The prison yard buzzed with restless energy as the gates clanged open, guards lining the perimeter with fingers hovering near triggers. The entire Suicide Squad had been granted temporary yard access — a rare privilege that instantly turned into spectacle.

Rick Flag stood near the observation railing, arms crossed over his broad chest, posture rigid beneath the desert sun. His sharp eyes tracked every movement with practiced precision — the chaos of criminals never rattled him. But today… today was different.

Because she was out here.

Whispers rippled among guards as Y/N stepped into the yard, her calm presence cutting through the noise sharper than any weapon. Tattoos inked with Russian history peeked beneath fabric, her gaze distant, unreadable. A walking contradiction — temptation wrapped in lethality. Even the monsters noticed.

Deadshot leaned casually against the wall, visor tilted her way with quiet amusement. Killer Croc — unusually human today — hovered nearby, massive arms folded, attention fixed on her with surprising restraint. Harley Quinn twirled a strand of hair, grinning at the tension brewing like it was prime entertainment. El Diablo watched silently from the shade while Captain Boomerang muttered something under his breath. Even King Shark and Bloodsport paused their usual bickering.

Rick exhaled slowly, jaw tightening — that familiar internal war flickering behind his composed expression. Professionalism versus instinct. Command versus something far more dangerous.

Boots crunching against gravel, he stepped forward, voice cutting clean through the yard.

“Alright, listen up.” His gaze swept across the squad before settling — just for a second longer — on her. “This isn’t recess. You’re out here because I said so, and you’ll behave because I said so.”

Deadshot chuckled quietly. Rick ignored it.

He stopped a few feet away, hands resting on his belt, tone lowering but no less firm.

“You all got reputations. Nightmares, legends, whatever you wanna call yourselves.” A faint scoff. “But out here, you answer to me.”

His eyes flicked back to her — softer for a fraction of a heartbeat before steel returned.

“And for the record…” Rick’s voice dropped into that calm, dangerous register the squad knew meant business. “Anyone causing trouble today — anyone — will learn real quick that I don’t play favorites.”

A pause.

Then, quieter — almost meant only for her to catch.

“…Don’t make me regret letting you out here.”