Project: A Stark Winter

Chapter Twenty Three: A Stark Contrast

The morning sun dragged across the sky as you lazily laid in Matt Murdock's bed. His large arm was draped over your hips as he held you snuggly against his warm body. You felt the even, steady breathing of his chest rise and fall behind you as his breath fanned across your cheek. Sunlight filters through the large warehouse windows as your eyes focus on where your black dress lay in a heap on the floor of the living room. Guilt and remorse crept slowly over your still form as the realization of what you did took root in your chest. Your phone had rang several more times after your intimate moment with Matt, but instead of answering and taking responsibility for your disappearing act, you had silenced your phone and crawled under the cozy covers of Matt's bed. He seemed hesitant as he laid beside you; fully aware of the risk you were taking in staying. Matt didn't quite know how to broach the subject so he had decided to hold you in his arms until he felt your breathing slow as you fell into a deep sleep. Behind you, Matt stirred and plopped a hand over his mouth as he released a big yawn.
"Good morning, beautiful." He murmured into your neck as he hugged you closer. You nestled in his comforting hold as you turned to face him.
"How do you know I'm beautiful? I could be a troll." You teased, pinching his bicep as he laughed.
"I have a sense for these things." He stated, matter-of-factly, his smile genuine and full. You couldn't help the smile from turning your lips into a full smile to match his as you lay there together in a last moment of peace. Soon, your mind fell back into the pit of despair that was consuming you, and as you did your smile faltered. Sensing the shift in mood, Matt propped himself up against the headboard and sighed deeply; he patted the space next to him in an encouraging motion to get you to join him. Sitting up sluggishly, you pulled yourself over to him and leaned back against the cool headboard; eyes closing tightly.
"Do you wanna talk about it?" He asked, tone even and soothing as he gently nudged you with his shoulder. You grimaced at the question and chewed on the inside of your cheek; biting your words and choosing carefully what to say.
"Not particularly..." You started but trailed off, unsure of your next move. Matt sighed deeply as he placed his hands in his lap; eyes trained forward and unmoving.
"Y/n. You're not going to hurt my feelings..." He began solemnly, a soft tone coating his words in an attempt to coax you into putting words to feelings. You looked up at him with a weary gaze as you fought against the pit forming in your stomach.
"I don't know why I did this. I should've answered the phone, but I just...couldn't bring myself to..." You confessed softly as you wiped away a stray tear as it escaped your droopy lids. Matt took a deep breath in and released it again in a whoosh of air as he raised an arm to wrap around your shoulders. He gently rubbed your back as he gave you time to gather your thoughts.
"I did want this-you I mean. I had an amazing time. And maybe that's part of why I stayed. But..." voice trailing off as your mind ran in circles piecing together your own motive for the last 24 hours. Matt continues to remain silent and still. You couldn't tell if he was upset or hurt or both. Pushing on through the awkwardness growing between you as you speak your voice comes out in a soft whisper.
"But...I should have gone home. The team, Tony, has risked so much to keep me around in a universe I don't belong in and I basically threw it all back in his face."
"You're entitled to a life, y/n." Matt reminds in a gentle tone, turning to face you. His face peers into yours with a caring expression painted across his features. He gives your shoulder a squeeze and then climbs out from under the covers and walks carefully to the door leaving you to watch him go. Grabbing your phone from the nightstand you take a deep breath and check your notifications. There was a long list of missed calls and text messages from Tony and Pepper. Taking a breath of courage you listen to one of several voicemails.

God damn it, no it went to voicemail! Hey! It's me your caring benevolent father wondering where the FUCK you are! Yes, I know Pepper, yelling isn't productive but..........okay. Please come back in one piece or I will be forced to kill your slimy lowlife no good-.........fine Pepper! Please just come home.