one cannot be brave who has no fear

personal favourites - 💗

friday night dinner by @love-chx // roommate!series // fluff // jealous!joaquin 💗 your roommate ambushes you in your own home with congressman bucky and captain america sam. chaos ensues as joaquin convinces you to let them stay for dinner.

tell me i'm your national anthem by @love-chx // roommate!series // fluff 💗 fourth of july party

stakeout by @sunsburns // fluff // bestfriends-to-lovers, slight jealous!joaquin 💗

only you, only you by @of-apollo // fluff // pbjj!au, mutual pining 💗 You and Joaquin have spent a long time dancing around your feelings for each other. It doesn’t help that he might just be the most oblivious man alive. Luckily, your friends are relentless in their efforts to get you together.

swimming pools by @mindfulsweetheart // fluff // pbjj!au 💗 joaquín takes care of you after a night out with friends leads you right to his doorstep.

gazes by @joaquinwhorres // fluff, suggestive // mutual pining 💗 It's become increasingly apparent to Sam and Bucky that you and Joaquin cannot take your eyes off each other. Unfortunately for them, you two have decided to be Professionals and that means keeping your eyes, hands, and lips to yourselves. No matter how difficult it is.

only exes in the building by @snoopysupe // fluff, angst // exes-to-lovers, mutual pining 💗 you only had two months left on your lease with your ex

Nobody Gets Me by @sortagaysortahigh // angst, hurt/no comfort, no happy ending // exes, jealous!joaquin 💗 Getting married young had its risks, unfortunately for you and Joaquin, that marriage didn't work out, it's been years since you've been in contact, so why do your hearts still ache?

trick or treating by @magicalqueennightmare // fluff // established relationship You and Joaquin take Sarah's boys trick or treating for her

A Hard Day by @emeraldserenade // fluff // roommate!au, friends-to-lovers You had a hard day and Joaquín's there for you

Meeting the Roommates by @everydaydreamer // fluff // pbjj!au, slight jealous!joaquin, established relationship Joaquin, your boyfriend, brings you over and introduces you to his roommates.

clueless by @munsonify // fluff // friends-to-lovers you and joaquin are practically dating, and the only people who don’t seem to realize that is you two.

Miss Possessive by @petertingle-yipyip // fluff // jealous!reader So what if you were a little possessive? No one got hurt.

The 5 Times Joaquín's Outfits Left You Speechless (and the one time you returned the favour) by @mrs-elsie-barnes // fluff, slight angst // coworkers Joaquín absolutely loves showing off in front of you, but he doesn't have to try hard to leave your mouth dry and your brain void of words. You're fairly sure he's just teasing, until his accident forces your feelings to the fore.

figure me out by @utopeian // fluff, angst, hurt/comfort // friends-to-lovers, jealous!reader Being jealous and avoidant was no fun, but it was definitely one way to get with the guy you've been pining over for years.

Bed Chem by @sunshine-lux // fluff, extremely suggestive the four times you made Joaquin speechless and the one time he got you back!

plus one by @fireinmoonshot // fluff, suggestive // established relationship You help Joaquín get ready for a gala that he and Sam are attending – though because of the 'no plus ones' rule, Joaquín would rather stay with you instead... and he intends to convince you to let him.

means i care by @flowersforbucky // fluff, slight angst // friends-to-lovers, pining, enhanced!reader "You were dead, Joaquín. Your heart wasn't beating when I pulled you from that water." He grins, taking your hand in his. He brings it to his lips and presses a soft kiss to your knuckles. “Well, it’s beating now. Because of you. But what’s new? My heart always beats for you.”

hover by @peterparkive // fluff, slightly suggestive // jealous!joaquin, established relationship you just want to enjoy one good night out with your friends, your boyfriend, and some dangerously good cocktails—but some guys never learned to take a hint. luckily for you, joaquin’s never been shy when it comes to reminding everyone that you’re completely and utterly spoken for

oh, so pathetic! by @of-apollo // fluff // college!au, situationship!au, jealous!joaquin Both you and Joaquin think that you’re more than happy with whatever you have being undefined. And then, Joaquin is the first to crumble (quite pathetically) and confess everything when he sees you flirting with someone else at a party.

Project Aphrodite by @happypopcornprincess // fluff, slight angst // holiday!au When the Avengers get tired of watching you and Joaquin dance around your feelings for each other, they take matters into their own hands.

"I Don't Know If I Wanna Be You or Him." by @dameronspector // fluff You finally get a chance to meet your idol. Your boyfriend is a massive fan as well. The two of you have a blast and receive an offer that you wouldn't dream of passing on. Joaquin experiences a confusing mix of emotions and you, Sam and Joaquin get the celebrity treatment.

everything, everywhere by @myladybelle // fluff, angst, suggestive // bestfriends-to-lovers, mutual pining being long-distance best friends with joaquín isn’t easy now that you’re on different teams. the more you talk, tease, and lean on each other, the clearer it becomes that friendship might not be enough for you anymore.

forget it by @sunsburns // angst with happy ending // exes-to-lovers reuniting with ex!joaquín after his near death experience, but you’re the nurse assigned to his care after he gets out of surgery. you broke up a couple years ago because of your very demanding careers, and you don’t see him until you realize they put YOU on babysitting duty to nurse him back to health, yikes!

Sunshine by @sortagaysortahigh // fluff, suggestive // enemies-to-lovers, grumpy x sunshine, college!au, pining Joaquin Torres had a reputation to upkeep, one that wasn't entirely accurate, but it was easier to fake the front. Or at least it was, until he realized he was falling for you, but you wanted nothing to do with that version of him OR Joaquin Torres pins after you, showing you who he really is, and you finally let him in.

smut warning below! 18+ mdni!

fall apart by @moonlight-pro // smut // established relationship 💗 distractions were best kept under wraps. even as joaquin blindly allowed you to toy with him at the worst possible moment. OR giving joaquin nasty head during his phone call with sam.

concentrate by @joequiinn // smut // established relationship 💗 You're stuck on an important business call, and Joaquin is making it incredibly difficult to stay focused...

roommate's helping hand by @jordiemeow // smut // roommate!au 💗 after his injury in cabnw, he’s super horny but it hurts his arm to jerk off :( so ofc reader notices how moody he is from being so pent up and he begs them to help him when confronted

Taste by @sortagaysortahigh // smut, fluff, slight angst // exes-to-lovers 💗 Desk duty at the Avengers compound was simple work, but throw in your obnoxious ex-boyfriend Joaquin, and a plant from a different planet, and you have a whole other problem on your hands.

you've got mail by @love-chx // roommate!series // smut, fluff, angst // jealous!reader 💗 when joaquin gets a letter from an old friend from bootcamp, some unsuspecting feelings start to arise in you—feelings that you didn’t think you had for your dear roommate. you try to brush it off, to return to some semblance of normalcy in your shared home. but when joaquin sends you pictures from his catch up with his dear old friend, something hot and possessive stirs inside of you. and this time, you can’t ignore it.

Already Best Friends by @cursedheartsclub // smut, fluff // friends-to-lovers, roommate!au. jealous!joaquin, pining 💗

almost wasn't by @cursedheartsclub // smut, fluff, slight angst // friends-to-lovers, mutual pining 💗 You and Joaquin have been best friends since the Air Force—shoulders pressed side by side through deployments, shitty rations, late-night confessions, and every almost that never became something more. You’ve seen him fall in and out of love. He’s seen you pretend you don’t need more than friendship. You date other people. You go on double dates. But every time, you end up right back next to each other—too close, too familiar, too full of everything you won’t say. Until one night, everything breaks open. And it turns out, the only thing worse than wanting him all this time… is realizing he’s always wanted you too.

safehouse by @geminiwritten // smut, fluff // slight jealous!joaquin 💗 you're an ex-assassin trained by hawkeye and black widow, and your old friend sam needs your help on a mission alongside his new protege... but things don't go exactly to plan and you end up indefinitely stuck in a safehouse with joaquín.

no promise of tomorrow by @love-chx // smut, angst // situationship!au 💗 you and joaquin work together and have sex--two entirely separate parts of your lives. but when you suddenly as for more one day, joaquin falters. a week long mission where another man captures your attention makes joaquin regret the words he doesn't say. but does it really change anything?

all maps lead to you by @love-chx // sequel to no promise of tomorrow // smut, fluff, angst // situationship!au 💗 though the post-haze of your last mission with joaquin has yet to settle and the storm between the two of you has barely started to form, you’re thrown into another battle front at the behest of bucky. thankfully, this time, you have a shield who goes by the name of bob. but…you might be the only one who’s grateful for his presence. between bob’s soft demeanor and joaquin’s tough exterior, you worry you might not make it through this mission. 

friends don't by @geminiwritten // smut, fluff // roommate!au, fwb, jealous!joaquin 💗 it was only ever supposed to be casual. convenient. roommates with benefits—two rules: no kissing, no falling in love. but when joaquín returns from a week-long mission and his mother comes to stay, tensions rise, jealousy snaps, boundaries blur, and breaking those rules becomes inevitable.

kinktober day 23 by @cursedheartsclub // smut, fluff // friends-to-lovers, coworkers 💗 praise kink

roommates to lovers by @cursedheartsclub // smut, fluff // roommate!au, blurb

World Saving Deserves A Reward by @sunflowerlando // smut Joaquín is back from another mission, and you want to thank him for always being out there trying to save the world.

Friends Don't Hook Up by @emeraldserenade // smut, fluff // bestfriends-to-lovers A night changes everything after you and Joaquín finally give into the sexual tension.

Hot, Bothered and Tactical by @fireside-fanfics // smut, fluff // established relationship

Thrist Trap by @hauntedhowlett-writes // smut // friends-to-lovers joaquin accidentally sends you a shirtless selfie

real love purified by @utopeian // smut, fluff Joaquin's obsessed with the fact that you were soulmates in your past lives, even more so that there's evidence of it: your moles.

A Little Distraction by @blank-potato // smut // coworkers It's been a while since you've gotten laid, and it's starting to affect your concentration. It especially doesn't help when the person you're training is Joaquin Torres.

never late is better by @luvemmdubb // smut, fluff, slight angst // established relationship Joaquín is late for your anniversary dinner.

lending a helping hand by @love-chx // roommate!series // smut // fwb a big client’s request for a custom art piece has clouded your mind the past few weeks, leaving you stressed and tensed. it was a pain to be around, so joaquin had no choice but to confront you and support you. he’ll help you get unblocked, he insists, no matter how creative it gets.

Me Rehúso by @therogueflame // smut, angst, hurt/comfort // exes It was just a drink. Just catching up. Just a little too late to call it nothing.

Redamancy by @phantomspiderr // smut, fluff, angst // fwb The aftermath of sleeping with your best friend is never good—feelings grow where they weren't supposed to, and it drives a wedge in your relationship. Then things change...

Mi Amor, Mi Guerra by @cursedheartsclub // smut, angst, fluff // (one-sided) enemies-to-lovers, thunderbolts* thunderbolts and sams avengers team are working together (sambucky no longer divorced) but y/n and Joaquin are both fighting to see who is better in Sam’s eyes?

woman in the chair by @kikismultifics // smut, fluff // mutual pining, enhanced!reader after a scare from Joaquin on a mission, and you're forced to patch him up (because he's too stubborn to get properly looked at), you realize that maybe your feelings for the new Falcon goes beyond just caring for him like a friend. When he realizes that you are in much need of a carefree night full of alcohol, you're forced to confront your feelings—as well as his.

sin ti by @moonlight-prose // smut, fluff, angst // exes-to-lovers, pining five years have passed. five years since he boarded a plane and left you behind to wait diligently for the man who would never return. when letters and patchy phone calls failed to keep the spark of your relationship alive, you find each other again. only this time as two entirely different people.

welcome home by @love-chx // smut, fluff, angst // exes-to-lovers drifting from state to state looking for a place in the world after the death of tony, you find yourself back on new york ground when bucky starts the new avengers. coming back to cement your dad’s legacy, you promise yourself you’ll be out of the city before anyone even knows you’re there. but circumstances lead you right to joaquin, and you’re forced to face your hurt ex-boyfriend, having no choice but to confront everything you left behind.

heavy by @love-chx // smut, fluff, angst you’ve worked with joaquin a lot over the years, from the military to his career as the falcon, as his physical therapist. as easy as joaquin was as a patient, it was hard. hard because he was such a shameless flirt, hard because he was so charming—but you’ve always been friends and nothing more. after the events of the red hulk, joaquin finds himself having a harder time recovering than usual despite having you by his side. a slip of the tongue leads to a fight that leaves the both of you tense, but all is forgiven when you find yourselves in an attack and confessions come to a head. 

Jealousy, Jealousy by @sortagaysortahigh // smut, fluff, angst // enemies-to-lovers, witch!reader It was as if every single thing you did irritated Joaquin Torres, you didn't even have to say anything to him, your presence alone was enough to tick him off. Don't get him started on your relationship with Peter Parker either.

en español by @geminiwritten // smut, fluff // friends-to-lovers after joaquín returns from a two-week-long mission things feel different, then he convinces you to go undercover with him where tensions rise—only for him to leaving you wanting more... until he stops by your office for a very intimate spanish lesson

Slim Pickins by @sortagaysortahigh // smut, fluff Every Friday for the past few months you've been going on shitty dates, and at this rate, you're convinced that you're either ending this life alone or settling for another douchebag. You can't find a genuinely good guy, it's not like there's one right in front of you or something!

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.