Korra's a badass basketball player, but she wasn't ready for #22, Sato, who is equally as badass. But pretty. Pretty hot. And nice. Damnit.

Her frustration lands them in an awkward position.

College AU inspired by that that one handball/anime fall gif. Rated T for language.

Korra swore as the cold morning air slapped her face.

"Shit! It is fucking cold!"

She pulled her hoodie a little tighter around her neck and quickly locked her door. She readjusted the duffel bag slung over her shoulder into a more comfortable position and ran down the driveway. Her feet took the path to the gym all on muscle memory, which was good, because the cold was freezing all workable cells in her brain.

Finally, after five really long, really cold, minutes, Korra got to the gym. She quickly walked through the double doors, into the back area, pushing open a single metal door.

The room was dimly lit, and scanning it quickly, she realized she was one of the last ones to arrive.

"Hey Korra!"

"Hi Korra!"

She gave small waves and nods as a litany of greetings were thrown her way. She picked a seat as the rest of her teammates finished up their conversations. Korra reached into her duffle and pulled out a well-worn notebook. Everyone gave her shit about her 'tablet,' but she really liked the old-school marble feel. The fucking spiral notebooks always got bent in her bag anyway.

The door opened again, and in walked her coach, Tenzin. In the three years she'd been playing college basketball for him, he'd given her lectures on everything from punctuality to zen gardening. Dude was a guy of many talents, including boring Korra to death.

She remembered her coffee, or as her teammate Opal liked to call it, "Anti-Tenzin Tonic." The lights flicked off, and the wall lit up with projector light. Korra internally groaned. This was the usual four hour meeting prior to a game where they went over video of their opponent, learning stuff and blah blah blah.

They were set to play Republic City University this coming Friday. It was a non-conference game, so Korra wasn't particularly concerned with it. The Air Temple Bisons had already secured a spot in the playoffs.

Korra phased out. She didn't need to watch game tape. They could beat them anyway. If you were good enough, you'd win, tape or not. She'd been working her ass off since she was four, going to training camps, practicing until midnight alone, doing drills until her eyes crossed. It's what made her into State Player of the Year in high school, and what got her the full ride to Air Temple University. Korra was convinced that watching tape on her opponent wasn't going to make a difference. Her eyes slid shut.

"KORRA!"

"Zzz?" she startled awake. Ah fuck. Busted. Tenzin's face said it all.

"I want you to guard number 22, Sato."

She squinted to where Tenzin's pointer was indicating. The girl was surprisingly good. Pretty athletic and agile, but nothing Korra couldn't handle. She looked skinny too, so it'd be easy to push her around. Korra shrugged, putting her chin back on her hand.

"Yeah sure, whatever, Coach."

45:00 minutes to game time:

"Coach, I can't fucking guard that girl!" Korra argued with Tenzin on the sideline. Fifteen minutes into the warm ups, Korra realized that number 22, the girl she was expected to guard, was at least three inches taller than her.

"Watch your language!" he reprimanded. "What's the problem? You said it was no big deal."

"Yeah well, that's before I knew she was a fucking giant! Why am I guarding a post?!"

Tenzin held his hands out, palms up. "If you'd been paying attention on film day, you'd have noticed she's not a forward, she's a shooting guard. Like you. And she's quite good."

Korra turned to watch the girl, her thick, black hair tied low behind her neck. Tenzin kept talking, and Korra almost felt like she was watching some National Geographic documentary.

"The tall girl uses her height as an advantage, tricking players into mating with her, then drinking their blood. The black hair is used to entice foolish mates, and the green eyes paralyze them. Creatures are drawn in with her mesmerizing movements. The basketball shooting is a ritual mating dance.

"See how the lithe body glides gracefully over the floor, weaving in and out of bodies, to deftly shoot the ball into the rim."

Korra blinked. She might've dubbed her own running commentary over Tenzin's more boring one, but she was pretty sure he said something about the girl being quick and Korra being the only one able to keep up with her. She turned to watch the girl once more.

30 minutes to game time:

Okay she's not that good. She's just kinda good. Like for a pretty girl. Whatever.

20 minutes to game time:

I can't believe she's fucking wearing make up. That does not make her pretty.

19 minutes to game time:

Well maybe just a little. A little pretty.

16 minutes to game time:

Okay, yeah, she's actually pretty, even if she weren't wearing make up.

14 minutes to game time:

Fine. She's pretty hot. Fucking bitch.

10 minutes to game time:

How the fuck is her hair perfect all the time? Are we filming a K drama here? Is she a poor girl who will win over the snotty rich boy?

5 minutes to game time:

Hot girls have hot girl attitudes. I'm gonna destroy her.

As warm ups were closing and the announcers were getting ready to do the lineups, Korra sat on the bench with a huff. In one hour she'd gone from from being indifferent on the Sato girl to absolutely loathing her.

"Captains!"

Coincidentally, the beautiful, elegant, prissy, rich (or poor, depending on if this was a movie script) girl ended up standing across Korra. She gave Korra a warm, closed-mouthed smile, which Korra returned with her deepest loathe. She made sure to squeeze her hand extra hard during the handshake, ignoring how soft they felt.

They took their places on the court, Korra jogging over to where number 22 stood. Sato was shaking her arms out when she saw Korra, and a smile crossed her face.

"Hey, you again," she said cheerfully.

"Yeah, me again," Korra said gruffly. She didn't meet the taller girl's eyes. The girl kept smiling, ignoring the fact that Korra was trying very much to choke her through telekinesis.

"Good luck!"

Korra couldn't spare a word without wanting to roll her eyes at the same time, so instead she just gave a noncommittal grunt. It was one of her finer literary masterpieces.

The whistle blew and the game started. Korra's thoughts about Sato disappeared and she concentrated on running the game. Midway through the first quarter though, she realized several things quite clearly.

Korra had no trouble scoring. She was the leading scorer in her conference after all. But she couldn't guard this girl for shit. Sato wove too smoothly, cut too fast, spun too quickly. And on the off chance that Korra managed to keep up with her, she'd step back and drain a three. All while her hair was perfect. It was maddening.

Sato had managed to match Korra almost point for point. By the time half time came around, the Bisons were only up three points. Which pissed Korra off more than that pretty girl because she'd been expecting to roll over this team.

She took a towel and wiped the sweat off her face. She slumped onto a bench, grabbing one of the water bottles being passed out. She felt Opal sit down next to her.

"Dayum that girl is good, son."

Korra smiled at her horrible accent. "No she's not." Her pride refused to admit that the hot girl could be better than her.

You can't be hot, and super girly, and great at sports. It defies all logic of attractive human beings. When you're born, you get three choices. The spirits tell you pick two, and only two.

Something has to be wrong. And she's nice! Korra groaned. No way. Hottie McHotterson can't be nice on top of that. That must be fake. And she must be dumb as a rock as well. You just can't have it all.

"Korra, Sato is running you around the floor like a rabbit," Tenzin pointed out.

"Yeah, thanks coach, I was there." Praise the heavens for sarcasm.

"No time for snotty remarks, Korra. I think I can help. You've got to get tighter."

Korra shot him a look. Tenzin stroked his beard thoughtfully, nodding along to his own brilliant plan that would probably lead to Korra's demise.

"Yes, get in her space. Don't give her separation; that's how she's leaving you behind."

"Yeah thanks Coach, I'll let you know how it goes."

Korra had no intention of doing what Tenzin suggested. She would beat Sato her own way. She also had no intention of getting in closer to that...that...thing. The creature that defied logic.

"Hi," the chimera-Sato said smiling as Korra jogged up to her once more.

"Yo," Korra managed this time, while also suppressing her primal urge to growl. The whistle blew again.

She'd managed to play the third quarter her way. Sure, the Sato unicorn had managed to keep up with her, but at least they were still maintaining a five point lead.

Except five points were not enough. And it was giving Tenzin stress. Fourth Quarter Tenzin was already bad enough. He got antsy once the last quarter was played.

Every. Single. Game.

Fourth Quarter Tenzin was now engaging Tenzin Stress Level 10. And Tenzin stress conducted into Korra like a lightning rod, because he started spluttering at her to stop giving number 22 so much room to shoot. Korra stepped forward, putting her hand on the girl's hip, taking away her space to manuver. So Sato passed to her open teammate, who knocked down a jumper.

Fucking infuriating. Korra blew a breath out through her nose, resisting the urge to fling the ball high into the stands. She couldn't get a technical now. She flicked her chin at Opal, who was waiting with the ball in her hands.

Korra took the inbound pass and dribbled down the court. She scanned the players' positions, though it was a wasted effort. She had known what she wanted to do as soon as Sato had passed that ball. She dribbled left, then cut right, driving to the basket, spinning the ball off the backboard as it bounced off the glass and slid through the netting.

Fuck yeah.

Bring it Sato. Bring it.

Korra was feeling it. She was gonna take this game. Sato jogged back, and Korra moved to guard her.

Not getting room to do anything this time, pretty girl.

As soon as the point guard passed the ball to Sato, Korra hopped all over her. She kept a hand on her back, preventing her from going anywhere, and her left hand blocked the passing lane to the corner. Sato looked surprised at Korra's sudden aggressive defense. Korra smirked.

What up yo? Whatcha gonna do now?

Sato seemed to sense Korra's thoughts, because she swiveled her tall head left and right, trying to find an open teammate. Her efforts were hindered by Korra's hands and arms obstructing her vision. Finally, she pivoted, arching her body to use her one advantage over Korra: her height.

Sato passed the ball over Korra's head. But Korra was determined. She flung her hands up, arms tangling with her opponent. She felt a foot get snagged as she tried to turn, her momentum pulling her towards the floor. But Sato's arms were still tangled with hers, and Korra was not going to try and separate them.

If I go down, you're coming with me.

She saw the other girl start to topple as well.

Korra wasn't sure how it happened. It was pretty fast. Like speed of light fast. What she did know was that after her hip jolted in pain from landing on the hardwood floor, Sato jolted in surprise as she landed on Korra's...boobs.

Korra was on her back, legs up and elbows propped. Somehow Sato had managed to fall directly in between Korra's legs, and her hands, which were thrust out to stop her fall, were now resting on Korra's breasts.

Korra gaped at the hands on her chest, the total shock of the moment taking away her response. Likewise, Sato was staring at her hands, as if she couldn't believe how she had ended up landing on another player in a most...compromising position.

After what seemed minutes, but were probably seconds, they looked up at each other, and Korra absolutely dreaded the eye contact. Their eyes met, and wow, Sato's eyes were fucking beautiful. Bright green, and they made the green on her jersey stand out even more. Her face was perfect porcelain. Her jawline tapered nicely to frame her red lips. Black hair fell towards Korra's face, and for no reason at all, she wanted that curtain of hair to fall all around her. There's a smell of roses, and amber, and citrus and Korra had to blow out a breath to steady herself. Oh wow. I am fucked.

Korra was staring, and she knew it, but she couldn't look away, and Sato didn't either. Korra's leg twitched, her body responding of its own volition as it moved to wrap around the other girl's waist.

They were on the ground in a sexually implied position for far too long, but neither of them seemed to care.

Luckily for her, Sato broke them out of the trance before Korra did anything stupid.

Sato laughed, and Korra couldn't help but smile as well. The other girl started to lean back, but Korra shot a hand out to grab Sato's shoulder. She responded by gripping Korra under the elbows, pulling her up at the same time. She was still laughing, and shit, if Korra wasn't sure if she was hot before, she was definitely not on the fence anymore. She caught another whiff of Sato's perfume and got hit with some vertigo.

It must from standing up too quickly.

It's only now that Korra realizes teammates from both sides have started to gather. They were just laying in the middle of the floor looking like they're gonna do the do, so it's probably warranted. Luckily the ref hadn't called a foul on either of them, but Korra suspected it had to do with the very large blush creeping over his face.

The ref blew the whistle again, indicating time in. Korra ran back down to her side of the court, Sato following her as well. Korra signaled their number two formation, but when she pulled up for the shot, something didn't feel right. The ball clanked off the rim. Thankfully her tall ass teammate saved her by grabbing the rebound and putting it in.

Korra ran back down the court, utterly confused. She never missed that jumper, ever. She'd practiced that exact shot at least a thousand times. She could shoot it blindfolded. What the hell?

A swish of black hair brought her to the present. Sato had the ball again, dribbling like she had five motherfucking aces up her sleeve.

Uh oh. Korra was not ready.

Sato broke right, and Korra tried to follow. But the taller girl spun, reversing direction, tripping Korra up, and driving to the basket. Korra knew as soon as Sato spun, it was over. She'd been shaked and baked. She shook her head, inhaling deeply. And there was that scent again.

Sato was already running back to the other side of the court. Korra looked at the clock. Forty five seconds left. They were up by seven points. Korra prayed it would be enough of a lead, because she was utterly useless at this point.

Sato. 22.

Oh, what's that sound?

That's a crush.

Fuck.

Korra took the pass and dribbled, bringing it over mid court. She stood there, taking her time, trying to run out the clock. She held up four fingers, signaling a formation that included her the least. Sato charged forward, and Korra flung the ball to Opal.

Thankfully, the Bisons managed to hold on for the win.

Air Temple Bisons 82 - Republic City Dragonbirds 79

Korra puffed her cheeks and blew out a breath. Thank god. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Sato coming. She was not looking forward to this. What do you say to someone who was just between your legs and had her hands on your chest? Who you had hated an hour ago and now possibly had a crush on?

How much for the hour?

No no.

Heeeey, so that was fun. Let's do it again.

Nope.

I really like you and think we should be together.

Definitely not.

"Hey good game," Sato said as she made the opening move. Looks like she was going to make Awkward Korra even awkwarder. Sato stood in front of her casually, a hand planted on her hip.

"Yeaaah, you too," Korra said, a little unsure of how relaxed she was allowed to be. But Sato held out her hand.

"You know, I've heard about you, you're really good. You played on the Junior Nationals team a couple of years ago right?"

Korra looked up, surprised the girl had heard of her AND was paying her a compliment. She spotted the hand Sato had been holding out, and lunged for it quickly.

"Sorry," Korra said, shaking the hand. "Nice to meet you. Anyway, I'll see you around, Sato." She made to drop the hand. But Sato gripped her hand tighter.

"Asami."

"Huh?"

"My name's Asami."

"Oh, hah, yeah, my name's Korra," she quickly recovered. Asami smiled and Korra smiled back at those green eyes and it was a good thing the conversation was over because Korra suddenly forgot how to use words. Asami let go of her hand, turning to walk to the locker room. She watched Asami walk away, eyes drifting to watch her backside sway.

Oh she was most definitely fucked.

This was just supposed to be a one-shot, but I have an idea for a second chapter, so I may write that. No promises, so please don't yell at me.