( it brings a somber tint to the mood. he'd be a fool if he doubted mako's goodness, but there are different levels of good a person can be - air nomads believe in equality and balance. they'd never take a life on their own, when they praise the animals of the world and all the natural things this earth has to offer. moreover, dick would never take someone's life, and would never let someone die if he could prevent it. he doesn't believe anyone has the right to decide that level of judgement on another person - not cops, and definitely not politicians. he's always related to avatar aang, and the story of how he couldn't kill ozai. it's just ... how it is.

he frowns, biting at the knuckle of his thumb while he thinks. he doesn't know jason would take a life, or honestly even tim, if the situation demanded it. he's always been willing to do what needed to be done, regardless of the effects on your own mortality. )

You're forgetting a key difference between us.

( the smile he offers is more solemn, now. he swings on the beam, knees acting as anchors as he falls upside down, gravity pressing his arms above his head. )

I'm not a cop. ( it's harder to tell if his smile is genuine like this. his fingers barely touch the ground. ) And I believe people like you are worth more than your occupation. Who cares about your job if you die? What about your friends, your brother? ( his mouth swivels to one side, a little more emotional now. ) At least that guy's family can still — I don't know, see him sometimes. I'm not going to be responsible for breaking up families, not when I have the option of keeping them together.