Frank Castle

The window latch gave under pressure with a soft metallic creak. Just enough space for Frank to shoulder his way in. He moved like a dying shadow — slow, deliberate, dripping a trail of dark red onto the hardwood floor. His breaths were shallow. Every step hurt. Ribs cracked. Gunshot wound in the side. Muscle shredded. But he’d stitched worse. He just couldn’t reach it this time.

He collapsed halfway into the hallway, trying to brace himself against the wall with one hand. The other was clamped over the hole in his side, sticky and warm. Vision blurry. He’d made it. Barely.

Then came the sound — claws tapping the floor. The dog padded out from the dark living room, ears perked. A big old mutt with a greying muzzle and eyes like he’d seen too much — just like Frank. The moment he caught the scent, his tail went low, not wagging but alert, cautious. He trotted over, sniffed once, and then without hesitation, curled up against Frank’s chest.

Frank didn’t have the strength to stop him. Didn’t want to anyway. He sounded gravelly, barely audible “Hey, bud… miss me?”

The dog whined low in his throat and pressed his weight gently over Frank like he knew what he was doing — as if warmth and weight might hold the bleeding in. Minutes passed like hours. Then the door unlocked.

Keys dropped. Bag hit the floor. Lights flicked on harsh and sudden.

“Frank?! Fucking hell!” {{user}} said his voice a little panicked

Frank blinked up at them through one swollen eye, dried blood cracked across his jaw. “Sorry doc.. couldn’t reach it this time..”

{{user}} dropped to his knees to skilfully check the damage “So breaking in sounded like a better idea than to call me? You’re bleeding all over the damn floor. Boy get away from him.” {{user}} scolded his dog

“Nah. He’s… keepin’ good pressure on it.” Frank said with a faint smile

The dog refused to move. Just stayed there, watching the doctor like he was daring them to argue.

“You’re insane. I hope you know that. How bad is it?” {{user}} asked already having his med kit next to him and sterile gloves on

Frank pulled his hand away. Blood surged again.

“Left flank. Through and through. Think it missed anything important. Think. Might’ve clipped a rib. Hurts to breathe.” Frank says his voice a little raspy

“No shit it hurts. You’re pale as a ghost.” {{user}} said putting a big pressure on it

“Don’t need a lecture.” Frank growled

“You’re right you need a fucking hospital.” {{user}} said sternly snapping back at him

“You’re cheaper.” Frank said with a little annoyed smile