Animals could tell a good heart, and Anastasia had the purest and loving heart he's ever encountered.

❛ Well, seems this one likes you. That's a good sign and introduction. What breed is this dog anyway? ❜

He asked and smiled as the puppy was making the most adorable sounds. This dog was already winning him over if he picked her over a toy.

[ ~ ]

He murmured to her and listened to their heartbeats and the music. To think all this happened over Matthew wanting to end his pain. Now, he finally did. But in an unexpected way.

Like always, Anastasia brought out the best in him. Made him feel complete and all fuzzy inside with her arms and tender kisses.

❛ I may not be able to see this tree. But it's certainly brightening my soul. Just like you always do, my love. ❜

[ ~ ]

This was the first Christmas that he could even celebrate as a family since his father passed away. Even then most of the time, if not all, it didn't feel festive. This was the first time that he felt the... magic? The one he should she had since he was a kid.

[ ~ ]

❛ This will also be our first Christmas as Mr and Mrs Murdock. ❜

He warmly smiled at her and placed a candy cane on the tree.

Foggy will hold it over me if we think of a bad one. ❜

He chuckled a bit in a teasing way. Matthew could then hear them coming back as he gently nudges her.

❛ Here she comes. ❜

Matthew murmured to her and gave her cheek a quick kiss and hand a slight squeeze of reassurance.

He asked as he held onto her hand while they sat down together. His head remained close to her to keep her comfortable. His voice remained lowish so only she could hear him.

❛ We'll find what we're looking for. The one thing I'm worried about is the name.

[ ~ ]