to Livia. At least, she didn’t think so. Starting Nelson and Murdock way back when had nothing to do with her. Starting Daredevil had nothing to do with her. Dating Heather wasn’t about her. Her footsteps stopped when she realized where her train of thought took her. She sighed to herself.

Getting over Matt was going to be tougher than the last time, not that she ever really could say she had. There was the potential with Billy but it never had a chance.

“Everything okay?” June’s hands moved, eyes darting to scan their surroundings.

“We’re not alone.” Livia’s hands absently moved in response. “Matt’s here.”

“Matt?” June repeated the sign, a quick hand over the eyes and then two fingers to make devil horns.

Of course, the sign was her idea.

“That was fast.” The blonde’s hands finished just as Matt approached.

“We need a plan.” Livia spoke quietly, her voice hardly a whisper. June took a step closer. “Alter. What do you got?”

“Me?” June barely managed to keep her volume down.

“You wanted to do this.”

“Well…” June looked in the direction they were supposed to be headed. “Someone will have to get Angela.”

“If she’s here.”

“Right. And then there’s the Muse guy… Exodus is the best fighter here. She takes on Muse.”

“Hang on.” Matt chuckled slightly. “I wouldn’t say she’s the best.”

“I would and it’s my plan so shut up.” June countered easily.

Livia didn’t bother to hide her smile.

“I’m the quietest so I’ll go for Angela, which leaves Red as backup.”

“Don’t worry about anything else, not unless he gets past us. In that case, defend yourself first.” Livia instructed.

“But Angela-“ June tried.

“You can’t do anything for Angela if something happens to you.” Matt answered in the same hushed tone Livia was using.

June pursed her lips, a slight lift to her top lip to signify her disapproval of their very parental tones. “Okay.”

June went first, then Livia and Matt only a beat behind.

Livia reached out and caught his wrist before they got too close to where they were headed.

“Thanks for being here.” She let it slip, speaking before her brain could stop the words, and she closed her eyes tightly with regret for a moment. “She really wanted you here.” She tried t recover.

“Yeah, well… Had to do it for the little guy, right?” He tilted his head, probably winked under his cowl, then disappeared.

June grinned so widely behind her mask that it lit up her eyes even in the dim light of the tunnel. Livia gently pushed the blonde away before following Matt.

They had to flatten against the wall as a train went by. June ducked slightly behind Livia, probably hiding her eyes from the air rushing by. Matt, however, didn’t seem to stop. In fact, it was as if he started running.

Livia grabbed June’s hand and took off running, pulling the younger woman behind her. After a few steps, June found her stride and the two were quickly approaching the tunnel they saw Matt disappear down.

The two women entered a wide open room, every wall covered with sketches. Matt was standing in the center while the person she could only assume was Muse was on the floor.

“She’s alive.” Matt told June, dawning the gruff tone he always used as Daredevil. “Be careful taking that stuff out of her.”

“On it.” June hurried.

Livia saw Muse move before Matt noticed. In a smooth motion, she pulled a staff and her arm shot out. Whatever Muse had grabbed as a weapon collided with her own, maybe a foot above Matt’s head. She delivered calculated shots to his ribs with her other hand, backing him towards the closest wall. Her eyes darted to the object and she realized it was a knife.

Muse dropped his other shoulder and slammed it into her chest. She stumbled a few steps back, shifted the grip on her staff, and dropped to a kneel to avoid the blade that was coming for her throat. She hooked her staff behind one of Muse’s knees and yanked, throwing him to his back. She almost thought she heard a pop from his knee, but it could’ve been any sound echoing off the brick walls.

“I can’t get it!” June yelled. “It’s in too deep!”

Livia turned, instinctively drawn to the panic in June’s voice. She saw the contraption buried into one of Angela’s legs and it made her sick to her stomach. She sucked in a staggered breath before something solid hit the back of her head.

Her vision went double for a moment as she fell forward onto her hands. Instead of ten fingers, she saw a blurry twenty. She couldn’t blink it away. Her hands flexed, attempting to grip anything on the floor to steady her head, but came up empty. Just nails dragging on the surface.

She was wobbly as she got to her feet again, tucking her staff away.

Matt had taken over the fight with Muse. She could hear them clearly. When she glanced over her shoulder at them, their figures blurred together and she could hardly tell them apart. She recognized Matt’s build more than anything.

“Exodus!” June called. Livia looked back and saw the way the younger woman was looking at her. June was scared, uncertain with what to do next.

“I’m fine.” Livia lied. She ran a hand under her nose and saw the streak of something across her glove. “Just worry about that.”

She pulled a knife of her own and faced Muse again. With all the strength she could find, she forced her vision to clear. She saw Matt go down and Muse focused on her. His head cocked and his eyes studied her, like a new creature to be dissected. She didn’t know what he was looking for. She didn’t quite care. All she knew was that she didn’t like it, didn’t like anything about his attention, but she knew she needed to keep it so June could finish.

“You talk?” She asked, letting the familiar accent soak into her words.

A single shake of his head.

“Hmm.” She gave a nod. “Blood?” She used the tip of her blade to gesture to her own face, the same area the streaks of his mask were.

A cock of his head.

“English?” She enunciated the word, as if he were stupid. It did something though because she felt the anger spark.

Was that why it would take? To treat him like a child or like an idiot?

Livia almost smiled at how easy that was to figure out.

“Yes, English.” She nodded. “Just stupid then.”

“Exodus.” Matt mumbled from the ground. He was gathering his wits but it was taking longer than she would’ve liked.

She waved off his concerns.

“Weak.” She moved forward with predatory steps.

Muse recognized that and faltered, shuffling backwards and shifting his weight uncomfortably. She smiled and knew she had to look crazy.

Maybe it was the head injury. Maybe she just was crazy. It was all the same to her.

“Scared.”

Something in Muse’s expression darkened but he still hesitated. Livia watched him shift the blade in his hand, his eyes darting between her face and her own knife.

She dared a glance down towards Matt. He was kneeling now, breathing deeply with blood coating his teeth.

She had a comment on how he was out of practice and getting beat on by a no name in an alcove, but Muse tackled her before she could say it.

The impact knocked the air from her lungs and her head banged the concrete ground. Bright spots bloomed across her vision while she was pinned. Her knife had fallen away and Muse’s hand was on her face, gripping her cheeks and tilting her head up.

Her blood was pounding in her ears. Her vision was blurring, coming in and out of focus. The grip on her powers was steadily slipping. She could feel the threat of unconsciousness getting closer, putting her in danger with every breath.

The only thing that seemed to break through was panic.

Matt’s. June’s. Probably her own.

His other arm raised high and she barely had the good sense to throw her arms up to block it. His forearm hit hers, leaving the tip of the blade an inch or two from her neck.

She didn’t really see another way out of it, so she bit him.

Hard.

She didn’t let go till she tasted the blood then she spit it back in his face.

“Ha!” She celebrated as he fell off of her. 

Matt helped pull Livia up, holding her arms as she steadied. He put a hand to her head, fingers inching along the side of her head. She knew he was looking for whatever injury the blows had left, but he wouldn’t find it. Livia could tell by the thump of her own pulse in the wound that it was at the back of her head, near the strap for her mask. The strap was probably now stained with blood and the only thing holding her brains in her head.

“Exodus, I need your help!” June called.

Livia gave Matt’s forearm a squeeze before hurrying to June’s side, stumbling slightly as she reached the table. June scanned Livia quickly but said nothing about what she saw.

“If I pull this out, I’m scared I’ll lose her.” June said quickly. “She’s already lost a lot of blood and her pulse is thready as is.”

“What do you need me to do?” Livia asked, looking away for a moment to see Matt and Muse locked in a fight. For a moment, it looked like Matt was letting Muse hit him.

“Be ready, I guess. I-” June shrugged in a small panic. “I don’t know… I’m scared.”

“I know.” Livia faced June again. “But this is the job, kid. We do what we can.”

“I know, I just-“ She sighed. “Okay. Let’s do it.”

Livia flexed her hands, igniting both Bites.

She had forgotten about them until that moment, but they could serve as a decent defibrillator if needed.

For as much as she wanted to talk about Matt being out of practice, she didn’t seem much better.

June’s hands closed on the device in Angela’s leg and she gave a shuddering breath.

“Wait.” Matt rasped.

Livia looked up to find him but saw Muse coming instead. The knife was raised high and Livia reacted quickly. She knocked into June with her hip to force the blonde to the ground. While June was yelling about getting checked, Livia fired both Bites at Muse’s chest. The man staggered enough to give Matt a chance to get fully on his feet.

Livia took a breath and swayed on her feet. Her vision was blurring again, her balance failing. She had to grip the edge of the table to steady herself.

She nudged the side of her mask with her shoulder, pressing until she got it to scan Angela’s vitals. The girl's heart rate was steadily dropping.

“We’re gonna lose her.” Livia mumbled, eyes welling with tears.

But if someone asked her whether it was due to her own injuries or the idea of Angela dying in front of her, she didn’t have an answer.

“Ex?” June put a hand on her shoulder.

“You remember your CPR?” Livia said instead, picking up her head to find Matt.

“Please don’t.” June groaned.

“Not me.” Livia shook her head slightly. “Her.”

She found Matt, his wire around Muse’s throat and dangling the man off the ground.

“Red.” Livia said firmly.

From the corner of her eye, she saw June scrabbling to find Angela’s pulse.

She wasn’t loud enough.

“Red.” She tried with more force.

Still not enough and they were running out of time.

“Daredevil!” She yelled.

His head snapped towards her and he dropped the wire immediately. He rushed to the other side of the table. She came around to his side to watch his back while he began CPR compressions. Muse was nowhere to be seen.

Livia disengaged her Bites and put a hand to the back of her head. Her fingertips came back wet with blood. She cursed to herself and wiped the blood on her pant leg.

She heard June laugh nervously, Angela’s small voice, Matt’s gruff response.

That was the last thing she processed before she collapsed.

—————————————

Livia’s eyes opened slowly.

She was on her side on a couch that wasn’t hers. The cushions were stiffer than hers, like it was newer or just less used.

She sat up slowly and felt the blood rushing away from her head. It made her dizzy, unable to truly get her bearings in her uncertain surroundings. It was all vaguely familiar, but she couldn’t remember how she had gotten there. She leaned her elbows to her knees and rested her head in her hands.

When she heard the feet coming towards her, given that her eyes wouldn’t fully adjust to the light, she tensed. Habitually, a hand snuck to her waist but her belt was gone. She wasn’t even in her suit anymore but a borrowed set of comfortable clothes that were a size or two too big.

Suddenly, a sense of vulnerability shot down her spine when the hand touched her shoulder.

“Hey.” He said softly.

She blinked until she could bear the light, which wasn’t saying much, then she looked up slowly. She wished for sunglasses more than anything. She gave a small shake to her head, hoping to break through the dizziness. It was a stupid idea. The shake only made it worse.

She realized that it was just Matt and her vulnerability melted into comfort.

Of course it was Matt. Of course it was his clothes, his couch, his apartment. Of course he was there when she needed someone.

He stood in front of her, seemingly keeping his distance while she regained her bearings. He had only a towel around his waist, water dripping off his hair and down his shoulders. She glanced over the scars across his torso, thinking briefly how each of them took a piece from Matt as they had healed. How even she had taken pieces of him with the wounds.

“How do you feel?” He asked.

The distance felt strange. Livia didn’t like it, especially when he took a step back and his hand fell away.

The ghost of electricity from his touch lingered under the borrowed shirt.

“I don’t remember how I got here.” She confessed. “I barely remember the-” She trailed off with the single letter as she registered another presence.

Heather.

Of course Heather was there.

“I should go.” Livia pushed herself to her feet, swaying slightly.

At that, Matt reached out to steady her. It was a habit to reach back, to let him catch her and stabilize her, to keep her safe and on her feet. Her eyes closed as his hands were on her, one at her elbow and the other on her back. She grabbed onto his arms in return, careful not to dig in with her nails. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself feel the ignition under her skin where he touched her.

“Livia?” Heather’s voice broke through. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” Livia answered through gritted teeth. Matt gave her elbow a slight squeeze. “Just got up too fast, I guess.”

“We were worried about you.”

We.

The use of that word grated against her nerves. It felt so intentional, so final, like there was no place for her in their space.

“Appreciate it.” She forced herself to stand tall, opening her eyes and flashing a humble smile. “Rough night, I guess.”

“I bet, considering the raccoon eyes.” She crossed her arms and leaned against the closest wall. 

“What?” Livia furrowed her brows.

She reached for the back of her head and found a tender spot she had to clench her jaw not to wince at the contact with. She noted the way Matt’s head cocked, hearing something she didn’t.

It was probably fractured then, meaning Heather’s comment on “raccoon eyes” wasn’t a way of her saying Livia looked tired.

“What happened?”

“Heather.” Matt said, a hint of warning in his tone.

“It’s…” Livia shrugged a shoulder. “I don’t remember. I must’ve hit my head somehow? I’m just gonna call June and-”

“I’m already here.” June came out of Matt’s bedroom. “I was looking for something.”

“Were you in my room?” Matt’s head tilted.

June waved him off then her pointed expression landed on Heather. “The ‘racoon eyes’ is called Battle’s Sign, by the way. Is there a problem about it?”

“I just need my clothes then.” Livia nodded once. She knew to nip the tension in the bud before it became a bigger fight she didn’t want to deal with. Judging by the way Heather pressed her lips into a line, there were some choice words she had for June. “Bug, can you-”

“I have them.” She lifted a backpack Livia hadn’t noticed.

“Okay.” Livia ran a hand through her hair. “I’ll wash these this weekend and bring them back.”

“You don’t have to go, Liv.” Matt tried. “You can shower and get ready here.”

“I’ve overstayed as it is.”

“Not really.” June mumbled.

“Dostatochno.” Livia hissed. “Let’s just go.” (Enough.)

“Pochemu ty pozvolyayesh' yey proyavlyat' k tebe neuvazheniye?” (Why do you let her disrespect you?)

“YA ne sobirayus' bol'she s vami razgovarivat' na etu temu, ne zdes'.” (I’m not having this conversation with you again, not here.)

“Pochemu? Ona ne ponimayet.” June threw a hand in Heather’s direction. (Why not? She can’t understand.)

“YA mogu... V osnovnom.” Matt raised a lazy hand. (I can… Mostly.)

“Well, that’s just unfair.” Heather awkwardly chuckled.

“Sorry.” Livia offered a polite, seemingly embarrassed smile. “It’s a habit… Thank you both, again. Matt, we’ll see you at the office.”

“I’ll walk you out.” He gestured for her to go ahead.

“I can find it on my own.” Livia slipped around him, taking extra caution not to touch.

“C’mon, Liv.” He scoffed slightly.

“I said I’m fine.” She said, sharper that time. “Besides, you don’t have clothes on. Imagine what your neighbors will think.”

“That’s not what this is about. Is it?” He asked quietly.

“I’m not doing this with you either.” Livia left, not even waiting to see if June was behind her.

They were back at their apartment when either of them spoke again.

“Angela got to a hospital.” June offered gently, leaning on the doorframe of Livia’s bedroom.

Livia was currently holding a handheld mirror behind her, trying to see the split at the back of her skull. All she could really see, no matter how she split her hair, was the deep purples and blues of bruising. The area was still tender to touch but the bruising around her eyes had settled.

“That’s good.” Livia agreed.

“Do you need one?”

“You said it was Battle’s Sign. You know what that means?” Livia glanced quickly before giving up on trying to find the wound. Instead, she worked on positioning her hair to hide the discoloration. She’d add a french pin or a clip to keep it there later.

“Skull fracture.”

“Mhmm. What other signs does that entail?”

“You’re deflecting with an emergency care pop quiz.” June frowned.

“And it’s working.” Livia smiled innocently.

“It’s really not.”

“Fine.” Livia conceded. “I don’t need a hospital. I’m pretty sure the bones are back together.”

“Matt’s still in love with you, by the way.”

“Ay, June.” Livia looked at June in the mirror. “This again?”

“He caught you.”

“Big deal.”

“He ditched Angela and caught you.” June emphasized. “Why are you so against the idea of you two getting back together?”

Livia tossed the mirror to her bed and spun to face June. “He’s happy with Heather. He told me himself. I can’t get in the way of that.”

“When did he tell you that?”

“A few nights ago. What difference does it make?”

“Because at that point, you hadn’t gone limp in front of him.” June’s eyes went wide, her head bobbing as if it should’ve been obvious. “You didn’t see the way he held you…”

“He would’ve done that for you, too.”

“Cause he loves me like family.” June agreed. “He loves you differently. I know he still loves you.”

“You know cause he told you or you know cause you went looking for it?” Livia’s brows raised with the accusation.

“I may have gone looking.” She shrugged, hands up in surrender. “But, Liv, his thoughts are loud. He’s not always easy to ignore.”

“What did I tell you about that?”

“That Matt can’t tell the same way you can so I need to be more intentful on not listening.” June repeated the line Livia had said on several occasions. “I try. But it’s like the guy thinks into a megaphone or something.”

“Maybe changing your focus can help.” Livia sighed and sat at her vanity. She dug gently through her drawers for a hair clip.  “On the walk home, I was thinking… Angela knows who saved her and it won’t take long for the news to get out into the city.”

“And?”

“And the mayor has a vendetta against vigilantes, specifically two of the ones there last night. We’re all potentially in danger right now.” She gently clipped her hair, mindful of the tender spot.

“You think he’ll come after us.”

“I think he’s capable of sending someone… I don’t want you to be paranoid but I do want you to be careful.” She adjusted her bangs before spinning in her seat to face June. “Promise me that?”

“Yeah, of course.” June nodded. “Should we talk to Matt about this?”

“I don’t know.” Livia sighed again. “I’m not sure he wants to keep the suit out so maybe he’ll brush it off. My concern is that Fisk gave us a warning already.”

“What?” June pushed off the doorframe. “He threatened you guys?”

“Just that we shouldn’t ‘go back to our old ways’ or something dramatic.” Livia waved a hand. “I wasn’t really listening.”

“What if…” June trailed, chewing the fingertip of her glove. “Maybe I should talk to him.”

“Do you want to?”

“Do I?” She looked at Livia with a certain vulnerability, a desperation that she hadn’t seen in her face since… Well, maybe ever.

“Come.” She gestured June towards the bed. “Sit.”

June plopped on the bed with a dramatic sigh.

“I don’t understand how I feel about Fisk.” June said softly. “It doesn’t make sense.”

“Feelings don’t always make sense.” Livia nodded.

“Can’t you just tell me what it means?”

“I wish I could, but this is something you have to figure out on your own.”

“But it’s not! Your ability is made for stuff like this. …Isn’t it?”

“It would only make sense to me if it makes sense to you.”

“Ugh!” June exclaimed and threw herself backwards on the bed. Livia chuckled to herself. “I hate him, but at the same time, I don’t.”

“That’s family, I guess…”

“No, it’s not.” June propped herself up on her elbows to stare at Livia. “You and Matt and Karen and Frank and Fog-…” June’s voice cracked at the half-mention of Foggy. Livia offered an understanding nod instead of mentioning that her rare Sokovian accent slipped out. “You guys are family, not him.”

“That’s kinda how I think about Alexei.”

“Alexei? Like… Like Yelena’s dad, Alexei?”

“Good ol’ Uncle Alex, yeah…”

“I thought you guys settled it after that day at the Room.”

“I can’t let go of this resentment towards him.” Livia shook her head. “I tried to forgive him like Yel, but I can’t. I know he’s part of my family and I know he raised me, and yeah, maybe- Maybe somehow, in his own twisted way, he did care about me and Natasha and Yelena. But he also handed us back to the Room on a silver platter.”

“If you were in my situation and accepting his apology could protect everyone, would you?”

“Alexei would never apologize.”

“That’s not the point.”

“Fisk would apologize to you and only you.” Livia continued. “Because he still sees you as family. If you want to talk to him, I won’t stop you. If you want my honest opinion, I’ll give it. But you have to make this decision.”

“Why?” June insisted. “Why are you trying so hard to humanize him?”

“I just don’t want you to have any regrets with the choices you’ve made.” Livia said honestly.

“I don’t.”

Livia gave a singular nod.

She wanted to believe June. With everything in her, she wanted to believe her. There was a part of Livia, a more recent and nagging part of her, that wondered if June had chosen her and Matt as the lesser of two evils. A normal life was easier to live when you picked people who had no real parental claim over you. Who were Matt or Livia to tell June what she could or couldn’t do? With the hard to ignore distance between them now, Livia couldn’t ignore the possibility anymore.

“Liv, I don’t.” June stood quickly and reached for Livia’s hands. “You were the only one who treated me like a person those first few times we met, even after I almost made Matt walk off a ledge.”

“I’ve stabbed him a handful of times so I’d say we’re about even.”

“And you cut me up like it was nothing.”

“You also nearly made me blow my own head off.”

“Yet here we are.” June smiled. “I would pick you two over him in a heartbeat. The only chance that I don’t is some alternate universe where I manage to kill you or we never leave the Room or something like that where we’re both absolutely miserable. Ponimat’?” (Understand?)

“I love you, Bug.” Livia smiled softly.

Instead of answering, June practically threw herself into Livia’s lap for a hug.

When Livia and June finally made it to the office, the fog in Livia’s head had practically cleared. There was a dull pressure in her skull but it was nothing a couple Tylenol and some water couldn’t fix. She covered the bruising around her eyes with concealer but the dilated pupils would have to settle on their own. If she turned her head too fast, her vision was blurry for a second or two but a polite smile and a blink usually covered up her hesitations.

Kirsten tried to talk to her but she was more interested in Cherry storming out of the conference room.

“Chto eto bylo?” Livia mumbled to June. (What was that about?)

June watched Cherry go, her brows furrowed slightly in concentration. “Vchera vecherom on byl nedovolen uchastiyem Metta.” (Last night, he’s not happy about Matt’s involvement.)

“Hmm.” Livia looked over at Matt, still standing in the conference room. She watched him knock against the thick wood table, the grip on his cane tightening. “Go check on him.” Livia gently pushed June towards the conference room.

“Yeah, something’s off lately.” Kirsten agreed, watching June go for a moment before focusing back on Livia. “You got a message this morning, by the way.”

“Me?” She didn’t bother hiding her surprise.

“From the Mayor’s office.” Kirsten nodded slowly, brows raised in agreement. “Some guy, Mr. Cashman, I think, asked for you to come in to see Mayor Fisk today.”

“Oh.” Livia’s eyes flicked to June and Matt. They were still in conversation and neither were paying attention to the world outside the conference room. “Did he say a time?”

“You’re gonna go?” She laughed in disbelief.

“Humor me.” Livia smiled innocently. “Maybe he wants to ask me on a date.”

Kirsten had to laugh. “Any man with sense would.”

“Even some without.” She winked before heading to her desk, Kirsten close on her heels.

“Have you met this guy before?”

“Once in passing.” Livia shrugged. “When Fisk was running, they were walking by on the street. Cashman told me to move, I said bite me, he said he would move me if he had to. I threatened to dislocate his arm in a way a hospital couldn’t safely put back.”

“Wow.” Kirsten’s eyes went wide. “Yknow, I forget you’re a black belt sometimes.”

Livia forgot that too. It was the story Matt had told to explain some of her bruises and reactions. Apparently, Livia was just a highly skilled martial artist, which wasn’t technically a lie when she really thought about it.

“You and nearly everyone else I’ve ever met. Benefits of having such a winning personality and a lovely smile.” Livia grinned. “Cashman didn’t say what he wanted though, did he?”

“Not at all.” Kirsten leaned on the edge of Livia’s desk. “Just ‘at your earliest convenience’. But he didn’t say you had to go alone.”

Livia raised her brows in question.

“Bring Matt.” She urged.

“I’d rather not.”

“Given your histories with Fisk, I think-“

“I think he’s got too much going on to worry about this.” Livia countered calmly. “If it’s more than just a chat, I’ll loop him in. Otherwise, what’s the point?”

Kirsten just sighed. “You two are going to be the death of me.” She said, shaking her head as she walked away.

Livia was able to keep to herself till just about lunchtime. June was at Livia’s desk instead of her own for most of the day. June had brought her desk chair and had her feet up, swaying side to side as she fiddled with her Ipad. Livia gave up on the concept of June using it for work when she heard the aggressive typing and stifled giggles.

“Hey.” Matt said, tapping Livia’s chair with the end of his cane. “How’re you feeling?”

“I’m good.” She nodded.

“Are you?” June challenged.

Livia looked over at June and smiled widely. “I’m great, June, thank you.”

Matt chuckled slightly. “Are you busy?”

“Just wrapping up.” Livia answered, not looking at him. “Everything good?”

“Yeah, I was gonna go check on Angela at the hospital. Just came to see if you wanted to come with me.”

“You guys can finish your conversation from this morning.” June mumbled. Livia shoved the blonde’s feet off the desk in response.

Truthfully, Livia wanted to check on Angela, but her eyes were tired. Her head still ached. She wanted to just go lay down in her bedroom with the curtains closed, headphones on just for the noise cancelling.

She wanted to die, actually.

Well, maybe. She would revisit the idea after a nap.

And she was still expected at the mayor’s office.

“I’d love to but I have a lunch meeting.” Livia explained, closing her laptop. “June will go with you, though.”

“With who?” Matt cocked his head, brows furrowing behind his glasses.

“Potential client.”

“Who?” June parroted.

“You two have fun. Tell her I’m glad she’s okay.” Livia patted June’s shoulder, collected her belongings, and headed out.

While Livia was on the street, considering waving down a cab, she thought about if she really wanted to go talk to Fisk. She really didn’t, but not going made her look guilty. On the other hand, showing up in the condition she was in would also look guilty. She decided she would call and schedule something for a day or two, that way she had enough time to heal whatever lingering pains she still had. She found the number for the office online and tapped her implant to handle the call as she walked.

“Mayor Fisk’s office, how can I direct your call?” The secretary answered.

“Hi, I’m just returning a message I received at my place of work from someone with the last name Cashman.” Livia explained.

“Alrighty, let me see here…” The woman made a clicking noise with her tongue as she sorted through whatever it was. “Mr. Cashman called, you said?”

“Yes, this morning.”

“Perfect, and your name is?”

“Last name Yersova, first name Alivia.”

“Olivia Yersova. Olivia, Olivia.”

“Alivia.” She emphasized. “With an A.”

“I see. Oh, that’s different. Yes, I have you here. Let me transfer you.”

A cheery, elevator-music type tune played as she waited on the line.

“Ms. Yersova, what a pleasure.” He said, a smile in his words. “How are you today?”

“You know, there are easier ways to get my attention than calling my work.” Livia answered instead.

“I see… Should I have come in person?”

“Yes, just so I could’ve thrown you out myself.”

“Such violence.” He clicked his tongue in mock disappointment. “What if I just wanted to chat?”

“No man ever wants to just ‘chat’, Mr. Cashman.” Livia shook her head to herself.

“Please, call me Buck.”

“Let’s not get too familiar now. What exactly would you have wanted to chat about?”

“I assume that means you won’t be coming by today.”

“No, I will not. I’m just so busy.”

“Yet you made the time to call me back.”

She couldn’t help but laugh. Was he flirting with her or was he just being charming to get on her good side? Did he think that being nice and respectful would get her to drop her defenses and tell him exactly what he wanted to know? She found that she didn’t quite care about what his reasoning was. The back and forth with him was fun and harmless enough, so why not continue flirting with him? Maybe she could flip it on him and get information on Fisk.

“And you answered.” She countered smoothly. “What does that say about you?”

“Maybe I was waiting by the phone for your call.”

“Not many women swoon over a desperate man.”

Personally, she liked her men to be a little desperate but that was really none of Buck’s business.

“I beg to differ, within reason of course.”

“Ah, within reason.” She repeated with a smile. It really was fun. “And what would that reason be this time, Mr. Cashman?”

He cleared his throat before answering and Livia knew exactly what that meant. Her little jabs and comments were getting to him in exactly the way she intended. He was likely having just as much fun as she was.

“Mayor Fisk would like to set a meeting with you, Ms. Yersova.” He said after a few beats of silence. “It’s quite important.”

“I bet it is.” She mumbled. “I think I can guess what it’s referring to.”

“Shall I get you on the schedule, perhaps a business dinner?”

“If I say no?”

“I’m sure you know what that implies.”

“Do you?” She countered quickly, almost defensively.

“Not all.” He said, seemingly honest. “But I do know what you’re potentially connected to, just haven’t figured out how.”

“I’d rather you didn’t.”

“I suppose you’d have to come in then, won’t you?”

“Rock and a hard place, then.” She nodded once at the confirmation of her earlier understanding. “Fine. Text me details.”

“It was lovely speaking with you.”

“Wish I could say the same.” She ended the call. She blew out a sigh and glanced at her screen.

The lockscreen was still a photo of her, June, and Matt. It was from early on when she came back from the Blip, before she realized something in her was completely broken.

She got to the apartment before June. She was almost relieved that June was still with Matt at the hospital. There were likely to be questions, but Livia didn’t want to answer them. Livia didn’t want to answer any questions about anything.

She tossed her purse aside and blew out a heavy sigh. She knew she should’ve gone back to work. There were clients to bill, defenses to build, witnesses to prep. But it just felt like none of it mattered.

Did anything matter?

She bite down gently on her knuckles and screamed. She felt the waves of cold coming from her body. She saw them crash into furniture, heard the legs of her couch scraping against the floor. She bit harder as she screamed for longer until she tasted blood. Then she removed her hand, moved over to the couch, and kicked it away with all her strength.

She didn’t know why she did it. She didn’t know when she proceeded to pick up a ceramic tray from the coffee table and slam it to the ground, letting it shatter at her feet. She stomped on the bits and pieces, grinding the down as much as she possible could.

Livia looked around for anything else to break, anything else to throw, to destroy. She wanted something - anything - to take out the overwhelming emotions crawling under her skin on.

But her damage was already going to raise questions from June.

She went to her bedroom, instead. She put her headphones over her head, turned on a soft playlist and dropped on her bed. Her phone landed against her stomach and she closed her eyes.

She should sleep. A short nap should be enough to let her body do what it needed to rid herself of the lingering effects from the night before. But she couldn’t sleep even if she tried.

Instead, she just laid there with her eyes closed. It was like her pulse was thumping with the beat, at least that’s what it felt like in the back of her head. The pain was steady, growing warmer with every second as her ability focused on it.

While her body worked, her mind wandered. Neglected thoughts and feelings banged against her mental walls and she didn’t have the strength to push them away.

Why was she flirting with Buck? At the time, her motive was information, but a man like Buck wouldn't fall for that. She didn’t know much but just from the few interactions, he didn’t seem the type to go weak if Livia batted her lashes a little. Was she just bored? Was she trying to make someone jealous? Was she forcing herself to get over that someone?

Was she losing June? It had been five years without her and even when she came back, Livia kept a distance between them. They didn’t connect the same way anymore. It felt like they were speaking two different dialects of the same language. Things were lost in translation, never fully understanding the other.

Not to say they weren’t trying. June more than Livia, but still.

Livia felt like she didn’t know June at all. Maybe she never did. Maybe June never really knew Livia, either

And then the everlasting question of her feelings for Matt.

Why couldn’t she let him go? Why couldn’t she just choose what he meant to her? She loved him, in a way that she’d never been able to fully comprehend. She trusted him, never hesitating to put her life in his hands. She found comfort in him, a sort of acceptance she never thought she was worth. She wanted him, a deep and aching yearning that kept her up at night sometimes.

But she couldn’t have him. She didn’t deserve him. She’d never argue that, but that didn’t stop her from wanting.

Wanting to have him. Wanting to be his. Just wanting.

Matt had moved on, though. So had June. With the new additions of Heather and Joaquin, Livia wondered where she fit into their lives anymore.

Was there a place for her, for a woman stuck in a time that none of them can get back to?

When both of her best friends were alive…

When her cousin was alive…

Livia hadn’t quite moved on from that either. Not from Foggy, not from Natasha. Helpless to do anything in either instance, she was suffering from that guilt. Suffocating beneath it. Smothered day and night by it but dressing up and smiling through it.

Her friends moved on while she was just there, existing.

That was the best word Livia had for it.

Not living. Not even surviving.

Just existing…

It was times like that when she wished Dex hadn’t saved her life on that carousel. Times like that she wished Billy had managed to kill her.

The only thing that yanked Livia from her spiraling thoughts was the ringing of her phone cutting through her music. She sat up slowly and rubbed her heavy eyes. Livia couldn’t help but frown when her fingers came away wet.

She shook the feelings off and looked at the screen.

Matt.

“You okay?” Livia asked carefully.

“Is your meeting done?” Matt asked instead of answering. Livia didn’t miss the panic in his voice.

“No, we had to push it to later tonight. What’s going on?”

“Are you back at the office?”

“No...”

“How soon can you get changed and meet at Heather’s office?”

“Heather…” Livia’s brows furrowed. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Please.”

That breathy, desperate plea did it. It always did.

“Okay.” She caved. “I’ll head over right now.”

“Change first.”

“What’s wrong with what I wore to work?” She frowned, looking down at her dress shirt and slacks. Granted, they were wrinkled from her laying down in them but Matt didn’t know that.

“It’s not appropriate for the situation.” He said firmly.

Livia suddenly understood that it wasn’t Matt Murdock asking Livia Yersova to check on Heather. It was Daredevil asking Exodus to save her.

No.

Her brain had immediately wanted to deny the request, despite her verbally agreeing. She wondered if the roles were reversed, would Heather save her? Livia was no better than Heather. There was no denying that. And if Heather was gone, Matt would be hers again.

Selfish.

Of course she was selfish. Of course she was cruel and jealous and spiteful.

She could take too long. She could be too late. It’d be tragic, definitely, but Livia couldn’t deny that it’d work out for her not to save Heather.

She didn’t even know what she was supposed to save Heather from and she had a feeling Matt wouldn’t have said if she asked, given that he had avoided using any name other than Heather.

But she had already agreed.

“Are you wearing your…” Livia trailed off, already making her way to where her gear was hidden.

Tucked safely behind a loose panel in the back of her closet.

“Yeah, you should too.”

“Got it.” She looked over her shoulder towards June’s room. “Do you need anyone else?”

He paused. “No. It’s not worth the risk.”

Kaz Brekker

Stranger Series [20 Parts, completed]^*+

That’ll Be The Day [WC: 1,710]

I Don’t Even Know Your Name [WC: ]

Illicit Affairs [WC: 3,146]^

Daddy Issues [WC: 2,989]^

I’m Yours [WC: ]

Joaquin Torres

Senses [WC: 2,840]^

Miss Possessive [WC: 2,061]

Waiting Room [WC: 2,282]^

Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy [WC: 1,866]+

Bed Chem [WC:]~

Shameless [WC:]^~

15 Minutes [WC: 2,033]^~

My Man On Willpower [WC: ]

Billy Russo

You’re A Liar (You Love Me) - Billy Russo [WC: 2,426]^

Rain Check - Billy Russo [WC: 2,408]

Busy Woman - Billy Russo [WC: 1,407]~

House Tour [WC: ]

Misc.

Bad Note - Nikolai Lantsov [WC: ]

All The Stars - Bellamy Blake [WC: 2,365]

To Fall From Grace Masterlist - Matt Murdock (MAG continuation)*+^

We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night - Matt Murdock [WC: ]

When it came to Matt coming over, Livia was regretting her decision to invite him. She didn’t care about the extra cooking. She generally made enough for leftovers and meal prep anyway. It was just the idea of having that conversation with him.

She has actively avoided it for a reason, after all.

The meal itself was easy enough. June managed to fill any awkward silences with her own stories. Matt seemed to keep a smile on his face for the whole night.

It made Livia’s heart ache, made her yearn for a peace she couldn’t quite have.

“Oh.” June said suddenly as her phone rang. “Um…”

“Go ahead.” Livia motioned towards the other woman’s room. “It’s about that time.”

“Well…” She looked at the screen, bit her inner cheek, and then looked back. “He’ll understand. I can call him later.”

“Wow.” Livia nodded then looked over to Matt. “She never ignores his call.”

“Really?” He raised his brows. “Guess this is important.”

“It is.” June agreed. “Okay, we’ve stalled enough. Livia, go.”

“Okay.” Livia shrugged. “What happened with you at the bank, June?”

“Hmm?” She pressed her lips into a line and raised her brows. “Come again?”

“When one of those guys had his gun aimed at Matt, you freaked out. I felt it. You were practically shaking after. What was that?”

“Uh… Well, it- It was nothing. Nothing.” June shook her head.

“Liv, maybe we don’t.” Matt tried.

“You know, don’t you?” Livia faced the man.

“Maybe.” He sighed. “When we went to California, she had some-“

“No!” June cut in.

“We have to tell her.” Matt reasoned.

“That’s not what we’re talking about.”

“It sort of is, Bug… We can’t fix everything if we’re still keeping secrets. You can read our minds but we can’t read yours.”

June chewed the inside of her cheek as she thought. She was quiet but gestured for Matt to continue. Livia watched as the blonde sunk into her seat with a huff, crossing her arms and trying to make herself smaller.

Matt waited until Livia was focused on him to talk.

“She was having nightmares in California.” Matt explained carefully, telling the story with such gentleness and care that Livia was still shocked that he ever sent June to Natasha. “She’d wake up, just drenched in sweat. Sometimes she’d scream, other times she was crying… It was always the same thing. One of us-“ He gestured between him and Livia. “-dying.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Livia gently asked June.

She shrugged a shoulder, pretending it didn’t matter. “What were you supposed to do about it?”

“If I had known, I-“

“There was nothing you could’ve done, Liv.” June sighed, seemingly exhausted at the idea. “I figured it out on my own.”

“The problem is you’re not on your own, not anymore.”

“Never again.” Matt agreed. “June, I’m sorry for everything. When I said what I did, I wasn’t thinking. I was so hurt by what Natasha had said that I…”

Livia hesitated.

She never hesitated when it came to Matt but this time she did. She reached slightly towards his hand before letting hers land on the table. She tapped her fingers, eyed the distance between their hands, but did nothing about it.

Matt’s head cocked in her direction, sensing whatever reaction her body was giving away. He offered the slightest smirk, almost proud of what he had discovered. Livia just shook her head. She was going to withdraw her hand but Matt reached over before she could. He laced his fingers through hers and it felt like the most natural position she had ever been in.

She was so entranced by the feelings that she didn’t even hear what else Matt was saying. Some sort of apology, some grovelling, the usual.

It was almost as if her bones were made to fit with his. Every hole in her heart and soul, every gap in her bones, every valley of her muscles, any possible opening or cavity within her seemed to match with something in Matt like puzzle pieces. It was exhilarating to have those small things filled, to simply feel complete even if just for a fleeting moment.

Matt completed Livia in ways that no other man had. Marc had done his best but there was a softness that he lacked, to no fault of his own. Steven was sweet and loving, but there was an edge that Livia needed to combat her own. Billy was the only one that arguably competed with Matt for that space, but he had gone bad long before she knew him.

Then there was Dex. Ben Poindexter was a man that she probably never should’ve taken to bed, but there was something in that instability that called to her. She saw her darkest potential in him. Maybe she thought she could fix something broken in herself if she could fix him, but it very well could’ve been too broken for her to do anything with.

She came back to the conversation when Matt gave her hand a small shake.

“I know you think you need to be alone to figure everything out.” Matt said gently. “But just like you told her, you’re not alone. I’m always here for you, Livvy.”

Her heart fell a beat behind at the nickname.

“Really, we should be blaming Uncle Frank.” June added, twirling her fork in the air as she spoke. “He’s the one who opened his mouth.”

“Or I can blame all three of you.” Livia countered. “You all hid it.”

“Cause we didn’t want to hurt you.”

“Yes, but can you just admit that you were wrong?”

June opened her mouth to speak, registered Livia’s expression, and then offered a frown of her own.

“I really am sorry, Liv. I didn’t know how to bring it up so I just figured it’d be easier not to say anything.”

“Thank you.” Livia nodded before turning back to Matt. “I could’ve been more willing to hear you out and for that, I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to apologize for your feelings.” He offered a gentle smile.

“It just hurt so much to hear what had happened. But I guess I didn’t take into account everything else…”

“Does that mean he’s forgiven?” June asked excitedly.

“Depends.” She turned to June. “Do you forgive him?”

“Yeah, we’re good.” June smiled. “We can keep him around a little while longer.”

“Only a little?” Matt laughed.

“In that case, we will definitely work towards getting back to normal.” Livia told Matt.

“Sounds good to me.” He nodded. He shook her hand slightly, as if to confirm the deal. “However long it takes.”

“Yay!” June clapped. “My turn. Livia, you need to be more honest with us.”

“Right.” Livia nodded once. There was no point in arguing against that request. “What about?”

June’s eyes darted to Matt.

“I have been honest about that.”

“No, you haven’t.”

“Says who?”

“Says me.” Her pointed stare told Livia everything.

“Is there something specific you want to know?”

“No, because I think I already know, but you just won’t say it.”

“You’ve been waiting for a chance to bring this up, haven’t you?” Livia raised a brow.

“Maybe.” June shrugged innocently. “If you’re asking me to be open and honest, it’s only fair that I ask the same of you. Right?”

“She’s got a point.” Matt agreed.

“You’re only agreeing so she doesn’t turn this onto you.” Livia slightly rolled her eyes. Matt gave a slight tilt of his head in agreement. “You are right, June, so I’ll concede to answering anything you ask honestly when it’s just us.”

“That’s not fair!” June exclaimed.

“It is, and it’s all the compromise you’re getting.”

June pursed her lips as she thought.

“And the same goes for Matt.” Livia added.

“Hang on.” Matt chuckled nervously. “I’m not even sure what it’s about.”

“Deal.” June answered quickly, not allowing Matt to question it.

“Anything you’d like to add, Counselor?” Livia looked to Matt.

“Not at the moment, no.” He cracked a small smile. “I’ll let you know if anything comes up.”

The three of them finished dinner and moved to the living room for a movie. They were laying on the couch, watching one of the many movies Livia had missed during her five year disappearing act. It was of course June’s selection, but she had fallen asleep about halfway though. She was laying with her legs over the armrest and her head in Matt’s lap. Livia was angled on Matt’s other side, careful not to lean onto him.

“Are you comfortable like that?” Matt laughed slightly when Livia shifted beside him.

“Yeah.” She lied. As she moved, she winced at the slight pain in her ribs.

“I can hear your bones rubbing together.” Matt countered. “Did you do something recently?”

“Not since the flake’s apartment.” Livia shook her head, gently rubbing the tender spot. “Well, technically the bank is more accurate but that was only a few days ago so I guess it doesn’t count.”

“Okay. He was scared, right? You can’t hold it against him.”

“I fear it all would’ve ended the same way, regardless of how he testified.”

“Maybe.” Matt agreed. “So you haven’t gone out since?”

“No. Believe it or not, I haven’t. I still train with June, though, so I think she got me good at some point.” “You train with June?” His brows went up in surprise.

“Have you seen her in a fight? If she’s not using mindwork, it’s like a toddler waving pool noodles.”

Matt laughed. “Hard to believe that if you two were from the same place.”

“I think that was always the point...” She reached forward and brushed June’s hair off her forehead. “Two very different purposes.”

“You two aren’t as different as you think.” Matt offered gently. He reached for Livia’s hand but she smoothly avoided it, tucking both of her hands between her folded legs.

“Maybe, maybe not. Either way, she’s in a better place now than I was at her age. She has you to thank for that.”

“She has you, too.”

“I guess the guy she’s with deserves some credit, too.”

“Right, right.” He nodded. “What’s his name again? Joseph?”

“Jared?”

“Jasper.”

“Jacob.”

“Jorge.”

“Julian.”

“This is what happens when she won’t introduce us.”

Livia laughed slightly. “So.. When does the missus expect you home?”

“The missus.” Matt nodded slowly.

“I’d hate to get you in trouble.”

“Since when?” He laughed.

“When have I ever gotten you in trouble?” Livia replied in offense.

“I don’t think we have time for that list.”

Livia laughed and smacked lightly on his chest. “You’re just asking to get your ass kicked, Murdock.”

“I thought you don’t do that anymore.”

“I saw the way you moved at the bank. Clearly, you’re out of practice. It’d actually be unfair to you to fight in the state you’re in.”

“Oh really?”

“Really.”

“Let’s go to the roof and find out.”

“Gladly.”

Before Livia stood, she scribbled a quick note in case June woke up while they were out, then she lightly twisted her torso to stretch her back. She watched Matt carefully rearrange June, who murmured some nonsense before settling back to sleep. Matt gestured for Livia to go first, a smug expression on his face. Livia couldn’t help but roll her eyes to herself as she stepped around him.

At that time of night, the roof was abandoned. No one from her building really went up there anyway except for a couple of teens that went up to hide from their parents while they smoked. Livia wandered the open space, stretching either shoulders and loosening her hips. She heard Matt’s footsteps a few feet behind her and she assumed he was doing something similar.

“Ladies first.” He offered.

She faced him with a smile.

“Be my guest, Matthew.” Livia held her arms out to the side, offering a wide open shot to her torso.

He laughed slightly, the kind of chuckle that sent a jolt through her. The jolt was the kind that meant her life and her thoughts were going to get very complicated very quickly.

As if he knew she was distracted, Matt acted first. He came at her and threw one quick punch. Livia reacted just in time, catching him by his wrist.

She spun her hand around his forearm to push his arm down while she dropped to a knee. Her other arm wrapped around his weight-bearing leg and with a yank, she flipped him over her shoulder.

He landed with a thud and Livia had to laugh. Just a small chuckle.

“Are you taking it easy on me?” She teased.

“Just getting warmed up.” Matt smiled.

They both stood and this time, Livia made the first move.

She went to sweep his legs but Matt avoided it with an acrobatic flip.

Livia knew better than to give him too much time. Once his feet landed, she went to kick out at his chest. Matt also knew her tendencies so he was expecting the kick. He smacked it away and threw one of his own, a high roundhouse that she had to duck under.

She righted and aimed a kick for his ribs. He caught her foot and pinned it under his arm. His other hand gripped her shoulder.

She reached forward and put one hand behind his neck and the other hooked his elbow. With a small hop, she let her body weight drop to drag Matt down. On the way down, her free leg lifted to swing over the arm she had caught.

The back of Matt’s shoulders hit first, meaning her other leg was now free. She spun quickly, adjusting her position to lock Matt into an armbar.

He tapped out quickly.

“Not looking good for you, Matty.” She continued her teasing as she released him. She tumbled backwards to get her feet under her. “I think June could even beat you.”

“You’ve made your point.” He replied from the ground. He shot a hand up, a silent request for her to help him up.

With a small eyeroll, she obliged.

“I really didn’t think you’d be this out of practice.”

“You’d be surprised how fast I catch on.”

“Alright then.” Livia smirked. “One last round?”

“If you say so.” Matt gestured to the space between them.

She moved intently this time, walking in slow circles around him. He spun with her in an effort to keep her in front of him. They both knew he could react to her moves easily and he didn’t need her to be in front of him, but it was all part of the game. That’s what it was to the two of them at the end of it.

A game.

A tricky little cat and mouse neither were going to concede in. It had always been that way for them, she realized. Neither of them were ever truly available to the other, be it due to another relationship or something threatening their lives or someone taking their turn to be “dead”. It was a vicious cycle of want, of yearning, of chasing the impossible.

Livia knew that and yet she let herself fall back into the cycle every damned time.

She needed to get off that train of thought and quickly, so she punched him.

The sloppy attack missed and Matt took a quick step to the side. He threw his elbow towards her chest but she got her hands up to block it and push him away. She swung on him again but he ducked under it, quickly switching his feet to angle himself at her side. He had a leg behind her and Livia quickly recognized he was either going to flip her or trip her.

When he reached across her waist, she didn’t waste time. She drove a knee upwards, forcing the joint into his armpit to block his range of motion and give herself some space. Matt reacted by hooking a foot around her planted ankle.

She went with the momentum of the pull on her ankle and lifted her leg for a kick to his chest. Unfortunately, it was exactly the motion Matt was hoping for. He caught her foot, bracing her ankle against him as he moved closer. She cursed to herself when he caught hold of her planted leg.

With a quick spin, he pulled Livia to the ground and pinned her on her back. Her heart was racing, breath coming hard and fast.

It was the thrill of the fight.

It was the thrill of him.

He still had hold of her leg, bracing it against his hip, when she closed her eyes. She sighed before she let herself laugh. It was genuine, truly enjoying her existence for the moment. 

“Maybe this was a bad idea.” She said quietly, eyes darting across his face. So many things were racing through her mind, thoughts she couldn’t entertain. Thoughts she was purposefully trying to avoid.

“What makes you say that?” He asked in the same low tone. He hadn’t released her leg, nor had he attempted to put any distance between their faces. Livia almost thought he had moved in closer.

She had to maneuver her hands carefully to his chest and push him away. She hardly gave him a nudge and he complied without protest.

“You know why.” She answered, shifting away from him.

She stayed on the ground and drew her knees to her chest. One arm wrapped around them and the other fidgeted with her hair.

“Just say the word, Livia.” Matt tried.

“Say what?”

“You know what.”

“There’s nothing to say.”

“Say it, right now, and everything changes.”

“If there was something to say, I’m not going to.”

“Why not?”

“Aren’t you happy?”

“That’s not what this is about.”

“Maybe, but I’m asking anyway.” She shrugged. “So just tell me. Are you happy?”

“Don’t… Don’t ask me that.” He nearly whispered. “You can’t ask me that.”

“Why? Because we both know the answer? I can’t hear your heartbeat but I can feel the truth. Are. You. Happy?” She repeated the question slowly, enunciating each syllable.

“Yes…” He said it quietly, like a whispered confession in some sacred place.

“Exactly.” She smiled sadly. “We both know how this goes. Are you feeling bad for living your life- living a good life without me? I don’t blame you for that. Your life had to go on, Matt.”

“That’s not-“

“You’re happy. June’s happy, That’s all I could ask for…” She began heading back towards the building’s entrance. “I won’t ruin that for you.” She added over her shoulder.

“Are you?”

The question stopped her at the door. She knew exactly what he was asking, but she acted as if she didn’t, if only to give herself time to formulate her lie.

“Am I what?” She didn’t look at him, didn’t take her hand off the knob.

“Happy.”

Livia drew her ability within herself. She felt it course in her veins, every bit of power she had interlaced with her blood. She used it to create a sense of truth, for she needed to believe those next words just as much as she needed Matt to. He wouldn’t know she was lying if she could maintain that control.

She had to maintain it.

“Of course.” She answered, a tone so foreign she wasn’t sure it was her own voice. Detached but seemingly honest, dripping with fake sweetness, just enough to convince him. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“So we lie to each other now…” Matt nodded in understanding.

“I’m not gonna lie to you if I don’t have to.” She shrugged a shoulder. “We can’t tell June we had this conversation.”

“Now you’re asking me to lie to her?”

“Not lie. Just not to bring it up.” Livia countered as she turned to face him. “I know she wants more from us. If she knew we’ve agreed to-“

“Hang on. I didn’t agree to anything.”

“C’mon, Matt.” She said tiredly. “You know as well as I do that you and I are doomed. We always have been.”

It felt honest enough, but the words cut through her like a knife. She wanted to believe Matt would pick her, but part of her knew he never would. What did she have to offer when compared to a woman like Heather? Where Livia brought pain and blood and bruises, Heather offered peace, stability, and gentle hands. Livia’s hands were rough, scarred, misaligned from broken bones and dislocations. Heather’s were pristine. Heather’s words were polished and comforting while Livia’s were soaked in lies and sharper than the blades she brandished with ease. Livia lived her life under a security blanket of violence.

“You deserve peace.” She took one step forward. She couldn’t allow herself any more than that. “Heather gives you that.”

“What about what you deserve?” He closed the distance between them.

“I think I’ve gotten more.” Her hand up on reflex, aiming to push him back his chest.

She didn’t know why she thought she could try with Matt. She wanted him. God, there was nothing she wanted more. But there was nothing special on the table from her. She could never stop hiding under that blanket she grew up with. She physically wasn’t capable of letting that cursed thing go.

He caught her by her wrist as soon as her fingertips met the material of his shirt. Her mouth opened to argue, to come up with some weak excuse as to why they could only be friends, but his next actions were too quick.

He gave a small tug and pulled her against his chest. She landed with a soft ‘oof’ and tensed immediately. She knew she was supposed to pull away. She had to stick to what she said. But the feeling of being in his arms, being held so close, she was suddenly terrified for it to end. Something about life outside of that embrace suddenly seemed like the worst thing she could imagine.

There was no use in pretending anymore, but that didn’t mean she would stop wanting.

So she sunk into the embrace. Her arms wrapped around him and her hands balled into tight fists, catching the extra fabric of his shirt. He sighed, leaned some of his weight against her, and dug his fingertips into the soft skin at her sides.

How long they stayed tangled together, she didn’t know.

She just knew she had to be the one who pulled away.

“Don’t tell me-” Matt tried, a certain desperation in his voice that she figured only she would recognize.

“I know.” Livia cut him off. She had no idea what he was actually going to say, but someone had to stop. Someone had to get control before they crashed. “I know.” She nodded once then went back inside.

Matt came back in soon after and they resumed their positions on the couch. This time, Livia leaned against the opposite arm just to ensure her and Matt couldn’t accidentally touch. It was drastic and obvious, but she couldn’t find it in herself to care.

It was what was best.

It was what she had to do.

She only hoped he understood, but he was gone before either her or June woke up. June ranted about it in the morning, how it was rude and inconsiderate to just up and leave in the middle of the night, but Livia had nothing to say on the matter. She was sure Matt understood what she was doing and he probably decided that he had to do his part too.

She received another collect call from Rikers Island. She knew only one prisoner there and she’d chew off her own left foot before dealing with that man.

Livia expected the office to be relatively awkward, but Matt was nearly as skilled at facades as she was. No one was any wiser to the eggshells surrounding the two. She was both impressed and annoyed by his capability. Things went as expected, both keeping to their own work for the most part, until Angela Ayala came in.

“Hey.” June appeared behind Livia’s computer. “The Ayala girl is here, wants to see you and Matt.”

Livia was out of her seat without hesitation. “Is she okay?”

“Looks fine, physically.” June shrugged. “But she’s shaken up about something. Matt took her to the conference room.”

Livia nodded her head for June to follow.

“...with all those people going missing.” The girl was explaining when Livia walked in. “Hi, Ms. Yersova.”

“Hi.” Livia smiled. “Sorry I’m late. What’d I miss?”

“Angela was explaining what her uncle was looking into before his death.” Matt explained as Livia sat on the table beside him. He lifted his hand as if to put it on her leg, then he course-corrected at the last second and placed it on the table, tapping his pointer finger.

June shot Livia a confused look over Matt’s shoulder but, thankfully, the blonde didn’t say anything.

“I really think it had something to do with those missing people.” Angela nodded. There was no room for doubt in her and Livia couldn’t help but crack a small smile. “He was tracking those kidnappings.”

“Angela, I know you’re upset and you have every right to be.” Matt began, trying to talk her down. “But this isn’t safe.”

“Don’t tell me how to be, Mr. Murdock. Don’t pull that therapy talk that I’m processing, or trying to control, or whatever.” She said, both angry and heartbroken at the same time. “Or that I should be in school, because that’s what Hector would’ve wanted… This is what he would’ve wanted.”

“And what is that?” Livia asked, earning a quiet sigh from Matt.

“Someone finishing his work, someone actually doing something for once.” She sniffled.

June took a seat beside Angela and put a kind hand on her arm. Livia didn’t say it, but she was thrilled to see June offering someone she didn’t necessarily know a physical sort of comfort. The gloves were there, as was Angela’s jacket sleeve, but it was still more than the version of June she first met would ever offer.

“Therapy talk? Was I doing that?” Matt asked, humor tinting his words.

“Absolutely.” June answered, making Angela laugh. “I blame your girlfriend.”

“Be nice.” Livia said with a small smile before looking back to Angela. “Tell me what you remember about your uncle’s work.”

“Liv.” Matt tried quietly. She kicked lightly at his chair in response.

“All those kidnappings were all close to the old Q line.” She began, almost excitedly. This wasn’t a girl who wanted to run head first into danger. It was a girl who just wanted to be heard.

“The one they shut down?” June’s head cocked.

“Track 61.”

“Angela, listen. We’re just lawyers, right? I tried to help your uncle in court but this… That’s for the police.” Matt tried.

June shot Livia a look, a silent plea for her to do something. Livia gave half a shrug.

“The police killed my uncle.” Again, no room for doubt in Angela Ayala. “I’m not going to them.”

“Alright, fair enough, fair enough, but what do you want us to do about it?” Matt leaned back in his chair. 

“How about literally anything?” Angela laughed. “You know, at least Ms. Yersova wants to hear me out. You can’t wait to shut me down.”

“That’s not-” Matt tried.

“Mr. Murdock is trying to say that getting physically involved in this may be outside our scope of practice as lawyers.” Livia explained carefully. “However, we may be willing to compile some additional evidence and present it to the NYPD. If we do enough of their investigating, they can’t possibly mess it up.”

She nodded, eyes red and watery. Livia wondered how much sleep the girl had gotten since her uncle died. How many nights did Angela stay up, cursing every police siren? Blaming any and every officer for her uncle’s death? How had grief haunted this young girl?

And what could Livia do about it?

“All about helping the little guy, right? But only on your terms.” Angela’s anger turned on Matt. “Cause when the little guy puts something for real in your hands, you don’t want it.”

Matt was quiet and Angela had enough.

She stood abruptly. “My bad for thinking you cared.”

“It’s not that simple, Angela.” Matt tried again, but the girl was out the door before Matt could finish.

“June.” Livia looked to her friend.

“I got it.” She nodded and hurried after Angela. Once the door closed behind them, Livia looked to Matt.

“You could’ve at least listened to her.” Livia said plainly. “That was really what she came here for, to have someone that she thought could be trusted hear what she had to say.”

“You know as well as I do that she wanted more than that.” Matt countered, surprisingly calm. Livia thought he almost sounded detached.

“And we can do that for her!” Livia urged, careful with the volume of her voice.

“No, we can’t. We don’t do that kind of thing because we are lawyers.”

“We are very capable of looking into something to make a young girl who’s just lost a major part of herself feel some sort of peace. Since when does that not matter to you?”

“I never said it didn’t matter.”

“That’s how you’re acting, Matt. That’s what Angela thinks. She left this office feeling crushed and you let that happen.” Livia stood from the table.

“Livia, there’s nothing we can do for her.” Matt shook his head.

“Sounds like nothing you can do for her.”

“Livia, we can’t do this.” He emphasized.

June came back into the room, hands in her back pockets and a frown on her face.

“Is she okay?” Livia asked.

“She’s lost in her own head.” June shook her head. “I didn’t… I don’t think she’s going to let this go. It worries me. Is that normal?”

“Yes, it’s called empathy, Bug. Welcome to my world.” Livia joked slightly. “What do you want to do?”

“Don’t ask her that.” Matt sighed.

“I want to try and help her, give her closure or something. We can do that, right?”

“I think so.”

“You know what? I’m done. I…” Matt put his hands up in surrender and left the conference room.

“Did I make the wrong call?” June asked worriedly.

“No.” Livia smiled. “Matt’s just trying to stick to this vow he made. It’s not you.”

“Do you think I’m right?”

“Absolutely. I can let a man suffer and not lose a wink of sleep over it. I can even let a grown woman. But to see her so… It just doesn’t sit right.”

“Okay.” June sighed with a nod. “Okay…”

“See what you can find on that old Q line.” Livia patted June’s shoulder. “But keep it discreet. I’ll see if I can get Matt to come around. Or at least be less pissed off about it.”

The issue with that one was that Matt didn’t seem to want to talk to either woman for the rest of the day. In fact, it wasn’t until the following night that she caught up with him. June left early for something with Joaquin and Livia decided to stay late, organizing some details on the kidnappings, so it was only her and Matt in the office.

She knocked on the conference room door before stepping in.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were avoiding me.” She teased as she entered, sitting opposite of him.

He cracked half a smile. “Now what makes you say that?”

“I know you’re not thrilled with how things went with Angela and I know that you’re not necessarily on board with what June and I are considering.”

“I just don’t think it’s safe. Do you?”

“I think that I’ve been the number one fugitive of several foreign governments since I was a kid. Tracking a kidnapping through abandoned tunnels is the least of my concerns.”

“I mean with Fisk in office… He knows you, he knows her. If you two step out in those outfits…”

“So that’s what this is all about.” Livia nodded in understanding.

“I don’t think a target on your backs does either of you any good.”

“I’d never say this to her but I honestly think she has an advantage no one else does. Fisk still cares about her. He genuinely loves her like family.”

“You think he wouldn’t do anything?”

“I think he wouldn’t hurt her.” Livia corrected. “He still thinks they can reconnect and I don’t doubt he realizes that having her on his side would be good for his image.”

Matt tilted his head in agreement. “But that doesn’t extend to you.”

“I don’t need it to.”

“Livia.”

“Matt.”

“You’re going to do this anyway, aren’t you?”

“Probably.” She nodded.

“And so is June?”

“Yup.”

He sighed heavily, tilted his head back to mumble towards the sky. Before he could say anything else to Livia, Cherry walked in. Livia offered a polite smile, but she really didn’t care for the man. Every time she saw him in the office, it made her think of Brett and the times he tried to arrest her as Exodus.

And the one time he actually did arrest her at the hospital.

Livia listened quietly to what Cherry had to say. He said that there was talk of a local serial killer totalling more than sixty victims. Her fingers tapped against each other, thumb tapping each digit as she counted up to sixty. She heard the name ‘Muse’ and he was painting in blood. The thought sent a chill down even her spine. It was saying something if it made Exodus shudder. Cherry hoped Matt would let it go and then he left.

“Are you?” Livia asked when the door closed.

“Are you?” He countered, turning towards her. “This is…”

“It’s horrific.” Livia nodded slightly. She stood and breathed deeply, patting him on the solder. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Matty.”

“That’s not an answer.” Matt called after her.

“Isn’t it?”

When she got back to the apartment, June had her research strewn about the coffee table. Two energy drinks were open, one was empty and on its side. Livia let out a low whistle.

“You never drink those.” Livia gestured to the cans. At least they were the small cans.

“I needed to focus.” June shook her head.

“I thought you were going out with your guy.”

June waved a hand. “Until this. Come look.”

“Looking.” Livia sat beside June on the ground.

“I caught these a little bit ago.” June flipped her Ipad to show a photo of a mural. Lady Liberty with blood coming from her eyes, and two girls slumped against the wall missing their eyes.  “There was another body found with the same trademark and all these murals by this guy, Muse, they’re all-”

“Done with human blood.” Livia finished. “Yeah, Cherry came by and mentioned it to Matt. There’s estimated to be sixty victims of this guy.”

“Do you think Muse is the one at the old Q-Line? With all the kidnappings Angela was talking about?”

“If so, then we need to figure this out fast. I don’t think Angela is gonna sit back much longer.”

“I like the kid.”

“Me too.” Livia pushed herself to stand. “Alright, get changed. Cover your face and hands. Pull your hair up.”

June jumped to her feet. “I know how to dress for a mission.”

“Yes, but this is very specific.” Livia explained as she walked. She could hear June’s shuffling feet hurrying to catch up. “We get in, we look around, we get out. We leave no trace. No fingerprints, no hair, no DNA, no proof of us ever being there. Fisk has made it very clear that vigilantes are his top target. I won’t take an additional risk on your safety. Got it?”

“What about your gloves then?” June asked defensively.

“Look at my hands, June.” Livia spun to face her and held out her palms. June took Livia’s hands and examined them carefully. Through the contact, Livia felt the new wave of cold. “I don’t have prints to leave anymore.”

“Everyday I learn something new about you.” June swallowed. “And everyday I hate Dreykov even more.”

“At least we can say, with certainty, that he’s dead.” Livia patted June’s cheek. “You have three minutes to change or I leave you.”

June made a noise close to a squeak before hurrying away.

Livia took a moment to look at the disfigured pads of her fingers. Bits and pieces of prints remained, but nothing distinguishable. A partial print was all she could ever leave. The memory of losing those flashed in her mind. The hot knife scraping them away, individually removing each layer of skin. The chemical she never knew the name of dripped over the seeping wounds, as a promise they’d never return. It was another piece of her identity that place had taken from her.

She heard a thud from June’s room, followed immediately by “I’m okay!”. It made her laugh.

Maybe she didn’t need that little piece of identity anyway.

She hurried to change and equip herself when her implant sounded in her head. She hadn’t realized it was even on so she flinched at the sudden chime. She tapped it quickly, if only to shut off the sound.

“Where are you?” Matt’s voice was rough, angry almost, and hurried.

“Home. What’s going on?” Livia froze, her boot halfway zipped.

“June?”

“Falling off her bed. What’s going on?”

“Meet me at the Q-Line.” Was his only answer before he hung up.

“Okay!” June hurried into the room, her face mask in hand. “I’m ready. What’s that look about?”

Livia yanked her boot zipper the rest of the way and flashed June a triumphant smile.

It was almost immediately that her relationship with Matt and June shifted. The distance that came with Livia’s return seemed to stretch after that night in Frank’s hideout. Despite coming back to a teary-eyed and terrified June, Livia couldn’t help but feel betrayed by both of them.

She tried her best not to let it show, not to hold it against her. Her ability responded in kind, pushing those feelings aside as best it could. But even she had limits, and as it drained her as the day went on, there were moments when she found herself shutting down completely.

Livia would function on auto-pilot for the last few hours of her shift. She made dinner without saying much. She didn’t even change the channel much.

June noticed, of course. The younger woman tried her best to keep Livia’s spirits up and conversation going, but there was only so much she could do. Livia noticed the tapping of her bare fingers when they sat at the dinner table, twitching in her direction occasionally. Livia didn’t want to bring it up, but she recognized what that meant.

June wanted to use her ability to fix it, to get Livia to either forget or forgive. At least Livia could confidently say that June wouldn’t cross that line, not after the very firm boundary Livia had established years ago after June had done it in regards to moving past Billy Russo’s betrayal.

That was something Livia didn’t really hold against June anymore. Her heart was in the right place, but Livia had wanted to go through that pain and grief to let go of Billy in her own time. It was also a way of holding onto a piece of Matt by living by a piece of advice he had given her in college. When June circumvented that, it left Livia feeling like she had lost one of the few scraps she had left of the man she loved. They argued about it when Livia realized and, reluctantly, June undid her influence with the promise of never trying that again.

It was clear that the notion was tempting at the moment.

And that wasn’t even considering her relationship with Matt.

They were having a hard enough time working their way back to friends. The newest altercation felt like a complete backslide.

She hardly answered his calls outside of work. He invited her to join him and Heather for dinner or to come over with June to watch movies. She always had a reason why she couldn’t. She feigned an ailment, said the case she was working on needed her attention, claimed June was busy with Joaquin, lied that she was at the gym or out on a run. There was even a time when Heather had called and asked if she wanted to get dinner, just the three girls to get to know each other truly. Livia denied that quickly, but politely. She didn’t have the capacity to try and play nice with Matt’s girlfriend.

“Does this look okay?” June stood in Livia’s doorway, holding her arms out to the side with an unsure expression.

“What shoes are you wearing?” Livia looked the outfit up and down while June shuffled herself in a small circle.

“My black loafers with the silver hardware, probably.”

“Is this for court?”

“No, the stupid bank meeting.” June moved into the room to examine herself in the mirror. “Matt asked yesterday if I would go with him and I should’ve said no.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Cause I don’t know how to talk to these people! How do I convince someone that the firm is worthy of money without-” She waved her hands around and Livia smiled slightly. “Please come with us.”

“I don’t think I’ll be much help.” Livia shrugged a shoulder.

“Uh, you will be.” June turned to face Livia as she spoke. “Cause you can tell if it’s going bad and convince them easier than I can without even using your mindwork. Plus you understand more bank terms and contract terms than I do.”

“Matt probably wouldn’t wa-”

“He only asked me cause you weren’t answering!” June said loudly. “He thinks you’re still mad at him…”

“It’s all just really messy right now.” Livia gestured to her head. “I’ll figure it out.”

“I’m really sorry we didn’t tell you…”

“I know.” Livia nodded. She sighed to herself as she thought over June’s request. “I’ll call Kirsten and let her know I won’t be in, then we can go together.”

June squealed in excitement before scurrying out of the room, likely to find her shoes. Livia shook her head with a small smile. Despite the spats and rifts between them, she still loved June and would do just about anything for her. Livia also had a feeling that June knew and was counting on that.

Livia made the phone call as she changed and Kirsten was more than relieved that Livia decided to go with them. As much as Kirsten loved June, she didn’t quite trust the young woman to help the situation and in all honesty, Livia didn’t either.

Livia and June met with Matt outside the bank. He flashed Livia a genuine smile as she approached and, admittedly, Livia’s heart softened.

“Glad to know you’ve gotten more convincing.” Matt told June.

“Well, I had to learn something useful from you.” She shrugged, though her proud smile was beaming.

“June, you want to check us in and wait at the desk?” He tapped her shin with the end of his cane. 

“We can go in together.” Livia offered, walking in beside June.

Matt reached out and caught her hand before she got that far. She closed her eyes with a quiet sigh. When she opened them, she saw June offering a pleading look to go with it. Livia conceded and stepped back to face Matt.

“I’m glad you came.” He said.

“Well.” She sighed. “June said she had no idea what she was supposed to say here so…”

“I’ve been trying to talk to you about everything, not just this.”

“I know.”

“And you’ve been avoiding me.”

“I know that, too.”

“Why?”

“Why do you think, Matt? You deliberately hid that from me. I understand that you two thought it was better. But to hear about it from Frank, of all people? I’m allowed to feel this way about it. Isn’t that what you always tell me?”

“I’m not saying you can’t.” He countered, squeezing her arm slightly. “I just want you to talk to me about it.” “Like you talked to me?”

He tilted his head back and sighed.

“We’re going to be late.” Livia said flatly.

“Is this all we get now?” He faced her again. She could feel his disappointment and she had to shake it off. “Alivia, I miss you. I miss my friend.”

She almost apologized. Her immediate reaction was to say she was sorry and make it right with him. But then she realized that she hadn’t done anything wrong regarding their latest fight. Yes, she was hiding the true turmoil losing Foggy and seeing Dex had started. She continued to hide how inconsistent her mindwork was and how her walls were fading in and out each day. She continued to swallow her own guilt and pain and overall displacement since her return from the Snap. But even with all of that considered, her lies wouldn’t necessarily hurt them. Not the way she was hurting.

“I can’t lose you, too.” Matt said softly.

“I know.” She said quietly. Her voice was as weak as her resolve felt. “You know I love you, Matt, and I’ll forgive you and June for this eventually… I just need to sort through this.”

“You don’t have to do it alone.” He offered.

“I think I do. You have your own life, cases and a girlfriend and-”

“This is about Heather?” His brows rose in disbelief.

“No. The point is that your life can’t center around me and my hurt feelings. I’m a big girl, right? I tie my own shoes and everything. You don’t need to coddle me.”

“I’m not trying to. I’m just trying to be better, you know? I want to be someone worthwhile for you and June to have around.”

“I think she’ll really appreciate that.” Livia nodded.

“You should know why I suggested she should leave.” Matt tried.

“Do we have to do this now?”

“Can you promise me we’ll get a chance to talk?” He challenged.

Livia pushed her tongue against her cheek but said nothing. She couldn’t promise that and he knew it. That was exactly why he had asked it.

“I immediately regretted it as soon as it came out of my mouth.” He began.

“Right, but you also have a habit of trying to pull verbal punches too late. I already knew that.”

“She’s so much like you, Livia, in any sense. She talks like you. She acts like you. She dresses like you, uses some of the same products you do, listens to some of the same music. She even moves like you. It was too much at that moment. Your cousin had just left and-“

“My cousin?” A sharp pain shot through Livia’s chest. “Natasha?” The name came out as a whisper.

“Yeah…” Matt answered softly. “She came and told us what happened.”

The next sound out of Livia was some strange mix of a gasp and a squeak.

“I just reacted… I was wrong.” Matt continued.

“You ever June that last bit?”

“No.” He sighed. “I should’ve.”

“That’s fine.” Livia sniffled, calling on her power to right herself. “You’ll tell her after the meetings and she’ll love it.”

“Then we can figure us out?”

“Then we can figure us out.” Livia nodded.

Matt smiled and offered her his arm. She linked hers with his and guided him into the bank, finding June at a desk. She was sitting on her hands, glancing around and kicking her feet. Once she caught Livia’s eyes, she grinned and waved excitedly. Livia sat on one end, June on the other, with Matt in the middle. 

The meeting was less than eventful. June had gotten distracted by a trinket on the man’s desk. She was tapping the bobblehead gently, watching the head bounce slowly. Livia reached behind Matt to poke June’s arm at one point to get her to leave it alone. The man mentioned his local superhero, who seemed to be the inspiration for the bobblehead, and it prompted Livia to utilize the vigilantes from her neighborhood as common ground.

“A local hero? That’s got to be great.” Livia seized the opportunity. Matt shifted beside her but said nothing. “I’m over in Hell’s Kitchen and we’ve had a couple vigilantes come through but I’m sure it’s not the same as a tried and true hero. I’m sure you’ve heard of our work with the late vigilante, White Tiger.”

Saying Hector’s title with a level tone took more effort than she would’ve liked, but it didn’t seem like anyone noticed.

The bank teller, Mr. Khan, spent a few minutes going back and forth with Livia, gushing over how amazing the young heroine was. Livia listened, chiming in when appropriate, and felt Mr. Khan take a liking to her. She could also tell there was an emotional connection to the heroine, and Livia was willing to bet it was family.

She hoped it would help the firm in securing the loan.

When it came to speaking on behalf of the firm, she left that mainly to Matt. He represented the firm better than she ever could, which she expected considering his name was on the firm. Livia added how the firm had initially begun as a two person operation out of a cramped office space in the Kitchen. June affirmed that Matt and Kirsten cared for their firm and their clients, adding ‘That’s more than you can say about half the suits in this city’.

Livia closed her eyes and sighed to herself in quiet disappointment.

Mr. Khan liked them as people, but the firm was too big of a risk. They wouldn’t be getting the loan.

At least Mr. Khan wasn’t happy to reject them.

The trio didn’t get far when the fear slammed into Livia’s back. She stumbled slightly, having to reach out for June to steady herself. Matt stopped immediately when he realized the women weren’t with him, hurrying to end his call with Kirsten. Livia held tight to June’s arm while she tried to keep her stomach in check. The sudden taste of fear was making her nauseous.

“What is it?” June insisted quietly.

“I don’t know.” Livia said quietly. She squeezed her eyes shut and winced, slightly hunched at the sensation.

“Hey.” Matt’s hand landed gently on Livia’s shoulder, rubbing gentle circles. “Everything okay?”

“No.” June didn’t bother to hide the panic in her voice. “She just doubled over. I don’t know.”

“Something’s wrong.” Livia managed to stand upright. She turned towards the direction they had just come from. Her head cocked as she focused her ability, calling to the familiar colors she utilized to visualize emotion. The yellow haze slowly came into focus, leading back to the bank. “They’re afraid.”

“Who?” Matt asked gently.

“Everyone.”

“Everyone?” June repeated.

“At the bank.” Livia took a step in that direction. She was stopped by Matt’s cane hitting her shins. “We can’t leave them.” She said quietly.

“What is it?” June asked. Livia could pick up on the uncertainty in her words.

June was a trained fighter. Granted, not to the same extent Livia was, but that didn’t mean the blonde would ever back down from a fight. If Livia was willing to go in, June would be right beside her.

“I can’t tell from here.” Livia confessed. She looked over her shoulder to Matt. “I’m going back in. You can either come or you can call for the cops. Those are your options.”

“Livia.” Matt tried.

“You wanted to try and make it up to me?” She spun on her heels to be toe to toe. “You wanted to make it right and be better? This is how you start.”

“That’s not fair.” He shook his head slightly.

Livia sighed in mild annoyance. Her eyes darted around, scanning the street as she chose her words carefully.

“Ya ne proshu Sorvigolovu.” She said, not looking at Matt but focusing on the bank. Everyone in that place was terrified. It didn’t feel right to leave them. “I’m not even asking you to do anything you don’t want to do, but you’re not going to stop me.” (I’m not asking for Daredevil.)

She felt June tap her hand so she glanced over.

Immediately, Livia recognized that look in June’s eyes. She tried to hide the smile, but June returned the expression. A new plan formed quickly in Livia’s head and it seemed to spawn in June’s as well.

 “You know what, actually? If you really want to talk, let's talk.” Livia spun on her heels to face Matt. His brows went up at her sudden movement. “You can walk and talk, right?”

“The apartment is this way.” June grabbed them both and pulled them in a different direction.

“We’re not going to the apartment. We’re going to the office.” Livia corrected, pulling them back in her original direction.

“Which still isn’t that way.” June complained and initiated another direction change.

The women went back and forth, essentially using Matt to play Monkey in the Middle. After a little while, Matt brought a stop to it.

“Okay, alright.” He announced, freeing both of his arms.

Livia noticed the slight teeter of vertigo. She smiled to herself at their success.

“Let’s just walk this way-” Livia vaguely gestured forward, which would take them to the bank. “-and see where we end up. Fair?”

“Fair.” June conceded easily with a grin. She led the way with a little skip in her step.

Matt was now suspicious but followed them without a complaint. 

“She gave in pretty quick.” He finally commented after about a block of silence.

Livia shrugged. “I think she just wants this to go away.” Livia spoke honestly.

“Do you?”

“Im not opposed or unfamiliar with holding a grudge, Matthew.” Livia glanced his way and caught a small smile. “You of all people should know that.”

“Trust me, I do.” He laughed a little.

Livia felt a familiar twist in her stomach. That was a good sign, right?

She kept her eyes on the blonde head of hair, bounding and ducking through the crowd. Luckily, the situation at the bank hadn’t drawn too much outward attention, meaning their path wasn’t anymore restricted than usual. Every so often, June looked back and shot a conspiratory wink.

That was what they were supposed to be anyways, right? After everything they had been through, those two were supposed to be partners. They were supposed to be each other’s support and balance, left to the other’s right, up to the other’s down, yes to the other’s no. They were meant to be eerily on the same page.

That was what felt right for them.

Livia was pinning her hair out of her face with a pen, keeping her eyes down to feign ignorance. June had slowed to now be on Livia’s other side.

“Stairs.” Livia commented. It was part an old habit, part for the sake of performance. Whoever was in the bank still had to believe Matt was blind

“Well played.” Matt leaned in to whisper. The action made her shiver slightly.

“No idea what you mean.” Livia answered in the same low tone.

When she looked up, she added a shallow gasp as she surveyed the scene quickly.

The barrel of a gun was very quickly aimed at the center of her chest.

“Another step and it’ll be your last.” The robber threatened.

Livia grabbed June’s arm and pulled her a step behind, raising her other hand in surrender. She felt June move without resistance. Matt then reached for Livia.

“What’s going on?” He asked.

“Um.” Livia hesitated to answer.

“Can someone lock the fucking door please?” The robber complained.

Livia noted the natural accent, Irish, while she scanned the scene. Several armed robbers, all with a different colored ski mask. Their weapons were all the same.

The three of them were shoved forward. Livia watched as June stumbled a few steps, unsure of whether or not that was for the bit. Matt reached forward to help steady her and Livia shot a glare over her shoulder.

“Take it easy.” She snapped. Her words earned her the privilege of the gun pressed firmly between her shoulder blades.

She simply rolled her eyes and followed her companions. They sat down on the ground beside Mr. Khan.

The robber began his monologue while Livia closed her eyes. She took a deep breath and let herself take in the emotions around her. Fear was the most prevalent, dripping off almost every patron in the bank. The robbers were confident, comfortable in their plan.

These were seasoned criminals. Livia began to wonder what affiliation they had. Off the top of her head, there was no Irish-exclusive gang.

“You kill anyone and your armed robbery charge converts to felony murder.” Matt commented. Livia’s eyes opened and she faced the eerily calm man beside her.

She almost smiled at the vague familiarity.

“That’s what? 25 to life?” Livia added.

“We have a pair of solicitors on our hands.” One of them commented, the green mask she thought.

The red mask came over, shoved June aside with his knee, and slammed the butt of his gun into Matt’s stomach.

“Hey!” June shouted angrily, gloves already off.

Livia shoved the man away while June took a protective position at Matt’s side. Attention quickly turned onto her. Her muscles tensed, anxious and waiting. She knew she wanted the robbers to attack her first. The pen in her hair could take out one for sure, maybe two. Then she’d have her hands on a gun and there’d be no issues.

But if they fired on her, there was no guarantee that the other hostages weren’t going to catch a bullet meant for her.

The man in the green mask cocked his head as he looked down at her, considering what to do. Livia considered if she should just slam the pen into his foot and get it over with.

She saw what she thought was a smile, just by the way his eyes crinkled, before a swift kick to her ribs. She was too close to avoid it or block it, so the full force of the man’s foot made hard contact with her ever present rib injury. She gasped, coughed roughly, and clutched the area. She practically folded in half at the fresh pain.

“Mr. and Mrs. Solicitor here may not have understood the rules. Let it be a warning.” The green mask spoke pointedly.

Livia grit her teeth and shifted her position to be beside June. She felt June look over in concern.

“Yeshche net.” Livia said lowly, staring daggers at the green mask’s back. (Not yet.)

He made a show of finding the manager. He didn’t even balk when the police arrived with SWAT in tow. He ordered heads down but Livia, defiant as always, kept her head high.

“So much for discretion.” June muttered once Green Mask was out of sight. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” Livia nodded once. “It was a cheap shot.”

“Sounded rough.” Matt agreed, offering Livia his hand.

She glanced at it, quietly contemplated for a moment, then placed hers in his. He kept a loose hold and June silently clapped. Livia just rolled her eyes to herself.

“Mr. Khan?” Livia leaned forward slightly then regretted it. She grit her teeth but gave no other show.  “You can’t open that vault, can you?”

“No.” He admitted in the same hushed tone Livia used. “I didn’t know what to say. I- I just panicked. I should probably just tell him. Right?”

“No.” June answered quickly. “He won’t believe you.”

“Where is it?” Matt asked.

“Four floors below.”

“When he takes you down there, you stall as long as you can, okay? Can you do that?”

Mr. Khan said nothing. Instead, he offered a questioning look to Livia. She gave a slight nod, quietly asking him to trust them. He had to have known they came back for a reason. He had to have figured out they had some tricks up their sleeves.

Livia noticed a shift in Matt, just by the way the grip on her hand tightened.

“Chto eto?” Livia gave a quick squeeze of his hand to steal his attention. (What is it?)

“On ugrozhayet ubit' zalozhnikov.” He whispered. (He’s threatening to kill the hostages.)

“What?” June quietly chimed in. “We can’t let him do that.”

“We won’t.” Livia assured.

Matt gave a sharp nod.

It wasn’t Daredevil, Alter, or Exodus. Not exactly. They’d need a lot more finesse and tact to get it done without the masks and suits.

Livia always did appreciate a challenge.

Green Mask came back and Livia drew her shoulders back. Her and June watched carefully as he chose a woman and Matt. When he announced those two would be free, Livia and June jumped to their feet in quiet tandem. Immediately, guns pointed their way.

“If you’re ditching him, send the girl with him.” Livia tried, firmly but calmly. She threw a twinge of desperation into her voice. “No offense to her, I’m sure she’s lovely.” Livia gestured to the other woman standing a few feet away. “But you’re sending a blind man alone.”

“Let one of us go with him.” June added her own plea.

Green Mask looked at Livia, then June, then the female hostage.

“My husband.” That woman’s shaky voice tried. “We just got married. Please.”

“Let him take my place.” Matt offered.

When Green Mask closed the distance, Livia took a step forward, ignoring the weapon trained on her chest. She laced her fingers with Matt’s, though he gave no outward reaction to it. From the corner of her eye, she saw June hold on to Matt’s sleeve.

“This isn’t a debate, Solicitor, but thank you for the suggestion.” Green Mask said plainly.

“Just cause I’m blind doesn’t mean I need your pity.” Matt countered.

Livia ducked her head to hide her smile.

“Do I strike you as some sanctimonious twat, trying to do right by the visually impaired, do I?” He mocked.

“No, but you do strike me as an overconfident jackass that didn’t get enough love from his mommy as a kid so he’s trying to please whatever lowlife crime boss he runs with.” Livia commented before she could stop herself. Green Mask looked her dead in the eye and she could feel the heat of his anger brewing.

“He doesn’t like either of you.” June explained. Livia glanced at the look on her face, a look of concentration she immediately recognized. “He thinks he twists the truth and that you’re just a pain in the ass.”

“You’re right on your way to being one, too.” Livia teased, earning a flash of a smile from June, and then looked back to Green Mask.

“I understand you’re giving me a chance to save myself, and I’m telling you to give it to the woman’s husband.” Matt tried to diffuse the tension.

“Is that what you’re telling me?” Green Mask didn’t care. “What’s your name?”

“Matthew Murdock.”

Livia wanted to smack him for answering that honestly.

“An Irishman?” Green Mask laughed. “You then?” Green Mask pointed to Livia.

“Alexa Jovich.” She lied, using an amalgamation of prior aliases.

“A Soviet. And her?” He turned to June.

“Cate Serans.” June also lied.

“Where’s your family from, Mr. Murdock?” Green Mask went back to Matt, satisfied with the other answers.

Matt turned his head to Livia, then to June, before facing Green mask.

“Hell’s Kitchen.” Matt smiled.

“Before the big swim, Mr. Smartass.”

“I don’t know. I was raised in an orphanage.”

“A blind solicitor and an orphan? Are you bloody serious?” Green Mask laughed. “Don’t tell me you’ve got a sob story, too?”

“Trafficked as an infant, also raised an orphan.” Livia nodded.

“Isn’t this a trio?” He laughed again. “Couple of Charles Dickens characters.”

He looked to one of the men behind Livia and gestured quickly.

“Fuck it, take the husband. This one’s gotta stay.” He looked Matt over once, then Livia, then tapped Matt’s chest with the barrel of his rifle. “Careful what you wish for, Mr. Murdock.”

When Green Mask left with Mr. Khan, June tucked herself into Matt’s side. She reached and grabbed Livia’s shirt to pull her into the embrace. Matt’s arms came around either woman and Livia realized June had begun shaking.

“It’s okay.” Livia mumbled quietly. “We’re okay.”

“That guy… He really considered pulling the trigger.” June’s voice was muffled by the embrace.

“We’re gonna be fine.” Matt promised. “We’re all okay.”

Livia watched June nod quickly, eyes still closed as she took a step back. She reached across and patted June’s arm gently. Feeling that level of fear from a relatively low stakes circumstance has Livia concerned. When June looked at her, she watched the younger blonde take a deep, steadying breath.

“All good.” June said quietly.

“We’re gonna talk about this later.” Livia gestured vaguely.

“Speaking of talking.” June looked pointedly between Livia and Matt.

“Yeah, now might not be the best time.” Matt added. 

Their conversation halted when one of the other hostages mentioned that the vault only had safety deposit boxes.

“Don’t those things have like two keys?” June asked. “A bank key and then whoever owns it.”

“Yeah, but my guess is they want either a specific box or just as many as they can carry.” Livia answered.

“If it was a specific box, why do this?” Matt gestured to the scene around them and Livia tilted her head in quiet agreement.

“Unless there’s some ID verification he wouldn’t pass.” June countered.

“One of us needs to find a way to that vault.” Livia told Matt.

“Yeah, I’m already-“ Matt began before the conversation was interrupted.

“Hey, look, what you did was really beautiful but maybe you could all just sit down so the rest of us don’t get in trouble.” One of the women said, a woman with a brunette bob.

“Mind your business. Kay?” June offered a fake smile.

“You, stop.” Livia pointed at June. “You, if you’re so worried about ‘getting in trouble’-” Livia mocked the other woman. “Why are you talking?”

She gave a sarcastic expression in return before a robber came over to complain, another brandishing his gun with too much enthusiasm for Livia’s comfortability. She raised a brow as Red and Yellow stood in front of them, rambling about how they should be sitting.

“YA ne podchinyayus' muzhchinam, tem boleye truslivym.” Livia mumbled, examining her nails in boredom. (I don’t answer to men, let alone cowardly ones.)

“What did she say?” Red pressed. He shoved his gun towards Livia. “What did you say!?”

“I need to go.” Matt cut in, sliding to put himself in front of Livia.

“Should’ve took your chance when you had it.”

“To the bathroom, you moron.” June corrected. “We all do.”

“All three of you?”

“Unless you want to tell your boss to grab an extra twenty to replace these pants after I bleed through them.” She pulled a tampon out of her small purse.

“Is she serious?” Red looked to Livia for confirmation.

“Those are her favorite work pants.” Livia shrugged. “I just need to pee.”

“Alright, tell him I’m taking them to the loo.” Red told Yellow before promptly placing the barrel of his gun against Matt’s forehead. “Feel that?”

June’s hand shot forward before livia could stop her, slender fingers wrapping around the robber’s exposed wrist. With a small side-step, Livia put her body to block the scene from Yellow’s line of sight. Patrons gasped and whispered. Livia didn’t catch much other than the notion that they were insane.

Probably.

“Do not pull the trigger on any of us. Ever.” June spoke firmly, confidently, in a way Livia only ever really saw when she used her ability. “Carry on.”

June’s hand retreated and Livia offered her a nod of encouragement. The younger woman held her head a little higher with pride.

“Mhmm.” Matt calmly acknowledged.

“Good. Just making sure we understand each other.”

Livia hooked her arm through Matt’s and gestured for Red to lead them. June trailed a few steps behind.

Livia didn’t have much of a plan. They were away from the other hostages with only one gun against them, but now they had to get away and get to the vault. She wondered if Matt had an idea that he just hadn’t shared.

Was he going to knock Red unconscious? Would he expect Livia to do it? What if one of them got hurt? June’s power would keep the man from shooting but a gun was just as much a blunt weapon. What if they took too long and Mr. Khan was already hurt? There was too much uncertainty and an inability to communicate. It made Livia uncomfortable, but she supposed if there was anyone she wanted to be in an unpredictable environment with, it’d be the two beside her.

Once they were in the stairwell and Matt folded up his cane, Livia felt something in the air shift. Matt loosened his tie. Livia leaned towards June.

“When it starts, you head to the vault door.” Livia whispered. “Don’t get killed before we catch up to you.”

“No dying, copy that.” June replied in the same hushed tone.

The action started quickly.

Livia and June locked hands so the younger woman could clear the bannister. Livia hooked her foot around one of the bars for leverage as she leaned over to help June find footing. She landed softly with nearly no sound. Once Livia knew June was on her way, she returned her focus to Matt’s fight.

She watched the men tumble down a few stairs and the man sliced through Matt’s tie. She pulled the pen holding her hair up and threw it with enough force and precision to pierce the back of the man’s hand between the long bones of his palm. The knife fell away and he cried out. Matt was quick to cover the man’s mouth and Livia moved for the blade.

She didn’t intend to use it yet, figuring the least amount of blood the better, but it didn’t hurt to have.

“The gun.” Matt urged lowly.

Livia’s head whipped and she saw it slipping between the railings. Angling the knife into her belt, she hopped the railing. She caught herself with one hand and managed to get hold of the gun with the other. She slid it onto the nearest step, which was only one below where Matt was, choking out the man he had caught with a leg lock. He reached his hand out, allowing her to grab it and pull herself closer. She got a foot on the edge of the stair, and with Matt’s help, she climbed back over the railing.

“Guess you still got it.” Livia teased, nudging him with her elbow.

“Yeah.” He flashed a quick smile. “Guess so.”

She giggled slightly before gesturing for him to follow. They hurried down the steps, finding June already engaged with the blue-masked robber. She had him away from Mr. Khan, but every attempt she made to get close was met with a swing of his rifle.

Livia dropped her shoulder and slammed herself into the robber’s back. The man went reeling, right into a left hook that June put all of her weight into. The rifle fell away, June kicking it out of reach. Livia grabbed the man’s jacket and spun to throw him to the ground, pinning a knee against his throat. Matt knelt to throw a hard punch that knocked him out.

“Mr. Murdock?” Mr. Khan asked, fear swirling all around him. Livia coughed slightly through the bitter taste. “Ms. Yersova? What-”

Livia lifted the nearby radio, hearing whoever the head of the job was asking for status.

“It’s gotta be you.” She offered it to Matt. “All-male crew.”

Matt took it without hesitation. Mr. Khan tried to voice an objection but June stopped him with a hand on his arm and a brisk shake of her head.

Matt answered, dawning an impressively convincing Irish accent. Livia looked over to June to see if she was as surprised as Livia was. June’s mouth hung open and her eyes were wide. Livia smiled widely at her reaction.

“What the fuck?” June mouthed.

Livia shrugged with a quiet laugh before facing Matt again.

“What?” He asked, the accent having fallen away.

“Nothing.” June mocked the accent. “Carry on.”

“Okay, you know what.” Matt chuckled.

“I liked it.” Livia patted his chest as she strode past, closer to the handles of the vault.

“Ooooh, she liked it.” June teased.

“Are you really gonna do that right now?” Livia looked over her shoulder at the blonde. “We’re in the middle of something.”

June shrugged innocently.

“Can you do it?” Livia asked Matt as he took his usual place beside her.

He blew out a sigh before gently tapping against the heavy metal door. He knocked a few different spots before settling one hand and the other reached for the first knob.

“What are you doing?” Mr. Khan asked.

“There’s still three men with automatic weapons pointed at the people upstairs.” Livia explained. “Whatever they wanted in here, it has to be enough to buy us and the police some time.”

“How many tumblers?” June asked as Matt worked to crack it.

“Four.” Mr. Khan answered. “Meaning there are over a hundred different combinations! He can’t just crack it open like a piggy bank I gave Kamala to teach her the value of saving!”

“Remind you of anything?” Livia knelt with Matt.

“You know the combination to this one, too?”

“I can’t make your life that easy, Mr. Murdock.” She joked.

“You don’t say.” He shook his head slightly.

With a small smile, Livia looked over her shoulder to Mr. Khan. “Did it work? The lesson.”

“Oh.” Mr. Khan thought for a moment. “I don’t know. I guess we just try to teach what we know to the younger generation, protect them from what they can’t see.”

“Yeah.” She glanced at June who was already looking at her. “I know what you mean.”

Matt matched the last tumbler and the vault door popped open. He stood, smirked slightly at Livia as he offered his hand to help her up, and then gestured for her to go in first. June patted Matt on the back and went inside. Mr. Khan stood dumbfounded as Livia entered, Matt close behind.

“Exactly what kind of lawyers are you?” Mr. Khan asked.

Livia just looked over her shoulder and winked.

“Holy shit.” June breathed, taking in all the vault boxes. “How many boxes are there?”

“One thousand, two hundred, seventy three.” Mr. Khan answered.

“Odd number.’ Livia cocked her head. “Alright, so how do we figure out which one they wanted?” Livia looked to Matt for a plan.

She still assumed he had one.

“How fast can you pick one?” He turned towards her, an almost teasing smirk on his face.

“Not fast enough.” She answered. “Especially cause they need two keys… June, can you-”

“On it!” June called, already outside the vault. After a few moments, and a groan of effort, June bounded back into the room. “Is this it?”

“Yes.” Mr. Khan took the key from her hands.

June flashed Livia a proud smile.

“I can vaguely see a four.” Mr. Khan was examining the etched number. “The rest has been erased.

“That narrows it down from 1,273 to… Roughly 200?” Livia rolled her neck.

“It’s a start.” Matt nodded.

June blew a raspberry and dropped unceremoniously to the ground while Mr. Khan began trying locks. Livia sat beside her, patting the blonde’s outstretched legs. With her other hand, Livia traced the scar on her hairline, searching for either the police’s radio or if there was maybe a phone call she could intercept.

“Hell of a way to get back into it, huh?” June offered quietly.

“I don’t think that’s how this ends, Bug.” Livia answered, still carefully searching.

“It might.” June shrugged.  “Never know…”

“Maybe not, but I know him. He’s almost as stubborn as I am so if he says no, it’s no.”

“What if it doesn’t have to be ‘no’?”

“You won’t change his mind anymore than I will. If he doesn’t want this life, he doesn’t want it.”

“And if he does but he just wants you to say something about it?”

“You weren’t around much the last time him and I were in a situation like this… There was a woman from our college days that came back and she wanted to be with him. I didn’t stop him then. Once she died and he hung it up, I didn’t stop him. I won’t stop him from having peace now. He deserves that much.”

June frowned. “It makes more sense to have it with you.”

“I don’t think I’m made for it.” Livia smiled sadly. She opened her mouth to continue when her implant finally caught something.

…ten minutes till I shoot the first hostage.

“We’re running out of time.” Livia announced, subtly be damned. She unintentionally interrupted whatever Matt and Mr. Khan were talking about, making the older man drop the key he was working with. “Sorry.”

“You’re doing great.” Matt patted Mr. Khan on the shoulder before turning to Livia. He pulled her a few steps away while Mr. Khan continued with keys and June got to her feet. “You heard it?”

“Ten minutes.” Livia answered. “I’m guessing more or less the same till he sends someone else down here to check, which means more guns and more headache. If they start shooting here, the ricochets are gonna be more dangerous than anything.”

“I know.” Matt sighed. “Worst case, we meet them in the hall. If June can get the jump on at least one, she can turn a gun against them.”

“Easy.” June nodded, bare fingers flexing at the thought.

“Liv and I can-”

“We’ve got a winner.” Mr. Khan announced.

Livia sighed with relief. The trio came over to see Mr. Khan dumping the contents of a felt bag into his hand. He held up a yellow diamond. The sight reminded her of the Stone that was embedded in the Vision’s forehead. Mr. Khan handed it to Matt, who rolled it around his palm before offering it to Livia. She simply pushed his hand away.

“It’s a pretty high-end stone for some rough Irish robbers.” Mr. Khan commented as Matt returned the diamond.

“They’re working for someone else.” June corrected. Livia stepped on the younger woman’s foot. “I heard them mention a boss.” She tried to maintain her cover.

If Mr. Khan was suspicious, he didn’t show it.

“We need to get back upstairs. Let’s go.” Matt grabbed Livia’s hand, practically dragging her with him.

June hurried to keep up, Mr. Khan doing the same.

“You’re supposed to be blind, remember?” Livia scolded when she was beside him, though there was no real anything in her voice. “At least pretend to let me lead.”

“Now where’s the fun in that?” He teased but settled to her pace.

“Stopping a bank robbery is fun for you? I’d hate to see what the rest of your extracurriculars are.”

“I’d invite you but…” He clicked his tongue. “You’d just turn me down.”

“I’m a busy woman.” She shrugged.

“Too busy for me?”

“Focus up, Solicitor.” She rolled her eyes slightly as they reached the rest of the crew and hostages.

June tapped Livia’s hand as a quiet signal that she was beside her. Livia glanced and saw Mr. Khan remained a few steps behind them. 

It wasn’t long until Yellow and Green had their guns up and trained on them.

“How the hell did you get up here?” Green demanded.

“You’re asking the wrong question.” Livia answered. “See, you should be planning your next move. You’re running out of time and you know it.”

“Hands up!” He urged his gun forward. “All of you, now!”

“Let these people go now, while you still can.” Matt urged, a picture of calm that was sweetly familiar.

That was her Matt.

“Been a while since you spoke to the negotiator, I bet. You really think there’s not a sniper aimed at your skull right now?” Livia continued. “SWAT’s getting every possible sightline covered if it isn’t already.”

“Maybe I need to convince them I’m serious.” Green shifted his weapon and the crowd gasped.

“You and I both know you didn’t come here to kill anybody.” Matt spoke confidently.

“They came for this.” June stepped forward and held up the stone. When she got a hold of it, Livia didn’t know and wouldn’t ask. Instead, she hooked her thumbs into her belt, one hand grazing the handle of the knife. She mentally calculated if she could throw it before the first shot came.

“You hear it?” Livia whispered to Matt as the countdown sounded in her implant.

“Mhmm.” He answered. “Let these people go. She’ll give you the diamond. Everybody wins.”

“Or I just shoot her in the head and take it from her.” Green threatened, aiming his gun.

Livia drew the knife. “You shoot her and I will make sure your funeral is a closed casket.”

“You have no leverage.”

“You have no time.” Matt urged.

“I’ll give you three seconds before I put a bullet in all three of your heads.”

“Catch.” June threw the diamond towards Green and ducked her head slightly, just as the police stormed the bank.

“Dym.” Livia announced, turning to throw the blade into Green’s shoulder. (Smoke.)

The three weaved carefully through the crowd, avoiding panicked hostages and officers. Matt paused to make quick work of Yellow before he stopped, listening to or for something only he could.

“C’mon.” He grabbed Livia’s elbow. “Play along.”

He pressed a hand to his head, added a wobble to his walk. Livia quickly sent June to Matt’s other side and the women made a show of supporting his weight. The officer let them through after another hostage confirmed who they were.

“Find the woman.” Matt pushed June in a different direction.

Livia followed Matt without a word, catching one of the men in a nearby alley. At that point, Matt dawned the red mask but Livia doubted that it would do much to conceal anything given that he was still wearing the same suit.

Matt struck first, using his cane to mimic his clubs. When the impact sent the man into nearby scaffolding, Livia gripped one of the poles and spun around it for leverage. She slammed both heels into his chest, hearing a satisfying crack of broken cartilage. He wobbled on his feet but made an effort to fight back against Matt.

Livia noticed Matt seemed unseasoned, rusty in areas he shouldn’t be. She filed the thought away to maybe bring up later.

When the robber got Matt on the floor, Livia came from behind. She yanked his shoulder so he faced her, which prompted him to throw a desperate, almost blind left hook. Livia caught it with ease, dropping to kneel as she twisted his arm away from her. She hooked her other hand around his knee and her shoulder fit into the bend of his hip. She pushed her shoulder forward while pulled on his leg to flip him over her shoulder. She reached for her belt out of habit, coming up empty.

She huffed in annoyance. Before Matt could help her up, she was shoved aside.

The fight between the men continued for about a minute until the robber got close enough to Livia again. She leaned her weight into one hand and quickly pulled her hips up. She was able to lock her ankles around his neck and yanked him down, able to roll once she let him go and he hit the poles. At that point, Matt came in and broke the man’s leg and knocked him unconscious.

“You okay?” Matt yanked the red mask off and offered her his hand.

“Yeah.” She accepted his help. “You looked like shit, by the way. The guy was handling your ass for a minute.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He rolled his eyes with a slight smile. 

The next day, June insisted they return to the bank to check on Mr. Khan. The assistant bank manager insisted the three of them come to his house for dinner with his family, where they could brainstorm on how to make the firm more profitable. Livia accepted the invitation and she could feel Matt’s silent questioning.

Why would she accept this invitation but none of mine?

Now that made her feel a bit guilty. She had been pushing away for longer than what was really fair. None of it had been his fault. Not her disappearing, not Foggy’s death, not her inability to find peace, and not him moving on.

On the drive back to the firm, Livia decided to bite the bullet. She could get them back to friends.

Foggy would want that. And June would, too.

“Are you busy tonight, Matt?” She asked, keeping her eyes forward. In her peripherals, though, she could see June’s head snap to look at her through the rearview mirror.

“Not that I know of.” Matt answered, now looking over at her too. “What’d you have in mind?”

“Dinner at my apartment… Nothing fancy, just a chance for us to talk. All of us.”

“What do I have to do with this?” June asked, nearly sounding offended.

“Your little moment at the bank.” Livia met June’s eyes in the rearview. “I didn’t forget.”

“Oh…” She dropped her eyes.

“Mhmm.”

Matt finished cooking soon after Livia and June arrived. Thankfully, there was no time where it was just up to them and Heather to conversate. As it stood, she had no real issues with Heather. She hadn’t talked to her enough - or ever - to really have problems with the woman. She seemed smart enough, honest, and cared for Matt. Matt seemed happy so Livia was willing to give the woman a shot.

June, however, was not as easily convinced. She was firmly stuck on the idea of Livia and Matt getting back together. It was a ship she was willing to go down on. The way things were seeming, she would have to.

“Where is it?” June mumbled, rummaging around in Matt’s kitchen.

“What are you looking for?” Livia had to laugh, especially when there was a suspicious thud and a loud yelp.

“The usual celebration.” June’s muffled voice answered.

“Usual?” Heather chimed in.

“Wait.” Livia looked to Matt. She smiled softly. “We still do that?”

“Yeah.” He smiled back. “He always insisted.”

“Found it!” June’s hand shot up from where she was crouched behind the counter, a liquor bottle in hand.

“You don’t even like it.” Matt teased and took the bottle.

“What is it?” Heather asked with a gentle, enamoured smile.

“When my old partner and I were fresh out of law school, we were so broke but we pulled just about everything we had together for an office bottle of O’Melveny’s. We only broke it open when we won.” He explained. 

“That first bottle lasted quite a while.” Livia teased, reaching to take two glasses. She handed one off to June as she came to sit beside her.

“Thank you for that addition.” He said sarcastically and Livia raised her glass in acknowledgment. “Moreso, it’s just a nice reminder that, once in a while, the system works.”

Livia didn’t miss the pointed look in her direction. She refrained from rolling her eyes. The love-hate relationship she maintained with the system was not going to go away just because the one wholly good person in Hell’s Kitchen believed in it.

“You’re talking about your friend, Foggy Nelson, right?” Heather asked kindly. There was no malice or cruel intentions behind her question. It came from, what Livia could tell was, a place of genuine interest. It was still, and probably always would be, a knife in her chest.

The comment made June grow tense beside her. No doubt June was thinking back to that night outside of Josie’s. If Livia carried the weight and trauma of that night in her heart, she could only imagine how heavy it was for June. Having to be at his side, his blood running through her fingers, watching him die…

Something Livia could only explain as primal began to gnaw at her stomach. She looped an arm through June’s and felt June lean against her.

“Yeah…” Matt answered quietly.

“I was starting to wonder when you would.” Heather turned towards Livia. “He was your friend, too, right?”

“Mhmm.” Livia nodded. She wanted to be polite, if only for Matt’s sake, but the woman was pushing buttons not even someone close to Livia would dare to push.

“It’s not easy.” Matt continued, likely sensing Livia’s unease. “He always knew how to enjoy the good moments when they came.”

“Then here’s to a man who cooks.” Heather lifted her own glass. “A well-won case. And Foggy Nelson.”

Livia simply raised her glass. If she opened her mouth, no doubt she’d start a fight. June mimicked the action, likely thinking the same thing. Livia knew June was very protective of her family. That was a given, considering everything she had gone through. So hearing a woman who knew probably the bare minimum, if that, about her family offering a toast to a dead man she never knew, Livia didn’t need her ability to know June hated Heather the most she ever had in that moment. It likely solidified the fact that she never would like Heather, and the irony was that Heather brought it upon herself.

“You know you can’t pass that off to anyone here, right?” Matt raised his brows at June, teasing her to break the tension.

June pulled a face before looking down at the glass. “I’ll be fine.” She frowned to herself.

“Hang on.” Livia faced her roommate. “You would hand your glass off?”

“Of course not!” June defended.

“You snuck it to Karen every chance you got!” Matt countered, earning a laugh from Heather and Livia.

Livia had the sudden urge to say something relatively rude to Heather, but that wasn’t fair. Heather was allowed to laugh when Matt teased June. June didn’t agree, considering she glared at the other woman until Livia kicked at her shin.

“Bud'te vezhlivy.” Livia hissed. (Be nice.)

“Ona ne smeyetsya nado mnoy!” June countered in the same low tone. (She doesn’t get to laugh at me!)

“YA vam obeshchayu, chto eto ne tak.” Matt said gently. (I promise you she wasn’t.)

“What is that, Russian?” Heather asked, genuinely curious. “I didn’t know you all spoke it.”

“My first language, actually.” Livia nodded politely. June simply shrugged. “I taught Matt a little before the Snap.”

Livia thought that saying ‘I taught him while we were together’ was inappropriate. She was tempted, but she wasn’t looking forward to a new fight with Matt, considering she wasn’t sure if Heather knew they had ever dated. If she was going to start something against him, it’d be worth something more than his girlfriend.

“You grew up in Russia?” Heather continued. “What brought you to the States then?”

“My mom was Russian, actually. I grew up in an orphanage. I came to New York for school and it was always a place for immigrants anyways.” Livia shrugged.

“Right, right.” She nodded. Livia raised a suspicious brow and Heather shook her head in resignation. “Matt mentioned you two went to school together, is all. He never said anything about your childhood.”

“Why would he?” June mocked.

Matt frowned in response but Heather seemed to take it in stride.

“What about you?” Heather leaned forward to see June.

“Also an orphan.” June said flatly. “I’ve heard my parents could’ve been Sokovian but…” She shrugged. The cool sensation hitting Livia on the side told her what she already suspected, that June wasn’t happy or comfortable with the line of conversation. She patted June’s leg softly and the general feeling lessened but didn’t fully disappear.

“Sokovia? That’s pretty cool.”

Livia noticed Heather's attention shift, her eyes flicking to June’s hands. June’s gloved hands. Livia could read the question on her face. The woman was almost dripping in curiosity, an unspoken desire to uncover something deeper that maybe - just maybe - she could help June with. Heather wanted a way to connect with June because June was special to Matt. Livia didn’t know exactly how Matt explained his relationship to the younger woman, but whatever it was, it made Heather want to bond with her.

If there was one thing besides her lineage that June wouldn’t discuss with a woman she didn’t like, it was going to be her gloves.

“Little help here.” Livia mumbled into her glass. She turned her eyes to Matt and he gave her a quick nod.

“June, how’s everything with Joaquin?” Matt offered with a grin.

Livia nearly choked on her liquor. She looked over and saw June’s cheeks flush a deep pink. She dropped her eyes and quickly whipped out her phone.

“Have you met him yet?” Livia asked Matt. “Closest I’ve gotten was seeing the guy on her Facetime.”

“All I got was a ‘Hi Mr. Murdock!’ from a phone call once.” Matt answered.

“At least you know he knows your name.” Livia continued, feeling her phone in her pocket.

“He knows all of your names, okay?” June defended. “He knows your names and your pictures and all about you two. Happy?”

“Yes, actually.” Matt grinned.

“It’s a start.” Livia agreed as she pulled her phone.

junebug✨ - can we just go???

Livia frowned to herself before typing a quick response.

- we can’t up and leave now, itd look rude 😕-

- i actually do not gaf - June’s response was almost immediate.

Livia simply rolled her eyes and tucked her phone away. That didn’t stop June from sending text after text after text. Livia looked over and met June’s deadpan expression as she continued to send messages. Livia was willing to bet it was just one single angry emoji in each.

“Oh, Livia!” Heather said suddenly, as if remembering something. Instinctively, she shifted in her seat to ensure June was behind her. “You know about Daredevil and the Punisher and all of the, um, vigilantes-“ Livia scrunched her nose at how Heather said the word, as if it was an insult. “- in town. Right?”

“Yeah.” She answered carefully. “I mean, who doesn’t?”

“Well, I’m thinking about my next book and-”

“You’re published?” Livia interjected. “Sorry, that probably came off rude.”

“Not rude enough.” June mumbled.

“June.” Matt scolded gently.

“Um, not at all.” Heather gave a small shake of her head. “But yes, I am. It’s relatively recent. I can get you a copy if you’d like.”

Livia glanced and caught Matt giving her an almost pleading expression.

“Yeah, sure. That’d be great.” Livia offered what she hoped came off as a genuine smile. She’d skim it and then let June do whatever with it. Probably burn it. “But you were talking about your next one. What does it have to do with vigilantes?”

“Right, yes. I don’t know, I’m still drafting, but I was thinking something along the lines of the masks we wear and why vigilantes feel the need to do what they do.”

“And that has to do with me because…”

“I’d love to maybe have a sit down and talk about your perspective on things when I get closer to writing it. You’ve interacted with the Punisher as his lawyer, the pseudo-Daredevil that worked for Wilson Fisk. Maybe even the real Daredevil or Exodus or the younger girl?” Her eyes were wide with question, hoping for confirmation that you knew the vigilante trio.

June stood at that point.

“I don’t feel good. Liv, can we go home?” June announced in the most monotonous and robotic tone Livia had ever heard. She had to run her hand down her face to hide her smile.

“Of course.” Livia agreed and stood. She threw back the rest of her liquor before taking both June’s and her own glass to the sink. “Heather, it was nice to meet you. Maybe we can talk about your next book some other time?”

“Sure.” She gave a polite, arguably fake, smile. “You can get my number from Matt whenever you have a chance.”

“I’ll walk you two out.” Matt gestured for the women to start walking.

As Livia passed him at the door, she leaned in close.

“What did you tell her about me?” She whispered.

“Nothing.” Matt answered in the same quiet tone.

“So she just conveniently asked me about the vigilantes I knew? C’mon, Matt.”

“Livia, I’d never tell anyone.”

“He’s not lying.” June confirmed quietly. “Can we go now?” The younger woman was basically squirming.

“Everything okay, Junebug?” Matt turned to June.

“I don’t… I don’t know.” She sighed. “I just want to go. Livia, please.”

“Yeah, okay.” Livia nodded. “Thanks for having us, and sorry to interrupt your date.”

“You didn’t interrupt.” He smiled softly before Livia let June pull her away.

“Now you, missy.” Livia threw her arm around June’s shoulders. “What has your panties in a bunch?”

“Ew.” June groaned. “Don’t say panties.”

“Should I say undies? Chonies? Unmentionables?”

“Liv!” June laughed.

“Okay, okay.” Livia conceded. “What’s seriously going on though, something with Joaquin?”

“No. Well, not no. There’s something he might be dealing with that could- Okay, whatever. It’s not about him.”

“So then what is it?”

“Can we go check on Hector?”

“Hector Ayala? Why?”

“I just have a bad feeling…”

“Okay.” Livia nodded carefully. “We’ll go right now.”

“Maybe we should change?” June gestured vaguely to her face.

“Hey.” Livia pulled June to a stop. “You really think we need to?”

“I do.” June nodded.

Livia saw the concern reflected in June’s eyes. Whatever June was expecting, it wasn’t going to be easy or maybe even kind. Livia simply nodded. She took them home, allowed five minutes to dawn suits and cover ups, then headed straight to Hector’s neighborhood.

They stuck to shadows, having left Livia’s car a few blocks back, but it didn’t matter. They were down the alley across from Hector, too far away to stop anything. It was as if Livia was watching it all play out in slow motion. She knew she wouldn’t have time to get close enough to stop anything. She couldn’t pull her gun or throw a blade quick enough. Yelling would do nothing and she couldn’t utilize her ability with enough accuracy.

All she could do was keep June from seeing it.

She quickly ducked into a shadow as she grabbed June’s arm and spun her so they were face to face. June looked at Livia with wide, confused eyes. Behind June’s face shield, Livia assumed she was frowning at her. Livia wasn’t looking at June though, just holding her firmly in place. Livia was focused over June’s shoulder.

“What are you-” June began to ask, her voice slightly muffled behind the protection of her mask.

The familiar sound of a gunshot cut off her words. June went absolutely rigid. Livia watched the shooter for only a moment,hoping to catch something identifying, but they were smart. They kept their head down and their hood drawn, but her blood ran cold when she caught sight of the symbol they flaunted.

Frank’s white skull, the ‘memento mori’ as David Lieberman had called it.

She swallowed hard as she met June’s eyes finally. Livia knew without a doubt that it was one of those cops. Frank would never shoot a man that he wasn’t facing. It was a coward’s kill, plain and simple.

“He’s dead.” June said flatly.

“Let’s get home.” Livia answered.

They returned home in silence. When they were back in the apartment, all boots and accessories discarded, they sat together in the living room. Livia had a spiked lemonade in her glass while June had… Well, Livia didn’t see what June had pulled from the fridge.

“We could’ve done something.” June said suddenly. “If we had left Matt’s place when I first said wanted to…”

“What-if’s will kill you same as a bullet, June.” Livia answered calmly. The sound of the gunshot echoed in her head, bringing up old memories.

Ray Nadeem. Billy Russo. Jasper Evans.

“Why didn’t you just listen to me?”

“How was I supposed to know what you meant? For all I knew, you just wanted to get away from Heather.”

“Oh, please.” June scoffed. “Because you wanted to spend all night watching her make googoo eyes at Matt and try to psychoanalyze everything either of us say?”

“Her job is to try and understand people to fix them. Of course she’s going to ask us questions. We’re as fucked as they come.”

“Yeah, well, she’s nosy.”

“She was just trying to be nice and get along with us. I doubt she likes or really cares about either of us all that much, kid.”

“Good! I hate her!”

“You hate her because what?” Livia finally looked over at June. “Because she’s dating Matt? He’s happy with her. If you believe anyone on that, believe me.”

It pained Livia to admit but she knew better than anyone that he was happy. There was a general lightness to him once they got together, an almost physical weight lifted. Her ability exposed that to her without asking and it’s been in her peripherals ever since. It was also relatively obvious when she found they didn’t argue quite as much. At first, she attributed it to her own distance but instead, it was also in part to Matt’s focus being diverted to a new lover.

“We can’t fault either of them for that.” Livia dropped her eyes, a new chill settling under her skin.

“You’re pivoting.” June frowned. “We’re heroes, Liv. We’re supposed to save people!”

“We’re not heroes.” Livia’s eyes snapped back to June. “We’re vigilantes. In a literal and legal aspect, we’re criminals. We help people, yes, but they’re not going to build a team around us or put up statues in our honor. The best we can hope for is Jameson putting out some slander in the Bugle.”

“Criminals…” June repeated quietly. She looked at Livia as if she had struck her. “How could you say that?”

“Whatever Joaquin’s been telling you-”

“This has nothing to do with him!”

“Fine.” Livia said firmly, pushing to stand. June discreetly shrunk into herself, so subtle no one else would’ve noticed. 

Livia swallowed an apology.

“People die, June. You know that. There’s nothing we could’ve done.” Livia said. Her voice was so devoid of emotion.

June said nothing, just gathered her equipment and stormed to her room. The door slamming was the only response Livia got.

Livia just wanted to scream.

June went with Matt to see the coroner the next morning. Livia decided not to. She thought a little distance from anything regarding the Ayalas would be better. Matt reminded her about some bank meetings coming up and that was it. She kept some distance, helped Kirsten with some cases, and tried to pretend she didn’t see the bullet pierce Hector’s skull.

She failed him. She knew that, just as she had failed so many people before. People that looked to her for help, for safety, for support. If she had gone with them, if she had to face Hector’s niece or his wife, that guilt would stick to her like everything else.

For her own sanity, she had to let all of it go. So with a whispered apology, that was exactly what she did.

Except June didn’t let it stay that way for long.

“Come on.” June told her, barging into Livia’s room one night.

“Excuse me?” Livia’s brows raised as she tilted her laptop screen down to see her visitor clearly.

“We’re going to where Hector died. Matt’s meeting us there.”

“Why?”

“Cause the casing wasn’t found.”

“The shooter didn’t pick it up, not unless they went back.” Livia thought out loud as she tried to find her shoes. “But they wouldn’t go back. It’s too risky.”

“Unless the shooter was a cop.” June added. “Or friends with a cop that could pick it up for them.”

“The shooter had Frank’s symbol.”

“Then we need to visit Uncle Frank, too.”

“You know where to find him?” Livia was tugging her shoes on now.

“I might…”

Livia and June returned to the scene, showing up just before Matt did. He smiled slightly at the two of them and Livia stood awkwardly, hands in her back pockets as she looked around.

“June told me you guys were here.” Matt said casually.

“Did she?” Livia asked absently, focusing more on the ground. The casing should’ve been around somewhere so she was looking for something to reflect the light.

“Did you see anything?”

“Nothing helpful.”

“Guys.” June said, her head slightly cocked as she examined something. “Am I crazy or is this sloped?” She pointed to the pathway ahead of her.

Matt hummed in interest before extending his cane. He swiped it at a small liquor bottle, sending it rolling away.

“Good catch.” Livia patted June’s arm, causing her to smile proudly.

The bottle rolled and rolled before finally dropping down a drainage hole. The three went to it but Matt knelt down to reach in. He came back with a small, shiny object. He ran his fingers over it and then frowned before passing it to Livia. June reached for it but Matt pulled away.

She frowned and reached again, to which Matt swatted her hands away and offered it to Livia again.

“Anything look familiar?” Matt asked, annoyance plain in his words.

She took it and rolled it between her fingers, looking at the casing. She sighed heavily and looked over at June.

“Where’s your uncle?”

June led them without complaint. She held Matt’s arm while he tapped away with his cane. Their steps fell into sync and Livia briefly wondered if it was on purpose or just an old habit of June’s. She decided not to ask.

The walk was quiet. No one said much of anything. June, usually the chatterbox of the three, just kept her eyes forward. Whether she was still thinking about her recent spat with Livia or something else would be anyone’s guess. Matt’s train of thought was always a gamble. It could be about their little investigation. It could be about Heather. It could be about something she knew nothing about.

The downside to isolating herself is that there was a lot Livia didn’t know.

When they finally got to Frank’s place, Livia was oddly reminded of Lieberman’s old hideout. She smiled slightly at the thought.

Livia had only a second to react. She only caught the glimpse of a weapon in hand as someone charged towards them.

Livia had to yank June aside, which caused the blonde to yelp in surprise. She positioned herself in front and pulled the switchblade from her back pocket. The blade clicked out, just in time for her to realize what was happening.

The assailant was just Frank and he currently had Matt pinned to a set of lockers.

Livia couldn’t help but laugh.

She looked over her shoulder and saw June staring with wide eyes. She froze in the middle of removing her gloves. When she saw Livia’s look, she smiled in quiet relief and repositioned her accessory.

“You’re lucky.” Livia said, the smile obvious in her words. Frank looked over with a small scowl. “I was about to stick you like a dart board.”

“That’s what you do now, huh? Barge into people’s places and stab ‘em?” Frank scoffed.

“You slam all your visitors into those lockers?” She challenged, tucking away the blade. “A people person like you, I’d expect more dents.”

“Eh, fuck off.” He waved her away.

“Good to see you, too.” She laughed.

“Whatever. And I see you back there, Junebug.”

“Hi.” June waved.

“You brought the whole gang, Princess.” Frank announced, crossing the room for something.

Livia ignored Frank for a moment. She walked to Matt’s side instead, placing a gentle hand on his arm. He patted her hand without a word.

“What do you want?” Frank asked.

“Liv.” June whispered while Matt answered. Livia looked over and saw June’s brows furrowed in concern. “Chto eto za tabletki?” (What are those pills?)

Livia glanced over but frowned. She couldn’t read the label that far away.

“Podoydite poblizhe i uznayte.” Livia winked. (Get closer and find out.)

June practically lit up at the suggestion.

Livia paid attention to men again and found they were instigating each other. No surprise. She actually found it comforting to know that those two were the same.

“I do not have time for your candy-ass hero shit.” Frank yelled. “Is that clear?”

“Yeah, loud and clear.” Matt conceded. “Liv, June, let’s go.”

Matt took Livia’s arm and she took a few backwards steps.

“You think I came here to see whatever you’ve turned into?” Livia asked. Matt sighed but released her arm. “Kinda wish I didn’t, by the way. Cause this-“ She gestured to him. “This isn’t the man I know.”

“I don’t think you came here for my help.” Frank shook his head. Livia didn’t miss how he wasn’t yelling at her the way he was at Matt just moments before. “I think you want my permission.”

Livia took a few steps closer, shrugging her shoulders as she crossed her arms. In her peripherals, she watched June creep around the room.

“I never needed it before.” Livia countered.

“Nah.” Frank pulled a face before pointing over her shoulder. “Him.”

Matt simply scoffed.

“Wanna get your hands on somebody, huh? Wanna hurt ‘em. He’s a little scared, isn’t he, Liv? Scared of what it means.”

“That’s an interesting take. I like it.” Matt mocked. Livia turned, intrigued by the new feeling from him.

She was busy trying to remember what it felt like for Matt to be scared that she didn’t even listen to what they began talking about. She had learned a long time ago that being scared and being afraid were very similar but felt very different. Fear was primal, something she could exploit, something she brandished as deadly as any weapon. But being scared, that was much more vulnerable. It was uncertainty. It was something she hadn’t gotten from Matt before.

“How ‘bout that friend of yours? You save his life?” Frank’s voice cut through her thoughts like a knife.

Her head whipped to face him and she saw, a few feet behind him, that June had froze. She had the pill bottle in her hand but she wasn’t looking at it. June’s eyes were wide and even with the distance. Livia recognized the glisten of fresh collecting tears.

“You lost him, didn’t you?” Frank continued.

“Don’t.” Livia warned. Her voice was quieter than she expected but the firmness of her tone made up for it. Frank’s eyes met hers.

“It’s not about him.” Matt said simply but the sadness in his voice sent a chill down her spine.

“Then say his name.” Frank challenged.

“It’s not about him.” Matt repeated. “It’s not.”

“For Christ’s sake, say his name, you coward!” Frank called out to Matt before a step closer to Livia. “Say his name.”

“What do you want me to say?” Livia stepped forward, now toe to toe with Frank. “You tell me, Frank. What the hell was I supposed to do? I didn’t even see him coming!”

“Did you do something about it? Did you get him back for it?”

“Just stop.” Livia shook her head, using all her will power to keep her tears away.

The worst part of that question was that Livia knew her answer was no. She didn’t get Poindexter back for it. She had the chance, had him exactly where she needed him to be, but that soft spot in her chest for the man she knew locked her arm in place. It didn’t let her kill him, didn’t let her drive a knife through his chest or put a bullet in his head or do any of the cruel things she wanted. Because when she looked him in the eyes, when she asked for a reason why, she saw the slightest hint of the man she knew, and it was a whole new knife in her chest.

Leave it Frank to know exactly what knife to twist.

“What about you?” Frank pushed past Livia to challenge Matt.

Livia let out a shaky breath as tears spilled down her cheeks. A gentle hand was on her arm and she didn’t need to look to know it was June. She just patted the hand and kept her eyes on the floor.

“Pain meds.” June explained, shaking the pill bottle.

“Voz'mite ikh s soboy.” Livia sniffled, wiping a hand quickly across her eyes. (Take them with us.)

“Pochemu?” (Why?)

Livia simply shrugged. She didn’t really have a reason other than spite. She let out another uneven breath, finding enough control to steady her heartbeat. Any feelings about the last conversation were dulled, muted to the vaguest tingles of sensations.

June gasped and grabbed onto Livia’s sleeve. Livia looked just in time to see the end of Matt hitting Frank.

She thought Frank deserved it.

Livia nodded for June to go first, and the younger woman went to Matt. She went to his side and Livia put herself

in front of Frank. She gave him a slight shove and the man moved a few steps back.

“First honest thing you did, Red.” Frank shot over Livia’s shoulder.

“What does this prove?” Livia asked sharply.

“He talks to you, doesn’t he?” Frank spoke through Livia. “You hear his voice?”

Every word Frank said 

“He got life!” Matt yelled.

The words slammed Livia with a sensation so cold, Livia shivered. June looked between Livia and Matt, hesitated, then pocketed the pill bottle as she went to Matt’s side. She took his hand gently, but Livia could still see how they shook.

“What about ol’ Foggy? He get life?” Frank pressed.

Matt’s response was muffled. Livia’s own sadness and regret built in her head.

Foggy didn’t get life. He lost his, because Livia couldn’t kill Poindexter in the penthouse years ago. She couldn’t kill Poindexter when she was face to face with him on the rooftop. The knife she put between his ribs wasn’t intended as the killing blow. She had still wanted answers from him after all.

“And to know you didn’t do anything about it?”

Livia came back to the present when Frank’s finger jammed into her chest. “Not as surprising as you’d think.”

Livia bit her tongue.

“Nah, you couldn’t even finish off Billy.” He stepped away, waving a dismissive hand. “I remember coming in, you two talking like nothing happened.”

“That wasn’t my life to take.” Livia said tightly.

“After everything he did to you?”

“Yeah, well, I liked him more than Poindexter.”

“Then why did you kill him?” Frank yelled.

“That’s enough.” June said firmly. “You don’t have to be such a dick, Frank.”

Livia wanted to say Frank was right. She should’ve killed Poindexter. She knew that. But how could she explain why she didn’t? Why she couldn’t.

Livia felt June tug on her sleeve so she silently followed.

“Y’know, this little family of yours...” Frank commented as soon as Livia turned away.

She froze, hands in tight fists. The only acknowledgment she gave was a tilt of her head.

“It falls apart the second you leave.”

“What the hell does that mean?” She finally turned.

“Let’s go, Livia.” Matt tried. He grabbed her hand, gave her a light tug. The mistake was the contact. In the touch, she felt a surge of emotions.

Concern. Worry. Even regret.

“What is he talking about?” Livia asked Matt, firmly planting her feet.

“They never told you about what happened. Did they, Princess?” Frank called as Livia turned back to face him.

“What are you talking about?” She asked.

“Junebug and Red.” He answered, pointedly saying each nickname in turn. “They tell you about what happened during your little disappearing act?”

“Don’t.” June protested.

Livia squinted at June but she dropped her eyes in… shame?

Livia turned to face Frank again, now curious and a bit scared.

“What happened?” She asked.

Frank chuckled. “Nah, of course they didn’t. He wasn’t man enough!” Frank gestured to Matt, who only shook his head with a scoff. 

“Give it a rest, Frank.” Matt complained. “You want to do this? Is this really how you want seeing her again to go?”

“Someone tell me what is going on or I will start cutting answers out!” Livia announced as she pulled her switchblade from her pocket.

“He sent her away!” Frank yelled and the entire room fell silent. “He couldn’t stand it so he sent her away.”

“That’s not what happened.” June argued.

“What?” Livia spun towards Matt, the accusation burning in her chest. “You sent her away?”

“I…” Matt tried.

“It wasn’t Nat that reached out to check on her.” Livia realized the story she knew was a lie. And it hit her chest like a train. “She wasn’t worried about June. You sent June to Nat. How did you even know how to get ahold of her?”

“That’s not how it went.” Matt argued.

“Why should I believe you?” Livia yelled. “And you.” She turned to June, who took a step back.  “You couldn’t tell me the truth either?”

“We thought it was for the best…” June’s eyes fell to the ground.

“We?”

“I reminded him too much of you and I felt bad. Was I supposed to just let him suffer? Was I supposed to suffer? Liv, it was best for both of us, I swear.”

“Lying to me is one thing but planning to lie to me? I can’t believe either of you.”

“Yeah, not so high and mighty now, huh Red?” Frank added.

“Shut the fuck up, Frank.” Livia pointed an angry finger at him. “What did you do, while these two were off doing whatever the fuck? Were you being a good uncle, looking after June? Were you hiding out here and pretending the outside world doesn’t affect you?”

“Uncle.” He scoffed. “I’m not her uncle.”

“You’re my brother!” She yelled. “Closest thing to it I have.”

Her fists were clenched tightly to her side. If she released any of the tension in her arms, she’d throw the closest thing right at Frank’s head, which was the switchblade digging into her palm. “You’re supposed to keep an eye on her too!”

“She. Is. Not. My.  Responsibility!”

“Neither was I.” Livia snapped in frustration. She could feel the prick of tears behind her eyes, the manifestation of careful control slipping away, but she didn’t care to reel it in. She didn’t care to leash it. She was ready - and willing - to lash out, to release everything that’d been living in her chest and eating away at her for a year.

“Neither was Amy.” Livia pressed, one angry footstep after another. “Neither was Dinah. Or John’s boys. David’s family. But you took care of all of them, saved all of them… But you didn’t bat an eye when she left?”

Frank said nothing, just offered an expression that asked ‘Are you done yet?’ but Livia wasn’t. Not quite.

Hot tears ran down her cheeks that she made no effort to stop.

“At least now I know that I can’t count on you for anything.” She said sharply. “That what all this was about?”

Frank said nothing. He simply dropped into his chair and made a vague wave of a gesture.

Livia took that as her cue to leave. She scoffed as she put her blade back into her pocket and shouldered past both Matt and June.

The pair was smart enough not to chase or call after her.

Her hands were shaking as she walked the streets, but at least the tears were gone. Her regret in regards to Poindexter took a backseat to the betrayal burning in her veins. For Matt to keep it a secret, that wasn’t a surprise. He hid Daredevil from her for a while. But for June to hide it? That cut deeper than anything.

And for Frank to throw it in her face like that? She didn’t understand what he could gain from that. It just felt like a stab to her chest, a betrayal by the only three people that could cut her like that.

She didn’t go home that night. Instead, she called up Bucky to rant while she wandered her neighborhood. He was on his campaign trail for Congress, of all things, but he still answered and listened.

“You have every right to be mad.” Bucky agreed.

“Why do I feel like there’s a ‘but’ coming?” Livia rolled her eyes slightly.

“But you’ve gotta cut the kid some slack. She was alone and scared.”

“I get that, I do. It just…”

“Hey, I get it, Liv. It’s hard to know they lied to you. I can’t explain Murdock cause I don’t know the guy, but I do know June. I’d bet she did it cause she thought it’d spare your relationship with Murdock.”

“Your speech writers come up with that?” She teased.

“Ha ha.” He said sarcastically. “Here, put her on. I’ll talk to her.”

“I’m not home.”

“Where are you?”

“Taking a walk.”

“Jesus, Alivia.”

“Don’t Alivia me. I’m the scariest thing out here.”

“Go home.”

“No.”

“Oh my- Alright, fine. Where are you? I’ll come get you and take you home.”

“I’m not going home tonight.”

“What, as a punishment for June?”

“I-“ Livia stopped in her tracks, offended by the accusation. “No. I just need some space.”

Bucky sighed aggressively. “Where are you going to sleep?”

“I…”

“You don’t want to go home. You can’t go to Murdock’s. You can’t go to - Who was it? - Frank… Where are you gonna go, Liv?”

“I’ll get a room somewhere for the night.” She patted her pockets but came up empty. She frowned to herself as she reconsidered. 

“If you can stand the fire of potential rumors, my hotel room has a pull-out couch.” He offered. 

She sighed to herself. “The last thing your campaign needs is a romance scandal… I appreciate the offer, though.”

“So…”

“So I’ll go home.” She shrugged and headed towards her apartment. “Thanks for the chat.”

“Yeah, sounded like you needed it.”

“Can I ask one more thing?”

“Shoot.”

“If there was someone who did something to hurt you, to hurt several people you cared about, and you had the chance to hurt them back but you didn’t, does that make you just as bad?”

Livia didn’t know why she asked Bucky the question. He would have no idea what she was talking about. She never mentioned Poindexter to anyone who didn’t already know him or know of him. But she wanted someone to tell her, hopefully objectively, that she was a good person.

“I like to think it makes you better.” Bucky said kindly. “Sometimes being the better person isn’t easy, but it’s better.”

“Should put that on a t-shirt.”

“You’re an asshole.”

“Yeah… Night, Buck.”

“Night, Liv.”

When Livia did arrive home, she had been gone for a few hours. Her feet were achy from the walking. Her hand hurt from having to punch some guy trying to snatch her phone from her hand. Her head hurt. Her heart hurt. She was so damned confused and feeling everything while feeling nothing.

She was so lost, so drained.

She expected to come back to a quiet apartment. Living room TV off, June’s laptop off. Maybe the vague sounds of a phone call with Joaquin.

Instead, as soon as she stepped into the living room, a pair of arms wrapped around her like a vice.

It was June.

The poor girl was shaking, shoulders shuddering with uneven breaths as Livia felt tears through her shirt.

“I was scared you weren’t gonna come back.” June mumbled against Livia.

Livia realized just how right Bucky had been about how her staying away would be a punishment for June.

“I just wanted to think, is all.” Livia answered gently.

“Don’t ever do that to me again.” June leaned away and Livia got a good look at her face.

The expression broke her heart.

Blood shot baby blue eyes, brimming with tears, not even considering the tears staining her cheeks. Her bottom lip quivered. She sniffled. She gripped the material of Livia’s shirt tighter.

“Mr. Russo.” You smiled as you entered his office. “Glad I caught you.”

Billy’s gaze raked up and down her body shamelessly as she walked in. Long legs, curvy hips, full chest. The fitted skirt hid nothing and he loved it. The button up shirt she wore was teasingly open at the top, her ever pristine blazer over it. The heels she sported accentuated her legs and made his life increasingly difficult.

You came around to lean against the edge of his desk beside him. He rested his elbows on the desk and tilted his head up to meet your eyes. All calm, all control, all the head of a growing company, all making your life increasingly difficult.

“I have some papers that need your signature.” You offered him the folder.

“Wanna tell me what papers?” He asked, accepting the folder and flipping through it.

“Facility usage, equipment orders, safety waivers. The usual.”

“And you needed these right now?” He looked up at you again with raised brows.

“If I didn’t catch up with you now, who knows when we’d cross paths again?”

“Clearly, you know where my office is, Ms. Y/L/N.” He dropped the folder and leaned back in his desk chair. He rested one elbow on the arm and the other hand tapped against his knee. “You can find me whenever you need.”

There it was. There had always been a bit of a cat and mouse game between you and Billy. You two were friends before you started working at Anvil, always laughing and teasing and flirting. It was natural for you, albeit unintentional at times.

However, you purposefully turned it up with Billy recently. After an office party a few weeks prior, you had made a drunken remark that you innocently played off the next day in the office.

“If I said anything at the party, I’m sorry… I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m not fired, am I?”

Billy assured you that you hadn’t pushed boundaries with anyone other than him. He joked that it was funny and he wouldn’t hold it against you. You were planning to hold it against him, though.

Since then, your skirts were a little shorter. Your heels were a little higher. Your shirts were a little lower. Dresses a little tighter. But if Billy noticed, he was ever the gentleman and said nothing about it.

“I'm a busy woman, Mr. Russo.” You shrugged, pushing yourself up to sit on his desk.

You intently crossed your legs, knowing your skirt would shift up, and kept your eyes on him. He smirked slightly, eyes skimming the risen hemline.

“Busy woman.” He repeated with a nod. “All the time?”

“For the rest of my life.” You answered innocently, kicking your top foot slightly. “Same can be said for you.”

“Hmm.” He tilted his head. “You’d be surprised. Ms. Y/L/N, to know I can be quite accommodating when I want.”

“Flexibility can be good for business, I guess.” You shrugged.

“Are you flexible?”

“Depends. I wouldn’t let just anyone come into my calendar whenever they want, but if you mean in a literal sense, tantric yoga.”

He blew out a sigh before he grinned at you.

“The papers, Billy.” You nodded to the discarded folder. “I’ve got things to do, too.”

“Yeah?” He shifted back to sit properly at the desk. “Like what?”

“Do you really care?” You raised a brow.

“Humor me.”

“Lipstick to reapply, shaving to do.”

That made him look over at you.

You ran a light hand over your leg.

“I can accommodate, too.” You shrugged the other shoulder.

“Jesus.” He breathed, shaking his head. “Whatever man locks you down is the luckiest bastard in the world.” He mumbled as he began signing papers.

“Do you want to?” You asked suddenly.

You two were alone, the last ones in the office. Both of you had been toying with the other long before that party. And even since then, neither of you backed down or said anything otherwise.

There was no real harm in the question. That’s all it was anyways… Just a question.

“Do I what?” Billy answered, still focusing on the papers.

You slid off the desk without a word. You knew he understood what you were asking, but you weren’t going

to spell it out for him. Where was the fun in that?

Instead, you idly wandered his office.

“Y/N?” He asked.

You looked over and saw he was watching you.

“I asked if you want to.” You repeated.

“You think so?” He shifted back in his seat, papers forgotten once again.

“I think it’s unethical to turn me down.” You laughed slightly. “And my calendar is quite tight so I’d suggest you consider your opportunity here.”

“Let me ask you something, Y/N.” He said instead, standing from his chair.

You made no move, just turning slightly so you were face to face with him. He still held the height advantage, even with your heels on.

“If I were to turn you down, hypothetically, what would you do?” He crossed his arms, studied your expression.

“Deem you gay.” You shrugged. “Tell you I didn’t want you anyways. Take your pick.”

Neither were really anything you’d consider. Realistically, you’d probably pretend it never happened and maintain business as usual. But you figured it added to the little game so you went with it.

“Good to know.” He nodded.

“You can’t embarrass me about this.” You said plainly. “I know exactly who I am and exactly what I want.”

“Tell me.” He smirked.

“No, I think I’ve said enough.” You smiled. “If that’s all, Mr. Russo, I’ll file those papers.”

“Busy woman.” Billy smiled.

“All the time.” You agreed, brushing past him to collect the papers.

All but one were signed.

“You forgot one.” You frowned as you held up the paper.

“Yeah, I want to read that one over.” He gestured to the paper. “Come by in the morning for it.”

You glared at him.

“Unless that’s an issue.” He offered innocently. “I thought you were accommodating.”

You forced a smile despite your annoyance.

Once you were out of his office, you rolled your eyes.

The next morning, you waited a few hours before returning to Billy’s office. You wondered if he was anticipating your arrival.

That day, you sported dark dress pants and a button down vest with your usual heels. Your hair was neatly styled out of your face. All the aspects of a professional corporate woman.

“Mr. Russo.” You greeted, not bothering to knock. “I need that last waiver or else we can’t run the training next week.”

“I was wondering when you’d come by.” He motioned you in and you obliged.

“Yes, well, I’m-“

“Yeah, I know.” He cut you off.

“It’s no fun if I can’t finish.”

“You will.” He winked.

“Excuse me?” You felt a slight flush to your cheeks.

“I was thinking about what you said last night.”

“And?”

“And I think you’re right.”

“You think?” You raised a challenging brow. “Or you know?”

“I know-“ He corrected. “That I need you.”

“Yes, this place would fall apart without me.” You rolled your eyes, playing dumb. “The paper, Billy.” You held out an expectant hand.

“If I were to say that I needed you more than just this?” He gestured vaguely to the space around.

You quirked a brow. “Meaning?”

“C’mon, Y/N.” He chuckled in light disbelief. “Are you gonna make me say it?”

“Oh, I’d love to hear you say it.” You flattened both palms to lean against the desk and you didn’t miss the way his eyes flicked to the now drooping neckline of your top.

“Just once.” You pouted slightly.

“You’re good.” He smiled.

“Thank you.” You returned the smile. “Now say it.”

“I need you.” He enunciated shamelessly.

Your smile grew a little wider. “And just like that-“ You stood straight. “-my clothes are off.” You gestured to your outfit.

“Let me take you to dinner.” He nodded, not bothering to hide how his eyes were tracing your figure.

“I’d have to check my calendar.” You clicked your tongue. “Might be too short notice, I don’t know.”

He tilted his head back and sighed. “You’re gonna be the death of me.”

“I can make it work, I suppose.” You exaggerated a sigh of your own. “If you promise it’ll be worth it.”

Joaquin had a very specific day planned. He made sure to tell Sam he was explicitly unavailable, as in do not call him in at all. Even if the world is going to end and Joaquin Torres was the only man that could save everything, do not call him. He would be extremely busy.

Sam had laughed. Joaquin insisted that the love of his life’s birthday was not a joke.

Regardless, Sam promised, which meant that Joaquin could devote the entirety of his attention to you.

You, however, hated working on your birthday. It was as if the universe knew that it was a personal day to celebrate so it made sure to send the worst shoppers your way.

You had your usual shift. You had considered taking it off but when you thought about the bit of extra money, you didn’t consider it again. However, your usual eight hours turned out to be an overstimulating hellscape.

People were leaving clothes by the handfuls hung in the wrong spots, which left you walking in continuous and angry circles to put things away. The shoppers also seemed to forget how hangers worked, considering how many things you found on the floor or thrown over the top of the aisles.

You went to your coworker in the dressing rooms with an arm full of loose clothes. Her eyes were wide at your collection.

“I want to die.” You complained.

“At least it’s your birthday?”  She tried to cheer you up.

“Maybe if I had a pin that said ‘It’s my birthday. Please be nice to me.’ people will clean up after themselves. Like seriously. I just cleaned up the dresses and they’re a mess again!”

“You get to go home early though, don’t you?”

“I came in at 6am, yeah. It’s only two more hours… How bad can it be?”

Before your coworker could answer, you saw the blur of three kids running by and one was brandishing a back scrubber like a weapon. You groaned, mimed hitting your head against the wall, then set off after the unattended menaces.

When you caught them, you had to use your older sibling authority voice. Immediately, they stopped and tried making excuses. One of them straight out ran back to their mom. And maybe it was just because of how exhausting the day was, but you weren’t as nice to the kids as you probably could’ve been. Regardless, it got your point across and they didn’t mess around again.

By the time you got back to your apartment, you just wanted to lay in bed. You didn’t want to eat or read or even watch movies. You called Joaquin on the drive home and chatted with him, which helped you mellow out. He let you rant about the kids and the mess and the all around shitty day.

He ended the call with a ‘happy birthday’ and a promise to see you as soon as he could.

You planned to take a nap, maybe just play on your phone. Maybe you could get one of your other friends for dinner that night, or you’d just drive around town collecting your free birthday vouchers.

Any thoughts of decompression vanished when you got to your apartment door.

It was unlocked, which was definitely wrong considering you always locked your door. You stepped inside carefully, quietly laying your bag on the side table. You found the old softball bat you kept near the door, just in case that very scenario, and walked carefully through your apartment.

There was a general rustling in the kitchen, followed by a clatter of dishes to the floor and a man’s voice exclaiming in surprise. You raised the bat as you came around the corner.

You came face to face with Joaquin, who screamed at your sudden appearance.

“What the hell are you doing here?” You shouted, letting the bat fall.

“I thought you were at work!” Joaquin said instead.

“I said on the phone two minutes ago that I was on the way home!”

“Okay but why aren’t you going around for all your free drinks and treats and snacks?”

“Cause I’m tired.” You ran a hand down your face. “I’m probably gonna go out la- Wait a minute. What are you doing here?” You asked again. “And why’d you leave the door unlocked? That’s how people get kidnapped or things get stolen.

Joaquin gave a small scoff. “Come on, Y/N.”

“That’s literally why there’s a bat by my door.” You deadpanned.

“Okay, but like… Who’s gonna kidnap me? I’m the Falcon.”

“You’re ridiculous, is what you are.” You smiled slightly before stepping around him to get a water bottle out of your fridge. “New question then, since you won’t answer the other one.”

“What was your question again?”

“Too late. How long have you been here?”

“Couple hours.” He shrugged. “I wanted to do some stuff for your birthday.”

“Like?”

“Like build that new bookcase for your room.” He gestured towards your bedroom.

“The big one from Ikea?” You asked hopefully.

“Mhmm. I fixed the drip under the sink and now I’m doing dishes.”

“You didn’t have to.” You moved to stand in front of him.

“I know.” He smiled slightly. “But I knew you were going in early and since it is your birthday after all, I wanted to do some stuff to help out.”

You wrapped your arms around his waist and he immediately held you closer. You felt the release of tension in your shoulders as you stood in his embrace. Joaquin was always a relief, always a breath of fresh air when everything seemed stale or overwhelming. Being with him was like being under a bridge when it was raining. Everything seemed so far away, so unable to reach you.

He was safe.

He was home.

“I love you.” You mumbled against him.

“I love you, too.” He said softly before taking a small step back to face you. “You go relax, take a nap.”

“I don’t need-” You tried to argue, despite that having literally been your plan.

“You do.” He cut in. You frowned and lightly smacked his arm. “Take a little nap. I’ll finish up in here and then we’ll go out for everything else.”

“You just want to go to that one place with the cookies.” You teased.

“I do enjoy those cookies.” He nodded. “But no, this is about you. I promise it’s not gonna be some whole excursion or debacle.”

“Debacle, huh?” You laughed.

“Okay, you know what.” He laughed with you before turning you and pushing you towards the room.

You grabbed his hand and dragged him with you.

“Dishes can wait. Come lay down with me.” You said. “And just so you know, given that it’s my birthday, you can’t tell me no. That’s like… a law.”

“Really? And who told you that?” He asked, though he made no effort to stop you or get away.

“My cousin, he’s a lawyer.”

“Can’t argue with that.” He shrugged and flopped onto your bed.

Your hands were still intertwined so he pulled you down with him. You couldn’t help but laugh as you landed before adjusting to fit perfectly against his side.

“Happy birthday, querida.” He said softly, placing a gentle kiss on your forehead.

“How did I get so lucky?” You whispered to yourself, leaning your chin on his chest to look up at him. Of course, he was already looking at you.

“I was wondering the same thing.” He smiled softly.

After a short nap, less than an hour, you felt a lot better. When you woke up, Joaquin was also taking a nap beside you. Briefly, you wondered how tired he was. Sure, your retail job was mentally draining and had you reconsidering many life choices on a daily basis, but compared to what Joaquin did, literally saving the world, your job was a cake walk. You started plotting what you do to return the favor for him.

Not long after you woke up, so did he. He flashed you that groggy smile and your heart seemed to flip in your chest. You were in so deep with him and you didn’t even have it in you to care.

“I like waking up next to you.” He mumbled, sleep still heavy in his voice.

“I think you needed this nap more than I did, Lover Boy.” You teased.

“Nah, I’m-” He broke off in a yawn. “I’m good.”

“I bet.” You laughed and climbed out of bed. “I’m gonna order some lunch.”

“No!” Joaquin shot up and you froze, brows raised as you awaited his explanation. “Birthday girls don’t pay for anything.”

“I can very quickly make you regret that.” You warned.

He snapped fingers on both hands before pointing to you. “You get ready to go. I’ll drive.”

“Go where?” You asked but he was already on his way out the room. “Joaquin!”

“Ten minutes!” Was all he answered with.

You sighed to yourself before changing into something more comfortable, yet nice enough to wear out in public. You had no idea what he was planning, but given that it was Joaquin, practically nothing was off the table.

Ten minutes came and went then you two were off. You had driven to several chains and local businesses, redeeming vouchers or discounts for various goodies and drinks. You even had to stop at your apartment to put some drinks in the fridge when you ran out of space in the two drink carriers you had gotten from one of the chain spots. By the time your first round was done, it was dinner time.

Joaquin had already ordered something so you two picked it up before he took off driving again. This time, he took the highway out of town.

“Now what are you up to?” You asked, looking out your window to the night sky.

“You’ll see.” He smiled proudly.

You simply shook your head before opening up the box of cookies. You broke off pieces and fed them to Joaquin as he drove, often timing it to interrupt something he was either saying or singing. He laughed every time and seemed to have no inclination to stop you.

You two ended up at a small clearing miles outside the city. He parked, ran around to open your door, then pulled out a large blanket from the trunk. He laid it out and set up the food and drinks like a little picnic.

“My grand finale.” He gestured to the blanket with a wide smile.

“It’s perfect.” You smiled, reaching for his hand. “You’re perfect. Thank you.”

“It’s nothing.” He shrugged a shoulder before he brought you to sit with him. “You deserve it.”

“It’s not nothing.” You corrected. “You drove me all over town, you got me my favorite restaurant, and you brought me all the way out here so I could have a perfect picnic with my perfect boyfriend under a perfect night sky… Where’d you learn to be such a great boyfriend anyways?”

“There’s a whole school for it.”

“Oh yeah? You got a degree in relationships?”

Anatomy. That was what the assignment was for.

No, anatomy was due in two days. It was the physiology report you had to complete.

No, you turned that in already. It was the respiratory lab write-up that was due.

No, actually, you did that already too. It was the ethics debate.

Or was it the legal analysis? Clinical recap? Vocab refresh?

It was the cardiology worksheet! That’s what the heart on your planner meant.

You flipped through your folder but found no worksheet. Frowning, you went to your class’ online portal. Again, no worksheet. Not even a link to an online assignment or a place to turn anything in.

You were starting to wonder if there was anything due that night.

You pushed your laptop away gently and let your head fall dramatically to the table. A small groan at the impact matched the heavy thud.

Your eyes were so tired. Your head was hurting. Your hands were cramping. You had notebooks, highlighters, colored pens, and index cards strewn around you. Even as you laid on the table, you could see some of them overlapping each other on the floor.

‘quad muscles (hint: 4)’

‘glenohumeral joint’

‘# of metatarsals per foot’

‘bones of the head (NOT the face)’

You whined to yourself as you kicked them away. Those were the easy ones, anyways.

The knock on your apartment door did nothing to get you up. You simply closed your eyes. 

“Y/N?” His voice was muffled on the other side. “C’mon, I know you’re here.”

You sighed slightly and lifted your head. You adjusted your laptop back into place and woke the device back up. Even if there was nothing that night, you had other deadlines right on your tail so you got right back to work.

Staring back at you was a hypothetical for a pre-teen boy coming to you with almost complete arm pain. He was a young dual athlete, a baseball pitcher and a basketball player. You needed to come up with a plan to discuss at your internship in the morning.

You vaguely heard the click of your front door as your eyes scanned the scenario over and over again.

“A lot of overhead movement.” You muttered, typing your thoughts in a separate window to organize later. “Shoulder impingement, maybe. But there’s still the forearm tightness.” You chewed mindlessly on the butt end of a pen.

“Hello to you, too.” He said in offense.

“Hey.” You nodded, not looking away. “I wonder if part of it is his epicondyle.”

You sat a little straighter as you switched to a new tab to find a study to back your idea.

“I brought dinner, because I assume you haven’t eaten all day. But since you didn’t answer my texts, you didn’t get a say in what it is.”

“Yeah, that’s fine.”

“Are you listening?”

“Yeah, yeah. I am.”

“Y/N?”

“Yeah?”

“You know we had plans tonight, right?”

“What?” You looked over the top of your laptop to find him.

There was Billy, his usual suit jacket was discarded on your couch already, tossed over your pile of textbooks on the corner seat. He had pulled his tie loose and had his sleeves halfway up his arms. In his hands were two takeout containers of pasta dishes. He raised his brows in expectation.

“So that’s what that meant…” You whispered in realization. “I’m sorry, Bill. My phone is over there.” You gestured across the room, where you had purposefully shoved it under the textbooks to keep you from wasting time on it. “Rain check?”

“You’ve got a lot of I.O.U.s I can cash in. You know that, right?”

“Yeah, yeah.” You waved him off. “As long as you don’t try to cash ‘em all in at once, I couldn’t care less.”

“I’m hurt, babe.” He said dramatically.

“Oh, you’ll live.” You rolled your eyes. “You can stay but you’ve gotta let me focus.”

“What?” He chuckled. “You’re gonna stick me in front of the TV with a meal like a toddler?”

“If that’s what it takes for me to finish this. You good with that?”

“Hey, as long as I get your attention before the night ends.” He nodded. “What are you working on tonight?”

“I’ve got this thing for my internship tomorrow. Oh, and my anatomy assignment is coming up. Do you know how many nerves are in the human body?”

He clicked his tongue. “No.”

“Over 7 trillion. And do you know how many have actual names?”

“Not a chance.”

“43 named pairs. I have to know what those are and where they are. And then, back to this.” You spun your computer. “There’s so much info I don’t have. I mean, sure, he pitches and his arm hurts-“ You spun your computer back. “But is it UCL related? Is it bone related? Is there varus instability? Honestly, this should be for the Sport Injury class next semester.”

He leaned over and kissed the top of your head, an arm coming around your shoulders. You leaned slightly into the embrace while your fingers kept typing and scrolling.

You spent a quiet couple of hours making notes and searching for studies. There were a handful that supported how pitching mechanics can impact overall arm injuries but there wasn’t many for your hypothetical’s age group.

Billy talked off and on. You didn’t look up from your screen. You could feel that your sporadic thoughts and notes were leading you to something. You just needed the right study.

“Y/N…” Billy said. He sounded tired. It might have been the fourth time he tried to get your attention.

You said nothing as he came to the table. You heard the shuffle of papers and you held out a hand to take them. After the notebook was in your hand, you simply dropped it to the floor beside you.

“This kid needs a lot of imaging and tests. The instability test for the elbow is easy enough but for his shoulder…” You spoke to yourself.

“You remember Dinah?” Billy said suddenly.

“He’s a pre-teen but have his growth plates closed already? How old does that happen again?”

You reached across Billy for a notebook. Unexpectedly, he handed you the exact one.

You flashed a quick smile before you began flipping through pages.

“Turns out she’s pregnant.” Billy continued.

“Who is?” You asked mindlessly. You were more focused on scanning your colored headings.

“Dinah.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, and I guess it’s mine.”

“Really?”

How could you politely tell Billy to shut the hell up?

“Mhmm. She’s gonna keep it so I guess you’ll be a step-mom.”

“That’s fine.” You shook your head. You did not care. “Am I supposed to ask for the imaging? Is that… Jeez, does that count against ethics or anything? Wait, no, that has nothing to do with ethics. Oh my god.” You pushed your hands through your hair. “Can I just get hit by a car?”

“Jesus.” He sighed loudly.

“Can you just-“ You snapped. “I’m really busy, Billy. I’m sorry but can you please just…”

“Just what?” He shrugged. “Cause all I want, Y/N, is for you to spend five goddamned minutes out of your books and your studying. I just want five minutes with my girlfriend. I made up a story of getting another woman pregnant and you don’t care.”

“You did what?”

“Exactly!” He let out a disbelieving laugh. “Exactly.”

“Can you not do this right now? I have literally a million things to do.”

“No, I need your attention for two minutes, Y/N/N.”

“I told you I was going to busy. You didn’t have to stay.”

“Oh, so I’m the bad guy cause I want to spend time with you?”

“No but you know what this means to me and you want me to just push it aside for you! That’s not this works! Whether you care about what I’m doing or not, I need to focus.” You knocked a light fist against the table to punctuate your last few words.

 “I am proud of you. You know that I am. Everything you’re working so hard towards, it’s exactly what you deserve.”

“Oh my god.” You whispered. “In the nicest way possible, Billy, just shut the hell up. Please. I love you but can you just not tonight?”

You could feel the tears welling up in your eyes. You weren’t upset or anything over the situation. Billy had a fair response. He had planned a date night for you two, probably weeks ago, and you were fighting for your life in front of your computer screen. You could feel the burn of your sinuses from the stress tears.

“When I said I wanted to finish this degree, you promised to support me.” Your voice was more level than you expected given your elevated state of mind.

And that wasn’t to say Billy hadn’t been supportive. When your financial aid hadn’t cleared yet and you owed a portion of your tuition, Billy paid the amount without hesitation. When the $1100 was reimbursed in your aid, he refused to take it. ‘Buy yourself something nice with it’ he had told you. You used it for a new laptop and some textbooks. He often bought dinner or came over to cook when you were busy studying. He helped you with test prep.

“No matter what, you said you’d help however you could.” You continued.

“I have.”

“I know. I’m not saying you haven’t… I’m just-” You sat back and gestured vaguely to the study materials around you. “This is important to me, Bill. I want this so bad.”

“I know.” He nodded, reaching over to take your hand in his. He gave a soft squeeze. “And you’ll have it, Y/N/N. You’ll have anything you want.”

“I don’t want it to be a handout.” You sniffled as the tears streaked your cheek slowly.

“What makes you think that’s what this is?” He chuckled.

You raised a brow. “Cause you like to give me things.” You laughed in return.

“I do.” He grinned. “And I wanna do it right now.”

“If you try to give me a gift right now, I will punch you in the throat.” You threatened with a straight face.

“It’s not a gift.” He shook his head.

“Alright.” You caved. You pulled your hand free and wiped your face with the inside of your shirt. When you looked back at Billy, you saw he was standing and pulling his tie off.

“Billy Russo, if you’re trying to get me in bed right now, I will-” You tried, standing to jab a finger to his chest.

Billy just laughed.

“Anatomy review, genius.” He rolled his eyes with a small smile. He took your hands and placed them on his shoulders. “What muscles?”

“I don’t know. They’re not that defined.” You teased.

“Oh really?” Billy laughed again. “That’s how you wanna do this?”

You grinned innocently. “Delts.”

“And here?” He slid your hands down to his sides.

“Obliques.”

“Here?” Up to his arms.

“Biceps… Smaller than you’d think.”

“You think you’re funny?” He raised his eyebrows.

“I do, actually, yes.” You answered. “Are you done?”

“Depends.” He shrugged. He laid your hands over his shoulders and your fingers danced along his back. “You feel better?”

You glanced over at your laptop. Billy noticed and dramatized a sigh. He reached over and closed the computer before focusing on you again.

“Well, that was rude.” You frowned.

“You pay more attention to that thing than you do me.” He tilted his head. “How’s that fair?”

You shrugged a shoulder. “I work for that. I have to pay attention to it.”

“Oh?”

You practically saw the lightbulb in his head click on.

“Wait.” You tried when you realized what you said. You tried to step back, push him back by his chest, but his grip on your hips kept you in place. “Let me explain.”

“Too late.”

“It is not! Give me a second to explain. I meant that-”

“No.” He shook his head. “I think it’s only fair that it’s my turn for your attention. I’ve worked for it, right? I deserve that, don’t I?” He began walking backwards, gently pulling you with him until he was able to spin you so your back hit the wall.

“Are you asking or telling me?”

“For now, I’m asking.”

“Oh, for now.” You nodded. “You’re right, by the way. I can admit that I should give you a little more attention.”

“Aw.” He feigned a frown. “All I get is a little?”

“You aren’t a Master’s Degree that I can frame and put on my wall. You aren’t going to add a neat little ‘M.S.’ to the end of my name. You aren’t going to make my application competitive in  the medical field.” You explained. “I do love you, but you’re not changing my career, my love.”

“One, I’ll give you that. Two, I’ll give you an ‘Mrs.’ for the front of your name. I’ll give you my last name too, if you want it. Three, I can get you whatever job you want. You know that.”

“I’d like to know I earned what I get, but I appreciate the offer.”

“I’ve got something else you can earn then in the meantime.” He winked.

You had to laugh at that. You gently took hold of his shirtfront and pulled him a step closer.

“Lemme take care of you, hmm? You need a break.” He said gently. “Ain’t that what I’m here for?”

“Usually it’s cause you’re nice to look at.” You teased.

“Ooh.” He feigned offense. “Now you’re just being mean.”

“I love you.” You smiled innocently. “And I’m not changing my name, by the way.”

“We can talk about it later. Besides, I like the way Mrs. Y/N Russo sounds.”

You feigned a gag. “Y/N Y/L/N, M.S. sounds better.”

“Y/N Y/L/N-Russo, M.S.?”

“Why are we negotiating my name?” You laughed. “We’re not getting married anytime soon.”

He lazily shrugged. “We could go to City Hall in the morning. I can get Frankie as a witness and have us on our honeymoon by lunch.”

“Internship.” You shook your head. “Can’t skip it.”

“You could.”

“I told you I’m done, Valentina.” You snapped when you answered the phone.

“And I respect that.” She laughed. “Really, Y/N, I do. I just called because something came across my desk that I thought you’d want to know about.”

You ground your teeth together. You didn’t want to know. You walked away from Valentina months ago, especially when you understood she wasn’t much better than working for SHIELD or HYDRA or whatever they wanted to call themselves. Both wanted to exploit your ability for their own gain, whether it be for intelligence or finances or just power.

“Your little boy toy. The tall, charming, real pretty one.” She continued.

Of course she knew exactly what to say to catch your attention. Your jaw was now clenched so tightly you thought you’d break a tooth loose.

“Spit it out, Valentina.” You spoke firmly.

“His name wasn’t William Russo, was it? Former marine, runs his own company now… Ring any bells?”

You could picture the smug look on her face and with a shift of your jaw, you heard the snap of a tooth’s root. It sent a jolt of pain through the bone and you tasted blood. With an eye roll, you let your ability slip through. You increased your clotting factor and simultaneously rebuilt the root. It stung, like a needle in your gums, but you remained silent.

“Someone’s taken a big hit out on him, due tonight.” Valentina continued. “And a little birdie told me a former Black Widow has taken the contract.”

“Who?” You scoffed before running your tongue along the loose tooth. Your gums were currently readjusting to fit it snugly. It was always a weird feeling to reset your teeth. “Romanoff wouldn’t do that.”

“Hey, I don’t ask.”

A beat of silence.

“I’m not coming back.”

“Of course not.”

“And I’m not thanking you.”

“You never did.” She dramatized a sigh. “But I think this earns me an I.O.U. , wouldn’t you say?”

You rolled your eyes and ended the call. Not long after, you received a text with a simple smiley face.

Fucking Val.

Regardless, you went to your apartment to change. Billy was supposed to be working late so if the Widow was coming for him, the Anvil office was the place to be. You changed into your old work clothes, a fitted tactical suit with supportive boots. You grabbed an old black scarf to hide your face, just in case you caught the Widow inside.

The only issue with your involvement was that you hadn’t told Billy about the work you used to do. You knew he wanted to know. Billy seemed to want to know everything about you. He was always watching, always noting what you lingered on in a store or what you mentioned often. If you mentioned a new book or showed him something you saw online that you thought was cute, it would magically show up at your apartment within a week.

You could manipulate your biology in very specific ways. If you understood the process, you could replicate it. Healing, muscle enhancements, physiological processes like oxygen consumption. Once, you even produced less melanin in your skin to blend into a crowd better. You thought you could do anything if you had enough time to learn it, except regrow a body part. You even had a nifty trick of turning off the pain receptors in your body. That one was particularly useful in that line of work.

You were careful to not let him know about your past. He didn’t know about your work with SHIELD, your later work with Valentina, or even your ability. It wasn’t because you didn’t trust him to know. You doubted he would try to or even suggest using your ability for anything that wasn’t your idea, but you knew your ability would lead to your prior connections. And maybe you didn’t want to tell him because you knew there were things he didn’t tell you about his past.

Everyone had secrets. So long as no one got hurt because of them, there was no harm in it.

You had utilized that ability to do things that weren’t the most aligned with a moral compass but it kept you alive and it kept you employed. It didn’t justify your past, but you were working on being a better person. That had to count for something, right?

Regardless of that, you couldn’t let someone take a shot at Billy. He could handle a lot, more than most people expected him to, but almost no one could take on a Black Widow head on.

When you arrived at Anvil, Billy’s car was the only one left. You tied the scarf around the lower half of your face, tucking the excess into the back of your suit’s collar, and headed to the door.

It was already cracked.

Fuck.

You quickly flushed a wave of adrenaline through your muscles. You were buzzing almost immediately. You crept through the halls until you reached the main showroom. You could see the light in Billy’s office through the cracks of his blinds.

That was good. If his blinds were drawn and you could catch the Widow early enough, he wouldn’t see a thing. So long as you were quiet enough, you could be in and out and make it home with enough time to clean up before he could beat you there.

You were hit hard from behind, something slamming between your shoulder blades. You fell to your knees and groaned at the throb on your back. You slammed an annoyed fist on the ground, sending a jolt up your arm, as the former Widow walked a slow circle around you.

“You don’t look like a ‘William’.” The woman commented, a heavy accent to her words. Eastern European was all you could tell.

“No shit.” You shook your head. Quickly, you reached for the small blade at your belt line. You swiped it forward and watched blood dribble out of a long but shallow gash along her shin.

A shame. You were aiming for her Achilles.

“You can have him if you get through me.” You pushed to your feet.

She simply shrugged, ignoring the fresh wound on her leg. Your eyes quickly ran the length of it, attempting to calculate how much blood she would lose. It wouldn’t be enough to slow her down anytime soon. You had to target bigger blood vessels.

She moved in first. She was annoyingly nimble and precise, ducking a fair amount of your swings and swipes. You managed to nick her and draw new blood but it wasn’t enough. You watched blood slowly seep into her jet black suit, heard her wince at the new wounds but she was persistent. Whatever she was getting paid must’ve been pretty damn good.

She knocked you down and your head cracked against the concrete floor of Anvil. The impact was so rough that your vision went black for a moment. You blinked quickly in a panic while the headache bloomed from the back of your skull. You focused your ability inwards and shut off the pain receptors in your head. You didn’t want to go for the entirety of your pain receptors considering how risky that would be in the fight you were in. You had to know when the fight was lost but you weren’t going to be able to fight through the pain of a threatening concussion.

A warm sensation slid down the back of your neck as you pushed to your elbows. Your blade was lost, having slipped from your grip as you went down. Your vision was blurry at the edges but you could see what was going on. The woman prowled around you like a predator, a pistol in her hand. When she pulled it out, you had no idea, but your stomach dropped at the implication.

She stood between your legs and aimed it straight at your chest.

“Not bad.” She nodded. “Not enough, but not bad.”

“Who’s paying you?” You tried to stall. You could feel the additional clotting factor working at the back of your skull through the slowing stream down the back of your neck. “To go after Russo, who wants him dead?”

“Who cares?”

You added a groan as you shifted away, pushing to sit up fully. She took a step back but her gun never faltered. You held up empty palms, a mock surrender, if only to keep her attention. A very nifty part to your ability was how invisible it was. While she was staring you down like something she could eat, you were fortifying your muscles and bolstering your motor cortex to give you faster reflexes. If everything went to plan, you’d be able to spring forward and redirect her gun before she could fire.

You were wrong.

You made a move and caught her by the wrist but she pulled the trigger as you were pushing the hand away. The bullet pierced your shoulder, the force jerking you backwards. You used your other hand to throw a hook against her temple with all your strength and she fell limp.

Pain sliced through your arm and down your back. You bit your lower lip hard to keep the sound to yourself as you crumpled with the pain. You could feel the thick flow of blood from the wound, the torn muscle and tendons, the shattered bone fragments shifting. You dared a glance at the high windows to Billy’s office but the blinds hadn’t moved. The light was still on.

Billy was still in his office as far as you could tell.

As if an instinct, your body attempted to flood platelets and white blood cells to the wound. The problem was that the bullet was still embedded in your flesh. Any fraction of movement sent fresh pain through you and bursted any attempt at closing the wound. The pain was so sharp and so vivid, it made your heart race and your breathing went shallow. Neither served you well in terms of healing so you’d have to end it. With a yank, you tore the scarf off your face before you turned your focus inward, staring off into the distance as you worked. From the top down, you shut off every pain receptor in your body.

When you focused back to the present moment, your eyes went wide.

Billy was coming to kneel in front of you. He only spared a glance for the unconscious woman beside you. As he knelt, he dropped a gun you didn’t realize he had out. His jacket and tie were gone, top few buttons of his shirt undone and sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

“Rough night?” You asked, feigning calm.

Your heart was pounding in your ears, blood streaming steadily down your arm and puddling on the ground. Every small movement shifted the broken bone of your collarbone and the scrape made your nerves tingle. Your neck wanted to twitch with the sensation but you willfully ignored it. All you could focus on was the man in front of you.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Billy managed. His eyes went from yours to the seeping wound and then back. You knew the concussion probably meant yours were blown wide, especially considering the room was relatively brighter than before.

“I heard someone was coming to kill you.” You spoke carefully while looking around for your knife.

“So you come to get yourself killed instead.”

“Actually, I saved you.” You looked over at him. “You’re welcome.”

“And you’re bleeding.”

“Yes, that would be due to the bullet still in my shoulder.” You said sarcastically. “I need the knife so I can either pop it out or push it through.” “Jesus Christ.” He mumbled. “Alright, don’t move.”

He reached into his back pocket and pulled a slim switchblade. You watched the blade flick and shifted how you were seated.

“This is gonna hurt.” He warned.

“Doubtful.” You shrugged your good shoulder.

Billy’s brows furrowed but he said nothing else. He carefully utilized the blade, briefly scraping the bones as he blindly searched for the bullet. After a minute or so, he managed to hook the tip of the blade on a groove for the bullet and drag it out. It landed with a dull thud before Billy looked at your expectantly.

“Ouch.” You said flatly, looking over at the bloody mess that was your shoulder.

“You’re a liar.” Billy noted.

“I am.” You answered absently, focusing on your ability.

Now that the bullet was gone, you could truly begin your healing process. You tripled your effort from before and the blood vessels were beginning to mend and close. You watched the blood flow steadily slow down until it fully stopped. At that point, you had Billy help you tie your scarf around the wound just to keep it stable while the bone fused. That could take some time so you didn’t want to risk jostling it before it was ready.

“Why’d you really come here?” He asked, idly spinning the bloodied switch in his hands.

“I told you, there was a hit on you.” You answered.

“You’re a liar.” He repeated.

“Look at her and tell me I’m lying.” You threw your good arm towards the still unconscious Widow. Either you had hit her harder than you thought, or she was faking. You frowned at the possibility.

“But how did you know, Y/N?” He looked up to study your reaction. “You’re not exactly in assassin chat-rooms.”

“I got a call.”

“That’s it? That’s really all I get?”

“What do you want from me, Billy?” You sighed.

The adrenaline had faded and your body was now just tired. You knew the moment you turned your pain receptors back on, you’d feel all of your injuries. The arm, the head, whatever other aches and bruises the other woman was so kind as to inflict on you.

“I just want something real. Tell me something true, Y/N. I won’t ask anything else.” He said honestly. There was a slight push, an urgency in his words.

You supposed you had hid the truth long enough.

“I used to work for a woman that managed contract kills.” You confessed. “She called me, said someone was coming after you, so I came. I came because I love you and I wasn’t going to risk losing you.”

“You love me?”

The three of them sat down at a booth in a nearby diner. Livia probably should’ve kept an eye out for where Fisk’s new bodyguard, Buck, went. She recognized that as soon as they were seated. She knew she shouldn’t have taken the window seat. It boxed her in and put her at an immediate disadvantage.

She also recognized that she should’ve been paying attention to what the two men in her company were discussing. She should be chiming in with questions, accusations maybe, even threats.

It was important. They were there because it was important… But her mind was gone.

She had texted June as soon as they sat down, asking her to send a text when she got home. She had to tuck her phone under her leg to keep from staring at it.

She could feel herself slipping away from the moment. Her head and her heart were trailing after June. Part of her wished she had just gone with her and left Matt to fend for himself. He’d be fine. It wasn’t like he was going to start a fistfight with Fisk in the middle of the diner.

Livia considered the option herself.

As if he knew what was going on in her head, Matt’s hand found hers beneath the table. His fingers laced with hers but he never looked her way. She gave no acknowledgement of the new connection either.

Despite still being frustrated with him, she wanted his touch at that moment. Instead of any giveaway, she simply traced the shape of a heart with her thumb as a silent ‘thank you’. After that, Matt seemed to relax beside her.

Livia, however, knew she was all tension. What few words she actually heard from Fisk didn’t sit right with her. Matt felt confident, in control of the situation, and a part of Livia wanted to tuck herself behind him. When a bystander knocked on the window, she flinched.

Livia didn’t pay much real attention until Foggy was referenced.

“I had nothing to do with his death. I kept that promise.” Fisk said intently, tapping his finger against the table.

Livia watched him carefully. She watched everything and nothing all at once. She saw the way his hands bounced, the way he couldn’t quite meet her eyes, the way he kept looking outside. If there was anything true to what Fisk would say to them in that diner, it’d be that one line. It had to be.

It eased a knot in Livia’s stomach to hear that Wilson Fisk has nothing to do with Foggy’s death. At the same time, it added to the weight of guilt that Poindexter was only able to act because Livia made a useless promise to a dead man. She wanted to bang her head against the table but settled for leaning into Matt a bit. She relaxed when she felt her phone vibrate under leg with the text she’d been waiting for.

He didn’t seem to mind, giving her hand a gentle squeeze as the conversation with Fisk continued.

Livia was starting to wonder what she was really there for.

She listened to the vague threat against vigilantes. Of course, he was welcome to try and come for her. Livia didn’t fear what Wilson Fisk could throw at her. She’d done too much and overcome too much to cower away from a man like him. Fisk had no real power to hurt her, not yet. He could go after her or Matt, but then he’d have to take on the pissed off other part to that equation and June.

Even if June couldn’t face Fisk that day, which Livia didn’t blame her for, June wouldn’t hesitate to protect her family. She was like Livia in that way.

“Good day, Sir.” Matt said politely. He scooted out of the booth, flicked out his cane as he offered Livia his hand.

She was reaching for it when Fisk spoke again.

“If I may, Ms. Yersova, a word please.” He said carefully. It wasn’t quite fear, but he was uncertain around Livia. Apprehensive at the very least.

Livia had no weapons with her, not that she could immediately recall. There could be a switchblade in her purse but she wasn’t sure. Either way, she could easily turn the napkin container or coffee mug into a weapon.

“Hmm.” She shrugged. Matt gave a brief nod and walked a few steps away. It didn’t really matter how far he went. Livia assumed he’d be listening. “Your new bodyguard is… interesting.”

He hummed in agreement. “Yes, Buck said the same about you. I heard you warn of breaking his hand.”

“I don’t like to be touched.”

“Rightfully so.”

“What do you want?”

“I noticed…” He looked longingly out the window. “June was with you.”

“Yes.” Livia gave a singular nod. “And?”

“I knew, when she left, that she had found somewhere else… I never thought it would be with you.”

“Me, Matt, the rest of our friends.” Livia waved a dismissive hand.

“How is she?”

Livia’s jaw nearly dropped. Instead, she laughed at the audacity.

“You asked me to stay for a private discussion, and it was to ask how my kid is?” Livia was baffled. “Where do you get off?”

“I raised her.”

“You weaponized her. You drugged her. You manipulated her.” Livia spat, anger flooding her veins with a familiar heat.

“I saved her from that infernal place!” He lightly banged a fist against the table.

“You were no better.” She hissed. 

“You turned her against me!”

“You did that yourself!”

A heavy silence fell over the table. Out of habit, Livia  looked for Matt. He was seated at the counter, angled towards her. He offered a small, proud smile.

“She’s grown up so much…” Fisk said sadly.

“She has.” Livia agreed flatly. “Even has a boyfriend.”

“A boyfriend?”

“The guy makes her happy.” Livia shrugged. “He’s good for her.”

Fisk stared quietly, waiting for Livia to add something else. He wanted a name or something identifying but Livia wasn’t stupid enough to put Joaquin in that type of potential danger. After a few awkward moments, Fisk got the hint.

“And her… ability?”

“Controlled, without pills.”

He nodded slowly. “I always knew she’d be strong enough one day.”

“Oh, for the love of…” Livia mumbled.

“She didn’t want to stay, did she?”

“Can you blame her?”

“No… No, I suppose not. I did care for her as my own.”

“Yes, well, that doesn’t work well for you. Does it? How’s Maya?”

He scoffed to himself before finally meeting Livia’s scrutinizing gaze. “Can you tell her I’d like a chance to talk?”

“You deployed her as a weapon and kept her in a drugged out state for the entirety you had her. Why do you think she’d want to?”

“Please. I’d like her to see how I’ve changed. I’ve reached out on my own before but she never responded.”

“Don’t you think that’s an answer on its own?”

Livia squinted slightly, examining the look on his face. There was longing in his eyes. Livia couldn’t deny that. She could feel the way he missed her. While she didn’t think he was worth the air he breathed, she wouldn’t make that decision for June.

June was old enough to decide who she wanted to keep around.

“I will relay the message.” Livia gave a short nod. “The rest is up to her.”

“Thank you, Alivia… I know that you don’t agree.”

“I trust she’ll do what’s best for her. But I won’t lie to her. If she asks my opinion, I’ll give it truthfully.”

“I’d expect nothing less.”

She tapped the table in a closing gesture before she stood. “Tell Buck I’m sure I’ll be seeing him.”

“Ah, yes. You made quite the impression on him.”

“I usually do. Keeps things interesting, at least.”

Fisk chuckled as Livia left. Matt met her at the door with his arm extended for her. Easily, she took it and the two fell into stride.

“You believe him?” She asked. She had no real idea what they talked about but it seemed the appropriate question. “Any of it.”

“I have hope.” Matt answered.

“Hope.” Livia repeated. “He really hates us though, doesn’t he?”

Matt laughed slightly. “Can’t blame him. We aren’t all that friendly towards him.”

“Can’t blame us on that.” Livia defended. “What do you think about him seeing June?”

“I think you were right and it’s up to her. She’s a lot stronger than most give her credit for. She’s been through a lot.”

“We all have… I don’t want her to go but-“

“But you can’t not give her the option.” Matt finished. “Have a little faith, Liv. She’s a smart girl.”

“Yeah…”

“Hey.” He shook her arm slightly. “No matter what, she’ll be safe.”

“He’ll target vigilantes. I’m not the only one.” Livia said. The worry in her words was no secret. “We’re all at risk if he gets the office.”

“Maybe…” He stopped walking, pulled her to stop with him. He made sure she spun to face him before speaking again. “Maybe this is a sign for you to hang it up, too.”

“I don’t believe in signs.”

“I do.”

“You don’t understand, Matt. I can’t. Everything I’ve overcome has been because of that. What do I have if not my suit? Who am I without that?”

“You’re Alivia Yersova.” He tucked his cane under his arm and put both hands on her face. “You’re our Livvy. That’s all we ever need you to be.”

Livia wanted that to be all she needed to be. It just wasn’t enough to keep everyone she cared about safe. However, she knew better than to say that to Matt. Instead, she simply smiled and nodded before she moved his hands off her face. He walked her the rest of the way home in relative silence, only a bit of small talk every so often.

It was a glimpse as to what her new normal was going to be. She and Matt were different. Those years during the Blip put more distance than she thought.

She would adjust. She always did, but it’d hurt like hell until then.

Days started to blur together after that. Go to work, hardly talk to Matt, look over her shoulder on her way home, make dinner, go to bed. It was the same thing over and over until one night, she just needed to be out.

She just needed to be under the moon and think.

June was on a video call with Joaquin, gossiping about whatever new expedition Sam Wilson was beginning. Livia was intrigued but not enough to ask any questions. Instead she left a plate of food for June in the oven and went out for a walk.

She purposely walked away from the massive screens in Times Square. She ran her finger over the scar in her hair, catching the audio of the broadcast for a little while. Of course, Fisk was presenting himself as a humble man of the people, indebted to the masses that elected him.

Livia rolled her eyes as she ducked into the subway. As she got deeper underground, her implant lost connection. She was thankful as she shut it off. Every word from Fisk was like a hot poker in her chest.

She didn’t trust him. She didn’t like him. She would rather he take a long walk off a short pier. A man with his build had no chance of floating, right?

Her thoughts were all over as she sat for the train ride. Livia didn’t even look to see where the train was headed. She just leaned her head back, breathed out a sigh, and got lost in her head for the millionth time.

Livia thought of how to tell June that Fisk wanted to see her. She intended to mention it before she left, but it seemed like June had barely stabilized by the time Livia got home. She didn’t want to risk that. She thought of texting her, but that felt too impersonal given the circumstances. Livia settled on just telling her in the morning.

When she got off the subway, she climbed to the street and found she had ended up in Washington Heights. She laughed to herself. It was relatively quiet compared to the noise of the Kitchen, especially given the proximity to the Square for the New Year’s celebration. People were still partying but it seemed more intimate, more personal.

Livia liked it. There was a certain warmth to that neighborhood the Kitchen lacked lately.

It wasn’t the Kitchen’s fault, though. A lot of things lacked warmth since Foggy died was killed.

After another hour or so of wandering, Livia’s feet began aching. She made her way back to the subway, after picking up a Snoopy t-shirt for June at a street vendor. The station was mostly deserted except for three men on the platform and another coming from the opposite stairs. At about the same time, Livia and the other man on the stairs realized the three on the platform were fighting.

Livia had no intention of getting involved. She just wanted to get home. Besides, she saw the other man try to break it up. She was willing to admit there was likely some sort of responsibility to help but there was also no one around to hold her accountable to do so.

She sighed to herself and tucked the shirt into her purse before sneaking down the steps. Ensuring her shoes made no sound on the concrete, she got as close as she dared to the scuffle. Livia was careful to keep her face out of view.

The first man who was getting beat up ran off, and Livia was quietly wishing she had done the same. Instead, she watched quietly. The man from the other side, the one she deemed ‘Leather Jacket’, 

She watched as Leather Jacket held his own against the other two. The familiar itch to throw a punch lingered on her skin but she tightened a hand into a fist, letting the sensation of her nails digging in keep her in the present moment. She had no mask, no suit, no way to hide. If she was seen in that fight, she’d have no cover.

She focused back at the worst possible time. One of the men was on the floor while the other charged Leather Jacket. The aggressor made no contact with Leather Jacket but he did trip over his friend.

A subway plowing through a human body made less sound than Livia would’ve guessed.

At that point, she had no choice but to move. She was quick to yank off her heels and run back to street level. She could hear something about NYPD, but she didn’t stop. She didn’t turn back. She left Leather Jacket to take the fall for the scuffle but she felt no guilt in that. She hadn’t gotten involved and for once, she was glad she looked the other way.

She mentally wished the guy luck but didn’t stop.

Livia hailed a taxi to get home. She left the tee on June’s vanity before changing and dropping into bed. As soon as she hit her mattress, she fell asleep.

The next morning, June was up first. She was making pancakes.

“You got home late.” June commented. “Spending time reconciling with a certain twin flame?”

“Twin flame?” Livia laughed, coming around June for the coffee pot. “Don’t those burn out and not end up together?”

“Not always.” June pointed at Livia with the spatula. “But they do have deep soul ties and stay in each other’s lives.”

“Is this your new thing, the spiritual and mystical stuff? Livia laughed her way to the table.

“We’re getting off track! Were you with Matt last night?”

“No. I just wandered.” Livia shrugged. “But there is something I want to talk to you about. At the diner, Fisk asked about meeting up with you.”

June froze. “Why? I didn’t want to see him before. What makes him think I’d want to see him now?”

“He wants to show you he’s turned a new leaf, I guess. He was genuine about it. I could tell that much.”

“Well, I don’t care.” She carefully shook her head. “You saw what happened at the diner. There’s no way I can face him, not right now.”

“You don’t have to explain yourself to me. I just said I’d mention it to you.”

The topic died after that. Neither of them brought it up again. Livia decided if it would ever come up again, it’d be at June’s discretion. Truthfully, she didn’t care one way or the other if June ever spoke to Fisk again. So long as it was her decision, Livia would support her.

The next few days went on as usual.

When the two women walked into the office one morning, they found Matt and Kirsten at court. Livia frowned, checking their shared schedules. She hadn’t realized an arraignment had been added to the calendar. June shrugged as well.

Neither of them knew.

Livia blew it off. Her and Matt had been in and out of favor with each other since he started seeing Heather. June still hated the woman, claiming she was trying to ‘step-mom’ her. Livia didn’t think Heather had been around long enough for that but she wasn’t going to argue a moot point with her. If June felt slighted, she’d make sure the world knew it. Even if Livia wouldn’t say it, she admired the way June would dig in her heels when it suited her. She liked that the girl was stubborn, which made her harder to bully.

It wasn’t until Livia saw it on a news headline did she understand where Matt was.

He was defending Leather Jacket from the subway platform.

Of course he is.

She didn’t see Matt in the office that day. It didn’t bother her as much as she expected. She had gotten a little more used to it day by day. She didn’t like that she had adjusted but she knew it was better. If she didn’t, she’d stay stuck in some emotional rut for who knew how long.

It’d be the death of her and she’d died enough.

Later that night, her and June were back at their apartment.

“Have you heard from Matt today?” June asked, looking at her phone with a frown.

“No.” Livia answered honestly. “Something wrong?”

“Yeah, we were supposed to go to a movie tonight. He hasn’t called or texted or anything… Do you think he’s okay?”

“I’m sure he’s fine. He probably just got caught up in that new case he took on. Did you see it in the news?”

“Oh, the cop-killer?”

“Alleged.” Livia reminded her. “Matt wouldn’t take it unless he knew otherwise.”

“Right, right.” June nodded. “Oh, J’s calling. Can you call Matt while I take this?”

Livia waved June away and she practically skipped into her bedroom, grinning from ear to ear. When she came back, Livia would have to ask when she’d get to meet the infamous J.

For the moment, she settled for calling Matt.

“Hey, everything alright?” He answered.

Livia could hear muffled conversations in the background.

“Sorry, are you out somewhere?” She asked.

“Yeah, but… What’s going on?”

“You forgot.” Livia understood.

“Wait, forgot what?”

“June said something about you and her going to a movie tonight.” Livia’s free hand clenched into a tight fist. It was the only leash she had on her annoyance, which was teetering into anger. “You blew her off, Matt.”

“No, I didn’t. I forgot, yes, but I wouldn’t do that to her. You know that.” He defended. “Look, with this new case-“

“An arguably stupid case to take on.” Livia muttered. “You picked a PR nightmare, by the way.”

“You did the same thing when you wanted to take on Frank’s case.”

“That was more so just to piss you off.”

“Anyways. I’ll call June in a few minutes and explain. She’ll understand.”

Livia opened her mouth to respond but she heard another voice in the background. She had yet to meet the woman but it didn’t take a genius to figure out he was with Heather.

“You’re on a date.” Livia nodded in realization. She heard him excuse himself and shuffle a few feet away from his table. “No wonder. Maybe June’s on to something.”

“And what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing, just…” She took a steadying breath, forcing the anger down for the moment. A cool apathy helped smother it. “I’ll make an excuse for you. It’s fine.”

“Wait. That’s it? You’re not gonna yell at me or argue with me? Not gonna tell me I’m hurting her feelings or anything?”

“What’s the point? You’re an adult and I’m sure you know how she’ll take this. You care about June, right?”

“Yes, of course I do. You know that.”

“Okay. Make sure you make this up to her then, because this will hurt her feelings.”

A beat of relatively awkward silence passed over the two. Matt was thinking, Livia was just barely keeping a leash on her prowling anger. She was about to end the call when Matt spoke again.

“Liv?” He said. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

“Yeah, just tired.” She lied easily.

“Usually you’d chew my head off for this.” He tried to joke. “What’s wrong?”

Everything.

“Nothing. Enjoy the rest of your date. I’m sorry I interrupted.”

“You didn’t-“

Livia hung up. She blew out a heated sigh, releasing the warmth clawing beneath her skin. Under her clothes, Livia felt a slight sweat from the sudden burst. She opened and closed her fists, hearing her fingers lightly pop. After a few moments, the heat dissipated and her mood flatlined.

“Idiot.” She whispered and shook her head. Though she wasn’t sure if the comment was directed at herself or Matt. “Junebug?” Livia called.

June opened her door and popped her head out.

“He’s gotta take a rain check.”

She frowned and stepped out to see Livia better, phone still in hand. “Did at least he say why?”

“Something about the case.” She offered.

“Are you lying?”

“Does it matter?”

June studied Livia for a minute. She met her roommate’s scrutiny without letting any emotion show on her face. June read whatever subtle hints remained and she came across the room to Livia’s side.

Livia couldn’t help the curiosity and looked towards June’s phone screen. She saw the side profile of her boyfriend, accessorized with a backwards hat and a gaming headset. He was intently focused on his game, saying something towards it. Either June had him muted or she had an earbud in.

June put her phone down and wrapped her arms around Livia. Livia gave a noise of surprise, having been lost in her visual assessment of June’s choice of man, which Livia had to admit wasn’t a bad choice, and tensed slightly.

“We can watch a movie here instead.” June offered, still holding onto Liv. She squeezed her tighter for a moment as a silent demand to hug her back. “Joaquin’s busy anyway.”

“A video game doesn’t count as being busy.” Livia laughed and hugged the girl back. June’s embrace was warm as ever, comfortable and welcome unlike the warmth in Livia. “It’s okay, kiddo. You don’t have to rearrange anything for my sake.”

“I’m not.” She pulled back, offering an expression of offense. “This is for me. He blew me off. And I’d bet money-“

“Do you have money to bet?” Livia chimed in. The joke earned her a short-lived glare.

“Fine. I’d bet your money it’s not about the case. I mean, sure, he’s trying to find the other guy on the platform but I don’t know if he will.”

“Other guy?” Livia felt a jolt down her spine.

“Yeah, I guess he asked Cherry to find the guy Hector says he was defending.”

Livia wondered how pale she had gone. If they find the guy, and the guy saw Livia, he could recognize her. What would that do to the case? To the firm’s reputation? To the firm itself? What kind of trouble could they all get into?

“Why do you look like that?” June asked carefully, her brows furrowing deeply. “What do you know?”

“We’ll talk about it tomorrow with Matt.” She tried her most easygoing smile. “What do you say, you pick a movie and I have something sweet delivered?”

Hesitantly, June agreed. She went off to end her call and find a film while Livia ordered the sweets.

The next day, they waited for Matt in the conference room. Kirsten popped in and out for Livia’s opinion on this or that. June added some insight as well and it always made Livia proud to see how June absorbed and understood the environment she was working in. At that point, Livia was convinced June could pass the Bar exam.

After what felt like an eternity, she got a hold of Matt. When he answered the phone, he didn’t say much. He didn’t even say hello. He just told her an address and hung up on her.

The lack of tact told her that he was about to get into something he probably shouldn’t.

Livia left all her gear at home, save for her gloves. She wanted to pad her knuckles just in case it got physical. Both of them potentially going around the office with busted knuckles was sure to raise questions.

“Hey.” She caught him on his way up the stairs. “What are we doing here?”

“The guy on the platform, the one Hector saved.” Matt rushed a quiet explanation. “Cops are coming for him. We need to get him out first.”

“Will he actually testify?”

“His options are probably to testify or take a bullet to the head.”

“He could take a bullet either way.” Livia reached for

Matt’s arm at the top of the landing. “If he doesn’t want to talk, you have to keep him alive.”

She spared a fleeting thought for the men that she collected for witnesses that ended up dead. Jasper Evans, shot in the head at the Bulletin. Ray Nadeem, shot in the head in his own backyard. And despite it not being directly her fault, she thought of Sam Stein, stabbed to death on a rooftop.

“You can’t…” She trailed off. A new weight of grief settled in her stomach and stole the rest of the words from her.

As if he knew, Matt took her other hand, the one not gripping his jacket sleeve, and gave a gentle squeeze. He nodded before giving her a small tug to walk with him.

“You don’t have to stay.” He offered as he let her go so he could knock.

Livia was already reaching into her pocket for her gloves. “When have I ever abandoned you before a fight?”

“Who is it?” The man on the other side called out.

“My name is Matthew Murdock. I’m a lawyer.” Matt answered before facing Livia. He spoke quietly and quickly to her. “Maybe now’s the time to start.”

“I never was good at walking away.” She mumbled, then took a deep breath before speaking to the man behind the door. “We’re with the firm representing Hector Ayala, the man who saved your ass on that platform.”

Matt elbowed her slightly, hitting the precisely unstable point. She clenched her jaw tightly and bit back the acknowledgment of the ever present pain as Matt continued talking. Whatever he said convinced the man.

Once Livia heard the chain fall away, she shouldered through the opening door. The man startled, flinching away from her as Matt was quick on her heels. She left the men to talk while she peeked into the adjoining rooms. 

As expected, the man was alone. Livia came back into the main room where the men were still going back and forth. Just by the yellow haze around the man, Livia thought he had said his name was Nicky, it wasn’t likely Matt could convince him with words.

“I know you were there.” Livia said flatly. Both men whirled on her so fast she thought they’d both get whiplash. “I saw you. You were getting jumped by two guys. Hector came from the opposite set of stairs.”

“How do you-“ Nicky started before Livia held up a hand to silence him.

“Your options are to come with us, help save another man’s life, and we get you set up someplace safe. Or we can walk out this door and let the cops that are currently storming this building have you… Think about it quickly.”

“I don’t even know who you are!” Nicky tried.

“What do you think?” Livia asked Matt. “Thirty seconds?”

“Twenty as best.” Matt countered and grabbed Nicky by the arm, pushing him to the fire escape.

Livia waited by the door. When the cops finally knocked, she knocked back to mess with them. The small joke brought a smile to her lips, especially when she felt the jolt of anger through the wall. She wanted to laugh but settled for the grin.

Matt gestured for her to unlock it. She did so carefully, ensuring the deadbolt made no sound, then she crossed the room to stand with Matt. She put a hand on his shoulder out of habit and his arm came loosely around her waist. It’d be an odd scene for the cops to find, but Livia wasn’t thinking of that.

She was more tuned in to the familiar buzz of adrenaline seeping into her muscles. Once the first cop put hands on her to push her aside, the tight knot of tension was ready to snap. Matt motioned for her to wait, even as the cop slammed him against the wall.

She noticed the tattoo on the cop’s wrist, a replica of the Punisher logo.

Oh, Frank would love that.

Any restraint she had broke as soon as the cop threw the first punch. The second cop hurried to join his buddy once Matt dropped but Livia was faster.

She stepped to block his path and let him grab the front of her sweater. She let him pull her close, even stepping into the man’s space. Once she was within striking distance, she slammed her head forward. Her forehead hit the man’s nose hard enough to bleed but not hard enough to break.

That was a fine line she learned to tread years ago.

That cop stumbled away, too focused on collecting the blood than what Livia was up to. She grabbed the other cop by the hood of his jacket and spun him to face her. She pulled the hood over head and down, forcing him to double over. She then drove her knee into his solar plex before he could get any grip on her. He coughed and wheezed as all the air left his lungs with force.

She considered a second and third assault, but she decided to help Matt up instead. She got him to his knees and he kept a hand on her shoulder. When she turned back to the cops, she was staring down the wrong end of a pistol.

One. Two. Three heartbeats passed before Matt jumped into action. He knocked the gun away from Livia’s forehead and focused on that officer so Livia attacked the other.

She pushed forward, slamming her shoulder into the officer’s stomach. He staggered back a few steps before a heavy elbow hit Livia’s spine. She locked her hands and threw her body weight to the side, twisting them until the cop hid the floor hard. She leaned a knee against the center of his chest before throwing her full weight into punches.

One. Two. Three. Four swings to his cheek before Livia was tossed aside. Habitually, she reached for the back of her belt once she landed in a low crouch but came up empty. That was probably for the best. Killing a cop wouldn’t be a good look.

As the cop charged her, she was quick to reposition and allow herself to slide between his legs. She reached as she slid and caught him by the ankle. She closed her fist around the slack of his pants and yanked, forcing him to hit the ground at full force. Livia turned to check on Matt, fully engaged in his own fight, but the small distraction would cost her.

When she faced the officer again, he had taken advantage of the fact she had turned away and drew his gun. But he didn’t fire. Instead, he snatched her up by the front of her sweater and pistol whipped her. She felt the skin of her cheek split and she couldn’t help the laugh.

The sound drew Matt’s attention and before she knew it, Matt hauled the officer away and began his own beatdown of the man. In the meantime, Livia got to her feet and wiped the slow blood stream away.

She found Matt’s glasses discarded on the ground. She bent to pick them up and found the officer Matt was originally fitting was pushing to his hands and knees. A sadistic grin crossed her lips before she slammed the heel of her foot against the man’s temple. He fell limp just as Matt was finishing his fight.

She offered his glasses and together, they left the apartment, but not before Matt let out a scream of frustration. She felt something in him rattle.

They walked in silence, for the most part. Livia had tucked her gloves away before she linked her arm through Matt’s. Her free hand poked gently at the split in her cheek, coming back wet with blood. She frowned at the sight.

“You okay?” He finally asked when they reached her building.

“Yeah, it’s not that bad.” She shrugged. “Are you?”

“Yeah.” He breathed. “Why do you ask?”

“You just feel off, I guess. It’s probably nothing…”

“I feel off?” He sounded amused.

“I know you didn’t want to do that. I heard you whispering, asking them not to start a fight.”

“But you expected one. You had your gloves.”

“Actually, I was just worried about what you had gotten into. I didn’t care if there was or wasn’t a fight.”

“Still, Liv.”

“Our new coworkers aren’t as understanding or open-minded as Karen and Foggy, okay? I didn’t think both of us having split knuckles was a good idea.”

“Now your cheek is split open instead.”

“It’ll heal by morning.” She shrugged.

A beat of silence, comfortable for the first time in a while, but Matt cracked half a smile.

“You were worried about me, huh?” He asked teasingly.

“You have a habit of finding trouble.” She patted his cheek gently. “See you at work?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He nodded. “Hey, did you ever tell June about what Fisk wanted?”

“We’ll talk tomorrow.” She smiled slightly. It wasn’t hard to piece together that he wanted to keep her there, keep her talking. They hadn’t exactly had much in terms of socializing anymore. It was easier to lose him, to give him up and walk away. She always knew that. Turning her back was easier than fighting for it when it came to love or relationships. But she didn’t want all the time she spent feeling something for him to waste. She didn’t want to face the end of the road with him, not yet.

Maybe not ever.

“Gives you and I a reason to actually show up.” She gave his arm a quick pat before turning away.

She was heading to the steps when she felt Matt’s cane across her chest to stop her.

“You told Nicky you knew he was there.” Matt spoke carefully.

“I did.” She nodded, not looking back as she pushed his cane out of her way.

“You’re a witness.”

“Hardly.”

“Livia.”

“No one else saw me there.”

“Why didn’t you say anything before?”

“When?” She shrugged. “We haven’t exactly had overlapping schedules lately.”

“We could’ve had you take the stand.”

“Think of the way that would look. Hector didn’t see me there. Nicky hardly noticed me. That cop definitely didn’t see me…  Any and all credibility would be  lost.”

“You didn’t fight?”

“No.” She scoffed. “It was just a scuffle. Whatever Hector’s telling you is the truth. He didn’t push that officer.”

“I know.”

“And you’re sure Nicky’s safe till he testifies?”

“I trust Cherry.”

“I don’t.” She said probably too quickly. If there was going

to be an officer on the roster, retired or otherwise, she would’ve wanted Brett Mahoney. That was a cop she could always trust. “But I trust you so for now, that’s enough.” She added before heading up the stairs and leaving the conversation at that.

Two days later, she was dressed in one of her better work outfits. June, however, came out in the Snoopy t-shirt and jeans.

“No.” Livia pointed back down the hall. 

“What?”

“You can’t wear that today. Go get dressed.”

“I am dressed! June argued, gesturing to herself. “Shirt. Pants. Shoes. Gloves.” She threw her hands forward and wiggled her covered fingers. “What else do I need?”

“Go get dressed for court.” Livia explained.

“What? No one told me we had court today!”

“Technically, we don’t. Matt does and we’re going.”

June pulled a face. “Since when do you care how Hector’s case goes?”

“Since today. Matt has the guy from the platform.” Livia answered. “Now change or you’re on your own for a ride.”

June wrinkled her nose in disapproval before spinning on her heel. She mumbled something about hating ordering a ride and how she wished she had been told ahead of

time. There was also a quick ‘If you guys don’t get back together after this…’ that Livia didn’t catch the rest of.

Livia shook her head with a small smile. She didn’t see it as likely but June was dead set on Matt and Livia ending up back together. He was with Heather and he seemed happy. That was what Livia wanted after all.

Wasn’t it?

She shook the thought away. It was the first step down a long spiral that she couldn’t afford.

Her head was just about leveled out. She could look at herself in the mirror and not hate her reflection. She could breathe and not feel a burn in her lungs. She could eat and not be immediately sick. The guilt had mostly worked out of her system, though every so often a familiar song or show or small thing would remind her of Foggy. It’d make her throat constrict and her stomach would sink. There were still times where she would open their text thread and send a message, knowing there’d be no answer. She dreaded the day she did that and the number was reassigned.

June came out in time to save her from that snowball of thoughts. The young woman held her arms out to the sides and did a little spin to show off her outfit. Livia laughed at the display.

Together, they rode to the courthouse, after stopping for a quick breakfast and coffee. Neither of them wanted to be hungry and uncaffeinated for that day.

They took a seat towards the back of the gallery. Livia sat in the aisle seat so she could study the squadron of cops taking up an entire side. Carefully, she reached out with her ability. Most seemed like decent people, men and women actually committed to serving and protecting New York. But of course, there were some that she could feel were off and of those specific ones, there were visible copycat Punisher logo tattoos.

“When’s the last time you heard from your uncle?” Livia whispered to June.

“Frank?” June’s brows furrowed. Livia nodded towards one of the tattoos, poking out of one of the officer’s collars, and June’s eyes went wide. “Oh, that’s not…”

“Mhmm.”

After a few minutes' delay, Matt’s witness showed up. As soon as he walked in, Livia felt it was going to go wrong. He was afraid. He was intimidated.

He was compromised.

Livia propped an elbow on the pew’s armrest and leaned her chin to her hand. She tapped her pointer finger against her temple rhythmically, essentially pulling the fear out of him. She watched the yellow haze shift away from him, staggering and jerking towards her, but she didn’t want it. She spun her finger discreetly until the haze became more of a ball, then she brought her thumb and forefinger together to squish it.

Still, taking his fear wasn’t enough. He denied his presence at the subway station. Livia felt her heart drop and Matt’s frustration took over. She didn’t blame him. Everything for his case hinged on Nicky’s cooperation.

The smugness of the cops nearly made Livia do something. Knowing that, June reached over and took Livia’s hand firmly. It didn’t take a genius to recognize what June was doing. She was asking Livia to stand down. With a sigh, Livia cracked her neck and settled back in.

Matt needed a new tactic and fast.

Later that night at the office, everyone was sitting in the conference room to find a new defense.

“This would be easier if there was a second witness.” Matt sighed, turning in Livia’s direction.

“Yeah, if only.” She said sarcastically.

“Why not put Hector on the stand?” June offered when nothing else was viable.

“Just let him tell his story and the jury’ll see who he really is.” Livia agreed. “If Frank Castle had cooperated, it would’ve worked with him. I don’t see why it won’t work here.”

“He’s innocent.” Matt nodded. “He gets up there and tells the truth… That's all we can do.”

“It’ll work.” Livia promised.

So the next day, Hector took the stand. Livia and June took a seat closer to the front, with the Ayala family. She kept her hands in her lap, twiddling her thumbs to keep every emotion flatlined. As mumbles erupted through his words, she had to push a little harder. She had to unclasp her hands subtly sweep it away.

“Matt, don’t do this.” Kirsten insisted.

Livia focused on the trial, meeting Kirsten’s eyes briefly. She recognized that look.

Panic.

When she focused on Matt, she saw him holding up a white mask, a portrayal of a tiger.

“Oh, shit.” Livia gasped.

She knew him. She’d worked with that vigilante on a few occasions, stopping a few altercations every now and then. It wasn’t much, especially considering the distance between burroughs, but there was enough overlap that she recognized the costume.

The White Tiger was an ally, albeit a rare one.

“Matthew!” Livia hissed.

At least her voice got through to him. He faced her but showed no regret. She shook her head, speechless, while the judge called Matt and Hochberg to his chambers. She met Hector’s eyes as they passed over her to his wife.

Pain. Fear. Betrayal. Hector Ayala was feeling all of it.

She might be able to testify now.

She went with Matt that night to see Hector. She sat quietly on the other side of the cell while the two spoke. Hector was right to say it wasn’t Matt’s choice to tell that secret. Matt warned Hector couldn’t be his vigilante alter ego again. Hector said it was part of who he was and Livia related to him in that sense.

Exodus had become so ingrained into who she was, she couldn’t abandon it. The persona was her reclamation of herself so long ago, of finding power and identifying in the faceless assassin the Red Room and its teachers tried to turn her into. It was her strength. It was her rebellion.

It was her, plain and simple.

“What about you? Why are you here?”

Livia looked up and found Hector looking at her.

“Tú me sabes.” Livia began carefully. Hector’s brows furrowed but said nothing. “Es complicado pero la verdad.” (You know me… It’s complicated but true.)

Livia could’ve spoken in English. She had weighed the decision on the trip over, but the guards couldn’t be trusted. Any one of them could be friends with Powell or could bear the Punisher’s logo as a self-proclaimed hero. The likelihood of the officers being bilingual was less so she chose Spanish. Thankfully, Hector didn’t outwardly question it.

“¿Cómo?” (How?)

“Quiero ayudarte. ¿Recuerdas cuando la mujer fue a encontrar a su hijo? Y ella dice que la policía no puede ayudarse…” She watched the recognition cross his face. “Pues, tal vez ella es mi prima o mi mejor amiga.” (I want to help you. Do you remember the woman that went to find her son? And she said that the police couldn’t help her… Well, maybe she’s my cousin or my best friend.)

“¿Quieres mentir?” (You want to lie?)

She lifted a nonchalant shoulder. “No es la primera vez, mi amigo.” (It’s not the first time, my friend.)

“Hmm.” He nodded. “Why should I trust you?”

“Because I know you’re innocent. I saw everything…”

“No… No, it was just the guy, Nicky.”

“Look, it’s a long story but I have a talent for getting in and out undetected.”

“Then why not come forward earlier?”

“Because of him.” She nodded to Matt. “Our relationship would almost immediately give this case grounds for a mistrial.”

“Him?” Hector almost laughed. “¿Novio?” (Boyfriend?)

Livia shook her head.

“¿Esposo?” (Husband?)

“No. Solo un amigo. Es el fin amigo que tengo de la universidad… El otro murió.” (Only a friend. He’s the last friend that I have from college. The other died.)

“Lo siento.” (I’m sorry.)

“We’re getting off topic here.” Matt chimed in. Livia almost forgot he was there.  “Livia and I have worked together for a long time. The judge knows that. If she testified before, someone could’ve said that I gave her the details of what to say.”

“Anything I say now will be my own experience, just a different perspective.” Livia continued. “I can’t say that I’ve worked with you. That has gotten enough people killed. I can’t risk it again.”

“That what took your other friend?”

“Yeah…” She turned her focus to Matt for the next sentence. “And I know he was wrong to share your secret.” She looked back to Hector. “But we might be able to make this work. Do you trust us?”

Hector nodded.

The next day, Matt and Kirsten spent the morning prepping her. They went over the story she’d tell several times, making sure she had her details right.

“Hochberg is going to come down hard in cross.” Kirsten warned. “He knows exactly who you are and he’s probably going to come for your objectivity.”

“I’m not scared of him.” Livia nodded.

“Whatever happens, Liv, you cannot let him trip you up.” Matt insisted.

“Well aware, Matt. Thank you.”

“I’m just saying, whatever you say up there has to be consistent.”

“And it will be. Unless you’d rather I tell June the story and we can put her on the stand.”

He met your sarcasm with a challenging expression of his own.

“I’ll have it all under control.” She smiled innocently.

Her and June rode together to the courthouse. Livia left June sitting with the Ayala family as she took the stand. The judge - she never could remember that man’s name - and Hochberg both offered smothered eye rolls. Kirsten did the questioning, sticking to the questions they had discussed. She was on her way home from a vintage record store, picking up a gift for her roommate. (There was already a credit card purchase to support the story.) She was walking because she couldn’t get a cab to stop. A man tried to take the record, demanded her purse. She tried to fight but the man pulled a blade. That’s when White Tiger showed up.

Granted, that story didn’t exactly happen. Livia had encountered a knife-point robbery one night and Hector did show up to help, but she wasn’t the victim. It was some other brunette woman. Livia remembered the way the woman trembled as she got her into a cab.

Livia’s hands were in her lap, fingers idly spinning to keep emotions calm. She didn’t need to use much energy to maintain the stillness, not like during Frank’s trial. She considered having some fun and toying Hochberg for cross, but she doubted it would go over well with Matt.

“Ms. Yersova.” Hochberg smiled as he stood. It was the kind of smile that implied he was setting a trap. Livia inclined her head to be polite. “What do you do for work?”

“I’m a defense attorney.” She said honestly.

“What firm?”

Livia pushed her tongue against the inside of her cheek, as if the question frustrated her or cornered her. Of course it didn’t. She’d expected it.

“I work with Mr. Murdock and associates.”

“And have you collaborated on this case?”

“My only contribution was agreeing with our paralegal’s suggestion to let Hector take the stand, which was after Nicky Torres was compromised.”

“But you all work in the same office?”

“Yes.”

“So you had to have heard him working on this case?”

“It’s a pretty big office.”

“Have you been in the gallery?”

“Once, when it was revealed Mr. Ayala was the White Tiger.”

“Are you telling me that you’d never seen this man before?” He pointed over to Hector.

Livia cocked her head, not bothering to hide the smirk. “Counselor, there’s two men over there. Which are you referring to?”

“Yersova.” The judge warned. “Don’t get smart.”

“It’s a fair question.” Livia shrugged. She could see June smiling in amusement. “Regardless, if you’re referring to Mr. Murdock, I see him quite often. If you’re referring to Mr. Ayala, no, not until the other day.”

“Mhmm.” He nodded, rubbing his jaw. Hochberg was counting on his reputation to put pressure on Livia. The fact that it wasn’t made him have to actually think. “What do you think of vigilantes, Ms. Yersova?”

“They don’t bother me.”

“No?”

“Well, I’m not a criminal, Counselor.” Livia smiled sweetly.

“That’s what the police are for. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“I have a complicated relationship with the system.”

“How so?” He perked up, hearing something he could potentially exploit. 

“Clearly, I believe in the law. I’m an attorney and a former federal agent.” She shifted her far to the gaggle of police in the gallery. “I believe that there needs to be accountability, at any level, for those who choose to hurt people and do wrong.”

She turned to the jury. “And I don’t believe Hector Ayala to be that kind of man.”

“Accountability… Weren’t you on the FBI team that was assigned to Wilson Fisk?”

“Objection. Relevance.” Kirsten offered from her table.

“Ms. Yersova opened herself to this line of questioning.” Hochberg countered.

“Sustained.” The judge agreed. “Rephrase or move on.”

“Why’d you leave the FBI if you believe in the system?” Hochberg asked instead.

“It wasn’t what I expected.” She said truthfully. “Respectfully, I have to refuse to answer anything else. Confidentiality and the like.”

“Move on, counselor.” The judge waved his hand.

So Hochberg went over her story again. What did she buy? What weapon did the man have? Did he even have a weapon? Why didn’t she drive? Why didn’t she get a ride? Lastly, everything seemed pretty convenient, didn’t it?

“I had no reason to defend Hector before.” Livia lifted a shoulder in a small shrug. “Murdock recognized something I didn’t. He has a good heart like that. I didn’t care before… But as White Tiger, he helped me get home. He took a few hits that would’ve gotten me. He bled so I didn’t have to. I owed it to him, his wife, his niece, to come here today and try to help the man that helped me. You don’t have to believe me, but you have to understand I’m not the only one with a story like this.”

With that, she was dismissed.

The only acknowledgement of her testimony being any sort of success was Matt giving a subtle nod as she passed.

The next day came the verdict. June insisted the two of them be there ‘to support Hector and his family’. Livia figured it was more curiosity than anything, or just wanted to be there for Matt.

Every verdict of not guilty was a heavy weight lifting off Hector. Livia could feel it in her own chest, a tightness that was loosening every time she heard ‘not guilty’. She breathed a final sigh of relief when the third one came. June squeezed Livia’s hand tighter with each announcement. When she heard the final one, her head dropped to Livia’s shoulder and she laughed quietly in relief.

Matt’s ability in the courtroom really was amazing.

That night, June convinced Livia it was only right to go to Matt’s for dinner. It was something to celebrate after all. With fake reluctance, Livia agreed. But when they showed up, Matt already had company.

“Oh.” Livia’s brows raised when the door opened and Heather was seated at the kitchen counter. “I didn’t think you’d…”

June was on her toes to see over Livia’s shoulder. The woman scoffed and pushed between them to enter the apartment.

“No, June.” Livia reached for June’s arm but the nimble woman slipped away. “We should-“

“I’m not changing our celebration because of her.” June said firmly, louder than necessary.

Livia frowned at her.

“Oh.” Heather said, jumping from her seat. She wiped her hands on the sides of her legs. “We haven’t really met, have we?”

Matt grabbed Livia’s wrist and pulled her inside. Livia wanted to stomp on his toes and run, but leaving June there felt like something she’d get in trouble. Instead, she leaned in towards Matt as he shut the door behind her.

“You should’ve just slammed the door in our faces.” Livia whispered.

“I don’t think June would’ve appreciated that.” He answered in the same low voice with a small smile. “C’mon, Liv. Just try to get to know her… Please?”

The soft expression felt like a punch to the stomach.

“I’m not responsible for anything the ankle biter says or does.” Livia sighed.