[ Maybe one of these days, Hei will tell her not to be so transparent with her feelings. Teach her to play it cool, to understand the benefits of concealment. As it is, he can feel every iota of tension radiating along his flank as she walks beside him. But he doesn't remark on it. He's not her teacher, her friend, her anything. It's not his place to pass opinions or dole out advice. ]
[ They pass by shuttered stores, empty crossways and streets glittering with a light aftermath of rain. Hei doesn't speak, but once or twice, just at the moments when he's most aware of Korra's restiveness, he glances at her, mild and calm, and keeps walking. Eventually he leads her to the park, away from the streetlamps, to the edge of the pond. Ducks float on the bank. The stars are reflected in the water. The whole place is silent. ]
Come here. [ A request, not an order. Brushing a few wet leaves off the bench, he settles down. Gives her a sidelong glance, and pats the space beside him -- not too close, but enough to study her from his vantagepoint. ]
no subject
[ They pass by shuttered stores, empty crossways and streets glittering with a light aftermath of rain. Hei doesn't speak, but once or twice, just at the moments when he's most aware of Korra's restiveness, he glances at her, mild and calm, and keeps walking. Eventually he leads her to the park, away from the streetlamps, to the edge of the pond. Ducks float on the bank. The stars are reflected in the water. The whole place is silent. ]
Come here. [ A request, not an order. Brushing a few wet leaves off the bench, he settles down. Gives her a sidelong glance, and pats the space beside him -- not too close, but enough to study her from his vantagepoint. ]