Chapter 9: Lonesome Day
Story: It’s Not My Fault
Title - Lonesome Day by Bruce Springteen
Also on Archive of Our Own
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Eddie was sitting at his desk trying to finish his homework. It was the first day of winter break and he desperately wanted to get everything done, so he would not have to worry about it later. He was taking almost all AP courses and his teachers were merciless with their assignments. His friends tried to get him to hang out that night, but he turned them down. A couple hours into studying, he heard the phone distantly downstairs and wondered who might be calling.
Probably one of my aunts. Eddie thought vaguely. He stared at the Calculus problem in front of him and cursed because he could not find his notes on how to solve it. He would have to call Richie or Stanley later for help.
“Eddie bear!” His mother called.
“Yeah, Ma?!” Eddie yelled back still looking at his notes.
“Tozier is on the phone!” She shouted back.
“Ok! I will be there in a minute.” He put his pencil down and got up stretching.
“You shouldn’t keep people waiting, even if they are a Tozier.” He could hear her say. Eddie smiled to himself. As much as his mother hated to admit it, she was a little entertained by Richie. He probably chatted her up in that charismatic way he does before she finally called Eddie down. She did not like Richie per se but thought he was goofy.
Eddie grabbed a sweater from his closet because he knew the kitchen would be freezing. He put on socks and took a blanket to sling around his shoulders. He bounded down the stairs and sat at the kitchen table picking up the phone.
“Hey Richie,” He said trying to keep his excitement down. Richie’s loud voice came through the receiver, “Hey Candy Cane! Keeping me wanting and waiting as usual. You are the biggest tease.” Eddie rolled his eyes but his stomach did backflips at hearing Richie’s voice.
“It is cold in my kitchen, so I had to put on some fucking layers, you idiot.” He could not keep the smile out of his voice even if he tried.
Eddie knew Richie had a smirk plastered on his face as he said, “Is that so. What are you wearing, Eds? Something sexy I hope.”
“Don’t call me, Eds.” He grumbled lamely. “I bet you are wearing a sweater that drowns you and fuzzy socks. My favorite look for you. It is so cute.”
Richie started making kissy noises that Eddie could only imagine made him look like a doofus.
“You don’t know my life and I am not cu - ” Eddie stopped himself from saying ‘cute’ in case his mother could hear him.
“You are a terrible liar.” Richie sing-songed.
“Alright, I have math to get back too. Did you call for a reason?” Eddie asked impatiently. He started playing with the cord of the phone. He wished his mother would get a wireless phone that he could take upstairs. It would allow him to speak with Richie properly.
“Are you serious?! You are doing homework.” Richie whined. “You are such a loser!”
“So are you.” Eddie accused.
“Touché baby,” Richie rhythmed laughing. Eddie listened to his laugh with a warmth that spread all over. Richie always spent so much time trying to make everyone else laugh, but Eddie loved when he let go. It was the most beautiful sound in the world.
“How’s your day been so far?” Eddie asked not really wanting to get back to work when he could talk to Richie.
“Eh, fine. Lame without you around.” Richie responded. Eddie could tell he was a little distracted, which was never unusual with him.
“Are you hanging out with everyone tonight? I am going to pass until I finish my work.”
“No, I’m not,” Richie said with a weird seriousness.
Eddie frowned, “Why not?”
“I don’t feel like it and you won’t be there so what’s the point?”
Eddie could immediately sense something was off. Richie never ditched their friends unless he was dealing with a family issue.
“Rich...what’s up?” Eddie asked patiently.
Richie paused then let out a sigh, “Mom got a fucking DUI.”
Eddie’s hand went to his mouth in surprise, “Are you shitting me?”
“Unfortunately, I’m not. Her license has been suspended and guess who is stuck parent-sitting her?”
Eddie’s rage began to bubble to the surface, “I’m so sorry, Richie. That’s a horrible start to the Winter Break. Where the fuck is your dad?”
“Wentworthless and I got into a huge fucking argument about giving up my winter break for this bullshit. Mostly me shouting and him ignoring. Mom joined in to scream that he is the reason I am gay, although she didn’t use such a kind word as gay and it really had nothing to do with the fight.” Richie’s voice sounded so defeated. If Eddie had to guess, he had probably stayed up all night thinking about his family problems.
Eddie’s heart hurt, “I wish I could help, you deserve so much better.”
“It’s ok. I’ve accepted that the best I’m going to get is being with you.” Richie said with utter sincerity. “Which is so great that it outweighs my family crap. Actually, I probably have it so good with you that God decided I can’t have it too amazing, so she gave me a perfect best friend/boyfriend but shitty family issues.”
“Did you just call God a she?” Eddie heard the breathiness in his voice. It felt so bizarre that Richie’s complete lack of a filter could take his breath away.
“God is obviously a woman. Only a woman could make someone as drop dead gorgeous as you.”
Eddie put the back of his hand against his face which was on fire. He was starting to feel desperate to be near Richie at that moment. To kiss him and tell him that he was the gorgeous one, who deserved the world. Eddie was nothing compared to Richie. Eddie had nothing without Richie. These emotions were becoming overwhelming.
“No more compliments, they are making me lightheaded.” Eddie blurted out.
“Wait! One more, one more.” Richie demanded. “God has to be a woman because only a woman has the delicate hands to sculpt an ass as good as yours.”
“And with that, the moment is gone and I’m hanging up.” Eddie groaned in annoyance.
“There is one bit of good news...I guess,” Richie said stopping Eddie from ending the call. “Wentworthless is giving me mom’s car.”
“Are you serious?!” Eddie questioned trying to stay respectful but could not help his thrill. Now that Richie had a car, they could hang out more easily and have adventures outside of town. This was incredible news.
“Yeah! He says it is all mine. I have to run all our errands but I can drive us to school!”
“And we can go on actual dates!” Eddie chimed in then looked at the door, nervous that his mother may have heard.
“Wow! So much better than school. What was I thinking?! This is going to be fucking amazing.” Richie’s voice brightened significantly. “I can totally teach you to drive too!”
“I can drive!” Eddie countered.
“You drove one time which made you and your mom get into such a big fight that you barely went home for a week. That does not count.” Richie reasoned.
“True...I hate that all of you have your licenses and I only have a permit.” “Well, you just turned 16 last month and the rest of us have been 16 all year. Except for Stan who is a year older. Maybe that’s why he is such a grump all the time. Grumpy old man.”
Eddie clicked his tongue disapprovingly, “Don’t say that to him. Being a year older and in our grade is a sore spot for him.”
“I’ll give him a call after this and tell him then.”
“Oh my god, you are so immature...” Eddie complained.
“And you are the baby of the group.”
“I’m not a baby!”
“Just my baby.”
“Gross. Goodbye.”
“Thanks for listening, Eddie. I love you.” Richie said with all the causality in the world. It made Eddie’s heart beat faster.
“That’s what I’m here for.” Eddie lowered his voice to barely a whisper. “I love you too. Bye.” They hung up and he stared at the phone. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly then picked up the receiver again.
He dialed a number and listened to the ring. A familiar perpetually sad voice answered. “Hello, you’ve reached the Denbroughs.”
“Hello Mr. Denbrough, this is Eddie Kaspbrak. May I speak to Bill?” Eddie heard a distant ‘Bill!’ and after a couple minutes, his friend answered.
“Hello?”
“Hi Big Bill, I have a huge favor to ask.” Eddie decided to get right to the point.
“Sure Eddie, what do you n-need?”
“Um...it’s kind of embarrassing.”
“Alright…”
“And I don’t want the other losers to know. Especially Richie.”
Bill sounded immediately anxious. “Eddie...you aren’t going to ask me ab-b-bout the gay b-birds and bees are you?”
“WHAT! NO NO OF COURSE NOT.” Eddie felt himself blushing horribly. “Oh my god, I would never.”
“Thank god.” He said with relief.
“I want to learn to drive.” Eddie stated firmly.
“Oh!”
“I am finally 16, all of you have your fucking licenses but I don’t and it’s really frustrating.”
“Your mom doesn’t have time to teach you?” Bill questioned cautiously.
“My mom doesn’t want me to get a driver’s license.” Eddie made his voice higher and more nasally to mimic his mother, “Eddie bear, 40,000 people die by automobile accidents each year. I can drive you anywhere you need to go.”
Bill laughed in that light way he does, “That’s rough. I will, of course, teach you!”
Bill came to regret teaching Eddie almost immediately. He could keep his stutter under control most of the time, perhaps a word or two that did not come out right. However, when he got stressed out, words were almost impossible to get out.
“Eddie, turn left here.” Bill said as calmly as he could. Eddie was gripping the steering wheel for dear life, eyes scanning the road crazy.
“But there are cars coming! I can’t turn left while they are coming!” Eddie said fearfully.
“Eddie! Be calm! It will be fine just -”
“Bill! I can’t! I’m going to hit someone.”
“No you’re n-n-not just wait until they –”
Eddie slammed on the accelerator and flew through the intersection turning the wheel harshly. Every car braked and honked at him. Bill and Eddie barely noticed because they were screaming. Bill gripped the dashboard desperately and Eddie closed his eyes as the van made a hard left.
“EYES OP-OP-OP EYES EYES!” Bill managed to barely get out. After making the dramatic turn, Eddie pulled over.
“M-maybe I shouldn’t be t-t-teaching you.” Bill said clutching his chest.
The next day, Ben tried his luck. Ben was the nicest one in the friend group and people never yelled at him. So when he asked Eddie to try parallel parking he did not expect to be exploded at.
“You have to tell me how!” Eddie shouted.
Ben winced but explained easily, “Eddie I did. Pull up next to the car in front of us, then a sharp turn into the spot behind then wait until you see the far side of the other car and - ”
“None of that makes any sense! Why can’t you explain it better?!” Eddie was hyperventilating as he tried to go forward and back up into the spot.
His face was pale and he could not stop shaking. Ben went to touch his shoulder and Eddie hissed at him, “Do not fucking touch me. JUST TELL ME WHAT TO DO.”
Ben sank into the passenger seat and when he spoke it was barely a whisper, “You have to pull forward and…”
“WHAT? Speak up, Ben. I can’t fucking hear you.”
Ben ended up curling in on himself and Eddie had to take them back to Bill’s apologizing profusely the whole time. * Mike and Eddie almost had an easy time.
Mike had a calming presence and explained everything clearly to Eddie. They were approaching a busier part of town and Eddie was driving at a glacial pace.
“You can speed up a little Eddie.” Mike instructed.
“No, I’m too nervous to go any faster.” Eddie whined. He kept his eyes glued to the road trying to stay in his lane.
Mike chuckled lightly, “You are going a little too slow and can actually get a ticket for going below the speed limit.”
Eddie looked at him in fear, “I CAN GET A TICKET FOR GOING TOO SLOW?!”
Eddie pressed on the accelerator and started zooming down the street. Their backs hit the seats at the force of how fast they were going.
“No wait! Slow down! Eddie!” Mike was quickly losing his composure.
They were approaching a four-way intersection. The light turned yellow and there was no way they were going to make it.
“BRAKE! BRAKE!”
Instead of breaking, Eddie floored it and he blew through a red light. All the cars were honking and one almost hit them but swerved just in time.
“Pull over! You are done!” Mike shouted. “I did not plan to die today, Edward!”
“Fucking hell,” Eddie cursed in rage.
Stanley outright refused to help.
"But Stanley, please?!" Eddie asked desperately. "You probably know how to teach the best!"
"No Eddie, I know you. If I try to teach you, you are going throw something at me." Stanley said seriously.
"When have I ever..."
Stanley interrupted him, "Two days ago when I tried to explain that math problem to you. You got mad and threw a pencil at me. Who knows what would get thrown at me if we were in a car."
Eddie looked at him with a miserable expression. Stanley sighed deeply, "What about Richie? He's usually the only person that can teach you anything."
"Trapped at his house and I don't want him to know!"
"Try Bev."
Beverly attempted a harsher tactic of yelling back at Eddie whenever he raised his voice. She would cut him off every time he sassed her until they eventually started full on shouting over each other.
“You are all HORRIBLE teachers,” Eddie screamed. “None of you know how to properly instruct me!”
“NO!” Beverly responded screeching so loud it hurt both their ears, “You are a HORRIBLE FUCKING STUDENT!”
“NO I'M NOT!”
“YES YOU ARE!”
“NO I'M NOT!”
“YES YOU ARE!”
“NO I'M…”
“WATCH OUT FOR THAT KID!”
Eddie braked and the seat belts dug into their chests painfully. Beverly did not even bother taking over the car after that. She opened her door and stormed away. Eddie pulled over to the side thinking about how much he hated himself at that moment.
Bill later came and picked up his car. Eddie sat in the passenger seat seething. He did not speak, just stayed still trying to keep angry tears from falling. He was being a nightmare, he knew that. He really did want to learn to drive, it was just hard when he kept panicking or getting mad.
When Bill dropped him off at home he finally broke the silence. “So Eds...is everything ok with you and Richie?”
“Yes, of course.” Eddie looked over confused.
“I am j-just wondering if you had a fight and that’s why y-y-you are so on edge.” Bill raised his hands up to ward off possible punches.
“Put your hands down Bill, I am not going to hit you.” Eddie rolled his eyes. “I guess it is a little because I may not see Richie until we are back at school. It is stupid, but I miss him.”
“You talk on the phone every day.” Bill laughed.
“Sure! But it isn’t the same as seeing his stupid face.” Eddie mumbled.
Bill shoved Eddie lightly, “I miss you yelling at him instead of us.”
“Yeah, my panicking is preventing me from learning to drive.” Eddie opened the door to get out.
Bill stopped him to say, “We’ll figure it out. Tomorrow’s another day.”
“Ok.” Eddie closed the door and went into his house.
His mother was not home, so he went into the kitchen and dialed Richie’s number.
As soon as he heard Richie’s voice, Eddie said, “I miss you.”
“Who are you and what have you done with my Eds?” Richie said fake seriously. “He would never purposefully be nice to me or are the candy nicknames finally making you sweeter?”
“See that’s what I miss. The way you make me angry but flattered at the same time. How the fuck do you do that?” Eddie said with malice.
Richie hesitated before responding, “What happened today?”
“It’s just been this whole week really. Just shitty and frustrating.”
“You know what I do when I am frustrated?”
Eddie frowned, “If you say an inappropriate joke right now, I am not talking to you for the rest of break.”
“I think about how the most important person in my life loves me, inappropriate jokes and all.”
Eddie let out a sigh and could feel his body getting warm, “If you were here, I would totally kiss you right now.”
“Yeah? Well, I would kiss you back and probably grab your ass.” Richie stated matter of factly.
Eddie rolled his eyes, “Oh my god, shut the fuck up.”
“Let’s talk dirty over the phone.” Richie suggested in a husky voice. Eddie opened and closed his mouth several times before being able to form a proper sentence. “Ew, no! Your parents could be listening on the other line or my mom could get back from wherever she is and walk in.”
Richie completely ignored Eddie’s protests, “Alright I’ll start. My hands grip your tiny waist and bring it closer to me as your tongue does naughty things to my…”
“GOODNIGHT RICHIE!” Eddie shouted down the phone.
“Goodnight! Love you!” Richie responded laughing like a lunatic.
Eddie put the receiver down as he laughed to himself. How could he miss someone who drove him so crazy?
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{Special} College!AU Doyoung
major: pre-law / concentration: business law
minor: comparative literature
sports: sometimes he says he’ll join tennis team to be closer to taeyong and taeyong begs him not to do that. anything but that.
clubs: book review club, uni orchestra
everyone knows doyoung as a talker, he talks really well and no matter what he never seems to get nervous when there’s a crowd listening to him
which is why when he says “lawyer” everyone is like,,,,,,,,,,of course
his original plan was to become a professor because he likes books and discussion on literature
like,,,,no joke he’s always staying thirty minutes late debating on theories in books with all his teachers
and some teachers love it while others are like doyoung please i am just a teacher i need to go- and he’s like “have you considered that moby dick is actually trash? here’s 54 reasons why:-”
his older brother is an alumni of the school and everyone is like oh ~ you’re gong myungs brother??? and everyone in the pre-med department always wants to talk to doyoung about gong myung and doyoung is like yes. he went on to be a doctor. no. he isn’t married. no he ISNT LOOKING-
he lovessss to bother taeyong when they all go out to eat and he’s just like “more handsome every day i see?” and taeyong is like someone save me. sicheng. yuta-
but doyoung just throws his arms around taeyong and is like ^^ let’s study together!~~~ and taeyong is dying but everyone else is living because it’s so funny,,,,
dorms with jaehyun and everyone is like wow,,,they’re so mature they’re probably in there studying and being studios students!!!!
while in reality they’re sitting on the floor playing video games and doyoung is betting jaehyun all his lunch credits for the weekend on some wii sports resort golf
but he really does give off the studios vibe,,,because out of everyone on campus he dresses so???? formally like
you’ll never catch him in sweatpants and a big t-shirt (see: taeil) like doyoung wears collar shirts, those dad pants that are jeans but made of corduroy??? maybe a tie if he’s feeling it,,,,,, flip flops on campus? he’d rather DIE he’s wearing those oxfords and u know it!
is lowkey trying to give advice to e v e r y o n e like “mark,,,,,i know ur going to soccer but wear knee pads - i don’t care if you’ve been playing for ten years sweetie” to “johnny. that color of green on you is ugly.”
people find him intimidating because yes,,,,,he can be straightforward and blunt
but,,,,he’s a sweetheart who looks like a curious kid with round eyes and a kind smile
and as much as taeyong might spend running away from doyoungs affection,,,,he loves having him around because doyoung never makes anything awkward
he’s a natural leader tbh and he can make a conversation out of nothing it’s crazy,,,,,,,
and you,,,,,,know who doyoung is because you’re friends with ten who is always telling about how much he LOVES doyoung
how silly he is,,,,,how fun he is,,,,,how he acts like a cute bunny sometimes
and you,,,,,do not get it
because you’ve seen doyoung and the way he looks so sharp and intellectual and how when he talks he sounds like he knows,,,,,,everything
you’re not even sure you’ve seen doyoung laugh
and ten shows you the pics on his instagram of doyoung laughing,,,hand over mouth,,,looking silly with hair a mess and soft skin,,,,
but you’re like,,,,,,,you’re still sorta intimidated by him you just??? don’t get how someone can be so naturally good at being social and confident
and ten waves it off he’s like doyoung has his insecurities too,,,you know he IS human too??
and you’re like nope,,,too handsome- i mean too smart to be human
and ten hears the handsome but pretends not to and you’re like coughing into your palm because leTS not admit that maybe you’re intimidated because you know if you spoke to doyoung you’d become a blubbering mess
because wow he’s ,,,,,,,,,, attractive ,,,,,,,,, and so much more intelligent that anyone you know TT
that is until one day you’re looking down at your homework, stoic expression and ten throws his bag down beside you on the quad and sits down and is like whats up
and ur like,,,,,,,,,i have to give a speech for a class,,,,,,,,ten,,,,,,,i cant
and ten,,,,looks like christmas came early or something because he’s like DOYOUNG
and you’re like ?????? what about hi-
and ten is like DOYOUNG CAN HELP YOU OMG this is great you two can finally meet and fall in lo- i mean help each other ok ill introduce you right now let me text him
you aren’t fast enough to stop ten’s exited hands and before you can grab his phone ten is like sent!!!!!!
and ur like ten,,,i don’t wanna bother him or an-
ten: doyoung says he’d love to help!! he’ll meet you in the library at 7
and u just sit there,,,,looking at ten whose give u the mOST GIDDY expression
and ur like fine ok and u get up and ten is like its gonna be grEAT and ur like,,,,,a little nervous because u,,,,,,have never been around doyoung,,,,,,,,
and ur like ten come with m-
but then u hear the familiar voice of johnny calling ten over and ten is like id love to but i gtg and johnny comes jogging over like whats going on
and ten is like “they’re going on a blind date~ except it’s not blind im hooking them up with doyoung”
and you’re like TEN I SWEAR TO GOD WHAT DID U JUST SAY
and johnny is like HEY cool doyoung and you would look cu-
and ur like so red u can feel it like a damn sunburn on ur face and ur like stomping away before johnny can finish
shaking your head and ten is just like LOVE WILL BLOSSOM
but ur just likea mess in ur head because this dumb speech,,,,dumb ten,,,,dumb e m o t i o n s because once u come to terms with the fact that u have to see doyoung
like up close ,,,, and personal,,,,,,,,,,
ur heart cant stop doing leaps,,,,,,,,,,how c*rny
and 7 comes around much faster than expected and you’re in the library,,,,sure that doyoung wont be there right on time-
but he is,,,,,of course he is
and he’s sitting there,,,,,striped button down,,,,neatly laid out notebook and pen,,,,,,pretty side profile as he looks over something on is phone,,,,and wow his hands,,,fingers so long and pretty
ok snap out of it cmon
and somehow you manage to force yourself to go over there,,,,,doyoung looks up and you feel your legs turn to jello as he smiles and stands up as well putting his hand out to shake yours and introduce himself
LIKE you don’t know who he is but u stummer out ur own response and doyoung sits back down and puts his hands together and is like well! speech writing is tough but ive given a couple of them so i think i can be of use to u!
and ur like,,,,,not even sure what to say because what the HECK he makes u so nervous and its like chill he’s just another person,,,,a goofy person according to ten,,,,,,,,
but doyoung just smiles kindly and goes “is there anything you specifically need help with?”
and before you can even think you just blurt out; “ i can’t,,,,,,,,,talk”
and doyoung blinks but lets out a small laugh,,,,covering his mouth with his hand and he’s like “well yes you can, you just did. also,,,”
he leans over the table a bit and ur heart literally goes ! and he motions to his lips and he’s like “you have a mouth, and you can make noise, so i think you’re good on that. any other problems?”
and you’re like,,,,,dsfklsf,,,,,,,,, “i,,,,i just cant do it in front of people,,,,,lots of people.”
doyoung sits back and with a knowing nod says that that is a problem for a lot of people,,,,,but that instead of worrying about that you should first work on writing the speech
embarrassingly you admit that you havent and doyoung just grins and is like that’s why im here to help, so tell me about your class
and yes,,,,you’re nervous,,,,,but doyoung somehow makes it really easy for you to explain what you want to do because he’s ,,,,, just so good at making things understandable
and he’s ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, sweet
a part of you had always just assumed he’d be the kind of straightforward, blunt, cold kind of personality
but even with his slight jokes and his corrections and critique like,,,,doyoung isn’t mean or even off-putting
and your nervousness isn’t about asking him for help or even the speech anymore,,,,,it’s more of just,,,,,,,,,,,that feeling of a crush,,,,
when it hits ten though doyoung apologizes and says he has to go because of another late study group he has and you shake your head telling him he’s helped you aLOT
but before he leaves he pulls out a page from his book and hands it to you,,,,on it is his email and cell and he’s like send me your speech and ill look it over and we can decide another time to meet to talk about it
and ur so,,,,shocked you go “you- this isn’t a one time thing?” and doyoung grins again,,,,,,,,,that smile of his,,,,,,,,,,,and he’s like “did ten tell you im some kind of flake? really,,,,that guy,,,,,of course it isn’t a one time thing i said im going to help, right?”
and you want to tell him that no no ten has only said that he’s great,,,but you’re still shy and doyoungs smile and kindness is making it even harder to respond
before you know it doyoung is halfway out of the library, turning to wave and you’re so caught up that when you lift your hand to wave back he’s gone
and you mumble to yourself that you forgot to thank him,,,,,,you really should
ofc the next day ten practically forces you to sit down and tell him e v e r y last detail and you’re like he,,,,,,,,,,,,,,doyoung is nice
and ten is like I TOLD YOU he can be a pain in the ass with his sarcastic comments but he has a good heart
and ur like,,,,,,,,,,,,ten and ten is like hmm and ur like ten i think ive always had a crush on him like those ‘ill admire u from afar kinda things but ten,,,,oh my god i think i might start liking him seriously if he really is this sweet”
and ten damn near spits out his iced coffee but he just grabs your hands and is like YESSSSS I HAVE AWAITED THIS MOMENT
and you’re like wkfgfjr what and he’s like please ur lil crush was more than obvious but wow,,,,,,,,,,,a love on campus,,,,,a tutor and his student,,,,,,,,just like a drama i love it
and ur like ten please its not like he’ll like me - and ten is just like shh we just need to wait and see
and,,,,doyoung follows up on his promise. even in his tight schedule he finds the time to sit down and read over your speech and send you edits or meet up in person to talk
sure a couple of times you’ve had to meet him in the city at one of his internships,,,,,once you had to come over to the orchestra recital hall to talk to him,,,,,,then there was that time you meet outside a hospital???? that apparently doyoung’s brother was working in
and ,,,,, every time doyoung never failed to show you how much he was putting effort into really helping you
from having you read out loud to him and telling you ways to get over nervousness to fixing small grammar errors and helping with vocabulary
you could really see,,,,,,his intellect and social skills and,,,there probably isn’t anyone better on campus to help you than him
and finally as the date of your speech approaches doyoung suggests reading the speech in front of him and a couple of friends
so you end up all cramped into a small study room,,,,doyoung, ten, johnny, taeyong, yuta, winwin, taeil, mark, haechan, and jaehyun,,,,,and ur hands are shaking a bit
but doyoung reaches out,,,smiling and somehow your body calms down and you go through your whole speech without a single mistake and doyoung is just like wah,,,,do you all see this??? my work has paid off,,,,,,they’re perfect!
and he gets up throwing an arm around you and pulling you into his side
and ten winks and ur like GFgFDSS
but,,,,,,,when you look up to see doyoung looking so happy you can’t help but feel that being right there beside him,,,,,,is a spot you want to keep
the day of your speech doyoung sends you a text of encouragement,,,,,a picture of him giving you the thumbs up too and you smile and go into class much more confident than you ever thought you’d be
,,,,,,the speech,,,,,,it’s great
you do so well you even manage to surprise your teacher and when you’re out you practically skip out of class,,,,taking your phone out to text doyoung that you did it!!! you got the A!!!!!
but,,,,,when you meet up with ten later he kind of bites back his lip when you bring up doyoung because apparently,,,,,,,he’s not feeling to good
and you’re like he’s sick??? and ten sighs and is like,,,no it’s just he has this really big speech of his own coming up,,,,it’s for his brothers alumni party,,,,,,,,,he said it wasn’t going to stress him but it turns out a couple of law school recruiters are going to be there so it’s messing a bit with his confidence
and you frown,,,,knowing doyoung,,,,,you’ve never seen him falter in his self worth and you decide that he helped you so you’re going to go help him
so with ten’s instructions you find yourself in front of doyoungs dorm,,,,a box of white chocolate cake,,,,,,and your heart going a thousand miles an hour
and you knock only to hear some kind of noise from the inside and the door opening by itself
and you can see doyoung’s shoulders hunched over at his desk and quietly you let yourself be known,,,,doyoung turning around in his chair,,,,bags under his eyes and you’re like “ten,,,,,told me about your speech” and he just waves his hand as if to brush it off
and is like “what about you - did it go well?” and you wonder ,,, maybe he didn’t look at his phone,,,,,,didn’t see your text so you nod and you’re like i couldn’t have done it without you
and doyoung smiles but its small and wavering and you’re like “doyoung,,,,,i ,,,,,i want to thank you for being there for me and helping me,,,,,,, i,,,,,,”
a sudden surge of adrenaline makes you stand a little straighter and you can’t believe you’re going to say this but you do
“and i was wondering if we could go ,,,,out ,,,,,on a date,,,,,sometime,,,”
you open your mouth to say that you’ll even treat since he’s given you so much of his time but doyoung’s eyes darken
and before you can he goes “im sorry. school will always come first for me.”
it’s not,,,,,a harsh rejection or anything,,,,,,,,,it isn’t even unexpected
but doyoung’s voice sounds so cold and heavy that you cant help but feel choked up,,,,,rather than that embarrassed too,,,,,and you look at him
doyoungs eyes shifting to the cake in your hands and then back to your face,,,but for the first time he doesn’t look you in the eyes
instead he turns back in his chair, tells you he needs to go back to preparing and that if you could close the door tightly on your way out that’d be good
you,,,,,don’t budge for a moment but when you come to you drop the cake on his bed and mumble out “it’s for you.” and do as you’re told, leaving the dorm eyes wet with tears
and ten doesn’t believe you when you tell him it,,,,,,,, he says that doesnt sound like doyoung,,,,,like yes he’s always putting school first and whatnot but doyoung would never,,,,,,,,,he’d never be so curt
but you just tell ten that there isn’t any use in lying,,,,,,,what would doyoung find in you anyway and ten seems ready to lecture you again but the look on your face makes him stop
and you tell ten that it doesn’t matter,,,,,,, a crush isn’t anything anyway
the rest of the month goes by slowly,,, you still have lots of your own work to concentrate on and you don’t think about the unanswered text from doyoung
you try not to at least,,, ,and your other friends distract you,,,, ten does his best too and you’re happy even though seeing doyoung on campus still makes your heart sink
but you don’t expect that you’d be sitting in study hall one interview and you’d get a call from ten
“can you come down to outside the main faculty building? doyoung - just come ok?”
confused you pack your things and make way to the big building at the end of the campus ,,,,, when you call ten and text him where he is there isn’t any response and you furrow your eyebrows wondering what the hell this is about
until the door opens and you turn “ten what the he-”
doyoung’s tall, lean frame comes stumbling toward you,,,,exhaustion and sadness apparent in his face
and you barely get your arms out in time to catch him
the warmth of his face against your neck makes your body react and quietly as he stands there in your arms you ask whats going on
and doyoung doesn’t say much,,,face rubbing slightly against your neck and you don’t know what you should do
finally he pulls back and you reach up to fix the hair thats gotten into his eyes
doyoung takes your hand though and while looking at you goes; “i was wrong.”
and you’re like ???? about what
doyoung doesn’t look like he has the words yet and he can’t say anything because the door opens and for the first time before you is gong myung
“doyoung, the speech-”
you look at him,,,doyoungs eyes squeezing shut and he’s like “brother i can-”
but you just grab his shoulders and smile at gong myung telling him doyoung will be back in a couple of minutes
slightly confused gong myung disappears back inside and you realize that this is the big alumni speech ten had told you about and you’re like “doyoung,,,,c’mon you’re the one who told me that i can,,,,i can because i can speak and i have a mouth right - so do you doyoung you’re the most eloquent person i have ever met what is going-”
your paused with the feeling of doyoung’s lips on yours,,,unmoving he stays like that for a while and your mind blanks
doyoung pulls back only to tell you that it’s not the speech,,,it’s the thoughts ,,,,, the thoughts about you
about how he blamed school just because he was too scared to just say yes,,,,
and you’re not sure what - but then it hits u and you’re like,,,,,,,,doyoung,,,,,,,,nOW iS NOT tHE T ime TO WORRY ABOUT thAT
and doyoung is like !?@#@?#$? but i was so mean i did want to go on that date wit-
and you’re like OK COOL WE WILL BUT SERIOUSLY ARE YOU BEATING YOURSELF UP OVER THAT
and doyoung is like yES I THOUGHT I HURT YOU
and you’re like PLEASE ITS FINE NOW JUST FORGET IT AND GO UP THERE AND MAKE YOUR BROTHER PROUD
doyoung’s face brightens,,,,,the sparkle in his eyes returns and you shake your head because god ten was right this,,,,this boy really is kind,,,,,,even behind that constant confidence and laugh,,,he really thinks about the people around him
and doyoung is like i can do it. im gonna go in there and kill that speech.
and you’re like YES you will!!!! i believe in you!!!!
giving a little fist pump doyoung grins and turns to the door,,,only to spin on his heel back to you
holding your face with both his hands and kissing you once more before disappearing back inside
you wait a bit and your phone goes off with just a winky emoji from ten and you’re like huh but the doors open again and doyoung comes running out
arms engulfing you in another hug that leaves you blushing when he pulls back and behind him is a smug looking nct ,,,,, esp ten whose face basically screaming: I SAID SOOO
but also gong myung,,,, and you take like three steps away from doyoung because igflkdfsd skinship in front of his brother no no no
and gong myung is like “is this the person who made my brother such a mess?” and you’re like,,,,,,,,oh my god how do i answer that
and doyoung is like “dont make me bring up your significant other from high school brother.” and gong myung is like WELL I HAVE TO GO NOW
and doyoung comes closer and is like “so,,,,about that date? are you free now?”
and you’re like akjsfdf shouldnt you go with your brother and all the important alumn-
and doyoung shrugs and is like “i think my speech blew them away, now i have to mysteriously disappear and keep them guessing - right?”
you almost outright roll your eyes at the thought but also,,,,,you ARE free,,,,,,so,,,,,
taeyong as he watches you and doyoung giggling together: thank god he found someone to distract him
ten: i agree,,,,but also isn’t seeing him happy making you kinda happy ;)
taeyong: suddenly i cant read and i must go bye
anyway doyoung and you go grab some drinks and take a walk at a nearby park,,,,,even though it’s simple it’s kind of the perfect first date
doyoung insists that he’ll take you somewhere better but he needs time to plan and you’re like it’s ok,,,,these kinds of things are my favorite
and he smiles a bit and you’re like,,,,you’re thinking of something arent you?
and reaching out for your hand doyoung whispers “these kinds of things,,,,,,like just being by each others side?”
and you bite back your lip,,, stuttering because,,,,,,,ok,,,,,,,how can he just boldly say that?!?!?!
but doyoung finds it adorable and pulls you closer and is like “i like it too, i like having you here. when you weren’t around anymore,,,,,,it felt,,,,,empty.”
and ok ten is like,,,,,,,,,he is your biggest fan he literally sits you and doyoung down the next day and is like “i bless this marriage” “ten we aren’t-” “i bless this marriage but doyoung oh my god if you do anything to hurt them i will personally shave your head in your sleep and leak every video i have of you singing in the shower do not test me.”
but everyone else is happy too,,,,,yuta is like DAMN i didnt expect this and doyoung is like why not and yuta is like because you’re so uptight about everything. mr school is my life. mr school is my significant other. mr. school and i kissed for the first ti-
doyoung with his hand over yutas mouth: we geT IT narcisist nakamoto
the only normal one about the situation is taeil but he’s also like be careful doyoung is sly~ a real playboy~
and you’re like really?!??!
and winwin is like yEAH all the old ladies from the campus cafeteria say hes the perfect son in law. he has all of them swooned.
you; oh. you meant that kind of playboy LOL
doyoung is,,,,everything you expect him to be as a boyfriend: caring, and helpful
but,,,,also too caring + helpful sometimes with the way he keeps shrugging off his blazer or cardigan to throw around your shoulders because the library is cold or switching out your soda for water because we need to stay healthy
but he’s doing it from a place of love,,,he really is
teaches you note taking tricks and when he takes you supply shopping he’s like “you are super special to me which is why im telling you where to get the best highlighters in seoul and you cannot tell ANYONE. A N Y O N E.”
doyoung’s fashion sense doesn’t change,,,, not even on dates to the movies or amusement parks or the beach
like you and the guys planned to do some night time fireworks and everyone showed up in basically their pajamas but doyoung? nope. the oxfords were still on,,,,,even in the goddamn sand
but doyoung,,,, is the life of the party he really makes everyone laugh and you,,,,,,,,get to have inside jokes with him
that always leave you laughing till your stomach hurts and doyoung has to pull you into his lap and apologize and ur like ,,,babe im not just laughing because it’s FUNNY and he’s like YES but im too funny. im too powerful. you need to control me
and you’re like blushing and somewhere johnny is probably like “i taught him that” JKJK
doesn’t look like the type but is totally a late-night snacker
you two will sometimes meet just to eat convenience store bread and chips and talk about how college is the WORST with your legs entwined on the bench outside of the law department
and it’s like midnight no one is on campus but you and doyoung are perfectly ok in the dark munching away your problems together
doyoung thinks flowers are the most romantic thing and if he ever goes into the city and comes back he always comes back with flowers
and they’re different every time and you always get shy when he gives them to you because everyone around you is like ooooooo and doyoung is so proud of himself and you,,,,just melt how is he so cute
once,,,just to see his reaction,,, you brought him flowers and you gave them to him after class and it was his turn to get all shy and it was the best moment ever
you made taeil record the whole thing and whenever doyoung gets cheeky you just bring up the video and you’re like look. look here. you’re a giant cute baby dont even argue. look ur ears turned cherry red
isn’t a big clothing sharer but he wears glasses when studying sometimes so you steal them every now and then to wear and ,,,, doyoung thinks you look so cute in them that he just lets it happen tbh
sometimes though he’ll start an argument over it just to be like “let’s settle it with a tickle fight”,,,,,he just wants to tickle you tbh
doyoung sometimes narrates what you do to make you blush like if you’re doing some work on your laptop he’ll be like “and they look at the screen,,,concentrated,,,focused,,,looking hot and smart. i would kiss them if they weren’t so busy,,,” and it gets u everytime
because you turn to look at him and doyoung leans over to get a kiss and ur like AH IM TRYING TO WORK and doyoung is like well switch of your cuteness then i cannot help myself
sometimes he talks to himself and you love it like you love doyoungs voice so much,,,,
like when u just had a crush you thought it was nice but now it’s just music to your ears honestly
has pet names for you and calls you them in public because doyoung likes to show of your relationship
not corny enough for couple sweaters or anything but couple phone wallpapers are a must
admitted that he said to one of his professors that ever since he fell in love he’s kind of grown an interest in romantic novels and you’re like wait wait fell in love
and doyoung is like yeah,,,,,i love you,,,is that not obvious?
and you almost fell out of your chair,,,, but,,,, you love him too of course,,,
you always tell his not to cover his laugh because he has a habit of putting his hand in front of is mouth and you’re like,,,,,,,,i love your smile and laugh dont hide it
and doyoung ,,,,, when you compliment him its like the whole world is just the two of you and doyoung just wants to hold you in his arms because ugh he loves you so damn much
doyoung is a good talker but he’s an even better kisser
and kisses turn from innocent pecks on each others lips while you’re over at his dorm to full blow make outs with doyoungs big hands under your shirt
and the books thrown off his desk,,,him standing between your legs and the feeling of your lip between his teeth,,,,
doyoung does have a soft spot,,,his spine,,,,and when you settle kisses down it it makes him shiver and he becomes so cutely submissive,,,,,
sometimes you’ll sneak up from behind and kiss right below the back of his neck and seriously doyoung almost faints LOL
he likes to cook for you if he has time,,,,he cant cook a lot but he has some dishes and also he looks so cute because he always hums to himself and its just,,,,,,,,,so nice and sweet of him
you guys vibe so well with each other that just walking around for hours without going anywhere is exciting for you two
just looking at the scenery, holding hands, and talking,,,,,makes you two happy
ten tells doyoung that you used to think he was stoic and mean and ur like tEN and doyoung is like really?????? do you still think that??? do you not love me???
and you have to kiss him like 9403 times before he stops whining and bringing it up and ur like side eyeing ten for this whose just like WHAT I THOUGHT HE SHOULD KNOW
plays his flute when he’s stressed and you keep pestering him to teach you but seriously ever since you started dating its too hard to do anything when you’re around each other because you’re both so in love that it just turns mushy and its like yes teach me how to play the flute but also come here and cuddle me kinda situation
taeyong secretly misses all of doyoungs attention but at the same time he thinks you make doyoung a lot brighter and better and hes thankful,,,,,,,,,like really thankful
doyoung is the kind of boyfriend who when you trip over something he doesnt hide laughter but he helps you back up and scolds the twig you tripped over for hurting you LOL
taeyong | yuta | bangtan | vixx | monsta x | got7 + kard + amber | seventeen |
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Hey, me again. This may seem like a weird request, but have their been any memorable times, in your opinion, where Matt has been really kind and compassionate to others in the comics? Not just in a 'willing to do violence on your behalf sort of way' but in any other way as well.
Sure! Matt is generally a very empathetic and compassionate person. That’s one of his myriad reasons for being a superhero (and a lawyer too, for that matter). Of course, he’s (usually…) kind and caring toward his loved ones, but it’s telling that he has also been known to show compassion not only for strangers, but for his enemies as well– so that’s what we’re going to focus on here. There are more moments than we could possibly include here without making this post ridiculously long, so rather than trying to cover everything, we’ve narrowed it down to some of our favorites.
Matt: “The media likes to pigeonhole anyone in a costume into easily digestible sound bites. ‘The Man Without Fear’ is the title they’ve stuck me with. What they’ll never understand, of course, is that it’s not a matter of fear. It’s about honestly asking yourself, ‘What other choice is there?’ It’s about caring.”
[Daredevil vol. 1 #303 by D.G. Chichester, M.C. Wyman, and Christie Scheele]
First and foremost…
Matt: “Gee, you’d think someone would help that blind man across the street! Say, mister… can I give you a hand? He didn’t seem to hear me! He might be deaf, too! Say… there’s a truck turning the corner… coming towards him! […] He won’t have a chance… unless I can reach him in time!”
[Daredevil vol. 1 #1 by Stan Lee, Bill Everett, and Sam Rosen]
Matt’s origin story is characterized by what is inarguably an act of courage– but more than that, it is an act of compassion. He notices a stranger in peril, he sees that no one else is going to help, and he puts his own life at risk to do something about it. This willingness and desire to be a force for good in the lives of people he doesn’t know is at the core of why Matt becomes a superhero, and it’s a desire that keeps him going later on, in spite of everything it costs him. After all of the pain this preliminary selfless act brings him, young Matt could very easily have lost interest in helping others right then and there. But he doesn’t.
Willie: “Skip it, DD! It ain’t a pretty yarn anyhow! And it’s something– I gotta ‘tend to– by myself!”
Matt: “Okay, mister! I’m not about to pry! But, let me leave you with this thought– There are lots of people– without sight– who lead useful, productive lives! All it takes is guts– the kind of guts you’re loaded with, Willie!”
[Daredevil vol. 1 #47 by Stan Lee and Gene Colan]
1960s Matt did a lot of 1960s things, including once performing for American soldiers in Vietnam. In the audience at one of his shows is a young man named Willie Lincoln, whose battle injuries have left him with rapidly deteriorating eyesight. While watching the performance, his vision gives out completely, driving him into a fit of panic. Matt hears about this, tracks Willie down, and visits him in the hospital, wanting to offer someone suffering through a life change he knows all too well some encouraging words. They talk, and when Willie tells Matt that he is in legal trouble with some corrupt cops at his job back home, Matt immediately agrees to represent him in court pro bono (courtesy of his *cough* lawyer friend). Matt helps Willie to restart his life once he returns from service, and provides him with hope in what he’d previously seen as a hopeless situation.
Willie: “Y’know, boy– just a short time ago I thought I’d really hit bottom! But then I found me a friend– and cleared my name! Now, even without my eyes– I’m looking forward to tomorrow– for the first time! I feel like I’m part of the human race again! Murdock never made a big deal about it– but, when you get down to where it’s at– maybe that’s what brotherhood is all about!”
[Daredevil vol. 1 #47 by Stan Lee and Gene Colan]
The two end up becoming close friends, and Willie sticks around for a while as a recurring member of the Daredevil cast. (Sadly, however, he hasn’t been seen in a long time. Marvel, bring him back!)
Foggy: “…You’ve really let yourself in for it this time, Matt. I mean, since it’s been named a federal case– there’s nothing a lowly district attorney could do to help the Hulk– even if I wanted to!”
Matt: “And you’re probably right in advising me to withdraw from the case… but somehow, I just can’t! The Hulk is alone– friendless– as much sinned against as sinning. Thus, I feel that I have to defend him… even if it may mean the end of my legal career! If you can’t understand that… then I don’t know who will!”
[Incredible Hulk vol. 1 #153 by Gary Friedrich, Dick Ayers, and Herb Trimpe]
We’ve mentioned Bruce Banner a number of times when talking about Matt’s friends, and he is someone who Matt will always drop everything to try and help. In their very first encounter, Matt is hired to defend the Hulk in court. When the Hulk turns violent (no surprise there) everyone else involved with the case treats him as a threat. But Matt sees past the violence and understands that the Hulk is suffering, and reacting in the only way he knows how. Matt offers Bruce/Hulk his support and friendship, and places both his legal career and his life on the line to help him get a fair trial and a chance at a normal life. This is a choice he makes again and again over the years, as Bruce continues to be betrayed and abused by the system and the world in general.
Matt: “Melvin, we’ve come so far. I know how much you want to be well… to go straight. We can help you, Betsy and I.”
Melvin: “I been trying, Matt. I been sitting in that courtroom, listening to them say those things about me, feeling my guts churn up, wanting to rip them all to pieces… They hate me. They all hate me… so I’m gonna hate them back!”
Matt: “I’m not letting you off that easy. If you want to become the Gladiator again, you’ll have to get past me.”
Melvin: “Past you?! Look at you– you’re just a skinny little blind guy! I’d break you in half! It’d be easy […] Why not? I’m the Gladiator! The Gladiator! When I’m wearing my armor, I’m unbeatable. I’m… I’m all alone. Help me… please…”
[Daredevil vol. 1 #173 by Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, and Glynis Wein]
The Gladiator is an early DD villain who was gifted with a lot of extra complexity and the possibility of redemption by later writers. After fighting him for years, Matt is finally confronted with Melvin’s humanity and suffering, and immediately joins forces with his parole officer/psychiatrist/eventual girlfriend Betsy Beatty to give him both legal and emotional support. Matt comes to understand that Melvin’s fits of criminal behavior are brought about by feelings of isolation and helplessness– and while he doesn’t always succeed, Matt at least tries to be there for him when he needs help.
Jester: “A moment ago, you unmasked. Now I shall perform a similar gesture… I am, your humble and obedient servant– the Jester! At your service!”
Matt: “You deserve the bow. You were magnificent.”
Jester: “Indeed! I trust the critics will change their tune.”
[Daredevil vol. 1 #218 by Denny O’Neil, Sal Buscema, and Christie Scheele]
This is a touching issue– surprisingly so for a story about the Jester. Despite his goofy appearance and Silver Age-y backstory, the Jester is a dangerous criminal. He specializes in misinformation and mass media manipulation, and he has wrecked the lives of Matt and his friends on a number of occasions. However, at heart he’s just a spurned actor looking for an appreciative audience. When Matt learns that the Jester has kidnapped an actor who was supposed to perform on live TV, and jumped into the main role himself, he hurries over, ready for a fight. However, when he gets there he discovers that all the Jester is doing is… well, acting– and doing a really good job of it. Realizing that his enemy is achieving a harmless lifelong dream, Matt decides to leave him alone, and distracts the cops who have arrived on the scene long enough to allow the Jester to get his longed-for applause.
Number Nine: “A girl should look her best in battle!”
Brandy: “God give me strength, and keep me from slapping the lipstick off that bimbo!”
Matt: “Brandy, you fight for so many humane causes, can’t you muster up some compassion for that poor girl?”
[Daredevil vol. 1 #273 by Ann Nocenti, John Romita, Jr., and Christie Scheele]
The “Lone Stranger” arc of Matt’s story presents a fascinating exploration of his mindset and morality. In the aftermath of his first major run-in with Typhoid Mary, Matt is left physically and emotionally destroyed. Unable to face life in New York City, he gets on a train upstate with no plan or destination. The method he comes up with to cope with the pain of his lost life is a complete smothering of his thoughts and emotions. He lives from moment to moment, immersing himself in his immediate sensory experiences, and emotionally cutting himself off from the world around him.
Over the course of his trek across upstate New York he has brief encounters with people in need. One of the most notable of these encounters is with a woman called Number Nine. She is an escapee from what is essentially a slave trade, in which women are genetically engineered to be beautiful, docile, identity-less, and are then sold to men looking for “perfect” wives. Having been through this process, Number Nine remembers nothing about who she was or where she came from, and struggles to understand her new existence. She imprints on Matt (another effect of the procedure), and while he is initially hesitant to let himself get involved, still determined to avoid personal connections, he tries (with… varied success and tact) to provide her with support as she negotiates the confusion of her new life and programming.
Number Nine: “Oh! It’s okay, I have a healing power! They gave it to me… […] You’ll see, my cuts will heal, fast, like magic!”
Matt: “Number Nine– try to tell me what you were doing just now…”
Number Nine: “Cutting. I think it’s… Physical pain– it helps drown out the pain in my mind… Cutting helps…”
[Daredevil vol. 1 #273 by Ann Nocenti, John Romita, Jr., and Christie Scheele]
This is a loaded story arc, and Number Nine is a character who deserves a lot more attention and analysis than what we have time for here– but we wanted to at least mention her.
Matt (caption): “The words don’t come easy… but ultimately, they must come. Leave it unsaid, risk dwelling on the evil this man’s done– the injuries he’s brought down on my life, onto others’– and the road traveled is one of bitterness. Of revenge. But let go of the hate, rise about it, and maybe there’s something worthwhile that can provide the inner drive. Maybe then there’s hope for something noble.”
Matt: “I forgive you…”
[Daredevil vol. 1 #300 by D.G. Chichester, Lee Weeks, and Christie Scheele]
This is a big moment from the pivotal “Last Rites” arc, in which Matt finally topples Fisk’s criminal enterprise and destroys his life, in much the same way that Fisk once destroyed his. When the final fight is over and the Kingpin is left physically and emotionally beaten, hunched in the remains of his once-great empire, Matt finds the will to look past all of the pain his nemesis has heaped on him over the years, and to offer forgiveness and a chance to remedy their mutual hatred. It’s not exactly an act of compassion, and it’s a gesture that Matt angrily takes back not long afterward… but given the circumstances, it’s a testament to Matt’s willingness to try to be a positive force for others– even for those who least deserve it.
Matt: You’re going to make it, hear me? You’re gonna–
Owlsley: “You should’ve let me…”
Matt: “Unh-uh. You take my hand– you’re willing to take my hand– I don’t let go. You’ve got some long ways to go, mister… but you can count on me…”
[Daredevil vol. 1 #303 by D.G. Chichester, M.C. Wyman, and Christie Scheele]
The Owl has always gotten the short end of the characterization stick as far as Matt’s villains are concerned. He’s your typical over-the-top, hilariously avian-themed bad guy in his early appearances, and a bumbling Kingpin-wannabe later on. Only a few writers have attempted to add nuance to his story. The most notable development in this direction is a story arc that sends him into a literal physical breakdown. He discovers that the procedures he has subjected himself to over the years in order to make himself more birdlike are slowly destroying his body, and he is forced to face the truth of his own mortality and legacy. When he attempts a desperate scheme to reestablish himself as a power within the criminal underworld, Matt is, of course, right there and waiting to stop him. But when he witnesses firsthand the broken, haunted person Owlsley has become, he steps in to save his life, and to offer him the hope of moving forward in a positive direction.
Sadly, this step forward in their relationship has been ignored by most of the creative teams since. Clearly, Owlsley is most useful and fun to write when he’s completely villainous.
Matt: “Why are you doing this to her?”
Natasha: “She thinks she’s Natasha Romanov. She thinks she killed Yelena Belova. But she is Yelena Belova. She’s coming undone.”
Matt: “But why, dammit?”
[Black Widow (2001) #2 by Devon Grayson, Greg Rucka, and Scott Hampton]
“Breakdown” is one of our favorite comics, and one we’ve been meaning to post about for a while, so this seemed like the perfect place to mention it. It’s also known as Black Widow (2001) #1-3, and features Matt in the role of sympathetic outsider. The previous arc of the series introduces Yelena Belova, a young graduate of the Red Room who is determined to prove her skills by killing Natasha and usurping her as the Black Widow. She faces Natasha and Matt (who cameos in that arc as well) as an enemy. But in “Breakdown” the situation becomes a bit more complicated. Wanting to teach the arrogant young agent a lesson about the realities of being a spy, Natasha has Yelena kidnapped and surgically switches appearances with her. Yelena wakes up in Natasha’s apartment, frightened and confused, and is forced to live Natasha’s life while rapidly losing grasp of her own identity. Having previously seen Yelena only as a threat, Matt is initially happy to involve himself in Natasha’s plan to mess with her. However, when confronted firsthand with her terror, he tries to stop the mission and steps in to comfort Yelena, despite Natasha’s insistence that he not interfere with her breakdown.
Yelena: “…You…know?”
Matt: “Yes.”
Yelena: “Then who… Who am I?”
Matt: “Yelena Belova.”
Yelena: “Yelena… I’m… Yelena Belova… the Black Widow…”
[Black Widow (2001) #3 by Devon Grayson, Greg Rucka, and Scott Hampton]
Of course, Natasha knows Matt very well, and we can assume she knew all along that he would react this way.
Matt (caption): “Over the deafening house music, I pick out one heartbeat. It has to be one of the kids… because my gut clenches with anxiety the closer I get to him.”
Matt: “Ssssh. It’s all right. I’m not going to hurt you. I’m a good guy, see? No fear, kiddo. No fear. You’ve got to be brave–”
[Daredevil vol. 4 #10 by Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, and Matt Wilson]
Matt has had a lot of great moments with young children over the years, and we weren’t planning on including them because showing compassion toward suffering kids– while always touching and wonderful– isn’t really that notable. He’s a good guy. Come on. (We may end up doing a separate post on that, actually…). But we had to include this one because the Purple Children technically count as antagonists, and because we just really like it. He helps them, despite how dangerous they are and the horrible things they do to his emotions, and it seems that his willingness to help them again in the current run may be what caused his life’s most recent implosion.
Matt: “I’m worried about him, Tasha.”
Natasha: “Oh, come on! Clint’s a big boy now– and an Avenger, to boot. He’ll be fine.”
[Daredevil and the Black Widow vol. 1 #99 by Steve Gerber, Sam Kweskin, and Stan Goldberg]
And of course, there’s this memorable exchange from the masterpiece that is DD 99, which we’re contractually obligated to mention whenever possible.
Foggy: “He will confound you. He will frustrate you. He will make your choices FOR you, he will manipulate you without CONSULTING you, and you will want to PUNCH him in his self-assured face at least ONCE AN HOUR. […] But he will care about you in a way that no one else ever could.”
[Daredevil vol. 4 #5 by Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, and Javier Rodriguez]
We wanted to end with this great quote from Foggy, because it exemplifies this side of Matt’s character. He’s not perfect, and he may not always show it, but he does care– to a gut-wrenching degree– about the people around him.
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