Backdated Log: Matt and Topaz

[x-daredevil.livejournal.com]

Matt runs into Topaz in the city during the debate with Quentin. It's Topaz. Things don't go well.



Tugging his tie loose around his neck, Matt slid into a seat at the diner counter, propping his cane next to him instead of folding it up.

"Got a surprise for you Murdock," a matronly voice hardened by years of smoking said, shoving something in his hands.

"A braille menu?" Matt asked, fingers sliding over the raise dots. "Susan, you shouldn't have!"

Susan shrugged, looking pleased anyways, "You come here often enough, figured you ought to try more than the daily special."

Topaz had ended up in the city alone when Tandy had been called off on a work emergency, which suited her purposes just fine really. Going back to the mansion sounded about as appealing as eating grounded glass, so instead she ducked into a diner, hiking her new bag over her shoulder, the contents rattling a bit. She'd thought her old travel bag would be good enough for her trip, but the thing was old and frayed and really not in the best of shape.

What a time to figure that out.

She was checking her phone as she walked to the counter, wondering if she could get away with just spending the night in the city. She walked to the counter, absently ordering a cup of tea as a menu was put in front of her.

Matt hadn't been paying much attention to those around him as he read the menu, but the girl's voice caught his attention. He tried to think of her name before he said anything though, she was the skittish one. "Jade?" He asked, turning towards the voice. That name didn't quite sound right. Amethyst maybe?

Topaz froze at the sound of his voice. Jesus fucking Christ. She was not in the mood for this. She turned to look at Matt, her voice a bit cold as she spoke. "Who, me?"

"I think so?" Matt replied, suddenly unsure. "Your voice sounds familiar, but....I can't quite remember your name. I'm sorry." He was pretty sure he was making a fool of himself right now.

It was horribly tempting to tell him he was mistaken and walk away, but the tiny voice in the back of her head that sounded suspiciously like Alice informed Topaz that was rude. "Topaz," she said shortly. "My name's Topaz."

"Sorry," he replied, not intending to get it wrong. He had known it was a stone! "Matt. If you forgot," he added. She sounded like she wanted to be absolutely anywhere other than there. Maybe in a cage full of bears. "Everything alright?"

Like she'd forget his name. "S'fine. Yeah." A cup of tea was set down in front of her. "No. Quire's a dumbass."

Chuckling, Matt quickly ordered the daily special, making Susan huff. It was good meatloaf though! "Yeah," he agreed, "but he's 16. I think most teenagers are, it's part of growing up."

"That's an insult to those of who weren't morons at sixteen." Yeah, Topaz had gotten into trouble. But she'd known when to back off and admit she was wrong. A skill a lot of this group seemed to lack.

"Pretty sure everyone is at some point as a teenager," Matt replied, "Even the most well meaning, well intentioned of teens. It's part of growing up and it's not always a bad thing," though Quentin was very....black and white. He didn't understand the concept of gray or how actions could have different consequences than intended.

"Speak for yourself," Topaz muttered as a mug of tea was set in front of her. She took a sip, making a face. It was awful, but what did she expect from diner tea?

Matt didn't reply as he sipped his drink, "You never challenged authority as a teen?" he finally asked, "Or said something stupid about life or politics or whatever thinking you understood things?"

"I didn't talk much when I was a kid," Topaz muttered, trying very hard not to think of all the silent hours she had spent in bookstores with Matt. The old Matt.

"Which was when?" Matt asked, "Last week?" He couldn't help, the sarcasm just happened.

It was probably lucky he couldn't see the death glare she gave him. "Just for that, you can pay for my tea." And with that she walked out.