fightlikehell | Hello, hello, hello.

Hi there, Matt. I am calling to ask you out on a date. Let me know when you have some free time, and we can plan something.

Hope the world is treating you well today!

[The voice on the end of the line lifts his spirits significantly. Of course he'll get back to Karen of all people. And a date? What idiot says no? He clears his throat and changes the phone from one ear to the other.]

[Karen is slow to pick up the phone since she was in the middle of cooking. Though when she answers it, and sees who is on the other end of the line? Her smile brightens, and it could be heard in her voice.]

Well, hello there, boss. Wasn't expecting to hear back from you so quickly. How are you?

[Matt takes a breath, not fully knowing that he was holding it.]

Hello there to you too.

[Smiling is automatic.]

I'm okay.

[Bruised but it's his own fault. He shifts on his couch.]

Did I catch you at a bad time?

[That makes her smile even further.]

It's good to hear your voice, and now I have cart blanche to say this, so...here goes: you sound super sexy over the phone.

[She is glad to hear he is okay, that makes her feel a bit better. She does worry about him, a lot.]

Me? Nah, I was just cooking something to eat. I decided I wanted an egg and cheese omelette with a side of bacon. It's almost like having the munchies, but without having imbibed.

I--?

[She did say that. Matt laughs and his head tilts to cradle the phone to his ear.]

That sounds like an invitation to call you more or try and mind my manners.

[He's sure it is the former and then some.]

Hope I didn't worry you.

[The days passed he has tried to keep tabs on her in ways that are not exactly face to face.]

Nothing wrong with a hankering. I didn't think you were a breakfast at all hours person.

I'd rather consider it the invitation than the need to mind your manners. We've done enough of that song and dance, unless I am ruining your good, Catholic appearance here?

[She sighs a bit, especially with what she knows now.] Um, well...yes, and no. I mean, knowing what I know now? Sure, I get worried, but there is not much I can do about it. I am just glad to hear your voice.

[That made her laugh softly.]

Mm, you kidding, right? I love breakfast at all hours. My favorite is this sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich I used to get on two pieces of french toast at this corner deli near my place. It was better than sex.

[She can't see but he's ducking his head a little. Matthew Fucking Murdock, everybody. He still is smiling.]

Any ruining I do all on my own.

[Complete with a self-depreciating laugh. He could start an apology that could take up several years but it'd best start in person.]

You don't need to worry about me, Karen. What happens here isn't close to home. Which.. really means that I should make it a point to talk to you.

[Hell's Kitchen, New York really had so much more going on than Eudio. It's almost sleepy here.]

And I like hearing your voice.

[Something worth saying more than once.]

I find that hard to believe. Must be a pretty damn good sandwich.

[Too damn bad, Karen loves that smile. A lot!]

Well then, if that is what you think? We need to get together, and fix this. I could have been using the excuse to go on a date to also sneak in a booty call.

[That makes her sigh some.]

But, this is where I have to say that I do. You are putting your life at risk every time you go out there to do what you do. My world would never be the same without you in it. Plus, if you can worry for me, I can do the exact same thing when it comes to you. [Her voice was even, and held a hint of sweetness to it. Still, her words were firm, and intent as well.]

Get used to it, okay? [Her tone was a bit more pleading now.]

Yeah? Well, I kind of knew that, you've said it before. But, you can say it as much as you want. [Her words came out rushed when she said it, and she wondered if he could sense how her cheeks blushed through the phone alone. Pretty sure that he couldn't!]

Hell yeah, if you want I can make you one? It was the combination of both sweet, and savory that just hit that right spot.

[There will be enough for her for when he sees her. Which is going to be very soon.]

I really expect to be surprised when it comes to you.

[Matt laughs a little again, charmed.]

Yes... [Time and again he's unsure of what to do in the face of confessions like this. Karen is right, more than right. It still feels as though she shouldn't trouble herself more than necessary. Matt's done well enough. Well enough also included Claire and a much rowdier crowd. He's not going to correct her, it's wrong.] I'm going to have to get used to it a little more. It's not coming natural.

[That he admits openly.]

It's the least you could do for making me hungry.

Is that so? Why, have I said something surprising just now?

[There is a hint of challenge in her voice when she asks him that.]

[His laugh was really nice, it had her smiling even harder.]

Take your time, there is no pressure here. You may never get used to it, but I will never stop caring either. [She said honestly, but softly.]

Oh, ho, really now? Hmm, well, I guess I could feed you. I better start pulling out ingredients now and get started, right?

I mean I shouldn't put it past you to present one plan with another not far. [Why not just say it, Matt?] Like booty calls.

[There has to be another word for that because that's just a horrible phrase.]

You won't stop and I won't stop trying. We'll find a balance.

[He says it like it's a promise.]

Best be on my way then.

If you're even into that...I know being a good, Catholic man, that it will go against your morals. So, I could just nix that part all together. [She tried not to laugh too hard, but she did manage to keep it low key.]

I am sure we will. We found it with work, I am sure as friends, it will come more easily.

Okay then! I better get to slaving over a hot stove. Got a growing man on his way. [She said with a chuckle.]

I'm only human, Karen.

[A funny, real and oh so very challenging. Morals and what feels right along with all the noise clouding his attention. It's not so bad here, he has come to accept that. There's still that worry that a jinx is waiting.]

Good thing we're both the stubborn type.

[Worry and circumstance won't stop them. No way.]

His appetite too.

I was teasing, Matt. But, for the sake of honesty here, it just feels like everything is counter intuitive with us. Things seem so natural, and not forced, but then when things do happen, it feels like you expect them to be more complex. Or I feel your resistance, and I don't want to push you. Just, we both have needs, and wants, and I just can't keep up. It makes me a bit uncomfortable, but when I am with you, I do feel comfortable...[She sighed heavily, and then cleared her throat softly.] Sorry, that just needed to be said.

[She wished he would talk to her about what's been on his mind, and she would listen, or try to help wherever she could.] I just don't want to hold back anymore. I have held back for so long now. Now that I am here, I want to cut loose, have fun, and get back to doing things for me. I am sorry if that puts pressure on you, because that is the last thing I want to do. [She sighed again. This was really long winded, and she had lots to say, apparently. Not even realizing it until now. It was a lot to take in, but if she hadn't just said it all at once, she would have never said it at all.]

Very stubborn. [Laughing softly.]

Ah, yes. There is that. How many do you want?

[He's got his own sigh that he holds onto until she's laid it out. And every bit of it is right.] Don't apologize, please. You're right. I haven't been unfair. And that makes no sense at all to be that way with you of all people.

[Who has been very patient and is also dealing with her own healthy helping of problems.]

Would it make you feel better to know it isn't on purpose?

[Chances are, no, it wouldn't. It's something that Matt still wants to tell her.]

...Two sandwiches.

It's not so much unfair, but it just makes things a bit...hell, I'm not even sure how to put this... [Swallowing thickly, she slowly lets out a breath that she had been holding in.]

Maybe we should just be friends for now? [Or forever, but she knows that he feels something for her, that is all pretty obvious.]

Yes, but I think I kind of figured that out already, you know. I know it's not purposeful, I do,

[Sighing softly, she nods a little enthusiastically, but then remembers she is on the damn phone.]

You got it. How long will it take you to get here? I don't want them to grow cold.

We're already friends. I don't... I don't feel like it's enough. And I'm aware that sounds directly contradictory to how I've been. This is a good thing, Karen.

[He puts as much weight to those word as he can.]

I just [Matt sucks in a breath] I don't want to mess up.

[That sounds flimsy over the phone. But he's going to see her very soon.]

Gimme about fifteen minutes.

You --you don't--I mean, okay, [She sounds a bit flustered, but not in a bad way]

Neither do I. But that is just a part of life, and part, and parcel to any and all relationships. [Her voice sounds a little rough, a bit intense, but she wanted to shake that off]

I'm scared of doing the same, [She admitted softly.]

Okay, I shall see you then!

That's really where I've been. [Mentally, emotionally.] So often I really have to almost step outside of myself and try. With you it just comes naturally. It's amazing. And I love it. I just feel like perhaps I should be doing or trying more because of that.

[Hopefully this makes sense to her because when Matt turns it over in his brain it still is not exactly solid.]

Anyway.

[Hah!]

Heading out.

I am sorry to hear that. [She really was, and she hated that he felt that way.]

I understand. [She blushes a bit at that.] Thank you. I think you sell yourself a bit short. We both live too much in our own heads, it seems.

[It mostly does, sure. She'll have to think more on it though.]

Okay, I will see you soon. Dinner should be ready when you get here.

It's really not your fault.

[Or anyone's really.]

I think you're right about that. It's a busy place in here.

[And getting out of it is the trick.]

See you, Karen.

[Not even in fifteen minutes. It's about ten when there's a knock on her door.]

I know that, but I am sorry it's come to that is what I am saying.

Yeah it is. [She says in a soft voice.]

Okay, see you soon.

[There is a knock at the door, and Karen has to run to the door as she was putting the finishing touches of the sandwiches together. Her hair is up in a bun, with two paint brushes used as chopsticks, and she is wearing shorts, and a tank top. There are smudges of paint on her shirt, and her right thigh, and left arm. The place probably smells like paint, turpentine, and charcoal, with the added bonus of bacon, eggs, cheese, and french toast.

As she pulls open the door, Karen smiles.] Hey there, boss. You really must be hungry there!

[He's not out of breath but it is a little labored. Matt made his way in record time for the promise of a meal made for him and the person who made it. The whole cocktail of smells that rush into his nose nearly knocks him for a loop. The paints with the beautiful bevvy of food odors is not mixing well at first.]

Yeah... well, you did say it would get cold.

[He rubs the back of his head.]

Hi.

Did you run over here? [She asked with a gentle laugh.

Even the combination of smells was getting to her, so she waited for him to enter before she went to open a couple of windows.]

Sorry about the smell, I was painting most of the afternoon, and I cleaned off my brushes. I wasn't expecting company...though, I am not saying that I am upset that you are here.

[Walking over to her lighter, she lights a couple of candles that help with the smell. They are a really subtle vanilla. Then she turns a fan on.] Come join me in the kitchen. Let this place air out a bit.

Hello, hello, hello.

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Returned caaaall

EEEEEEEEE!

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phone call; ----> action

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