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Chapter Text

1

Jason was running, he was out of ammo and the goons were closing the gap. Jason should have listened and waited for backup before breaking in the facility. Tightening his hand around the harddrive he took a sharp turn to the left at this point he wasn't sure where he was going the bullet wound in his right shoulder highly limiting his movement capacity and the blood lost making his mind foggy.

He kept running trying to find a way any way out of the base; the place being underground resulted in no windows or any other easy escape routes he knew he was getting slower and the voices were coming closer. Fuck Bruce for always being right Jason thought he had told him it was a suicide mission and the younger had rolled his eyes determined to be independent from his family if you can even call them that anymore.

The first bullet flew off Jason's head barely an inch above and soon the others followed. Jason had to make a choice soon. If he kept running there was no way he was going to survive all those bullets but getting in a room would probably result in him being trapped. He cursed under his breath and jumped to the closest room's door. His wounded shoulder made a squishy sound as the door crash opened.

The pain made him black out for a second but he quickly got hold of himself as he looked through the room. He stopped on his tracks as he saw the portal placed in the middle of the room. It was lighted blue and was the size of an average man and a control panel was spotted just in front of it.

The men were coming bullets flying again Jason took a big breath and made the run for the portal throwing his knife to the control panel for good measure. This wasn't the weirdest thing that he happened to find in a facility like this and he hoped that he didn't end up in some kind of hell planet like Apocalypse or something.

~

As he came to himself he found himself on top of a rooftop with two men standing over him. It was dark and he was having a hard time focusing on anything he must have hit his head or maybe it was just the blood lost. He moved to get up only to stop when a gun got pointed to his face. His helmet was good but not good enough to stop a gunshot from that close.

Did he get caught after all no that can't be true he had destroyed the control panel. Now that he looked more closely the other guy was wearing a costume of sorts, vigilantes?

As he focused more he realized that they were talking, maybe all this time. He tried to focus on their voices.

“Red I think he doesn't hear us or something” the one with the gun grumbled he seemed calm and mostly uninterested with this whole ordeal. The one in the red costume looked at him for a second “He does now”

Jason tensed for a second cause how did he know that, very observant perhaps enhanced hearing not an unusual power for one to possess.

“Okay” The taller guy replied then turning to him once again “Who are you and what are you doing” he grunted

Jason huffed assessing his opinions he might try jumping off but he didn't even know how far up he was and with his dominant shoulder out of commission throwing a grappling hook would be hella gamble that is if there was somewhere to even throw it.

He sighed looking up at the man “Names RedHood but since you have been so kind and not shot me dead you can call me Hood” he snarled back and it would have been more effective if he didn't get in a cough fit afterwards. He was coughing up blood now how dandy. The red suit chuckled to his comments anyway, small victories

“Who are you guys anyway?” Both men seemed to be taken back by this so they were both known names apparently, that was weird. He felt like he would have recognized the two if they were League members.

“You don't know who we are?” the red one asked “You are not from here then I take” the other assumed “Well that depends where am I” Jason replied both looked at him like he was crazy which to be honest wasn't a unreasonable train of thought.

“Hell's kitchen New York” Costume answered “United States of America” the other elaborated when Jason didn't seem satisfied with the answer.

Jason stopped damn okay so New York definitely is not a state. The man looked so confused that it seemed like New York was a commonly known place or maybe it was because he was looking like a crazy person. Not the point okay so the best explanation he got was alternative reality in which New York was a state. Alternative universes were not unheard of but yet still were hard to wrap your head around. Well there was a first time for everything.

“Shit okay- so you guys criminals or vigilantes?” Jason asked, hoping for the latter he really didn't want to get in any criminal fight, take down criminal business shit, with a bullet in the shoulder, especially in a different universe. The one with the skull west huffed amused the other groan in annoyance “You can say we are vigilantes, now talk and don't lie we'll know if you do”

“No you won't but I'll entertain you as I'll have to ask for help in approximately five minutes when I pass out from the blood loss” Jason got more comfortable. vigilantes usually didn't shoot the unarmed. Both looked at him “I wouldn't be so sure about the lying part” the red costume said Jason huffed “Look heightened hearing I'm guessing? Cool trick not my first rodeo I can easily control my heartbeat when lying I'm no rookie”

The vigilantes looked surprised even if they hid it well Jason easily recognized it for what it was he also realized the grip on the gun getting tighter that didn't seem good. “You sure you don't know who we are” the skull said “Look this will sound crazy or not I don't know how advanced this world is but, I'm from another universe”

“What kind of bulsshit is that, do we really look that gullible to you?” skull replied with an angry snarl. “Well I'm about to pass out so I hope you do” Jason said and soon he was out of it.

~~

Jason Woke up he was seemingly in a fireman's carry, not dead then good. He grunted “He's awake again” Red suit said “Your house?” A silence “Your safehouse is both closer and I don't know if we can trust him” Jason's eyes closed he was once again unconscious.

When he woke up again he was being dropped to the couch not too kindly, groaning as he got to sitting position. “I'll bring the first aid kit” the skull grunted and red suit made an agreeing sound.

“So Hood let's say I believe that you are from another universe, that still doesn't explain why you are here” suit said Jason smirked finally someone asking good questions to bad he didn't have a valid reason “Well I was running away from armed guys and I saw a portal got in destroyed the control panel bam I'm here”

“And if so how did you understand you were in an alternative universe so quickly” Replied the other asked coming from the room with a box of medical items “We don't have New York in my universe and dimension travel is not unheard of so I figured” Jason shrugged “this is Strange level bulsshit red” Skull said suit huffed.

“So you have to turn back do you know how or should we try finding a way?” Suit asked he seemed a little annoyed at the idea Jason closed his eyes, pain getting worse now that he was more awake “Bruce will come get me eventually I have something he needs” Jason knew Bruce needed the harddrive and the one that was in his pocket was the only copy.

“And who exactly is Bruce” Skull asked. “My dad” Jason replied after a moment, barely audible. There was a moment of silence. “Okay you'll need to take your helmet off if you want to stay with us” suit said and skull nodded. Now Jason wasn't the biggest fan of taking his mask of next to strangers not that it mattered he didn't have much of a choice.

“If you will remove yours I'll remove mine” Jason replied trying to hold what little ground he had left the suit seemed to think it through for a second “okay if it'll make you feel better, I'm guessing we don't exist in your universe anyway”

He moved to get his helmet off revealing brown locks and unfocused eyes in return Jason moved his with his left hand struggling a little revealing his scard face and black hair with a splash of white. Skull took a deep breath.

“Yeah not the best view” with the mask gone his voice sounded softer and younger more appropriate for his age, suit tensed.

“Shit kid, how old are you” skull asked he seemed uncomfortable all the sudden Jason huffed “I'm almost twenty not a child” he replied sounding exactly like a moody child suit huffed.

He then moved to get his shirt off hissing with pain, by doing so he also revealed his torso filled with new and old scars and a heavily bleeding shoulder. Moving Jason took the tweezers with his shaky left hand, suit moved to help.

“Don't. I can sew myself as I said, not my first rodeo” skull huffed and moved to the kitchen seemingly getting beer but suit waited still looking at his general direction. Jason took a big breath and moved the tweezers and quickly realized he wasn't going to be able to do it by himself. The angle was wrong and his hands were shaking too much. He looked at suit and sighed, suit just looked at him understanding.

Suit moved to get the tweezers from Jason's hand then got to work. Jason took a big breath and waited shit's hands worked with care, clearly trying to keep the pain minimal. The younger, appreciated that.

After about five minutes of them sitting in silence with suit slowly sewing his shoulder skull arrived back from the kitchen holding three beers. He placed two on the small coffee table then took a place on the floor next to the couch.

“I'm going to order food for red and I, you want some?” He asked, taking out what clearly was a burner phone. Jason thought for a bit he was hungry and had lost a lot of blood. “Sure I can eat, then I'll be out of your hair” he shrugged.

“Ain't no way kid you literally have a wound in your shoulder you are staying here” was skull's immediate reply “You don't even know the area” suit added. Jason looked at him confused. “You don't even know who I am. I can be some kind of criminal or so- hell I don't even know you two's name” he said.

“Look as far as I'm standing you are a kid who fought way too many battles for his age and is stuck in another dimension, so until you prove us you are a threat you can stay” skull explained “His name is Frank and I'm Daredevil or Matt without the suit” suit once again added.

“I'm gonna order food now any preferences” Frank said as Matt dressed Jason's wound up “What me? Nah I'll eat whatever as long as I don't have to pay”

“Order Chinese” Matt requested after and Frank made an agreeing sound. As he took the call Jason turned Matt once again.

“Can you see in the dark?” Matt seemed taken back “Why what makes you think that” Jason shrugged “Your blind right? Where I'm from, the only blind hero I know was Doctor Mid-Nite and you know he could see in the dark” Matt stayed silent for a second “You understood I'm blind? And yet let me dress your wound” he then asked.

“Well if you are out fighting crime then you probably know what you are doin. I saw weirder, as I said not my first time- I'm no rookie” Jason replied “Heightened senses I have heightened senses that's how I locate places and people otherwise I'm completely blind”

“Heh, much cooler than what the doctor had going on. Must suck though living here, as far as I understand this is a big city- kinda like where I'm from” Matt was taken back with how much concentration Jason had for his abilities people usually assumed Matt's abilities all great and powerful, very few saw them for what they were. “Yeah well I'm no rookie as well”

~

When the food came Jason was already struggling to stay awake with the adrenaline leveling his body. When Matt went to open to take the food from the delivery guy Frank looked at him. “You alright kid seem kind of out of it, want some pain meds?”

Jason jolted awake when had his eyes even closed. “No, no I'm fine, pain meds make you hazy- I wanna be ready” he mumbled, not really making sense “And what are you being ready for?”

Before Jason can answer Matt was back with their food “Okay as far as I can smell they are fresh which is impressive with how far into night we are” Frank chuckled “Way to be creepy red-”

They ate mostly in silence with Matt and Frank making conversation every here and there, they seemed to be trying to keep it to minimal and quiet to not disturb the younger man who seemed to be trying his best to stay awake and finish his food.

After the food was done Frank moved to take the trash out as Matt gathered the table meanwhile Jason was sent to the bathroom to clean up a little.

When everyone was back in the living room Frank handed Jason one of his shirts and Jason wore it with minimum pain, it looked a little baggy on him but it was comfortable. “Okay you can take the couch, me and red are gonna crash at the bedroom” Frank explained, the younger man nodded and fell sideways onto the couch asleep within seconds.

“He must have been really exhausted already asleep” Matt commented “Well he was shot” Frank retorted “Shit red he was covered in scars probably has as much as me if not more” he then added uncomfortable Matt hummed he had assumed so with Frank's previous reaction.

“Let me put a blanket over him, it tends to get colder towards the morning” He said leaving Frank standing awkwardly in the living room.

Matt comes back with the softest blanket in the safe house which is not high standards but still better than nothing and proceeds to put the blanket over the sleeping boy gently as he could. Frank watches him with a little stint in his heart. He misses his boy all the sudden, he puts a hand through his hair, takes a deep breath and moves to the bedroom. Matt follows him soon after. Both of them know this is just the start of it.

Chapter Text

2

Matt wakes up with the noises coming from the living room. He looks at Frank. He is still dead asleep, Frank is a light sleeper at best but whatever Hood is doing he is being very quiet, inaudible by normal ears.

He thinks about giving the Hood privacy but then quickly decides against it when he hears the sound of a window opening. Scrambling out of the bed he moves to the living room quietly to not disrupt Frank who barely sleeps on good days.

When he enters the living room area he finds Hood who seems to be half way out of the window? Matt makes a coughing sound making Hood jolt and hit his head to the window still, Matt realizes Hood probably cannot see him in the living room with the lights closed.

“I thought you were going to stay until Bruce came” Matt asks Hood sighs and gets his leg and arm back to the flat “Look I'm better now no need to worry about me” Matt raises an eyebrow even though it's probably not even visible “you have been shot- what couple of hours ago? You don't know where you are, have no money and no way to turn home”

Hood groans, putting a hand through his hair. “I'll be fine, I always am” Matt huffs “Yeah? Well even so at least stay a bit until we show you around, then you can run off”

Hood seems to find that reasonable as he closes the window and moves inside more securely, Matt takes that as an invitation to move farther in the room “I'm guessing you won't go back to sleep?” Hood nods “Want some coffee” another nod.

~

Later they sit on the couch drinking coffee when Frank arrives, probably realising Matt is not in the bed anymore. Wordlessly he goes to the kitchen to get coffee for himself.

Only after he gets a sip from his coffee, he asks “How long have you two been awake?” moving he sits on the floor next to where Matt is sitting on the couch as he crouches he leans on one of the legs, probably the result of a past injury Jason notes.

“About forty minutes give or take” Matt replies and Frank hums “You make shitty coffee” he then says making Matt groan “for the last time it's exactly the same way do it? If you don't like mine that means you don't like your own coffee!?”

Frank makes an offended sound “Don't you dare compare my coffee to this garbage” Hood chuckles quietly the duo's eyes turn to him “What, you are exactly like my bro- like Grayson and his girlfriend” Nobody comments on the slip up however Frank asks what he means by that.

Hood takes a sip from his coffee “So Grayson and Kori have been dating for I don't even know how long- anyway Kori is a great cook but- let's say her culture is different from ours by a long shot” he says like it's an inside joke “Anyway and when it comes to food that is edible Grayson is pretty talented I have to give him that” he takes another sip “So Grayson tries or I guess use to try to teach her and every time he gave her a recipe to try, it always ended up in disaster not that Kori admitted it” he puts the now empty mug on the coffee table

“The kid seems to agree with me on the taste- I think this is the moral of the story” Frank thesses “She probably is better at it by now so I say you too have a chance” Hood says, sounding nostalgic and a little bitter about it but there is still a small smile on his face.

“Okay I'm offended now my coffee isn't even bad and I'm sure Kori's was just as good as Grayson's you bullies” Matt grumbles “How does telling the truth makes us bullies” Frank asks acting dumb Matt groans again.

“It's too early for this childish behavior. I'm going to get ready. I have to head to my apartment to get ready to go to work” Frank huffes “Finish your garbage coffee first right kid?” Hood nodes

“Jason- my name is Jason” he then adds out of the blue “Nice to meet you Jason” Matt says in his best lawyer voice and shakes Jason's hand the kid for his part looks amused.

~

Matt leaves the house after finishing his coffee grumbling about needing to get to his apparent before the sun rises. Meanwhile Frank sends Jason to the bathroom as he gets ready the first aid kit. When Jason gets out of the bathroom freshly showered wearing one of Frank's pants, Frank requests for him to sit on the couch.

“Okay I'm going to clean and dress up the wound so it might hurt a little” he gets to work and for his part Jason didn't even make a sound yet alone flinch as Frank works on his wound. It is unsettling to see someone this young being used to this amount of pain but Frank doesn’t comment on it or let it show in his face.

“Okay so what's the plan for today big boss?” Jason askes, Frank's original plan was to chill around in Matt's apartment with Max all day however now it obviously wasn't in the picture “I have to get Max from Matt's apartment Matt probably fed and walked him but I still prefer to not leave him alone if I'm available, then I'm free today I can show you around”

Jason's mood seems to get better immediately after hearing about Max “You have a dog?” He asks “Yep he is a sweetheart” Jason smiles which makes him look significantly younger “I’m great with dogs. Bruce has a dog Ace, Alfred once told me she liked me the best” he explains and then imminently seems to regret the fact that he shared too much. Frank turns a blind eye.

“I'm sure Mad will like you too kid” he says instead Jason turns his head but Frank knows he is smiling.

Jason once again wears one of Frank's extra shirts and a hoodie again Frank's over it. Frank leaves for the door but stops when he realizes Jason isn't following him “Hey kid what are you waiting for?” he asks Jason looks at him confused “you said you were going to go to Matt's apartment?”

“Yeah and? I thought you wanted to meet Max?” Jason shrugs like it's the obvious “Yes I do but I thought you wouldn't want me to know where Matt's house is, It's a big liability”

Frank stood there for a second “Kid you just crushed at my safehouse and accepted to stay with us. Do you think I would let you do that if I saw you as a danger?” Jason huffed “I'll let you know I'm a very good fighter even shot”

Frank chuckled like he didn't really believed him “I'm sure you are, but for now let's go to take Max”

~

“Wow someone really needs to help Matt with interior design” Jason mumbled as Frank entered further in the flat to get Max out of the bedroom. “Yeah yeah.. nobody has the heart to tell him as he used it like this for years”

Frank opened the room and Max crushed into him licking where he could reach, Frank chuckled petting the bulldog.

Jason didn't enter the apartment waiting by the door and when Max came to him he crouched down, the dog smelled him then proceeded to attack him with kisses too, Jason chuckled not unlike Frank and pet the overexcited animal.

“You were right he really is a sweetheart” Frank grins “Of course he is, now common let's get him out for a walk”

~

They walked around the city for a bit. Frank explained New York and Jason learned it was where Gotham City was supposed to be. Jason kept quiet most of the time which made the conversation extremely difficult as Frank wasn't a big conversationalist himself but they managed.

After they went and dropped Max off they walked up to the grocery store in Matt's neighborhood, Frank explained that he and Matt had this deal going on to eat home cooked meals at least three times a week and Jason laughed saying he only ate homemade meals when Roy forced him these days. Frank commented Roy was smart and Jason said he really wasn't making Frank chuckle.

To Frank's surprise, despite Jason's previous comments on not eating homemade meals, the boy had strong opinions on what Frank should buy in order to cook simple chicken and pasta. The older man just let his boss around the small grocery store as he didn't have too many preferences besides the food being edible.

Picking up the ‘necessary’ items for dinner they also bought some cold sandwiches for lunch. They walked back to Matt's apartment once again, eating the sandwiches on the way. Frank explained how Matt was going to come early from work today and that they should probably start with dinner. When Jason pointed out four pm being too early to eat dinner Frank just sighed and explained it was probably going to be the first meal Matt ate today and therefore time didn't really matter.

This time when Jason went all bossy with the cooking Frank wasn't surprised he just sighed and did what the other told him. The food ended up being surprisingly good and ready just before Matt arrived at this point Frank was very annoyed with the sheer amount of time cooking the meal took but he did keep his mouth shut- barely.

“Good evening” Matt says as he pets Max from where he is standing by the door. “Come here Max let the poor man get in the house” Frank grumbled Max paid him no attention making Matt chuckle.

~

“I'm guessing you helped Frank with the food” Matt asked turning to Jason “Hey what's wrong with my cooking I make edible food!” Frank cut in “Key word being edible that's what your food is edible, this is good” Jason smirked “Happy to hear you liked the food” Frank groaned again, Matt hit him behind the head. “What was that for!?”

Later when the food was done “I want to come to patrol with you guys tonight” Jason said as he helped them gather up the leftovers “No way you were shot yesterday plus you are not even from here” Frank replied immediately.

Jason huffed annoyed “I have been trained to work while suffering from an injury and I'm going pretend you didn't say the last part cause what do you take me for a-” Matt cut him off “How about this you can come with us but you have to stay close and no guns” Jason looks surprised “How did you know about the guns?” He asks Matt shrugs “You are not the only one with tricks”

They spend the rest of the evening in Matt's joke of a living room where Matt works on his current clients case meanwhile Frank surfs through channels with Max on his lap and Jason reads Ashes of Roses by Jane Austen as the book is set in New York in this universe which peaks Jason's interest.

At about half past ten Matt goes to get ready and Frank and Jason walk back to the safe house to gear up themselves; they later meet up at a rooftop when the time hits eleven thirty pm. Matt explains to Jason that they had intell about a drug trade that was about to happen by the docks.

~

The fight at docks gets messy. Both Matt and Frank immediately understand that Jason was indeed not lying about the training he had, his style was a mix of lots of different styles; boxing, judo, ninjutsu and few others neither Frank or Matt can place. His stance was solid on the ground and even with a shot wound on his arm he showed little to no openings effectively hiding his wound.

Matt swallowed this kid and was probably better than most in close fights, even Matt himself. To get this good you needed to have training, and practice a lot of practice, definitely more than a 19 year old kid should have had a chance to have.

Frank seems to have realized it too but they have a fight in front of them so they store this knowledge for another time. Jason fights quietly and doesn't say anything but the duo knows he is watching them analysing the two the same way the two analyzed him.

After calling the cops the trio retreats back to the rooftops only when they are far enough they stop to rest. Jason's posture changes immediately and he crouches down holding his right shoulder. He sends them a look “don't”

The two share a look then sit on the rooftop as well. A little break wound hurt no one. “So shoot what have you got on us” Frank says to change the mood a bit Jason looks at him “What I'm not that dumb, I can see you watching me and red's moves”

Jason huffs and leans back hissing a little “Okay you are military or marine obvious from the way you fight. Past injury on your leg disturbs mobility. You are a good shot, too good for a simple commando so special forces sniper if I had to guess. You also did boxing sometime which is not unexpected. I also saw you mix up some other fighting styles like Judo and Krav-Maga but they are not as practiced as your MCMAP training, in summary in a fight your opponent needs to focus on your injured leg disarm you quickly your Gun-fu is some the best I ever saw which says something, then finish the job quickly and block any direct attacks cause your hits are very strong”

Frank grins he is more than a little creeped out by how good the deduction is but he wants to hear what the kid has to say for red. “Okay Sherlock Holmes, I have to admit this is very creepy and accurate so what do you have to say about Red over here”

Jason grins himself “Now DD over here is the actual interesting one sorry Frank but even though talented you are basic” Frank huffs but doesn't say anything too excited to hear about Matt and Matt is quiet he too seems interested.

“So he obviously had martial arts training but the interesting part is his foundation combat style is boxing which doesn't fit with any other of his styles I would say ex boxer but we know that's not it. Maybe a hobby but I don't think so it seems almost personal, I wanna say a relative, father probably was he a boxer? Did he teach you” The cold silence covers the rooftop Jason grins but it's bitter

“Father's am I right anyway, martial art training Aikido, Muay Thai and Eskrima you are good at them probably been thought as a child you can always see the difference children are just so much better at picking up stuff, you also have ninjutsu but it's nothing I saw before? I cannot place it to be honest” Matt chuckles at that so Jason puts a hand through his hair

“And to beat you I would say noise bomb you would be out of game immediately but let's say your opponent doesn't know your heightened senses your other biggest weaknesses is that you hold yourself even in high risk situations your opponent can easily turn that a huge plus for themselves”

Matt doesn't really know what to say about that cause it's true “Bruce would like you” Jason says his voice quiet but Matt can hear it clearly. “What about you?” Matt asked Jason. It looked like he wasn't going to answer for a second but he did

“I use multiple martial art styles and boxing. I'm good at the usage of most weapons as part of my training. My stance is almost perfect. I'm a good shot.. I'm not good enough, not even close compared to what I need though. I'm impulsive and angry Bru- my opponent can easily use it against me to take me down” Jason looks mad admitting it, Frank shares a look with Matt.

“So kid how long have you been doing this” Frank says Jason knows it's to get more info out of him realising he was in a weak mental state but he doesn't really care he doesn't exist in this universe anyway “Eight or nine years give or take” Matt swallows and Frank glances at him.

“That's you were a child then” Jason huffs “Look before I was on streets fighting for a piece of bread this training saved my life I don't regret it” Frank doesn't say anything understanding that it was a sour point.

Jason hisses again holding his shoulder “let me look at that” Matt says “No I'm fine I got this” Jason answers but Matt doesn't care he moves to take a look at the wound.

He quickly realizes that the wound is open and bleeding once again he sighs and requests Frank to give him something to wrap up the wound Frank does so. After the wound is secured they go to Matt's apartment calling an early night.

Once again Jason is sent to the bathroom to clean up. Matt and Frank move the air mattress to the living room and get it ready for Jason also getting ready some sugary food as he lost a bit of blood.

When Jason gets out of the bathroom dressed once again in Frank’s clothes he looks dead on his feet he moves to the mattress without a word Matt and Frank lets him. As they move to the bedroom Frank sees Max laying in Matt's bed he looks at the dog and calls him, Max for once listens and gets by the door. “Good boy, now the sleeping kid needs you more today so go to him okay” Frank whispers to the dog but Matt seems to hear it as he giggles.

As the two get ready for bed Matt can hear Max settling next to Jason which makes him smile. Jason's body gets less tense as soon as he feels the other warm body next to him he curls around Max and puts an arm around him Max doesn't even wake up.

Chapter Text

“What's on your mind?” Frank asks. They're in Matt's bed, it's dark outside but neither of them were able to go to sleep.

Matt sighs from where he is laying on Frank's chest, the older man's arm goes to his hair immediately, it's comforting.

“Jason.. he is not like anything I saw before” Matt answer's after a while, his voice far from amazed. “What about him?” Frank asks again like he doesn't know what it's about. It's a new thing he has been trying out to get Matt to open up more, “You know what about him” so far it's been a slow process.

Scratching Matt's hair “Yeah well why don't you tell me anyway Matty” he requested it was a fifty fifty if he was going to be successful or not entirely dependending on Matt's mood for the day.

“He is like me” a murmur came after a moment of silence Frank swallowed, the other man really was this straight to the point with all his fancy lawyer vocabulary.

“How so?” an annoyed sigh came from Matt making Frank chuckle a bit “You know how so” Matt answers and Frank takes pity on him “Yeah I do, but there isn't much we can do”

A silence fills the room and after a while Frank thinks the conversation is over but he quickly understands it's not when Matt speaks again.

“You think Bruce is like Stick?” Ah Frank thinks this is what really bothers Matt. He at this point in their relationship is aware who Stick is or was to Matt and how the other had complicated emotions for the guy.

Bruce with the little information he has about the guy seemed pretty much like Stick. Jason so far avoided any talk he tried open about him and besides the first time Jason never called Bruce his father.

“I don't know Matt we don't know much about him nor Jason” Matt nodded on his chest “He said ‘Bruce will come get me eventually I have something he needs’ he didn't say ‘he'll come get me’ like Bruce would only come because Jason had something he needed” Matt explained and Frank immediately understood that it hit too close to the home, Matt's voice was collected but other could see the bitterness behind it.

“He said he had to be calm and collected to beat his opponent.. or Bruce he almost said, he said he'll use his emotions against him” a bitter chuckle “Stick always said mind controls the body.. he- the training demonstrated it often… but it never really works you know emotions don't just go”

“Hmm” Frank agreed there wasn't anything to say that would make the younger man feel better so he just held him tighter.

~

Frank woke up at five am. It wasn't unusual for him to wake up at this hour exactly but it hadn't happened a lot these past few weeks. He sighed and untangled himself from the sleeping man with great care making sure the other stayed asleep and then went to take a leak.

When he left the bedroom area to go to the kitchen and make some coffee he was kinda surprised Max didn't attack him with kisses immediately. Frank scanned the small living area quickly to find Max sleeping on the floor next to Jason who seemed to be looking out of the window lost in thought.

Frank moved to the kitchen deciding to not disturb the kid until he had his coffee ready. In the kitchen he quickly got Matt's coffee machine on it was a cheap brand and made low quality coffee but Frank so far has been unsuccessful to make Matt realize the importance of a good coffee.

He opened the cabinet to get two mugs, one for himself and one for Jason. Matt had bunch of miss matched mugs in his house most gifts from his friends or clients

He took the plain white one that had “Lawyer: someone who writes a 10,000 word document and calls it a brief” with black text, it was a gift from Karen and to this day Frank was sure Matt didn't know what was written on it.

The second one he took was one of his also bought by Karen, she had a streak where she had bought mugs to everyone she knew a couple of months back, it said “Rank: Lieutenant. Specialty: Pre-coffee, Friendly fire risk” in white text over black base. This Frank is sure Matt helped her pick as he is the one who usually is the victim of Frank's pre coffee 'grumpiness’ which Frank, still thinks is bullshit but everyone else seems to agree.

After coffee is ready he puts it too the cups. No suger no milk the way he likes, Jason drink the same way yesterday so he figures it'll work today as well. To black coffees it is.

He moves to the living room and settles in front of Jason on the floor. Max doesn't pay him attention, content to be lying next to the other.

Jason has a polaroid photo on his hand that he seems to be looking at. Frank offers him a cup, he immediately understands what type of photo it is cause Jason has the same eyes Frank has when he is looking at the photo of this family.

Jason takes a sip and sighs, turning his face to the window. The sun isn't out yet but some of the street lights are closed making the view seem more natural, comforting.

“Your family?” Frank asks voice quiet so Jason can pretend that he didn't hear it if he wants. Jason seems taken back by the question “Why?” He asks Frank shrugs “Well you got that look on your eyes”

That makes Jason stop and think for a while then he hands Frank the polaroid, the older man recognizes the behavior for what it is a sign of trust.

He looks at the photo; there is a guy with orange hair who seems to be the one holding the camera he is smiling brightly towards it next to him there is Jason who looks flabbergasted and has paint all over his face and finally a little girl with black hair looking about three years old being carried by Jason. She has paint on her hands and seems to be the one who is responsible for Jason's face. She is laughing out and free in a way only a child can.

“Roy and Lian, they are you know important” Jason explains lamely but Frank understands him anyway “You are worried they are freaking out?”

Jason huffs “Nah, if the time works in the same relative speed as my universe they wouldn't even be aware that I'm missing until next week, nobody who knows will tell them” he sounds glad saying that

“They won't try to call you?” Frank can't help but ask, Jason takes another sip from his coffee “Roy.. he has bad days and he will be at star city for the rest of the week. He is trying his best-” he rambles and Frank doesn't know what he is talking about but he has some pretty good assumptions.

“And Lian she is not with him is she” He asks cause a child should not be in an environment like that Jason looks at him like he insulted Roy and maybe in a way he did “She is staying with Kori, Roy would never put Lian through that”

Frank leans towards the window, Kori Jason's brother's girlfriend, she seemed nice “I'm sorry kid if it sounded offensive I'm sure this Roy kid is nice” a small truce.

“So Lian is staying with your brother and his girlfriend then?” Frank asks again for confirmation Jason huffs “Dick isn't with Kori right now she is at Bludhaven Dick on the other hand is back in Gotham trying to finish up a business like I was. But Lian is staying with Kori she is safe”

Frank makes an agreeing sound and that's that he can feel the conversation is over from the way Jason looks. He is a little tense now and his attention is back on the window. Frank doesn't mind, his small talk bar is already full.

They sit in silence until Matt wakes up at about seven thirty am. He walks straight to the kitchen to get some coffee that is definitely cold by now. When he turns he is on the phone with who Frank assumes to be Nelson.

“Alright then I'll keep you updated Foggs don't overwork yourself” Matt says in a teasing voice a sharp reply comes from the other side making Matt giggle “What can I say do as I say not as I do” Frank rolls his eyes.

“Hello Kare-” Matt gets cut off by Karen from the other side of the phone, this time it's Frank who chuckles. Matt sends him a glare but Frank pays him no mind.

After two minutes of what can only be Karen scolding at Matt he apologizes, wishes them good luck and quickly closes the phone with a sigh.

“I'm going to work from home today” Matt explains as he walks over to the trio, Max moves next to him when he sits properly

“Mm and why is that?” Frank asks Jason too seems curious “Well I think Karen learned about what went down at the docks last night so they want me to stay and rest”

Frank raises an eyebrow even if the other can't see it. “And why did you listen to them for the first time in your life?” he asks cause it's true Matt has never listened to his friends when they told him to take a step back and rest a little.

“That would be cause with the case we are currently working on I don't really need to be in the office to get work done right now it's just bunch of reading, we are trying to find evidence of malpractice in the documents, therefore it's just easier to stay home and do it from here and they won't worry about me, you know hitting two birds and all that” Frank huffs that sounds about right.

“Alright well I gotta get to work” Frank says as he gets up from the floor he has to be by the construction side by eight.

~

Matt is sitting with papers all over the desk. Jason had gone to walk Max just after Frank left for work and has been gone since. He hasn't been able to find any evidence so far but it's a slow process anyways. He hopes Foggy and Karen are more successful on the other side but doubts it as no one called to give good news yet.

Just as he is about to get back to the papers at hand the sound of a happy doggy gets audible from the ground floor of the apartment complex and within five minutes Jason is entering the flat with the key Matt provided him that morning.

Inside he takes out his hood and opens Max's leash who goes to the kitchen to drink some much needed water from his bowl. Jason walks next to Matt.

“You weren't kidding when you said paperwork” He says voice light Matt chuckles “Yeah well this is only the half of it, I hadn't had time to get the rest printed in braille so they are at the office”

“Damn that sounds fucked- you want me to help?” Jason asks “I'm no good on following laws but I know them and I can definitely spot a malpractice” then adds

“I don't really have the paperwork in text form it's all braille, but thanks anyway” Jason pulls up a chair and sits by the table “That's no issue I can read braille just fine”

Matt raises an eyebrow at that. “Bruce always said you wouldn't know when it can come handy, so I also know lip reading as well as sign language and I'm fluent in 5 more languages besides english” Jason explains like it's normal. Matt looks at him quietly for a second “That's impressive” he says.

Jason huffs like it's some kind of joke “Yeah yeah, tell that to Grayson when he is yelling in Romanian cause you don't know frickin French” Matt chuckles “I'm guessing you don't know either?” Jason groans “I don't need to know Bulgarian to understand he is calling me a dumb fuck in the middle of the frickin alley” Matt chuckles once again even with all that training he talked about Jason still sounds pretty much like an annoyed younger brother.

A family of polylinguals than Matt assumes “Enough of that let's turn back to your case” Jason requests sounding grumpy Matt looks at him amused “Fine, fine calm your jets”

They start working again. Matt is not that surprised to find out Jason is almost as fast as himself at ready braille. The young man works in silence with full attention on the work. He has his heart beat slow, his breathing is regular to regular, he almost looks mechanical. It kinda reminds Matt of Frank when he is behind a sniper. He doesn't comment on it however and they keep working in silence.

~

It's something past five when Frank arrives at the apartment. Both Matt and Jason are still on the table looking through papers. They at this point have one or two leads but they are looking just to see if there's anything better they can use.

Frank gets in and pets Max when the dog comes running towards him “I brought food” he declares as he walks in more securely to the apartment. He looks at Matt and Jason sitting on the table with a couple empty coffee mugs on the table.

“I'm guessing you guys haven't eaten anything all day” he states Matt looks guilty and Jason shrugs “totally slipped out of our minds we'll eat now” Matt says it's evident that he is trying to avoid a lecture about self-care. Frank rolls his eyes but does let the situation go he needs to be going to the shelter to help close up anyway.

“Amma head to the shelter now, came to drop off the food and take Max, eat the food before I come back alright and take a break” Jason looks at him interested Frank sighs “You can come to if you are interested kid, just take one of the take out boxes with you alright?”

Jason get up immediately “Sure” he says trying to sound nonchalant but his eyes give away how excited he truly is. As he walks to get ready Frank chuckles.

He moves behind Matt's chair and kisses the top of the man's head “Don't forget to eat I'll be back by eight” he reminds again.

~

In the street both Frank and Jason have their hoods up effectively hiding their faces both trying to keep the attention of themselves for different reasons Frank cause he is still technically a fugitive and Jason, Frank suspect's is because of his scars. Frank doesn't judge, he thinks he too would be uncomfortable with people staring at his scars if had any permanent ones on his face.

They walk to the shelter without small talk just the way Frank likes it; he also lets the younger man hold Max's leash, which seems to be making Jason content.

When they arrive at the rundown shelter twenty minutes later both Max and Jason seem excited to be getting in. Frank can't fight off the smile forming on his face so he turns his head focusing on the gates instead.

“Okay I'll be inside with the other staff I'll let them know you are here you can stay with Max at gate one his friends are there” Frank explains “I can help, I know how to take care of dogs or I can clean or-” Frank cuts him off “Look kid the help is appreciated however not needed okay? you can just go stay with Max and the others”

Jason nodes and starts walking to gate one he seems glad. Frank sighs and walks towards the entrance of the building.

The work at the shelter is simple, it's nice Frank likes it. Other staff mostly leave him alone, quickly catching up to the fact that Frank doesn't like conversing with people. So he comes to help open up and close up three to four times a week.

In about two hours the work is done. All the dogs are inside besides gate one which Frank is walking towards at the moment, all the other staff left besides the owner who will stay for another half an hour then close up the shelter for the day.

When he reaches the gates he sees Jason sitting on the floor with a few dogs on his lap, one being Max. He looks relaxed and content, the dogs are all looking tired but relaxed too Jason must have tried them out.

With the sound of the gate opening everyone woke up Max rushed to Frank tail wagging and Jason moved to get up “We got to get the dogs inside kid it's time to go”

“Alright”

~

“You guys are going to patrol today?” Jason asks, lowering the book he borrowed, it's about ten pm. Frank is reading a book and Matt is still focused on his case. It's quiet in the apartment.

“Yeah kid, we heard there was some low link gang of some sort on south we'll check that out, if it goes well we'll do normal patrol” Frank explains Jason nods.

“I'll come with” it's not a question but a statement “Sure it shouldn't be like yesterday” Matt answers before Frank.

They left Matt's apartment at eleven after Frank made sure everyone had another meal in them, that's what's the difference between the two and Frank. Army training actually showed you the importance of calories unlike paranoiac mentors who thought you can power through nutricion loss.

The search for the hideout was a challenge even with Matt's advanced hearing New York was just too chaotic especially the area they were currently at. Frank tried to help as best as he could, meanwhile Jason mostly just tagged along as he didn't know the area.

They looked around for at least two hours for anything out of the ordinary and just when they decided to give up and just do a normal patrol for the day when Matt picks up something.

“There by the thrift store, empty building there is some activity, I thought it was some drunk teenagers but it's too loud something else is going on” He explains “Alright you take front I take back and Jason can come from top to bottom” Frank shrugs Matt and Jason nod at union there isn't much planing that needs to be done as the group isn't big or equipt.

Frank enters through the backdoor, he is carrying a pistol with rubber bullets as per agreement with Matt. He wouldn't kill if it wasn't absolutely necessary and in turn Matt wouldn't comment on it. It was a highly flawed agreement that caused huge fights almost regularly but it was the best idea they had come up with so far.

He quickly makes himself known there are 4 men in the room playing cards; they stop as soon as they see Frank enter. None seem to be carrying a gun but two get a knife out as Frank gets closer he sees that the so called men look barely twenty five he sighs and lowers his pistol.

They all go down pretty quick, they have no experience compared to Frank. One calls for backup but no one shows up so Frank assumes they are busy with Matt up front.

He moves through the stinky corridor to where the sound comes from, he meets Matt in an open area he is fighting off six men Frank moves to take his pistol out “Don't” Matt says just when he reaches is Frank rolls his eyes but continues without it.

They quickly move through the first floor as most of the crowd is inexperienced and barely adults. The second floor takes a bit more time to clear out. It seems to be where they are keeping the ammo Frank moves to check out the guns but Matt stops him.

When they reach the third floor it's quiet, too quiet. “Help oh god!” Scream achos through the floor making both Matt and Frank dash towards the sound.

The view they find is something. There is a guy on the floor who looks like he is in his early forties, his face bloody behind him there is a kid probably in his early twenties he is on the floor clearly beaten pretty badly. He is shaking in shock, clinging to himself and finally there is Jason. He seems hunted. He is holding a gun not one of Frank's rubber bullet-filled ones, an actual gun, his hand is shaking just barely but from what the two so far knows about the kid a hand shake seems an equivalent to a mental breakdown.

“Hood stop!” Matt yells, making Jason's attention turn to him. Frank stays silent; he doesn't really care if that animal on the floor dies or not. “He was beating him with a crowbar! He was going to kill him” Jason spits out mad.

“I'm so sorry he took my drugs I was just so angry I swear I wasn't trying to kill him please have mercy-” the guy sobbed in broken english Jason hits the guy on the face making him fall backwards “Shut the fuck up”

“Hood don't you see he is an addict he needs help not murder we'll call cops right they'll get him locked up help him” Matt rumbles kinda desperately Jason looks at him raw then back at the guy.

He slowly lowers the gun “Ты будешь чертовски мертва, когда я выйду завтра, тыква” the guy grints out to the kid on the floor who starts violently shaking and sobbing out loud.

Jason's hand stops shaking he grips the gun tighter and shoots the guy in the head with a single bullet just in between the eyebrows. Matt's body stiffens in a second. Jason looks hollow.

“HOOD!! He was fucking sick! He needed help!” Matt roared he seemed mad, nothing Frank wasn't used to but Jason looked like something snapped “this was help my mercy” he throwed the gun on the floor he didn't exist in this universe anyway.

“Where do you think you are going? We have to talk about this” Matt walks forward but Jason is faster he opens the window and jumps down from it with little to no mind.

Matt moved to follow him but Frank caught him by the arm. “Let him be red, he will fight you if you follow him” Frank sighed “Let's just call the cops and ambulance and leave, he has to return at least to take his stuff back”

“Yeah okay-” Matt says he seems shucked which is odd as he saw Frank take multiple lives before but Frank keeps his mouth shut Matt clearly would not appreciate open communication at the moment.

Chapter Text

The walk back to Matt's apartment is tense and awfully quiet, Frank felt awkward; he didn't know what to say or do, not really. He had no reassurance to give and hadn't really minded Jason killing that shitbag in the first place.

He sighed Matt and his bleeding heart. To this day Frank thought it was stupidly unnecessary for him to care about what happened to some low lives. He however kept his mouth shut these days, he didn't really need to agree to respect, it was a hard line for Matt and at this point Frank was kinda afraid to see what would happen if the other ever crossed it.

The apparent is empty besides the sleeping Max when they reach it neither of them are surprised it still stings however, seeing they somehow couldn't take care of the kid for a week. Walking in “You okay” Frank asks cause he kinda has to at this point.

“I'm fine” the classic reply comes from the shorter man “You always are, I mean it Matty you looked startled, you don't get startled easily” He comments more serious now.

Matt takes off his helmet and throws it to the general direction of the couch then walks up to Frank getting right into his personal space putting his head to the taller man's shoulder who's arms immediately move to hold him. “No talking yet?” A question with an obvious answer “Alright red, let's just get cleaned up okay let's get cleaned up”

~

They are on the rooftop, it's cold, it usually is a few hours just before the sunrise. Neither Matt nor Frank attempted to sleep; it was a lost cause anyway.

They had a bottle of beer each for the past hour or so, they sat in silence, Frank mostly waiting for the other to open up and the other stubbornly keeping silent. The older man couldn't really blame him as he was exactly the same but it still sucked to be the one on the other side of the silent treatment.

When Matt finally spoke Frank had already accepted defeat and had cataloged the night's events as ‘Stuff Red will never talk about’ so it was a pleasant surprise. “His heartbeat it slowed down and his hands stopped shaking when he shoot the guy” Frank looked at him then back to the city “Mine does too, it hadn't spooked you before”

Matt sighs like it's obvious “did it when you were nineteen in your what first tour in the army? You realize how long it takes to be to this precise, I couldn't not at his age not with all the training I had” at that Frank stops, he is right at nineteen he was one of the biggest rookies, all heart no experience he also remembers how horrified he was when he shot and killed for the first time the year after it got easier every time it kept happening but that first kill it changed him.

“Yeah shit red you are right it's not his first time but it already was kinda expected no?” Frank says after the initial shock it shouldn't really be a surprise that Jason had taken a life before with the way he fought or acted.

“I would be like him maybe worse if Stick didn't abandon me” Matt admits he says it with such a guilt Frank wants to snort at the stupidity of the situation “Look choirboy I don't think anyone can make you take a life you are way too into that whole catholic guilt business” he jokes expecting a chuckle or at least a smile from Matt but it doesn't come. Matt seems to be getting himself ready to confess.

“You are wrong, I would have for him if he had stayed, I wanted him to be proud of me. I would have done just about anything if it meant he would stay, be proud of me” he explains like that makes him the worst person on earth.

Says it like a kid, an orphan relying on an adult to show them a path makes the kid guilty. Like he actually takes the full blame for something didn't even happen just because he could have done it. At that moment Frank once again realizes how much Stick still affects Matt.

“Look red what that old bastard put through is fucked but you can't blame yourself for stuff that didn't even happen and even if it had it's still wouldn't have been your fault he was a grown adult you were just a kid, you trusted him” A sob breaks through Matt but he immediately gets it under control.

He puts his face on Frank's right shoulder and leans on to him but doesn't say anything else which Frank is secretly grateful about cause he doesn't know how to comfort someone especially with words.

~

At some point they return back to Matt's flat and get ready for the day the younger guy needs to go to the office and Frank has construction. Frank leaves the window unlocked just in case Jason somehow decides to break in plain daylight.

Matt and Frank part their ways and the older man can immediately understand that the other will turn from office late, working overtime.

Frank needs to go to the construction site but instead he finds himself walking Max for an extra hour, the dog seems very content with the fact as his tail keeps wagging the whole way through, it helps Frank relax and get his thoughts straight.

Him and red both knew he was being awfully optimistic when he said Jason had to turn back to get his stuff back, the stuff he left behind was nothing significant and if it was Frank he would have ditched them without a second thought.

Frank also knew if Jason didn't want to find either red or himself would be able to find him. But something in Frank said the kid didn't really want to stay hidden. If it was Frank lost in another universe without money or resources at the age of nineteen he wouldn't wanna be alone. Now he was aware that at nineteen he was nothing like Jason but deep down Frank knew from experience no matter how much you put a nineteen year old through something at the end at core they are still a nineteen year old.

Frank had a couple of places to look for Jason from their tours of the city, now Frank knew if Jason was really trying to avoid him and Matt he wouldn't have gone to one of these places but Frank was optimistic that he would find Jason in one.

He didn't drop Max at the flat but instead started looking for Jason with him. They were gonna walk the streets mostly anyway so no need for Max to stay at home. Frank was confident Red wouldn't mind him looking for Jason, he was actually pretty sure if he knew he would want to help, but just in case the whole thing is unsuccessful Frank doesn't want to involve the younger man.

After two hours and two angry phone calls from the construction site Frank pretty much crossed every place he could think of besides one, the shelter. Frank had initially thought that Jason wouldn't go there as it's too out in the open and they are people actively working there. But now that he thought more about it he guessed the dogs calmed Jason the same way they did for Frank himself.

Frank was now glad he let Max tag along even if Jason wasn't there his doggie would have fun so it wouldn't be a complete failure.

~

Entering the shelter it was pretty easy to spot Jason; he was in gate one, now wearing a black hood and a backpack stolen Frank assumed. Jason was petting dogs, posture relaxed, he didn't seem to be paying attention to what was happening around him guard down.

Frank had half a mind to spook him as a revenge from running away last night but he decides against it not having the heart to destroy a safe place for the kid. “Hey kid fancy to see you here” Jason jumps a little, seemingly seemingly at the fact that he did hear the other coming.

‘I'm more out of my game then I thought’ he mumbles under his breath as he gets up and gets closer to the gate “You knew I would be here” Jason answers.

Max starts barking and jumping to the fence towards Jason, for what it's worth the poor dog was silent so far there is only so much he can do. Frank looks as Max “shh” the dog stops looking at him he somehow seems annoyed Frank rolls his eyes.

~

They sit on the ground of the area most dogs are playing and few are lying next to them happy to get free pets. “So how did you convince Dorothy to let you in the gates without supervision?” Frank asks partly to start a conversation and partly because he really wants to know.

Dorothy from Frank's experience is very strict about animal and human safety and would not let anyone go in gates without supervision from the staff.

“I told them I was here yesterday, they asked if I was with you, Pete, very stupid alliance by the way” Frank snorted kinda offended “and I said yes then requested to spent some alone time with dogs, it took a little convincing but she said yes she seemed sad, most people tend to, feel bad I mean after looking at my face” Jason didn't necessarily looked like he cared too much about the last part so Frank shrugged it of instead “Pete is a perfectly normal name” he grumbled which made Jason laugh.

“So you comin back” Frank asked Jason was silent for a second “I don't think Matt would appreciate me being there” Frank huffed “Nah he will lecture you about killing that guy and probably shout at you for a bit but in the end he'll be glad you are not in some street at night with no money” Jason was lost in thought for a bit then he took out something from his pants pocket a flash drive.

“Bruce will come get me because I have this” Frank looked at it “What's inside?” He asked interested “it doesn't matter what matters is there is only one and I have it so he has to come get it”

“Why are you showing it to me?” Frank can't help but ask “I don't know, just felt like you should know, since you came looking for just me, for some reason” Jason explained and Frank snorted “Wow you are just as dramatic as Red” Jason hit him in the arm hard Frank yelped “You are fucking asshole I'm never telling you anything again”

Frank chuckled “Sure sure whatever you say, whatever you say kid” his voice was amused which made Jason groan annoyed “You are just as bad as fucking Grayson” Frank didn't really know how bad Grayson was but it felt like a win regardless.

~

They walked back to Matt's place relatively slowly. Jason was obviously avoiding the talk he was definitely going to have with Matt and Frank just didn't mind it, he had already skipped off work.

He had also made sure to stop by the Italian place both he and Matt liked to pick up some food. Jason seemed to appreciate it even though he didn't vocalise it, Frank had come to realize how closed off Jason seemed to be in public not unlike a ghost, moving through streets keeping to himself.

Max cept close to Jason as they got closer to the apartment he had probably sensed the nervous energy coming from the kid even if Jason hid it perfectly well.

When they reach the familiar neighborhood of hell's kitchen it's already three pm and streets are starting to get more crowded making all three of them uncomfortable.

Hoods up they move towards Matt's flat more quickly almost unintentionally nobody in the trio seems bothered by it. When they enter the apartment Jason looks around to see if Matt is around and when he finds the flat empty he relaxes considerably.

“I'll have to call him to let him know you are back” Frank states he already was probably gonna get a lecture about not calling Matt as soon as he found the kid but he didn't really care Jason needed the little calm before the storm.

Jason stopped “Can't we wait until he returns?” He looked tired “Sorry kid my hands are tied, Matt will already have my ass for not telling him sooner”

He signed “Fine” he then grumbled “Don't be all grumpy go open the food you must be starving” Frank retorted Jason who looked annoyed a little but still moved to get the takeout.

As Jason got the takeout ready Frank moved to the bedroom to make a phone call to a certain lawyer. At the bedroom door he stopped “If anyone asks I got you the backpack and so on-” Jason chuckled “Alright”

~~

“Is everything alright?” Matt asked, making Frank chuckled. It was right that they barely called each other during work but it was still kinda funny to hear Matt so confused.

“Yeah yeah- I'm just calling to tell you I got the kid with me” He explained “What?! Where are you?” was Matt's immediate reply.

“I'm at the flat. Figured I ditch the work today and find the kid, bring him home” said flatly Matt opened his mouth stopped thought for a second then spoke “Okay alright I'm coming home I'll be there in 30 we'll talk after” his voice left no place for argument. Frank thought yep I'll sleep on the couch for at least a week.

“Okay red but let me tell you something alright let me tell you something” He started he was already in the dirt might as well speak now “That kid he had a tough night alright a tough life probably and yet he trusted me and you enough to come back and that you won't turn him in or something, now I know you'll come lecture him shout at him but red you and I both know it'll be worthless, so please think it through in your way back okay?”

The line went dead not that Frank expected an answer, he sighed what a drama queen. Leaving the bedroom Frank found Jason eating with Max next to him. The smart doggie was obviously sending him sad puppy dog eyes hoping for a piece.

“How's the food?” Frank asked in a light tone “Good, these guys know what they are doing” Jason answered with a mouth full of food Frank chuckled, the kid looked much younger like this, the childlike joy filling him just because of some simple food.

Frank sat next to him pushing Max off the couch, Max huffed and moved to the other side of Jason placing himself on the floor.

“So he is on the way?” Jason asked and Frank sighed “Yeah, well for whatever it's worth I didn't really care about you murdering that guy” Jason huffes “Yeah I figured, you were military after all, shoot then ask am I right” That gets an honest laugh out of Frank.

~~

When Matt arrived at his flat it was five pm. He had tried to get off the office as soon as he closed the phone but Foggy had some statements he needed to be reviewed immediately as he was going to talk with the production later that day and needed a second pair of eyes to see if there is anything that they missed before, figuratively speaking of course.

When he put the key to the keyhole he heard the conversation stop in the living room and a nervous energy filled the room. Matt sighed, he thought about what Frank said and rolled his eyes how was he the unreasonable one for getting mad at literal murder. He walked in leaving his cane and suitcase by the door.

“Hello gentleman” he said calmly which seemed to surprise Frank, great good to know that his partner thought of him as an impulsive bastard.

Jason had Max on his lap and he was clinging to him “Look Murdock I'm not sorry for what I did and I would have done it again if I had the choice” He says voice strong but Matt can sense his grip getting tighter on the dog, posture stiffer.

Matt assumes he is expecting a shouting match of some kind or maybe getting kicked out. Which Matt would happily deliver if Jason didn't seem like a scared teenager at the moment. Don't get Matt wrong the kid shows no signs of weakness or even fear but Matt knows better and it hits a little too close to home.

He sighs trying to keep his voice collected “Listen, what you did was unacceptable and merely wrong. Normally I would make sure you faced the consequences of your actions” Jason straightened up fight or flight mode activated, Frank too seems alert “However you are not from here and you had very bad couple of days plus before you shoot the guy you had that look on your eyes they looked hunted”

That makes Jason take a sharp breath Max seemingly realizing his discomfort clings to the boy placing his head under the kids chin. “I'm not about to make you talk about it if you don't want to but listen Jason cause you won't have a second chance” Matt says, voice stern and less calm this time.

“You won't murder again under any circumstance in my city, you will never take a life not again or I won't be as nice. Secondly from now on you aren't coming on patrols with us, I can't trust you after last night so you will stay with Max for the time being understood?” Matt states Jason looks at him for a second before sighing “It's your city, I'll be gone soon anyways” he shrugs rolling the anxiety off his shoulders like it's nothing. Training Matt's mind supplies making him uncomfortable again.

“That could have gone much worse” Frank comments, making Matt's attention turn to him “You and I are going to talk later, in private” That stops Frank from making another comment.

The rest of the night goes unproblematic even though Jason gets much more closed off after Matt's arrival Matt can sense it but doesn't comment on it. Matt eats what's left of the Italian takeout, it's no longer warm but he is used to it. Jason excuses himself from the sitting area and goes to sit on the floor by the window. The billboard reflects light on his scarred face. He seems lost in thought so Frank and Matt do not involve him in their conversation.

The couple do what they usually do in evenings which is minding their own business which is often Frank reading the whatever book Curtis gave him at the time and Matt working on his open cases or listening to Frank read. They make small comments every now and then but in the end just generally enjoying each other's company.

They decide not to go for patrol as they hadn't slept the previous night and instead sleep off the tiredness they seem to find themselves in. They inform Jason as such which the kid acknowledges turning his head back to the window, he is now once again holding the polaroid photo Frank recognizes as the Roy & Lian family photo.

~~

Frank jolted awake with the sound of something crashing next to him Matt seemed to have done the same too. He got outta bed Max was barking by the door he signaled Matt to hold him then moved to the living room to check on the voice.

He found Jason pasting in the living room in a circular pattern; he seemed to be breathing irregularly. As Frank got closer he saw the knife the kid was holding one of his own he was also mumbling to himself. Frank recognized the behavior immediately as it was one of his own; the kid was having a flashback.

“Matty stay in the room with Max alright” he mumbled knowing Matt would be able to hear him. Frank moved more securely in the room, hands up in the air and visible, making clear he isn't a threat.

“Hey kid” Jason's attention immediately turns to him he points the knife at him his hand is shaking violently. Then he looks at his eyes changes and all of a sudden Jason looks like a tiny kid “Bruce?” he asks, lowering the knife and oh how scared he sounds, Frank stops in his tracks not sure what to do.

Jason looks at him then a sound comes from outside and his shaking gets ten times worse, he points the knife he can now barely contain in his hands towards his neck “He'll be here- He'll come back- Bruce I can't let him take me alive- I cannot let him take me alive!!” He sounds primal Frank's blood runs cold, the fear in Jason's eyes remind him of Frankie's last moments.

“Hey kid it's alright you are safe- it's over right, I'm here” he tried and Jason looks at him his hands are still violently shaking. Frank slowly walks towards him “You are safe kid, you are safe” once he is close enough he maneuvers the knife out of Jason's hands, and embraces Jason, the kids legs stop working and he basically collapses onto Frank violently sobbing now.

Frank drag carries him to the couch not really knowing what to do. He too is having a hard time with breathing eyes filled with tears all the sudden. Matt enters the room as quietly as possible, closing the bedroom door after himself leaving Max inside.

Sensing Matt Jason starts shaking violently again clinging to Frank like he is a life line and Frank breath hitches he too clings to Jason. Matt places himself next to Frank far away from Jason.

Frank hushs Jason for an unknown amount of time until his sobbs get more bearable and his shaking gets less violent. Then the barely coherent sentences start and they are so much worse.

“I- I'm so so sorry Bruce- I swear I wasn't ungrateful” a choke “I wasn't ungrateful- I just wanted to know” a stop “just to know” more silent this time. Frank pets Jason's hair as it seems to calm the kid down “it's alright” he says he hopes it helps. Matt is silent but Frank knows he is listening.

After a while the sobs get quieter, more upset then scared the shaking gets better too the body tiring itself out, Frank just keeps on stroking the kids hair.

“Why didn't you save me dad?” a quiet question that makes Frank stop breathing “You are a hero you saved everyone.. why didn't you save me?” and the worst part is he doesn't even sound bitter he sounds hurt like he genuinely wonders why his dad didn't save him.

And Frank is in front of that carousel all over again seeing the fear in Frankie's eyes. He is shaking holding his little boy as he watches his wife falling to the ground next to them. “I'm sorry I really am” is the only thing he can bring together as silent tears fall from his face.

Matt seems to have realized his distress gets up from where he is sitting besides the couch and turns Frank's head towards him “Love, it's alright it wasn't your fault” he says simply knowing well that Frank won't believe him. He places his hand behind Frank's head and pushes the man's head towards his torso. Frank goes in easily, his silent tears wetting Matt's tin sleep shirt but he doesn't comment on it.

Chapter Text

The night passes in a haze after Jasons cries lessen and eventually stop. Nobody gets much sleep, however all of them awoke with the first rays of the rising sun.

Jason when he wakes up looks embarrassed and half way convinced that he should just ditch the couple and try his chances on the cold New York streets. Matt can see it's awkward for Frank as well hell it's awkward for him. For a moment they're all in a stalemate with nobody daring to open their mouth.

At the end it's Matt who finds the will to speak “I think I speak for all of us when I say this is more than a little awkward” he rasps out and immediately regrets when Jason looks even more embarrassed and Frank turns his gaze away.

Well Matt never claimed he was good at deep rooted childhood trauma addressing. He kinda wants to get out and go to work about three hours early but he is mature enough to embrace the fact that this night needs to be talked about.

Now if it was only Frank he would be okay avoiding the problem until it eventually bit one or both of them in the ass but with Jason involved he needed to be a responsible adult, and he kinda hated that.

“Erm what I meant was that we had a tough night all of us but that's alright it's nothing to be ashamed of” nobody in the room seemed to believe this statement including himself.

Looking at Jason he saw himself. He looked ashamed that he had an attack, Frank did too for crying because of a couple of word's. Matt was ashamed too; he had frozen, unable to do anything after Jason's words, they touched a cord. They were Matt's own words in a sense, words from a lifetime ago. So he lost his composure and the only thing he was able to do was holding Frank while trying to not shed tears himself.

Now he knew objectively what he said was right but his brain like the other two's was wired to feel ashamed of any and all weaknesses. Matt swallowed and decided to go straight to the point it seemed to be the least uncomfortable road to take for them all.

“Okay, having said that Jason now I know you probably want to not talk about this whole thing but you owe us at least the outline of what that was. Both Frank and I won't push for more information that you are willing to give but you have to give something” he explained and Jason tensed all over Matt felt kinda guilty but after last night they needed to know at least a bit about the situation in case it happened again.

“I'm gonna make coffee” Frank said as he got up Matt realised his need to collect himself so he didn't say a word. Jason was scratching his arms a nervous habit it seemed “the skin is breaking under your nails if you don't stop it'll bleed” He commented and Jason looked at him with a surprise that quickly passed Matt didn't know if it was because he didn't realize he was itching his arm or because he didn't realize how good Matt's senses was, but either way after a second he stopped.

“How about you go to the bathroom get cleaned up maybe take a shower while I'll go help Frank in the kitchen” it was a weak excuse but Jason didn't seemed to mind he seemed to want to escape the quietness of the situation just as bad as him “Alright” he rasped voice carefully masked last night's softness gone.

Matt hands him clothes from Frank’s cabinet and Jason disappears to the bathroom after mumbling a quiet thanks.

The lawyer finds himself hopping on the kitchen counter Frank is preoccupied with the coffee machine, lost in thought. “Common Frank don't make do all the convercing” he pleads “You are the lawyer choir boy” Frank responds teases and the mood gets a bit lighter.

“You might be right but I'm also the orphan with immense amount of catholic guilt so it cancels each other out in this situation I would say” Franks groans “Stop it with the self deprecating comments” the other smirks “it's not self deprecating if it's true” he points out “Tell me how does that make any sense” Frank grumbles

“He reminds me of my son” Frank says after a minute of silence. It's not like Matt didn't know but it's good that Frank trusts him enough to share it. “He reminds me of me” Matt commented and from the steadiness of the other's heart he knew Frank knew that just like Matt knew, he too seems to appreciate the trust though.

“I miss him and my girls, tonight was rough” he states after and Matt can't even imagine “Yeah.. sorry” they look at each other for a second before they both start laughing. “Holy shit Red let me tell you something, we fuckin suck at this ‘talking about feelings’ bullshit we fuckin suck” Matt couldn't help but agree “Yeah we do”

~

“So..” Jason started holding the mug Frank handed him; he looked uncomfortable but that was nothing to be surprised of. The couple gave him time to gather his thoughts.

“Bruce is a vigilante like us, you two probably figured it out. I was working with him as his sidekick-” he chuckled but it wasn't a happy one “Batman and Robin the dynamic duo!” He then said with false cheer

“When I was fourteen I found my crackhead mother wasn't my actual mother- so I thought maybe my actual mother would love me you know” he explained in a quiet voice the couple in fact did not know but they didn't comment on it

“When I was fifteen I found her and she hugged me. I thought I was so lucky I was not. There- there is this guy who hates Batman she sold me off to him” he continues and for the first time Matt can see the change in Jason's heart beat even though he is actively trying to keep it under control.

“He tortured me then beat me with a crowbar- When I saw that kid yesterday it messed up with my head, that's it” he finally stated almost like he was a status report.

Both Matt and Frank were taken a bit back. Frank fell to the familiarity of anger meanwhile Matt had more complicated feelings for the whole ordeal.

“This is what happens when you send children to war” he heard Frank mumble under his breath, it was clear for Matt but Jason probably haven't heard him.

“Okay, so Frank needs to go to the construction today, you can come with me to the office or hang out with Max around the apartment? you choice” Jason looked at him confused “You won't ask anything like how long I was there or how did I escape?” Matt shrugged “If I asked would you have told me?” A silence “that's what I thought, look you already shared lot more than either of us we understand it, it's fine”

“He is right kid no praying for information here we are all pretty messed up dudes anyway” Frank agreed with Matt and that made Jason relax a bit

“Alright” the turning to Matt “I can come to your office for a bit then come back maybe take Max out?” Matt put his empty mug on the table and gave one of his half smiles “That's a plan”

~

Few days passed by without a particular event. At nights Frank and Matt patrolled, Jason stayed at the apartment complex without a complaint. In the mornings the couple went to work and Jason usually stayed with Max only joining Matt at the office a couple of times, too much crowd seemed to bother him a bit even if he didn't say anything.

The kid also seemed to be growing a little worried with every day passing which wasn't surprising as he was stuck in another universe with no way to contact his original one but he was still set on the fact that Bruce would come get him and refused any outside help. Matt and Frank didn't really mind it as neither of them really wanted to try to find Strange, the sorcerer wasn't particularly fond of either of them. Especially Frank, Strange did not like Frank.

So everything was running relatively smoothly until now. The day had started as usual. They drank coffee. The couple went to work Jason took Max out, they ate Frank's food which for once was actually well made then Frank and Matt went to patrol. Everything went to shit from that moment forward.

They had an Intel about a small organization transporting stuff from a safe house at the outer skits of hell's kitchen. Easy in and out it seemed quick work, but they were wrong. First of all the organization wasn't small, it was connected to the Russian mafia which once again had been raised with the absence of Fisk. Secondly what they were transporting wasn't ‘stuff’ it was small children ages varying from five to twelve.

It doesn't need to be said Frank went on a killing spring Matt wasn't very fond of and some children had seen the whole thing and by the time they got to the kids almost all of them were crying or shaking with fear. That was what made Matt get really mad at Frank. These kids didn't deserve to see all that violence just because Frank decided to take the matters into his own hands. Him and his own wicked understanding of justice.

It goes unsaid that they fought all the way back to the apartment. Both of them were so involved in the fight that they forgot they had a visitor in the house.

“I told you before Red every time I kill one of those bastards I hear my boy Frankie he is telling me to get them all” Matt scoffs “Those kids right here they did not need to see that!” Frank groans “What was the alternative huh red? Let the cops get them- so they'll be out in a couple of years?”

“You don't know that and even so it's not your choice you cannot choose who lives and who doesn't!” Matt shot back at this point; this was a classic between them. “Hell I can't- I know my son, my baby girl would be glad of what I did and I don't need any more than that!” He says defensively “You really think they would be glad to see their father brutally murdering people with no remorse” Matt asked in a patronizing tone and yes it was a low blow but Matt was mad.

Luckily before Frank could start throwing punches at the whole thing turned into a full on physical fight someone cut them off “Actually they would” it was Jason he was standing by the kitchen door. Both heads turned towards him.

“I'm sorry kid but this whole ordeal is none of your concern” Matt says sharply but Jason moves more securely in the room heartbeat steady “Look DD I understand the whole I'm no different than them if I kill them bullshit alright, I might not agree but I understand” Frank huffs amused a small victory.

“So you understand why-” Matt starts but Jason cuts him off “I wasn't done, look when I said that guy beat me with a crowbar I didn't tell you one small detail I died that day” he says bitterly and Matt swallows mind going back to Elektra for a second he quickly gets hold of himself though.

“When I understood Bruce wasn't going to find me in time and that I was going to die I had one thing in my mind one single thing” he says and now his voice starts to crack a little his heartbeat unsteady “At least I would be the last you know cause I thought if he took me away from Bruce- I would be the last person he ever hurt. I thought I mattered to Bruce that much” he sounds mad now “But you know what he is still alive still out there hurting people and for that I'll never forgive Da- Bruce” he takes a breath calming himself

“What Frank is doing might not be moral hell maybe not even just but his kids would be glad maybe not proud but glad” he finishes of he seems filled with emotion more so than he ever showed willingly.

Matt has no idea what to say he knows if he was to be killed he wouldn't want his murderer dead but Matt wasn't a scared kid not anymore. He didn't want to continue the discussion even though he knew the topic was still highly controversial, not with Jason looking this raw with emotion this feral. Frank was awfully quiet too which also wasn't a good sign as Frank was never quiet during a fight.

Matt looked at the two and decided to take a step back. What's done was done anyway this wasn't the first time and it wasn't going to be the last time he and Frank both knew that. “I won't pretend to support what you said but I have never been there so I can't know” Matt started and it wasn't the best way to put the words but it was the truth Matt never claimed he wasn't stubborn “So I'll respect you guys opinion on the subject however murdering in front of literal children is a no. Frank never- Do what the heck you want but not in front of children” he says moving into Frank's personal space and sinking his finger to his chest.

Frank's fists clench and for a second Matt thinks he'll have to dodge a punch to face but it doesn't come instead Frank pushes him away forcing Matt to take a couple of steps back “Fuck off Matty” He says and moves to the bathroom slamming the door after him. Jason looks at him then he goes back to the kitchen continuing what he was doing there.

Matt sighs and goes to the bedroom getting ready for the bed. What an absolute shit show as he lays in bed he is glad that he has lots for work that needs to be done at the office tomorrow. He is hoping Frank has some hard physical labor too as him and Matt wouldn't be going on patrol together for a while.

Chapter Text

Matt woke up to the sounds coming from the kitchen, next to him the bed was empty. He sighed a little annoyed and got out of the bed.

Frank usually moved quietly in the mornings in order to not disturb Matt’s heightened senses because he was sweet and thoughtful like that. But sometimes he internationally made extra noise to wake Matt up when he was mad because he was also petty like that.

Sleepily Matt moved to the living room Jason was awake but he didn't move to greet him so Matt left him alone he moved to the bathroom to get ready. The voice on his phone informed him that it was six thirty, he had slept more than usual. He didn't mind it though it was better than the alternative which would be drinking morning coffee with Frank.

He took a not so quick shower, took his time with it, dried his hair then moved back to the bedroom to get ready for work. He wore one of his normal suits and got his glasses, he was ready for the day.

Once again in the living room Jason had chosen to stay quiet focusing on the book he was holding which Matt didn't mind. Matt shoot a half goodbye to his general direction and moved to exit the apartment. Frank stopped him by the door holding what seemed to be packed .

“You have to at least eat what I prepared if you are going to miss dinner” he grumbled but he sounded serious, Matt chuckled he didn't understand what Frank's whole obsession with making sure he ate regularly was but frankly it was a little funny.

He took the bag with the hand he was holding his suitcase with “Thanks I will” he smiled then after a moment “I'm still mad at you, this doesn't bring back your patrol rights” he says he is half teasing and half deadly serious.

Frank groan “Fuck off Matty” The other moves to open the door “Fuck you too Frank, love you take care” he says as he moves through the door Frank gives him the middle finger “love you too” he says then slams the door shut.

“What?” The older man asks with his usual gravely voice when the kid looks at him with a surprised face.

Jason looks at him calculating before shrugging “I don't know you guys got pretty heated yesterday and today- you just told him you loved him? It is normal for me to be a little surprised” he explained a little defensively.

“Why? I still love him even though I'm pissed off and I can say so” Frank shoot back and at that Jason stopped loss of words for a second “Hell if I know” he then says rolling his shoulders.

Frank chuckles “Look kid one day you'll be old enough to understand” Jason chuckles “Whatever you say old man” Frank moves behind the couch and hits behind Jason's head “I'm not that old fuck you” he says which makes Jason chuckle even more.

Frank walks to the bedroom to get ready for work grumbling.

~

When Frank comes back from work at seven pm Matt is still nowhere to be seen. Frank sends him a quick text saying he arrived at the flat which Matt gracefully ignores. Rolling his eyes he knocks the door as his keys are with Jason now.

“Welcome back” Jason says as he opens the door Max rushes to the door to greet him as well and Frank is glad he isn't coming to an empty apartment all the sudden, he walks in “What's up kid”

Jason shrugs “Not much walks with Max read one of Matt's law books, very boring would not recommend” he explains, Frank snorts, but appreciates the fact that Jason got a lot more talkative then when he first arrived almost two weeks ago.

“Will order today want anything? Matt's not here so we can order from anywhere” Frank informs. Usually he chooses from the restaurants that don't cause Matt sensory issues, cause even though Matt won't admit it he has them but today Frank is pretty sure Matt will skip dinner so it's a fair game.

“All is fine by me” Jason responds as he settles back on the couch. “Alright I'm gonna order some Mexican” he says as he takes the call.

When he freshly showered, changed and the food was ordered he came back to the living room to settle next to Jason on the couch. Jason was holding his phone and had one of the rare honest smiles on his face.

“What got you smiling like that?” he asked as he sat on the couch that got Jason out of the hase he was in “Nothing much I'm checking my gallery” Jason's phone did not connect to the internet or had cell reception since he arrived in this new universe so his phone was basically useless.

Frank was interested “Oh really mind if I look too?” He asked Jason, looking like he was going to say no for a second but then he shrugged “Why not?” Frank moved closer to see the photos.

“I didn't know these existed you know, I don't take photos it's Roy and Lian's joint effort apparently” he explains with a smile he sound sad “You'll get back kid that Bruce guy will come get you” Frank tries to reassure he doesn't know if it's helpful but he hopes so.

They look at the photos. The first few are probably taken around the same time. The frames revolve around a tiny rundown table covered with papers and crayons. There is a toddler with black hair who Frank recognizes as Lian is smiling happily to the camera holding a paper with lots of red and black coloring up. Frank assumes it's Jason as it's his color scheme.

The next two photos show various other drawings that are made by the little girl, mostly animal like shapes and colorful lines. At the end there is a video of the ginger guy. It is clearly recorded by a toddler and it's pretty bad but Roy looks happy, tired but happy he is waving at the camera. “This is my safe house at bludhaven I let them crash there for a while” Jason explains Frank snorts “You mean you lived with them in your house for a while” Jason turns his eyes back to his phone blushing a little.

The next few photos are taken in different places but all look like places one would visit to explore a city. The toddler looks existed in all of them showing the places with a smile. There is a selfie here and there, where Roy looks at the camera like this whole thing is funny and it kinda is. There is also a video of Lian running after ducks in a park.

“I usually only take my burner to missions and leave my actual phone home” he explains and it makes sense Matt does the same though his is mostly because he doesn't want any damage to his specially optimized expensive actual phone. But Frank understands why one would want the extra safety “Makes sense” he says.

Finally there are some photos of Lian next to two large backpacks. One is open and Lian has clothes pulled out of it, it's a mess but she looks awfully proud. It's probably the first night Frank assumes. The picture looks like it's taken in a small bedroom-like place; it looks pretty small and yet comfortable.

“You give them your bedroom?” Frank asks amusement apparent in his voice “What was I supposed to do let them sleep on the couch” he grumbles. Just as he finishes his sentence the doorbell rings “Food is probably here I'll go get it you clear the coffee table”

~

When Matt arrived it was close to ten pm Jason and Frank had already eaten and were now doing their own thing, Frank was cleaning his guns and Jason was reading something he found interesting in Matt's library.

Matt looked relatively exhausted. He mumbled a hello in the living room “Go take a shower and sleep if you are going to patrol tonight” Frank answers and Matt huffs but moves to the bathroom nonetheless.

~

Later that night when Matt finishes his patrol Frank is waiting for him on the rooftop holding two bottles of beer in his hand. “Join me?” He asks and Matt has half of mind to just walk into the apartment without answering out of spite but he quickly decided against it “Sure”

They sit in silence for a bit. It's nice even though both are still clearly mad at each other they still enjoy each other's company. “Did you finish the job?” Frank asks if some of the low level mobs had escaped during last night's bust especially after they've started fighting each other. Matt huffs “None of your business especially after the fiasco last night” Matt says defensively “But for your concern yes the job is done” he then adds making Frank chuckle.

Matt hits his arm hard making Frank yelp “I'm still mad” Frank rolls his eyes “So am I” he says but neither sound that mad anymore.

They fall back into a silence once again slowly sipping their beers, there is a small breeze and it's nice at some point Matt's hamlet is gone and his head is now resting on Frank's shoulder.

After a while when their beers are almost done Frank asks “Do you think this Bruce guy will come for Jason? Or are we going to have to find Strange?” Matt makes a questioning sound apparently he had zoned out “I said do you think Bruce will come for the kid” Matt shrugged “I don't know I hope so, I really don't want to find Strange”

“He misses home, he acts like he doesn't care but I can see it in his eyes” Frank explains “He has eyes like some of my squad used to have like I used to have” he takes the final sip of his beer “Like I still have sometimes” he then quietly admits.

Matt squeezes Frank's hand he doesn't not blame the older man for missing his family his home he has every right; they were taken from him too early and too quickly. He is just glad Frank feels comfortable enough to share it.

“Either way we'll get him home” Matt says at last and that's that neither speak for the rest of their time on the roof.

~

A couple of days pass and Jason gets more and more closed in, the couple try to do what they can but it doesn't really seem to work. Frank is still banned from patrol so he mostly spends his nights with Jason around the apartment. Him and Matt are once again on better terms though.

Just as the couple seriously discuss the possibility of going to find Strange Matt stops “It's happening again” he says and Frank looks at him confused. “The day we found Jason there was this almost sound? coming from the rooftop that's why I had lead us there it's happening again”

They go back to the living room where Jason is laying down reading one of Matt's books in the dark. “It's happening, get ready” Matt says and Jason immediately understands what's going on.

They quickly get ready and gather up then rush to the rooftops “it's getting stronger it'll be complete soon” Matt informs and they quicken their pace.

They arrive just in time. It's the same place they found Jason that first night.

Jason stays in the front heartbeat slightly faster than normal which Matt seems to recognize as him panicking. When Frank moves forward and puts a hand on the kid's arm he seems to relax a bit. Matt keeps his distance, staying out of sight just in case.

Frank involuntarily gasps when the portal starts to open. It's bright blue and has an oval shape; he squeezes the kid's shoulder signaling him to be ready for battle just in case. Jason's hand gets tighter on his gun now full with ammo.

When the portal fully opens a man with a full black costume and a bat logo comes out. And Frank thought Red's choice of costume was weird. The guy is tall, close to one ninety, has wide shoulders and a face that can only be called ominous.

The ex marine tenses without wanting to as the man walks more securely on the roof. Behind him two other figures show up, a man much shorter than the other who has a blue symbol at the front of him and a teenager next to him who is wearing a bright green, red and yellow costume. Somehow all of them look highly trained and dangerous and come to think of it they probably are.

When they spot Jason they stop but it's Jason who speaks first. He moves forward a couple of steps and Frank doesn't follow him. “I have the drive, it took you long enough to come for it” he says with a light tone but it's clear that he is more than a little hurt that they took their time.

The man in the bat suit, Bruce walks towards Jason and the kid tenses a bit which makes Frank squeeze his gun. But then something surprising happens Bruce moves and huge Jason in a frantic manner and then here at that moment Frank realises he looks more like a worried father than a highly trained vigilante.

“I was so worried” he says in a low voice which makes Jason's breath hitch. “Yeah, yeah old man I'm sure you missed my annoying voice” Jason says in a teasing voice but he seems emotional.

After Bruce takes a couple of steps back just then the man with the blue logo who was quiet so far runs towards Jason “I fuckin thought- Fuck you Jay!” He shouts as he basically jumps on Jason “Get off me Grayson I'm fine” he grumbles “hush hush let me have this” is the response he gets.

Pushing Grayson off himself Jason turns his attention to the teenager in colorful clothes “and what is he doing here” he says kinda annoyed but not upset “I didn't know if I would need backup, he also helped with the portal” Bruce explains “So who are your friends” the then asks realising he has been noticed Matt gets out of the shadows.

“Punisher and Daredevil heroes of this city they helped me out” Jason explains shortly “Pleasure to meet you” Matt then adds to which Frank grunts affirmatively. “Pleasure is mine” the man says charmingly.

“Now we really need to go, you have been gone for a week and we really need that drive, gentleman” he says waving his head to the couple. Jason hurries to join Bruce “Did you say a week? I have been here for two we probably aren't wasting that much time” he says “Interesting” Bruce replies.

“I'll say my goodbyes and join you. Give me a sec” he says to Grayson when he looks like he wants to drag Jason back to the portal.

Be walks back to the couple “I guess this is it, it was strangely not terrible meeting you two” he says “I'm sorry for Grayson by the way he is a dumbass” Grayson gives him a middle finger “I'm adorable!” He shouts. Frank chuckles and Matt looks amused.

“It was not terrible meeting you to kid” Frank says and pats Jason on the arm “yeah he is right” Matt agrees then gets Jason on a one armed “He cares about you, your brother too you are not alone” he quietly states to Jason to which the kid doesn't answer but his heart skips a beat which is an answer enough for Matt.

After saying their final goodbyes They leave and the couple watches as the portal closes after them. “Do you think he'll be fine?” Frank asks to which Matt replies “I think so, he is not as alone as he thinks he is”

~

Bonus1:

When they arrive on the rooftop of Matt's flat Strange is waiting for them “Two portals in Hell's kitchen within two weeks care to explain?” Matt holds back a groan Frank doesn't “How do you even know we are involved” he then asks Strange does not look impressed.

“That would be because I'm not a complete meathead like you” he replies in an undermining tone which tiks Frank right off “I'll show you meathead” he says as he moves forward.

Just as he gets into Strange's space a portal opens under his feet and he falls into it “Every time” Strange says a little bored and a little amused.

Matt sighs every time indeed “Look it won't be a problem we got it covered” he tries to which Strange doesn't look even remotely convinced “Oh and I should trust your or for better wording lack of your understanding of interdimensional knowledge why?”

Matt groans you get caught in a mirror dimension once- “Look it won't happen again you have my word” he says seriously to which Strange stops and thinks “Alright mister Daredevil I will trust your word, be sure not to disappoint” he says a moment of silence then “Trust is not easily earned but it's easily lost”

Matt rolls his eyes under the mask “Yeah, yeah go back to Greenwich Village we'll find you if it happens again” he says “Oh I will find you if it happens again you gave your word mister Daredevil and a man is as valuable as their word”

He opens a portal and Frank falls out of it “I'll be keeping an eye on Hell's Kitchen mister Daredevil now have a nice evening” he says and leaves via another portal.

Frank gets up only to double down and throw up. Freaking Sorcerers Matt grumbles as then moves to Frank's side “Are you alright?” Frank coughs and swipes his mouth with the back of his hand “Fuck no I have been Falling for the past five minutes- the fuckin Wizard” he grumbles.

“Yeah well maybe stop falling for it every time then” Matt comments amused “You are blaming the goddamn victim right now red, you are one great fukin lawyer” Which makes Matt chuckles “Whatever makes you sleep at night” he replies.

Bonus2:

When Jason finally has time to return back to Bludhaven it's a week later. Roy and Lian have already been there crashing in Jason's house for a couple of days.

Jason is glad that he is returning back to a full flat not that he would admit it out loud. You get used to the noise quite easily especially if that noise is coming from your favorite little person. Lian had Jason in a chokehold since the day the two met and he had really missed her.

Knocking the door he is met with the sounds of small and big steps rushing towards the door. As the door opens he sees Roy and Lian. Roy looks tired more so than the usual but also glad that Jason is back as for Lian she is her usual joyful self.

“Hello Jaybird long time no see” he says teasing “Yea! Jayjay no time see” Lian agrees. To which Jason's heart grows two times bigger “I missed you guys” he blurts out so much for never admitting sentimental stuff out loud. “Well we missed you too” Roy says without missing a beat his smile seems bigger somehow.

Jason moves inside and Lian looks at him like he wants upsies “I can't carry you princess I'm hella dirty let me take a shower first alright?” Lian looks like she is about to cry until Roy interferes taking her into his arms “You herd Jay baby girl no upsies until he is clean, Now how about you help me get the dinner ready” that seems to work as her attention immediately turns to the open concept kitchen “Okay!” She says cheerfully.

“I'm for Jaybird you must be tired” Roy apologizes to which “No! No- I mean I don't mind I like spending time with her- And with you of course” he immediately replies blushing a little but it's fine because Roy blushes too

“Alright then we'll be at kitchen right princes” Lian turns to the two then nodes “Me and Da is make dinner fo evyone” she explains “will make dinner baby” Roy gently corrects her.

Jason takes a quick shower and changes into his home clothes which are simple sweatpants and an old shirt he doesn't even remember getting. When he gets to the kitchen still drying his hair with a towel he is met with the familiar smell of pasta and tomato sauce.

“Jayjay! Yu are back” Lian exclaims making Roy's attention to turn Jason's way as well “Welcome back, the dinner is almost ready I just need to put them in plates” Roy explains and Jason moves to help “Alright I'll help”

“No need I got this not an issue” the other replies “I wanna help anyway” Roy doesn't even reply and moves to get the plates.

“At least give me Lian” Jason says rolling his eyes “Yayy Jayjay Da gimme to Jayjay!” Lian agrees and starts wiggling in Roy's arms

“Okay! Okay I'll give you to Jay just stop wiggling so I won't accidentally drop you” Roy says admitting defeat.

He hands Lian to Jason and the first thing Lian does is to put both of her tiny arms around Jason's neck to give him a hug. Jason freezes for a second before hugging her back. She seems pleased with it

“luv yu Jayjay” she mumbles against his neck and Jason audibly swallows. “I- I love you too princess” he then replies.

Dinner goes pretty clam Lian talking about her days best in her abilities. She tells Jayson how Aunt Kori let her buy a stuffed animal she really wanted. Jason knew how Roy still refused to take money from Ollie so money was tight at best so he was glad Lian got that toy she wanted. She the told a whole tale of her adventures at the Zoo and how she liked the wild cats the most.

She then explained what she did with her father in the couple of days they were in Bludhaven. She complained about how much it rained. Jason was happy to comment here and there and just enjoy the company.

After dinner Roy got Lian ready for bed meanwhile Jason cleared the table and washed the dishes. About an hour later he and Roy met on the small living room couch which was going to be Jason's bed for the time being.

“So how was the mission?” Roy asks to which Jason “Nothing more than what I already told you happened I just came straight back” replies easily.

“How are you? You look more tired than usual” Jason asks to which Roy huffs he still is more than a little defensive about the whole situation. “I'm fine” he replies a little harshly but then stops, takes a big breath and starts again “Actually it has been hard a couple of days I don't know why- it's just you know.. I can't sleep properly as well”

“Anything I can do to help?” Jason asks cause honestly he doesn't really know Roy sighs and puts his head on Jason's shoulder. Jason freezes for a second before slowly putting an arm around Roy's shoulders. “You are already helping more than you can imagine” Roy then replies quietly. Jason doesn't know what to say to that so he doesn't say anything and just squeezes Roy's arm reassuringly.

They stay like that in silence for a bit and Jason thinks Roy might have fallen asleep but Jason quickly realizes that's not the case as the ginger starts to speak.

“Actually you know what you can take Lian to the mall tomorrow so I can relax a bit” he says like it's the brightest idea he ever came up with. He sounds really sleepy “Yeah sure” Jason agrees easily.