The Invisible String: Matt Murdock/ Daredevil

6

Matt's voice echoed softly throughout the apartment, traces of concern weaving through it. He'd changed into a green hoodie and black track pants. Annalise's breath hitched slightly. The bravery fueled by alcohol was fading fast. What if he wasn't who she thought? What if he didn't remember her? What if those heavy footsteps were really coming for them?

Both of them turned their heads toward the noise. Heavy boots thudded on the ancient floorboards. Matt's heartbeat faltered, and he glanced toward her, seeing her tense, focused too.

"We need to leave. Now."
He whispered, limping back toward the window they had entered through.

She followed him up the stairs and onto the fire escape. But suddenly she stopped him.
"Wait, just—just follow me."
She led him down the stairs and into her apartment. Matt locked the window, standing out of the weak moonlight.

"You need to tell me what's going on."
She stepped closer, voice low and urgent. "I know you somehow. How—"

He inhaled sharply, tilting his head.
"How are you back?"

Annalise bit her lip, unsure what to say. She leaned against the small kitchen island beside him.
"I told you I'd come back."

His mouth twitched into a faint smile.
"I never thought I'd see you again."

Pain flashed across his face as he used the wall to steady himself.

"You probably wouldn't have—given the fact you're half dead. What the hell happened?!"
Annaleise was angry now. Seeing him like this made her blood boil.

"Fisk—Fisk happened. I've been after him for years. It's bad. It's all bad."
Matt laughed bitterly, rubbing his face. This was worse than she thought.

"We swore we'd do it together, Matt."
She said, voice steady but firm, recalling the night they'd promised on the rooftop, watching the city lights below.

"What's your dream?"

He'd asked her once, both of them laughing about their far-off plans.

"I want to save all my friends from the orphanage. I don't want them to get hurt anymore."
Her eyes had been downcast, knowing she was just a kid, but determined to stop the woman who thought she'd killed her.

"I'll help you."

"Then I'll help you with your dream, Matt. What's yours?"

He'd looked up at the sky.

"I want to put Fisk in prison."

She didn't know the name then.

"He was the man who had my dad killed."

She'd rested her head on his shoulder. She knew the weight that death carried for him.

"And we'll do it together. I promise."

"I wish I never left."

She paced the kitchen, voice low. Matt watched her, concern etched into every line of his face.

"That wasn't your choice, Annalise. None of this is your fault. And I shouldn't be dragging you into it now."

She scoffed, eyes flashing.

"I dragged myself into it, Matt. And I'm not leaving, okay?"

His head lifted from the floor to look at her. She sighed, stepping closer. Whatever this mess was, she wasn't backing away.

"I thought you were dead."

His jaw tightened, eyebrows furrowing.

"Are you friends with Foggy and Karen?"

"Are they okay?"

His posture stiffened at their names.

"I went out drinking with them, not knowing their connection to you. I'm guessing they know you're alive."

Matt nodded silently.

Suddenly both flinched at the sound of men above. The lock to his door shattered, heavy footsteps pacing the hall.

"He's been here recently. He couldn't have gotten far. Check surrounding apartments."

"Who's gonna answer the door this late anyway?"

"Say some criminal robbed a store nearby. Go. Now."

The footsteps faded down the hall. Annalise grabbed Matt's duffel bag and shoved it into her bedroom. Returning, she saw him carefully sliding the window open.

"Matt!" she hissed. "Close that and get in here. Now."

He hesitated.

"Annalise, I'm not getting you mixed up in this."

She marched over, shutting the window, gently pulling him by the arm.

"You can barely stand, and you think I'm letting you climb out my damn window? Stay in here."

He exhaled deeply, retreating to the darkest corner of her room. She whispered, "Thank you," before sitting at her desk. She spread out medical forms from her training and ruffled her hair in frustration. She brewed a cup of coffee from her nearly cold machine and waited.

The knock came less than a minute later. Abrupt, but expected.

She opened the door just enough to reveal a cluttered table of papers. Four men stood there, wearing plain clothes but similar jackets, each with a concealed firearm. They reeked of cigarettes and blood—just not their own.

"Yes, ma'am. There was an attempted robbery a few blocks down. Seen any suspicious activity?"

"Oh, no, I haven't. Are the owners okay? I'm friends with their daughter."

They sighed, a few wandering off down the hall.

"Yes ma'am, all fine. No need to worry. Please call if you see anything."

One handed her a small note with a number. Their presence was sketchy, but she gripped the paper like it was vital.

"Of course, thank you so much for trying to help the city."

They nodded curtly and disappeared. Annalise shut the door, rolling her eyes.

Matt crept toward the doorway of her room, both listening.

"You got anything?" one called out.

"Nah, just a pathetic lady busy with work or somethin'. But she's hot. Hope she calls me if she needs help."

Annalise scoffed quietly, feeling his smirk through the door.

"What an asshole," she whispered.

They waited until the men left the building before speaking again. She perched on the counter next to Matt, who sat on a single stool pulled from the table.

"So. You gonna tell me the whole story, or no?"

She broke the silence as cars drove away.

"Are you gonna get involved?" he shot back.

"We made a promise, Matt. I'm getting involved."

Matt shook his head, groaning as he pushed off the stool.

"I'm sorry, b—"

"No. I know you. I thought you'd know me too, and see I'm not backing down."

Matt sighed, rubbing his fingers over his eyes.

"I'm here to stay, Matt."

Her voice softened, steady. She watched him tilt his head, listening to her heartbeat, waiting for it to falter. But it stayed smooth.