[ Hei isn't a polar-bear dog cub. Animals are straightforward and simple. People rarely are. Certainly, a few positive encounters with strangers have done nothing to reshape Hei's experiences and worldview as a whole. Unpredictability is the underlying theme of all interactions -- in the Syndicate and elsewhere. At Korra's earnest question, he gives her a look -- a soft, strange look, as if to say, Tsk. When you start to trust a guy... ]

Sometimes people play games where No is part of the act. It doesn't actually mean No. Instead there's an alternative word that does. [ He spans a palm around her breast, thumbs the nipple lightly. The bathroom light is bright and stark, so that he can see faint red marks of his teeth around her skin. On her face, each hair of her dark brows and eyelashes is distinct. Some women owe their looks to shadows or posturing, but hers are true, even the unforgiving glare, and each warm curve corresponds to the press of his hands. ]

[ He's eager to resume their physical conversation, but at the same time, he's piqued by where the conversation is going. He wonders if he can redirect it to a path that suits him. A Let's try something new. ]