A/N: I know this is shorter than my previous chapters, but I wanted to make a slight adjustment before transitioning into some plot ideas that I have. The more I write, the more I realize there's some opportunity here to turn this into something more than just a fluff piece. I'm a little bothered, still, by the pace change from Chapter 1, because as we all know, it was originally intended to be a one-shot. But, I keep telling myself not to go back and change it as I loved that chapter exactly how it was written. For that though, I apologize to my readers, as I'm sure it bothers some.

Review response for Kwib-Kwib: My dear friend, here's the thing... Like I mentioned, the first chapter was not written for this to be a long story. It was a cute piece for a competition. Regardless, its a story and isn't intended to be 100% realistic, though I do like to keep a majority sense of reality. I understand your thoughts about it being "too fast", which is partially why its turned into this bit of a teasing storyline, as I slowed their relationship speed WAY down. As stated in my A/N above, I actually have considered how the pace of their first kiss in Chapter 1 was a little forced in regards to the entire story, but I've decided not to go back and change it and am, instead, working around it. Also, while the idea certainly isn't original, I'm trying to go through different twists than others have used to add a new level of flavor. I like to think that Asami's loner workout session was a nice change from the "norm". One last comment - about you mentioning the speed of same-sex relationships being faster. Honestly, I wouldn't know. To me, emotions are what they are and people react as they see fit. I've never been one to believe there was anything typical about any kind of relationship, whether it be gay, straight, fast, slow, traditional, unconventional, or whatever else. I'm a pro-choice kind of person, where as, do what works for you and you alone. Anyways, that's just a little personal note for you. I do appreciate your critique and welcome any other comments, concerns or otherwise that you might have.

CHAPTER 5

The sounds of shuffling feet and rustling movements filled her ears, rousing her from a dream she couldn't remember. That grogginess of just waking up clouded her mind, her body still unmoving and wrapped in a blanket as her brain began to function before her limbs. More sounds rang louder, their origins unknown. She began to stir, only to be greeted by a stiff back and sore muscles. A groan escaped, her body's unwillingness to cooperate taking hold as she tried to roll over. The smell of a medium roast and vanilla filled her nose as she breathed in deep, willing herself to wake up and greet the day. Shuffling stopped nearby, the feeling of someone's presence making itself known.

"Good morning, sunshine."

Her eyes snapped open at the words. Bright blue eyes and the most brilliant tilt-a-grin she'd ever seen welcomed her to the day. Jumping slightly, having been startled by the sudden comment, she scooted back, putting a bit of space between her and the girl kneeling in front of her.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," she stated, a soft tone of concern in her voice. "I thought you might want some coffee. It's still fairly early and I get the feeling you aren't exactly a morning person." She winked, holding up a steaming cup in the process.

Asami just blinked for a moment, trying to register what was happening and where she was. 'Did I fall asleep here?' She shifted to sit up, her body aching in response. Groaning again, she closed her eyes and shook her head, attempting to rid herself of the pain. After a few seconds, she opened her eyes again, seeing the gorgeous woman just kneeling there, staring at her, a small smile tugging at the edge of her lips. Reaching out, she took the coffee and folded both hands around it. Her shoulders tucked in and her lips lowered to the cup, breathing in the aroma and taking a small sip. Her eyes closed once more. "Mmm, that's good…" Her voice trailed off before opening her eyes again and finally scanning around the room.

Somehow she ended up on the cot in Korra's office. How she got there, she had no idea, but the clutter of papers and smell of sweat helped her to finally register where she was. Seemingly noticing the confusion on the mechanic's face, Korra spoke up once more. "I found you curled up against the body bag in the ring a few hours ago. I tried to wake you up, but you sleep like a rock. You must have worked yourself into a dead exhaustion. I figured the best thing to do was to at least move you somewhere that you could lay out with a pillow and blanket."

Now she remembered. After spending what felt like hours working out, exhaustion had taken over and Asami had collapsed to the ground, telling herself, at the time, that she would only close her eyes for a few minutes minutes before getting up to head home. A few minutes turned into a few hours, apparently. "In that case, thank you for moving me. And, I'm sorry I took your spot." She remembered wondering why the cot was there to begin with. "But– um– if you don't mind me asking… Do you live here?"

Korra's smiled turned to a frown, shame taking shape across her features as she looked down to the floor. "Unfortunately… yes. Being that I don't take any money from the people who come here, I don't exactly have the means to pay for my own place." The gorgeous woman shifted and cleared her throat, obviously uncomfortable. "This cot is usually good enough for me. I don't need much. When I came back you just looked so peaceful; I couldn't leave you where you were. I hope you don't mind."

The girl's lack of usual confidence, which had changed into such bashfulness, shocked Asami, a bit. She wasn't used to the typically forward women being so downtrodden. "Hey, it's fine. Like I said, thank you for moving me." One of her hands involuntarily released the cup and reached out to lie atop a slumped shoulder. "And thank you for… you know, the box, and the letter." She paused. "And… especially the flowers."

Crystal blue orbs looked up at her again, their confident glow returning. A smile appeared and little wrinkles around the edges of her eyes emanated her genuine happiness at the words. "You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it. And, hopefully, you feel a little better now." The last part came out almost like a question.

"I do. I don't know how –" she paused for a moment, thinking about what she was about to say. "I don't know how you did it, or knew what I needed, especially considering that I didn't even know… But, I appreciate it." Her hand withdrew its hold on the woman's shoulder, returning to the cup as her eyes followed its movements. A sigh escaped. "No one has ever done anything like that for me before. It's a little strange… new and strange."

A finger made its way under her chin, nudging her to return her gaze to the happy face in front of her. "Its their own loss if they don't realize how exquisite you are, and how you deserve to be happy." Those words and accompanying smile made Asami's heart flutter. The girl stood up, moving to walk away before stopping at the door and turning halfway to speak again. "Finish your coffee. There's a bathroom with a shower in the corner of the gym if you want to clean yourself up before heading to work. I have some things to do, but I'll be back before you get here later." She smiled once more, a little wider. "Assuming, that is, that you'll continue your trend."

Asami laughed at the assumption. 'Am I really that predictable?' she asked herself. "Of course. I'll be here."

"Good." A wink and a nod sent the raven-haired woman's insides over the edge. Her body would have toppled over on weak knees had she not been sitting down. "I'll see you later then. And remember, what's mine is yours. You're welcome in here anytime," and the very, very suave woman walked away.

As was quickly becoming custom for the two, Asami was left in the girl's wake, mouth slightly agape and confusion written on her face. 'What the hell was that supposed to mean?! Ugh, I swear, this girl is going to leave me a withered mess every chance she gets.' Her brows furrowed and a groan made its way from her throat after every few sips of the deliciously warm vanilla drink.

When she finished, she set the cup down and gathered her things, bypassing the offer to shower as she decided going home to take a very long and very cold shower was probably the better option. After folding up her blankets and gathering up her box of goodies, she made her way out of the gym, locking the door with her new prized possession, and headed towards her car. Once settling in the driver's seat, she noticed a sticky-note on the wheel. Similar scribbled handwriting from the previous night adorned the yellow paper with a few quick words.

Sunshine–

Be happy today. Good things are coming. I'll be waiting.

–K

Another wave of elation roused her insides as she read the note. 'Damn, this woman sure knows how to make a girl swoon.' Placing the note into the box sitting beside her in the passenger seat, she turned on the car and shifted into gear, taking off own the dirt path towards what was already beginning to be a great day.