Author's Note: Thank you all for your wonderful reviews! They make me eager to write so keep them coming. (: Now, I'm worried this chapter might make some of you mad or at least a little agitated... But I do plan on writing chapter 3 this week, or at least within the next 4-5 days at the most... So, don't get too upset because the next chapter will have what you're probably expecting in this chapter. You'll understand... Anyway, leave your feedback and I'll post faster. (: It's one of those bullshit cause and effect things. aha Enjoy!

By the way, its almost one where I'm at... So, if anything sounds off, it probably is. I'm tired. Deal with it for now and I'll fix it later. lol

Disclaimer: I do not own The Legend Of Korra or its characters.

Chapter 2:

Victory Drinks

Korra's POV:

"What? Seriously, Korra? Why would you wanna go out alone with that creep?" Tahno had just left the room and this was already starting: perfect. I couldn't stop grinning. No really, even if I wanted to I couldn't. I had to keep up this joyful exterior so Mako believed I was truly excited about this evening. I ruffled my hair with my hand, playfully winking at Bolin. I made sure Mako and the unwanted fanclub, Asami, were watching me. "Oh, C'mon Bolin! He's really… um, cute? I think it'll be fun." I was always awkward when it came to acting but after I saw the look on Mako's face I figured my acting skill must not be as shabby as I thought. He held a look of pure jealousy, or at least that's what I think he was feeling. I don't know what subtle 'jealousy' looks like exactly but if it involves narrowed eyes, releasing the waist of your precious girlfriend, and gritted teeth every time the name of 'the other guy' is mentioned, then yes. I'd say that's what was going on.

Bolin's shoulders slouched, "Cute?" I tried to ignore the pained look plaguing the sweet smile he typically held by sliding my snow boots onto my feet and eyeing Pabu while he danced around Bolin's nervous feet. He was pacing, he had been since Tahno and the Wingbats left. One hand was on his hip and the other was on his chin, stroking his invisible beard while his eyes surveyed the dancing ferret that was attempting to keep up with his quick steps. He looked completely compelled by a thought, lost from reality until his gaze met mine once more. "Korra, he is not cute. Pabu is cute. He's got to be plotting something! The championship is tomorrow and…" He glanced around as if a conspirator was eavesdropping. "And why would he invite out his competitor? Korra, face it… Tahno. Is. Evil." His words were enunciated. Bolin's arms flew out at his sides, waving around wildly in the air. I was just staring at the boy in disbelief. He was always so overdramatic. Realizing he was now just staring back at me, I let out an uncomfortable giggle.

Mako hadn't said anything yet which made things worse. I felt somewhat guilty; I wasn't doing this to upset my innocent friend Bolin. I was only trying to make mean ole Mako jealous. Unfortunately, Bolin seemed to be more upset than my initial target. A soft sigh escaped my lips.

"What are you going to wear?" I cringed at the sound of her perfect octave of a voice. I pretended to be having trouble slipping my second foot into the boot to avoid meeting her stare. The smile was evident in her voice and I couldn't help but match that smile at the sound of Mako's scoff when he heard her question. "I don't know yet. Probably this?" I stood up with a shrug. Asami rolled her eyes. "No. You're going out for drinks with a man not going sledding." I knew she was only trying to help but her words made my eyebrows sag angrily. I snapped my jaw shut before I could bark anything back. She eyed me curiously then snapped her fingers. "You need to wear something sexy! Like a short, red dress and some heels. Red would look really good with your tan skin and dark hair." She flashed me a confident smile. I almost wanted to laugh. Mako's girlfriend was helping me look 'sexy' for the date I only planned to make Mako jealous. This was perfect.

I stole a glance at Mako, whose arms were crossed and his gaze was on the lockers. I don't know if he was just avoiding looking at any of us, or if he was having the same flashback I was experiencing only minutes ago. I blushed. "Stop helping her! Asami? What the heck! Hello? He's the enemy! We're suppose to be talking her out of this stupid date…" Bolin was pouting. I was half-tempted to tell him what this date was really about but I knew that would just make him equally as upset as he already is, if not more so. He witnessed the kiss between his big brother and his crush, me, and I could tell how it tore him up. I didn't mean to hurt him, he's sweet and funny and perfect… for someone else. I rubbed the back of my head and laughed, "Y-yeah. Thanks Asami. That sounds great. So where are you guys going tonight?" Asami and Mako finally looked at each other again, "Probably back to my place for some late night swimming and a homemade dinner." Asami was the one to answer my question. My heart was bleeding from the fire rupturing inside of me.

I hid it with a smile, "Fun stuff…. Well…" It grew silent since Bolin had finally given up, sitting in the fetal position on the far edge of the bench petting Pabu's head and Mako was always too cool to speak when it wasn't necessary. My body rocked back and forth from my toes to my heels in obvious discomfort. I took a few steps backwards towards the open doorway. My thumb jabbed towards my only exit when I noticed that Mako was grinning once again, his eyes only focused on the girl that was back in his arms. I flashed the room a final nervous grin before rushing out. I waved back to them over my shoulder, "Later." I knew they didn't hear me, but I realized I have nothing like the attire Asami had described. I had to find something before tonight.

I have never been so nervous in my life. What if this was a joke? What if there was no date, he only invited me to see if I'd actually show up then once I did, him and his friends all laugh and say something rude about how I honestly thought they would invite the 'Oh-vatar' to anything? A low growl rumbled from my throat. I had gone through the entire closet and found nothing like what Asami had described. What if this was a trap? I am the Avatar; they could easily get me drunk and kill me or take me to Amon or, well anything! They could drug my drink and then… my cheeks were burning. I couldn't stop this constant blush that refused to vanish for more than five minutes.

I decided there was nothing worthy of my one night out in the closet, or now draping over a chair, or thrown lazily on my floor, so I had to find something in the city. What if this doesn't work? What if Mako really isn't jealous and he really does like Asami more than me? I ignored the idea and decided to just stop thinking all together. It took three stores before I found a dress but it was way too expensive. I left the store empty handed and decided to try finding something back in my room again. My feet were flying beneath me until I heard a familiar, "Hey," from behind me. I turned around to see Mako and surprise, surprise, no Asami. He was holding a fat bag in one hand. I smiled, "Hey there." He held up the free hand in an open palm as an awkward greeting. His gaze was soft but he was acting kind of weird. "So, you're going out with Tahno, huh?" He chuckled. Something about the humor in his tone made my anger peak, "Yeah? What about it?" Mako shook his head. He shoved his hands in his pocket while grinning at me; that humor still evident in his eyes. "Why?"

Why? Maybe this was working after all. However, judging by that dancing gleam in his topaz pools, it appeared that my plan was far from working. My teeth nibbled away at my lower lip while I glanced around, attempting to draw some form of a lie about this date. "I, um, I like him. And I love... drinks?" That was a lie. I had never drank anything stronger than ocean water in my entire life. I could probably take one sip of sake and pass out from it. This lie was probably transparent but Mako didn't show it. His facial expression didn't falter or change. He just kept staring at me. "So you like him, huh? I don't see how you can like a guy like that..." He was frowning, staring off as if lost in thought. I didn't know how to reply so I just watched him before he turned his gaze back on me, "Well, I guess good luck." My heart was fluttering now. The tone in his voice sounded foreign. He stared for an unusually long time before fumbling with the brown sack he was holding. "Asami was out of some ingredients for this recipe she wants me to try, so she asked me to come pick them up." Great, she cooks too. "Wow, she's just a superwoman." I didn't know the sarcastic words were actually spoken a loud until Mako chuckled, "Yeah, I guess you could say that."

We stared off in opposing directions as the uncomfortable silence took hold. He rubbed the back of his head, forcing that friendly smile once more, "Well, listen. You're still welcome to come to Asami's tonight if you want. I picked up enough food to feed four, so..." He let his voice trail off. The smile stretching across my cheeks was genuine this time: he wanted me to be there, right? That's what this invitation meant? My inner-Korra was squealing with excitement. "No, it's fine. Tahno is picking me up later. He said we were going to eat before our victory toast with his friends." Boom! Go Korra. I spoke flawlessly. My lying was getting a lot better. I didn't know if I should feel guilty or proud. Either way, Mako's smile fell. "Let's hope our competition doesn't get his opponent too wasted before the championship." I could almost feel the venom from his words pulsing through me. A spark ignited, and the dynamite was set for detonation. "Sounds like someone's a little jealous, hm?" He rolled his eyes, "Korra, please, we've talked about this before. I have a girlfriend."

"Then back off. What I do with my life doesn't concern you." He narrowed his eyes, "It concerns the team, which concerns me." I took a step closer to him while the wick began sizzling away faster. "I think I know how to control myself unlike you and miss locklips." He raised an eyebrow at me, "'Miss locklips?' That's the best you've got?" He was laughing now. I crossed my arms across my chest with a huff. The wick was almost all ashes, "Besides, you shouldn't be so worried. You've lost to the wingbats before, numerous times from what I've been told, isn't that right? I doubt whether I'm hungover or not will really change that losing streak of yours." Dynamite detonates right on cue. Mako glared at me for a long moment before turning away. "Have a good night, Avatar." I waved to his back before continuing my scavenger hunt. My gut hurt. I knew what I said hurt his feelings, and would probably come back to bite me tomorrow during the match, but Mako makes me so crazy I can't even think. A string of slurs echoed from my lips to my ears as I made my way back to my room. Now we had to win or my words would have an even worse affect on the poor fire ferret.

Asami's suggestion was a no-go, but there had to be something that was at least a little… sexy. Even thinking the word to myself made me feel strange; I wasn't use to being the girl that tried to look good or impress someone. I usually just went with the flow. I was about to settle on a blue dress that Tenzin had bought for me for any formal parties I would be forced to attend while here in Republic City, when I realized what I was doing. This was ridiculous. If it was a prank, being dressed up like a doll would just solidify it. I threw the dress onto the bed and settled on a crimson shirt I found shoved in the far corner of the closet behind one of the piles I had just created, and some black pants. They weren't tight; in fact, they were as loose as my usual pants' choice. I also realized I had no other shoes besides my boots, so that was that.

It wasn't like I would end up seeing the brothers or Asami tonight. They were going to the Sato mansion to swim and eat and have their little "victory slumber party." I rolled my eyes. I hated the idea of Asami and Mako in the same bed, all night long, while a snoring, heavy sleeping Bolin is off in a completely different wing of the house. My head shook wildly in an attempt to shake away the couples incessant laughter before deciding it was time to leave. "Even if it's a joke, then you have an excuse to finally knock that smirk off his face. It's okay! This isn't even a real date, Korra. It's just to make Mako mad. That's all." I frowned. After saying it out loud it just sounded stupid and cruel. This plan was hurting Bolin, and wasting mine and Tahno's time. After all, Tahno doesn't even like me. He probably only invited me, if not for a prank or to kill me, then just to 'do stuff' with me. I shuddered. "Not happening. You'll only have one drink, if that, and then call it a night. You have a big day tomorrow." I couldn't help but talk to myself out loud when I was nervous. Why was I nervous? Eh, I don't know exactly, but I couldn't knock the feeling away.

Naga gave me a lift into town where we strode through the streets. It hadn't really hit me until now that I was searching for the location, that I had no idea where it was. Nervous fingers scratched at the back of my head; this date was turning out to be too much trouble. Thank the Spirits Tahno had a recognizable voice because I overheard his, along with a large group of simultaneous laughter while passing by some fancy bar. "I think we found it, Naga!" I hopped off Naga, staring through the window. My heart was going nuts, ramming against every surrounding organ in my upperbody with excitement. I was still deciding whether or not I should go in. The glasses looked more expensive than my entire outfit put together and everyone was dressed up in high class gowns or suits. "This is a bad idea, Naga." I stated, not tearing my eyes from the group in the far right corner where Tahno sat. His confidence seemed to have manifested into an aura around the entire table. There were about five people aside from Tahno, all leaning back in their chairs with their arms lazily slung over the side or across their laps. I heard their buoyant laughter as the man to Tahno's right made a muffled comment.

My hand stroked the giant polar bear dog's nose while my eyes finally wandered to the man that so kindly invited me out tonight, and the beautiful woman sitting beside him. There was no room between them. His arm draped her shoulders; his other hand was loosely wrapped around the tall glass in front of him full of an unknown elixir. My fluttering heart was shot down like a bird in midflight. I could feel the pain as it fell to my toes; this was a joke. I thought I had prepared myself for such rejection but clearly thinking about such a thing happening was nothing compared to actually witnessing it. My face felt hot as embarrassment and anger corrupted my cheeks, burning them with a deep crimson. Angry tears fought their way to the surface but I refused to show such a weakness over someone that wasn't even a real date. At least they hadn't seen me yet. Naga nudged my shoulder before rubbing her nose against my back to soothe me. I smiled at her, "Thanks, girl, but I'm okay. I don't have any money anyway... I probably would've just sat there like a loser." Her round, loving pupils glistened with sympathy.

I took a few steps in a circle, eyeing the few buildings surrounding us. Now what? I should've taken Mako's offer earlier. I had no plans for tonight while everyone else was out celebrating their win and relaxing before tomorrow. A soft sigh escaped my parted lips. Tomorrow. I opened my palm, punching it with the opposing hand. "He picked the wrong bender to mess with. I'll get my revenge tomorrow at the match." Images of what I could do to Tahno legally in the bending arena made a devious smirk trace my lips. "C'mon girl. Let's go home." I patted her neck and then jumped up on her back.

The smirk vanished almost as quickly as it appeared now that worried eyes, Naga, were no longer able to stare at me. This wasn't how I imagined this night going but at least I'll have my chance tomorrow to make up for it. "Tahno, you're going down." I could say the words all I wanted to, I could let the anger control me, but to my misfortune, this nagging ache refused to release my heart. It was the same feeling that overwhelmed me when seeing Asami with Mako. I couldn't honestly be jealous. I scoffed, "Ridiculous!" Naga glanced back at me before turning back to the street as she walked. "I can't be!" I was laughing now. The image of Tahno's arm tightening around the girl's shoulders, pulling her closer to him where all I could see. Why was I never first? I gasped. The laughter ended abruptly; it hadn't lasted very long. It finally hit me: the truth. "No way." I was still speaking to the gentle air, considering Naga wasn't a mind reader and knew nothing about what my comments were referring to. My eyes were wide but saw nothing. I could barely even feel the heavy footsteps as Naga sauntered. A knot was forming in my dry throat but I swallowed it down as a sick, gurgling emotion flooded my stomach. There was no way, no way at all. I hated Tahno. He was a womanizing, cocky, ignorant creep with a stupid voice and even stupider hair! I couldn't even think of a real reason to hate him other than his smooth moves with women and that cocky attitude. "Oh no," Mako had both of those too. I was still in disbelief when the words left my lips like a question to be answered, "I'm jealous..?"

Author's Note: I know, probably not what you were expecting but don't fret. The next chapter will have a lot to make up for this one. Let me know what you think and any couple ideas. (: I'll make my decision about pairings based off your reviews/requests. (as well as off which direction the story carries itself)

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed it, even if it wasn't their date... yet... hahaha... I'm evil. ;)

-InconsciousSin.