Welcome to Stressed Out! Where the plot's made up and the back stories don't matter! Over the next couple of chapters, I'll dive deeper into Mako's messed up life. I don't hate him, but in this story he's kind of a dick.

Korra tapped her fingers nervously as she and the rest of the band waited back stage. They were just playing at one of the bars, but Korra always found something to worry about.

She was dressed in a cut off, a pair of skinny jeans, and her old sneakers. One of the lucky things about being a drummer is that she was in the back.

Mako and Bolin were wearing a t-shirt and blazers; Mako's red and Bolin's green respectively. Asami was decked out in a red crop top and a pair of snug, black, jeans. Korra felt underdressed.

"Okay guys, pep talk." Korra started. "Don't suck. If you mess up, keep going. Never give up." She lifted her fist in the air triumphantly.

"Great pep talk, Korra! You always know how to keep our heads up!" Bolin patted her on the back in agreement. "I feel like I could fight a million wolfbats! How about you, Mako?" The older brother crossed his arms.

"It was okay." He teased. Bolin waved him off. "Don't listen to him Korra. It was awesome."

Asami gently touched her arm and offered a smile. She was nervous as well. Her eyes darted everywhere, taking in the new surroundings. Korra grinned playfully.

"Nervous?" Asami narrowed her eyes at the younger girl. Korra chuckled. "Don't be. You'll do great." Asami nodded, though she didn't seemed eased by Korra's words.

"You guys ready to go?" One of the owners came back to the group. Korra eyed her friends before nodding. He waved them off and Korra led the way.

Cigarette smoke filled the air; the bar was dimly lit, making it hard to make out anyone in the crowd. Korra wrinkled her nose in disgust. She sat down at her drum set and twirled her sticks in her hands. Bolin and Mako strapped on their guitar and bass while Asami took her place behind the microphone.

Korra tapped her mic and cleared her throat. "Hey people of Nook's Bar, we are the Fire Ferrets and your entertainment for the next half-hour." The was a low murmur among the crowd.

Asami looked back at her, and Korra have her a thumbs up. The older girl smiled and turned to face the crowd.

Korra hit her sticks together and started a beat. Bolin and Mako followed in. Asami gripped the mic in her hands and tapped her foot along to the beat.

"Sometimes you gotta bleed to know

That you're alive and have a soul

But it takes a song to come around

To show you how"

The crowd cheered as Assmi sang; Bolin bobbed his head while Mako kept a straight face. The lights above them flickered to beat and Korra could see the crowd for a few seconds. They seemed to be enjoying it.

"You fell asleep in my car

I drove the whole time

But that's okay I'll just avoid the

Holes so you sleep fine

I'm driving here I sit

Cursing my government

For not using my taxes to fill

Holes with more cement"

Bolin was jumping now. Korra kicked the bass with enthusiasm and pounded on the toms. The song ended, and the group was met with applause from the crowd before them. The drummer couldn't help but grin at the sight.

They breezed through the rest of the songs. The received hoots and hollers from the crowds as they walked off the stage.

"Holy crap that was amazing! First Nook's Bar, then the Super Bowl." Bolin exclaimed, throwing his arms over Korra and Asami's shoulders.

"Asami, might I say your voice was lovely. I think I saw Mako almost show some emotion back there." He whispered. The girls laughed at their friend while Mako just shook his head. "Korra, your drumming skills were amazing as always." Korra beamed at Bolin.

"You weren't bad either, Bo. And Asami! You were incredible!" She said looking at the older girl. Asami blushed.

"Thanks." Bolin released the girls and went to the car. Mako stayed behind.

"Korra's right. You were great." Mako snaked an arm around Asami's waist and pulled her closer. "I knew you would sound awesome." He planted a kiss on her cheek. Korra stared at her shoes. She hated PDA, especially when her friends did it.

"I better get going. I'll see you guys tomorrow." She waved at the couple. Asami quickly looked at the girl.

"Why don't you stay? I'm sure we can find something to do." She glanced back to Mako. He nodded.

"Yeah, we could get some drinks or watch a mover. Or both." He offered. Korra considered the offer. She would be a third wheel. Like always. She sighed, shaking her head and held up her hands.

"I shouldn't. Opal wants to check out this new book at the library tomorrow and I promised I'd tag along. Id rather be sober for that." She smiled sheepishly. Opal did ask her to go; Korra rather enjoyed the library. That's something she wouldn't admit out loud, though.

"Text me when you get home." Asami said. Korra nodded and gave her a thumbs up.

"Of course. Stay out of trouble, and don't forget to use protection Mako." She warned. Her friend gasped.

"What? I wasn't-"

"Keep it in your pants. See you!" Korra interrupted. She broke out in a sprint to avoid Mako's wrath of embarrassment. The look on his face was worth it.

Naga was clawing at the door when Korra opened it. She examined the new marks along with the old ones.

"You really need to stop doing that girl. People are gonna think I'm weird." She patted Naga's head and trudged to the kitchen. The fatigue had set in, and Korra felt like crap. Scanning the fridge, Korra settled on a bottle of water.

She went to the living room, or the room with a tv. It was too small to be called a living room. She sat down on the couch, her eyelids growing heavy. Naga jumped up on the couch and snuggled against her master's legs. Korra smiled at the feeling of soft fur and warmth.

Her breaths grew deeper and slower, and the drummer found it hard to keep her eyes open. Just as she was phasing out, her phone vibrated. Her body jerked in surprise. Naga lifted her head up. Korra cursed when she saw it was Asami.

'Hey! You said you'd text me when you got home. Just making sure you're okay.'

Korra's thumbs danced across the screen.

'Sorry. Fell asleep.' She hit send and laid back down. She rested her eyes for a second, but found that they refused to open. Sleep was inevitable.

"I can't believe they don't have it!"

The pair had been browsing the shelves all morning in search of Opal's book. Korra had practically memorized the order of books and grew tired of looking. Opal had asked the librarian about it, and the book hadn't come in yet. That didn't stop Opal from looking.

"Here's a wild idea, since they don't have it, let's leave!" Opal sat down at one of the tables and rested her head on the surface.

"I'm sorry Korra. I know you have class today, but I swear that it's here!" Korra took a seat by her friend.

"Don't worry about it. How about we come back next week? It has to me in by then, and if not we'll go somewhere else. Deal?"

Opal raised her head, a smile on her face. "That would be great. Thanks."

"Okay. Everyone get out their books." Korra leaned back in her chair and exhaled. Class had moved from Friday to Monday, and Korra was not having it. She plopped her book on the desk and folded her arms across her chest.

Pema peered around the room and frowned. Korra wasn't surprised; everyone was either sleeping or mentally some place that isn't there. The teacher rested her hands on her hips and sighed.

"Okay, I know how hard Monday's are. I don't want to be here anymore than you do. Please, just bare with me for the next month." She begged. She received various moans in response. "Good. Now, what can you tell me about Poseidon?"

Korra decided to pay attention today, for Pema. "He's the god of the sea, one of the Big Three, and is responsible for horses." Pema nodded excitedly as Korra answered.

"Yes! Now, what other creatures relate to him?"

Iroh raised his hand. "Cyclops." Pema smiled wide and nodded. Korra sneered. She still had to have a talk with him.

"Correct! Now,"

Korra checked her phone and raised her eyebrows. She had been texting Asami since she fell asleep last night, and every hour Asami would check to see if she was awake yet.

'After class you should come over. I'm alone and bored :( '

'Ah, the terrible twos, loneliness and boredom :P '

"Korra?" Her head jerked up.

"Uh, what was the question?"

"What goddess holds a grudge against Poseidon?"

"Um, Athena." Pema gave her a nod and looked for her next victim. Korra glanced back at her phone.

'Pleeeeeeaase? Mako's at training and Opal is with Bo.'

Korra smirked. Mako had finally joined the pigs. It would do him some good, Korra thought.

'Fine. I guess I can make time for you... But you better have food.'

'Okay! Can't wait :) '

Butterfly's erupted in her stomach and she felt giddy. Asami had that effect on her.

"Korra, please try to pay attention." Pema asked sweetly. Korra slowly nodded and put her phone in her pocket. "Thank you."

She grabbed a stack of papers off her desk and started passing them out. "This is your study guide for the test."

"But it's blank." A boy from the back row said flatly. Pema ignored him.

"As long as you follow this, you'll pass. If you don't take the time to fill it out," she peered at the boy in the back, "then Raava be with you."

Korra fought back a snort and covered her mouth. Pema was by far her favorite teacher. Well, her only teacher, but still. Korra inspected the study guide. So many terms to know, so little time.

"You all should have plenty of time to prepare for the test, which is next Monday for those who forgot already. I'm looking at you, Ginger." The red head twirled a piece of hair around her finger and popped her gum. "Okay. Class dismissed. Stay away from drugs!" She shouted after the students as they rushed out of the classroom.

Korra gathered her things and followed her peers. The campus wasn't very big, it being a community college and all. There were two buildings; the academic building and the sports building. Korra often went to the sports side of the school to let off steam. There was a pool, a basketball court, and a football field.

She didn't wanna brag, but basketball was like a sixth since to Korra. She had considered trying out for the team, but music came first. That didn't mean she couldn't stay in shape.

The sun beat down on her back as she stepped outside. Shielding her eyes, Korra looked around for her bike. Getting up early causes her to forget things, and her parking spot is one of those things. Walking aimlessly through the lot, she sighed in relief when she saw her ride.

She snapped her helmet on and started the bike up. Asami's building wasn't too far from the school, much to Korra's relief. The wind blew against her face as she rode, giving her relief from the sun's heat. After a few turns and red lights, she parked in front of her friend's building.

"She better have food." Korra mumbled as she walked in. As usual, the lobby was empty which Korra found odd. She pressed the up button and got on the elevator. She was greeted to the default elevator music. A shudder ran through her as the music played; this was the worst. The door opened and Korra hurried out, only to be knocked back.

"Hey!" She snapped. "Watch it, I almost-" Asami stood in front of her with her purse in hand. Korra eyed the handbag and a smile slowly formed in her face. "You don't have food, do you?" The older girl hid behind her hands and nodded silently. Korra crossed her arms and faked a glare.

"I thought you were still in class and if have enough time to run down to the super market." Asami said, her voice muffled by her hands. Korra's eyes softened and she pulled Asami's hands down. Those green eyes...

"I was just kidding around, dude. I'll come with you. Besides, you don't know what I like." Korra tugged her into the elevator and hit the button. Asami's face was flushed and she stayed silent. Korra realized she was still holding her hand and quickly released it. "I can't believe Asami Sato doesn't have any food." She teased.

"I haven't been home to eat. I've been working on a final that's due soon and eating doesn't fit into my schedule."

The door opened and the girls walk out. Korra frowned. "You don't eat? That's not okay. Your brain isn't going to work." She pointed out. Asami waved her off. Korra mounted her bike and waited for Asami. The older girl seated herself and wrapped her arms around Korra's waist. "Food is what makes you function, you know." She said over her shoulder.

"I survive on coffee and machine oil. Look at me, I look great!" Korra turned the corner and continued to the store. "Besides, I only get like this when it's really important. After the deadline, I'll be back to normal." Asami yelled in her ear.

Korra found a decent parking spot and turned off the bike, removing her helmet after. Asami hopped off and smoothed out her jeans. Her hair looked amazing, which seemed impossible considering she had worn a helmet. Korra tried to fix her hair but ended up making it worse.

"Korra, your hair looks fine. C'mon! We have food to get." Asami hooked her arm with Korra's and pulled her along into the store. "Now, nothing is off limits. Money is not a problem."

Korra hated taking people's money, even if they insisted she deserved it. Asami pulled the younger girl through the aisles, sometimes stopping to pick up junk food.

"What about these?" She held up a bag of marshmallows. "We could make s'mores! I have a fireplace, remember?" She threw the bag to Korra and rushed to the other aisle, the younger girl in tow. "We'll need chocolate bars... Here they are." She plucked a pack of bars and handed them to Korra. "I'm pretty sure I have graham crackers, so I think we're set."

After checking out and riding back to Asami's. The cashier started the fireplace and went to grab some sticks. Korra opened the bag of marshmallows and popped a few in her mouth.

"Opal told me a rep from Republic Records will be in town this week." Asami emerged from the kitchen with plates and two roasting sticks. She handed one to Korra. "She said you should play for him."

Korra put a couple marshmallows on the stick and stuck it in the fire. Republic Records is one of the biggest music companies in the state, and if Korra could get signed...

"I couldn't do that. I have a band to take care of." She rotated her stick slowly. Being signed would be a great opportunity. Korra could finally make a name for herself.

"Korra, your marshmallow!" Korra snapped out of her daze and pulled the burning stick out of the fire. She blew out the fire and frowned when she saw that her marshmallow had turned black. She plucked it off and settled it on a graham cracker. "I like 'em burnt. Do you think I could go solo?"

Asami bit into her s'more. Korra felt a smile tug on her lips when she saw remnants of food on the older girls face. "Yeah! Why not? You've got a great voice, you're talented in like ten instruments."

"That's true... I just don't think I could do it by myself, you know? I've always been surrounded by family and friends. It would be weird."

"I know what you mean." Asami said softly. Korra regretted saying anything and busied herself by assembling another s'more. They sat in silence, occasionally making small talk about anything.

Korra stifled a yawn. The fire was slowly disappearing. Asami had fallen asleep so Korra cleaned up. After putting the fire out, she grabbed a blanket off of Asami's couch and draped it over the cashier, who had made herself comfortable on the ground before passing out.

Korra decided it was too late to go home and settled on the couch, her eyes growing tired. Before she knew it, she was asleep.