AN: lmfao i almost forgot to post here

Summer Grounds Challenge 4a: Game

Laughing with a bright smile, Mako made some comment that Korra couldn't hear. That cute regular of theirs laughed at that comment which seriously irked Korra. She wasn't jealous, of course, she was annoyed that he was slacking off as the line of customers kept on growing. She punched in the next student's order before writing it on the cup and aggressively setting it down on the counter.

"Mako an iced americano with two shots of espresso."

He ignored her and continued to flirt around while said customer, Asami, spared her a glance. They made eye contact and Korra's mouth immediately itched upward into a courteous smile. Sure, Korra was attracted to her as well but, she knew the difference between personal life and work life versus Mako who couldn't work his pay sometimes. Asami, on the other hand, seemed to understand Korra and in return gave her a guilty smile. She then said something, likely trying to get Mako to focus on her since she pointed in Korra's direction.

Finally, Mako turned to look at her. "What? You need something?"

Korra's eyebrow twitched in irritation. "Can. You. Work. Instead. Of. Flirting!"

Mako immediately blushed before fumbling with his words. "What— n-no I'm not!"

She sighed heavily before pointing at him. "The tips from the last hour are mine FYI," she then turned to the next customer in line before shooting them a super bright smile. "What can I get you?"

"Hey! That's not fair!"

After Korra punched in their order and took their payment, she shot him a squared look again. She then gave him an extra sweet smile before commenting, "Either that and you make those drinks now or the next time you call out because you're 'sick' I'll tell Tenzin you're out flirting with one of our customers!"

He gasped. "You wouldn't dare!"

"Try me."

Asami snorted before turning away and excusing herself with a wave. "Thank you, Mako, I'll see you around." She then walked past the tip jar before pausing and pulling out an extra bill (since she had already given a tip when she ordered) and slipped it into the jar with a wink. "See you later Korra."

Korra twitched upright before blushing slightly. She quickly shook it off before giving her a bright lopsided grin. "Thanks Asami, come again!"

Asami gave her a somewhat flirtatious smile before tossing her hair over her shoulder. She made her way to the door and once she was gone, Korra shot Mako a look. "Move or you're busted."

He groaned before quickly making the orders. "Fine fine fine."

The rest of their shifts were unceremonious as usual and by the time they clocked out, Korra did, in fact, take all the tips for that day excluding her other coworkers' share. Life went on as usual and when their next shift came, Korra ended up serving and taking Asami's order since Mako had an emergency to deal with in the bathroom thanks to spoiled food he ate earlier that day.

"Hey Korra, how are you?"

It was late in the day and they had just narrowly survived a surprise rush but thankfully were a few minutes away from closing.

Korra slumped onto the counter before telling the truth. "Dying. I got two reports due, one assessment to turn in, and an exam to study for." She then eyed the clock, "Three of those need to be done at midnight leaving me about two hours to finish them while the other will be an all-nighter, or well, morninger? Since the class starts at nine."

Asami grimaced. "Youch, I'll keep you in my prayers though I'm not religious."

"Thanks," she cracked a small smile before finally asking, "So, what can I get for you? You usually never come here right before we close."

This time, Asami huffed. "Three exams and one report for me."

"Oof, that sucks."

Korra winced before noticing the dark bags under Asami's eyes. They were quite dark and that's when she realized Asami wasn't wearing any makeup and damn, she was cute. Cuter than usual even. She didn't need makeup at all so a part of her wondered why she wore it in the first place, albeit, a minimalist amount.

"Mmhmm, that's why I need some life support so hit me with your strongest." She paused for a second before adding, "And sweetest."

"Got it, say no more Sams."

Asami raised an eyebrow at the sudden nickname.

Korra realized her mistake when she looked at her. "Shit— I'm sorry, I know we're not close enough for that and I'm running on low power so it just came out by mistake and—"

Bringing up her hand to cut her off, Asami smiled sweetly. "No, it's okay, I don't mind if it's you."

What was that supposed to mean?

"And besides, I would like to say we're close enough for nicknames…" she hummed before eyeing Korra as she thought of a pet name as well. "You can call me Sams and I'll call you… Sealy."

Korra made a face. "Sealy?"

"Yeah, because your eyes remind me of the sea and I feel like I'm gonna get lost every time I look at them."

Well, that comment made Korra blush. Was Asami flirting with her? No way… she was giggling along with Mako's attempts when he flirted with her. She hadn't blatantly flirted with Asami either so what was this? Korra ended up clearing her throat before ignoring the thought and making her drink.

Asami made a face before noting, "I haven't paid yet."

Korra quickly dismissed her. "Don't worry about it."

"But still…"

"Think of it as thanks for that awesome tip the other day," she then paused before snapping her head around, "You better not leave a tip either! I am unfortunately sharing with Mako tonight."

That made Asami laugh before she smiled happily. "Alright alright, you win I guess when you put it that way…"

Giving her a toothy grin, Korra winked at her. "No worries, it's my treat." She then worked her magic, quickly putting together her secret menu item called 'life support' before swiping a muffin off the counter and handing them both to Asami.

When Asami laid eyes on the items, she pouted. "Aw, you don't have to."

"Like I said, my treat." Korra winked again as Asami smiled at her when she took the drink and muffin.

"You at least have to let me tip you then."

"Nah," Korra waved her dismissively, "It's cool. We would've thrown them away anyways. In fact," she grabbed a cookie before handing it over as well, "It's your lucky day. Caffeine and a bunch of sugar."

Asami laughed out loud again, which was music to Korra's eyes before she shook her head softly and accepted the cookie. "You're too sweet, in that case, let me buy you coffee or tea one of these days."

Korra froze like a deer caught in headlights. "Is that… a uh…"

With a smile, Asami held eye contact before confirming. "A date, yes. If that's okay with you of course?"

"Oh." She chirped before blinking a few times. "Oh…" her cheeks warmed up before she cleared her throat and grabbed a napkin and pen. "Yeah, totally okay, cool, in fact." She then scribbled down her phone number onto the tissue before handing it to Asami. "Text me?"

This time, Asami accepted the napkin with pleasure. "Of course." She then sipped her drink before moaning softly, "Mmh… that's good." She then eyed Korra's lips before licking her own. "Anyways, I should get going. Gotta study and all."

"Okay. Yeah. No worries. Good luck and I'll see you around?"

Asami winked again. "Definitely and thanks, good luck to you too."

"Thanks, night!"

"Good night, Korra."

At that, Asami sauntered out of the cafe leaving Korra with a gaping mouth. Soon after, Mako came back from the bathroom with a pained face. "What'd I miss?"

Korra was still dazed. "Nothing."

Humming suspiciously, Mako just eyed her before shrugging it off. "Alright, I'm gonna start cleaning then."

"Okay. Thanks."

Mako stared at her again before slowly heading to the back to grab the cleaning supplies. Once he was out of sight, Korra let out a breath of relief she didn't know she was holding in. She then turned around to wipe the counter behind her when her phone buzzed. She took it out of her back pocket before reading the text.

Unknown Number:

Hey, it's Asami.

How does next saturday around 6 sound?

That brought a smile up to Korra's face. She quickly typed back her response.

Sounds perfect.

Ironically enough, aside from Asami's regular coffee runs, the first time they ran into each other in public was at a frat party that was happening on Friday night. It was a casual party with no dress code and a decent amount of students from campus. Everyone was either dancing around, playing the usual beer pong, or drinking shitty beer and jungle juice.

Korra was no different and she was actually heading out of the bathroom to grab more jungle juice when she ran into Asami. Quite literally at that. They collided so hard that Korra got knocked back into the bathroom.

"Oh shit! I'm so sorry—"

"Shit! Sorry—"

They made eye contact before the realization hit the both of them.

"Ah—"

"Ah."

For some reason, Korra felt bashful. "Oh hey, Asami! Fancy running into you here… pun intended." She then clicked her tongue before giving her a small grin.

Asami blinked before giggling and sending jittery butterflies down Korra's stomach. "Fancy running into you indeed. I didn't think I'd run into you so soon outside of the cafe." She paused before smiling, "Pun intended."

Even if it was a repeated pun, Korra still laughed happily. "What are you doing here?"

"To use the bathroom." She responded bluntly before chuckling at Korra when she gave her a look. Asami then threw a wink at her before tossing her a bone. "I was invited by a friend, you?"

"Same," Korra responded before seeing someone walk up from behind Asami. "Oh, how about we talk after you're done with your… business."

Asami glanced back at the person before smiling warmly. "That sounds reasonable, I'll uh…" she rubbed her chin before suggesting, "I'll meet you outside? On the balcony?"

Korra quickly smiled again. "Sure, sounds great."

Once Asami was behind the door, Korra made her way to the balcony that was located on the second floor. She went outside first, relishing in the fresh air, before looking out at the night sky. Her face immediately flattened and now that she has had a breath of fresh air, damn she wished she grabbed a cup of jungle juice on the way up. She was tired and fatigue was starting to settle in when someone came up from behind her.

"Hey, I hope you weren't waiting for too long."

Korra turned and the moment she saw who it was and the two cups she was holding, she shot her a small grin. "I hope one of those is for me?"

Asami chuckled before joining Korra on the balcony. "Well, I just so happened to know that a certain lady was going to be up here and I thought she could use a drink." She then raised one of the solo cups, offering it to her. "That is… if she doesn't mind getting a drink from me."

Humming thoughtfully, Korra playfully tapped her chin before reaching out for the cup. "Well… I don't know about that lady but, I, would certainly love a drink from you."

The giggle that came from those charming and smiling lips made Korra feel as if she was floating in the sky. "Help yourself."

Once Korra had a drink in her hand, she clinked solo cups with Asami. "Cheers!"

"Cheers."

But both took a sip before grimacing at the flavor. "Well, this… wasn't what I was expecting," Korra confessed as an eyebrow went up. She then eyed the cup suspiciously, trying to figure out what it was.

"I think I'm gonna have to agree with you on this one…" Asami eyed her drink as well before laughing guiltily, "Sorry, perhaps accepting a drive-by drink wasn't the best idea."

They both ended up setting the drink onto the railing before looking out into the distance. Korra ended up shrugging before musing, "Well all that means is that you gotta make it up to me and buy me a drink tomorrow."

"Me?" Asami confirmed before looking Korra's way, "Buy you a drink?"

"Yeah, what else?" Korra teased back before offering, "If you buy me a drink, I'll buy you one too."

"That would defeat the purpose then wouldn't it?"

Leaning forward on the railing, Korra gave her a flirty smile. "Maybe… unless you don't want me to buy you a drink?"

A playful giggle left Asami's lips this time as she leaned in closer as well. "I didn't say that."

At this point, they were standing next to each other side by side. Their arms were brushing against one another and at this moment in time, Korra decided that her new favorite color was this specific shade of green.

"Say…" Korra started in a hesitant voice, "You mind if I ask you a question?"

Asami never took her eyes off Korra. "Shoot me."

Immediately looking off to the side, Korra picked at her fingers before asking, "Why me…?" Asami was quick to shoot her this look but Korra was quick to clarify before she could ask, "I thought you were into Mako. You know, he'd always flirt with you and you'd giggle back."

"Ah…" Asami's eyes narrowed before she looked ahead. "Well, I mean when a cute guy flirts with you, it's quite flattering. Any gal would be happy."

"True…"

"But… when you're bisexual and his cute co-worker also flirts with you on the down low, you get curious." Korra blushed and Asami smiled before adding, "From there, you get to know them both and think about who'd make you happier."

Korra gulped. "And… and you think that'd be me?"

"I do," Asami said confidently before taking a sip out of the solo cup by reflex. She immediately regretted it and set it aside again. "This seriously is nasty."

Korra's cheeks were starting to hurt from smiling so much. "You know, I'm not gonna lie… you weren't exactly my type at the beginning." That comment made Asami cock an eyebrow. "I thought you were just some, pretty, stuck-up, and prissy rich gal, no offense." Asami shrugged at that. "And well, after getting to know you a little more, I learned that you were pretty cute, a little dorkish, attractive, and even sweet."

Asami laughed at that comment. "You don't have to compliment me so much, we do have a date tomorrow, you know that."

This time, Korra grinned at her. "I know but I just want to flirt with you."

"Is it bad I want to kiss you?" Asami confessed out of nowhere.

Blinking once, Korra started cracking up and gasping dramatically. "Before our first date?! How scandalous!"

Asami chuckled before teasing her. "Why? Are you scared of being a little scandalous?"

This time, Korra tapped her chin in thought as she hummed softly. "Well…" she started leaning in closer, "Scandalous is actually my middle name."

A bubbly giggle was all that left Asami's lips as she eyed Korra's lips. "That so?"

"Mmhmm…" Korra whispered just an inch away from Asami's face. She eyed Asami's lips before whispering again, "Can I kiss you?"

Asami licked her lips slowly before closing the gap. "If you don't, I will."

Their lips briefly touched which felt like a lifetime as if they had done it over and over, time again and again. It was cozy, inviting, and safe. They kissed again however, they lingered this time, softly sucking each other's lips before switching angles once and then twice. It was slow and sensual and by the time they pulled away from each other, a warm and fuzzy feeling was all Korra could feel.

"Your lips are seriously soft," Korra noted in her daze. "I couldn't tell they'd be this soft thanks to the lipstick you wear all the time."

Asami chuckled before talking right in front of Korra's lips. "I usually wear it to class, it makes me feel…confident you know?"

"Hmm…I think I get it, probably." Korra responded before bringing up her hand and intertwining their fingers on the railing.

Of course, Asami's eyes flickered downward but thankfully for Korra, she didn't pull away. Instead, she wrapped her fingers around Korra's as well. "Yeah, it gives me the confidence to say 'Fuck off!' when needed you know."

That comment immediately made Korra burst out laughing. "'Fuck off!' huh? I hope you won't me telling me to fuck off anytime soon."

Asami eyed Korra deviously before she couldn't help herself. She leaned in close to Korra's ear before whispering in a raspy voice. "I'd rather you fuck me than fuck off."

Korra froze at that comment. All of a sudden, her ear was on fire and she could've sworn Asami burned her or something. She seriously couldn't take whatever this was anymore, teasing perhaps, and thankfully Asami stopped.

"Anyways, how do you feel about going back inside? I could use another cup of jungle juice to wash away whatever that was." She then eyed the solo on the railing, "If we can't find anything better, I do know a good bar we can swing by. It's pretty laid back and they got a lot of retro games there."

Humming as if she was weighing her choices, Korra rubbed her chin before reasoning. "Well… not gonna lie… that jungle juice wasn't the best."

Asami only nodded, "Uhuh…"

"And… we don't have class tomorrow either so I'm free for the night…"

A knowing smile appeared on Asami's face. "Uhuh."

"Sooooo… if it's cool with you, I'd say hitting up a bar sounds perfect."

Chuckling softly, Asami pecked Korra's lips one last time. "Cool… we can walk there and Uber back."

"Sure, sounds like a plan."