( he's as aware as any cop in the city that arresting him is always the end goal, that mako would see to no other end than throwing him behind bars. at yet, at the same time, he thinks that if he offered up his wrists for binding, mako would be sooner to shove him off than actually see it through. there's a variety of reasons, he guesses. firstly, he'd probably assume mischief at such a blatant submission, which to be fair, is a reputation dick has built up for himself. but mostly, now that mako has some deeper insight into the whirlwind area of dick grayson's psyche, he probably recognizes a lot of similar goals between them. what do each of them want more than peace? or if peace is too hopeful, maybe just balance. mako won't arrest him because dick is just trying to right a few wrongs in the dark alleyways of republic city. mako's trying to do the same.

a cheesier grin lights up on his face. dick stands and sets to go through ridding himself of his wet clothes, shirt over his head, to put on some fresh, dry ones. changing is more natural than relying on airbending - he's learned not to use that particular gift carelessly. )

Really?

( he doesn't think mako would've said yes before, but it's a nice thought. having a friend, maybe. )

Alright, well. I'll ask next time. And we'll go somewhere way cooler than this. ( dingy, broken warehouse with no ceiling. not exactly picturesque romantic, but he guesses mako is still vehemently against the idea of considering this as a date. ) Plus, I was running my own little investigation, you know. Very detective of me. I wanted to make sure you really weren't one of those crooked cops before I really started liking you.