Chapter Text
“C’mon, Red, focus,” Frank growled, taking a step back to let Matt breathe. Matt huffed as he did and then quickly straightened, raising his fists in front of him. Matt was annoyed with how Frank had backed off. He knew Frank wouldn’t have stopped if it was someone else. He was going easy on him and Matt didn’t appreciate it.
It didn’t last long. As soon as Matt stood up fully, Frank was on him. Matt listened as his foot pushed off the floor. The air buzzed as his arm came up for a punch. Matt barely had time to block it from hitting his stomach.
Frank didn’t let up, whatever sense had stopped him before was clearly gone now. Matt could’ve almost convinced himself he had imagined it.
Frank threw punch after punch at Matt, slowly backing him into the corner. Matt was patient, though. Waiting until he heard Frank’s weight shift so slightly, unbalancing him for a split second.
Matt moved quickly as he redirected Frank’s punch, further throwing off his balance. Frank stumbled, tried to land a punch but missed. Matt took his arm, twisted it, causing Frank to spin around. Matt kicked the inside of his knee and then had him pinned to the ground.
“Why’d you hesitate?” He demanded.
Frank didn’t respond. He lay on the ring floor of Fogwell's gym, panting. Matt listened to his heartbeat pounding in his chest, his ragged breaths sucked in through his teeth. He could almost feel Frank’s urge to try and break free from Matt’s hold. Matt silently dared him to. Begged him to.
And he did. Frank quickly ripped himself out of Matt’s grasp and rolled to the side, wrapped his leg around one of Matt’s to pull him down with him.
Matt landed on his back and quickly moved to stand up but ended up being smacked down into the ground. His head should’ve smacked against the hard floor but instead was cushioned by something. A towel that had been laying barely a foot away from them. It was damp with sweat.
Matt all but growled at the consideration. He knew it was reasonable. There’s no reason for them to actually hurt each other sparring, although sometimes they could get carried away. But it was twice now that Frank had favored him and yet he still ended up pinned.
Frank had both Matt’s hands pinned to the sides of his head. He listened carefully, as Frank sucked in a breath through his teeth trying to figure his next move. Matt expected Frank to do something. Make some snarky comment about winning the match. One last little taunt to dig into Matt’s skin before he ended it.
Instead, he didn’t move. His heartbeat continued racing and he didn’t say a word. For a second, Matt let himself really listen to Frank.
Matt could hear Frank’s heartbeat speeding up. He could hear his teeth grinding and feel his grip tighten around his wrist. He could smell the sweat and blood that was a mix of his own and Frank’s. He listened to his ragged breathing, felt the breath blowing against his face. Frank had leaned in.
He paused. Matt could tell he was thinking. The way his heartbeat steadied and his body stiffened, making sure his opponent wouldn’t get away while he decided what to do.
Then, for a moment, Matt sensed a change in the air. Frank’s breathing became almost frantic. He gripped Matt’s wrist tighter and then he grunted, deep in his chest. Matt heard his heartrate quicken.
Then he felt Frank’s lips on his.
Frank pulled away almost immediately. He let go of Matt’s wrists, giving him a chance to leave. Matt could feel Frank's heartbeat race even faster as he realized what he had done. He heard him suck in a sharp breath as Matt sat up, breathing in deeply.
Matt soaked in the smell of the boxing ring, the smell of dust, the smell of sweat and blood, and the scent of arousal.
Frank opened his mouth but before he could speak Matt pressed his lips against Frank’s. He didn’t know why but something about this was so messy and aggressive, it excited him.
The gentle kiss was short lived as Frank’s mouth was already open and Matt wasted no time in pressing his tongue into the other’s mouth. Frank groaned, wrapping an arm around Matt and Matt let himself be pulled closer. He didn’t let himself think about why. They didn’t speak as they wrestled sitting on the floor. Both of them began to grab onto the other, trying to reach as much of each other as they could.
Frank grabbed Matt’s hair and pressed him as close as he could, suddenly wanting to taste the back of Matt’s throat. Matt moaned as Frank tightened his grip on his head.
Frank pulled him closer and his hardening dick rubbed along Frank’s thigh. The feeling made him shudder and he fought the urge to grind against Frank’s leg. But then Frank shifted and there was a slight pressure that Matt needed more of. Frank didn’t react as Matt pressed his hips against his legs.
Frank began to rut his hips against Matt and broke away from their kiss to sloppily kiss down Matt’s jaw to his neck. He worked his way down until Matt made a pathetic sound as he began to suck on a sensitive spot on the bottom of his neck.
Matt would’ve been embarrassed, should’ve been embarrassed but he didn’t care. In that moment, he just needed the friction against Frank’s thigh, his body begging him for release.
Frank continued to kiss up and down on Matt’s neck as Matt continued grinding down on his thigh, slowly speeding up. He could feel himself getting close and was quite literally humping Frank’s leg chasing his orgasm. Frank matched his pace, grinding himself against Matt. He pulled Matt’s hair and guided Matt’s lips back to his own. The kiss was breathy and sloppy as they both panted into it, more focused on getting off than kissing. Frank slipped his hand between Matt’s legs, palming at his crotch until he found Matt’s cock. He stroked it through the other’s pants, until Matt came with a sudden gasp that turned into a moan. He pressed his face into Frank’s shoulder, gripping the back of his shirt tightly as he continued to grind through his orgasm. He pressed his own thigh between Frank’s legs to assist him, a small whine escaping his lips as he shifted positions. Frank rutted into Matt’s thigh until he reached his own orgasm which didn’t take long.
They sat there, panting in each other’s arms as they both came down from their high. Matt continued to listen to Frank's heart rate slow down. He listened as his breathing became steadier and matched his breath to Frank’s. As he did, he began to finally realize what had just happened. He stayed quiet, breathing with Frank.
“Jesus, Red,” Frank said after a few moments. “Didn’t think altar boys were allowed to do that.”
Matt let out a short breathy laugh, ”Well, Jesus died for something.”
Frank snorted. Matt smiled. He liked that sound.
They were silent again for a few moments. Matt felt a little awkward, sitting on Frank’s lap, their legs awkwardly tangled together but he was too scared to move because then this strange, erotic moment would be over.
Frank made no move to leave, either. So they sat there together for Matt didn’t know how long.
Matt only dared to speak when he felt his legs beginning to stiffen and knew they would cramp staying in this position any longer. He needed to stand and stretch.
So he forced out the words, “This doesn’t change anything, does it?”
The question sounded stupid leaving his mouth. Immature. But he couldn’t help it. He needed to know what this meant for them.
Frank’s heartbeat was steady as he answered, “Doesn't have to.”
Matt didn’t know what to say after that. He thought for a few seconds. This was fine. They were both riled up, they had just needed something quick and easy. This was just a hookup. Barely that. Hell, they still had all their clothes on. It didn’t have to change anything.
“Ok.” Matt said. He listened intently to Frank’s response. Frank sucked in a breath. He let it out as he responded, “Ok.”
Matt pretended not to notice the way his heartbeat quickened for a moment.
—-----
Matt had expected it to be a one time thing. One time, they were both a little mad and horny and ended up doing whatever they had done. He met up with Frank two nights later on a mission expecting both of them to pretend nothing had ever happened.
At first they did, choosing to focus on their mission instead. However, when they had finished beating up the gang they were trying to take out, Matt could smell the same thing he did the other day and the air felt thick with tension. Matt sucked in a breath, tasting Frank’s sweat and arousal in the air as the other man stepped over a body towards Matt. Matt wanted to be angry because Frank had tried to kill every one of the people that laid out broken and knocked out on the ground. But as Frank moved closer, he let Frank’s scent take over his senses and his frustration moved through him and quickly settled in his stomach as a hot pool of…something else.
They didn’t speak as Frank reached up and slid his hand into Matt's hair, leaning in, hesitating for a moment giving Matt an out. Matt leaned in and connected their lips together.
That’s all Frank needed. He pulled Matt closer, kissing him, messy and hungrily. He grabbed at the hem of Matt’s shirt only for Matt to push his hands away and grunt, disapprovingly.
Frank let out a frustrated growl and pulled away.
“Not here. My place,” Matt said. They both rushed back to Matt’s apartment which was only a couple blocks away, somehow making it even though they could barely keep their hands off each other. As soon as they made it inside, Frank immediately ripped off Matt’s mask and crashed their mouths together. Matt could taste blood coming from Frank’s lip. He sucked on the wound until the taste of blood stopped before continuing to Frank’s mouth.
Frank slipped his hands under Matt’s shirt and lifted it off in one smooth motion, barely breaking the kiss and immediately slipping his tongue back into Matt’s mouth. Matt threw the shirt to the side and reached to undo Frank’s vest. He fiddled with the zipper and managed to get it undone. It fell to the ground as Frank pushed Matt against the couch. He took less than a second to rip his own shirt off and then pressed his body against Matt.
Matt moaned softly at the feeling of Frank’s warm skin against him. He could feel Frank’s heart beating against his own. He wrapped an arm around Frank and pressed him closer wanting, for a moment, for them to merge into one being.
Frank pushed his leg between Matt’s thigh, giving him something to rub against. Matt took the opportunity, moaning loudly.
Matt lowered himself onto the couch and pulled Frank on top of him. At the moment he fully intended on getting further into this than they had before. As Frank began grinding into him, though, he decided that this was good enough.
They lay there on top of each other, desperately moving their hips together, chasing a quick release. Frank moved back down to that spot on Matt’s neck that was still faintly bruised from the other night. Frank moved his hands to Matt’s chest, groping it roughly. Matt let out a breathy moan and Frank caught it in his mouth and connected their lips again.
He reached into Matt’s hair and pulled his head back, exposing his neck. Matt moaned again at the sensation and Frank took his time, biting down Matt’s jaw.
Matt could hear Frank’s heartbeat speeding up. He could feel himself getting so close. Matt used the last of his strength to buck himself harder into Frank and pull Frank as close to him as possible. He wanted to feel Frank’s heartbeat when he came.
Frank seemed to understand and matched Matt’s rhythm. He reached between Matt’s legs again to repeat what he had done the last time and Matt’s hand joined him between their bodies, stroking Frank’s dick in tandem. Matt groaned as he came, Frank gripping his hair as he rode through his own orgasm.
Matt didn’t need to hold onto Frank as tightly as Frank let himself fall on top of Matt. Still, Matt had his arms wrapped around Frank’s torso and made no move to let go as they lay there, spent.
Matt let the sound of Frank’s breathing surround him as he closed his eyes, holding onto this moment as much as he could. Frank’s heartbeat was there, loud and steady as it always was. Matt almost wanted to fall asleep right there to the sound.
“You good, Red?” Matt opened his eyes, surprised at Frank’s tone. There was a softness to it that he had never heard before. Part of him wanted to be mad that Frank was being soft on him but another part couldn’t ignore the way his heart pounded, steady and true. Whatever softness wasn’t a taunt or pity. It was genuine care.
“Yeah.” Matt breathed. Frank lowered himself to rest his head on Matt’s chest. Matt once again listened to his breathing and matched his breath. He liked doing that. It made him feel closer to Frank.
They lay there again, just breathing together, neither wanting to move. Whether it was because they were too scared to or just tired was debatable.
Finally, Frank sat up and it took all of Matt’s strength not to follow him.
“I’m gonna head out. It’s pretty late.” Frank said.
Matt furrowed his eyebrows, “What time is it?”
“Almost five in the morning.” Frank replied as he stood up from the couch.
“Shit.” Matt said. Frank chuckled, picking up his shirt and slipping it back on. Matt sat up.
“Got church in the morning, altar boy?” Frank teased. Matt felt Frank’s breath against his face as he finished the sentence. The air shook as Frank’s hand came to a stop inches away from Matt’s face. He felt Frank’s breath against his lips for a moment. Matt bit the inside of his lip trying to hold himself back from connecting the kiss. Frank pulled away quickly as he thought better of it.
Why? Because they were already done? Because this wasn’t anything serious?
“I’ll see you later, Red.” Frank said, grabbing his vest off the floor and heading towards the door.
“Ok. Night.” Matt said before he heard the door open and close. He sat on the couch listening to Frank’s footsteps descend the stairs and then eventually decided to focus on something else instead.
He needed a shower.
Matt tried not to think of what had happened in the shower. He tried not to think too much about what it meant for him or what it meant for them. They had both agreed it didn’t change anything but yet, it felt like it did.
Especially when Matt could tell Frank had feelings for him. It felt wrong to know when Frank hadn’t told him anything himself but he couldn’t help it. He heard it in the way Frank’s heartbeat picked up whenever he showed up. He could feel it in the way his body heated up when they were close. He could hear it in the slight inflections in his voice that changed whenever he spoke to Matt.
Matt felt guilty about knowing this and not saying anything about it. He wasn’t even sure Frank knew how serious his own feelings were. To just tell the man what he was feeling was wrong. And if he would confront Frank about it, he would have to talk about his own feelings.
As much as Matt hated Frank, he had grown a strange admiration for him. His morals were different but they were just as strong as Matt’s. They worked well together despite everything and Matt couldn’t seem to get enough of their bickering and arguing. It was mostly pointless, now, both knew the other wouldn’t change their own beliefs. Still, it was fun, in a way. Matt also knew that Frank had learned not to try to kill anyone with Matt around but often would pretend he was going to, just to fuck with him.
Matt didn’t know what this was. This weird…fling they had going on. He wondered if this had the potential to be anything or if they were too opposite to make anything more work. He also wondered if they would ever manage to actually get their clothes off fully.
Matt stepped into the shower and let the water pour over him. The water stung in some places reminding him he had wounds to take care of when he got out. He closed his eyes and let the sound of the water take over his senses.
—-----
Matt didn’t know what the hell was going on between him and Frank but he did know he had his confession with Father Lantom in the morning before work.
It’s been a while since Matt was actually nervous to go to confession. He’d gotten pretty used to the whole thing and saying all the bad things he had done. To some it might seem pointless to go confess your sins even though you know you're going to do it again, but to Matt it was useful. Necessary even. To remind himself that he shouldn’t enjoy beating up these people when sometimes he did and that he was doing this for something good, not just for himself.
He truly accepted each penance that Father Lantom gave him and took his time praying when he did.
Since he had also gotten close with Father, it was easier to talk to him about things he’d done. Father Lantom had gotten used to his violent stories of people he had left broken in alleyways or how he had beat someone into a coma.
He never judged Matt, that wasn’t his job. He always reminded Matt that the only one who could truly judge someone’s soul was God. Matt thought of that now as he entered the church, trying to untwist the knot in his stomach about what he was about to confess.
No one else was inside. There weren't any confessions at this time for anyone else. Just Matt. He could hear Father Lantom in the confessional, waiting.
Matt dipped his hand into the holy water at the front of the church and made the sign of the cross as he walked towards the confessional.
He opened the door and sat down.
“Forgive me father for I have sinned,” he said.
“Good morning, Matt.” Father said.
“Morning.” Matt replied.
Usually, Matt would jump straight into a story that had happened during the week. This time, he was silent.
“What would you like to tell God you're sorry for?” Father prompted.
Matt decided to start simple, “I took out this human trafficking group that was stationed in Hell’s Kitchen. I tracked down the leader and broke his legs.”
By the time Matt had finished with his Daredevil business he had convinced himself not to tell Father about Frank three times and then convinced himself to tell him four times. He liked saying things as they happened because it means he wouldn’t have to remember them later on or feel bad for lying in the confessional.
“Is that all, Matthew?” Father asked.
“There’s another thing.” Then Matt realized he didn’t know how to categorize his actions with Frank. It was sinful, definitely, but they hadn’t even had actual sex. They had just….well….they’d definitely done something that’s for sure.
Matt also knew that most Catholic Churches were discriminatory towards queer people. He had assumed Father Lantom wasn’t one of those people but now that he thought about it, they had never explicitly discussed sexuality. Maybe he could start there.
“Are you still alive over there?” Father asked.
Matt smiled, “Yes. Sorry. I was just thinking.“
“Remember Matthew, you will not be judged here. The only person who can judge you is God.”
“I know.” Matt took a breath and sighed, “I’ve been seeing someone recently.“
“Oh. About time.” Father said.
Matt frowned, “I thought you weren’t supposed to judge, Father.”
“Not judging. I’m just relieved you’re finally moving on. It’s good to hear. Although, since you’re bringing it up here I’m guessing you’ve engaged in sexual intercourse with this woman.”
Ah, there it was. Matt had opened his mouth ready to respond but that simple word had made his voice catch in his throat. To be fair, Matt had never put much thought into his sexuality. He had been with plenty of women before. He had never stopped to wonder if maybe he’d ever find a man attractive. Mostly because he never thought of it as an option until recently.
“Yes. Well, sort of.”
“Mathew, you know well that there is no gray area with sin. A sin is a sin, and there’s no arguing that.”
Matt was partially relieved. That meant he wouldn’t have to go into explicit detail about what he and Frank had been doing. A sin was a sin. Sex was sex. There’s no reason to explain it all to his priest.
“I know. So yes, we engaged in sexual activities.” Before Father Lantom could speak on that, Matt continued, “But there’s something else.”
“Matt, if this girl tries to get you to kill people, Lord have mercy-“
“He doesn’t.” Matt paused. Oops. He wasn’t sure if Father noticed the lack of the ‘s’ sound in front of the word. If he did, he didn’t react. Just waited for Matt to continue.
“He doesn’t do that,” Matt put extra emphasis on the word.
“Anymore,” he added. That actually would be a lie.
“Mostly.”
There was silence. Matt listened to his breathing. It was heavy, his heart pounding a little too fast. He was frustrated. Then he let out a long sigh. Maybe a little amused.
“Matthew, only you could make me question my calling to the priest hood.”
Matt smiled and laughed lightly, “Someone’s got to make your life hard.”
Father Lantom chuckled. He took another breath and sighed. “There’s a lot to unpack here but I’ll keep it quick. You’ve already been in here long enough.”
“This is my favorite place to be.” Matt joked.
“This is no one’s favorite place, Matthew. Now listen. I apologize for assuming your new partner was a woman. Despite what other churches might preach, the Catechism has no hate against queer people. The rules are the same for them as anyone else. Which is that there is no intercouse until marriage. There are some controversies about weddings but that’s nothing to worry about here.”
Matt flushed deeply at the thought of marrying Frank. He almost wanted to laugh at the thought but then part of him couldn’t help but ponder the idea for a moment.
“God tells us to love thy neighbor as we love ourselves. He never said to spread hate.”
“Thank you,” Matt said, relieved. He felt himself relax and realized how nervous he had actually been about admitting this to someone.
“Now, about the killing part. I’m assuming he isn’t going around murdering innocent people.”
“No, he only goes after the bad ones. He doesn’t really believe in redemption or forgiveness. He just wants them to be gone. I stop him when I can. He doesn’t kill when we work together. It’s just something we’re working on, I guess.”
“Something you’re working on. Not murdering people. Interesting.”
“Well, when you say it like that-“
“Matthew, I’ve known you long enough to know the kind of people you date. They are usually violent and very extreme. Now, this man may be different, I don’t know but I just want to look out for you. Last time you dated someone like this you got hurt. Very hurt. I don’t want to see you go through that again. I know you know your faith and I know you have very strong morals. Don’t let anything change that. Don’t let it falter for anyone. You’re a smart man, Matthew. Just be careful.”
Matt took a second to take this in. He was a little disappointed but really what else could he expect from telling a priest that the person he dated regularly committed murder.
“I understand,” Matt said.
“Good. I resolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Father Lantom said. Matt made the sign of the cross and listened as Father stood up. He tilted his head, confused.
“Penance?” He asked.
Father huffed a laugh, “The same as always, Matthew. Keep doing good in the light of the Lord and you can keep doing the Devil’s work in the dark.”
Matt nodded and hummed a response.
“And pray a rosary for me. You owe me one.”
Matt smiled, “Ok, Father. I’ll see you soon.”
He left the church feeling lighter and slightly better about his relationship with Frank. It was hardly a relationship. More like friends with benefits or somewhere along that line. Maybe they would talk about it tonight. As much as Matt hated to admit it, the thought of seeing Frank later made him smile.
—-----
Matt sat on the rooftop of his apartment listening to the sounds of the city. He wasn’t listening for anything in particular for once. Just enjoying the sound of the city around him. His city.
He heard Frank when he was two blocks away. He listened to Frank’s heavy footsteps as they grew closer and closer. Matt hated the way his stomach churned in anticipation. He felt like a stupid teenager. For some reason the man had Matt feeling all giddy and excited. Any time they ran into each other or Frank called or Matt had any excuse to call Frank, he would feel all fluttery like he had a silly little crush.
Maybe he did. Although, Matt really didn’t understand why the idea of the Punisher coming to meet him almost every night had him kicking his feet and giggling. Really, he should get his shit together. He knew Frank had feelings for him but he wasn’t sure he felt the same way. Sure, Frank was fun. He was strong, smart, an ass, but in a good way, and Matt was only just discovering how good he could be in bed. But he wasn’t someone that Matt could ever be with. His morals were so far from Matt’s. It would be impossible for them to ever have a functioning relationship.
No, they were just having a fling or…something. Plus, Frank was not even Matt’s type. Rude, violent, pushy, a top, dark humor, stubborn, almost out of control killer that refused to change their ways and acknowledge the value of human life.
Maybe Father Lantom was right and Matt needed better taste.
He was nervous to talk to Frank. Eventually they would have to talk about their relationship and Matt was starting to get antsy about when exactly that conversation would come up. Despite their past, Matt didn’t want it to ruin whatever friendship they had built. Because why the hell would the Punisher be willing to compromise his whole value system in order to be in a relationship with Matt Murdock. If that’s even what they were going to do. Most likely not. The sensible thing would be to just keep it simple. Friends with benefits. And Matt should really stop entertaining the possibility of more.
Matt listened to Frank’s footsteps as he ascended the stairs on the fire escape, his own heart pounding harder with each step.
Matt stood up and waited for Frank to reach the top.
“Hey Red,” Frank greeted as he stepped onto the roof.
“Hey.” Matt responded.
“Not much going on tonight.”
“Nope.”
Frank sat down on the A/C unit on top of the building. “What’re you doing out? Thought you had some big case tomorrow.”
“What’re you doing here if you thought I wasn’t going to be out?”
Frank took in a sharp breath, caught. Matt couldn’t help but smirk.
“I asked first.” Frank said, gruffly. Matt opened his mouth for a second before closing it and shrugging.
Frank was quiet for a moment before slowly coming over and sitting next to Matt. Matt reminded himself to breathe as Frank’s thigh settled against his. He turned to face Frank and Frank did the same, leaning in a little hesitantly. Matt leaned in, too, sighing against Frank’s lips.
Frank finally closed the distance between them, kissing Matt’s lips softly, carefully and then pulling away slightly. Matt decided to not be embarrassed by how quickly he chased after Frank and reconnected the kiss. He ran his tongue against Frank’s lip and the other man opened his mouth with a small chuckle.
Kissing was always a weird sensation for Matt. It felt slimy and rough and tasted like an entire day. Sometimes the feeling disgusted Matt but other times, he craved it. He is already missing the feeling of Frank’s slightly chapped lips against his own even as Frank kisses him now. The lingering taste of brandy and something savory from breakfast mixed with the sharp mint flavor of toothpaste. Matt almost wanted to laugh. There’s no way Frank brushed his teeth before coming here in anticipation and consideration of this exact moment.
Matt pulled away from the kiss panting and smiling. He stayed close to Frank, foreheads almost touching.
“What?” Frank asked, following after Matt, unabashedly. Matt shook his head, sitting up straighter, still smiling before he said, “Brandy?”
“What?” Frank asked again.
“You had brandy earlier. Thought you were more of a whiskey guy,” Matt commented.
“Thought you were less of a creep,” Frank said, raising an eyebrow but huffing a small laugh.
“I can taste it,” Matt supplied.
“I brushed my teeth.”
“
““I know,” Matt said, smartly. “But the flavor lingers.”
“You like brandy?” Frank asked. Matt nodded, “I do.”
“Good,” Frank leaned back in and kissed Matt again, more desperately this time. Matt kissed back for a moment before pushing Frank away, tilting his head for a second and listening to the city. Frank waited for a moment before asking, “Something going on?”
Matt shook his head, “No, let’s go inside.”
Frank didn’t need to be told twice.
They practically broke into Matt’s apartment, Frank almost breaking the door in before Matt managed to get out his key. Thankfully, Matt unlocked the door before Frank knocked the door off its hinges.
They wasted no time in making their way to Matt’s bedroom leaving a trail of clothes behind them as they went. Finally, they laid in Matt’s bed, Frank pulling the sheets over them. Frank pulled away from Matt for a second.
“You still good, Red?” He asked.
Matt nodded, “Yeah. I’m good. You?“
“Yes.” Frank said, leaning down into another needy kiss. He held onto Matt’s wrist, pinning them next to his head. He kissed down the side of Matt’s jaw and down his neck.
He took time teasing Matt and sucking a few marks onto Matt’s lower neck. Matt moaned as Frank moved down and sucked on his nipple. Quickly moved from one nipple to the next before moving down to Matt’s boxers. He let Matt’s hands go so he could remove both their underwear before letting them gently caress up Matt’s side and chest.
Matt was already on the edge. His senses drinking in all the attention that Frank was showering him with. Matt did his best to distract himself for a moment, trying to focus on the sounds outside.
“God, you’re beautiful,” Frank said. Matt groaned at the compliment and reached up to touch Frank with his now free hands. Frank leaned in to kiss Matt again before once again moving lower. Matt knew what Frank was going to do and knew he wouldn’t be able to handle it. He took a deep breath as a last attempt to try and calm himself but that didn’t help. He breathed in the scent of Frank’s arousal and the smell of Frank.
“Wait-“ Matt started but he could barely get the word out before Frank licked his dick and it sent him over the edge.
“Fuck.” Matt gasped, as he came quickly, his senses frizzing out for a moment. He sat himself up on his forearms and tried to focus on Frank’s reaction as he collected himself.
“I didn’t mean to do that,” he said, breathing heavily. Frank was quiet. He was staring, Matt knew, but at what exactly he wasn’t sure. Matt remembered the other times when he’d slept with people and he’d come sooner than expected. Usually, the other was disappointed or even upset that he had finished so soon.
“Jesus, Matt-“
“Here, I can do you,” Matt interrupted whatever Frank was about to say by pushing Frank upwards and reaching for his boxers.
“Whoa, whoa, Red. Hold on,” Frank said, gently grabbing Matt’s hands. Matt froze and Frank reached and cupped his face. “You good? You look upset.”
Something about the gentleness of Frank’s tone made Matt want to cry but he shook the feeling off. It took Matt a second but he realized that Frank wasn’t upset, he was concerned.
“I’m fine,” Matt breathed. “People sometimes get upset with how quickly I…” he trailed off.
Frank understood. “Is it your senses?”
Matt nodded, “Yeah. Since I’m already so sensitive, it’s really easy for me to orgasm. I have to get into the right head space to last longer. Focus on other things if it gets too overwhelming too quickly.”
“Huh.” Frank grunted. Matt knew this would be it. The end of whatever they had been doing. This is where people usually left. When Matt had to explain how to have sex with him. It bored people or people didn’t care enough to stick around. Casual sex was supposed to be easy. And Matt was never easy.
Frank stayed, hovering over Matt, listening intently.
Matt continued, slowly, still half waiting for Frank to roll off him and get dressed, “It’s better if you don’t touch everywhere and just focus on one or two things. It’s not as overwhelming.”
Frank seemed to think about this for a moment and then nodded.
“Ok. Sorry if I was too much,” Frank said.
Matt was surprised at his apology. Frank seemed to notice. He leaned back down and pressed a kiss against Matt’s lips.
“I was going to say that you look pretty when you come,” Frank whispered, into Matt’s ear. Matt shuddered at the feeling of his breath and felt his body heat up.
“Tell me what you want,” Frank said, reconnecting their lips. They kissed, sloppy but good. Matt pulled away just long enough to say, “I need you inside me.”
Frank groaned at that. He reached down and began slowly stroking Matt, slowly, until he was hard again as they kissed. Finally he broke away.
“Lube?” He asked.
“In the drawer,” Matt said, reaching out and tapping the side table. Frank moved quickly to find the bottle.
Matt wasn’t sure what he expected after having to stop and explain things to Frank. That Frank would leave. That Frank wouldn’t care. That he would focus all his attention on pounding into Matt, getting himself off and then heading out and never doing this with Matt again.
Matt didn’t expect Frank to be gentle. To take his time slowly touching different places on Matt’s body as he stretched him, seeing which parts got the best reaction out of Matt. Matt didn’t expect him to check in every once in a while and make sure Matt was okay. Matt didn’t think that by the time Frank was pressed inside of him, it felt like they were making love.
Matt had already come a second time when Frank’s fingers had brushed against his prostate and Frank had whispered sweet nothings into Matt’s ear as he rode through the orgasm. His senses had blocked out everything except Frank and he let himself melt into it. Now Matt was close to a third as Frank continued his slow thrust inside of him.
He thought that Frank was being gentle with him because he thought he was delicate. But Frank’s heartbeat betrayed no evidence for that thought. He took his time exploring Matt’s body because he enjoyed it. It made Matt feel special. As Frank ran his hand through Matt’s hair, tugging it and sliding his fingers through it, repeatedly. Matt fucking loved the feeling of Frank’s hands in his hair.
It made him feel high. Matt wasn’t sure exactly the cause but he was starting to feel lighter somehow. Every time he drank in Frank’s scent it was more intoxicating. He wanted to be completely enveloped in the way Frank felt inside of him, his scent, and the sound of his voice as he whispered little praises.
“You feel so fucking good, Red,” Frank groaned out. He wrapped one hand around Matt’s neck before running it down his chest and to his side down to his hip. He slid his hand under Matt’s thigh and lifted his leg over his shoulder. He pulled Matt closer with the next thrust and Matt gasped as Frank leaned over him. Matt gripped his shoulders lifting his other leg around Frank’s shoulder as Frank continued to thrust quicker and quicker, until they both came.
As Matt came, his senses frizzed out again, he grabbed onto Frank, breathing in his scent and listening to his breathing as he came down from his own high.
He listened as Frank murmured, “You’re so gorgeous.”
Matt lay there, holding onto Frank, slowly letting his senses come back to him. Frank shifted so he could lay down next to Matt and not on top of him. At first Matt thought he was going to get up and he groaned in protest, tightening his grip.
Frank just chuckled before flopping down, “My arms hurt, Red.”
Matt didn’t say anything, just turned towards Frank, still wanting to be surrounded by him. He felt calm and a little cold. He scooted towards Frank and curled up.
“Red, you doing good?” Frank asked.
“Mmhmm,” Matt hummed, “Good.”
Something in Frank’s heart rate spiked. Matt narrowed his eyes and lifted his head. Was he doing something wrong? Shit, this was definitely not what Frank wanted. For Matt to get all… weird after sex.
“‘M sorry,” Matt managed. His mouth felt thick. His whole body felt heavy as he tried to sit up. Frank sat up and put a hand on Matt’s chest. “Lay back down. It’s okay. How do you feel?”
Matt did as he was told, dropping back onto the bed.
“Heavy,” he told Frank.
“Okay,” Frank said. “Give me a second. I’ll be right back. I’m just gonna grab a towel to clean up with.”
Matt tilted his head, confused at the slight edge to Frank’s tone. He stayed where he was and listened as Frank retrieved a towel from the bathroom. The bed was cold without Frank.
Within moments, Frank returned with a slightly damp towel and crawled back into bed next to Matt. Matt sat up a little as Frank began to wipe down his body. He felt silly letting Frank wipe him down but it also felt nice.
He reached for the towel at one point but Frank simply huffed and so Matt let his hand fall to his side and huffed in return. He laid still as Frank moved the towel over his body, occasionally leaning in and kissing where he had just cleaned. When he was done, he tossed the towel to the side and leaned over Matt only for Matt to wrap a leg around him and flip the both of them.
“What’re you’-” He started before Matt cut him off with a kiss.
“Let me clean you,” Matt whispered against his lips. He kissed his lips and then his jaw, then down his neck to his chest. As he moved lower he began to lick up the cum that was splattered on Frank’s stomach.
“Matt, you don’t need to-” Frank started again but Matt just pressed his face into his hip and breathed in deeply.
“I want to,” Matt said, continuing to trail lower.
“Okay,” Frank receded, leaning back against the bed. Matt took Frank’s half hard dick into his mouth, tentatively sucking on the tip, testing Frank’s reaction. Frank let out a grunted sigh and Matt smiled before taking more of him into his mouth.
This was the first time Matt had sucked someone off but he was determined to disguise that fact to Frank as he continued, licking alongside Frank’s shaft, hollowing out his cheeks, and practically deepthroating the other before Frank gripped his hair and pulled it, tugging Matt away the slightest bit.
“Jesus, Red,” he choked out. Matt pulled off for a moment and looked up at Frank, smug and messy, letting saliva fall from his mouth as he panted. Frank clenched his jaw and Matt heard his heart rate start sky rocket. He waited until Frank loosened his grip on his hair before lowering back down and continuing. Frank was fully hard again and by the taste and sound of it, close to another climax. Matt gripped Frank’s thighs as he diligently worked his length with his mouth. Frank shivered as Matt ran his tongue over his slit and then down the rest of his length, and Matt didn’t miss it. He found a rhythm in bobbing his head and moving his tongue that chased every reaction out of Frank that he could get.
“I’m gonna-” Frank started, shakily, unable to finish. Matt understood and sunk down on Frank’s dick as the other man came. Matt swallowed quickly and easily, leaving almost no mess behind before finally releasing Frank from his mouth and pushing himself up to lay next to the other man. He licked his lips subconsciously and Frank let out a disbelieving sigh as he panted.
“You’re a whore,” Frank said, staring at Matt almost in shock. Matt just shrugged, “You didn’t seem to mind.”
He propped himself up on his elbow, smirking as he listened to Frank’s breathing slow. He dared to move a little closer before settling against Frank.
Frank didn’t say anything, just moved his arm to casually drape around Matt, or as casually as he could make the movement seem. They lay together for a while, both quiet but strangely not an uncomfortable silence. After a while, Matt finally spoke, “I need to shower.”
“Now?” Frank asked and Matt had to fight back a smile at the slight disappointment in the other man’s voice.
“Yes. I have court in the morning, remember?” Matt said, rolling onto his back.
“Shower in the morning,” Frank said.
“I don’t want to wake up that early.”
Frank huffed and Matt sat up. A beat passed before Matt tilted his head a little and said, “Wanna join?”
Frank didn’t even waste time answering, just got up and followed Matt into the bathroom.
—-----
Frank woke up to Matt’s alarm blaring in his ears. He shifted in bed but made no move to get up. He just squeezed his eyes tighter knowing that Matt would turn it off in a second. Except, he didn’t.
Matt stayed where he was in bed. Frank knew he was awake because Matt could never sleep through his alarm clock and his body was tense. The alarm paused for a minute. It shut off just long enough for Frank to start to drift back to sleep before it started again.
“Get up, Red,” Frank said, the words a half-hearted grumble.
Matt groaned in response and pulled the blankets tighter around him.
“You got work,” Frank said. Matt just groaned again. Frank grunted back and turned his back towards Matt. Matt turned to face him and wrapped his arms around Frank and sighed, happily. The alarm stopped. Once again, Frank closed his eyes and was almost asleep before the beeping continued.
He groaned. Matt hummed, innocently from behind him. He tried to shove Matt off of him but Matt had him in a death grip. Frank had to fight off amusement and remember that he was annoyed.
He grabbed into Matt’s arm, an innocent enough act, before quickly rolling himself over his stomach and taking Matt with him, and successfully dumping Matt off the side of the bed. Except Matt, didn’t let go and took Frank down with him. They hit the floor with a loud thud, Matt quickly throwing Frank off of him before he was crushed. Matt let out a long, dramatic sigh. Frank just huffed.
They both lay on the floor for a moment before the alarm went off for the millionth time and Matt let out a defeated sigh and stood up to turn it off.
Frank practically crawled back into the bed and made himself comfortable as Matt began to get ready for work. Frank had woken up a little at their antics and listened to Matt moving around the apartment to help lull himself back to sleep.
Before Matt left, he came back over to the bed. He leaned next to Frank, breath brushing Frank’s cheek, almost a kiss. But then, he yanked Frank’s pillow away and threw it across the room. Frank reached for the other one but that one was gone, too.
Matt had a satisfied smirk on his face as he pressed a quick kiss on Frank's cheek and grunted a goodbye before heading out.
—-----
Frank moved in with Matt. They never really discussed it, but it just happened. Frank began to stay overnight more and more so he brought over clothes to have for the next day. He needed weapons to go out on patrol and since usually they went out together now, it was only natural to move his weapons to Matt’s place despite the dirty looks Matt gave him when he brought in his arsenal of guns. And that was basically everything Frank owned.
Matt never said anything to dissuade Frank. In fact, he did the opposite. One day as they were laying down to fuck, as was their routine, Frank noticed more pillows on the bed for him to use when they eventually went to sleep. And after complaining about how Matt only had one blanket and usually hogged it all night, two more appeared. One on the bed and a throw blanket on the couch where Frank sometimes slept when Matt had early mornings.
Matt never said anything so neither did Frank. Although, Frank was starting to wonder what they were to one another. Were they dating? Going out and beating up drug dealers didn’t seem like a date. Fuck buddies? They don’t typically live together. Friends with benefits? That just didn’t seem right. They were too intimate, too close, too attached to each other at this point to be considered friends. But Frank couldn’t fathom the idea that Matt would actually be in a relationship with him. Despite everything they’d done, that still seemed too far of a reach.
Once again, the two had come home from patrolling and ended up in bed together. The night had been slow and they both needed a way to spend that extra energy they usually saved for fighting. When they finished, Matt laid back on the bed and Frank sat up on the edge of the bed. He sat for a moment before going to get a towel to clean them off.
“Wait,” Matt said, as he stood up. He turned as Matt rolled out of bed and headed towards the bathroom. “Let’s take a bath.”
Frank paused for a second as Matt strayed from their usual routine but he didn’t protest. He grunted and followed Matt into the bathroom as he turned on the water and then got towels out of the cabinet.
“It’s going to take a second to fill up,” Matt said, reaching under the faucet to feel the water temperature.
As he stood up, Frank came behind him and hugged him around his waist.
“I know. Just wanted to be near you,” He said.
Matt smiled and turned to face Frank and kissed him. They stood there, pressed against each other, lazily making out as the water slowly filled the tub.
When they were both out of breath, they pulled away from each other. There was a conversation in there somewhere. Between the touching and the kissing. The undressing and the flush of their bodies together. Between the fucking and the grabbing and the tender touches after it all. Somewhere in there were words to explain why this felt comfortable, why it felt so peaceful and easy. Why it felt so right.
Frank imagined that’s what he was searching for as he kissed Matt again. Delving his tongue into the other’s mouth, wanting to taste the words that would explain what this all meant because actually speaking them seemed impossible. He wondered if Matt could hear them, hiding in Frank's own chest resonating with his heartbeat. Silent to all others, only for Matt to hear. He wasn’t even sure what they would say.
When they broke apart again, the tub was halfway filled. Matt checked the water temperature again and then climbed in. Frank followed.
The tub was small. Frank tried to sit opposite Matt but there wasn’t enough room so instead he turned and settled between Matt’s legs, his back to Matt’s chest and Matt wrapped his arm around his torso. They sat like that for a second before Matt grabbed one of his heavenly soft wash clothes that Frank had planned on stealing before he moved in and lathered it in soap and began to wash Frank’s body. Frank stayed still as he was cleaned, letting Matt’s hands roam his body and then massage his scalp as Matt washed his hair. Matt ran his fingers through it, feeling out the length which Frank had been growing for incognito purposes. It was annoying him, though, and he had planned on cutting it. But now, with Matt’s fingers delicately tracing through it, he decided it was okay.
When Matt was done bathing him, they awkwardly shifted to change positions and Frank washed Matt’s body and hair with the same diligence Matt had done for him. Neither of them spoke. They didn’t need to. Not when this all felt so normal.
When Frank was done, he pulled Matt against him and they sat until the water began to grow cold and then they got out of the tub. They wrapped themselves in towels and then shuffled into the bedroom. Matt threw on sweats and Frank threw on boxers before they climbed into bed together. Matt leaned over Frank and kissed him, soft and easy and yet Frank couldn’t help but want more.
He opened his mouth and Matt sighed into it as Frank tried one last time to find the words that could explain any of this. When he didn’t, he pulled away and settled down into the blankets and Matt did the same. He curled against Matt and relaxed in a way he hadn’t been able to in a long time.
Maybe there were no words to explain why he trusted Matt so deeply, Frank decided. He wrapped his arms around Matt’s waist and nuzzled his face into the other’s neck and closed his eyes. Maybe this was just how they were always supposed to be.