The Devil Next Door (Matt Murdock x Fem OC)

Chapter 5: Getting to Know You

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Tonight, she had a lot more time to get ready, putting a lot more effort into her hair and makeup. She hoped Simon wouldn't comment on her tonight, but her hopes would soon be defeated. Even though she begged he wouldn't talk to her, she wasn't surprised that he did. It wasn't out of character, but her temperament with him continued to wear thinner.

"You're up in five," Simon spoke walking fast by her. He stopped in his steps, glancing over at her, "Well doesn't someone look well rested."

"Yup," She said quietly, waiting for him to go away.

Simon put his hands on her chair leaning over her shoulder, his lips close to her ear, "That boyfriend of yours didn't keep you up last night?"

Natalie closed her eyes, shifting her head farther away, "Not that it's any of your business, but I don't have a boyfriend."  

"Aw cheer up," Simon said with fake sympathy in his voice, using his index finger to raise her chin, "You could always just say yes to drinks with me."

She stood up from her chair abruptly, walking away from him, "I'm up now." Natalie made her way to the stage, grabbing the earpiece from the stage assistant before making her way out. She looked down at her feet as she made it to the microphone, adjusting it to her height. Looking up she scoped the crowd, "Hey everyone, I hope you're having a great night here at S & M," She spoke with a fake smile, "The owner prides himself in live music for all of your favourite songs, and I'm here to deliver."

"Woooo, Natalie!!" A voice screamed from the bar.

She squinted her eyes closer to see Matt, Karen and Foggy at the bar smiling and cheering her on. A ray of nervous energy waved over her as her face felt hot, realizing they would be watching her. It was never often Natalie would have stage fright, but people she wanted to make a good impression with, made her anxiety skyrocket.

"Now the owner likes to start with a song that aligns with the name of the club," She said with a gulp, "So here we go." She took a breath looking at her friends in the back smiling, not knowing Matt knew how nervous this made her. And then she sang the first song, S & M, by Rihanna. She was never embarrassed to sing it, despite the more crude lyrics, but for some reason, her nerves had skyrocketed. But she made it through the song. And then the next one. And onto the next one. She let out the last note, finishing the last song before her break, looking up at the crowd. Natalie focused her eyes on the back once more, seeing her new friends smiling and cheering.

"And now we will take a little break from live music," She said cheerfully into the microphone, "But we will be back, I promise." Natalie grinned widely, as she made her way off the stage handing the earpiece to the stage assistant. She walked over to the bar to meet the three, "What are you guys doing here?"

"We thought we would come and get drinks somewhere where you would be!" Foggy said excitedly, "You were amazing!"

"Thank you," Natalie spoke with a wide smile, "I hope you guys are enjoying yourselves."

"Oh we sure are," Karen said with a slight drunken mumble, "Drinks plus great music." Karen looked over to the other side of the room, where they had plastic crowns and feathered boas being handed out, "Oh Foggy! Let's go get some!"

She and Foggy ran quickly to the other side of the room to get some decorations, leaving Natalie and Matt alone, "You are an amazing singer, Nat." Matt said softly, a wide smile also painted on his face.

She bit her lip looking at him, "Thank you, I'm glad you guys got a chance to see."

"No but really," Matt said in a more serious tone, "You're talented."