Adopted by the Devil - Matt Murdock (BOOK ONE)

Chapter 8

Jasper went through his day with lingering anxiety at the tips of his fingers. What if he actually got the job? How could he make sure Lizzie was okay while he wasn't at home? All the worries made him restless throughout the day as he finished and listened to lessons from his unenthusiastic teachers. It's like they hated the place as much as he did.

He tapped his foot against the ground, yawning and rubbing his eyes till the bell rang. He basically jumped out of his seat and booked it out of the classroom. He turned the corner and slammed right into a smaller student. She squeaked on impact and dropped her books onto the ground. His eyes widened and looked down at her, her hair falling into her face.

"I'm so sorry I need to stop doing that," he apologized, his body following hers as he helped her grab her books.

"It's okay," she stated, grabbing her things after placing her bag on the ground. "But you really shouldn't run that fast out of class," she stated, taking the books from him before standing up. She brushed her hair behind her ears and looked up at him as he straightened. She noticed how he winced as he stood back up.

"Well I have better places to be than Math 11, I was falling asleep in there," he stated, smiling a bit. "Are you okay?" he asked. She looked up at him and smiled a bit.

"Yeah I'm okay," She stated, adjusting her books in her hands. "Are you though? You don't look that great," she asked gently. Jasper nodded, pulling his backpack straps on.

"Don't worry about it," he shrugged, cracking a small smile. "Just sleep-deprived," She nodded.

"Well, I'm still gonna be a bit concerned," she admitted. "We're in the same English class, right? You're Jasper? I think I marked your work this morning" she stated. Jasper thought for a moment and nodded.

"We are, well did I get a good grade?" He joked. She laughed a bit, the halls filling more and more as the school day ended around them.

"You're a really good writer," she complimented. "So yes, yes you did" she stated. Jasper nodded, a wash of pride warming his skin.

"Thanks," he nodded. "I'm sorry I'm really bad at names and don't focus well in class-"

"Quinn" she stated. "If that's where you were going, my name's Quinn" she reintroduced herself. Jasper smiled a bit more.

"Thanks," he said gently. "I'm sorry again Quinn, I'll see you around I guess?" he asked, turning to keep facing her as he started walking. Quinn turned with him and smiled, nodding her head.

"Make sure not to run into anyone else!" Quinn called as he turned back around and ran down the hall. She smiled gently and walked in the opposite direction.

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Jasper quickly made it to Matt and Foggy's office. He climbed the stairs, skipping a few steps to climb to the floor more quickly. He got to the office and walked in. He panted a bit, catching his breath as he heard the two of them speaking behind a closed door. He gulped, shifting on his feet. The door opened and Matt walked out.

"Hello, Mr. Murdock" Jasper stated. "Your colleague-"

"Come on in kid," Matt said gently, directing him into the office with his hand. Jasper nodded and walked into the office. He sat down across from Foggy as Matt took a seat beside him.

"So we talked a bit about maybe giving you a shot" Foggy stated. Jasper smiled a bit, setting his bag down.

"Wait you're being serious?" he asked gently.

"We just have a few questions" Matt stated. "Don't worry it's not an interrogation don't worry" he said gently. Jasper nodded and rested his arms on the armrests of the chair.

"Okay, shoot" He stated, chewing on his inner lip. Foggy sighed and turned to Matt. Matt nodded and leaned forward a bit.

"How'd you get those bruises kid?" he asked, already knowing the answer. He wanted to know how good Jasper was at lying. Jasper tensed up a bit, brushing some hair from his face.

"I uh got mugged the other night," he lied through his teeth. Matt nodded.

"That happens often?" he asked, tilting his head a tad. Jasper chuckled a tad.

"I've got bad luck," he stated truthfully. He didn't think anything truly good could come his way. Matt nodded.

"You've done a good job keeping your sister safe," Jasper smiled a bit, nodding his head.

"I think that's the only real good thing I'm good at" he admitted, moving his hand into his other as he picked at the scabs on his knuckles.

"Well I guess not the only thing" Matt stated. "Almost straight A's? We called the school and asked about you" he stated.

"Other than more than a few fights, you're a good student" Foggy stated. "Great writer too," he complimented. Jasper's small smile grew.

"You're not the only one who thinks that apparently," he said quietly. Matt got up and walked around the desk, leaning his lower back against it as he stood in front of Jasper.

"I think you'll make a good member of the team, just try and not get into as many fights," He said gently. "You've got heart kid, maybe once you graduate we can get you helping people." Jasper looked up at Matt, finding himself tearing up. He rubbed his face and got up.

"That would be amazing, thank you, Sir," He said gently, his voice cracking slightly. Matt smiled and held his hand out.

"Call me Matt"