Flames Akin

Chapter One

Mako's apartment had the perfect view of the city at night. There was so much splendor and brilliance in the way the buildings glowed, like stars trapped within the confines of wood and steel structures. However, the beauty was lost to Mako as he stood in his balcony, hands braced against the cool railing. He didn't indulge in his city's splendor, like he would some of the time. His apartment was quieter without his younger brother's incessant chatter. Since the near destruction of the world, Bolin had moved out and found his calling in the film industry.

Mako was still a cop nonetheless, recently promoted to detective since his good work in helping the Avatar save the world. Good things were happening, and while he could appreciate the positive changes, he still had a conundrum. His heart.

His grip tightened on the metal railing. He'd been working too much, leaving little time for any recreational activities unless he was working out. He hadn't spoken much to his brother, nor Asami. She'd been avoiding him ever since his hesitance to reveal the truth when Korra had briefly lost her memory. He drew in a breath before releasing a long, deep sigh. Lin Beifong, the Chief of Police, his boss, had actually demanded Mako to take the night off from detective duty. The city could survive a day without one of Republic City's finest.

"Please, Mako. Take the night off." Lin wasn't one for too many words, but it was enough to have Mako leave the office.

So what was there to do, since he'd lost any concept of "free time?" He couldn't just call Asami, and Korra was off on one of her save-the-world tours, or whatever the Avatar was fated to do these days. Plus, he figured it'd leave a bad example to contact either ex-girlfriends. Sometimes, there were moments he wished he didn't have such good habits. It was no wonder a lot of cops smoke; to fill time, to find their inner peace.

He finally drew his amber gaze away from the city. By the time he was back in his apartment, his door burst open with a ruckus. Flames sprouted from his open palms, and he willed them in a prepared strike. It was only the obnoxious call of his younger brother that prevented Mako from striking. Stunned, Mako stared as his brother stumbled into the living room with a slight sway to his steps, belting some obscenely high note that shouldn't be sung.

"Makkooooooooooo!" He did a little twirl and nearly rammed his knee into the bookshelf. Mako grimaced before striding quickly to slam the door shut.

"Bolin!" He snapped and kept the shelf from toppling over. He caught his brother by his shoulder and turned him around. Green eyes met with gold really quick. While Mako's were sharp, Bolin's were round with permanent youth. His green eyes were glazed over and he chuckled, reaching out to grip both Mako's shoulders.

"Hey brother, it's been a long while and I've missed you! When was the last time we had a night out, for just the two of us? And you had no idea how surprised I was to find out that you had a night off. I stopped by your office hoping to surprise you..."

Mako blinked and then frowned. "What are you talking about, and are you drunk?" He could smell the alcohol on his brother's breath and grimaced again. Mako wasn't much of a drinker and he didn't want to start that habit. Suddenly, Bolin stood very still and leaned closer toward his older brother. He looked serious for a moment, before guffawing.

"Of course, I am! And you should be too. It's your birthday after all!" And he began singing the tune. Mako released him abruptly and took a step back. He was processing everything at once, and then thought about what month it was and what day. Everything clicked – it was no wonder Lin gave him the night off. She wanted him to enjoy himself. On his birthday. Shit. He thought. He'd totally forgotten.

"Brother, there's nothing special about today." He forced out after recovering from his surprise. Twenty was nothing to celebrate. He hadn't cared to celebrate any of his birthdays since his childhood.

Bolin's expression fell as if that was the worst thing Mako could ever say. "Nothing special? C'mon, Mako! You only get this day once a year to celebrate. A day where you can forget about anything and everything else, and think about yourself! What do you want to do? What have you always wanted to do?" He stepped closer into Mako's personal space to stare up at him. Earthbender hues shrewdly piercing. "I know you, Mako. You're my brother. When something's bothering you, you just close up. Well, not today! No more thinking. No more riding the gloom train – I'm going to take you out!"

Not long after he succeeded in forcing Mako out of his apartment, he hailed a cab to take them toward their destination. Where they were going remained a mystery, one that Bolin wasn't ready to share. "It's a surprise," was his giddy response before he poked his head out of the window to holler and sing at citizens the cab passed by. Mako rolled his eyes and sat back in his seat. He crossed his arms and closed his eyes, wondering if this night could end sooner. A part of him smiled at his brother's enthusiasm. His positive attitude was infectious, and he was almost envious how lighthearted and cheerful his brother continued to be, given the recent events.

Maybe it was about time they hung out. Who'd know what the night would bring for the brothers...

Mako gaped at the bright neon sign that hung over the 'palace' before him. Of all surprises, he didn't expect this from his younger brother. Bolin stood before the building with a majestic wave of his hand, "ta-da! And happy birthday, Mako!" He grinned and struck a heroic pose, as if he'd done the good deed for today.

Mako, on the other hand, remained by the curb, gawking at the building. His red scarf swayed with the light breeze that fell over the city, tugging the end lightly toward the building since it was coming from east. Bolin had taken him to the red light district, to where debauchery of all sorts thrived, as well as the seedier citizens. Blazing in neon pink was: Heaven's Castle, a gentlemen strip club. He'd only heard that only the most beautiful and talented women were hired to entertain the guests.

"B-brother, th-this is... no, I'm not going in there." He gulped and shook his head, feeling the first wave of anxiety wash over him. Bolin looked at him with a stern expression.

"Really? We're not kids anymore, Mako. We can go in. Plus, I'm a movie star. They've got to let me in, and my big brother." He smirked and strolled forward to grab Mako's elbow. "So what, you're a chicken all of a sudden? Don't tell me that my brother could deal with the most dangerous criminals in the city, but he can't step into a strip club? All you gotta do is sit and watch, and it's on me." He said with a thumb jab to his chest.

Mako looked wordlessly between Bolin and Heaven's Castle. His pulse was fluttering like a nervous butterfly. He wished he could run, but the look on Bolin's face posed a challenge. He was taunting his older brother with a smirk and a cool stare. Gritting his teeth, Mako finally relented. He started by relaxing first.

"Fine." He said before straightening himself up and tearing his elbow away from Bolin's grip. "We're going in." It was his birthday after all... and what a way to spend it than at a strip club. There was always a first time for everything. And maybe, just maybe this could take his mind off of ex-girlfriends and world threats.

Heaven's Castle was exactly like its namesake. The décor were mainly yellows and reds cloth, resembling a palace of old with cushioned seating and one large circular stage with a pole in the center. Women adorning various colors strolled between tables and booths, holding trays, or personally serving guests. Mako tugged nervously on his red scarf as he walked behind Bolin, who looked quite at home within the presence of beautiful, scantily clad women.

"Hey girls, Bolin's here!" Immediately a group of girls rushed in to gush over the earth bender. Too bewildered, Mako could only watch as some of the women pinched or pecked his cheeks. "Aw, Bolin. We haven't seen you in so long. We thought you might've forgotten about us," cooed one of the women with a high, girly voice.

"Yeah," this was a taller woman with a huskier voice, "we were starting to miss you."

"Miss you?" Mako finally spoke. He quirked an eyebrow and Bolin responded with a sheepish grin.

"Ladies, ladies. This is my older brother, Mako, and it's his birthday today. So if you don't mind, I'd like to get him a good seat." He wriggled out of their grasps, while they fawned and reluctantly released him.

"Aw, well have fun, Bolin. And happy birthday, Mako!" The girls wiggled their fingers before dispersing and returning to their respective places. Mako shook his head, still surprised over the fact that his brother was a ladies' man.

"Thanks, I guess."

"They're nice girls. Especially Candy. She's just as sweet." Bolin grinned before patting his brother's back and leading the way. "Follow me. They got a spot reserved just for us!" A placard was on the center table right in front of the stage. Bolin + 1 was labeled on the placard that was immediately removed when Bolin took his seat. He gestured for Mako to do the same. Seated across from him, Mako shifted uncomfortably. He tugged on his red scarf again as he glanced about, looking for all the exits. He didn't like sitting with his back open to a crowd. It made him vulnerable.

"Just relax, brother. And enjoy the show." His voice fell into a whisper when the lights started to dim. An announcer crooned through the microphone when the room went dark, leaving little flames from the candles at every table alight.

"Her beauty moves the stars... Her voice could make angels weep, but she is here as our silent entertainer, to dazzle us with her radiance. Welcome, gentlemen, our pretty little Lumia, to the stage." A hush fell over the room when the announcer's voice faded. A chime of bells surrounded them as an introduction until a circle of light fell upon the stage. Two large fans obscured this "Lumia," from view, and the music suddenly fell into a classic yet provocative rhythm.

A cloud of smoke lifted from the stage to conceal the fans, and he felt the change in the air as a gust of wind entered the stage, blowing the smoke out of sight. Mako didn't react as the other men did when they saw the figure on the stage. Her back was to them, bare, while the rest of her body was covered by a long, red kimono. He could see the perfect curve of her shoulder blades and the flawless line of her back. Her neck was swan-like, graceful even while her hair that was blond and drawn to the side to expose her naked back. She swayed her hips side to side, and Mako leaned back with his arms crossed, immediately losing interest. This was not his scene, and damned Bolin for having the audacity to drag him out to a strip club of all places.

He glanced away and noticed his brother sitting on the edge of his seat, green eyes wide while his face wore the mask of anticipation. He didn't get it, seriously. It wasn't like he hadn't seen beautiful women before. Huffing quietly, Mako turned his attention to the stage and nearly choked on the air he breathed.

Her hair wasn't just blond – streaks of pink and white framed her heart-shaped face. Straight strands fell down, down, past her waist as she sauntered slowly toward the pole right in front of them. He could stare at her body, which was curved and built like an agile dancer. Her skin made him think of gold, the kind of skin that wasn't dark like Korra's, but gold as if the sun itself had spread its color onto her flesh. What caught his interest were her eyes – twin opal spheres that represented fire. Plush painted lips of dark red curved into a coy smile as she looked about the audience before exposing the smooth curve of one shoulder. Some of the men hollered, and she hid her mouth before tugging down her other sleeve to expose the other shoulder.

Mako gulped softly, unsure of whether to feel sorry or drawn toward the spectacle. Could a woman still have self-respect while shedding her clothes for all eyes to see? Bolin clapped his hands and pumped his fist into the air when Lumia turned her back to the world, showing off her back again. But deft movement revealed the front of her kimono falling forward, so that the skirt was left, hanging from the curve of her hips that continued to sway to the sensual rhythm.

Mako was barely aware of his arms uncrossing as he sat dumbly. His saliva had thickened and he gulped again, realizing that he might be drooling like the other men were. He shook his head quickly, surprised that he was caught under the spell of her movement. It was when she turned around that the heat rushed to his face at once. Sure, he'd cuddled and kissed his ex-girlfriends, but he hadn't quite taken the intimate step with either of them. Asami was no doubt attractive. Her without clothes would be a sight to behold, and the same with Korra, but Mako's jaw literally dropped to the floor when Lumia undid the obi at the front of her kimono and everything just slid down. She wore nothing but a lacy red thong. Her golden feet were bare as she sauntered toward the pole and wrapped one leg around it to spin gracefully. Her chocolate hair flowed, straight strands fanning out with pink and white fused within them. Then she slid down, and rolled onto her back, pushing her hips upward to reveal her fine curves and taut abs. He noticed two symbols on each hip bone – flames that soon vanished out of sight when she rolled onto her hands and knees and crawled toward the edge of the stage.

That was when Bolin decided to stand and point down at Mako. "Lumia, Lumia! It's his birthday today! It's his birthday!"

"Shh!" Mako hissed, but it was too late. Lumia had noticed and her lips lifted, revealing a solitary dimple he hadn't noticed before. She was right at the edge now, peering down at him like a cat on a perch. He could see every detail clearly, like how large her eyes were with a faint, oriental tilt at the corners. Her hair wasn't naturally straight. He noticed a few waves here and there, but the nearly impossibly length was very real. The only that wasn't was the color – he noticed the faint signs of her dark roots growing into her hair. He also noticed the size of her breasts, and he couldn't bring himself to look away from their golden brilliance. Her nipples were perky and made him think of milk chocolate. He couldn't believe where his mind was going.

She leaned over the stage, her hair sliding from her shoulders and hanging over their table as she tilted her head to look him in the eye. He leaned back with wide eyes. "It's your birthday?" She asked. The sound of her voice made him shiver unexpectedly. Asami's voice once did the trick, but Lumia's was downright seductive. He nodded, unable to lie.

She smiled, "happy birthday, handsome." She reached out to grab the end of his scarf and tug him forward with a surprising show of strength. The tug jerked him forward that they nearly kissed. "Come on up." She crooned. Mako was caught, and there was nothing else to do by comply.
Mako had dealt with the forces of evil. He'd look them in the eye without flinching. He'd gone to the spirit world and fought with dark spirits to protect the Avatar's body from being maimed. He'd practically gone through hell and back, but being on stage in front of strangers was terrifying, not to mention with a beautiful stripper. Someone had produced a chair to put on the catwalk, and Lumia guided him there. She pushed him onto his seat, and he braced his arms against the rests, hands gripping the edge to keep his body still and tense as she walked around him. She was surprisingly petite. Her stage presence was what made her tall.

Oh gods, he thought to himself when she grabbed his knees and forced them apart. She slid into the space in between and leaned in close that the tip of their noses nearly touched. "My real name's Tola," she whispered, "what's yours?" The music kept their conversation mute. The audience were more concentrated on the dancer's half-naked state.

"M-Mako," he stuttered softly. Her golden hues made him think: familiar. Was she a fire bender like him?

She smiled before turning around so that the swell of her backside was pressed into his groin. Mako's breath hitched when she slid up and down in such a provocative way that he couldn't help his body's natural inclination to stiffen. She kept her hands on his knees as she grounded her backside against him, and Mako gritted his teeth as to not groan. Not to mention that she smelled amazing, like Jasmine flower and honey. When she arched her back to reveal an amazing talent for flexibility, she turned her head in toward his neck and whispered, "just relax, Mako. Don't think about who's watching. Just pretend that it's only you... and me." She sighed before pulling herself away. Mako resisted the urge to reach out for her when she turned to face him, keeping a little distance as she danced in front of him. He was hypnotized and breathless as she dipped and sashayed, moving fluidly and seductively. When he took her advice, everything became erotic. He only focused on her body, amber eyes glossing over the curious tattoos on each hip bone again. Then he was staring at her breasts, how they managed to stay naturally upright was a mysterious of the woman body.

He imagined what it'd be like to hold them. Would he feel their weight? Would they be soft? He blushed then. The sight would be obvious since his skin was so fair. Lumia – no, Tola, made her way back toward him to straddle his lap. "Just follow me," she whispered before grounding her hips against him. From behind, it would seem as if she really was taking him. That was the illusion of strip dancing. It was the fantasy that audiences paid for. The fantasy they want to see played out, with erotic grandeur. Mako's blush deepened because he couldn't control himself anymore. He was so hard that his length was straining against his pants.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. He'd felt her jolt when she felt him against her, but she glanced down into his eyes, her lids heavy with seduction. The last woman who'd look at him so intimately had been Korra, and his heart clenched.

"No," she replied, "it's okay. Just move with me." She reached back to run her fingers along the length of his arms. She found his his hands to place around her waist. "Move up as I move down." She demonstrated by grinding her hips downward and he gasped softly when his own naturally went up. "Don't stop." Mako nodded numbly as she continued to dance on top of him, grounding her hips, so that he could feel her warm center rubbing against his firm length. Her hands were on his shoulders now, gripping tight. Her breasts were now close to his face as she arched her back and rode him.

Intimacy with a woman was not new to him, but this kind if behavior was. He could feel his blood rushing in his veins and the heat rising from her skin as she dance and grounded against him. The music picked up in temp to match her growing frenzy. Before he could stop himself, he captured her nipple with his lips. Her long, long hair had swept around them like a curtain at this point, covering his indiscretion. He'd broken the one rule in a strip club – to not initiate contact with a dancer. Only she does. But her hair was the perfect shield.

He heard her moan, and he couldn't stop. His teeth gently grazed her hardened nubs before tugging them into his mouth to suckle on. She held the back of his head and continued grinding provocatively. Before he could move onto her next breast, the music slowedand she pulled back quickly to dip down in front of him with her hands sliding down his torso. Mako was panting and he could still taste her sweet skin on his tongue. He stared down at her as she stared up at him, the applause lost as their thoughts centered on what had just happened between them.