Chapter Text
“It’s quiet uptown isn’t it little one?” Frank asked looking through his scope not seeing his target anywhere around. He knew it was still a bit early when he smiled hearing his 3 month old daughter babble softly in the chest harness she sat in. “Yeah it is. For now at least. These guys we are waiting for want to disturb it. Well daddy won’t let them.”
Frank lowered his sniper rifle and looked down at Trista who looked up at him smiling. “How about we have a snack while we wait.” Frank said reaching into the duffle he brought with him.
He pulled out a bottle of water for himself and a bottle of milk for Trista. He removed the chest harness, taking Trista out of it, and cradled her in his arm giving her the bottle. Frank chuckled watching Trista eagerly take the nipple into her mouth, small hands grabbing the bottle, and closing her eyes started sucking. “Yeah I know it’s not as good as mommy but at least it’s his milk.” Frank said looking around before turning his attention back to his daughter.
Frank still couldn’t believe that it’s been 3 months since his and Matt’s daughter came into the world on that cold night. It had definitely been an adjustment for both of them, figuring out how to balance work, sleep, and their “after hours” job. Not only that, it also brought back memories for Frank from so long ago. When he woke to Trista crying he instantly thought of the daughter he lost. He even made the mistake of telling Matt he would go check on Lisa more than once.
The first time he did it, it hadn’t registered he had said that until he came back over to the bed with their daughter and Matt was giving him a look. They had talked about it while Matt nursed their daughter and Frank had reassured Matt that he saw Trista for who she was and not as Lisa, that this was just a one time mistake. While that was mostly true, there were times when Frank would hold his current daughter and think about all the moments he had with his first children. How he held each of them, fed them, calmed them, cuddled them, all the stuff he was now doing again with Trista.
It was hard not to. Having another baby brought back those memories that he always carried with him even before he met Matt. He knew Matt was scared that he wouldn’t love Trista enough or really take to her, constantly comparing her to a ghost, but he could truly assure his mate that was farthest from the truth. Trista was his second chance and there was no way he was going to mess it up.
He was pulled from his thoughts by Trista pushing the bottle away and squirming in his arms as he set the bottle down and readjusted her. “Hey there wiggle worm…chill out.” Frank said softly placing her against his shoulder and rubbing her back. She let out a small burp then cooed, babbling quickly and excitedly. Frank chuckled and holding her up said “Gotta lot to say huh pip squeak.” Trista grinned and reached out to him as Frank pulled her close nuzzling her.
He suddenly heard talking and turning some shifted Trista in his arms, grabbing a pair of binoculars from his bag. He scanned the area when he felt a tugging on the strap and said “Not now angel, daddy needs them.” He spotted 4 men gathering by a dumpster, standing close together, talking. “Bingo.” Frank whispered zooming in seeing they were the ones he was waiting for.
He gave the binoculars to Trista who was starting to whimper allowing her to mess with them when he pulled out his sound dish setting it up and putting on the headphones.
He heard them discussing the plans and that two of the four were from the rival gang. He heard them agreeing that this would be the spot where their gangs would meet to settle the current turf disputes. Frank didn’t care what the dispute was, all he cared about was taking down both gangs. He knew these gangs were relatively new which worked well in wiping them out in one fell swoop. If he would be able to wipe out both gangs at once, he could keep this part of town from going from quiet uptown to gang ridden uptown.
He grew interested in these two gangs since they were the reason for the recent string of ODs in this area among the young adults. Now knowing about the dispute, should one of them gain further control, there would be more crimes and deaths. Not to mention both gangs participated in illegal dog fights which to Frank meant instant death.
He felt something hitting his chest and looked down seeing his daughter looking up at him then suddenly smile and look off somewhere else.
“FRACES DAVID ‘CASTLE’ CASTIGLIONE!” A familiar voice said that was ten times louder thanks to the sound device causing Frank to cry out and yank the headphones off. He turned seeing Matt standing there in his Daredevil outfit as Trista made happy sounds reaching for him.
“Jesus Red, yah trying to make me go deaf?”
“You are lucky that is all I may do. What the hell are you thinking!” Matt growled walking over and yanking Trista from Frank’s lap.
“Little father/daughter bonding time.” Frank said putting the headphones back on, glad that this little upset did not spook the group below.
Frank let out a sound of protest as the headphones were yanked off his head by an irate Matt. “Going to the zoo, museum, or hell going to the park for a walk is father/daughter bonding time, not canvassing a potential hit!”
“There is a thing called ‘take your child to work’ day.” Frank said reaching for the headphones as Matt yanked them out of reach.
“Normal jobs Frank. Not…this…” Matt said motioning to the group below as Frank rolled his eyes.
“A job is a job Red. Now give me the headphones back. I need to get a little more information.” Frank said as Matt just sighed and dropped them back on Frank’s lap.
Frank put them back on and continued listening knowing Matt was still there either fuming or curious as to what would be going down. Frank smiled when he heard a soft sigh then movement. He glanced to his right seeing Matt crouching down, Trista cradled in his arms, peering over the ledge. “What are we looking at?”
“I thought this wasn’t appropriate bonding time with the child.”
“Shut up and tell me. We’re here may as well not let it go to waste.”
“So that’s why you are in your get up huh.”
“Just tell me what’s going on.”
“Rival gangs going to meet up to discuss who’s turf this is. Right now both are responsible for the increase in ODs and break ins. Not to mention both run illegal dog fighting rings.” Frank said as Matt put a hand on Frank’s thigh in understanding. He knew nothing got his mate more worked up than those that harmed animals, especially dogs.
“So basically the discussion will probably end up in violence…”
“Yep then say good bye to this quiet uptown neighborhood. Whoever ends up owning it will just cause more mayhem and deaths.” Frank said solemnly as Matt studied the four guys below.
“So who are they?”
“Representation from each gang, meeting on a white flag.”
“Huh…when is this going down?”
“Three days from now.”
“I’ll check to see if Foggy or Karen is available for babysitting.”
“No.” Frank said immediately as Matt turned to him.
“No?”
“No. You are not going with me on this one Red. Too much can happen and…”
“Exactly. You will need back up.”
“I’ll get back up.”
“You sure Jess or Luke will be available? Or are you talking about the Avengers?”
“No way am I including those goody two shoe super heroes. Jess or Luke would be better. I’ll see if they are around.”
“I should be with you.”
“Matt we agreed no serious ones until she at least stops breastfeeding. The last thing we need is your to be so hurt that you can’t feed her.”
Matt sighed and looked down at Trista who was busy sucking her fingers before letting out a yawn.
“Why don’t you head back to the apartment. I’ll be there soon.” Frank said with a smile as Matt just nodded and stood up.
“Don’t be too late.” Matt said turning and walking away when he stopped and turned back. “And don’t ever take Trista on stakeouts with you again.”
“Uh huh whatever you say Red.”
“I mean it Castle! This could have gone horribly wrong.”
“Well it didn’t and she seemed to enjoy it. Right angel?” Frank asked looking at Trista who just squealed happily waving her tiny hands. “See? Loved it. She’s gonna be like us Red. Gonna be a fighter.”
Matt rolled his eyes and turning muttered “Not if I can help it.” Holding Trista close, Matt easily traversed the rooftops towards his apartment building and landed on the roof.
He opened the roof door and walked down the steps listening to see if any of the other tenants were nearby. Hearing nothing he dashed the rest of the way and entered his apartment closing the door behind him. He removed is helmet as Trista made grabby motions for it. Matt chuckled and set the helmet on the counter before setting Trista in the playpen that was near the window. He removed the rest of his suit and grabbing the helmet put it away.
“Come on let’s get you showered before bed. You smell like gun oil.” Matt said removing the rest of his clothes and grabbing Trista walked to the bathroom. Turning on the water, he adjusted the temperature before removing Trista’s clothes and stepping under the stream. Trista let out a happy coo, resting her head on Matt’s shoulder. Matt chuckled and kissed the side of her head as he gently rubbed her back getting her skin and hair wet. As he gently washed her, he focused on her heart beat and breathing finding comfort in it.
Ever since he first held her in his arms, he found that her heartbeat always brought him calmness. If he ever felt overwhelmed he would just imagine her heartbeat or listen to it and instantly feel better. “Love you so much little one.” Matt said softly nuzzling her as she just let out a soft sound of content.
When Frank finally returned, he locked the door and set his bag down removing his boots. “Matt?” He called wondering if his mate and daughter were still awake or if they both fell asleep.
Frank walked to the bedroom not seeing them in the living room and sliding the door open leaned against the doorframe with a smile. In their bed, Matt was sitting against the headboard, covers around his waist as he nursed their daughter. Frank watched the scene for a bit just taking in the gorgeous moment when a memory from his past hit him hard. In place of Matt was his wife in a similar position nursing their daughter as she looked up and smiled at him.
Frank blinked a few times then rubbed his eyes seeing the image of his wife disappear and Matt return looking at him. “Frank? You okay?” Matt asked hearing his mate’s heartbeat quicken but not sure why.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m good. I’m going to shower then uh I will join you. It’s all quiet uptown for now…hopefully will stay that way when I’m through.” Frank said in a gruff voice removing his clothes as he walked to the bathroom.
Matt watched him and sighing had something of an idea of what caused Frank’s heart to race. Matt looked down at Trista and stroking her cheek wondered if he would always be competing with the ghost of Frank’s past now that he had a family again.
When Frank finished his shower he saw Trista was in her crib sound asleep as was Matt in their bed. Frank walked over to Trista and gently smoothed out her thickening hair before leaning down and kissing her forehead.
“I love you angel.” Frank whispered before turning and walking over to the bed. Sitting down on his side of the bed, Frank sat there for a minute trying to collect his thoughts.
“You had another moment didn’t you.” Matt suddenly said as Frank jumped and turned.
“Fucking hell Matt, thought you were asleep.” Frank said climbing under the covers and turning off the light.
“I was but then I heard you come out and then something seemed off…you did didn’t you. Just a little bit ago.”
“Yeah I did.”
“Your wife?”
“Yeah.”
“I see.” Matt said softly turning back onto his side away from Frank.
“Matt…”
“Is this too much for you Frank? Did we maybe take this too fast? Make to many hasty decisions?” Matt asked trying not to let emotions seep into his questions.
“What do you want me to say Matt?”
“I want the truth. I want you to be okay. I don’t want to cause you more suffering. If you aren’t ready then maybe…maybe I should raise Trista a little on my own. Give you a chance to heal a little bit more. It’s only been 3 months and I guess I thought they were getting better…but this one…it really effected your heart beat.” Matt said as tears dripped down his face.
“Is that what you want?”
“No. But I can’t bear to see you in pain and I don’t want to have to battle ghosts of the pasts. I’m not Maria, I will never be her, and I wouldn’t want to. I want to be Matt, your mate.”
“I can’t forget them.”
“I am not asking you to. They will always be a part of you Frank. I wouldn’t dare ask you to forget them. But have you truly moved on? Have you truly let them go to a point where you can have a new family. If not that’s okay. But I need to know. It’s not fair to Trista or to me.” Matt said gently rolling over and facing Frank. Frank turned so that he was facing Matt, their eyes meeting. “I love you Frank. But I can’t compete with her and her memories. I don’t want to.”
“I’m sorry Red. It isn’t fair to you…I thought…I thought having this would have helped me move on…stop living in the past. I thought since the first slip up…I was better.”
“But it’s done the opposite hasn’t it.” Matt said as Frank closed his eyes and slowly nodded.
“But I can’t lose you Red…can’t lose you or Trista. I have found happiness again…found a purpose for living. Just give me time…I love you Matt…I’ll do better.”
“Frank will you see a therapist? Maybe talking with someone can help.” Matt whispered taking Frank’s hand in his as Frank met those sightless blue eyes.
“A therapist? Not gonna happen Matt. Don’t trust them.”
“Okay…fair. Maybe talk to the Father Lantom at the church. He’s really good at listening.”
“Yeah…all right. I’ll try that. Can I stay?”
Matt chuckled and scooted over so that he could cuddle with Frank, feeling those strong arms wrap around him. “As long as you will be okay.”
“I’ll try. By God above I’ll try. Anything for you and our daughter.” Frank promised as Matt just smiled.
“Good. That’s all I need. Now come on let’s get some sleep.”
“Hmm it was something Matt, being on that stake out…it was so quiet uptown…”
“Yeah…it was a nice change wasn’t it.”
“I want to keep that. I want that to be the world Trista grows up in.”
“I know but we both know that isn’t possible. That’s not the world we live in.”
“Yeah…”
“But we can try…and if anything we can prepare her. Prepare her for any type of world she’ll experience.”
“Sounds like a real challenge.”
“When have either of us backed down from a challenge.” Matt said with a smile as Frank chuckled.
“Damn straight. We’ll be all right.”
“Yeah we will. Tomorrow we’ll go see Father Lantom. I know mom…er…Sister Maggie will be happy to see her.” Matt said as Frank nodded knowing that while Matt wanted Trista to know her grandmother, it was difficult since Matt’s mom was a nun at the local church. Only a few people knew the truth about her and Matt's relationship and since Matt learned of it, he had tried to keep a connection with her.
“Okay, sounds perfect.” Frank said softly stroking Matt’s face and watching him slowly fall asleep. Frank stayed awake a little bit longer listening to the sounds of the city before finally falling asleep himself.