we could work in the awkwardness if we go to the air temples? like maybe, since the EAT (haha) is the most spiritual of all the temples, we have to go there for some reason. and since it's all females, assam is really awkward.

I also know a nice Earth Princess Li Chen's forbidden to talk to (long story)

Well that, and the female assassin Assam encounters during his Temptation.

Here's an example of something I thought about that my brain forgot to tell my hands about when I was typing XD

To be fair, such things aren't unheard of. On my Costa Rica trip, there was a couple with us, Laura and Lauren (Lauren was a guy).

Knowing Assam, he'd probably try the marble trick on Asami and end up shooting one of them into her forehead.

I saw another example of, but I can't remember it. Either way, it sounded the same

Haha! That I would like to see XD

I imagine it would go something like this.

Asami:"Oh, hey Assam, you seen Korra anywhere? I need her to sign off on some Korra-Kake flavor ideas.

Assam:Oh crap oh crap oh sweet merciful crap she's looking at me and talking to me at the same time damn it to all the hells. Ok ok ok calm down old boy, you've been rehearsing this for a while. Just ignore the hot iron in your gut, the numbness in your brain and the overwhelming urge to mention cheese and say hi.

"Uh, oh, h-hi Assami. Um, no, I-I don't think Korra's around, she wileft...

Crap, you slurred your words. She's still looking at you, keep talking. 80% comprehensible common tongue is not awful.

"She left with Tenzin for a conference. She should backbe...

I need to work on my math.

"be back in a few hours."

Asami: "Oh, um, OK, you mind if I hang out here for a little bit? The corporate headquarters get stuffy after a while, the fresh air of Air Temple Island is a nice change."

Assam: Ok, oh crap, she's staying here. The law of averages and the only language you've ever used are not on your side. Quick, do something to impress her before she thinks you're drunk or something!

"Oh, wanna see a trick?"

Asami: "Sure, I guess

Assam: Oh thank all that is good and just you actually made a coherent sentence. Alright, time for the marbles!

"It's something I've been teaching to the girls to focus their airbending better. By manipulating strong but small air currents, I can make the marbles dance in the air!"

Asami: "Oh, cool."

Assam: Its working. Its actually working! For once she's mildly impress-

/one of the marbles flies out and smacks Asami square in the forehead, knocking her unconscious.

A few minutes later:

Asami: "Ugh, what happened? Why does my head hurt?

Assam: "One of the marbles I was trying to impress you with hit you square in the forehead. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to slam my head into a very hard wall with great frequency and vigor until I either brain myself or aquire some decent nerves. Good day."

Haha! That's gotta hurt in so many ways. I actually never knew Assam was the awkward around girls type until this thread got started

Oh, he is. He can manage OK around shopkeeps or bar wenches so long as his dialogue is relegated to "Hello", "I'll have that", and "That's OK, I'll pay Li Chen's tab. Do you accept homemade beads?". Any extended dialogue and his nerves get the better of him. Years of being in a male dominated temple will do that, along with a few odd anxieties.

Part of it lies in my desire to balance out my characters. Assam is already a bit of a stereotypical sarcastic brooder with a powerful fighting style, so I try to work out downsides where I can. One of them is his weaknesses when it comes to the fairer sex.

Li Chen has a problem with money. Mainly, because he doesn't carry any. And he's an accidental thief. "I thought when they left stuff in the open it was for free samples."

It works. I really like Assam as a character