If you get into trouble or — [ it isn't that he doesn't think she can't handle herself. she's like mai — he doesn't need to worry. though mai may not possess the abilities of a witch or a bender, she's one of the strongest and most efficient people he knows. (he's not like sokka, thinking girls can't take care of themselves). she's better than him, at times. it'd been mai who had saved him from azula — and he's more than happy to boast about it, much to her chagrin. ]

[ but he isn't sure why this conversation is so tense. they've hardly hung out since he'd been tasked by morla and reynard to fetch certain items in order to restore his honour with them. it feels a little too awkward — perhaps it's due to him feeling as though this is partly a lesson. he wouldn't be surprised if mai turned around and wrote him a break-up letter just so he could understand just how upset she felt with him. but the awkwardness seems to disperse from his voice as he speaks about something he's looking forward to. ] I'm just training people. I'm sure Sokka can teach them something useful if you need me.

[ not that he thinks she will. she's right — she can handle herself. but isn't that what a friend offers? ]