Hello, hello, hello.

[fightlikehell]

"Hello, you've reached the personal voice mailbox of---" "Matt Murdock." "---Please leave a message after the tone!"

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action /backdated like hella

[chernyy]

[ It had been an emotional forty-eight hours between the two of them. She could tell her leaving was going to be hard for him but he had been very accepting of her decision. As well as agree to join her in making a family.

It was surreal, knowing all that as she packed, feeling the weight of it all in her heart. She kept pausing slightly and taking in deep breaths, trying to ease some of that weight. She's said her goodbyes to the others and now Matt and Ripley would be seeing her off at the station.

After she's done - there's not much since she's planning on coming back - she gets down on her hands and knees and pulls out a box from under the bed. About the size of a shoebox, she brings it into the living room and sets it on the coffee table. ]

This is for you to open after you get back.

<3 <3 <3

[fightlikehell]

[Their emotional highs and lows are terrific, it's to be expected of two people like them. A daredevil and an assassin. Matt thought they had made their way through the worst of it. No secrets, no enemies to tear them apart.

It's a separation. A little time. Time would not change what's in his heart for her. And it won't change what she has for him. That he doesn't doubt or question, not even a little. There are deep scars that were inflicted by others. It's the worry of the past repeating for no other reason other than cruelty. Natasha is not cruel. Not to him.

As glum as he is, Matt does what he can to help her pack. Now it's savoring their time left. Ripley doesn't understand. Sweet and silly thing walks about their apartment, big fluffy tail wagging even with the uncertainty lingering in the air. It's so thick both Ripley and Matt can smell it.]

...I meant to give you something too.

[When she returns to the room. The time seems to be slipping faster and faster. It's a letter, simple as can be. The envelope is thick, perhaps more than one page alone. Matt reaches for her hands and musters a smile, even though his eyes are more distant and sad as ever.]

[chernyy]

[ She doesn't expect anything else from him; he's given her so much. All of his time, his true self, his love and attention. His support and understanding. She's genuinely surprised at the letter.

But she sees his eyes and that smile, her chest tightening because she knows even without his sight, it doesn't make his eyes any less expressive. Probably just makes them more so.

She takes the letter and moves in close, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. ]

Thank you, Matty.

[ A beat, ]

You want me to read it now or later?

[fightlikehell]

[His eyes lightly shut at the pressure of her lips. Man if he could only freeze frame this brief second and live there awhile. That's not how time or life works. Matt sighs and slowly puts his arms around her.]

When you leave. No surprises. I don't think it's anything you don't know already.

[One lean and he's resting his head against her shoulder.]

[chernyy]

[ The fingers on her free hand grip his shirt a little as she turns and nuzzles his temple, brushes her lips along the shell of his ear. She's quiet, letting them both enjoy the moment while they have it.

But eventually, she has to give him a little nudge, words soft. ]

Time to go.

[fightlikehell]

[This closeness has been going on for hours and hours, little touches, hardly any distance at all. Both savoring and taking their fill. Who knows how long it will be until they are like this once more? Matt tries not to dwell on it long. No matter how many days go by it won't lessen this feeling or change it's meaning.

...right?

Matt tilts his head to her lips and lowers his head to her shoulder. Eventually feels too soon.]

Okay.

[His voice is thick.]

Do you uh--[even trying to clear his voice there is strain. Shit.] Do you have everything?