Guilt
He felt guilty for having the past he had.
Knowing that shade of life, he saw the world differently. It made him bitter, less confident, not relatable to others. He didn't know who to trust.
His father got on the wrong side of the law and handled drugs on the side.
He had no clue how his parents got together. His mother was a renowned singer in her time, and it seemed he only married her for social climbing. Though, he dragged her down with her when their family fell apart. Older brother, Noatak got caught up in his own world and went down the same path their father had. Making him end up in a group home.
Even though people told him being the son of such an amazing singer was a great thing, it really wasn't.
Then there was this woman. The one person in the world who saw all of him… and she forgave him for having the life he had.
With her, he could face the damaged man he was.
And she forgave him for being so damaged.
"Please, Korra… don't let me turn into my father."
"No, Tarrlok… of course not. You're never going to be your father."
"I won't leave you, Korra… I promise you. I won't leave you all alone…! I won't do to you what my father did to my mother…"
Tears were now in her eyes. "Oh, Tarrlok… It's gonna be alright. Shh… I'm here."
