Kaya understood her not being on the level as Marco: before knowing who she was, Kaya had made a distinction of brothers between Billy and Sokka. She had to be sure at the time that Sokka not be second fiddle to Billy, but one she knew who she was, it was ok.

"Marco can handle the worst parts, he's your son," Kaya said and meant it, making a face though because it was still Marco. "But I'll still take on the burdens you give me, because I care about you. I want you to be able to talk to me as candidly as you'll allow. Don't understimate me: there's a lot I've seen."