[ Simple. That's the last word Hei has ever applied to his life, or those in it. Everyone lies. Everyone has agendas and hidden motives. At this stage, he's not even sure he's capable of doing anything completely free from the intent to deceive. But Korra isn't like that. Most of what she does is because she wants to do it. Right then, and in that second. She's free in a way most people aspire to be, but can't, because they're fenced in by thousands of scruples and What Ifs. ]
[ (Free in a way Contractors like to pretend they are. But he knows better.) ]
[ The relentless beat is giving him a headache. The crowd isn't his style -- girls too young and tarted-up, boys too iced in bling, all swagger and strut. The music isn't by any band he's heard of, and that makes him feel old. Old and tired. Still, he stays. Sips his water. Watches Korra dance. There's a joy and innocence to her as alluring as the studied cool of the other girls. ]
[ (For a moment, sharp spikes of lust absent, he can pretend Pai would've had outings like this. Dressing up. Laughing with friends. Having fun. Doing everything she -- and he -- never had a chance to do.) ]
no subject
[ (Free in a way Contractors like to pretend they are. But he knows better.) ]
[ The relentless beat is giving him a headache. The crowd isn't his style -- girls too young and tarted-up, boys too iced in bling, all swagger and strut. The music isn't by any band he's heard of, and that makes him feel old. Old and tired. Still, he stays. Sips his water. Watches Korra dance. There's a joy and innocence to her as alluring as the studied cool of the other girls. ]
[ (For a moment, sharp spikes of lust absent, he can pretend Pai would've had outings like this. Dressing up. Laughing with friends. Having fun. Doing everything she -- and he -- never had a chance to do.) ]