Prompt: Let's say there are many obstacles in the way of love. Especially when a brave young cop falls for the mischievous daughter of a notorious gang lord... Action

What the hell is she thinking?

Officer Julian read over the report, then read over it again, unable to fathom how the events written in it had happened. He had seen the notorious "Countessa" Violet Hela during her late-night rampages before, but stealing a McDonald's golden arch and mounting it on a Burger King with the message "Spoils to the victor" was a new level of dedicated.

Shaking his head, he gave up trying to understand it and stood up. Walking to the filing cabinet, he opened a drawer, only for loose files to fall on the floor.

Summoned by the mess, a nearby worker came to assist him in reorganizing the scattered papers. "Sorry, Zina, " he apologized, squatting down.

"Hey, no problem, Juls," she replied, handing him files to stack. "We need to get the Countessa a new drawer. Can't even pull anything out of this one, it's so tight."

"Ah, really? These reports have been coming in almost every day."

Zina chuckled, "Makes you wonder if she'll ever settle down. Well, probably not until she finds someone steady to excite her in other ways. Someone like you, a pretty boy cop."

I'm not sure it would turn out as you like.

"I highly doubt that would ever happen, considering my current affinity."

The officer's face brightened when the topic was brought up, and she slapped her knee. "Oh, that's right! How is that mysterious girl doing?"

"Angel is doing well. She's been working on some big project lately, so we haven't seen each other much, " Julian informed her as they walked to the responder's desk.

"Or she's avoiding you," she slapped his arm playfully. "Anyway, you need to bring her around sometime. I'd love to meet this girl who's had you hooked around her finger for the past three months."

"No way! The first thing you'd do is try to steal her from me!"

Zina shrugged, frowning, "If you're scared that she will leave you that easily, maybe you're not as close as you think."

That is exactly why I know not to bring her anywhere near you, he knew.

They separated, going off to do their own work. Julian quickly changed before heading out to the parking lot. Upon seeing his partner absent from the squad car, he sat down to relax on his phone until they arrived.

A text greeted his lock screen, bringing a smile to his face.

Angel: We need to meet up tonight.

Julian: I dunno. The station is pretty busy today, especially with someone stealing a fast food sign last night K(

Angel: Wow, sounds serious! Who could have done such a thing?

Julian: someone strategic, beautiful, maybe a little crazy most of the time

Angel: They sound misunderstood. All crazy beautiful people are just misunderstood.

Julian: ah, yes, that must be it :p
So where should I search for you?

Angel: Back of the Deranium. I'm finishing the piece tonight, so you can watch me work if you come early enough.

Julian: isn't that outside your turf? Why did you put it all the way out there when you have free walls in your area

Angel: It's okay; I have a cop with me!

Julian: -_-

The responses stopped, leaving Julian in solitude. He stared at her contact photo, her white hair shining in the dark of the club.

The photo was from when they had first met, a heartfelt interaction between an undercover cop and a mischievous woman. They talked together, and she gave him advice on his new position in the city.

He had been unable to get her contact because of a commotion from the men he had been monitoring. She had fled the scene during the gunfight, but he found her soon enough--smiling at a convenience store camera as she threw darts at it.

Being a gang cop, Julian spent much time around the House of Hela clan, the biggest crime syndicate in the city. Upon learning that his mysterious angel was the daughter of the crime lord Koal, he tried to forget about her, but that proved to be impossible when Violet showed up in his life.

She followed him until he gave in, giving her his phone number and agreeing to a date. Still, he was careful in case she was using him, but his zealous affections refused to let him ignore her.

His partner stepped into the car, signalling the official start of his work day. With Violet waiting on the other side, it was bound to be a long one...

"Looks like today is going to be a late night," Officer Theod stated, his bulking figure acting as welcome shadow against the streaking evening sun in the window.

"Damn, I had plans tonight. What happened?" Julian inquired with a sigh.

"There was a shoot-off between Hela and Court near Shirmire Station, moving Operation Self-Destruct to today," he explained, starting the car's ignition. "We're heading down to manage civilian protection until they arrive."

Shirmire is close to the club Violet is putting up her art. She could be in danger.

"Drive and talk. We'll start at the Deranium and work inward from there," Julian commanded, his face as cold as the authority in his voice.

Officer Theod obeyed, turning on the sirens as he pulled into the street. They raced through the city, going as fast as was safe on the urban back streets. The radio buzzed with updates, of officers heading there and of those already on scene.

The moment the car slowed down by the club, Julian jumped out, gun in hand as he ran around the back. His partner called after him, and he slowed for him to catch up.

Before they got down the alleyway, the pop of gunshots filled the air. The duo raced towards the sound, eyes scanning the area for any (person). They moved seamlessly, inclined to their heavy gear that they wear every day for just such occasions.

A man ran across the street in front of them, making it only halfway before he fell from a shot. Julian ran behind a car, aiming his gun at the spot where the shot fired.

He waited. Three quick shots, one to a shoulder of each man that came from behind the convenience store. They stumbled, and their firearms dropped to the sidewalk.

A quick assessment gave him the information he needed. He ran to the men, knocking out two before grabbing the third by the throat.

"Where are you chasing the Helas? Where is the Countessa?"

His voice surprised him, but Julian did not pay it any mind as he cuffed the man. There was only one thing he was focused on now. After the man did not answer, Julian released him, working to secure the others.

Grabbing his radio, he called, "Units near Shirmire, this is Officer Hagen. I have a disclosure that Violet Hela is in the area. Can anyone confirm?"

He counted the seconds he waited for a response, impatient for the answer. After what felt like an eternity, his radio buzzed, "Officer Hagen, Hela was spotted entering the Kimart Gallary with four Courtians on her tail. We are held up on Twelvth at the moment."

"Roger that. I'm headed there from Deranium now, " Julian reported.

As he stood to go, Theod grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him around. "What the hell are you doing? You think we can charge in there and take on four gangsters in our own without backup? Did you not just hear that other officers need our manpower!" he yelled.

Julian shook himself free from his grip, stepping back so he could not be grabbed again. "Violet is the gang lord's daughter. If the High Court gets their hands on her, it's over for us. Either Pamber wins, or Koal starts a bloodbath that makes this look like nothing!"

And if they lay a hair on her head, I am going to murder everyone in this damned city.

Theod stepped back, surprised by his anger. His lips pursed as he nodded, securing his gun in its holister. "You go, but I need to help our men, " he stated.

Grateful, Julian nodded before turning to run. He reloaded his gun as he heard his partner call out, "I'll be there when I can!"

So will I.

Four blocks he ran, sprinting the entire way. There was not a soul on the street, not a car driving, everyone hiding from the war. Made his job easier as there were less threats to deal with.

He abandoned caution as he approached the gallery, bursting in with his gun ready.

After a quick scan to assess that no one was near the foyer, he crept into the display room. The lights were still on, proof of the swift escape of the gallery workers.

He walked through the room, examining the dead body in the center--most likely Violet's handiwork. From its position, he determined which doorway she must have stood in to shoot him, and he followed his suspicion.

Coming upon a fight of stairs, he took them three at a time. He paused. Slowly, he proceeded, listening for another shuffle of shoes.

He stood behind the door, peering through the crack to the room inside. Two gangsters, no Violet. Where's the third one?

He turned his radio off to keep from alerting them of his presence.  Pulling his phone from his pocket, he played a single little clip: a cricket song.

The men scrambled around, looking for the source of the noise. "How the hell did a cricket get in here? Do you see it?"

"No, I can't even tell where it's coming from. It doesn't matter, anyway. We need to find the brat."

As they continued their search, Julian stopped the recording. He breathed, counting the seconds until he got a response. It was faint, but from the other side of the room, he heard a dull chirp.

Sneaking to the other side of the good, he poked his head into the room. He spotted her right away, her white hair blending into the art structure where she was hiding.

Her expression was solemn as she signed to him slowly. He easily recognized the movement for "I don't have," but had to guess on the last sign. Two fingers laid down, her thumb tapped the top finger twice, resembling a gun.

Glancing at the Courtians' positions, he waited for an opening to run to her position. He clicked on the safety before handing his weapon to Violet, who had her eye to the threat.

Sliding down next to him, she planted a quick kiss on his jaw. He stared at her wide-eyed as she counted down on her fingers.

She jumped out, firing a round at the Courtians before they noticed her. Once they fell dead, Julian grabbed her arm and ran to safety.

"Where's the other one?" he asked, alert for any threats.

"He left to get backup. We need to get back to the Deranium before he comes back," she rasped.

"That's too close! You can hide at my place for the night, " he offered.

Her glared at him as she cut in front of him. "No way! This is my war, too, and BB can take care of me. Besides, I won't leave here until you see it!"

He glanced at her, tempted to argue, but knew better than to. The great Countessa didn't take orders from anyone.

They trekked to the club, avoiding both cops and gangsters alike. He turned his radio on again, informing others of the deaths and escaped gang princess. As they got close, she was so exited that she covered his eyes and lead him

When she uncovered his eyes, he held his breath at the sight of the mural. There was a sign, often mistaken as something rockers made, but he knew it's true meaning: I love you.