The soft whirr of the fan was the only sound in the room outside of gentle breathing from the still form in bed. Despite the fact that it was October, New York had decided to put its residents through 90 degree weather, meaning that all forms of cooling down at night had become the norm for the small apartment in Hell's Kitchen. That meant wearing just a sports bra and boxers and barely laying under light covers was the current status of the sleeping girl. With her cheek pressed to the pillow and her expression relaxed, she was a picture of perfect slumber.

But, not for long.

It was unclear if the soft squeak had awoken her or had simply alerted her to the fact that her something was off, but it didn't matter. Faster than one would expect, she whipped around and grabbed ahold of the person who was one foot in her bedroom and one foot on her fire escape. The young woman pinned the intruder underneath her on the bed; not slowing down in the slightest even though she'd been asleep not two seconds earlier.

"Hey, Luna," Spider-Man said breathlessly.

For a moment it was quiet as Noriko processed what she was seeing, but once her heartrate started to decline she took a deep, calming breath and slid off of him, rolling her eyes as she did. Peter sat up, seemingly unperturbed by the outcome of his break-in, and he reached up to pull off his mask; revealing his messy hair and soft brown eyes.

"What're you doing here?" Noriko whispered, thoughtful of the other people in the apartment.

"Wanted to see you," Peter replied quietly but casually, his girlfriend rolling her eyes yet again but her form relaxing; her body finally recognizing that was going on right now was in no way a threat and letting her settle in.

"It's one in the morning," she pointed out, Peter shrugging as if that was no big deal.

"I was patrolling and I missed you."

Noriko's eyes darted down to her hands and Peter winced as he realized how loaded that statement had unintentionally been. He hadn't meant it in the way Noriko may have taken it. He hadn't even realized the implications of his words until he said them.

"I-I haven't seen you in a while." Peter wincing again; that was even worse "Just-Just in general."

Noriko hummed in recognition of his words but it was clear that his fumbling attempts to rectify his mistake hadn't worked. Finally, Peter just gave up on being subtle, and reached out to take her hand in his.

"Hey," he murmured, finally getting Noriko's eyes on his again "I-I didn't mean it like that. I just…"

"I know what you meant," Noriko replied softly, still downcast despite her words.

"There's nothing wrong with taking a break, Luna," Peter said, Noriko's lips curving slightly into a self-deprecating smile "You definitely deserve one."

"You were a part of too," she pointed out "And you were able to pick up being Spider-Man right after."

"That's not the same and you know it," Peter replied, sending Noriko a look "I was only there for some of it, I wasn't really in any of the fights, I don't have a connection to the Hand the way you do, and I didn't..."

The last point went unsaid and Noriko's small smirk pulled into a full-fledged self-loathing grin. That soon slipped off her features, though, and for a moment it was quiet as neither of them knew how to continue this conversation without causing them both pain. Peter finally just steeled himself to the hurt he knew would wash over him once he acknowledged this out loud and he spoke with a low, genuine voice.

"I know how you feel."

"You do?" Noriko asked, obviously forcing herself to be casual.

"You know I do," Peter said simply, Noriko's eyes darting up to look at him before they went back to her hands "I told you, remember?"

"… Yeah," Noriko replied after a moment, her voice rougher now "I do."

Peter sighed and caught her chin so he could turn her head to face him. When Noriko looked everywhere around the room other than him, he murmured her name gently to get her attention and, in doing so, finally got to see how glassy her eyes were.

"I know how much this sucks," Peter said, his words heartbreakingly genuine "I think I know how bad you feel right now, because I… I remember how awful I felt. And, I really wish there was something I could do to just… make it all go away. But, I know there isn't, so I just want you to know that I'm-I'm here, okay? I'm not going anywhere."

"Promise?" Noriko asked before she could stop herself from that childish request.

"Promise."

As if Peter's genuine response had broken some wall, Noriko spoke the thoughts that had been weighing on her mind for the past week.

"I shouldn't have left him there, if I'd just stayed maybe—."

"Hey, don't," Peter interrupted, letting go of Noriko's chin to grab her arms and pull her closer "You know you couldn't have changed anything. If-If you'd stayed, you would've just been there when the bomb went off too."

It was quiet for a moment before Noriko relaxed against Peter, with her head on his shoulders and her arms wrapping around his waist. Neither of them said anything for a little while as they embraced; Peter running his fingers through her hair as she curled more and more into him.

"Can you stay the night?" Peter's mind stuttered for a moment at Noriko's unexpected request.

"Y-Yeah, sure, I-I can stay," he said, his voice cracking despite the fact he knew that there was nothing to be awkward about; she just needed his moral support tonight "I, um, need to…"

He pulled out his phone and Noriko watched as he sent a quick text to May that explained that he would be staying the night at the Temple's apartment, and the teenage girl couldn't help but smile as she took in the proof of the improving relationship between Spider-Man and his aunt. There had been a serious decline in many things for those who had been involved with Midland Circle, but Peter and May had been one of the few exceptions.

Peter locked his phone and set it down on the bedside table before he wrapped his arms around her again. But, before they could wind down enough to start drifting off, Noriko pulled back; she knew that falling asleep in this position would not be good for them tomorrow morning and she didn't want this to be soured by a sore neck. But, before she could readjust, she paused and frowned.

"Are you comfortable in this?" Noriko asked, gently poking at the red and blue material she'd been laying against just moments ago "Want to take it off?"

It took Noriko seeing Peter's red face for her to realize the implication of her words and she felt a little bit sheepish when she spoke again.

"I didn't mean it like-."

"No, no, I know, I'm just being-." Peter shook his head at himself and he reached up to hit the spider over his chest; the material going lose before he pulled it off and kicked it onto the floor.

Now that there were no more distractions, the pair readjusted to lying on the bed correctly with Peter flat on his back and Noriko against his bare chest. The young woman smiled slightly at the way she could hear his heart thumping faster than usual, but she didn't comment on it and instead just reached out to wrap her arms around him. But, as she reached, her fingers grazed a spot on his arm where the skin caught against her finger tips.

"It scarred," she observed out loud due to surprise. None of Peter's other cuts had ever resulted in a permanent mark on his skin.

"It was pretty deep," Peter said with a shrug before he reached out and ran his fingertips against one of the many lines on Noriko's skin "We match."

It wasn't too far off. Their scars were in similar positions on their arms and were about the same in size, it was possible they had even come from the same blade. Despite the morbidity of it all, Noriko couldn't help but smile as she cuddled against Peter even more; her eyes slowly shutting as she considered the truth of the matter. They were both messed up kids, but at least they were messed up together.

.

"It's over."

Noriko had recently lived a hellish few days filled with ninjas, resurrected enemies, and superpowers and yet those two simple words were the most unbelievable thing she'd heard in the past two weeks. She was certain that Foggy had come to their apartment to say that they were all soon to be arrested for terrorism, but instead he was sending them all a small smile as he revealed that it was being treated like it never even happened.

It was clear that Noriko wasn't the only one in shock at this news, as Claire and Luke both took deep breaths and the odd group of three exchanged looks that conveyed how they couldn't quite process what they were hearing.

"Hogarth, Benowitz, and Chao at your service," Foggy said simply, knowing how good this news must feel to the people he was talking to but still delivering the same old lines "I hope you'll think of us for all your legal needs."

"Let's hope we don't have any more legal needs," Claire said, Noriko unable to stop herself from snorting and giving a deadpanned response.

"Not likely."

"Mr. Nelson…" Luke started, his genuine tone already causing a pit to grow in Noriko's stomach "I'm sorry for your loss."

For a moment it was quiet as the elephant in the room was finally acknowledged, but Foggy collected himself and responded with far more grace than Noriko could have in his position.

"Thank you. It's… all of our losses."

But, it was clear that his cool exterior was beginning to crack and, with that, Foggy gathered up his things and headed towards the door with only a quick murmur to serve as a goodbye. But, before he was gone too far, Noriko sent a quick look to the two other adults at the table as she hopped up and followed after him.

"Foggy," she called, the man in question pausing in the doorway and turning to look at her "I… I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Foggy replied simply, the same rueful smile on his lips "You might've been there with him, but… I helped him get there."

"He was always going to get to Midland Circle, you know that," Noriko replied softly, her eyes dropping to the ground before she spoke the next sentence "But I should've made sure that he got away."

"How about we agree to disagree and just blame ourselves?" Foggy asked, Noriko's lips pulling into a rueful smile.

"That's probably the only way we'll ever be able to end this conversation, so yeah," she agreed, Foggy matching her melancholy expression with one of his own. For a moment, it was quiet, but before Foggy could make any move to leave, Noriko took a few steps forward and pulled him into one of her rarely given hugs.

"Don't stay away," she murmured softly before the pair pulled away, Foggy smiling in a way that never reached his eyes.

"Of course not."

Foggy gave her one last look and took a step to leave before he suddenly stopped and turned back to face her.

"Oh, I forgot," he said, holding his briefcase at a funny angle so he could open it "I was, uh, cleaning out his apartment and I found this."

Noriko took the package wrapped in brown paper and cord from Foggy with a frown on her face as she tried to figure out why he was giving this to her.

"What is it?" She asked, Foggy's eyebrows raising before he went back to his briefcase and pulling out something white.

"I don't know," he answered before passing her an envelope with her name on the back "This was attached to it, though."

.

Noriko

If you're reading this, something has probably happened to me. I made myself write—well, dictate— this just in case something did before I had a chance to give this to you. I have a whole speech planned out, you know. But if you have this letter then you probably will never get to hear it. There are so many things I want to tell you that I think will only truly work in person, but I'm going to try here.

First, before anything else, I want you to know how proud I am of you. It's something I don't think I'll ever be able to fully explain, even if I told you in person, but it's true. When I think of the woman you are now, I can hardly believe that you are the same person as the girl I met in that warehouse. You have adapted to the world around you in a way I wouldn't have predicted when I first became aware of who you are; I thought you would always stay that child locked in the dark one way or another. But you haven't. You have grown beyond the roles anyone has pinned you as. You are neither victim nor predator. Despite everything people said about you, you have become a protector. You are a champion of the people of New York.

That's the second thing I want to tell you: thank you. Thank you for taking care of the city I love when I couldn't. I know you didn't do it for me, of course; I know you do it because you feel like you have to. Just like I did. But when the world became too much for me, I had to let it go. I had to give up the one thing that might actually be the most important. But you don't have to. I will always be there to help you keep being Hell's Kitchen's protector. While I will respect whatever choice you make when it comes to your nightly work even if that means quitting, I know better. I heard it in you, Noriko. I heard the way the city is in your bones and the way the fire burns in your chest.

You know, growing up when people used to talk about my dad and I, they all said the same thing: "Be careful of the Murdocks. They got the devil in them." I've felt that in you, Noriko. I would never try to erase Claire from who you are, but I truly believe that you are as much of a Murdock as I am. But, maybe that's just my emotions clouding my judgement a little bit, because I love you. I won't say that you are the closest thing I'll ever have to a daughter, because you are my daughter, Noriko. I never knew that love like this could exist until the day I realized that I felt it for you. I love you. I will never be able to tell you that enough. I love you. I love you. I love you. And even though I want to protect you from every horrible part of this world, one of the reasons I love you is that you want to face it head on. I want to help you do that.

I went and ordered this the day I first confronted you about what you were doing, do you remember that? I was originally going to do everything I could to stop you and make you quit, but when I found you, I heard the way you talked that man down. I realized then that you weren't just doing it because you wanted to hurt people, but because you wanted to help them. I want to make sure you can keep doing that, so here. The measurements might be a little off, but I'll give you the address of my guy; I know you'll exercise the necessary discretion.

I know I have no right to ask anything of you or even a reason to worry about this, but I have to for my own peace of mind. Protect this city. I know how this life—this world—can drag you down and make you feel like there is no use in what you do, but there is. Never give up on New York, because even if you don't realize it, Hell's Kitchen will always be there for you. No matter what you do, it will always be your home. Don't let anyone or anything take away who you are. You are Noriko Temple. You are the Black Sky. You are a defender.

Love,

Matthew Murdock.

That horrible feeling burned behind her eyes and sinuses, but she didn't break. That pent up heat remained inside while her fingers undid the shoddy cord and pulled the paper away to reveal the package's contents, although she already suspected what she would find inside. It wasn't until her fingers enclosed around that dark cloth that alternated from supple to unforgiving and she lifted it out of the wrappings did she finally react.

Heavy tears fell from Noriko's eyes as she took in the physical testament of Matt's respect for who she was—his love for her— and she couldn't help but bury her face in the material as she cried.

.

The apartment had been quiet since Foggy left. Maybe it was out of relief that they wouldn't be going to prison, or maybe because all three of the inhabitants were still bone tired from the events that had occurred over a week ago. Either way, the only sounds that had broken that silence were just normal life things, like the low murmurs of the television as Luke watched any mindless show to keeps his mind off of the past few years, or the soft rush of water as Claire washed the three bowls that had previously held straight-from-the-can soup.

Although they were never very loud people, the absence of Noriko's usual noise had not gone unnoticed by Claire. Even when she'd first moved in, she hadn't been this quiet. This still. But, now she mostly kept to her room and her plants when she wasn't at school; her tiny solace in this big city.

Claire understood. Loss did funny things to people and as long as this reserve didn't last for too long, she wasn't too worried. Besides, Noriko deserved this time off. After everything she'd given to this city, she ought to have some time for herself. Some time to recuperate and focus on getting better after everything life had thrown at her. It was about Noriko healing right now.

Claire sighed and dropped one of the bowls down into the sink.

That was all a fucking lie.

She should be concerned about Noriko's current attitude. She was showcasing classic signs of depression—the pessimism, the fact she was eating only when Claire told her to, her disinterest in certain nighttime activities that had once been her main focus— and if she wasn't careful, it might extend outside of the regular mourning period. This might be a serious issue that Noriko would need to see actual doctors to deal with. But Claire… Claire couldn't help but be selfish.

Having Noriko sit between her and Luke every night, watching whatever shitty show they put on, was something Claire couldn't help but cling onto. Or, more truthfully, having her here was something she couldn't bear to give up. Not after looking at those smoldering ruins without Noriko standing next to her. Not after thinking—.

She got out. Noriko and Peter got out. They just had to a different way than the rest of us.

Claire put the last dish on the rack to dry and she turned the water off; the woman so lost in her thoughts that she didn't hear the approaching footsteps. But, to be honest, it was very possible that she wouldn't have heard them even if she was listening.

"Claire?"

The woman turned, now quite used to being snuck up on, and a horrible feeling settled into her stomach as she took in the girl who stood opposite. For a moment it was quiet, then Claire gave a soft, unamused snort before she spoke.

"Matt."

"Yeah," Noriko confirmed, her eyes trailing to the countertop.

"So, I take it you're going out tonight," Claire said, turning to grab a towel and start to dry the bowls instead of looking Noriko in the eyes and revealing her true emotions.

"Yeah," Noriko repeated, her voice still too soft to truly disrupt the stillness.

"Okay," Claire said simply and it was truly quiet for a minute. In fact, Claire fully believed that Noriko had turned and left until the young woman spoke again.

"I want to tell you something."

Claire turned back to her and frowned at the look of utmost concentration of Noriko's face. Whatever it was, she was clearly digging deep for the words she was going to say; they were coming from a place inside her that she rarely ventured.

"I just…" She murmured before sighing and gently kicking one of the cupboards shut "Wanted to tell you that I love you."

"I love you too," Claire replied softly, an automatic response even though this situation was one that rarely occurred "Is that all?"

Noriko shook her head, still refusing to meet Claire's eyes, as she continued to search for the words that would illustrate the feelings pent up inside of her. Claire once again found herself wishing she could just read her mind and take the burden off of her shoulders. Finally, she just took a deep breath and spoke slowly while looking at Claire through her eyelashes.

"And that you are my mother."

For a moment, it was quiet but instead of just waiting through the uncomfortable silence, Noriko pushed on.

"I just realized that I'd never told you that and I wanted to say something in case anything ever—."

Before she could finish her slightly rambling sentence, she was cut off by warm arms wrapping around her and a kiss pressed against the side of her head.

"You're my daughter." Was all Claire whispered, but it was done with such ferocity that nothing else needed to be said. Noriko returned that embrace and for a long moment they just stood there. When they pulled back, both made a mutual, wordless agreement to not comment on the other's shining eyes and Claire wore a wry smile as she reached out to place her hand on Noriko's cheek.

"Go save New York."

.

"I just wanted to let you know that I'm really proud of you and—and—."

"You're a lot stronger than me, you know; I wouldn't be able—able—."

"Maybe after we go out patrolling tonight we could go somewhere private and talk about the fact that we nearly ate each other's faces off on that rooftop, because that was very unlike me and I can't stop thinking about how we almost—."

Peter reached up and tore off his mask; the teenager sighing deeply as he ran his hands over his face. All day, all he could think about was what he was going to say when he saw Noriko again. Well, not exactly Noriko. He'd seen Noriko a couple of times in between now and the events at Midland Circle, it was the other part of her that had not made an appearance.

He'd been telling the truth when he said she deserved the break she was taking, but he couldn't help but miss her. Ever since they'd made up after that fight he liked to pretend never happened, he'd been spoiled. Every night he'd gone out as Spider-Man, Noriko had been right there beside him; fighting the good fight and being much touchier than they'd ever been before. He missed that. He understood she needed to heal, he really did, but a selfish part of him wanted her out here again.

And it seemed that he was getting that.

It had been such a simple text, just asking him if he wanted to meet up, but it had sent his heart soaring. It wouldn't be back to normal right away, how could it be? But it was a start. He was going to have Luna back.

Except…

Peter sighed again and ran his fingers through his hair as he considered the other issue, the one neither of them had brought up.

That moment on the rooftop.

A part of him offered a logical take on it; of course they'd reacted to the very near death experience they'd just had. They watched the building they'd been in moments before explode; it was natural to have some sort of response. They had been worried about both their own lives and the wellbeing of the other and physical connections like that were often the animalistic parts of the brain's way of ensuring the other is okay and, in a way, establishing the fact that we ourselves are alive.

But, the rest of Peter's brain had another take on the issue:

WHAT THE HELL?

Seriously, what the hell? Don't get him wrong, he recognized that intimacy was just a normal part of life and was the next step in their relationship if they went by the usual progression. But, that wasn't something he'd ever really thought about when it came to Noriko. Of course, Noriko was beautiful, he'd known that before he'd ever seen what was behind the mask, and she felt nice when she was pressed up against him, her form was much more solid than she looked and something about that was comforting, and kissing her always sent shockwaves through him, and the way she'd run her hands through his hair, and how she'd felt on top of him, and how—.

Peter slapped himself in the face to get himself to stop reliving those moments spent on the rooftop. He was going to make it weird if he wasn't careful and he didn't want Noriko's return to be poisoned by his inability to keep it together. Just ignore it, he decided; that was the best way to deal with this. Just pretend like nothing was weird.

"What're you overthinking now?"

Peter felt a smile pull at his lips at the teasing voice that came from behind him. The soft tingle at the back of his neck had alerted him enough to the new arrival and he wasn't surprised by the voice as he might've been.

"Hey, Lu—."

Even with the mask, Peter could tell that Noriko's lips were pulling into a grin at his sudden silence. Although, she probably thought it was all out of surprise, and not the fact his mind was blaring one thought at him:

Can't just ignore it!

"I take it you like the new look," Noriko observed, Peter nodding mutely and making her chuckle. She pushed off of the ledge she had been leaning on and closed the space between her and Peter, allowing the latter to get a good look at what she was wearing. It was all black and fitted to her body, but not too fitted; it rode the line on being categorized as bulky. It looked comfortable and like it was probably warm. Made with what looked like a tensile fabric in the joints and other movement areas and body armor everywhere else. Like her old outfit, she had a fabric mask and a hood, but everything was uniform, in a way. She hadn't cobbled this together. This was professional. This was…

Daredevil.

This looked like Daredevil's suit, which meant that…

"Foggy found this in Matt's apartment," Noriko said softly, confirming Peter's suspicions "He was going to give it to me as a gift."

"W-Well it-it looks great," Peter said, shutting his eyes in frustration with himself once those words left his mouth. But, light laughter reached his ears and he opened his eyes to find Noriko looking at him with sweet amusement on her features.

"Thanks," she said "Feels pretty good too. Not sure how a blind guy could've guessed my size so well, but he did."

"Well," Peter said, rubbing the back of his neck with a wry smile "He was a pretty special blind guy."

"Yeah," Noriko agreed softly "Yeah, he was."

For a moment it was quiet between the two as Peter thought of all the things he wanted to say, all of the things he'd been trying to prepare for before she arrived, but it all came up short. None of it seemed right.

"Give me your wallet."

Peter and Noriko exchanged a look of disbelief before they both leaned and looked over the side of the building and into the alley.

"What're the chances?" Peter wondered out loud before he pulled on his mask, Noriko's hand on his chest stopping him from making his next move.

"I got this one."

Peter watched with a growing smile as Noriko hopped over the edge and, with a few pauses on fire escapes, landed in between the assailant and the frightened woman who looked like she really couldn't spare the cash. Even a small chuckle left his lips as he took in the look of disbelief that morphed into horror on the face of the would-be mugger as he realized exactly who had appeared before him.

It was a quick and easy takedown, nothing like what Noriko had to deal with a week ago, and as she helped the woman stand and handed her back her purse, Peter lowered down on a web beside them; taking in the whole world in an inverted view.

"Showoff," Noriko said once the woman had walked away and she fully took in Peter's position.

"You're one to talk," he replied, nodding at the man out cold on the ground "What was that? Fifteen seconds?"

"Fourteen," Noriko teased, making Peter snort. But before he could hop down and stand upright—all of his blood was kind of rushing to his head right now—Noriko's eyes softened and she took a few steps forward; the young woman reaching up to pull down her mask and fully reveal her face to him. Peter opened his mouth to ask her what she was doing, but that question died in his throat when she rolled down his mask just enough so she could gently press her lips to his.

And it didn't matter that the angle was bad and that made it kind of unimpressive, because it was a kiss. Noriko was kissing him and it wasn't like the quick pecks they'd shared or what had happened on the rooftop, it was a feeling all its own. And in that moment, something clicked inside of Peter's head.

The reason Noriko used to hesitate about kissing him before wasn't because she didn't want to, it was because she was afraid.

It had occurred to him idly over the past week that the man who had attacked him in Midland Circle—Murakami, Noriko said—had recognized him. He'd known that Noriko and him were in a relationship; that's why he'd come to the apartment building in the first place, to use him as leverage against her. But, it didn't seem like they knew who he also was. They just saw him as the boy that Noriko was interested in, nothing more.

Noriko knew that they'd do that. She'd always known that the Hand would try to use him against her, so she kept her distance when they were Spider-Man and the Black Sky. She didn't want the Hand figuring out who he was and using that to hurt him.

How much of what she did was to protect him from the Hand? How much of what she did was effected by the knowledge that every step she took was watched by that organization?

But, Peter supposed, it didn't matter now; there was nothing to be afraid of anymore. The shadow that had been looming over her was gone. She was finally free to do whatever she liked without worrying about what the Hand would do to her and the people she cared about. And, apparently, she was using this newfound freedom to kiss Peter, Spider-Man, right out in the open.

And even though it was just a kiss, something settled inside Peter. He wasn't worried about the whole thing that had happened after Midland Circle anymore, because… well, Noriko was in the same position as he was. It wasn't like she had a better grasp on this stuff than he did. In fact, it was probably worse for her; she'd been isolated up until a year ago. Besides, it had always been natural when he was with her, so when the time came, it wouldn't be bad; it wasn't anything to worry about. Just focus on him and Noriko now, nothing else. Think about nothing e—.

"How did I know that was going to happen?" Noriko asked and he smiled despite his fluster; he probably should've been focused on him, Noriko, and his hands gripping onto his web. But, Noriko's smile was one that Peter had to admit was falling somewhere around adoring, so he wasn't took embarrassed.

"Because I'm always like this?" Peter offered, Noriko snorting as she set him upright on his feet "Thank you for catching me."

"That's what I'm here for," Noriko replied airily, Peter smiling at her words despite her casual nature. But, as sudden as it appeared, it disappeared in favor of something much more serious "Taiyou… I wish we could spend this night like we always do, but… I need to do something. Could you give me a lift?"

Even though he should feel disappointment that there was an ulterior motive to her coming out tonight, all Peter felt was happiness that he was seeing her at all. So, when he responded, it was open and completely truthful; probably more honest than he'd ever admit.

"Whatever you want."

.

A lone figure stood on the edge of the building. Unlike many others who had before him, his intentions were not self-destructive or even idle. His eyes darted around the city below him as he searched for what he knew was there. What was always plaguing the streets of New York City.

But he wasn't just looking for it. He had a purpose. One that weighed heavily on his shoulders, but it was one he had to bear. If it meant protecting the people around him, then he would continue to shoulder this burden alone. He had to.

"You know, you are not the pouty vigilante I was looking forward to seeing tonight."

The glowing fist swung around to land what would be a devastating hit on the nose of the person that had startled him, but it was stopped before it could connect. Even without being able to see much more than what his fist illuminated, Danny immediately knew who he was dealing with.

"Noriko?" He demanded, the girl in the mask dropping his fist before she drained away his chi like the last time and giving him what seemed to be a smile.

"When I'm dressed like this, I'm the Black Sky," she said simply, Danny rolling his eyes and turning away from her to face the city again "So, I take it you're in the 'I'm a lone wolf who doesn't need anyone' stage of vigilantism."

"Leave me alone, Noriko; there's plenty of room in New York for us to never cross paths," Danny replied, crossing his arms as he continued to look out at the buildings, like he'd be able to see crime as it occurred.

"Oh, please," Noriko said, moving forward to stand next to Danny "My job is to protect the city and that means making sure no one is causing harm. Even if that person has good intentions."

"You think I'm going to hurt people?" Danny demanded, his temper getting the better of him as he turned to face her "After everything we've been through together?"

"Danny, you were born a member of the 1% and then were raised by monks on mountaintop, what do you know about the needs of New York?" Noriko replied, heating up at the fact Danny thought he knew what was best "I worked for months as a waitress in Harlem before I became the Black Sky and I learned it's not as easy as beating people up who break the law. There are so many things that need to be taken into account when you do this like socio-economics, systemic racism, and the cycle of abuse and I know for a fact that you don't know anything about those things. You don't know anything about anything!"

"So, what, you've come here to threaten me?" Danny asked, doing his best to loom over the girl who had already proven her ability to kick his ass "To stop me from trying to help people?"

"No," Noriko said before taking a breath and calming herself down "No. I'm not here to do anything like that. I want to help you, Danny."

Noriko sighed as she listened to the hotheaded man scoff and turn away from her yet again; this time hopping up on the ledge of the building in what seemed like an attempt at a dismissal.

"I don't need your help," he muttered, Noriko rolling her eyes.

"Yeah, you do," she replied, joining him on the edge but not looking at him "Do you even know your way around the city?"

Silence was the answer she was expecting and she let it sit for a minute, if only to make her point all the more poignant.

"Danny, I'm not trying to baby you, okay? Everybody needs help sometimes. Everybody can have trouble discerning what's right when the world does its best to make it as muddled as possible," Noriko said gently before she continued, her words personal now "You know that video of me? The one where I beat up those cops?"

"Of course," Danny replied, his voice still sullen "Everyone's seen that."

"Yeah, well, in another life, maybe I would've just shrugged my shoulders and let it happen. Maybe I would've just let those cops shoot that guy, even though he hadn't done anything that warranted it. If I hadn't been willing to learn from Luke and the people of Harlem, maybe that would've happened."

For a moment, it was quiet as the words Noriko had so genuinely spoke sunk in for Danny. Although it was clear he was thinking deeply, Noriko had difficulty getting a grasp on exactly what conclusion he was coming to until he spoke.

"This doesn't mean I like it," he started, Noriko unable to stop herself from smiling.

"Hey, me neither," she said, shrugging "I'd much rather spend my time beating up bad guys alone with Peter."

"Peter?" Danny said, confusion taking over his expression "Like your boyfriend? What does he have to do with—?"

"Hi."

Danny jumped nearly a foot in the air, but Noriko grabbed his arms to keep him from hurtling over the side of the building. For a moment, it was quiet as the two teens let him get a grasp on what exactly he was seeing. Finally, Peter reached up and pulled off his mask to reveal his slightly sheepish expression.

"I-I'm Peter," he introduced, sticking his hand out towards Danny "I'm Spider-Man."

"That makes sense, I guess," Danny said after a moment, shaking Peter's hand "Oh, Colleen told me to tell you that the Dojo's doors are always open for you."

"Thanks," Peter said with a tone and smile that implied that information surprised him.

"I thought I was the one who was supposed to come out of that ordeal with super friends," Noriko said casually, harkening back to Luke's words in Midland Circle.

"I think you did," Peter replied, looking at the two people that stood beside him "I mean, the Black Sky, the Iron Fist, and Spider-Man are all working together now."

"What about Luke?" Danny asked, grabbing Noriko's attention "Doesn't he live with you?"

"Yeah," Noriko confirmed before she continued "I bet he gets sick of sitting on the couch within the next few weeks, though."

"So, the Black Sky, the Iron Fist, Spider-Man, and probably Luke Cage," Peter said before smiling slightly at Noriko "I won't compare it to the group that we're all thinking of because I know it'll upset you."

"If only there was a way to profit off of this like they do."

.

Noriko rubbed her eyes after she set the used dishes down into the sink for the dishwasher to handle. As big of a game she talked last night, all of that time spent out had really taken its toll on her; her sleep schedule wasn't used to going out at night anymore and she would need to work to get it back to normal. But, she powered through it for the sake of the diner customers and the fact that she was pretty certain she paid majority of the rent at this point.

She craned her neck to check the clock and smiled slightly as it revealed what she already suspected; as soon as this last couple left, she'd be able to go home. Thoughts of her bed clouded her mind and she had to force herself to focus on the job at hand. Besides, it was her favorite part; the customers had finally left and she was able to scoop up her tip.

The soft jingle of the bell over the door barely even registered in the mind of the girl who already thought of herself as off the job, but out of habit she gave the normal greeting without looking up.

"Hi, sit wherever you'd like."

"Yeah, no thanks."

Noriko's head snapped up and she found herself face to face with a woman she had not seen since that last, wordless look at the Harlem precinct.

"Jessica."

Jessica Jones gave her a pained smile and shuffled in a way that let Noriko know she felt just as uncomfortable and out of place in the current situation as she seemed to be. Noriko shoved the money she'd been subtly counting into her pocket and took the few steps to close most of the space between them.

"I take it you aren't interested in eating," Noriko said in an attempt at being casual, Jessica responding with a small snort.

"You serve whiskey?"

"Dry establishment," Noriko replied apologetically, Jessica grimacing at the thought before she spoke.

"Yeah, I'll pass. I just came by to talk to you."

"What's up?" Noriko asked, normally quick witted woman opening and then shutting her mouth; an expression on her face that let Noriko know that whatever it was, words weren't good enough. Finally, she just held out the manila envelope that had been under her arm to Noriko, who took it with a confused frown on her face.

"What is it?" she asked, already starting to undo the closure.

"It's you."

.

.

.

The weather had taken a sudden dip, as if Hell's Kitchen realized that it shouldn't be in the 90s in October. Because of this lower temperature, early morning frost had gathered on the grass and made it so any steps across it crunched slightly. But, right now, it was quiet. She had already made her trek from the road where the cab had dropped her off to the plot that she had no real way of knowing the location, but found easily just the same. She hadn't told anyone where she was going. In fact, she'd left so early that everyone in her apartment was still asleep, although that wasn't on purpose.

She'd been up all night and only an hour ago had she finally finished reading the documents that Jessica had supplied her with. Only after she'd read every word on every piece of paper did she venture out into the world, one that greeted her with sharp air and grey skies. But, she hadn't come straight here; the evidence of that being in the two cups she held filled with some unknown, but steaming liquid.

With what seemed to be no prompt, she raised one hand and held the cup out without looking up from the gravestone that held her attention.

"Abrielle's," Noriko said simply as the cup was taken out of her hand and raised to the lips of the newcomer.

"Thank you," she replied and, for the first time since she'd laid eyes on the grey slab of rock in front of her, Noriko looked away and her eyes found the woman who stood beside her.

Elektra smiled.

"Tsukiko Nakahara," she said simply before turning her eyes back to the grave "Beautiful name."

"Yeah, it is," Noriko agreed, Elektra noticing how wistfulness was sneaking its way into her voice.

"Will you take it?" She asked, even though she already knew the answer.

"No," Noriko replied promptly, as if she had already considered this question "I'm not her. She is dead and I am not."

"What about Mr. and Mrs. Nakahara?" Elektra asked, taking a sip of her coffee as she waited for the story that she knew without ever having heard it.

"Died trying to protect Tsukiko from home invaders. I think they're buried somewhere nearby; they didn't find the body of the seven year old girl identified as Tsukiko until after the plots next to her parents were filled," Noriko said before a pained smile pulled at her lips "The police were baffled by the amount of fire arms the Nakaharas had in their apartment."

"They knew what was coming for them," Elektra observed out loud, thoughtful now as she looked at the bolded name with new eyes.

"That's why they came here," Noriko said, holding her arms out to gesture to what surrounded them "Maybe they thought that the people that were after them didn't have the reach in the states… Maybe they thought that this type of thing could never happen in New York City."

"Anything can happen in New York," Elektra replied evenly, her eyes lifting to look out at the skyline of the city just waking up "And it wouldn't even be the first time."

"Even if it crumbled into the ground," Noriko said, looking over to exchange a bitter look with the woman next to her "I have to ask."

"I have no intentions of causing anymore chaos in your precious city," Elektra said with no real sting behind her words "In fact, I might settle down. Start a fashion line, maybe."

The snort those words garnered only made Elektra's lips curl upwards, but that amusement disappeared at Noriko's next words.

"I'm just making sure you're not going to try to pull any excavations."

Noriko looked over to see how Elektra shook her head slightly as she started to walk away. The young woman frowned in confusion as she tried to figure out why her words had angered her; they didn't seem any different from anything else that they had said in the past ten minutes.

"Elektra," Noriko called, the woman in question swinging around with a hysterical smile that was a harbinger of the half-crazed words that left her mouth.

"I know you feel it as I do," Elektra said, impassioned as she swung her arm out towards the skyline she'd just been studying "Those people that you are so desperate to protect? They're as dead as Tsukiko Nakahara. They just don't know it."

Noriko looked out towards the city that Elektra referred to. The same one she'd lived in longer than she could remember; the same one she walked every day; the same one she had been begged to protect. She had bled for this city time and time again. She was more than willing to lay her life down for it at any moment.

But, as she looked out at the city that had been her father's true love, her mother's infuriation, and would always be her home, her body wasn't filled with the emotions that usually entered her veins at the sight. There was no pride, or protectiveness, or even love. What had taken their place was the same feeling that had settled in her stomach when the tremors had shaken New York to its core only two weeks ago.

So, when Noriko turned back to Elektra, she spoke honestly.

"I think they will."