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[ there's a residual crackle every time she presses at him, his body remembering how much it hurt. but he doesn't flinch anymore. he doesn't even really notice, tugging her out into the hall when max goes on ahead of them. he's reluctant to let her go still, but they can't walk like this so tentatively... he takes her hand. it makes his heart beat in triple time, fingers loosely circling her wrist as they walk towards his room. ]
I don't know. [ it's an answer in two parts. he doesn't really know what he said to matt in the heat of the moment and he doesn't know if he's at peace. ] What does that even really mean anyway?
[ a grumble as he finally lets go of her and hits the door lock on his device to let them all inside. ]
I don't know. [ it's an answer in two parts. he doesn't really know what he said to matt in the heat of the moment and he doesn't know if he's at peace. ] What does that even really mean anyway?
[ a grumble as he finally lets go of her and hits the door lock on his device to let them all inside. ]
Knowing Matt? He wants to know if you can live with yourself after everything you've done.
[Karen leads the way inside, Max almost trampling her in the process to get in first. It makes her stumble a little and she catches herself on the doorframe, huffing out a sigh at how tired she is. She drops her things as soon as she's through the door and kicks off her heels, promptly going to fall into his bed. She's so tired, her everything hurts.]
[Karen leads the way inside, Max almost trampling her in the process to get in first. It makes her stumble a little and she catches herself on the doorframe, huffing out a sigh at how tired she is. She drops her things as soon as she's through the door and kicks off her heels, promptly going to fall into his bed. She's so tired, her everything hurts.]
I know where to find anyone worth finding. See you soon.
[She's got no fancy knock unlike some people so it's fairly obvious it's her. Even if it isn't, Elektra will speak up after a second.] Is this the part where I say 'Honey, I'm home?' because I skipped to the part where I'm bearing gifts.
[Two coffees to be exact. She has a feeling they'll need them.]
[She's got no fancy knock unlike some people so it's fairly obvious it's her. Even if it isn't, Elektra will speak up after a second.] Is this the part where I say 'Honey, I'm home?' because I skipped to the part where I'm bearing gifts.
[Two coffees to be exact. She has a feeling they'll need them.]
Because before I was living with myself fine.
[ it's a bitterness he's too tired to shield her from. if he hadn't done what he'd done, he just would've jumped off the nearest bridge instead. so yeah, he lives with it. there's no other choice now that he's fought that hard to keep his own.
frank nudges max out of the way as the door closes and locks behind the crew and he works on the dogs boots before slipping off his own, casting a sympathetic look at karen's back as she crashes onto his bed. he goes to sit against the wall at the head of the narrow bed, touching at her shoulder to get her attention. ]
Turn around and give me your feet.
[ a quiet ask but one that brooks no arguments, holding out his hands expectantly. ]
[ it's a bitterness he's too tired to shield her from. if he hadn't done what he'd done, he just would've jumped off the nearest bridge instead. so yeah, he lives with it. there's no other choice now that he's fought that hard to keep his own.
frank nudges max out of the way as the door closes and locks behind the crew and he works on the dogs boots before slipping off his own, casting a sympathetic look at karen's back as she crashes onto his bed. he goes to sit against the wall at the head of the narrow bed, touching at her shoulder to get her attention. ]
Turn around and give me your feet.
[ a quiet ask but one that brooks no arguments, holding out his hands expectantly. ]
What?
[Her nose wrinkles up as she laughs in near disbelief. Is he going to rub her feet or something? She's...never had a man offer to do that for her. It's almost so surreal to her that someone would bother that she's a little slow rolling over so she can lightly shove her feet at his lap.]
Matt's an asshole, Frank. Don't let him or his self-righteous questions get to you. All you can do is get through each day one at a time. Fuck anyone else that says otherwise.
[Her nose wrinkles up as she laughs in near disbelief. Is he going to rub her feet or something? She's...never had a man offer to do that for her. It's almost so surreal to her that someone would bother that she's a little slow rolling over so she can lightly shove her feet at his lap.]
Matt's an asshole, Frank. Don't let him or his self-righteous questions get to you. All you can do is get through each day one at a time. Fuck anyone else that says otherwise.
[Karen probably shouldn't be using Frank's room as her office for the day but she wants the excuse to not have to wear her magboots out around the station. So she's got papers from her notebook spread out, along with her recent haul of finds she picked up earlier in the day. She shoves them out of the way and scrambles to hurry and open the door, since she figures it's Elektra. Seeing a coffee and her friend there makes her smile, and she reaches out to curl fingers around her wrist to drag Elektra inside.]
Welcome home, honey.
[She bounces off what's already been said to joke around, taking one of the coffees in the process of moving to embrace Elektra in a loose hug. Matt's arrival has brought a lot of emotion to the surface, and she can only imagine that it's the same for everyone that knows him.]
Are you...how was seeing Matt?
Welcome home, honey.
[She bounces off what's already been said to joke around, taking one of the coffees in the process of moving to embrace Elektra in a loose hug. Matt's arrival has brought a lot of emotion to the surface, and she can only imagine that it's the same for everyone that knows him.]
Are you...how was seeing Matt?
You heard me.
[ a tease as he catches her ankles, one calloused finger running the length of her sole from heel to toes in a tickle, a smile flickering briefly when her foot jumps involuntarily. he keeps his hold, setting her other foot on his shin as he crosses his legs to wait its turn. then his face creases in determination as he sets to work, digging his thumbs in deep to release the tension she's been holding onto - and those heels don't help with the pain either. but she already agreed to wear the boots, something he can't help but be pleased about. ]
He didn't... get to me. [ convincing, huh? he grinds in deeper when her muscles start to relax, determined to rid her of all her pain. ] He is an asshole though.
[ a tease as he catches her ankles, one calloused finger running the length of her sole from heel to toes in a tickle, a smile flickering briefly when her foot jumps involuntarily. he keeps his hold, setting her other foot on his shin as he crosses his legs to wait its turn. then his face creases in determination as he sets to work, digging his thumbs in deep to release the tension she's been holding onto - and those heels don't help with the pain either. but she already agreed to wear the boots, something he can't help but be pleased about. ]
He didn't... get to me. [ convincing, huh? he grinds in deeper when her muscles start to relax, determined to rid her of all her pain. ] He is an asshole though.
[This is far more intimate than she expects it to be. It makes her heart race, the sound of it thundering in her ears. It's all she can concentrate on at first. Eventually there's a little tingle in her foot that steals her attention, and her breath hitches as he manages to successfully get her to relax. She almost melts back against the bed, a soft sound close to a sigh signaling that he's on the right track.]
Okay, neither of us are allowed to think or talk about him for the rest of the night. We need a break.
[A break after...one day of having him here. His thumbs dig in to an incredibly sensitive area right at that moment and she gasps, foot jumping in his hold. Her toes curl inward and she bites at her lip as she focuses on not jerking her foot right out of his hand.]
Okay, neither of us are allowed to think or talk about him for the rest of the night. We need a break.
[A break after...one day of having him here. His thumbs dig in to an incredibly sensitive area right at that moment and she gasps, foot jumping in his hold. Her toes curl inward and she bites at her lip as she focuses on not jerking her foot right out of his hand.]
[ that sigh drifts in and he redoubles his efforts to help her let go of some tension, but then her foot jerks and he frowns, rubbing his hands more gently where he'd gone too hard in apology. ] Did I hurt you? [ he asks, hunching over to press a kiss against her foot without thinking overly about the gesture. kiss it better. ]
...You're right, as usual. Make any progress today?
...You're right, as usual. Make any progress today?
[Elektra doesn't hesitate to hug her back. She's needed this. Matthew had once again taken over her life. She's not upset about it entirely. He needs her. She'll always need him to an extent. It's nice to be with someone who sees her truly without having to watch her die once or twice to get there.... or whatever happened.
She pulls back reluctantly to take a seat and try to enjoy some coffee. She brushes her bangs back reflexively.] Draining, but wonderful in a sad way? I felt like such a fool running to his side when he needed me. Haven't I learned anything?
[She openly mocks herself before biting down on her lip hard. This part is painful.] But, he apologized. Not for what the stunt he pulled in retrospect, but to him that was months ago. Water under the bridge. I don't even know how to talk to him about it considering my riddle.
She pulls back reluctantly to take a seat and try to enjoy some coffee. She brushes her bangs back reflexively.] Draining, but wonderful in a sad way? I felt like such a fool running to his side when he needed me. Haven't I learned anything?
[She openly mocks herself before biting down on her lip hard. This part is painful.] But, he apologized. Not for what the stunt he pulled in retrospect, but to him that was months ago. Water under the bridge. I don't even know how to talk to him about it considering my riddle.
[She's just about to answer him when he kisses her foot, and a shiver courses through her. He either has no idea what he's doing and is just incredibly smooth without trying, or he's secretly knows exactly what he's doing and is intentionally trying to get her to react. She can't decide which one, and her brain momentarily short circuits.]
No, it didn't hurt. [She distractedly answers, breath shaky.] It was just a sensitive spot. It tickled.
[Wait...are they still talking about her feet, or did he ask her something about her work?]
This is the most progress I've made in days.
[He's doing a good job of getting her to relax and be tense at the same time.]
No, it didn't hurt. [She distractedly answers, breath shaky.] It was just a sensitive spot. It tickled.
[Wait...are they still talking about her feet, or did he ask her something about her work?]
This is the most progress I've made in days.
[He's doing a good job of getting her to relax and be tense at the same time.]
[ he nods in understanding, more careful this time as he works over the spot in question, going deeper so it doesn't tickle and pressing the heel of his hand against the worst of it to get it to straighten out. the truth is he has no idea how this is affecting her, he just wants to do something nice and also put himself to task to try and put his day out of his mind. after another moment, frank gently sets her foot aside and starts on the other, repeating the same exact process. ]
That's great, Karen.
[ there isn't anything dismissive about it, it's deeply sincere. he's so glad people are finally getting over their shit and working together, and of course he couldn't be more supportive of seeing her at the helm. ]
That's great, Karen.
[ there isn't anything dismissive about it, it's deeply sincere. he's so glad people are finally getting over their shit and working together, and of course he couldn't be more supportive of seeing her at the helm. ]
[She laughs, because she was vague and she hadn't been referring to actual work at all.]
I meant that this is the most progress I've made. You getting me to relax. I'll probably be able to get more done tomorrow.
[But hearing the sincerity in his voice and knowing that he's proud of her makes her happy. He always says that she gives him strength, but she isn't sure he knows how much he gives to her in return.]
I meant that this is the most progress I've made. You getting me to relax. I'll probably be able to get more done tomorrow.
[But hearing the sincerity in his voice and knowing that he's proud of her makes her happy. He always says that she gives him strength, but she isn't sure he knows how much he gives to her in return.]
[Karen sits on the edge of the bed to drink at her coffee. This is a pretty heavy subject matter, and she isn't exactly sure how to deal with it. But Elektra clearly needs to talk it out, so she'll do her best.]
Did he tell you that you died twice? Because besides it being a medical anomaly, you'd have to have some kind of mark from what killed you.
[Like a knife wound or bullet entry point. Karen says this as if she's a medical examiner and has all the expertise in the world.]
Did he tell you that you died twice? Because besides it being a medical anomaly, you'd have to have some kind of mark from what killed you.
[Like a knife wound or bullet entry point. Karen says this as if she's a medical examiner and has all the expertise in the world.]
It's perfect.
[She halfway sits up, hand reaching to press against the top of his head. It slides down until she's touching his cheek. Her eyes just meet his for a few quiet seconds, and she smiles in a way that's rare for her. Unguarded and at ease, he's done a damn good job of making things better.]
You really shouldn't have let me know you were so good with your hands. I could get used to this.
[She halfway sits up, hand reaching to press against the top of his head. It slides down until she's touching his cheek. Her eyes just meet his for a few quiet seconds, and she smiles in a way that's rare for her. Unguarded and at ease, he's done a damn good job of making things better.]
You really shouldn't have let me know you were so good with your hands. I could get used to this.
[Her thumb runs along his cheek, careful to mind his bruises. She's so used to him being covered in them that she doesn't really take notice of when she should be more gentle or not touch him at all.]
Well, I'd be disappointed if I learned all your secrets right away.
[Her hand taps his cheek before sliding down to his jumpsuit, giving it a tug so he'll join her in laying down.]
Well, I'd be disappointed if I learned all your secrets right away.
[Her hand taps his cheek before sliding down to his jumpsuit, giving it a tug so he'll join her in laying down.]
Yes and was buried once. I'm sure it was a very lovely, Catholic funeral. [Elektra smiles bitterly as points this out. Honestly who else would go through the trouble, but Matthew? ] I checked. There's nothing on my body that I don't remember getting.
[She takes a sip of her coffee and decides to finally see how much Matthew let Karen in on the mess he got involved in.] What do you know about the Hand?
[She takes a sip of her coffee and decides to finally see how much Matthew let Karen in on the mess he got involved in.] What do you know about the Hand?
[That effectively broke her rose-colored glasses re: Karen.] I... didn't know any of that stuff about you or even suspect it. Frank basically has dark backstory written on his forehead. You? Wow. I... really didn't see this coming. I'm not really sure what to say.
[Karen's nervous, afraid that being honest and opening up means she's going to lose someone else she cares about. She probably shouldn't say anything else and just let Kamala process everything in her own time.
But Karen rarely does what she really should do.]
I can tell you that I killed someone in self-defense like it would make a difference. When I was getting too close to uncovering truths, I was taken. Threatened. I was afraid he was going to kill me when he put a gun out on a table. So I found a way to get my hands on it, and I took care of him before he could lay another finger on me.
Saving myself doesn't make it any better. So I'd understand if you're bothered enough to not want me around anymore.
But Karen rarely does what she really should do.]
I can tell you that I killed someone in self-defense like it would make a difference. When I was getting too close to uncovering truths, I was taken. Threatened. I was afraid he was going to kill me when he put a gun out on a table. So I found a way to get my hands on it, and I took care of him before he could lay another finger on me.
Saving myself doesn't make it any better. So I'd understand if you're bothered enough to not want me around anymore.
[This response come about an hour later. She's typed and retyped this until she's positive she got it right.] Karen, I'm not the kind of person who has double standards about this stuff. I believe what Frank did was wrong and one day he's going to answer for it, but that doesn't mean I should abandon him until that time comes. I love him just like I love you. I'm not going to throw you away because something bad happened and you did something I couldn't do to save yourself. I'm not here to judge anyone or act like I'm better than them unless they're acting like total psychos and threatening the lives of people I'm supposed to protect.
I'm sorry if I made you feel that way. You just surprised me. I didn't know you'd been through something like that.
I'm sorry if I made you feel that way. You just surprised me. I didn't know you'd been through something like that.
[Her heart painfully twists and aches when she imagines Elektra dead and buried in the ground. The coffee in her mouth tastes more bitter than she can handle all of a sudden, and she has to get up to go set it aside. She takes to pacing then, thoughts racing. Eventually she ends up at Elektra's side, frowning in concern as she tries to look the other woman over with her eyes.]
You tell me about the Hand. I want to hear it from you.
[She doesn't mean to necessarily imply that she knows anything or doesn't know, but she wants to hear what Elektra has to say rather than letting information rest on whatever Matt might have told her. She doesn't trust him the way she used to, though she's trying now that they're all trapped in space together.]
You tell me about the Hand. I want to hear it from you.
[She doesn't mean to necessarily imply that she knows anything or doesn't know, but she wants to hear what Elektra has to say rather than letting information rest on whatever Matt might have told her. She doesn't trust him the way she used to, though she's trying now that they're all trapped in space together.]
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