nexus_sages | holy guacamole it's foggy nelson!

It's no bad thing to like nice things. And if Verity's cooking beats every restaurant in Hell's Kitchen, well, someone needs to step up their game and it's not her.

"Matt just knows things. I try not to worry about the reasons so much." 'Try' being the key word. She worries about him constantly, and has spent some considerable effort trying to understand his powers. But in the end, it's all for naught. He does what he does and she cannot truly understand it. "You wear fake pants to court? Oh, Foggy."

She shakes her head at his question. "No. Nothing stops it. Nothing I've ever found. There were a few ideas when I came here, but... they didn't amount to anything."

Not all of them. A great, big chunk of them. Matt will still champion for Thai food on a lazy night. Foggy usually sticks to pad thai and never really gets the buzz. He does think that Verity is secretly some ninja chef.

"It's less eerie than it used to be to me. He used to just call it a hunch if I pressed him enough for reasoning." Which gets a big eye roll from Foggy. Fake pants though, he shrugs. "It was only for emergencies! I mean they looked like slacks. Why would anyone look at me, you know? That was when we were nobodies at L&Z. I think Matt might have been the only person to catch on."

He pushes his plate back and cups his own drink. "Did you ever try to like short it out or get... afflicted with believing every lie and maybe they'd like fritz one another out?" As he says this his face grows more and more grim and he waves it away. "I'm sorry. All of that is terrible. Don't listen to me."

Thai food after a long day should be acceptable most of the time. She thinks he just really like Thai food, which is also fine.

"Matt's identity was public knowledge where I'm from, so once I knew his name I knew what he did. That's probably helped. At least I don't wonder if it's another woman that keeps him so busy at night." With Foggy, it seems safe to be a little more honest about how frustrating Matt's heroing is. She can love it and wish it weren't so all-consuming at the same time.

"Let me tell you two true things, Foggy." She lifts her gaze and waits until she has his full attention. "The first one is, someone is always watching. The second is, you have never been a nobody." No sign of flinching or even an arched eyebrow. It must be true. She'd know otherwise.

It's good he's giving up that line of questioning, because the constant reminder that there's something wrong with her is painful. The more he digs, the more she shuts down; quietly, wordlessly, she withdraws into herself. There are some nasty cutting words on the tip of her tongue. She'll try to drown them in coffee.

That and the local joint treat him like he's some sad, hapless basket case and give him freebies. It's horrible and ableist. Their food is delicious though. And yes, he really like Thai food.

He leans forward and has to scoot his plate further to save his tie. "Public? Really? That's...weird. Is he like a celebrity? It's hard to get him to say boo about the other guy in front of Karen or anybody else. I can't imagine him dealing with everyone." Foggy shakes his head a little and looks away a minute to try and grasp the crazy.

The solid, piercing gaze beyond Verity's lenses get him at attention. "Okay. Tell me." Though now he wishes that maybe he didn't tell her to. Someone? Someone watching? That's one thing. And he--Franklin "Foggy" Percy Nelson--being considered more than a nobody? "Is...Is--? You can't tell me, can you?"

She's so pretty. Even when she is so visibly gloomy. But when she smiles, if only Matt could see her smile.

Ableist and delicious. It's got to be hard to not take advantage sometimes, to try and get a bit of his own back.

"I understand he was very popular in San Fransisco. You know how helpful people can be if you promise them a great selfie for their efforts." She gives a little shrug before admitting, "I don't know why he did it. But you may want to steer clear of representing the people he rounds up at night."

She was going to tell him anyway. There's not much stopping her sometimes. "Is what? I don't even know what it is you think I can't tell you. I'm not a mind reader."

If only. Maybe Foggy will have to help him with that. He might give more glowing reviews of the experience.

Matt thinks of it as payback. Now that Foggy's in on it he thinks it's more hilarious than offensive.

"That's...weird..." Still trying to wrap his head around that in addition to all of the other things in the mix. It's like each new thing is a piece of confetti in a snow globe to swirl around. At least it feels less dangerous and odd to be in a place like this. "I can definitely adhere to that. Jeez. Nelson and Murdock don't do that." Ah, this, this is a prophetic conversation isn't it?

Foggy takes a drink finding more foam than coffee left. "I mean, is this a warning? Can you tell me things? There's no like rule or anything we're breaking?"

Glowing reviews he can do. And he can spot the difference between being without one another and with each other. They're like puppies and kittens when they're together.

A balancing of the scales. So very 'Matt'.

Ver's also getting down to the dregs of her drink, and gives the mug a disappointed look. She trusts you, delicious cinnamon coffee. "Yeah, I can tell you things. I don't think it's going to break any rules. I doubt it'll break your timeline even; you won't notice the changes anymore now than you did before you knew where I was from. Time travel and alternate dimensions are tricky business."

Business she's studied, her tone suggests. "Just try to think ahead a bit. You two have pissed off Wilson Fisk. He's going to come after you eventually. Don't make it easier for him by leaving a breadcrumb trail of ethical violations."

All about finding a new way to define fair and balanced. He would have preferred Robin Hood of Hell's Kitchen. Oh well. One of them makes more sense than the other. The whole vigilante thing didn't get him thinking farther than getting through the night, let alone dreaming up some name. It's all about trying to be the balance.

Peculiar that in this realm of realms they don't have self refilling cups. Foggy's not above sipping foam. It's so fluffy! Artistry here. "Okay... That's a relief. You can't be too sure." There could be weird consequences for dipping into unrevealed futures or truths some kind of truth tax. He clears his throat.

"We're not super seasoned pros, but we know our stuff. Nelson will be careful. Murdock will catch on. We started all of this to help people. That's won us plenty of allies too. Fisk comes back he'll have to deal with them too." Truth be told the very thought of it is terrifying. That's plain enough on his face.

This is why he needs a gal who plans ahead. Balance doesn't just happen. Too many people get hurt when heroes try to find their balance by happy accident.

"I've tried to be careful," she points out. There's a little chiding to her voice--this is new to him, not her. She's had time to think about these things. And if there's a truth tax, it's clearly hers to pay.

Verity stays quiet while she studies his expression. The fact he's terrified is probably a good thing, but she doesn't want to press it too hard. She'll try to be gentle. "Yeah, but will Matt really allow other people to get involved in the fight? Just. Let's just assume that people will find out what he does eventually. Plan for that."

Too many people get involved, hurt and lost in the mix. Matt has had a solid run of good fortune but his methods are lacking a grand plan. That's where Verity's presence comes as an even greater blessing.

"I believe you. I mean, this is your thing. I kind of just...stepped in. Heh." Foggy rubs the back of his neck. "Now that I think about it Matt had tried a few times to talk about this. Something's just...always happening. One time he started a conversation about Quantum Leap." He shrugs.

Anyone who would fall under the influence of power or money became a tool for Fisk. That's what is so frightening. They had dodged enough bullets that flew around them the first time. There can be a next time. "No, he wouldn't." And it's a glum admission. "This wouldn't be hard if he just stopped. Things are getting better. I mean, there's always going to be a problem. Always. He can't be doing this forever, right?"

Verity's own brother couldn't manage his marriage and his heroing, and his wife was a hero on the same team. She's going into this knowing full well she and Matt probably won't work out in the long run. But she loves him too much to not try.

"I know. It's a lot to think about, all the ramifications." The reference is lost on her; she just gives Foggy a kind of blank look. "He's not great at managing his schedule. Sometimes he needs to be reminded that he can't save everyone."

Power and money get everyone eventually; if not directly, then through family or friends. "No. He can't. But I think he'd rather die trying." That's a glum admission. Heroes don't retire. She's seen it. Even after the serum wore off, Cap never stopped, he just shifted his focus. It makes no goddamn sense to her. "Fisk isn't going to stop either. Some people just don't know how."

Matt's blind (haha) faith has him fully committed into doing whatever he can to make this last. Verity has become such a fixture in his life. And he has come to love her in ways he never expected to love a person. He is going to try for forever.

"You said it," exactly that. At least someone else is telling it like it is. "At least it seems like he's sleeping a little more."

A little. Enough for it to make a difference.

Friends or family who just are in dire need as well as danger. Danger is always around, Matt would rather hoard it all to himself than have it spill over onto other people. It's frustrating. "I don't even know if he's ever tried. Matt I mean. Fisk he's like... a bull or a shark or a tank.... shark tank bull thing."

Trying for forever is a little bit of a scary prospect. How does someone like her, who's been through what she's been through, even believe in forever? Indefinite, perhaps, she can handle; a love with no scheduled end. Forevers need to be talked about.

"A little," she agrees. "He's stubborn." She is not going to be discussing how she manages to get Matt to sleep. Even so, there's some color creeping into her cheeks.

Sometimes the need is what lets the danger in. Sometimes the danger is what they need. It's a complicated and complex mess. Ver snorts in amusement at the description of Fisk. "Matt doesn't want to stop. You can't force people to change who they are. He is, in his heart, the righteous instrument of his god."

Scary, yes. They say that serious things are. Verity's life experience and world knowledge surpasses Matt's. And he might be older than her and more grizzled but somehow idealistic and naive from his faith to his belief in going on loving her for an indefinite (or forever) amount of time.

"I deal with him as a friend and a partner. The rest," he does a vague hand gesture. The blush though? Ooh. Hmm. Well, it's not his place. Looking like he does and as athletic as he is Foggy isn't the least bit surprised. A little funny how his knock outs are not from fights.

"Sounds like you got it down pat. I just... I've known him as long as I have. And he would never ever want to hear it but I'm protective of him. Don't tell him that or else he'll think I'm trying to pull something. But really, he's like my brother."

Verity wouldn't say her experiences surpass anyone's. Matt has gone out and lived life far more fully than she does even now. Her tragedies are singular and writ large, but that doesn't make her any better at this adulting crap she got tricked into. She hopes neither of them ever consider his faith in ther love naive.

Yes, Foggy, it's not a well-kept secret (he's seen how they get when thy're in the same room), but it's not something she openly discusses. "You know how they say it takes a village to raise a child? I think it takes a village to successfully adult, too. We need people looking out for us in different ways." Maybe it's all wishful thinking.

"I know." The fact they're brothers in everything but blood was something she picked up on within five minutes of walking into the office. "I understand that kind of bond. That's how I got my brother, too. I hope you don't think I'm getting in the way of that?"

Other worldly wise, that's something Matt doesn't have. He has lived a life as full as any. And as far as adulting goes, there is the pitfall. They all have to find their own way. His faith in their love is solid. Foggy believes it to be the real deal from the outside, and given the circumstances now fully aware of how much Verity does know he is resting more at ease that she not only can love Matt for all of his edges but can put up with them.

Anybody with (and without) eyes can catch on that they're very involved with one another. Little touches, whispers and attentions let on that they get along in about every way that matters. "Well, he is an orphan so... I always think it's just helping fill the gaps here and there. And we do help each other so much."

Foggy blinks and leans back. "You in the way? Noooo. No no no. Verity, whatever gave you that idea?" Doth protest much? Yes, but there is no sting at all of a lie. Just his caring heart and animated nature really sticking to the point. "He's at a whole level of happy and that's with your help. I like knowing that you're there." One more voice of reason, one more soft place for Matt to land.

A solid something is a start. Having friendly support helps too. Verity thinks she knew what she was getting into when she fell for Matt. Nobody ever has any idea, especially not their first time.

And here she thought she was being subtle about it. After all, she hasn't actually let herself grin so wide it's cracked her face yet. People and their noticing things. The reminder of Matt's missing family gets a little nod. "I've been trying to fit in with that." The dinners with the family he has, her and Foggy and Karen; making sure he goes out with his friends, even when it means giving up a rare chance to have his undivided attention. It's hard, but he's worth it.

"I just. People complain about things, and I want to be careful. I'm not..." She pauses, sighs, and shakes her head a little. "This is my first real relationship, Foggy. I haven't got the slightest idea what the fuck I'm doing." It is so embarrassing to say that out loud. Crawling under the table is an option, right? "I'm glad I'm not making anyone jealous."

More than a start. It's something to hold on to. And any time Matt has the support of Foggy is when he's most successful whether he realizes it or not. She's gaining a very useful ally to any cause.

Not like they're completely up on one another. They're both mature adults thank goodness. Their attraction is clear as clear can be. That and Verity's expressions that are short of a face splitting smile are very satisfied. It's enough to get the point across they've got a healthy sex life. Foggy read that it's heavily believed if you've endured tragedy in your younger years that there's potential for making you an even better lover because of all of what you think you lack. But he's also sure that it's because Matt is blind and attractive more than anything and crazy in love with this woman. As to the rest? "I can tell. I think he can too. That's a godsend."

His head tilts to one side thoughtfully but he's smiling. "Don't worry for two seconds, Dollface. You're doing great. And anything that might not seem easy or rough is not your fault. Okay? I mean, you know him he's like a teddy bear for the most part but they're still bears." Marci would rip him to shreds for the bear talk he usually hates with a passion. "He's going to be hard to figure out or deal with. That's okay. You can't think or do everything. Don't be afraid to let him do some heavy lifting. I mean it. Even if he has two jobs. You're worth the time. Make demands. Get comfortable. Take up space. Matt wants you around. I want you around."

The support of a best friend is always the secret key to success. Which is worrying for her, since she doesn't have one of those anymore. Foggy's going to have to support Matt enough to make up for it. Poor Foggy, such burdens.

Verity's reasonably sure Matt being blind doesn't have anything to do with her attraction to him. Not having to worry about her appearance not meeting his standards is nice, she supposes, but she never would have fallen for a guy who judged her hair or ink harshly. The fact he's handsome certainly hasn't hurt, but again, not the biggest selling point. There are plenty of handsome men, more than a few who've wanted to bed her. Matt is something special. "Am I? I'll take that as a compliment."

'Dollface'? Both her eyebrows shoot up at that one. The advice keeps them there for a minute. "You... you're sure?" She sounds and looks so young when she's uncertain like that. Beneath all the ink and makeup and bravado, there's a very scared little girl who's watched everyone walk away from her. Taking up space is the antithesis of her life experience.

Well, the position is vacant in her life. Mr. Nelson will just have to offer up his substitute services whenever he can in the mean time. It'd be a burden if he didn't get a whole lot of love right on back. That's one thing that's free flowing at Nelson and Murdock. They all care about one another as people. There's more than enough room for Verity.

The attraction is because he's a sweet, polite smart ass. The blindness probably sure does help him be better at the more uh physical aspects of their relationships. Or so he's read. Matt says it's probably not different. Foggy knows Matt says a lot of things. And there is no kissing and telling much with Verity in the picture. He's highly protective of her. It's an indicator that she does the same. "Oh it is. We're all on team let's-get-along."

Her face is cute. And it is a little less personal in his opinion than sweetie or darling or honey. If it gets her listening, even better! "I'm sure. You're going to be with us for a long, long, long, long time. We want you to feel welcome. "

Foggy is Matt's best friend. Ver will have to figure out how to handle some things on her own. But a little extra help now and then would be kind of him. Foggy and Karen have both already been far more kind than Ver thinks she's earned.

Yeah, that sums it up pretty well. He's sweet and polite and able to sass her as good as he gets. She loves that. Foggy gets a giggle from her. "Team let's-get-along. Okay. Wow, my mom would never believe that of me."

It makes sense put like that, but she still doesn't expect these things. He may have noticed she's jumpy about, well, everything. With reasons. But she adapts. "You're very certain of that. Thank you. I do. It's been... nice. Being someplace that smells right again. Being with people who understand what I'm talking about when I want 'that hipster ice cream' or 'slices'. Not that there aren't all kinds of amazing things here."

holy guacamole it's foggy nelson!

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Not the puns! You know I hate that. :P

Ooooooooooooops ;D

#sorrynotsorry rite?

#neverrlysry

:P

X3

<3

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