Chapter Text
The line for the ATM was long. It seemed like everyone in Republic City was at the bank to get their party money for the night, including Korra. She glanced at the time on her phone for the fifth time and stood on her toes to see how many people were in front of her. A lot. The man at the ATM seemed to be having a hard time deciding how much money he wanted to withdraw. He typed in a number, shook his head, and hit the cancel button to start over. Korra bounced on her feet and checked the time once again. If this guy didn’t make up his mind she was going to be late for Bolin’s birthday.
“Come on,” she whispered under her breath, fighting the urge to snap at him to pick up the pace. The machine finally spit out a 20 yuon note which he tucked into his wallet. Everyone in the line took a step forward.
“Dear where did I put my debit card?” the next man in line asked his wife.
“It’s in my pocketbook.” She said, digging around in her enormous handbag. Korra could tell how jam-packed the thing was by the muffled rattling it made as the woman foraged inside. This continued on for several minutes while Korra began to lose her mind.
“Oh wait, here it is!” The man said, holding up the card, “It was in my pocket the entire time, isn’t that funny?” He stuck it in the machine and paused when it asked for his PIN.
“Did you forget the number again?” His wife asked, “Don’t worry I have it written down somewhere.”
She began to dig around in her purse again.
“Fuck this.” Korra muttered and walked out of line towards her car. She didn’t have time to wait anymore, she would have to pull cash somewhere else. She hopped in her ancient Jeep, tapping the address into the GPS on her phone. Korra groaned; 20 minutes away. She should’ve been there 20 minutes ago.
She pulled out of the parking lot and hit Bolin’s number on her phone. It rang once before he picked up.
“Dude where are you?” Bolin asked, his voice sounded higher than usual.
“Sorry I was trying to get some money from an ATM but the line was super long,” She turned onto the highway, “I promise I’ll be there in 15 minutes.”
“Okay but be quick, the place is filling up fast.”
“I’m speeding I swear.”
She hung up the phone and focused on following the GPS instructions, not wanting to miss a turn like she always did. The city highways were confusing and hard to follow if you didn’t pay close attention. Even with her eyes glued to the GPS, Korra almost missed the exit onto Raiko Avenue, swerving in front of a van to make it. She earned a middle finger from the driver. She followed the street all the way down until the GPS told her to make a left turn into a parking lot.
“You have arrived at your destination: Zolt’s Showbar and Lounge.” The phone buzzed at her. She pulled around until she found Bolin’s car and parked next to it. He immediately popped out of the driver’s seat and started knocking on Korra’s window.
“Come on man!” He said through the glass, “I’m ready to party!”
“I know I’m sorry I’m late,” Korra said, locking her car behind her. She gave him a hug, “Happy birthday Bo.”
“Finally 21!” He boomed, puffing out his chest, “I’m ready to drink with the big boys!”
“And this is where you wanted to celebrate?” Korra asked, glancing up at the enormous neon sign of a woman straddling a pole.
“You bet!”
“Great,” Korra muttered. She was apprehensive about being in a strip club. The whole pole dancing and scantily-clad women thing wasn’t her first choice of entertainment. But it was Bolin’s birthday so she had to suck it up and pretend to be excited.
“The cover charge is a little pricey but it’s worth it.” Bolin said as they started up towards the entrance. There was a line of men waiting to get inside, chatting to each other as the behemoth of a bouncer checked their ID’s. Korra spotted an ATM outside of the liquor store connected to the building. She told Bolin to wait while she left the line to grab some money. She stuck the card in and waited for the machine to process it. A little window popped up warning her about a ten yuon fee for a withdrawal.
“Ten yuons?” Korra hissed under her breath. There was only a handful of money in her account to begin with. She glanced back at Bolin who was looking eagerly at the entrance to the club. She sighed. She couldn’t let him down on his birthday. Punching the accept button, Korra pulled out fifty yuons knowing she was close to cutting into her tuition savings. She stuck the bills in her pocket since it would be pointless to put them in her wallet. They would be gone soon anyway.
Trying not to dwell on it, she rejoined Bolin in line and they waited for another group of rowdy men to present proof of age to the bouncer.
“You nervous?” Korra asked Bolin, elbowing him in the ribs.
“A handsome guy like me?” He scoffed, “It’s the ladies that should be nervous.”
“Sure, because you have so much experience with that.”
“I’ve had girlfriends!” Bolin said defensively.
“Uh huh,” Korra raised an eyebrow, “What if you fall desperately in love with one of the girls? Then what?”
“I’m pretty sure that would be way more of a problem for you Lady Killer.”
Korra grumbled but didn’t retort. She knew the dancers were only interested in making as many yuons off of you as they could. Nothing wrong with that. It was strictly business. But she wouldn’t be falling for any stripper mind games tonight; she was too poor to partake even if she wanted to.
“Hey how do we get into the ‘special’ area huh?” One of the men in front of them asked the bouncer. His friends laughed behind him.
“Yeah,” said another, “We heard this place gives ‘extra services’ if you know what I mean?”
The bouncer looked them up and down with a menacing glare, crossing his massive arms across his chest.
“What are they talking about?” Korra whispered to Bolin. He shrugged.
“Come on tell us, big guy.” The man said, leaning forward. Korra could see a wad of bills in his hand.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” The bouncer snorted, “but even if I did, all of the yuons in Republic City couldn’t get you back there.” He handed back their ID’s without another word. Egos deflated, the men slunk inside. Korra and Bolin stepped forward.
“ID’s.” The bouncer said, holding out his hand. Korra handed her’s over first. He only glanced at it before giving it back.
“I’ve got mine right here!” Bolin said, flashing his fresh and legal driver’s license. The bouncer stared at it for a long time, looking for evidence that it was fake. Even though the card was real, Bolin still looked worried. Unable to find any evidence of fraud, he handed it back.
“This is a hands-off establishment. No exceptions.” The bouncer growled at them before opening the door. He stopped Korra before she could walk in, “Just because you’re a girl doesn’t mean I won’t be watching you.”
“Hands off, got it.” Korra scooted around him to get inside.
As soon as she crossed the threshold, heavy bass and grinding electronic music assaulted Korra’s ears. Pink strips of LED lights ran along the floor and ceiling, giving the dim hallway an ethereal atmosphere. A pallid man sat behind a black podium, gazing at them with an unnerving smile.
“First time?” He asked, noticing their intimidated expressions and hesitant movements.
“Something like that.” Korra said.
“The entrance fee tonight is 30 yuons.” He said, holding out a waxy hand.
“Shit,” Korra muttered, fishing the bills out of her pocket, “There goes my cash.”
“It’s worth it girl, don’t worry.” The man took the bills from their hands and dropped them into a large metal box, “Enjoy the show.”
Korra shot Bolin a look as they passed through and headed into the main part of the building. He buzzed with excitement, gawking as they both took in the sight of the massive room. In each corner there was a small stage surrounded by tables and lounge chairs where spectators could get the best view of the dancers. Two bars ran along opposite sides of the building, two well dressed bartenders attended each one. And finally, in the middle of the room, was the main stage. Korra couldn’t help but feel impressed by the sheer size of it. There were four girls dancing on each corner, flashing smiles and letting men put bills in the straps of their g-strings.
Being a Friday night, the club was packed and Korra had to bump some shoulders to get through to the bar. She dragged Bolin up next to her since he was too polite to do the same thing.
“Okay,” she said, “What does the birthday boy want to drink?”
“Something to calm my nerves a little,” Bolin said, rolling his shoulders, “I need to loosen up.”
“Two double whiskies please.” Korra called to the bartender. He poured the drinks and left the bill on the counter next to them.
10 yuons. Of course.
Korra dug the remaining cash she had out of her pocket and left it next to the receipt. The bartender gave her a dirty look since she didn’t leave a tip. By the time she turned around, Bolin was downing his whiskey in one giant gulp.
“Whoa, Bo calm down.” She said, “It’s just girls in their underwear.”
“What girls do you know wear underwear like that?” He asked, looking pointedly at a dancer walking by in see-through lace.
“Uh, none.” Korra took a sip of her drink, pretending she didn’t see one of the girls flash a wink in her direction.
“I need another,” Bolin moaned, turning back towards the bar.
Korra took the moment to absorb her new surroundings. The size of the club was borderline absurd but she couldn’t deny it was impressive in a peculiar way. Two bars, five stages, and several tables with poles attached for personal shows was a lot to cram in one space. The DJ table and VIP sections were on a roped-off balcony that overlooked the entire club. Korra wondered what it would even cost to get into a booth like that. The VIPs cheered as one of them popped open a bottle of champagne from their exclusive bar and she decided she didn’t want to know.
“Excuse me,” the bartender said behind Korra, sliding a fresh glass of liquor her way, “Compliments of Miss Ginger.”
Korra followed his gaze to a woman with blazing red hair. Ginger winked across the bar and Korra immediately felt her cheeks burn so hot she had to break eye contact.
“Wow Korra you got a free drink!” Bolin said, looking at it with hallowed reverence.
“You can have it,” she said, passing the glass over to him, “It’s your birthday and I’m out of money.”
“Aw don’t worry about that,” Bolin grabbed her by the shoulders, “The only thing that matters is being here with my best pal.”
Korra laughed, “Are you having fun?”
“I don’t think I’m drunk enough yet,” Bolin said. He grabbed Ginger’s drink and downed it, “That oughta do it.”
“Why don’t you go find us some seats and I’ll see if I can score some beers.” Korra said, waving him off. Her checking account was going to start screaming if she kept this up. She turned to ask the bartender what he had on draft but there was already a pitcher of beer waiting.
“Birthday boy huh?” the bartender said, glancing over at Bolin, “Consider this a birthday gift from the house.”
“Cool thanks,” Korra said. They both watched as several dancers walked past Bolin without so much as a glance. “Well, that’s not very encouraging.”
“No offense but it’s obvious your friend has no idea what he’s doing.” The bartender said, “Doesn’t really attract the girls.”
“Yeah neither of us have a clue.” Korra said with a laugh, “Thanks again for the free drinks.” She grabbed the pitcher and cups provided, heading over to sit next to Bolin.
“Whoa!” He yelled when Korra presented the beer, “How did you score this?”
“The house says happy birthday.” Korra shrugged, handing him a glass. Bolin waved it away and started drinking straight from the pitcher, earning a few disgusted looks from the people around them. He drained half of it, sighing contently,
“That’s the good stuff.” He said, letting out a belch, “Okay I think I’m drunk enough now.”
“Gee I wonder why none of the girls will talk to us.” Korra said, looking at the droplets of spilled beer on his shirt..
“Oh please,” Bolin scoffed, “We’re both a catch.”
“Glad one of us believes that.” Korra said, “Uh what do we do now?”
Bolin also looked confused, “I actually have no idea. Do we...put in a request?”
Korra craned her neck to look around. Unfortunately it seemed like the girls picked their own company.
“I guess we have to get lucky?”
“Luck won’t have anything to do with it.” Bolin said, settling into his chair with a cocky smile, “They’ll be fighting over us.”
So for the moment they settled for watching the girls dancing on the stage in front of them. Korra felt like she had to avert her eyes every time a girl would spread her legs or bend over. She kept making awkward eye contact with them, darting her own eyes anywhere other than their bodies.
Next to her, Bolin seemed to be drinking in as much of the experience as he could. His eyes glittered with exhilaration at the sights and sounds.
Well, at least he was having fun.
Several more girls walked by as the night went on and Korra could tell Bolin was starting to get discouraged. She grabbed the empty pitcher and headed back to the bar. Another drink was the least she could do for him despite it cutting into her tuition savings. She decided not to think about that.
“Back again?” the bartender asked.
“Yeah, no luck tonight,” she huffed, “Another drink will cheer him up a little.”
Korra dug in her wallet while he refilled the pitcher but he held up a hand.
“On the house.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Korra said quickly, “You already gave us a free one.”
“Don’t worry about it,” He said, “And if you’d like, I can send someone over for your friend.”
“Like...like a girl?” Korra asked, eyes wide.
“Yes. A girl.” The bartender chuckled, “Go have a seat. I’ll flag someone down.”
Korra felt her heart beating as she sat back down next to Bolin.
“Free beer. Girl.” Korra said, feeling dazed.
“Whatever that means.” Bolin said, burying his face in the pitcher.
“No, I mean he’s gonna send a girl over to us.”
“OH!” Bolin put down the beer and started to fuss with his hair and jacket, making himself look more disheveled in the process.
“Dude you look fine.”
“Korra! Would you be cool and relax?” Bolin said in a high-strung voice.
“You relax!” Korra shot back.
“I am relaxed!”
“Yeah sure you are, Mr. It’s-The- Ladies-That-Should-Be-Worried!”
“Hello there.” A female voice cut between their bickering. Korra looked up first and nearly inhaled her tongue. A tall, pale woman with bright green eyes and long dark hair looked at them with an amused smile on her face, “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“N-No,” Korra cleared her throat, “We were just joking around.”
“A lovers’ quarrel. I see.” She said.
Korra and Bolin looked at each other, bursting into laughter.
“He wishes!” Korra laughed, giving Bolin a playful shove.
“She wishes!” He said, shoving back. The dancer giggled.
“Well I guess that means you’ll have to fight over me.” She winked at Korra.
“Nope no fighting,” Korra said quickly, trying to shift the focus over to Bolin, “He’s the birthday boy.”
“Yup!” He sat up straight in his chair, “I’m Bolin and this is Korra. What can we call you? Besides beautiful.”
Korra rolled her eyes and tried to suppress a scoff.
“You can call me Asami.” She said, dragging her hands across Bolin’s shoulders before gliding onto the stage. Music started up again. Korra was dumbfounded as so-called “Asami” moved along with the music, grinding her hips against the pole and flashing looks at both of them. She couldn’t help but notice Asami’s eyes sweeping back to her, despite Bolin already shelling out forty yuons during the dance.
The song ended and Asami sat down on the edge of the stage, looking between them.
“Ready for something a little more personal?” She asked.
“Go for it.” Bolin whispered at Korra with raised eyebrows.
“I’m broke!” She hissed back.
“Korra would love something more personal.” Bolin called to Asami, ignoring Korra’s objections.
“I...I don’t have any money.” Korra said, burning with humiliation, “I don’t want to waste your time.”
“I’m pretty sure I get to decide what’s a waste of my time.” Asami said, lowering herself onto Korra’s lap without warning. Korra’s hands shot up as if someone was pointing a gun to her head. Both of them stared at her.
“Sorry,” she said, lowering them, “The guy outside was very persuasive with the whole ‘hands-off’ thing.”
“Don’t worry about him,” she whispered in Korra’s ear, “you have my permission to put your hands wherever you want.”
The music started back up before Korra could even begin to process what was happening. Hips were grinding against her thighs, lips grazed across her neck and hands wandered wherever they pleased. Is this what a lap dance was? It felt almost too intimate to be considered normal . Asami reached down and grabbed Korra’s hand, sliding it up against her thigh. She could feel the soft skin underneath the thin fishnet stockings.
Just as it was beginning to feel overwhelming, the song ended and Korra said a silent thank you to the spirits.
“How was that?” Asami whispered softly in Korra’s ear. How was it? She could barely process a coherent thought about anything besides the woman sitting on her lap.
“...nice.” Korra said before she could stop herself. It was the only word left in her brain.
Lips brushed against her ear again, “I’ll take that as a compliment.” There was a pause, “Do you find me attractive?” It was said so quietly, Korra almost missed it.
“Yes.” She whispered.
“I think I’m finding you attractive too.” Asami said. Korra could feel her smiling against her ear. “There’s something different about you.”
Asami stood and looked between them, a coy smile still on her painted lips.
“Come back and see me anytime,” she said, only looking at Korra, “Hope you enjoyed yourselves.”
They both sat in stunned silence as she disappeared back into the crowd.
“What was that?” Bolin shouted, staring at Korra with wide eyes.
“A lap dance?” She said. Or at least that’s what she thought it was. Her blood hadn’t quite made it back to her brain yet.
“Uh it looked like you two were having sex with your clothes on!”
“That’s what a lap dance is, Bolin!” Korra snapped, coming to her senses. She didn’t like the spotlight he was shining on this. She was already starting to overthink the whole situation and she didn’t need anyone validating her urge to continue.
“What was she whispering to you?” He asked with rapt interest, “Ooh did she mention the secret special area?”
“No. It was nothing special. Just stripper talk.” Korra lied. This didn’t stall Bolin’s excitement. He continued to rave about it as they headed toward the exit. Before they walked through the pink lights, Korra noticed Asami standing at a table full of well dressed men. She caught Korra’s eye and blew a kiss, waving her fingers goodnight. Korra stumbled but continued walking, thanking the spirits Bolin had missed the interaction.
“What a night!” Bolin whistled as they stood in the now half-empty parking lot, “So much better than I expected!”
“Oh yeah?”
“Of course!” He yelled in exhilaration, “Free drinks, beautiful girls, you falling desperately in love with a stripper. It was like a movie!”
“Bo knock it off!” Korra snapped again, “Look it’s only a game they play to get people throwing yuons until their checking account is dry. It didn’t mean anything.”
“I know that.” Bolin said, his smile faltering, “I’m just screwing with you.”
Korra’s irritation deflated, “Yeah. We had fun though didn't we?”
“Yeah I’m glad you came with me.” Bolin bopped Korra on the arm.
“Happy birthday Bo.”
She waved goodnight as he pulled out of the parking lot and headed down towards the highway. Korra exhaled a breath she’d been holding all night and slumped against her jeep. She was glad Bolin’s birthday was a success but she definitely couldn’t handle doing this more than once a year.
Korra stayed and watched more and more people exit the building, leaving the parking lot almost empty. She wasn’t sure why she hadn’t left yet, but something was keeping her glued to the outside of her car. The neon signs popped off one by one, leaving the dull, yellow street lights as the only source of illumination. Korra watched the moths fling themselves at the dingy bulbs.
The employee door on the side of the building opened and several girls, now dressed in normal clothing, walked outside. Korra scanned over them while they chatted, trying not to feel like a total creep. They finished their conversation and dispersed to their cars. The last girl to leave closed the door behind her but Asami was nowhere in sight.
You’re pathetic, Korra thought to herself in disgust, unable to ignore the sting of disappointment in her chest. After another moment, she forced herself to get in the car and drive home. Bolin was going to give her a hard time about dragging in way later than he did but she was too drained to care.
“I’m an idiot.” Korra said to herself, gripping the steering wheel with hardened resolve. There was no way she was going to make the mistake of catching feelings for a stripper. The idea was so cliche and predictable, just the thought of it made her cringe. Korra took one last indulgent look at Zolt's Showbar and Lounge, sighing before throwing the car into reverse.
It’s a good thing I’m broke.