Disclaimer: I own nothing.
'I feel the walls closing in inside this padded room. Only good thing about it is that I'm locked in here with you, yeah. I'm always watching you, wondering what you'll do next...'
Something wet and warm trailed all across my face, causing me to groan in protest before dragging my face back across my pillow to turn the other way. My left arm made the mistake of dropping down to the floor as my legs adjusted themselves too. It was warm. Scorching even and I didn't hesitate to shift enough so that my blanket all but tumbled to the floor along with my arm. The same sensation nuzzled against my hand, but I ignored it for a few more scant moments of serenity before I initially had to get up.
'I love the way you make me lose my mind. Make me lose my mind...'
Subconsciously, I felt a small thread of annoying hot drool trail from the corner of my lip just as a soft whine sounded from behind me. Sleep tried one last time to claim me, but got interrupted by a puppy-like bark complete with more insistent whining that caused me to inhale deeply and turn back to crack an eye. I immediately saw incredibly large chocolate colored eyes greeting me behind a moist, twitching black nose that I'd pressed right into.
"Sup?" I murmured tiredly. My dog's response was a more desperate whine that ended in a yelp as she darted away for a moment only to come back and practically jump on me. It wasn't hard to decipher what she wanted and after two more pushy barks, I finally let out my own loud complaint before slipping the rest of the way out of my comfy bed. Be seeing you, my friend. "Just a moment your highness." I grumbled around a yawn. "And hush, the neighbors are gonna start complaining."
She snorted at me first and then sauntered off with her tail high in the air as if I'd personally insulted her royal bladder. "Well, we still have neighbors, turd." I called after her. Sliding my feet into a pair of Reef sandals, I then hauled myself up to full height while stretching all the muscles on my body I could out and began tying my already short hair up into a ponytail. By the time I stepped down to the main floor, Naga passed in front of me to situate herself by the front door, glancing back expectantly as I took a detour to get a cold bottle of water from the fridge. When I reappeared, her tail began thumping restlessly on the floor, making me grin and reach down to scratch behind her big, floppy ear.
As soon as I opened the door, she was gone and left me to trudge on after her in nothing but shorts and a sports bra. (Apparently, that was all I took off and put on last night.) Rubbing my eyes, I suddenly cursed myself for not grabbing my sunglasses before venturing outside. Regardless, I spotted Naga popping a squat by one of her favorite bushes and began slowly making my way over there while opening my bottle. "Hey, chick. Where should we get some breakfast?" I asked, ignoring the irritated way she looked at me as I came up. "I'm not gonna look." I snorted and turned my back to her and drank half my water while she finished up.
Naga was a mutt. Well, technically she was part gorgeous Akbash Dog mixed with some other breed, but that took nothing away from her height, weight, color, or intelligence. I'd gotten her from one of the kennels downtown and the guy claimed that she had been found alongside her brother and mother in an abandoned house. The neighbor had complained about the smell and sound of puppies coming from next door, seeing as the family left and never came home, but once worry set in, the woman decided to call other people who could help. Unfortunately, there was nothing they could do for the mom because she was so badly injured and extremely malnourished, however, they managed to get to Naga and her brother treated before they shared the same fate.
Thinking back, I remembered seeing the frightened way that recovering big-eyed pup looked at me when Opal, the twins and I first got there. (Wing had decided that he wanted to adopt a puppy and I tagged along because I had nothing in particular to do.) Anyway, once we made eye contact, something clicked and she seemed to have calmed altogether. The guy saw the way I'd been able to even touch her without her shying away and wasted no time in introducing us. Right then and there, I decided that I couldn't have any other pet and gladly paid for her escape that same day. Naga's brother (Piao) got adopted by Wing as well, so they were never too far apart. It was fun seeing the two furry giants tear a hole through the park when we all got together. In a strange way, like their huge paws, big snouts and prominent brows, they partly resembled a polar bear and I didn't hesitate to refer to her as my 'polar bear dog' every once in awhile.
"Done, yet? Some of us have breakfast to eat." I rolled my neck and took a quick peek behind me, only to get pushed a step forward when she brushed by my legs. Again, I grinned down at her, patting her muscular shoulder before gesturing back to our place. She obliged and loped away from me with all the enthusiasm something with her size could muster. Silly girl. I honestly had no idea she'd grow into the beast she was today and was glad that I'd just moved into a place big enough to accommodate her. Of course, I had my parents to thank for setting all that up before they left back to Alaska.
Once we got inside, it was my turn to take care of business. When I was done, I went to the closet and opted to wear my favorite hoodie because I was too lazy to change, though I did switch my sandals for my Nikes. As I tightened my ponytail, I hopped up the two steps to get to my bed, left the radio on, grabbed my phone, sunglasses, and Naga's leash which jingled in its wake. The next thing I heard was the excited clattering of her nails on the floor and it made me smile once more. "Shall we then?" I asked as I turned to kneel in front of her so I could hook her up.
9:51am. From Dust to Dawn.
2:59am. Opal: 'I'm telling you, Kor. It's a Date. You can't tell me that she's not into you.'
3:10am. Opal: 'Do me a favor and try NOT to talk drinks with her. I know it's hard sometimes.'
3:10am. Opal: 'But if she's into it, by all means! ;)'
3:16am. Opal: 'Do have a shot of something strong if she asks for a dance, please.'
4:03am. Opal: 'Last call but OMG~! I just met this reeeeally cute awesome guy! He bought me a few drinks earlier and guess what? He plays professional soccer! And he gave me his number!'
4:27am. Opal: 'Would it be weird to text him right now?'
4:30am. Me: 'Ope. Let. Me. Sleep!'
4:31am. Me: 'And yes it would be. So chill out and let the guy actually wake up first before you go all psycho on him.'
4:32am. Opal: 'Ha ha. That's rich, Kor...but okay.'
8:12am. Opal: 'Goodnight, beautiful~'
When I got out of bed, she was falling in hers. Sounds about right. My eyes scanned through messages from last night while I absently rubbed Naga's tummy with my foot as she sprawled comfortably under the table. On the table in front of me sat two separate plates. One of which held eggs, bacon, sausage, and the other had two slices of french toast, all half eaten and I was nursing a lukewarm cup of coffee.
"Can I top you off?" A voice called, breaking my attention away from the reply to Opal and to warm blue eyes.
"Hey, Mason." I shot him a smile and offered my cup to refill. "I didn't see you earlier." Leaning in, I added, "These eggs are a little burnt." Not like it really bothered me, I just knew the guy standing before me enjoyed cooking enough not to burn anything lest he jump in the river. Sure he was a perfectionist at heart, but didn't mind me occupying the corner patio table whenever I felt like visiting and even kept a bag of Beggin' Strips for Naga.
"Yeah, we just hired a new cook named Wu." He nodded sympathetically at me. I shooed his hands away when he reached for my plate and instead, shoveled the last of egg into my mouth with a full smirk. His brow furrowed as he let it go. "But this morning the wife and I had to take our daughter to her parent teacher conference."
"That's cute." I smiled and continued to add more sugar into my warmer cup of coffee. "How's she doing?"
"Besides fighting with the boys all day, she's doing fairly awful." Mason chuckled.
"You can't tell me you were in preschool and didn't act the exact same way." I narrowed my eyes at him. "Boys are stupid at that age, so it's no wonder she acts out like she does."
"Hey, I met my wife in preschool." He stated arrogantly.
"She bullied you into it." I deadpanned. When he only flexed his jaw in silence, I doubled over in laughter. "I'm kidding, Mase!" Sitting back, I cleared my throat. "You gotta learn how to lie better. Especially with those eyes of yours." I just meant that whatever he wanted to say to me right then had been clearly visible and I missed nothing.
"We're not all gifted." Mason threw his hand out and pretended to flip something, making me roll my eyes. You had to go there. No, I had to joke about his marriage first, so I deserved it.
"Jealous of my skills?" Don't be. I ended up nibbling on a piece of bacon after asking. At my feet, Naga stirred, but instead of getting up, she merely rolled onto her back and demanded to have her belly rubbed. I gave in, of course. Mason thought about it before nodding enthusiastically.
"Well, yeah! If I had your talent, I would be all up in the biggest clubs in town." Here it comes. "Why do you work at such a small joint like Tightrope, anyway?" He asked with a light frown. Yup. It was on the FAQ section of my life definitely. "I know this club on the east side that'll pay a whole lot more for someone like you." Was his added comment as he placed the coffee on the table.
"I like Tightrope." I defended, looking him square in the eyes. "It's like I get to work with family all night." And I don't think I'd trade that in so easily for something that made me nervous.
"That's just because it's a Beifong establishment." He snorted, waving away my response. I knew he was just saying that because he had history with them too. Though, I was the only one he still spoke to after Lin arrested his son for something he said he didn't do. (The local news said otherwise.) And I'd been acquainted with Lin long enough to know that she didn't make mistakes so I automatically sided with her. Miraculously though, there hadn't been any bad blood between Mason and I.
Still. "It's comfortable." My voice took on a more serious tone. "Besides, I don't think I'd be able to keep up with a place like Verdant." It was my turn to wave his thought away and added, "No matter how good you are, there's always someone better." That time I looked away from him. Verdant was one of the more popular nightclubs in the area. I didn't know much beyond that, but I had seen the inside and it was at least twice as big as Tightrope.
"Did your fortune cookie tell you that?" Soft blue eyes lowered to my level. "You're good, Kor. Give yourself credit sometimes."
"Did your credit card company tell you that?" I shot back with a playful grin that had him drop his head and release a chortle. Instead of replying right away, he filled my cup once more before turning around attend someone else.
"Last I heard, Verdant was up for auction and Su was seriously thinking about it." He winked at me from over his shoulder, causing my eyes to widen. "You should think about it too, Takaani."
15:30. Home.
"Who the hell does he think he is?!" I snapped in more annoyance than anger as I strutted out of the bathroom with my wet hair dripping into the towel draped around my bare shoulders. Across from me, my esteemed guest growled out loud before pinching the bridge of her nose as she sat up from her slouch. She'd been staring at the ceiling when I emerged.
"Korra, don't take it to heart." Her calm, yet meaningful voice spoke up. "I mean, yes, Su is thinking about taking over Verdant, but that's no reason to lose your head when you're going to need it tonight." Kuvira leaned forward to place her arms on her knees, only to reach down and pat Naga's head. The dog instantly reciprocated and rolled over to paw at her knees until she had no choice but to scratch her belly too. It had taken them sometime to get used to each other, seeing as Naga was very protective of me, but as soon as Kuvira had placed her pride aside to finally rub Naga's tummy, they hit it off. "Besides, it wouldn't be such a bad thing to take on a new place. Don't you think?"
"Why? Are you going to run it?" I asked as I searched through my clothes to pick out an outfit for tonight. My question was only half joking, but when I glanced back at the woman, she was practically ablaze with confidence.
"Would you work there if I did?" She mused while now absently scratching the furry white belly at her feet. Ambition. She had it. If there was anyone I knew that could stand her ground against Lin, Su, and Opal, it was her. Sure she was one of the toughest bouncers we had at Tightrope, but I knew that if she were given the opportunity, she definitely would kill it when it came to running a club.
"As long as Opal got a job there too." I answered, settling on a black tank top that had the Tardis logo and slightly ripped jeans with my favorite pair of chucks. I had to keep in mind that a certain someone might have been just the right amount of crazy to show up later. Only then did I feel a little odd because no numbers had been exchanged. Get real, Korra. I scolded myself before bringing the tips of the towel up to dry my hair some more.
"And you'd be okay with the crowds?" Kuvira had stopped entertaining Naga and was now looking curiously at me. I didn't have to worry about her eyes straying, but didn't stop the towel from covering up my breasts again as I shrugged.
"No." I never liked the crowds. "But if I knew at least one other person behind the scenes it would be nice." Someone once told me that honesty was the best policy, but now Kuvira looked apprehensive enough to doubt herself. Even if just a little because it wasn't like her to give in so easily.
"So I can have this conversation with Su?" She asked carefully.
"You can do whatever you want." I scoffed. I'm not the one looking for another job.
"Korra, I'm asking because I want you to work for me if she gives the go ahead to run Verdant." Kuvira stood up and crossed her arms.
"I'm sure there's somebody better out there you can headhunt." I chuckled while discretely slipping a bra on.
"I wish you wouldn't do that." She shook her head. "Mason was onto something when he told you to give yourself some credit." A hand touched my shoulder. "You have a gift, Kor."
A gift I'm not too proud about. I sighed, placing my hand over hers with a small smile. "If you say so, Kuvira." I didn't understand what she saw in me, being a simple girl and all. One who knows nine different types of stylish glassware behind the counter and how to slice and wedge fruit like a chef. My brain needed to shut up before I went on about how I was going to set up the bar tonight. Save it for Tightrope, won't you?
"I do." Those jade-colored eyes softened beyond how they normally were set and I knew for a fact that she didn't do that with anyone else. Lucky me. Then again, maybe she gave the same look to Bataar Jr. every once in awhile? I didn't know, only that she was usually a strong character having grown up in the military and all. Even the tattoos on her left shoulder and bicep gave jarring points to her tough personality. She, along with whoever saw her, knew she was destined to more than a bouncer and who was I to stand in the way?
"Talk to her and I'll think about it." I caved, scrubbing the towel in my hair one more time before tossing it on to a hook and then pulling my tank top on.
"Your sure?" She asked, genuinely concerned. I rolled my eyes and landed a fist on her shoulder.
"Yes." Honestly, I wasn't, but what could it hurt? "Since you think I've got what it takes, I'll trust you."
"What I think has got diddly-squat with what your own mind thinks." A crooked smile captured her lips. "Try to believe in yourself a bit more. If you do that, you'll see that you and I got a lot in common."
"We're nothing alike." I waved her off with a disbelieving snicker. For one, she was...just better than me.
"We're both determined to succeed. Don't think I wasn't there when you were practicing mixing those drinks of yours day and night until you got it right." Kuvira handed me my jeans. "It doesn't matter what others say because what you do is more than pouring booze into cups-"
"So it's something like, a celebration of knowledge and finely-honed skills? Or, a harmony of control and presentation?" I asked with an arrogant toss of my still damp hair, making her bark out a half-strangled chuckle.
"Wait, what?" She then gave me a bewildered look, but I only shrugged while pulling my jeans up to button them. "I mean sure, those terms could work. For professional wine servers." She shook her head. "You have this thing called: skill. A legitimate one that has procedure and form and must be learned if success is desired."
Heh. "Never saw it like that." I grinned at her, but when she only fixed me with a stern look, my shoulders slumped. Okay. I wasn't proud of my profession because of my parents' reputations. My dad was a Lieutenant Governor and my mom was an Accounting officer at the Department of Corrections there in Alaska. (So it wasn't hard to see why I felt like a failure compared to them.) Kuvira was the only one who knew about my actual reason for not being so gung ho about my 'skills,' but never called me out on it like others did. It was like she understood me.
"This is your life, Korra. Not theirs. If you don't embrace it, you won't-"
"I can still disappoint them." I blurted, finally dipping into one of my fears.
"Korra, Korra." Kuvira suddenly wrapped her arms around me with a soft laugh. "You're their only daughter, how could they be disappointed in you having a steady job and fending for yourself out here?" And that wasn't quite true. Once a month they sent me some money to help out with the rent for my flat. (I never used them though.)
"I have a job mixing alcohol." I answered briskly, leaving that last thought to myself.
"And you're awesome at it." A finger came up to my temple. "This brain of yours is a force to be reckoned with and your hands have been forged into fine weapons of war too."
"You're just saying that." I chuckled self-consciously, holding off a pending blush. Just like that, she had pulled me back out of the darker places of my mind.
"What's the longest word in the dictionary?"
"Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis. A lung disease that happens if you inhale fine silica particals from a volcano." I answered without much thought and then smacked her shoulder with a growl.
"And I've only seen someone cut with as much precision as you on TV or at fancy restaurants." She smirked triumphantly. Anyone with a knife can do that. "I'm just saying that it's okay to set your goals a little higher for yourself and if you don't like it, you can always back off until your ready again." She'd was always good at telling me that I could do more, just that I needed to do it for me and not because of my parents.
Next to Opal, she was easily my best friend. Practically a sister. "Got it, mom." I snarked. Honestly, that was just what I needed to hear. I just couldn't show too much gratitude because I wasn't sure how she'd take it, much less how I'd feel about giving it. Of course Kuvira understood and instead of getting mushy, she pulled me into a tight hug before slapping my butt a little more forcibly than she probably intended. My surprised yelp melted into laughter along with her.
"Good. Now hurry up so we can go!"
Tightrope.
'...You put me on a roller coaster, fly me on a plane. You send me to another planet, get inside my brain. I knew right when I met you I would never be the same. But I let you take me over, girl, so I'm the one to blame...'
"I swear, this song." I muttered in exasperation to myself as I poured ice into the blender for a frozen Strawberry Daiquiri. "It's making me lose my mind."
"Can I get a Dr. Pecker?" A random girl called over the noise and I didn't hesitate to turn the blender on and get to that. Rye Whiskey, Cola, Cranberry-Raspberry Juice. My hands poured while my brain calculated the ounces of each until it was gathered into my handy shaker. Another was called just as I placed that one in front of her and then I turned to finish up the frozen drink while my mind repeated the order. Vodka, rum, tequila, gin, blue curacao liqueur, sweet and sour mix, and Sprite. Topped with a cherry and lime.
"You're a little quiet tonight, Kor." Another previously served patron mused as I passed by, making me glance at her like a kicked puppy. I am.
"Yeah, sorry." I chuckled, wiping my hands on a rag before flipping my hair out of my eyes. "Had a fairly revealing afternoon." And that's why we leave baggage at home. Looking around, I could instantly see that I'd already bummed one or two others out. Great. So, I cleared my throat and pointed at a newcomer with a little more enthusiasm. White rum, Malibu, melon liqueur, peach schnapps, blue curacao liqueur, sweet and sour mix, lemonade and a lemon wedge. Placing the drink in front of the newcomer, I expertly flipped a bottle and put it back. I was left-handed so my bar setup was completely different that Opal's, but I usually did my best to help her set it back up before I checked out.
Kuvira had said I'd need to keep my head tonight. The thought made me flex my jaw as my eyes again scanned the bar. Alright, breathe Korra. Blowing out a forceful breath, I snatched up the a different bottle and grabbed a Champagne Flute to make the next one. Vodka, raspberry liqueur, Cointreau, and whipping cream. Cheers erupted after I finished that drink, making me finally grin. Clearing my throat, I nodded at the guy who ordered an AMF earlier. "So how was the move?"
Dark brown eyes shifted to me like he didn't believe I'd been listening, but an easy smirk tipped his lips upward in the next instant. "Ah, it was sort of tough leaving my dad behind." He had broad shoulders, light brown hair, blue eyes, and a chiseled face. Very handsome.
"Don't I know it." I nodded. Peach schnapps, vodka, and cranberry juice. After mixing those up and delivering, I was right back to him with rag in hand.
"The timing was right, though." He continued like I hadn't left and took a long sip. I shot him a smile just as he reached into his pocket and pulled out what looked like a ringing phone. Squinting at the screen, he then blew out an exasperated breath. "Really right."
"Ex?" I asked knowingly, wringing the rag out. I'd seen that look more times than one at this bar. Whoever he was, I could see that he was looking to have some fun before the next potential object of desire caught his eye. Could be a minute though.
"Oh yeah." The guy chuckled as I tossed the rag back in the sink. "She's crazy." That got a snort out of me. Yeah. He's done with women for the time being.
"Let me guess," I held up a contemplative finger. "She told you 'let's stay friends.'"
He snapped his fingers and pointed at me with wide eyes. "Exactly! Who the hell does that?" Taking another drink, he pushed a hand through his thick locks as his muscles rippled under his shirt. I could only shrug because I really had no idea myself. "Oh, and she's convinced that she can cure me of my emotional unavailability." Air quoting, he ended with an incredulous snort.
"Wait, you're emotionally unavailable?" I asked skeptically. No wonder he ordered an AMF.
"Oh, yeah." He chuckled.
I grinned slyly at him and then pointed at myself. "I'm emotionally damaged! Why haven't we met at the meetings?" The guy let out a loud laugh before placing more money on the counter.
"I'll take two shots of anything. Just make sure it's strong enough to drown out this girly drink I ordered." Ah. So he gets it. I thought deviously while scanning the bar for anyone new or looking to get something else. Nothing yet.
"But it was good, wasn't it?" I winked at him and pulled two shot glasses up for a 252. If the guy wanted to forget what he drank, I was more than happy to oblige because it looked like he'd given a nice tip too.
"Considering it was made by someone as gorgeous as yourself? Yeah it was delicious." He smirked, making me roll my eyes. Flatterer. Unfortunately, he only lifted one shot and prompted me to take the other. I blinked in surprise, but when he gestured to me again, I hesitantly picked the glass up and the smell of liquor immediately burned through my nose. Oh, gross.
I almost refused with a passion, but right then, I thought about what Opal was saying. Kuvira... Ew. Sucking it up, I took the glass and clinked it against his. "Thanks." I tried to smile convincingly. Tossing it back, I ignored what my brain told me about the content and instead slapped the upheld hand he had in a high-five. The toxic liquid burned all the way down into my poor stomach while I sent him a shaky smile. I even spun around to pop a few cherries into my mouth to try to get the horrid taste under control, but the guy didn't seem to notice.
"Be seeing you." He sent one last wink and then he was gone. I was just glad I didn't give him a Kick in the balls, because I definitely would have refused to take the shot he would have offered. That, or I would have been plastered in no time at all. Not liking alcohol sure turned me into a lightweight. (Which wasn't a bad thing at all considering I usually had money left over after hitting my limit.)
"Hey, can we get a couple of rounds over here!" Another group of four showed up, making me snap out of it so I could attend them. Amaretto, melon liqueur, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice. Thankfully none of them bought me any as I served them with a thrumming grin.
By the time I found myself passionately arguing that there had been such a thing as Female Gladiators back in the day, Opal had reappeared as one of the patrons. I hadn't seen her just yet because I was busy making another frozen Strawberry Daiquiri and once I served it, I caught her silhouette. "She lies!" Came her bubbly voice, but she tried to make it look like she wasn't the one that said it. I narrowed my eyes at her.
"In 60 AD, they showed up. Nero had a few in 66 AD. One's name was Mevia and she hunted boars with glorious spear in hand and naked torso!" I raised my fist, gaining cheers from all corners of the bar. It was hot and the that one shot I'd consumed earlier had me feeling light and loose. At ease enough to entertain like I was supposed to and I made a mental note to genuinely thank the guy if I ever saw him again. "89 AD, during Domitian's reign. 2nd century AD had two women named Amazon and Achillia." Sighing in defeat, I finally concluded. "Yeah, but they abandoned the idea in 200 AD." The bar booed, but I could only chuckle at them for being such attentive listeners.
"They should bring it back. The sport. Wouldn't it be awesome?" One of the women stated, getting others to agree with her. I slid over to her side and rested my chin in my palm as if to tell a story. Likes the bloodshed, huh?
"I heard that they are. It's just really, really safe with extra padding and whatnot, but the suits look like something out of Tron." Was my response.
"Seriously?" Opal asked with interest.
"It's called Neo-Gladiatior, or something like that." I nodded. "Seemed a little interesting." It had been something I'd read online, though I wasn't sure how far away it was from budding to life in an actual arena. While the ones who were interested in continuing the prospect of having Gladiators back went on talking, I thought about something. Wait. Since Ope's here...Frowning a bit, I glanced behind me to check the time. 11:52pm. Whaaat? I popped my neck with a certain kind of giddiness that usually came with the end of a workday and turned back to face my green-eyed friend. "What, no help?"
"I would, but I'm actually here with someone." Opal smirked like a devious little girl. I quirked a questioning brow, wondering if it was the soccer player she'd mentioned, but when she placed a hand on the woman next to her, I felt my jaw go slack.
"Hi." The woman named Asami was casually sitting next to Opal with the corner of her plump lips pulled up in a grin. I gulped at the sight of them. She came back! Sh-she came back? How long as she been there?! I tried to think over all the times I'd scanned the counter for any new face and the occasional times I watched people dancing out there. That gorgeous face didn't show up in any, but I still could have missed her somewhere.
She's actually here. "U-um, so what'll it be?" I found myself asking Opal instead, seeing as I was a bit too nervous to talk to her right then. Thoughts about the previous night weren't helping either. Those curves. Maybe I should sneak another shot for liquid courage.
"Hey, I take over in a few minutes remember?" Opal had the audacity to laugh at me, but I chose to ignore it and pushed my hair behind my ear. "But I think my friend Asami would like something." She reiterated the name, letting me know that I either needed to pay attention to her more, or I needed to buy her drink for her. Perhaps both?
"Right." I cleared my throat, sliding my eyes back to her. Go for it! What's the worst she can do? "Just a Coke?" I asked without stuttering. Thankfully she laughed at that and seemingly broke the tense air I'd accidentally fallen into.
"No, I'm not babysitting tonight." She tilted her head to the side.
"Can I get a Hurricane?" Someone else asked, making me hold up a finger to the beautiful woman before turning around. Vodka, grenadine syrup, gin, rum, Bacardi, Amaretto, Cointreau, grapefruit juice and apple juice. Mixed altogether just right, I handed it to the other girl in a glass with a smile.
Seeing as everyone was good for the moment, I slipped back over to the other two. "Think of something?" I questioned, briefly having to wonder if she needed a menu or not. Most people knew what they wanted as soon as they came through the doors, but there were those who still needed it so I wouldn't question her if she did.
"Surprise me." Those peridot eyes twinkled with just the right amount of playfulness to make a warm feeling spread all over me.
"No shots." Opal barked.
"What kind of girl do you think I am?" I held up my hands defensively. The two giggled at me as I turned to think about what to make her. I knew I'd told her that Long Island Iced Tea was Opal's specialty and when she'd asked me what mine was I said I didn't have one...but I did. Licking my lips, I stepped forward with purpose.
Highball Glass. Vodka, rum, tequila, gin, blue curacao liqueur, sweet and sour mix. I poured the correct amount of each into the chilled glass that also had ice in it before topping it off with 2oz of Sprite. Adding two cherries for fun, I then glanced up to the clock. 12:05am. "You are officially my last order." I smiled happily as I placed the drink in front of her. She didn't hesitate to return my smile and when she began to reach for her clutch, I shook my head. "I got it." I was aware that I'd said a free Coke last night, but who cares?
"Great!" Opal appeared next to me and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. Where'd she come from? To my surprise, she all but shoved a shot into my hand. "Now take this and call me in the morning."
"Ope-" I tried.
"No. This one's on me." Her mischievous grin seemed to have been stuck on her face.
"I-"
"Take it, Kor."
I already had one! I shouted in my head, but seeing those determined eyes bordering on blazing force, I sighed in defeat. "Fine." I muttered and tossed it back. My preparation for that awful bitterness diminished as soon as the aftertaste came back around to slap me in nothing but sweetness. Wait. Amaretto...I smacked my lips to get a better taste. Melon liqueur, Grenadine, and...Narrowing my eyes at my cheeky friend. Sprite. "You gave me a Jolly Rancher?" I asked with a frown.
"I know you don't like the taste of liquor, so why not?" Opal shrugged before gesturing to Asami. "Alright. She's all yours- OW!" She yelped when I 'accidentally' stepped on her foot to get to my bag on the other side of her. "You little-" Those eyes glittered with purpose and I wasn't in the mood to get pummeled by her in front of all these people.
"Look! It's your manly soccer player come to wipe you off your feet!" I shouted excitedly and pointed behind her, making her spin back around therefore granting my escape. As I safely skirted around the counter to Asami's side, Opal glared right at me like she knew I'd be there all along.
"It's 'sweep' and you don't even know what he looks like!" A small pout began to form on her lips when a newcomer asked for a Slippery Nipple. On cue, a childish snicker left my mouth as Opal nodded in affirmation to him, forgetting about me for the moment. Only when she growled my name did I remember that I was supposed to move the bottles back around before I left the bar. Oops. Alcohol does things to a person.
"What's so funny?" Asami asked once Opal wasn't in front of us and glaring at me.
"It's nothing." I waved her off, but when a curious brow rose unsatisfied, I leaned in. "It's just kinda funny hearing guys like him order a Slippery Nipple." My chin jutted over to the one that ordered, making Asami hide her giggle behind her hand.
"Well, what's in it?" She asked, sipping on the straw I'd put in her drink as well.
"Bailey's Irish Cream and Butterscotch Schnapps." I just noticed that she hadn't touched the cherries yet and it was a wonder that I was able to answer while my eyes glued to those delicious looking lips of hers. But we were talking about something that was automatic to me, so it wasn't that shocking. "It's not exactly the strongest shot out there is, but it is fun to say." I thought about it. "Actually, almost all cocktail names are fun to say. You know, if you're not here with your mom or something." That got half a chuckle from her, but I didn't miss the flicker of something else in those eyes. You're ruining it. "H-how's your drink?" I immediately stammered to keep from digging myself deeper.
"It's something new." Asami looked relieved to have avoided whatever it was that triggered her and I let myself relax a little. "Can I ask what it is?"
"Adios- uh, it's shortened name is AMF, so that's what I'll call it." I coughed into my hand. Okay. Maybe not all cocktail names were fun to say. Unfortunately, we had fallen into a silence that I wasn't sure was a good or bad one. I just knew that I was starting to feel the shot I'd taken kick in as my eyes wandered from the bar Opal was reorganizing to the the woman sitting next to me.
Now that I'd gotten a better look at her, I could see that she was wearing another red dress, but unlike last night, this one covered more of her arms and the majority of the borders had a golden lining that just made her look that much more sophisticated with a hint of friskiness. Breathtaking. It was a shoulderless dress that hugged every curve of her body until it reached just above her stocking covered knees, on down those long legs and into black heels. Stockings. Something about them usually had me sighing like a lovesick pup and this time was no exception.
"You're staring."
My avid gaze broke away from her legs and looked everywhere else but at her for fear that she would find something untoward in them. Cool it. "How was your day yesterday?" I asked just as Opal dropped off another drink for me. The look she gave me told me that I was okay and just needed to be myself. Look where that got me! Would more alcohol actually help? Whatever. I straightened my back and pressed the cup to my lips to take an experimental sip. Apple juice, passion fruit juice, lemon juice and grenadine syrup. My eyes widened slightly. Nothing. She'd given me a virgin Bora Bora.
"Do you really want to hear about my day?" The woman next to me asked. More like purred. My eyes then slid back to hers as I took another drink.
"Try me." I prompted her before putting my half empty glass down, having not realized how thirsty I really was. "Or if you want to stay secretive, I can let that slide." Was my added joke that made her giggle.
"Well then, I guess I can say that I couldn't wait to come here tonight." That time, she spoke while her fingers idly played with the small black straw and if I wasn't careful, I would end up staring again. Long fingers.
"So that means you had a boring day until now, huh?" I sent her a lopsided grin. She smiled back innocently, but when the crowd whooped behind us, we both turned to see Opal juggling four shot glasses before spreading them out and pouring green liquid from her shaker. Gulping down my apprehension, I leaned closer to Asami. "Hey, do you want to get out of here?"
'You put me on a roller coaster, fly me on a plane. You send me to another planet-'
SERIOUSLY?! That song was getting to me and I wanted nothing more than to run out of there before I started to sing along. Not until I had her answer anyway. Then again, she's all dressed up...even though I hated to think it, I had to accept the possibility that she would want to dance a little first. Glancing behind me let a contemplative look cross my face. Well, it's not as packed as last night. But if they kept playing that song, I was going to actually lose it.
Just then, something cold and wet pressed against my lips.
Jerking back, I was slapped into reality once more as I saw Asami's eyes filling my vision. Playfully amused. I managed to bring my gaze downward when the feeling on my lips insisted further and realized that she was offering me a cherry. My mouth opened instinctively, but before she could pull her hand away after letting it go of it, I caught her hand and wrapped my lips around her pointer finger. The action surprised me as much as it did her so I didn't push it and only flicked my tongue along the pad of her finger, sucked, and then it was over.
"Thank you." I said after almost swallowing the dang thing whole and licking my lips.
"Where-" Asami cleared her throat and tried again. "Where did you have in mind?"
"Are you hungry?" I found myself asking, not thinking about the other way that question could have been interpreted until an obvious interest presented itself in those enchanting peridots. It told me that perhaps she wasn't only hungry for breakfast. And that made me bite on my lip to keep from groaning heatedly.
"I could eat something." Was her sultry answer as she then slid her thumb into her mouth to clean that one off too.
Oh.
A/N: Okay, since it's fairly clear that y'all want a continuation, I thought I'd be a good sport and do it. (Though, I didn't predict it happening like this.) *wipes forehead semi-nervously* looks like smut ahead, huh? Wish me luck and we'll see how that goes.
Oh yeah. If anyone's interested in doing a cover image for either of my Korrasami stories, I'm all ears^^
Thank you for reading and for your kind words! They motivate me.
Tootles~