She was a bundle of nerves when she saw him.

Korra had been putting this off for the past few days because every single time she managed to get him alone, she'd made things awkward. A tense chuckle would leave her when he rifled through his paperwork, or even an uneasy flush would color her cheeks whenever he called her over during task force meetings to demonstrate something. Both times resulted in a wary glance from Tarrlok, though he always left it alone. Korra could only assume he'd thought of her as an annoyance and didn't want to get into it. And she didn't blame him.

But then again, when had he ever thought of her other than a pawn in his stupid games? She may be naive, but she could sense a sleazy politician anywhere.

Korra shoved those thoughts to the side. This wasn't the time to question his motives when she needed to suck it up and ask him.

Tarrlok was talking to some foreign dignitary she couldn't care less about. They were usually all the same anyways - manipulating the public for their own gain, while they spent tons of yuans on useless crap rather than something that could make a difference for the good - but she'd digress. He stood tall, proud, walking the halls of the building all while gesturing with his left hand and that annoyingly irritating smirk etched on his face.

Following behind him, Korra tapped his shoulder, but was immediately snubbed when he raised his index finger to her and continued as though he didn't even acknowledge her.

Vexed, Korra nearly scoffed. Was she really going through with this? With him?

She tried to think back to her options just as she had a week prior in the privacy of her bedroom. She had gone through some form of a crisis while lying in bed, staring at the ceiling with wide eyes, irked. It was the wee hours of the morning that she realized there weren't many unless she snagged some hostess at the back alleys of the red light district, but that didn't sound like a good idea. She could already see the headlines it'd make: Avatar in training, or escort in training?

Korra dug her grave and now she had to lie in it.

With a sigh, she leaned against the cool railing as she offered Tarrlok's back a sidelong glance. She very nearly bent a pebble from the earth to toss it at his head, but refrained when she saw him stop with the older man. It seemed as if they were coming to a close with their conversation and she took the opportunity to meander beside the Councilman, before tapping - stabbing was more like it in mild revenge - his bicep a little harder.

He was obviously annoyed that she interrupted, but she continued nonetheless. "Hey, uh, Tarrlok. Can I speak with you for a minute?"

"Of course," he said with a polite smile, though she'd been around him long enough to know that it meant the complete opposite. He exchanged a few words with the dignitary before he regarded her. "This way." Tarrlok motioned.

Korra followed behind him, the muscles in her shoulders and back pulled taut as her heart rate hastened. She shouldn't have felt this nervous around him considering the embarrassing amount of time she's spent in City Hall since she arrived.

Strolling into his office, Korra was met with the slightly familiar combination of spiced vanilla and sandalwood as he sat himself behind his desk, and gestured for her to sit in the chair opposite of him. Reluctantly, she acquiesced, stiffly settling on the soft cushions. "Now, what would you like to talk about, Avatar Korra?"

Audibly gulping, she could feel her face heating up. Spirits, she really needed to get a hold of herself. "C-can you…" She began meekly.

Silence ensued and she was more than sure that she already fucked up her chance of getting some decent reaction out of him. Pursing her lips, Korra tried to find the right words without sounding like a pervert.

Irked, Tarrlok tilted his head to the side, ill at ease. "Can I, what?"

With a groan, she scratched at her cheek. "Ugh! Shut up, let me think of a way to ask you."

That resulted in Tarrlok rolling his eyes and taking a deep breath in. "Oh, no worries. Take your time. It's not as though I have other matters to attend to in about ten minutes." He muttered, just loud enough for her to catch as he picked off invisible lint from his vest.

"Shut up!" Korra replied with rising annoyance. Closing her eyes, she took a few deep breaths in and tried to calm her nerves and muscles. Coherent words, Korra, she repeated in her mind. When she opened her eyes, she found him waiting for her impatiently; a brow raised and his piercing blue orbs narrowed the slightest bit in suspicion. "Can you teach me how to seduce someone?" She blurted out in a hurry.

Shit.

It was his turn to lapse into silence, the only sound came from the waterfall behind him. Korra had to wonder if she even said anything at all or if it was her imagination, since he was so quiet, but she got her answer when he looked completely and utterly bemused. Considering who she was talking to, she nearly let out a bark of laughter at how transparent he was. "I beg your pardon," he said, steepling his fingers.

"T-teach me how to seduce someone… you?" She continued sheepishly, feeling her heart practically thumping out of her chest. The look on his face was enough of an indication that what she was asking was completely out of her depth. Disheartened, Korra tore her eyes from his and out towards the window. "Look, I'm sorry I even asked. Just forget I said anything." She muttered, before standing from her seat.

"Now, wait just a moment, Avatar Korra." He replied, though Korra tensed at the slightest hint of amusement in his baritone. If he was going to laugh at her, there was no stopping the fist at her side from connecting to his face. "Out of curiosity, why me and why so suddenly?"

Korra took a deep inhale of oxygen. Spirits, where to start?

"...I don't have any experience with relationships, just a few crushes here and there, and I want to do… well, really anything to be with Mako, but I know for a fact I'd just make a complete idiot out of myself if I don't practice on someone. And as for why I chose you… I can't talk to Bolin about this because that's his brother. I can't go to Asami because that's technically his girlfriend. I can't go to Lin because that's just a fat no. I can't ask Pema because she's pregnant and every time I see her with that in mind, I think of what happened in order to get her pregnant. And I can't Tenzin because… ew." She shuddered just at the thought of Tenzin doing such a thing. Tenzin talking of flirting and sex and whatnot, and dear spirits no, however Korra caught a glimpse of Tarrlok smiling to himself and her inner ramblings effectively ceased. When there was no indication of him stopping her, she relaxed a fraction and continued. "Look, you're a great teacher with one-on-one combat, and waterbending. You know that, otherwise you wouldn't go out of your way with the Task Force. You're relatively… attractive…" She added sheepishly with a flush. "I just assumed you'd be good at this. You don't have to answer right away, just- think about it."

Tarrlok was slowly nodding to himself. Whether it was due to the fact that he must've been pleased with himself for inadvertently giving her that impression, or her words, Korra didn't want to know.

Ignorance was bliss, right?

She chewed at her lower lip and fidgeted with the anorak tied around her hips. Again, he was stubbornly silent and she took that as a sign that she was the idiot in the conversation. Without a word, Korra took a step towards the closed doors.

"Korra, wait. Please," he spoke up, and once again gestured towards the seat. She yielded with a clench of her teeth, mentally prepared for the rejection just judging by the glimmer of something indecipherable in his icy gaze. "Now, as flattering as it is, I find it difficult to accept your proposal. For one, Tenzin would undoubtedly disagree-"

"Tch, like you actually care about what Tenzin thinks." Korra interjected sardonically.

"I don't, but what's more alarming is that you're eighteen." He added slowly.

As if she needed that reminder, since Beifong and Tenzin always treated her like a child. Taking a deep breath in to reel in some patience, Korra's brow twitched. She didn't understand the need for every stuffy, old person to bring up her age when she was the Avatar - one that was trying her best given the circumstances - when Aang was younger than her, yet he had so much more freedom than she did.

"Okay, and..? I'm not a child. I'm an adult. I'm capable of doing what I think is best for myself. And besides, if we were in the North or South pole, I'd be able to marry you-" She said without realizing the implications. Stiffening up, she backtracked with widened eyes and heat crawling up her neck, only to discover Tarrlok mirroring her expression for a fraction of a second. "N-not that I want to, but what I mean is-"

"Korra, I understand what you mean. What I'm getting at is that while you are capable of marriage by age, you're much too young for someone as old as I am." He responded, leaning back into his chair.

Korra pursed her lips and stared at the nameplate near the front of his desk. Much too young? She doubted that when he coerced her to join his task force not even two weeks ago. Those elaborate gifts, that flattery filled mouth of his? Sure, she wasn't buying it.

"...You could just say 'no'." She mumbled, wrinkling the fabric in her fist. The deafening silence rang in her ears and she thought he'd leave it at that, but a long suffering sigh left him.

"I'm not, though."

Korra met his eyes once more in a silent question. He was watching her closely as he steadily bounced his foot from somewhere underneath his desk. "So…"

"I'll teach you." Tarrlok acquiesced with a nod. A smile curved her lips and she felt herself finally relax. It may be him who was teaching her something intimate, but it was a step toward getting some confidence in regards to Mako. And maybe she could actually get Mako to break up with Asami so he could be with her? Excitement thrummed in her nerves and she nearly burst out of her seat to hug him, but she stopped herself from the impulse given it was Tarrlok. "But," he stressed. "Whatever happens between us, stays between us. I mean that, Avatar Korra." He threatened, though Korra knew better than to take him seriously with that stupid smirk subtly lining his lips.

"Tch, I should be telling you that, Councilman." She responded, standing and untying the anorak around her hips to throw it around her.

"Regardless of who should be saying it, I don't want Chief Beifong going after my head and Tenzin going after my ass when this was your idea in the first place… let alone the fact that this could get out and the press would without a doubt say I'm taking advantage of a teenager… the avatar, no less." He rambled.

"Oh, please. You act like you tell the public everything about your life when I know you don't. You'll manage to hide my one request." Korra snickered. He offered her a nonthreatening glare, however he made no move to deny what she said. Korra smiled and made her way out the door. "Anyway, thanks, Tarrlok! I'll see you later!"

Not even a few days passed and she was already bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, pestering him with questions and awaiting his instruction. Her excitement exhausted him, yet even he had to admit that it was rather endearing to see her intrigued.

If only she was this enticed with fighting against a large threat such as Amon and his Equalists.

Regardless, he approached this with tremendous trepidation. Not only for her benefit, but for his own as well. There were many factors at play at which he had to remind himself that he was the adult in this, and she was seeking his knowledge - more so his experience - for her own little crush, despite the fact that this inadvertently settled into his plans rather nicely. That as much as he was fond of the idea of teaching her something she apparently trusted him with, especially with something dark and sinister as seduction, he had to keep those feelings he deliberately hid at bay.

When she poked and prodded his side as he spoke with a fellow politician, he was quite irked that the girl knew no boundaries. What did the White Lotus teach her in that compound of hers? When she wanted to speak with him, Tarrlok was sure it was due to something frivolous. However, feeling her heartbeat spike as she followed him to his office, he had to wonder what in Koh's name had her so nervous.

Did he do something to her? Did he smell?

No. All those inconsequential ponderings were short lived when she kept stammering, let alone her blurting out her request.

There were only a handful of times that, since he moved to Republic City, he'd been rendered speechless. And this was one of those times. Quelled fascination - amusement - was there, but genuine bewilderment was apparent as she rationalized a rather foolish notion. Because why would she want him, of all people, to teach her? Surely, she would've discovered someone much more inclined to enlighten her?

But of course, she hadn't as she explained in a sheepish hurry.

Utterly flattered, because who wouldn't have been coming from the young Avatar - her trusting someone with something so confidential - Tarrlok felt almost obligated to agree. The more he considered it, the more he was fond of holding this over Tenzin's head if it ever led to that. The thought that she came to him for his advice and instruction rather than her own mentor's was laughable. Just the image he conjured of his colleague's face turning an ugly red, or maybe a pale green, had him fully in support of these lessons of sorts.

However, now, as he circled his desk to lean against the front edge, he was feeling reluctant. Not because he was inept - quite the opposite, if he had to admit smugly - but rather because this was Korra. She was eighteen, an impressionable girl, and despite the fact that Tarrlok held some sick fascination with her that he adamantly refused to believe was beyond anything professional, he knew he had to pick his words wisely.

Tarrlok folded his arms across his broad chest, and took a large intake of oxygen. "Lesson one: getting to know your target." He began.

Immediately following, Korra slid down a fraction into her seat and groaned. "You know, I shouldn't be surprised that you chose the most boring topic to start with."

Why was he surprised? He didn't know. Of course, she'd complain with the first thing he had to say.

Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Tarrlok slowly blinked and forced a diplomatic smile to curve his lips. "Patience, Avatar. Getting to know your target, and in this case, that firebender you're so fond of, is pertinent in finding different ways to catch their attention. Whether you want it to be superficial or not, that's entirely up to you." He explained as patiently as he could muster given it was not even a full five minutes since she stepped into his office.

"So tits and ass doesn't always work?"

Pressing his lips together in a firm line, he had to cringe at that colorful language of hers. How Tenzin managed to have his bald head still intact was beyond him when someone as brazen as Korra resided with him. With a clench of his teeth, Tarrlok shook his head. "...No. If you want something facile with him, then by all means, try that. But since you want to learn about seduction, you'll need to learn the finesse of small details. The art of seduction involves stealth, depth. It isn't always the person's… assets… that are on full display, but rather the subtleties, even though those assets do play a part in seduction." He pushed himself off the desk's edge to stand beside his chair, shrugging off his coat and draping it over the back of his seat. "For example, what do you know about him?"

Korra glanced at the ceiling with pursed lips as she thought. During the few seconds she was silent, he rolled the sleeves of his work shirt to his elbows, but paused once he caught a glimpse of a flush and poor attempt to stifle a smile.

Spirits, she's a lovesick fool.

"He's a great firebender and probender. I mean, we're on the Fire Ferrets together so I see him get really into practicing with Bolin. He's aloof, but I know he cares a lot when it comes to people he's close to. He-"

"I meant, what is he interested in other than probending." He clarified, finishing up his handiwork with his sleeves. There was enough adoration written on her face to tell him that she was completely smitten with this boy, but he held his tongue.

"Oh…" She drawled, considering his words. Dumbly, Korra opened her mouth and closed it a few times.

Judging by the blank expression, much less the sheepish, almost vexed hint that crossed her, Tarrlok began to lethargically meander the perimeter of his office and wait for her answer. When nothing came, except the slow, painful realization on her part, he sighed sympathetically. "You don't know much about him, do you?"

"...No."

Much to his dismay, his thoughts scrambled to find an easier way for her to understand the beginnings of a budding relationship, of complex emotions and even more intricate plans of seduction.

"Okay, rewind. Close your eyes." He instructed, and Korra did so accordingly, straightening her spine with her head held high in silence. "Pretend he's a complete stranger. You've only seen his face on posters around the city simply because he's on the Fire Ferrets and you admire him from afar." Tarrlok said, tranquility coloring his smooth voice.

"It's not that hard to imagine when that's technically what's going on right now." Korra muttered sarcastically.

It was enough to have him bite the inside of his cheek and attempt to continue his line of thought. "Instead of you being on the team, you're the one in the crowd. You're in awe with his skill and some part of you wants to know him on a personal level." Tarrlok assumed this was every other lover of probending out there in the city considering how popular these teams were. "You manage to find yourself alone with him after the competition, maybe outside of the arena while you wait for a taxi, what do you do?" He asked, baritone almost hushed as he came to her flank.

"...I talk to him?" She asked bashfully.

Brilliant.

"Yes, but how do you go about it?" He egged on with a tilt of his head.

A few seconds ticked by as she thought and he got the impression that this first lesson wasn't boding well. As a matter of fact, he might as well rethink his plans for these lessons and give her one on speech.

"...I compliment him on his firebending?" Korra questioned, doubt tainting her voice.

"Then?"

Sighing, Korra opened her eyes, flinching the slightest bit that he was at her side, and met his piercing depths in mild defeat over her shoulder. "I really don't know, Tarrlok."

Nodding, Tarrlok straightened and slowly walked away with hands clasped behind his back as he felt her curious gaze prodding at the back of his head. Why he presumed this would've been an easier route, was beyond his comprehension. "Getting to know the person you want to be with can be daunting, especially someone your age and with the little contact you have with the real world."

A scoff was heard, then an incoherent mumble underneath her breath. "You don't have to be a dick about it, you know." She said before he circled his desk and sat in his chair with a creak.

"To put it bluntly, it's not simple." He replied. "You started on the right foot, complimenting them, but push it further with flattery. It may not be for everyone, but an attempt doesn't hurt when in essence that may or may not break that barrier."

"So, what you did with me on Air Temple Island?" Korra uttered, loud enough for him to hear.

Deliberately ignoring that quip, he continued in his lesson. "If you're more inclined, mention something you know they're already into. You said probending, so let's go with that. You could ask how to bend a certain move, or how to recreate a move you saw in the arena." Tarrlok suggested as she readjusted her position and crossed her legs in a tight knot. "Conversation shouldn't be forced, but if there's awkward pauses, which I'm sure there will be, try to steer it in your favor."

Based on his own experience - and given that it was around the time he was her age - Tarrlok nearly shook his head at the uneasiness he had with relationships. Many times did it result in failed attempts and a stab at his ego and pride. However, after learning to deal with Yakone for years before the old drunk ultimately passed, Tarrlok used words to his advantage. It was an asset, certainly. From bargaining for better prices on produce for his mother, to slowly climbing the political ladder and claiming his seat on the Council, he perfected that skill to the finest details. Musings of insignificant things inadvertently brought out new information that he could use to his benefit and their demise. But in regards to relationships, it helped him decipher what could form a better connection between him and his potential partner.

"You say this as if I'm made up of unending conversation starters." Korra muttered, propping her chin atop her palm.

"I assure you, I'm not." Tarrlok smiled and looked her over in thought. "You're relatively new to Republic City, and given you're staying on Air Temple Island, I highly doubt Tenzin has allowed you to experience nightlife, let alone the city in general, correct?"

He already had an inkling of her answer, but when she nodded in affirmation, he sighed.

"Of course." He uttered and pinched the bridge of his nose. Tarrlok didn't know what he was expecting considering it was Tenzin - a grown man that more than likely had a bedtime at ten in the evening - but he was disappointed nonetheless. Spirits, it was no wonder she came crawling to him for advice when she barely had any real connections other than a stuffy, bald airbender and that polar bear dog she was so fond of, much less those friends of hers. Stopping the line of thought, Tarrlok continued. "Ask for his recommendations in regards to the city. Food, drinks, museums, really anything that can spark your genuine interest. Or even if you have a place in mind, you could ask if he's ever been. It's a great way to open up the conversation, and there are more than enough places to explore throughout the city if it ever leads to that."

Korra nodded, taking in the information like a sponge - at least, he hoped she was - and he had to take a moment to appreciate her willingness to learn. Of course, it was for something completely selfish, especially at a time when the city was nearing a war, but he had to admit it was admirable.

He just wished it was of something useful.

"Which brings me to my next point: asking them on a date." Tarrlok said pointedly, before he propped his elbows upon the desk's surface. "For instance, 'Have you been to Kwong's Cuisine? Their roast duck is amazing, truly the chef is a culinary master. How about I take you? My treat." He offered, voice dripping in saccharine as he smirked. A triumphant tilt of his head indicated that very little went a long way.

Crossing her arms over her chest, Korra pursed her lips with narrowed eyes. There was a gleam in cerulean. Calculation? Allayed captivation? He wasn't sure.

"Huh," she uttered, eyeing him in mild scrutiny. What it truly meant, was beyond him, but he decided to leave it alone.

"Now, dates are usually for getting to know someone better. It's a way to loosen the tension and set the atmosphere to your advantage." He advised, recalling dates of his own with past lovers. Especially one that had him restlessly anticipating whether it'd end with impassioned cries behind a placid face as the woman's pointed heels teasingly trailed the length of his leg underneath the table. Smiling, Tarrlok added, "However, I'd like to continue that for next time."

"That's it?" She asked as he leaned back.

Tarrlok shook his head. "No. You need practice." He answered with a flick of his hand. The utter confusion was blatant, and extremely laughable, but he suppressed the impulse under a composed expression and an attentive stare. When she made no move, Tarrlok shook his head once more in impatience. "Well?"

"Well, what?" Korra shot back, bemused.

After a pause, Tarrlok made a gesture, studying Korra as she fidgeted. "Practice on me." He said with a slight lilt. A flush dusted her ruddy cheeks and she looked away, almost angrily, out the window towards the dark sky and glowing city.

With a huff, Korra sputtered. "I-I can't just dive right in when you're staring at me. I need a scenario or something. You know, so I can get a feel for what I'm doing." She shrugged, before adding a sheepish, "Improv," in afterthought.

There was a need to rub his temples at the impending headache she was slowly, but surely, inducing. A dull pounding behind his eyes and a lethargic pulsing at his temples. She never failed to amaze him - good or bad, he wasn't quite sure - yet he blinked as he regarded her and acquiesced. "Spirits. Pretend I'm Mako-"

"No." She interrupted firmly, before he could fully formulate a feigned plot. "If I pretend you're him I'll get all sweaty and nervous." She stood from her seat and forced her hands to still.

Sighing, Tarrlok wove long fingers through his hair. "Korra, you'll have to get over it somehow."

"Ugh! Just pretend I popped in to bring you coffee while you're working on something." She improvised, grasping one of the two cups of water on his desk that was left untouched since they began her lesson.

Tarrlok willed himself to hold his patience. "We're really going this route, huh?" He muttered to himself, weary, though it was enough to send an evident spike of ire through Korra as she made her way towards the double doors of his office.

"Shut up!" She shot over her shoulder, however, the venom was absent from the harsh pitch in her voice. It was when she paused and stared at the handle, more than likely debating whether she should go through with this that Tarrlok opened his mouth, fully prepared to let a sardonic comment on her lack of synapses slide. Instead, she said, "Okay," before taking the leap and closing the door behind her.

Tarrlok closed his eyes and ran his hands over his tired face. What in spirits' name-

That thought never formed, because he bristled, a flinch that shook him to the core as she barged into the room with the cup of water in hand. If he didn't know any better, he would've assumed she kicked the doors open with all her strength considering the sheer amount of force. The doors clang against the walls - surely, leaving an indentation - as Korra strode in, brimming with the same confidence he saw on the newspapers of her first day arriving in the city. At least then it was due to her ignorance for common etiquette given she spent most of her life with the White Lotus. But now? He let out a breath he didn't know he was holding and shook himself into some semblance of self-restraint.

"Oh, Avatar Korra. What a pleasant surprise." He greeted, utterly and blatantly devoid of enthusiasm.

Korra didn't mention anything of the sort, face still stretched into a wide grin, however, she bent a small amount of water to splash his face. Shocked at her gall, yet not surprised with her pettiness, Tarrlok glared at her before bending the water away and into the waterfall behind him with a flick of his wrist.

"Yeah, I was in the area and decided to bring you some coffee. I guessed black since you're such a priss." She said sweetly, setting the cup at his front.

"Thank you. I'm going to choose that there's sentiment in there." He responded, matching the tone in her voice. The vexation melted away and he had to applaud himself at his deftness. It was a wonder that he didn't immediately grow taut when she perched herself against his right armrest, leaning against him as she draped an arm around the back of his chair. Tarrlok didn't entertain the thought, even though the possibility lingered at the back of his mind.

"So what're you working on?" She asked, glancing at the nonexistent paper on his desk.

"Plans for the task force." He answered easily, eyeing the empty desk space as if he really were looking over possible plans for the upcoming task force raids in interest. "We have two tip offs on a few warehouses that the Equalists use to practice their chi blocking. One in Dragon Flats Borough, and one on the outskirts of the city. It's quite possibly a significant lead where Amon keeps his trusted advisors to train their top chi blockers."

"Sounds interesting." Korra nodded, her voice giving away the fact that it was anything but enthralling. Regardless, he looked over his shoulder, and up, to find her puffing her lower lip in thought. "Are you taking suggestions?" She asked.

"Of course," he replied.

"Since we, you know, make such a great team, I'd say we go directly to Amon's advisors, if at all possible." She said with a confident smile.

"Cocky." He uttered, vaguely transfixed.

"Duh," she scoffed, flipping a few stray tendrils out of her face, though in her attempt, she accidentally scratched her cheek in the process. Tarrlok held his tongue and refrained from chuckling, and instead narrowed his icy gaze while she continued nonchalantly. "Speaking of task force, wanna go to a milk tea shop after our briefing on Friday? I heard it's all the rage."

Feigning this scenario aside, she wore confidence well. With a tilt of his head, he smirked, evidently pleased. "Are you asking me on a date, Avatar?"

Flushing an endearing crimson - something of which had Tarrlok contemplating whether it was real or not - she looked away and tried to hide her face from him bashfully, though it was fruitless given how close they were to each other. "Tch, no. I just assumed you'd be interested since you like coffee. They have a wide variety from what I've heard from Bolin. I mean, coffee milk tea? Who knew?"

Icy orbs roving over her form for a few moments, he considered her words as he would any potential partner. A part of him duly noted the slight increase to her heart rate, and assumed this was all due to her uneasiness with practicing his lesson. Surely, it wasn't anything else, right?

Shrugging, Tarrlok conceded. "Sure, I'll go with you."

Beaming with a bright smile, Korra jumped from her spot and stretched her arms above her head. "Great, I'll wait for you at the front of City Hall."

There was little to no transition from the end of this scenario to the immediate need to hear his response. Korra's expression morphed from complete confidence to genuine curiosity in a matter of seconds. At least a few more times to practice were what he had planned, but he supposed - considering her willingness and that rather loud grumble of her stomach - that he could be lenient on this first lesson and there'd be plenty of opportunities to rehearse possible plots.

"If I may interject, I will let that petty thing you did to me slide." Tarrlok stood from his seat, swiftly pulling his coat over his shoulders and began gathering his belongings, before gesturing for her to follow him out of his office. "Altogether, you did well. Although, some advice, tone down the cockiness. Seduction is all about the subtleties. Yes, you're supposed to be confident, however the little things speak volumes. Even though we're not necessarily there yet, mull over some things you could work on. Such as slowly walking into the room rather than barging in. Or even the tone in your voice when you're complimenting your target." Korra nodded and considered his advice as she pouted. From his stance, his gaze flickered over to her. She seemed defeated, though he felt a thrum of wickedness in his veins. "We can go over them at that tea shop after the task force briefing." He added with a smug smile.

Cerulean widened at his words and the following acceleration of her heartbeat was felt practically in his hands. "W-wait, we're really going on Friday night?" She stammered nervously.

"Of course, it makes for the best opportunity to learn in a public setting. Do you have any issues with that?" He dared, attempting to look innocent. She was so easy to rattle, it was almost charming. With a stumble, nearly missing her step down the stairs, Tarrlok's thought ceased when his hand involuntarily shot out to grasp her bicep, steadying her.

Her eyes instantly followed the movement, and he pulled his hand away from her as though he were burned. "No, but I thought you said you don't want this to get out." She coughed into her hand, flustered.

"I don't." He answered coolly. She was stubbornly quiet as hey approached the main entrance to City Hall and he released a terse exhale through his nostrils in mild amusement at her body language screaming of tautness. "It'll be fine, Avatar Korra. We're just getting milk tea." He reassured, intending to bid her a farewell and stalk back to his Satomobile, but he caught her lingering gaze.

Thoughts were going through that pretty, little brain of hers when she paused to eye him in suspicion. Audibly gulping from the odd attention, Tarrlok felt a slow heat rising up his body. His gaze scanned their surroundings and relaxed at the realization that the area was relatively empty for the exception of a few stray dawdlers.

What was she doing? He didn't know.

Spirits, he was about to walk away and leave her to her own musings with a shake of his head, because in truth, she was wasting his time merely standing at the entrance of the building like a fool. But he didn't, more so out of morbid curiosity.

When she deemed his intentions were true - or maybe she didn't want to dwell on it any further - Korra shrugged and threw a dismissive wave over her shoulder. "Whatever, I'll see you on Friday."

They went their separate ways and Tarrlok cursed under his breath in nothing short of confusion.