[ He can track the racemose pattern of her thoughts as they take a darker dip. Not specifics, but a general scope, similar to how a shark scents a drop of blood. Of regret, of not living up to your own expectations, of doing more harm than good -- feelings that Hei hasn't allowed himself to experience for a long time. But he knows them well enough to recognize self-recrimination when he sees it. ]
[ You're an idiot. He raises his eyebrows. All right. That was unexpected. Except ...not. He knows Korra must be angry -- angry at his repeated retreats and maddening flip-flopping; angry about how he keeps pushing her away, only to seek her out again. Not only are his feelings half-baked, they aren't even consistent. He is the goddamn King of Inconsistency. He's never assumed she'd accept his explanation without a flinch. (A part of him is prepared to manipulate and lie in order to drag her into his arms, willingly or not. But the other part wants it to be her choice.) ]
[ Eventually, ] You should write for Hallmark. [ Except she wouldn't know what that is. ] I'm just laying the facts out for you. [ Such as they are. Waves of omissions and half-truths. ]
⊕ march 15th, late evening
[ You're an idiot. He raises his eyebrows. All right. That was unexpected. Except ...not. He knows Korra must be angry -- angry at his repeated retreats and maddening flip-flopping; angry about how he keeps pushing her away, only to seek her out again. Not only are his feelings half-baked, they aren't even consistent. He is the goddamn King of Inconsistency. He's never assumed she'd accept his explanation without a flinch. (A part of him is prepared to manipulate and lie in order to drag her into his arms, willingly or not. But the other part wants it to be her choice.) ]
[ Eventually, ] You should write for Hallmark. [ Except she wouldn't know what that is. ] I'm just laying the facts out for you. [ Such as they are. Waves of omissions and half-truths. ]