Matt Murdock Shorts

This Truth, it's Worse Than Anything I Could Bring Myself to do to You

Out of everything Matt could be feeling right now, both emotionally and physically, the taste is the overwhelming factor. Due to his senses and the copious amount of blood flowing out of his body right now, he'd be able to taste it anyway. As he coughs, though his saliva feels too thick- too slimy. All he can taste is iron as he tries to spit, the leftover blood in his mouth sticking to and staining his teeth. The Daredevil suit adheres to his body. It's slipping and twisting, becoming impossibly tighter, is only an afterthought.

He's going to die here. It's a fact he's accepted. What he has a harder time accepting- even in this state- is the impact it'll have on his friends. Even with that fantastic catholic guilt complex of his, he knows the four people he has in his life do care. Claire will shake her head and remind everyone that his motives were noble, even if his actions were stupid. He's grateful for that at least. Foggy will be angry at him for being an idiot. Karen will regard him with silent tears; maybe she'll write an article about him. Then there's you. You won't know what happened. Will they tell you? Or will they keep his secret; even in death. You'll be mourning, confused, trying to decipher some bullshit story they feed you; while they try to convince you that you don't need to see his body.

He's so wrapped up in his last thoughts that he doesn't hear the footsteps nearing. At first, he tenses when he finally notices the other person. Then he realizes that it doesn't matter anymore. He's dying. It's not like they can do anything to (or for) him now. Then he feels his mask lifting, freeing his face. He lets out a breath of relief, only to have his ribs remind him of the various fractures that no doubt riddle the bones.

-0-

Sometimes you like to go out for a walk by the docks. It's not the most scenic place you've ever been, but the deserted quality is a welcome one after so long in the crowded city. No one has seen Matt for two days now, nor is he answering his phone. You got worried and told Brett after 12 hours, and he filed the missing person's report at 24 hours. All that's left to do is hope that this is all a big misunderstanding and that he shows up. The last part is all that really matters. He just needs to show up.

Before you can work yourself up anymore, you notice some shady guys coming out of a nearby warehouse. Ever the cautious one, you duck behind a piece of equipment and wait for them to pass. As they do, you hear something about Daredevil and finally taking care of him. Your ears perk up.

"Do you think it's a good idea to leave that guy alone in there?" One of the three men asks.

"He was on his last breath. No reason to stick around. It's a big area anyone could've heard us torturing him." Another one replies.

"Do you see anyone else?" The third one Mocks the second.

"That doesn't mean anything. You guys stay here if you want, but I'm leaving. This place gives me the creeps anyway."

You watch them walk off before heading toward the warehouse they came out of. It's a stupid decision, but they said he's about to die, what's he going to do to you? In any case, Daredevil isn't known for victimizing the innocent. You call an ambulance and give your location before you go in.

You don't know what you were expecting, but it wasn't this much blood. Once you regain a conscious train of thought,though you walk over to the bleeding man before you. You don't know exactly what one does in this situation, so you end up kneeling next to him.

"I- do you want your mask off?" It feels like a stupid question in light of the puddle of blood you're sitting in, but you're at a loss. It's not like you learn this stuff in public school.

The man grunts, but you're not sure if it's the pain or he's trying to answer you. You take it as a yes and remove the helmet. Judging by the sigh of relief you receive, you did the right thing. When you take a look at his face, your heart jackhammers into your throat.