Steve was aware of Elizabeth Braddock's personality. He knew that the purple-haired woman could be quite cold, egocentric, and condescending with people—but despite that, she was kind in her own way.
"I'm surprised she agreed," he commented.
"Betsy's not that bad," Steve defended.
"Yeah, and I'm not blind," he replied sarcastically. "Steve, Betsy doesn't care about anything that doesn't involve herself or the mutants," he stated.
"And how are you so sure of that?" he asked.
"Logan told me... and Peter confirmed it."
The woman cleared her throat, catching the men's attention. Without saying a word, she sat down next to Steve.
"When you said 'café,' I was thinking Starbucks," she commented as she looked around. "This place looks like it's about to be shut down," she complained.
Matt smiled, and in that moment, wished he wasn't blind just to see Steve's expression.
"Hello, Elizabeth," the Captain greeted.
"Let's skip the pleasantries, Steve. I didn't want to be in this dump," she said with disgust. "So... what do you want from me?"
"Well, you see..."
"Matt Murdock," he introduced himself. "And we..."
"Yeah, yeah, I know who you are. I read your mind," she interrupted.
"Oh, that was rude," he said, clearing his throat. "But I'll let it slide."
"Do you know Black Cat?"
"Yes. That bitch has stolen from me several times," she growled. "From jewels to precious gems."
"She's the new Queen of Crime," Matt chimed in. "She took advantage of Fisk's fall to take everything that used to belong to him—from his men to reclaiming territory and..."
"No," she interrupted.
"You didn't even let me finish," the lawyer complained.
"No," she repeated. "I'll be honest: I'm not a vigilante."
"But you are a hero," the Captain responded. "We know you're not a vigilante..."
"And you wouldn't be able to be one," the lawyer whispered.
"Ignore what he said," Steve mumbled. "The point is: you won't need to fight. We just need you to organize a party."
"Why a party?"
"I have a hunch that Black Cat belongs to high society."
"Steve, that's ridiculous," Betsy mocked. "Why would someone from high society be a thief?"
"Why is someone like you a teacher?" Matt interrupted.
"I'll tell you when you can see," she replied with a mocking smile.
"Matt, behave, okay? You're not helping," Steve scolded. "The point is, Betsy, we know you're part of high society. If you throw the party, she might show up."
"And how will you know who she is?"
"Matt has enhanced senses," Steve explained.
"I recognize the sound of her heartbeat," Matt revealed. "So I'll know if she's there."
"Interesting..." she murmured. "I'm in."
"Really?" both asked at the same time.
"Yes," she confirmed. "She's stolen from me several times and gotten away with it. I can't let that go," she growled. "Anything I should know about her?"
"She used to date Spider-Man," Steve confessed.
"Their relationship wasn't very healthy, to be honest," Matt added.
"If what the blind man says is true, then I already know how to make her show up," she smiled with malice. "But it won't be free," she stood up. "Steve, you owe me a favor."
"What have I gotten myself into..." he thought. "Alright, I owe you a favor," he said, resigned.
"You'll get the invitation," she smiled. "This is going to be legendary."
Without another word, she walked away from the table and left the café. Steve sighed in relief.
"Is she gone?"
"Yes."
"Great, I thought she'd never leave."
"Matt," Steve scolded.
.............
Japan
They were getting closer and closer, and she loved it. She admitted she missed his bad jokes. She sighed and laid down beside him.
"You're quieter than usual," she said, hugging him. "What's wrong?"
"I'm worried Julia might talk," he sighed. "I'm not ready to face them... not yet," he confessed.
"She won't say anything, trust me. I made that very clear to her."
He turned and looked into her eyes.
"Thank you for being here with me, Emma," he smiled.
He got more comfortable in bed and hugged her.
"Peter, I really like you," she confessed. "I don't know what the future holds for us, but whatever it is, I'm ready to face it."
"I like you too, Emma," he held her tighter. "But I'm not the same as before," he whispered.
"And I'm not asking you to be."
She grabbed his face and made him look into her eyes.
"You've never heard me say that I miss the old you," she brushed her lips against his. "Or am I wrong?"
"N-no, you're right. You never said that," he answered.
"You're still the same—at least to me—and that's what matters," she climbed on top of him.
"You like me even though I trained with the Hand?" he asked, nervous.
"Yes, I like you despite that," she leaned in. "I know you won't do anything bad," she whispered in his ear. "I know your methods have changed, but you're not a villain," she brushed her lips against his again. "To me, you're still a hero," she smiled.
He said nothing. He simply grabbed her by the waist, rolled over on top of her, and kissed her.
"Does this mean we're a couple?" Emma asked.
"I don't know... you'll have to kiss me again to find out."
She wrapped her legs around his waist and rolled over, now ending up on top.
"Yes, we're a couple," she whispered, then kissed him again.
.............
New York
A few days later, Elizabeth Braddock sent out invitations to all of high society under the pretense of making an important announcement. Steve was a little nervous because he didn't know what that announcement would be.
"All the rich people will be at the party," Betsy informed. "Why are you so nervous?"
"Because I don't know what your big announcement is," he answered.
"Steve, your friend said she and Spider-Man had a toxic relationship, remember?" he nodded. "Great, I'm going to use that to my advantage. Got it?"
"No..."
Betsy rolled her eyes.
"I'm going to announce that Spider-Man and I were engaged."
"What?"
"Clearly you've never had a toxic relationship," she sighed. "Look, she doesn't know anything about me or Peter. So... what do you think will happen?"
"She'll confront you?" he replied, uncertain.
"Exactly. The first thing she'll say is, 'That's a lie. If it were true, he would've told me.'"
"That doesn't sound like a good idea..."
"Steve, it'll work. And it also doubles as plan B."
"Plan B?"
"Yes, in case your blind friend doesn't show up, I can read the mind of whoever comes to confront me," she explained.
"Oh, I get it," he murmured. "That makes me feel better. That was a really smart move, Betsy."
"I know. After all, it was my idea," she said with an arrogant smile.
"And do you think people will care to hear that you were with Spider-Man?"
"Steve, those people don't just love money. They love gossip and badmouthing others too," she replied. "Of course they'll be interested."