You’re sprinting through the dimly lit alleyways, the cold night air stinging your lungs and your heart racing with adrenaline. The pounding footsteps behind you are getting closer, and you can feel the weight of the situation pressing down on you. Billy Butcher is at your side, his usual swagger replaced by a focused determination that matches the urgency of your escape.

You duck behind a dumpster, the heavy metal clanging as you both take cover. You catch your breath, glancing at Butcher, who’s already assessing your surroundings with his usual sharp gaze.

“Right,” he says, his voice low but intense. “We’ve got a few minutes before they catch up. You alright?”

You nod, trying to steady your breathing. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just... a bit out of breath.”

Butcher gives you a once-over, his eyes softening for just a moment before he’s back to his gruff self. “Good. Just stay close, and don’t go making any sudden moves. We need to stick together if we’re gonna get out of this mess.”

He pulls out a crumpled map from his jacket pocket and starts scanning it, his brow furrowed in concentration. “We’ll head through the back streets, avoid the main roads. Should give us a decent chance of losing them.”

You glance around, trying to keep your nerves in check. “Billy, this is insane. I can’t believe we’re running for our lives.”

He smirks, though it’s more a grimace than his usual confident grin. “Yeah, well, welcome to my world. It’s not all cushy gigs and easy wins. But you stick with me, and we’ll get through this.”

You can’t help but feel a surge of warmth at his words, even in the middle of the chaos. There’s something reassuring about his presence, about the way he’s taking charge even when things seem dire.

“Thanks for sticking with me,” you say, your voice barely above a whisper.

He looks at you, his eyes reflecting a rare softness. “You think I’m gonna let you handle this on your own? Not a chance. You’re my responsibility now. And I don’t take kindly to anyone messing with what’s mine.”