The Invisible String: Matt Murdock/ Daredevil

10

Foggy collapsed onto her apartment floor, huffing in relief.
I've never appreciated a dusty hardwood floor so much in my life. I would kiss this floor if I wasn't taken. No offense, Karen.

Annalise laughed, and Matt, leaning casually against the wall, chuckled at Foggy's exaggeration.
None taken. Literally none.
She replied, settling down next to him.

Suddenly, Foggy sat up straight.
Hold on, are we going to talk about whatever telekinesis or psychic move you just pulled back there?
His hands flailed as he tried to mimic what she did. Karen also sat up, intrigued.
I agree, what was that?

Annalise shrugged, a little sheepishly.
I, uh... some kind of wavy lines? Honestly, science has never been my strong suit.

Matt listened intently. He knew she could detect people from far away—their emotions, voices—but what else was she capable of?

So, what else can you do? Don't tell me you're blind, Karen teased, both clearly fascinated now. She settled on the floor, leaning against the kitchen island, and Matt joined her, equally curious.

I think I can alter someone's pain—usually ease it away, but maybe even shift it to another person. I'm not entirely sure. It's all about waves, vibrations, lines of energy or whatever.
She waved off the idea, modest.

Foggy looked at Karen intensely, then broke the silence.
Karen, I'm sorry to say this, but slap me.

Karen's face twisted in horror, eyes closed as she immediately dismissed the idea.
I'm not slapping you! Get Matt to do it, he's used to it.

Matt raised his hands in mock surrender.
I'm not slapping anyone.

Please don't, Annalise added quickly.

I'll let you be the big spoon, Foggy pleaded randomly. She giggled quietly, watching Karen consider the idea deeply.
Still no. I love you too much.

Foggy sighed and turned to Matt.
Matt, can I hit you? Like a free pass?

Excuse me? Why do you get to hit me? Matt responded, offended, crossing his arms.

Well, because I might die if it's reversed. And you owe me.
Foggy stated this as if it was common sense, standing up. Matt followed, glancing at Annalise.

That's a bit dramatic, Fog.

Um, no. I've seen you in that outfit—no way, no pun intended, am I going to be on the receiving end.

Matt's mouth flattened into a straight line as he shrugged.
Foggy, there's no guarantee I can do it. Also, you do realize I might just throw it back at you, right?

Annalise scoffed, crossing her arms. Foggy hesitated, then Karen laughed, standing.
This is not what we should be planning right now.

Okay, go, Matt said with an exhale.

Annalise focused. Foggy threw a hard punch—definitely not a slap. Matt stood firm, his face flinching on impact. She saw the lines—the red radiating vibration—growing stronger as she moved closer. The pain clung tightly to him, almost as if he was deliberately controlling it, reining it in.

She raised her hand, feeling the warmth on her fingertips, then motioned toward Foggy with a subtle throwing gesture, like tossing a dart. Foggy jerked back, a sharp sound of pain breaking her concentration, and she stepped back from Matt, who stayed locked on her.

That is so. Damn. Cool.
Foggy groaned from the floor, clutching his face.

Annalise looked back at Matt, who was wide-eyed, staring at the floor. She gently tilted his head up—his lip was bloodied from the impact.
You alright?