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The night had stared out swimmingly. Frank was actually behaving himself for once, nonlethal bullets and everything. He'd even agreed to calling the authorities on a particularly heinous criminal… after dropping him outside of the precinct, of course. Couldn't have him waiting outside all night. There was too big of a chance he'd slip the cuffs.
All things considered, Matt was pretty proud of Frank. He was making so much progress.
Then he felt the static add weight and pressure to the air.
His head popped up, alarmed. Frank adjusted his shoulder holster, glancing up at the sudden movement.
"What's up, Red?"
Matt twisted around owlishly, checking his surroundings. "Storm's rolling in. A bad one."
"Really?" Frank asked, checking his phone. "Says here there's clear skies for the rest of the week." He noticed Matt's tense posture. "But, if you're sure…" He readied himself to start the move toward home.
A flash lit up the sky almost as bright as that summer afternoon. Frank whistled.
"Yeah… I've gotta stop doubting you, Red. You're always more accurate than the radars." His smile faded. "Red?"
Matt had gone a bit rigid, holding the side of his head as the first low rumbles of thunder rolled over.
"Red?" Frank asked, holding out a hand. "You having a moment?"
A raindrop fell onto his arm.
"Okay. And we're running. Come on, Red! Let's get on the ground. Can't do sensory overload on a roof in a thunderstorm. That's just asking for trouble."
Matt followed wordlessly, expression vacant beneath the mask. The sky opened up like the city was dying of thirst, turning the concrete into riverbeds.
Frank caught his partner as Matt slipped off the last rung of the fire escape. "Alright! You're having a moment. Let's get you…" He spotted a ragged awning near a fence. "Use your legs!"
He peeled off the flexible yet sturdy helm from Matt's head, smoothing back his hair. The Daredevil was shaking, not with fear, Frank knew fear, but with anxiety.
"Buddy? Okay. Come here. We're gonna get your head back on straight."
He moved closer to Matt, one hand on his shoulder. The comforting weight was the one lifeline as his senses spiraled out of control. Matt's breathing slowed, a hand raising to grip the thick wrist.
"Frank?"
The Punisher took his other hand, removing the protective glove. "I'm here, Red. I'm right here. I don't know if you can hear me, but I'm not going anywhere." He pressed a kiss to Matt's knuckles. "You're okay. We're done for the night. Nobody's going to be out here in this, not even the bad guys."
Matt shivered, batting at his soaked hair. The outfit wasn't exactly waterproof and the sudden downpour had found every nook and cranny. He felt Frank caress the back of his neck, fingers tightening just under his hairline.
"There's no deadline, buddy. Take your time," Frank murmured, ignoring the lank bangs and dripping water to kiss Matt's forehead. Arms wrapped around his middle, squeezing tightly.
The alley, already dark, was a void in the storm. Nothing could pierce it. No one could break in. Frank wouldn't let them.