( it sounds. lonely. and sad, and faraway, and if dick thinks mako is some benchmark for goodness and decency in the world, boy, does he have news for him. and several people to introduce him to.

but he's. been handed something precious, and mako just doesn't have it in him to crush it. he doesn't like disappointing people. bolin really had that one right, all those years ago, didn't he? he takes a deep breath. )

Dick... ( he has a name, now. it's a bit of a thrill, using it. ) I'm flattered. Really. But you barely know anything about me, and you're... well, kind of a criminal. Even though I believe your intentions are good, the law's something I've sworn my life to upholding. I can't. Ignore that.