Chapter Two

Mako had ignored everything Bolin had been saying on the way back home. He couldn't stop thinking about the mysterious dancer. She had expressed her real name, but to what purpose? Were they going to see each other again? He felt a sudden tug in his lower anatomy and realized that maybe he would make another visit, because he was curious and nothing more. He'd thanked Bolin for an interesting night out and didn't want to say anymore. His brother had been cheering him on while Mako blushed maddeningly over the fact that he'd been given a lap dance in front of a bunch of strangers. It was definitely not his style, and he wondered what Asami or Korra would think of him now.

Wait.

Why did it matter what they think?

Because they're still your friends, if not girlfriends.

He rubbed his hand over his face as he lied on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. He had discarded his shirt and pants while gingerly placing his scarf away in the dresser. It was a treasured piece, the only physical memory he had of his father. Though, it was no use having depressing thoughts now. He'd just got done celebrating his birthday and what a night to remember.

"I can't believe it," he mused out loud, palm resting against his forehead as he stared into the darkness. The city lights cast long shadows across his living room floor, also providing some lighting for his otherwise dark apartment. He could picture the dancer vividly. Tola was her name, but Lumia was her stage name. It made him think of light, of fire, and he thought about her tattoos and her bleached hair. She'd become a sudden mystery that he wanted to unravel, but why her? Of all women he'd be drawn to, a dancer – no, a stripper no less. Granted that she'd just given him an unforgettable gift, he shouldn't think too much about it. It wasn't like it meant anything. He wasn't special. She probably did that for other patrons...

For some reason, the thought made his blood boil. Growling out loud, he rapped his forehead, muttering that he stopped this nonsense. Why complicate his life anymore than it already was? He didn't have room for any more romance. The last thing he wanted was to get intimate with someone, let alone a stripper. When he finally fell asleep, he saw flame tattoos and a dimpled smile. Then he saw her body writhing on top of him that immediately woke up him in beads of sweat. By that time, morning rolled around and he had to get ready for his shift. Mako peered under his blanket and groaned. He was stiffer than he'd ever been in the morning, but not only that, he'd made a mess. He'd never felt so embarrassed.

"Well, well, well, big bro. I may have been drunk, but I absolutely remember everything that happened last night. So what did ya think? Lumia's got you stoked, right? Get it, stoked?" Bolin laughed as he walked alongside his brother during the busy afternoon. The detective was on his lunch break, and had bumped into Bolin at their regular dim sum place. Well fed and irritated, Mako stayed quiet as he thought over last night. He could still taste her on the tip of his tongue, a sweetness that lingered like honey.

"Yeah, uh... thanks." He finally said. After lunch, he had a patroling shift. No big crime to solve, or investigations to carry, at least not yet. It was looking to be a slow and trivial day for the young great detective.

"No problem! You needed it more than I do. I mean what happened with Korra and Asami... like a wise man once told me, once it's over, just carry on!"

How Bolin managed to retain his energy never ceased to amaze him. Mako shook his head, a slight smile on his face. His heart ached however at the mention of their names, mainly Korra. It was still fresh, but he understood. He still loved her, but they had their priorities set. She was the world's savior, and he, Republic City's finest detective. Neither would drop their careers, or purpose, to pursue a normal life. He definitely wasn't ready to settle down.

"If you ever want to go again, just say the word. I think it provides some excellent bonding time." Bolin's words pulled him out of his daydream. After a brotherly slap on the back, Bolin left to cross the street, evidently taking care of other errands that probably had to do with his star status. Mako watched his brother go with a faint smile. Bolin, always trying to be the sunshine after a rainy day. He should appreciate that part of his brother's personality more.

He shook his head and made his way back to the office.

Mako started suddenly from his nap. The sun had already set casting shadows along his office floor through the blinds. He looked down and found the paperwork that was nearly complete. The only downside to being a detective was the amount of paperwork he had to go through before ending the day. He wiped the back of his mouth when he realized that he'd been drooling and glanced down to find a familiar strain in his pants. He groaned, and rested his forehead in his hands. He had the same dream. This time of his tongue running along golden skin. He could taste her again so vividly, and he decided to think about something else to make him soft again – anything, like the weather, or worst, depressing matters that involved recent break-ups.

Moments like these made him glad he had his own office now. That spared him the embarrassment of facing his comrades and trying to explain himself. Mako stacked his paper before checking the time. It was a little past nine, and it was about time he returned home. He adjusted his red scarf and buttoned up his tanned coat. Home. Yeah. He should go home.

Heaven's Castle winked sinfully bright into view. He pulled his motorcycle to the curb and kicked down the stand after cutting off the engine. He pulled his goggles up to rest against his head as he stared at the sign, wondering what the hell he was doing here. Then the answer came in the form of the bleached blonde and golden-skinned dancer. He didn't know why but something about her was drawing him in. He was curious and she had awoken something within him that was nearly primal. Wasn't that what dancers at Heaven's Castle were meant to do? Incite some kind of fantasy that made the guests come back night after night to blow off money?

He shook his head. He couldn't believe this, but he was moving. He walked through the doors, and was engulfed immediately by the scent of cigars. Scantily clad waitresses passed by. It looked to be another busy night, and he approached on familiar waitress, whom his brother referred to as "Candy."

"Uh, hey, excuse me." He said and she turned with warm greeting. Her hair was red, short, and curly. They brought out her big green eyes and she grinned once she recognized Mako.

"Well hey there birthday boy. What can I do for ya?" She was chewing bubble gum, so she made a show of blowing a small bubble before popping it between her teeth.

"I was wondering if you know where I can find... To- I mean, Lumia."

Candy quirked an eyebrow and then smirked knowingly. "Oh, you're one of those. I shouldn't be surprised. Bolin loves the VIP treatment." She beckoned for him to follow her. Her heels clacked audibly against the floor and the sequin frills danced visibly from her silver lingerie set. Mako kept his eyes on the back of her head as he followed her. She drew back a red curtain that revealed a short hallway that opened up into a large circular room. There were four doorways covered by a red curtain. A light bulb hung by each – on to show that it's occupied, off to show that it's vacant. All were on.

"Okay, sugar, you get comfortable in a vacant room and I'll get Lumia for ya. We got cameras here, so don't even think about trying anything funny, 'kay? You gotta respect our dancers, or you'll be in big trouble." One of the lights went off, next to the curtained doorway in the far right. Once drawn aside, a man stumbled out with a pleased grin on his face followed by a dancer. "Go right on ahead there and wait." She nudged him toward the vacant room before leaving.

Mako looked around with an odd feeling. What the hell did he just get himself into?

Mako sat awkwardly in the room. It wasn't too big, but it had enough space for a bed in the corner, an armchair, and a low table. He noticed that they were all pretty sturdy and he blushed at the idea of what these rooms were really meant for. He also felt a little dirty considering that it'd been occupied just before he was granted access. Leaving became a tempting idea, but what if he ran into her on his way out? How should he explain himself then?

He tugged absently at his gloves, and looked up sharply when the curtain was drawn aside. His heart skipped a few beats when he saw Tola. He was reminded again of how much shorter she was. He would estimate her to be five-two at least. She was dressed in a silk red robe that was fastened by a black sash. Her hair was pulled back to reveal her sharp jawline. He realized that he preferred her hair away from her face, so that he could see more of... her.

He stood up when he caught himself staring and rubbed the back of his neck. "Um, uh, h-hey." Whatever confidence he tried to muster had all but dissipated when she stood in the room. Drawing the curtain to a close, Tola sauntered toward him while slowly unfastening her robes.

"Hey," she said with a soft, but coy smile.

Mako backed up until the back of his legs hit the chair and he fell on his seat. He watched helplessly as she shrugged out of her robes, revealing nothing but black lace that did little to cover anything in the matter. He gulped, amber eyes glued immediately to her breasts before rising slowly to meet her similar eyes.

"I w-was wondering if we could talk."

"...About?" She purred as she planted her knees, one after the other, on either side of his hips.

"...You." He replied weakly.

"Hmm..." She hummed as she began moving slowly. Her hips were swaying in that tantalizing rhythm like last night.

He kept his eyes glued to her face, as much as he wanted to look down. "What color was your hair originally?" He blurted out. Stupid, stupid, stupid! He immediately chastised himself.

"Dark brown," she said smoothly. She leaned in to express a warm breath against the side of his neck. He shuddered visibly and cleared his throat. That earned a giggle from the dancer.

"Oh." He said lamely.

"You wanted to see me again." Her statement almost sounded like a question, but the look in her eyes when she pulled back revealed that she knew what he'd been thinking about since last night.

"...Yeah." Mako said, his voice barely above a whisper.

She smirked, "good." She reached for his scarf to wrap gently around her hand. "Red looks really good on you, Mako." She said and he couldn't help feeling pleased that she remembered his name.

"And so do you."

She laughed at that. "Thank you... do you mind?" She held the scarf up and he shook his head. For some reason, he didn't mind her touching it. She delicately unwound it from his neck to place on the table. She'd done so with surprising ease while straddling his lap. It took her to arch back and reaching out toward the table. The action allowed him a perfect view of her breasts perking up. He licked his lips, but didn't move. He averted his gaze quickly when she was seated normally on his lap, looking at him.

"It's okay to look, you know. I don't mind. I rather like it."

Slowly, he returned his gaze to her "Why did you change your hair?"

The question threw her off evidently. He could tell by the way her smile faltered. Quickly, she recovered. "I thought I'd try something different." She shrugged before asking, "can I touch your hair?"

"Uh, sure, I guess."

Her small, delicate hands brushed lightly against his jawline before gliding up to bury her fingers into his hair. He closed his eyes as she kneaded his scalp, and groaned when she tugged lightly on his strands.

"So soft," she murmured. He opened his eyes to peer up into her face.

"Can I touch yours?" She smiled and nodded, pulling her long hair forward. Tentatively, Mako lifted his gloved hands. Realizing how stupid they looked, he removed them first and tossed them onto the table behind her. With his hands free, he was able to feel the silky smooth texture of her hair. Obviously, she'd taken good care of it. She closed her eyes and leaned toward his touch as he brushed his fingers in an idle caress. She turned her head in to kiss the palm of his hand, and Mako bit his lower lip, unsure of how long he could stand it. He had a half naked woman sitting on his lap and he'd gotten as far as petting her hair. Bolin would be laughing like there was no tomorrow.

"What do you want to do, Mako?" She asked as she opened her eyes. Her gaze slanted his way as she nuzzled his palm. Her small, pink tongue darted out to lap back and forth at his skin. He jumped slightly at the electric sensation that shot through him and made his pulse jump. She smirked as she waited, teasing his flesh with her tongue.

"I... I..." Mako gulped softly as he watched her. It was unusually erotic. He couldn't take his eyes away. It was when she slipped his index finger into her mouth that he mustered all the confidence to answer clearly. "I want you, Tola."

"Then you can have me, however and whichever way you want." She purred, reaching for his hands. She leaned in and gently nuzzled her nose against his. "Do you want to kiss me?"

"Yes," his voice had dropped an octave lower as he gave into his want. He finally closed the distance and kissed her. Nothing was chaste about the kiss. There was passion, want, and a sense of frustration that drove them mad. He moaned against her lips and held her face as he slanted his mouth. Their teeth rubbed briefly, but their tongues crashed together like spearheads in a fight. She fell against him completely, her sweet moans swallowed by his own as they gasped briefly for air and dove in for more passion.

Her hands moved quickly and deftly. Slender fingers unbuttoned his coat, revealing the white material stretched across his firm taut muscles. The bumps of his abdomen were clearly visible, and she tugged his shirt upward to expose the rippling muscles underneath. He watched her in amazement, watch how her expression went slack with want. She slid off his lap until her knees were on the floor, her lithe both snug between his legs. Before he could ask, a soft gasp left his lips when her lips touched his upper abs. Then her tongue snaked out to lick its way down. His muscles bunched and quivered, and he lifted his hips as she tugged down on the seam of his pants.

He blushed then, "w-wait." She paused to look up at him, her tongue just circling around his navel. "Oh gods." He whispered as he stared.

"Yes?" She murmured, breath hot against his skin.

"Can we wait a minute?"

She chuckled and stopped her oral ministrations on his sensitive navel. She turned her head and rested her cheek right above his crotch. It was both endearing and erotic to see her like that.

"I, um, barely know you."

She raised an eyebrow, confused for a moment before pulling away with brilliant laughter. "Oh, Mako, you're so cute."

He blushed, his lower stiffness belying his shyness. "I'm sorry." He averted his gaze. "I didn't mean to bother you." Her laughter diminished to quiet giggles. He felt her fingers gently grasp his chin and turn him to face her. She had risen, so that they were eye to eye.

"Don't apologize." She said, "you're too sweet and considerate. You do know what this room is for, right?" His silence revealed that he knew exactly what went on behind these curtains. "We can lie down and talk instead, if that's what you want. You don't need to pay any more than you should."

He nodded and lifted his pants. He followed her graceful movements, gaze lingering on the curvaceous backside as she crawled onto the bed. She lied on her side facing him, and reached out with one hand for him to join her side. He hesitated. There was something vulnerable about cuddling. She was a stranger, yet she was more comfortable than he was at intimacy. Obviously, it was a part of her job description but he couldn't help but wonder how long did it take for her to get to this point? To look at a stranger and deliver to him his needs. He had dated the Avatar, and an innovative woman. But where did that pout Tola?

And did he just count this as a date? He barely knew the girl!

All Mako understood was that he was drawn, inexplicably drawn to the half naked woman lying on the bed, waiting for him to join her side. After adjusting his pants, he made his way slowly toward the bed. He crawled onto the surface and lied down on his back, not yet facing her, but staring at the ceiling.

"You know... for someone young, you seem to have a lot on your mind." Tola said and propped herself up on her elbow, cheek resting in the palm of her hand. "It's like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders."

"It's not like I'm the Avatar or anything," Mako replied with his hands clasped over his chest.

Tola smiled, "but that doesn't mean your problems are any less."

He fell silent after that, and forgot for a moment that she was a stripper. He turned his head to look at her. Just to look. He took in her features, especially how large her eyes were. They were almost catlike... surreal. "Why is it so easy to talk to you? And why can't I bring myself to speak as articulately as I usually do?"

She lowered her arm so that she could rest her head on the pillow, face to face. "I don't know, Mako... only you can answer that question yourself." A certain kind of sadness showed in her eyes. He wondered more about her – what her story was and what had brought her to this point in life. Something about her screamed more, and he wanted to know why.

"I'm going to kiss you."

"Then kiss me."

He kissed her and she closed her eyes leaning in. They did nothing more but talk and kiss, her leg bare and stretched across his legs as he held her against him.