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.