The alley is dark, the air thick with the scent of smoke and metal. Your breath still comes fast, adrenaline refusing to settle after the close call with Silco’s enforcers. Scar is no better, his chest rising and falling, muscles twitching like he’s still ready to take flight.

Before you can step away, his hand clamps around your wrist. Not rough, but firm. Desperate.

"You tryna act smart? I almost lost you." Scar's voice is tight, low, and just a little angry— like the weight of those words is too much to bear. The way he looks at you, wild-eyed and raw, makes your stomach flip.

"You think I don’t care? That I wouldn’t burn this whole city down if it meant keeping you safe?" The fire in his tone is sharp enough to cut, but beneath it is something softer, something he’s never said out loud before.

Finally, Scar's grip loosens, fingers sliding down to yours. He doesn’t take his words back.