(Alright everyone! This chapter is set a bit after S1 of Daredevil and during SMHC in 2017. So if you haven't seen DD go watch it. It's awesome! ChildOfChaos714 this is for you my friend. I'm fueling our Matt Murdock obsession lol. Also, the whole chapter numbers are continuing from the last book instead of saying: Chapter 1, it's Chapter 196 for me to keep track if that makes sense.)

Anyway, on with the story.
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September 16th 2001

It was an awfully stormy night, Father Lantom was going through the church almost as if he was a security guard sweeping a bank. He did this every evening, as some hooligan teens were caught a few times trying to vandalize the building a few nights ago. Making his rounds he stopped at the doors, he turned but heard a knock, puzzled, he opened it but couldn't see anyone. That was until he heard the sounds of soft crying. He looked down to see a basket, and a baby boy was inside. He immediately picked the child up and brought him inside.

This would not be the first time a child was left at the church, but it would be in this terrible weather. There was a note on his blanket, it was an apology to the child who was named Peter, Father Lantom assumed it was from his mother. The young boy started to weep, his cries echoing through the parish. They seemed to stall as soon as the father rocked him.

The baby settled and his eyes began fluttering shut, a few minutes passed and when he knew the boy was fully asleep, Father Lantom took him to the nursery to set him in a crib when Sister Maggie was also rocking a baby. She turned to the older man looking puzzled, she whispered to him, "Who is this little one, I don't remember seeing you take him?"

"He was left on the steps. I didn't see anyone around." He replied.

"Oh my goodness, does he have a name?" Father Lantom glanced down at the sleeping boy, he indeed didn't have a name. So he guessed they'd have to give him one.

"Yes, his name is Peter." Sister Maggie smiled, and nodded her head, walking to Peter's crib and looking down at the sleeping boy.

"Welcome to the church Peter." Years went on and Peter began to grow, it is now, currently fifteen years later. Peter was a smart boy, often finding himself in trouble because he put others' needs before his own. Father Lantom found that Peter resembled a certain man he watched grow up right before his eyes. He was constantly telling Peter to walk away whenever a fight or argument ensued. Of course the fourteen year old didn't listen, especially when it involved his friends getting hurt.

So almost every day after school, Peter would come to the church with new cuts and bruises over his already pre-existing ones. Father Lantom knew Peter was a good kid, he just hated seeing him put himself in harm's way to protect others. He didn't hate the act of the selflessness Peter was displaying. He disliked that Peter was taking on a job that isn't meant to be his. Today was another day, Peter had gotten back in time for afternoon mass. He helped Father Lantom prepare and walked to sit down towards the back of the pews.

He saw that the seat was empty but a few inches away was a tall man, in a suit, with a cane and wearing undisguisable red sunglasses. Peter sat down quietly and listened as Father Lantom gave his sermon. A few hours later, the older man was finished and the people started leaving. When everyone left, Peter breathed a sigh of relief, he was happy to help, and listening to sermons, but somehow feeling like everything happens for a reason never appealed to him.

By that logic, he was supposed to be abandoned by his mother on the church stairs? Essentially leaving him with no family and growing up in the church? Yeah, that wasn't something he agreed with. But it's what Father Lantom believed, and he trusted him. How couldn't he? He took him in when no one wanted him? He would forever be eternally grateful for him. But it was back to the present, he looked over at Father Lantom to see he was talking with the man he sat next to in the pews.

The two looked at him, that's when Father Lantom waved him over, and he walked to them and Father Lantom introduced Peter to the man. "Peter, this is Matthew Murdock, Matthew this is Peter."

Peter looked at Matt, "Hello Mr. Murdock, it's nice to meet you."

Matt chuckled lightly, "Hi Peter, nice to meet you. Call me Matt, Mr. Murdock makes me sound old."

Peter smiled, "Okay, Matt." Sister Deborah came and gathered Peter to take him away as it was almost time for dinner. When Peter was out of ear shot and sight, Father Lantom turned to Matt, "He's a lot like you. Kind, smart, but extremely stubborn."

"How old is he?" Matt asked.

"He just turned fifteen back in August." Father Lantom replied.

Matt didn't say anything but nodded his head, "Does he live in the orphanage?"

Father Lantom's expression saddened for a moment. "Yes, unfortunately his parents left him on the steps of the church. He's been in the orphanage ever since, he's a good kid but he's been getting into trouble. Fighting with his peers, and finding himself at a crossroads."

"If you'd like, and it isn't crossing any lines, he could come work at my office?" Matt suggested.

Father Lantom smiled, "I think it would be good for him, he's got an excellent work ethic." After that, Father Lantom arranged for Peter to work at Matt's office every day once school was let out. Some months passed and Matt, Foggy, and Karen immediately warmed up to the teenager. Falling under the spell of his thoughtful and innocent demeanor. They eventually became his family, Matt having taken Peter under his wing, and teaching him the ways of the attorney life. And for the first time in a long time, Father Lantom had seen a real genuine smile on his face.
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The End of Chapter 196