Am I Audible?

5. Firewall

"Are you sure this is legal?"

"Oh, I'm sure this is illegal on many fronts, I could even lose my badge."

You and Jungkook were seated in the backseat of Jin's cop car and it was just past midnight. The lockdown was very much in place and the only way to get your nephew to a beach was to blend in with the people who were patrolling the area. You had called Jin in the noon to ask for his help and he agreed immediately. The two of you spent the entire day after the incident in Jungkook's room and even had meals there. Jungkook didn't talk much but he was handling things a lot better. And you knew the outing would be perfect to get him to cheer up. It wasn't like Jin to break the rules but he had a soft corner for you which you were very much abusing right now. But anything for your nephew, you told yourself. 

"Gomo, who is this?" Jungkook asked softly but nothing escapes Jin's sharp ears and he was already spilling the beans which you didn't want your nephew to know.

"Oh, I am the blind date your Grandma set up for your Gomo whom she has so tactically friend-zoned." Jin quipped as though it was the easiest statement to say.

"Why would you friendzone him Gomo? He is pretty handsome and cool and a cop above all! We could do a lot with a cop on our side." Jungkook asked turning you into an embarrassing shade of red.

"Young man, as much as I like you hyping me up, this is the last time I'm breaking any laws. So yeah, get me out of whatever plans you are weaving in your head. And no picking fights. However, if someone is bullying you, you know who to call." Jin said winking at the boy in the rearview mirror. 

You were thankful to Jin for saving you from answering any of the difficult questions. Jin was a good man but you weren't sure if you were ready to commit to someone. You had met around three times for dates your mother planned so meticulously. Jin never made you feel uncomfortable at any point in time but you knew he hoped for something more which is why you kept him away. Your thoughts were interrupted by Jin's voice.

"We are here, let me remind you, we got twenty minutes before the next patrol, so have a blast y'all."

"Twenty is plenty," You said with a smile waiting for Jin to open the doors for you before Jungkook would break them off. Jin told him how the doors would not open from the inside to ensure that the criminals wouldn't jump off. The boy was pleasantly surprised and got pretty along with Jin. You watched as Jungkook dashed towards the beach. You were calling for him to slow down. It was pretty dark and you didn't want him getting hurt. You watched him as he screamed his heart out at the rolling waves from a distance. Jin soon joined your side.

"Thank you, Jin. Thank you for doing this. I promise I will not ask for anything more." You said looking towards the tall man.

"Nah, it's nothing. I know how much that boy means to you and I know very well you wouldn't have called if it wasn't something major. And one more thing, don't think you owe me anything." You were soon to refute him but were interrupted. "Nah, Let me speak, don't avoid me thinking that you are leading me on or something. You have nothing to do about it. It's me who has to make peace with it. Got it?"

"Yes, Officer," You quipped.

"You aren't making this any easier, young lady," Jin said with a chuckle. The both of you were soon pulled towards the sea by Jungkook who seemed to look a little lively. The beach looked more serene and equal parts scary at nightfall. Your twenty minutes were soon up and you were dropped off back at the house. Bidding goodbye to Jin, the two of you tiptoed into the house. You now watched the boy sit at the edge of his bed deep in thought.

"Kook, you can talk to me anytime you want to. You know that, right?" 

"Yeah, I'm gonna sleep. I will talk to you in the morning. I promise." Jungkook said softly. You wished the boy a good night and walked towards your room to find that the lights were still on in your brother's room. And as though he heard your thoughts, the door opened and he stepped out. He looked worn out and disheveled; as though he had cried all day. You halted in the hallway waiting for him to say something. When he didn't say anything, you mumbled a good night and opened the door to your room.

"Wait," His soft voice spoke.

"I'm sorry for not telling you about taking your son outside. I should have asked you. I'm sorry."

"What? You went outside?" Tae asked bewildered.

"How long were you locked up in there? Did you even eat anything Tae?" 

"Enough time to think things through."

"And?"

"I want to change. I don't want to be like this. She would hate me. Hell, even I hate who I have become. I need help and I'm willing to seek help. I hope it isn't too late. I really hope so. And please don't hate me, sis. Not you too." Tae said breaking into painful sobs.

"Tae" You said softly approaching the sobbing man."I can never hate you, you know that. Jungkook doesn't hate you either. That boy is too pure to hate anyone. He is a kid who believes everyone deserves a second chance. You remember right how he wanted everyone to give Mojo Jojo a second chance? And he is going to give you a second chance as well. I'm happy that you are willing to do this. I will help you through this too. Now let's give that boy an Appa he deserves, okay?" You consoled your brother. You sent him off to bed after getting him a small meal heated up. You were going to do everything in your extends to help him out. Maybe therapy could be a start you wondered. You had research to do and it so happens to be one of your favorite things.

*~*