Matt Murdock Shorts

A Fake Disorder? Really?

You walk into the living room and see Matt hunched over his work, asleep. "Matt?" You put your hand on his shoulder and he jolts awake.

"Hmm? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine Matt. You just said that you needed to finish reading up on this case this afternoon."

"Oh." He clears his throat. "Yeah. I do."

"Is something bothering you?"

"No, why?"

"I've noticed this since we moved in together. You get restless at night and end up nodding off during the day."

"Oh, it's actually something that's common among people who are completely blind. it's called Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake disorder."

"Oh. Is there treatment for it?"

"There's a type of melatonin you can take for it, but that's about it."

"Oh. I'm sorry. Why didn't you tell me?"

"Didn't think it was worth mentioning." He shrugs. "There's nothing you can do about it, so why worry you? Anyway, it might sound too much like I want you to feel bad for me."

You sigh. "Matt, we're in a committed relationship. You don't have to worry about that stuff with me. Lord knows I unload my problems on you."

He nods. "I know you're here for me, I just don't like admitting that my blindness affects how I do things. So many people already treat me like I can't accomplish the same things. It's like I'm still waiting to enter the world of adults."

"Yeah, that would suck." You pause. "Well I can think of some activities that only adults can do." You smile, letting your hand travel south.

He laughs and grabs your wrist. "As tempting as that is, I really do have to finish reading over this case."

"Okay, well you know where to find me when you're done." You kiss his temple and pull your laptop into your lap while he finishes.

-0-

You roll over and watch Matt as he sleeps. He looks so peaceful and it's so rare to see him like this.

"What has you so happy this morning?" He asks, eyes still closed.

"Well I thought I was watching you sleep."

He smiles. "Sorry to disappoint."

"I'm just happy to wake up with you next to me."

"I'm sorry."

"No, I'm not trying to guilt trip you Matt."

"I know. Still, I wish I could be by your side more often."

"So let's do that." You put your hand on his chest. "Let's stay here, in each other's arms, and not get up. Ever."

He grins. "And what happens when they kick us out because we're not paying our rent?"

"Ugh. Why do you always have to point out stupid things like reality and logic?"

"One of us has to." He stretches and goes to get up but you push him back onto the bed.

"It's saturday. You're mine today."

He chuckles and takes your hand. "I love you. You know that?"

"I do. And I love you too." You look down at your intertwined hands and smile. Then you notice something on his arm. A closer look reveals a healing gash. "Matt? What the hell happened?"

He doesn't say anything.

You check his other arm and there's a matching gash on it. "Matt. Did you do this to yourself?" You sit up and he follows suit.