Toph lets loose with an irritated raspberry breath, blowing the dark fringe of her bangs upwards. She can feel the tug of the appeal about Leo, but it's a guilt play, passive.

Her family used to do that -- particularly her mother. Played upon her bonds -- bonds she couldn't escape, no matter how she wriggled and fought. Even now she feels the answering spark of fury, as though Mike has made a snare, drawing it tight.

With the rage started, Mike has about two heartbeats of a window to either make his play work or before she wrests herself free. If he's watching, he can probably catch her muscles tighten, as though she's preparing for a fight.