InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "OpenID for the win!"

julia wicker is our (ladyofthetree) wrote in madisonvalley,
@ 2019-03-16 01:46:00

Entry tags:

!closed, !log, !portal, [portal] mcu brooklyn 1936, ~2019 march, ~25 points, ~~julia wicker (ladyofthetree), ~~matt murdock (ninjaattorney)

WHO: Julia Wicker & Matt Murdock.
WHAT: Date night.
WHERE: Brooklyn Portal.
WHEN: Friday Night.
WARNINGS: Matt being Matt.
STATUS: Closed/Ongoing.

Julia had been so sure she didn't want a relationship, so sure that she wasn't cut out for one but somehow she'd found herself dating a man who made her smile and laugh more than she had done for a while. When she was with Matt she didn't think about the things that had happened to her back home, she didn't think about the darkness that had taken hold of her for a while. She was her old self, the Julia who had enjoyed life and partied when she'd wanted to while also working hard to make something of herself.

She hadn't been planning on going through the portal but then Matt suggested it she'd been unable to say no especially after he'd gone to all the trouble of using lingo that sort of fit the time period. She appreciated the effort he'd gone to and it had made her smile a lot. And she had to admit that spending time with him was something she liked to do, not that she'd tried to deny it at all. She felt she'd made it pretty obvious to him that she liked spending time with him.

Walking the streets of Brooklyn might not have been everyone's idea of a nice date but Julia was enjoying herself. Of course that had everything to do with Matt. "Just how different does it all sound from the city you're used to?" she asked him while they walked down the sidewalk hand in hand. She almost felt normal, she hadn't felt that way since she found out magic was real back home but here she was doing something so normal and she had Matt to thank for that.

(Post a new comment)

ninjaattorney
2019-03-16 01:56 am UTC (link)

It might have been a little chancey, visiting a new city - or rather, a familiar city in a new time - with someone he didn't know as well. Things could get awkward. Matt didn't enjoy feeling hindered by his disability and, with his extra skills, he almost never did. But all new scents and sounds could make it a bit difficult.

But he didn't feel uncomfortable with Julia. Not really. Maybe he should have been trying harder to impress her. Working to look and feel less awkward. But that wasn't Matt. He'd learned long ago, if a girl was going to be interested in him, she'd need to accept all of him. The blind attorney and Daredevil, too. He wasn't needed so much here but he'd learned with Karen, he couldn't hide that part of him from a woman he wanted to be with.

So he paused for a second, squeezing the hand in his as he took in his surroundings. "It's different. Quieter. Less traffic, a little fresher smelling. But not as...organized." Which probably made no sense. "The crowd is different, too. They're not quite as rushed." It was still a city. It always would have that feel of needing to be somewhere no matter what. But it was obvious how technology had affected the world around them.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

ladyofthetree
2019-03-16 04:43 pm UTC (link)

Julia knew that there was much more to Matt than what she saw on the surface, she knew he wasn't just a blind attorney. She knew he called himself a vigilante and she'd seen hints of what he could do but she didn't know the extent of it.

The truth was it didn't matter to her. People were entitled to keep things to themselves, if Matt wanted to tell her all about it she'd listen but Julia wasn't going to start poking around. She had things in her past she didn't want to talk about, it was that way for most people so if Matt didn't want to talk to her about it that was fine.

She squeezed his hand back, smiling as he spoke. "I didn't expect you to say it smelled fresher," she said, laughing a little. "I guess people here have less urgency than we do, which makes a lot of sense. Simpler times and all that." Just like the city sounded different to him it felt different to her, the flow of magic different from home and from Madison. "It feels different to me too, the magic is different but I don't know if that's because this is a different world or time. I don't exactly have all the theoretical training to be able to know."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

ninjaattorney
2019-03-17 02:58 am UTC (link)

"Fresher probably isn't the word I'm looking for, but it's tough to describe." Manhattan had undergone a lot to try and make it into a nicer city. Gentrification, a lot of people had complained. Or approved. Either way, it was strange how familiar the place felt and yet so insanely different. "I spent way more time in Manhattan than Brooklyn, but it still feels similar." Typically he had only ever gone to Brooklyn with a purpose.

Besides, how could he focus on Brooklyn, of all things, when there was a hand that seemed to fit quite perfectly in his?

"I wonder how far the portal would let us wander. There's so much I'd show you if we had time." Josie's, for one. Also the apartment where he'd spent so much of his adult life. Little things. Sure, he should probably be showing her Central Park and the Natural History Museum and Lincoln Center. But no, the real culture of the city was in its people. Which he did mention. "All the tourist traps in the world and instead you're stuck with me. You're so lucky."

He shot her a tiny, teasing smile. "I like when you talk magic. It's different. Not something I get to hear a lot of anywhere else." Also she was passionate about it. Happy. It was something he enjoyed. "And even if you did have the technical training, I'd probably have no idea what you even meant."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

ladyofthetree
2019-03-17 01:05 pm UTC (link)

"I think I know what you mean. It's different somehow," she said, it probably wasn't something she could fully understand because she didn't perceive the world the way he did. "Each city has its own distinct feel, even if it's not the same part you're used to."

"There's only one way to find out I guess." Julia liked the idea of him showing her his city, places that meant something to him. It was a way of getting to know him even better, something she definitely wanted to do. The more time she spent with him the more she was sure this was something she wanted. "I don't mind being stuck with you." A hint of fondness in her tone.

Her own smile grew when he shot her his teasing one. "Then I'll keep doing it, even if you don't understand it all." She gave his hand another squeeze, it was refreshing to not have to hide that side of herself. "But stop me if I get carried away, okay?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

ninjaattorney
2019-03-19 11:45 am UTC (link)

It definitely wasn't the part he was used to. Or the time. It didn't have that rush, that need to run from point A to point B. Overall, though, it was nice. "I know I've seen a lot of weird stuff...hell, I guess in a lot of ways, I'm weird stuff. But it's still so strange knowing we're almost one hundred years in the past." Even if it was in a city he was familiar with.

It was ridiculous, and Matt knew it, but he turned a bit pink at her saying she didn't mind being stuck with him. This was definitely going well. Better than it should have, given his history. He really didn't want to mess this up. But he did have a habit of doing so. "If I'm not mistaken, there should be a little park around the corner here. It's been ages since I went to it. If it was built in this time, anyway." It was one of those places school groups took kids to have lunch after a day at the zoo. The orphanage didn't tend to do so. Especially not with sullen blind kids who were angry with the world. But when he was younger, it had been nice.

"No. Get carried away. It's nice. You get excited. Really happy." Which was something he enjoyed. He led her through the opening of trees-younger than he remembered them, of course. Fewer, too. Still, the park was there, just as he remembered. "I haven't been here since I was little."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

ladyofthetree
2019-03-20 12:20 am UTC (link)

"Nothing wrong with being weird stuff. I think I fall into that category too," she said with a hint of amusement in her tone. "And you're right, it's so strange knowing we're in the past. I don't think time travel is something anyone could ever get used to."

Julia saw the blush and it made her smile. It was sort of adorable, especially on him. It had been a long time since she'd thought she could actually have something like this, she'd given up on finding someone who could make her happy and yet here he was. "A walk in a park sounds nice. And if this park isn't there I'm sure we can find another one somewhere." Even if they didn't she'd be content to just walk the streets with him, she enjoyed spending time with him regardless of what they actually did.

"Okay, as long as it doesn't get annoying for you." It was her turn to blush, her cheeks going a nice shade of pink. She let him lead her to the park, giving his hand another little squeeze as they made their way into it. "Is it weird, being here now? I mean it must seem really different unless you can't remember much about it from when you were little."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

ninjaattorney
2019-03-20 07:23 pm UTC (link)

"Aw, Jules, you're not weird. I mean, maybe a little. You're spending way too much time with me to be normal. But not that weird!" Now he was just flat out teasing her. And, also maybe just a bit, fishing for compliments.

He of course couldn't actually see the color in her face, but he could easily feel the increase in her temperature, the rising heartbeat. Honestly? It was nice. It meant he had the same affect on her that she did on him. It meant this was going well. Which...surprised him. And worried him, and he'd be a liar if he said otherwise. That part was probably dangerous for him, given her own abilities. Worrying around someone who could do the things she could wasn't great.

"You couldn't possibly be annoying," he argued, shaking his head. He laced his fingers through hers and stopped them, turning his head towards the heart of the park rather than the city traffic. "It's more feelings, you know? Images, rather than actual moments. Kid memories are weird. But I remember there was a playground over there," he bobbed his head in that direction. "We were allowed to go play if we finished our lunch, and half of us wouldn't eat more than a few bites just so we could go."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

ladyofthetree
2019-03-21 03:34 am UTC (link)

"Who wants to be normal? If you ask me that's just boring. And for the record, I don't think you're weird, I like who you are," she said, blushing a little more.

She wasn't sure exactly what Matt could pick up from her, she had no idea just how good his senses were. But she couldn't exactly control the affect he had on her and truth be told she didn't want to. She liked the way he made her feel and it was a little scary. If she let herself be vulnerable it meant she might get hurt again and she didn't want that. She was trying her best to not pick up on anything from him, it didn't seem right to do that and so when she was around him she tried not to read his emotions.

"You say that now but you might change your mind once I really get going," she said, laughing a little. She stopped and smiled, watching him closely as she enjoyed the feel of his fingers laced through hers. "Yeah, I know what you mean." She listened as he spoke, her focus solely on him. "I'd probably have done the same. I mean what kid doesn't prefer playing than doing something boring like eating lunch? Do you think the playground is there now?" It wasn't light enough for her to see if it was but Matt could probably tell, she was leaving it up to him if they should go and investigate further or not.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

ninjaattorney
2019-03-22 11:58 am UTC (link)

"I think the word I used with Layla was 'special'," he agreed. "Normal is overrated." But the smile on his face was impossible to hide, especially with her rising to the challenge and complimenting him. But in the best sorts of ways.

"Well...you can teach me. Not many in my world can do magic. And according to his friends, the one that I know of who can is kind of a prick." He was sure Stephen Strange wasn't quite as bad as Ariadne had made him sound. Right? Still, he hadn't gotten a chance to check yet.

He paused at her question, reaching out with his senses. He didn't feel it. But it was late. "Maybe. Probably not. It might not have been built yet." That whole time travel thing again. Still taking some getting used to, definitely. What he did know was the park was nice. And quiet. And probably a good spot to do something he'd been dwelling on for a while. If he had the guts, anyway. "Besides, I'd rather be here with you."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

ladyofthetree
2019-03-22 08:26 pm UTC (link)

"Special is good and I agree, normal is overrated." She saw the smile on his face and it made her own grow. She liked knowing she was the reason it was there.

"Sure, I can teach you. I've met some other people in Madison who can do magic and it's all been different from the magic I'm used to. Is he in Madison? The one from your world?" It would be interesting to see if there were any similarities between the types of magic, she found it interesting to compare magic from other worlds.

Julia watched him, wondering just how it was he could do the things he did, she'd never been able to figure out the right way to ask. She smiled even more when he said he'd rather be here with her, the color rising in her cheeks. "I'd rather be here with you too, Matt." She wasn't usually one to admit to things like that but it felt right to say it now.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

ninjaattorney
2019-03-22 09:21 pm UTC (link)

He actually, despite everything, liked the idea of learning magical theory. Not that he expected to be able to pick it up himself. He had enough on his plate without adding that. But it sounded kind of fascinating. And he could pick up the energy to the point that he thought maybe it might make them closer. Maybe.

And being closer to Julia was something he truly did want.

Which was why he lifted her hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles lightly. "You do know how I feel, don't you?" And he didn't mean that in an empath sort of way. He meant it more as in, he was making an effort to show her. Matt was excellent with words in a courtroom. Less so when his own feelings were involved. But it had been one hell of a year and he was sort of tired of letting things go unsaid.

"I'm not good at this, Jules. I'm really not. Typically, I screw it all up. And hurting you is the last thing in the world I want to do." Which should have made him better at it. And yet here he was, probably saying things that would hurt. But she needed to know. She deserved to know what she was getting into.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

ladyofthetree
2019-03-22 10:37 pm UTC (link)

Julia had never thought about sharing that part of herself with anyone before, at least not with someone who wasn't already aware of magic. But the idea of sharing it with Matt was definitely something she liked. Letting him in on that part of her life was something she wanted.

Her smile softened when he kissed her knuckles. "I think I do, yes," she replied. She didn't want to assume anything and she had been trying not to get a read on his emotions when they were together. She knew how she felt but given what she'd been through she hadn't wanted to hope that things might go well but they were.

"I've not got the best track record either but you're not going to hurt me, Matt." She got that worry, she had the same worry because she didn't want to hurt him. The fact that they both worried about that said a lot. Julia didn't even think about her next action, she just did it, stepping in closer and kissing him lightly. She'd always been better at just doing things.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

ninjaattorney
2019-03-22 11:53 pm UTC (link)

Well. That was unexpected. But was it? This had been building for a long time. And he'd be lying if he said it didn't make him insanely happy. Much like that kiss. Soft as it might be.

"I probably look like an idiot babbling at you when I could have been kissing you this whole time." He was laughing, though, tilting his head so their foreheads touched. He still entirely believed there was a chance of him screwing this up. "You'll also probably have to prepare yourself for the first degree from Foggy. He's a bit picky about the women in his life."

And, given Matt's history, who could blame him?

Still, this felt nice. Nicer than Matt had allowed himself in a really long time. He leaned in, kissing her once more, a bit more firmly and just a bit longer.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

ladyofthetree
2019-03-23 12:44 am UTC (link)

Julia would be lying to herself is she said she hadn't wanted to do that for a while. There had been part of her that had been scared to do it, scared in case she'd misread the signs but she knew now she hadn't.

"Maybe a little bit like an idiot but I still like you." It was said in a teasing tone, her own laugh joining his. For so long she'd thought she couldn't be happy but here she was, happier than she'd been for a while. "I think I can handle Foggy. I've dealt with a dragon before so I think I'll be fine."

It was nice to know that Matt had friends to look out for him. Even if it made her miss hers.

She didn't get a chance to get lost in those thoughts because he kissed her again. Her free hand came to rest against his chest, leaning in and letting herself enjoy the moment, hoping there'd be many more to come.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

ninjaattorney
2019-03-23 01:04 am UTC (link)

"Wait, you've faced a dragon?" Matt was grinning widely now. It had been a long time since he'd felt this...free, honestly. Even in New York, even attempting to have a normal life, he always had the stress of what he did hanging over him. There was never time to just enjoy having friends or a relationship. Even petty street crime had been troublesome. Add in Fisk or the Hand...

This was different. This had the potential to be so much more. He wasn't being hunted here. Or hunting. That part was sort of crucial, too.

She might not have been a warrior woman like Sif. But Julia was unique and special in her own way. And at that moment, he couldn't imagine that Sif would ever make his heart race this way under her hand the way it did with Julia. "I'm probably going to keep kissing you, you know. But I do need to hear the dragon story sooner rather than later."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

ladyofthetree
2019-03-23 01:34 am UTC (link)

"Less faced and more bargained with," Julia told him, smiling more than she had in a long time. She'd not had anything close to a normal life from the first moment she'd stepped onto the Brakebills campus but now. Well this was almost normal. If you didn't think about how she was currently in a different time in a city that was like the one she knew but different in little ways.

But this with Matt, it could be something more. Something that could lead somewhere. It wasn't like his memory was going to get erased or any of the other things that had happened to the people she'd let herself grow close to back home.

She could be herself with Matt, she didn't have to hide what she was or what she could do and that was refreshing. Being with him made her feel alive in a way she'd almost forgotten about. "I'm definitely okay with you continuing to kiss me and I'll tell you all about the dragon, I promise."

(Reply to this) (Parent)