[Chances are the people he meets don't end up conversing. And while Frank is well aware they stand in a sliver of grey between the black and white, there would be others that get to be in his good graces. Sometime. Might as well enjoy it.
He shivers off some of the rain drops as he gets the door. Sinatra swells. There's the smell of garlic, parsley and oregano. Tons of starch and cheese. They're greeted immediately.]
Espresso is good in a pinch, also pretty fucking good with ice cream.
[Does Mike know where they are yet? They're being lead to their seats.]
[ Depends on what the Devil is after. Sometimes talking (screaming?) is necessary. He's surprisingly good at interrogations. The bonus of being able to tell when someone is lying to him. He's glad, though, that he and Frank get this grey area together.
The change in temperature earns a brief shiver from Mike and he presses a little closer to Frank's side. Once they are inside it's fairly easy to figure out where they are at, or at least the type of restaurant. It smells amazing. ]
I've never had it with ice cream. You'll have to introduce me.
[ Once they are seated, Matt unzips his hoodie, and sets it to the side. Some other time he might have sat across, but this time he wants to sit next to Frank. He's got a soft, long sleeved shirt underneath, nothing fancy, just one of his softer Henleys in a light blue. ]
[There is such an irony in the fact that the Devil Frank knows is truly the better one. Telling them apart is easier after speaking. Then again Mike usually goes out of his way to differentiate. He's got his own burner phone. They have this steady stream of contact. This is all going somewhere. Fast.
Which is why he hasn't flinched from indulging in the time they share alone. Feelings like this were gunned down in a park or so he thought. He's going to roll with it.]
After dinner. You'll spoil your appetite.
[He doesn't mind that they sit side by side. Makes it a bit better that way.]
It's called ambiance, you swine.
[A waiter brings glasses of water and garlic bread with balsamic and oil. The menus are placed down.]
Well, shit. I didn't think about that but uh you got anything in mind? Standard Italian.
[ He's got significantly less issues with his temper. It comes in handy. Mike's so used to the little tells being something that only he and his brother know. Not another person in their lives. If one doesn't count Elektra.
This is a whole new experience for Mike. He never really gave it thought before, there was too much going on, and there never seemed to be time. Never mind the logistics of trying to be with another person while having a dual life. ]
Obviously.
[ A quiet laugh and he knocks Frank's shoulder gently with his own. ]
Ambiance, right. Can you spell that?
[ What's a little love without a touch of gentle war? They're always going to be at odds in some ways. That's definitely ok. ]
The menu? It's fine, most places don't. [ He leans over for a reassuring peck to Frank's jaw. ] Anyways, I'm pretending to be as sighted as I can. Easier to get by.
[Both Matthew and Michael are the same height. They have an identical gait. Their voice is the same. The finer details like scars, like the way they carry a conversation are what give it away in the end. At least from Frank's point of view. He hasn't seen the act in progress with Karen or Foggy. Having one brother here to himself is more than enough.]
Yes. I can spell it. Thanks.
[A counter nudge. Just so.]
They got plenty of appetizers. Calamari, stuffed mushrooms, flat breads with and without meat.
[The peck has him feeling more buoyant. He gives Mike's hand a pat.]
They got your manicotti. Do you want it with spinach, cheese or beef? Or you can get the suprema with all of them together on a plate.
[ Most twins have some similarities outside of the physical attributes. Usually they grow apart in other ways. They've never been most twins. They've not really given themselves the opportunity to grow apart. Which might be part of the reason why they are having difficulty now.
He leans his head over so he can rest his chin on Frank's shoulder, feel the vibrations of his voice as he talks. ] Flat bread or stuffed mushrooms sounds good. We could split one?
[ He chases Frank's hand with his own at the pat, and traces fingers along his knuckles. ]
[Similarities yes, they've pretty much committed to being the same person. Frank has wondered from the outside how much of this singular person they've made is from Mike. Does he even get a say or do they just compromise?]
Yeah, let's definitely split one. We'll ask the waiter.
[The idle touching makes Frank less tense. He has had this place on his radar for some time. He would come here in the city ages ago. And there's been no danger, no crime. Originally it was a stake out for himself. With Mike coming into his life the way he has, it felt better to give it a try together. Real time together. No talks on icy rooftops or encounters in back alleys.]
Do you want any wine? They got beer too. Peroni, Morretti, an IPA and Budweiser.
[ Years ago they might've had different choices to make. Mike isn't so sure sometimes they have that luxury now, but it grates like a weight he hadn't known he'd been carrying. It isn't so easily shrugged off. ]
Sounds good.
[ Mike can hear Frank relaxing more, and it earns the same response from him. Just leisurely dinner with no obligations. No expectations. He's glad to be able to share this with Frank. It helps to get to know him better. ]
[Right now with them alone, he can say that he likes who Mike is. This is who he chooses to be. And sure there's a lot of bullshit swirling around them from both sides, Frank is absolutely to blame there too.]
We'll make that two.
[The waiter comes around and introduces himself. Frank asks for the suggested appetizer and they go with the mushrooms after all. And wine placed in. Manicotti for Mike, Frank gets lasagna.]
[ The same could be said for Frank. He's glad he's been able to get to know the man outside of the awful circumstances that first brought them together. It's a treat to catch those little glimpses. To share them, and share himself as well.
Mike says hi when the waiter comes by, and thanks him as well. Once the wine is there, he picks it up to get a good scent of the wine. ]
Out like this? I---I honestly can't remember the last time I was out somewhere for just a date. At home? Whatever we've got in or the closest take out place that doesn't use an obscene amount of additives that is still open late.
It it wasn't school then it was work. There were a couple of small things, crushes really, but nothing---nothing serious.
[ No, he left that whole roller coaster to Matt and Elektra and tried desperately to keep their life as in order as he could. After a sip of wine, he gets a piece of bread as well, dipping it in the oil and herbs. ]
I'll do my best then.
[ He chuckles a little. Jack Murdock wasn't much of a cook. Sure, there was food on the table enough for him and two kids, always fruit, even if it was a little more expensive, but it was hard. Their dad did what he could, though. Even if a lot of times it was just peanut butter and jelly or ham and cheese sandwiches.
Maybe that's why, when they have time, Matt and Mike do enjoy cooking. Maybe he could do that for Frank. A thought for another time. ]
Don't really have a lot of experience with that outside of Foggy and his folks during the holidays. It's always a huge affair.
Yeah? You weren't inviting anybody to dance awkwardly at the ice cream social or whatever.
[Junior prom, homecoming...whatever.
Getting to know the Murdocks he can only imagine what kind of chaos would ensue if one man leaned heavily in the opposite direction to offset the balance. How much of that is here? Mike seems so agreeable. Then again, being put through this wringer willingly, something has got to give.]
I used to go all out.
[Used to in a life before. A time before. Sobering though he doesn't let it sink in much. Just enough to remind him to lean into the present.]
Opportunity never really came up, and nobody really wanted to dance with the blind kid.
[ Not in their lives. A shared life doesn't leave a lot of those moments to get one's hands on.
Mike knows full well the kind of chaos that ensues. He was there for Elektra after all. The fact that she's back and Matt is quickly wrapped up in her again despite everything--- Maybe that's why he's leaning so hard now. For himself. Because he deserves a little consideration, too. ]
Do you mind if I ask what that looks like?
[ Going all out. He doubts it's the same as what Elektra had in mind for things, or even Matt with showing her Fogwells. His spot would be different. He loves the old gym, of course, but one of his favorite places is one of the highest rooftops he can get to.
One that leaves him where he can't hear quite as much of the city as he usually can. For just a few minutes, there's so little to get wrapped up in. No responsibility. ]
Yeah, well. Guess we'll figure out a way to have a dumb awkward first dance some place.
[Is he kidding? Maybe. Possibly. The idea that Mike would sit with the wallflowers doesn't' seem fair. Then again, adolescence isn't kind to anyone. Frank had two left feet and a pizza face as a teenager. He got some dances at least. Right now they're fixing to have a great Italian spread.
Mushrooms get served up. The plate is set between them. Smells gorgeous.]
Well. Uh. Heh. I never had too much money, so I would try and cook. The way to someone's heart is through their stomach. And I figured if we could get a good meal it'd be the next best thing. I'd gotten pretty good at fixing up dishes. So uh come the holidays or any old time I'd do my part to cook up something for everybody.
[Not really date material. More like sad widower shit. Frank sips his wine again and goes for a mushroom.]
When we--when Maria and I had time we'd go catch a game. She liked doing shit like that. She'd get so mad if I suggested she was humoring me.
[ Mike actually isn't sure. His heartbeat didn't give anything away.
The mushrooms do smell amazing, and it's easy to tell they were freshly made and not just something they got out of a freezer on a whim. A special treat for sure. ]
That sounds really nice.
[ They did their best at St. Agnes, to do something homey for the holidays. It wasn't the same, though. Not like what their dad would try to scrounge up for them no matter what he was bringing in. It never mattered to he and his brother, though. It mattered that they got to spend the time together. All of them.
No, it's not, but it's still a part of Frank. For better or worse. Mike's glad he can be a part of it being shared. ]
I used to listen to the games on the radio with my dad. Always loved the sound the ball made when it was crushed.
Nope. Everyone deserves that feeling. Gotta tell you. It's great in retrospect. At the time it's awkward. You just gotta.
[Though it won't be in a fog machine filled dark room with some top 40 song blaring while he's sweating in a department store suit.
Frank makes a noise of approval as he chews his first bite.]
Mmmhmmm.
[Way, way back when. It was a good time. And he knew it then. Even better knowing what he has been through now. Some people never get to have that.]
Yeah? There's nothing like the sound of it. The way everyone gets up on their feet like they can see where it's gonna land. They can't, it's going too fast and it's too tiny. Still...
All right, well, if you think it's gotta happen, then I guess I'll have to trust you on that. Kicks in the head aside, I'm not really all that much of a dancer.
[ If the story about no awkward dances was enough to go by. He does like the top 40s though. It's nostalgic.
He's still listening, even as he takes a bite of a mushroom. He chuckles at the mention of the game. ]
When I was a kid, before ---before the accident, I couldn't imagine quite how---[ He licks his lips, looking for the word. ]---enormous it sounded. I mean, pictures sure sometimes but that many people all at once. It just seemed a little unreal, I guess.
No! Really? You wanna try and explain that to me? Dancing is just fighting without actually striking somebody. C'mon.
[His thigh nudges Mike's below the table.]
So you need a first dance and then you need a first game. Shit, Murdock. Did they let you do anything at all?
[Need. Yes. In Frank's opinion, Mike needs all of these experiences. It makes for a more rounded perspective in life. Who knows how they'll manage to sneak into a major league game. Not like they're going in to do harm anyway. Just a little finesse.
Just never really got around the dancing, I guess. It just requires a little more closeness than I ever really managed.
[ He huffs and nudges back gently, face heating up just a little, but it doesn't make him feel bad or anything. ]
We didn't have the money for a lot, but ---St. Agnes wasn't exactly equipped to offer more than just the basics for kids like us. Taking on a child with our difficulties was---challenging enough.
[ He doesn't say it with any bitterness. Only truth. He learned to appreciate finer things after the fact.
This time the heat to his cheeks has everything to do with being called out on kissing. ]
Closeness? You know how to do that. Don't go on and bail out on me. Believe me, it's easy as hell. No one has to be good to be able to do it. You just...do it, you know?
[Or maybe he doesn't. Either way the plans are coming into motion. Mike Murdock is going to come out of his shell.]
Yeah. That makes sense. I'd have to save up to go when it was just Maria and I.
[Saying her name here and now, even in passing never feels forbidden. Frank isn't pitting or pairing one relationship to the other. They're beyond comparable. Mike never makes it feel too soon, too weighted. There's so much patience and understanding around his grief. It's driven his character to places Frank had never, ever expected to go. The scraps of heart given to him are so valuable.]
Bet you broke a lotta hearts. Dates or no dates. Kissing the girls and making em cry.
[Or boys. Clearly this is equal opportunity territory.]
It's not the same. If you say it's easy, I'll try it. But if your feet end up stepped on, then I'm not taking the blame for it.
[ It's odd, getting the chance to be his own person. No strings attached. Just him. That's all Frank wants, too. Not the childhood game that morphed into their shared life. ]
If it helps I'm partial to hot dogs in the park with the right vendor.
[ He feels like he's being given something precious when Frank mentions Maria and his kids. They are a part of him that he'll never lose. They'll stay with him forever. The same way Jack does for Matt and Mike. Grief isn't a cut and dry thing. It doesn't suddenly stop one day and never return. It ebbs and flows. ]
Well, maybe a couple.
[ He scoffs gently as he says it. The smile on his face is wry and a little wistful. Yeah, he had his moments. He's not really the type to kiss and tell, though. ]
You're just saying it's not the same now to save face. I get it. I'll try not to shove it in your face when you're wrong.
[As though that's a given. Frank is happily eating away at his portion. The more they settle in, the more natural this feels.]
I'll keep that in mind.
[Gently and sweetly accepting all these ideas and offers. He wants time with Mike. There isn't any more time left in his previous life. And chances are they don't have so much left in their own with the lives they choose to lead.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
calltoaction) wrote2019-09-13 04:07 pm
no subject
He shivers off some of the rain drops as he gets the door. Sinatra swells. There's the smell of garlic, parsley and oregano. Tons of starch and cheese. They're greeted immediately.]
Espresso is good in a pinch, also pretty fucking good with ice cream.
[Does Mike know where they are yet? They're being lead to their seats.]
no subject
The change in temperature earns a brief shiver from Mike and he presses a little closer to Frank's side. Once they are inside it's fairly easy to figure out where they are at, or at least the type of restaurant. It smells amazing. ]
I've never had it with ice cream. You'll have to introduce me.
[ Once they are seated, Matt unzips his hoodie, and sets it to the side. Some other time he might have sat across, but this time he wants to sit next to Frank. He's got a soft, long sleeved shirt underneath, nothing fancy, just one of his softer Henleys in a light blue. ]
Candles, too? What a romantic.
no subject
Which is why he hasn't flinched from indulging in the time they share alone. Feelings like this were gunned down in a park or so he thought. He's going to roll with it.]
After dinner. You'll spoil your appetite.
[He doesn't mind that they sit side by side. Makes it a bit better that way.]
It's called ambiance, you swine.
[A waiter brings glasses of water and garlic bread with balsamic and oil. The menus are placed down.]
Well, shit. I didn't think about that but uh you got anything in mind? Standard Italian.
no subject
This is a whole new experience for Mike. He never really gave it thought before, there was too much going on, and there never seemed to be time. Never mind the logistics of trying to be with another person while having a dual life. ]
Obviously.
[ A quiet laugh and he knocks Frank's shoulder gently with his own. ]
Ambiance, right. Can you spell that?
[ What's a little love without a touch of gentle war? They're always going to be at odds in some ways. That's definitely ok. ]
The menu? It's fine, most places don't. [ He leans over for a reassuring peck to Frank's jaw. ] Anyways, I'm pretending to be as sighted as I can. Easier to get by.
But, uhh, manicotti sounds good.
no subject
Yes. I can spell it. Thanks.
[A counter nudge. Just so.]
They got plenty of appetizers. Calamari, stuffed mushrooms, flat breads with and without meat.
[The peck has him feeling more buoyant. He gives Mike's hand a pat.]
They got your manicotti. Do you want it with spinach, cheese or beef? Or you can get the suprema with all of them together on a plate.
no subject
He leans his head over so he can rest his chin on Frank's shoulder, feel the vibrations of his voice as he talks. ] Flat bread or stuffed mushrooms sounds good. We could split one?
[ He chases Frank's hand with his own at the pat, and traces fingers along his knuckles. ]
Spinach, please.
no subject
Yeah, let's definitely split one. We'll ask the waiter.
[The idle touching makes Frank less tense. He has had this place on his radar for some time. He would come here in the city ages ago. And there's been no danger, no crime. Originally it was a stake out for himself. With Mike coming into his life the way he has, it felt better to give it a try together. Real time together. No talks on icy rooftops or encounters in back alleys.]
Do you want any wine? They got beer too. Peroni, Morretti, an IPA and Budweiser.
no subject
Sounds good.
[ Mike can hear Frank relaxing more, and it earns the same response from him. Just leisurely dinner with no obligations. No expectations. He's glad to be able to share this with Frank. It helps to get to know him better. ]
Sure, a pinot noir should go good with this.
no subject
We'll make that two.
[The waiter comes around and introduces himself. Frank asks for the suggested appetizer and they go with the mushrooms after all. And wine placed in. Manicotti for Mike, Frank gets lasagna.]
...what d'you usually eat?
no subject
Mike says hi when the waiter comes by, and thanks him as well. Once the wine is there, he picks it up to get a good scent of the wine. ]
Out like this? I---I honestly can't remember the last time I was out somewhere for just a date. At home? Whatever we've got in or the closest take out place that doesn't use an obscene amount of additives that is still open late.
no subject
No?
[A light tease. Frank gets his own glass and offers to clink.]
Well, glad to shake up the normal for you. I eat what I can on the go. Mostly what's in a bodega.
[And not military rations. Shock.]
This place should be good. They're not farm to fork but really well reviewed for a mom and pop.
no subject
No, I...never really had the time, I guess. [ He chuckles gently at the clink of the glasses. ]
I'm glad you get to as well. I'll have to pick next time and see if I can surprise you, I think.
[ It's not that much of a shock, but then again Mike's smelled fresh ingredients on his hands and clothes before. He knows he can cook. ]
I like little mom and pop shops. Places like this, the little bodegas, and all. Good things. Good people.
no subject
[Living a part of a whole life doesn't leave that much wiggle room. He takes a sip of the wine and goes for one of the garlic breads.]
I welcome a surprise.
[Especially something that Mike would take the time to suss out for the both of them.]
Yeah. Almost the next best thing to home cooking.
no subject
[ No, he left that whole roller coaster to Matt and Elektra and tried desperately to keep their life as in order as he could. After a sip of wine, he gets a piece of bread as well, dipping it in the oil and herbs. ]
I'll do my best then.
[ He chuckles a little. Jack Murdock wasn't much of a cook. Sure, there was food on the table enough for him and two kids, always fruit, even if it was a little more expensive, but it was hard. Their dad did what he could, though. Even if a lot of times it was just peanut butter and jelly or ham and cheese sandwiches.
Maybe that's why, when they have time, Matt and Mike do enjoy cooking. Maybe he could do that for Frank. A thought for another time. ]
Don't really have a lot of experience with that outside of Foggy and his folks during the holidays. It's always a huge affair.
no subject
[Junior prom, homecoming...whatever.
Getting to know the Murdocks he can only imagine what kind of chaos would ensue if one man leaned heavily in the opposite direction to offset the balance. How much of that is here? Mike seems so agreeable. Then again, being put through this wringer willingly, something has got to give.]
I used to go all out.
[Used to in a life before. A time before. Sobering though he doesn't let it sink in much. Just enough to remind him to lean into the present.]
no subject
[ Not in their lives. A shared life doesn't leave a lot of those moments to get one's hands on.
Mike knows full well the kind of chaos that ensues. He was there for Elektra after all. The fact that she's back and Matt is quickly wrapped up in her again despite everything--- Maybe that's why he's leaning so hard now. For himself. Because he deserves a little consideration, too. ]
Do you mind if I ask what that looks like?
[ Going all out. He doubts it's the same as what Elektra had in mind for things, or even Matt with showing her Fogwells. His spot would be different. He loves the old gym, of course, but one of his favorite places is one of the highest rooftops he can get to.
One that leaves him where he can't hear quite as much of the city as he usually can. For just a few minutes, there's so little to get wrapped up in. No responsibility. ]
no subject
[Is he kidding? Maybe. Possibly. The idea that Mike would sit with the wallflowers doesn't' seem fair. Then again, adolescence isn't kind to anyone. Frank had two left feet and a pizza face as a teenager. He got some dances at least. Right now they're fixing to have a great Italian spread.
Mushrooms get served up. The plate is set between them. Smells gorgeous.]
Well. Uh. Heh. I never had too much money, so I would try and cook. The way to someone's heart is through their stomach. And I figured if we could get a good meal it'd be the next best thing. I'd gotten pretty good at fixing up dishes. So uh come the holidays or any old time I'd do my part to cook up something for everybody.
[Not really date material. More like sad widower shit. Frank sips his wine again and goes for a mushroom.]
When we--when Maria and I had time we'd go catch a game. She liked doing shit like that. She'd get so mad if I suggested she was humoring me.
no subject
[ Mike actually isn't sure. His heartbeat didn't give anything away.
The mushrooms do smell amazing, and it's easy to tell they were freshly made and not just something they got out of a freezer on a whim. A special treat for sure. ]
That sounds really nice.
[ They did their best at St. Agnes, to do something homey for the holidays. It wasn't the same, though. Not like what their dad would try to scrounge up for them no matter what he was bringing in. It never mattered to he and his brother, though. It mattered that they got to spend the time together. All of them.
No, it's not, but it's still a part of Frank. For better or worse. Mike's glad he can be a part of it being shared. ]
I used to listen to the games on the radio with my dad. Always loved the sound the ball made when it was crushed.
no subject
[Though it won't be in a fog machine filled dark room with some top 40 song blaring while he's sweating in a department store suit.
Frank makes a noise of approval as he chews his first bite.]
Mmmhmmm.
[Way, way back when. It was a good time. And he knew it then. Even better knowing what he has been through now. Some people never get to have that.]
Yeah? There's nothing like the sound of it. The way everyone gets up on their feet like they can see where it's gonna land. They can't, it's going too fast and it's too tiny. Still...
no subject
[ If the story about no awkward dances was enough to go by. He does like the top 40s though. It's nostalgic.
He's still listening, even as he takes a bite of a mushroom. He chuckles at the mention of the game. ]
When I was a kid, before ---before the accident, I couldn't imagine quite how---[ He licks his lips, looking for the word. ]---enormous it sounded. I mean, pictures sure sometimes but that many people all at once. It just seemed a little unreal, I guess.
Even after, the radio didn't quite do it justice.
no subject
[His thigh nudges Mike's below the table.]
So you need a first dance and then you need a first game. Shit, Murdock. Did they let you do anything at all?
[Need. Yes. In Frank's opinion, Mike needs all of these experiences. It makes for a more rounded perspective in life. Who knows how they'll manage to sneak into a major league game. Not like they're going in to do harm anyway. Just a little finesse.
He goes for another mushroom.]
You kissed before. I can tell.
no subject
[ He huffs and nudges back gently, face heating up just a little, but it doesn't make him feel bad or anything. ]
We didn't have the money for a lot, but ---St. Agnes wasn't exactly equipped to offer more than just the basics for kids like us. Taking on a child with our difficulties was---challenging enough.
[ He doesn't say it with any bitterness. Only truth. He learned to appreciate finer things after the fact.
This time the heat to his cheeks has everything to do with being called out on kissing. ]
Well, yeah. Of course, come on.
no subject
[Or maybe he doesn't. Either way the plans are coming into motion. Mike Murdock is going to come out of his shell.]
Yeah. That makes sense. I'd have to save up to go when it was just Maria and I.
[Saying her name here and now, even in passing never feels forbidden. Frank isn't pitting or pairing one relationship to the other. They're beyond comparable. Mike never makes it feel too soon, too weighted. There's so much patience and understanding around his grief. It's driven his character to places Frank had never, ever expected to go. The scraps of heart given to him are so valuable.]
Bet you broke a lotta hearts. Dates or no dates. Kissing the girls and making em cry.
[Or boys. Clearly this is equal opportunity territory.]
no subject
[ It's odd, getting the chance to be his own person. No strings attached. Just him. That's all Frank wants, too. Not the childhood game that morphed into their shared life. ]
If it helps I'm partial to hot dogs in the park with the right vendor.
[ He feels like he's being given something precious when Frank mentions Maria and his kids. They are a part of him that he'll never lose. They'll stay with him forever. The same way Jack does for Matt and Mike. Grief isn't a cut and dry thing. It doesn't suddenly stop one day and never return. It ebbs and flows. ]
Well, maybe a couple.
[ He scoffs gently as he says it. The smile on his face is wry and a little wistful. Yeah, he had his moments. He's not really the type to kiss and tell, though. ]
no subject
[As though that's a given. Frank is happily eating away at his portion. The more they settle in, the more natural this feels.]
I'll keep that in mind.
[Gently and sweetly accepting all these ideas and offers. He wants time with Mike. There isn't any more time left in his previous life. And chances are they don't have so much left in their own with the lives they choose to lead.]
That what's gonna happen to me, you think?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)