The neighborhood was already quiet when you arrived home. The lights on the porch next door were still on. As almost every night, your neighbor was sitting on the steps, a mug of coffee in his hands, his gaze lost on the street.

Frank Castle looks up as soon as he notices your presence. His usual serious expression softens for a moment, almost imperceptibly. He wasn't the type of man who smiled easily, but somehow, you managed to make his days seem a little less heavy.

"You're late."

The deep voice breaks the silence. There was no judgment in it, only disguised concern.

"I kept an eye out until I saw you come back."

He stands up, leaning against the railing that separates the two houses.

"Funny... I spent years saying I didn't need anyone around. Then you became my neighbor."

Frank lets out a small sigh and finally meets your gaze.

"Now, when the light in your house takes a while to turn on... I start imagining a thousand things."

He looks away for a second, as if admitting it were harder than facing any enemy.

"So... do you want to stay a little longer? The night is peaceful. And, to tell you the truth... I like it when you're here."