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Being a single father to a 9 and 4 years olds along with the gruelling shifts at the firestation really leaves him with no time to socialise or get to know any neighbours, nor does he really wants to, to be honest.
Frank only chose this flat because last apartment’s rent was burning through his pay check. Especially with the expenses needed for kindergarten and Lisa's school supplies.
He would really rather not have to cut down on groceries.
Plus this place was larger and cheaper because of some billboard obscuring the view. The landlord did let him know that the glare isn’t too bad on his apartment, most of it going into the other flat but the renter is a blind guy so he didn’t mind.
Frank really didn’t care.
The rent was cheaper, they had 2 rooms, the kids still willing to share a room, an open space kitchen to living room area and a nice bathroom. And honestly the glare wasn’t too bad.
Really nothing to complain about.
They’ve already been here for 3 weeks when he finally meets his neighbour.
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Frank spent another night shift at the station, only quickly leaving in the morning to get lisa to school and frankie to kindergarten and get back for a day shift.
Lisa would catch a ride back with her friend when schools done, leo’s parents already know the new apartment’s address. And frank would get frankie at the end of his shift by 4pm.
Today had been exhaustingly hard. And Frankie is being awfully chirpy and chattery today, telling him about his day and recounting what they did at “school” as he’s dragging him up the stairs to get to their floor. So he pays no mind to the man standing in front of the door parallel to his. Frank lets go of Frankie’s hand to get his keys and open his door when he hears his kid saying “HI !” Excitedly, his greeting sounding way too loud in the silent hallway. Nearly startling him. And definitely startling the other man since he whipped around so fast he nearly sent Frankie toppling back. He’s lucky Frank had fast reflexes and slotted a hand against the child’s head bracing him in case he fell.
Frank growled a “what the fuck man ?” Not yet noticing the glasses and cane. And the guy just says “oh I’m so sorry” sounding truly apologetic, his hand feeling for Frankie’s head and ruffling his hair.
“Hi there, you spooked me” he says gently. A wide smile on his face.
Frank takes a breath, reeling his frustration back, the man clearly got startled and obviously didn’t see them coming if the glasses and the white cane in his hand is any indication. Frank also notices his soft looking red brown hair, his slightly pink dusted cheeks and his smooth slightly rounded jaw. The man is already getting down to Frankie’s level with a knee on the floor.
His voice smooth and soothing as he tells Frankie that his name is matt and that he’s really sorry for almost making him fall. Good with kids too apparently.
Before he could even jump in Frankie is already asking the man -Matt- “why are you wearing sunglasses inside” and “we were here for a LONG TIME but we never see you in the hall”
Frank is so proud of his son’s speech abilities but he wouldn’t mind him being less of a social butterfly, truly. Frankie definitely did not inherit it from his introverted self. That thought makes him sigh. He see Matt lean his head slightly to the side, still smiling and answering Frankie’s question as he stands back up. Frank eyes the way the omega smooths a hand over his belly, finally noticing the curve there.
Oh.
“Ah I am truly sorry, i swear I don’t usually ram into my new neighbours” addressing Frank this time.
“Nah Frankie should have been more careful, we’re the ones sorry” Frank smiles slightly.
Matt just shook his head, Frank wondered if he worked in customer or sales service. That smile of his hasn’t dropped since he started speaking with Frankie.
“Matt Murdock” he repeats as he put his hand out, introducing himself to frank.
“Frank castle, and this as he told you is Frankie. We recently moved over” Frank shook Matt’s hand.
“You should meet Lisa too!!” Frank really didn’t mean to but he’s so tired he couldn’t stop the groan from leaving his mouth. It really was quite rude. Meeting his neighbour for the first time and groaning not even 5 minutes into their conversation.
But Matt, thank god, did not take any offense to it, just chuckle lightly and said that honestly he would love to but some other day work has him dead on his feet. And he’s truly grateful for that. Frankie took it much better than if it came from Frank. Frank wrapped a hand around his kid’s shoulder, steering him back to their own door as Matt turned back to his.
“Bye Matt !”
”see you around Frankie” He hears the soft click of his neighbour’s door getting shut. Either ways that went better than expected, definitely helps that the new neighbour is cute, and clearly pregnant so no doubt with a partner at home.
“Matt is really nice daddy !” Frankie tells him after they get inside and Frank closes the door behind them.
”yeah buddy, he is.” He replies, dropping his bag on the kitchen counter.