hawk_shot | (Reply)

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Frank gave a small snort at Karen's teasing, then made a face at Lucky's slobbering kisses. "Hey, hey. Thought you were a ladies man," he said to the dog, but his voice wasn't loud and he didn't make any movements that would hurt the dog. It was clear that Frank was actually treating Lucky nicer than he did Matt. Kids and dogs held a soft spot for him. His heartbeat quickened a little at hearing Karen say 'handsome' even if she'd directed it at Lucky. He held her gaze for a moment. "Yeah? Good. I know a nosy former reporter who would be asking me for favors all the time if I stayed in one spot and she found it." His voice was gruff, but there was an element of admiration in it, too. Karen was the single most dogged person Frank knew, and he respected the hell out of her for it. "How about I'll just say warmer or colder depending on the street you turn down?" he teased.

Frank Castle, teasing. Not in the rude soldier way he normally did, but dorky teasing.

Matt sat quiet, listening to the words. Hearing what was left unsaid. Heartbeats and aftershave. Feelings on both sides. Something in his chest squeezed, and it wasn't the popped stitches. He tilted his head towards the blown up building, saying a silent goodbye to what was lost in that apartment. Old boxing gloves, worn billy clubs. A silly little trinket that reminded him of Foggy. Matt said goodbye to parts of a past he likely wouldn't get back, and his chest hurt for yet another reason.

He changed focus yet again. A warm body resting against him. A steady heartbeat that was still strong, if exhausted. He very lightly rested his head back on Kate's. Just for a moment. He breathed in a scent that he wouldn't admit made him feel a little better. "We need to take a look at your eye when we stop," he murmured to her. Then, in a louder voice, he asked Karen, "Any trouble getting here on your end?"