[ Hei sets the rag aside. His expression, even from a short distance off, reveals nothing. He's not about to push; if there's anyone who knows how to apologize for atrocities, it isn't him. To be brutally honest, the idea is laughable. I'm sorrys don't fix anything. Especially not in his profession, where the daily double-murder isn't even personal, but a beeline to a paycheck. Even during in-faction quarrels, how many times has he deceived or tried to kill a teammate, or vice versa? ]

[ But neither Korra nor Pavel are part of that world. They inhabit completely different mindsets and expectations. They're not ready to reconcile yet, too shaken to their cores. The trust between them isn't just rattled -- it's broken off. But the ugliness has happened, and they have to live through it, moment by moment. They can't do that unless they confront what gutted them to begin with. ]

[ Quietly, Hei says, ] I hope that rift between you two smooths itself out. It won't happen overnight. But everything's so temporary and awful here anyway. Why add more to it when you don't have to? [ Advice he'd never taken himself in his entire life. Especially not when Amber betrayed him, and he never saw beyond his hatred to try and understand her reasons. ]

[ But maybe Korra and Pavel would be different. Maybe. ]