[ It's clear she doesn't trust him. But who can blame her? He's not going out of his way to project his usual persona. To disguise his true agenda behind Li's nervous stutters and civilian ineptitude. Those qualities that hold him in fine stead until he peels the layers back to unleash the Reaper, with his bloodlust and quick fists and cruel ways; only then does it drive home the point that Li is no better than frippery. ]

[ It doesn't matter. Now isn't the time to play games. ]

[ He keeps one hand circled around Korra. The other, after a moment's hesitation, comes to rest on Asami's wrist -- slow and measured and easy to see coming. (Except no contact Hei makes is ever that innocuous.) Her wary look gets an unblinking one in reply. ]

Bad idea. If the Red Lotus beat off the guards, they'd trap us in an enclosed space. The safer option is to keep moving. [ A beat, then: ] We need all the fighters we can get. Knocking me out with your glove won't help anyone.